My Pastor Got Divorced. Some Christian.

  How are you dealing with tragedies, be they personal, social, national, political and so on? Are you a "believer?" Are you a Christian or a follower of Christ? Well, know this; the Good News is that as followers of Christ, we have a PERSONAL relationship with God, the creator of the heavens and earth, through Jesus. Our relationship with Him is based on OUR OWN searching of HIM and how we apply His ways in our own lives. The Bible says we are without excuse. That is good news because when man fails you, it's NOT God's fault and it's not your fault, except in relation to the Word of God, and our relationship with God is our own responsibility. (Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.) (Proverbs 3:1-8 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2. for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. 3. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;6.in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 7.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. 8.This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.)

  I have been seeing things that, at least we who say we are Christian, should not be experiencing. And I see things that just should not be. For instance, a wife of an accomplished Christian minister who helped create and organize a well-known event and movement that ministers nation-wide in stadiums and sports arenas, recently passed away, and left his wife and family with nothing. No insurance! - NOTHING! There is a fund, now, by church members, friends and fellow believers to help alleviate expenses and help this unfortunate widow with all that follows the loss of a loved one. Thank God for the love of God through the generosity of the body of Christ.

  Then, I know personally quite a few brothers and sisters in Christ who, recently have been married, and some who have already married and have raised their families into their teens or adulthood. What is out of ordinary about these marriages, is that these men and women are mature Christians and have been part of ministry for many years, even before marriage, and have preached, taught and ministered in pulpits, Sunday school, missions trips, and the list goes on. But suddenly, they are divorced. This is happening in every church I have been involved with the past 25 years and it is getting horrible. So much for all the years of inspiration and pom poms! Many in the church are sinning, and they are not acknowledging it, while they are pointing it out in others! Now, I don't always use exclamation points, but when I do, it's because I should. Because these trends continue leading to many forms of destruction, not only of their homes, lives and marriages, but even countless other's around them, in regards to their own personal trust in whether the Scriptures are really true, and even if God really does love and care for them, as they were taught and encouraged. Even my marriage wasdestroyed, a year before I had turned my life over to Jesus, in 1989. It was and is a pain that has never gone away. (James 4:13-17 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16. As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.)

 That is why I'm posting these verses, to show we are "set apart," BY God. Some of these verses have been in my heart for weeks now, and finally, through a simple online search that took less than 30 seconds, I saw the following link,  "Bible Verses About Being Set Apart".

 We have NO business boohooing and acting like we're defeated, devastated and demolished. (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 16-18  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  16.  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.) 

 So put your grown up underwear on and act like you know you ARE who you SAY you are! You are God's CHILD! HE is our Heavenly Father! Read the Bible as often as possible, and continue fellowshipping with fellow believers. If you can't find a church to fit into, gather friends and study in a living room.

(Job 40:7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.) -God, speaking to Job (Hebrews 10:24,25  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25. not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.)

The family living in the house was unharmed in the incident

Source: http://voices.yahoo.com/bible-verses-being-set-apart-5924584.html 

Bible Verses About Being Set Apart
 What does the Bible say about being set apart? The Bible teaches that those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior are set apart for God's purpose. The following Bible verses illustrate how we need to live in obedience. We are called to follow God's teachings and serve in His kingdom. It is our responsibility to be faithful and obedient so we can discover God's plan for us.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

John 17:15-18
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

1 Peter 1:15-16
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Colossians 3:1
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Leviticus 20:24
But I said to you, "You will possess their land; I will give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey." I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the nations.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Leviticus 20:26
You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.

Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God-

Numbers 8:14
In this way you are to set the Levites apart from the other Israelites, and the Levites will be mine.

Galatians 1:15
But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased

Deuteronomy 7:26
Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.

Hebrews 7:26
Such a high priest meets our need-one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

Romans 8:9
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister and to pronounce blessings in his name, as they still do today.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Judges 16:17
So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man."

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

Colossians 3:8-10
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Psalm 138:8
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands.

1 Peter 2:4-5
As you come to him, the living Stone-rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 23:13
The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron was set apart, he and his descendants forever, to consecrate the most holy things, to offer sacrifices before the LORD, to minister before him and to pronounce blessings in his name forever.

Psalm 4:3
Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

How Jesus' Birth Split Time in Two

The following was originally posted by In Touch Ministries. I 
hope it is a blessing this season of Holy
Days. I hope you enjoy it. Also, for anyone who would be 
interested, here is a link to a gofundme campaign I had

started recently before re- entering the missions field. 

Thanx so much.  Full-time Missions/Evangelism gofund.me/kmukh7qs




In Touch Ministries
Dec 23, 2011
"Jesus split time in two. His birth divided all time into B.C. before Christ and A.D. after Him." - Dr. Charles Stanley

The Birth of Jesus Christ
By: Daniel B. Wallace

Preface

The following is part of a short series of devotional items related to the birth of Christ. For some, such material is hardly devotional because it primarily focuses on history. But we must keep in mind that the Jesus we worship was truly born in time-space history. And that babe in the manger was truly crucified--and just as surely rose from the dead. The Bible is different from the sacred books of other religions because it invites historical investigation. And when it has met the test--as it surely always, inevitably does--it inculcates a greater devotion in the heart of the believer for the one we call the Son of God.

The Year Jesus Was Born

In the western hemisphere, we split time by the birth of Jesus Christ. But did he really even live? If so, when was he born?

Sometime ago, I struck up a conversation with a man who claimed that God did not exist. He was an atheist. But not just a run-of-the-mill atheist, you understand. He also insisted that Jesus Christ never existed! This fellow was hard core.

Now my atheist friend had incredible faith--blind faith, I might add. His religious fervor, in fact, would put many evangelists to shame. But the evidence that Jesus Christ invaded history is not just shut up to the testimony of the New Testament--as irrefutable as that might be! The very enemies of Christianity claimed that he lived--and that he performed miracles! Early Jewish documents such as the Mishnah and even Josephus--as well as first-century Gentile historians--such as Thallus, Serapion, and Tacitus--all testify that the one called Christ lived in Palestine and died under Pontius Pilate. As the British scholar, F. F. Bruce put it, "The historicity of Christ is as [certain]. . . as the historicity of Julius Caesar" (NT Documents, 119).

Now it logically follows that if Jesus Christ lived (need it be said?), he must have been born. The Gospels tell us that his birth was shortly before Herod the Great died. Herod's death can be fixed with certainty.

Josephus records an eclipse of the moon just before Herod passed on. This occurred on March 12th or 13th in 4 B.C. Josephus also tells us that Herod expired just before Passover. This feast took place on April 11th, in the same year, 4 B.C. From other details supplied by Josephus, we can pinpoint Herod the Great's demise as occurring between March 29th and April 4th in 4 B.C.

It might sound strange to suggest that Jesus Christ was born no later than 4 B.C. since B.C. means 'before Christ.' But our modern calendar which splits time between B.C. and A.D. was not invented until A.D. 525. At that time, Pope John the First asked a monk named Dionysius to prepare a standardized calendar for the western Church. Unfortunately, poor Dionysius missed the real B.C./A.D. division by at least four years!

Now Matthew tells us that Herod killed Bethlehem's babies two years old and under. The earliest Jesus could have been born, therefore, is 6 B.C. Through a variety of other time indicators, we can be relatively confident that the one called Messiah was born in either late 5 or early 4 B.C.

My atheist friend scoffs at such flexibility. He says, "If you don't know exactly when Jesus was born, how do you know that he really lived?" That is hardly a reasonable question! The other day I called my mother to wish her a happy birthday. "Mom, how many candles on this birthday cake?" I inquired. "I don't know, son--I don't keep track any more," she sighed. After a few minutes of pleasant conversation, we hung up.

Now, of course, I can't be certain, but I do believe that that was my mother on the other end of the phone. She can't remember how old she is (and she's neither senile nor very old), but that doesn't make her a figment of my imagination, does it? Because if she's just a phantom, then for the last three minutes, you've been reading absolutely nothing!

The Day Jesus Was Born

This coming December 25th most parents will be lying to their children about old St. Nick. Some of us will be celebrating the birth of our Savior. But was he really born on this day?

Was Jesus really born on December 25th? Virtually every month on the calendar has been proposed by biblical scholars. So why do we celebrate his birth in December?

The tradition for December 25th is actually quite ancient. Hippolytus, in the second century A.D., argued that this was Christ's birthday. Meanwhile, in the eastern Church, January 6th was the date followed.

But in the fourth century, John Chrysostom argued that December 25th was the correct date and from that day till now, the Church in the East, as well as the West, has observed the 25th of December as the official date of Christ's birth.

In modern times, the traditional date has been challenged. Modern scholars point out that when Jesus was born, shepherds were watching their sheep in the hills around Bethlehem. Luke tells us that an angel appeared to "some shepherds staying out in the fields [who were] keeping watch over their flock by night" (2:8).

Some scholars feel that the sheep were usually brought under cover from November to March; as well, they were not normally in the field at night. But there is no hard evidence for this. In fact, early Jewish sources suggest that the sheep around Bethlehem were outside year-round. So you can see, December 25th fits both tradition and the biblical narrative well. There is no sound objection to it.

Now admittedly, the sheep around Bethlehem were the exception, not the rule. But these were no ordinary sheep. They were sacrificial lambs. In the early spring they would be slaughtered at the Passover.

And God first revealed the Messiah's birth to these shepherds--shepherds who protected harmless lambs which would soon die on behalf of sinful men. Whey they saw the baby, could they have known? Might they have whispered in their hearts what John the Baptist later thundered, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

Now, of course, we can't be absolutely certain of the day of Christ's birth. At least, not this side of heaven. But an early winter date seems as reasonable a guess as any. And December 25th has been the frontrunner for eighteen centuries. Without more evidence, there seems no good reason to change the celebration date now.

We can blame the ancient church for a large part of our uncertainty. You see, they did not celebrate Christ's birth. At all. To them, it was insignificant. They were far more concerned with his death . . . and resurrection.

But modern man has turned that around. A baby lying in a manger is harmless, non-threatening. But a man dying on a cross--a man who claims to be God--that man is a threat! He demands our allegiance! We cannot ignore him. We must either accept him or reject him. He leaves us no middle ground.

This Christmas season, take a close look at a nativity scene once again. Remove your rose-colored glasses--smell the foul air, see the cold, shivering animals. They represent the Old Testament sacrificial system. They are emblems of death. But they are mere shadows of the Babe in their midst. He was born to die . . . that all who believe in him might live.

The Visit of the Magi

When Jesus Christ was born, men--known as magi--came from the east to worship him. Were they wise men . . . or astrologers?

Matthew begins his second chapter with these words: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.'"

Who were these wise men from the east? Matthew tells us next to nothing about them--he doesn't mention their names, nor how many there were--not even which country they came from. As mysteriously as they come on the scene, they disappear. . .

Though Matthew doesn't tell us much, over-zealous Christians throughout church history have dogmatically filled in the blanks. By the 6th century A.D., these dark strangers were given thrones and names: Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar were the alleged names of these alleged kings. But this has nothing to do with the biblical story: we really have no idea what their names were--nor even their number. There could have been 3 or 300 as far as we know! But one thing we do know for sure: they were not royalty. The ancient magi were reilgious and political advisors to eastern kings--but there wasn't a drop of blue blood among them.

But isn't it true that the magi were astrologers? And didn't God prescribe death to astrologers in the Old Testament? 'Not always' and 'yes' are the answers. In Deuteronomy 17, God commands his people to execute all astrologers by stoning. Jean Dixon wouldn't stand a chance in such a theocracy! The fact that she--and others like her--are so comfortably tolerated--even well respected!--in modern America ought to show us that the U.S.A. is a post-Christian country--at best . . .

But what about these ancient magi? Were they astrologers? After all, they followed a star to Bethlehem.

We might answer this in three ways: First, not all magi were astrologers, for Daniel the prophet was the chief of the magi in Nebuchadnezzar's court. Through his influence, undoubtedly many of the magi carried on their religious and political duties as worshippers of the One true God.

Second, there are some biblical scholars who believe that Isaiah predicted that a star would appear when the Messiah was born. If this interpretation is correct, then the magi who worshipped the newborn king were clearly following in Daniel's train, for he almost surely taught them from Isaiah.

Third, although a few believe that the 'star' they saw was a natural phenomenon--such as a conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter--this cannot explain how the star stood right over Bethlehem. Clearly, the 'star' was completely of supernatural origin. If so, it probably had nothing to do with astrology.

Therefore, the magi most likely did not subscribe to such superstitious folly. If so, they were truly wise men . . .

I saw a bumper sticker the other day, which read, "Wise men still seek him." Actually, that's not quite accurate. The Bible tells us that "no one seeks God, not even one." But if he has led us to himself, then we have become wise. For it is true that "wise men still worship him."

The Boys from Bethlehem

One of the most heinous atrocities in human history was the murder of Bethlehem's babies by Herod the Great. But did it really happen?

In the second chapter of Matthew's gospel, we read that when Herod the Great heard of the Messiah's birth, "he was troubled--and all Jerusalem with him." Later, when the wise men did not report back to him, he became furious and ordered all the baby boys up to two years old in and around Bethlehem to be slaughtered!

Three questions come to mind as we consider this cruel incident: First, how many babies did Herod actually kill? Second, how old was Jesus when this happened? And finally, why does no other ancient historian record this outrage? In other words, did it really happen?

How many babies did Herod murder? Some scholars have suggested as many as 200! But most reject such a figure. Bethlehem was a small community--almost a suburb of Jerusalem. The village itself--and the surrounding countryside--would hardly have more than 30 male infants under two. Most scholars today place the number between 20 and 30.

But that's if only the boy babies were killed. Actually, the Greek text of Matthew 2:16 could mean 'babies'--not just 'boy babies.' And psychologically, Herod's henchmen might not have bothered to check the gender of their victims. The number might be as high as 50 or 60.

Second, how old was Jesus when this occurred? According to the best chronological evidence, he could not have been more than three or four months old. He was more than likely born in the winter of 5 or 4 B.C.--Herod died in the early spring of 4 B.C. So why did Herod slay all children up to two years old? The answer to the third question might help to answer this one. . .

Third, why is this event not recorded outside the Bible? Specifically, why did Josephus, the first-century Jewish historian, fail to mention it?

Josephus tells us much about Herod. The best word to describe his reign is 'overkill.' He murdered his favorite wife's father, drowned her brother--and even killed her! He executed one of his most trusted friends, his barber, and 300 military leaders--all in a day's work! Then he slew three of his sons, allegedly suspecting them of treason. Josephus tells us that "Herod inflicted such outrages upon (the Jews) as not even a beast could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men" (Antiquities of the Jews 17:310). Killing babies was not out of character for this cruel king. And killing them up to two years old--to make sure he got the baby Jesus lines up with his insane jealousy for power.

Josephus might have omitted the slaying of the babies for one of two reasons: first, he was no friend of Christianity and he left it out intentionally; or second, just before Herod died he locked up 3000 of the nation's leading citizens and gave orders that they were to be executed at the hour of his death. He wanted to make sure that there would be mourning when he died. . . Israel was so preoccupied with this that the clandestine murder of a few babies might have gone unnoticed. . .

Herod thought that he had gained a victory over the king of the Jews. Yet this was a mere foreshadowing of the victory Satan thought he had when Jesus lay dead on a Roman cross. But the empty tomb proved that that dark Friday was Satan's worst defeat!

Conclusion

We've been looking at several aspects of the birth of Jesus Christ in this short study. Now, we want to put it all together.

In the winter of 5 or 4 B.C., God invaded history by taking on the form of a man. He was born in a small town just south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem, which means 'the house of bread,' indeed became worthy of its name one lonely winter night. For there, in that town, was born the Bread of Life . . .

His mother placed the infant king in a manger--or feeding trough--because the guest room where they were to stay was occupied. The birth of this king was celebrated that night only by his mother, her husband, and a handful of shepherds. The shepherds had been in the fields around Bethlehem, guarding the lambs which would die at the next Passover. An angel appeared to them and gave them the birth announcement: "today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). In their simple faith, they rushed to see their newborn king.

Shortly after the birth of the Messiah, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem and inquired of king Herod where the real king of the Jews was to be born. The theologians of Herod's court knew the Scriptures well--in 'Bethlehem' they recited. Ironically, though they knew the Scriptures, they did not believe them! They did not even bother to travel the five or six miles to Bethlehem to see their Messiah.

But Herod believed the Scriptures! That is why he sent a corps of butchers to Bethlehem to slaughter innocent children, in hopes of destroying this rival to his throne. But he was too late. The magi had come and gone and Jesus was by now safe in Egypt.

And the magi believed the Scriptures. They had traveled several hundred miles to worship this Babe. They were guided to Bethlehem by a supernatural celestial phenomenon--and by the Scriptures. Apparently, their ancestors had been instructed by Daniel the prophet about the coming Messiah. . . When they saw the child, they fell down and worshiped him. This was God in the flesh. They could do no other.

And they gave him gifts--gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This was an unusual present--by any standards. The gold, of course, we all can understand--but the frankincense and myrrh were odd. Perhaps they had read Isaiah's prophecy that "nations will come to your light, and kings to your rising . . . They will bring gold and frankincense, and will bear good news. . . " (Isa. 60:3, 6). This explains the frankincense, but not the myrrh.

Now myrrh, like frankincense, was a perfume. But unlike frankincense, myrrh smelled of death. In the ancient world, it was used to embalm a corpse. Jesus himself would be embalmed with this very perfume (cf. John 19:39).

If the magi were thinking of Jesus' death when they brought the myrrh, they no doubt knew of it from Daniel's prophecy (9:24-27). In the ninth chapter of Daniel we read that the 'Messiah will be cut off' and this 'will make atonement for iniquity' and ultimately 'bring in everlasting righteousness' (9:26, 24).

Even at the birth of our Savior, the shadow of the cross is already falling over his face. . .

The theologians of Herod's court did not believe the Scriptures. They were fools. Herod believed, but disobeyed. He was a madman. The simple shepherds and the majestic magi believed in this infant Savior--and it was reckoned to them as righteousness. May we follow in their train.

Related Topics: Christmas, Incarnation

Español Tagalog తెలుగు

By: Daniel B. Wallace
Daniel B. Wallace has taught Greek and New Testament courses on a graduate school level since 1979. He has a Ph.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and is currently professor of New Testament Studies at his alma mater.

His Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament (Zondervan, 1996) has become a standard textbook in colleges and seminaries. He is the senior New Testament editor of the NET Bible. Dr. Wallace is also the Executive Director for the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts.

/bible.org/article/birth-jesus-christ

Christmas Hijacked: Peace Love & Joy

   Yes, Christmas in the so called developed world has been hijacked, by longer than anyone alive can remember.

   This may be a shocker, but Christmas is not ABOUT family, though predominantly it is a time work and career scheduling typically, but not as much, allows for long weekends off work to gather with friends and family to feast, give gifts and make merry.
   Secondly, Christmas isn't about buying gifts for eachother, but within reason, we can purchase gifts if finances permit, but how about without the media and social pressure to do so? In this case, it is common knowledge that television and radio networks and sponsors, which oobviously are retail and every other aspect of the stock market, depend on money we have and even DON'T have. (Will that be cash or credit?"
   Thirdly, this may be another shocker. While we're frenzied buying gifts and food, and traveling to see loved ones who we miss, the rest of the world, particularly Africa and the middle east, are having a field day with their Muslim populations literally hanging Christians on crosses and killing them in countless other ways of torture and death. After all, Jesus is the reason Christians exist, and Jesus is the reason for Christmas. Or is Jesus just an excuse to have happy holidays? Have you told anyone to not buy you a gift and their love is enough?
   Please don't see this as a downer in any way. I'm merely about to point out something I do not recall hearing or reading before. And I'd like to mention what can't be stressed enough: remember the real reason for Christmas. And pray for all of our fellow Christian brothers and sisters who are suffering real genuine persecution as we celebrate Jesus's birth. I know December 25 has different origins and nothing to do with the real date of the savior's real birthday. But it is the day the world agreed on to celebrate, except the Russian Orthodox, who celebrate a few weeks later.
   And finally, my fourth point is simply to go a little further from the birth of our savior Christ child, and learn of His before, after and everlasting life He has offered to us. It's all in the Bible. In fact, I'll leave you with the best online free Bible website link that I know of. And here's a start with the birth of Jesus.
God bless you, and merry Christmas!

The Birth of Jesus
http://biblehub.com/niv/m/luke/2.htm

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place whilea Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to their own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Jesus Presented in the Temple

22When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”b), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”c

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismissd your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.e She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Syria: The New Road to Damascus

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. http://biblehub.com/ The following article is from Voice of The Martyrs ministry, (VOM) Oct 7, 2013. And here are some personal photos, one from 1992, and two from my 2nd trip to Syria, 1993. These photos are from my Bible school trips, Calvary Pentecostal tabernacle,   http://cpt.calvarycampground.org/ which I have been a part of part of since 1993. As well as the prayer requests in the VOM article, please pray for me in my continued travels for the Gospel. Time is short and we need to be busy. I am willing to go. Any questions please message me, and see my bio on main blog page. https://www.facebook.com/michaeldt 1993 in Damascus, Syria. The House of Saint Ananias (also called Chapel of Saint Ananias) (Arabic: كنيسة القديس حنانيا) is the ancient alleged house of Saint Ananias, in the old Christian quarter of Damascus, Syria. It is said by some to be the house where Ananias baptized Saul (who became Paul the Apostle).[1] 1992 Damascus Former President Assad 1992 Damascus, Syria     Syria: The New Road to Damascus

From Infidels to Bible People The war in Syria is one of the greatest crises seen in the Middle East in the last 20 years. It has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people, both Muslim and Christian. More than 2 million Syrians have fled to neighboring countries. In the midst of this crisis, our persecuted family is boldly reaching out. And the reactions of Muslims have been astonishing. “When you hear about one Muslim coming to Christ, it’s a great thing, and everybody rejoices,” said a VOM Syrian contact. “Today in Syria I’m not talking about one person. We’re talking about hundreds and even thousands of Muslims coming to know Christ.” Teams of believers are working in the refugee camps, providing Christ’s love while sharing material aid, such as medical supplies and Bibles, as well as spiritual aid. Christians, widely considered “infidels” in Syria, are now often and affectionately referred to as “the Bible People.” “This war is like a knife in the heart of the church. No human can stand that suffering. But there is God’s presence. I can see Christ in the midst of darkness.” — VOM National Contact Please pray for Christians who face not only the horrific effects of war but also continued persecution. Please also pray for those who are bravely using this opportunity to advance the kingdom. “God is doing miracles inside the country,” a Christian worker told VOM. “But even if he allows us to die, it will be an honor for us to die for his name, to glorify his name.” The opportunities for ministry in Syria today exceed what we thought possible. Working with the Syrian church and local workers, VOM continues to distribute material aid, Bibles and Christian literature, and support for pastors and the evangelistic teams. VOM will continually seek ways to increase our efforts. During this time of crisis and opportunity, VOM invites you to make a special contribution to support this ministry in Syria. Make a contribution for Syria today. If you are not currently receiving The Voice of the Martyrs’ monthly newsletter, please also request your copy of our November 2013 newsletter highlighting Syria. Please forward this e-mail to Christian friends who may also want to pray for and support this outreach to the Syrian people.

Legendary Chuck Smith: What I Want on My Tombstone

Legendary Chuck Smith: What I Want on My Tombstone

By: Michael D. Tobin 7-28-13

(DEC 7, 2016 UPDATE: This story is getting further and further away from what Ps Chuck Smith wanted on his tombstone. Calvary Chapel Association (CCA) continues to conform one direction and split with Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (CCCM) and be un associated with the new,  Calvary Chapel Global Network (CCGN). As a product of North Park Calvary Chapel back around 1975 when I was a wee little 10-year old, when Ps Mike MacIntosh was a young pastor within Calvary Chapel, I've come a long ways and have always stayed connected with the various CC churches, friends and related ministries. I will only say that this current situation ids typical of much of what Ps Chuck Smith was against and a few who are in charge used to, no doubt, say AMEN to! But actions speak louder than words, and I will simply say I am very unimpressed. Following are two statements I had just seen, and I totally concur with both: 

Pastor Dave Rolph wrote: I have resisted making public comments about the recent CCA/CCCM split, partly because I've been trying to think it through thoroughly and partly because I don't think my opinion is all that significant in the overall scheme of things. I have talked with people on both sides of the issue, including those who are on the CCA council, and I have addressed some of my personal concerns in private letters to some of them. Ultimately I decided to just publish some general comments and perspectives so that I can stop the avalanche of questions I am getting about this matter.

First of all, the split was a tragedy. Perhaps it was a necessary tragedy, but it was a tragedy just the same. There are men on both sides who are very special to me and I hate this public division.
There has been a lot of talk about unity but for me unity is only impressive when it contains diversity. A unity that comes through division and exclusion isn't really unity at all. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, in chapter 12, he makes it clear that God intended His Church to be a unity with a lot of interesting diversity. And that is what impressed anyone who came to Calvary Chapel in the 70's, when I first started to minister there. It wasn't just a tent full of hippies. It was "long hairs, short hairs, some coats and ties." It was police officers like Hal Fischer, firefighters like Ken Mitchell, business executives like Chuck Missler, and crazy hippies like Lonnie Frisbee. And it was led by a middle aged bald guy. The Calvary Chapel movement was always the same. As other churches started we had Mike MacIntosh who had a huge vision for missions, Greg Laurie who was an evangelist and heir apparent to Billy Graham, Tom Stipe who had a passion for worship, Don McClure who called us to holiness as he was influenced by Alan Redpath. Later there were guys who were more drawn to apologetics or creation or eschatology or politics. But within this diversity, we were all held more or less together by our love and respect for Chuck Smith. The reason Chuck was able to hold this motley crew together is because he didn't let diversity trip him up. Frankly, the Calvary Chapel fellowship of churches hung together largely because of Chuck's capacity to put up with extremists, radicals, and a various assortment of crazy people. If we purge all the crazies from Calvary Chapel, and organize and structure the whole thing, it will no longer be Calvary Chapel. Unity without diversity will suffocate what once was a powerful work of the Spirit, where the lunatics like us had been allowed to run the asylum.
I hesitate to even use the words "Calvary Chapel Movement." In the 60's and 70's there was a Jesus Movement. It sprung up almost simultaneously all over the country and several places around the world. Calvary Chapel was a church that participated in the Jesus Movement. I'm not sure when people transitioned from talking about the Jesus Movement and instead talking about the Calvary Chapel Movement but there was a sad day in there somewhere. In the early days it was never about Calvary Chapel as opposed to the rest of the church. Chuck worked with people from various different denominations. Calvary loaned money to missions groups like Wycliffe Bible Translators and Missionary Aviation Fellowship. He was friends with Bill Bright and supported Campus Crusade. He was also friends with Chuck Swindoll, John MacArthur, Billy Graham, Francis Schaefer and others. He even had Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Reformed Calvinist woman preach from the pulpit of Calvary Chapel several times. The point is, during the times when God blessed Calvary Chapel in the greatest way, Calvary Chapel was a part of the larger Church of Jesus Christ. It wasn't a sell-contained "Movement." History will show that the more exclusive our church (and churches) became, there was a pronounced decline in the influences of our ministries. So in my opinion, a move toward exclusivity will be a move toward obscurity.
I understand that some people within CCA see the Calvary Chapel Association as being the successors, chosen by Chuck Smith, to all that is Calvary Chapel in the future. I understand that because Chuck allowed a letter to be published that seemed to endorse that concept, and he made certain statements to that effect. However, Pastor Chuck also made numerous private statements concerning his lack of respect for CCA, to me and many others, and on several occasions he told me that he was going to pull out of CCA and "we will start our own thing." Chuck never saw the group of CC churches as the big deal that others seem to think. He told me many times, "Dave, we have one church! Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa!" And maybe it sounds strange, since I am the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Pacific Hills, but I still consider Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa to be my home church. I consider CCPH to be a part of, and an outreach of, Costa Mesa. I'm sure it is different for pastors who have never been personally associated with CCCM but I worked as a pastor there for 25 years, taught there for 30 years, and remained in regular personal contact with Chuck Smith for the greater part of 40 years. His church will always be my church, no matter what.
For me, the idea of there being a Calvary Chapel Association that doesn't include the original Calvary Chapel is ludicrous. CCCM even owns the name that CCA uses, as well as the dove. Some of the CCA guys feel that Brian is starting an association that is a subset of CCA. In my view, every church that calls itself "Calvary Chapel" is a subset of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. For CCA to attempt to get CCCM to submit to CCA the tail is wagging the dog.
I understand why many of the Calvary Chapel churches don't want to submit to Brian. While Chuck ultimately handed CCCM off to Brian's leadership, he did send conflicting messages concerning whether or not he really wanted that to happen. Conflicting messages were a constant thing with Chuck, and anyone who knew him knows that. But you have to ultimately go by what he did in the end, which was turn the church and all of its assets over to Brian's stewardship. But the thing is, no one has to submit to Brian. Brian isn't even asking anyone to submit to him. He is simply unwilling to submit to others, as was his father-in-law.
All of this illustrates why independence is so importance as we move into the future. The Lord works in mysterious ways. As Jesus said to Nicodemus, "The Holy Spirit is like the wind. You never know where He's coming from or where He's going but you'll hear Him as He moves." Calvary Chapel experienced an incredible move of the Holy Spirit, as a small group of people, led by one man, allowed the rules to be broken, and submitted to no one but the Holy Spirit. At the time Chuck was accused of arrogance, and of not being a team player. The team players and rule keepers missed the revival, and they always do. If you were going to come up with a revised list of Calvary Distinctives, I'd put independence somewhere near the top of the list. To see a Calvary Chapel pastor be criticized for having an independent spirit is incredibly ironic.
The messages that have gone out from CCA have stated that the role of CCA is to maintain the affiliation process, have a helpful webpage, put on conferences and publish various teachings. So far, after 3+ years, not much of that has happened. The CCA webpage and affiliation process is a confusing mess. They haven't conducted a single conference. And the only things they've published, to my recollection, are the recent succession of emails about Brian, and a few short notices concerning how to help with some natural disasters. On the other hand, Brian has an amazing website at calvarychapel.com, with a great church database and lots of articles written by Calvary Chapel pastors, including many written by CCA board members. He has a constant presence on social media, which is so critical nowadays. And he has put on a large pastor's conference every year, in addition to missions conferences, youth worker conferences, worship leader conferences, and scores of other conferences all over the world. And Brian was doing all this long before there even was a CCA. If CCA really wants to lead they might want to start by doing all the stuff that he is doing, at least as well as he does.
When Brian put out his announcement about Calvary Chapel Global Network he made it clear that he'd be happy for pastors to be associated with CC Global and with CCA. I thought he was very gracious toward CCA. On the other hand, CCA made a series of attacking statements directed toward Brian, and made it pretty clear that they don't want their affiliates associating with CC Global. That says a lot to me.
Throughout my years with Calvary Chapel I saw Pastor Chuck say and do some dumb stuff. But I remained associated with him. And I said and did a lot of dumb stuff, and he remained associated with me. (We could be furious with each other at different times, but we remained connected.) I think CCA has said and done some dumb stuff recently. But they are still my family. And I've also seen Brian say and do some dumb stuff. But he is still my brother. I wish that Calvary Chapel Association could've avoided this split. I wish they hadn't been offended by Brian's independence and I wish he wouldn't have left and I wish they wouldn't have attacked him after he left. But what's done is done, and we need to move forward.
I had the privilege of growing up in a church environment that was crazy, independent and radical. It was messy and disruptive. It was anti-establishment and always walking a fine edge, and falling off regularly. That was Calvary Chapel. And the Spirit blew everywhere, and an old man let it happen. Brian and Cheryl Brodersen's oldest daughter, when she was probably 3 years old, used to say to Pastor Chuck, "Grandpa, you are a non-capormous!" (She couldn't pronounce "non-conformist, although she knew what it meant" so "non-capormous" was the best she could do. And Chuck was so proud that his granddaughter saw him as a non-conformist. He was one to his very soul. And that's what he taught us, if we were listening. I am an old man now but I pray that I never lose that radical, messy, independent, non-conformist spirit I got from Chuck and Calvary Chapel. There is an old saying in history that the first thing revolutionaries do when they come into power is kill all the revolutionaries. If we aren't careful we may snuff the flame of the next revolution of the Spirit before it happens. Let's never lose our radical spirit.

Pastor Oden Fong wrote: CALVARY CHAPEL OF COSTA MESA 

AND CALVARY CHAPEL ASSOCIATION
ONE MAN'S TAKE ON THE MATTER....

This is my statement concerning the matters concerning Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa and the Calvary Chapel Association.

In open letters, Brian Brodersen, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa resigned from the Calvary Chapel Association Board, essentially taking Calvary Chapel Of Costa Mesa away from the leadership of the CCA Council. The CCA Council responded (in sadness) stating that this is no small matter, because CCCM's leaving and the establishing of a Global Network under CCCM's leadership will cause division and confusion.
In simple terms, these two established ministries are going in different directions.
This move has cause a lot of upheaval, some very negative.
It is my intention to shed light on the matter. But mind you, I am not a Calvary Chapel pastor and the church I serve with, Poiema Christian Fellowship, is not a part of Calvary Chapel. We are a small independent church in Costa Mesa, CA.

This is my personal take on it (believe it or not, receive it or not).
If you get angry with me, please message me privately where you can abuse me off line. (smile). I am willing to be wrong.

About BRIAN BRODERSEN and CALVARY CHAPEL OF COSTA MESA.

Unless Brian has changed his faith, beliefs and direction drastically, the Brian I know and have ministered with for decades, is not emergent in any sense of the word.
He is not ecumenical in the sense of bringing all people together into a One World Church. But he believes that all Christians are of the same universal church which is the body of Christ.

Brian has spent a great deal of time on the mission field and has worked with brothers and sisters outside of Calvary Chapel and found it to be not only agreeable, but refreshing and a blessing.
He does not agree with the pious, arrogance of exclusivism. Therefore, he wants to be open to a selective integration among believers, churches and ministries.

He is taking a bold move to change the church where he serves.
He has not done this without countless years of prayer, discussion and planning.

What are Brian’s primary goals?

1. To bring new life into Calvary Chapel; reaching out to the younger generations of people, both believer and non-believer.
2. An openness to working with other churches outside Calvary Chapel
3. A House Cleaning whereby one is willing to throw away things which have sentimental attachments, but are no longer usable and therefore cause clutter. To him, clutter is something which keeps one in a state of tradition rather than creativity.
4. To give woman a greater role in the church, more equality, more opportunity to lead, teach, edify the body of Christ...no longer relegated to positions of being secretaries, child care worker and school teachers. I don’t believe that Brian will place women in authority over men in context of church leadership.
NOTE; This may mean that women will sometimes be allowed to speak to a mixed congregation of both men and women.
5. In seeing that biblical academic teaching can go over the heads of many church goers, he intends to simplify/condense some of the content of certain books of the bible rather than teaching verse by verse.
6. His doctrinal beliefs including his view of eschatology (end times) remain the same as all Calvary Chapel churches; pre-tribulation rapture, the coming together of ten nations in a religious and economical merger, the coming Anti-Christ-deception of the nations, including Israel, the Two Witnesses, the Re-Awaking of Israel, the 144,000, the Second Coming of Christ to the earth (in person, not spirit), the Millennium of Reign, the final Rebellion/Battle of Armageddon and finally..the White Throne Judgment of all both angel and human kind. Brian will not over emphasize the End Times, The Rapture, The Great Tribulation, etc. He will refrain from keeping people on the edge of their seats with the latest reports from Israel, etc.

NOTE: All of the above was taken from my own observations and not from Brian himself.

About CALVARY CHAPEL ASSOCIATION

The Calvary Chapel Association replaced Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowships, Incorporated..but they served the same essential purposes:
There is a board of mature pastors who oversee the association of churches and provide leadership and direction to those who desire elder wisdom and leadership. CCA is a large fellowship of churches (1700 plus world wide) which agree (for the most part) on the same biblical doctrinal beliefs; what is written and understood in scripture.
Most of the men on the council (board) are foundational members of the Calvary Chapel Movement started by the Holy Spirit in 1965 when God was pouring out His Spirit upon open hearts and God chose Chuck to lead the movement. A few are younger men whom God lifted up to bring fresh insight into the association.
All of these men are tried and true and have the scars to prove it. Their purpose is to provide leadership to the over 1700 church pastors, not lording over them, but pouring into them.

The purpose of the Association is...

1. To serve the churches (not to take from them) which are aligned along the same doctrinal beliefs. To pour into the younger pastors through annual conferences, regional conferences, evangelist crusades, etc.
(i.e. All of the board members and their churches have supported Greg Laurie and the Harvest Crusades, pulling together a huge workforce to fill the stadiums).
Calvary Chapel is highly evangelistic with a sincere burden for lost souls.

2. On a lesser level, but still very important, Calvary Chapel has always held to the belief that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit continue today. All Christian churches believe that God gifts believers though the Holy Spirit but not all believe in the miraculous gifts. The “supernatural gifts ” being, prophecy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, gifts of healing, tongues and interpretation of tongues. Most Christians believe that God gifts individuals in teaching, administration, helps, etc...but these are accomplished without a supernatural endument.

3. Calvary Chapel has never held to “reformed theology.”
Of the Five Points Of Calvinism most Calvary Chapel pastors probably hold to a three point agreement, but most disagree strongly with the notion that God created some people to be destroyed and punished for eternity, while others were created to be adopted into the family of God to live forever in heaven!
Along with this rides the notion that man has no choice in his/her salvation; no free will in the matter. He is born into the world to be heaven bound or hell bound. The belief that people have a choice to choose incites a desire for evangelism, a cry for people to know God and to be saved from their sins and ultimately, eternal separation and a continuing destruction (punishment).

4. Calvary Chapel has more distinctives which identify them as a particular type of Christian church. But I won’t go further at this time.

Now for the controversy which has many riled up and taking sides.

Brian Brodersen presented a letter resigning from Calvary Chapel Association citing differences which he said could not be resolved. And he pointed to those differences being the methodology or style of ministry. He hinted at the opinion that many of the older pastors are looking backyards for direction rather than looking forward; that there is basically an old, tried and true focus rather than seeking a fresh direction in order to reach the new generations.

This in and of itself would be no problem was it not for the fact that Brian and Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa own the name of Calvary Chapel and all that Chuck Smith built over the past 51 plus years. This includes KWVE radio and all other stations owned by Calvary Chapel, Twin Peaks and Murrieta Conference Centers and Bible Colleges, The Castle in Austria, and the Conference Center in Hungary, just to name a few.

Brian, in leaving the CCA and establishing his vision for ministry takes with him the Calvary Chapel name. This being said, what are the other churches which have been Calvary Chapel for almost as long as Costa Mesa to do? Who is speaking for the name of Calvary Chapel?

If both Brian and CCCM speak for the movement and the CCA speaks for the movement, there will be confusion because Brian and CCCM are basically “changing the menu” to try to reach the new generations and remain relevant.

CCA continues the tried and true focus established for fifty plus years on the simplicity of teaching the bible verse by verse, Old and New Testament, “The Whole Counsel Of God” continuing in the established distinctives which were agreed upon by a board of seasoned pastors, including Chuck Smith.

This my friends, God’s dear saints, brothers and sisters is what I perceive is happening.

All this to ask, “What do we do about it?”
Believe on the LORD that He is not only aware of all the goings on, but is in the middle of it. He alone knows the heart of each person.

Let us be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
The anger of our flesh does not work the righteousness of God.

Brian and the leaders at CCCM, their wives and leaders..
All of the men and their wives who serve CCA, in my opinion are all godly souls whose chief desire is to do God’s will.

Let us pray fervently for all of them.
We are all working towards the same goal, to do what is pleasing to God and to glorify Him by our good works!

My desire is to see even more of Jesus reflected in Christians, their leaders, their churches, their organizations and fellowships.
We need to see more of Jesus, and to hear His words, so that we may know His heart and thoughts ...then we follow.  )

***OCT, 21, 2013 UPDATE***

Note: PLEASE SUBMIT COMMENTS AND LINKS TO ANY OTHER VIDEOS OF PASTOR CHUCK'S PADDLE-OUTS AND FOLLOWING MEMORIAL SERVICE. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THEM HERE AS A DIRECT SOURCE FROM THIOSE WHO KNEW AND LOVED HIM, INSTEAD OF MOST OTHER MEDIA SOURCES.

HUNTINGTON BEACH SURF  PADDLE-OUT, SUNDAY OCT. 20, 2013 IN HONOR OF THE LATE PASTOR, CHUCK SMITH. VIDEO

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa announced plans for a public memorial service for Pastor Chuck Smith, who died after a battle with lung cancer nearly two weeks ago, that include hosting the event at the more than 18,000-seat capacity Honda Center arena in Anaheim, Calif., on SUNDAY Oct. 27. Additionally, more than 200 churches worldwide presently plan to show the tribute, live via webcast, to the man credited for being instrumental in both the Calvary Chapel and "Jesus People" movements. Read more here: http://m.christianpost.com/news/chuck-smith-memorial-service-to-include-global-webcast-from-18000-seat-arena--106743/  

The photo with the "Stand" men's conference was previously planned for Ps Chuck Smith's attendance but God had different plans for him, and the conference is still on schedule for the 26th of October, 2013 on Saturday, before the memorial service.

Honoring Pastor Chuck Smith

October 19, 2013 http://calvarytraining.org/2013/10/19/honoring-pastor-chuck-smith/

   Janette Smith Manderson, Pastor Chuck Smith’s daughter, shared a tribute that was offered to her father.  They buried him on Friday, October 11, in Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana.  When they finished, they saw an airplane in the sky forming a fish symbol, a cross, and a dove.   (Posted in the Facebook Group, “Praying for Chuck Smith”)
Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa will hold a public memorial service for Pastor Chuck Smith,  at the  18,000-seat capacity Honda Center arena in Anaheim, Calif., on Oct. 27.  More than 200 churches worldwide presently plan to show the tribute, live via webcasts.  Greg Laurie is scheduled to give a Gospel message during the memorial.  (Source: the Christian Post)
Brian Broderson has been appointed the new head pastor of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa.  The broader association of Calvary Chapel churches will be led by a leadership team that currently includes Pastors Bob Coy and Greg Laurie.

***OCT. 3, 2013 UPDATE. PASTOR CHUCK SMITH HAS PASSED ON TO HEAVEN***
Pastor Chuck's daughter, Cheryl Brodersen said Pastor Chuck's last words were "All Right!"
Here are some photos I took April 23, 2010 at Anaheim coliseum. Was an honorary meeting for Pastor Chuck Smith, along with the band, Love Song, Crystal Lewis, Pastors Mike MacIntosh, Greg Laurie, Skip Heitzig and others. This was done shortly after Ps. Chuck recovered from a stroke, and he was very greatful and emotional, to address such a large crowd so soon after his healing.

 Here is how the updated Wikipedia first statement and last statement reads now: Charles Ward “Chuck” Smith, (June 25, 1927^{[citation needed]} - October 3, 2013^[1]), was the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and the founder of the Calvary Chapel movement. Beginning with the 25-person Costa Mesa congregation in 1965, Smith's influence now extends to thousands of congregations worldwide, some of which are among the largest churches in the United States. Chuck Smith announced during the New Years Day 2012 service that he had lung cancer.^[3] In June of 2013 Smith's doctors upgraded his lung cancer from stage three to stage four.^[21] He died on October 3, 2013.


Legendary Chuck Smith: What I Want on My Tombstone

By Michael Tobin
CARLSBAD, CA-- Pastor Chuck Smith spawned the "Jesus Movement." Through his students, mainly, Mike MacIntosh, Maranatha! Music was born. From Maranatha Music came Integrity Music, Praise, and Hillsong. Within these decades first came, Phil Keaggy, Lovesong, Parable, Larry Norman, Glenn Keiser, Bryan Duncan, Randy Stonehill, Charlie Peacock, Terry Clark, John Michael and brother Terry Talbot, and even some who the one's I just mentioned, had even befriended and produced with such as, Amy Grant, Sarah Masen, Margaret Becker, Rich Mullins (who's biographical movie is released Oct 2013,) and many more.
   The 1970's saw the re-birth of church in America. If not for Pastor Chuck Smith, it would have been someone else. It was just meant to be.
   We saw mainline denominational traditions change, to include those who wore their hair and clothes differently.  The majority could not afford to dress and appear peachy. There was a new opening for those with long hair, bell bottomed tight jeans and t-shirts.
   Suddenly there were records, posters and vehicle bumper stickers with depictions of the ancient white doves of the Holy Spirit, and fish symbols, both inspired by Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, in Southern California.
   The list of students of Chuck Smith is extensive and long: Pastor Mike MacIntosh, Pastor Mark Foreman, (father of lead singer and bass player of Christian rock band Switchfoot),  Pastor Greg Laurie, pastor Raul Reese, Pastor Skip Heitsig, and many more.
   Pastor Chuck Smith was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, and he is actually doing quite well. Whether God will heal him or not we don't know. But he is in his 80's, and has lived a full and useful life already.
   To make a long story short, before the bandwagon gets heavy and the axels break, here are my notes from this mornings two Sunday services from Pastor Chuck Smith's church, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa.
   But first, as a recipient of Chuck Smith's burden to win the lost and preach the Gospel, I'll say I'm 49 yrs. old and came into his ministry from my Mom, Aunt, Uncle and family through one of Chuck Smith's students, pastor Mike MacIntosh when I was 10 yrs old.
   I can remember at age 10, my first missionary trip was to Tijuana, MX, when the church would, on a regular basis, bring water, clothing and food to the trash dumps of Tijuana where many families lived in cardboard or plywood shacks, with no toilets or running water or plumbing. Just the trash dumps and hills. They would literally wash everyone's feet, as Jesus gave example of, feed them and give them water supply, toiletries and food until the next time. My job was to play with the kids. And boy did I have fun.
   I believe the most powerful force of Chuck Smith's ministry has been a genuine presentation of the Gospel in spoken sermons, but just as importantly, sermons through a modern presentation of the Gospel in music and songwriting.
   Today's message by Chuck Smith was titled, "Absolute Surrender." And the focus was praise; specifically, praise through music and song.
   Here are the notes I took from both morning services, along with photos. Enjoy:
   First Sunday morning service: Acts 16:13-22 Complete Surrender. Ps Chuck Smith- Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Lydia, the woman with divination and Paul and Silas imprisoned. Expressing our praise in singing makes it much more romantic. It can lift us out of a dark dungeon of despair. We can focus on our despair but it always and only makes things worse. Singing can be a great faith builder. Jesus Never Fails was inscribed on Chuck Smith Mom's tombstone because she would sing that song often. He later found out his grandmother had the same on her tombstone in Santa Barbara. Chuck wants the same on his tombstone. "I want the same words on my tombstone." - Pastor Chuck Smith "The longer Jesus keeps me here, the longer He keeps you here." - Chuck Smith

   Second Service: Ps Chuck Smith Costa Mesa Sunday A.M. 2nd service.Ps Chuck Smith Costa Mesa Sunday A.M. 2nd service.  Pianist and flutist performing, "His Eye is On The Sparrow." And traditional men's choir singing from pg. 129 "It Is Mine," in the Songs of Calvary Hymnal book., and pg. 103 "Jesus Never Fails."
 2 Chronicles 20  David sent singers before the army against three confederacies and sang, "great is the Lord and His mercies endure forever." And God sent ambushments and defeated Israel's enemies that day.
   God has delivered in battles and war. And God delivered Paul and Silas from chains and imprisonment through miracles, and Paul and Silas chose to sing and praise God before their miraculous release. The prison guards asked Paul and Silas, "what must we do to be saved?" And Paul said, "Believe in the Lord Jusus Christ, and thou and thy household shall be saved."

 For further reference, here is a blog about Pastor Chuck Smith's documentary, before he was diagnosed in 2013 for cancer: http://eric-zehnder-books.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-documentary-on-chuck-smith-and.html
 A documentary on Chuck Smith and the Calvary Chapel Movement

'What God Has Wrought' - a documentary on Chuck Smith and the Calvary Chapel Movement

By Janey DeMeo
Special to ASSIST News Service

VISTA, CA (ANS) -- One of the greatest spiritual revivals to sweep America, even the world, was the Jesus Movement. It happened back in the late sixties and early seventies during the hippy era, and one of the key players was Chuck Smith.

"What God Has Wrought" tells the story of Chuck Smith and the birth of the Jesus Movement and Calvary Chapel, a then small Southern California church that he had just become the pastor of.

It's a story that has marked history in remarkable ways, changed lives radically; a story well worth hearing (and seeing).

During that period of upheaval in America, most hippies were young people reacting to society and tradition and in pursuit of authenticity, meaning, love and peace. Many thought they'd found it in drugs, revolutionary music and their free-love lifestyles.

The older generation, for the most part, viewed them as a bunch of grungy losers, but not Kay, wife of Pastor Chuck Smith. She saw them not as losers but as lost. And she wanted to help them find their way back home.

Chuck Smith found himself acquiescing to his wife's compassion and soon found his church, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, filling up with barefoot, longhaired "seekers"-week after week. Men such as Greg Laurie, Mike MacIntosh, Raul Ries, and many other now prominent Calvary Chapel pastors.

These young people were hungry for truth, peace and love. They wanted to belong to a cause bigger than themselves. They found it at Calvary Chapel within the simple expository teaching of Chuck Smith, teaching that simply pointed them to Jesus. They were excited and passionate about their newfound faith, and eager to express it.

This led to the birth of contemporary Christian music which sounded a lot like an amalgam of Beatles and Beach Boys-a very sixties sound-but with Christian words. It was a musical revolution and it caused quite a stir amongst the traditional crowd.

The recently released documentary, "What God Has Wrought" is a riveting account of how Calvary Chapel became the catalyst for the Jesus Movement. It includes interviews with Chuck Smith, testimonies from those who were transformed by though this outpouring, flashbacks to actual church services, testimonies and clips of the Jesus Movement bands such as Love Song.

Talking about his role during the Jesus People movement, Chuck Smith said, "I didn't want to direct the Holy Spirit, I just wanted to find out how the Holy Spirit was moving and get in the boat and move with him." It is heart stirring, inspiring and well worth watching. The DVD has also just won "Best Documentary 2012" at The International Christian Film Festival in Irvine, California on October 6th, 2012.
For more info on "What God Has Wrought", or to order a copy of the DVD, visit: www.visionvideo.com or www.screensaversentertainment.com.

 ASSIST News Service (ANS)

Now, here is what I wrote in 2010 about Chuck Smith:

Ode To Ps Chuck Smith

January 24, 2010 at 5:30pm
By: Michael Tobin
CARLSBAD, CA -- I prefer to agree with a dead mans quotes (Spurgeon, Ravenhill, John Bunyan, J. Oswald Sanders, etc...) than to agree with someone who is alive; then everyone knows I read some dead guys biography and will think I'm smart. (Not seriously. I am simply making a point on what I see that we do in the Church). Ps. Chuck Smith may not even be with us much longer. Let's give him his flowers (encouragement) while he's still alive. If this note gets around I hope someone would feel compelled to form an event in Ps Chuck Smiths honor before he passes away. I would email some people but I'm not part of their world. 

Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) was an English Christian evangelist and author who focused on the subjects of prayer and revival. He is best known for challenging the modern church and his most notable book is Why Revival Tarries. Ravenhill was also a close mentor to Kieth Green (for those who may need to be impressed a little).

Tozer said of Ravenhill:To such men as this, the church owes a debt too heavy to pay. The curious thing is that she seldom tries to pay him while he lives. Rather, the next generation builds his sepulchre and writes his biography – as if instinctively and awkwardly to discharge an obligation the previous generation to a large extent ignored.

Chuck-Smith (A submission from an obscure website who does bios on notable people) http://calvarychapel.pbworks.com/w/page/13146617/Chuck-Smith Page history last edited by MrTundraMan 2 years, 7 months ago Charles "Chuck" Ward Smith Born 1927 Location born Ventura, CA Father Charles Smith; - died in private plane crash with his son Bill Smith Mother Maude Smith Siblings Sister Virginia (older) Brother Paul (younger) - Paul Smith ran CCOF until his ouster in mid 2009. Brother Bill (youngest) - Died in private plane crash with his father Charles Smith Family religious affiliation Foursquare Pentecostal Education L. I. F. E. Bible College Professors at LIFE Dr. Guy Duffield, Dr. Nathaniel Van Cleave Married Catherine (Kay) Louise Johnson Residence Newport Beach. Smith's house worth approximately 1.2 million dollars (1996 prices). Keeping it in the family Smith's Children Daughter - Jan Son - Jeffrey Wayne Smith Born 3-27-53, Orange County Jeff is divorced. Jeff's second wife is the daughter of Dwight Thompson from TBN. Son - Chuck Smith Jr. Chuck Jr. is divorced. Chuck and his first wife, Chris, have five children (their ages in 1987): Will, 11; Jennifer, 9; Michael, 7; and twins Scott and Karen, 3. His daughter, Jennifer Smith Stankovits, wife of Sid Stankovits, the owner of Sid's Tattoo Parlor. From:  website. Monday, January 11, 1999 A New Point of View: Tattoos: Across the U.S., a network of parlors specializing in Christian imagery is making its mark. By ELAINE GALE, Times Staff Writer Perhaps no one feels more caught between the two views of tattooing than Jennifer Stankovits, wife of Sid Stankovits, the owner of Sid's Tattoo Parlor. She's the granddaughter of Chuck Smith Sr., founder of the Calvary Chapel movement--a Pentecostal church started in 1965 in Costa Mesa that now has over 700 affiliates--and the daughter of Chuck Smith Jr., pastor of the Calvary Chapel in Capistrano Beach. She's caught between her choice to express her faith and her father's and grandfather's wishes that she not get any more tattoos. "They think tattooing looks too rough," the 21-year-old said, showing off her eight tattoos, including a "Rock of Ages" banner on her forearm and an 12-inch portrait of Christ's face tattooed on her back by her husband. "I've always thought it would be cool to get the Last Supper tattooed on my back." Her father said he is amazed at how popular the tattoos are in his church among young people and that Jennifer's generation has a different idea about the nature of their skin. "They have the idea of skin as a canvas. In high school, we made our statement with hair," said Smith Jr., 47. "But their skin is an accessory--they puncture it, stud it, draw on it." Although Sid Stankovits has tattooed people of all ages in his retro-style shop--the oldest was 78--he said the Christian tattoo market is mostly twentysomethings who literally embody their beliefs. "Generation X is more into individuality," he said. Stankovits, 27, met his future wife while he was tattooing her then-boyfriend. After they got married two years ago in Las Vegas, they opened the tattoo parlor together. He said most tattoos done by the shop's four evangelical Christian tattoo artists are religious.   Cheryl Smith Broderson Daughter - Cheryl Daughter Cheryl married Brian Broderson who returned to CCCM. Cheryl married Brian Brodersen, at the age of 20. Together they ministered in Costa Mesa, Calvary Chapel Vista and London. Cheryl teaches at Women’s studies, retreats, and the weekly Joyful Life Bible study at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Broaderson was Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Vista, in Southern California, and Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Westminster, London, England. Brian has been extensively involved in missionary work throughout various parts of Europe. He now serves as Associate Pastor to Chuck Smith, at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California.  Brian Broderson Brian and Cheryl's daughter Krysten married Michael Smith. Smith grew up in Florida. His dad was a baptist (from Florida) and my mom was a buddhist (from Thailand). He graduated in 1994 earning a degree in biology and became a Christian. He met my wife Kristyn in London and moved to California where he worked as the youth pastor at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. In 2005, in Santa Rosa he took over pastoring a 4 month old church. Now, after almost 4 years of serving in Sonoma County, He moved to southern California where he is teaching zoology at Vanguard University and teaching the saturday night study at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. From the vanguard.edu website: Michael Smith, M.A.; msmith@calvarychapel.com; Adjunct Professor of Biology  B.S., Florida State University; M.A. in Biology, St. Joseph College. Michael is also currently a pastor at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and teaches the Saturday night service at that church. Michael Smith Wikipedia entry on Chuck Smith