Blogging Etiquette

As Christians it is always important for us to consider the things we say, how we say them, and what message is being portrayed. So to keep with that, Here are some questions to keep in mind before you comment and hit "post" on a blog.

• Is this comment gracious? (Col. 4:6)
• Is this comment seasoned with salt? (Col. 4:6)
• Is this comment corrupting? (Eph. 4:29)
• Is this comment seeking to build up the church for good? (Eph. 4:29)
• Is this comment intended to give grace to those who read it? (Eph. 4:29)
• Is this comment fitting and appropriate? (Eph. 4:29)
• Is this comment true? Is this comment written in love? (Eph. 4:15, 25)

2) Speaking of blogging: the Band of Bloggers gathering at T4G was captured on video andaudio.

3) Still speaking of blogging, Dan Phillips has some good advice on blogging philosophy, etiquette, and strategery.

His Last Seven Words--Antoinette R. Banks

Here are the: Seven Last Words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel from Luke to John.

1. Luke 23:34 (New International Version)

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

2. Luke 23:43 (New International Version)

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

3. John 19:26-27 (New International Version)

²⁶When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," ²⁷and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

4.a Matthew 27:46 (New International Version)

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

4. b Mark 15:34 (New International Version

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

5. John 19:28 (New International Version)

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty.”

6. John 19:30 (New International Version)
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head

and gave up his spirit.

7. Luke 23:46 (New International Version)

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Holy Week--Antoinette R. Banks

This week marks Holy Week that was kicked off with an amazing sermon by Bishop Charles E. Blake titled, When You Have to Do What You Don’t Want to Do. Many Christian churches observe Holy Week as time to commemorate and reenact the suffering and death of Our Savior leading up to His resurrection through various observances and services of worship.

Something you might find useful while reflecting God’s love and the ultimate sacrifice so that we might have life are Google Earth’s attempt to show the locations of the major events (to the best of their knowledge) along with descriptions and biblical passages describing those events.

The image is from Google Map. Click here, and then click on each letter to the left to see a summary of the events for each day.

To keep in conjunction with Holy Week, we will be streaming our Good Friday service at 12:00PM on WebTV.

Is the Internet the Devil?!?!? --Antoinette R. Banks

With the web team hitting 74 countries and and all 50 states while utilizing the tools of technology as a means to evangelize, edify, and equip the world, it is safe to say that the internet is not the devil!!You’d be surprised at the many comments we receive on a continuous basis on how technology is evil.

Here are a few of our received comments:

Statement: “The internet takes time away from my bible reading”

Answer: “We can introduce to an online bible that gives you the advantages of reading or listening to the bible while taking and sharing notes at the same time. That online bible is called youversion

Statement: “There are too many pornographic sites that inhibit me from communicating with other saints.

Answer: “Let us introduce you to our WebTv page Live

Where saints can chat live from all over the world while watching the stream of our Bishop, Charles E. Blake using a service called Coveritlive.

Statement: "The internet takes away from my praying time."

Answer: "We always encourage you to seek God and build your personal relationship! If you would like to utilize technology, let us introduce you to our prayer requests page where you have access to saints all over to join you in your prayer." For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

Keep us in your prayers as we continue to push the limits of technology for our evangelistic goals. If you'd like more technology tips visit our tech blog: "The Tip Top of Tech Talk" with our Web Master, Evan.

Are You A Proverbs 31 Woman?--Antoinette R. Banks

Women today have so many expectations placed on them! Some woman go to school, hold down a have a professional job, or stay home and take care of the family, but above all…the question remains, are you a woman after God’s own heart? Perhaps an insight is given in Proverbs 31. Let's look at the verses of this scripture and see what we can glean from it.

1. Proverbs 31:10-12 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." This woman is the wife of an elder in the city. She has a good reputation herself, bringing a good reputation to her family. She keeps her husband in mind for good things, and will not cause him problems.

2. Proverbs 31:13-16 "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." She is a very capable and confident woman. She supplies the needs of her family, including food and clothes. She also has servant girls that help with the load. She treats them well. She has a good sense for business and makes her own money, and makes all investments.
   
   
3. Proverbs 31:17-19 "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers."
   She is not lazy, and keeps in good shape. She makes time to do things for her family.
   
4. Proverbs 31:20-25 "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
   She is a caring person in that she helps those who are less fortunate. She cares for her family and makes sure that all their needs are met. She is a respected business woman. She has inner strength that gives her confidence in the days to come.
   
   
5. Proverbs 31:31--"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, anis fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
   She is a wise woman and an encouraging word for anyone. Her wisdom comes from the Lord, whom she seeks continuously. She is encouraged by both her children and her husband.

Do you consider yourself a proverbs 31 woman?

Martial Arts as a Means to promote the Gospel

Take a look at what top pro blogger, Justin Taylor shares from Mike McKinley's view of using martial arts to draw people to the gospel:

Jesus Didn’t Come to Help You Get In Touch with Your Inner MMA Fighter

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37th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Today is the 37th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s infamous decision, Roe v. Wade. See top blogger's Justin Taylor's interview with Clarke D. Forsythe, J. D., Valparaiso University; M.A., bioethics, Trinity International University.

Overturning and Undermining Roe v. Wade: An Interview with Clarke Forsythe – Justin Taylor