Stephen B. Young published a piece in the Minneapolis StarTribune (July 28, 2012) in which he says, “We have now lost the comprehensive vision of our founders, and no one has yet appeared who can save us from our self-indulgent divisiveness.”
 
America experiences division in part because she fails to observe other divisions that make a difference:
the difference between long term self-interest and short-term selfishness
the difference between tolerance toward persons and tolerance toward error
the difference between needs and wants

Bethlehem’s social network host was recently covered in an article in the Star Tribune.

Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. Whether a person is able to participate in any of the prayer events located around the region or not, one can make time to pray for the city of man and the various jurisdictions in which one lives—city, county, state, federation.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.—1 Timothy 2:1–2

When I taught in the public schools, I encouraged students to take advantage of their civil liberties before they graduate by getting involved with some particular moral issue in some public way—a letter writing campaign, demonstrating with signage at a public site, canvassing, stuffing envelopes, working a booth at the county fair, providing rides for voters, and so on as would be appropriate for a given issue. Public involvement is in addition to private involvement—praying, making donations, stating your views to a friend.

(Post 5 of 5: See introduction to this series.)

Possibility and impossibility—it’s all the same with God. Justin Hoover connects that with Good News Festival & Clinic.

Guest post by Justin Hoover, Director for the GNFC

(Post 4 of 5: See introduction to this series.)

Teams can do what individuals cannot. Jeff Noyed explains …

Guest post by Jeffrey D. Noyed, Director, Jericho Road Ministries

(Post 1 of 5)

Not everything loving that Christ does is visible to us. For example, he is interceding for his own right now, and we don’t get to eavesdrop on the praying. But some of his love is displayed through his people. Displaying Christ’s love is one of the aims of the Good News Festival & Clinic (GNFC).

Some upcoming blog posts will provide a different glimpse of the GNFC—specifically the one that took place at Bethlehem’s Downtown Campus on October 29. Members from the GNFC team will describe what happened there.

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As Kempton Turner preached at the Downtown Saturday evening service on July 23, a young woman seated near the front of the sanctuary listened intently—her blue pew Bible open to Titus for ready reference. This was Tanya’s first service at Bethlehem.

During the prayer following the message, she gripped the pew in front of her and bowed her forehead onto the back of her hands. Then, as she stood singing the closing song, her lips moved slightly … As I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost, You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross….