Monthly Archives: September 2004

A NEW STUDY REPORTS that teens who make virginity pledges have substantially improved life outcomes. It’s amazing we need a study to back up what the New Testament teaches.

AGAIN, I AM IMPRESSED by the Calvary Messenger, the publication of the Beachy Amish Mennonite Fellowship. The October 2004 edition arrived today, and has a fascinating report about a conference of the Reformed Church and the Anabaptists held in Zurich, … Continue reading →

SOME THOUGHTS ON BUILDING UP THE CHURCH: Over the next few days, I am going to post some recent thoughts on maintaining and building up the conservative and evangelical portion of the church. Initially, these ideas were in a discussion … Continue reading →

COMMENTS ON THE PRINCE OF PREACHERS are here, here, and here.

“A brawl ensued and riot police had to break it up.” Likely someone said, “We’ve never done it that way before.”

HERE’S a bargain on the 2004 Annual Conference video wrapup.

ARE YOU COOL? I suppose I never have been.

REVISITING Today’s New International Version with S.M. Hutchens. Tim Bayly also posts at No, Virginia, the Bible is not politically correct. A commenter calls the TNIV, “The Neutered International Version.”

WEB SITE HELPS MATCH ministers to churches. This is operated by a Church of the Brethren pastor. Maybe the DEM’s and Ministry Office could make use of this.

HOW SOME CONSERVATIVE ANABAPTISTS ARE SEEING the upcoming national elections here in the United States.

OUR DISTRICT CONFERENCE WAS this past weekend. Jim Hardenbrook, the Annual Conference Moderator, preached an excellent message on Friday evening. About the only thing that marred the worship service was this: a good brother approached me, and was appalled by … Continue reading →

CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON WRITES: Anglicans everywhere have a stark choice. Do they want to remain part of a vibrant, growing and influential Christian church which still preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Or do they wish to remain connected to a … Continue reading →

FOR ALL THE NEGATIVITY toward the historical church that I find out and about in various circles (where our New Testament doctrines and practices often are made fun of), it does not resonate with me. Sometimes I think that some … Continue reading →

I thought I would pass this on. I think highly of Dr. Flora (he preached at our wedding), and the program that was distributed at our District Conference, seems to indicate some very good sessions. The Midwest Pastors Conference is … Continue reading →

WHY ARE “public” schools closed to the public? Good question.

UPTON CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, near Greencastle, PA, will be having its Bible Conference this weekend (September 18-19), with Bro. James F. Myer as the speaker. The theme is “Digging Into Three ‘How To’ Chapters.” It begins Saturday evening at … Continue reading →

THE ROMAN ARCHBISHOP OF PAMPLONA STATES: The stable and fecund Christian family is an eloquent sign of the humanizing and sanctifying force of the love of God, present and acting at the roots of human love. Starting from here, we … Continue reading →

COLUMNIST KATHLEEN PARKER WRITES on the power of blogs. The near-total implosion of Dan Rather and the credibility of CBS News has been credited in large part to the work of bloggers. She also says, All of which brings me … Continue reading →

HERE’S A SAD STORY: Deacon shot dead after church social. These folks aren’t Brethren, but they could still use our prayers.

GENE VEITH: HERE COME the polys. “We’re the new gay,” one woman who lives with her husband, kids, and “other significant others” told a reporter. One of her partners said the gays are blazing the trail that will soon make … Continue reading →

A minister–in whatever denomination he is in–should be convinced that that denomination is the closest approximation to New Testament Christianity in doctrine and practice. I don’t see how a minister, with integrity, can be otherwise. Too many of our ministers … Continue reading →

BEHIND THE ORGANIC LABEL [registration required]: But as organic products � and their claims to superiority � have grown more common, scientists, policy analysts and some consumers have begun to ask for proof. Where’s the evidence, they ask, for the … Continue reading →

THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN IS “an austere Midwestern denomination“? Don’t tell the folks in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Here is Bob Brubaker’s website. UPDATE: Our correspondent in Virginia points out that Bro. Brubaker lives on “Fantasy Lane.” Check your Yearbook.

HERE IS a ministry search/placement service run by a Church of the Brethren pastor.

POLLS SAY most U.S. religious groupings oppose legalized gay marriage.

SCHISM IS BEING THREATENED. There would be outrage. I think a lot of clergy would consider resigning. More here.

TODAY’S HEADLINES INDICATE that a thousand Americans have died in the current war. Mr. Kerry notes, Today marks a tragic milestone in the war in Iraq. More than one thousand of America’s sons and daughters have now given their lives … Continue reading →

IT’S the latest trend in fall fashion: Workers and students who dress down or show too much skin are being told to button up. It’s about time. See Hazards of the Miniskirt.

ONE RECURRING THOUGHT about “socially responsible investing” as practiced by Brethren Benefit Trust is this: BBT makes a big deal about getting restaurants to ban smoking, but is any pressure being brought to bear on stopping the serving of beverage … Continue reading →

HOW TO BE ETERNALLY SECURE, Bible Helps article # 352, by Harold S. Martin, is reprinted in the September 2004 Calvary Messenger. CM is published by the Beachy Amish Mennonite Fellowship of churches.