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  Follow Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter    The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber. <Previous Message · Archives · Archive edition Friday, April 22, 2011  And I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain! 40 Day New Testament Reading/Listening Plan: This suggested 40 day reading plan began Sunday (April 3). If you want to participate and have not been following the reading schedule up to this point we suggest starting with today's reading and reading previous portions after this reading period ends. Here's the entire 40 day schedule. More information concerning the Scripture reading plan is below the daily message. Note: Today reading will take us 1/2 way through the 40 day plan! The links below will open to the selection to be read along with a built-in listening device.
If you can do so listen to this song prior to reading our message: Dallas Holm singing "I'd Rather Have Jesus" Video "Not A Cunningly Devised Fable!" Introductory note: Today's message developed differently than I would have planned for a message on Good Friday but is a heartfelt message concerning what some report “is a massive shift coming in what it means to be a Christian.” In this shift Christianity becomes more of an ethical habit of mind rather than the upholding of our faith based on divine revelation. We need assurance and reminding of the solid historical basis for our faith; an empty manger, an empty cross and an empty grave! "And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree" (Acts 10:39). "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16).  Next week I have the opportunity to hear Josh McDowell, who has been a strong defender of the historic Christian faith for nearly 50 years. As an agnostic at college he decided to prepare a thesis that would examine the historical evidence of the Christian faith as he attempted to disprove it. However, in the course of his study he converted to Christianity, after he found overwhelming evidence in support for, instead of against the Christian message! I first heard Josh speak at Kansas State University when I was in high school. He is an apologist, a defender of the faith, and has had a mighty influence for the Truth in our lifetime. He has a ministry that continues to reach the young although he is now 71 years old!During our forty day New Testament reading period I prepare a message from a text that is in the reading for that day. This week as we consider the cross and the death of Christ I would normally be taking passages from the Gospels, but our readings are presently in Acts. In preparing these messages I am reminded that the basic essence of apostolic preaching is the death and resurrection of Christ!  Today's first text is part of Peter's final recorded sermon. In testifying of the Gospel to Cornelius and his household, Peter proclaims: "And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree." His emphasis on being a witness is a vital part of the credibility of the record. To this day the most effective testimony in a court case is the eyewitness account of an event or crime that took place.Peter declares in his final epistle, "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." What a tremendous assurance of the firm foundation our faith is grounded upon. Peter had some amazing eyewitness experiences with our Lord and he was determined that, after he departed this life, his hearers and readers would not forget the message of Christ and the essential teachings and truths He taught (2 Peter 1:15). Peter admits to being repetitious, but he knew his time was near and wanted to reinforce important truths that would keep Christ’s followers true to their faith.  Over the years I have had an ongoing interest in apologetics which is "a conscious, articulated defense of the claims of the Christian faith." There are many Christian apologists who give an excellent defense of the gospel and the validity of the truth claims of Jesus Christ. As I read the Apostle Peter's matter of fact reminder in our daily text I am so thankful for the firm basis of our faith!The daily sub theme for this daily encouragement ministry declares; "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation." Today let us receive rich assurance as we consider the foundational Christian truth concerning the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and remain true defenders of the "faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints." Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber  Daily prayer: Father, Good Friday stands out as the crisis point of the Christian faith where helpless followers looked on as their Master died in disgrace on a cross between two thieves. He seemed unable to save Himself from evildoers and it appeared that evil had triumphed over good. Confusion, helplessness, disappointment, and fear were the order of the day for Christ’s followers. It would seem that Satan’s plot had foiled God’s plan. But we have the full account and know that Your redemptive plan, veiled on the day of Crucifixion, fully unfolded on the first day of the week when our Saviour rose from the dead! How grateful we are for the disciples who sought to obey You rather than man. They, with great care and conviction, recorded these events for those not only in their generation but for those who follow. Let us apply their message to our hearts and repeat it often for others to hear. We thank You for Jesus who died in our place. Amen. Last night the tables were set up in the shape of the cross with a vivid mural of Christ praying in Gethsemane at the head. Brooksyne and I look forward to Maundy Thursday when we focus on the songs of the cross, testimonies of our faith, communion, and the footwashing. It was a memorable evening once again affirming our faith in the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as well as servanthood within the family of believers. When you sit in the pew Sunday after Sunday and hear your pastor repeat Biblical truths that you've heard him speak about many times maybe you can recall Peter's perspective. Last night we went to a Maundy Thursday service and focused on the sacrificial death of Christ. This Sunday I will be preaching of the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ although I know most of my listeners have heard that story many, many times before! Perhaps the old hymn line should come to mind, "I love to tell the story to those who know it best, seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest." It's so important that we never grow weary of hearing the fundamental teachings of our faith even as we grow in spiritual wisdom and maturity. That's a powerful deterrent to the many cleverly invented stories we are subjected to year after year. Cleverly devised fables abound in every venue. In regard to politics I expect to hear the spin regardless of the political persuasion. I am increasingly skeptical as there is a proliferation of internet and email hoaxes. It doesn't take much to concoct a hoax and put up a web site or email it to scores of people. Then it's spread through forwarded email, which often directs the reader to "send this to everyone in your address book." Some have certain believability about them; a "cleverly invented story." Others are so ludicrous that it strains the credibility of the one sending it. Many of you are smiling as you read this as you consider the junk that comes your way; free tickets to Disney World, promised blessings and veiled curses if you don't forward on that spooky but spiritual sounding chain letter, inheritances passed onto you from strangers, bizarre stories, etc. etc. Today's Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources "There Is A Redeemer" Video Keith Green "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" Video Kathryn Scott "Alas And Did My Savior Die" Video Haven Quartet "Hallelujah What A Savior!" Video Sovereign Grace Music "The Old Rugged Cross" Video Dallas Holm Josh McDowell Ministries Here's the Albert Mohler article on “A Massive Shift Coming in What it Means to Be a Christian?" In my view Albert Mohler is one of the most powerful defenders of the faith in today's Church. He regularly blogs here. After I finished today's article I checked his most recent entry and it is very similar to that which has been on my heart today. Of First Importance — The Cross and Resurrection at the Center   "Tortured For His Faith" We would highly recommend this book which is available to Daily Encouragement readers for the month of April free of charge! It is tremendously inspiring and will stir you to faithfulness in the face of persecution. It will also create a greater hunger for the Bible as a result of reading it. Merely go to this page and fill out the form on the lower part of the page. Indicate that you are a daily encouragement reader and request the book in the comment box. (Don't forget to include your mailing address.)Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne |
 "We want to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!" Personal Ministry Update (Revised 12/31/10)  Each weekday morning Brooksyne and I prepare these messages and distribute them at no cost to you and many others all over the world. Would you please consider a financial offering to support us in this daily encouragement ministry? Donations are tax deductible and will be receipted directly by my chaplaincy endorsing ministry. Thanks!See here for details. 2011 financial offerings to Daily Encouragement Net as of 4/21/11: $3,250.00 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION  Were you forwarded this edition of Daily Encouragement Net? If you desire you can receive your own free! To receive these "Daily Encouragement" devotionals each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe. This newsletter is never sent by us unsolicited. It was sent to you because you either signed up to receive it OR a friend forwarded it to you. You can also subscribe to the rss feed or as an email subscription through feedburner.Cancel: We respect and value your time and privacy. If you no longer desire to receive these messages you can remove your address from the list by merely using the link automatically inserted by the mailing list software at the very bottom of each email message. (To change addresses cancel your old address and then join again using your new address.) Weekly Version: The weekly version is intended for those who may not check their email regularly or who may desire less frequent mailings. It is Friday's message with a link to previous messages. To receive the free weekly version, send a blank email to this address. Daily Encouragement on Facebook and Twitter: The daily message and prayer on Facebook. The daily message and prayer on Twitter.Reader Survey: Please take a few minutes to assist us in improving our ministry effectiveness by filling out this online reader survey. To take the survey click here. Please feel free to pass these messages on! "A Daily Prayer" - A blog simply posting the daily prayer. We keep this up each day since it's merely the prayer from the Daily Encouragement Net message! "A Little Foolishness" - Humor/satire blog (a great outlet for non-serious writing but at times with a subtle message!) Last updated with the story of Mildred Swanson, who joyfully discovers her "spiritual gift" is sending forwarded emails! (Note: This material is satire!) "Clear Minded" - Longer, periodic articles on specific issues impacting the faithful believer and church. (Actually this is my intent but I haven't done much with it!) "Hymns of Hope" - Brooksyne along with two friends made a CD using classic hymns. Brooksyne tells the background story of the 11 hymns. All of these songs are also available for download on the site.  Daily Encouragement Net is an affiliate of Christianbook.com. Any orders placed to Christian Book Distributers using this link or any specific product link to a recommended resource in a daily encouragement message will help our Daily Encouragement ministry through a small commission on the sale. Thank you for using these links when purchasing online through CBD!Personal Mission Statement "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."  How to become a child of God Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version. © Copyright 2011 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved Daily Encouragement Net Stephen & Brooksyne Weber 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 Contact us  Endorsed chaplain "Living securely today anchored in God's solid foundation" www.dailyencouragement.net |
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