text:
When you strive to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, you will be persecuted, you will suffer. That's a promise right out of God's Word (2 Timothy 3:12). And while history validates that truth, it also captures another tragic reality—you can mitigate your suffering for Christ with little or no effort. Just compromise.
For some, that translates into compromised speech—profanity and crass humor at work, and discussing openly what God intends to stay private and sacred. Others compromise their relationships. Where Scripture calls for separation, they cry for unity. Friendships, romantic pursuits, even ministry alliances all seem to push—or cross—biblical boundaries. Others resist suffering by blending in with the culture, immersing themselves into every fallen fad imaginable—movies, music, even their clothing is marked by compromise.
Certainly those examples won't surprise you. But there's another kind of compromise more subtle than risky relationships and risqué wardrobes. It's compromised preaching. In fact, that's where the trend begins. John addresses that in today's sermon excerpt. Though he talks about preaching, his comments illustrate principles that apply to all of life.
Here's John MacArthur, outlining the steps toward compromised preaching . . .
Listen to this 4-minute clip:
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"Bible truth in Bible dress??" Just what is that? EVERYONE is saying they tell the truth. Some say avoid Harry Potter like the plague because it's a "portal" to allow satan a foothold, some say it's OK if you make it understood it's fantasy (and shouldn't that be obvious to begin with?) and totally harmless.
The "name it and claim it" folk have a lot of Scripture references to back up those teachings, yet some say they "misread" the Bible. I'm confused.
I think we ALL compromise at some point. How many call homosexuality an abomination up and until someone in THEIR family comes out of the closet?, then all of the sudden, the Bible was not teaching it's an abomination, and, after all, we shouldn't judge anyone.
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Sadly I go to a "seeker friendly" church, where the gospel is hardly ever preached or taught from the pulpit. Lots of emotional or funny stories that are supposed to explain the text. I get nothing from these sermons, it actually makes me a bit mad. I stay because I have a girlfriend there, maybe that's my compromise. I know getting fed meat from the pulpit is more important. Thank you John McArthur, I've grown and learned so much a from you over the past 12 plus years. You're ministry keeps me sharp and focused, especially in an age(in the church) of compromise. I haven't been the most popular when I have spoken up, but standing for the truth of the gospel is a mandate for all Christians and it's my passion!
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Could someone please explain what John MacArthur means by "Biblical Doctrine in Biblical Dress"? More specifically, what is the difference between giving a more modern illustration of a Biblical principle and the compromise of "Bible Doctrine in Cultural Dress," if there is any difference? Doesn't John MacArthur himself use illustrations to help expound some of his teachings?
I am not making any accusations; I am honestly trying to figure out what Pastor McArthur is trying to say. I am a regular user of his devotionals, and his ministry has helped my out on many an occasion.
Biblical Dress is a descriptive phrase John MacArthur picked up from R. L. Dabney. Here's a short excerpt from another message John preached that will provide more context. I think it will help answer your question(s).
R.L. Dabney points out that what happens in the history of the church is sort of a three-step downgrade. There is a time in the church—he calls it the Golden Age—when the truth of God is preached from the Word of God—when men exposit the Scripture. I grew up in a time like that. Bible exposition was flourishing. Bible exposition is what people did. Not any more. Dabney goes on to say there's a second step, when evangelicals say, "Well, we still believe biblical truth. We still believe sound doctrine. We're still evangelical. But we just think the Bible is archaic and people don't identify with it and it's boring so we've taken the truth and we've put it in some cultural context people can identify with to communicate better. It's still the truth...we just give it new clothes."
That's quite a transition from the Golden Age. First you preach the truth of God from the Word of God. That's the dress that God put on it, that's the way He clothed it. And God knows what is best for the soul and the spirit and the mind of a man who is under the convicting influence of the Holy Spirit, right? He knows what truth comes to a man most powerfully in the working of the Holy Spirit and that's why He put it in the Bible the way He did. But some people think they know better than God, so they take the truths of Scripture out of the Scripture, put them in another dress, clothe them differently in order to remove the stigma of the Bible, the offense of the Bible and somehow think they can get through to the culture in a sort of a soft-sell way and they have basically set the Bible aside because they think it's sort of embarrassing.
Dabney says, "This is the transition stage. In this, the doctrine taught is still that of Scripture but their relations are molded into conformity with the prevalent human dialectics and God's truth is now shorn of a part of its power over the soul."
Dabney pleads, "May we ever be content to exhibit Bible doctrine in its own Bible dress."
You're missing the point of John's mentioning Harry Potter. He wasn't making a statement on the perils of reading J. K. Rowling novels. He was pointing out that when preachers are grasping for cultural relevance by featuring the culture in their messages—instead of Scripture—they've compromised the Word of God, the people of God, and their entire ministry.
I don't know your level of exposure to churches in America, but survey the evangelical landscape in America, and you'll see John's point has proven accurate. When movie clips from Andy Griffith and Chronicles of Narnia are the main feature of the "message" on Sunday morning, hope is dim… And those are just "clean" versions of cultural dress. It gets worse—much worse.
As a general rule, the preaching of biblical doctrine in biblical dress evidences a biblical saving faith. It gives evidence that the person believes the testimony of God that His word is that incorruptible seed that when preached to unregenerate sinners those whom God has elected to be saved will in fact become born again (see 1 Peter 1:23-25). It gives evidence that the person believes the testimony of Christ that all those whom the Father has given Him (who are not of the world even as He is not of the world) are sanctified by the truth, namely, His word (see John 17:9-17). It gives testimony that they seek the Glory of their Master and not their own. It gives evidence that they seek praise from God and not the praise of men, giving evidence of their own salvation (see Romans 2:29).
As a man thinks in his heart so is he. It is a man's actions that give evidence to what he truly believes not what he says (see Proverbs 23:7 KJV). Those who seek the glory (honor) that comes from men rather than the glory (honor) that comes from God give evidence that they really do not believe (see John 5:44). Granted, they may have "faith" but in the end it will shown to be the "faith" like that of the demons, a faith that cannot save (see James 2:19, 20). One of the distinguishing traits of one who is born from above is that they embrace the truth of the word of God when it is accurately taught or proclaimed. This is so because the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer bears witness to that truth. Since they are His sheep they follow Him. In other words, they will obey the truth as they are born of the truth and they have the Spirit of truth within them.
Lest we think that this message is for the preacher and not for all of us. Bear in mind that the biblical meaning of confessing Christ before men is to SAY THE SAME THING as Christ before men. We face the same temptations as every preacher. Each one of us will either hear "depart from Me, I never knew you" (see Matthew 7:22-23) or "Well done good and faithful slave, enter into the joy of your Master" (see Matthew 25:23). All who are in Christ are both encouraged and exhorted to draw near to (with boldness) the throne of grace (Oh, what a glorious privilege) that we might receive mercy and find grace (enabling grace) to help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). –His Unworthy Slave
I think that I am starting to get the picture, but let me see if I'm getting it right. My question was whether there was a difference between using an illustration from OUTSIDE the Bible to explain Biblical truth, and compromising. If I am getting everything correct, the difference is whether the outside reference is additional or central.
In other words, an illustration like "Just as a child progresses from letters to words to sentences, so God's revelation progressed from types, ceremonies, and prophecies to final completion in Jesus Christ and the New Testament" (quote taken from today's Drawing Near devotional) is permissible, but a whole sermon based on analogy from the natural world is impermissible.
Am I right?
Thanks Tommy, I get it now, but still do not like it, that phrase sounds very much like the 'Word of Faith Movement' or 'Purpose Driven Whatever'. Lord knows I do not want to compromise, do not want to sin, but I always mess up. So glad for the blessing of the Spirit's indwelling me for the conviction in my heart as I meditate on my actions, and study Scripture, I always end up begging for forgiveness.
Douglas, you seem very passionate about the Word. God bless you.
Thanks you all for your comments and questions, they really make me grow, so I can understand the Word of God better.
The point is valid that many churches and individuals compromise confessing their faith by clothing it in popular cultural images and idioms which weaken the original impact scriptural truth was meant to make.
The key here should be for the Christian to dig deeply into the meaning of the text, know current illustrations which can touch heart and mind, (like mustard seeds and light under bushels did for Jesus) and so make the truth live through his/her own in thoughts, words and deeds.
Just take a walk somewhere out in the country. Illustrations are all around you! God put them there for you to use like Jesus did. I live near the Ozark Mountains and try to hike several times a year. God is real and alive today.
If you know those who worry tell them to spend a day just noticing the "birds of the air." (direct command from Jesus)...much better than any video clip, though they have a place, yet not to usurp exposition of the text. This is LIVING WORD! This is incarnational truth!
If I had a dollar for every movie clip I've seen in church to set up a sermon. The whole point is scripture is not being exposited. It's usually a topical sermon or sermon series with a text thrown in to look spiritual. But the text has nothing to do with what's actually being talked about. Example: When Paul was in the boat caught in the storm the pastor used it for a sermon series on the storms of life. The sermon never actually explained the portions of scripture. It's compromise, so the unchurched(lost dead sinners) feel comfy. I've also been through many prayers after the sermon where people are asked to repeat a salvation prayer without ever hearing the gospel, no law,sin,judgment,hell,repentance,Jesus,salvation,redemption,etc...nothing, just repeat this prayer. It's very unsettling and disturbing. Lost people need to hear the whole gospel!
Right on, Shawn. That's what John was getting at.
Joe, I know what you're talking about. Services like that are standard fare for many congregations—every single week. I can't imagine facing a spiritual crisis of some kind, or experiencing a family tragedy, then coming to the LORD's house only to be fed video clips from Andy Griffith or Rudy.
James offers remarkable wisdom for such teachers "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment" (James 3:1).
I used to think God's will for my life was something I would be searching for until I got to a place where I had achieved all I wanted and felt comfortable in what I was doing. I was selfish because I was concerned about "I" and not about what GOD wanted. I appreciate this blog series because it is clearly BIBLICAL and not man's opinion. The truth about persecution is also found in Matthew 5:10, "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This comes at the end of all the other "Blesseds" and is also the result of salvation and living righteously. I am glad that we have God's word to tell us how to live and what will happen when we obey it. It helps us be able to examine ourselves according to 2 Cor 13:4-5.
Jesus said that He would bring in fact, division. "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division;" Luke 12:51. If I was going to a church like yours I would do one of two things: 1. I would leave even if I had a girlfriend there and look for a girlfriend in a Bible-preaching church where I would be more apt to find one who loved God with all her heart, soul, mind and strength. A girl who loves me with all her heart, soul, etc. is not a girl that I am interested in and I don't care how beautiful she is! Human emotions and commitments are fickle. God said it himself that when a woman marries a man, her DESIRE will be for him [to rule over him]. When you get married to this girl, you will be in constant battle to rule the house according to God's word and your chief opponent will be this girl if she is not surrendered and submitted heart and soul to Jesus Christ. YOU must be surrendered to Christ more than to your emotions. This is one way to surrender to Christ by leaving this church and going to the church where the Bible is actually taught.
2. I could possibly stay in the church if I could find a MAN (not a woman) to disciple. Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 told us to make disciples. Jesus made disciples by investing His life into them and teaching them the word of God. I am sure that in your current church, because the Bible isn't being taught, that there are several men that are in sexual sin that God can use you to help (That is if you are living in victory over it). You can fulfill the great comission right there and maybe start a group for men who are living in sexual sin and if you desire, I could suggest the material from purelifeministries.org
Harry potter is harmless?
2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
how many are consumed, not only with Harry Potter, but with so many other forms of entertainment that do not build that person up spiritually. Harry potter is just especially grievous because it contains witchcraft, a thing that God hates. The point is people would rather find entertainment in the things of this world rather than delight themselves in Gods word.
Joe Watkins,I can relate with on this. I have attended a church,similar to the one you mentioned. This church has two screens on stage. It will often show a short clip from a Hollwood movie. The clip preceeds the sermon. Afterward,this clip is used as an example for that day's sermon. A few verses are used,then another story on that same topic. They will also present a personal life experience as well as a funny experience on the same topic. It is difficult for me to say that they are doing or saying anything blatanly wrong in general,but,I do leave empty. When I compare it to the kind of expositional,verse by verse teaching from such persons as MacArthur and others like him, I feel very full in a Biblical way. Tommy Clayton,Once again,thank you for correcting me. I'm working on your advice.
Paul tells Timothy to preach the Word, in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). I don't see a valid reason for preaching not to be from the Word of God. It would seem that the preacher who doesn't speak from the Word is relying more on his own words and ability to communicate than he is on God's Word and the Holy Spirit's ability to convict. For those of us who don't speak from a pulpit but seek to be a witness to those we encounter, we too, need to rely on God's Word. I think we need to at all times be reflective of scriptural teaching, and not be hesitant to actually quote scripture. God tells us that His Word is the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and Paul tells us not to be ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God to salvation. We must not be men pleasers (Galatians 1:10), hesitant and afraid of the reaction of men (of which I am all too often). Rather, we should live to please our Lord alone, and pray for boldness to proclaim and teach His Word, doing so in love and gentleness.
I understand the danger of non expository preaching because you can slowly, overtime, depart from the truth. Should we then scrutinize preaching that is mixed between expository and also based on life experience? When I talk about life experience I mean how pastors often draw on parallels from their own life to reinforce a message. This may sound like common sense, but doesn't the life experience stand the chance of being used in another pastor's sermon and drawing farther and farther from the actual scripture?
I agree with Bryan (Post #15) regarding the best kind of woman a Christian man is to have: Find a woman who loves God MORE than herself and YOU and you've got yourself a potential wife. Even then, the struggle a wife will have with her sinful flesh will be great at times but if you are not on the same page together about God first, above all, and have BOTH been made new in Christ, you will not have a marriage as God intends it for His children.
#16 Posted by Ben Ray
Re "...how many are consumed, not only with Harry Potter, but with so many other forms of entertainment that do not build that person up spiritually. Harry potter is just especially grievous because it contains witchcraft, a thing that God hates. The point is people would rather find entertainment in the things of this world rather than delight themselves in Gods word."
Well, that's kinda what I was getting at. The way I see it, there would be nothing wrong with using ANY movie, play, or whatever secular society shows that portrays the struggle between good and evil (old or new) as long as one kept the context clear. It's just a movie, or game, or whatever, and it needs to be appropriate either to an age group, or, in our case, with "faith" age.
Take another example: The Lord of the Rings. I remember when the "Christians" were oh so happy because that was so much better than H.P. and a good alternative. Not necessarily openly Christian, but with a good Christian message. Despite it being so violent, and with so many "obscure" and "dark" overtones (that king in the last movie even conjured up the dead to help him win a battle, for crying out loud) (( talk about the ends justifying the needs?? (from a previous blog subject)).
I believe it's more important to place things in their proper place. To teach that one should NOT get their theology from the world of entertainment. Even "The Passion of the Christ" had it's problems, remember??
To say one compromises his beliefs when enjoying a movie, or whatever CAN be misleading.
In a follow-up series on this blog, we'll be discussing how to make choices in the gray areas where the Bible provides no explicit instruction, but only gives principles. That discussion will include choices in entertainment—songs, Internet, movies. Yes, Harry Potter. Let's hold off on that conversation until then.
You've picked up on John's point. God's Word has been replaced. The replacement is not as important as the sin of slighting God's Word. John has commented before that when he sees or hears of churches that practice such foolishness, he's mindful of King Saul trying to suit up little David in his over-sized armor. David tests the armor and feels like a fool. He can't maneuver. He can't fight. He can't win. So…he resorts to what God has always blessed in the past—his trusty shepherd's sling.
The Bible is that sling. Culture is the armor. Get it…?
Ever thought about what might have happened to David if he ventured down in the valley to fight Goliath in Saul's armor instead of wielding his shepherd's sling?
God likes to get glory from the things man deems foolish and despicable. Goliath mocked David's battle strategy. But he didn't laugh long…
Now that we are back on topic, the sin of slighting God's word.
In regards to the market driven approach … "It appeals to people at the level of their fallen-ness and promises to give them what they lust for in their unredeemed condition." "There are many, many ways to build the first church of the tares, many ways, behind which, Satan is the real power."(John MacArthur-Shepherds' Conference 2008) In the process of reading "Ashamed of the Gospel" in 2003, I was brought to such a level of conviction and awareness of sin that at the time was so terrifying, I wasn't sure I could even be forgiven. I fled to Christ for mercy holding fast to His claim to save sinners. What was my sin? I had trivialized the seriousness of slighting God's word. It was not so much that I had been ashamed of His word (I had experienced suffering because of the word) as that I had associations with "ministries" who had. In the end I discovered that not only did they not have a love of the truth, they opposed the truth. Not only did they not have a concern for the glory of God, they resented the glory of God because it took away from their own glory. It was all about self. They were building the kingdom of self. They had never surrendered themselves to the lordship of the "Lord of Lords"! Without holiness, no one shall see the Lord.-His Unworthy Slave
One of my favorite pastors-Jeff Noblit-preached a sermon titled The Milky Way. His assessment of modern day preaching is what I see much of in SBC churches as well as other area churches. The gist of what Jeff said, and I fully agree, is that pastors and church leadership endeavor to continuously keep their congregants milk-dependent rather than weaning them from elementary principles and teaching them deeper truths from God's Word.
Here is a link to Jeff's sermon...listen when you can!
The new styles of preaching and the other approaches such as storytelling are just a vehicle to sneak in different meanings of the gospel. I agree that there is no call to use a different vehicle other than authoritative, expository preaching from biblical texts. But even more concerning is what is being smuggled in those vehicles - newly defined words.
"Grace" is usually redefined as a free ticket to heaven, no questions asked, or just the fulfillment of your desire to be loved, instead of God's special and complete provision of the things needed for salvation (the atonement, right understanding of the gospel, the reborn conscience, etc). "Faith" is usually redefined as "just believe" or living in your imagination, rather than knowing the trustworthy, historical, and accurate knowledge of salvation preserved in the Bible and loving that knowledge and its meaning.
So we can criticize the formats that carry in the redefined words, or examine the meaning being taught. We can learn a lot from the wrong meanings that are given to these important words. They may help us to see how we may have been too careless in understanding the clear meaning of the gospel.
So if you are blessed with a good preacher who does not try to dress up the Bible in new clothes, that is good. But make sure that he can define his words accurately and with clarity. Seek good preaching, but even more importantly, seek clarity!
Good word, Greg:
But I wouldn't include a "reborn conscience" in my list of things needed for salvation. Whatever you may have meant by that term, it could confuse people. And as you mentioned, we must aim for clarity, especially when discussing issues pertaining to salvation.
What we need for salvation is comprehension of the gospel of Christ, faith, and repentance, all gifts of Grace.
A rightly-informed, or cleansed conscience will follow as a result of salvation. It's the cart, not the horse, if you will.
Hi Dan,
I don't know that we could go so far as to say that it would be a sin, but I do think it would be displeasing to God.
Considering the fact that most believers only gather together for 1-2 hours on Sunday morning for worship, I can't imagine why that hour has to be sacrificed instead of the other 165 hours in the week.
Here is a brief portion of the belief statement from such a "community driven church":
"God accepts us just as we are, but never intends for us to stay just as we were, rather to gain glimpses of heaven by the way we choose to live our life on Earth."
Here is what you can expect if you wish to attend this "church":
* Dynamic Worship
* Relevant Messages
* Engaging Children's Ministry (Nursery – 5th Grade)
* Continental Breakfast and Coffee
* Casual Dress (Flip Flops welcome!)
I see your point Tommy, and you are right that we are given a clean conscience when we accept the Gospel. But I was thinking along the lines of repentance, which depends on the conscience being convicted of sin. My belief is that we are unable to repent until God gives us a new conscience. Even if we disagree on this point, we probably agree that God intervenes in some way in the conscience of the unbeliever to bring about repentance. Some of the texts that pointed me in this direction are 2 Tim 2:25, Acts 11:18, and 2 Chron 30:12.
to Dan Wilson #29
In answer to your question we need to look at the purpose of the church in the first place. Go to Acts 2:42 where it states "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers." Church is for believers and is a place where they can 1) be taught doctrine, 2) have fellowship with other believers where they strengthen each other in the Lord, 3)take communion, and 4) pray together. If the church does not meet these needs of the believers then how will they be able to go out and serve effectively in the community?
Verse 47b states "and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." Believers get fed and strengthened in the church, then go out and witness and the Spirit uses that witness to save them and add them to the church.
Hebrews 10:25 states "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Believers need that time together to get them ready to face the world and be of use to it. Without the strong Biblical foundation, compromise sets in and believers unwittingly lose their effectiveness because they are just like the world.
Dan, you may not have realized it but your question brings to the forefront a very terrifying reality that exists in the "church". By God's grace I shall endeavor to address the issue in a manner that will awaken the saints out of their slumber and will absolve me of the blood of those who cleave to a false assurance of salvation and whose righteousness, in the end, will prove to be nothing more than filthy rags.
I shall start by bringing to our remembrance a quote from the introduction. "But there's another kind of compromise more subtle than risky relationships and risqué wardrobes. It's compromised preaching. In fact, that's where the trend begins." What is this trend? Let us not forget the title of the subject at hand. "Suffer or Compromise." The issue at hand is the issue of the avoidance of suffering. How can this be? The very calling of the Church, this coming to Christ and following Him, necessitates suffering. That is why our Master warned us to count the cost. The church is following another Jesus, you know, the popular Jesus, the one that cannot and does not save from sin. The Church, however, is still suffering and still following their Master, feebly perhaps but faithfully nonetheless.
The method through which this trend of compromise, this method of bait and switch, is accomplished through this sin of slighting God's word on the part of preachers. Notice John's point. It is the preachers who start this departure from suffering. I submit to you that they are not alone in this departure from suffering. They are merely leading the way. They have willing followers. This brings us back to your question Dan, "Is it displeasing in God's eyes to cancel worshiping God to serve the community without one in community asking them to?"
I can find nowhere in God's word that tells us to go out and serve our community. Where in the gospels do we see such a command? Where in the book of Acts do we see such an example? It is a fraud. It is heresy and is a bait and switch which will bring you the praise of man but in doing so you will forfeit the praise which comes from God. "Objection; Christ served His community." Answer; Christ performed many miracles that testified to the fact that He was the Messiah, even God in the flesh. His multiplying of the loaves and fish demonstrated that He was the Bread of Life. When He rebuked them for coming for the bread which perishes (John 6:27), what was His community's response? They grumbled (see John 6:41) and later cried crucify. He came to do the will of the Father and give them His words (John 12:49) not to serve His community. We also are called to be His witnesses and make disciples, proclaiming and teaching His Word and to joyously and faithfully follow Him in His sufferings, not to "serve our community". -His Unworthy Slave
To illustrate my previous post from another angle I must ask: Have we forgotten that Satan is the god of this world (2Corinthians 4:4) and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one (1John 5:19)? Have we forgotten that the wrath of God abides on the sons of disobedience (see John 3:36, Ephesians 2:2, 3)? Quaint little pleasantries and niceties will do them no good. It only serves to give them a false sense of reality and a false sense of their true spiritual condition. (Consider what a wicked thing it is to speak peace, peace to a soul when there is no peace. Consider also the judgment of God upon such prophets as revealed in Ezekiel 13:9, 10). Nothing less than the Sword of the Spirit, the Living and Abiding Word of God will deliver a child of wrath out of their dreadful condition. Have we forgotten that we were once also, by nature, a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3)? (Notice it says "were"). What fellowship does light have with darkness? Our citizenship and fellowship is no longer with "our community". We have a new citizenship and a new fellowship. What a sweet fellowship it is! What a blessed hope the saints truly have! –His Unworthy Slave
A word of encouragement to those of you who know and believe these things: Do you grieve because of your inconsistency? Keep going, because you are not alone. Keep going because your brothers and sisters in Christ also struggle to be like their Master. You are not alone because your Master has not forsaken you. A bruised reed He will not break. Most importantly, keep going to your Master. Can you see Him in His Priestly robes? Look a little longer, go to Hebrews 4:15-16. Can you see Him now? How lovely He is. He ever lives to make intercession for His own (Hebrews 7:25). Keep going to Him, keep receiving His mercy and keep petitioning Him for His enabling grace. If you are faithful to do this you will become more and more consistent in your walk and someday you will see Him in all of His glory and you will finally serve Him in the manner in which He is worthy. –His Unworthy Slave
I'd like to respond, but before I do, can you clarify something? Are you saying that you do not think believers are ever to serve their community in any way? Or does what you're saying apply to Sunday mornings?
I guess I should ask it this way: what is the believer's and church's relationship to the community? It's a big question, but could you answer it as briefly as possible?
Gabriel, I would pose the question this way. "What is the believer's and the Churches relationship to the world." I would submit to you that we can see these things fleshed out in the book of Acts. We dare not get our examples by observing what is going on in these days of departure from the faith. -His Unworthy Slave
I see... well, I just got a new Bible today and I was happy to find that it didn't end in Acts, but actually ended with maps. Actually, if it did end in Acts you couldn't call yourself a slave... that comes later.
As far as serving the community, would you agree that evangelism is serving the community? Whether door-to-door, or standing on a street corner, or handing out literature? That's a kind of service isn't it? I think so. Service is simply a way of meeting needs. The world/community needs Christ, so we serve them when we share the gospel.
Can an unbeliever come to a believer with marriage problems and the believer use that as an opportunity to share Christ as the only source of help? That's serving them, isn't it?
If it is, can a church host a counseling center during the week where unbelievers can go for help and hear the gospel on their first or second appointment? That's serving people, right?
Well, what if the church went and served food at a homeless shelter gaining an audience for the gospel? Can a church dish out food and share the gospel?
Here is a problem I see in your thinking: we don't know how everyone came to believe in Jesus in Acts. We do know that a lot of them came to faith through faithful preaching. But there are many statements of the growth of the church untied to a sermon or preaching ministry.
So long as the church remains focused on the proclamation of the gospel, I think Scripture gives a lot of freedom in how the gospel is shared. Of course wisdom is necessary, but since Acts is descriptive not prescriptive, we cannot base our understanding of the church exclusively on Acts.
To answer the question of what is the church's relationship with the world, Jesus said we are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14). We also are to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to answer the question, who is our neighbor, Jesus told the parable of the good Samaritan. This parable depicts a Samaritan seeing someone in need and helping them.
Jesus told us to go out into all the world and spread the gospel. Certainly this would include our communities. As we go, we will see needs and surely we are to try to meet them, in the love of Christ, as His representatives. We do all for His glory, proclaiming His Word as we serve in love.
I think there is a fine line between what Douglas has asserted and how Gabrielle has responded. First there are clear indications in scripture that we should be very mindful to assist our "brethren" in times of need...such as Matthew 25:31-46 and James 1:27 (among others)
However, there also seems to be an emphasis in many evangelical circles to ONLY serve the community at large with needs that are temporal while totally and completely ignoring essentials of the faith such as preaching repentance and acceptance of Christ by faith.
Paul would say these words as his primary focus to one of his audiences: "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2
There must be a balance between FIRST preaching the Gospel THEN providing for the "brethren" (that terminology is key).
Gabriel made a valid point about Acts being descriptive rather than prescriptive. However, when it comes to preaching, it is clear that God has ordained the kind of preaching done by Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets as the chief (though not only) means of disseminating truth. Why is it clear? Because these people continued to preach even when no one wanted them to. They didn't switch to a more effective method at those times. The New Testament commands preaching and says that it is absolutely vital to the spread of the Gospel (2 Tim 4:2, Rom 10:14).
This preaching must be authoritative in keeping with the Bible's authority. Even when people disdain this kind of preaching, we should remember that Jesus persisted even when his own disciples complained and took offense (John 6:60). They wanted him to tone down the rhetoric so he would not drive people away. But he would have none of it. He explained that although the words preached were essential, it wasn't the preacher that persuaded people to believe, but God's sovereign will and the Holy Spirit (John 6:63-65). If we put less emphasis on preaching and try to be more effective persuaders, then we don't really understand this dynamic.
This trend of avoidance of suffering through the slighting of God's word is often times very subtle. Indeed sin itself is so very subtle, so often we are unable to see it without the working of the Holy Spirit, the influence of the living and abiding word of God, and the help of another brother or sister or even a neighbor for that matter. To illustrate this subtlety and at the same time attempt to shed further light on the point I have been attempting to make, I shall use the example of what we call the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37. Don't miss the fact that this parable was given to a man who was "wishing to justify himself". It was a response to the question "And who is my neighbor?".
We must go back to Leviticus 19:15-18 to see the context of the scripture from which this phrase "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." is being quoted. In verse 15 we are warned to be righteous in our judgment, neither being partial to the poor nor deferring to the great. In verse 16 we are warned not to "stand against the blood of our neighbor", nor to go about as a talebearer (a merchant carrying the wares of gossip). Notice the warning: "I am the Lord". In verse 17 we are warned not to hate our neighbor in our hearts. This "hating" of our neighbor is then illustrated through the issuing of a positive command, namely: "you shall surely reprove your neighbor" you shall not incur sin because of him. Don't miss this warning of not incurring sin. In verse 18 we are given another warning. We are not to take vengeance nor bear a grudge. It is here that we find the phrase which is quoted "you shall love your neighbor as yourself". It is then concluded with the warning "I am the Lord". _His Unworthy Slave
The context of the scripture from which this phrase "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." is being quoted clearly reveals that to reprove your neighbor is to love your neighbor. To fail in this is to hate our neighbor. We see these same commands being fleshed out in Matthew 18:15-20 (please take the time to study this text).
Failure to understand the scriptural context of the text from which this scripture is quoted can only lead to disastrous results. Rather than showing mercy to this poor man who had been beaten, robbed, stripped and left for dead as he took that dangerous journey from Jericho to Jerusalem we may find ourselves "ministering" to the very individuals who were responsible for this wickedness and are now under the wrath of God as it is being revealed from heaven (see Romans 1:18). In doing so we shall no doubt experience God's displeasure as did that good king Jehoshaphat (see 2 Chronicles 19:2). It takes much grace to reprove and warn others. More often than not it leads to all manner of evil spoken against us falsely or other forms of suffering. Occasionally, however, we are both privileged and blessed to witness the glory of Christ being made manifest in the life of a soul. Oh, for more grace! –His Unworthy Slave
Mary, Keith, and Greg: Great comments!
Douglas, I'm not quite sure what you're getting at. I can see what you're saying about how loving our neighbor is reproving them (though it is so much more than that as the NT teaches), but I'm not sure what you mean by ministering to the ones responsible for the violent robbery. Can you be more specific as to the point you're trying to make?
Hi Douglas,
I just lost my job yesterday. I was let go cause I was no longer a member of the church where I work as a janitor. My emotions got the
best of me. Forgive me.
I lost my confidence and I wasn't thinking what I wrote.
You are right that I need to stay on the point of the blog and I appreciate it.
I agree to we as Christians to present the Gospel to all flesh. Matt 28
is a powerful statement.
Forgive me too, Gabriel.
Gabriel, in reference to your statement, "I'm not sure what you mean by ministering to the ones responsible for the violent robbery.", lest I succumb to the temptation of resorting to persuasive words of wisdom, please allow me to reference other scriptures to try to illustrate my point. In Matthew chapters 24 and 25 Christ answers the disciples' questions regarding the end of the age and His second coming. He starts out with warnings surrounding the period of the great tribulation and His actual second coming when He comes in all of His glory. He gives several parables which serve to warn false believers and true believers alike. It will be a time of reckoning, a time of giving account. Matthew 25:31-46 describe the actual separating of the sheep from the goats. Unless the reader understands the historical events which take place prior to this event, they may very likely end up being goats instead of sheep.
There is only one distinguishing trait that identifies the sheep from the goats. They had been ministering to the brethren. They did so because they were in fact brethren themselves. Their acts of kindness to one another were so spontaneous that they were shocked when their Master made reference to them. Remember, they had been hated by all nations on account of His name (Matthew 24:9). The goats on the other hand were shocked when their Judge made reference to their failure to "minister" to His brethren. They had been busy "ministering" (to the children of wrath) as is evidenced by their shock. They had survived the great tribulation and all the terrifying judgments described in Revelation 6:1 to Revelation 19:6 because they were among those who had been described in the parables of Matthew chapter 24 and 25 which served to warn false believers and true believers alike. They were slaves" but they had not giving them their "food" (the word) at the proper time. They were "virgins" but they were foolish virgins. They had been given a talent but they had been "afraid". They had avoided suffering.
Philippians 1:9-11 also address this issue as well. Paul prays that their love would abound more and more but notice that it would be according to "real knowledge and all discernment" in order that they might be found to be sincere and blameless until that "day of Christ". There is a love that in the end will be judged to have caused stumbling and to have been impure. In reality it caused the sinner to feel secure in their unsaved condition. It spoke "peace, peace" when there was no peace. I hope this helps.
Dan, fear not, no offence was taken. I shall endeavor to keep your name before His throne of grace. Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied to you. –His Unworthy Slave
Douglas...your comment "Unless the reader understands the historical events which take place prior to this event, they may very likely end up being goats instead of sheep." is rather concerning. That ideology is a theological misstep as it appears to place man in ultimate charge of his salvation. By stating that "they may very likely end up..." you appear to be supporting a theology that defies the sovereignty of God in salvation (correct me if I am wrong).
The truth is that only the sinner's acceptance by faith (which faith is also a gift from God as Ephesians 2:8-9 says...as is repentance as 2 Timothy 2:25 says) of the Gospel will determine the difference between who are sheep and who are goats.
Ephesians 1:4 (and the are a myriad of other texts that bear this out) states: "...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him." This scripture says nothing about our community endeavors being involved in that decision.
I have stated previously and do so again that an outworking of true conversion is benevolence to the brethren. However, benevolence by a non-converted individual has ZERO bearing on salvation...otherwise that would equate to works-salvation and that is anathema according to Paul.
One more post for now.
In terms of countering compromised preaching here is an appropriate text that should be considered: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (New King James Version)
The Light of Christ's Gospel
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
John MacArthur comments on this passage by stating: "The false teachers accused Paul of preaching an antiquated message. So Paul showed that the problem was not with the message or the messenger, but with the hearers headed for hell (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:14). The preacher cannot persuade people to believe; only God can do that."
I agree with the comment that we are not called to make the sinner comfortable in his sin. That gets us back to where the blog started, the problem of compromised preaching. We need to correctly handle the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) and not shrink back from proclaiming it. At the same time, if we are to be imitators of Christ, we are called to serve, as He modeled for us. He said himself that He did not come to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Jesus did not limit His serving to believers, but as He served He taught and proclaimed truth. The parable of the Good Samaritan was told to a Pharisee. The Pharisees were careful not to have anything to do with anyone whom they did not deem righteous which included all Gentiles. Jesus was rebuking this attitude in telling the parable. Jesus went out in the crowds serving and teaching. We should do likewise, always for the glory of God.
Keith, thank you for your comments, I treasure the doctrine of the sovereignty of God in election. The text though does clearly indicate that there was only one distinguishing trait that identified the sheep from the goats. The sheep manifested, as you put it, "an outworking of true conversion" namely, "benevolence to the brethren". Perhaps I failed to effectively convey the historical context of what this time period will be like. I had pointed out that they had been hated by all nations on account of His name. The text however, also states that they would be delivered up to be afflicted and killed. The next verse goes on to warn that many would be "caused to stumble" and would "betray and hate one another" (Matthew 24:9, 10). Note that the rocky ground hearers are "caused to stumble" (same word in the Greek) when persecutions or afflictions arise BECAISE OF THE WORD (Matthew 13:20, 21). Those who "had fallen away" betrayed and hated those who were faithful to the word. The goats hated the sheep. Not only is the great tribulation a time of great persecution and martyrdom, it is also a time of faithful proclamation of God's word! They overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives, unto death (Revelation 12:11).
We currently have "churches" which are filled with rocky ground hearers being led by rocky ground preachers. They avoid suffering (persecutions and afflictions) by committing this "sin of slighting God's word". They are unregenerate and, as such, have no imputed righteousness and as such are incapable of possessing imparted righteousness, otherwise known as holiness or sanctification. (As a side note, we are exhorted to pursue holiness. You cannot pursue that which imputed. Without holiness no one, no exceptions, will see the Lord!) Because they have never been brought to see their dreadful condition, (as you pointed out from the scripture, the god of this world has blinded them.), they have never fled to the biblical Jesus for deliverance from their sins. Since they have no true righteousness, they cloth themselves with the filthy rags of good works, namely, benevolence, otherwise known as the social gospel. The flesh is not only capable of, but delights in such things. Look at Hollywood. For that matter, look at Washington D.C., of course the difference is they use someone else's money. I am persuaded that because of the goats' reaction of shock, they had been clothing themselves the filthy rags of a social gospel works based system. It is my hope that if there are any who associate themselves with the "church of the rocky ground hearers" they will be brought to see their dreadful condition, count the cost, flee to Christ for mercy and come out from among them or better yet, endeavor to "snatch some out of the flames" (Jude 23). –His Unworthy Slave
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Learners will explore aspects of the Sun and solar activity by modeling them as solar cupcakes. Information and imagery are supplied to learn about the Sun, solar activity, eclipses, transits, observing the Sun, and the color of the Sun at different... (View More) times of the day. Links to resources are also provided that highlight NASA's solar missions and where to learn more about the Sun. (View Less)
This Flash-based interactive provides access to illustrations, visualizations, videos, and near-real time images of the Sun from a variety of NASA satellites. Learners can access this information to supplement other materials related to the Sun and... (View More) heliophysics. A scale tool with the size of the Earth is also presented with the solar images. (View Less)
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Carl Sagan once claimed that the most important lesson we learn from studying the stars is perspective. To address this concept, this activity offers a scale model of the solar system to be evaluated. There are many versions of solar system scale... (View More) models available; this one is unique for its large scale chosen, the quality of the scaled objects, and the supplementary materials and information provided. The model is extended to include interaction and discovery on the part of learners, and suggested extensions. The set of materials includes a book about the solar system, developed from NASA's "From Earth to the Solar System" (FETTSS) imagery, and appropriate for use with the model. (View Less)
This online repository includes captioned images designed to tell a story about the science of light. Developed for the United Nation's International Year of Light 2015 (IYL2015), the images showcase the incredible variety of light-based science... (View More) being researched today across the electromagnetic spectrum, across scientific disciplines, and across technological platforms. (View Less)
In this activity, children use common craft materials and ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive beads to construct a person (or dog or imaginary creature). They use sunscreen, foil, paper, and more to test materials that might protect UV Kid from being exposed... (View More) to too much UV radiation. Includes background for facilitators. This activity is part of the "Explore!" series of activities designed to engage children in space and planetary science in libraries and informal learning environments. (View Less)
This series of infographics was created to supplement the Here, There, Everywhere (HTE) exhibit and connects cross-cutting science content (Earth and planetary sciences and astrophysics) with everyday phenomena, helping to demonstrate the... (View More) universality of physical laws and the connection between our everyday world and the universe as a whole to non-experts. (View Less)
Images from NASA satellites showing atmospheric phenomena such as cyclones, hurricanes, high/low pressures, clouds and the jet stream are featured in this 10-minute planetarium show.
Students are tasked with virtually designing a spacecraft to withstand the harsh environment of the Van Allen Radiation belts- the location of many communication, GPS and weather satellites. The details of the challenge, along with videos on... (View More) radiation, a materials list (including descriptions, densities, costs, and testing), and subsystems information are included. (View Less)
This Science On a Sphere video and docent show (script and playlist), explores factors that render Earth habitable and influence Earth's energy budget. The video gives an overview of NASA's Search for "Goldilocks Planets" - planets that are not too... (View More) hot or too cold for liquid water. (View Less)
Learners will create a flip book that shows solar flares erupting from the Sun. This activity is from the DIY Sun Science app and is for ages 7 and up.
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MUSTANG HOOFPRINTS: Fall competition of NSIC sports has been intense
Hello Mustang Fans!
Every week seems to be a big week for our fall sports.
This is just a great example of the talented student-athletes and the teams we have in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
The NSIC is located in the NCAA Division II Central region, which includes the Great American Conference (11 institutions) and the Midwest Intercollegiate Athletic Association (14 institutions).
In the next couple of weeks, we will begin to see the NCAA Division II Regional Rankings in the news.
The first ranking for soccer will be announced Tuesday. Football will have its first ranking on Oct. 28. Volleyball will have its first ranking announced on Nov. 8.
Each sport has an NCAA Regional Advisory Committee made up of athletic administrators, head coaches and/or staff members of the institutions within the region.
When you talk about rankings, this evening, the Mustang football team will host Minnesota State University, the No. 1-ranked team in the country in NCAA Division II Football.
This will be the first time in SMSU football history that the Mustangs will be hosting the top-ranked team.
It should be an exciting game, and I would like to invite you and your family out to SMSU's Mattke Field at The Schwan Regional Event Center at 6 p.m. today to cheer for the Mustangs.
The SMSU men's and women's basketball teams began practice Tuesday.
On Thursday, all three of our basketball teams took the floor for the annual SMSU Late Show.
Each team displayed their talent in short scrimmages. The always competitive 3-point contest was exciting with Bree Holleman and Nick Smith each making 17 baskets to end the contest in a tie. To conclude the evening, the men's basketball team put on quite a dunking exhibition with Will Giddings taking home the dunk contest title in an impressive fashion.
The fans were treated to great prizes. The dance team and cheerleaders both performed at the event.
We also saw two honorary coaches for the SMSU women's basketball take the bench during the scrimmage. SMSU President, Dr. Connie J. Gores coached the brown squad, and Dr. Jan Loft, Dean of Arts, Letters and Sciences, coached the white team.
Our SMSU students and community members came out in full force to support the Mustang basketball teams.
Thank you to all who attended.
For all the latest information on the SMSU Department of Athletics go to www.smsumustangs.com.
This Week In
SMSU Athletics
The SMSU women's soccer team (11-1, 7-1 NSIC) went 1-1 last weekend, beating Upper Iowa on Saturday before suffering its first loss of the season, a 1-0 decision, to Winona State is a very intense match Sunday.
The Mustangs are currently in second place in the NSIC, heading into conference play this weekend on the road.
Minnesota State is 9-0 in the conference and currently in first place in the NSIC.
Today, the Mustangs will play MSU-Moorhead (0-11 overall, NSIC 0-9) at 1in Moorhead before traveling to Aberdeen, S.D., on Sunday to compete against Northern State (6-5-1 overall, 3-5-1 NSIC), also starting at 1 p.m.
The No. 6-ranked SMSU volleyball team (15-3 overall, 9-0 NSIC) had a pair of NSIC wins last weekend, beating Winona State and Upper Iowa.
The Mustangs swept MSU Mankato (8-9 overall, NSIC 4-6) on Friday and will battle Concordia, St. Paul, the No. 1-ranked team in the country.
After this weekend's matches, one team will sit atop the NSIC in volleyball, Concordia-St. Paul or SMSU.
Last year, the Mustnags led Minnesota State in the fourth quarter before the Mavericks tied the contest in regulation and eventually won 34-31 in double overtime.
Cross Country
The SMSU men's and women's cross country teams are coming off their best performances of the fall.
The Mustangs placed fifth among 12 teams in the men's race at the Briar Cliff Invite last week. The SMSU women's team finished sixth among nine teams.
The invitational was held at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in McCook Lake, S.D.
The University of Sioux Falls won the men's team title with 31 points, while the USF women's team won the team crown with 45 points. The SMSU men finished with 137 points, while the SMSU women earned 168 points.
Trent Smith paced the SMSU men with an 11th-place finish among133 runners with a time of 26 minutes in the 8,000-meter race. Alejandro Sanchez came in right behind Smith with a time of 26:07 to record 13th place.
On the women's side, Amanda Grengs led the Mustangs in the 5,000-meter race with a time of 19:23 to finish 19th among 94 runners. Paige Yi was 22nd with a 19:27.
Both SMSU squads will compete at the NSIC Championship next Saturday at Yankton Trails Park in Sioux Falls, S.D.
I would like to wish all of our teams the best of luck this weekend!
Go Mustangs!
Trivia Contest
Congratulations to Rick Haberman, who provided the correct answer to last week's Mustang Hoofprints Trivia Question: Who won last year's Slam Dunk Contest at the SMSU Late Show?
Lavione West has won the SMSU Late Show Slam Dunk Contest each of the last five years.
Trivia Question
Which team was the last ranked opponent the SMSU football team defeated and in what year?
The first person to send me an email me at firstname.lastname@example.com with the correct answer to this question will receive an SMSU t-shirt.


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13 Films to Watch at Sundance '13
The Sundance Film Festival has kicked off in Park City, Utah, where a fresh blanket of snow welcomed tens of thousands of filmgoers to the mountains.
This year's festival brings an exciting slate of feature films and documentaries, both in and out of competition. There are first-time directors, established filmmakers, and more women helming the films.
Here are 13 films to watch at this year's Sundance:
"jOBS" — The Steve Jobs biopic starring Ashton Kutcher as the late Apple co-founder is arguably the fest's most buzzed-about film, though it's not premiering until the second weekend on Jan. 25. The film has already been picked up for distribution by Open Road Films, which will join with producer Five Star Feature Films to release "jOBS" in April. The film will play three times during Sundance, giving those lucky enough to score tickets a very early look at Kutcher's performance.
"Before Midnight" — Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy reprise their roles as Jesse and Celine. They first met on the train to Vienna almost 20 years ago, then reunited in Paris almost a decade ago (because Jesse, like Hawke, writes books, and she came to his reading). Now they're in their forties, and walking around Greece. Richard Linklater's love letter to cities and two-ships-passing-in-the-night kind of love is sure to get interest.
"Sound City" — Dave Grohl recently announced during a concert that it would be the last time Foo Fighters would perform for awhile, sparking rumors that the Foos were no more. He reassured everyone that it was temporary, and judging by what he's about to kick off at Sundance, it's easy to see why he needed to clear his schedule. Grohl's directorial debut, "Sound City," is a documentary tracing the history of the Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, Calif., where Nirvana recorded "Nevermind." Grohl purchased the famed Neve Console on which hits like Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl" and Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album were recorded, and set it up in his studio and invited those Sound City artists to record. At Sundance, Grohl has assembled the Sound City Players for a premiere live performance that includes surviving members of Nirvana, the Foo Fighters, Stevie Nicks, Rick Springfield and more. See the trailer.
"Don Jon's Addiction" — Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote and directed this feature about a young man who struggles to find a more fulfilling sex life than his addiction to watching porn. He stars as Jon Martello, alongside Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore and Tony Danza.
"Kill Your Darlings" — Daniel Radcliffe ("Harry Potter") portrays a young Allen Ginsberg who falls for a classmate, Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan from "Chronicle") and becomes introduced to Burroughs and Kerouac. The four writers lead lives that spawn the nascent stages of the Beat Movement, until a sudden death alters the dynamic of their tight-knit relationships.
"Blue Caprice" — A reinterpretation of the Beltway sniper attacks that terrorized Washington, D.C., "Blue Caprice" stars Isaiah Washington as John Allen Muhammed and Tequan Richmond as Lee Boyd Malvo as the two men fire a sniper rifle from their blue Chevrolet Caprice. Despite the grim subject, early interest touts the film's cinematic poetry and nonlinear structure. The enigmatic trailer also features the music of saxophonist Colin Stetson.
"Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes" — Actress Kaya Scodelario ("Skins") is poised to break out as a star when this film, about a young teen who forges a relationship with a mysterious mother who moves in next door. Directed by Francesca Gregorini, who is also a musician and the director of "Tanner Hall," the film also stars Alfred Molina ("An Education") and Jessica Biel.
"Upstream Color" — Shane Carruth's first feature in nine years, after his indie hit "Primer" was a Sundance sensation. In his new film, Carruth seems to explore a man and woman's dependence on one another, along with animals, flowers, and water (at least judging by the trailer). Carruth is the film's director, screenwriter, producer, editor, cinematographer, and actor.
"Ain't Them Bodies Saints" — Rooney Mara ("Girl With the Dragon Tattoo") and Casey Affleck are Ruth and Bob, a 1970s outlaw couple (young Bonnie and Clyde) who are eventually caught and thrown in prison. Bob hatches a plan to escape in order to find Ruth and meet their daughter, who was born behind bars. David Lowery wrote and directed.
"Inequality for All" — Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich is the subject of this documentary, in which he and director Jacob Kornbluth probe the effects of income inequality on the economy and democracy. Covering everything from financial instruments to capital markets to politics, Reich brings much of his book, "Aftershock," to life. Reich himself is scheduled to appear at Sundance to discuss the film.
"After Tiller" — This documentary by 20-something filmmakers Martha Shane and Lana Wilson investigates the lightning rod of late abortions, or abortions performed during the third trimester of pregnancy. The title refers to Dr. George Tiller, a former doctor who performed late abortions, who was killed in 2009. Now, just four doctors perform late abortions in the U.S., and Shane and Wilson were given unprecedented access to their practice and, perhaps more compellingly, their patients and the reasons that brought them there.
"We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks" — The documentary's title says it all. Alex Gibney directs, examining Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks organization that publishes leaked documents, including classified information.
"Top of the Lake" — New Zealand director Jane Campion returns to Sundance with a six-hour, seven-part original series for the Sundance Channel. Elisabeth Moss ("Mad Men") and Holly Hunter ("The Piano," directed by Campion) star in "Top of the Lake," which will be screened in one six-hour showing at Sundance. A pregnant teen tries to drown herself in Lake Top in a New Zealand town, and goes missing, causing a detective to come in to investigate the case.
Other eagerly anticipated films include "The East," "Stoker," "Austenland," "Two Mothers," and "American Promise." There are 119 films featured at Sundance this year. Check back in for daily dispatches from the festival, and follow @barbarachai on Twitter.


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We make shoe shopping easy: our inventory is available for anytime, anywhere online shopping, and we ship every order for free. We also show you which styles—and sizes—are in stock at Nordstrom North East Mall. So when you land on the quality, contemporary pairs that speak to you, you can buy them online and pop into the store to pick them up.
Start browsing our assortment of TOMS women's shoes now.


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September 20, 2013
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Advice for avoiding a dog bite
How do you avoid getting bitten by a dog? Start by being polite and respecting the dog's personal space. Never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. Don't pet a dog — even your own — without letting him see and sniff you first.
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Interactive Travel Map|Text the Secretary|Trip Page
On July 3, 2010, Secretary Clinton and Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski observed the signing of an amendment to the Ballistic Missile Defense Agreement (BMDA) in Krakow, Poland. In a joint statement, they said:
"Today, our governments signed a Protocol amending the 2008 Ballistic Missile Defense Agreement. This agreement marks an important step in our countries' efforts to protect our NATO allies from the threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction. This is the first agreement that implements the U.S. European-based Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) for ballistic missile defense and enables the stationing of a U.S. land-based SM-3 missile defense interceptor system in the Republic of Poland."


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eAPIS is confusingMonday, August 17th, 2009
It seemed logical to list fellow writer Tom Horne as the pilot, and me as crew, since we would share pilot duties. The form blocked that entry, saying general aviation can have only one pilot. And there I sat, trying one fix after another for three hours.
By the way, I was frustrated by the question, "Address While in the United States." I was going to Canada so why would I stay in the United States? Finally I entered my home address in Maryland. That made the form happy. Below is the actual form and the response I WISH I had filed. Click to enlarge it:
Once I arrived in Canada I phoned Canadian customs authorities, and at first they were concerned that they weren't hearing from the pilot. I explained that I was sitting beside the pilot. (Next time I'll make sure it is the pilot who calls.) They approved our arrival over the phone and we got out of the aircraft. Simple! Coming back, Horne was coached through the eAPIS filing by an official of Diamond Aircraft. Horne said something about "…reaming them [Customs] a new one." Watch for his article. By the way, Diamond company pilots don't like eAPIS either, and they frequently fly to the United States. Here is an AOPA Air Safety course you can take to help understand the system.


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quote:Originally posted by jet
At this point Dsnito I have to confess to having this album for several years, but have only listened to it once (shame on me!). I'll try and listen to it over the next few days, then I'll let you know what I think.
As promised, I've dusted down my copy of 33 1/3 and listened to it for the first time since I bought it nearly 10 years ago. I'm impressed. Definitely a huge improvement over both Dark Horse and Extra Texture. Given time and a few more plays, I can see this becoming one of my favourite George albums. I particularly like 'Dear One' - I can imagine Brian Wilson writing a song like this one.


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Councilmember Jenny Kenoyer invites the Modesto community to a Town Hall meeting in District 5, Beyer High School – Little Theatre, 1717 Sylvan Avenue, Modesto on Thursday, March 20, 2014 from 6:00p.m.–8:00p.m. The public is welcome to come and meet Councilmember Kenoyer and hear her vision for Modesto and discuss topics and issues affecting the City.
The meeting is to provide residents an opportunity to meet and discuss issues with Councilmember Kenoyer in a less formal environment.
For more information, contact Kathy Espinoza at (209) 571-5597 or e-mail email@example.com.


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John Frierson (Reporter)
John Frierson is in his seventh year at the Times Free Press and seventh year covering University of Tennessee at Chattanooga athletics. The bulk of his time is spent covering Mocs football, but he also writes about women's basketball and the big-picture issues and news involving the athletic department. A native of Athens, Ga., John grew up a few hundred yards from the University of Georgia campus. Instead of becoming a Bulldog he attended Ole Miss and read as much Faulkner as possible, graduating with a degree in Southern Studies. Among the stops in his career was a three-year stint covering Georgia sports for the Athens Banner-Herald and two years at the Florence (Ala.) TimesDaily, where he split his time covering Alabama and Auburn. In 2007, John earned Alabama Press Association first-place awards for column writing and game coverage. Contact John at firstname.lastname@example.com or (423) 757-6268 or follow him on Twitter @MocsBeat. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/mocsbeatCTFP.


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Start For Free
Fast, Secure, and Always Accurate!
Category: 1099's
What is a Form 1099-C? Cancellation of Debt (View a sample form)
A Form 1099-C is received when you have a debt (home, credit card, student loan, etc.) cancelled. This happens when you receive money initially but are not required to pay all or an amount back to the borrower. Because you are not paying the debt back, the IRS considers the amount as taxable income, and it must be reported on your return.
However, there are certain circumstances when you can exclude the cancelled debt from your income. For information about these circumstances, click here.
To view a sample of Form 1099-C, click here.


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Hello experts on teachat! I need your help! I have 48 hours in this city, so I have to make a decision! Please check out these photos of the outside wrapping and description in Chinese, and shots of two different bings with the authenticity certificates inside.
(Having photo issues. Gonna post this then try again. Please look below!)
I am in Malaysia, and I found a store with way below average prices on their puerh. The guy running the shop doesn't seem to know much about tea or clay. His pots are priced about right, though he doesn't know what's what with the clay.
He has what he claims to be a 1999 Menghai 7542 going for much lower than it should be. I asked why, and he said it is because the local economy can't support expensive tea like Kuala Lumpur, so even though it is old they haven't raised the price much. He says it has been stored in Malaysia the whole time.
It looks right in the disk and in the cup. The flavor is a clear and classic 7542 taste (I am pretty familiar with this tea, and have had this particular year a few times, but I usually drink it 4 season storage, which is different than Dama/Malaysian storage). I would say it is legit and snap it up, but the flavor seems a bit hollow. Right flavors, but not enough (he brewed it strong too, using a lot of leaves, and it hit the wall only on its 5th infusion), and quite hollow on the aftertaste.
Does this look legit to any of you experts? Can the flaws I tasted be due to bad storage? Can I store it for a decade or two and get it back up to where it should be? SHOULD I BUY IT?!??! Help me please!!!!!!


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GoFit 10 lb Kettlebell
Product Information:
The GoFit 10 lb Kettlebell is perfect for building strength and toning your entire body. This solid cast iron kettlebell is constructed as one piece for the ultimate in durability. The vinyl-dipped bottom protects your floors while the sanded, coated handle provides an easy, comfortable grip. Includes 51-minute training DVD and exercise booklet.
- 10 lb kettlebell
- Solid cast iron construction
- Vinyl-dipped for a thick, durable rubberized coating
- Textured, sanded and glossed handle for a secure, comfortable grip
- Includes 51-minute training DVD and exercise booklet
- 90-day manufacturer's warranty
- GoFit
Country of Origin: ImportedWeb ID: 11906283
Customer Reviews:
Rated 5 out of 5�by 2 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5�by Misty Perfect! This kettlebell is what I use at the gym in my class and I found it at dicks July 11, 2016
Rated 5 out of 5�by Angela Awesome Product I purchased this Kettlebell for my 15 year old nephew for Christmas. He loved it, especially the color and size. He uses a kettlebell twice a day for training. He highly recommends this product. December 27, 2012
1-2 of 2


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Block Rocker AM/FM Sound System for iPod
About this item
Block Rocker AM/FM is the perfect all-in-one sound system for your iPod, microphones and instruments. It even includes a built-in AM/FM radio! Dial up your favorite local radio station or plug your iPod into the integrated dock, then crank up your favorite music and rock out for more than 12 hours with its internal, rechargeable battery. The large speaker and built-in amplifier ensure clean, clear audio for the whole party, and with wheels and a telescoping handle, Block Rocker AM/FM makes it easy to bring your music anywhere and everywhere.
In addition to the integrated dock for iPod and the digital AM/FM radio, Block Rocker AM/FM includes a microphone and cable to connect other portable music players, plus a convenient cable bag for storage. It even lets you plug in and amplify a guitar for a complete portable music system in one easy to transport package!
- Microphone with cable
- Power cable
- Quickstart guide
- Cable bag
- 1/8" (3.5mm) to RCA cable for portable devices
- 12-hour recharagle battery
- Built in AM/FM Radio with digital tuner
- Playback and charging for iPod and other MP3 devices
Assembled Country
Component Country
Member reviews & questions
Ask & Answer
Policies & plans
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Standard - 2 to 6 business days
Premium - 2 to 4 business days
Express - 1 to 2 business days
View map for estimated delivery days
Warranty Information
90 days limited


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You can shop our inventory online anytime, of course—and shipping is always free—but that's not the only way we make shoe shopping easy. It's also easy to find out which sizes and colors are presently available at Nordstrom Hillsdale Shopping Center. That means you can purchase the quality, contemporary pairs you like best online and pick them up in store the same day.
Browse our handpicked collection of FRYE women's shoes now.


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May 6, 2012 – Cubs Lineup vs. Dodgers
The Cubs are looking to win the rubber game of the series when they send Travis Wood to the mound who will get his first major league start as a Chicago Cub today. Opposite of Travis Wood will be Aaron Harang who will get the start for the Dodgers. As far as the Cubs lineup goes Wellington Castillo will get the nod behind the plate and Joe Mather will give Ian Stewart a day off. The game can be seen on WGN today with the first pitch scheduled for 1:20 CT.
David DeJesus, RF
Tony Campana, CF
Starlin Castro, SS
Bryan LaHair, 1B
Alfonso Soriano, LF
Joe Mather, 3B
Darwin Barney, 2B
Wellington Castillo, C
Travis Wood, P
Thanks for reading,


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Sunriver Resort Surrounded by Nature Video
Sunriver Resort is known as a base camp for all Central Oregon outdoor recreation and sightseeing. The video below was shot over three days this past summer in Sunriver and at various locations within a 25 mile radius, including: Benham Falls, Lava River Caves, Paulina Peak, Fall River and the Cascade Lakes (best viewed at 'Full Screen').
No comments yet!


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I have recently bought a Gibson J45 (about 3 - 4 years old). It's a lovely guitar and sounds wonderful acoustically.
The Element Active (factory fitted) works nicely but I detest the quack... so I took the UST out and fitted a Takamine Tri-Ax (basically an M1-Active) taken off my '60s Martin 00-18 (upon which it sounds wonderful).
The Tri-Ax didn't sound any good on the J45 either - boxy and very electronic! (Very frustrating as the house-guitar of the session I play at is a new Martin with fitted electrics that sounds just wonderful through the PA whoever strums it!)
Anybody got a J45 and having similar problems? And anyone got any suggestions as to where I should go from here?
Many thanks


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HP Pavilion 23-b037c All-In-One Desktop, AMD E2-1800, 4GB RAM, 1TB HD, 23"
by HP | Item #: 582919 | Model #: H3Z95AA#ABA |
We're sorry, this item is not available in your selected Club. Check another Club
About this item
Introducing the HP Pavilion All-in-One PC, home base for your digital home. With a thin, easel design, and a Full HD 1080p display, it's super flexible and easy to use. But it still gives you the computing essentials you need. Processing power for multitasking. Stunning graphics for fun and games. The HP Pavilion All-in-One. Your everyday creation station.
|Processor and Memory
|Processor Type:
|AMD E2-1800 Accelerated Processor
|Processor Speed:
|1MB L2 Cache
|Memory (RAM):
|Maximum Memory:
|Expandable to 16GB
|Hard Drive and Multimedia Drives
|Hard Drive:
|1TB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive
|Optical Drive:
| • Slim Tray SuperMulti DVD Burner
• Write: 8x max DVD±R SL, 6x max DVD±R DL, 8x max DVD+RW, 6x max DVD-RW, 5x max DVD-RAM, 24x max CD-R/RW
• Read: 8x max DVD-ROM/±R (SL/DL), 8x max DVD±RW, 5x max DVD-RAM, 24x max CD-ROM/R/RW
• Data transfer rates up to 3,600 KB/s (CD read/write) and 10,800 KB/s (DVD read/write)
|Multimedia Card Slot:
|6-in-1 memory card reader (left side): supports Secure Digital (SD, SDHC,SDXC), MultiMedia Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro,xD
|Graphics and Audio
| • AMD Radeon™ HD 7340 Graphics
• Up to 2GB Graphics System Memory (Total System Memory 4GB DDR3 SDRAM)
• Up to 1961MB Total Available Graphics Memory as allocated by Windows 8
|Integrated speakers
|Display, Keyboard, Mouse and Webcam
|Display Size:
|23" diagonal widescreen
|Display Type:
|Full HD display
|Display Resolution:
|1920x1080 pixels (Full HD)
|Wireless keyboard with volume control
|Wireless optical mouse
|HP TrueVision HD Webcam: 720p HD and built in microphones
|10/100 Base-T Network
|Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n featuring Single-band (2.4GHz) 1x1 technology
|Not Specified
|Not Specified
| • Headphone/Mic (left side)
• 6 USB ports (2x3.0 left side, 4x2.0 rear) (6 available)
• Line-out (rear)
|Not Specified
|Battery Type:
|Operating System:
|Windows 8
|Manufacturer Software:
| • CyberLink PowerDirector
• CyberLink PhotoDirector
|Other Software:
|Not Specified
|Trial Software:
| • ENERGY STAR® qualified
• EPEAT® Silver registered where applicable/supported
• BFR and PVC free
• Mercury-free LED display and arsenic-free display glass
|Physical Specifications
|Environmental Specifications:
| • All HP Pavilion 23 All-in-One PCs are ENERGY STAR® qualified (including the latest 5.2 specifications).*
• ENERGY STAR® qualified products use about half as much electricity – saving half in utility costs.
• EPEAT™ Silver registered where applicable/supported
• BFR/PVC free, arsenic free glass and mercury free display.
|Operating Temperature:
|Not Specified
|Storage Temperature:
|Not Specified
Assembled Size
Component Country
Member reviews & questions
Ask & Answer
Policies & plans
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Standard - 2 to 6 business days
View map for estimated delivery days.
Warranty Information
1 year limited hardware warranty and 1 year technical support


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0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Craig I love your pizzas. I have couple questions. have you tried putting your dough balls in a dough tray to leaven? How well will they hold in a dough tray instead of solitary containers.
Have you tried fermenting your dough bulk and balls at room temperature without using ice chest or chilled box?
Craig,Do you have any interest in making a tutorial video on how you ball your dough and later open it up? I think you help to pass on a ton of knowledge, and I think visually seeing what you do may help people with using proper technique and mechanics.Pete
I'll think about it. I'm not sure you'd get much from my balling technique, but I think the way I open the skins is a little different from some. It's a very gentle process. It's not showy or requiring much dexterity, so it wouldn't be a very exciting video.
I'm not sure you'd get much from my balling technique, but I think the way I open the skins is a little different from some.
then also noticed in these pictures that you do most of the opening in a pile of flour?
One more question - we load onto the GI perforated, lightly dusting it with flour but surely also picking up excess floor from the table. Is there a 'shake' method, or other recommended step to take to eliminate taking too much flour into the oven causing burning?
Just want to tel TXCraig1 thanks for putting this tutorial together! This past weekend I used these steps to turn out my best NP pizza to date. I cook on a Big Green Egg, which is no substitute for a real WFO, but I think I've rigged it to get as close to WFO conditions as possible. Obviously I have a long way to go, but thanks for all the help! (Hopefully the pictures I'm trying to post show up...)
Question for Craig...Are you buying bulk 25 kg blue bag Pizzaria Caputo (12.75% protein per their data sheet) for your dough? I have been using retail 1 kg red bag Chefs Flour (13.5% protein per their data sheet) and I'm not sure I like the results.
Yes - 25kg blue. If they are not the same, that is a relatively recent change.
Question for the pros. I have had iffy results lately. About 50% of the time my dough fails to achieve acceptable oven spring, even though cooking conditions are the same (700+ degrees on floor and 850-950 air temp) and I follow the TXCraig1 procedure. This last batch, cooked yesterday, looked great after the 48 hour rise. There appeared to be plenty of yeast activity looking in from the bottom of the Tupperware and my Ischia starter is very active. The dough felt a little different when I opened it up - perhaps a little softer and less stretchy than when I have a batch that turns out well. I'm wondering what causes these bad batches. Am I overworking the dough? Thanks!
I don't know what to tell you on that one. I've experimented with a pretty wide range of working the dough without any major failures. I do tend to error in the side of under-working, however I think if you are overworking the dough, you are working it A LOT more than I suggest in this thread.
Fed226,What yeast are you using?
Hi Craig, first of, thank you so much for all the info and the help!! truly amazing what you put on here!! I've been following your recipes closely as well as the fermentation times chart but I seem to be having a problem. I let my dough ferment for 24 hours at around 72f. Once I make the balls, I usually let them rest for nearly as long at the same temperatures... The result is that the dough balls are tearing compeletely. If i try to play with them and stretch them, they stretch, but also tear, almost like the douhg is falling apart...Is this because of over fermentation? Could it also be that I don't knead the dough enogh at the start? Unlike yourself, I didnt do the stretch and folds, simply because some pizzaiolo's i know say not to 'upset' the dough, and to let the fermentation do the talking... Apart for not doing stretch and folds I follow your recipes and techinque one-for-one but still get a very weak dough falling apart everywhere...Thanks for your help.David


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Here's the first in a series of weekly videos from Gym Class Heroes showcasing songs from their latest album The Papercut Chronicles II. This one is for 'Solo Discotheque (Whiskey Bitness)' and stars Disashi. Click HERE to download the album now and look for the second video starring Matt next week!
Follow @Disashi on Twitter!


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Lacrosse - Girls Varsity
The girls' lacrosse program at Berkshire School emphasizes improvement, commitment, teamwork, and most of all fun. We play a very competitive schedule that includes many of the traditional prep school powerhouses like Loomis Chaffee, Greenwich Academy, Hotchkiss, and Taft. Our practices are high-intensity, focused, and efficient, incorporating fitness into skills work at all levels.
Our 16-game season begins in early April and wraps up at the end of May. Berkshire's two artificial turf fields ensure that upon return from our spring break trip to Florida we can practice outdoors in order to prepare for our first game against Choate.


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A cough is a sudden expulsion of air from the lungs. Its purpose is usually to clear secretions and inhaled foreign substances from the lungs and respiratory tract.
There are different types of cough:
- Acute cough—lasts for less than three weeks
- Subacute cough—lasts 3-8 weeks
- Chronic cough—lasts longer than eight weeks
An acute cough is usually caused by an infection, such as a cold or flu. In some cases, an acute cough can be the sign of other conditions, such as:
- Exposure to an irritant or an allergen
- Aspiration of a foreign body
- Acute bronchitis
- Pneumonia
Subacute cough is often a cough that follows a respiratory infection. It can also be caused by exposure to irritants or to anything that can cause chronic cough.
A chronic cough has many causes. Common examples include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- Asthma
- Acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Postnasal drip, which may be due to:
- Repeated inhalation of environmental irritants
- Sinus inflammation
- Allergies
- Bronchiectasis
- Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors
Alveoli (Air Sacs) of Lung
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Factors that may increase your risk of developing a cough include:
- Infection
- Tobacco smoke
- Noxious fumes
- Allergens, such as pollen and dust
- Smog and other environmental pollutants
Smoking is a major risk for serious conditions linked to chronic cough, including lung cancer and COPD.
A cough can be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Coughs can be productive or dry. You may find that your cough is worse when waking up and during the night while lying down.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Acute cough that worsens or does not go away on its own
- Cough lasting more than eight weeks
- Signs of an infection, including fever and chills
- Cough with wheezing
- Blood in the sputum
Call for medical help or go to the emergency room right away if your cough is accompanied by:
- Pink or frothy sputum
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Acute cough is usually diagnosed by its accompanying symptoms.
During the diagnosis, your doctor will look for symptoms that suggest an underlying cause. Tests may include:
- Blood test to check for infection
- Skin tests if allergies are suspected
- Analysis of a sputum sample
- Skin test for tuberculosis
- Pulmonary function tests—to test lung function and capacity
- Bronchoscopy—insertion of a long, thin instrument to view the interior of the airways and collect samples
Imaging tests take pictures of internal body structures. These can be done with a chest x-ray or a chest CT scan.
The best treatment for a cough is to treat the underlying condition.
There are many over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products available. These include decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines, and antitussives.
Note: Cough and cold medicines in should not be used in children under 2 years old, and they are not recommended in children under 4 years old. The US Food and Drug Administration has not completed its review regarding the safety of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children ages 2-11 years. Rare, but serious side effects have been reported.
Lifestyle Changes
Consider putting a steam vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier in your room. This type of moisture therapy may help to make secretions looser and easier to cough up.
If you are diagnosed with a cough, follow your doctor's instructions.
To reduce your chances of developing a cough:
- Talk to your doctor about strategies to quit smoking. Smoking affects your lung function and increases your risk of many diseases.
- Get proper treatment for the underlying condition.
- When working in areas where noxious fumes or airborne substances are present:
- Be sure the area is properly ventilated.
- Wear a protective mask or respirator.
Content was created using EBSCO's Health Library. Edits to original content made by Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.


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Guoman Hotel Management (UK) Limited is committed to ensuring that as a Company we are 'socially responsible'. We take both our commitment to the environment and to the communities in which we operate seriously and strive to ensure that we are ethical in all our business practices.
Please click on the below links for more information.
We define our social responsibility into four key areas:
Marketplace – Responsibility to our guests, suppliers and partners as a leading hotel company.
Workplace – Commitment to what we regard as our most valuable resource: our employees.
Environment – Doing all we can to reduce our impact on the environment.
Community – Ensuring that each of our hotels is an active partner in the communities in which they operate.
We are committed to building a culture where our employees, guests, suppliers and contractors recognise our commitment to ensuring that our hotels operate successfully in their communities and that we achieve our goal as a company of long-term sustainable success.
To view a copy of our Corporate Social Responsibility please click here.
We are pleased to announce that Guoman & Thistle Hotels has been officially awarded the Carbon Trust Standard.
The Carbon Trust Standard is a mark of excellence that has been awarded in recognition of our commitment to measuring, managing and reducing our carbon emissions year on year. Click here for more information.
To view a copy of our Low Carbon Policy please click here.
Our Corporate charity - Springboard
We support Springboard, it is the only dedicated UK wide charity helping people move into worthwhile and sustainable careers across the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry.
The Springboard Charity helps young, unemployed and disadvantaged people improve their prospects for economic well-being. The Springboard Charity provide opportunities for sustainable employment, or vibrant careers in hospitality, leisure and tourism.
Springboard has a range of programmes that help unemployed and underprivileged people, those facing challenges through no fault of their own, and those most 'at risk' of long term unemployment or even a life of crime.
Springboard provides a pipeline of support including: education and learning activities in schools, free specialist careers advice and guidance, skills development, pre-employment training, work experience guidance into sustainable employment and post-employment mentoring. Essentially, The Springboard Charity equip people with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to achieve their potential.


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December Daily with Vivian Keh and Tim Holtz Kraft Core
December 13, 2013 by Core'dinator
Filed under Authentique, Core Blog, Sizzix, Tim Holtz
We are celebrating the Holidays with some TIM HOLTZ KRAFT-CORE! Did you know that KRaft-Core comes in TWO collections? Both the Nostaglic collection and the Shattered Collection. Both come in 12″ and 6″ assorted packs, so perfect for any paper crafter.
We have a giveaway for you, too! Want your very own SIGNED copy from Tim Holtz himself???
Well we have a treat for YOU…HURRY you only have until Sunday. Click on the image and then enter to WIN!
Today we have designer Vivian Keh working her Tim Holtz magic!
Hello Core fans! Vivian Keh here to share with you a new adventure for me in papercrafting. I've never done a December Daily before, mostly because what I've seen online has very much revolved around kids' experiences of this very special month, and our "kids" are only of the furry type. But my friend, Gwen, encouraged me to do one. So here I am today to share a bit of my project with you and hopefully inspire your Core crafting! Mine is going to be a gift for my man, and it's going to be a collection of everyday bits in the cherished life we share, featuring details that others might perceive as mundane, but which are quite precious to us.
Since it's a gift for hubbie, I decided to keep the palette masculine, using primarily Core'dinations cardstock from our Tim Holtz "Shattered" and "Seasonal Impressions" Collections. For this effect, I embossed pieces of various sizes with a number of Sizzix embossing folders, and also used Core pieces that were already embossed straight out of the package. After sanding and distressing the pieces, they were stitched into a patchwork.
This is a detail of the front patchwork, which was stitched onto a piece of printer paper so as not to add bulk, and then mod-podged as one piece onto chipboard.
And the back. On occasion, I will reach for the shimmery stuff, and this Christmas I have been doing quite a lot of it. But initially, I wasn't inclined to glitz up this project. My crafting buddy, Gwen, threw some Core'dinations Glitter Silk bells on top. Lo and behold, it totally worked and infused this project with holiday cheer!
I adhered several gold fibers to carry the gold throughout the composition, and added a bit of cream to contrast the more deeply hued palette.
If you are interested, I have a few pages to share today as well! The inside cover has my little dedication.
Core'dinations' Kraft Core Seasonal Impressions have a lovely variety of typography already embossed into the cardstock. I sanded to reveal the beautiful patterns, added a bit of distress ink on the edges, and a few embellishments.
December 1st was all about getting the house ready for my in-laws who are all visiting on Christmas Day. Folks, the house isn't furnished yet! So we have been busy "swatching," painting, IKEA-ing, and sneaking meals in between. This page features Core'dinations Jenni Bowlin Red and Black Collection, which in my opinion is perfect for holiday crafting!
This is my page for December 3rd. A new habit the two of us have picked up is doing the crossword mornings when hubbie doesn't have to rush off. Each of us have different strengths, which makes collaborating on the more difficult puzzles so much fun. Many of these crossword squares were cut from scraps of pieces I had used for the covers.
The journaling is on a canvas texture Core tag that is pinned and removable.
Usually we walk the pooches in the morning together, unless my guy has an early morning meeting. December 4th was such a day, so I took a longer route, allowed the dogs to linger and sniff some more, picked up some lovely acorns that are all falling from the trees right now. We've got grey squirrels here, and black ones, too. The squirrelys go nuts for the nuts and the dogs go nuts over the squirrels lol! I die-cut these using my Silhouette Cameo and File #11205 from Hero Arts, placing patches of textured Core and patterned paper to fill in the negative space.
I hope you enjoyed my December Daily share today! I will be posting more of it as December barrels ahead on my blog!
Happy Holidays!
Core'dinations –
Tim Holtz Shattered Kraft Core Collection
Tim Holtz Seasonal Impressions Collection
Jenni Bowlin Red and Black Collection
Core Tags
Sand It Gadget, Dust Buddy
Sizzix – all dies and Embossing folders
Hampton Art – stamps
Ranger – distress ink, Stickles
Memento – dye ink
Authentique – patterned paper
Really Reasonable Ribbon – fibers
Little Yellow Bicycle – Alphas
Silhouette – cutting file #11205 from Hero Arts
Martha Stewart – Snowflake edger punch
EK Success – Notebook edger punch
Fiskars – small heart punch