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Contents APRIL 2016
Vol. 6 / Issue 1
On The Cover
To submit story ideas, events, or comments: info@ValleyChristianMagazine.com
Got Faith Music Festival Newsboys in Concert!
what you’ll find inside
CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to:
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Lysa Terkeurst
956-314-O161
10 Greg Laurie
Planning Funerals That Won’t Happen There
Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501
The Strength To Go On
Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by
12 Mark Driscoll Fear God
14 James MacDonald
Valley Christian Magazine is a publication of Texas Christian Publications (a 501c3 organization). Texas Christian Publications reserves the right to edit, modify, revise, rewrite and reject editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequences arising from it. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of Texas Christian Publications. Texas Christian Publications shall be held harmless indemnified against any third-party claims. Texas Christian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Publications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. Valley Christian Magazine is printed in Mexico. Reproduction without the expressed written permission prohibited. Copyright 2016.
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Don’t Look Back
16 Luis Palau
Victoria Sobre La Muerte
17 Ruben Martinez Spiritual Bytes
60Printed in Mexico.
18 Movie Release God’s Not Dead Two
20 Kids Talk About God 21 FCA – Fellowship of Christian Athletes Weekend of Champions
22 Do You Know Jesus Christian Torres
24 Dave Ramsey
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Planning Funerals that Won’t Happen Today BY LYSA TERKEURST
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:15-16 (NIV) everal years ago, my then‑teenage son came to me and asked if he could take his brother and sisters to go get ice cream. How fun! How thoughtful! “Sure,” I said, “Let me grab my keys and we’ll go.” “No, Mom … we sort of want to go just us kids,” he quickly replied. “Oh,” and that’s about all I could get my mouth to say as my brain started racing and reeling. In my mind, pictures started flashing of a terrible accident, a phone call from the police, planning a funeral and then thinking back to this moment when I could have said No. And it was that strange sense that everything depended on me and my decisions that made me want to say: No. Absolutely not. You will stay home today. You will all stay home forever. I have to keep you safe. Why do we moms do that? Most of us live with this gnawing, aching, terrifying fear that something will happen to one of our children. We carry the pressure that ultimately everything rises and falls on whether or not we can control things. And mentally, too often we plan
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funerals that won’t happen today. We do it because we know the realities of living in a broken world where car accidents do happen. Tragedy strikes old and young alike. We have no guarantees for tomorrow. And that’s really hard on a mama’s heart. I stood at the front window of my house chewing my nails and watch‑ ing as the entire contents of my mama heart piled into one car. And I realized I had a choice. I could run myself ragged creating a false sense of control that can’t really protect them. Or, I could ask God to help me make wise deci‑ sions and choose to park my mind on the truth. The truth is: God has assigned each of my kids a certain number of days. My choices can add to the quality of their life, but not the quantity. They could be at home tucked underneath my wings and if it’s their day to go be with Jesus, they will go. Our key verse confirms this: “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:15-16). Jesus conquered death so we don’t have to be afraid of it any longer. Of course, the death of anyone I love would make me incredibly sad, heartbroken and dazed with grief. But I don’t have to be held captive by the fear of death. “Since the children have flesh and blood, he (Jesus) too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who
holds the power of death — that is, the devil — and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15, NIV). Death is only a temporary separation. We will be reunited again. In 2 Samuel 12, when David’s infant child died, he confidently said, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (v. 23b KJV). David knew he would see his child again — not just a faceless soul without an identity, but this child for whom he was longing. He would know him, hold him, kiss him and the separation death caused would be over. I know these are heavy things to process on a Thursday morning. And I certainly don’t claim that these truths will help you never ever fear again. But I do hope these truths will settle your heart into a better place. A place where your heart is consumed with truth instead of fear. Dear Lord, the fear of something happening to one of my children is so raw. But if I focus on this fear, it will consume me. Instead help me focus on You, so I’ll only be consumed with Your truth, Your love, Your insights and Your power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (NIV) Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (NIV)
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
What is one of your greatest fears when it comes to your children? Ask God to give you verses you can cling to and pray — actively keeping fear from consuming you. © 2016 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
About Lysa: Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best selling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has lead thousands over the past 15 years to help make their walk with God an invigorating journey. In the midst of her ministry, though, Lysa is a real, everyday woman who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family. Used by Permission Proverts 31 Ministry www.provers31.org Copyright 2016
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The Strength to Go On By Greg Laurie
For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America. For more, visit www.greglaurie.com. Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514
—Hebrews 11:32-34
the cross, and He rose again from the dead. He Have you ever had a lapse of faith? I have. said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who I don’t mean that I have ever doubted my believes in Me, though he may die, he shall salvation or doubted the Bible. But there are live.’ You will see your son again.” I will say that situations I have gone through that caused me to myself. I believe it. My hope is in the to wonder how I would get through them. Word of God and in the Lord who One of those times was when the Lord will sustain me. And I hope that called our son Christopher to heaven. I know he is in heaven. I know We all will have your hope is in Him too. We all will have lapses of that I will see him in heaven one lapses of faith… faith. And when that hapday. But then there is day-to-day I would encourage you living. Sometimes I think, He is believe your beliefs pens, to believe your beliefs and gone, and I will never see him doubt your doubts. Believe again. When this happens, I will and doubt your what you believe because it preach the gospel to myself. (I doubts is true. need to hear the gospel as well as We should not put our hope preach it.) Sometimes I will preach to in people. We should not put our myself when I’m in my car. I’ll say, “Greg hope in things. We need to put our hope Laurie, you listen to me. Jesus Christ died on
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in God. That is what the Bible teaches. Psalm 42:11 says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God!” This will give us the strength to go on in life.
Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America. for more, visit www.greglaurie.com. used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514 Copyright © 2016 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Fabian Guerrero Attorney/Abogado
Divorce/Family Law Child Custody State & Federal Criminal Defense Phone: 956-380-1421 Mobile: 956-279-1163 511 W. University Drive Edinburg, TX 78539 fabianlaw@sbcglobal.net God is our help and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 April
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Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
As the old adage goes, you save the best for last. This is why at a concert the biggest hit is the song that closes the show and dessert is saved for the end of a meal. The same is true in Ecclesiastes. The entire book has thus far explored the meaning of our fleeting life, and now gives us the bottom line for how to keep life aligned with God’s will. Before giving us his grand finale, big idea, Solomon reminds us of who he is. Ecclesiastes 12:9-10 says, “Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.” We are reminded that not only is Solomon wise, he was appointed by God as a teacher who spent his entire life researching the meaning of life. Subsequently, this should encourage us to trust his life of study and listen to his wise counsel for our soul. In the same way, when we meet with a skilled doctor we should trust their analysis of our physical well being based upon their lifetime of preparatory study. In life, we all need wise counsel. None of us is born with innate knowledge and wisdom. To learn and grow, we have to allow someone to teach us and speak into our life. To earn our trust and open our ears, Solomon reminds us who he is as the wisest, richest, and most powerful man in the history of the world, after Jesus Christ. In the ancient world, a good shepherd would have to create a bit of pain to compel sheep who were wandering off in to danger to get back on a safe path. Comparing wisdom from God to that experience, Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 12:11, “The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep.” Sometimes, God uses a bit of pain to keep us from experiencing even greater pain. Examples would include feeling pain when our hand is near a flame, which compels us to move our hand before more serious harm occurs. Sometimes, wisdom brings a bit of pain, but this pain is sent from God in love to get us out of harms way. One of the most important things we can pursue in life is wisdom. This truth has been a mega-theme of the entire book of Ecclesiastes. But, at some point we need to simply obey what we know to be true. We can research an issue for so long that we begin to suffer from the paralysis of analysis. Life comes without guarantees, and at some point overthinking and over-researching does not bring any progress in our life. For this reason, Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 12:12, “But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.” Admittedly, I am a bit of a nerd. I have around five thousand books on my shelf. I have tens of thousands of additional books on my laptop. Every day, there are more books published (not to mention articles, blogs, podcasts, etc.) that I find interesting to learn from. The only problem is, I can spend the rest of my life reading everything and doing nothing. Knowledge is what we know. Wisdom is what we do. What should we do to live a godly life? At the end of his life, history’s second wisest man after Jesus Christ gives us the bottom line, saying in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us
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for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” Fear and obey God. Life with God is this basic. Everything begins and ends, rises and falls, succeeds and fails, based upon your fear of God. Proverbs 1:7 says, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Wise counsel, ample resources, relational support, and even knowledge are of no help to a person who does not fear God. To fear God is just that – to live with a constant deep belief that God sees and knows all, and that you will give an account to him. Your life, and mine, are driven by fear. The question is not if we will fear, but who we will fear. To fear the Lord is to consider God above everything and everyone else. To fear the Lord is to do what is right in God’s eyes, even if it means that the outcome will likely not be in our best interest. If we do fear the Lord, then we are guided by the following kinds of questions that help us make godly and wise life decisions: 1 What does the Bible say? 2 What godly people can I seek for wise counsel? 3 How can I best glorify God in this situation? 4 What does God want me to do? The default if we do not fear the Lord, is that we fear someone else instead. This is what Proverbs 29:25 means saying, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” To fear people is to hold a person or group of people (parents, friends, spouse, coworkers, etc.) above everyone and everything else. To fear people is to do what other people want you to do, demand that you do, or pressure you to do even if it’s not what God wants you to do. If we do fear people, then we are guided by the following kinds of questions that cause us to make ungodly and unwise life decisions: 1 What do other people say? 2 Who can I find to agree with what I want to do? 3 How can I hide this from God and godly people? 4 What do other people want me to do? Biblical counselor Ed Welch says, Fear in the biblical sense . . . includes being afraid of someone, but it extends to holding someone in awe, being controlled or mastered by people, worshipping other people, putting your trust in people, or needing people. . . . the fear of man can be summarized this way: We replace God with people. Instead of a biblically guided fear of the Lord, we fear others. . . . When we are in our teens, it is called “peer pressure.” When we are older, it is called “people-pleasing.” Recently, it has been called “codependency.” Who do you fear? Who do you simply require the approval of? Whose praise of you means the world to you? Whose criticism or rejection of you would destroy you? Which person(s) are you different around, adjusting yourself to fit their expectations and becoming who they want you to be, rather than who God made you to be? Who do you sin for? These
questions help us to uncover any areas in our life where we are fearing someone other than God. Questions For Personal and Group Study Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 1 In your own words, what does it mean to fear God? 2 What fears, other than a fear of God, have driven your past decision-making? What was the result? 3 What people are you most likely to fear? Why? 4 Is there any area of your life that you are not obeying God? 5 What does it look like for the fear of God to enter in to the areas of your life where you are struggling to obey God? In your past, can you give an example of where you chose to fear and obey God and were able to at least live with a clear conscience?
About Pastor Mark Driscoll: Pastor Mark Driscoll is a Jesus-following, mission-leading, church-serving, people-loving, Bible-preaching pastor. In 2010, Preaching magazine named him one of the 25 most influential pastors of the past 25 years. He’s grateful to be a nobody trying to tell everybody about Somebody. With a skillful mix of bold presentation, accessible teaching, and unrelenting compassion for those who are hurting the most—particularly women who are victims of sexual and physical abuse and assault—Pastor Mark has taken biblical Christianity into cultural corners rarely explored by evangelicals. Various ministries trace their roots to Pastor Mark’s leadership. Mars Hill Church began as a Bible study he and his wife Grace taught in their home. He is also the founder of Resurgence, a ministry that offers resources for Christian leaders, including books, events, classes, multimedia, and a blog. He is the co-founder of the Acts 29 Network, which has planted over 400 churches in the US and 13 other nations. More Info at www.MarkDriscoll.org Used with permission from Mark Driscoll. Copyright 2016
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Don’t Look Back by james macdonald
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”
James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago. James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America.
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o much time is wasted by looking back. In the world around us, voices for personal growth and well-being are almost unanimous, calling us to dig up our past so we can do better in the future. But God’s Word through Isaiah is clear: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.” Apart from the lessons we’ve learned, there is nothing to gain by staring in the rearview mirror. “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” God wants us on His newness program! This shouldn’t come as a surprise; the Creator of the universe is constantly in creation mode. And His resurrection power can change every circumstance He touches. Can you perceive the “new thing” God is doing in your life? Are you discerning the opportunities and open doors that “spring forth” from His hand? Sadly, not everyone who follows Christ has eyes to see His newness. If you’re busy looking over your shoulder in regret or fixating on If only, you’ll be blindsided by a new thing—or miss it altogether. We have all made choices we’d like to change. But no amount of remorse can rewind that clock. It’s far better to repent where we haven’t and lay hold of God’s new things.The apostle Paul got this. Look at how he handled his past: “One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:13–14a). Paul knew that if he was going to lay hold of the purpose for which Christ laid hold of him, he was going to have to forget some things. God wants you to do the same. He is faithfully working all things together for good. Everything
Isaiah 43:18–19, ESV that’s happened in your life—every forward step and backward stumble—is being used by God to form His Son in you and prepare you for what He wants to do right now (Romans 8:28–29). Perhaps there is a pattern of sin in your life or an addiction you’re battling. Maybe you’re trapped in fearful anxiety or a relational heartbreak that can’t seem to get to a better place. Stare too long and you may feel like it’s hopeless. There’s no way out of this, God. My life isn’t what I thought it would be . . . and I’ve only made it worse with my choices. I’m too far gone for a “new thing.” Listen, your situation is no surprise to the One who made you. God is patient with you. He’s not keeping tabs on how many times you mess up a relationship or fall into a particular sin. Whoa, that’s six times she’s done that. One more slip-up and I’m through with her. He knows everything about you. He is acutely aware of how you are stuck and your utter inability to pull yourself out. Check this: “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” God is basically saying, “No wilderness is a match for Me—I make rivers in the most impossible places. I will lift you out of that mire and pour new life into your parched spirit. Trust Me.” God will make a way where there is no way. He can transform a lifeless desert into life-giving opportunity. We serve a living Savior—and everything He touches is new. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can work His newness in your circumstances. Bring that dry, difficult, despair-inducing place to the Lord. Invite Him to make a way in your wilderness with His living newness—and don’t look back.
“YOUR SITUATION IS NO SURPRISE TO THE ONE WHO MADE YOU.”
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j o u r nal W h a t n e w t h i n g s d o y o u s e e Go d b r i n g i n g a b o u t i n y o u r l i fe ? If y o u c a n ’ t d i s c e r n a n y a r e a s w h e r e H e ’s a t w o r k , w h y d o y o u th i n k th a t i s ? C a n y o u i d e n t i f y a n ar e a o f y o u r l i f e w h e r e y o u ’ v e g o t te n s tu c k a n d n e e d G o d t o m a k e a w a y w i th H i s newness?
P r ay Father, as I come before You, my posture is a reflection of where I want my heart to be. You are God; I am not. You rule; I do not. You know what’s best and I surely do not. But I do believe You. I believe Jesus Christ is raised from the dead and I long to know more deeply and personally the power of His resurrection in my life. Help me to entrust what feels hopeless into Your life-giving hands. Convict me when my eyes start looking back in regret and cause me to keep them fixed on Your Son Jesus, my Savior, who makes all things new. In His name I pray, amen.
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Victoria Sobre La Muerte -Luis Palau
La muerte golpea las puertas de un hogar cuando no se lo espera, es el enemigo más seguro del ser humano. El cristiano verdadero ha vencido la muerte por medio de Jesucristo; Cristo nos da cuando creemos en Él, victoria sobre la muerte. En Juan 11 dice: “Jesús dijo: Yo soy la resurrec‑ ción y la vida, el que cree en mi aunque esté muerto vivirá; y todo aquel que vive y cree en mí no morirá eternamente.” Jesucristo cuando entra en nuestro corazón nos da victoria sobre la muerte. El alma y el espíritu no mueren, tenemos vida eterna y esa es la victoria que Cristo da. El predicador Moody solía decir “Un día de estos ustedes van a leer en los periódicos que Moody ha muerto, no lo crean, en ese día yo estaré más vivo que nunca.” Y unos momen‑ tos antes de partir con Cristo dijo “La tierra se aleja, el cielo se acerca y voy a estar con el Señor”. Cuando una persona cree en Cristo y se transforma en un cristiano verdadero, Cristo le da paz. La paz viene como consecuencia de tener la conciencia limpia de todo pecado, saber que estamos reconciliados con Dios, la paz viene como resultado de saber que tenemos victoria sobre la muerte, y el resultado de todo esto es PAZ. ¡Que hermoso es tener la paz de Dios en el corazón! La humanidad no tiene la paz de Dios y cree que la falta de paz es fruto de un mal matrimonio, o producto de política, pero no es así. En Juan 14 Jesús dijo: “La paz os dejo, mi paz os doy; yo no os la doy como el mundo la da, no se turbe vuestro corazón ni tenga miedo”. Deje de buscar paz y descanse, crea que Jesucristo es el Hijo de Dios, que vino al mundo para salvarle a usted, crea que le perdona sus pecados, le da un corazón nuevo, le recon‑ cilia con Dios, le da victoria sobre la muerte. La paz de Cristo es sentirse perdonado, amado, sentir realmente que “Cristo vive en mí” conforme dice la Biblia. ¿Qué paz puede dar el mundo? ¿Cuánto puede durar?, en cambio, la paz de Jesús es eterna. Luis Palau
Luis Palau ya entró en la historia moderna como uno de los contados hombres que le hablaron a más personas en el mundo. Su mensaje fue, y es escuchado por más de 800 millones de personas en 112 países a través de la radio y la televisión, y tiene el privilegio de haberle hablado a más de 22 millones de personas cara a cara en 80 países del mundo, organizando, junto a un selecto grupos de colaboradores internacionales y con el apoyo de invitaciones locales, congresos, seminarios, charlas informales, conferencias y recitales-conferencia llamados “Festivales”.
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“Why are you in have you become God, for I shall of
despair, O my soul? And why disturbed within me? Hope in again praise Him For the help His presence.”
-Psalm 42:5
Sometimes my soul feels dry, alone, unmotivated. I do remember times of great energy and excitement concerning my family, farm, church, God. Yes, I remember times that, “As the deer pants for the water brooks so my soul thirsts for Thee, O God!” Psalm 42:1. But much of the time it’s just not there. And, the more I think about it, when anything or anyone stops giving me soul energy I experienced before, I start feeling this dryness, aloneness and lack of motivation. Oh but this same Psalm tells me, “…hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” About RUBEN MARTINEZ: Born in 1954 into a migrant family who worked the fields together every summer. He holds a Masters degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. He started Living Word Evangelical Free Church in 1987. Ruben and his wife, Nancy, have 5 children; Stefanie (25), Gabriel (22), Grant (19), David (18) and Desiree (16). Ruben has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rio Grande Bible Institute (6 years) and the EFCA National Board of Directors (3 years).
Sequel to #1 faith blockbuster releases April 1, starring Melissa Joan Hart, Jessie Metcalfe and GOP presidential nominee Mike Huckabee. Cultural and governmental infringements on religious liberties, seen almost daily in headlines coast to coast, are at the center of the story of GOD’S NOT DEAD 2. The Pure Flix Entertainment sequel to the highest-grossing independent faith film of 2014 released to theaters nationwide April 1, 2016. The film focuses on a Christian teacher (Melissa Joan Hart) who must fight for her job and her reputation when she mentions Jesus when answering a student’s question in her public-school classroom. Her refusal to apologize leads school district officials to enlist a zealous civil liberties group to find her guilty of violating the “separation of church and state.” The film reflects elements of other true stories of people persecuted for
because it’s the day recognized as National Atheists’ Day. The purpose of the release date, and of the film itself, is to get those on both sides of the debate to talk to one another rather than to label one another’s beliefs, according to Scott. “Our goal has always been and remains making movies that entertain
and educate an army of people who can talk about their faith intelligently, and really take that to the world,” he said. “Our hope is that we can start a conversation in the country with this movie about how critical the right to believe, and to talk about that belief in public, is to our nation.”
their faith as seen in the news story from last fall in Katy, Texas when a 7th grader spoke to her school board after her teacher said God was a myth. “Cases like these – where the religious freedoms of everyday men and women are being restricted by courts and government agencies – are sadly quite common today,” explained producer Michael Scott, founding partner of Pure Flix, the largest Christian entertainment production and distribution studio in the world. GOD’S NOT DEAD 2 stars Melissa Joan Hart (SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH), Jesse Metcalfe (DALLAS), Hayley Orrantia (THE GOLDBERGS), David A.R. White (GOD’S NOT DEAD), Sadie Robertson (DUCK DYNASTY), Robin Givens (HEAD OF THE CLASS), the late Senator Fred Dalton Thompson (LAW & ORDER), and Pat Boone. Featured appearances include The Newsboys and GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. The film, rated PG (for thematic elements) is being released on April 1, 2016 – on what some may think is an “unconventional” release date –
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What can we learn from Jesus doing only what he saw his Father doing John 5:19-23?
“Just like children imitate their parents, Jesus imitated His Father,” says Holly, 12. “We are the children of God. We can be loving, patient, caring and compassionate and have the love of God in our hearts.” No one has ever lived a more balanced life than the Lord Jesus. His love and righteousness balanced each other in perfect harmony. We all have a tendency toward pride even when we’re right. Jesus was always right yet always humble. In Jesus, love and righteousness were perfectly balanced. “Jesus knew exactly what to speak, when to speak and when not to speak anything,” writes theologian Stephen Kaung. “How beautiful! May the beauty of the Lord Jesus become ours.” “Jesus followed what His Father has done. So we follow what Jesus does,” says Hannah, 10. Jesus did not live according to public opinion polls. He put himself under the rule of heaven. Because Jesus listened to the voice of his Father, he lived on earth as though in heaven. Even though Jesus lived a sinless life, he denied his sinless self in the Garden of Gethsemane when he prayed, “Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done,” (Luke 22:42). On the cross, Jesus drank the wrath that we deserve. Jesus hung on a cruel cross and absorbed the punishment of God’s righteous judgment so that we could live with him forever. If there were another way to bring us to himself, Jesus would have done it: “if it is your will, take this cup from me.” However, Jesus denied his sinless self and submitted to his Father’s will: “nevertheless not my will, but yours be done.” “Jesus was a human being who was completely set apart for only one purpose; devotion to the Father and His will,” wrote Kaung. Jesus multiplied a boy’s lunch to feed 5,000 people, but he refused to use his power to turn desert stones into bread when the devil tempted him in the desert (Matthew 4:1-4). The question asked after Jesus feed 5,000 people illustrates
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how most people misunderstand God’s will. “‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?’ “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he sent,’” (John 6:28-29). The Bible teaches us about the many wonderful works of God, but from his perspective, there is only one work. All God’s works revolve around this one work. Religious leaders have their own ideas about what works please God. Even though well intended, it doesn’t mean God approves or blesses. We need to understand “the work of God” first. Afterward, all other works will find their proper place within that one work of God, writes Kaung. The one work of God is to bring mankind to God. Faith in Jesus Christ as savior is the means whereby everyone can receive the benefits of Jesus’ one work on the cross. God the Father will present the redeemed people of God as a royal bride to King Jesus. Ask this question: Have you learned from Jesus how to accept by faith his one work of salvation? Think about this: “Salvation is not something that is attained through human effort, but instead it is a freely given gift. The only ‘work’ necessary is to receive the gift of God for eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ,” writes Bible scholar J.E. White. Memorize this truth: John 6:29 quoted above.
Art by Addison
Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is available as a free, weekly family devotional by email at KidsTalkAboutGod.org. Also, view a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. Two Valley children will win dude-ranch vacations for up to five family members. One will go to Medicine Bow Lodge in Saratoga, Wyoming and the other to Coulter Lake Guest Ranch in Rifle, Colorado. Each will receive a check for $600 to help pay for travel expenses. For details go to KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv.
April 2016
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Do You Know Jesus?
Do you know Jesus Christ? Many have heard of Jesus and know a little about Him. Many sing songs about His birth at Christmas and know that Easter commemorates His resurrection. Some think of Him as a teacher or perhaps the founder of a major world religion. But, do you know Him personally? Do you know that Jesus died and rose again, not to start a spiritual movement but because He loves you and wanted to provide a way for you to know Him?
The Bible tells the story of God’s love for people. In the beginning, God created us to reflect His image and to have a relationship with Him (Genesis 1:27). We were created good, and then sin entered the world. We essentially chose to try life on our own without God, instead of living our lives for God as we were designed.
God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the price for our sins and bring us into a relationship with Him. Through Him, we can know the promise of eternal life and experience the joy of knowing God here on earth!
If you would like to have a relationship with God, the Bible tells us that the first step is acknowledging that we have sinned and that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s love (Romans 3:2326). Next, we believe and confess that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9) and allow Him to guide our lives. Where we once wanted to control our own futures, we now invite Jesus into our hearts to be Lord over our lives.
Knowing God’s peace, perspective, and purpose for your life begins with a personal relationship with Jesus.
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Follow these steps to a New Life with Jesus 1 God’s purpose is life and peace: God desires for you to have life and peace now and for all eternity.”I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b
2 Recognizing the problem: sin and separation: We were created to know, love and glorify God. When we choose to go our own way, living life in willful disobedience to God, we are choosing to be separated from God both now and for all eternity.The Bible says we are sinners…“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 But God is love…“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 And God is also just…“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
3 We cannot save ourselves: Because God is Holy, He cannot allow sin to enter into Heaven. Most people attempt to save themselves by their own efforts, good works or church attendance. The Bible says… “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 How then can a sinful person enter Heaven where God allows no sin?
4 We are saved by grace: The good news is… in spite of our sin, Christ died for us.“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not of
works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9” But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 5 Responding to God’s gift by faith: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Would you like to accept Jesus as Lord of your life? “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5
If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord of your life, you can pray the following prayer: Lord, I confess that I have sinned against You and ask You to forgive me. I’m sorry that my sin has hurt You and other people in my life. I acknowledge that I could never earn salvation by my good works, but I come to You and trust in what Jesus did for me on the cross.
I believe that You love me and that Jesus died and rose again so that I can be forgiven and come to know You. I ask You to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I trust You with everything, and I thank You for loving me so much that I can know You here on earth and spend the rest of eternity with You in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen.
What do I do now? Just like a new baby needs to be cared for and nurtured in order to grow physically, a child of God needs to be nurtured in order to grow spiritually. Here’s how you can begin growing in Christ:
1 Tell someone: Tell a pastor or Christian friend who will help you grow and find your gifts of service. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 4:11, 12
2 Be baptized: This is your first act of obedience. “So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Acts 10:48
3 Join the church: The church is where God’s family encourages and supports one another.”How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
4 Pray and read your Bible daily: God communicates His will for your life through His Word and prayer.”Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
Seek a godly mentor: A mentor teaches you the ways of God and how to live a holy life. “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.” Titus 2:3
© 2015 Proverbs 31 Ministries All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission. For more info go to www.proverbs31.org
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Thankfulness and boundaries Dear Dave, My fiancé and I are getting married in May. He’s a youth pastor, and I’m in grad school. His mom and dad found a home they think we’ll like, and they want to gift us money for a down payment. I’m not sure how I feel about this under our present circumstances. Do you think we should go ahead and accept when I’ll still be in school and we’ll still have debt to pay off? Emily Dear Emily, You need to get to know each other before you buy a house together. I always recommend that young couples rent for a year and concentrate on each other, the new marriage, cleaning up any debts you have, and establishing an emergency fund. Then, after another year or so when you’ve had time to take control of your finances, the idea of looking for a home becomes much smarter. It sounds like your future in-laws are really generous people. They’re trying to do something nice for you two, but they kind of got out ahead of things with this idea. And in the process, they violated some boundaries in your relationship with your fiancé.
My advice is to have a conversation with your fiancé about all this and get on the same page about what is the smart thing to do. Then the two of you need to have a loving discussion with his parents. Let him do most of the talking, and say thank you a lot, but let them know you both feel it would be best to start out by renting something for a year or so. Then after a little time has passed, tell them if they still want to help with a down payment you’d both very grateful.
Dave s y a S
I think this approach would be good for the boundary issues and for your finances! —Dave
Welcome to life Dear Dave, Our son just turned 8 years old. Is it time to start giving him an allowance? Dan Dear Dan, There’s never a time for an allowance, no matter the child’s age. In my mind, that kind of thinking is the best way to plant the seeds of entitlement. You want your son growing up with the idea that he’s owed money simply because he’s alive. Instead, work out a plan to pay him commissions. Assign him weekly chores that are age-appropriate. Then, when the work gets done, he gets paid. And guess what? If the work doesn’t get done, he doesn’t get paid! Not only do we want to teach a healthy work ethic, but we also want him to learn that work creates money.
* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
Of course, there are some things a child should be expected to do without financial reward. Everyone needs to pitch in and do certain things to help out when they’re part of a family. But once you’ve taught him about work, make sure to also teach him about the three uses for money—saving, spending, and giving. Lessons on the basic handling of money are some of the best teachable moments you can have with your child. Not only does it make them more knowledgeable about finances, it helps them learn about life! —Dave
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Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez attorney at law Some historians may argue that among the greatest restoration stories of mankind are the European Renaissance or perhaps the post-World War II era. The cultural movement known as the European Renaissance roughly took place during the 14th through 17th centuries. This moment in history saw the face of Europe evolve with respect to its arts, architecture and long held science tenets. It also saw a rediscovery of the Greco-Roman classical knowledge and a rebirth of the study of Latin and vernacular languages. It served as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern Era. Closer to home, America saw its restoration take place in the years that followed World War II. During this era, couples who could not afford families during the Great Depression made up for lost time. The mood in America suddenly became optimistic. At that time, the unemployment rate of the Great Depression dropped dramatically and the economy improved substantially. The G.I. Bill empowered many honorable service members to finish high school and attend college. As their skills were improved, so was the financial well-being of their families. But, without a doubt the greatest restoration that can take place is when a person does as Romans 10:9 instructs us to do. Romans 10:9 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The message is simple: invite Christ into your heart and make him your personal Lord and Savior. At that time, your restoration will be complete. Next He will do as Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” As you seek and strive to honor God with your life, He will reward you by allowing you to take on His characteristics. Hosea 14:4 says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; No longer am I angry with them.” I pray that you will invite Christ into your heart and allow Him to restore you! At my office, I also want to be part of your restoration plan, albeit in a different way. I pray that God will use me for His honor and glory in helping me address your needs. If you have been involved in an auto accident and/or other serious injury or if you have lost a loved one as a result of someone’s negligence, I will do my best to restore some sense of normality to your life. I will also help you in matters involving family law, criminal law and real estate and will issues. As always, I bear in mind that in honoring God with the way I handle my business relationships I will be honoring you my esteemed client.
Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez
www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455
511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com