Dear Readers of PCN,
As the summer burns on and the rain comes downs we adapt. We turn on our air conditioners on full blast to battle the 96 degree weather. In Florida we have an added ingredient that makes our summer quite unique to most others: humidity. When the thermostat reads 90 we feel 105, because of that added ingredient. Well, while you are in your homes and cars enjoying that cool refreshing air conditioner or that fan on blowing cool air, I have thought and prayer for you. I hope that in your relationship with God, that it too may be heated up in the high temperatures. I pray and hope that what you find in this newsletter will be that added ingredient to heat things up in your walk with God. I also hope that you find cool breezes of spiritual refreshments in our perspectives. And that when God looks over at you, that you will be that cool glass of water He wants to take while His blessings become a fire in your bones!
Sincerely Your Sister in Christ,
Cassandra E. Philogene
Editor in Chief
Patmos Chapel Newsletter
|
| A look back to step forward |
| The following exert is from the autobiography of Olaudah Equiano, from
anPBS' online information. For those of you who do not know: Equiano's narrative is of his journey from freedom to slavery and back to his freedom as a second class citizen in another continent (that happened to be across the Atlantic Ocean), is an amazing one. Please read below about his extraordinary voyage:
|
 The first object which saluted my eyes when I arrived on the coast, was the sea, and a slave ship, which was then riding at anchor, and waiting
for its cargo. These filled me with astonishment, which was soon converted
into terror, when I was carried on board. I was immediately handled, and
tossed up to see if I were sound, by some of the crew; and I was now persuaded
that I had gotten into a world of bad spirits, and that they were going
to kill me. Their complexions, too, differing so much from ours, their
long hair, and the language they spoke (which was very different from any
I had ever heard), united to confirm me in this belief. Indeed, such were
the horrors of my views and fears at the moment, that, if ten thousand
worlds had been my own, I would have freely parted with them all to have
exchanged my condition with that of the meanest slave in my own country.
When I looked round the ship too, and saw a large furnace of copper boiling,
and a multitude of black people of every description chained together,
every one of their countenances expressing dejection and sorrow, I no longer
doubted of my fate; and, quite overpowered with horror and anguish, I fell
motionless on the deck and fainted. When I recovered a little, I found
some black people about me, who I believed were some of those who had brought
me on board, and had been receiving their pay; they talked to me in order
to cheer me, but all in vain. I asked them if we were not to be eaten by
those white men with horrible looks, red faces, and long hair. They told
me I was not, and one of the crew brought me a small portion of spirituous
liquor in a wine glass; but being afraid of him, I would not take it out
of his hand. One of the blacks therefore took it from him and gave it to
me, and I took a little down my palate, which, instead of reviving me,
as they thought it would, threw me into the greatest consternation at the
strange feeling it produced, having never tasted any such liquor before.
Soon after this, the blacks who brought me on board went off, and left
me abandoned to despair.
I now saw myself deprived of all chance of returning to my native
country, or even the least glimpse of hope of gaining the shore, which
I now considered as friendly; and I even wished for my former slavery
in preference to my present situation, which was filled with horrors of
every kind, still heightened by my ignorance of what I was to undergo.
I was not long suffered to indulge my grief; I was soon put down under
the decks, and there I received such a salutation in my nostrils as I
had never experienced in my life: so that, with the loathsomeness of
the stench, and crying together, I became so sick and low that I was
not able to eat, nor had I the least desire to taste anything. I now
wished for the last friend, death, to relieve me; but soon, to my
grief, two of the white men offered me eatables; and, on my refusing to
eat, one of them held me fast by the hands, and laid me across, I
think, the windlass, and tied my feet, while the other flogged me
severely. I had never experienced anything of this kind before, and,
although not being used to the water, I naturally feared that element
the first time I saw it, yet, nevertheless, could I have got over the
nettings, I would have jumped over the side, but I could not; and be-
sides, the crew used to watch us very closely who were not chained down
to the decks, lest we should leap into the water; and I have seen some
of these poor African prisoners most severely cut, for attempting to do
so, and hourly whipped for not eating. This indeed was often the case with
myself. Equiano's autobiography
| The following information is about one of the founding fathers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. William Miller had more than one profession, even though his education was quite limited. This just proves that all God needs is a willing soul:
|
Miller was a farmer, justice of the peace, sheriff, and Baptist preacher, who, from 1831 to 1844, preached the immanent return of Christ. He was
born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His mother was a deeply religious person,
and his father a soldier. Probably as a result, there was tension in his
early life between patriotism and religious belief. He was largely self-educated,
attending school only for three months each winter between ages 9 and 14.
As a young man, Miller was influenced by reading and association to become a deist. This is a belief that God made the world and then abandoned it to run according to certain natural laws. Miller volunteered for service in the War of 1812, and while in service saw evidences that there was a God, after all, who intervenes in human affairs. After the war he was converted and began a systematic study of the Bible to find answers to his former questions. In the process he discovered the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, especially Daniel 8, which seemed to predict that Christ would soon return to earth. He finally established through the process of applying the Bible principle of a day for a year in prophecy, that Jesus would come a second time "about the year 1843." Pathways of the Pioneers 1999
*Information where facts have been obtained are available upon request
. |
"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." Exodus
20:16 NIV
What is false testimony? Is this where we say only the truth at all times, even at the risk of hurting someone? What a friend of yours ask for your honest opinion. Let's say that you have a close friend who finds themselves in a predicament. They believe that their significant other may be stepping out on them? You know "cheating." They come to you looking for comfort and for answers. The problem is that their significant other also happens to be a close friend of yours as well. At this point who is your neighbor and what do you say, especially if it is true?
"Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a
malicious witness." Exodus 23:1 NIV
A few more chapters in the same book of Exodus, states not to spread false reports. Basically not to be caught in that nasty little rumor mill. If you withhold the truth is that lying? In the garden the serpent withheld vital information from Eve which was recorded as a lie. How would you confront this situation of cheating friends? Do you confront the cheater? Does not the Bible state that we should confront those who are wrong and bringing confusion to the flock of Christ?
When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong." Galations 2:11 NIV [To read the entirety of the situation Read
the second chapter of Galations.]
What would be the more diplomatic yet Christian approach? If you believe
you have an answer to this particular situation please write us by clicking here. If not look for the answers to "Being Honest" in the next issue, coming out in July! |
This summer look out!
Religious Liberty will be taken to a whole new meaning in an old fashion
way. Enter in the good ole Tent Meeting! The Dawn of Hope crusade
Where: 4300 Clarcona Ocoee Rd.
Orlando, Fl. 32810
Corner of OBT and Clarcona-Ocoee Rd.
When:July 11 - Aug. 8 2009
What:A Place of Hope for YOU in These Troubled Times.
Featuring:
*Block Party
* Health Fair and Screenings
*Job Fair
*Children and Youth Programs
*Gifts for the Entire Family
*Biblical Preaching from the Word of God
*Power Packed Gospel Singing
*Your Bible Questions Answered
*Prayer and Anointing Services for:
~physically
~emotionally
~mentally
~spiritually healing.
*Financial Counseling
*How to live a Healthier Lifestyle
Heaven is preparing shouldn't we?
Click here for a map and directions to the Tent Revival!
A Riddle for you, to see if you knew...
.............Who Am I? |
|
How well do you know the people in the Bible? Below is a riddle that is filled with clues about some one in the Bible. The first reader to correctly guess the Character and where their story can be located will receive a prize. Just Click Here and fill out your information. In the subject box state "Riddle Solved".
In the body, state the answer and you will receive a following email to
let you know if you are the winner.
The winner will be announced in the next issue's newsletter. Good Luck! |
I am mentioned in both the old and the new Testimonies of the One.
My lineage before and after me is where He came from.
My grandmother was a citizen, who became a foreigner that became a follower
of Him on High.
Out of my loins and raised under my roof, was the promised for filled in his youth.
A man came to my home, and I showed him my own. Then he said this is not
all you have, there's another. I thought and yes the youngest brother.
So down the trodden path was he led to the smallest I had,
And his face and demeanor changed as he saw the shepherd lad.
27 are between the Son of the One who protected my son when from his father-in-law
he had to run.
I am _______. |
| Do you want to talk about a topic? Or respond to any of the pieces that
you see in PCN? Click Here to have your ideas heard today! |
Patmos Chapel Internet Radio Station, Plays Top Gospel Music, Archived Sermon, And Lively Sabbath School Discussion Every Friday Evenings.
Click on the logo to start your blessing.
|
| In
This Issue... Should you tell if he's cheating? Being Honest... / Also Christians & Guns, carrying a little more than the Word... / Congratulations to the 2009 Graduates!!! / Information on the Dawn of Hope Crusade |
• As the Pastor Ponders
• Should a Christian Own a Gun?... or Two?
• Gun Poll
• 2009 Graduates from Patmos
• Father's Day Prayer
• Download of the Month
• Sermon on Demand
• Patmos Chapel online
|
|
|
..
Dear Family and Visiting Friends,
Sometimes we judge people and situations based upon a preconceived bias.
We make judgments every day. Sometimes they are good and sometimes
they are not so good. Sometimes those judgments are made without
the benefit of having all the facts at our disposal. Yet we jump
to conclusions and judgments based many times on partial information.
Matthew’s Gospel records the counsel of Jesus concerning passing judgment.
In Matthew 7:1-4 (New International Version) the following words are
recorded:
Judging Others
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
The following story drives home the point and should cure us from jumping to conclusions. It is called, ”the Vacant Pulpit”.
A
church was in need of a Pastor. One of the deacons was interested in
knowing what kind of minister they desired. He therefore wrote the
following letter, as if it he had received it from an applicant, and
read the letter before the pulpit committee. Gentlemen:
"Understand
your pulpit is vacant. I should like to apply for the position. I have
many qualifications that I think you would appreciate. I have been
blessed to preach with power and have had some success as a writer.
Some say that I am a good organizer. I have been a leader in most
places I've gone.
"Some
folk, however, have some things against me. I am over 50 years of age.
I have never preached in one place for more than 3 years at a time. In
some places, I have left town, after my work caused riots and
disturbances. I have to admit that I have been in jail 3 or 4 times,
but not because of any wrong-doing. My health is not good, though I
still get a great deal done. I have had to work at my trade to help pay
my way. the churches I have preached in have been small, though located
in several large cities.
"I
have not gotten along too well with the religious leaders in different
towns where I have preached. In fact, some of them have threatened me,
taken me to court, and even attacked me physically.
"I
am not good at keeping records. I have been known to forget whom I have
baptized. However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you, even
if I have to work to help with my support."
After
reading this letter to the committee, he asked if they were interested
in the applicant. They replied that he would never do for their church;
they were not interested in an unhealthy, contentious, trouble-making,
absent-minded jailbird. In fact, they were insulted that his
application had even been presented. Then they inquired as to the name
of the applicant, whereupon the leader answered:
"The Apostle Paul."
You may not know what you think you know! May God help us all.
Love,
Pastor Daide
|
Should a Christian own a Gun? - Questions & Answers with Thaddeus Jackson
|
|
Check out the statement below released in 1990 by President Neal Wilson at The General Conference session:
"Automatic or semi-automatic military-style weapons are becoming increasingly available to civilians. In some areas of the world it is relatively easy to acquire such guns. They show up not only in the street, but in the hands of youngsters at school. Many crimes are committed through the use of these kinds of weapons. They are made to kill people. They have no legitimate recreational use."
The
teachings and example of Christ constitute the guide for the Christian
today. Christ came into the world to save lives, not to destroy them
(Luke 9:56). When Peter drew his weapon Jesus said to him: "Put your
sword back in its place . . . All who take the sword will die by the
sword" (Matt. 26:52 TEV). Jesus did not engage in violence.
The argument is made by some that banning assault weapons limits the rights
of people and that guns do not commit crimes, but people do. While it is
true that violence and criminal inclinations lead to guns, it is also true
that availability of guns leads to violence. The opportunity for civilians
to acquire by purchase or otherwise automatic or semi-automatic assault
weapons only increases the number of deaths resulting from human crimes.
Possession of guns by civilians in the United States has increased by an
estimated 300 per cent in the past four years. During the same period there
has been a staggering increase in armed attacks and resulting deaths.
In
most of the world such weapons cannot be acquired by any legal means.
The Church views with alarm the relative ease with which they may be
acquired in some areas. Their availability can only open the
possibility of further tragedies.
Pursuits of peace and the preservation of life are to be the goals of Christians.
Evil cannot be effectively met with evil, but must be overcome with good.
Seventh-day Adventists, with other people of good will, wish to cooperate
in using every legitimate means of reducing, and eliminating where possible,
the root causes of crime. In addition, with public safety and the value
of human life in mind, the sale of automatic or semi-automatic assault
weapons should be strictly controlled. This would reduce the use of weapons
by mentally disturbed people and criminals, especially those involved in
drug and gang activities." (See footnote).
Charles Barkley, former NBA player and game analyst says that he has carried
a gun for 20 years and he feels safe and he will continue to carry one.
With the new legislation that allows people to carry a gun in their vehicle,
employers may become concerned each time an angry employee walks dramatically
to his or her car after he or she has been fired from their job. If a robber
broke into your house and you had a gun, would you shoot the perpetrator
in cold blood or would you use the gun to scare them off with warning shots
fired near them? Many Christians would feel justified in pulling the trigger
to defend themselves in their own homes, even knowing and believing in
the biblically based theme that God will take care of them. Should we depend
on God or on a gun? I know what you are thinking. God helps those who help
themselves, right? Numerous studies and news reports can document cases
of family members and close friends being shot by other family members
either in a heated dispute or children accidentally shooting a sibling
or friend thinking that the gun was empty. All of this happened because
the gun was in the house where access was easy and the gun was unsecured.
My daddy owned a gun when we were growing up in a gang infested neighborhood in upstate New York. He was not a regular church goer, but used to carry his gun around the neighborhood as he greeted the neighbors. He also used to sit on our front porch with his shot gun beside him and engaged in loud conversations with neighbors as well. Nobody bothered us. Even gang members thought my dad was crazy. Maybe that's what he wanted them to think. Dad was also a former Korean War veteran, accustomed to bearing arms and who would never say "Die" and feared no man. Again, should we depend on God or on a gun? Because it may have given the appearance to work by scaring off would-be hoodlums, I have the sense to know that God protected my family through this dangerous time period and He could have done it whether we owned a gun or not. God doesn't need weapons to fight against the enemy. If the walls of Jericho fell with a march, trumpet blow and a shout, my God is capable of protecting his people with or without arms.
Do we have the right to own a gun as Christians? Of course we do, like
any card- carrying citizen in this country, as long as it is obtained under
the law and is properly secured. As Adventists, we do have the right to bear arms and
it is a personal choice between you and God, as all military people know.
Just make sure that a gun is not being used to accompany a high risk lifestyle
that is needed for your security that you wouldn't normally need if you
pursued a more humble, safe and simplistic lifestyle. From a criminal's
perspective, if a thief knew for sure that all Christians and Adventists
did not carry guns, thieves would become more daring by "busting"
into Christian homes without fear of a retaliator's bullet. Therefore,
I would that you not own a gun, but if you must, it is between you and
God. Live a righteous lifestyle, obey the gun laws and keep it secure.
My position on this matter is very simple. It is penned in the lyrics of
the Old Baptist hymn: "I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the
Lord; I will trust in the Lord, till I die; I will trust in the Lord, I
will trust in the Lord; I will trust in the Lord, till I die." No
guns for me. But, if you do decide to own one, call me, and I will invite
you over to sit on my front porch next to your shot gun and engage in loud
conversation with my neighbors.
Footnote: This public statement was released by the General Conference
president, Neal C. Wilson, after consultation with the 16 world vice presidents
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, on July 5, 1990, at the General Conference session in Indianapolis,
Indiana
Have a question about today's world? Looking for Biblical answers? Send
your questions to Author of "The Power of Positive Poetry", Elder
and Motivator Speaker, Thad Jackson today! Just write in the subject box
"Question for Thad" Click Here
|
 Gun Poll  |
.Do you agree or disagree with Christian's owning Guns:
.Brother Thaddeus author and motivational speaker gave his opinion and backed
it up with some information. What is your stance on shooting Christians
(and we are not talking about with their mouths) in this millennium? Are
you For or Nay.
Click on the link below the picture to go state your stance. Feel free
to let us know why or why not...
.. .
Patmos Chapel's Online Newsletter Poll:
Look towards one of the new issues to find out if your opinion is a popular
one...
|
Graduates- By Joanna Fuchs
|
Dear Lord,
Please bless these graduates
as they go out into the world
to make it a better place,
while they pursue their dreams.
Gently guide them, lead them,
show them Your way to success and happiness
through service to others,
as they maximize their own potential.
Fill them with joy when they reach their goals.
Strengthen them, as they deal with life's obstacles,
and show them that every challenge
is a path to character development.
Give them the intelligence
to make a plan for their futures.
Give them the patience and persistence
to pursue their ambitions.
Most of all, give them caring hearts
to look for ways to help the people they meet
on their life's journey.
Encourage them and lift them up now,
as they spread their wings
into a clear sky of limitless opportunity.
Let each and every graduate here
be wrapped in the warmth of Your infinite love,
and let Your wisdom show them the way
to make the most of their lives.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
http://www.poemsource.com/graduation-poems.html
|
|
 RocketDock is a smoothly animated, alpha blended application launcher. It provides a nice clean interface to drop shortcuts on for easy access and organization. With each item completely customizable there is no end to what you can add and launch from the dock.
Now with added Taskbar support your minimized windows can appear as
icons on the dock. This allows for better productivity and
accessibility.
Click here to download
|
| Father's Day Poem - By Joanna Fuchs |
 |
|
“FATHER'S DAY PRAYER”
“My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.”
Proverbs 3:11 - 12 NIV
Lord, please bless our fathers,
these men who mean so much to us,
who are greatly responsible
for who we are and who we are becoming.
Bless them for having the courage
to do what's necessary to keep us out of trouble,
for making us do the right thing,
for helping us build our character,
even when it makes us angry;
and bless them for pushing us to do our best,
even when they just want to love us.
Bless our fathers for being our protectors,
for leading us through stormy times to safety,
for making us believe that everything will be all right
and for making it so.
Bless our fathers for quietly making a living
to provide for those they love most,
for giving us food, clothing, shelter
and the other material things that really matter,
for unselfishly investing time and money in us
that they could have spent on themselves.
Bless our fathers, Lord,
for saving some energy for fun,
for leading us on adventures
to explore the outer reaches of ourselves,
for making us laugh,
for being our playmates and our friends.
Bless them for being our secure foundation, our rock,
for holding on tight to us...until it's time to let us go.
Lord, bless these men we look up to,
our role models, our heroes,
our fathers.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
http://www.poemsource.com/father-poems.html |
|
|
| A Note from Ms. Jones |
|
“Be Blessed!”
“..."But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and
was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around
him and kissed him.”
Luke 15:19b: NIV
Lisa was so excited to get home from school so that go to the annual Autumn
Race. Children of all ages competed with their age groups, running through
an obstacle course. Every participant receives a ribbon and a tee-shirt.
Individuals finishing first, second, and third place would get a trophy.
Upon arriving home Lisa ran through the house and up stairs to her bedroom
to get ready for the race.
Thirty minutes later the Lisa stretched her legs and went to the starting
line. She waved to her parents one last time before beginning the
race. When the gun went off all the children began running. As Lisa ran
further away she began to get scared because she was not aware of her surroundings.
Although she was running with other children she didn’t feel safe.
Lisa started to slow down then she heard a voice cheering her on. When
she turned around she saw that it was her father and she began to smile. Lisa didn’t know that her father was running behind
her. As she began to pick up her speed, Lisa turned around a few times
to see if her father was still behind her. Once the race was over Lisa
ran to her father and thanked him for running with her.
We also have a heavenly Father that is always behind us encouraging us
to finish the race. He gives us that extra push we need to get through
each day. As we celebrate Father’s Day this month, lets us not forget to
thank our Heavenly Father.
“...if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has
given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”
Acts 20:24 : NIV
“Bless and be blessed”
Ms. Jones
|
| Patmos Broadcasts' Itself |
|
|
Pastor Barry K. Bonner Speaks on the topic "Watchmen".