By John W. Whitehead and Nisha Whitehead “It is the function of mass agitation to exploit all the grievances, hopes, aspirations, prejudices, fears, and ideals...Divide and Conquer: The Government's Propaganda of Fear and Fake News

What Does “Woke” Mean? And Why Does It Matter?Dr. Paul ChappellFri, 03/01/2024 - 16:49 Woke is an odd word—and not just because it is a past tense verb that is now commonly used as an adjective. It's odd because it has vague connotations without clear definitions. This ambiguity allows those who appreciate the word's implications to write off those who criticize its implications as “just not understanding its meaning.”? In conversations like this, clarity is always our friend. That's why I was thankful when someone from our Sheriff's Department recently asked me what I meant in using the word woke. This individual is not a believer, and I was happy to answer his question from a Christian perspective.? Below is a lightly-edited copy of the letter that I wrote him. I thought it may be helpful to readers of this blog who have similar conversations with law enforcement or others who are seeking clarity on our concerns over the radical changes in our society that are being furthered under the banner of wokism.? Thanks for asking about the definition of “woke.” I wasn't sure if the question was asked personally or on behalf of the Sheriff, but I am happy to share a few thoughts.? Many of us had never heard the term woke until a few years ago. Prior to that time, it was used simply to describe people who felt awakened to the injustices of racism. In recent years, however, it seems the word has been highjacked by political activists who are often far-left or socialistic in their views and have a larger agenda in mind than standing against racism.? Although I cannot in this short space define the whole woke philosophy as is commonly applied today, I can point out a few frequently used terms and highlight some of their implications.? Social Justice: This is a broad term that often defeats the principles of “equal justice under the law.” Social justice focuses on enforcing equal outcomes for everyone. In this way, it leans into socialism. And amazingly, “social justice” doesn't bring justice to the average citizen, as it focuses on groups rather than on individuals' misconduct or good accomplishments. The end result, as philosopher Friedrich Hayek observed, is that people must be treated unequally in order to create equal outcomes: “And that's what social justice amounts to. It's a demand that the state should treat people differently in order to place them in the same position. . . .To make people equal a goal of governmental policy would force government to treat people very unequally indeed.”? Critical Race Theory (CRT): Under the guise of exposing racism, CRT actually suggests a reverse racism by insisting that the color of one's skin determines whether or not he or she is racist. As one author explained, “Even if a white person has never had a genuinely racist thought…he is still a racist, white supremacist, because he is white and belongs to the majority” (Ronnie W. Rogers, “Understanding the Terms…” blog post). This kind of insistence on seeing everything through the lens of race brings division to communities.LGBTQ Promotion: For many years, the LGBTQ movement has sought to align with the woke activists to gain influence, and that strategy is working. Woke activists aggressively promote sexual behavior and lifestyles through celebrations and legislation with new laws and vocabulary introduced regularly (cisgender, transgender, cultural appropriation, intersectionality, conscious capitalism, etc.). They have enshrined these numerous terms which are now being forced upon the public. The woke agenda also belittles the nuclear, or biblical, family model. Yet strong families are a strength in any society. While claiming to be marginalized, the woke and LBGTQ lobbies in this state are well-represented in government positions and dominant in political circles. Most concerningly, they are now targeting children and prohibiting parents and teachers from speaking up. For instance, CA Bill AB 957 which was put before the California legislature and passed both houses before being vetoed by the governor, said a non-consenting parent of an under-aged child would lose custody if that parent refused a mastectomy or castration (sex re-assignment surgery) for his or her child. Only the “gender affirming” parent is deemed fit to parent a child who may actually be suffering from dysphoria. Additionally, teachers have been fired from their jobs for refusing to go along with these new ideals. (One local example is Jessica Tapias, a teacher in Riverside County, who was fired just this year for refusing to hide gender transitions from parents of young children.)Economic Equity: This aims to reduce the income gap between the poor and middle class—not by increasing economic opportunity for minority groups, but by taking from the middle class by way of taxes and/or not prosecuting theft. Wealth redistribution is a common theme in woke literature.Again, this is a very high-end summary, and more could be said. But the larger point is that, while every American should stand against racism, wokism actually focuses on emphasizing differences between race and seems to have an end agenda of the disruption of society.? In particular, it leads to concerning philosophies as it relates to law enforcement. The interpretation of social justice by woke activists has led to practices such as zero-bail policies, refusing to prosecute crime, and large-scale defunding of and/or disrespect for law enforcement.? These policies, which are supported by left-leaning financiers such as George Soros and others, have been adopted by the Los Angeles District Attorney. The training of these policies has been disseminated throughout Southern Californian governmental agencies. What has been the result?? Increase in crimeIgniting class and race warfareDiscouragement and apathy among law enforcement, including many LA County deputiesFor instance, another bill recently passed the California legislature (AB 852) that requires judges to base their sentencing on race, rather than on crime. The essence of the bill is that someone who is a minority should not be prosecuted to the same extent as someone who is Caucasian because of past injustices. This is the actual opposite of Martin Luther King Jr.'s aspiration that people “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”The woke philosophy applied to law enforcement has essentially emboldened the criminal element of communities. No doubt, you have seen this with grab-and-go robberies of high-end stores and hit and run accidents. In places where the criminal element of a community is emboldened, the rank-and-file deputies as well as law enforcement in general have become discouraged. I know the citizens of the Antelope Valley as well as anyone, and I can tell you they are discouraged by the emboldened attitude of those who run red lights, commit robbery, and worse.? As a pastor of thirty-seven years here in Los Angeles County, I care about the safety of our citizens and the wellbeing of our law enforcement community. I am concerned to see crime on the rise and criminals emboldened. I'm saddened, too, to see these issues tied to race. I've preached here in our community for nearly four decades against racism, and I know that all people are made in the image of God.? Theologically and biblically, I believe that all humans fall short of God's perfection (Romans 3:23). None of us are better than others. We have all broken God's law, and we all need redemption through the finished work of Christ for us (Romans 6:23). Whoever calls to God, acknowledges his or her sin, and receives Christ as Savior may have forgiveness and peace with God. I realize this last point is another, although related, topic. But I am happy to discuss it with you at some point in time.? I realize there is political pressure because many woke activists are political donors. Yet, I believe the Sheriff's Department must not be guided by the woke agenda, but by the law. Without law and order, nothing else works in society. Certainly, our new Captain in Lancaster or anyone in the department should be advanced based on integrity, respect, leadership, and a history of good policing. They should not be affirmed because of adherence to a particular dogma such as “wokism.”Thank you for your service to our community. Please know that I am here to help you and our law enforcement community in any way that I can.? Your Friend,Paul Chappell? P. S. I'm happy to provide additional resources on wokism and woke interpretations of social justice if these would be a help to you. A few that may be a help are Fault Lines by Voddie Baucham Jr. and Woke, Inc. by Vivek Ramaswamy. I have written a minibook on this topic titled Which Justice? which I would be glad to send you. Category Christian Living

What Is the State of Your Foundation? Tim RasmussenTue, 12/19/2023 - 01:17 Due to a population explosion in Southern California in the early 1920s, plans were made to create a large reservoir to help meet the region's growing water needs. Engineer William Mulholland had achieved a great deal of recognition and respect among members of the engineering community when he supervised the design and construction of the longest aqueduct in the world at that time—the Los Angeles Aqueduct, and he was chosen as the chief engineer for the new project.After conducting a thorough study of the topography and geological features of the area, Mulholland was convinced that San Francisquito Canyon, about forty miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, was the ideal site. Design and construction began in 1924, and at its completion on May 4, 1926, the magnificent St. Francis dam rose to a height of 185 feet above the canyon floor. The dam was an engineering marvel—the crown jewel of Mulholland's career.But there was a problem. Although Mulholland wrote of the unstable nature of the face of the schist on the eastern side of the canyon, he either misjudged or ignored it. As water began to fill the reservoir, several temperature and contraction cracks appeared in the dam, and seepage began to flow from under the abatements.Mulholland and his assistant chief engineer Harvey Van Norman inspected the cracks and judged them to be within expectation for a concrete dam the size of St. Francis. Workers were ordered to seal off the leaks, but they were not entirely successful. Late in 1927, a fracture appeared that ran diagonally across the dam. Mulholland inspected the cleft, judged it to be another inconsequential contraction crack, and left it? alone.On March 7, 1928, yet another leak was discovered by a dam employee. He was concerned not only because there was a new leak but also because the water in this runoff was muddy, indicating possible erosion of the dam's foundation.Mulholland and Van Norman inspected the dam and its various leaks and seepages, finding “nothing out of the ordinary or of concern for a large dam.” Both Mulholland and Van Norman made it clear that there just wasn't anything to worry about. Mulholland had a reputation to uphold. Surely there couldn't be any critical issues with his masterpiece. Acknowledging major engineering shortcomings would have jeopardized his hard-earned position and reputation.Two and half minutes before midnight on March? 12,? 1928, the St. Francis dam catastrophically failed. Within 70 minutes of the collapse, the reservoir was virtually empty as 12.4 billion gallons of water began surging down San Francisquito Canyon becoming a 140-foot high flood wave traveling eighteen miles per hour. Countless workmen and their families were never found. The flood left an appalling record of death and destruction, with hundreds of lives claimed. The St. Francis Dam disaster, which effectively ended the career of William Mulholland, remains the second greatest loss of life in California's history, after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.Cracks in any foundation can have catastrophic effects, and the most catastrophic tragedies of all are the results of cracks in the foundations of lives. These cracks affect not only us but also those we know and love. In the busyness of life and with all the responsibilities of family and ministry, we need to ask ourselves if we are ignoring foundational issues of the heart that could lead to disaster.These cracks may not be visible yet to our family and friends, but the cracks are there nonetheless and have the potential to cause irreparable harm if not properly addressed. This is why Paul warned Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16).A wise man will faithfully and conscientiously inspect his foundation and will be honest with himself and God when cracks are discovered.We would demonstrate great wisdom to inspect our lives for the following cracks, all indicators of a deeper spiritual need:We no longer have a vibrant and growing walk with the Lord.We have stopped guarding our hearts from temptation.We have allowed our thought lives to wander.We rationalize thoughts and behaviors that previously would have convicted our conscience.We put a priority on temporal things such as money, position, or recognition over essentials like holiness, godliness and integrity.We emphasize the public over the private.We dismiss “small” sins in order to protect our reputation.We stop seeking counsel from others and discourage others from requiring accountability of us.We begin to pridefully look to ourselves rather than focusing on Jesus.If we continue to ignore cracks in our integrity, we are positioning ourselves for an inevitable and monumental collapse, bringing great reproach—to our families, to our congregations, and to the cause of Christ. We are in grave danger of not finishing the race God has given us to complete.My oldest brother, Mark, has often challenged me with the following statement: “People remember how you start, and they remember how you finish.”Paul wrote of his daily decision to inspect his foundation and prevent cracks in his life: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).Are there cracks forming in your life—cracks that reveal deeper foundational issues? Let us take whatever steps necessary to shore up our foundation and seal up the cracks so that our lives will bring honor and glory to our Lord who saved us.How can we take steps to strengthen the foundation of our lives?By acknowledging cracks and sincerely seeking God in repentance: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs? 28:13).By determining to live according to the Word of God:? “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).By attending church and exhorting others: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews? 10:25).By seeking God in prayer: John R. Rice said, “All of our failures are prayer failures.” “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17).By reading God's Word daily and committing it to memory: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).By sharing our testimony with a lost and dying world and pointing them to Jesus Christ: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs? 11:30).By intentionally meditating on God's standards: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2).By guarding our thought life: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2? Corinthians 10:5).By loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves: We desperately need a great commitment to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-38).Paul admonished us to build properly, from the ground up: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon” (1? Corinthians 3:10).When we lay a proper foundation and continually build on it, we can look forward to one day hearing Christ say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”? Category Christian Living Tags Pastoral Leadership Integrity Christian Living Spiritual Growth

An old adage states there are two things a polite conversation never includes—religion and politics. But in the past forty-five years, religion and politics have meshed to the point of syncretism. Political ideals have replaced many Christians' zeal for the Lord with fervor for a Christian nation via politics. At what point does politics become an idol, and what are the warning signs this is happening?What Event Spurred Christians to Pay More Attention to Politics?The Christian Post reports on the Moral Majority, “Founded by the Rev. Jerry Falwell in 1979, the Moral Majority advocated for conservative positions on issues like abortion, homosexuality, and school vouchers. It also helped millions of Christians register to vote.” The organization gave rise to the impetus that Christians who engage in politics, both as candidates and supporters, are honoring to God because Christians will bring a moral rightness to a largely secular civil realm.Photo credit: ©Getty Images/natasaadzic

Children challenge the secular, hyper-individualist worldview to its core. They present an immediate, shared responsibility that directs us beyond material gain and personal fulfillment to higher ideals.

What Is the State of Your Foundation? Tim RasmussenTue, 12/19/2023 - 01:17 Due to a population explosion in Southern California in the early 1920s, plans were made to create a large reservoir to help meet the region's growing water needs. Engineer William Mulholland had achieved a great deal of recognition and respect among members of the engineering community when he supervised the design and construction of the longest aqueduct in the world at that time—the Los Angeles Aqueduct, and he was chosen as the chief engineer for the new project.After conducting a thorough study of the topography and geological features of the area, Mulholland was convinced that San Francisquito Canyon, about forty miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, was the ideal site. Design and construction began in 1924, and at its completion on May 4, 1926, the magnificent St. Francis dam rose to a height of 185 feet above the canyon floor. The dam was an engineering marvel—the crown jewel of Mulholland's career.But there was a problem. Although Mulholland wrote of the unstable nature of the face of the schist on the eastern side of the canyon, he either misjudged or ignored it. As water began to fill the reservoir, several temperature and contraction cracks appeared in the dam, and seepage began to flow from under the abatements.Mulholland and his assistant chief engineer Harvey Van Norman inspected the cracks and judged them to be within expectation for a concrete dam the size of St. Francis. Workers were ordered to seal off the leaks, but they were not entirely successful. Late in 1927, a fracture appeared that ran diagonally across the dam. Mulholland inspected the cleft, judged it to be another inconsequential contraction crack, and left it alone.On March 7, 1928, yet another leak was discovered by a dam employee. He was concerned not only because there was a new leak but also because the water in this runoff was muddy, indicating possible erosion of the dam's foundation.Mulholland and Van Norman inspected the dam and its various leaks and seepages, finding “nothing out of the ordinary or of concern for a large dam.” Both Mulholland and Van Norman made it clear that there just wasn't anything to worry about. Mulholland had a reputation to uphold. Surely there couldn't be any critical issues with his masterpiece. Acknowledging major engineering shortcomings would have jeopardized his hard-earned position and reputation.Two and half minutes before midnight on March 12, 1928, the St. Francis dam catastrophically failed. Within 70 minutes of the collapse, the reservoir was virtually empty as 12.4 billion gallons of water began surging down San Francisquito Canyon becoming a 140-foot high flood wave traveling eighteen miles per hour. Countless workmen and their families were never found. The flood left an appalling record of death and destruction, with hundreds of lives claimed. The St. Francis Dam disaster, which effectively ended the career of William Mulholland, remains the second greatest loss of life in California's history, after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.Cracks in any foundation can have catastrophic effects, and the most catastrophic tragedies of all are the results of cracks in the foundations of lives. These cracks affect not only us but also those we know and love. In the busyness of life and with all the responsibilities of family and ministry, we need to ask ourselves if we are ignoring foundational issues of the heart that could lead to disaster.These cracks may not be visible yet to our family and friends, but the cracks are there nonetheless and have the potential to cause irreparable harm if not properly addressed. This is why Paul warned Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16).A wise man will faithfully and conscientiously inspect his foundation and will be honest with himself and God when cracks are discovered.We would demonstrate great wisdom to inspect our lives for the following cracks, all indicators of a deeper spiritual need:We no longer have a vibrant and growing walk with the Lord.We have stopped guarding our hearts from temptation.We have allowed our thought lives to wander.We rationalize thoughts and behaviors that previously would have convicted our conscience.We put a priority on temporal things such as money, position, or recognition over essentials like holiness, godliness and integrity.We emphasize the public over the private.We dismiss “small” sins in order to protect our reputation.We stop seeking counsel from others and discourage others from requiring accountability of us.We begin to pridefully look to ourselves rather than focusing on Jesus.If we continue to ignore cracks in our integrity, we are positioning ourselves for an inevitable and monumental collapse, bringing great reproach—to our families, to our congregations, and to the cause of Christ. We are in grave danger of not finishing the race God has given us to complete.My oldest brother, Mark, has often challenged me with the following statement: “People remember how you start, and they remember how you finish.”Paul wrote of his daily decision to inspect his foundation and prevent cracks in his life: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).Are there cracks forming in your life—cracks that reveal deeper foundational issues? Let us take whatever steps necessary to shore up our foundation and seal up the cracks so that our lives will bring honor and glory to our Lord who saved us.How can we take steps to strengthen the foundation of our lives?By acknowledging cracks and sincerely seeking God in repentance: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).By determining to live according to the Word of God: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).By attending church and exhorting others: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).By seeking God in prayer: John R. Rice said, “All of our failures are prayer failures.” “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17).By reading God's Word daily and committing it to memory: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).By sharing our testimony with a lost and dying world and pointing them to Jesus Christ: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).By intentionally meditating on God's standards: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2).By guarding our thought life: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).By loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves: We desperately need a great commitment to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-38).Paul admonished us to build properly, from the ground up: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon” (1 Corinthians 3:10).When we lay a proper foundation and continually build on it, we can look forward to one day hearing Christ say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Category Christian Living Tags Pastoral Leadership Integrity Christian Living Spiritual Growth

Reminiscent of the Vietnam War, we stand today on the brink of throwing out the American ideal of free speech in favor of political correctness. Yes, I know it normally is conservatives who cry foul over the dangers of political...The post It is not antisemitic to oppose the nation of Israel's atrocities appeared first on Baptist News Global.

The Woke Agenda and Its Influence on Churches and CollegesDr. Paul ChappellWed, 03/29/2023 - 13:30 Over the past several years, the term woke has been used to describe people who have been awakened to the injustices of society, particularly in regards to racism. Many Christians, committed to displaying God's heart for the oppressed, have eagerly embraced the term.The “woke movement,” however, has grown much larger than the early definition of the term. There is an agenda driving it that is anti-Christian and steeped in anti-God philosophies.A working definition of wokism is impossible since even its strongest proponents apply the word in fluid settings. As defined by Merriam-Webster, to be woke means to be “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).”1 In a broader, more practical sense, however, author Owen Strachan pointed out,Wokeness is first and foremost a mindset and posture. The term itself means that one is “awake” to the true nature of the world when so many are asleep. In the most specific terms, this means one sees the comprehensive inequity of our social order and strives to highlight power structures in society that stem from racial privilege.2Conversations and ideas with people who subscribe to woke philosophies have reached far beyond racism to involve any topics related to inequality including social justice, sexism, economic philosophies, and LGBTQ acceptance.The way in which Christians address these issues relates directly to their view of Scripture. Second Timothy 3:16–17 asserts, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”A Christian with a high view of the accuracy, sufficiency, and authority of Scripture sees every social topic in light of the relative theological positions and practical instructions of God's Word. A mature Christian is discerning of the underlying philosophies that drive these discussions and holds each up to Scripture.Christians with a weak view of Scripture are more likely to allow the culture to both describe the problem and prescribe the solution. These Christians are more likely to suggest that basic Bible truths don't apply in particular settings or that the biblical writers did not fully understand such modern issues. Often, Christians who don't use the plainly-stated truths of Scripture as their compass will instead build subjective arguments based on “God's heart for ” or how they believe Jesus would respond to various areas of need.This undiscerning attitude is furthered by prominent Christian leaders who have jumped on the woke bandwagon. They may have been drifting from previously-held positions, but their recent statements clearly identify with the woke movement. For example,Andy Stanley, pastor of a nondenominational, multi-campus megachurch in Atlanta, recently spoke positively of gay Christians who attend church as “having more faith than I do.”3Rick Warren, the founding pastor of Saddleback Church, a Southern Baptist, multi-campus megachurch in Anaheim, recently ordained women as pastors and, more recently, defended this position as something more churches should do.4A recent article pointed to three Christian leaders who have become outspoken on woke-related issues and commented, “The direction [Russell] Moore, [David] French, and [Beth] Moore are walking is not simply traditional evangelicalism, but a form of cultural accommodation dressed as convictional religion. The result is a religious respectability that promotes national unity, liberalism, and wokeism under the rhetorical guise of love for neighbor.”5These unrelated examples point out the pervasiveness of woke philosophies in the church today.Biblical leaders must develop the spiritual discernment to cut through the woke rhetoric to understand the philosophies behind current issues and allow Scripture to shape their response. I hope this article is an aid to that end.In the next few pages, we will look at six woke-related issues, briefly describing each and bringing scriptural truths to bear. Additionally, I have included questions to help form discussions on each topic.Most of these topics employ terms not directly used in Scripture (e.g. “social justice” or “intersectionality”). My desire here is not to split hairs over terms or to insinuate that everything touching a given term is ungodly. My goal is simply to hold up the underlying philosophies to Scripture and encourage you to stand on thoroughly-biblical convictions.With that background, let's get started.Social JusticeEvery Bible-believing Christian desires justice for the oppressed (Deuteronomy 24:14–21, Micah 6:8). But the social justice movement of today has more to do with insisting that categories of people, as opposed to individuals, have not received justice over time and thus should be treated differently today—even when there are not immediate instances of injustice in an individual's life.Additionally, some of the categories commonly cited for need in social justice are drawn from the whole or subsegments of LGBT identities, effectively equating different convictions regarding same-sex marriage or transgender inclusion with racism or other forms of discrimination over immutable characteristics, such as ethnicity. There is a real push through the social justice movement of today to undermine the basic definitions of male and female as well as the institution of marriage. Many who are driving the social justice agenda have openly-stated goals for the destruction of the nuclear family and the promotion of an LBGT agenda.One example is from the leaders of the Black Lives Matter organization that came to prominence after the death of George Floyd.6 These leaders not only sought the demise of the nuclear family, but they openly shared their Marxist ideals.7 That woke-leaning Christians don't see through to the anti-Christian agendas at play is deeply concerning.An additional area of concern to the social justice movement is the way in which it conflates helping marginalized people with the sharing of the gospel. There is value to serving one's community, and there is definitely value to reaching out to people who are oppressed or marginalized in a community. But we must not equate these types of care with sharing the gospel. The Bible is clear that faith for salvation comes through hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Yet, Timothy Keller, a pastor and author seems to equate the two. (Interestingly, Keller, a Christian apologist holds that God may have created the world through the evolutionary process.8) In Keller's church philosophy book Center Church, he writes, “Ministry in which Christians sacrificially serve the common good of the city is not only biblical but a necessary context for any convincing call to believe in Jesus.”9 In the same section he says that we cannot change culture simply “through lots of conversions.”10 This is simply not true. Scripture teaches that the truly converted become “a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As someone grows in their faith, everything about their life will change, including developing biblical viewpoints on moral and social issues. Those who insist that a focus on social justice must accompany the gospel actually do the gospel itself an injustice by seemingly suggesting that conversion is not the answer.“Social justicians” often speak of redeeming the culture. Yet the Son of man came “to seek and to save” lost people (Luke 19:10). The “woke gospel” is another gospel, not the gospel of the New Testament. Instead of leading unsaved people to Christ, it leads people to social causes, some of which are anti-biblical. I have seen church buildings from Charlotte to San Fransisco displaying Black Lives Matter signs and rainbow flags, but those same churches are not sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and calling sinners to repentance. I am reminded of Paul's warning in Galatians 1:6, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel.”Biblically defined, the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1–5). It is the satisfaction of the justice of God in the person of Christ paying for our sin, and it is the best news we can give to anyone who is not saved. We must not trivialize the actual gospel by hitching every social issue or injustice to it.Social justice, similar to the “social gospel” of the previous generation, is really a repackaging of liberal theology being presented as a substitute for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).Questions:Why is it important to distinguish between the gospel and social issues?Is salvation through Christ enough? Or does preaching the gospel require preaching social, racial, economic, etc. redemption as well?In what ways would a Christian with a biblically-shaped worldview differ from a woke agenda on social justice? Gender Distinction, Sexual Orientation, and Same-Sex MarriageThe front line of the anti-God agenda in the West today is being waged on the battleground of LGBT issues. There is clearly a concentrated effort in secular society to overturn the cultural norms concerning gender, sexuality, and marriage. From the state recognition of same-sex marriage, to the drag queen “story hours” taking place in public libraries,11 to the inclusion of biological males who identify as females in women's sports,12 the LGBT movement is rolling full-steam ahead, even if it means crushing children, women, and society as a whole in its agenda.In his book The Gathering Storm, Albert Mohler insightfully wrote,The church of Jesus Christ faces an unprecedented challenge: the collision between it and a new sexual ethic, a collision between revelation and revolution. The evolution is a sexual one, and it is indeed a revolution, demanding a complete reordering of society and civilization.13What is most surprising to me in all of this is that woke Christians are buying into it. In an effort to be accepting of people who struggle they have become affirming of sin. Some go so far as to deny that Scripture addresses these issues at all. They suggest that Jesus and Paul didn't really understand or address the modern understandings of sexual orientation or transgenderism.14 In recently-surfaced comments, Pastor Andy Stanley called the clear passages on this issue “clobber passages.”15But the Bible is clear here. In Genesis 1, God created human life in His image and designated male and female. In Genesis 2, He ordained marriage. In the New Testament, Jesus referred to both of these chapters as He said, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” (Matthew 19:4–5). Romans 1:24–28 condemns homosexuality in the clearest terms. In 1 Corinthians 6:9, Paul includes such acts in a list of sins. Furthermore, the Bible teaches that true conversion leads to turning away from sin. “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him” (1 John 2:4–5).Yet, Christians who profess to believe and preach the Bible struggle to take a clear position on these issues.For example, the senior associate pastor of First Baptist Orlando in Florida read in a public church service a list of the variety of people attending and serving in the church. In these comments he said, “We have transgender, LGBTQ, straight, single, married, divorced, and cohabitating people. These same people attend, listen, serve, grow, and give.”16 I can appreciate the desire to let unsaved people with sinful lives know that the gospel is for them, but to indicate that people openly practicing—and even identifying themselves according to—unrepentant sin should become or continue as faithful congregants is, according to 1 Corinthians 5, a position that is foreign to the New Testament.Not only does First Baptist Orlando allow people living in open sexual sin to be members in good standing, however, it also allows these members to baptize new converts. Recent social media posts show Joe Mills, an openly gay man, currently “married” to another man, performing baptisms at First Baptist Church Orlando.17The problem is not ambiguity in Scripture. The problem is that Bible-believing Christians are either too cowardly or too confused to clearly state what the Bible actually says. In an effort to not offend, woke-leaning Christians take a position that these topics call for a more “nuanced” view.18Christians must study and come to firm convictions on what the Bible says about these issues. It is not unloving to say the truth to a world in need of a Savior.Questions:Do you believe Scripture is clear on its commands concerning sexual sins? Do you believe it addresses homosexuality and gender distinction clearly?Should a church welcome members who are engaged in any sexual activity outside of marriage?What is the most loving approach for a Christian in regards to someone who deals with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria? Egalitarianism and Women Being Ordained for MinistryIn the 1970s Gloria Steinem used the phrase “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle” to encapsulate and popularize the philosophy behind feminism. In an attempt to counter the unbiblical ideas embedded in feminism, biblical Christians coined the term complementarianism in the 1980s.19 The idea was to encapsulate the equality of men and women while differentiating their God-given roles in particular settings. The term was new, but the truths behind it are as old as Scripture.The New Testament is clear on the intrinsic value and spiritual worth of women. Both men and women are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and both are equal in Christ through salvation: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).But the New Testament is also clear that God gave men and women different roles in marriage (1 Peter 3:7) and in the church. Regarding the church, the Bible gives straightforward directions in both 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:35: “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” “And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” My wife Terrie is an avid student of God's Word and a capable Bible teacher. She has spoken to ladies over the years and has occasionally given a testimony of thanksgiving in our church assembly. But scripturally, neither she nor I believe it is a woman's place to teach or preach the Word of God in a mixed congregation.These views are not new and have been held by biblical Christians since the first century. In more recent years, however, woke or woke-leaning Christians are using the term egalitarian to describe a position that insists that men and women not only have equal value but also hold equal or interchangeable roles in all settings, including the home and church.This egalitarian position has set the stage for woke pastors whose previous theological convictions were complimentarian to ordain women to pastoral roles in ministry.20 Rick Warren, who was one of the leaders of the “seeker-sensitive movement” of the '90s, has been one of the most vocal to recently ordain women,21 even though this was not his position for his previous decades of ministry. After being disfellowshipped from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) over his new position, Warren was interviewed by Russell Moore, editor in chief of Christianity Today and previous president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. In the interview, Warren used poor exegesis to defend his culturally-popular views22 and stated he intends to seek to have the SBC decision overturned.23 But it's not just Warren. Other woke-leaning pastors have been quite willing to virtue signal their egalitarian views by inviting their wives to preach on occasion and making little or no distinction between themselves and their wives as pastors.Throughout the New Testament, we see women engaged in meaningful roles of ministry within the church. (See, for example, Acts 16:40, Acts 18:2, and Romans 16:1–2, 7.) When Christians cave to the accommodating stance of egalitarianism, they minimize the significant aspects of ministry God has given to women in the church.Questions:Do you believe Scripture differentiates between the roles of men and women in marriage and ministry? Do you believe women can biblically hold the title of “pastor”? Racism and Critical Race Theory Closely tied to woke philosophies is an adherence to Critical Race Theory (CRT). To once again quote Merriam-Webster, CRT refers to “the idea that race is a sociological rather than biological designation, and that racism pervades society and is fostered and perpetuated by the legal system.”24Racism is an ugly sin. Genesis 1:27 tells us that God made every person in His image, and Acts 17:25–26 affirms that we all have equal value in His sight. We are all of the same race—a fallen human race in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23–26). All of us come to God the same way—through Christ. Thus, the ground is level at the foot of the cross, and within the body of Christ, there is to be no favoritism (Colossians 3:11). The New Testament strongly condemns prejudice (James 2:8–9).The premise of CRT, however, is that “the very concept of race was constructed in order to benefit whites at the expense of people of color.”25 A result of this approach is that “Even if a white person has never had a genuinely racist thought or he has repented of past racism, he is still a racist, white supremacist, because he is white and belongs to the majority.”26This philosophy distorts the meaning of racism, redefining it from a sin of the heart to a result of one's skin color. Furthermore, this philosophy makes reconciliation with other believers and unity within a church impossible because it suggests that white church members will always be guilty of racism, not to mention the fact that non-white members cannot be guilty of racism. This is not only ridiculous, but it is actually sinister. It is ripping a real sin apart from its moral definition and making it responsible for all the ills of society.For a real-life example of how this plays out, here is a transcript from Matthew Hall, the former dean of Boyce College at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary from 2016-2019, as well as the former provost and senior vice president of academic administration at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary from 2019-2022, and also a former research fellow for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission from 2014-2022. In comments made as the guest of the Coffee and Cream podcast in 2018, Hall spoke to racial issues:I am a racist, okay, so if that freaks you out, if you think the worst thing somebody can call you is a racist, then you're not thinking biblically, because guess what, like, I'm gonna struggle with racism and white supremacy until the day I die and get my glorified body and in a completely renewed and sanctified mind. Because I am immersed in a culture where I benefit from racism all the time.27A few years ago, a pastor prayed at Baylor University's commencement exercises and denounced “a planet with too many straight, white men like me behind the steering wheel.”28 This type of virtue signaling is becoming more common even in evangelical circles.No one—especially no Christian—should think less of or despairingly toward someone because of their ethnicity, skin color, or background. And no one—especially no Christian—should assume they know the condition of another's heart based on his or her skin color.Questions:Does racism necessarily coincide with ethnicity or skin color? How did the churches of the New Testament experience and address racism and prejudice? (See Acts 10, Acts 15, and James 2.) Is their approach sufficient today?Intersectionality The idea behind intersectionality is something like a CRT-based point system in which you receive more points for the greater number of minority groups to which you belong. Or you could think of it as a Venn diagram with circles representing various oppressed or minority groups overlapping, creating an “intersectional” center that represents the most highly-oppressed. For instance, according to intersectionality, a straight white male would be considered to belong to three groups with no oppression (straight, white, and male) whereas a lesbian African-American female would be a highly-oppressed person belonging to three groups that experience oppression.Intersectionality divides the world into oppressors and victims. These divisions are built around group identities rather than personal experiences. And because there is no real way to right the wrongs of each group, intersectionality tends toward noisy virtue signaling without encouraging leaders to roll up their sleeves to discern and resolve underlying issues at play, preferring instead to perpetuate a sense of ongoing victimhood.Additionally, intersectionality gives victim groups the moral high ground based simply on the oppression they have suffered. This obliterates right and wrong in the biblical or moral sense, replacing it with victimization or oppression.One author described it this way:In the worldview of ideological social justice, authority is conferred, not by wisdom, age, position, or experience—but by victim status. Claims of oppression and victimization based on a subjective “lived experience” must be believed without question. The more intersectional victim-boxes one can check, the greater the moral authority. The greater the authority, the greater the power.29Concerning victimization, the Bible tells us that God personally cares for the oppressed (Psalm 9:9, 146:7). Jesus Himself “was oppressed, and he was afflicted” (Isaiah 53:7). In the Old Testament, God gave laws to Israel to prohibit taking advantage of vulnerable people such as foreigners, widows, fatherless, and the poor (Exodus 22:21–27). The Old Testament instructs, “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). Likewise, the New Testament commands Christians to care for those in need and specifically to “visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27).The contrast between intersectionality and a biblical approach to oppression is threefold: First, the categories for concern are specific to personal experience rather than to a broad group (e.g. being a widow versus being a woman or being fatherless versus having a particular skin color). Second, the biblical instructions are given to protect against actual crimes and to relieve actual suffering rather than to perpetuate labels of victimhood. And finally, Scripture—not categories of victimization—provides the moral authority for what is right or wrong. There are real victims in our fallen world. There are countless hearts shattered by sin (their own or others) and suffering who are in need of God's love. Biblical Christians care to relieve their suffering. That relief does not come through faulty philosophies of victimhood but through the forgiveness offered through the glorious gospel of Christ and the grace given through the precious promises of His Word. For those who are in bondage to sin, Christ promises, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). To those who know Christ, He promises overcoming power in a trouble-filled world: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).Questions:From a biblical standpoint, what concerns arise by including the LGBT community in groups of oppression? In what ways might people who struggle in these areas actually be oppressed, and what is a biblical approach to healing?In what ways does intersectionality create victimhood out of sinful practices?Do you believe the gospel and God's Word are sufficient to address the needs of the oppressed?Anti-Capitalism and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) For reasons that seem more philosophical than practical, those who are woke are against free-market capitalism. This hatred for capitalism and the free market is part of what has given rise to Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) in financial sectors. ESG investing firms, banks, and government policies require those with whom they do business to support environmental causes, affirm anti-christian social stances, and maintain hiring quotas that are LGBT affirming.Not only are these philosophies unbiblical, but they are economically dangerous, as was seen in the recent collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). It wasn't until the aftermath of this bank's collapse that customers learned how ESG partially led to its demise. Due to woke hiring practices, only one member of the board of directors held previous experience in investment banking.30 And while the bank was tanking, its head of risk assessment was launching and leading LGBTQ programs instead of righting the ship.31 Additionally, before its shutdown, the bank “dropped an ESG report that outlined the company's focus on climate change.”32The dangers of ESG, however, are larger than the failure of a single bank or company. There is an underlying agenda to use ESG policies to strong-arm ordinary citizens into woke causes. For instance, during Covid lockdowns, those who protested against government policies in Canada had their bank accounts frozen.33 Already some Christian institutions are finding a need to switch banks because their accounts have been canceled for unexplained reasons.34 I believe that in the future, companies and churches that don't cooperate with ESG values will have their accounts canceled in greater number. It's possible that the ESG agreements will become a “mark or brand” businesses will be forced to take if they will get contracts and rates amenable to their success.Proponents of ESG dislike capitalism, claiming that it is systemically racist. If these claims were true, there would be good reason to look for another system. But these claims are not true, as author Owen Strachan points out: “Though woke leaders seek to replace the free market with state-controlled systems that will yield ‘equity' as they see it, the free market is actually a tremendous engine for good for all peoples. While not impervious to manipulation…the free market has fundamentally changed the world, lifting people across the world out of serfdom into freedom.”35 He continues with helpful statistics and details explaining how racism, such as slavery in the United States, actually hurts rather than helps capitalism wherever it is or has been practiced.36Scripture makes a direct connection between labor and provision: “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The Bible instructs us to labor so that we might have and be able to give to others: “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28). The New Testament strongly condemns men who do not provide for their household: “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8). Economic systems that reward diligent labor with personal ownership of the fruits of that labor are to be commended. Christians who care for those in need should be discerning to see the woke hatred of capitalism for the pro-socialism agenda that is driving it. Although socialism promises to help the poor, it proposes this help based on other people's money and by building a larger government that will ultimately crush the poor. In reality, socialism has devastated the people and the economy of every country where it has been thoroughly implemented.37Questions:How does Scripture inform our view of money and economies? Every human system has weaknesses. What do you see as the greatest weaknesses in capitalism and socialism? ConclusionThere is a real need in our day for biblical Christians to be alert to worldly philosophies that masquerade as truth. I am concerned for the future orthodoxy of Christians who seek influence and ideas from those who are swayed by woke ideas. The practice of churches that exemplify woke and social justice philosophies today reveal their consumption of the “philosophy and vain deceit” spoken of in Colossians 2:8: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”John Adams, second president of the United States, pointed out, “It is the duty of the clergy to accommodate their discourses to the times, to preach against such sins as are most prevalent, and recommend such virtues as are most wanted.”38Christian leaders today must be willing to clearly and unapologetically state what the Bible says. They must be willing to call sin what it is and must be clear in proclaiming the gospel through Jesus Christ.Scripture commands us that we are to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). As I have attempted to point out in these pages, the modern woke agenda is significant to “the faith” because it undermines the biblical understanding of such central truths as sin, forgiveness, and the gospel itself.If we are to make a difference in our world today, we must, like the apostle Paul, be willing to stand for truth under the stigma of the cross even when it seems strange to the world.“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).Dr. Paul Chappell has served as the pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, California, for thirty-seven years. He and his wife Terrie have been married for forty-two years and have four married children serving the Lord in ministry.lancasterbaptist.orgEndnotesMerriam-Webster, s.v. “woke,” accessed March 22, 2023, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woke.Owen Strachan, Christianity and Wokeness (Washington DC: Salem Books, 2021), 8.Adam Page, “What on earth…,” Twitter, January 23, 2023, https://twitter.com/AdamPage85/status/1617522150499577856.Russell Moore, “Rick Warren Reflects on His Legacy,” Christianity Today, March 8, 2023, https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/russell-moore-show/rick-warren-legacy-saddleback-sbc-purpose-driven-life.html.Kylee Griswold, “Russell Moore Won't Celebrate Dobbs Because He'd Have To Admit Pro-Trump Christians Are Good At Loving Their Neighbors,” The Federalist, June 29, 2022, “https://thefederalist.com/2022/06/29/russell-moore-wont-celebrate-dobbs-because-hed-have-to-admit-pro-trump-christians-are-good-at-loving-their-neighbors/.Early in the wake of Floyd's death, blacklivesmatter.com included stated objectives on their homepage to “disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure,” “foster a queer‐affirming network,” and “do the work required to dismantle cisgender privilege.” I detailed this in an article titled “Counter-Cultural Christians Needed,” published July 2, 2020 (https://paulchappell.com/2020/07/02/counter-culturalchristians-needed/). The statements were still on blacklivesmatter.com at that time.The group was founded by Patrisse Khan-Callours, Alisha Garza, and Opal Tometi, who are self-described Marxists. Answering an interviewer's question about BLM's ability to organize, Callours said, “We actually do have an ideological frame. Myself and Alicia in particular, were trained organizers. We are trained Marxists. We are super versed on ideological theories.” Patrisse's book When They Call You a Terrorist also references this as she described how she developed her current ideas: “I read, I study, adding Mao, Marx and Lenin to my knowledge of hooks . . . .” See Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele, When They Call You a Terrorist (New York: Saint Martin's Griffin, 2017), Kindle edition.Tim Keller, “Creation, Evolution, and Christian Laypeople,” BioLogos, February 23, 2012, https://biologos.org/articles/creation-evolution-and-christian-laypeople.Timothy Keller, Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012), 291.Ibid.Charles Creitz, “Drag queen story hour slammed as ‘sexualizing children' after Maryland library hosts interactive event: Drag queen story time events for children are part of a growing trend across the country,” Fox News, October 28, 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/media/drag-queen-story-hour-slammed-sexualizing-children-maryland-library-hosts-interactive-event.David Gortler, “Allowing Biological Males in Women's Sports is Scientifically Unsound,” Newsweek, October 6, 2022, https://www.newsweek.com/allowing-biological-males-womens-sports-scientifically-unsound-opinion-1748900.R. Albert Mohler Jr., The Gathering Storm (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2020), 87.“Revisionist Gay Theology: Did God Really Say..?” Focus on the Family, July 29, 2019, https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/revisionist-gay-theology-did-god-really-say/.Adam Page, “What on earth…,” Twitter, January 23, 2023, https://twitter.com/AdamPage85/status/1617522150499577856.“Prominent Southern Baptist Church Brags That Transgenders and Abortionists Serve in Their Church,” YouTube video, 00:37, posted by “The Dissenter,” February 7, 2022,Open, “Gay-Married” Homosexual Man Baptizes Other People at First Baptist Orlando, Disntr, March 13, 2023, https://disntr.com/2023/03/13/open-gay-married-homosexual-man-baptizes-other-people-at-first-baptist-orlando/.Jared Kennedy, “What do I do if my child doesn't seem to fit with typical gender norms?” Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, May 17, 2021, https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/what-do-i-do-if-my-child-doesnt-seem-to-fit-with-typical-gender-norms/?fbclid=IwAR0sXHMpztssG8iua4M24uwxcYic7x_kO_yfUc-cDG1z5fjaHkHaWRfS6Vk.Denny Burk, What's in a name? The meaning and origin of ‘complementarianism,'” The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, August 1, 2019, https://cbmw.org/2019/08/01/whats-in-a-name/.Nate Schlomann, NAMB and SBC Egalitarrianism, Servants and Heralds, February 8, 2021, https://www.servantsandheralds.com/namb-and-sbc-egalitarianism/.Saddleback Church, “Yesterday was a historic night…” Facebook, May 7, 2021, https://www.facebook.com/saddlebackchurch/posts/-yesterday-was-a-historic-night-for-saddleback-church-in-many-wayswe-ordained-ou/10159190549013544/.Russell Moore, “Rick Warren Reflects on His Legacy,” Christianity Today, March 8, 2023, https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/russell-moore-show/rick-warren-legacy-saddleback-sbc-purpose-driven-life.html.Denny Burk, “Rick Warren Has Done the SBC a Great Service,” Denny Burk, March 14, 2023, https://www.dennyburk.com/rick-warren-has-done-the-sbc-a-great-service/.Merriam-Webster, s.v. “Critical Race Theory,” accessed March 22, 2023, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critical%20race%20theory.Shannon Craigo-Snell and Christopher Doucot, No Innocent Bystanders (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2017), 67.Ronnie W. Rogers, Understanding the Terms of Cultural Marxism (Social Justice): A Christian Response, Ronnie W. Rogers, June 29, 2020, https://ronniewrogers.com/2020/06/understanding-the-terms-of-cultural-marxism- social-justice-a-christian- response/.Jake Cannon and Matt Bryant, “Epidode 13: Seminaries And Radical Reconciliation With Matthew Hall,” YouTube video, 49:45, posted by “Coffee and Cream”, Jul 15, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwI82hKUTgI. Reference clip starts at 49:45.Todd Starnes, “Baylor University Prayer Denounces ‘Straight White Men,'” ToddStarnes.com, May 2, 2019, https://www.toddstarnes.com/faith/baylor-university-denounces-straight-white-men-in-graduation-prayer/.Scott D. Allen, Why Social Justice Is Not Biblical Justice, (Grand Rapids, MI: Credo House Publishers, 2020), 67.“More ‘woke' companies are going to fail, former CEO warns: SVB collapse was ‘perfect storm,'” Fox News, March 15, 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/media/woke-companies-going-fail-former-ceo-warns-svb-collapse-perfect-stormAubrie Spady, “Head of risk assessment at Silicon Valley Bank invested in LGBTQ programs in months leading up to shutdown,” Fox News, March 13, 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/head-risk-assessment-silicon-valley-bank-invested-lgbtq-programs-months-leading-shutdownIbid.Siladitya Ray, “Canada Begins To Release Frozen Bank Accounts Of ‘Freedom Convoy' Protestors,” Forbes, February 23, 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/02/23/canada-begins-to-release-frozen-bank-accounts-of-freedom-convoy-protestors/.Dale Hurd, “Account Closed: Banks and Businesses Cancel Christians,” CBN News, January 3, 2023, https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2022/november/account-closed-banks-and-businesses-cancel-christians.Owen Strachan, Christianity and Wokeness (Washington DC: Salem Books, 2021), 124.Ibid.Benjamin Powell, “Hey, Millennials: Socialism Creates Poverty and Limits Freedom. So Stop Romanticizing It!,” Independent Institute, November 27, 2017, https://www.independent.org/news/article.asp?id=9206.Charles Francis Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Volume IV (Boston, MA: Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1851), 56. Category Current Events

The Tarzan Movement would be ideal for evolutionists wanting to fulfill their destiny.

Unique design elements give our life-size Noah's Ark an ideal blend of strength, stability, and safety. Learn more about the design.

See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters In this edition: 2 Fresh New PowerPoint Sermons 'ROUGH DRAFTS' Series - [gift download extended a few days] First Timer Info. from Pastor Jerry: "You are part of the 10% ... as a free subscriber you are special!  There are thousands of you, but for each of you subscribers there are 9 others who use our resources, yet don't receive this email, or the free sermons, deep discounts, and special offers that you do. We're happy to offer you our newest series, ['Rough Drafts' - scroll down] for a fraction of what all the others pay.  God bless you and HIS ministry thru you there!" Just released: 4/12/09 - "Wanted:  Dead AND Alive!" - John 20:31 The ones who wanted Him dead were afraid that He was alive, and the ones who wanted Him alive assumed He was dead! But no one was neutral about Jesus. 'Cross Examination' style investigation of the facts of the case.         4/12/09 - "HeRose to Save Us All!" - John 15:13 From our missionaries to our military, e call them heroes because they go in our place, sacrificing all for a great cause! They know what they have to do.           Subscriber Appreciation 'Gift'... Special by download only-Thessalonians75% off [Reg. $40] only a few days more. 10 Messages with PowerPoints on the first epistle Paul wrote about the Ideal Church and several practical subjects. Includes Bonus: "Christmas: The New Easter". INCLUDED FOR FREE IN THE "COMPLETE COLLECTION!"Price: $10.00 [covers PayPal and download service / web charges] Stimulus Sale!  Best Deal!           The Complete Collection [save $670 for a limited time only!]   Now over 80% off!  [The new Rough Drafts Series has just been added for free thru this offer, below...] DO YOU HAVE 'THE COMPLETE COLLECTION'? Special pricing good thru the end of this month...   Get it on CD ROM or by instant download alternate link if above does not work  The Complete Collection Special Offer:  All 22 Series we offer by Instant Download     +Bonus: "Ark Almighty" "Allah is NOT My God" "Middle East for Dummies"         For a limited time, only...price subject to change!                       [1600+ Files!]                "Complete  Collection"                 $149.99   [$820.00 Value!]                                The Complete CollectionEverything we offer [all 22 series] in simple download format. 1600+ Files! Includes newly released series. Price: 149.99 USD You save $670 when you order the above!  And there's free shipping / no waiting when you use Instant Download …    Or, get it by mail in about 3 days on a CD ROM here.   [Hurry --  Prices subject to change] First Timer?...Here's some Tips on getting the helps you need:    We work hard to gather the best of free resources from numerous corners of the globe, and it's our privilege to share them all for free with you simply for the furthering of the Gospel, the growth of the Kingdom, and the joy of sharing!    Please feel free to copy and paste any of Pastor Jerry's original manuscripts from the site.  You are free to use them in live services without giving credit, along with the PowerPoint visuals provided.  Our CD ROMs are available by snail mail or Instant Download as a convenience only, but your purchases help support this growing ministry.  There are many benefits to getting our resources in this way, but as always, all materials are free to copy from the site if you don't mind the work and know how to retrieve them.    Have you heard?  All of our collections are downloadable, instantly.  It’s the same CD-ROMs only without the CD.  Download straight to your hard drive on up to 3 PCs, and burn a copy to take with you if you want.  No waiting, no shipping charges, and all files and folders are organized for you with no need for conversion or re-formatting.   Prices listed good for 1 week only.  Click link below for any recent changes. Click here to see our “Instant Download” Page  Or, place your order right here, below...    [no waiting, no shipping]     "There's a few thousand of you who now subscribe to these free 'Grace Notes' ...and for every one of you there's a hundred more who use the site regularly...to God be the glory!  God has used the tool of your POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS over the last 4 years to make this all possible.  It's all free because of those of you who use the voting links on each sermon, and it helps spread the Word of God at the same time. Sermon Central is where many of you learned of this ministry, and they have changed their voting to the 'star system'.  [rate up to 5 stars with a click]  It's easier than before and I think better.  In 10 seconds you can make a difference in 3 simple steps:  1.) Click on the 'recommend' button under any sermon on our site  2.) The same sermon will open up in a new page on the SC site...click on the 'rate this sermon' link right below the 5 stars  3.) Click on the far right star to give the highest recommendation if you can." Bonus Sermons included only in the "Complete Collection":    "Ark Almighty" - Hebrews 11:7 Uses "Evan Almighty" theme - GET SAVED, GET RIGHT, GET INTO CHURCH!  How parents of today can construct an ark of protection for their household.          "Allah is NOT My God" - Genesis 16:11-12 The real ‘Path to 911’ started with Ishmael.  A study of the differences between Christians and Muslims, Jehovah God and Allah, and Jesus Christ and Mohammed.  Islam is not just another denomination down the street.  Learn what they believe and why, and the terrorism connection in light of Bible Prophecy.     "Israel & The Middle East For Dummies"  - Genesis 12:1-3; 16:1-4; Psalm 122:6 Christians of all people should not be ignorant of these things, and the signs of the 'end times' now upon us. For a limited time these sermons come as free gifts when you order our ‘Complete Collection’   Call us if you have any trouble using your credit card thru PayPal:  217-877-0009 [Note:  We cannot process orders by phone, but still may be able to help with your online order or by snail mail order.  You may need to leave a message for call back.] If you prefer, you may send a check to:                  Grace Notes 3770 N. Water St Decatur, IL   62526 [please add $5 for processing and include the email address you'd like your download link sent to, or physical address if you prefer to receive it by mail as a CD ROM]  More questions?  Call us at 217-877-0009 or Write us.     You say:  "It's amazing that this ministry is free...no one else is doing this with Sermons and PowerPoints"    We say:  Please help keep it free by honoring our system:  By design and intent, this sermon service will always be free-but this is made possible by those of you who take the brief moment required to vote for the sermons after you click on them.  You do this from the link on each sermon’s page which says… Click here to recommend this sermon ministry to others.  Help spread the Word by casting your vote...it's a proven system that keeps this ministry free! If you don’t, it’s still free…But many thanks go to those who help make it free for everyone and are helping to spread the Word in the process…you too have the “spirit of sharing” and are a great part of this ministry!  How have some received a series at no cost?    Benefits to CD-ROMs: ·         No downloading, no waiting, no confusion. ·         No cutting and pasting.  Text comes completely formatted in Microsoft Word. ·         No hassles converting PowerPoint "pps" files to "ppt". ·         Already organized in folders for easy indexing. *Remember, all sermons on the site are free to download if you don't mind the work.    Your Feedback:   “I received my CD...these sermons will be a great help to me. My situation limits how much time I can put into sermon preparation.  Grace Notes gets me started, and then the Lord helps me to make it my own.”            Pastor-USA    Welcome to many new subscribers this week, you number in the thousands…to God be the glory!  You can help broaden our influence when you forward these links to others you believe may benefit.  They can sign up at the “Grace Notes” homepage.    Those who want to say “thank you”…please, just vote for the sermons at the link on each sermon’s own page and forward these links to others…it all helps this ministry expand which in turn helps the Kingdom of God to grow…which is what it’s all about. International Users:  Don’t forget to sign the GuestMap below and show us ‘where in the world you are!’  Get a custom logo like ours at Faith's Attic   Have a wonderful day, be blessed, and enjoy!       Pastor Jerry Shirley & Grace Notes Staff                See our Help Section     See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters

See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters In this edition: 3 Fresh New PowerPoint Sermons 'ROUGH DRAFTS' Series - [gift download ends on Easter] Easter Resource Section. First Timer Info. from Pastor Jerry: "You are part of the 10% ... as a free subscriber you are special!  There are thousands of you, but for each of you subscribers there are 9 others who use our resources, yet don't receive this email, or the free sermons, deep discounts, and special offers that you do. We're happy to offer you our newest series, ['Rough Drafts' - scroll down] for a fraction of what all the others pay.  God bless you and HIS ministry thru you there!" Just released: 4/5/09 - "Cross" - Matthew 26:1-26:75 Jesus exposed the darkness in the hearts of men, but rather than stepping into the light, they decided to snuff out the Light. Summary of the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life w/ focus on 7 sayings on the cross.     Click to see the Series    Special Release for 2009! 3/29/09 - "Christmas:  The New Easter" - Luke 2 Christmas is the new Easter! We should celebrate it in the springtime, for the birth of Christ was only necessary to bring about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  He was born to die that we might live! See All Easter Messages 4/1/09 - "Lazy Bones" - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 Several jokes and illustrations on how to know if you are lazy--then what the Bible says about it and how to be diligent as a servant of the Lord.   Series now complete!   Subscriber Appreciation 'Gift'... Special by download only-Thessalonians 75% off [Reg. $40] only thru Easter. 10 Messages with PowerPoints on the first epistle Paul wrote about the Ideal Church and several practical subjects. Includes Bonus: "Christmas: The New Easter". INCLUDED FOR FREE IN THE "COMPLETE COLLECTION!" Price: $10.00 [covers PayPal and download service / web charges] Stimulus Sale!  Best Deal!           The Complete Collection [save $670 for a limited time only!]   Now over 80% off!  [The new Rough Drafts Series has just been added for free thru this offer, below...] DO YOU HAVE 'THE COMPLETE COLLECTION'? Special pricing good thru the end of this month...   Get it on CD ROM or by instant download alternate link if above does not work  The Complete Collection Special Offer:  All 22 Series we offer by Instant Download     +Bonus: "Ark Almighty" "Allah is NOT My God" "Middle East for Dummies"         For a limited time, only...price subject to change!                       [1600+ Files!]                "Complete  Collection"                 $149.99   [$820.00 Value!]                                The Complete CollectionEverything we offer [all 22 series] in simple download format. 1600+ Files! Includes newly released series. Price: 149.99 USD You save $670 when you order the above!  And there's free shipping / no waiting when you use Instant Download …    Or, get it by mail in about 3 days on a CD ROM here.   [Hurry --  Prices subject to change] First Timer?...Here's some Tips on getting the helps you need:    We work hard to gather the best of free resources from numerous corners of the globe, and it's our privilege to share them all for free with you simply for the furthering of the Gospel, the growth of the Kingdom, and the joy of sharing!    Please feel free to copy and paste any of Pastor Jerry's original manuscripts from the site.  You are free to use them in live services without giving credit, along with the PowerPoint visuals provided.  Our CD ROMs are available by snail mail or Instant Download as a convenience only, but your purchases help support this growing ministry.  There are many benefits to getting our resources in this way, but as always, all materials are free to copy from the site if you don't mind the work and know how to retrieve them.    Have you heard?  All of our collections are downloadable, instantly.  It’s the same CD-ROMs only without the CD.  Download straight to your hard drive on up to 3 PCs, and burn a copy to take with you if you want.  No waiting, no shipping charges, and all files and folders are organized for you with no need for conversion or re-formatting.   Prices listed good for 1 week only.  Click link below for any recent changes. Click here to see our “Instant Download” Page  Or, place your order right here, below...    [no waiting, no shipping]     "There's a few thousand of you who now subscribe to these free 'Grace Notes' ...and for every one of you there's a hundred more who use the site regularly...to God be the glory!  God has used the tool of your POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS over the last 4 years to make this all possible.  It's all free because of those of you who use the voting links on each sermon, and it helps spread the Word of God at the same time. Sermon Central is where many of you learned of this ministry, and they have changed their voting to the 'star system'.  [rate up to 5 stars with a click]  It's easier than before and I think better.  In 10 seconds you can make a difference in 3 simple steps:  1.) Click on the 'recommend' button under any sermon on our site  2.) The same sermon will open up in a new page on the SC site...click on the 'rate this sermon' link right below the 5 stars  3.) Click on the far right star to give the highest recommendation if you can." Bonus Sermons included only in the "Complete Collection":    "Ark Almighty" - Hebrews 11:7 Uses "Evan Almighty" theme - GET SAVED, GET RIGHT, GET INTO CHURCH!  How parents of today can construct an ark of protection for their household.          "Allah is NOT My God" - Genesis 16:11-12 The real ‘Path to 911’ started with Ishmael.  A study of the differences between Christians and Muslims, Jehovah God and Allah, and Jesus Christ and Mohammed.  Islam is not just another denomination down the street.  Learn what they believe and why, and the terrorism connection in light of Bible Prophecy.     "Israel & The Middle East For Dummies"  - Genesis 12:1-3; 16:1-4; Psalm 122:6 Christians of all people should not be ignorant of these things, and the signs of the 'end times' now upon us. For a limited time these sermons come as free gifts when you order our ‘Complete Collection’   Call us if you have any trouble using your credit card thru PayPal:  217-877-0009 [Note:  We cannot process orders by phone, but still may be able to help with your online order or by snail mail order.  You may need to leave a message for call back.] If you prefer, you may send a check to:                  Grace Notes 3770 N. Water St Decatur, IL   62526 [please add $5 for processing and include the email address you'd like your download link sent to, or physical address if you prefer to receive it by mail as a CD ROM]  More questions?  Call us at 217-877-0009 or Write us.     You say:  "It's amazing that this ministry is free...no one else is doing this with Sermons and PowerPoints"    We say:  Please help keep it free by honoring our system:  By design and intent, this sermon service will always be free-but this is made possible by those of you who take the brief moment required to vote for the sermons after you click on them.  You do this from the link on each sermon’s page which says… Click here to recommend this sermon ministry to others.  Help spread the Word by casting your vote...it's a proven system that keeps this ministry free! If you don’t, it’s still free…But many thanks go to those who help make it free for everyone and are helping to spread the Word in the process…you too have the “spirit of sharing” and are a great part of this ministry!  How have some received a series at no cost?    Benefits to CD-ROMs: ·         No downloading, no waiting, no confusion. ·         No cutting and pasting.  Text comes completely formatted in Microsoft Word. ·         No hassles converting PowerPoint "pps" files to "ppt". ·         Already organized in folders for easy indexing. *Remember, all sermons on the site are free to download if you don't mind the work.    Your Feedback:   “I received my CD...these sermons will be a great help to me. My situation limits how much time I can put into sermon preparation.  Grace Notes gets me started, and then the Lord helps me to make it my own.”            Pastor-USA    Welcome to many new subscribers this week, you number in the thousands…to God be the glory!  You can help broaden our influence when you forward these links to others you believe may benefit.  They can sign up at the “Grace Notes” homepage.    Those who want to say “thank you”…please, just vote for the sermons at the link on each sermon’s own page and forward these links to others…it all helps this ministry expand which in turn helps the Kingdom of God to grow…which is what it’s all about. International Users:  Don’t forget to sign the GuestMap below and show us ‘where in the world you are!’  Get a custom logo like ours at Faith's Attic   Have a wonderful day, be blessed, and enjoy!       Pastor Jerry Shirley & Grace Notes Staff                See our Help Section     See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters

Happy Easter Season, friends in ministry,   "Grace Notes is pleased to announce our next 'Subscriber Appreciation' offer.  About 3 times each year we release new series and as always, it's 75% off just for you [Only thru Easter].  You must use the links below because you cannot get this deal on the website.  This year we're adding a special BONUS sermon best used for Palm Sunday.  Enjoy!"   Keep your 'Complete Collection' complete w/ these brand new releases...      Special Release for 2009! "Christmas:  The New Easter" - Luke 2 Christmas is the new Easter! We should celebrate it in the springtime, for the birth of Christ was only necessary to bring about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  He was born to die that we might live!                    Full Easter Section The above special Easter release comes free w/ the new Thessalonians series, below...   Special by download only-Thessalonians 75% off [Reg. $40] only thru Easter. 10 Messages with PowerPoints on the first epistle Paul wrote about the Ideal Church and several practical subjects. Includes Bonus: "Christmas: The New Easter". BOTH ARE INCLUDED FOR FREE IN THE "COMPLETE COLLECTION!" Price: 10.00 USD    Or, get our Best Deal!    The Complete Collection    See other Series we offer Stimulus Sale  [The 'bad' economy is your good fortune!] The New Thessalonians Series has just been added to the 'Complete Collection' for free...this month - get all 22 of our series at the low price of over 80% off.   Stimulus Sale!  Best Deal!          The Complete Collection [save $670 for a limited time only!]   Now over 80% off!  DO YOU HAVE 'THE COMPLETE COLLECTION'? Special pricing good thru the end of this month...   Get it on CD ROM or by instant download alternate link if above does not work  The Complete Collection Special Offer:  All 22 Series we offer by Instant Download     +Bonus: "Ark Almighty" "Allah is NOT My God" "Middle East for Dummies"         For a limited time, only...price subject to change!                       [1600+ Files!]                "Complete  Collection"                 $149.99   [$820.00 Value!]                                The Complete CollectionEverything we offer [all 22 series] in simple download format. 1600+ Files! Includes newly released series. Price: 149.99 USD You save $670 when you order the above!  And there's free shipping / no waiting when you use Instant Download …    Or, get it by mail in about 3 days on a CD ROM here.   [Hurry --  Prices subject to change] First Timer?...Here's some Tips on getting the helps you need:    We work hard to gather the best of free resources from numerous corners of the globe, and it's our privilege to share them all for free with you simply for the furthering of the Gospel, the growth of the Kingdom, and the joy of sharing!    Please feel free to copy and paste any of Pastor Jerry's original manuscripts from the site.  You are free to use them in live services without giving credit, along with the PowerPoint visuals provided.  Our CD ROMs are available by snail mail or Instant Download as a convenience only, but your purchases help support this growing ministry.  There are many benefits to getting our resources in this way, but as always, all materials are free to copy from the site if you don't mind the work and know how to retrieve them.    Have you heard?  All of our collections are downloadable, instantly.  It’s the same CD-ROMs only without the CD.  Download straight to your hard drive on up to 3 PCs, and burn a copy to take with you if you want.  No waiting, no shipping charges, and all files and folders are organized for you with no need for conversion or re-formatting.   Prices listed good for 1 week only.  Click link below for any recent changes. Click here to see our “Instant Download” Page  Or, place your order right here, below...    [no waiting, no shipping]     "There's a few thousand of you who now subscribe to these free 'Grace Notes' ...and for every one of you there's a hundred more who use the site regularly...to God be the glory!  God has used the tool of your POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS over the last 4 years to make this all possible.  It's all free because of those of you who use the voting links on each sermon, and it helps spread the Word of God at the same time. Sermon Central is where many of you learned of this ministry, and they have changed their voting to the 'star system'.  [rate up to 5 stars with a click]  It's easier than before and I think better.  In 10 seconds you can make a difference in 3 simple steps:  1.) Click on the 'recommend' button under any sermon on our site  2.) The same sermon will open up in a new page on the SC site...click on the 'rate this sermon' link right below the 5 stars  3.) Click on the far right star to give the highest recommendation if you can." Bonus Sermons included only in the "Complete Collection":    "Ark Almighty" - Hebrews 11:7 Uses "Evan Almighty" theme - GET SAVED, GET RIGHT, GET INTO CHURCH!  How parents of today can construct an ark of protection for their household.          "Allah is NOT My God" - Genesis 16:11-12 The real ‘Path to 911’ started with Ishmael.  A study of the differences between Christians and Muslims, Jehovah God and Allah, and Jesus Christ and Mohammed.  Islam is not just another denomination down the street.  Learn what they believe and why, and the terrorism connection in light of Bible Prophecy.     "Israel & The Middle East For Dummies"  - Genesis 12:1-3; 16:1-4; Psalm 122:6 Christians of all people should not be ignorant of these things, and the signs of the 'end times' now upon us. For a limited time these sermons come as free gifts when you order our ‘Complete Collection’   Call us if you have any trouble using your credit card thru PayPal:  217-877-0009 [Note:  We cannot process orders by phone, but still may be able to help with your online order or by snail mail order.  You may need to leave a message for call back.] If you prefer, you may send a check to:                  Grace Notes 3770 N. Water St Decatur, IL   62526 [please add $5 for processing and include the email address you'd like your download link sent to, or physical address if you prefer to receive it by mail as a CD ROM]  More questions?  Call us at 217-877-0009 or Write us.     You say:  "It's amazing that this ministry is free...no one else is doing this with Sermons and PowerPoints"    We say:  Please help keep it free by honoring our system:  By design and intent, this sermon service will always be free-but this is made possible by those of you who take the brief moment required to vote for the sermons after you click on them.  You do this from the link on each sermon’s page which says… Click here to recommend this sermon ministry to others.  Help spread the Word by casting your vote...it's a proven system that keeps this ministry free! If you don’t, it’s still free…But many thanks go to those who help make it free for everyone and are helping to spread the Word in the process…you too have the “spirit of sharing” and are a great part of this ministry!  How have some received a series at no cost?    Benefits to CD-ROMs: ·         No downloading, no waiting, no confusion. ·         No cutting and pasting.  Text comes completely formatted in Microsoft Word. ·         No hassles converting PowerPoint "pps" files to "ppt". ·         Already organized in folders for easy indexing. *Remember, all sermons on the site are free to download if you don't mind the work.    Your Feedback:   “I received my CD...these sermons will be a great help to me. My situation limits how much time I can put into sermon preparation.  Grace Notes gets me started, and then the Lord helps me to make it my own.”            Pastor-USA    Welcome to many new subscribers this week, you number in the thousands…to God be the glory!  You can help broaden our influence when you forward these links to others you believe may benefit.  They can sign up at the “Grace Notes” homepage.    Those who want to say “thank you”…please, just vote for the sermons at the link on each sermon’s own page and forward these links to others…it all helps this ministry expand which in turn helps the Kingdom of God to grow…which is what it’s all about. International Users:  Don’t forget to sign the GuestMap below and show us ‘where in the world you are!’  Get a custom logo like ours at Faith's Attic   Have a wonderful day, be blessed, and enjoy!       Pastor Jerry Shirley & Grace Notes Staff                See our Help Section     See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters

See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters In this edition: SIX Fresh new PowerPoint Sermons First Timer Info. from Pastor Jerry: "Why 6 sermons this week?  Well, 2 are from Sunday, and the other are a 4 part Wednesday Night series I didn't want to release until it was fully completed.  Please notice that these multi part messages are all on one webpage.  God bless and enjoy!" Just released: 3/15/09 - "Crown" - I Samuel - I Chronicles Dynamically interest content!  Summary of the period of the kings, w/ a special contrast of Saul, David, and Solomon.  Wonderful visuals enhance a very helpful outline. 2 Parts now complete! Click to see the Series   3/11/09 - "The Ideal Walk" - 1 Thessalonians 4-5 5 Reasons the Christian life is compared to a walk. Then Paul gives a candid illustration of sex, purity, and holiness.  Other topics include the walks of love, honesty, hope, and much more. 4 Parts now complete! Click to see the Series Stimulus Sale!  Best Deal!          The Complete Collection [save $630 for a limited time only!]   Now over 80% off!  [The Joshua Series and 2008 Topical Sermons have been added for free thru this offer, below...] DO YOU HAVE 'THE COMPLETE COLLECTION'? Special pricing good thru the end of this month...   Get it on CD ROM or by instant download alternate link if above does not work  The Complete Collection Special Offer:  All 21 Series we offer by Instant Download     +Bonus: "Ark Almighty" "Allah is NOT My God" "Middle East for Dummies"         For a limited time, only...price subject to change!                       [1600+ Files!]                "Complete  Collection"                 $149.99   [$780.00 Value!]                                The Complete CollectionEverything we offer [all 21 series] in simple download format. 1600+ Files! Includes newly released series. Price: 149.99 USD You save $630 when you order the above!  And there's free shipping / no waiting when you use Instant Download …    Or, get it by mail in about 3 days on a CD ROM here.   [Hurry --  Prices subject to change] First Timer?...Here's some Tips on getting the helps you need:    We work hard to gather the best of free resources from numerous corners of the globe, and it's our privilege to share them all for free with you simply for the furthering of the Gospel, the growth of the Kingdom, and the joy of sharing!    Please feel free to copy and paste any of Pastor Jerry's original manuscripts from the site.  You are free to use them in live services without giving credit, along with the PowerPoint visuals provided.  Our CD ROMs are available by snail mail or Instant Download as a convenience only, but your purchases help support this growing ministry.  There are many benefits to getting our resources in this way, but as always, all materials are free to copy from the site if you don't mind the work and know how to retrieve them.    Have you heard?  All of our collections are downloadable, instantly.  It’s the same CD-ROMs only without the CD.  Download straight to your hard drive on up to 3 PCs, and burn a copy to take with you if you want.  No waiting, no shipping charges, and all files and folders are organized for you with no need for conversion or re-formatting.   Prices listed good for 1 week only.  Click link below for any recent changes. Click here to see our “Instant Download” Page  Or, place your order right here, below...    [no waiting, no shipping]     "There's a few thousand of you who now subscribe to these free 'Grace Notes' ...and for every one of you there's a hundred more who use the site regularly...to God be the glory!  God has used the tool of your POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS over the last 4 years to make this all possible.  It's all free because of those of you who use the voting links on each sermon, and it helps spread the Word of God at the same time. Sermon Central is where many of you learned of this ministry, and they have changed their voting to the 'star system'.  [rate up to 5 stars with a click]  It's easier than before and I think better.  In 10 seconds you can make a difference in 3 simple steps:  1.) Click on the 'recommend' button under any sermon on our site  2.) The same sermon will open up in a new page on the SC site...click on the 'rate this sermon' link right below the 5 stars  3.) Click on the far right star to give the highest recommendation if you can." Bonus Sermons included only in the "Complete Collection":    "Ark Almighty" - Hebrews 11:7 Uses "Evan Almighty" theme - GET SAVED, GET RIGHT, GET INTO CHURCH!  How parents of today can construct an ark of protection for their household.          "Allah is NOT My God" - Genesis 16:11-12 The real ‘Path to 911’ started with Ishmael.  A study of the differences between Christians and Muslims, Jehovah God and Allah, and Jesus Christ and Mohammed.  Islam is not just another denomination down the street.  Learn what they believe and why, and the terrorism connection in light of Bible Prophecy.     "Israel & The Middle East For Dummies"  - Genesis 12:1-3; 16:1-4; Psalm 122:6 Christians of all people should not be ignorant of these things, and the signs of the 'end times' now upon us. For a limited time these sermons come as free gifts when you order our ‘Complete Collection’   Call us if you have any trouble using your credit card thru PayPal:  217-877-0009 [Note:  We cannot process orders by phone, but still may be able to help with your online order or by snail mail order.  You may need to leave a message for call back.] If you prefer, you may send a check to:                  Grace Notes 3770 N. Water St Decatur, IL   62526 [please add $5 for processing and include the email address you'd like your download link sent to, or physical address if you prefer to receive it by mail as a CD ROM]  More questions?  Call us at 217-877-0009 or Write us.     You say:  "It's amazing that this ministry is free...no one else is doing this with Sermons and PowerPoints"    We say:  Please help keep it free by honoring our system:  By design and intent, this sermon service will always be free-but this is made possible by those of you who take the brief moment required to vote for the sermons after you click on them.  You do this from the link on each sermon’s page which says… Click here to recommend this sermon ministry to others.  Help spread the Word by casting your vote...it's a proven system that keeps this ministry free! If you don’t, it’s still free…But many thanks go to those who help make it free for everyone and are helping to spread the Word in the process…you too have the “spirit of sharing” and are a great part of this ministry!  How have some received a series at no cost?    Benefits to CD-ROMs: ·         No downloading, no waiting, no confusion. ·         No cutting and pasting.  Text comes completely formatted in Microsoft Word. ·         No hassles converting PowerPoint "pps" files to "ppt". ·         Already organized in folders for easy indexing. *Remember, all sermons on the site are free to download if you don't mind the work.    Your Feedback:   “I received my CD...these sermons will be a great help to me. My situation limits how much time I can put into sermon preparation.  Grace Notes gets me started, and then the Lord helps me to make it my own.”            Pastor-USA    Welcome to many new subscribers this week, you number in the thousands…to God be the glory!  You can help broaden our influence when you forward these links to others you believe may benefit.  They can sign up at the “Grace Notes” homepage.    Those who want to say “thank you”…please, just vote for the sermons at the link on each sermon’s own page and forward these links to others…it all helps this ministry expand which in turn helps the Kingdom of God to grow…which is what it’s all about. International Users:  Don’t forget to sign the GuestMap below and show us ‘where in the world you are!’  Get a custom logo like ours at Faith's Attic   Have a wonderful day, be blessed, and enjoy!       Pastor Jerry Shirley & Grace Notes Staff                See our Help Section     See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters

See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters In this edition: "Corruption" "The Ideal Discipleship" First Timer Info. from Pastor Jerry: "A simple reminder for those like me who don't like to read the 'fine print':  Virtually all our sermons are completely free.  CD ROMs and Instant Download Sales are a convenience we offer which help support this ministry, but they are optional.  So what about the many 'unlinked' sermons on the site?  They were originally posted on the site, but space and bandwidth restrictions made us take the links down after a few months.  HOWEVER, all sermons are posted permanently at my SermonCentral site.  It takes a little digging, but our main goal is sharing the priceless word, not making money.  Thank you."   Just released: 2/15/09 - "Corruption" - Genesis 3:1-3:24 The honeymoon comes to a screeching halt in the garden of Eden in this chapter. A man, a woman, & a snake in the grass. Click to see the Series     2/11/09 - "The Ideal Discipleship" - 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 Win ’em, wet ’em, & wean ’em. That last step is the big one of discipleship - "Teaching them to observe all things..." Often forsaken, but so important! Click to see the Series Stimulus Sale!  Best Deal!          The Complete Collection [save $630 for a limited time only!]   Now over 80% off!  [The Joshua Series and 2008 Topical Sermons have just been added for free thru this offer, below...] DO YOU HAVE 'THE COMPLETE COLLECTION'? Special pricing good thru the end of this month...   Get it on CD ROM or by instant download alternate link if above does not work  The Complete Collection Special Offer:  All 21 Series we offer by Instant Download     +Bonus: "Ark Almighty" "Allah is NOT My God" "Middle East for Dummies"         For a limited time, only...price subject to change!                       [1600+ Files!]                "Complete  Collection"                 $149.99   [$780.00 Value!]                                The Complete CollectionEverything we offer [all 21 series] in simple download format. 1600+ Files! Includes newly released series. Price: 149.99 USD You save $630 when you order the above!  And there's free shipping / no waiting when you use Instant Download …    Or, get it by mail in about 3 days on a CD ROM here.   [Hurry --  Prices subject to change] First Timer?...Here's some Tips on getting the helps you need:    We work hard to gather the best of free resources from numerous corners of the globe, and it's our privilege to share them all for free with you simply for the furthering of the Gospel, the growth of the Kingdom, and the joy of sharing!    Please feel free to copy and paste any of Pastor Jerry's original manuscripts from the site.  You are free to use them in live services without giving credit, along with the PowerPoint visuals provided.  Our CD ROMs are available by snail mail or Instant Download as a convenience only, but your purchases help support this growing ministry.  There are many benefits to getting our resources in this way, but as always, all materials are free to copy from the site if you don't mind the work and know how to retrieve them.    Have you heard?  All of our collections are downloadable, instantly.  It’s the same CD-ROMs only without the CD.  Download straight to your hard drive on up to 3 PCs, and burn a copy to take with you if you want.  No waiting, no shipping charges, and all files and folders are organized for you with no need for conversion or re-formatting.   Prices listed good for 1 week only.  Click link below for any recent changes. Click here to see our “Instant Download” Page  Or, place your order right here, below...    [no waiting, no shipping]     "There's a few thousand of you who now subscribe to these free 'Grace Notes' ...and for every one of you there's a hundred more who use the site regularly...to God be the glory!  God has used the tool of your POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS over the last 4 years to make this all possible.  It's all free because of those of you who use the voting links on each sermon, and it helps spread the Word of God at the same time. Sermon Central is where many of you learned of this ministry, and they have changed their voting to the 'star system'.  [rate up to 5 stars with a click]  It's easier than before and I think better.  In 10 seconds you can make a difference in 3 simple steps:  1.) Click on the 'recommend' button under any sermon on our site  2.) The same sermon will open up in a new page on the SC site...click on the 'rate this sermon' link right below the 5 stars  3.) Click on the far right star to give the highest recommendation if you can." Bonus Sermons included only in the "Complete Collection":    "Ark Almighty" - Hebrews 11:7 Uses "Evan Almighty" theme - GET SAVED, GET RIGHT, GET INTO CHURCH!  How parents of today can construct an ark of protection for their household.          "Allah is NOT My God" - Genesis 16:11-12 The real ‘Path to 911’ started with Ishmael.  A study of the differences between Christians and Muslims, Jehovah God and Allah, and Jesus Christ and Mohammed.  Islam is not just another denomination down the street.  Learn what they believe and why, and the terrorism connection in light of Bible Prophecy.     "Israel & The Middle East For Dummies"  - Genesis 12:1-3; 16:1-4; Psalm 122:6 Christians of all people should not be ignorant of these things, and the signs of the 'end times' now upon us. For a limited time these sermons come as free gifts when you order our ‘Complete Collection’   Call us if you have any trouble using your credit card thru PayPal:  217-877-0009 [Note:  We cannot process orders by phone, but still may be able to help with your online order or by snail mail order.  You may need to leave a message for call back.] If you prefer, you may send a check to:                  Grace Notes 3770 N. Water St Decatur, IL   62526 [please add $5 for processing and include the email address you'd like your download link sent to, or physical address if you prefer to receive it by mail as a CD ROM]  More questions?  Call us at 217-877-0009 or Write us.     You say:  "It's amazing that this ministry is free...no one else is doing this with Sermons and PowerPoints"    We say:  Please help keep it free by honoring our system:  By design and intent, this sermon service will always be free-but this is made possible by those of you who take the brief moment required to vote for the sermons after you click on them.  You do this from the link on each sermon’s page which says… Click here to recommend this sermon ministry to others.  Help spread the Word by casting your vote...it's a proven system that keeps this ministry free! If you don’t, it’s still free…But many thanks go to those who help make it free for everyone and are helping to spread the Word in the process…you too have the “spirit of sharing” and are a great part of this ministry!  How have some received a series at no cost?    Benefits to CD-ROMs: ·         No downloading, no waiting, no confusion. ·         No cutting and pasting.  Text comes completely formatted in Microsoft Word. ·         No hassles converting PowerPoint "pps" files to "ppt". ·         Already organized in folders for easy indexing. *Remember, all sermons on the site are free to download if you don't mind the work.    Your Feedback:   “I received my CD...these sermons will be a great help to me. My situation limits how much time I can put into sermon preparation.  Grace Notes gets me started, and then the Lord helps me to make it my own.”            Pastor-USA    Welcome to many new subscribers this week, you number in the thousands…to God be the glory!  You can help broaden our influence when you forward these links to others you believe may benefit.  They can sign up at the “Grace Notes” homepage.    Those who want to say “thank you”…please, just vote for the sermons at the link on each sermon’s own page and forward these links to others…it all helps this ministry expand which in turn helps the Kingdom of God to grow…which is what it’s all about. International Users:  Don’t forget to sign the GuestMap below and show us ‘where in the world you are!’  Get a custom logo like ours at Faith's Attic   Have a wonderful day, be blessed, and enjoy!       Pastor Jerry Shirley & Grace Notes Staff                See our Help Section     See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters

See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters In this edition: "Creation" "The Ideal Servant" Valentine Section Bad Economy Sale continues thru Valentine's Day! First Timer Info. from Pastor Jerry: "Today I will pray to open session of the Illinois House of Representatives.  Our state has a great heritage, but even greater challenges to overcome.  Pray for me as I balance a prayer to God and a sermon to men!"   Just released: 2/8/09 - "Creation" - Gen. 1-2 First in new series - "The Bible in 20 Cs" - a chronological overview of the Scriptures.  This message details the 6 days of Creation and refutes evolution.  Great visuals! Click to see the Series   2/4/09 - "The Ideal Servant" - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Spiritual power, perseverance, purpose, and parenting made Paul the ideal servant to those he was leading. And we are all called to be servants.       2/1/09 - "God Loves You" - Listen to the voices! God says, I love your soul, the cross says, I lean toward sinners, Jesus says, I long to save, the Spirit says, I’ll live inside, the Bible says I can literally be a son!    Video version- Message & PowerPoint   [This sermon only available in the 'Complete Collection'.] Click here  More Valentine Sermons    Best Deal!          The Complete Collection [save $630 for a limited time only!]   Now over 80% off!  [The Joshua Series and 2008 Topical Sermons have just been added for free thru this offer, below...] DO YOU HAVE 'THE COMPLETE COLLECTION'? Special pricing good thru Valentine's Day...   Get it on CD ROM or by instant download alternate link if above does not work  The Complete Collection Special Offer:  All 21 Series we offer by Instant Download     +Bonus: "Ark Almighty" "Allah is NOT My God" "Middle East for Dummies"         For a limited time, only...price subject to change!                       [1600+ Files!]                "Complete  Collection"                 $149.99   [$780.00 Value!]                                The Complete CollectionEverything we offer [all 21 series] in simple download format. 1600+ Files! Includes newly released series. Price: 149.99 USD You save $630 when you order the above!  And there's free shipping / no waiting when you use Instant Download …    Or, get it by mail in about 3 days on a CD ROM here.   [Hurry --  Prices subject to change] First Timer?...Here's some Tips on getting the helps you need:    We work hard to gather the best of free resources from numerous corners of the globe, and it's our privilege to share them all for free with you simply for the furthering of the Gospel, the growth of the Kingdom, and the joy of sharing!    Please feel free to copy and paste any of Pastor Jerry's original manuscripts from the site.  You are free to use them in live services without giving credit, along with the PowerPoint visuals provided.  Our CD ROMs are available by snail mail or Instant Download as a convenience only, but your purchases help support this growing ministry.  There are many benefits to getting our resources in this way, but as always, all materials are free to copy from the site if you don't mind the work and know how to retrieve them.    Have you heard?  All of our collections are downloadable, instantly.  It’s the same CD-ROMs only without the CD.  Download straight to your hard drive on up to 3 PCs, and burn a copy to take with you if you want.  No waiting, no shipping charges, and all files and folders are organized for you with no need for conversion or re-formatting.   Prices listed good for 1 week only.  Click link below for any recent changes. Click here to see our “Instant Download” Page  Or, place your order right here, below...    [no waiting, no shipping]     "There's a few thousand of you who now subscribe to these free 'Grace Notes' ...and for every one of you there's a hundred more who use the site regularly...to God be the glory!  God has used the tool of your POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS over the last 4 years to make this all possible.  It's all free because of those of you who use the voting links on each sermon, and it helps spread the Word of God at the same time. Sermon Central is where many of you learned of this ministry, and they have changed their voting to the 'star system'.  [rate up to 5 stars with a click]  It's easier than before and I think better.  In 10 seconds you can make a difference in 3 simple steps:  1.) Click on the 'recommend' button under any sermon on our site  2.) The same sermon will open up in a new page on the SC site...click on the 'rate this sermon' link right below the 5 stars  3.) Click on the far right star to give the highest recommendation if you can." Bonus Sermons included only in the "Complete Collection":    "Ark Almighty" - Hebrews 11:7 Uses "Evan Almighty" theme - GET SAVED, GET RIGHT, GET INTO CHURCH!  How parents of today can construct an ark of protection for their household.          "Allah is NOT My God" - Genesis 16:11-12 The real ‘Path to 911’ started with Ishmael.  A study of the differences between Christians and Muslims, Jehovah God and Allah, and Jesus Christ and Mohammed.  Islam is not just another denomination down the street.  Learn what they believe and why, and the terrorism connection in light of Bible Prophecy.     "Israel & The Middle East For Dummies"  - Genesis 12:1-3; 16:1-4; Psalm 122:6 Christians of all people should not be ignorant of these things, and the signs of the 'end times' now upon us. For a limited time these sermons come as free gifts when you order our ‘Complete Collection’   Call us if you have any trouble using your credit card thru PayPal:  217-877-0009 [Note:  We cannot process orders by phone, but still may be able to help with your online order or by snail mail order.  You may need to leave a message for call back.] If you prefer, you may send a check to:                  Grace Notes 3770 N. Water St Decatur, IL   62526 [please add $5 for processing and include the email address you'd like your download link sent to, or physical address if you prefer to receive it by mail as a CD ROM]  More questions?  Call us at 217-877-0009 or Write us.     You say:  "It's amazing that this ministry is free...no one else is doing this with Sermons and PowerPoints"    We say:  Please help keep it free by honoring our system:  By design and intent, this sermon service will always be free-but this is made possible by those of you who take the brief moment required to vote for the sermons after you click on them.  You do this from the link on each sermon’s page which says… Click here to recommend this sermon ministry to others.  Help spread the Word by casting your vote...it's a proven system that keeps this ministry free! If you don’t, it’s still free…But many thanks go to those who help make it free for everyone and are helping to spread the Word in the process…you too have the “spirit of sharing” and are a great part of this ministry!  How have some received a series at no cost?    Benefits to CD-ROMs: ·         No downloading, no waiting, no confusion. ·         No cutting and pasting.  Text comes completely formatted in Microsoft Word. ·         No hassles converting PowerPoint "pps" files to "ppt". ·         Already organized in folders for easy indexing. *Remember, all sermons on the site are free to download if you don't mind the work.    Your Feedback:   “I received my CD...these sermons will be a great help to me. My situation limits how much time I can put into sermon preparation.  Grace Notes gets me started, and then the Lord helps me to make it my own.”            Pastor-USA    Welcome to many new subscribers this week, you number in the thousands…to God be the glory!  You can help broaden our influence when you forward these links to others you believe may benefit.  They can sign up at the “Grace Notes” homepage.    Those who want to say “thank you”…please, just vote for the sermons at the link on each sermon’s own page and forward these links to others…it all helps this ministry expand which in turn helps the Kingdom of God to grow…which is what it’s all about. International Users:  Don’t forget to sign the GuestMap below and show us ‘where in the world you are!’  Get a custom logo like ours at Faith's Attic   Have a wonderful day, be blessed, and enjoy!       Pastor Jerry Shirley & Grace Notes Staff                See our Help Section     See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters

See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters In this edition: "The Ideal Church" / Valentine Section Bad Economy Sale! First Timer Info. from Pastor Jerry: "Times are hard...really...I saw it on the news!  Well, the bad economy is your good fortune - our 80% off sale continues for a limited time.  Just click the link above for our best offer on everything we have.  God bless you and HIS ministry thru you there!"   Just released: 1/28/09 - "The Ideal Church" - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Their ENERGY, their ELECTION, their EXAMPLE, their ENTHUSIASM, and their EXPECTANCY. More than a rough draft, Paul’s first letter to any church was the final word on what a church should be.     2/1/09 - "God Loves You" - Listen to the voices! God says, I love your soul, the cross says, I lean toward sinners, Jesus says, I long to save, the Spirit says, I’ll live inside, the Bible says I can literally be a son!    Video version- Message & PowerPoint   [This sermon only available in the 'Complete Collection'.] Click here  More Valentine Sermons    Best Deal!          The Complete Collection [save $630 for a limited time only!]   Now over 80% off!  [The Joshua Series and 2008 Topical Sermons have just been added for free thru this offer, below...] DO YOU HAVE 'THE COMPLETE COLLECTION'? Special pricing good thru Valentine's Day...   Get it on CD ROM or by instant download alternate link if above does not work  The Complete Collection Special Offer:  All 21 Series we offer by Instant Download     +Bonus: "Ark Almighty" "Allah is NOT My God" "Middle East for Dummies"         For a limited time, only...price subject to change!                       [1600+ Files!]                "Complete  Collection"                 $149.99   [$780.00 Value!]                                The Complete CollectionEverything we offer [all 21 series] in simple download format. 1600+ Files! Includes newly released series. Price: 149.99 USD You save $630 when you order the above!  And there's free shipping / no waiting when you use Instant Download …    Or, get it by mail in about 3 days on a CD ROM here.   [Hurry --  Prices subject to change] First Timer?...Here's some Tips on getting the helps you need:    We work hard to gather the best of free resources from numerous corners of the globe, and it's our privilege to share them all for free with you simply for the furthering of the Gospel, the growth of the Kingdom, and the joy of sharing!    Please feel free to copy and paste any of Pastor Jerry's original manuscripts from the site.  You are free to use them in live services without giving credit, along with the PowerPoint visuals provided.  Our CD ROMs are available by snail mail or Instant Download as a convenience only, but your purchases help support this growing ministry.  There are many benefits to getting our resources in this way, but as always, all materials are free to copy from the site if you don't mind the work and know how to retrieve them.    Have you heard?  All of our collections are downloadable, instantly.  It’s the same CD-ROMs only without the CD.  Download straight to your hard drive on up to 3 PCs, and burn a copy to take with you if you want.  No waiting, no shipping charges, and all files and folders are organized for you with no need for conversion or re-formatting.   Prices listed good for 1 week only.  Click link below for any recent changes. Click here to see our “Instant Download” Page  Or, place your order right here, below...    [no waiting, no shipping]     "There's a few thousand of you who now subscribe to these free 'Grace Notes' ...and for every one of you there's a hundred more who use the site regularly...to God be the glory!  God has used the tool of your POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS over the last 4 years to make this all possible.  It's all free because of those of you who use the voting links on each sermon, and it helps spread the Word of God at the same time. SermonCentral.com is where many of you learned of this ministry, and they have changed their voting to the 'star system'.  [rate up to 5 stars with a click]  It's easier than before and I think better.  In 10 seconds you can make a difference in 3 simple steps:  1.) Click on the 'recommend' button under any sermon on our site  2.) The same sermon will open up in a new page on the SC site...click on the 'rate this sermon' link right below the 5 stars  3.) Click on the far right star to give the highest recommendation if you can." Here's the voting link from an example sermon we feature: Recommend this sermon to others. This message is about Pastors being able to relax and get away, and how our people can help.  Let's see how far this message can go thru the church community by all recommending it today...and thanks again for helping to spread the Word and keep this ministry free!  Bonus Sermons included only in the "Complete Collection":    "Ark Almighty" - Hebrews 11:7 Uses "Evan Almighty" theme - GET SAVED, GET RIGHT, GET INTO CHURCH!  How parents of today can construct an ark of protection for their household.          "Allah is NOT My God" - Genesis 16:11-12 The real ‘Path to 911’ started with Ishmael.  A study of the differences between Christians and Muslims, Jehovah God and Allah, and Jesus Christ and Mohammed.  Islam is not just another denomination down the street.  Learn what they believe and why, and the terrorism connection in light of Bible Prophecy.     "Israel & The Middle East For Dummies"  - Genesis 12:1-3; 16:1-4; Psalm 122:6 Christians of all people should not be ignorant of these things, and the signs of the 'end times' now upon us. For a limited time these sermons come as free gifts when you order our ‘Complete Collection’   Call us if you have any trouble using your credit card thru PayPal:  217-877-0009 [Note:  We cannot process orders by phone, but still may be able to help with your online order or by snail mail order.  You may need to leave a message for call back.] If you prefer, you may send a check to:                  Grace Notes 3770 N. Water St Decatur, IL   62526 [please add $5 for processing and include the email address you'd like your download link sent to, or physical address if you prefer to receive it by mail as a CD ROM]  More questions?  Call us at 217-877-0009 or Write us.     You say:  "It's amazing that this ministry is free...no one else is doing this with Sermons and PowerPoints"    We say:  Please help keep it free by honoring our system:  By design and intent, this sermon service will always be free-but this is made possible by those of you who take the brief moment required to vote for the sermons after you click on them.  You do this from the link on each sermon’s page which says… Click here to recommend this sermon ministry to others.  Help spread the Word by casting your vote...it's a proven system that keeps this ministry free! If you don’t, it’s still free…But many thanks go to those who help make it free for everyone and are helping to spread the Word in the process…you too have the “spirit of sharing” and are a great part of this ministry!  How have some received a series at no cost?    Benefits to CD-ROMs: ·         No downloading, no waiting, no confusion. ·         No cutting and pasting.  Text comes completely formatted in Microsoft Word. ·         No hassles converting PowerPoint "pps" files to "ppt". ·         Already organized in folders for easy indexing. *Remember, all sermons on the site are free to download if you don't mind the work.    Your Feedback:   “I received my CD...these sermons will be a great help to me. My situation limits how much time I can put into sermon preparation.  Grace Notes gets me started, and then the Lord helps me to make it my own.”            Pastor-USA    Welcome to many new subscribers this week, you number in the thousands…to God be the glory!  You can help broaden our influence when you forward these links to others you believe may benefit.  They can sign up at the “Grace Notes” homepage.    Those who want to say “thank you”…please, just vote for the sermons at the link on each sermon’s own page and forward these links to others…it all helps this ministry expand which in turn helps the Kingdom of God to grow…which is what it’s all about. International Users:  Don’t forget to sign the GuestMap below and show us ‘where in the world you are!’  Get a custom logo like ours at Faith's Attic   Have a wonderful day, be blessed, and enjoy!       Pastor Jerry Shirley & Grace Notes Staff                See our Help Section     See previous "Grace Notes" Newsletters