good news press september/october 2013

8/9/2019 Good News Press September/October 2013

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Good News Press To Contact Us: 1.888.76PAPER www.goodnewspress.us September/October 2013

Sharing the good news of God’s Love through his Son to our local community and world!

Plan of Salvation: John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his onlybegotten 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 theLord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that

God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt besaved.

Historic Global Prayer Call-40 Days Prayer,

Fasting and Repentance August 6 – Sept 14The Billion Souls Revival Prayer Callfrom August 6 – September 14, 2013is making history in more ways thanone. As E. M. Bounds said; "God

shapes the world by prayer. The moreprayer there is in the world the betterthe world will be." This Global 40 DayPrayer Call will culminate in an Inter-national Day of Prayer, Fasting andRepentance on Saturday, September14, 2013.

This Global Prayer Call has a simplefour point focus.

- Pray for a worldwide outpouring of

the Holy Spirit for revival and trans-formation of the nations of the world.

- Pray for a billion people to find Jesus

Christ as their Lord and Savior.

- Pray for an end to abortion and forGod to turn back the tide of death

and immorality that is sweeping the

nations of the world.

- Pray for a multiplication of prayer,praise and worship to God across the

world as never before, to bring greatglory to God.

Historically the Billion Souls RevivalPrayer Call is the first to draw togeth-er Continued on Page 7

Photos This Page: (Top) From Left to Right:, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. of The Church of God In Christ and St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay (R) Jesus Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane - Dreamstime (Bottom) Isreali Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – AIPAC Press Photo

A Message From Good News Press

Good News Press is an outreach publication. TheChristian message is often referred to as the"Gospel," which means "good news." Specifically, itis the good news about Jesus — who he is, what hehas done, and what he offers. Essentially, the mes-

sage is that Jesus was God in the flesh, that hecame into the world to reconcile humanity tohimself, and that his salvation is freely offered toeach person who will respond in faith. The Gospelmessage explains that salvation is only possiblethrough the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus.Through his sacrifice, Jesus paid the price for oursinfulness (rebellion against God), thus offering usforgiveness. Then through his Resurrection heconquered death, removing it as the penalty forour sin and replacing it with the offer of eternallife that is only available from him to all those thatplace their faith in him.

More Pressure Mounts on Israel

By Connie Woods

Zechariah 12:3 In that day will I make Jeru-salem a burdensome stone for all people: allthat burden themselves with it shall be cut in

pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

Let’s stand with Israel and pray for ourleaders and call and write them not to

pressure Israel to divide up its God givenland.

Peace Talks Begin Again Israelis and Palestinians have entered intopeace talks again after 5 years which arebeing sponsored by the United States(US). Israel is under immense pressurefrom the world community, leaders, andgovernments to agree to a peace plan thatwould involve giving up a portion of itsland to the Palestinians, in what is beingcalled the "two-State solution". Pressureis mounting from all sides. The United

States, an ally and friend to Israel, in itspolicies, are now even becoming a thorn

in the side, with its constant nudging andpushing for an agreement.

A Fight for JerusalemThere is also a dispute over Jerusalem.The Palestinians want East Jerusalem asthe capital of their State. In the Old Cityof East Jerusalem, contains religious sitesfor Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. TheTemple Mount is the most revered site in

Judaism, containing the Western or Wail-ing Wall, the holiest place for Jews topray. It is also where the first Temple bySolomon was built to house the Ark ofthe Covenant, and where the remnants of

the second Temple remain.Continued on Page 2



Good News Press - 2

More Pressure Mounts on

Israel (Continued from Page 1)

SAT-7 Brings Firsthand Clarity to West-ern Media Misunderstanding of Deadly

Crackdown on Egyptian Protesters

It is also believed to bewhere the third Temple willbe built, and where the Anti-christ will come midwaythrough the tribulation, andcease sacrifices, and requireall to worship him. The Tem-ple Mount, also the thirdimportant site in Islam, afterMecca and Medina, containsthe al-Aqsa Mosque, and theDome of the Rock fromwhere Mohammed is said tohave visited heaven on hiswinged steed Burak.For Christians, Jerusalem iswhere Jesus ministered,died, and rose again. Thereare numerous sites in Jerusa-lem pertaining to Christians.

The Israelis have held theywould not give up land, norrisk its security, however inrecent years they have con-sidered it and have actuallyremoved Jews from parts ofEastern Jerusalem.

Why the United StatesShould Support IsraelGod made plain his will andplan. It was to bless, Abra-ham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel) andhis descendants, and givethem a land promised tothem, that would be there’sforever.(Genesis 17:7- 8 I will establishmy covenant between me andthee and thy seed after thee intheir generations for an everlast-ing covenant, to be a God untothee, and to thy seed after thee.I will give unto thee, and to thyseed after thee, the land wherein

thou art a stranger, all the land

of Canaan, for aneverlasting posses-sion; and I will betheir God.)(Genesis 12:7a"The Lord ap-peared to Abramand said, 'To yourdescendants I will give this land.')

This promisedland, or Canaanland, is what weknow today asIsrael.

God has prom-ised to bless allthose whoblesses his

chosen people.(Genesis 12:3 And I will blessthem that bless thee, and cursehim that curseth thee…)

Does the United States wanta blessing or judgment? Letthe US decide and treatGod’s chosen people ac-cordingly.(Joel 3:2 "... there will I deal withand execute judgment uponthem for their treatment of Mypeople and of My heritage Israel,whom they have scatteredamong the nations and becausethey have divided My land.") This should be reasonenough to get behind and

support Israel.

The World is AmassingAgainst Israel Here are some of world

policies against Israel:

Currently, the EuropeanUnion (EU) has sanctionsagainst Israel and is refusingto recognize Israel's territo-ries since 1967, and is mak-ing preparations for moresevere sanctions. Its sanc-

tions includes, the EuropeanInvestment Bank withholdingloans to Israeli businessesand governments in the dis-puted areas. It is not recog-nizing Israeli land in theWest Bank, East Jerusalem,the Gaza Strip, as well as theGolan Heights.

President Obama and Secre-tary of State John Kerry arepressing for a two-State so-lution, as well as President

Bush and President Clinton

pushed for peace agree-ments during their presiden-cy.

The United Nations (UN)has consistently filed resolu-tions against Israel. In 2012,the UN had 21 resolutionsagainst Israel, while onlyhaving four against all othernations of the world.

Syria, although in its owncivil war, sends missiles toIsrael, desirous of land in the

Golan Heights.

Iran's new President Rouhanistated after being elected,“the Zionist regime (Israel)has been a wound on thebody of the Islamic world foryears and the wound shouldbe removed”. He later said,

that he was misquoted.Iranians celebrate al-Qudsday each year, on the lastday of Ramadan, in whichIranians rally against Israelicontrol of East Jerusalem.

The Middle East Quartet(United Nations, RussianFederation, United Statesand European Union) re-leased a statement on July29, 2013, sharing their"commitment to achieve a

negotiated two-State solu-tion within the agreedtimeframe of nine months".The Quartet, wants bothsides not to do anything thatmay jeopardize a deal, in-cluding no building in East Jerusalem.

It is believed that over halfthe governments in theworld are anti – Israel.The Future of Israel The resentment against Isra-

el is enlarging, along with adislike of the Jewish peopleand their existence. Therewill be an eventual sevenyear peace agreement, that isbroken midway by the Anti-christ, before all the nationsof the world come to battleagainst Israel, in the battle ofArmageddon. The Lord willliterally come back, with hissaints, and fight against thosenations that would other-wise consume Israel and

bring a real Peace.

Christians Respondingwith Hope and Recon-ciliation; Calling De-struction of Churches‘Sacrifice,’ with True

‘Body of Christ’ Intact

EASTON, Md. – In thewake of a bloody gov-ernment crackdown onEgyptian protestorsthat left hundreds deadand thousands injured,SAT-7 Christian satel-lite television broad-casts from Egypt arebringing a firsthandview of the unethical practic-es of the Morsi presidencyand its sham of “democracy,”with insights and understand-ing not currently reported by

mainstream Western media.

Amid the ongoing destructionof churches by supporters ofousted president Morsi, Egyp-tian Christian leaders areresponding with reconcilia-tion and forgiveness, stressingthat the church is not merebuildings, but rather “thebody of Christ” composed of

people and their faith in him.

SAT-7 has been covering thepolitical situation since theanti- and pro-Morsi protestsbegan at the end of June,helping viewers better under-

stand and engage with thesituation from a biblical faithperspective through its cur-rent affairs programming,

broadcast live from Egypt.

In his June 2012 election,Morsi received only 13 mil-lion votes from the Egyptianpopulation of 83 million, ac-cording to Terence Ascott,CEO and founder of SAT-7International(www.sat7usa.org) in a recentcommentary

(www.ow.ly/nXTsz).Taking wide-sweeping powerwithout censure, he filled keygovernment positions withformer Muslim Brotherhoodleaders, some of whom hadprevious convictions for vio-lence or incitement to vio-lence, and rushed through apro-Islamic constitution de-spite protests and boycottsfrom liberals, moderate Mus-lims and Christians, said As-cott. Morsi refused to call

for new elections, as he had

previously agreed to do aftera new constitution had been

adopted.

Into this political scenario,with a failing economy andcrumbling infrastructure,while as many as 30 million

people protested duringMorsi’s first anniversary, thearmy responded and re-moved him from office, saidAscott.Following an ensuing sixweeks of pro-Morsi occupa-tion of public squares, de-manding his reinstatement,blocking all traffic and promis-ing retribution against thearmy, police, liberals andspecifically Coptic Christians,deadly violence broke outAugust 14 as the army moved

in to disburse them.“The Muslim Brotherhoodhas been very effective withthe Western media, portray-ing themselves as ‘victims’ andthe army as a coup,” saidAscott. “This is not the ver-sion of the truth that reso-nates with the vast majority

of Egyptians.”

Scores of business, homes,police stations, hospitals andother public buildings havebeen destroyed by Morsisupporters. At least 40churches, a monastery, threereligious societies, three keyBible Society bookshops,three Christian schools andan orphanage have beenburned or otherwise de-

stroyed.

“Following [Coptic Ortho-dox] Pope Tawadros II’sstatement that the currentattacks on churches wereexpected, many Christiansare stating that they consider

the church buildings a sacri-fice to their beloved Egypt,”said Farid Garas, SAT-7’s

Egypt Executive Director.

Some Muslims who rushed tohelp preserve churches andChristian properties were

urged by Christians to returnhome. “Buildings can be re-built, but you are priceless, sostay safe,” they reportedlysaid. “Buildings are not thechurch. The Body of Christ isthe church, and we are firmly

intact.”

General Sisi, commander-in-chief of Egyptian armed forcesand Minister of Defense, sub-sequently announced thearmy will pay for renovating

all the damaged churches.

SAT-7’s staff in Cairo hasworked from home, and allare reported safe. Accordingto Garas, they plan to broad-cast their current affairs pro-gram “Bridges” as usual onSaturday, to cover the attackson churches and the decisionof Christian leaders to refuseoutside protection, showingthat the church is standing for

freedom over force.

“It seems we are experienc-ing a pruning process of the

living body of Egypt,” saidGaras.” It hurts, but it is im-portant. We are sure we willsee the fruit of freedom, andwe trust the Creator who is

in control.”

Prayers are requested forEgypt, the largest country inthe Arab world with the larg-est Christian community in

the Middle East:

For current violence to end

soon.

Jerusalem Wailing Wall And Temple Mount by Micsell



Good News Press - 3

Christian Ministry Declines Tax Exemption

Romans 3:23 "For all havesinned, and come short of the

glory of God." Every person who has ever lived onEarth has sinned and fell short ofGod’s expectations, except for theLord Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:23a "For the wages ofsin is death..." We were all on our way to Hell be-

cause there is a price to be paid forsin. It is a physical and spiritual deathand eternal separation from God.This eternal separation also includessinners being eternally lost and castinto the Lake of fire.

Romans 6:23b "...but the gift ofGod is eternal life through JesusChrist our Lord." The good news is we can be savedfrom this death and separation fromGod. Eternal life is a gift from Godbut only available through the Lord

Jesus Christ. He is the only way.

Romans 5:8, "But God com- mendeth his love toward us, inthat, while we were yet sinners,Christ died for us." Man was not deserving of God, we

were not righteous but we all weresinners. But God loved us so muchthat while we were yet doing ourthings, going our own ways, deep insin, Christ died for us. He bore thepenalty for all of our sins.

Romans 10:9,10 "That if thoushalt confess with thy mouth theLord Jesus, and shalt believe inthine heart that God hath raisedhim from the dead, thou shalt be

saved. For with the heart manbelieveth unto righteousness ;and with the mouth confession ismade unto salvation." Confess the Lord Jesus and believe inyour heart that God raised him fromthe dead, so that God can save you.He doesn’t care about what sins youhave done in the past. He loves youand wants to save you. Jesus Christpaid the complete price, taking all ofmankind’s sins unto himself on thecross. We have to no longer be

slaves to sin and death.

Romans 10:13 "For whosoevershall call upon the name of theLord shall be saved."Call on the Lord and ask him to saveyou. God wants to. He loves you!

Romans Road To Salvation

It's Time for Action: MoreThan 2 Million Americans WillParticipate in National Back toChurch Sunday One Month

from Today

Author Lee Strobel adds hisendorsement, making the casefor inviting others to church

Aug. 15, 2013 -- Exactly amonth from today, September15, more than two millionAmericans will be focused on anational team event that hasnothing to do with majorleague sports. Their goal: Get-ting folks back to church.

On that Sunday, 20,000 church-es from coast to coast will beparticipating in special servicesin their own communities for

National Back to Church Sun-day® after stepping out to in-vite people they know and loveto come back to church.

So far, more than 18,000churches have signed up for thefree initiative, and the numbergrows by the hour as currentlyabout 120 churches are signingup each day atwww.backtochurch.com. Inaddition, the Back to ChurchFacebook page

(www.facebook.com/backtochurch) has garnered more than47,000 likes in one month, asthe excitement builds and par-ticipating churches gear up forthe special services they willhold designed to be welcomingto their community.

"Right now is a perfect time tosign up and get your churchengaged in this energy-filledproject," said Scott Evans,founder and CEO of Outreach,

Inc., the nation's leading provid-

er of churchcommunica-tions re-sources andone of thefounders ofNationalBack toChurch Sun-day.

"Make yourdecision andget yourteam on

board -- there are many re-sources available, many bydownload you could have to-day. It's a great way to kickstart your own fall program-ming and bless your communi-

ty."

"Remember, although most

people in America have been tochurch, only about 20 percentattend regularly," he continued."Yet research shows most peo-ple would try it if someone justinvited them."

Participating churches are alsopreparing for the day by en-couraging members to make aspecial effort to attend churchthat day, and to invite someoneto come with them.

'Seven out of 10 unchurchedpeople would visit a church if afriend invited them. What arewe waiting for?" said LeeStrobel, best-selling author ofThe Case for Christ and TheCase for Faith.

"The church offers hope, grace,truth, joy and the message ofeternal life -- all of which wewant our friends to experience.Let's take a risk and prayerfullyoffer an invitation!"

Yet despite the endorsementfrom Strobel and many otherchurch leaders, only two per-cent of church members haveinvited someone to church inthe past year. National Back toChurch Sunday provides theinspiration and tools to helpchurch members push pasttheir discomfort to reach outand invite others to come.

And pastors understand it also

comes at a key time of the year

for reengaging people after thesummer.

"September is the number onegrowth time in a church," saidBil Cornelius, pastor of BayArea Fellowship in CorpusChristi, Texas. "You gotta givethem a reason to come back,and they will."

To help encourage churches topromote and church membersto invite, National Back toChurch Sunday has ready-to-use materials available atwww.backtochurch.com.Free materials include a roster

listing,publicity materials, tipsfor using social media, and in-formation about using the Backto Church Facebook page andYouTube channel.

The richly-resourced projectalso offers everything frompostcards to bulletin covers tobanners and videos. An in-depth Back to Church kit, avail-able in print or as a download,includes a planning guide, ser-mons, videos, children's curric-ulum, posters, e-book, samplesof other printed resources, andmore than 60 digital resources,such as e-vites, web banners,PowerPoint presentations,logos and children's resources.

National Back to Church Sun-day even has its own You Tubechannel with more than 20videos to share information,inspiration -- and also make itfun. Video previews are availa-ble atwww.youtube.com/btcsunday.

National Back to Church Sun-day is the largest annual com-munity-based church outreacheffort in the nation, when thou-

sands of churches share thesimple message and mission ofinviting everyone in AmericaBack to Church.

The campaign empowerschurches and church memberswith the tools they need towelcome their neighbors,friends and loved ones back tochurch, while providing an easyway for everyone in the com-munity to find a welcoming

church.

National Back To Church Sundayon Sept. 15, 2013



Good News Press - 4

Temple of Deliverance COGIC Women’s ChoirReleases New Rousing Single “Everybody Praise”

Acts Full Gospel Church

Youth Dept. Debutante ProgramBishop Bob Jackson, Senior Pastor

Sis Pinn, Youth Director1034 66th Ave, Oakland CA

www.actsfullgospelchurch.org510-567-1300

Contact: Sis Sandy Bradley-Claybrooks,Program Director – For More Info

Phone: (925) 565-0195

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New Project, Pastor Milton R. HawkinsPresents The Temple of DeliveranceWomen's Choir In The Sanctuary, Releas-es On Tuesday, July 23, 2013; Charity-Focused Women's Choir To Donate CDProceeds 24-7PressRelease --

The late Bishop G.E. Patterson was a be-loved member of the Christian communi-ty and a preaching giant. Known for hisdynamic sermons, he was also loved forhis music. Songs from his "Old Time Way"CDs were heard in choir stands national-ly. Now the Women's Choir of his formerchurch, the Temple of DeliveranceChurch of God Of Christ in Memphis,TN, is continuing his legacy with the re-lease of a brand new single, "EverybodyPraise". Already entering the Top 50 ofthe BDS Gospel charts, the rousing,churchy praise song is the lead single fromthe forthcoming CD, Pastor Milton R.Hawkins Presents The Temple of Deliver-ance Women's Choir "In The Sanctuary".With Gospel's finest making cameo ap-pearances on the CD, including KarenClark Sheard, Tamela Mann, and Lisa PageBrooks, the new release will be availablein stores and online on Tuesday, July 23,2013.

Although the 200-member Women'sChoir has been existence for 25 years, itwas the vision of the church's First Lady,Catherine Hawkins for the choir to rec-ord. She feels that women bring a specialkind of praise. "Music is a major ingredientin praise and women have always beenfree to express their praise to God,"shares the First Lady. "Women are moreexpressive, we take things to heart; whenwe see our brothers and sisters in need,we feel compelled to help. That's why oneof our main goals is to take the love ofChrist and to share it with communitiesthat are hurting and have been ravished bynatural disasters."

The choir has lent resources and time toassist those affected by many catastro-phes. In their hometown of Memphis, theladies sprung into action helping thosewho lost homes from flooding waters in2011. In that same year, they assisted inthe aftermath of tornadoes in Mississippiand Alabama. In 2012, they sent thousandsof dollars and supplies to those affectedby Hurricane Sandy. Recently financialsupport was forwarded to Oklahomatornado recovery. They also have donatedtheir time to local school developmentand teen pregnancy prevention programs

and have supported other faith-basedemergency relief efforts. Continuing tofulfill their God-given mission, one hun-dred percent of the proceeds from thenew CD will be used to support variousoutreach missions.

Produced by renowned producer andsongwriter Derrick Starks, the new CDfrom The Temple of Deliverance Wom-en's Choir contains songs of praise andworship to God. The dynamic and rivetinglead single, "Everybody Praise", is the per-fect song to open Sunday morning service.Led by Carla Tolbert Taylor, the trackwas penned by Starks. Popular Gospelartists make appearances including KarenClark Sheard on the hand-clapper, "BreakThrough", Tamela Mann on "Have ThineOwn Way" and Lisa Page Brooks on"Keep Me All The Way". Temple of PraiseCOGIC Pastor, Milton R. Hawkins, deliv-ers the rousing "Armed and Dangerous",admonishing and leading a chant of praise.More information about the Women'sChoir of Temple of Deliverance can befound by logging on tohttp://www.todcogic.org andhttp://www.todliverecording.com.

Today’s Teens - (God can even take teenagers anduse them for his Glory) A Testimony

Carrie

Hello, My name is Carrie, and I would

like to share my testimony.

First let me start off by telling you that Iam only 13 1/2, I know what you areprobably thinking "what kind of testimo-ny can someone so young have?" Well,in this day and age a lot can happen topreteens and teens, so just hang in there

for a minute while I tell you my testimo-ny. You won't regret it.

I was saved when I was seven years old,and lived in a small town sheltered frommost things, but then when I was nineyears old, my mother committed suicide,after being married to a man whoabused her verbally and physically, leav-ing me and my two older brothers in thecare of our dad and step-mom. Mybrothers and I had to move from every-thing we knew to a different state, awayfrom all of our friends and family, to livewith my dad, step-mom and three older

stepbrothers plus my real brothers.

Well, let me just say things were OK forabout a year or so for me anyway, but Ireally didn't fit in with my surroundings.All of my brothers started getting in todrugs, smoking, drinking, sex, stealingand lots of other things. You know me, alittle 11 year old girl who wanted more

than anything to fit in with my brothersand to show them that I wasn't an allaround "goody, goody", so I starteddoing what they did - hanging out withthere friends, smoking, drinking, party-ing, doing drugs, stealing, breaking thelaw, and even some witch craft, which isreally something you don't want to messaround with. I even almost had sex withone of their friends, but thank God I

didn't, because somewhere deep inside Iwas knew it was wrong and there were

consequences for some things.

After all this stuff started happening Iwent into a deep depression, but I don'tthink anyone really realized it because Istarted to stay away from my brothers.At one point, I seriously thought aboutkilling myself, I thought, hey my Mom didit so why can't I, no one cares about me,no one tells me "I love you," I'm heretraveling through life alone, but I alsowas so lost, I didn't know what to do. Iwas a scared little child, forgetting that I

am never alone, God is always there.Then I turned 12 and it was the summeragain. We moved and I didn't have anyfriends, so I wanted to get out of myhouse, because I was pretty much underhouse arrest because my brothers gotsick of me, and Church Camp was com-ing up so I decided I would go, just so I

could get away from all my family for aweek. So I went, not knowing that Godwould work in my life again. On thesecond to the last day I recommitted mylife to the Lord, and I have never beenthe same since, but the story isn't over

yet.

A lot has happened since a year and ahalf ago. My dad divorced my step-mom,

getting rid of my stepbrothers who werereally bad influences on me. I get to goto a Christian School, and be in a Chris-tian band. God has given me thestrength to handle almost anything now.I want to serve God forever, and when Igrow up I want to be a missionary so Ican tell all people about Jesus and how

He has changed my life.

Parents please remember to show yourchildren how much you love them andhow much you care about them. Theyneed you more than anything. Maybe ifmy dad would have a lot more, I would-n't have went the way I did, but I knowGod allowed all the horrible things tohappen to me for a reason, maybe thatreason is to show people God can takeeven teenagers and use them for his

glory.

Thank you so much for reading my testi-

mony. God bless you all. (Raptureready)

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Good News Press - 5

Dear Ester Q&A

Labor Day: It’s All About You

In America, Labor Day iscelebrated the first Mondayof each September. Becauseit's the last major holidaybefore the onset of autumn,it's generally seen as the lastchance to enjoy the sum-

mer season.

Whether or not you knowit, what Labor Day mainlycelebrates is you, yourwork and your contribu-tions to our nation. World-wide, it's the only holiday

that does not celebrate aheroic leader or historic

event.

The three-day weekendoffers an opportunity tostep away from your busi-ness, your work at a store,hospital, office or plant.You can rest and rechargeyour batteries doing thingswith you family that willsoon be impractical becauseof the changing season and

busy schedules.

The original intent of LaborDay was to provide a holi-day that would honor thesocial and economicachievements of Americanworkers, and it still doesthat today. It was also in-tended to provide a day ofrest between the Fourth of

July and Thanksgiving.

Some historians say that In1882, Matthew Maguire, amachinist, first proposedthe holiday while serving assecretary of the CentralLabor Union of New York.On September 5, some10,000 workers in NewYork City participated inAmerica's first Labor Day

parade.

Others historians arguethat it was first proposedby Peter J. McGuire of theAmerican Federation ofLabor in the same year,after he witnessed the an-nual Canadian labor festival

held in Toronto, Ontario.

Filling the extra yearswith fun and productiv-

ity

Jim Toedtman, editor of the AARP The Mag-azine, knows many stories about successful

retirement.

His favorite involves his own grandfather, John F. Smith, who was a professor ofspeech and drama for many years at Otter-

bein College in Westerville, Ohio.

At age 70, this active man was forced toretire, as was the college's custom. The nextday, he applied for a custodian job at the

college gymnasium. He was hired right away.

Smith became the subject one magazine sto-ry entitled "He traded his cap and gown for amop." He was once interviewed by CBStelevision newsman Charles Kuralt. Kuraltasked him which job was more rewarding.Toedtman's grandfather replied that everyage of life has its own compensations and hewas still looking ahead. He said, "There's too

much fun in this world and a lot of goodfolks. And good books to read and fish tocatch and pretty women to admire and good

men to know. Why, life is a joy."

Smith said his transition to a custodian wassimple. He knew what a mop was and what a

bucket was. It was hard work, but he triedto do it well. He did that job for 15 years.

Today, people live about 30 years longerthan they did in 1900 when the averagelifespan was 47 years. With modern medicaladvances and better water, cleaner streets,vaccinations and antibiotics, we have that gift

of 30 extra years.

Jim Toedtman calls on retirees to decidewhat they will do with opportunities that

extra years will bring.

Hello Dear Esther,

I am a young man of 25 yearsof age, and I was born-againtwo years ago. I live in one ofthe countries in southernAfrica. I am in a very terriblesituation of having homosexu-al heart’s desire, and a ten-dency of admiring other men.This situation has always beenon me even from my earlyages. I have never told any-body about my situation, noteven my pastor because it isso shameful to me since Iknow its a sin to be a homo-

sexual, so this filthy desiredoes not bring peace to my

soul, so I need your help.

Needing Peace

Dear Needing Peace,Your heavy heart is troublingof course, because you knowright from wrong. This strug-gle you are having is some-thing that can be healed byGod. Others have overcomesuch maladies and you can,

too. From what you say it

does not sound like you have

anyone that you can speak toabout this. But when all seemshopeless we are so mightilyblessed as believers becausewe can go directly to theLord and petition Him to

intercede and help us.

"For as many who are led bythe Spirit of God, these aresons of God. For you did notreceive the spirit of bondageagain to fear, but you receivedthe Spirit of adoption bywhom we cry out, Abba, Fa-

ther" (Romans 8:14-15).It does not help that we areliving at time when the massesare so willing to convolute theGod-given, male and femalegenders. I believe this is partof the confusion many people,young and old carry, strug-gling to be freed from suchunnatural tendencies. If wewere not given a very strongbiblical foundation we canbecome easy targets for thosewho seek to pervert the ways

of God.

I receive many letters from

young men who are havingthis same issue. How theyhate their sin and how des-perately they want to over-come this sorrowful burden.It seems to be a curse that isdestroying any joy in theirlives. But when we are inChrist we are not cursedbecause in Him we are re-deemed and made whole.When we become born-again

the old man dies:

Therefore, if anyone is in

Christ, he is a new creation;old things have passed away;behold, all things have be-come new” (2 Corinthians5:17).Christ, dwelling within us,enables us to overcome sin. “Ihave been crucified withChrist; it is no longer I wholive, but Christ lives in me;and the life which I now live inthe flesh I live by faith in theSon of God, who loved meand gave Himself for me”(Galatians 2: 20).

(Raptureready Q&A)



God News Press - 6

There is a great deal ofdebate taking place con-cerning God’s will for man-kind and the possibility ofGod having a “permissivewill” (a secondary desirefor his creation when theychoose to move contraryto His first).

The first thing that must bedone is to define is theword “will” as it pertains toGod, and how it should beunderstood in engaging thestudy of scripture. This willbe accomplished using oneof the most oft quoted andyet, grossly misunderstoodverses of scripture in theBible. This scripture isprobably the primarysource of all of the confu-

sion concerning God’s per-fect and permissive will.

“ And do not be con-formed to this world, butbe transformed bythe renewing of your mind,so that you may provewhat the will of God is,that which is good and ac-ceptable and perfect. (Rom.12:2, NASB)

The original language of theNew Testament is Greek.The word in the Greektranslated “will” is: thelema,thel'-ay-mah, a determina-tion (properly the thing),that is, (actively) choice(specifically purpose, de-cree; abstractly volition) or(passively) inclination: -desire, pleasure, will.(Strong's Hebrew and

Greek Dictionaries)

In the context of what isbeing written by the Apos-tle Paul here, the word“will” can be defined as thedivine declaration or de-cree (informally, the plan)God has established for thelife of every individual.

It is important to under-stand the character and

essence of God in order to

truly understand His will.God is 100 percent right-eous and holy; so, believershave to understand that the“will” (declaration or de-crees) of God are not ca-pricious. God only has onewill, this is the will he de-clared in eternity past foryou. God, by His very na-ture, cannot have morethan one will. What Goddesires for every person isHis best. What every per-son chooses and God al-

lows is another story.

Where the term“permissive will” comes inis in dealing with the factthat God created man withfree volition (the ability tochoose without inhibition).

What this means is thatthough God knows what hewants for every believer, hewill not force it upon them;he will allow (permit, i.e.permissive) them to choosefor themselves what theywill do. In this case, whatGod allows (permits) is notHis will, but yours. Whatmost people confuse withGod’s permissive will isactually God allowing manthe freedom of volition.

(God allowed the Jews topractice polygamy, but ob-viously it was not his willfor them (Gen. 19:4-5;Gen. 2:24-25), he simplyallowed it. Another analogywould be one of your chil-dren wanting to bypasscollege in order to pursuewhat you consider to be afoolish endeavor. Yet, youallow them to do it becauseyou have always told them

that once they were adultsthey could make their owndecisions. This is not yourwill for them. You are al-lowing them the freedomto pursue their own will.Despite the fact that youdon’t approve of their deci-sion, you will be there tohelp them pick up the piec-es when it falls apart be-cause you are their parentand you love them. It’s the

same with God when you

move opposite of His will.

What does this mean? Itmeans that God has a de-sire for every believer andthat at some point everybeliever (based on theirfallible human nature) willventure from God’s “will”in lieu of their own. Theawesome thing here is Godis not taken by surprise dueto the decision of the be-liever to go renegade fromHis plan, because He inomniscient (Meaning thatHe knows everything thathas ever transpired, is tran-spiring, and will transpire.This includes all what ifs.).God can take a bad deci-sion that he has allowed(because he will not inter-

fere with the volition ofanyone) and create theperfect process throughwhich the believer can ben-efit from the mistake andfind his/her way back intothe divine will of God (thisdoes not eliminate conse-

quences).

Where a great deal of con-fusion comes from when

people speak of God’s per-fect will vs. His permissivewill is the use of the word“perfect”, Greek teleios,tel'-i-os. Many mistakenlyassume that because thereis a perfect will, there mustbe a less than perfect will,but that would be contraryto God’s essence and Hischaracter. God’s will (hisdesire, decree, or declara-tion) can only be the high-est possible outcome. Any-thing less than what is the“perfect” (“teleios”, com-plete and perfect) will ofGod come from the voli-tional execution of the indi-vidual.

Basically, the use of theterm “permissive will” givesthe connotation that Godhas a sort of “well, it’s notwhat I really want, but thiswill have to do” mentality

God’s Divine Will Defined

By Dr. Rick Wallace

against our waywardmovement in His plan. Can

God take your poor deci-sions and still work it in away that He can eventuallybring blessings to you de-spite your “willful” disobe-dience? Yes. Is this the bestroute to take? Absolutely

not!

Now, where there seemsto be further confusion isin God’s ability to clean up

your mess. When youchoose to move oppositethe will of God, God canstill take your mess andthrough applying the prop-er amount of pressure,cause you to move backtowards him, and in doingso it aligns you with Hiswill for your lives and al-lows God to subsequently

bless you.

Example: An unmarriedcouple moves into togeth-er and of course they arehaving pre-marital sex. Thisis definitely not the will ofGod for them, but he al-lows (permits it, based onthe freedom of volition formankind) it; however, the

consequences of this deci-sion is inevitable and God

will allow the consequenc-es along with other varia-ble pressures to influencethe individuals involved toreadjust their thinking.They separate, get married,and move back in together.God will not only honorthat marriage, he will blessit, as long as they remain inHis will. This does notmean that there may notbe lingering consequences

because of the initial deci-sion, but as far as the is-sues with living togetherand all the other thingsthat come along with it areconcerned, it is now within

the will of God.

Another fallible concept bysome is that “permissivewill” refers to things like

choosing the right mate ora number of other person-al decisions. In otherwords, some believe thatGod has a certain personfor you and that if youchoose the wrong personthat falls under the catego-ry of God’s permissive will.

God has given believers his

will for marriage. Youshould not be unequally

yoked with an unbeliever.That is the big pre-marriage declaration (will)of God. Most all otherdeclarations concerningmarriage are post mar-riage. Now, there aremany that won’t supportthis, but scripture supportsit; God is concerned withwhom you marry, but Heis much more concernedabout what you do after

you marry.

The same thing applies tocareer decisions: it is a

personal decision.

Obviously, what is ren-dered here is an extremelybasic explanation of thisextremely intricate doc-trine. ————————— Dr. Rick Wallace Ph.D. isa theologian, publishedauthor, public speakerand entrepreneur. He hasdegrees in Theology, Bio-mechanics & Kinesiology,Psychology and TextualCriticism.Dr. Wallace is the Deanof the Ministry of Health& Wellness at A Ray ofHope Theological Semi-

nary, Bible College & In-ternational School of Di-vinity. He is also thefounder of RWM (RickWallace MInistries), adynamic and multifacetedministry that uses a crea-tive and unique method-ology to deliver a soundtheology that addressesevery aspect of life bibli-cally, spiritually, and prac-tically.

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Good News Press - 7

Kirk Cameron’s Most Personal ProjectCreates National Headlines

The Church of God in Christ(COGIC) and St. Louis Conven-tion & Visitors Commission(CVC) announce that the largest

African-American Pentecostalchurch in America has chosen toremain in St. Louis through

2016.

COGIC’s largest annual con-vention, The Holy Convoca-tion, has convened downtownnear the world famous Gate-way Arch since 2010. Duringthis period, the St. Louis CVChas ranked the denominationas one of the largest conven-tions that assembled in thedestination. Before moving toSt. Louis, the convention washeld for 103 years in Mem-phis, TN, the church’s inter-

national headquarters.

Presiding Bishop Charles E.Blake, Sr. says, “The GeneralAssembly, the legislative bodyof the Church of God inChrist, voted to continue tohold our convocation in St.Louis, Missouri.” Bishop Blakealso stated, “During the past

three years, the Church ofGod in Christ has broughtover 105 million dollars tothe St. Louis regional econo-my. The mayor, city officialsand residents have shown thechurch great respect, warmthand hospitality. We look for-ward to returning each No-

vember, in the coming years,to this incredible city.”

“The St. Louis community isdelighted in the Church ofGod in Christ’s selection ofSt. Louis for these additionalyears,” says Kathleen “Kitty”Ratcliffe, President of the St.Louis CVC. “St. Louis has

rolled out the red carpet andwelcomed, with open arms,thousands of COGIC Saints… building a positive relation-ship with the entire votingbody. In addition to the ex-traordinary service providedby the hospitality community,COGIC has been embracedby the offices of Mayor Fran-cis G. Slay, St. Louis City Li-cense Collector MichaelMcMillan and County Execu-

tive Charlie Dooley, amongothers. COGIC Saints knowthat they are welcome in ourcommunity and we arethrilled to have the oppor-tunity to continue that wel-

come in the years ahead.”

About the Church of God inChrist. The Church of God in Christis the fifth largest Protestantreligious denomination in theUnited States, the largest Afri-can American Pentecostalchurch in the country and thesecond largest Pentecostalorganization in the world withchurches in 60 countriesworldwide and an estimatedmembership of nearly 6.5million members.

About the St. Louis Convention& Visitors CommissionThe St. Louis Convention andVisitors Commission is thesales and marketing organiza-tion responsible for marketingSt. Louis City and St. LouisCounty as a convention andmeeting site and as a leisuretravel destination.

Historic Global Prayer cont’d from Pg 1 such a broad group of interna-tional prayer and evangelismministries and nations for 40Days of Global Prayer, Fastingand Repentance. Thirty-ninekey national and internationalChristian leaders, who have adeep passion for revival andtransformation, have contrib-uted to the 40 Day devotion-

al.Many other leaders not listedin this devotional from aroundthe world are supporting thisGlobal Prayer Call. These lead-ers represent over a dozencountries including: USA, Aus-tralia, Argentina, UK, China,India, Mozambique, Malawi,Papua New Guinea, SolomonIslands, South Korea and SouthAfrica. The list is growing dayby day. As Andrew Murrayonce said; "He who mobilizes

the Christian church to praywill make the greatest contri-bution to world evangelizationin history." Secondly, the Bil-lion Souls Revival Prayer Call ishistoric because it is the firstglobal call of its kind to drawtogether prayer for social jus-tice issues and world evange-lism. Issues such as abortion

and the rising tide of immorali-ty, which is the driving forcebehind the explosion in humansex trafficking, with the specificprayer request for a release ofa Billion Souls into the king-dom of God.

Proverbs 11:30 says, "He thatwins souls is wise." Thirdly, theBillion Souls Revival PrayerCall has a strong emphasis onrepentance. Daniel and Nehe-miah’s life of prayer, fasting and

repentance led to both revivaland transformation for theirnation in their respective peri-ods of history. These braveOld Testament prophets giveus an example of humility toaspire to, and the undersignedleaders encourage Christiansaround the world to join, asthey are able, in this extended

time of prayer, fasting andrepentance for a worldwideoutpouring of the Holy Spiritfor revival and transformationfor the nations of the world. Jesus Christ said in Matthew17:21, "an evil spirit of thiskind is only driven out by pray-er and fasting." For more infor-mation:www.billionsoulsrevivalprayercall.org or link in on Facebook:www.facebook.com/BillionSoul

sRevivalPrayerCall

Kirk Cameron’s Most Per-sonal Project Creates Na-tional News Headlines from

Social Media Controversy

– Actor/producer KirkCameron has made nationalnews headlines as he an-nounced the release datefor his most personal project to date regarding his

faith in God. Cameron hasinvited audiences nation-wide to join him on Tues-day, September 24, 2013,for his one-night live eventof UNSTOPPABLE to near-ly 700 theaters nationwide.(www.unstoppablethemovie

.com).

UNSTOPPABLE created asocial media firestormwhen both Facebook andYouTube prohibited audi-ence’s access to the film’s

trailer, labeling it as“unsafe” and “abusive.”Over half a million of Cam-eron’s fans rallied to pro-test the blocking of the website, and after several days,both social media sites al-lowed access. Followers ofCameron’s continue to rallyonline support, interactingat an incredible rate on hisnearly 700,000-strong Face-

book page.

UNSTOPPABLE is an artis-tic and compelling docu-mentary that takes audienc-es on a journey to the be-ginning of creation, andchronicles events that offera deeper meaning of therole that pain and sufferinghave in our lives. UNSTOP-PABLE will prompt audienc-es to consider their person-al views on faith, and en-courage conversation start-ers about God, suffering,

and hope.

Cameron, who has been

scrutinized by liberal audi-ences for standing firm onhis Christian views of faith,family, and morality, experi-enced record-breakingsuccess for his 2012 one-night theatrical event Mon-

umental.

“It’s easy to celebrate yourfaith when things seem tobe going well in your life.But when we encountertragedy or adversity in ourlives, we often question

‘Where isGod in allof this?’We wres-tle withour heartsand mindsto under-stand thereasoning,”says Cam-

eron. “InUNSTOP-PABLE, Itake youon a per-sonal voy-age intothe depthsof my faith,based onsomethingthat hap-pened inmy life. Wediscover

not only is there an answerto this pivotal question,there is great hope in it as

well!”

UNSTOPPABLE will bebroadcast to nearly 700cinemas nationwide fromThe Vines Center at LibertyUniversity — the largestChristian university in theworld — in Lynchburg, Va.,on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CTand tape delayed at 7:00

p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m.PT/AK/HI. Tickets and the-atre locations are availableonline atwww.unstoppablethemovie.

com.

The event will feature mu-sic from guests that includeDove nominated artistWarren Barfield, whosesong “Love is Not a Fight”was featured in the inde-pendent blockbuster film“Fireproof”, and former

American Idol contestantand Grammy and Dovenominated recording artist

Mandisa.

Kirk Cameron is bestknown for his memorablerole of “Mike Seaver”, acultural icon of the 80′ s,with his mullet hairstyle,cool glasses, and wisecrack-ing comebacks. More re-cently he enjoyed muchsuccess with the #1 gross-ing inspirational film of

2008, Fireproof, and his

recent documentary, Monu-mental. His company, CAM-fam Studios, will release hislatest film, Unstoppable, onSeptember 24th, in theatersacross the nation. Hisspeaking tour, Love WorthFighting For, is a marriageevent held in churches andhas been hosted in over150 cities. Kirk and his wife,Chelsea, were on-screensweethearts during theirGrowing Pains years andare the founders of CampFirefly, where terminallyand seriously ill childrenand their families are pro-vided an all-expense paidretreat(www.CampFirefly.com).Together, Kirk and Chelsealive in California with their

six children.

About Provident Films:

Provident Films, a divisionof Sony Music Entertain-ment, produces, markets,

and distributes faith-basedfilms. The company is partof Nashville-based Provi-dent Music Group,which has been one of theworld’s leading Christianentertainment companiesfor more than three dec-ades. Films from the com-pany have included Coura-geous, October Baby, Fire-proof, and Facing the Gi-ants. More info is available

at ProvidentFilms.org

Church Of God In Christ Will Keep Its Largest

Convention In St. Louis Through 2016



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