This blog deals with Christian living, disability, ethics, Life Issues, a wonderful miracle, and faith in Jesus Christ.
“Our once great western Christian civilization is dying. If this matters to followers of Jesus Christ, then we must set aside our denominational differences and work together to strengthen the things that remain and reclaim what has been lost. Evangelicals and Catholics must stand together to re-establish that former Christian culture and moral consensus. We have the numbers and the organization but the question is this: Do we have the will to win this present spiritual battle for Jesus Christ against secularism? Will we prayerfully and cooperatively work toward a new Christian spiritual revival ― or will we choose to hunker down in our churches and denominationalisms and watch everything sink into the spiritual and moral abyss of a New Dark Age?” - Mark Davis Pickup
Sunday, December 16, 2012
GRIEF OF NEWTOWN
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember and pray for the good people of Newtown who lost loved-ones. President Obama's address on Sunday evening began with the 2 Corinthians 4.16-5.1:
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
This Scripture has been a comfort and consolation to me. I hope it provides similar solace to grievers of Newtown. The solace and promise of the Apostle Paul's words are found a few verses earlier: "Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will raise us up with Jesus" (verse 14).
There, dear people of Newtown, this is this griever's hope and joy (even in the midst of pain and sorrow): To know I will be with Christ in eternity. You too will see your little ones again. Jesus himself said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19.14). Remember you were reminded of this at the memorial for your children?
Please do not despair. Follow Christ. You will see them again in glory.
Mark Davis Pickup
Monday, December 10, 2012
WHY IS NORTH AMERICAN CULTURE IN MORAL SHAMBLES?
Put this insightful book at the top of your reading list for 2013! For American Christians who visit this blog (the majority of the readership), I recommend you begin with Chapter 10 then read the rest of the book. It explains so much about how North America got into our current moral quagmire. Canadians will benefit too. David Kupelian's words of wisdom are equally applicable to Canada.
Mark Davis Pickup
Saturday, December 8, 2012
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
By 1987, my own struggle with aggressive multiple sclerosis forced me to step down from the board and leave the ministry in the capable hands of others. Boy are they capable!
The ministry has grown. It is now called the Pregnancy Care Centre. Today, they not only serve women in crisis pregnancies and their babies, the Pregnancy Care Centre counsels post-abortive women (and men) and have an active community education program. God has brought such vibrant and committed Christians to the ministry to serve as volunteers and staff at the Centre or at a board level. Edmonton's evangelical community has rallied behind them in support. You can learn more by visiting www.pregnancycarecentre.ca and www.abortionrecovery.ca
I can only admire them from afar and marvel at where God has brought this ministry from its humble beginnings in the living rooms of its first President, Marg Ferchoff, and the first Vice President: me.
The Pregnancy Care Centre has served literally thousands of women over the years. The Centre's director, Nora, has occasionally let me know how things are going. (I addressed their tenth and twentieth anniversary banquets.)
Every year I receive the Centre's Christmas card naming the infants born during the year as a result of outreach and service to their mothers. This year was no different. The card came with the names of 99 children and a Christmas message: "Now all glory to God, Who is able through His mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we ask o think." Indeed!
Because of another Child born 2,000 years ago, we have hope today and welcome other babies into our world. See link below.
MDP