Ducks Standing up and Sticking together in FAITH!

I am not homophobic.  I have friends who are gay.  I have always said on the issue of gay marriage that it is not our place as Christians to set forth what is legal and illegal for the rest of the country.  We should be working to spread the Gospel and give the message to those who struggle with sin and help them to see God and with his help climb out of the sin.  I have always felt that if we yell at them they are going to hell and there lifestyle is wrong that we cannot then turn around in the same sentence and invite them to church proclaiming we love them.

I still believe it is not our part as Christians to set laws into place that will only push them from the message, but I believe somewhere in this process I have missed and others as well the need to voice our beliefs or at least not be afraid of them.  Mr. Robertson was crude yes, but he has not backed down from his faith.  He has pointed out quite clearly what he believes and what the Bible says.  I do believe we as a nation have become way to politically correct.  We have overcompensated and now have taken being politically correct to ridiculous even sinful levels.  In our attempt to be politically correct we have back down or allowed things to happen so as not to rock the boat.  Jesus rocked boats.  Jesus flipped tables.  Jesus set the record straight and told it like it was.

In a recent statement from the Duck Dynasty family they stated they were sticking together, and were not sure the current future of the show.  They rallied behind their patriarch saying they support him and that the Bible is the Bible and they are believers.  They make no apologies for their faith and do not cherry pick the parts of the Bible that work best for them, but accept it as the word of God and abide by it.  What would it look like if the rest of us stood by it as well?  What would it look like if we as Christians participated in a little more straight talk?

I am not saying we should go out and be offensive, but we should also not bow out of conversations, be vague, or hold our tongues on some topics.  I don’t want a war, but it feels like there already is a war of cultures going on, and many times we are choosing not to engage and our faith and beliefs are becoming casualties.  I want us to stand up for ourselves and our God, stick together, and stay strong.  I will leave you with an old Hymn.

        Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

        with the cross of Jesus going on before.

        Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

        forward into battle see his banners go!

 

        Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

        with the cross of Jesus going on before.

 

        At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;

        on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!

        Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;

        brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

        (Refrain)

 

        Like a mighty army moves the church of God;

        brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.

        We are not divided, all one body we,

        one in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

        (Refrain)

 

        Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,

        but the church of Jesus constant will remain.

        Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;

        we have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.

        (Refrain)

 

        Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,

        blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.

        Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,

        this through countless ages men and angels sing.

By: Chris Gates

Roughing it in Florida!

Interterm is full of trips ,and today we would like to talk about another trip.  The Florida Ecology trip happens once every four years and is a wonderful experience and for all who participate.  Professor Mike Craig sets out on a journey with a number of students, a van, and some hardcore tents.  There will be no fancy hotels or luxury buses for this crew.  They will be roughing it.  They will hike, swim, climbing, camp, and make many of their meals around a camp fire. 

Now, I must admit if I was planning a vacation this would not be my first thought.  However, these rough and tough students are not on vacation, but there to study ecology.  They will be learning about natural environments and animals.  The highlight for many I am sure will be a quick trip to the Florida Keys, where they will swim with the fishes and investigate the beautiful shells they find around the beach.  Professor Craig said that many of the students enjoy creating a shell collection.

The trip holds the possibility of excitement, adventure, and getting to learn about ecology from a hands on approach.  The only thing that could be more exciting for these science students would be getting to wrestle a gator while they are there.

 

Where do you Stand?

I have never watched Duck Dynasty.  I don’t have a problem with the show it just does not interest me.  What I do find interesting is the response to Phil Robertson’s remarks.  There has been a double standard placed on Christians from every corner.  Christians can be called a host of names, can be demeaned, and persecuted by nonbelievers and it is okay.  There seems to be this understanding that you can say anything you desire about a Christian and they must simply sit back and take it.  Yet, if a Christian makes a statement about their faith that you do not agree with then it is a no holds bar dirty fight to the death.  When did this double standard begin?  Has it always existed?  Is it the media that has brought it to the fore front of our lives?

I have read the comments made by Mr. Robertson.  I have read comments from both sides of the argument.  Mr. Robertson did not choose the most elegant of words and phrases to express his thoughts, but they were his views.  I do not believe they were anti-gay, but anti-sin.  He paraphrases scripture saying, "Don't be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers — they won’t inherit the kingdom of God.  Don't deceive yourself. It's not right."

We can look at a few statements and see him discussing homosexuality and make it into an attack or we can look at the totality of his statements and see a man crudely discussing sin.  I did not ever see him judging those who are Homosexual.  I saw a man trying to understand why.  He even went so far as to say in the article, "We never, ever judge someone on who's going to heaven, hell. That's the Almighty's job.  We just love 'em, give 'em the good news about Jesus — whether they're homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort 'em out later, you see what I'm saying?"

He is not placing judgment on homosexuals he was stating that the Bible states it as a sin, and that he does not get why people are homosexual outside of the fact that it is a sin and, “sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical."

²⁴ Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. ²⁵ They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

²⁶ Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. ²⁷ In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1:24-27)

The articles out there being written are not attacking Mr. Robertson, they are attacking Christianity and trying to paint it as ignorant and intolerant.  There are even some that are trying to twist the facts on what the Bible says.  Wilson Cruz, a spokesman for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said, “Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil's lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe.”  Well, I am a true Christian and I believe it is a sin.

I had a friend in High School who was gay, and I know people who are gay.  I do not like them any less.  Much like Mr. Robertson I don’t understand it, but I do not judge them.  Sin is in our nature and the Bible says all sin is equal in the eyes of God.  So, this Christmas season when I participate in Gluttony and over eat, or participate in Envy or Lust over something a friend has received, or Greed for wanting more, I will be no better than any other sinner.  We all sin, and it is not our place to judge, but it is our place to know what the Bible says and what we as “True Christians” believe.  We should not allow ourselves to be bullied and back down from our beliefs.  This being said in the future when discussing a topic of this nature be more careful of the word you use than Mr. Robertson.

By: Chris Gates

European Interterm Trip!

The joys of Interterm often involve a trek to an educational local where the learning process seeps into every head turn, step, and conversation.  This year there will be three groups adventuring beyond our campus walls to visit the outside world.  Today we will be looking at the first group and a trip to Europe.  They will be studying photography, music, and literature.

This team of seven students and one faculty member will make their way to Ireland.  They will spend 3 days touring the land and visiting C.S. Lewis’ home.  They will be learning about him, his writings, and his life.  It will be an exciting time exploring Ireland and the man, who brought us the Chronicles of Narnia and so much more.  It is said that much of Narnia’s description is taken from around the island, so it could be said the students are really visiting Narnia without the convenience of walking through a wardrobe.

The team will then cross the channel and arrive in Whales.  They will make their way to London and eventually Oxford spending a total of seven days.  They will see the amazing museums London has to offer and visit part of Oxford.  While in London they will also have the joy of getting to see Phantom of the Opera in the West End. This will prove to be an exciting leg of the journey.

The team will finally make their way to Paris. They will have two to three days to explore this amazing city.  The highlight of this portion of the trip will definitely be there time at the Louvre.  Many of us only read about or see pictures of the famous artworks contained in this building, but for these lucky students they will see the works first hand.  It will be a trip to remember.

The Day after Finals!

Twas the day after finals, and all through the halls

Not a student was stirring, nor climbing the walls.

The teachers were stuck grading papers with care,

In hopes that their break would soon be there.

The students were all safe at home or in route

While visions of joy, food, and sleep followed suit.

Congratulations to the students, faculty, and staff for making it through another busy semester!  Enjoy your break everyone and get some rest.  January will be here before we know it.

A Giving and Caring Heart!

I was blessed to sit down and talk with an 11 year old girl named Bethany this week.  Bethany is full of excitement, positivity, and a passion to serve and helps others.  At a time in life when most kids are concerned with typical holiday traditions and presents, Bethany has set a goal to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.  Now for those of you who do not know, the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an organization dedicated to helping families stay together while children are going through medical treatments.  They provide a place for families to stay so that children can heal faster and happier surrounded by love ones.  Their website states “we may not be able to make the medicine taste better or erase the pain of a much-needed treatment, we can help lessen the burden.”

Why is Bethany raising money for RMHC?  All of her life she has suffered from Asthma.  This battle has put her in the hospital several times and become an ordinary part of daily life.  Two years ago she raised just under $700 by collecting change at church, and sent it to National Jewish, a hospital in Denver.  Bethany through her struggles had become acquainted with National Jewish and wanted to give back and pay it forward.

Last year, Bethany found herself a patient at National Jewish during the holiday season and spent 18 days going through treatments.  She was able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House with some of her family during this process.  During her time there she was blessed by the services that RMHC provided and very grateful for their love and support.

This year, Bethany has a passion and glow about her as she sets out to give back and pay it forward for future families who will need the services of RMHC.  She has begun collecting money to send to RMHC to say thank you for what they do, and help out the many children who need their services yearly.  It is inspiring to see such joy and excitement radiate from her as she talks about this new endeavor and goal to surpass the $700 dollars she raised last time.  Bethany has set up multiple locations in the area to collect change; Moundridge Elementary School, Prairieland Partners in McPherson, and Modd's Sweets and Eats in Moundridge.

Bethany embodies the true Christmas Spirit.  She has a loving and giving heart with a desire to help others.  In less than a week she had already made it half way to her goal and is excited about the future.

Interested in hearing from Bethany herself tune in Thursday December 12th to 96.7 FM KBBE here in McPherson, KS at 12:30 or go to Midkansas Radio to listen online.

Come Over Here, God-With-Us

Has anyone else ever noticed this?



♫ O Come, O Come, Emmaaaaanuel... ♫

Hey. God-with-us. Come over here.



Do you see what I’m getting at?



Why are we asking God to come if He’s with us already?

Let’s break it down.

The basic message of this song is that God’s kids hope for and anticipate the second coming of Jesus.

The “O” in the song isn’t just us asking God for a favor. It represents the desperate need we have for Jesus in our lives; not just an add-on, and not even as just the center, but as the very drive and the baseline for everything we are.

I think most of us know by now that “Emmanuel” means “God with us.” That means He’s here, actively moving in our lives, at this very moment.

Every verse in that song that we mean when we sing it proves we recognize the power Jesus has to be a rescuer, protector, and SAVIOR. So we aren’t just asking Jesus to come. We’re asking Him to draw us even deeper into the freedom He won for us when He came to us the first time 2000 odd years ago.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus says “You can be sure I’m with you always, till the end of time.” Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that God has said, “Never will I leave you nor forsake you.” And I hope we all know that when God says something, it’s not a cute little suggestion. It’s always a promise.

Let’s talk about prayer (I promise it ties into my point).
Prayer is about aligning ourselves with God’s kingdom, His will, His purposes, His character. It’s about being with God so we can be like Him so others will want to live for Him as well. Praying isn’t about calling God to “get down here!” It means we know that He knows that we know we have a great need for Him.

Having a relationship with a know-it-all is hard enough; having a relationship with Someone who literally knows everything, including what you want/need and what you’re going to say... That feels stupidly difficult sometimes. But we still acknowledge that God is the fulfillment of our needs/wants, and that He has the right to do whatever He wants because He’s God and we’re not.

So why do we sing “O come, God with us!” Because even though He is already with us, we know that everything in the world is not quite right yet. Things are still missing, and we feel the pull to search for whatever that is. So we wait and pray. We align ourselves with Him: “God, I believe You’re here, and I can’t wait until Jesus comes again! O Come, Emmanuel!”

He’s always here. He said He would be. The Coming Kingdom is being built right now, as you read this. It just doesn’t look like a castle or whatever. It’s every act God does through us, every moment we spend with him, and every change He makes in us that makes us more like Jesus that builds His Kingdom.

Don’t get all hung up on confusing things you come across when it comes to God stuff. It isn’t always either/or. Maybe God can be both/and too sometimes.

We wait for Him. And we have Him presently. God is with us. And He is yet to come.



Things like that are pretty hard to wrap our minds around. Good thing none of us are God.

BY: Ariana Matty

Curtains, Lights, and Microphones...Oh My!

Dear Alumni,

Blessings have been heaped upon Greer Auditorium and the departments that use the space this year by the generous Alumni.  Two years ago the Alumni worked together to raise funds for new curtains.  They raised an amazing amount and then after a year or so of curtain samples and color decisions, our new curtains were hung in May.

Last year, while we were making decisions about what curtains to get, the Alumni went to work again raising funds for new lighting equipment to help Greer shine.   They again blessed us with funds to acquire 30 new lighting instruments, which were hung in October.  Any who have attended recent production, events, or recitals will have noticed the wonderful changes taking place.

This brings me to our latest addition.  Two years ago during a spring production an Alumni approached us and asked about our microphones.  We have a set of 8 wireless microphones the Alumni helped raise money for about 8 years ago.  They are wonderful, but after several years there are repairs and fixes that need made, and this particular show had a couple of sound issues that happened.  We talked about it and the family made a donation to help us work towards repairs and ultimately the purchase of two new microphones, body packs, and receivers.  The following fall we added to this with another donation from the same family and a production whose proceeds went into this fund.

I am excited to say that we have purchased two new full microphone set and the November musical saw their first use.  All who attend commented on how great they all sounded.  Now, the student’s vocal talent was wonderful, but the microphones helped to showcase that talent.  We are very thankful to all Alumni who have donated and cared about what goes on in Greer Auditorium.  The students have been blessed and we have been blessed by your compassion and desire to see us thrive.

Thanks You and God Bless,

Central Christian College Fine Arts and Theatre

“Fear the Beard”

For the past two years, Gillespie Hall has participated in “No Shave November” or “Novem-beard” or, as we call it at Central Christian College, “Fear the Beard”. This is an event where the men in Gillespie do not shave their facial hair during the entire month of November. The guys in Gillespie made it a competition. The top winner is whoever can grow the best beard and the other prize goes to the person that grows the worst beard. This year’s winner of the best beard went to Aaron Hoover. Then, the person with the worst beard went to Dean Danner. Unfortunately, there were many contestants that couldn’t make it that evening or had to shave because of sports. This left the judges wondering what would have happened if everyone could have been there. The judges were Rusty Blanchard, Micah Metz, and Professor Mike Craig. Last year’s winner of the “Fear the Beard” competition was Stephen Craig. His judges were Micah Metz, Jacob Kaufman, and Ryan Mackey. All of the judges, both this year and last, are known for having a beard of their own. I think that the men will be looking forward to this competition next year and I can’t wait to see who wins.

By: Laura Smith

Play Auditions

            Little over a week ago Central's Theatre Department brought to you the 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Those in attendance experienced a fun night of talent and good humor. During interterm Central will be performing two One Act shows, The Man of Destiny and Chamber Music. Then, in the Spring, students will begin work on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

            The Man of Destiny involves a battle of wits when one woman takes on Napoleon Bonaparte, Chamber Music follows a committee of eight historical women in an insane asylum, and Twelfth Night will be done in full Steam punk style.

            This week you, yes you Central student,  have the opportunity to audition for one of these or all three! On Monday December 2^nd and Tuesday December 3th auditions will be held for the interterm and spring shows in Greer auditorium from 6-9 pm. If you have ever had any desire to try your hand at acting or to learn about the process of putting up a production, then come on out! If you are unable to make it to auditions but are still interested in being involved contact Chris Gates.
By: Andrea Ruiz