Free resources grey
Sermon outlines grey
blog and podcast grey
works we support grey
home-01
about-01
family-01
support-01
contact-01
podcastLOGO-01
2415
Lebanon Road Button
Hymn Reflections Button

A New(s) Feature

We are constantly trying to update our blog so it is more helpful and interesting for you. That’s why, today, we are unveiling a new feature.

On the right-hand side (about 1/2 way down), there is a new section called “Google News Searches.” It is preset to display the latest articles that feature the word “Bible” in them. By clicking on the other choice, you can see the latest articles to feature the phrase “Church of Christ.”

With these terms, of course, many things will “match,” but we hope you will find something of interest to you from time-to-time. These are supposed to constantly update whenever Google News finds another article, so check back often.

Same Pictures, Cool New Display

I know you’ve seen these pictures already in a previous post, but I discovered a new way to post them on here.

Enjoy our pictures of Turner. More are coming!

Cool Slideshows

Disney's New Marriage Decision

Thousands of couples over the past several years have gotten married with a Disney wedding. Depending on price, one could get married in front of Cinderella’s castle, on a cruise, or even ride a crystal carriage to (or from) the ceremony. While expensive, these weddings really are affordable, as the price of a “normal” ceremony continues to rise quickly.

Recently, however, Disney began a new policy that should greatly concern Christians. Pressured by several groups, including the website afterElton.com, Disney decided to allow homosexual partners to be “married.” While the marriages are not legally binding, gay and lesbian couples can still go through the entire ceremony.

The following report ran on thecelebritycafe.com on April 6. It was written by Jeannine Coppola.

Shocking news came from the “Happiest Place on Earth,” on Friday, as Disney announced that all couples, both gay and straight, can now purchase the “Fairy Tale Wedding” package at Disneyland and on Disney cruise ships.

According to the Associated Press, “The company said it made the change after being contacted by a gay couple who wanted to use the wedding service, which offers ceremonies at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disney’s cruise ships.”

Spokesman for Disney Parks and Resorts, Donn Walker, explained, “We are not in the business of making judgments about the lifestyle of our guests…We are in the hospitality business, and our parks and resorts are open to everyone.”

Although the news is suprising, coming from a staple of the stereotypical “American Family Day Out,” the Walt Disney Company has actually been a supporter of gay tourism for years. In the past, it offered controversial partner benefits for homosexual employees and in the 90s, rightwing groups protested against annual “Gay Days,” when more than 100,000 gay and lesbian couples were allowed to visit Disney resorts.

The company claimed its original policy of heterosexual wedding packages only, was based on laws in Florida and California prohibiting same-sex unions. However, after the gay website, AfterElton.com pressured Disney, it dropped its requirement that “Fairy Tale Wedding” packages, which start at $8,000, must include a valid marriage license. Michael Jensen, editor of AfterElton.com, challenged that even though same-sex wedding ceremonies are not legally recognized, there are no laws prohibiting gay couples from holding their ceremonies. He argued, “Elton John, who had a civil union with his partner, David Furnish, last year in England, would have been turned away from Disney’s wedding gates,” reminding Disney that the pop star had earned the company millions of dollars with his music for The Lion King.

Jensen continued, “I congratulate Disney…Everyone should get in touch with Disney to thank them for this change as I have no doubt at all that the homophobes will be
out in droves screaming that Disney’s treatment of gay and lesbian couples somehow discriminates against their religious beliefs.”

Once again, Disney shows that the dollar is more important to them than making a stand for real family values. For several years now, the Southern Baptist Convention has boycotted Disney, as have other groups. Maybe they are on to something.

A Great Series to Study

My friend, Joey Sparks, has been posting a great series on his blog concerning the Great Commission. Joey is the associate minister at the Midway church of Christ in Jasper, Alabama. This six-part series discusses Matthew 28:18-20 in a logical and helpful way. Below are the links to the series in order. Preachers, you will want to print these articles or keep the links available. This material will make a wonderful starter for a sermon.

I hope you enjoy these articles as much as I have. Thanks, Joey, for a great series!

Headed to Nashville

I leave this afternoon for Nashville, Tennessee, for the annual Lads to Leaders Convention. The rest of our group–of almost 90–heads out tomorrow. I’m thankful for my elders’ allowing me to go early to check in and get a small break on Thursday morning, before the “storm” hits. Once Thursday afternoon arrives, I go “full speed ahead” until leaving on Sunday.

I ask that you pray for us and for all those going to the four conventions. After yesterday’s shooting at the CNN Center in Atlanta, we should all be reminded of the danger of traveling to a large metropolitan area. One L2L Convention, in fact, is in Atlanta, not far from where this shooting took place.

Our young people have worked hard and will do well. We aren’t worried about how many trophies, ribbons, etc. we bring home. We are trying to bring home young men and women who are developing talents to be used in God’s Kingdom.

One last thing: I am asking for your prayers as well. On Friday night, I have been asked to lead singing at the Delta Fountain of the Opryland Hotel for Lads to Leaders. In the past, several thousand people have attended this singing. I get nervous every time I lead singing or preach (and I hope I always do!), but this time I am really nervous. Last year, I led one song as a type of “transition” from the former song leader to me, and, after just one song, I got a complaint. It’s amazing how those things stick with us.

I apologize for not posting a lot the last couple of weeks, but, maybe after this weekend, we can get back on a “regular” schedule.