Reflections from J. Christy Ramsey, a Pastor serving in the Goodyear Heights neighborhood of Akron, Ohio 2010-09-06T05:12:42Z Rev. J. Christy Ramsey Copyright 2010, Rev. J. Christy Ramsey SPHPBLOG Our Muslim Neighbors from: Technipol

I have been blessed with talking to Muslims in the Holy Land and getting to know our Muslim neighbors just down the street.

Here are some in a Public Service Announcement.

I am grieved of the attacks on Muslims and vandalism and protests at their places of worship, especially during the month of Ramadan, which is similar to our Christmas season with an emphasis on family and spiritual renewal.

Even if Muslims were our enemy, (some are, perhaps even thousands, out of a total 1.5 billion Muslims who are not, including 18 million Americans, (see chart above)), Christians are commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ to love them. We are also commanded to love our neighbors, which include Muslims.

Jews, Christians, and Muslims are all children of Abraham, we have much more in common with Muslims, than we do with those who believe there is no God.

In support of our friends and neighbors, I have placed a positive, non-confrontational message on the church sign this week. I am not using the word MUSLIM and have included a translation of the the traditional Arabic greeting into English letters and words. As of now,

FREEDOM OF
RELIGION
BLESSES ALL (one side)

RAMADAN KAREEM
(NOBLE GENEROUS MONTH)
TO OUR NEIGHBORS (another)

The greeting in Arabic is used much as we would wish folks to have a Merry Christmas. It is important and respectful to use Arabic when using this greeting. Just as "Happy XMAS" just isn't the same as "Merry Christmas" for us.

I happy to talk to anyone about how Christians can love others.
]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100830-112305 2010-08-30T00:00:00Z 2010-08-30T00:00:00Z False Profits Jeremiah 2:4-13

Going after worthless things, brings no profit and makes us worthless.


This message is available as a podcast recorded live at our worship service, so the sound quality is less than heavenly even if the content is.

Click the podcast image to listen now or right click the image and choose "Save As" to save this message in mp3 file format on your computer for playing later.
]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100829-090000 2010-08-29T00:00:00Z 2010-08-29T00:00:00Z False Profits
From flickr by antwerpenR

Thus says the LORD:
What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they went far from me,
and went after worthless things,
and became worthless themselves?
 – Jeremiah 2:5 (NRSV)

“My Morning Run” from You Tube



If you look close, our running friends are climbing the walls of a church. Pursing worthless things? (might hear a part of a objectionable word at end...)

“Atheist Song” from You Tube



Steve Martin contrasts religious pursuits against the atheist lifestyle. What is worthwhile? What is worthless? (Hint: A couch is involved.)

“Making Things Right” from Doogal



The consequences of chasing after candy are listed by these furry talking animals.

“Phase 2” from Furry Vengeance



What if you job is to pursue worthless things? Or destructive things? How will future generations judge our pursuits and the legacy we leave them?


“Uncomfortable Questions” from China Cry



What do you pursue in religious activities? Worthwhile or worthless matters? Does religion or faith make a difference in your life? (Listen for the rare Presbyterian mention in media in this clip.)

]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100827-100007 2010-08-27T00:00:00Z 2010-08-27T00:00:00Z Sabbath Bound Luke 13:10-172

Sabbath is taking a rest from our way and remembering God's Way


This message is available as a podcast recorded live at our worship service, so the sound quality is less than heavenly even if the content is.

Click the podcast image to listen now or right click the image and choose "Save As" to save this message in mp3 file format on your computer for playing later.
]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100822-122406 2010-08-22T00:00:00Z 2010-08-22T00:00:00Z August Roundtable Prayer
Here is this month's thoughtful prayer:




Here is the link to Mr. Kanfer's presentation:]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100819-165602 2010-08-19T00:00:00Z 2010-08-19T00:00:00Z Cleaning the Sin Slick

From our Song and Service
A Light to the Heights worship
Sunday, August 15



Bible Reading:
Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16

This week we consider how to get the sin that clings so closely off of us.

Videos:

“Buying Forgiveness”


from the film Get Low




Get Low on WingClips


Can you PAY for forgiveness of a sin? How does one earn forgiveness?

______________________________________________________________


“Asking Forgiveness”


from the film Get Low



Get Low on WingClips


Listen to the end of this clip where Felix rejects Charlie's path to forgiveness because he needed to hold on to what he did, so he could be sick every day of his life. Do we hold on to sin to punish ourselves?

______________________________________________________________


“Off the Streets”


From the film Madea Goes to Jail




"Off the Streets" from Madea Goes to Jail on WingClips

How does the "bet" help Candy and Donna? Does sin come off better when we have someone else to follow?


______________________________________________________________


"Joy is Gone" and “Only God”


From the film Heart of Texas








"Joy is Gone" and "Only God" from Madea Goes to Jail on WingClips (Joy) (Only God)

A friend kills your daughter in a hit-and-run accident. How do you treat your former? friend?]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100815-110000 2010-08-15T00:00:00Z 2010-08-15T00:00:00Z How to Get Rid of the Sin Slick Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Sin doesn't stop us from following God's path.


This message is available as a podcast recorded live at our worship service. Click the podcast image to listen now or right click the image and choose "Save As" to save this message in mp3 file format on your computer for playing later.
]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100815-090000 2010-08-15T00:00:00Z 2010-08-15T00:00:00Z Akron Roundtable PGA Golf Prayer
Higher Power,
Whisper to us the promise of the welcome green
while we are trapped in sand.
Guide us back to the straight path
when we have lost our way in the rough.
Remind us that we never go alone
and no one is left behind.
We pray in the name of all that is holy, Amen.
]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100804-162412 2010-08-04T00:00:00Z 2010-08-04T00:00:00Z God's Order Luke 13:1-13

Praying and Living God's Way of Ask, Seek, Knock


This message is available as a podcast recorded live at our worship service, so the sound quality is less than heavenly even if the content is.

Click the podcast image to listen now or right click the image and choose "Save As" to save this message in mp3 file format on your computer for playing later.
]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100725-090000 2010-07-25T00:00:00Z 2010-07-25T00:00:00Z Boundaries of God Luke 10:25-37

God calls us to be a neighbor by loving the good in all people.


This message is available as a podcast recorded live at our worship service. Click the podcast image to listen now or right click the image and choose "Save As" to save this message in mp3 file format on your computer for playing later.
]]> http://www.christyramsey.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100711-090000 2010-07-11T00:00:00Z 2010-07-11T00:00:00Z