03/07/2005

Sunday's Events

Thanking God for a good Sunday together as church family. Thought about the importance of the work of Christ as our Passover Lamb and the protection which He provides through His blood (Exodus 11:1-12:29). Also great to have a chance hear a mission's report from Larry & Vicki DeArmey. Larry & Vicki have been supported by Valley Grace for approximately 34 years and have served in France and are currently serving in Madrid, Spain. They are in the US for about 6 months and then will be returning to Spain.

Also appreciated having Terry White with us. Terry is the Editor of BMH (Brethren Missionary Herald) which has been the publishing arm of the Fellowship. One of the current ministries of BMH is "FGBC World" which is a newspaper published with the goal of keeping us up-to-date with what is taking place in the fellowship family.

Allen Robinson was installed as Assistant Pastor at Valley Grace with installation conducted by Jeff Semler, Vice-Moderator. Thanks to Terry White for the photo.

Technology & Future Events: I have read with interest the continuing development of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips. These are small chips, currently about the size of a grain of rice that transmits data to a receiver. Walmart was going to test them in their merchandise which would help them track it faster and easier, but due to public outcry caused by privacy concerns, they pulled back -- though there has been some further consideration of trying it again. Another use is to put the tag in an animal so that if the animal is found, that information (owner, registation, shots, etc.) can be scanned and retrieved. About a year ago, a boy and his parents decided to try this in Florida and caused a little stir. It has been reported that about 170 Mexico City Police have been implanted in case they are kidnapped. California was considering using this concept in a limited way on elementary school children (not implanted, but in a badge). Part of the consideration is that it would help in case of kidnappings, also make it easier to track attendance, and help to monitor who was in the building. But again, public outcry has sidelined this for a while (see article). There are many positive uses of such technology, as well as some great concerns. In light of God's revealed truth that during end time events it will not be possible to buy or sell without "the mark", this raises interesting insight into a possible means to accomplish this aspect of prophecy.

New Twist on Move to Reduce Abortions: Andrew Sullivan writes in "The Case for Compromise on Abortion" (TIME, March 7, 2005, p. 90) that Pro-Life and "Pro-Choice" groups need to compromise. His argument develops that since the stated goal of both groups is to reduce abortions ("Pro-choice" is now beginning to state this) the compromise is to make it easier to access contraception and by that to reduce the number of "unwanted" pregnancies, thereby reducing the number of abortions. What are your thoughts on this approach as a follower of Jesus Christ? (You can post comments be clicking below)