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The United in Christ Newsletter
Issue #1
Volume #1
If you would like to contribute anything to this newsletter, please e-mail me.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introductions and Updates
A. Welcome to New Subscribers
B. Updates
II. Confirmation Requirements and Such
A. The Ten Commandments
B. The Lord’s Prayer
C. The Apostle’s Creed
D. Old Testament Books
E. New Testament Books
III. Straight from the Word
A. Marcie’s Encouragement
B. Passage of the Week
C. Parable of the Week
D. Further Passages Contributed
E. Biblical Individual of the Week
IV. Christianity in our World Today
A. News
B. Shared Stories
C. Famous Christian Profile
V. Literature
A. Stories
B. Poetry
C. Articles
VI. Christian Music
A. Reviews
B. Previews
C. Interviews
VII. Miscellanious
A. Testimonies
B. Internet Links
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I. Introductions and Updates-
This section provides information on what’s going on with the mailing list, as well as what is featured in this week’s newsletter.
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A. Welcome to New Subscribers
Thanks for joining the newsletter! I sure am glad that you signed up, because the more people we have subscribed to the newsletter, the better the newsletter is! I hope that in the coming weeks you will learn great insight on Jesus Christ and much that revolves around him. Thanks again!
– Mike the Newsmaster
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B. Newsmaster’s Creed
God created us so he could love us and we could love Him in return. God loves us the way we are and not the way we should be, half of what he wants is fulfilled. But there’s some people that choose not to love God in return. When people don’t love God in return, they turn to the ways of the world and the Devil and eventually end up sinning. There’s some people that don’t believe that there’s a God or a Devil, but the greatest trick the Devil ever conceived was to convince people he didn’t exist. When God saw that people were turning away from him, he became sad and did something about it. He sent his one and only son to the earth to die for our sins, because he’d rather go to hell than be in heaven without us. His son was named Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, prayed daily, and never one dirty word ever came out of his mouth. But when some people saw that Jesus was God’s son, they still didn’t follow his example, and grew to hate him. Eventually, they killed Christ in the place of a man named Barabas, but he was really dying in place of all of us, so that we would all live with him in Heaven forever after we die, as long as we would believe in him. Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave. Yes, he came back to life to prove that he was the son of God, and that he had power over death. In the three days that he was dead, he descended down into the depths of hell, and battled with demons and the DEVIL himself, eventually winning. Yes, the SON of GOD went to HELL to BATTLE with the DEVIL, and WON. When his work in hell was done, he rose from the dead and stayed on earth for 40 days, proving to people that he was the Son of God, and through that power he had power over everything, even the Devil, even death. Finally, it came the day that Jesus would return to sit at the right hand of his Father (God) in Heaven. His body, Spirit, and all ascended into the sky, and when no one could se him any longer, he returned to Heaven, and is still alive today, waiting for the day that He will return to earth and save his followers from the horrible state from the world is in. Until that day, he is still working through Christians who have asked him into their heart to bring others to believe in God.
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C. Updates
I guess there really isn’t much for me to update on, considering this is the first issue! Well, anyway, included in this week’s newsletter is an interview with Mukala (ripped from the Jesus Freak Hideout), a profile of the famous Christian Resse Roper (singer for FIF), and some information about Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
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II. Confirmation Requirements-
This section covers information needed to be memorized for Confirmation students of Community Covenant Church. If you’re church has more requirements for memorizing, please e-mail them to me, I’d be glad to list them!
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A. The Ten Commandments
1) I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.
2) You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.|
3) You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
4) Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5) Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
6) You shall not murder
7) You shall not commit adultery
8) You shall not steal
9) You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
10)You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservan, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
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B. The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kindgom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and glory forever. Amen. (Please notify me if there should be an and in the place of a the, and if there’s too many ands and what not. It’s so easy to say, but so hard to type out!)
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C. The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and will come again to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
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D. Old Testament Books
Genesis, Exodus,Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations,Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habbakuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
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E. New Testament Books
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation
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III. Straight from the Word-
This is about the largest section of the newsletter, containing material-you guessed it- straight from the Bible.
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A. Marcie’s Encouragement
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you…. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. -Psalm 86:5,7 🙂
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God’ s voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding. -Job 37:5
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You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. 🙂 -Psalm 4:7-8
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So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. -1 Corinthians 10:31
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God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 🙂 He who has the Son has life! He who does not have the Son does not have life.
-1 John 5:11-12
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All glory be God’s!!! 🙂 Jesus loves you so much!!! Have a great weekend! 🙂
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This was my devotional for today… it was super good, so I thought I’d pass it on. 🙂
http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/cj/cj-02-12-99.shtml
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B. Passage of the Week
I just noticed that I had these verses highlighted in my bible…check them out.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” –Hebrews 8: 38-39
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C. Parable of the Week
This week’s parable is the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”
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D. Further Passages Contributed
Phillipians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
– Contributed by Justin Swanson
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E. Biblical Individual of the Week
This week’s Biblical individual is Stephen, the first martyr for the Christian church. This is of the events that occured before his speech and conviction.
“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Greedmen (as it was called) – Jews of Byrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Then they secretly persuaded some men to say “We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God” So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us. All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”
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IV. Christianity in Our World Today
This section is about Christian events, happenings, stories, etc. that are going on right now. If you have Christian stories to tell about something that has happened to you or someone you know, please e-mail your story as well!
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A. News
Hey, the United in Christ Newsletter was just released, what do you know???
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B. Shared Stories
If you have a story to share with us, please send it in!
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C. Famous Christian Profile
This week’s famous Christian profile is that of Reese Roper of Five Iron Frenzy. ( *** Ripped from the Official FIF Website***)
Reese Roper: Lead vocals
Full Name: Michael Reese Roper
Birthplace: Steamboat Springs, CO
Birthday: June 30, 1973
Favorite Cereal: Grape Nuts, Peanut Butter Captain Crunch used to be but it cuts the roof of your mouth.
Did you go to College, what did you study?:2 years at U of Northern Colorado, 2 years at University of Colorado. Biology / Fine Arts
Church: Corona Presbyterian
When you were saved: 7th grade
Favorite Bands: The Crucified is my all time favorite band. I like ELO, ABBA, Stavesacre, Mortal, MxPx, Less Than Jake, NOFX, The Smiley Kids, The Sundays, Lisa Loeb, MU330, The Blue Meanies, Skavoovie and the Epitones, etc.
Favorite FIF song to play: ShutUp or Catfood of the moms
Favorite Bible Verse: All of Romans 8
Favorite Venue to Play at: The Mercury Cafe, or the old South Stage
Brand of Equipment you use: Roper brand Throat Action Squid Juice Get-Down 24
Future plans (after FIF): Go back to school, film school, or medical school, or seminary or something, and then start a campaign to give free food to college students
What do you like best about being in FIF?: The free food, also, lots of Nintendo Hobbies: Snowboarding, Art, Comic Books, Poetry, Smelling own farts
Girlfriend: A fiance named Christina Renee Musselman
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened on the road: Some promoters actually pay us for this. That always gets me. Ha! Suckers
How long have you been playing your respective instrument?: About 6 days… no wait, make that 4, actually, I haven’t really started.
What advice do you offer to aspiring musicians?: Don’t Do it. Pursue a lucrative career as a promoter.
Additional Comments: My first name is really Michael, but I don’t want anyone to think I go by Reese as some sort of stage thingie. My parents wanted to name me Reese Michael Roper, but
Michael Reese Roper sounded better. So they named me that instead, but no one has ever called me Michael. Don’t try to either because my mom will kick your butt.
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V. Literature-
This section contains stories, poems, etc. dealing with Christianity. Please feel free to send anything in.
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A. Stories
If you have any fictional material to send in, please do!
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B. Poetry
Send send send!
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C. Articles
Anything dealing with Christ will do. Thanks.
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VI. Christian Music-
This section includes articles, reviews, previews, etc. about Christian music. If you haven’t heard of the Christian bands written about, please feel free to e-mail me and I’ll give you some info.
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A. Reviews
The review this week is of Rebecca St. James’s new album, Pray. (***Ripped from the JFH***)
Rebecca never ceases to amaze me. She’s 21, she’s beautiful, & she still loves God like someone who just came away from an amazing Spirit-filled youth retreat and is running on a Spiritual “high.” Each song she’s ever written and recorded has been in-your-face and bold with the Christian message, never looking anywhere but vertically to our loving God. Rebecca has become a young adult who all of us can look at and learn from. Pray is Rebecca’s newest project, the follow-up to 1996’s Grammy-nominated God & 1997’s Christmas project, Christmas. Much like God, Pray is a successful mix of her Aussie accented vocals and rock/pop-driven tunes. However, Becca’s had her musician pals turn up their amps a little bit for this one. Not too many of the tracks can really enter the “ballad” category while some do start out or just hover above that description. The album kicks off with her new single/video & the title cut from the album, which was inspired by 2 Chronicles 7:14. The song begins with some strings, including a violin, leading the listener to think, “Uh-oh! Who are you & what have you done with Rebecca??!!” But before you can really let that questioning feeling, the drums roll in and the electric guitars say “hello” with a catchy tune you’ll more than likely want to hear over & over. Becca decided to do a couple of pretty funky covers on this album. She reworked Rich Mullins’ “Hold Me Jesus” into a slow, almost dark, but repentive cry out to God to draw near to us when we’re in need of His comfort. Also, she redoes Keith Green’s classic “Lord, You’re Beautiful” with electronic drums and bass carrying her soft, melodic voice through the intro before a stronger beat jumps in. Before long, the guitars are more prominent, strings have been introduced, and Becca;s voice has been layered and the song claims a new identity. Before i critique the whole thing for 20 pages, i’ll close this review. Miss James has made another successful recording and I highly recommend it for fans of her and non-fans alike.
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B. Previews
Know of an album that’s coming out? Send in all you know here!
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C. Interviews
This particular week’s interview was with Mukala, found at
http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com .
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VII. Miscellanious-
This section holds anything not mentioned in the above sections.
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A. Testimonies
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B. Internet Links
Check out the Jesus Freak Hideout. I ripped a whole bunch of stuff from that site this week, but hopefully when we get rolling, we won’t have to do that. http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com
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Until next time…
Mike the Newsmaster
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