SAVING SOUL, NOT JUST SAVING SOULS, IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY & FULLER SEMINARY NEWS: this BEGAN as a defense of SOUL blog, and it STILL is, but I am also adding FULLER SEMINARY NEWS to this blog...albeit remember that some of the soul unbelievers are teaching at fuller seminary (ie nancey murphy et al). This blog is not necessarily a defense of Fuller Seminary...just commentary on what is happening. Not everybody is a soul unbeliever at Fuller Seminary.
FULLER's WEBSITE
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Thursday, April 25, 2024
It's NOT all genetic , also behavioral: "Nearsightedness reaching epidemic levels: Half the world will need glasses by 2050 -"
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Thursday, April 11, 2024
In Christ ✝️
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
R.U.Growing?✝️ "And we all are being Transformed into the same image from one degree of Glory to another...
Monday, April 8, 2024
A SIGN FROM GOD ? "This Is The Eclipse "Conspiracy Theory" That The Mainstream Media Doesn't Want To Talk About"
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
A Prayer by ChatGPT π✝️ (per my command)
Friday, March 29, 2024
"Sudanese Christians introduce desperate people to Jesus as war rages on - "
Wow. Times have changed #GoodFriday ✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
Wow. Times have changed
#GoodFriday ✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️☝️
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Get your #AmeriBible ✝️ Are they all signed by him as well? "Trump is now selling... πBIBLESπΊπ²— for $59.95. ..
#AmeriBible
Are they all signed by
him as well?
"Trump has announced that he's now selling... ✝️BIBLESπΊπ²— for $59.95. ..The Trump-endorsed Bible is bundled with America's founding documents & a lyrics sheet for Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA"
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Written by chat GPT
Monday, March 25, 2024
The strange thing about Pasadena CA
(https://x.com/AmeriPrayer1/status/1772315824671572133?t=d2Ni_E3xcTxmZUsx9bfnhg&s=03)
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
New Hampshire π ''Government Launches Holy War on Pastor for Home-Churching | "
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
about Paul Schrader's movie Hardcore, that begins in Grand Rapids and ends in Hollywood (which is not Bellflower)
Above: my pic of Paul Schrader when I saw him at the UCLA Hammer Museum in Los Angeles years ago.
Ironically I grew up in GR (Grand Rapids, MI) but our family moved to Bellflower when I was in high school. Paul Schrader begins his movie "Hardcore" (original title was "The Pilgrim" in GR ..and the kids are headed to a young calvinist convention (something the Christian Reformed Church used to do, maybe still do, for adolescents of the CRC) with a big sign on a bus that says "Bellflower" on it. But before I recap the movie for those of you who haven't seen it (by the way, it is available, or was, on Tubi for free now, finally; & not for children by the way. See https://tubitv.com/movies/670431/hardcore ; by the way, last time I checked it is no longer available on Tubi ; maybe they mistakenly released it for free temporarily. Maybe I got lucky).
I guess I didn't see it because I hadn't made a point of it, and it hasn't been free until now. I'm not a "fan boy" of Paul Schrader just because of our similar backgrounds. If he creates good material I will applaud it. Otherwise, not. But when it popped up as a "new free movie" on Tubi I took the time to critically view it. You can also view the opening scenes on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3x46EkgGfc or https://rb.gy/29yjho
So this film was released in 1979 when I was 12 years old, and of course when I was a kid in the 70's in Grand Rapids it would not have been a movie my parents would have approved of, even if it was a Paul Schrader movie- or maybe especially because it was a Schrader movie. He was considered a rebel back then by the CRC- and may still be in some parts.
My parents never mentioned him, either intentionally or because he simply wasn't in their sphere. I only knew of him because of little things I heard or read here & there- maybe at my Christian school (GRCH) or later at Calvin College. I haven't gone back to research this aspect of Paul Schrader's life, but as best as I can recall there was some sort of controversy about Schrader when he was on the Chimes staff, and something about the college chaplain, and something about the code of counseling confidentiality etc etc, … ; and something happened that I won't speculate any further .. some say he got kicked out of Calvin; others say he graduated. Numerous stories abound and maybe we will never know for sure. Schrader himself may have started some of the rumors to add to his "rebel image". At this point, it doesn't really matter.
Even when our family moved from GR to Bellflower when I was in high school I didn't know anything specific about the movie Hardcore or any of his other movies. I don't even remember when I saw Taxi Driver, the movie he is best known for (probably, as he himself says; but some make an argument for "American Gigolo") .
Here's one quote I come across re Taxi Driver:
"In 1973, only five years out of Calvin College, Schrader wrote a near-perfect first screenplay, including revision, in ten days while living in his car following the demise of his first marriage, drinking heavily and attracted to pornography, guns, and suicide. No surprise, then, that Taxi Driver (1974) is not a cheerful work, displaying at length the badly tangled psyche of marine-vet Travis Bickle (De Niro), a New York cabbie who drives the night shift because he can't sleep anyway." https://www.booksandculture.com/articles/1999/julaug/9b4020.html
And of course I had never seen him in person nor even a picture of him. I mention this because much later in life when I was a young adult working in Los Angeles & exploring different parts, I started going to the UCLA Hammer Museum on a periodic basis (by the way, I also worked for a short time at UCLA as a chaplain in the medical center, and completed CPE there (Clinical Pastoral Education). Even though the museum is far too lefty for my taste, I would go there as a Christian evangelist and try to reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ our Savior- if nothing else- leaving little Bible tracts underneath windshield wipers. My code of honor as an evangelist is that if a person rejects the gospel I can at least try to be influence or inspire them to be a good citizen.
And one day I noticed the Hammer Museum calendar saying that Paul Schrader was going to be there in person- so I made sure to mark the date to attend the free event. Of course, Schrader attended the UCLA for cinematography (or whatever they call it now)- and for this event he was showing a film and having a conversation with a museum person (& I think he was donating some of his "historic" materials to the UCLA archive).
So I arrived a little early and entered the lobby of the Hammer Museum, and there was an elderly chap sitting alone on a bench waiting for the event to begin and I just passed him by to find a seat in the auditorium. What I didn't know until the show started was that it was Paul Schrader himself sitting there.
I wished I had known what he looked like so I could have said hello and mention to him our similar pathways- ie we both grew up in GR, both attended GRCH & Calvin, both grew up in the CRC, etc. He originally intended to go into Christian ministry, while I actually did so; but also dabbled in show business myself (more about that later). It would have been a fun conversation.
Also, by the way, his late brother Len was involved in Hollywood film making, mainly as a writer- best known for his film entitled "Kiss of the Spiderwoman" - another film which I did not see until late in life- and for that matter- I didn't find it very compelling- and never actually finished watching it. It had a lefty agenda which I don't necessarily agree with- or find very entertaining either. But it did win an Oscar, for what it's worth. It stars the late William Hurt- and I noticed that Paul is currently married to Mary Beth Hurt- who as best as I can tell was originally married to William Hurt- but it ended in divorce (I think).
Another connection to the Schraders is that Len attended the University of Iowa writing program in Iowa City (coincidentally, I was born at the University of Iowa Medical Center when my dad was working his first full-time job as a CRC pastor- and my parents had interacted with Len on a few occasions).
Anyways, I attended the Hammer Museum event -watched his film about "Mishima" - listened to the interview- nothing particular memorable about any of it. Never got a chance to talk to him. With all of this as a prelude, let's get back to the Hardcore movie- as mentioned it begins in GR with kids sledding on a hill - like I did when I was a child - I think they show "Richmond Park" for the sledding scene (where I never went sledding- we would usually go to Brookside or Tower Park on the SE side).
They also show at least one Christian Reformed Church in the opening scene- I think it is Leonard Street CRC. This is the west side of GR- opposite of where I grew up. I would rarely come over this way on my own or even with my family - except for a few times when we might go to John Ball Zoo. I remember playing against "Westside" school in basketball when I was playing for Millbrook on the southeast side (I remember Bill Sall was their best player. Now he's the Calvin Coach. Small world). That's about it. Anyways, the point is that Paul Schrader was a "west sider."
Later in life I've explored the west side of GR a bit more, but we never attended the Christian Reformed churches on that side of town (our family attended 1st CRC, also known as Bates Street). Of course we had west side kids in our class at GRCH- all the Christian junior high students (from Ada, Millbrook, Sylvan, East Paris, Westside, Creston, etc ) eventually meet at the one main high school (some of these junior highs no longer exist, including mine). The opening scene also apparently shows Paul's dad shoveling snow and Paul's actual house (lots of actual real snow- makes me wonder if they filmed this after the famous blizzard of '78? I was living there at the time and remember it well. And it fits with the timing of the release a year later).
There's also a scene at a factory, and also at a home that says in fading paint "Van Dorn's Celery"- (apparently, celery farming was a thing in west Michigan for some time. See https://www.thehenryford.org/explore/blog/celery-in-western-michigan ) where they show some of the elderly folk talking about Reformed theology- all familiar topics to me
Later, there's even a scene where the main character - the father in search of his daughter in Los Angeles (played by George C. Scott) has a conversation with a young lady about "TULIP" - the reformed acronym for Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistable Grace, & Perseverance of the Saints - to which the female character responds "Wow, you're more messed up than me", or something like that.
Why is the father searching for his daughter? Because somewhere after reaching Los Angeles, the daughter disappeared. And nobody knows what happened. So after hiring a private investigator who is only partially successful or honest with the father, the father decides to go to L.A. on his own to find his beloved daughter.
And here is where I need to mention some particulars about the movie that are misleading. Of course the bus says they are going to a convention in Bellflower which is indeed in Los Angeles county- but Bellflower is one of MANY suburbs & incorporated cities (88 in total) of L.A. county -and it is not necessarily in a "seedy" area as depicted in the movie.
From Bellflower to downtown is 18 miles. If a young person was going to L.A. to be LED ASTRAY (no pun intended, but it works well ie LA= Led Astray), Bellflower would not necessarily be the place to go. Bellflower was originally mostly Dutch farmers- in fact my dad, as the son of a CRC pastor, partially grew up there in the 1930's before moving to Holland Michigan.
He has photo album pics of wide open fields- dirt roads, lots of open space etc. Of course by the 70's it had become much more established, but still then and today is not near Hollywood nor the lefty craziness you might think (of) (sorry to end with a preposition). In the 70's and even still today it is a relatively mundane community - not a lot of exciting night life or theatres, etc.
For entertainment, people might go to Cerritos Mall; or venture all the way downtown or to Hollywood for special shows etc. Belfllower is surrounded by other suburbs such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Norwalk, Downey, Paramount, and the list goes on. For sports, there's Angels Stadium in Anaheim, and Dodger Stadium near downtown, and all the other sports teams, but none are near Bellflower.
Perhaps Bellflower's biggest claim to fame today is the football team at Bosco Catholic High School. They are a regular top seed in the entire nation for high school football, and high prospects will travel or move to the area to attend Bosco- with high hopes of a college career and maybe even the NFL.
Originally, however, Bellflower (originally called Somerset) was a stronghold for the CRC- including Valley Christian Schools- associated with the CRC- which my grandfather (also a CRC pastor) co-founded back in the 30's. So the Bellflower sign on the bus is misleading.
If this CRC father's daughter went to Bellflower- to get "led astray" into pornography she would have had to travel on her own or be picked up by somebody - to the other side of L.A. (county, not city) - most likely San Fernando Valley (about 40 miles from Bellflower) - which is known to be more of a pornography -producing area. I am now imagining the snarky hyper-sexual punk out there reading this sarcastically saying suggestively, "How does he know it's a porno area? "
And the answer is: I study and read, and learn. Not from personal involvement in it. I also worked as a substitute teacher for the LAUSD for many years while going thru seminary and so I got to know the area from working at the many LAUSD schools in the area, and you learn as you go. San Fernando valley (not to be confused with the City of San Fernando in SF Valley) is comprised of many cities, from Glendale out to Thousand Oaks, and everything in between. Of course, there's also Burbank, Tarzana, Studio City, North Hollywood, etc
There's also the mainstream film industry in this area, including Warner Bros, Disney, as well as numerous other smaller film production companies. When I was still in seminary I bought a used station wagon a few decades ago- a beautiful Mercury Colony Park- & it just happened to be from a fellow who was a film producer living in Studio City and had used it to transport "suits" (ie film studio executives around the lot).
To put all of this into context: Grand Rapids to Holland MI (or Grand Haven if you prefer) (a drive I took millions of times to "grandpa's cottage" growing up in West Michigan) is about 30 to 35 miles, closer than Bellflower is to San Fernando. Basically, "the valley" is the other side of "the hill" – which Mulholland Highway traverses from the Bel Air area towards the Hollywood Bowl area ( I recently drove it with my elderly parents & my sister who was visiting from Michigan- showing them the sights-
Anyways, this leads me to another point: After my family moved to Bellflower, I still went back and forth to Grand Rapids as I attended Calvin College, and two of my siblings remained in West Michigan. And my grandfather on my mother's side still resided in GR - and ran a profitable butter business.
Anybody who knows a little bit of Dutch American and CRC history can easily figure out who I am from all the clues I've given. And people who knew our family -and made the association of us with my successful businessman grandfather (& his "mansion" in East Grand Rapids) -- assumed when we moved to southern Cal we were moving to a place like Beverly Hills - like a mansion or something. Because they also knew my dad was moving back to California to work for a successful televangelist Christian ministry- which evoked images of financial well-being, in the minds of some people.
However, Bellflower is NOT Beverly Hills. It's not a "bad neighborhood" necessarily but it's just basic middle-class houses - some areas nicer and more spacious than other- but some parts very close together- including lots of apartments. Our family moved to a nice 2-story home: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, big backyard, near a park, etc - also in an equestrian area- where some people had horses- and they would ride them on the nearby riverbed and on the streets as well. But it was NOT a fancy area that you might see in Sunset Magazine etc.
I say this because over time- we would have CRC friends visit from west Michigan (some of them "Eagle Knights" -ie who attended GRCH & Calvin like myself) and often they would come with certain pre-conceptions as mentioned only to find out we lived in an "ordinary" middle class neighborhood.
Some with less class would return to Michigan and tell snarky stories about where we live as if we ever pretended to be rich Beverly Hills people. WE never did. And still don't to this day (although I don't live in Bellflower anymore, my parents still do in the same house).
We are not and never were a "flashy" family, nor was my wealthy Grand Rapids grandfather (apart from the mansion, of course). My wealthy grandfather drove station wagons his whole life, and kept his Lake Michigan cottage fairly primitive. Even today the driveway remains unpaved. His son who took over the business is more of a flashy type- in terms of cars and boats. But those of us who moved to Bellflower were never the flashy types.
There were also a few "friends" who assumed I was going to be in the movie business myself because of the images and associations they had in their minds of me and my family (as mentioned my dad also worked for a televised ministry that periodically interviewed famous guests as part of the church service; including the occasional Hollywood celebrity who had at least a little bit of Christian conviction). And some thought I had "Hollywood looks" whatever that means. But I never had any dreams or ambitions of becoming a so-called "movie star".
One of these people I knew from Calvin showed up by surprise one day when I was still in Bellflower and she was shocked that it was nowhere near Hollywood and the film industry. And disappointed for that matter. She mistakenly thought I was part of that crowd. Sorry Audrey (& Eric). I never said I was, nor pretended to be (but that's another story for another time). Later, I did become a little involved in show business – but mostly for the sake of my Christian ministry- and trying to reach people in those circles with the good news of Jesus Christ (yes, I am an evangelical!)
CRC kids & families all over USA know about other CRC communities all over the USA from missionaries who visit their parish, & from reading The Banner, and for those who go on to Calvin, they meet fellow CRC kids (young adults). However, unless you're a rare bird, like me (or one of those CRC pastors who bounced around, or a family member of such a pastor) you probably don't personally know much of anything about that other CRC community.
I'm such a rare CRC bird that over time I searched out all the CRC locations in California – attending a few- but mostly just taking pictures of them for a blog. Later, I did the same in the Chicago area- primarily for the purpose of getting to know the physical locations of these Christian Reformed neighborhoods. Even as late as 2023 I'm still doing this- most recently around the greater Grand Rapids area- wow -so many CRC's and RCA's and even Protestant Reformed Churches- it's mind boggling. I sometimes ponder how much more we could do as the Body of Christ if we could find a way to unite!
As best as I can tell, the only reason Paul Schrader used Bellflower as a prop on the bus was apparently because he knew of it as a Christian Reformed stronghold. I wonder if he has actually ever been to Bellflower? And as far as I know they never filmed any of the California scenes actually in Bellflower, nor even in L.A. County. From what I hear, many, if not all, of the risque CA scenes are actually filmed in San Diego County.
New Hope In CHRIST, by cgpt
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Friday, March 1, 2024
Shouldn't Calvin University president Wiebe Boer be given a chance for Repentance ?
Should Calvin University president Wiebe Boer be given a chance for Repentance-Grace-Redemption before being forced to resign for some alleged "inappropriate communications" ?
Saturday, February 24, 2024
I never considered Bathsheba a willing "Gregory Peck in "David and Bathsheba" (1951)"
Friday, February 23, 2024
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Make this a day for #SuperPrayer π & maybe even fasting π "Who's performing at the Super Bowl 2024
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Whosoever
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
" Head Coach John Harbaugh started his postgame press conference by reading 1 Chronicles 29:11
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
whatever is True, Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely, Admirable, Excellent or Praiseworthy..
"CJ Stroud Expands On His Faith, Says Other Players Appreciate It"
Friday, January 5, 2024
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Monday, December 25, 2023
Friday, December 22, 2023
WE R the SON: To us a child is born, a son is given,
WE R the SON:
To us a child is born, a son is given, & the govt will be on His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of His greatness there will be NO END. justice & righteousness Forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Friday, December 8, 2023
EXCEPT for WITNESSING:"Do NOT be yoked together with unbelievers.
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Sunday, November 12, 2023
Pope removed American bishop for being TOO GOOD⁉️
Saturday, November 11, 2023
π✝️"Christian missionaries have witnessed a "massive move of God" in troubled Nicaragua,
Sunday, October 29, 2023
WITCH HUNT⁉️ "UKRAINIAN parliament votes to BAN Orthodox Church over alleged links with Russia. "
That we may be Partakers of the DIVINE NATURE,
Friday, October 27, 2023
"Has Noah's Ark been found? Archaeologists reveal 'ruins' found in Turkey's ...
Thursday, October 26, 2023
I see Ryan Bolger is still hanging in there after all these years. Wow !.missiology 2023
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Bearing with one another, & Forgiving one another,
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Therefore humble yourselves
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
FYI "SAMSON OPTION : ΧΧ¨ΧΧ¨Χͺ Χ©ΧΧ©ΧΧ, b'rerat shimshon)
Monday, October 16, 2023
"Cataphatic theology uses "positive" terminology to describe or refer to the divine – specifically, God –
Apophatic theology, also known as negative theology,
Saturday, October 14, 2023
"Pastor in Israel recounts day of Hamas attack, shares how Christians can pray''
Friday, October 13, 2023
Peaceπ️ I leave with you, My ✝️ PEACE I give to you; NOT as the world πgives.
Monday, October 9, 2023
"When asked what Jesus Christ is to him, rock legend Alice Cooper replied, “... EVERYTHING!”
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Let NOT your heart ❤️ be troubled π«
Sunday, October 1, 2023
By this All will Know that you are My followers:
Sunday, September 17, 2023
"Vivek Ramaswamy was recently asked “What is your opinion of Jesus Christ?”
Don't confuse Professor Sander van der Linden with Sandra Vander Linde
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
with All your heart, π
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
"Boy Dies, Comes Back, Says Jesus Gave Him a Message for the World"
Monday, September 4, 2023
DON'T MOCK GOD: "NOT A Good Idea To Put Up A “Chapel Of Babel” At Burning Man…"
James Cameron makes great movies. However, unfortunately...
"North Korean Christians report acts of healing"
Saturday, September 2, 2023
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me:
Friday, August 18, 2023
"At the Beginning of Creation God made male & female. ‘
Friday, August 11, 2023
JESUS said unto them:
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Prayers for the Sentinelese to #RepentAndBeBaptized ✝️π#AcceptChrist2bSaved
Friday, August 4, 2023
SHAME on Watertown, Wisconsin police officers πππ" Man Arrested For Sharing The Bible On A Public Sidewalk –
This is sickening π☹️
SHAME on
Watertown, Wisconsin police officers πππ
"Young Man Arrested For Sharing The Bible On A Public Sidewalk – Watch How The Marxist Cops Reacted (Video)"
https://www.usasupreme.com/another-one-young-man-arrested-for-sharing-the-bible-on-a-public-sidewalk-watch-how-the-marxist-cops-reacted-video/
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Something not right at The Rock Church San Diego
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Saturday, July 22, 2023
"4 Christian Bros Homeschooled in Jungle Bring Jesus to Superstitious Tribe—Who Share Survival Savvy
Saturday, July 15, 2023
my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task
Friday, June 30, 2023
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Ode to Fuller Seminary
In Pasadena, wisdom thrives,
When Fuller Seminary's light arrives,
A thousand virtues, in harmony, ring,
In praise of this seminary, we sing.
With minds ablaze and spirits aflame,
Students gather, eager to proclaim,
Theology's depths, both old and new,
Fuller's treasure trove, for the chosen few.
The first virtue, oh so bright & fair,
Is Fuller's passionate, unyielding care,
For God's great Word, a love supreme,
Illuminating truths in the Gospel's gleam.
Faculty, learned, with hearts on fire,
Except Nancey Murphy, inspiring desire,
To search the Scriptures, to dive so deep,
In God's vast ocean, His promises keep.
A tapestry woven, diverse & grand,
From every nation, a faithful band,
Uniting in Christ, with love profound,
Different hues, but one Gospel sound.
Scholarship & faith, hand in hand,
Inseparable duo, a mighty stand,
To wrestle with questions, never relent,
Seeking God's truth, wherever it's sent.
Fuller's community, a haven to find,
Fellow sojourners, hearts intertwined,
Bound by grace, not uniformity's grip,
Learning & growing, thru fellowship's trip.
In Pasadena , a place of peace,
The Spirit's presence, a gentle breeze,
Transforming minds, renewing souls
Equipping God's servants, fulfilling their roles
Practical theology, Fuller's delight,
Apply God's truth, with all of our might,
Faith comes alive, hope into view.
The city itself, with its vibrant embrace,
Fuller's neighbor, its charm, & grace,
A tapestry diverse, culture's grand flair,
Inspiring reflections, God's image to bear.
Thru halls & classrooms, echoes resound,
Ideas exchanged, wisdom found,
Minds awake (not woke), hearts aflame,
Sent as witnesses, in Christ's great name.
Let us give thanks for Fuller's embrace,
The rich legacy & God-given space,
May our light ever shine, crystal clear,
Guiding future gens, year after year.
Fuller Seminary, a beacon divine,
Illuminate paths, God's people find,
Knowledge & wisdom, faith & delight,
In Pasadena's heart, a sacred site.
Monday, June 12, 2023
HOW REFRESHING ✝️πππ'''To Glorify God...That Is Our Purpose': OK Women's Softball Champs Stun Reporters
Friday, June 9, 2023
Unopened presents π, Unopened PRESENCE ✝️
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
"Boy Dies, Comes Back, Says Jesus Gave Him a Message for the World"
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Friday, May 26, 2023
-Matt 16:25
Thursday, May 25, 2023
And I missing something ? the article doesn't say what the verse is. "Ultraviolet light reveals to scientists a hidden Bible passage 1,500 years later
Saturday, May 20, 2023
I asked chat GPT to write about the history of the CRC and this is what I got back in 60 seconds
The roots of the Christian Reformed Church can be traced back to the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, particularly the teachings of John Calvin and the Reformed tradition. The Reformation, marked by a desire to return to the biblical teachings and reform the Catholic Church, had a profound impact on the religious landscape of Europe. Calvin's theology, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, predestination, and the authority of Scripture, played a vital role in shaping the beliefs of the CRC.
Immigration and Formation of the CRC: The Christian Reformed Church was formed in the 19th century through the migration of Dutch Calvinists to North America. Seeking religious freedom and better economic opportunities, thousands of Dutch Reformed believers settled in the United States and Canada. These immigrants brought with them their Reformed faith and established congregations that eventually united to form the CRC.
Key Milestones and Doctrinal Foundation: The CRC experienced significant milestones in its early years. In 1857, the formation of the Christian Reformed Church in North America marked the official establishment of the denomination. The Synod of Dort, held in the Netherlands in 1618-1619, also played a crucial role in shaping the church's doctrines. The Canons of Dort, a key doctrinal statement produced during the synod, affirmed the teachings of Calvinism, including the doctrine of election and predestination.
Missions and Education: The CRC has consistently emphasized the importance of missions and education. Mission work began in the late 19th century when the CRC sent missionaries to various parts of the world, including China, Indonesia, Nigeria, and other countries. The church's commitment to spreading the Gospel globally led to the establishment of mission schools, hospitals, and churches in these regions.
The CRC also placed a strong emphasis on education. The founding of Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary in the late 19th century provided a solid educational foundation for future ministers and leaders of the denomination. These institutions have since grown to become respected centers of Reformed theological education.
Social Engagement and Transformation: The Christian Reformed Church has sought to engage with social issues and bring about positive change in society. In the mid-20th century, the CRC played an active role in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, advocating for racial equality and justice. The church's commitment to social justice has extended to issues such as poverty, environmental stewardship, and immigration.
The CRC's efforts to address social issues have also involved collaboration with ecumenical organizations and interfaith dialogue. The church's participation in the National Council of Churches and its engagement with other Christian denominations have demonstrated its commitment to unity and cooperation within the broader Christian community.
Conclusion: The Christian Reformed Church has a rich and diverse history, shaped by the theological heritage of the Reformation, the experiences of Dutch immigrants, and a commitment to biblical principles. Throughout its journey, the CRC has placed an emphasis on missions, education, and social engagement, seeking to faithfully live out its calling as a body of believers. As the church continues to navigate the challenges of the modern world, it remains rooted in its Reformed tradition while embracing the call to love God and serve others.....
Friday, May 19, 2023
RIP ❤️✝️π "The Rev. Timothy Keller, Pioneering Manhattan Evangelist, Dies at 72 - The New York Times