About.com Christianity

How Will You Celebrate Freedom?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:00:08 +0000

Image: Photodisc / Getty Images

John Adams, one of the great patriots of the American Revolution and signer of the Declaration of Independence, contemplated with amazing foresight the significance of the founding fathers' actions on July 4, 1776. The next day he prophetically wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail: "This day will be the most memorable epic in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival."

Reflecting on the appropriateness of such celebrations, Adams also wrote, "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."

So, in the spirit of our nation's brave founders, let's remember the magnitude of God's blessing and deliverance with spiritual "acts of devotion" as we celebrate our freedom this Independence Day.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. (NIV)

Guest Book Review: The Wordsmith, the Kid & the Electrolux by Clifford Leigh

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:00:42 +0000

Not long ago I launched a section of the site devoted to guest book reviewers. Many Christian readers and book enthusiasts are taking advantage of this opportunity to submit their own original book reviews to be considered for publication on the Christianity site.

Image Courtesy of Oak Tara

To find out more or to submit a book review, check out this Christian Book Review Submission Form.

The latest guest book review is The Wordsmith, the Kid & the Electrolux by Clifford Leigh, an illustrated novel in the fantasy genre. Guest reviewer Pastor Shane Lems said, "... the book is a sort of allegory that highlights the main themes of Scripture. Some allegories sort of jam the Bible into the reader, but this one is not that way. The biblical references, for the most part, are neither forced nor brought to the front to make the story �cheesy� (for lack of a better term). In the end, it does come together pretty clearly and an average reader won�t miss the biblical allusions."

If you've read the book and would like to post your own comments, please be sure to select the "Write a Review" button at the end of the guest review.

� Read Review: The Wordsmith, the Kid & the Electrolux by Clifford Leigh

Has President Obama Chosen a New Church Home?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:00:12 +0000

When President Barack Obama took office, I promised to keep you informed of his decision to select a new church home.

President Barack Obama and wife, First Lady Michelle, depart St. John's Episcopal Church following Easter Sunday services, April 12, 2009 in Washington, D.C.
Photo: Getty Images

If you recall, in May of 2008 the Obamas resigned their membership at the controversial Trinity United Church of Christ and told the press they would wait until after the inauguration in January to find a church home. Although the Obamas have attended a few different churches in Washington D.C., there have been no official announcements regarding where they will worship as a family while they live at the White House.

TIME Magazine reported Monday that, rather than choosing a place of worship in Washington, Obama has decided, like his predecessor George W. Bush, to "make his primary place of worship Evergreen Chapel, the nondenominational church at Camp David." The article suggests that privacy is the main factor in Obama's attraction to this small congregation of worshipers. However, according to CBS News, the White House has contradicted the TIME article. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters Monday, "They're not formally joining that church, and there have been no formal decisions about joining a church in this area." Deputy Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "They have enjoyed worshipping at Camp David and several other congregations over the months, and will choose a church at the time that is best for their family."

So, apparently the verdict is still out and we'll continue waiting to learn where the Obamas will worship in Washington. If, like the president, you're having trouble finding a church home, here's a resource that may help:

� How to Choose a Church

What Happens When We Die?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:00:35 +0000

Last week in the news we listened to reports about the death of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and, of course, the biggest headline, the death of Michael Jackson at age 50. This week, the story that impacted me more than all three accounts of last week was the death of King of Pitchmen Billy Mays. His infectious enthusiasm and animated personality made Billy Mays someone who resonated with vibrant life. His death was completely unexpected.

With so much death in the news, maybe it has you thinking about your own mortality: What if I were to die tonight? Am I ready to face death? And what will heaven be like?

Most of us spend some time wondering about death and what happens to us after we die. One site visitor, while working with children was presented with the question, "What happens when you die?" He didn't quite know how to answer the child, so he submitted the question to me, with further inquiry: "If we are professed believers, do we ascend to heaven upon our physical death, or do we 'sleep' until our Savior�s return?" The Bible reveals several truths about the afterlife. This study will take a comprehensive look at what the Bible says about death, eternal life and heaven.

� Read: What Does the Bible Say About Death, Eternal Life and Heaven?

This Week's Testimony: For the Love of a Father

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:00:20 +0000

Young Charles experienced a grim childhood, troubled by physical and emotional abuse and void of a father's love. When he discovered at age 16 that the man he knew as father was really his stepfather, it explained some of the abuse. However, not until he encountered the saving love of his heavenly Father, did Charles truly come to know the acceptance and approval he had longed for all his life.

Charles' true story is one of our many featured testimonies from you, the members and visitors of this site. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we would like to hear about it. Submit your testimony by filling out this Submission Form. To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for eTestimonies.

Read : For the Love of a Father

Dirty Laundry - Light Reflection Daily Devotional

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:00:16 +0000

Image: © Barbara Sanna

Dirty Laundry is a daily devotional reading about division in the church. It is part of the Light Reflection daily devotional series by Rebecca Livermore. Each devotional highlights a verse and topic from Scripture, offering a brief reflection of God's Word with insight on how it can be applied to your life.

� Read: Dirty Laundry

More on Division in the Church:

� What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
� How to Share Your Faith - Be an Example

30 More Days of Devotionals

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:00:53 +0000

Sign up to receive free daily devotionals in your inbox every day for 30 days. Each devotional is practical and spiritual, designed to help you rightly apply the truth of the Bible to your Christian walk.

Photo: Stockbyte / Getty Images

This 30-day journey is the second in a series of topical eDevotionals offering daily biblical encouragement.

Also:

Weekly Prayers & Poems - God's Gift

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:00:24 +0000

This week's post is a member-submitted Christian poem called God's Gift. In poetic verse it presents God's free gift of salvation through the good news of the gospel message.

God's Gift

When I first heard the gospel news,
It was revealed to me,
Why Jesus Christ came to this earth,
To die to set us free.

I'd like to share this news with you,
Why the Lord Jesus came,
So you can have this free gift too,
When you call upon his name.

I was told how in the beginning,
That the enemy of God,
Tricked Adam and Eve into eating,
Of the fruit that God forbid.
Read more ... God's Gift by Pauline Macpherson.

Do you have an original Christian prayer that would encourage or benefit a fellow believer? Perhaps you've written a unique poem you'd like to share with others. We are looking for Christian prayers and poems to encourage our readers in their communication with God. To submit your original prayer or poem, please fill out this Prayer / Poem Submission Form.

Cruising Alaska With In Touch Ministries and Dr. Charles Stanley

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:00:29 +0000

Image Courtesy of Templeton Tours, Inc.

In two weeks and three days (but who's counting?), my husband and I will be setting sail on our first Christian cruise. Both of us have been on cruises in the past, but never a Christian-themed cruise. We were thrilled recently, when Templeton Tours invited us to join friends of In Touch Ministries on a 7-day Alaska cruise hosted by Dr. Charles Stanley. Ever since we were married, my husband and I have wanted to take an Alaska cruise, so this opportunity is truly a dream come true. Adding to my enthusiasm is the fact that I have long held Dr. Stanley in high regard for his teaching ministry which had a profound impact on me in my early days as a believer.

We are excitedly making preparations for what is sure to be an unforgettable Christian vacation adventure, sailing the Inside Passage of Alaska, featuring exotic wildlife and one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world. I will be keeping a journal of our travel experiences to share with you when we return, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, if you've always wanted to take a life changing trip that will ignite your Christian faith, enhance your Bible knowledge and strengthen your spiritual walk, here are a few resources:

This Week's Testimony: Khalid's Challenge

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:00:17 +0000

Khalid Mansoor Soomro is from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He was an ardent follower of Mohammed until he decided to make a challenge to some Christian students at his school. This dramatic testimony tells how one Muslim convert came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Khalid's true story is one of our many featured testimonies from you, the members and visitors of this site. Each story reveals a life transformed by Christian faith. If your relationship with God has made a significant difference in your life, we would like to hear about it.
� Submit your testimony by filling out this Submission Form.
� To receive weekly messages of hope and encouragement from real-life stories of changed lives, sign up for eTestimonies.

� Read: Khalid's Challenge