Sermon

getting slapped in the face every week.This is due largely to the clear meaning of the text brought to light each sermon, and the meaninglessness of many of my primary pursuits.A repeated "on the way home" thought: I'm tired of chasing the wind.Thank you for Subscribing to Say Simpleton.

Following the WindJohn Shuck First Presbyterian ChurchElizabethton, Tennessee Pentecost/Pluralism SundayMay 11th, 2008 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a

The Spirit, Freely Given How do we know how to receive? How do we know what it is to receive love? These are the questions that have been haunting me this week as I have prepared for this sermon. Do we really know how to receive love? How do we learn to do this? The scripture readings this morning are about the Holy Spirit, God’s abiding presence in the Church…and the Church’s responsibility

Sermon: Ascension Sunday, Year AThe Community Church of WilmetteMay 4, 2008 The Great Escape "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." Acts 1:11 “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” It’s a cry of desperation by a sideshow magician in the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy and her friends have been on a long journey to find the Wizard. He lives in a distant city, far away. He is “great and powerful.” He is to be feared. But he is the only one who can restore them. He is the only one who can give them a heart, a brain, the nerve, and can send them home. So the heroes journey and struggle, obsessed with what lies in Heaven…or Oz…and wonder

A l'instar de nombreux rappers qui ont "samplé" des morceaux Funk afin de les réutiliser en dehors de leur contexte d'origine, Eric Sermon et ses potes Keith Murray et Redman revisitent la célèbre version de "Sugarhill Gang", "Rapper's delight". Les trois rappers recréent une nouvelle composition musicale plus rapistique que jamais. Rapper's Delight est sorti en 1979 contre la version d'Eric Sermon en 1997.Eric Sermon & Keith Murray & Redman - Rapper's delight : Cet article vous a plu ? Abonnez vous au flux RSS

Has anyone else given thought to this Sunday's readings? I'm preaching the Ascension text and the Seventh Sunday of Easter gospel. It should be interesting. I have been trying to plan ahead a bit. So, I've had a working title for a couple of weeks now: The Great Escape. I am hoping to enfold a little Miche Quoist in there somewhere. His poetry is unreal.THE SUBWAY The last ones squeeze in. The door rolls shut. The subway rumbles off. I can't move; I am no longer an individual but a crowd, A crowd that moves in one piece like jellied soup in its can. A nameless and indifferent crowd, probably far from you, Lord. I am one with the crowd, and I see why it's sometimes hard for me to rise higher. The crowd is heavy - leaden soles on my feet, my slow feet - a crowd too large for my overburdened

Yesterday, we held an elders’ retreat here at the church. We’re working on a few important ideas about how to strengthen our church’s commitment to Christ, His Kingdom, and His ministry in this part of Knoxville. It was an important start to a series of quarterly meetings which will help us seek God’s path for our congregation in the years to come.It’s crucial that all our elders work together by discovering what God’s will is for our wee church. We have to keep focused on what God wants us to do for Him. Too many churches these days are being swayed by the culture around them. They want to fit in with society and use marketing ploys to bring people into their organization, but not necessarily the Kingdom of God.At the moment there’s a controversy stirring in West Knoxville b

Sermon The Sixth Sunday of Easter The Community Church of Wilmette April 27, 2008 Acts 17:22-31 John 14:15-21 Who Are God's Children? A little more than a week ago I attended the National Workshop on Christian Unity. We spoke about our work together as denominations. We learned about the theological accords and debates that are still ongoing. And Michael Kinnemon, the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, in his keynote address challenged us to recall that any real unity will come through God’s work and not by our own efforts. We cannot make idols of our agreements our Councils or even our shared charitable work. Unity is in God. It was in incredible indictment and the statement rang true to most in attendance. The passage from Acts this morning challenges me to find way

I am preaching a sermon entitled "Who Are God's Children?" One of the things that struck me at the National Workshop was the ever present reconciling tone. I wasn't surprised by it, per se. One might assume that such a tone would be present at a Workshop on Christian Unity. A you-and-the-horse-you-rode-in-on attitude typically does little to promote unity. But the proclamations of reconciliation, the desire to come together in shared expressions of Christianity, were so sincere. I was expecting perfunctory expressions. Instead I witnessed real desire and passion for unity. I drank the kool-ade of the ecumenical movement a long time ago. It was nice to be in the midst of similar insanity. The passage from Acts for this Sunday challenges me to find way sto embody ecumenism in my pe

Nahum vs. JonahJohn ShuckFirst Presbyterian ChurchElizabethton, TennesseeApril 20, 2008An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh. A jealous and avenging God is the Lord, the Lord is avenging and wrathful;the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and rages against his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger but great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty.--Nahum 1:1-3When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. 42But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beg

(list updated when a new series is completed) Bearing Fruit Inner Confliction and the Gospel Jesus Family Law and Gospel No Condemnation in Christ Suffering and the Glory of God The Resolved Church is a Church Plant Walking According to the Spirit

On Friday, April 11th, Hamas Cleric Yunis Al-Astal had some encouraging words for his people: “We will conquer Rome, and from there continue to conquer the two Americas and Eastern Europe.” Carl in Jerusalem adds this: But give them a state reichlet in Judea, Samaria and Gaza the entire State of Israel from the Jordan River to the [...]

Someone broke into a car in our neighborhood last week. It happened during the day when the subdivision was empty and quiet. The thieves broke the lock and stole some important items out of the car. No one heard or saw it happening, but it has left our street feeling vulnerable. People are now wary of leaving their cars on the subdivision roads and everyone is suspicious of strangers coming into the neighborhood. It was a rotten thing to happen to a happy neighborhood. It has left us all feeling insecure and unprotected.Thieves violate the common trust of the neighborhoods and communities that they rob. They disturb the peace of the people and tear up neighbors emotionally. They become a scourge of society and sadly, because of the times we are in, theft and robbery are increasing. It’s

"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. - 1 Peter 2:22-23Good grief but this is a hard passage to preach. So, I keep asking myself why I cannot leave it alone. I keep asking myself, pleading with myself to talk about the Good Shepherd and to let the epistles to the experts. But I am a fool. I cannot let it alone. Or, more accurately to how I feel, this passage won't let me alone. There is no full manuscript this morning. I hope that does not disappoint anyone overly. I will be preaching from an outline this morning. I know I run the risk of rambling, but I am hoping that the more "conversational" style will help

Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It is a gift for the world and every being in it. Don't cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you've got.- Steven Pressfield, The War of ArtThe pairing of the 1 Peter passage with the Acts passage is interesting. Just because the early church shared all things in common, did good things for people, and were (arguably) kind to their neighbors, does not mean they were treated well. No, sometimes endurance will be called for. Endurance not camouflage....

They take the paper and they read the headlines, so they've heard of unemployment and they've heard of bread lines, and they philanthropically cure them all by getting up a costume charity ball. - Ogden NashI have coffee. It's good to me. I usually drink it black these days, but this morning I have a little cream in my jo. I don't know why. Thursdays are my sermon days. I try to have a draft completed by noon. I've been pretty good about it lately, too. If the sermon is completed by Friday morning, then I can play during the weekend. This is a particularly busy weekend. I'm presiding at a wedding. So, we have a rehearsal on Friday evening and then the wedding the following night. I also have an appointment with my tax accountant on Saturday morning. Yay. So, I need to get something signifi

On Thursday, April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. had retreated to room 306 of the Lorraine Motel, worrying about a sanitation strike in Memphis and working on his sermon for Sunday. Its title: "Why America May Go to Hell." For King, whose focus had shifted from civil rights to antiwar agitation and populist economics, the Dream was turning dark. He had been depressed, sleeping little and suffering from migraines. In Washington, his plans for a massive Poor People's Campaign were in disarray. In Memphis, King's first march with striking garbage men had degenerated into riot when young black radicals--not, as in the glory days, angry state troopers--broke King's nonviolent ranks. By 5 p.m. he was hungry and looked forward to a soul-food supper. Always fastidious-a prince of th

We are covering the Bible in 2008. We are up to Ezekiel. You can follow our progress and join along by following the readings and taking the quizzes on Bible and Jive.The text was Ezekiel 37:1-10--The Valley of the Dry Bones.We played this song for our meditation, Ezekiel Saw a Wheel recorded by Roger McGuinn.Hope to the BoneJohn ShuckApril 6th, 2008 First Presbyterian ChurchElizabethton, Tennessee Ezekiel begins to prophesy just before and during the Babylonian exile in the 6th century. His message is one of judgment first and then hope. Ezekiel is one of the most colorful prophets in Israel’s history in terms of the metaphors he uses and as well his public demonstrations. Ezekiel has inspired the imagination of many apocalyptic prophets who find in Ezekiel’s words

John 20:19-29 Jesus Confronts ThomasIt was just an ordinary day back in Maybole, Scotland. I had been making house calls in the village of Dunure, which was about 9 miles away from the manse. I was heading home and thinking about what Evelyn might be making for my dinner. The sun was shining and the sea looked beautiful as I coasted my way back home.When I got to the manse, I expected Lynsey and Lauren to come out to meet me, but they didn’t. I walked through the back door and met Evelyn in the kitchen. I could see in her eyes that something was wrong.“John, I’ve got some bad news,” she said quietly. “Your Mom is dead.”I was stunned. I knew that my mom was ill and had been for years, but this was sudden and completely unexpected. I obviously couldn’t take it in, so I think Ev

Here is the text of today's Easter sermon. We played this song for our meditation. Here are the lyrics. All I Need to HearJohn ShuckFirst Presbyterian ChurchMarch 23, 2008Easter Sunday So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory…. As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has fo

Sermon: Easter Sunday Year A 2008 The Community Church of Wilmette March 23, 2008 Ps. 118:1-2, 14-24 Acts 10:34-43 Mt. 28:1-10 Indeed, No Partiality The theological is in the news once again. If we are going to have to see it in the news, I want you all to know a little something about what theology is behind all of the hubub. Today is Easter Sunday. Today we make the most profound theological statement available to us as Christians. Alleluia! The Lord is Risen! The Lord is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! Once again the theological is in the news. Jeremiah Wright, the now retired pastor of Trinity UCC in Chicago, preached a sermon following the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001 that has come back to haunt him and the presidential candidate he loves so well, Senator Obama. Have you all heard

Sources: Bald Eagle 08 & NY TIMES. (Bill Clinton & Pastor Jeremiah Wright)Photo from NY Times Blog This is the part of the sermon in its entirety, which caused the firestorm from the media... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Here is the text of today's Palm Sunday sermon: Meeting Jesus AgainJohn ShuckPalm SundayMarch 16, 2008 I have been puzzling over donkeys this week. I invite you to take a moment and imagine a donkey. Picture in your mind’s eye a donkey. Think of stories you know about donkeys. Think of images and iconography. Now think of what the donkey as a symbol represents to you. What characteristics are associated with the donkey? What feelings can you identify when you think about a donkey? Now I am going to leave that there. I would be curious of course what images and characteristics came into your mind. You can tell me later if you like. The reason I did that little exercise is that I want to bring to some awareness that symbol.

This is today’s sermon, preached at Barrhead United Reformed Church: Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest. For the next few minutes I would like you all to hold the Palm cross you were given as you arrived this morning.  Feel it in your [...]

Here is today's sermon text on Jeremiah. For meditation we heard Bruce Cockburn's "If a Tree Falls." Here are the lyrics.Jeremiah: A Prophet of Passion The Book of Jeremiah is not an easy read. It is not easy in a couple of ways. It is not easy to follow and to know what he is talking about. One scholar quipped that Jeremiah’s scribe Baruch (the one who compiled the prophecies of Jeremiah) when on his way to the publisher, dropped all of the prophecies. They scattered. When he gathered them, they were all mixed up and Baruch couldn’t figure out what came first. He handed the publisher the box of scattered writings and said, “Just print it.” There is no chronological order to the book. Many biblical scholars earned their Ph. D’s by trying to figure out the who, w

This post has been edited per very helpful comments. This is why I share. Thank you, all. And, yeah, it still needs a little tweaking. Sermon: The Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year A 2008 The Community Church of Wilmette March 9, 2008 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 Founded upon Tears The church of God is founded upon tears. This is one of the truest things I can say about the church. It is founded upon the tears of Christ. It is upheld by the tears of the followers of Christ. And how often I forget this truth. I become distracted by other things… Today’s passage from John is fraught with distractions for me. John has chosen to write it in such a way as to force us, to compel us to ask theological questions. He puts theology in the mouths of those around Jesus. Martha says, “I know that [Lazarus

Some of you have requested a copy of the “I am the child” message that Randy shared in his sermon yesterday.  Here it is: I am the child.  All the world waits for my coming. All the earth watches with interest to see what I shall become.  Civilization hangs in the balance.  For what I am, [...]

Sermon: Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year A 2008 The Community Church of Wilmette March 2, 2008 Psalm 23 John 9:1-42 Free to See The thing that is most surprising to me is this: The man who had been blind since birth, the same man who had been begging outside their walls for years, their neighbors’ son, is someone that they did not recognize. All this talk about sight, gaining it, healing it, and, for the Pharisees at least, losing it, and it is so easy to miss this simple little point: Before Jesus had come along and healed the man no one knew who he was. And no one cared. I love a trial scene as much as the next guy, and this one in John’s gospel is pretty famous all things being equal. Someone who has received grace is being blamed for it…being blamed for being healed. He was healed on

Experiencing the Reality of Christ in a Spiritually Blind WorldLast night I was watching a program from the History Channel called “The Naked Archaeologist.” It’s hosted by an Israeli-born Canadian Simcha Jacobivichi, who is one of the professors of archaeology at the University of Toronto. Simcha is a bit of a comedian and his off beat approach to the sometimes dreary subject of archaeology is very entertaining. In fact, I think that he is so good at it that we’re going to be discussing a few of his programs at the Monday Night Bible Study group starting tomorrow night. So, if you’d like to come along and be educated and entertained by Biblical Archaeology, then you’re welcome to join us tomorrow in the parlor at 7.15pm.Enough with the church commercials, the reason I started

Sermon: Third Sunday of Lent, Year A The Community Church of Wilmette February 24, 2008 John 4:5-42 Digging Out There is a really deep well inside me. And in it dwells God. Sometimes I am there, too. But often stones and grit block the well, and God is buried beneath. Then God must be dug out again. – Etty HillesumThere is something about a well. It’s a rich symbol, practical and yet mysterious, frightening and yet life-giving. We dig them. We cover them. We send Jack and Jill up a hill to fetch a pail of water from a well. We fall into them. There is a well on my father’s property. Actually, there are two now. The first one dried up and Daddy had to have another one, a deeper one, dug in the back yard. Out in the country where he lives there are no water mains, no civil infrastructu

There’s a new book coming out, called the “Third Jesus.” It’s written by Deepak Chopra who is this generation’s equivalent of Von Daniken. He writes a lot of best sellers about spirituality, especially of the New Age variety, and I have no doubt that this book will soon reach number one on the Times best sellers list.It’s sad that this kind of junk theology can become so popular and soaked into the precious souls of millions of modern people. They lap up this kind of godless garbage and pore over its contents without opening up the Gospels to find the real Jesus. They would rather read the warped interpretations of a Hindu guru-author whose cosmology makes them feel special. Chopra is a bit like Oprah when it comes to the theological world – it’s all about feeling good abou

In my time of attending church, college chapels, and now listening to preacher’s online and through podcast, I’ve heard quite a few sermons. Many of them blend together, sometimes taking small nuggets of wisdom or simple encouragement, but a few stick out in my mind as having had a notable impact on my life. I’m [...]

I cannot imagine Evelyn and I ever giving up our children for anything in the whole world. At the moment, both our daughters are in New York City for the weekend and will be returning home later today. They’ve both grown up in Knoxville and this church, and through the attention, love, and care that they have received from Erin Church, they are now beginning to discover who they are and what God wants them to become. They might roast their parents’ hearts from time to time, but we would never give them up or sacrifice them for anything in the entire world. And I’m certain that every parent in this sanctuary would heartily agree when it comes to their own sons and daughters. We all love our children dearly and we would all give up our lives for them.John 3:16 "For God so loved the wor

This past month, one of my professors, Dr. Jason Lee, preached an excellent sermon series at my church on Jesus as the Messiah.By carefully examining Old Testament texts about who the Messiah will be and what he will be like, Dr. Lee provides the context necessary to understand the New Testament passages about Jesus (e.g., Matt 1-2).He answers the important question, "Who is this son of David, son of Abraham?" (Matt 1:1). In doing so, he highlights the unity of the Testaments as they testify about the Christ. In his sermons, Dr. Lee puts on display the fruit of a theological interpretation of the Scriptures.You can find the sermons at Redeemer's Audio Page:Jesus, the Messiah: Who’s Son is He? - Part 1Jesus, the Messiah: Who’s Son is He? - Part 2Jesus, the Messiah: The Anointed KingJes

Matthew 1:20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.When my mom suddenly died seventeen years ago, our whole family was shocked. She was only 57 years old. Years of smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day finally caught up with her and she took a massive heart attack, which killed her instantly. My dad had just stepped out to go to the library, which was just a five minute walk from our house. He was gone for 20 minutes, choosing books for my mom to read. When he arrived back, he found her slumped to the floor and there was nothing he could do. He called the emergency services and when the paramedics arrived, they just confirmed what he already knew. She was gone.The effect on our family was a mixture of shock and relief. We were shocked because of the suddenness of her death, but we were relieved that her years

James S. Robbins wrote yesterday at NRO: "The NIE has presented Iran with a major strategic opportunity. Iran's best move at this point is to open some form of dialogue with the United States. Promote the idea that the "grand bargain" to settle the major issues of the region is possible, play into that instinct on our side. This will serve as a useful shield against attack by third parties, because if negotiations are afoot, we will strongly discourage any other country from taking military action. Keep the talks going for as long as possible. Periodically hint at breakthroughs, settle some minor issues, feed the vanity of diplomacy. Meanwhile move out vigorously on developing a nuclear-weapons capability. When the time comes to test the weapon, foment some kind of small crisis, break off talks (though not too belligerently), conduct the test, and blame the United States for making it necessary. Then call for a new round of talks, particularly about limiting nuclear prolif

This is the famous Christmas Sermon written by Colonel Robert Green Ingersoll and printed in the Evening Telegram, on December 19, 1891. In answer to this “Christmas Sermon” the Rev. Dr. J.M. Buckley, editor of the Christian Advocate, the recognized organ of the Methodist Church, wrote an article, calling upon the public to boycott the Evening Telegram for publishing such a “sermon.” This attack was headed “Lies That Are Mountainous.” The Telegram promptly accepted the issue raised by Dr. Buckley and dared him to do his utmost. On the very same day it published an answer from Colonel Ingersoll that echoed throughout America. (more…)

With a smoke in my hand, I felt like a man…But the smoke in my hand made me a dead manBefore you click away from this page and declare that I am just another "aunt agony" who is going to talk you to stop smoking…RECONSIDER…I am not here to save you or the world (let's leave that to atlas). Smoking is as old as mankind itself, so go the talks on stop smoking. Then with the naissance of safety matches and mass production of tobacco, smoking got more popular and accessible to the novices and addicted equally.Majority of them try out smoking for the sake of it, or out of mere peer pressure or out of curiosity and this sows the dirty seed in their life…in spite of being aware of it's addictive and sometimes parasitic nature. They only fight their conscious and reason out a way not to stop smoking that one time. Each time one tries to pledge not to slip it in between the fingers-like every other, the eight inches pipe looks more innocent and inviting and for once, they give

A couple of folks said they liked last Sunday's sermon. They must have been sleeping through it.Everything is Holy NowJohn Shuck First Presbyterian ChurchElizabethton, TennesseeDecember 9, 2007 Second Sunday of Advent The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid,the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.7The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.8The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.9They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain;for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:6-9 Great Spirit,Grant us the serenity…To accept the things we cannot change,The courage to change the things we can,And the wisdom to know the difference. That prayer, attributed to theologian Reinhold Nieb

This video has been around for a while, but it is worth repeating here.  It is timely for me this week because I brought the message Sunday and made a minor blunder by mixing up the names of some of people in the congregation.  I'm glad I didn't mess up as badly as this youth pastor! If...

Okay, guys. I'm taking a break from my pet food information postings to write about a current issue that has me both sickened and outraged.Most of you are probably familiar with Atlanta Falcon's player, Michael Vick, who was indicted on charges of interstate commerce with intent to fight dogs, running an illegal dog fighting ring, and more. He has, of course, lied and denied all of this, blaming his family for taking advantage of him. Oh please. Others involved have talked, and the details listed in the indictment are gruesome. Dogs were cruely mistreated to make them mean and want to fight. Losing dogs, or dogs that didn't show enough "fighting spirit" were executed. Yes, executed. They were shot, hung, thrown from buildings, strangled, electrocuted, or body slammed against the ground unt

A minister was completing a Temperance sermon.With great emphasis he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."Sermon complete, he sat down.The song leader stood very cautiously and announced - with a tiny smile, "For our closing song, Let us sing Hymn #365, 'Shall We Gather at the River'

I only remember two occasions in my life when my father was unemployed. The first time it happened occurred when the engineering firm he worked for decided to relocate. Dad didn’t want to move our family 250 miles away in order to keep his engineering position, so he opted to take a redundancy payment that would keep our family going for three months. He felt certain that he could get started in a new job almost immediately and wasn’t worried about his long term prospects. He had marketable skills and he was in his early thirties, so he felt that he was making the right decision for our family. He didn’t want to uproot us away from our extended family to go south and work in England. He also knew that Scottish families underwent hard times in English towns. So he decided to stay and wait for work to come to him.But it didn’t happen. He was unemployed for almost a whole year, so his redundancy money was quickly used up. He desperately went from factory to factory trying to get a

The Farewell Pilgrimage of the Prophet Muhammed (p.b.u.h.) was a significant historical event in the Muslims life. Although thousands of Muslims witnessed the Farewell (last) Sermon given by the Prophet Muhammed (p.b.u.h.), the Hadiths books reported at least three versions of the same Sermon. For an event witnessed by over 10,000 people an accurate narration should have been available, but it has not. Shiites changed this version of the Sermon to read, the book of Allah and my family, while the Sunnites changed it to read, the Book of Allah and my Sunnah. Only the version that talks about QURAN ALONE is the only one that does not contradict the QURAN and does not have any political motive behind it. It is the version ignored by the sects of the Sunnites and Shiites because it does not support their political agenda. Here are the references to the three versions of the Sermon: 1) I leave with you Quran and Sunnah, Muwatta, 46/3 2) I leave with you Quran and Ahl al-bayt (meaning th

TOP TEN THINGS NOT TO DO DURING THE RABBI'S SERMON:(cross posted from www.torahlab.org)Number 10: Read a bookNumber 9: Pretend to be reading a bookNumber 8: Read a banned bookNumber 7: Fall asleepNumber 6: Fall asleep and snore loudlyNumber 5: play 'Sermon Cricket' (see below)Number 4: give a running commentary on 'Sermon Cricket' to the person next to youNumber 3: give a running commentary on 'Sermon Cricket' to the person across the room from youNumber 2: Give a live update on the current cricket test scoreand the Number 1 thing not to do when the Rabbi is giving the sermon: answer your cell phone to get the latest cricket test score, after leaving it ringing loudly for quite a while first!'Sermon Cricket' 'Sermon Cricket' is a game almost as old as cricket itself. It is loosely based on the traditional laws of cricket (though without the batsmen, balls, bowlers or wickets).Certain phrases, such as 'parsha', 'sedra', 'torah' score a single. 'Rashi', 'Ramban' or a

Where Do We Grow from Here?Ephesians 6:24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.We have come to the end of a five month journey that we began way back in June. At that time, I told you that we were on a mission to find a new path, a new direction for our church. In my heart, I felt that God was beginning to move us as a church to start thinking about how we could make an impact for Christ in our community.When I was pondering over what our church should do, I felt led by the Spirit to take us through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians because they were also a church that knew the Lord, but needed to be pointed in the right direction. Today we complete our journey and I hope and pray that this has been something that has drawn all of us closer to Christ and ready for whatever he is asking us to do as a Presbyterian church in this part of Knoxville.As Paul finishes his letter, he reminds the good folks at Ephesus that he is a prisoner for Christ. He is held ca

Ephesians 6:10-20One of the biggest problems that the Church is facing right now is in trying to be nice and pleasing to everyone. We seem to have bought into this mentality that if we’re all nice to each other, God will reward us for being courteous and pleasant, amiable and friendly. If you take a look at most adverts for churches in the newspaper, radio, or TV, you’ll see something to effect that says: “Come and join us, we’re really friendly people.”Somehow, we’ve managed to become social chameleons who want to fit in with everyone. If someone were to write a motto for the Christian church in America today, it would read something like this: “We love you when you like us.”I don’t think Paul would have recognized our idea of church with that of his own. He would see us as religious friendship societies or Christian Country Clubs, who go along with the crowd in order to get along in the community. His idea of church was nothing like what we believe it to be today.

My Peace I Leave With YouJohn ShuckSeptember 23, 2007 First Presbyterian ChurchElizabethton, TennesseeJohn 14:1-30 I am doing a series of sermons on the essence of faith. I have preached already on awe and gratitude. Today, I am going to speak of justice-making as an essence of faith. That phrase “justice-making” comes from Matthew Fox and Creation Spirituality. Fox, in his work, details four spiritual paths that correspond to the four seasons. Today, the first day of Fall, we celebrate and honor the spiritual path of making justice. It is also known as the spiritual path of transformation. We are in awe of creation and grateful for life. We are also participating in the transformation of creation and of humankind toward more spiritual depth, more equality, more peace, more restorative justice for Creation. When we speak about justice, we often think of retributive justice. This is punishment for wrongdoing. We think of the justice department or the

A man once spent days looking for his new hat. Finally, he decided that he'd go to church on Sunday and sit at the back. During the service he would sneak out and grab a hat from the rack at the front door.On Sunday, he went to church and sat at the back. The sermon was about the 10 commandments. He sat through the whole sermon and instead of sneaking out he waited until the sermon was over and went to talk to the minister."Father, I came here today to steal a hat to replace the one I lost. But after hearing your sermon on the 10 Commandments, I changed my mind."The minister said, "Bless you my son. Was it when I started to preach 'Thou shall not steal,' that changed your heart?"The man responded, "No, it was the one on adultery. When you started to preach on that, I remembered where I left my hat."

“Finally, I note that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been invited to speak at Columbia University. Have they at last agreed to include a moderate voice in their Middle East Studies department?” - Jay NordlingerTehran's substitute Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami covered the love in today in the city. As is always the case politics is religion when ruled under the guise of a “religion of peace,” especially in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khatami quoted IAEA Director el Baradei as insisting the Iran “issue” stay with the IAEA, but of course the U.S. is causing problems: "We tell the world that this is the best evidence showing that the US is not for resolving Iran's nuclear problem but is trying to cause tension while Iran is seeking detention." Not surprising that both Iran and the U.S. wish to “resolve” the issue; just with different results. The Friday Prayer Leader also railed on the French Foreign Ministers recent remarks last weekend, which

Examine Yourself - Click here for Sermon Audio Here is another great sermon.  I believe it is very important for every one who professes Christ as their Savior to listen to this audio at least once.   I also have found the sermon in text format so I will post here so you can read as you listen.  Examine Yourself [...]

Provisional Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran Ayatollah Mohammad Kashani sermonizing before a standing room only congregation said: "US administration is propagating a certain version of Christianity that is not based on Jesus Christ (PBUH) teachings, but after securing Zionists' interests. Based on this mentality, the Jews must gather in Palestine and then in the course of a revolution two thirds of them to get killed, and the remainder should see the reappearance of Jesus (PBUH). Therefore, they are after gathering the entire Jews of the world in Palestine, which is definitely a move with political and Satanic roots, but the idea is put forth in the framework of an idea behind the hope for reappearance of Messiah. US President George W. Bush is the standard bearer of that mentality. That man is loathed to an extent in the United States today that the mentality he supports, too, has very limited number of supporters." They have Satanic interactions with the Zionists, b

"Thanks God, we are now at a point in which no one can deprive us of our nuclear technology" - Tehran's substitute Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Ahmad JannatiScattered clouds and temps in the low 90's welcomed worshipers today in Tehran as Tehran's substitute Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati praised the Ahmadinejad Administration actions in the past two years and the necessity of hanging tough against the evil hegemonic Great Satan.The headline "Major Cleric Strongly Supports President Ahmadinejads Government," is amusing in the sense that if this cleric and others didn't support the government of Ahmadinejad it would no longer be his, not that it really is his to begin with. "If a government is weak, it resorts to flattery, courtesy and respect and even if it is against something, it doesn't dare to announce its opposition, but a strong government announces its opposition frankly." "The grandeur of this government has been established now everywhere and the world

I appreciate all that has been said about praying for and caring for the people in Minneapolis. As a native now living 100 miles away I can sense the fear and hope that coexist for so many this is what I am saying Sunday where it says slides is just a reference to what is projected while I am speaking pax unlikely Slide 1: What matters? I called my folks on Wednesday night and got no

"Foreigners want to push Muslim Umma into a degrading position and get them engaged in internal strife" - Tehran's substitute Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani The bizarre practice of Friday prayers in Tehran continues and as usual if you are looking for what many think of in terms of a religious service, you won't be finding it here. Tehran's substitute Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani had the usual rants about the U.S., Zionists and in addition nations in the region that are currently allies of the U.S. purchasing arms. Kashani used KosProse paranoia/propaganda when referring to the sale(s) to "save its arms manufacturing companies from bankruptcy and get money out of Muslims' pocket and put it in Israel's instead" So we have yet another instance of Iran taking a page from the internal enemies of our country. "The world of Islam should remain cohesive and united despite all the ongoing conspiracies so that

What is a Sermon Jam?There was a time when I would have answered this question with the same angst and befuddlement that you are right now experiencing. A 'sermon' 'jam', you say, does not make much sense. No. Good try, but it is not some sort of sanctified breakfast condiment either. Rather, a 'sermon jam' is an amalgamation of impassioned clips from sermons and groovy beats. I was skeptical at first as well, but after I heard Allister Begg read Acts 17 to a hip back-melody, I was hooked. Sermon Jams are now some of my favorite things to chill, exercise, and wash dishes to.Allister Begg--Preaching is in the Shadows (Acts 17): A Taste:One of the reasons there is such a distaste for preaching, is because there is so much dreadful preaching.In this monologue, there is actually a divine dialogue. And it is not the dialogue of a man with men and women, but is a dialogue of the Living God with the souls of men and women, who quickly forgetting the one who is responsible for the monolo

This is the last installment of the four-part prophecy sermon series I wrote for my church. It's basically a play-by-play on God's judgment on an unrepentent Earth and the Second Coming of Christ.For you prophecy buffs reading this, you'll notice I left certain parts out (i.e. the two witnesses, the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, etc.). This was done in the interest of keeping the sermon within its 25-or-so-minute allotted timeframe.I hope those who have been following this series have enjoyed it so far. May the Lord use what is read here as practical application for your life, and may you be reminded daily that His coming is soon so you can be encouraged in your walk with Him, and to strive all the harder for holier living so you are not caught ashamed at His coming.Here it is:The Wrath of God and the Coming of JesusLadies and gentlemen,God Almighty is a God of mercy and a God of love. This we know. After all, the most famous of all Bible verses says, “For God so loved the world tha

Nothing but tough love from Tehran's substitute Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati this morning. Speaking to the congregation of recent talks with the U.S. he said: “Iran is ready to do whatever the Iraqi people and government demand to provide Iraq with security. In the talks, we tried to make the Americans understand their mistakes in Iraq. The Americans were frankly reminded about their mistakes in Iraq and they were asked why they were still lingering in an Islamic country which has an elected government." “There is a collection of hooligans in Iraq now. If the Americans and the British were not in Iraq, the government in Baghdad could deal with these terrorists and mischief-makers." "The more the occupiers remain in Iraq, the more loss they would inflict on themselves. They are getting more and more hated by the world people and they would eventually have to withdraw from Iraq with shame.” The minister of love also made note of the anniversary of

During his sermon one Sunday, the local preacher told his congregation thatThe entire range of human experience could be found in the Holy Bible.He confidently stated, "If anything can happen to humans, it is described somewhere in the Holy Bible." After the service, a woman came up to the preacher and said"Reverend, I don't think the Holy Bible mentions anything about PMS." The preacher told the woman he was certain he could find a reference to PMS somewhere in scripture.During the following week, he searched diligently, book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter, and Verse-by-verse. On the following Sunday , the woman came up to him and asked, "Did you find any references to PMS in the Bible?" The preacher smiled, opened his Bible and began to read, "... And Mary rode Joseph's ass all the way to

Here is part three of the four-part end times prophecy sermon I wrote my church.God bless. The Lord is coming soon.God is in ControlThe second coming of Jesus Christ isn’t an event that will happen “whenever.” Nor will it be the product of chance or fluke, nor will it simply just “come out of the blue.” The second coming of God’s Son is a pre-planned event by God Himself.God is in control.Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)Right there we see that God has a date set for His Son to return to the earth. God also has a series of dates set when individual prophecies will be fulfilled. We are on His clock and on His time. These things will all come to pass when He says so.But does that mean that, when Jesus was on Earth and He didn’t know the day or hour of His return, that this event will happen “whenever”?The answer is no.The Bible contains a calendar that outlines the whol

Provisional Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran Ayatollah Seyyed Ahmad Khatami led the congregation with his usual flair and aplomb; speaking of the recent televised confessions of American-Iranian “spies”: ‘"This policy has worked in some countries, but in Iran, it has faced defeat, just like the other failed US policies on Iran."’ Khatami’s statement fits perfectly in line with the propaganda of the regime and mullahs, which is according to Amir Taheri in today’s NY Post, “The Conspiracy That Wasn’t.” The use of these hostages is for the fodder they can make of them and the United States and msm should be screaming up a storm about it. The use of the propaganda unfolds to include statements such as: ‘"During the past fifty years the United States has directly or indirectly interfered in the internal affairs of 25 countries of the world militarily, and the funny thing is that Washington also claims it is after the establishment of democracy throughout

Below is part two in the four-parter I'm doing for my church. Scroll down to below this entry for part one (or click here).Thanks.Let’s open up our Bibles and turn to 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.It says:“15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”Let’s also go to 1 Corinthians 15:51-53“51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we wi

A while ago I wrote a series called considering church, and discussed the Sermon: I’ll be honest I like listening to a good sermon every now and then. I could list a few of my favorites for you; at some point maybe I’ll even provide links to mp3’s of sermon’s that really moved me. There is also a good bit of Biblical support for sermons. Jesus seemed to like to sermonize it up every so often; my personal favorite is the “Sermon on the Mount.” Paul had quite a few lengthy sermons, and the first thing Peter does once he has the Holy Spirit is give a sermon. The word “Preach” shows up in the NIV 123 times (according to Biblegateway). Paul even goes off about the Rights of an Apostle in I Corinthians 9 (which is probably where we get our justification for having a paid pastor). The idea of a weekly meeting for a sermon probably comes from one of my favorite passages Acts 2:42-47. So by now your probably thinking my goal was to answer the question presented in the title: Wh

As you can no doubt tell, I'm a Bible prophecy nut. I've been writing a series of prophecy sermons to be preached at my church here in Winnipeg (Community Christian Church).Here is part one of the four-part series:Please turn to Acts 1: 6-10We read:6So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heave

The green eyed bandit is back and hes featuring DMC’s protégé Vic Damone on this track. E. Sermon has no solo album slated for a release, so this loosie could possibly be a track off of the next EPMD joint “We Mean Business” that Parish mentioned on Rap City last month… Trivia Question: Name that sample? Related PostsKeith Murray - ‘Weeble Woble prod. by Erick Sermon’Keith Murrah - “Rapp-Murr-Phobia” (Album Cover)Keith Murrah - ‘Nobody Do It Better ft. Tyrese prod. by Erick Sermon’

This Friday Sermon from Iran is much shorter than usual; the reasoning for this is twofold. One, you can click the link and read the ludicrousness for yourselves and two, who cares; it’s the same garbage spouted 24/7 from Tehran. Of the most interest is the warning and imparting of wisdom from Provisional Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran Hojjatoleslam Ahmad Khatami when he said: “Passing a chain of resolutions against Iran is not going to solve any problem. The only solution to that problem is through negotiations, since logical and rational talks always yield fruit." Ah, yes the “logical and rational” mind of the mullahs, leadership of the tehrrorists of Tehran. Note that resolutions is not the answer as they will get you nothing, oddly though the only yield from “talks” is more time for Iran to continue with its peaceful nuclear development. In order to grasp rational logic one must accept that neither option bears any fruit, just like Iran bears no peace

Speaking in an encore presentation to last Fridays Sermon from Iran, Provisional Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani said the direction of the nation under the leadership of the Supreme Leader is keeping within the guidelines as expressed by the late Imam Rouhollah oussavi Khomeini. During the Friday Sermon, one of an seemingly endless parade of ceremonies marking the “18th Demise Anniversary of Khomeini;” he said: “in revival of Mohamedan Islam in the world, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution is emphasizing on the need to abide by the authentic version of Islam, particularly the teaching of the glorious Quran and the Tradition of the Holy Prophet of Islam in a bid to strengthen the foundations of Islamic unity." This is the continuing refrain these days, which refers to Iran as the leader in unifying all of Islam in the world. The Friday Prayer leader also spoke of the U.S’ intent regarding Iranian nuclear capabilities is “agai

If you can stand it read some of the sermon from one of the Mullahs of Peace. Why would anyone believe their nuclear intentions are for peaceful purposes? I would say more, but it isn’t really necessary. Provisional Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran Hojjatoleslam Ahmad Khatami continued Iranian professions of peace, with regard to talks with the U.S.: "The late grand Imam's stand on refraining from entering talks with the Americans was an ideal of the Islamic Revolution." "That carnivorous wolf is not of the type to enter negotiations. America is only after securing its own hegemony. The Supreme Leader denounced entering talks with the United States last week, even on Iraq, and that stand of the Supreme Leader is exactly in line with the grand late Imam's relative stands." "Let us not forget that the late Imam said that America is the Great Satan, wishing for the severing of ties with that country. I ask those that promote entering negotiations with the Americans wheth

:: FRIDAY SERMON in Kerman, Iran: If Iran is attacked tens of thousands of missiles will be fired at Israel. President Bush should be sentenced to 100 deaths. FÖLJANDE VIDEO innehåller utdrag ur en fredagsbön i Kerman med Sayyid Yahyah Ja'fari, vilken sändes på Kerman TV den 6 maj 2007: Video (05:10)REFLEKTION Bilden på kupolen med Bolidenguldet från Sverige talar på många sätt för var och en som kan läsa symbolik. Inför videons fredagsbön förundras man över hur islam som sägs vara en fredens religion kan hetsa massorna till krig och utplånande av Tel Aviv. Jihad är givetvis en känd verklighet. Men hur kan både muslimer och icke-muslimer i den svenska debatten tala om islam som en fredens religion? Svaren är många. Kan kanske rentav kupolens bolidenguld också ha något att säga? Sources: Friday sermon in Kerman Memri; Iranian cleric threatens Tel Aviv YnetNewsPicture The cupola metal: Boliden Gold from Sweden Tel Aviv Kerman -- Andra bloggar om: Tel Aviv

Efforts to travel back in time are moving full speed ahead one second at a time in an alternate universe; Hillary Clinton has proposed that Congress repeal the authority given to the president to invade Iraq. According to The NY Times the senator from NY said: ‘“It is time to reverse the failed policies of President Bush and to end this war as soon as possible.”’ Presidential hopeless John Edwards entered his suggestion for support of the soldiers and a speedy ending to the Democrat created stalemate between the Commander and Chief and the Congress: ‘“Congress should stand its ground and not back down to him. They should send him the same bill he just vetoed, one that supports our troops, ends the war and brings them home.”’ The Iranian Ambassador to Thailand, Mohsen Pak-Ayeen is in agreement with this assessment, although his statement was made prior to the integrity and reality based good senator made her proposal, (brilliant minds think alike I guess);

Another post from a series I did on Considering Church, this one was entitled, Good Sermons Draw a Crowd: I understand bigger churches, especially when there is a great preacher. There are a handful of sermons I download regularly to listen to during the week, and if I lived in those towns I’d probably check them out on Sunday. There is a church in my hometown that has grown immensly, and I think it is largely do to the head pastors wonderful preaching. So, don’t get me wrong I understand the appeal of a good sermon. For me though, that just doesn’t seem what the church should centrally be about. One of the first things that is said about the early meetings of believers is “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Now, I’m not arguing we shouldn’t have teaching, I just think we’ve put far too much focus on it, and we lack the fellowship and the close knit community that is so necessary, or be

Well, this week’s Friday Sermon served to gently remind all those that would try to thwart Iran’s “peaceful nuclear” enterprise was communicated by Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran Hojatoleslam Ahmad Khatami, of which a key thing to remember would be that: ‘"Despite all the anti-Iran resolutions, our president, while sponsoring nuclear festival, honorably showed that we have with God's grace gained remarkable progress and joined the nuclear club. The world should know that if they wish to talk with powerful Iran unconditionally, they should not violate its rights and if they want to continue bullying like the past, the talks would not be fruitful."’ Please note that a suggestion for unconditional peace in the greater Middle East was also remarked upon by the spiritual leader; which I’m sure will solve the regions problems: ‘"Instead of negotiating with the Israeli regime, the Arab states should talk to the Palestinian nation so as to garner divine cons

The Deer Park where Buddha gave his first sermon. The Buddha used to say that the wealth we accumulate during our lives is not really our wealth, thus we have to leave it behind when we commence our eternal journey. A person's real wealth are his acts of charity and service to others which are cherished by the beneficiaries even after the person is no more. Thus even after a bodily death, such a person remains alive in the memories of others.

The Easter sermon I preached today is on the church's webpage. Here are some highlights. I began:Before we get started I want to make two points perfectly clear. Number 1: I believe fully in the Resurrection of Jesus. I don’t simply believe it. I trust it. I try to live by it. Number 2: I believe the remains of the historical Jesus decayed like all human remains decay. I concluded: Easter is about a new consciousness and a new awareness.It is courageously awakening to God's kingdom on Earth.It is the power of love that confronts the powers of violence and oppression. So…what if we found the body of Jesus?Perhaps if we open our eyes we will see the body of Jesus all around us. We are the resurrected body of Christ that bears Empire's wounds. We all bear the wounds that are the consequence of the ideology of peace through violence. Earth itself bears these wounds. The resurrection of Christ to me is not about heaven in the sky when you die. I

Substitute leader of Tehran Friday Prayers Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati led the congregation today with the positive words to worshipers that the “era of US and Israel is gone and they incline towards collapse,” adding: "However, this (US and Israel collapse) takes time and history is moving in this direction although they may not realize." You don't say?Some of the more promising and humanity filled remarks or high points covered: President Ahmadinejad is a very popular figure in that country (Egypt) and an opinion poll in there indicates that “Momo” is the second most popular leader after the Lebanese Seyed Hassan Nasrallah. · President Ahmedinajad’s foreign policy has been very successful and urged everybody in the country to support the government. · Iranian people are waiting to hear the good news which the officials have promised regarding “peaceful nukes.” Supreme Leader's naming the new Iranian year as the year of 'nation

From the heart of downtown Tehran comes this weeks Friday Sermon from none other than Iran. **L.O.V.E. – Love, is all that I can give to you…. Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani said: "In case of adoption of even 10 other resolutions, no damage will be inflicted to the country. "Iran is a united and coherent country which has a wise nation," "He recommended the five permanent members of the Security Council (China, Russia, Britain, France and the US) plus Germany (Group 5+1) to abandon evil works." "Such measures will be fruitless for you." (note leadership intends to keep nation fruitless as well).“resolutions were part of the enemies' plan which have been passed with haste.” Due likely to the years it’s taken to get to the nowhere we happen to be….very hasty…Further (italics again mine): **“propaganda against Islam, depicting it as the religion of violence and terror, and propaganda against the Iranian civilizatio

I think it would be quite possible to just re-post the same "Sermon" post each Friday as, for the most part they do not change.This Friday however, I did learn something I did not realize as I knelt in prayer.Tehran's substitute Friday Prayers Leader Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati revealed:"Concerning a meeting recently held in Pakistan attended by some Muslim countries, Ayatollah Jannati said it was a wonder and the representatives from the attending countries just disgraced themselves."And, a NEWER and previous unto heretofore unheard of revelation!"They did not even condemn the Zionists for destroying al-Aqsa Mosque."Forgive me Allah and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), I did not realize; please repeat this and other "truths" over and over so that we may not forget.DeMediacratic Nation Blogrolls

According to IRNA, formerly useless UN weapons inspector and still useless Hans “Bollix” Blix speaking at a conference in Brussels, Belgium as chairman if the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission said: “The US military buildup in the Persian Gulf was to district the attention of the international community from the debacle in Iraq and stressed that the Security Council will not give the green signal for use of force against the Islamic Republic.“ "The US buildup is a psychological warfare seeking distraction from the debacle in Iraq," He also said that: “A dangerous diplomatic game was being played by the EU, US and UNSC by demanding that Iran should suspend its program as a condition for talks.” Very diplomatically savvy of him; let’s talk. As a diplomat he has become so accustomed to conferences, negotiations, meetings, chats, and wonderful lunches and dinners that he has forgotten that any military can and does play a part in the diplomatic process. Saying

Nativity Sermon By St. Isaac the Syrian (d. AD 700) This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world; So let no one threaten; This is the night of the Most Gentle One - Let no one be cruel; This is the night of the Humble One - Let no one be proud. Now is the day of joy - Let us not revenge; Now is the day of Good Will - Let us not be mean. In this Day of Peace - Let us not be

Big day against the evil satan that is the government of the U.S., not the people (but what about those folks that agree with the President Bush's assessment?). From IRNA: Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami said on Friday that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's letter to the American people is "praiseworthy and valuable." "The letter is in principle and spirit

Oddly, I never get the impression that the Friday Sermons are the type where at some point you turn to those around you and greet each other pleasantly. From IRNA: "Substititue Friday prayers Leader of Tehran Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami said here that Iranians have proved they never yield to the pressures exerted by the western countries."A statement/sermon that is akin to what Majlis speaker

IRNA shares this weeks Friday Sermon:'"Tehran's Substitute Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Emami Kashani warned Muslims against plots made by the West to sow discord among the Shia and Sunni. "The enemy is preparing a massive plan for the Islamic world and for the entire region," said the cleric addressing the worshipers at Tehran University campus. He stressed that after the Western states were obliged to admit the defeat of their policies in Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan, they have decided to set up new plans. "Shia-Sunni division is a dirty lesson taught by the world arrogance in Muslim countries," Ayatollah Kashani said regretting that the lesson was used by some of the Muslim states."' Also, brimming with love and peace for all mankind, "the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei sent a message to the Hajj pilgrims;" with such classics as:"The Muslim ummah embraces various nations, races and followers of different sects in Islam. This diversity

Church services can be so refreshing and revitalizing.....This Friday's Sermon was led by Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran Hojjatoleslam Ahmad Khatami (also a member of the Experts Assembly). In spreading peace and love to the faithful, according to IRNA:"Americans should know that access to peaceful nuclear technology is the joint call of the Iranian nation; Americans will not be able to confront the national will."Regarding the UN Security Council for it's passage of Resolution 1737:"The anti-Iranian resolution is really a psychological operation against Iran before being an executive resolution." AND "Iran has not received the equipment from you; the technology of Iran is domesticated and you can not take any measure (against the country) in that concern."Oh, no, no, no, you don't have any extra-border technology....the truth Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs speak is peculiar to only them. Praise Allah...PBUH*************************Trackback for this post: http://halosca

When I first heard this is was song I was like " :wo...what formula is this??". Everything just sounded right and even though Marvin Gaye passed away years before release of this single, you get impression that he's still here. BTW, if you need a song that makes you relax, this one is definitely for you. Erick Sermon Feat. Marvin Gaye - Music ( 2001 ) R.I.P Marvin Gaye

Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani, "warned against the US and UK attempts to divide Shiites and Sunnis and said the world, including the Middle East and Muslim world, have become growingly aware" Saying: "Unity between Shiites and Sunnis should be real, from bottom of their hearts and for the sake of God; and it should not be geo-politically and economically motivated" I couldn't agree more. Amazing that the U.S. says one thing (we want unity, peace), yet practice just the opposite; using the "a page from the Bush Political Playbook" I guess the evil Bush-devil is only interested in crushing Islam and controlling Middle Eastern oil. Odd that anything Tehran accuses the West of is something they, themselves are heavily involved in. Kashani calls for non-interference between Shiites and Sunnis, yet Michael Ledeen says: "We have arrested officers from the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Baghdad

According to IRNA:"Tehran's substitute Friday Prayers Leader Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani by referring to the enemies' conspiracies said national unity must be maintained and those who cause discord should not be let make trouble."I think he means us, but he also means within Iran....Freedom is great, isn't it?Last week, Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani:"warned against the US and UK attempts to divide Shiites and Sunnis and said the world, including the Middle East and Muslim world, have become growingly aware"Which I found:Odd that anything Tehran accuses the West of is something they, themselves are heavily involved in. Kashani calls for non-interference between Shiites and Sunnis, yet Michael Ledeen says: "We have arrested officers from the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Baghdad and Irbil, apparently with considerable documentation of the mullahs' support for both Sunni and Shiite terrorists"This

Substitute Friday prayers leader of Tehran Hojjatoleslam Ahmad Khatami dressed the U.S. down with:"Americans should know that their threatening approach towards Iranian government and nation is exhausted and no longer effective and Iranian people pay no attention to that,"Also, watch out for the grass roots groups on February 11, 2007; the 28th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution: "Iranian nation will on the day show once again that the US can not do a damn thing"Where even Allah fears to tread, Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki called for quick restructuring of U.N. during his opening act for the "Friday Sermon": "Current structure of the UN, in which certain states have the veto power, is unfair; it should soon be reformed."This structure obviously is not fair as the many that stick together as a thorn in the U.S.' side is not good enough. Also, considering the "successful" restructuring of the "human rights council"Iran is alone and surrounded in the region, which shou

I have been thinking about my sermon for Evolution Sunday. I am not going to debate creationism, or intelligent design or defend evolution like I did last year. I think for most folks in my congregation, evolution is a given. They recognize that the Universe is at least 14 billion years old and Earth is over 4 billion years old, and that species have evolved and died off and it is on-going and random. What I find myself struggling with is the consequence of science for our self-understanding. Science can make us feel small. Things formerly explained by the gods, now have more naturalistic explanations. Humans are not necessarily the apex of creation. In the scheme of things we have more in common with our mammal cousins on Earth than we have differences with them. Evolution and astronomy in particular have also taken "the end" out of things. We can't think of an end to history. Perhaps human history, but even without humans the planets will spin and the Universe will

This was a Comment left on My Wild Crazy Space's Myspace Page at http://www.myspace.com/funnymyspaceprofiles by one of our Myspace friends... It had me laughing..so I want to share it here... Ready?.... :) A new priest at his first mass was so nervous he could hardly speak. After mass he asked the monsignor how he ...