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Meekness

---- Text: James 4:1-10

I. One of the fruit of the Spirit is meekness - Galatians 5:22-23

A. Few view meekness as a desirable trait

1. Instead, people take assertiveness training

2. We are conditioned to be aggressive, to watch out for our own interests.

B. Rudeness is in, consideration for others seems to be out of fashion

C. Yet we must humble ourselves - Matthew 18:4

II. What is meekness?

A. Meekness is defined as gentleness

1. Yet, it is usually viewed in a negative manner

2. “Humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness”

3. “Compliant: evidencing little spirit or courage; overly submissive or compliant”

B. Vines: “The meaning of prautes is not readily expressed in English, for the terms meekness, mildness, commonly used, suggest weakness and pusillanimity to a greater or less extent, whereas prautes does nothing of the the kind. Nevertheless, it is difficult to find a rendering less open to objection than ‘meekness’; ‘gentleness’ has been suggested, but as prautes describes a condition of mind and heart, and as ‘gentleness’ is appropriate rather to actions, this word is no better than that used in both English Versions. ... Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.”

C. It is related to humility, but it is not the same thing.

1. To be meek, a person must be unconcerned about self . They must have a lack of self-pride

2. This is why the poor and the oppressed are often called meek

a. Isaiah 11:4 - poor related to meek (or afflicted or humble)

b. Proverbs 16:19 - Better to be poor and humble

c. There is no cause for pride in their current position

D. A trait of a Christian - Titus 3:1-2

1. Depending on the translation, it is rendered “gentleness,” “humility,” or “consideration.”

2. How do we show meekness toward all men?

III. Jesus as our example

A. Matthew 11:29-30 - Jesus describes himself as meek and lowly in heart

B. Before his accusers, he was silent - Isaiah 53:7

1. He took his punishment quietly

2. I Peter 2:23 - He did not revile or threaten

C. Jesus’ meekness did not come from cowardliness or a lack of strength; his meekness was due to confidence in the Father’s power.

1. Matthew 26:50-54 - Jesus had but to ask and he could have stopped the violence about to be done to him.

2. But Jesus wasn’t concern about himself, but fulfilling what needed to be done - Philippians 2:4-8

IV. Meek is not weak

A. Meek men are gracious, congenial, easy to get along with, a gentle disposition.

B. Their strength comes from compassion and loving spirit

C. Example: Moses - Numbers 12:3

1. Yet, this man was the leader of the Israelites

2. He stood up to Pharaoh, the leader of the greatest country of the time.

3. He talked with God when all the Israelites trembled at God’s voice.

D. Meekness is a quality of wisdom - James 3:13

1. Too often our educated are filled with pride, overbearing, and condescending in dealing with the less educated.

2. True wisdom doesn’t have to prove their position is superior.

3. True wisdom comes from God, so the wise should simply be confident that the Lord is always right; such leads to a calm, peaceable demeanor - Philippians 1:27-28

V. Why be meek?

A. Zephaniah 2:3 - Seek meekness (most translate it as “humility”).

B. Needed to teach others - II Timothy 2:24-26

1. I Peter 3:15-16 - Defend in meekness and fear

2. Christianity is not spread by force. It is made attractive by gentle confidence.

C. Needed to learn - James 1:21

1. Before we can teach, we must learn

2. We cannot learn with a prideful attitude.

3. Our confidence in God leads to a willingness to listen and apply His teachings.

D. Unity, oneness of spirit, comes from meekness - Ephesians 4:1-3

1. Pride leads to many individuals going their separate ways

2. When a person is not concerned with their own agenda, but confidently follows God’s will, then unity springs forth.

E. A quality needed to forgive others - Colossians 3:12-13

1. Pride interferes with forgiveness because the prideful is focused on their injuries

2. The meek is not concerned about himself, but in improving the lives of others - Galatians 6:1

F. It is valuable - I Peter 3:3-4 - very precious in God’s sight

VI. The impact of meekness

A. It is the soil from which faith springs

1. A self-righteous, haughty, egotistical person has no need of God

2. Until we see our frailty and our inability to save ourselves we will not come to God to learn

B. To the meek, God gladly gives Himself

1. Psalm 34:17-19 - God saves the contrite

2. James 4:6-10 - Humble yourself in the sight of God and he will lift you up

C. The meek are the ones who change the world

1. Matthew 5:5 - the meek inherit the world. After this world dies, the meek inherit the world’s estate.

2. The meek leave an indelible mark on those they meet

a. Not by force, but by their confidence in God – the force of their conviction.

b. It is so different from what men expect, that it causes people to take notice and to say “they have something that I want to have.”

VII. I Timothy 6:11-12

A. Compliance and non-assertiveness does not describe God’s idea of meekness and gentleness.

B. It would be odd to say, “be gentle” and follow it immediately with “fight the good fight”

C. People might oppose us, but they will admire the meek for their quiet confidence in the Truth.

God of Miracles

Hay naku talaga nga nag-imbag ti Apo. I really thank God for protecting us on our trip going home here in La Trinidad (from Barlig) last May 6, 2009. Bale nagrubwat kami ti mga 10am from Lias, Barlig, Mt. Province(my wife's hometown) ket napigsa tudo from Bontoc enggana ti Atok. Isunga inayad ti panag-drive ni bro Mark Cael (husband of my wife's sister) ngamin nagalis ken saan nga unay makita ti kalsada gapu ta foggy. Idi nakadanun kami ti banda Atok ti mga 5pm ket usto nga madanun mi ti straight curve nga sang-at ket saan nga napupuutan, ada ti nagpaspas nga starex nga kasabat mi, ket siguro gapu ta napaspas bassit suna(Starex-gray color) agpataray, naigalis ket binangga na ti drivers side dyay nagluluganan mi nga Suzuki Vitara(red color).

Naimbag launay ti Apo ta awan ti nadisgrasya ken dakami ken ti side ti nakadungpar, nu man pay talaga nga nadale dyay nagluluganan mi.

Idyay nga pasamak ket talaga nga dakkel ti inpa-adal ti Apo kanyak. Uray gayam napinget tayo nga agserserbi ti Apo ngem nu kuna ti apo nga ti pakatayan tayo ket gapu aksidente ket talaga lata nga mapasamak. Isu nga masapul nga nakasagana tayo nga kanayun ta saan tayo nga kontrolado ti pasamak ti biag tayo. Ta nu mapugsat man ti anges tayo ket nakasigurado tayo nga mapan dyay pagaryan ti Apo.

To God be all the Glory!

by: Bro. Malbert

a video clip of the accident

Fireproof's 'Love Dare' Hits #1 on NYT Bestsellers List

The Love Dare, the book that is featured in the movie Fireproof, has climbed to number one on the New York Times Paperback Advice Bestsellers. The book, written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough, is a 40-day journey devised to help strengthen marriages.

In the film, the main character’s father challenges him to try to save his failing marriage by taking “The Love Dare,” spending 40 days loving his wife in very specific ways listed in the book. The effects are so powerful, that moviegoers have been buying the book in record numbers.

“To see Fireproof is to want the book, The Love Dare,” said John Thompson, marketing vice president for B&H Publishing Group. “At the same time, for readers, this powerful little book stands alone in opening new understanding—and new relationships.”

Couple who are putting the principles into practice in their own marriages can now write about their experiences in an online journal at www.ShareTheLoveDare.com.

Netanyahu Faces Pressure to OK Palestinian State

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Capitol Hill Tuesday, where he will likely to face questions about his resistance to a Palestinian state.

On Monday, he met with President Barack Obama for more than two hours.

The two leaders focused on Mideast peace talks, Iran' s nuclear program and the U.S. - Israeli relationship. The meeting between the two leaders went longer than expected. The Iranian issue dominated their talks.

The Israeli prime minister was pleased to hear of Obama's timeline for diplomatic progress.

"By the end of the year, I think we should have some census as to whether these discussions are starting to yield some benefits," Obama said.

Differences

But there were differences when it came to achieving peace between the Israelis and the Palestianians. Obama has called for a two-state solution.

"I believe it is in the interest not only of the Palestinians, but also the Israelis and the United States and the international community to achieve a two state solution," Obama explained.

"I think the terminology will take care of itself if we have the substantive understanding," Netanyahu told reporters. "The Palestinians will have to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. It will have to also enable Israel to have the means to defend itself."

Expansion of Settlements

There was also disagreement over the expansion of Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, the biblical heartland of Israel.

"Settlements have to be stopped in order for us to move forward," Obama said. "That's a difficult issue I recognize that, but an important one it has to be addressed."

Netanyahu is also expected push for aid to Israel when he visits Congress Tuesday.

FIREPROOF - Amazing Stories

Click Here for more Amazing Stories!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

DVD Release Party

It’s the night before the DVD release of the No. 1 independent film of the year. The movie’s co-writer/producer has gathered with one of the executive producers, the lead actress, and three other members of the ensemble cast.

But if you’re looking for red carpets, camera crews from “Access Entertainment,” or famous Hollywood landmarks, you’ll be looking for a long time. After all, we’re talking about FIREPROOF here!

To celebrate the release of the movie on DVD, a team from Sherwood traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to meet and interact with nearly 500 fans at a great Christian store. For more than two hours, the team talked with and signed DVDs and books for their newfound friends.

Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, and Jason McLeod meet FIREPROOF fans

“This is a great event,” said Stephen Kendrick, who was joined by Jim McBride, Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, Harris Malcom, and Jason McLeod at Christian Supply. As he welcomed the crowd from the stage, he thanked store owner Chuck Wallington and the Christian Supply staff for hosting the event.

“We aren’t celebrities,” Stephen added. “We came to God with our five loaves and two fish … and God still uses those!”

Stephen Kendrick addresses the crowd at Christian Supply

People began arriving at the store at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 o’clock event. After hearing from the cast, they were able to meet the FIREPROOF team and have pictures taken with them.

Before that, Erin told the crowd how she had given up her job as an actress at Disney to make FIREPROOF … only to be offered her dream job there after filming concluded. “Trust the Lord with your desires and your goals,” she said. “He gave you your passions, desires, and abilities to serve Him.”

Ken told the crowd, “It’s a blessing to be here. God has done some awesome things in my marriage through FIREPROOF.” Harris, like Ken, said he brought no acting experience to his role as Caleb’s father. However, “I did have 30 years experience as a dad. We are thankful for the support of people like you that bought out show times and took your friends to see FIREPROOF.”

Ken, Jason, and Harris Malcom talk with new friends

Jason, who played Eric Harmon in FIREPROOF talked about his first film role: Brock Kelly in Facing the Giants. “Little did I know that God would use that opportunity to change my life. If God can use someone like me, He’ll use anyone.”

It’s a message that FIREPROOF fans in Spartanburg—and around the country—hear loud and clear!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

South Africa Checking In

Stories. Since FIREPROOF opened in theaters last September, we have heard incredible stories from people all across the country whose lives and marriages have been impacted by this movie.

Now, with the DVD being available, we are starting to hear stories from all around the world. Stories like this one from Hanti:

“I’m from a small town, Balfour in South Africa, and my husband and I couldn’t wait for the DVD. After watching it, we decided that it will be great to go through the movie and study guide with our small group at church. Today at work, one of the ladies suddenly spoke to me about the bad state of her marriage (and I hadn’t even told her about the movie yet) and I immediately invited her to join us in our small group. Even my boss now asked where I got the movie from, and where he could buy The Love Dare. I believe that this movie is going to reach thousands of people in South Africa.”

If you have friends in a country outside of the United States, or if you yourself live elsewhere, you can find out more about the international release of FIREPROOF on the DVD website.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Interview with Kirk

You may have seen or heard an interview with castmembers of FIREPROOF in the previous couple of days. The team was busy helping get the word out about the DVD release. Let us know if you saw or read an interview and where you caught it.

Kirk Cameron, who played Caleb Holt, was interviewed on the Moviefone website. Among the things he said was:

“I think the best part about the movie was just the responses from people after seeing it. It wasn’t just, ‘Hey that was cool, that was fun,’ or you know, ‘Good story.’ People were saying things like: ‘You don’t understand. That was exactly like watching my own marriage up on the big screen. That’s what's going on in my house.’ Or, you know: ‘We went out and got The Love Dare and my husband and I have canceled our divorce hearing. We’ ve been married for 30 years, and our marriage is finally getting back on track because of this movie.’ So marriages have been rescued from divorce because of the movie and the book The Love Dare. So that’s the best part.”

You can read the whole interview here.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

January 27 is Here!

The release date for the FIREPROOF DVD has officially arrived! In celebration, we should all take a long lunch break and go to our favorite Christian store to get the Special Collector’s Edition.

On it, you will find the action-packed love story that touched the hearts of more than 4 million moviegoers. You will also find scads of great bonus features: we’re talking Commentary from the Kendrick Brothers, we’re talking the Making of FIREPROOF TV Special, we’re talking FIREGOOFS (outtakes), we’re talking Rescued Scenes, we’re talking the full version of the Wayne on Wayne Mockumentary, we’re talking Firehouse Pranks.

We know what you’re thinking: it can’t get any better than that. But you’d be wrong! That’s right ... the Special Collector’s Edition provides you with bonus Bonus Features! These inclde the FIREPROOF Video Blog, the music video for Casting Crowns’ Slow Fade, and Wayne’s Firehouse Commentary—a great opportunity to see the heart behind the humor of youth pastor Stephen Dervan who plays Wayne Floyd.

So, there you have it. FIREPROOF is available today! Let’s sync up our watches and head over to the store at noon! See you then.

Monday, January 26, 2009

700 Club on Tuesday

Word just into the FIREPROOF Blog world headquarters: our favorite movie will be highlighted tomorrow on The 700 Club. Seen on ABC Family network at 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. (EST), and TBN at 3 p.m. (EST), The 700 Club is also shown on various television channels across the country.

As they like to say in the business: check your local listings ... and then tune in on DVD release day to see FIREPROOF on The 700 Club!
The 700 Club reporting from Albany, Georgia!

Big Celebration!

As the countdown to the release of FIREPROOF nears its exciting zenith (available tomorrow at your favorite store!), you can celebrate tonight with some of the people you know from the movie! Of course, it helps if you are near Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Christian Supply, the largest family-owned Christian store in the country, is hosting a special DVD release party tonight, beginning at 7 p.m. Among the folks from Sherwood expected at the special gathering: Erin Bethea (Catherine), Ken Bevel (Michael), Harris Malcom (Caleb’s Dad), Jason McLeod (Eric), and producer Stephen Kendrick.

At the event, you will be able to purchase the Special Collector’s Edition of the DVD, the new Legacy Edition of The Love Dare, and meet the cast members. You can find directions here ... we hope to see you tonight!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Contests

With FIREPROOF coming to stores on Tuesday, we have heard about sites where you can register to win the DVD!

Our friends over at Christian Music Review are running a contest through Valentine’s Day for your chance to win both the FIREPROOF Special Collector’s Edition DVD and The Love Dare. Jay at CMR.com has been helping spread the word about FIREPROOF since our early screenings last summer, so be sure to check out the site and the contest.

You have until January 27 to enter the Christianity Today Movies contest for your chance for a DVD ... or the big prize: the DVD, The Love Dare, a FIREPROOF poster, and a tee-shirt from Kerusso.

Know of another contest? Fill us in ...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Read All About It

Today’s Wall Street Journal has a story about the Christian film industry, with a strong focus on FIREPROOF. This is how their story begins:

“Through a purely Hollywood lens, ‘Fireproof’ is the most unlikely film success since ‘Rocky.’ It was written by novice screenwriters, cast nearly entirely with amateurs, staffed largely by volunteers, and shot almost all on location. It wrapped for a total outlay of only $500,000. But that’s where God provides a different prism.”

Take a look at the entire story, then let us know what you think ... not only about the story, but also about what you look for in a movie.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

One Week from Today!

FIREPROOF arrives in stores next Tuesday, January 27.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough (and we happen to think it is), we have some more good news: we have relaunched FireprooftheMovie.com for the DVD release. You will find some fun new elements, including Q&A with some of the cast members.

In addition, you can get a first look at FIREPROOF in 60, a fun DVD bonus feature that you have to see to believe! You will also still be able to access the full movie site, look for great resources, and find a link to FireproofMyMarriage.com.

Head over there, take a look around, and let us know what you think.

And by the way, did we mention: FIREPROOF, next Tuesday!

Friday, January 16, 2009

A FIRERPROOF Fanatic!

As we get within a week-and-a-half of the DVD release of FIREPROOF, we thought we would share the story that Clarke posted on the website:

I pre-bought the FIREPROOF DVD back in October during the first week it went on pre-sale at Family Christian Stores. I have seen this movie 10 times in the theater. Yes, 10 times! I love this movie! I got word through a co-worker that FIREPROOF was playing at the $2.50 movie theater now, here in my area. So I am going to see it again tomorrow night, for the 11th time! This movie will change your life forver! Thanks goes to the Kendrick brothers for making such an awesome and POWERFUL movie! Well done!

That, I believe, is a fan!

No. 1 Indie Film of 2008!

You read the headline correctly: FIREPROOF indeed was the top independent film release of 2008. The website Defamer found this to be mind-boggling:

“The year-end tally features FIREPROOF ... atop an impressive pile of awards hopefuls including Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Rachel Getting Married and even The Visitor, whose renown as this year’s preeminent indie sensation nevertheless was good for only $9.4 million since opening last April. FIREPROOF accrued more than three times as much since the end of September, never expanding beyond 905 screens.”

Wasn’t there a movie a couple of years back that wondered what is impossible with God? The answer is nothing!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Good News on TV

Has it been a while since you have seen any good news on TV? Well, that can change this weekend. Christian World News, a weekly newscast from CBN News, will be highlighting the success of FIREPROOF and the story of a church that makes movies when it airs this weekend.

You can see the program on TBN this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). In addition, Christian World News can be seen on a number of other networks and stations. Find out more about the show and where it can be seen.

Then be sure to tune for a little good news!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Two Weeks and Counting!

FIREPROOF arrives in stores two weeks from today, Tuesday, January 27. Needless-to-say, we can’t wait! ... Of course, we’ll have to, but in preparation, we thought we’d give you a glimpse of the bonus features you will find on the FIREPROOF DVD.

• Making of FIREPROOF: TV Special
• Filming a Movie in 30 Days: FIREPROOF Video Blog (exclusive)
• Commentary from the Kendrick Brothers
• Spanish and Portuguese Language Options
• Subtitles in Portuguese, Russian, Korean, and Arabic (exclusive); as well as English, Chinese, French, and Spanish
• Rescued Scenes (scenes deleted from the final version of the film)
  
• Firegoofs (outtakes)
  
• Firehouse Pranks (fun on the set)
  
• Casting Crowns Music Video for “Slow Fade” (exclusive)
• Wayne’s Firehouse Commentary (exclusive)
• Fun with Mr. Rudolph (exclusive)
• Ministry Resources
• And much, much more!
  

The exclusive features are only on the Special Collector’s Edition version, which is available at Christian stores ... beginning in two weeks!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Checking in with Caleb's Dad

With the FIREPROOF DVD arriving in stores on January 27 (two weeks from tomorrow!), we have been checking in with some of the actors that you have gotten to know via the movie.

Harris Malcom plays John Holt, father of Caleb. His wife Phyllis played Caleb’s mom Cheryl in the movie! The couple had a gratifying experience following a recent church service.
“We were worshiping at a church one evening and the pastor recognized us as being present and our parts in the movie. This man came and said, ‘Thank you, my wife and I are back in church because of FIREPROOF.’”

Harris, a long-time pastor, serves churches across southwest Georgia in his role as a Ministry Resource Consultant for the Baptist Convention of the state of Georgia.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Wayne on Wayne on GodTube

When the FIREPROOF Special Collector’s Edition DVD arrives in Christian stores on January 27, it will have some great bonus features (we’ll fill you in on those in the coming days).One feature that’s sure to be a hit is the Wayne on Wayne Mockumentary. That’s right: everyone’s favorite hot-sauce drinking firefighter, Wayne Floyd, talks about his favorite topic: himself! Our friends over at GodTube have a sneak peek at portions of the interview with Wayne.

Take a look and let us know what you think ... and be sure to share the video with your friends!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Telling Your Story

Before FIREPROOF opened in theaters last September, we added a page to FireprooftheMovie.com where you could upload your stories about how the film impacted you.

For the next week, you will also have the opportunity to upload the audio version of your story in an mp3 file for the opportunity to share with radio listeners about how FIREPROOF or The Love Dare have made a difference in your marriage.

Radio networks and local stations around the country are hosting Fireproof My Marriage promotions between the DVD release date of January 27 and Valentine’s Day on February 14. Many of these stations are looking for personal accounts of the impact of the film on moviegoers.

If you can tell your story in 90 seconds or less, please be sure to upload it here. You may just find yourself on the radio talking about FIREPROOF!

Bible Society in visit to China

More than a dozen Bible Society donors travelled to China last week to see first hand how the Chinese Bible is being printed and distributed in the country that boasts one of the world’s fastest growing Christian populations.

The 17 supporters, accompanied by three Bible Society staff, departed from Sydney, Australia, last Thursday for the two-week trip that includes visits to local churches, seminaries and local Bible study groups within rural congregations. Participants will help with the distribution of 10,000 Bibles into Nanjing, Xian, Zhengzhou and Shanghai, China.

“China is experiencing a great freedom of worship,” said Bible Society CEO, Daniel Willis. “With this wonderful change the church is spreading rapidly with the number of Christians in China now estimated to be over 100 million.”

The Bible Society works with Amity Printing Company, China’s only state-approved Christian publisher, to provide Bibles to the Chinese people. Chinese Christians can only legally obtain Bibles printed by Amity and distributed by state-registered churches.

In communist China, Christians are not allowed complete freedom of worship in the sense that they can only legally worship in churches belonging to the government-sanctioned Protestant body, the China Christian Council/Three Self Patriotic Movement (CCC/TSPM), or its Catholic counterpart.

Underground Christians, or those belonging to churches not registered with the government, are frequently harassed, imprisoned and even tortured. The number of underground protestant Christians is estimated to be as high as 100 million.

Despite its shortcomings, China often boasts about its respect for religious freedom – which has improved significantly in the past decade – while denying or playing down violations.

China has been especially proud of its Amity Printing Company, which last year became the world’s largest Bible printing facility after expanding its facility. Amity says that its new facility can print up to 12 million Bibles a year, up from six million the previous year.

“Each Chinese Christian would like to experience the joy, peace and inspiration that owning their own Bible brings – but unfortunately for many, obtaining a Bible is difficult and often out of their reach financially,” said Bible Society CEO Willis.

“Our goal is to break down the barriers of distance and isolation and make Bibles available to our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said. “Those on the tour will be able to share in the joy of a fellow Christian receiving a copy of God’s Word for the first time.”

Bible Society, with the approval of the Chinese Government, has been printing and distributing Bibles through Amity Press since 1987. During that period, more than 40 million Bibles have been printed and distributed within China.

The China Bible distribution tour will end on April 30, with the Bible Society planning another similar trip in October.

"Broken Things"

by: Jeremiah Dodoy

Being broken is God's way of showing you that His plans are still the best. Think, if you were able to carry out your own plans and purpose, you will not be the best of what you are today. No effective Christian has not been broken.

I once was lost, but God made the way home for me. I ones was blind, but then God openend my eyes. I ones was poor but God gave His all for me. I ones was full of anger but God thought me how to love. I worry a lot before but God gave my peace beyond understanding. From the inside out I ones was broken, broken like to be useless, but God made me whole again! Truly, only Him can satisfy our hunger and yearning.

China Closes ‘House Church’ Law Firm

Monday, March 9, 2009 (9:38 am)

Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent with reporting from China

BEIJING, CHINA (Worthy News) -- One of China's prominent law firms, known for defending house churches and other human rights cases, was weighing its legal options Monday, March 9, after it was forced to shut down for six months for "illegally" hiring a Christian attorney.

The Beijing-based Yitong Law Firm said it has appealed against the ruling by a local Justice Department in Beijing suspending its practice, but was still awaiting a decision following
last week's appeals hearing.

Only the firm's director, Li Jisong, was reportedly allowed to attend the public hearing on March 3 at the Haidian District People's Government of Beijing Municipality. All other seats were apparently reserved for local officials.

The six month suspension would "kill the firm," said Li in published remarks. "They are distorting facts ... to get revenge" for the way the firm's lawyers have criticized or defied government agencies, he said in an interview.

CHRISTIAN ATTORNEY

Chinese officials say the firm has been suspended for allowing Christian attorney Li Subin to practice law without a license. However, the firm claims that Li, who worked as deputy director, served only in administrative duties and acted as a legal adviser.

Li is a qualified attorney since 1991, but the government has refused to renew his license after he after he filed, and won, a case against Henan Province’s Judicial Bureau for overcharging legal fees following 391 days of detention.

Last year, Li and several other lawyers in Yitong Law Office also launched a campaign to call for direct elections in the Communist-controlled Beijing Lawyer’s Association.

Advocacy groups say the closure of the firm is part of a series of government tactics to fight against human rights lawyers.

CONTROVERSIAL CASES

Li told reporters he believes the reason behind the closure order is his firm's involvement in several high profile trials, ranging from defending house church Christians to the case of Hu Jia, an AIDS activist and winner of the European Parliament’s top human rights award in 2008. Hu is now serving a three-and-a-half year sentence for supposedly “inciting subversion.”

Yitong also defended Chen Guangcheng, a blind activist sentenced to four years imprisonment in 2006 after starting a campaign against the Chinese Communist Party's infamous “one child” policy of forced abortion and sterilization in several parts of the country.

Chinese officials have refused to comment, saying they first want to await the final ruling in the appeals case launched by the law firm.

Pakistan Academy Dismisses Christian Teacher, Students Over Bible Row

Friday, March 13, 2009 (2:23 pm)

By Jawad Mazhar, Worthy News Special Correspondent reporting from Pakistan with reporting by Worthy News' Stefan J. Bos

SARGODHA, PAKISTAN (Worthy News)-- A Christian teacher says he has been dismissed and two students suspended from an academy in Pakistan's Punjab province over allegations they "humiliated Islam" and "blessed the Jewish descendants" of Abraham, the Biblical arch-father of the people of Israel.

Javed Raza, who is also an evangelist, told Worthy News that he was sacked from the Bright Future Academy in the city of Sargodha this month because the institute's Muslim principle and "radical Muslim students" objected to his interpretation of the Bible. Officials of the academy were not available for comment Friday, March 13.

Raza said tensions began March 2, following a lecture, when he answered questions about Abraham and his sons Ishmael and Isaac. "I explained that Isaac was the son promised by God" although Abraham's wife was already very old, Raza recalled, apparently raising eyebrows among students.

The teacher said some Muslim students were also upset that he spoke of God's other promises to Abraham and his Israeli descendants, as mentioned in several Bible verses.

They include Genesis 12:3: "I will bless those who bless you and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" and Genesis 22:17-18: "Abraham's descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies and through his offspring all nations on earth will be blessed."

RADICAL MUSLIMS

Some of "the radical Muslim students made it an issue and started chanting slogans against me and against two Christian students, Abid Bhatti and Zahid Kamal, who agreed with me," Raza explained.

He said the angry students walked out of the class room, shouting "anti-Christianity slogans" and soon "crammed into the office of Principal Muhammad Zulfiqar to demand stringent action against me and the Christian students."

Raza claimed Zulfiqar fired him from the academy "without a thorough investigation" and suspended the students. "None of us meant to humiliate Islam, I was just trying to share information to all my young students," he said.

Javed Raza, now an unemployed Christian man after two years of working at the academy, stressed that "superficial thinking and narrow mindedness of my Muslim students and the principal has deprived me of my teaching job."

SUSPENDED STUDENTS

He said he is also concerned about the plight of the two suspended students. Raza accused the academy’s leadership of inflicting "an irrecoverable lose to the future of both Christian students by ruining their educational career."

Raza made clear he would continue to preach the Gospel as an evangelist for the Pakistan Campus Crusade for Christ group and show the film 'Jesus', on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in Sargodha and surrounding areas.

The teacher and students are among the latest Christians reportedly forced to leave educational institutions and student hostels in Pakistan, Worthy News and its partner news agency BosNewsLife established, following similar incidents in Punjab province and other regions in recent weeks.

Pakistan's government is under pressure from advocacy groups to tackle Islamic extremism and improve protection for minority Christians and other religious groups.

US Pledges $900 Million To Palestinians (Israel-Palestinian Conflict)

Monday, March 16, 2009 (10:42 am)

By Rodney Drinnen Worthy News International Correspondent

WASHINGTON/GAZA CITY (Worthy News)--Palestinians in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and the West Bank were awaiting Monday, March 16, the arrival of $900 million pledged by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton despite an economic crisis at home, to help achieve a Palestinian state "that is peaceful" and "responsible".

In comments monitored by Worthy News, Clinton said she made the promise at the international donors conference for rebuilding the Gaza Strip, in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, on March 2.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said $300 million of the total aid package will go to help rebuild Gaza following the recent fighting with Israel, but stressed that none of the money will benefit Hamas militants, who do not recognize Israel's right to exist.

Critics have said however it will be difficult to monitor whether tax payers money will not end up in the hand of militants. The United States was among 71 states attending the Egypt gathering along with 16 regional, international, and financial organizations who raised billions of dollars to boost the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank, and help rebuild Gaza.

They raised $4.5 billion dollars on top of $700 million already previously pledged by the international community, nearly twice as much than planned.

A delighted Egyptian foreign minister called the amount "beyond our expectations".

Britain's International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander, pledged £30 million to rebuild houses, schools, and hospitals in Gaza. "There is a desperate need for tough restrictions on the supply of goods to be relaxed," he said, demanding next that "Israel must do the right thing and allow much-needed goods to get through to those men, women and children who continue to suffer."

The Gulf Cooperation Council, a Middle East aid fund, vowed to contribute $1.65 billion over the next five years to ease Gaza's humanitarian situation and help its social and economic reconstruction. Among other nations, Saudi Arabia has pledged $1 billion for the Palestinians, Qatar $250 million and Algeria $100 million.

Last year, Saudi Arabia already pledged to pay for the reconstruction of all buildings demolished in Gaza by previous deadly Israeli incursions.

Health Minister Hamad Al-Manie had said that King Abdullah had ordered the reconstruction as part of the kingdom's support for the Palestinian people and their cause.

"The king has ordered the reconstruction of Palestinian houses at the expense of the Saudi government," Al-Manie said during a press conference in Egypt on Thursday, quoted Arabic daily Al-Jaz.

Americans become less Christian: survey

WASHINGTON (Xinhua) -- Americans have become less Christian than they were 20 years ago due to a growing rejection of religions, a survey published yesterday found.

Three out of four Americans now call themselves Christians, according to the American Religious Identification Survey by Trinity College in Connecticut.

In 1990, the figure was closer to nine out of 10 -- 86 percent.

At the same time there has been an increase in the number of people expressing no religious affiliation.

In the survey, one in five Americans said they have no religious identity or refused to answer the question on their religious belief, while more than 25 percent do not expect to have a religious funeral.

In comparison, less than 10 percent said they have no religious belief in 1990.

The survey also finds:

The percentage of Catholics in the United States has remained steady at about one in four since 1990, while the percentage of other Christians has plummeted from 60 percent to 50 percent.

The percentage of Muslims has doubled since 1990, but remains statistically very small, at 0.6 percent of the population.

The survey polled 54,461 Americans between February and November of last year.

The survey is the third in a series, following polls in 1990 and 2001.

SURVEY SAYS: 70% Filipino youth DO NOT OWN A BIBLE! This is a shocking revelation!

It is indeed a sad fact that 60% of the Philippine population do not own a Bible! This is an alarming result from a survey conducted by A.C. Nielsen to measure how many Filipinos are reached by God's Word. Imagine our shock when we learned that 70% of this 60% population are teenagers and young professionals. And to think, the Philippines is called the only "Christian nation in Southeast Asia".

Nowadays, the youth no longer find God's Word relevant to their lives so they don't even bother to open a Bible. And this is something to ponder on....

Kung ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan at hindi sila bilib sa Biblia--anong kinabukasan meron ang Pilipinas?

It is in response to this realization that notable Christian organizations and churches united to rally the Y generation for God's Word. This birthed the--

YOUTH EXPLODE SERIES:

THE BIBLE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

A FREE event for all the youth, young at heart and young once. Join the battle cry of this generation as they own, read and live God's Word.

So we ask you...

...WHY DO YOU LOVE GOD'S WORD?

Bakit ka b'lib sa Biblia mo? Share your testimony, declare why you love the Bible. Blog about it, leave a comment here or there or even suggest crazy brilliant ideas how to encourage the youth--like you--to be Bible lovers.

Leave us a link to your blog posts and we'll link you back. Help the Bible Society promote God's Word among the Filipino youth.

Be there at the Youth Explode event in the Bulwagan ng Panginoon (formerly Folk Arts Theatre) and enjoy a whole day affair of fun and interesting activities that will surely make you love your Bibles more! Read here for more information.

We love to hear (read) from you. C'mon help spread the love... spread the Word!

Why We Need to Engage Baguio’s Youth

BY: Bro. Jonathan Pablito

An idealistic young man can either become a mighty evangelist or a ruthless communist. The question is who goes out to him to win his heart and mind.

The Situation

Baguio has now reached a population exceeding 300,000. Half of the population are students enrolled in more than 200 schools in the city. 50% are college students from the Cordilleras, Ilocandia and the rest of Northern Luzon. 20% are high school students. The remaining 30% are elementary pupils.

Before I go any further, let us touch the enormous issues affecting the Filipino youth today: Broken families due to broken marriages and absence of parents in children’s formative years, overt sexual themes of movies and primetime TV leading to teenage pregnancies, computer games so addicting that they cause massive school failures and drop-outs, rampant pornography in the internet, and many other problems arising from economic, political, and socio-cultural issues.

In addition to this, I attended a symposium conducted by the Social Weather Station and I was surprised when a resource speaker stated that according to surveys, one of the biggest problems that confronts the country today is that the youth have no more dreams. In Filipino, “Wala nang pangarap sa buhay.” When I heard this, I felt angry inside. Something had to be done!

My thoughts then went to Baguio, FBCFI, and my two young siblings and eight cousins residing in our home.

The Potential

Back then when I was a youth leader and musician in FBCFI, my mindset was that ministry was the activities you did in church. The outside world was full of temptations and I did not want to be “yoked with unbelievers.” This mindset, although with the best intentions, hindered me to be an evangelist in my spheres of influence. I had plenty of classmates, cousins and acquaintances whom I simply avoided because, first, I wanted to be “holy” and second, I simply didn’t know how to share my faith outside of my functions and activities in the church.

Today, I have the privilege of working for PNP officers who are very clear with their values. They are very successful government officers and at the same time, they have unquestionable integrity as Christians. They make it clear to everyone that the success of their careers and family lives is because of their faith in God. They are like magnets to other policemen and people outside our organization. Colleagues and higher ranking officers come to them for advice and prayer. More than once, I saw grown men – even generals who are praying with tears in their eyes.

Through them, I learned that Christianity encompasses everything – no holy or secular. It’s all or nothing. The world is waiting and watching to see if finally the Christians will walk their talk and change the world.

Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego were young Jews who found themselves serving pagan kings. Because of their excellence and their steadfast faith in God, they gained the favor of their masters and they changed the course of history. Through them, the whole Jewish race was saved from genocide several times and even the kings they served became believers in God.

The Challenge

We need to engage the youth if we want high impact revival and change in this generation. We need to know what their spiritual, emotional, and physical needs are and lead them to the answers in the word of God. There is thirst for genuine transformation in this generation. We need to strengthen our Christian youth so that their faith and values will be clear to their family members, classmates, work colleagues and friends.

We need to evangelize them, disciple them, support them, and finally send them to be real Christians in the real world, naturally, whether in work, play, or study. No pretenses. No trying too hard or changing the voice and facial expression to share the Word. It is about just living the abundant life in Christ and fulfilling the Great Commission in ordinary language and in ordinary day-to-day interactions and decisions.

Again, let’s start where we are. For me personally, I rekindled my relationships with youth leaders in FBCFI, my siblings and cousins living in Baguio. Whether it’s a personal visit, a text message, or e-mail (Friendster included), I go out of my way to brighten someone’s day and listen for any signs of problem. When the budget is not tight, my wife and I buy John Maxwell books and give them as personal gifts to FBCFI youth leaders. As Dr. Maxwell said, “Touch the heart before you ask for the hand.”

Yes, the youth have many needs. It’s not easy to go down to their level and get involved in their struggles. But once God touches their hearts, they will be evangelists – lighting spiritual fires in the campuses, homes, boarding houses - whenever and wherever they are.

I envision that in a few years, these young people will be prominent Christian pastors, engineers, doctors, teachers, nurses, lawyers, and yes, politicians in Baguio. And yes – they will bring forth a spiritual and moral change in the city. God did it countless of times already. And so I pray - and I hope you pray with me, “ Lord, why not here? Why not now? Why not us?”