Thursday, September 6, 2007

SCHOOL'S IN SESSION

Life is a classroom filled with one learning experience after another. Since early August, students across the country have been returning to a new grade and for some, a new school. During the upcoming year, they’ll be exposed to information that may be beneficial or detrimental to their spiritual lives. Whether each student believes in the God of heaven does not matter because He does exist, and so does His enemy, the devil. On a daily basis, at any given moment, both are vying for the attention of your child—and for you as a matter of fact.

Look at the people around you or watch television and you’ll agree that everyone is either led by a spirit of good or evil. From the music and books to television and friends, they will be learning about life. You may have seen, Truth about Hip Hop already, and truth be told, any music not born of God is born of the devil. Visit - http://exministries.com/. WARNING!!! DON’T GO HERE IF YOU HAVE WEAK SENSIBILITIES LIKE ME. Whatever your taste, there’s a style of music designed to dull your spiritual senses. Ivor Myers, an ex-rapper, who made the choice to leave the music industry after landing a big contract, calls it musical sorcery. He details the sobering origins of some of the music that is hypnotizing our children (and adults) today. Visit -http://powerofthelamb.com/. Lest you think that other “less-urban” forms of music are ok, read African musician, Brian Neumann’s essay, “From Rock Music to the Rock of Ageshttp://www.biblicalperspectives.com/rockbook/CH_14_NEUMANN.pdf. Here is what he says,


"In spite of contrary claims, no significant difference exists
between secular rock music and its “Christian” version. Why?
Simply because both share the same musical rhythm and are driven by the
same relentless beat. Contemporary Christian Music in its rock, rap, rave,
jazz, metal, or related forms shares the same accentuated, syncopated,
and persistent rhythm of the “rock beat.” Other aspects may also be shared,
but the beat is the real heart and soul of it. Irrespective of its lyrics,
Contemporary Christian Music that conforms to rock’s essential criteria in
any sense cannot be legitimately used for church worship. The reason is
simple. The impact of rock music, in whatever version, is through its music,
and not through its lyrics.

Some argue that so-called “Soft Rock” should not be placed in the same category as the other harder forms of rock. This is not true. A lot of soft rock, although slower in nature, still carries a consistent, syncopated beat and often overaccentuates it. Another important point to consider is the expression, atmosphere, and delivery of soft rock.

Lyrics sung in a breathy, over-sentimental tone suggest an atmosphere of love or lust between a man and woman. These hardly provide an appropriate medium to express love to a Holy God. I am not talking only about lyrics here, but also of atmosphere and tone. All words, whether spoken or sung, are delivered in a unique tone to convey a special intent.

Music designed to express love for Jesus should conform to what the Greeks call agape–love, which is unselfish, and not to what is termed eros–love, which is erotic and self-centered. When choosing our Christian music today, we have to exercise great care and discernment because not everything that comes with a Christian label attached to it is necessarily Christian. This is true even if it does not have a heavy beat."

Music isn’t the only influence that must be guarded with discernment. I’m sure that no one would argue about the evils of the Harry Potter series. Scripture says it plain, ‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.’ (Leviticus 19:31) and ‘And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people’ (Leviticus 20:6). This series has created a thirst in young people for power not of God.

As in the days of Noah, some people have chosen to drown out uncomfortable messages by riotously living (parties and sex) or slowly dying (television and
over-eating). Our children are learning from the lives we live. If we’re not
truly converted in our hearts, they’ll follow our example. Today is the day to choose whom you’ll serve—God or Satan. God wants you to have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). He’s not willing that any should die (2 Peter 3:9). Satan wants to kill you, and in the very least, to destroy your children and wreck your family. I plead with you—choose life.


VARIOUS AND SUNDRY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Amazing Facts Presents:
Here We Stand
Foundations of our Faith
September 7-15, 2007
7:00pm EST
http://amazingfacts.org/

Check website below for a host site near you:

Sites located in the US, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Brazil, Australia, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, U.S. Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Indonesia)

http://www.07revive.com/

or watch streaming video on 3ABN - http://www.3abn.org/ nightly at 7:00pm EST



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Heritage Singers
Sponsored by Worthington/Kellogg Foods

Saturday, September 8 at 6:00 PM

Sligo Park Adventist Church
7700 Carroll Ave.
Takoma Park, Maryland
http://www.sligochurch.org/

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Art Show & Sale
by Louis Gaither
(featuring Watercolor and Oil Paintings)

Sunday, September 9, 2007
12:00 - 4:00pm

Hyattsville Church Fellowship Hall
4807 42nd Place
Hyattsville, MD 20781
301-927-2080

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CHAIM TIME ENTERPRISES
Presents A
“BACK TO SCHOOL”
CLASS

FOR PARENTS


“FOOD FOR THOUGHT”
Using Nutrition To Boost Your Child’s Learning Potential

Learn From a Nutritionist Basic Meal Planning And Diet Strategies That Will Fortify Your Child’s Mind

September 17, 2007
6:00 pm

Glenarden Library
8724 Glenarden Parkway
Glenarden, MD 20706

To register for this workshop or upcoming classes,
call (301) 419-8087 or email chaimtime@gmail.com

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Segregation and Overt Racism in 2007
Read the story of segregation in Jena, Louisiana at http://www.colorofchange.org/jena/message.html
Support by signing the petition, financially supporting the defense fund and/or by attending the rally in Jena on September 20th.
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Festival of the Laity 2007
September 26-29, 2007
Orlando, FL
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Baltimore Book Festival
September 28-30, 2007
Friday, 5-9pm
Saturday, 11am-7pm
Sunday, 11am-7pm
Location: Mount Vernon Place
600 Block North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
*in light of preceding article, use discernment

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