The Weekly Newsletter of Christianity Today International
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Throughout my years of education, one subject frustrated me to no end: math. From long-division to linear functions in 12th grade pre-calculus, I'd find myself struggling to solve problems that, in my mind, just didn't "add up." I'd sit at my desk finishing homework assignments, sometimes for hours, battling polynomials, theorems, and inequalities. When I followed the formula or equation but came up with the wrong answer—again—I'd grow frustrated and sometimes cry out, "I don't get it!"
As much as I disliked those math problems, I confess I sometimes want to fit my relationship with God into an equation that adds up to a perfect answer. Obedience + Bible reading + prayer = an easy and blessed life. But when trials, suffering, and loss inevitably show up, it feels as though God's giving me the wrong answer. I'm tempted to shout the same frustration to the heavens: "I don't get it!"
After reading Psalms that offer promises of God's protection, the author of our feature article thought she was getting a wrong answer in light of personal loss, recent hurricane devastation, and an ongoing list of global and societal ills. In "Can I Really Expect God to Protect Me?", Nancy Guthrie avoids clichés and digs deep into Scripture. You'll be enlightened and encouraged by the truth of Jesus' protection. Don't miss it below.
Any Narnia fans out there? As anticipation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe film release builds, Christianity Today Movies interviewed Walden Media President Micheal Flaherty, the creative mind behind the movie. In this interview, he discusses the enormous pressure he's under to get it "exactly right." Read it below.
Don't forget to check out other articles from ChristianityToday.com in the righthand nav and to vote in this week's poll.
Thanks for being part of our online community. Have a great week!
Jill Meier
Newsletter Editor
ChristianityToday.com Connection e-mail:
Connection@ChristianityToday.com
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 Can I Really Expect God to Protect Me?
Divine promises in the midst of suffering.
By Nancy Guthrie
My Bible study group assignment was to read Psalm 91 and express how it had been true in my life.
"He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. … For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone." [All Scripture citations from the New Living Translation.]
At first blush it sounds really good, but that day I had to say what I really thought. Through tears I told the group, "I don't get how this is true. He did not rescue us from a fatal plague. He did not keep us from striking our feet on a stone but, in fact, allowed much worse than that."
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 Narnia: 'The Pressure Is Insane'
So says Walden Media President Micheal Flaherty, who's feeling the heat to get The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe exactly right. But Flaherty promises audiences a "fantastic, faithful adaptation."
By Mark Moring
In only four years of existence, Walden Media has shown it can turn great books into fine films: Holes (2003) and Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) are evidence enough. But Walden dropped the ball on Around the World in 80 Days (2004), a critical and box-office disaster. The difference? Holes and Winn-Dixie were faithful adaptations of the books, while 80 Days—little more than a slapstick farce starring Jackie Chan—was not.
The lessons learned, says Walden co-founder and president Micheal Flaherty, were simple: Be faithful to the story. Or, put another way, Don't screw it up.
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 Give the Gift of Christian History & Biography
This fascinating magazine surveys Christian history in a format that is attractive to the scholar and novice alike. Colorful charts and illustrations make each issue a valuable resource that you will return to again and again. |
 The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham
Billy Graham has been remarkably effective not only as a preacher, but also as an innovative and influential CEO and global leader. He has successfully combined sound leadership with deep spirituality. Learn why his leadership secrets have produced such remarkable results. |
My husband-to-be and I planned carefully how both my pastor and his priest could officiate at our wedding. But the week before our wedding my pastor was called out of the country on a family emergency, and on the day of our wedding my husband's priest was called away to handle a church crisis. A priest from downtown Miami came as a replacement. Though he spoke little English, he seemed to have memorized the wedding ceremony. At the end of the service, he announced before our 400 guests, "I now pronounce you man and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Rum-and-whiskey!"
—Tina Romanowski; Punta Gorda, Florida
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Community—The Other Key Ingredient
Children's ministry has two key ingredients that, when mixed together, make it "super strong": creative, relevant Bible teaching and community.
The Magical History Tour
Tired of the usual staff meetings, we took our leadership retreat on the road—to see John Wesley.
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Orphan in the Storm
Melville and the crisis of moral authority.
Purified by Fire
In the last couple of years, CeCe Winans has been through a serious health scare and was stunned by the loss of her oldest brother. But she says it's all part of the purification process of growing in faith.
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Is your church planning additional ministry on the hurricane
devastated Gulf Coast?- Yes. We're still collecting money and/or supplies.
- Yes. We'll send crews for clean up and reconstruction.
- Yes. We'll adopt a church to help rebuild.
- No. We're done.
- I'm not sure.
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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Some Christians have a negative attitude most of the time. I … - totally avoid them: 14%
- try to cheer them up the best I can: 45%
- confront them about their negativity: 10%
- just pray for them and hope they'll change: 30%
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 Encourage Your Friends
Looking for a fun, creative way to encourage Bible study? Send friends, family, and church leaders an e-postcard—free! E-cards include Bible trivia, inspiring videos, and a Bible word search. Send one today!
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