- Created on 13 May 2013
Book Studies Relevance of Bible Commands
In this timeless book, "What's on God's Sin List for Today," author Tom Hobson digs deep into scripture in order to answer the question that many Christians ask: Which of the Biblical commands are still relevant?
"Christians get confused about exactly what to do with the commands in the Bible," says Hobson. "Do we need to give up pork and shellfish? Is it a sin to eat road-kill or to eat blood sausage? Is it a sin to wear mixed fabric? Is cross-dressing a crime? What about tattoos? What do we do with that command not to boil a baby goat in its mother's milk?"
And if none of these commands are for Christians today, then which Bible commands are?
The author examines the laws in the Old Testament and the New Testament sin lists, and how they speak to issues such as sex, alcohol and drugs, obscene language and gambling as they existed in the first-century world in order to suggest what's on God's
sin list today.
" This is a biblical study of sin in the Old and New Testament in their respective historical contexts with an evaluation of their ancient meanings as well as their current relevance today. It is not intended for legalists, or antinomians, but for those who want to deepen their understanding of the conflict between Judeo-Christian ethical norms and pagan practices," Hobson notes.
Tom Hobson has been a pastor in the Presbyterian Church since 1983. He is currently chairman of the Biblical Studies Department at Morthland College in West Frankfort, Ill.
- Created on 10 May 2013
Twin Spelman Valedictorians Achieve Success with Balance
Kristie and Kirstie Bronner, C'2013, have always done everything together — from dressing alike in elementary school to double dating in high school. On May 19, the music majors from Atlanta will graduate from Spelman College as co-valedictorians with perfect 4.0 GPAs.
"I definitely do not feel like I came to school perfect," said Kirstie. "I always felt like a 4.0 student was a genius, and I didn't think that I was a genius. I still don't think I'm a genius. I'm a person who prays hard and works hard. That's it."
Extremely disciplined from high school, the Bronners found themselves spending the majority of their time studying during the early part of their Spelman career. They soon realized all of their studying was causing them to burn out.
"We were sick all the time because our immune system was so weak due to the stress," said Kristie. "Then, we realized we had to enjoy the journey. You can't be so focused on the destination that you don't live day-to-day. We were living looking forward to all the breaks. Every morning we were like, 'Christmas break is a coming. Christmas break is a coming.' And then after Christmas it was, 'Oh, Lord. OK, summer break is a coming. Summer break is a coming.' It may sound like exaggeration, but that's what we did."
To create balance in their life, Kristie and Kirstie began scheduling time to hang out with friends and go to the movies on the weekend. This change helped them to stop looking forward to breaks and begin enjoying their college experience. "Every semester became more enjoyable, more manageable, more balanced and we became healthier," explained Kristie.
While at Spelman, Kristie and Kirstie were active members of the Spelman College Glee Club. Kristie served as Glee Club chaplain and Soprano 2 section leader while Kirstie served as student conductor and Alto 1 and Alto 2 section leader. They also studied abroad in Italy and volunteered for community service projects sponsored by the college.
While Kristie and Kirstie have found inspiration in a number of the courses, they credit Juanchella G. Francis, Ph.D., psychology lecturer, with having a significant impact on the women they are becoming. "She has been an extremely impactful teacher and goes so far beyond academics," Kirstie said. "She's a perfect balance of a teacher who cares about their students and wants them to succeed and one who operates in excellence and professionalism."
"Kirstie and Kristie were two of my top performing students and an absolute joy to teach," said Dr. Francis. "As God-fearing young ladies, they are full of joy and spiritually and emotionally mature. I am extremely proud of them and know that they will bless this world!"
Upon graduation, Kristie and Kirstie plan to work full-time in ministry. They will work as youth event coordinators at Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral, which is pastored by their father, the Rev. Dale C. Bronner. In this position, they will plan conferences and programming, serve as youth counselors and work with the youth choirs and praise and worship teams. Additionally, the twins plan to author a book, record the contemporary Christian music they've been writing, and continue speaking to youth and women at events and conferences.
"I definitely believe we will always be in ministry because it's our passion. We have been doing ministry in some form our whole lives," said Kirstie.
Kristie and Kirstie aren't the first women in their family to conquer Spelman's rigorous curriculum. Their mother, the Rev. Nina Cobb Bronner, graduated from Spelman in 1985, their aunt, Sheila Bronner is a member of the Class of 1986, and their grandmother, Dorothy Gibson Cobb, finished in 1956.
Their father graduated from Morehouse College in 1984, where he finished as the top student in the field of religion.
- Created on 08 May 2013
Mike Winans Seeks Donations After Ponzi Scheme Conviction
Michael Winans Jr., who was convicted in February for running Ponzi Scheme that left dozens of his victims in financial ruin, is now asking the public for donations to pay his legal team.
Fox 2 News Detroit reporter Rob Wolchek reports he watched Winans admit in court to stealing
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- Created on 10 May 2013
‘The Sister Gospels’ Offer Comfort Food for the Mind And Spirit
'The Sister Gospels,' the first published novel of Vera Jennings, was 10 years in the making. It is a faith-based story depicting the intertwining lives of four close-knit African-American sisters as each embarks on her own tumultuous path to growth and self-discovery.
A tragic loss, a doomed relationship, substance abuse and adjusting to life after divorce are the trials that test the sisters' strength of character as they draw closer to God and one another.
The genre for The Sister Gospels can be summed up as urban, Christian fiction romance, which engages female readers in particular. However, the book also features secular themes and prominent male characters that create universal appeal and offers a compelling slice-of-life human drama. Though most of the main characters are African American, with several having a personal relationship with Christ, it is a story everyone can relate to.
The Sister Gospels is already enjoying rave reviews on Amazon.com.
"Engrossing. This book kept me interested from start to finish, and I truly enjoyed how each story was connected but also stood on its own," was Sharon Valentine's comment.
"Powerfully good. I really did enjoy this book. It touched a spot in my heart. I had to bring out the Kleenex," wrote Kendra Cheatham.
The author's objective was to foster introspection, she says. "It was written with the intention to inspire and stir the soul of the reader. I hope readers will find strong and engaging characters and that the exploits of the four sisters will entertain them."
Vera Jennings was born and raised in Chicago, the third of six children. She has previously had two short stories published and has written another faith-based novel titled The Way of a Heart, which is slated for future publication. Jennings now calls southeastern Wisconsin home, where she lives with her husband, Fred.
For more information on this creative writer, visit her website at: www.firstratefiction.com.
- Created on 06 May 2013
Energetic Church of God Volunteers Spruce Up Senior Center
More than 100 volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) gathered on a rainy day last weekend to help The Lithonia Senior Center with a spring spruce up.
Welcomed with heartfelt thanks from Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson, the WMSCOG members helped improve the look and feel of the senior center, located at 2484 Bruce Street. The group has the support of The Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-mart, and other local businesses that donated mulch, equipment and yard goods.
Over the course of a long day, the volunteers completed the following tasks:
• Removing all debris
• Trimming and laying mulch for all the bushes and trees to create a walking area
• Digging and laying 90 feet of stone tile (180 blocks) for seniors to walk on
• Fixing the pond area and adding gold fish
• Cleaning and painting all five benches that are located in the garden and cementing two more
• Adding bird feeders for bird watching
• Adding shading in some key areas
• Fixing five large pots and planting vegetables, plants and flowers in the 9' by 11' pots
• Replacing the existing sign that says "Community Center" with a newer sign that says "Senior Center."
