Speech on Christianity after Festive Season

Speech on Christianity after Festive Season A Job to Do It is all over. That for which we hoped has come and gone. Christmas is over. All of the excitement and energy has waned. The decorations have disappeared; boxed and stored in the attic, the garage or the basement for another year. School vacation is over. The old year is gone, and a new one has begun. Everything is back on schedule. We are back to life, as we know it. It happens every year. It is part of life not just a Christmas, but at other times as well. Something is on the calendar for which we are filled with great anticipation-birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, vacations, graduations, a new job, a new adventure. Then in the blinking of an eye, the time has passed, and we are back to life in the ordinary, the normal, maybe it is a new normal, but there is a routine. There are things that need to be done groceries need to be purchased, the house needs cleaned, bills need to be paid-we have a job to do, whether it is our employment, parenting, school work, housework. Whether you are in childhood, or are an adolescent, teenager, young adult, middle age, or enjoying the years of retirement, there are things that we have to do each day. We all have a job to do Through the advent season, Christmas, and now into the New Year, into the season of Epiphany, the stories, the lives of John and Jesus have been intertwined. We have heard the sister stories of the announcements of their births, the sister stories about their births and today, the weaving of their stories continue, even now, in their adulthood. They too have a job to do. Johns job is to be the one who prepares the way of the Lord. He is the voice crying out in the wilderness. In the other gospels, he is the prophet, the baptizer. Luke presents him differently. His job is not to baptize. His job is to preach. He is a preacher first and foremost for Luke. Like any good preacher, some of his sermons point out the peoples sinfulness and their need for repentance. He reminds them that they have wondered off the path, ventured into dangerous territory, and turned away from God and Gods purposes. Like any good preacher, some of his sermons focus on how we are to live life in the sphere of Gods influence. He preached sermons that answered the question What shall we do? How do we live as people of God? These are the sermons that remind us of what we learned in Sunday School, Kindergarten, or around the dining room table-share, treat people fairly, be honest, and dont be greedy, but be content with what you have. All throughout life, we need to be reminded of these values. Like any good preacher, some of his sermons focused on the judgment of God and his coming into to the world. The messiah, the anointed one comes to turn the upside down things right side up. A day will come when God will reveal himself and he will rid the world of evil, and restore creation to its rightful order. John was to preach repentance, covenant living, and the coming of the kingdom of God. John had a job to do. Jesus had a job to do as well. He came to the Jordan. He heard the words of his cousin. He stepped in line with the other people. If you want details about his baptism, you need to read the other gospels, because Luke is not interested in that event. For Luke, Jesus, in human flesh, joined the crowd and was baptized without notice. Just as his birth was unremarkable, for Luke so was his baptism. Luke tells us that sometime after his baptism, while he was in prayer, the Holy Spirit came upon him. I like to think that he was in prayer seeking, like you and I do, discernment and direction for fulfilling Gods purposes, that the Holy Spirit came upon him, anointing him for the tasks that lie ahead, and through the blessing You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased[i] he was set apart for the task ahead. Through his baptism, his commitment to prayer, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the blessing of God, and his experiences of the wilderness temptations, Jesus was commissioned for the job for which he was born, the job that will lead him to Calvary and the tomb. We will learn more about his job throughout the coming weeks What is important for us to know is that after the visitations of the angels, the heavenly choir, the journey to Bethlehem, the smelly shepherds, the visitation of the Magi, the singing of Joy to the World, life got back to normal. John and Jesus grew up. The cousins matured. John and Jesus both had jobs to do. This morning, we are here to ordain and install Stephen Anderson, Mary Anne Fitzgerald, and Bernice Gibson to the office of Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). They too, now have a job to do. The Holy Spirit led the nominating committee, through their prayer for discernment, to these three persons. The Holy Spirit came upon them as they sought Gods will on the matter and led them to accept the job as Ruling Elder. Upon further assessment, this congregation, through its prayer for discernment, confirmed the call of God upon Stephen, Mary Anne, and Bernice, and elected them to the office of Ruling Elder, to lead this congregation in the work of the Kingdom of God. Now today, we will ordain and install them to the office, and bestow upon the apostolic authority to guide us in our Christian vocation. Beginning today, they will attend to the job they are called to do. These three will join the other Ruling Elders on session who have also been called and confirmed in the job before them. In that job, they will need to be prepared to be honest, pure, and loving in their lifestyle. Leadership is a privilege, and with privilege comes responsibility. God holds teachers of His truth doubly responsible because we who lead are in a position where we can either draw people toward Christ or drive them away from Him. This is illustrated in the life of the famous author Mark Twain. Church leaders were largely to blame for his becoming hostile to the Bible and the Christian faith. As he grew up, he knew elders and deacons who owned slaves and abused them. He heard men using foul language and saw them practice dishonesty during the week after speaking piously in church on Sunday. He listened to ministers use the Bible to justify slavery. Although he saw genuine love for the Lord Jesus in some people, including his mother and his wife, he was so disturbed by the bad teaching and poor example of church leaders that he became bitter toward the things of God. Indeed, it is a privilege to be an elder. But it is also an awesome responsibility. The Ruling Elders have a job to do. But so do you. Each of you has a job to do. Just as the commission of Jesus began with his baptism, and was confirmed through his prayer life and his struggle with the temptations of the world, each of us, regardless of whether we hold a position of authority and speak from the pulpit, make decisions in the session room, teach Sunday School classes, work in the nursery, provide for fellowship or pray for those who do, we have a job to do. Kimberly Leetch rightly states, Every time we feed a hungry soul, visit one who is isolated, celebrate a widowers birthday, give money to charity, reduce, reuse, and recycle, we are bringing about Gods kingdom on earth. Gods kingdom is not an otherworldly, unreachable place. This is Gods kingdom. Right here. Right now.[ii] Each of us has a job to do. We may not all be preachers like John the Baptist. We may not all be called to be the decision makers. We may not all be called to positions of leadership in the church or in the community. However, we are called to live acts of kindness, to share what we have, to treat others with respect and dignity, to be content with that with which God has blessed us. When Martin Luther became discouraged and filled with doubt, he would put his hands on his head while saying, I have been baptized. Â   Â   Friends, remember your baptism. In it, God claimed you, God called you out of the world, and he placed you back in the world to serve him: to serve God and to serve human need. Remember your baptism. Remember, that because of your baptism, you have a job to do. Amen. [i] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Lk 3:22. [ii] The Rev. Dr. Kimberly Kace Leetch. Clergy Stuff. www.clergystuff.org.

Essay --

What is a model? â€Å"A model is a simplified representation of reality it does not constitute reality itself. Models purposely ignore certain aspects of reality and focus on selected and related sets of crucial factors† (Segal and Spaeth 2002). In this paper, I will be discussing the three models and which model explains how justices behave the best: the legal model, the attitudinal model, and the rational model. The legal model justices vote on their preference but when given the opportunity they would vote to overturn the precedent because it does not fit their personal opinions. The attitudinal model justices are provided with the best prediction on a given case to determine how to vote. The rational model is the last model that feeds off the other models. The justices for this model vote on their preferences and not on sides. I will describe how each model links into each other. The legal Model is the behavior of judges explaining the law while making decisions. Justices tend to make judgments based off past precedent. Judges subscribe to the legal model for public consumption. J...

A Brutal Choice Essay

â€Å"Don’t leave me here to die† â€Å"Do you agree that Cathy O’Dowd and here fellow mountaineers had no choice but to leave Fran â€Å"to die†?† In the newspaper article Cathy O’Dowd clearly tries to make the reader believe that she did the right thing. She identifies this in the sub heading â€Å"she faced a brutal choice: to risk her own life in a doomed rescue†, noticeably the word â€Å"doomed† shows there was a severe risk of danger in any rescue attempt. I believe that in a way writing this article has allowed Cathy O’Dowd to exorcise some of her guilt, Cathy wants to explain her experience in full and get the reader to empathise with her. Finally, it may also be possible that Cathy wants to show the story in a feminine perspective. The article does undoubtedly give many good reasons why not to attempt to save Fran. But I am not completely shore that they had â€Å"no choice but to leave Fran†. The fact that there were nine people on the mountain and that together they couldn’t even try to help rescue Fran is rather peculiar. I don’t know what others would do, but I would at least try to help, rather than to just leave her â€Å"to die†. Also, Cathy states that they had been with Fran â€Å"for nearly an hour† pondering over what to do, this completely wastes time and any chances of saving her. Cathy is in a moral dilemma, and I believe the moral thing to do would be to attempt a rescue. The three Uzbek climbers that left her oxygen and supposedly â€Å"tried to help† saw Fran the day before this incident. She must have been in a better state then, and all they do is just leave a canister of oxygen. The Uzbek climbers then stay with the rest of the group and Fran, and help to â€Å"watch Ian and Jangbu to see what decision they took†, this is just more evidence of time being wasted and therefore lowering Fran’s chances of survival. In conclusion I believe that to live Fran â€Å"to die† was not the only choice they had. As I said, the morally correct thing to do would be to of least attempted a rescue, rather than to fritter away time.

A Midsummer Nights Dream- Play within a play Essay Example

A Midsummer Nights Dream A Midsummer Nights Dream- Play within a play Paper A Midsummer Nights Dream- Play within a play Paper Reason and love keep little company nowadays, in fact, both plays possess the same message. Towards the climax of both plays, the lovers no longer hold senses and unreason begins to appear. Under the effects of the love- in- idleness, both Lysander and Demetrius who once adored Hermia turn their love towards Helena. Being neglected and unloved before, Helena immediately thinks of herself as a laughing stock and hence points the finger to Hermia as one of this confederacy. As a lady who is desperate for love a long time, all of a sudden getting that much, it seems quite natural to think of this as a jest. Yet, invisibly, she is actually laying down bias and putting her point of view into this issue. In the same manner, seeing the mantle of Thisbe stained with blood, Pyramus instantly think of her dead. Again, this seems logical, yet, personal emotions overrule and thus Pyramus has not thought twice and kills himself afterwards. On one hand, the play- within- a- play serves the use of restating the theme of love, yet it also serves as a warning in which unreason is the root of danger and tragedy in the future. With such unreason, the lovers encounter various dangers. In the main story, fairies are there to disturb ones thought whereas, in the play- within- a- play, something physically dangerous appears, the lion causes bloodshed which eventually makes Pyramus think of Thisbe dead. And at the same time, unreason makes Pyramus thinks without second thought, thus suicides wrongly, ending the play in tragedy. On the contrary, the main story shows the other side of a coin, despite of all those dangers surrounding the lovers, none of them are deadly and the problem finally resolves in the end with the help of the fairies. This creates great contrast between the two plays, so as to show the potential danger of unreasoned love. Dealing with a tragedy, the mechanicals production definitely makes a difference towards the tone of the play as a whole. The play itself loses it seriousness and heaviness, and is then becoming a lot more like a comical interlude. As the actors lack knowledge towards acting and the play, it adds comic effect to the play. Overusing poetic techniques such as alliteration and weird acting made by the wall, lion and moonlight make the performance the silliest stuff ever heard. This in fact quite matches with the Dukes intention that the pale companion is not for [his] pomp and that melancholy [should] forth to funerals. Instead of putting attention on the content of the play, much emphasis is on the simplicity of the workers. In fact, readers are reminded not to take the play seriously as they are just dreams which comes and goes quickly. As mentioned by Theseus the best in this kind [of play] are but shadows; and the worst are no worse, if imagination amend[s] them. Therefore, we should take the play lightheartedly as they are no more than visions. All in all, the tedious brief scene parallels with the main story as both plays deal with the obstacles of love and the unreason of love. Though the play- within- a- play ends tragically, it turns out to have a hilarious ending and matches with the plays ending as well.

Will Your SAT Photo ID Work Learn the SAT ID Requirements

Will Your SAT Photo ID Work Learn the SAT ID Requirements SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips One of the most important things to remember on SAT test day is to take your photo ID with you to the test center. If you don't have an appropriate photo ID with you, you may not be allowed to take the SAT! But how do you know what types of IDs will work? What should you do if you don't have a photo ID? In this article, I'll answer these questions and explain all of the SAT ID requirements so you can make sure to arrive on test day with an acceptable ID in hand. Why Is a Photo ID Required? A photo ID is required to confirm your identity and registration. In the past, there have been issues with cheating, and some students have taken the SAT for other people. The information and picture on your photo ID will be checked against the info and photo on your Admission Ticket to ensure that everybody takes their own test. If any of the information doesn’t match or you don’t have an acceptable ID, you won’t be allowed to take the SAT. If it’s discovered after the test that you used false or invalid ID, your scores will be cancelled, and your test fees won’t be refunded. SATID Requirements Your photo ID must meet the following requirements. Your ID Must Be Valid Your ID must be a valid (not expired) ID that is government-issued or issued by the school you currently attend. School IDs from the prior school year are valid through December of the next academic year. A school ID from the 2015-2016 school year is valid through December 31, 2016. If you're 21 or over, the only acceptable form of identification is an offical government-issued ID. You can't use a student ID. It Must Be an Original Document You can’t bring a picture or photocopy for your SAT photo ID. Also, it must show your full legal name, and the name on your ID must completely match the name on your Admission Ticket. The Photo Must Match the Photo on your Ticket The ID must have a photo that clearly matches the photo on your Admission Ticket and your appearance on test day. It Must Be in Good Condition The ID can't be torn or appeared altered in any way. Furthermore, the text and picture should be clear. The Text Must Be in English The text on your photo ID needs to be written in English. Examples of Acceptable and Unacceptable SAT IDs Here are some examples of IDs you can and can’t use for the SAT: Acceptable SAT ID Government-issued driver’s license Government-issued ID card Official school ID from the school you currently attend Government-issued passport Government-issued military or national identification card Talent Search Identification Forms (only allowed for 8th grade and below) SAT Student ID Form (must be prepared by the school you currently attend, or a notary if you’re homeschooled) Unacceptable SAT ID Credit card or debit card, even if it has a photograph Birth certificate Social Security card Employee ID card Any temporary ID card Missing Child (â€Å"ChildFind†) ID card Any document that is torn, scuffed, or otherwise damaged Any document that appears tampered with or digitally altered Any document that doesn’t meet the requirements Don't try to show your debit or credit card as your SAT ID. What If You Don’t Have Acceptable SAT Photo ID? If you don’t have an acceptable SAT photo ID, you can use the Student ID Form. A current photo must be attached to the form in the area indicated before the form is authenticated. The form will be used to verify your identity like a photo ID. You can only use this form if you’re testing in the US and under 21 years of age. If you need to use the Student ID Form, talk to your counselor or any school official who can help you. The form must be copied on school stationery. Also, you'll need a signature from a school official and a school seal for the form to be valid. If you're homeschooled, the form must be notarized and signed by an official notary. All of the SAT ID requirements apply to the Student ID Form. The photo you use on your ID form must match the photo on your Admission Ticket and your appearance on test day. You must bring the original Student ID Form to be admitted to the test center. The Name on Your ID Must Match the Name on Your Ticket The name on your photo ID must completely match the name on your Admission Ticket. When you’re registering, make sure you enter your name exactly how it appears on your ID. Don’t use a nickname or shortened version of your name. Middle names and initials are optional; however, if they’re provided, the middle initial must exactly match the first letter of your middle name on your ID. If you register with the wrong name, you can change it free of charge. Contact the College Board to do so. You'll only have until 8:00 PM EST on the Monday before the test to make any changes. Keep Your ID on You at All Times On test day, your ID will be checked multiple times. Make sure you have it with you from the moment you arrive at the test center. Typically, your ID will be checked when you first arrive. Then, you’ll have to show your ID before you enter the room where you’ll take your test. And when you return to the room after breaks, you may have to show your ID again. Don’t put your ID in your backpack. Keep it on you. Wear something with pockets, and have your ID with you throughout test day. SAT ID Requirements: Final Reminders Check to make sure you have an acceptable photo ID when you register for the SAT. When you’re registering, use the name that’s on your photo ID. Don’t forget to bring your photo ID with you on test day. The night before the test, put everything you’re going to need in a backpack. Review what you have to bring. When you’re at the test center, keep your ID with you at all times. You’ll probably be asked to show your ID more than once. If you leave your testing room during break times, you may have to show your ID before you reenter. What's Next? Are you trying to decide when to take the SAT? Learn more about how to choose your test date. If you've never taken the SAT, find out what to expect on test day. Finally, calculate the SAT score you need for college. Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points?We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Fashion Retail in the UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fashion Retail in the UK - Essay Example The paper "Fashion Retail in the UK"discovers the the ideas behind the BCG business strategy in the context of UK fashion retail. The BCG strategy suggests that the resources of an organization be allocated depending on its relative position on the grid. The grid has four sections/ positions. These are cash cow, star, question mark, and dog. The BCG strategy is diagrammatically represented as follows. The relative market share is a dimension that is utilized in evaluating a business portfolio. A corporate that enjoys high market share would ultimately get a high return of cash. This can be explained in terms of economies of scales. A firm that manufactures large quantities of goods has benefits of economies of scale and thus they enjoy higher profits. On the other hand, the market growth rate is a representation that earnings and profits increase. An increase in the growth rate means that large amounts of cash would be utilized to stimulate further growth. This means that an organiza tion in the rapidly growing industries use up a lot of cash and one should only invest in such organizations when there is an underlying growth or a sustained market share. Dogs: the brand in this quadrant is in a slow growing market. Furthermore, such brands are not the market leaders: they hold a low market share. Such brands generate nil or sometimes negative cash on returns. It is not wise for one to invest in such brands unless one opts for a long-term investment. As such, one may opt for retrenchment.

Public international law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Public international law - Essay Example paramount international law of the states in the recent phenomenon, the traditional concept of PIL has emerged by incorporating varied types of issues along with a broader scope of development activities1. In relation to the modern concept of PIL, the states across the global nations have a number of legal responsibilities to intervene and prevent war crimes, genocide, ethnic cleansing along with crimes against humanity2. Therefore, in keeping with the modern concept of PIL along with the legal responsibilities of the sovereign-states, the primary objective of this essay is to critically evaluate whether all States have adequate legal responsibility to assist insurrectional measures threatening to overthrow genocidal governments. The responsibility of protecting population from war crimes, genocide, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity involves the prevention of such in-humanitarian practices through effective and appropriate means. In this context, each individual State within the international community should inspire and support the other States to exercise the accountability and support the United Nations to enhance its early warning capability3. In relation to the agreed proposal of building crime free environment, the States from the global nations are obligated to comply with the international law along with demonstrating their commitment to promote peace and development in each State. In order to evaluate the responsibility of the States to support insurrectional movement, it is highly essential to understand the concept of sound responsibility and what it entails. With respect to the notion of PIL, protecting individuals from genocide, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity is the key responsibility for the States. With regard to the concept of sound responsibility, the doctrine generally entails three major activities of the States. Firstly, the laid down activity includes ensuring that the population under the strong jurisdiction of the