Pastors Pen http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:07:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 DPC Updates have moved... http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/39 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/39#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:07:54 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/39 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives?feed= 0 DPC Midweek Update, 04.07.10 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/37 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/37#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:31:34 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/37 OPEN HOUSE PARTY This Sunday, April 11... the pastor's home (2422 Jarvis St. SW)... good food, good friends... an unhurried time of fellowship.  Come and go as you please, anytime from 3:00 - 5:00 pm.

DPC 101 CLASSES

Start this week!  9:55-10:30 on Sunday mornings in the Gathering Room.  ...a six week introduction to Decatur Presbyterian Church for those who want to consider church membership.

Tonight!

5:30 - Baked Chicken Breast, etc. 6:15 - Adult Bible Study... "We have a tendency to assess our problems mechanically rather than spiritually.  Our first impulse is to assume there is something wrong in our techniques.  The need is for adjustment, not repentance; there is something wrong in the system that needs doctoring.  How easy for even energetic evangelicals to look for a new gimmick rather than cry out for a new heart." ~ from Ralph Davis's comments on 1st Samuel 8... our chapter for tonight...
]]> http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives?feed= 0 DPC Midweek Update, 03.31.10 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/35 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/35#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:11:12 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/35 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE This Friday, April 2, 6:00 pm. A Good Friday service is different than our typical Sunday morning services in some rather "awkward" feeling ways... until you get use to it.  Then it becomes quite meaningful; for many Christians it's one of the most meaningful services of the year.  The first difference is that we're going to ask everyone to gather in silence for worship.  There will be some signs on the doors & in the building to remind you of this. Also, the sanctuary will be darker than usual.  And the service will be more somber than usual.  And when the service is over, we're going to be asked to depart the sanctuary in silence. The whole "tone" of the service feels rather stark, but that's intentional.  We're remembering and recognizing the role that our sin played in Jesus' crucifixion. But on Sunday morning... Easter morning... the Day of Resurrection... we will reconvene with Celebration and Hallelujahs and Joy!  Because when Jesus walked out of that tomb, the New World began to break into this old world.  Everything is different because of what Jesus accomplished in his death & resurrection!  And that needs to be shouted in song! But we must first enter into solemn bleakness of the Good Friday service if we want to be well prepared for the glorious feast of Easter. Come join us.  Invite a friend.

DPC 101 CLASSES

...will be meeting on April 11, 18, 25... (2 week break)... & May 16, 23, & 30.  It's a six-week introduction to Decatur Presbyterian Church for those who want to consider church membership.  Attending the class does not commit you to membership, but this is the place where you can ask any and all questions you would like. The class will be meeting in the Gathering Room on Sunday mornings, from 9:55 - 10:30 am.

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

This Saturday, April 3, 9:00 am.  Pancake breakfast, puppet show, egg hunt.  Invite two friends!

OPEN HOUSE PARTY

You're all invited to an open house at the pastor's home on Sunday, April 11.  Drop by (coming & going as you please) anytime from 3:00-5:00.  Enjoy some food & fellowship!

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

"When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." ~The Apostle John, eyewitness to Good Friday "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?  Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me, which the Lord inflicted on the day of his fierce anger." ~Lamentations 1.12]]> http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives?feed= 0 DPC Midweek Update, 03.16.10 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/33 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/33#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:13:13 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/33 Marriage Conference God's Game Plan For Marriage with Steve Farrar God's Game Plan for Marriage Conference with Steve Farrar April 16-17, 2010 Capshaw Baptist Church Madison, AL $40 per person For more information or to register contact: Great Commission Network (256)298-0171 About the Conference God's Game Plan for Marriage is a conference for couples with Dr. Steve Farrar.  In today's culture that challenges the very foundations of the home and family, God's game plan is still the same since the day He instituted it.  This conference provides the tools and biblical foundations for married couples, and also singles who look toward the day of marriage.  The sessions focus on the mortar and cement the marriage needs to withstand the storms of life, teamwork in the marriage, family 101 detailing the two essentials (provision and care) required in every family and God's recipe for a right marriage.  It will bring alive and give answers to the marriage vow of "for better or for worst" that is a part of every marriage.  It will clarify the roles and responsibilities of the husband/father and wife/mother.  Good marriages don't just happen by chance anymore than a gourmet meal comes from randomly throwing a few ingredients into a pot.  God's recipe is proven, tested, and clearly laid out in Scripture.  Learn how the end result is not only highly desirable but is also lasting with a taste of sweet joy.  Steve will share his heart, his own experiences and how God has worked in his own home for more than 20 years.  The playbook for God's game plan is His Word.  This conference will change your marriage and family forever and will bear fruit for generations to come.  It will be an investment for your family and His Kingdom. About Steve Farrar Dr. Steve Farrar is the founder and chairman of Men's Leadership Ministries.  He is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, where he majored in Speech Communication.  He holds a Master's degree from Western Seminary in Portland ,OR and an earned doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, TX. Steve Farrar is the author of the best-selling book, Point Man: How a Man Can Lead His Family.  With over 500,000 copies now in print,Point Man was the catalyst for his leaving the pastorate after 15 years and focusing his ministry on equipping men and couples. Since the release of Point Man in 1990, Steve Farrar has also authored many other books, including the best-selling Finishing Strong, King Me:What Every Son Wants and Needs From His Fatherand How To Ruin Your Life By Forty.  He is a frequent speaker for Men's Leadership Ministries conferences, Promise Keepers, Momentum Events, Men at the Cross and many other events throughout the nation. Steve's wife, Mary, holds her Master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and has published the best-selling book,Choices: For Women Who Long to Discover Life's Best.  The Farrars have three grown children and currently reside in suburban Dallas, Texas. Dr. Chuck Swindoll Chancellor Dallas Theological Semminary "Steve Farrar is right on target, he understands our times, he talks straight, he does not mess around...and best of all, he walks the talk!" For More Information: www.stevefarrar.com For Directions to the Conference: www.capshaw.org

NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEETINGS THIS WEEK:

Spring break...

Thought of the Week:

Lorica of Saint Patrick I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation. I arise today Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom. I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In obedience of angels, In service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In preachings of the apostles, In faiths of confessors, In innocence of virgins, In deeds of righteous men. I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock. I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me; God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, God's hosts to save me From snares of the devil, From temptations of vices, From every one who desires me ill, Afar and anear, Alone or in a mulitude. I summon today all these powers between me and evil, Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of women and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul. Christ shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that reward may come to me in abundance. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me. I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through a confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation St. Patrick (ca. 377 A.D.)]]> http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives?feed= 0 DPC Midweek Update, 03.10.10 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/31 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/31#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:16:53 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/31 Men's Conference in Birmingham: This looks like it could be really good.  If you have an interest in attending, see Skip Thompson or me. http://www.oakmountainchurch.org/mens-conference

An Absolutely, Positively TRUE E-mail:

As a pastor in St. Louis I sent this e-mail note to my congregation in March of 2009... Cornerstone, Just a reminder that on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 AM we move our clocks forward an hour.  As a personal service to the flock, I've committed to calling every one of you (in alphabetical order), starting at 2:00 AM this Sunday morning to remind you to do so.  Bandermans... you're up first.  Youngers... I should get to you by 2:220 or so. Don't thank me.  It's just part of the job, Pastor Lee Then, a few days later, I got this e-mail back from a dear, grandmotherly widow in the congregation... Tommy - I certainly hope you aren't serious about calling in the middle of the night. You can cross me off, as I know I must set the clocks ahead before I go to bed tonight. Besides - you need to get some sleep, yourself! Love, Carol ... one of the best e-mails I've ever received in my whole life. Don't forget to set your clocks up an hour on Saturday.  Spring Forward.

Yahweh vs. Dagon

... at tonight's Bible Study 5:30 - meal 6:15 - study Next week (March 17) we will have no Wednesday night activities.  Spring break.

Thought of the Week:

"I am Ignatius, also called Theophorus, writing to the Church at Ephesus in Asia... predestined from eternity for a glory that is lasting and unchanging, united and chosen through true suffering by the will of the Father in Jesus Christ our God." ~ St. Ignatius to the Ephesians, 110 A.D. "My Lord and my God!" ~ Thomas speaking to Jesus, 28 A.D., John 21.28]]> http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives?feed= 0 DPC Midweek Update, 03.03.10 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/29 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/29#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:57:59 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/29 Psalm 46.10 There are two commands in Psalm 46.10.  For the healthy, Christ-honoring heart and mind and life, these two commands exist side by side -- they are the railroad tracks on which wisdom proceeds. The first command is this:  "Be still."  That's it.  Be still.  While everything in life is commanding you to justify yourself with busyness, God commands you to be still. A journalist once asked Thomas Merton to diagnose the leading spiritual disease of our time.  Merton was a wise monk who wrote lots of profound things about spirituality and Christian living... though his overall theology was often flawed because of his Roman Catholicism.  But he was a wise "spiritual director" in many ways, nonetheless.  So, the question came: "What is the leading spiritual disease of our time?"  Merton responded with one word:  "Efficiency." When asked to explain, he said this:  "From the monastery to the Pentagon, the plant has to run... and there is little time or energy left over after that to do anything else." Everything in the world (literally) conspires against being "still" before God.  Philip Yancey:  "Ten years ago I responded to letters within a couple of weeks and kept my correspondents happy.  Five years ago I faxed a response in a couple of days and they seemed content.  Now they want email responses the same day and berate me for not using instant messaging or a mobile phone." We are a people who are very intent on "doing."  Our God calls us to rest from our hectic "doing" and put some emphasis on "being."  Be still.  Carve out time to be still before God and seek his nourishment and strength through the means of grace.  Focus on the love of God in Christ as the center of your solar system and watch as all the planetary responsibilities and obligations fall back into their proper order, alignment, and orbit. The second command from Psalm 46.10:  "...and know that I am God."  The rest of the verse goes on to say: "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" In a world in which everything is angling to suppress God -- rather than exalt him -- we must "be still" to "know that [He] is God."  Otherwise we'll spend our lives buzzing around at the beck and call of a bunch of other tyrannical gods who will never give us rest.  Otherwise, we end up exalting ourselves as god. Take a break from being god.  Let God be God.  Take a few moments away from all the important things and pressing activities and urgent chores that we have to do in our capacity as god -- the things that so often deceive us into thinking that the "other God" has to be quickly shoehorned into our schedules (maybe).  Be still and know that He is God.  Rest.  Worship.  Pray.  Enjoy.  Praise.  Sing.  Repent.  Believe.  Read Scripture.  Receive.  Feast. Sin & death began with two people who tried to make themselves god.  It's the same old story. "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" -- Psalm 46.10
]]> http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives?feed= 0 DPC Midweek Update, 02.24.10 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/26 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/26#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:40:53 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/26 Little Known Facts:
  • Melissa McMahan has known Lisa Eyster longer than anyone else at DPC, including Mike. She and Lisa worked together in Birmingham when Lisa was on Jeff Sessions' campaign staff and Melissa was president of the Birmingham Young Republicans. Melissa was delightfully surprised to see Lisa show up as John's wife one Sunday.
  • Roger Stephenson's first job:  outboard motor mechanic... age 15.
  • Jan Walker grew up on a cattle farm in Western Kentucky.  She was the fourth generation of her family to show Angus cattle across the state.
  • Alan Carpenter was tried out for Jeopardy when he lived in Orlando.  Got to meet Alex Trebek.
  • Rob Bailey held (and may still hold) the record for most ice cream consumed in one sitting at the athletic dorm cafeteria at George.  63 full scoops.  Then he ate a full dinner just to humiliate the guy who challenged him.
  • When Cyndi Lovelace was a little girl, she had a babysitter named Faye Adams.  Faye had a sister named Sue who would also babysit Cyndi sometimes.
Christian Education Classes This Sunday we begin three new Christian Education classes.  If you haven't been involved in one of our CE classes, now is the time to jump in.  Get to know your church family better.  Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ!
"The Forgotten Trinity":  The Grace Awakening Class will be following a book by James R. White on the doctrine of the Trinity.  But it's not just a doctrine; this is the truth that helps us understand the very essence of who our God is and how he relates to us.  Why does it matter that our God is one God who exists eternally as three persons?  How does this help us better understand worship, relationship, Christian living, and the very reality of love itself?
"What's The Difference?":  One thing the class above will consider is how God exists as one God but three persons, the same in substance, equal in power in glory... yet for all the sameness & equality there are different roles that the members of the Trinity fulfill.  Is that reflected in humanity as well, the race of extraordinary beings who have been created in God's image? Yes.  The LAFF (Lost And Found Fellowship) class will be following a book by John Piper exploring "Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible."  Both genders are the beautiful handiwork of a good and loving God, but there are profound (and designed) differences in the two genders.  When properly understood and lived out -- so far from being oppressive, prideful, or self-promoting --- these differences are truly "fulfilling" in the deepest sense of the word.  We are living as God made us to live.
Facebook Class (college & career):  This class will be following a book by Thomas Watson on the doctrine of repentance.  To repent is to come to your senses.  To repent is Christian sanity in a world of unbelieving insanity.  True repentance is a gift from God that leads to salvation without regret.  Are you somewhat acquainted with the mercy of God in Christ?  Or do you revel in it?  The difference is repentance.
1st Samuel Study
We're going to start tonight with another look at the big-picture of the Bible and how the covenant-making work of God provides the backbone of that story.  Come join us as we grasp more of the whole story & where 1st Samuel fits into that story... & how it all points to the work of Christ, our Redeemer.
Take a Moment to Pray For:
The many DPC families who are going through (or have loved ones going through) painful times of sickness, recovery, injury or death right now.  Pam Bolding's father...Alan Carpenter's son...Jan Fincher...Kim Ingram...Scotty & Donna Lawrence...Dennis Little's dad...Ricky McNalley's dad...Liz Olin's sister-in-law...Pam Riley's grandson...Margie Thompson's dad...Bill & Jan Walker & family...Terrinda' Zajic's mom...& others.
THIS FRIDAY: Lovely's Little Italy:
Saturday, February 27, 6:30 pm. Thought of the Week: "God is no fonder of intellectual slackers than of any other slackers.  If you are thinking of becoming a Christian, I warn you:  you are embarking on something which is going to take the whole of you, brains and all." ~ C.S. Lewis Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." ~Romans 12.2]]> http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives?feed= 0 DPC Midweek Update, 02.17.10 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/23 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/23#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:51:57 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/23
The Return of Elliott Greene:
I've heard DPC folks mention this man's name ever since I first began to interview with your search committee.  The Lord has apparently gifted this man in wonderful ways so that he might build up the people of God.  He returns to our pulpit this Sunday.  Bring a friend.
Saturday, 8:00 am - Men's Breakfast
Saturday, 6:00 pm - Church Dinner
Sunday, 9:30 am - Church Breakfast + Adult & Youth Combined CE class
Sunday, 10:45 am - Worship Service
Sunday, 6:00 pm - Special Sunday Evening Worship Service
1st Samuel Bible Study:
"Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come." Paul, referring to the historical portions of the Old Testament
Meal: 5:30 tonight
Study:  6:15 tonight
Lovely's Little Italy:
Saturday, February 27, 6:30 pm.  Invite your friends!
McBreakfast:
Tuesday, February 23, 6th Avenue McDonald's, anytime between 6:15 - 7:30 am.  Drop in & enjoy some fellowship!
Marriage Conference:
Does your marriage need to take a vitamin?  Check out this marriage conference that will be coming to Madison in April:
A Fantastic Resource:
Do you know about Alabama's Virtual Library?  It's a great resource that I recently heard about from our own Lucinda Beddow (who serves our community during the week as a librarian at Calhoun Community College).  If you're interested in finding out more about it, I've included an attachment to this e-mail.  Thank you, Lucinda!
Take a Moment to Pray For:
  • the people around us every day who are spiritually lost or cynical.  Pray for God's grace to shine brightly through his church & into our community.  Pray that we may be more mindful of our calling as ambassadors for Christ.  2 Corinthians 5.20
Thought of the Week:

"Missions is the overflow of our delight in God because missions is the overflow of God's delight in being God."
~ John Piper

"I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me.  I said, 'Here am I, here am I,' to a nation that was not called by my name."
~ The Lord God, Isaiah 65.1
]]> http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives?feed= 0 DPC Midweek Update, 02.10.10 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/21 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/21#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:19:37 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/21
2010 DPC Missions Conference:
  • This Sunday: Daniel Cohee speaks to a joint Adult Christian Education Class... Joel Linton preaches in the morning worship service.
  • Saturday, Feb. 20: 8:00 am Men's Breakfast, Elliott Greene speaking...  6:00 pm Church Dinner, Elliott Greene speaking.
  • Sunday, Feb. 21: Elliott Green speaks to a joint Adult Christian Education Class... also preaching in the morning worship service... & preaches a final time in a special Sunday evening worship service at 6:00 pm.
AUBURN RUF TRIP:
High School Seniors & Parental Units... if you are planning to attend the Monday, February 15 trip to Auburn's RUF, please let me or Pastor Steve know as soon as you can.  We need to make sure we have enough transportation for everyone.
Take a Moment to Pray For:
  • John Lyons: searching for new employment...
  • members of the DPC family dealing with some kind of medical issue:  Jan Fincher, Shepard Coward, Joyce Wingard...
  • moms of DPC members recovering from surgery:  Emory's mom; Terrinda's mom...
Thought of the Week:

"Whatever God is He is infinitely.  In Him lies all the power there is; any power at work anywhere is His.  Even the power to do evil must have first come from Him since there is no other source from which it could come."
~ A.W. Tozer

"Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said.  Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!"
~ Pharaoh, asking Moses for a blessing from Yahweh, as he realizes that his own gods don't seem to be working anymore
]]> http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives?feed= 0 DPC Midweek Update, 02.03.10 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/18 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/18#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:41:48 +0000 http://www.decaturpca.org/pastors-pen/archives/18
This Sunday:
Join us this Sunday morning at 9:30 for a light breakfast!
A joint adult Christian Education class will follow, in which Pastor Lee will speak about a crucial aspect of what it means to be the church (and not just "go" to church).
Bring a friend!
TONIGHT!
5:30 - We dine.
6:15 - "Give Us A King!"... Just as the gospel of Luke begins with a miraculous birth narrative & goes on to tell the story of a great thing that God has done for his people... so 1st Samuel begins with a miraculous birth narrative & goes on to tell the story of a great thing that God has done for his people!  We're exploring and discovering what that great thing is week by week.  Come join us.
An Interesting Article about Tim Tebow, Superbowl Commercials, and Abortion Debate... from a pro-choice lady:
Little Known Facts:
  • Cindy Eades went to high school at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis.  Minnehaha means "laughing water."  Seriously.
  • As a teenager Pamela Bolding babysat Georgette Jones... the youngest daughter of Tammy Wynette and George Jones.
  • Abbi Whitcomb (Schopp) is a enthusiastic bicyclist, enjoying multiple 20-30 mile rides each week whenever weather permits.  In fact, her marriage proposal came at the halfway point of a bike ride up Monte Sano!
Ladies Brunch!
DPC Ladies Brunch and "Jobs for Life" Testimonies... Tuesday, February 9, 9:30-11:30 am... Elizabeth Lee's home (2422 Jarvis St., Decatur)... Childcare is available at the church.  Please bring a brunch item!
Summer Missions Trip to the Dominican Republic:
The dates for this summer's trip will be June 1-8.  Pray about the possibility of being on the team this year!  See Carol Godwin with any questions.
Take a Moment to Pray For:
  • the church of the Lord Jesus Christ... that we may persevere with steadfast faith in our confession throughout the world
  • for those who are bringing aid to the people of Haiti...
  • for DPC's college students...
Who dat say they gonna beat dem Saints?
Thought of the Week:

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.  The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the slave trade, all left their mark on earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven.  It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.  Aim at Heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in': Aim at earth, and you will get neither."
~ C.S. Lewis

"Fight the good fight of the faith.  Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
~ The Apostle Paul, encouraging Timothy in his earthly vocation (1 Timothy 6.12)
"They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
~ a few sentences later... Paul still talking about taking hold of that which is truly life and working out the consequence for this life (1 Timothy 6.19)
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