Whether your children are in public school or whether you homeschool your children, Audio Memory is an excellent source for helping children to learn. If your child is struggling trying to learn their addition, subtraction, multiplication or division, you will find Audio Memory to be a great aid in their learning process. You can view these products at Emmaus Road Christian Store.
What is Audio Memory?
Audio Memory Publishing produces materials that encourage students to teach themselves. With the aid of audio cassettes, sing and point exercises and written work, students are able to use "all avenues to the brain." Learning becomes a painless, fun activity which can be enjoyed individually or in a group.
Why use songs to teach these subjects?
Simple answer: It's a lot more fun.
Scientific answer: Virtually all scientists now agree that reading and singing lyrics while listening to music strengthens the connections between frequently used brain cells. Singing activates both sides of the brain. The brain is a pattern-seeker. Putting information into an organized framework such as a song makes it easier to remember.
Singing prepares students for piano lessons. The latest research shows that taking piano lessons improves spatial-temporal reasoning - skills necessary for science and math. Singing is also good exercise. The deep breathing required of singers increases the amount of oxygen in the body. More oxygen to the brain produces better thinking. Singing lifts our spirits and focuses our attention. It is also especially helpful for students with ADD or other learning problems.
Who is using these materials?
Audio Memory has been in business for 16 years. Their products are sold world-wide. They are used by home schoolers, missionaries, public schools, private schools, Montessori schools, after-school programs, tutors, special education programs, blind students, ESL students and parents. Many people use them in the car. They are used by foreign students in language labs for practice in pronunciation and development of vocabulary and grammar.
Are these materials for beginners or advanced students?
Because of the universal appeal of music, these songs can be used with both beginners and advanced students. Children as young as 3 and 4 often memorize the songs before their older siblings. Even though they may not understand what they are memorizing, small children are often able to memorize much information when it is put to music. Later, when they are older, they will be able to apply what they have memorized.
These materials are successful in many settings:
English classes
math classes
reading classes
choir classes
art classes (They listen while they draw, paint, etc.)
P.E. classes (Try doing aerobics with the songs.)
dance classes
learning centers (with headphones)
International Festivals / Global Awareness events
geography classes
social studies classes
on the playground (Hop across a giant map of the USA while singing the States & Capitals.)
on the school bus
in the car
in the bathtub
in the kitchen (while cooking/ cleaning)
while jumping rope or walking
in hospitals (with headphones)
whenever the substitute teacher has run out of things to do
whenever the teacher needs to sit down and rest.
Who's the Author?
Larry and Kathy Troxel are both professional musicians and teachers. Kathy has taught for over ten years in private, public and home schools. She started Grammar Songs in 1980 while teaching a sophomore English class and spent five years developing it and testing it with different age groups. After that, she and her husband joined together to produce other educational music. The business of Audio Memory Publishing has become their full-time work (along with parenting). They have plans to produce more educational materials. Please let us know by e-mail what other educational songs you would like produced.
Reviews/Awards:
LA Times
Daily Breeze
To View Audio Memory and or Mastery Kits, click here!
To View Other Homeschooling Products, click here!
Please Visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at www.Emmaus-Road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Tony Dungy "Uncommon" and "Quiet Strength"
This week I will briefly review the career of Tony Dungy as well as a synopsis of two of his books, “Uncommon” (his most recent release) and “Quiet Strength.” Though now officially retired from football, Dungy is having as great an impact today through his charitable organizations and writings as he did on the football field. Tony Dungy’s books are on sale and available at Emmaus Road Christian Store.
Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory on February 4, 2007, the first such win for an African American coach. Dungy had taken eight of his previous ten teams to the playoffs. With this victory, he joined Mike Ditka and Tom Flores as the only individuals to win the Super Bowl as a player and head coach. Dungy had a stellar career as an NFL coach. With all of his successes though, he is mostly known for taking a strong stand for his Christian faith.
Prior to entering the coaching fraternity, Tony Dungy had a brief stint as a player. Though a quarterback in college, the Pittsburg Steelers drafted him as a safety. After a couple of years with the Steelers he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Dungy joined the Colts in 2002 after serving as the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay history. He has also held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. Before becoming a coach, Dungy played three seasons in the NFL.
Dungy has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Prison Crusade Ministry, and All Pro Dad. He also works with Basket of Hope, the Black Coaches Association National Convention, Indiana Black Expo, the United Way of Central Indiana, and the American Diabetes Association.
He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of six children: daughters, Tiara and Jade, and sons, Eric, Jordan, and Justin, and the late James Dungy.
Uncommon
Super Bowl winning coach and #1 New York Times best selling author Tony Dungy has had an unusual opportunity to reflect on what it takes to achieve significance. He is looked to by many as the epitome of the success and significance that is highly valued in our culture. He also works every day with young men who are trying to achieve significance through football and all that goes with a professional athletic career such as money, power, and celebrity. Coach Dungy has had all that, but he passionately believes that there is a different path to significance, a path characterized by attitudes, ambitions, and allegiances that are all too rare but uncommonly rewarding. Uncommon reveals lessons on achieving significance that the coach has learned from his remarkable parents, his athletic and coaching career, his mentors, and his journey with God. A particular focus of the book: what it means to be a man of significance in a culture that is offering young men few positive role models.
Quiet Strength
The #1 New York Times bestselling book from Tony Dungy is now available in softcover - with
a SPECIAL NEW CHAPTER. In it, Coach reflects on the 2007 football season and last year’s successful hardcover release of Quiet Strength! Tony Dungy's words and example have intrigued millions of people, particularly following his victory in Super Bowl XLI, the first for an African American coach. How is it possible for a coach--especially a football coach--to win the respect of his players and lead them to the Super Bowl without the screaming histrionics, the profanities, the demand that the sport come before anything else? How is it possible for anyone to be successful without compromising faith and family? In this inspiring and reflective memoir, Coach Dungy tells the story of a life lived for God and family--and challenges us all to redefine our ideas of what it means to succeed. He led his team to #1 in the world-and showed the world a better way to live, lead, and succeed. When Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI-and made history as the first African American coach to win the big game-millions of people, amazed by the success of his quiet, authoritative leadership style, wondered: how does he get it done? In the pages of this fascinating memoir, Tony Dungy reveals the secrets to his success-principles, practices, and priorities that have kept him on track despite overwhelming obstacles, including personal trials, firings and stereotypes. In the face of so much adversity, Tony has not only survived but risen to the very top of his profession in a way that’s won the respect of fans, players, and even his competitors. His thoughts on leading, succeeding, and attaining true significance will inspire you to take a long, hard look at the things that really matter in your own life.
Obtain a copy of Uncommon
Obtain a copy of Quiet Strength
Other resources by Tony Dungy
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/ for your entire Christian book, Bible, music, gift or apparel needs.
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory on February 4, 2007, the first such win for an African American coach. Dungy had taken eight of his previous ten teams to the playoffs. With this victory, he joined Mike Ditka and Tom Flores as the only individuals to win the Super Bowl as a player and head coach. Dungy had a stellar career as an NFL coach. With all of his successes though, he is mostly known for taking a strong stand for his Christian faith.
Prior to entering the coaching fraternity, Tony Dungy had a brief stint as a player. Though a quarterback in college, the Pittsburg Steelers drafted him as a safety. After a couple of years with the Steelers he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Dungy joined the Colts in 2002 after serving as the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay history. He has also held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. Before becoming a coach, Dungy played three seasons in the NFL.
Dungy has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Prison Crusade Ministry, and All Pro Dad. He also works with Basket of Hope, the Black Coaches Association National Convention, Indiana Black Expo, the United Way of Central Indiana, and the American Diabetes Association.
He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of six children: daughters, Tiara and Jade, and sons, Eric, Jordan, and Justin, and the late James Dungy.
Uncommon
Super Bowl winning coach and #1 New York Times best selling author Tony Dungy has had an unusual opportunity to reflect on what it takes to achieve significance. He is looked to by many as the epitome of the success and significance that is highly valued in our culture. He also works every day with young men who are trying to achieve significance through football and all that goes with a professional athletic career such as money, power, and celebrity. Coach Dungy has had all that, but he passionately believes that there is a different path to significance, a path characterized by attitudes, ambitions, and allegiances that are all too rare but uncommonly rewarding. Uncommon reveals lessons on achieving significance that the coach has learned from his remarkable parents, his athletic and coaching career, his mentors, and his journey with God. A particular focus of the book: what it means to be a man of significance in a culture that is offering young men few positive role models.
Quiet Strength
The #1 New York Times bestselling book from Tony Dungy is now available in softcover - with
a SPECIAL NEW CHAPTER. In it, Coach reflects on the 2007 football season and last year’s successful hardcover release of Quiet Strength! Tony Dungy's words and example have intrigued millions of people, particularly following his victory in Super Bowl XLI, the first for an African American coach. How is it possible for a coach--especially a football coach--to win the respect of his players and lead them to the Super Bowl without the screaming histrionics, the profanities, the demand that the sport come before anything else? How is it possible for anyone to be successful without compromising faith and family? In this inspiring and reflective memoir, Coach Dungy tells the story of a life lived for God and family--and challenges us all to redefine our ideas of what it means to succeed. He led his team to #1 in the world-and showed the world a better way to live, lead, and succeed. When Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI-and made history as the first African American coach to win the big game-millions of people, amazed by the success of his quiet, authoritative leadership style, wondered: how does he get it done? In the pages of this fascinating memoir, Tony Dungy reveals the secrets to his success-principles, practices, and priorities that have kept him on track despite overwhelming obstacles, including personal trials, firings and stereotypes. In the face of so much adversity, Tony has not only survived but risen to the very top of his profession in a way that’s won the respect of fans, players, and even his competitors. His thoughts on leading, succeeding, and attaining true significance will inspire you to take a long, hard look at the things that really matter in your own life.Obtain a copy of Uncommon
Obtain a copy of Quiet Strength
Other resources by Tony Dungy
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/ for your entire Christian book, Bible, music, gift or apparel needs.
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Bob Siemon Designs
One of the most popular Christian jewelry companies in the United States is Bob Siemon. Did you know however that Bob Siemon manufactures other products as well? Though mostly known for their line of jewelry, they also manufacture Home Décor, Bible Accessories, and Seasonal Items. Below you will find information relevant to Bob Siemon Designs. Many of Bob Siemon’s Designs can be found at Emmaus Road Christian Store. I hope you enjoy the learning experience.
Quality and creativity are at the heart of everything at Bob Siemon Designs. Throughout the years, they have dedicated themselves to the task of delivering Christian jewelry and gifts of superior quality in both revolutionary and innovative ways. Their commitment to these values has often put them in a position to break the mold of what is conventional and to define new standards in reaching the world with the message of hope.
Bob Siemon Designs was formally established in 1970 in Calabasas, California, where Siemon ran the business from a circus wagon, both casting and distributing rings to retailers throughout the area. Today the company resides on five acres in Santa Ana and employs more than 150 skilled professionals and artists who contribute to the same vision Siemon initially defined more than 35 years ago.
A commitment to the values that helped the company become an industry leader is what separates Bob Siemon Designs from other companies. The highest standards of quality and creativity are applied to each and every design and an emphasis on service has allowed the company to maintain a personal connection with our customers as it has grown to over 6,500 accounts worldwide. All operations, including designing, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and customer service are performed in-house from our single location.
Their ongoing effort to break the mold have also led to significantly innovative ways in which retailers interact with their customers. Bob Siemon Designs recognizes that no two stores are exactly the same and, for that reason, the company is committed to developing new and creative resources to give their retailing partners an edge in the market and to help extend the message of hope into the future.
Mission
Their mission is to reach the world with the message of hope bycreating jewelry and gifts of exceptional quality which will inspirepeople to express and share their faith.
Core Values
Quality, Quality, Quality
Quality is their highest value. Their goal is to "be the best" in all areas:product, service, and individual contribution.
Service
Service is their passion. They extend themselves enthusiastically to serving people, doing whatever it takes to make our customers "raving fans".
Creativity
Vision with action can change the world. "Imagination is moreimportant than knowledge" (Albert Einstein). They encourage creativitythrough imagination and hard work.
Teamwork
Their values of quality, service, and creativity and their ultimate goal ofreaching the world with their product can only be accomplished throughteamwork at every level. “There is no limit to what we can accomplishif we don't mind who gets the credit.”
Communication
The key to their team success is good communication at every level. They all share the responsibility for good two-way communication to accomplish our goals.
Ethics
They are committed to the highest standard of ethics and professional conduct. Their principles are truth, honesty, integrity, loyalty, andtrustworthiness.
Accountability
They believe in individual accountability. They accept responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and behavior toward their customers, co-workers, and the company.
Fun
Life is too short not to have fun where you work. Find a job that youlove and you'll never have to work a day in your life.
Profitability
Sales growth combined with fair profits are essential in creating a healthy business, enabling their employees to accomplish theirfinancial and career objectives.
Testimonials
From USA
It is wonderful to be able to buy things that you can not find at the stories. I will be back.
_____________________________________________________________________________
From South Carolina
I am so happy that you offer so many styles to choose from in your true love waits series. Thank you so much for all that you do and May God Bless You and Keep You!
_____________________________________________________________________________
From USA
I really love the Hebrew pieces....and the one of Jesus the Messiah is just awesome. The charm of the manger is great and the back just makes it even better. I have other pieces of your jewelry. Love it! All God's Best! Pamela
_____________________________________________________________________________
From Fayetteville, NC
I LOVE BOB SIEMON STUFF!
From Connecticut
Each year we have a senior night for our graduates from Youth Group. We try to find that special gift that will keep them remembering what we have been leading them to. To know that God has a plan and purpose for us is important for each young person to remember. The purchase of the 29 eleven key rings is an awesome gift for them to remember exactly how God feels about each and every one of them.
_____________________________________________________________________________
From Colorado Springs, CO
Thanks for the beautiful work you do!
_____________________________________________________________________________
To view Bob Siemon Designs, click here!
To view other available jewelry collections, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Quality and creativity are at the heart of everything at Bob Siemon Designs. Throughout the years, they have dedicated themselves to the task of delivering Christian jewelry and gifts of superior quality in both revolutionary and innovative ways. Their commitment to these values has often put them in a position to break the mold of what is conventional and to define new standards in reaching the world with the message of hope.
Bob Siemon Designs was formally established in 1970 in Calabasas, California, where Siemon ran the business from a circus wagon, both casting and distributing rings to retailers throughout the area. Today the company resides on five acres in Santa Ana and employs more than 150 skilled professionals and artists who contribute to the same vision Siemon initially defined more than 35 years ago.
A commitment to the values that helped the company become an industry leader is what separates Bob Siemon Designs from other companies. The highest standards of quality and creativity are applied to each and every design and an emphasis on service has allowed the company to maintain a personal connection with our customers as it has grown to over 6,500 accounts worldwide. All operations, including designing, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and customer service are performed in-house from our single location.
Their ongoing effort to break the mold have also led to significantly innovative ways in which retailers interact with their customers. Bob Siemon Designs recognizes that no two stores are exactly the same and, for that reason, the company is committed to developing new and creative resources to give their retailing partners an edge in the market and to help extend the message of hope into the future.
Mission
Their mission is to reach the world with the message of hope bycreating jewelry and gifts of exceptional quality which will inspirepeople to express and share their faith.
Core Values
Quality, Quality, Quality
Quality is their highest value. Their goal is to "be the best" in all areas:product, service, and individual contribution.
Service
Service is their passion. They extend themselves enthusiastically to serving people, doing whatever it takes to make our customers "raving fans".
Creativity
Vision with action can change the world. "Imagination is moreimportant than knowledge" (Albert Einstein). They encourage creativitythrough imagination and hard work.
Teamwork
Their values of quality, service, and creativity and their ultimate goal ofreaching the world with their product can only be accomplished throughteamwork at every level. “There is no limit to what we can accomplishif we don't mind who gets the credit.”
Communication
The key to their team success is good communication at every level. They all share the responsibility for good two-way communication to accomplish our goals.
Ethics
They are committed to the highest standard of ethics and professional conduct. Their principles are truth, honesty, integrity, loyalty, andtrustworthiness.
Accountability
They believe in individual accountability. They accept responsibility for their actions, attitudes, and behavior toward their customers, co-workers, and the company.
Fun
Life is too short not to have fun where you work. Find a job that youlove and you'll never have to work a day in your life.
Profitability
Sales growth combined with fair profits are essential in creating a healthy business, enabling their employees to accomplish theirfinancial and career objectives.
Testimonials
From USA
It is wonderful to be able to buy things that you can not find at the stories. I will be back.
_____________________________________________________________________________
From South Carolina
I am so happy that you offer so many styles to choose from in your true love waits series. Thank you so much for all that you do and May God Bless You and Keep You!
_____________________________________________________________________________
From USA
I really love the Hebrew pieces....and the one of Jesus the Messiah is just awesome. The charm of the manger is great and the back just makes it even better. I have other pieces of your jewelry. Love it! All God's Best! Pamela
_____________________________________________________________________________
From Fayetteville, NC
I LOVE BOB SIEMON STUFF!
From Connecticut
Each year we have a senior night for our graduates from Youth Group. We try to find that special gift that will keep them remembering what we have been leading them to. To know that God has a plan and purpose for us is important for each young person to remember. The purchase of the 29 eleven key rings is an awesome gift for them to remember exactly how God feels about each and every one of them.
_____________________________________________________________________________
From Colorado Springs, CO
Thanks for the beautiful work you do!
_____________________________________________________________________________
To view Bob Siemon Designs, click here!
To view other available jewelry collections, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Michael W. Smith
One of the most popular recording artists of all times is Michael W. Smith. He is considered to be one of the greatest praise and worship leaders of today. The information provided below has bee taken from his official web page. Who better to tell the story of Michael W. Smith other than Michael W. Smith?
Michael Whitaker Smith was born October 7, 1957 to Paul and Barbara Smith in Kenova, West Virginia. A sister named Kim would follow. Michael was a typical boy - active in baseball, his family's church activities, and playing piano. But in not-so-typical fashion, he wrote his first song at age five. At the age of ten, he made a decision to give his life to Christ. He dreamed of playing professional baseball.
Michael attended college at Marshall University in West Virginia but after one semester dropped out to move to Nashville and pursue a career in music. (side note trivia: In 1992 Michael received an honorary Doctorate of Music degree from Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia.)
The years 1979-1981 are best written by Michael himself in his book It's Time To Be Bold. From chapter 1, we read:
While playing keyboards for the group Higher Ground, I signed my first songwriting contract with Paragon/Benson Publishing Company. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I was knocking down $200 a week to do something that I loved. Writing songs for a living meant that I didn't have to wait tables anymore, or work at Coca-Cola, or plant shrubs with a landscaping company.
I thought my life had peaked and God didn't have to do anything else for me. I wasn't looking for a record deal, a higher salary, or even a girlfriend - and especially not a wife. Writing music, I was as content as I'd ever been, and I labored at it sixteen hours a day. Then one afternoon while I was working in my office, Deborah Kay Davis walked by.
I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. When she passed by, it was all over for me. I was blown away. Totally head over heels in love. I frantically picked up the phone and called my mother in West Virginia.
"Mom, I can't believe it. You're not going to believe this, Mom. I just saw the girl I'm going to marry."
"What's her name?"
"I don't know, Mom. I haven't met her yet. But I gotta go. I'll find out and call you back."
My poor mother! She must have thought I'd lost my mind. But I'd never been so clearheaded in my life.
I left my office and went searching for this girl in the warehouse. Sherlock Holmes couldn't have done a better job of tracking her down, and eventually I found myself standing outside the ladies' restroom, waiting for her to emerge. She walked out. I introduced myself. We were engaged three and a half weeks later - and married four months after that!
In 1982, Michael was asked to play keyboards in a band that was backing up young artist Amy Grant. He also continued to write songs for himself.
The story goes that Amy's managers, Mike Blanton and Dan Harrell could not find a Christian record label that would sign Michael or a young New Yorker named Kathy Troccoli. Believing so much in these two young talents, they started Reunion Records.
Michael made his very first record in 1983 and it was called "Michael W. Smith Project." Michael wrote all the music and wife Debbie wrote the lyrics. The now famous song "Friends" debuted on this album. Michael continued to tour with Amy, now as her opening act.
From there - the records kept coming, and then the books as well:
1984 - the album "Michael W. Smith 2"
1985 - the video "Michael W. Smith Live in Concert"
1986 - the album "The Big Picture" and Michael's first book Old Enough to Know
1987 - the album "The Live Set" and the video "The Big Picture Tour"
1988 - the album "i 2 (EYE)"
1989 - the album "Christmas"
1990 - the album "Go West Young Man" which saw the song "Place in This World" hit the top 5 in pop charts, and helped earn him American Music Award's New Artist of the Year.
1992 - the album "Change Your World"
1993 - the album "The First Decade" (a best-of album) as well as a limited edition 2-cd boxed set entitled "The Wonder Years."
1995 - the album "I'll Lead You Home"
1997 - the book It's Time to Be Bold and the book Friends Are Friends Forever
1998 - the album "Live the Life" and the book Your Place In This World and at Christmas his second Christmas album "Christmastime"
1999 - the album "This Is Your Time," the book This Is Your Time, as well as a cookbook with his mom entitled Cooking with Smitty's Mom and a children's book co-authored with wife Debbie entitled Where's Whitney?
2000 - the album "Freedom"
2001 - the book I Will Be Your Friend and the album "Worship"
2002 - the book Worship, the book The Price of Freedom the vhs/dvd "Worship" and the album "Worship Again"
2003 - the CD box set "The Gospels Come to Life" (narration of the four gospels), a DVD "The Bigger Picture" and the album "The Second Decade" with a limited edition DVD
2004 - album "Healing Rain"
2006 - the movie and soundtrack "The Second Chance
2006 - the album "Stand"
2007 - the album "It's A Wonderful Christmas"
2008 - the album "A New Hallelujah"
In the midst of 18 albums and ten books as well as the awards (Dove awards and Grammy awards among them), Michael and Debbie were blessed with five children: Ryan, Whitney, Tyler, Emily and Anna.
In 1994, Michael founded a teen club called Rocketown in an effort to provide a place for teens to gather in a safe, loving environment. A warehouse in the Cool Springs area of Brentwood, TN was converted into a dance floor, rooms with pool tables and a coffeehouse. After three years, the club closed. The leadership continued to build a ministry devoted to kids, and a new site in downtown Nashville that reopened in 2003. Visit Rocketown at http://www.rcktwn.com/.
In 1996, Michael founded Rocketown Records with Reunion executive Don Donahue and launched their first artist, Chris Rice. Michael and Don shared a dream to be part of a label where great songs were the focus, where artists, not acts, were developed. They wanted a label that felt like a family. And what a family it is! Go to www.rocketownrecords.com to learn more!
In 1999, a prayer group of Michael and Debbie's that had been meeting at their farm, had blossomed into what they felt had become a church body. Gathering up some leadership, Michael and Debbie helped start New River Fellowship with close leadership by Pastor and mentor Don Finto, former senior pastor of Nashville's Belmont Church where Michael and Debbie had attended for many years. Visit New River Fellowship at http://www.newriverfellowship.com/.
Throughout his career, Michael has had the opportunity to sing for Presidents and national leaders, and counts among his friends the Reverend Billy Graham and his son, Franklin Graham. He is active in Billy Graham Crusades as well as The Samaritan's Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham.
But for all of Michael's accolades, for his involvement in his teen outreach Rocketown, leadership in his local church body, the business of being an artist, an author and a record label executive, Michael sums up his life as this, "to be remembered as a God-fearing man who loved his wife and kids well.
“A New Hallelujah” is available at Emmaus Road Christian Store, click here to order!
Michael W. Smith’s other CD’s are available at Emmaus Road Christian Store, click here to view!
Other music by other artists… click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Michael attended college at Marshall University in West Virginia but after one semester dropped out to move to Nashville and pursue a career in music. (side note trivia: In 1992 Michael received an honorary Doctorate of Music degree from Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia.)
The years 1979-1981 are best written by Michael himself in his book It's Time To Be Bold. From chapter 1, we read:
While playing keyboards for the group Higher Ground, I signed my first songwriting contract with Paragon/Benson Publishing Company. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I was knocking down $200 a week to do something that I loved. Writing songs for a living meant that I didn't have to wait tables anymore, or work at Coca-Cola, or plant shrubs with a landscaping company.
I thought my life had peaked and God didn't have to do anything else for me. I wasn't looking for a record deal, a higher salary, or even a girlfriend - and especially not a wife. Writing music, I was as content as I'd ever been, and I labored at it sixteen hours a day. Then one afternoon while I was working in my office, Deborah Kay Davis walked by.
I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. When she passed by, it was all over for me. I was blown away. Totally head over heels in love. I frantically picked up the phone and called my mother in West Virginia.
"Mom, I can't believe it. You're not going to believe this, Mom. I just saw the girl I'm going to marry."
"What's her name?"
"I don't know, Mom. I haven't met her yet. But I gotta go. I'll find out and call you back."
My poor mother! She must have thought I'd lost my mind. But I'd never been so clearheaded in my life.
I left my office and went searching for this girl in the warehouse. Sherlock Holmes couldn't have done a better job of tracking her down, and eventually I found myself standing outside the ladies' restroom, waiting for her to emerge. She walked out. I introduced myself. We were engaged three and a half weeks later - and married four months after that!
In 1982, Michael was asked to play keyboards in a band that was backing up young artist Amy Grant. He also continued to write songs for himself.
The story goes that Amy's managers, Mike Blanton and Dan Harrell could not find a Christian record label that would sign Michael or a young New Yorker named Kathy Troccoli. Believing so much in these two young talents, they started Reunion Records.
Michael made his very first record in 1983 and it was called "Michael W. Smith Project." Michael wrote all the music and wife Debbie wrote the lyrics. The now famous song "Friends" debuted on this album. Michael continued to tour with Amy, now as her opening act.
From there - the records kept coming, and then the books as well:
1984 - the album "Michael W. Smith 2"
1985 - the video "Michael W. Smith Live in Concert"
1986 - the album "The Big Picture" and Michael's first book Old Enough to Know
1987 - the album "The Live Set" and the video "The Big Picture Tour"
1988 - the album "i 2 (EYE)"
1989 - the album "Christmas"
1990 - the album "Go West Young Man" which saw the song "Place in This World" hit the top 5 in pop charts, and helped earn him American Music Award's New Artist of the Year.
1992 - the album "Change Your World"
1993 - the album "The First Decade" (a best-of album) as well as a limited edition 2-cd boxed set entitled "The Wonder Years."
1995 - the album "I'll Lead You Home"
1997 - the book It's Time to Be Bold and the book Friends Are Friends Forever
1998 - the album "Live the Life" and the book Your Place In This World and at Christmas his second Christmas album "Christmastime"
1999 - the album "This Is Your Time," the book This Is Your Time, as well as a cookbook with his mom entitled Cooking with Smitty's Mom and a children's book co-authored with wife Debbie entitled Where's Whitney?
2000 - the album "Freedom"
2001 - the book I Will Be Your Friend and the album "Worship"
2002 - the book Worship, the book The Price of Freedom the vhs/dvd "Worship" and the album "Worship Again"
2003 - the CD box set "The Gospels Come to Life" (narration of the four gospels), a DVD "The Bigger Picture" and the album "The Second Decade" with a limited edition DVD
2004 - album "Healing Rain"
2006 - the movie and soundtrack "The Second Chance
2006 - the album "Stand"
2007 - the album "It's A Wonderful Christmas"
2008 - the album "A New Hallelujah"
In the midst of 18 albums and ten books as well as the awards (Dove awards and Grammy awards among them), Michael and Debbie were blessed with five children: Ryan, Whitney, Tyler, Emily and Anna.
In 1994, Michael founded a teen club called Rocketown in an effort to provide a place for teens to gather in a safe, loving environment. A warehouse in the Cool Springs area of Brentwood, TN was converted into a dance floor, rooms with pool tables and a coffeehouse. After three years, the club closed. The leadership continued to build a ministry devoted to kids, and a new site in downtown Nashville that reopened in 2003. Visit Rocketown at http://www.rcktwn.com/.
In 1996, Michael founded Rocketown Records with Reunion executive Don Donahue and launched their first artist, Chris Rice. Michael and Don shared a dream to be part of a label where great songs were the focus, where artists, not acts, were developed. They wanted a label that felt like a family. And what a family it is! Go to www.rocketownrecords.com to learn more!
In 1999, a prayer group of Michael and Debbie's that had been meeting at their farm, had blossomed into what they felt had become a church body. Gathering up some leadership, Michael and Debbie helped start New River Fellowship with close leadership by Pastor and mentor Don Finto, former senior pastor of Nashville's Belmont Church where Michael and Debbie had attended for many years. Visit New River Fellowship at http://www.newriverfellowship.com/.
Throughout his career, Michael has had the opportunity to sing for Presidents and national leaders, and counts among his friends the Reverend Billy Graham and his son, Franklin Graham. He is active in Billy Graham Crusades as well as The Samaritan's Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham.
But for all of Michael's accolades, for his involvement in his teen outreach Rocketown, leadership in his local church body, the business of being an artist, an author and a record label executive, Michael sums up his life as this, "to be remembered as a God-fearing man who loved his wife and kids well.
“A New Hallelujah” is available at Emmaus Road Christian Store, click here to order!
Michael W. Smith’s other CD’s are available at Emmaus Road Christian Store, click here to view!
Other music by other artists… click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Over the years I have used many different study and reference Bibles. One of my favorites is the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible. This week I will provide information on the origin and the make-up of the Thompson. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is published by Kirkbride Bible Company. The information contained herein has been taken from their company. I have read and reviewed what the company presents and find it to be totally accurate. With that in mind, who better to explain their Bible than themselves?
Dr. Frank Charles Thompson was a young preacher in the late 1800s when he became disappointed with the reference Bibles being sold to preachers. Dr. Thompson believed the Bible should be presented in a simple, but scholarly way. He saw the need for a well-organized reference Bible that would be of practical use to the layman as well as a minister.
In 1890, Dr. Thompson began the work he would continue for the rest of his life. He completed the "thought suggestions" opposite the verses throughout the Bible. These are what became the "chain-links" that are the heart of the Thompson system. Some of the men in Dr. Thompson's church saw his Bible and told him this would be a great help to them in their Bible study too. They encouraged Dr. Thompson to have his Bible, with marginal references, published so that everyone could enjoy the blessing of this helpful study tool.
In 1908, the first edition of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible® was printed by Methodists Book Concern of Dobbs Ferry, New York. It became known as the most helpful, trustworthy and unbiased study Bible available. The Thompson® Bible continues to have that reputation today.
In 1913, Dr. Thompson joined with B.B. Kirkbride in Indianapolis, Indiana to form the Kirkbride Bible Company. This was to assure the constant improvement of this remarkable study tool, and the widest distribution possible.
Today, the Thompson® Chain-Reference Bible offers you a complete study library in one volume. With over 78 practical features for in depth Scriptural appreciation and understanding, nothing can match what the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible offers:
Over 100,000 topical references
Over 8,000 Chain Topics
Updated Archaeological Supplement with photos and maps
Outline studies of each book of the Bible
Journey maps and Bible harmonies
Biblical Atlas
Bible Book Outlines
Over 4,000,000 Thompson Chain-Reference Bibles sold!
Thompson Bibles are made for those who use their Bibles every day. A Thompson study Bible will help you in ways other Bibles can't. It's the unique Chain-Reference® System that allows you to follow any subject, person, place or idea, from the front of your Bible to the end. Thompson users say it's the best way to study your Bible. No other Bible has this superb, patented, "Chain-Reference System" developed by Dr. Frank C. Thompson in 1890. Since that time, Kirkbride Bible Company has been adding thousands of additional topics and links. The Thompson you buy today has over 100,000 links covering over 7,000 topics. Every page is stuffed with treasure. Your Thompson Bible will become a trusted friend.
Your Thompson Bible comes with extras, found only in premium study Bibles, like gold-foil gilded pages and double-sided real silk ribbon bookmarks. Your Thompson can also be personalized with your name in gold on the cover. For super-swift researching you can order your Thompson "thumb indexed."
Choosing a Thompson Bible is a personal choice. All Thompson regular sized Bibles are available in a variety of covers, colors and translations. If you would like a lifetime of use, we recommend the leather covers. You'll find our leather Bibles are exquisite.Thompson adult Bibles are available in the 4 most popular English translations: King James Version, New King James Version, New International Version, and New American Standard Bible.
Celebrating a milestone
2008 marked the Centennial Anniversary of the Thompson Chain-Reference King James Bible. During 2008 all KJV regular size and Large print Bibles where "Centennial Editions" with these special features:
Spine will bear special "Centennial Edition" stamp
Box will be marked "Centennial Edition"
It will include an extra signature with special Centennial Title page, a letter from Krikbride's CEO Marshall Gage, and a brief history of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible and Kirkbride Bible Co.
Special signed and numbered top-of-the-line leather editions along with premium leather editions will be available
A Thompson® is the only true "Influence-Free" Study Bible. This is the one very important difference between a Thompson® and most other study Bibles. Most study Bibles fill their margins with another person's commentary. These are notes from a knowledgeable author who tries to explain the text to you. Commentaries can be useful, but every author has his or her own view and biased agenda. Commentaries offer wide and often opposing influence. Your Thompson® Bible is "influence-free," because instead of commentary, our margins are filled with thousands of chain-references® that propel you ahead into Scripture. Scholars agree that the Bible is its own best commentary, and no other study Bible helps you go deeper into the Scriptures than a Thompson® Chain-Reference® Study Bible.
Thompson® Bibles include hundreds of pages of additional study tools, many of which are available in no other Bible. These 75 extra tools make your study easier and more enjoyable, sparing you from needing many other volumes.
Thousands of additional chain-references have been added over the decades. Study any Bible verse and you'll always know where to go next.
Here are some helps that are included:
Index of Chain Topics. Complete listing of over 7,000 marginal topics and reference chains. Most verses are printed out in the Index.
Selected Bible Readings. An arrangement by subject matter of Bible verses suitable for private devotions or public services. Listed are such topics as Death, Gifts from God, Unbelievers, and more.
Revised Concordance. This will help you find any verse, even if you only know a few words. Alphabetical listing of English words found in your Thompson® Bible with help numbers linking you to other help sections in your Bible.
Bible Harmonies & Illustrated Studies. Biographical harmonies of Moses, Jesus, and Paul by means of pictorial maps, charts, and outlines. Follow their footprints with Journey Maps, a feature found only in Thompson Chain-Reference Bibles.
Extensive Archaeology Section. Ties modern discoveries to real verses. Contains much factual information on people, places, and things as found in modern excavations.
Bible Marking Guide. Offers you time-tested secrets for keeping your discoveries fresh.
Bible Atlas. Puts you right there, in the holy land, during every biblical period. A series of extremely detailed, color maps, showing Archaeological sites in the holy land, Journeys of the Apostle Paul, the ancient World, Palestine, Jerusalem and others.
Outline Studies of Each Book. Go here first to find out who, what, when, where and why. Devoted to a study of the Bible as a whole, from its earliest beginnings through modern translation and also a complete outline of each Book of the Bible, giving author, theme, and key words. A must-have feature for those involved in teaching.
Dozens of helpful charts. Illustrated with delightful artwork you can study for hours.
Bible Character Studies. Biographical sketches and outline studies of all the major characters of the Bible. Includes early life, divine call, and biblical history.
Bible Glossary. Helps you pronounce and understand Bible terms.
General Index. An alphabetical listing of all topics with connecting numbers.
Harmony of the Gospels. A side-by-side listing of Gospel accounts.
Messianic Prophecies. Prophecies concerning Jesus and their fulfillment.
Portraits of Christ. Christ's character and work as seen by Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, and Revelation.
Topical Treasury. Contains practical helps for Christian workers. Suggests topics to be used at prayer meetings and devotional meetings.
You can order nearly any Thompson® Bible Thumb-Indexed for just a few dollars extra. We carefully hand-cut 35 notches into the open side of your Thompson Bible and apply 26 black gilded tabs and 9 gold tabs, to help you locate all 66 books of your Bible, your Index, Helps Section, Concordance and Archaeology information.
Why 35 tabs?
On the page before the Book of Genesis in every Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is a chart entitled "River of Inspiration". Starting with Genesis and proceeding throughout the Bible to Revelation, every Book of the Bible is grouped into one of nine major divisions. The Gold(or Silver) tabs used in our exclusive indexing process represent the Book where a major division begins, while the black tabs represent the remaining Book names.
This educational feature benefits readers by helping them become more familiar with the location of major divisions of the Bible and helps to clarify their understanding of how the scriptures were written. In turn their Bible study time is more rewarding and effective.
9 Major Divisions:
Pentateuch
O.T. History
Poetry
Major Prophets
Minor Prophets
Gospels & N.T. History
Paul's Epistles(Major Letters)
General Epistles(Minor Letters)
Revelation
These tabs add value to your one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Thompson Bible. Furthermore, they'll help you become better acquainted with your new Bible. Since Thompson Bibles have nearly a thousand pages of additional helps at the back, you will be glad to have the Thumb Index to help you find anything in an instant.
Chain Reference System
The Chain-Reference® System is found only in Thompson® Bibles. It is the most helpful study tool ever assembled. Every important verse of the New and Old Testaments has been analyzed into topics which help to open up the meaning of the verses and stimulates Bible study. Start with any verse of Scripture and follow thousands of topics all the way through your Bible.
Forward Chain-Reference®. These chain links are found on every page of your Thompson® Bible. They will lead you to the next Scripture verse in the chain, helping you follow any topic from Genesis through Revelation.
New Topics. These marginal references direct you to a new topic in this verse. You simply go to the Index of Topics you'll find a wealth of information and the first place in Scripture to begin the 'chain' for this topic.
Better than a Concordance. You'll find related topics not mentioned by word in the Bible Text. This helps you to expand the scope of your study in a way that goes beyond what a complete concordance can do.
Analysis of Each Chapter. Each Chapter of your Bible has been thoroughly analyzed into the main divisions and printed in bold-face type, presenting a digest of the teachings of the Chapter.
To view a complete line of Thompson Chain-Reference Bibles, Click here!
To view a complete line of Bibles, please click here!
Visit Emmaus Road Christian Store @ http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Bob Jones University Press
As we continue our investigation of homeschooling and homeschooling companies, this week the focus will be on Bob Jones University Press. In the early 1970s it became apparent that if there were to be academically solid, biblically sound science textbooks, Christian teachers of science would have to write them. George Mulfinger and Emmett Williams agreed and were commissioned to write a high school physical science textbook.
At nearly the same time, God impressed on Dr. Bob Jones III that Christian schools needed Christian textbooks if they were to maintain their vision. By the time Mulfinger and Williams had completed the manuscript for Physical Science for Christian Schools, Bob Jones University was preparing to embark on textbook publication.
At that time the University Press had been publishing a few books and booklets by such writers as Ian Paisley, the doctors Jones, and Charles Woodbridge. It also produced a periodical, the brainchild of Dr. Jones Jr., Faith for the Family. The machinery—human and otherwise—producing books, booklets, and the periodical, was called upon to help prepare the science text manuscript for printing.
The printing staff was small—and busy; so to expedite getting camera-ready pages to the outside book manufacturer on time, dozens of volunteers from the faculty and staff worked in the evenings to proofread and make corrections. After a heroic team effort the Physical Science textbook was published in 1974—the first child in what would become a large family of materials for Christian educators. Even before that book was in print, authors had begun work on elementary Bible and science textbooks.
Over the next decade, more materials appeared, such as the Bible series for the elementary grades, Bible Action Truths, the reading and handwriting series, and philosophy pamphlets on Christian education as well as the first media attempt, a filmstrip series on science.
From 1981 through the mid-nineties, the complete product line made its debut: all K4-grade12 materials for Christian schools were now available. And so was much more. New Beginnings, the program BJU Press offers to teachers and administrators each summer, began in 1985. That same year BJU Press also began offering a testing service (now called BJU Press Testing & Evaluation) to small Christian schools and homeschoolers. In 1986 Book for Young Readers (now called JourneyForth Books) released its first novel. Publication of commentaries and Christian living titles continued (as it had from the beginning) under the imprint Bob Jones University Press. SoundForth Music was organized in 1990, as was HELP Conference. The Academy of Home Education was approved by Dr. Bob III and introduced at the HELP conference in 1992.
In early 1995, BJ LINC began broadcasting its live interactive classes, using BJU Press secondary materials, to Christian schools. Later that fall, some homeschools leased tapes of the BJ LINC broadcasts. In 1997, BJ HomeSat began creating programs, using BJU Press elementary materials, in order to meet the demand from homeschooling families for quality teaching support specifically for them; the first broadcast went out in the fall of 1998.
At one time, BJU Press had one textbook for sale, operated largely with volunteers, and was housed in a 6’ by 10’ room. Today, producing and promoting BJU Press textbooks, distance learning classes, and myriad other offerings involves nearly 450 employees—with many talents and skills—in several buildings and even from remote locations. All of these individuals, however, are united behind the same vision that motivated the two science professors who first set out to provide Christian students with a truly Christian perspective in their studies.
At nearly the same time, God impressed on Dr. Bob Jones III that Christian schools needed Christian textbooks if they were to maintain their vision. By the time Mulfinger and Williams had completed the manuscript for Physical Science for Christian Schools, Bob Jones University was preparing to embark on textbook publication.
At that time the University Press had been publishing a few books and booklets by such writers as Ian Paisley, the doctors Jones, and Charles Woodbridge. It also produced a periodical, the brainchild of Dr. Jones Jr., Faith for the Family. The machinery—human and otherwise—producing books, booklets, and the periodical, was called upon to help prepare the science text manuscript for printing.
The printing staff was small—and busy; so to expedite getting camera-ready pages to the outside book manufacturer on time, dozens of volunteers from the faculty and staff worked in the evenings to proofread and make corrections. After a heroic team effort the Physical Science textbook was published in 1974—the first child in what would become a large family of materials for Christian educators. Even before that book was in print, authors had begun work on elementary Bible and science textbooks.
Over the next decade, more materials appeared, such as the Bible series for the elementary grades, Bible Action Truths, the reading and handwriting series, and philosophy pamphlets on Christian education as well as the first media attempt, a filmstrip series on science.
From 1981 through the mid-nineties, the complete product line made its debut: all K4-grade12 materials for Christian schools were now available. And so was much more. New Beginnings, the program BJU Press offers to teachers and administrators each summer, began in 1985. That same year BJU Press also began offering a testing service (now called BJU Press Testing & Evaluation) to small Christian schools and homeschoolers. In 1986 Book for Young Readers (now called JourneyForth Books) released its first novel. Publication of commentaries and Christian living titles continued (as it had from the beginning) under the imprint Bob Jones University Press. SoundForth Music was organized in 1990, as was HELP Conference. The Academy of Home Education was approved by Dr. Bob III and introduced at the HELP conference in 1992.
In early 1995, BJ LINC began broadcasting its live interactive classes, using BJU Press secondary materials, to Christian schools. Later that fall, some homeschools leased tapes of the BJ LINC broadcasts. In 1997, BJ HomeSat began creating programs, using BJU Press elementary materials, in order to meet the demand from homeschooling families for quality teaching support specifically for them; the first broadcast went out in the fall of 1998.
At one time, BJU Press had one textbook for sale, operated largely with volunteers, and was housed in a 6’ by 10’ room. Today, producing and promoting BJU Press textbooks, distance learning classes, and myriad other offerings involves nearly 450 employees—with many talents and skills—in several buildings and even from remote locations. All of these individuals, however, are united behind the same vision that motivated the two science professors who first set out to provide Christian students with a truly Christian perspective in their studies.
BJU Press Vision Statement
The vision of BJU Press is to be the leading provider of Christ-centered resources for education, edification, and evangelism.
BJU Press Mission Statement
BJU Press is committed to providing excellent products and services that meet the needs of customers, support and extend the ministry of Bob Jones University, and promote the cause of Christ.
BJU Press Philosophy Statement
BJU Press exists to provide educational, evangelistic, and edifying materials worldwide. The materials have always had these two non-negotiable aims:
To encourage users to become more Christ-like in their thinking and grow in service to God
To help users represent Christ well before the world
There you have it. BJU Press may very well be the homeschooling company you would like to associate with.
To view a complete line of Bob Jones University Press homeschool materials, click here!
To view homeschool materials in general, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Reconciled to God
Matthew 14 records Jesus calling Peter to come out of the boat and to “walk on the water.” Peter immediately exited the boat and indeed began to walk on the water. It wasn’t until he took his eyes off of Jesus that he had fear, began to sink and called out to Jesus, “Lord, save me.” Not that one can compare Peter’s experience of walking on the water with the walk that Adam and Eve had with God in the Garden of Eden, but please stay with me and I hope you will see where I am going with this.
When God created man and placed him in the garden, everything was perfect. Adam and Eve walked with God everyday, communed with Him and were in a sense, one with God. Just as Peter exited the boat and was walking on the water. Adam and Eve took their eyes off of God and lost their focus. They allowed Satan to tempt them with the sin of pride and once sin entered in, they fell. Once Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he sank. Perhaps this analogy isn’t what the great scholars would consider noteworthy, but I thought the comparison was worth considering.
Before the fall of Adam and Eve, before God created what we call the “known universe,” God in his infinite wisdom knew that he would have to repair the damage, build the bridge that was caused by Adam and Eve. Before all of this, God decided to send the second person of the Godhead, the Christ to be the One to reconcile fallen man back to God. Everything in the Old Testament, starting with the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) where the priest would make the sacrifice for the sins of Israel, to the time of the cross was all established by God to prepare fallen man for the ultimate reconciliation back to Him.
In Hebrews 9:12-14 it says that Jesus did not enter the tabernacle by the way of goats and calves, but rather he entered the Most Holy Place once for all of us by the shedding of his own blood. It says that prior to Jesus; the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer were sprinkled on those who were ceremonially unclean to sanctify them so that they were outwardly clean. The writer of Hebrews goes on to say that the blood of Christ offered himself unblemished to God to cleanse of our sins. The giving of the law by Moses in the Old Testament was only a shadow of the good things to come. I’ll come back to this in a moment.
So exactly why did Jesus come? Jesus said, “I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) In Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17 and Luke 5:32 Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” In Matthew 10:34 he said, “Don’t suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus said in Mark 1:38 that he came to preach the gospel. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
In Luke 12:49 Jesus said that he came to bring fire on the earth. In John 6:38 Jesus said that he did not come down from heaven to do his own will but the will of the Father. In John 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” The reasons why Jesus came? Because He loves you so much that he does not want to see you separated from God. He does not want to see you parish.
Jesus came to reconcile sinful man back to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Colossians 1:19-23 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Romans 5:8-11 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Sometimes speakers and writers try to razzle-dazzle people with their knowledge of the scriptures or their great insight. I must fall on the worlds of Paul who said in 1 Corinthians 2:2 not to know anything except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I thank God that Jesus Christ reconciled me back to the Father. It wasn’t something that I could do on my own. My salvation and yours is not based on anything we can do on our own. You and I, individually, must accept the free gift of salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ. Amen.
There are so many great resources available to you if it be your desire to learn more about being reconciled. The first and the greatest resource of course is the Word of God.
Next, may I suggest clicking here!
Next, click here!
Other Christian resources, please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
When God created man and placed him in the garden, everything was perfect. Adam and Eve walked with God everyday, communed with Him and were in a sense, one with God. Just as Peter exited the boat and was walking on the water. Adam and Eve took their eyes off of God and lost their focus. They allowed Satan to tempt them with the sin of pride and once sin entered in, they fell. Once Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he sank. Perhaps this analogy isn’t what the great scholars would consider noteworthy, but I thought the comparison was worth considering.
Before the fall of Adam and Eve, before God created what we call the “known universe,” God in his infinite wisdom knew that he would have to repair the damage, build the bridge that was caused by Adam and Eve. Before all of this, God decided to send the second person of the Godhead, the Christ to be the One to reconcile fallen man back to God. Everything in the Old Testament, starting with the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) where the priest would make the sacrifice for the sins of Israel, to the time of the cross was all established by God to prepare fallen man for the ultimate reconciliation back to Him.
In Hebrews 9:12-14 it says that Jesus did not enter the tabernacle by the way of goats and calves, but rather he entered the Most Holy Place once for all of us by the shedding of his own blood. It says that prior to Jesus; the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer were sprinkled on those who were ceremonially unclean to sanctify them so that they were outwardly clean. The writer of Hebrews goes on to say that the blood of Christ offered himself unblemished to God to cleanse of our sins. The giving of the law by Moses in the Old Testament was only a shadow of the good things to come. I’ll come back to this in a moment.
So exactly why did Jesus come? Jesus said, “I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17) In Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17 and Luke 5:32 Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” In Matthew 10:34 he said, “Don’t suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus said in Mark 1:38 that he came to preach the gospel. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
In Luke 12:49 Jesus said that he came to bring fire on the earth. In John 6:38 Jesus said that he did not come down from heaven to do his own will but the will of the Father. In John 9:39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” The reasons why Jesus came? Because He loves you so much that he does not want to see you separated from God. He does not want to see you parish.
Jesus came to reconcile sinful man back to the Father.
Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Colossians 1:19-23 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Romans 5:8-11 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Sometimes speakers and writers try to razzle-dazzle people with their knowledge of the scriptures or their great insight. I must fall on the worlds of Paul who said in 1 Corinthians 2:2 not to know anything except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I thank God that Jesus Christ reconciled me back to the Father. It wasn’t something that I could do on my own. My salvation and yours is not based on anything we can do on our own. You and I, individually, must accept the free gift of salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ. Amen.
There are so many great resources available to you if it be your desire to learn more about being reconciled. The first and the greatest resource of course is the Word of God.
Next, may I suggest clicking here!
Next, click here!
Other Christian resources, please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
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