Friday, December 19, 2008

At the Sight of the Messiah

At the sight of the Messiah:

The Community was disturbed and diluted (Matthew 2:3). Our communities and towns, our governments and peoples are still disturbed at the nativity. People cannot stand it that what we celebrate at Christmas, it is the birth of Christ.

The Cosmos declared His Deity (Matthew 2:7). Unique events in the heavens and the earth pointed to the Christ so that all could see.

Why the Shepherds?

Jesus left all the splendor of heaven to be born in a manger, meaning a trough. He was a humble Savior. He was a helpless Savior, no room to stay (Luke 2:12) and He was a Heavenly Savior. He said I will prepare a mansion for you and you could not just open the door for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

He wore swaddling clothes and a robe marred with blood, but he clothed you in His righteousness. He was despised but the heavens rejoice over one repented sinner. He was beaten beyond His body could bear but he we are healed by His strips. He wore the crown of thorns by gave us the crown of life. He was hung amidst thieves but He has invited you to a banquet. He was born to die to bring life into your dead soul.

What have you got to offer the King this Christmas?

-- Sam Thomas

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Care India Mission - New Website

Binu John, a guest pastor at TIF's Sunday service a few weeks ago, has a new website for his project, Care India Mission.

Visit the site to find out more about his work and how you can help.

Monday, December 15, 2008

TIF Christmas Dinner Photos

Thanks to everyone who came to the TIF Christmas Dinner. It was so nice to see people from all over the world gather together to share fellowship and celebrate the birth of Christ.

You all made the event great!

Holiday sugar cookies made at Susana Hormann's cookie decorating station. Everyone had a lot of fun with this.

Silent Night in Korean.

Silent Night in Spanish.

Silent Night in Mandarin.

Silent Night in Mandarin.

Pastor Sam Kim sharing a great message about Christmas and the Impractical Gift that God has given all of us.

Ava Zhang sharing her moving testimony of coming to Christ.

Singing Christmas carols.

Family fellowship.

Dunamis, a Christian band from Lancaster played a wonderful series of Christmas songs.

Mary Did You Know was my favorite of the night.

Jenna, lead singer of Dunamis.

Amen!


Can you tell it was fun!?

Marketing, Graphic Design & Web Jobs

There are several job opportunities available at Ascentive, located in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Christmas Story

Listen to The Christmas Story at Faith Comes by Hearing.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Christmas Recipes

Find dozens of Christmas recipes at allrecipes.com!

Monday, December 8, 2008

BibleGateway.com

Search the Bible online - over 100 languages and 50 versions.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Holiday Card Making Workshop Photos

Yesterday, TIF held a Holiday Card Making workshop facilitated by Jesse White of Pigeon Arts. We learned how to make tunnel cards, collage cards, and altered photo cards. It was a lot of fun and I'm sure friends and family will be happy to receive our handmade creations!

Collaging is a lot of fun, and is a quick and easy way to recycle cards or make your own. Cut out pictures, colors and shapes and glue them on your card to create your design. You can also combine techniques...

This beautiful card has a combination of photo altering and collaging, with a holiday message written with a gold gel pen. It says "Jesus, our Light and Our Joy," with images of the birth of Christ.

Jesse explaining how to make a tunnel card, and different ways to be creative with it.

This is a tunnel card made with different decorative papers and a silver gel pen. On the cover it says "Oh Divine Night" and on the inside, "Noel, Peace on Earth."

Each student was able to use their creative talents to make wonderful cards. The finished products were as diverse as we are.

Adding some finishing touches...

Displaying our creations! Happy Holidays!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

TIF Christmas Dinner

TIF's Christmas dinner is less than 2 weeks away! We want to cordially invite you to the meaningful annual event. You are welcome to bring your family, friends, and relatives to the event as well.

The dinner will be a very meaningful evening. We will have Mr. Sam Kim to preach on "An Impractical Gift" from 2 Corinthians 8:1-9. A Chinese believer, Ava Zhang, will share her testimony. We will also have a gospel music group to present us Christmas songs. As in previous years, we will sing Christmas carols throughout the evening. Before wrapping up, we will have an Art and Craft time prepared by Susana and her crew. That will be a very good fellowship time. Do not forget we will have turkey, and ham, and other most delicious American food for dinner!

The evening is free for students, and children. Only $7 for working adults (please let me know if you need subsidy for this, especially for friends you bring). Children are welcome, and they will have a separate program before the sermon begins.

You can park your cars on streets sides, or Graduate Parking Garage at 18th and South st (discounted price $5 per evening. Please bring in your parking ticket to be stamped by Tenth’s official stamp). Other directions can be found here http://www.tenth.org/index.php?id=71

Please register by emailing at tif@tenth.org by December 10th.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Bible via Txt??

The Bible has been and is currently being translated into many many languages. But did you know someone has already translated it into SMS?

The next text message you send your friends could be "4 God so luvd da world..." So says the website: "Each verse is translated into 'SMS Language' - the full Contemporary English Version (CEV) with a modern twist! True meaning and order of words retained - 100% faithful to original text."

Click here for more info about the SMS Bible.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Give Thanks - Psalm 107:1

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Monday, November 24, 2008

Domus Nodus - New Site

Rebecca Hormann's Domus Nodus has a new site - there's still time to order her unique handmade puzzles as Christmas gifts!

Care India

Care India is an organization started by Binu John, who preached at TIF's last Sunday service.

Please visit his blog to see what is going on in Orissa, the work he is doing, and how you can help. The photos on this blog show the devastation caused by people who oppose the work that Christians are doing in this region.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Prayer Request - The Whitakers

Please pray for Machiko and Martin Whitaker, who have had a loss in their family.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

TIF Creative Art Workshop Photos

This weekend, TIF held the first of two Creative Art workshops in Tenth's catacombs. We had a great time creating artwork, talking, laughing, and sharing fellowship. One of the attendees has not yet been to a Tenth Sunday service, but walked out with some Tenth materials so hopefully that day will come in time!

Our teacher, Jesse White, explaining our writing practice. We wrote for five minutes on anything that came to mind without editing ourselves. Jesse mentioned that this is a good activity for everyone to practice daily. A few people chose to share what they wrote.

After writing, we moved on to collaging. We cut out pictures, colors, textures and shapes from magazines and decorative papers. Then we glued them in different patterns on paper, and had the option of using oil pastels to add to the design.



Though some of us weren't so sure about our creative abilities, and many of us hadn't done any artwork in a long time, we all produced beautiful, colorful works of art that everyone appreciated.

At least one of us is so gifted she had time to create two masterpieces!

Our last stop was the painting station, where we used a special kind of opaque water color paints to paint anything we wanted! Again, we all created unique works of art and enjoyed
sharing them with the group.

It was an afternoon well spent!

Join us for the next workshop, coming soon!

Creative Workshop Series
Facilitated by Jesse White
Pigeon Arts Instruction (www.pigeon-arts.com)

Holiday Card Making
Saturday, December 6th, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Registration Deadline: Nov. 30th

Add a personal touch to your card giving this holiday season. Tunnel cards, collage and photo altering are some of the techniques you will explore in this workshop.

$30 per session. Fee includes all materials.

Tenth Presbyterian Church Catacombs
1701 Delancey St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Contact Sam Thomas to register. Email samt43@gmail.com
or call 610-470-9070.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Bible

Any thinking person who reads the Bible is going to come across parts that seem confusing, disturbing, or downright offensive. With this comes a temptation to pick and choose which parts of the Bible we are going to believe or accept, and which we are going to write off as not applicable for whatever invented reason.

Read More >>

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Prayer Request - TIF Location

Please pray that TIF Sunday Services be relocated to a permanent location in the House of God.

Dialogue Between Christians and Muslims

From The Christian Science Monitor:

The global effort to build a "culture of peace" among Christians and Muslims and other faiths is gaining some momentum this month, both symbolically and substantively.

Read More >>

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Tenth Sermons (Main Service)

Here's what's been going on in Tenth's main service lately!

Friday, November 7, 2008

The Nature of God Concerning Evil

Pastor Phil Ryken's thoughts:

Philly PAWS Fundraising Workshop

From The Clay Studio:

Saturday, November 8
3 - 5 pm
Members: $50.00, Non-Members: $50.00
Register Online

Take a couple of hours to support a great animal welfare cause!

The Clay Studio – Philadelphia’s premier ceramic arts non-profit – has teamed up with PAWS – the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society - for a special fundraising event and workshop, Tasty Treats and Fancy Fare!

In this two-hour Ceramics Workshop, participants will choose from one of three made-from-clay project options and let their inner artists shine!

Project options for this canine/feline cause include:
  • Picture Frames
  • Treat Jars
  • Bowls (for water and food)
Each guest will have the opportunity to create their own ‘tasty treat’ and ‘fancy fare’ items (with an artistic flair!) for their favorite four-legged friends (or the two-legged ones who love them).

Plus, the money raised goes toward a great cause: PAWS’ lifesaving efforts on behalf of Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. And, don’t worry, our talented instructors will be on-hand to guide you along in your creative process!

Items will be fired and ready for pick up by November 29.

This Special Workshop is limited to 30 participants (10 per project).

Light fare provided by Whole Foods.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Penn Latin and Ballroom Dance Fall Ball

From Arthur Lim, Social Outings Coordinator for PLBD:

Greetings Fellow Dancers,

We will have our Fall Ball this Saturday, November 8th. For those of you who are new, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about this event.

What is the Fall Ball? The Fall Ball is the once-a-semester SOCIAL event on campus organized by our club, the Penn Latin & Ballroom Dance Club. It is NOT a competition or a test of how well you dance. The only thing that matters is that you are interested in dancing. This event will be a good opportunity for you to meet and socialize with others who share the same interest. We don't even care if you haven't learned how to dance yet since there will be a beginner lesson during the first hour of the ball.

Do I need a partner? NO ONE is expected to come with a partner. In the past, 99.9% of those who attended did NOT come with a partner. Try to meet as many new people as you can. Remember, this event only takes place ONCE A SEMESTER.

How should I dress for the ball? Just try to dress as nicely as possible. There is definitely no need to get a new or special outfit though.

Will there be salsa dancing at this event? Although we will definitely have salsa, bachata, and merengue dancing, we will also be playing music for the other ballroom dances (waltz, tango, foxtrot etc.) You are NOT expected to know all these dances though.

Here are the details:

What: Fall Ball

When: Saturday, Nov. 8th

Where: Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge
3417 Spruce Street - Across Hospital of UPenn
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Time: FREE dance lesson from 7 PM to 8 PM
Social dancing from 8 PM to 11:30 PM

Admission: $5 with a student ID; $10 for everyone else

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. Happy dancing!

Arthur Lim
Social Outings Coordinator
Penn Latin & Ballroom Dance Club
http://www.dolphin.upenn.edu/ballroom

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Thanksgiving with American Families

Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 27th, about 3 weeks from now. Tenth International Fellowship is organizing a hosting program for Thanksgiving. Many American families have opened the doors of their homes to welcome you to celebrate Thanksgiving with them. When you register, TIF will match you to a family that most suits you.

If you are interested, please register before November 17th by writing to tif@tenth.org. When you register, please fill in the questions below. Your prompt reply is greatly appreciated.
  • Full Name:
  • Gender:
  • Phone number:
  • Home address:
  • Transportation:
    (able to drive, take public transportation, or need ride)
  • Religion (if any):
  • Allergies (if any):
  • Special diet (if any):
  • Special notes:
    (pet fears, preference for family or single person, etc)
  • Name the person(s) who will accompany you (if applicable):

A Shepard Among Us

"A Shepherd Among Us", an original choral work for mass choir by Grammy-nominated composer Hannibal Lokumbe (African Portraits), will be led by J. Donald Dumpson, conductor, educator and master-keyboardist. Featuring the Clayton White Singers, Bright Hope Baptist Church's Celestial Choir, members of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, The Chancel Choir, and others.

Date: Friday, November 14, 2008
Time: 06:30 PM - until
Location: Girard College, 2101 South College Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19121

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

African Enterprise

African Enterprise's Prostitute Rehabilitation Program has been supported by Tenth offerings in the past. An update from the organization was posted on DMC News this afternoon.

Trip Lee: What a Believer Looks Like

Photos from Harvest 2008

These photos were taken at Harvest Crusade 2008 in Philly.

Just after the call for people to give their lives to Christ, people made their way down from the stands...


And just a few minutes later, almost 1000 people had gathered to repent of their sins and ask Jesus to come into their lives...

And the new believers rejoice in the Lord.



Saturday, November 1, 2008

Answers to the Question of Sin

An interesting article by John Piper on sin.

Creative Workshop Series

Creative Workshop Series For Tenth International Fellowship

Facilitated by Jesse White, Manager and Head Educator
Pigeon Arts Instruction (www.pigeon-arts.com)

Freeing Your Creative Spirit
Saturday, November 15th, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Registration Deadline: Nov. 8th

Learn new ways to create freely through this painting, writing and collaging workshop. Whether you are in a creative block or haven’t touched a paintbrush since elementary school, this workshop will assist you in (re)discovering your creativity.

Holiday Card Making
Saturday, December 6th , 2:00 - 4:00pm
Registration Deadline: Nov. 30th

Add a personal touch to your card giving this holiday season. Tunnel cards, collage and photo altering are some of the techniques you will explore in this workshop.

$30 per session. Fee includes all materials.

Tenth Presbyterian Church Catacombs
1701 Delancey St
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Contact Sam Thomas to register. Email samt43@gmail.com
or call 610-470-9070.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission

An email from Eunice Wong:

There will be a food drive at Tenth on Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, Nov. 16th, for the homeless and disadvantaged. The grocery bags for the drive will be distributed this coming Sunday, Nov 2nd, and Nov. 9th. The purpose is for people to fill the bags with food and bring them back to church on Nov. 16th. A list of food items are listed on the bag and will be listed on the insert in this week’s bulletin.

The person in charge, Laura Leyh, needs a few volunteers to help her distribute the grocery bags on the coming two Sundays after both 9 am and 11 am services. If you can help after the first service, please meet Laura in reception hall around 10:05 am to get the bags and head to different exits of the church. If you can help after the second service, head straight to the church's main entrance and Delancey entrance.

I do need to know how many of you can help with this. Please let me know if you can volunteer in this project as soon as you can. tif@tenth.org

Global Outreach & Maranatha Events

An email from Anne Davies:

Saturday (Nov. 1) is the Global Outreach Quizzo night. Register your Quizzo team (6-8 people) with Liz (lmosebrook@tenth.org). The event starts at 5:15 in Fellowship Hall, and dinner will be served. This event is a great—and fun!—way to learn more about reaching the world with the gospel. It’s also a good opportunity to support the global work of Tenth Church. Please register ASAP!

This Sunday (Nov. 2), Maranatha and City Outreach are again hosting Tenth’s “First Sundays on Christian Street,” a monthly outreach event to the South of South neighborhood. The children’s program will begin at 3:30 pm, and we’ll serve food at 5 pm; we will meet at the school on the corner of 17th and Christian. Maranatha kids are running the children’s program, but we really need adults to be there to mingle with our adult neighbors. Please email me (adavies@tenth.org) if you are able to come.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Winter International Houseparties

InterVarsity camps will again be hosting Winter International Houseparties for international students and their families and friends. Kids are welcome. The programs are informal and are designed to be hospitable to non-Christians. Activities include cultural workshops, a New Year's (or Christmas) party, games, crafts, and winter sports (weather permitting). Lodging, food, and recreation are included in the price. Limited financial assistance is also available.

Colorado camp: Bear Trap Ranch

Dec. 20 – Dec. 26 or Dec. 27 – Jan. 1

A printable PDF brochure is available.

Michigan camp: Cedar Campus

Dec. 27 – Jan. 2

More info is online including a printable PDF brochure. Staff or volunteers can receive a $60 discount per international that they bring with them (up to 5, which would cover their entire fee)

If you have questions about Houseparty details, please call or email the camp office listed in the PDF brochure.

Winter Conferences

INK (Internationals for God’s Kingdom)

Dec. 27 – Jan. 1 at NorthBay Adventure Camp in North East, Maryland; sponsored by InterVarsity ISM (International Student Ministry), International Friendships Inc., and several churches

This conference is for Christian internationals either still in school or out of school. There will be special workshops on post-academic transition challenges in addition to other topics that are aimed at providing training, encouragement and inspiration for Christian internationals in the call to action based on love. Visit ink08.org for more info. The early registration deadline is this Saturday, Nov. 1.

Following Christ

Dec. 27 – Dec. 31 at the Marriott Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois; sponsored by InterVarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministries and InterVarsity Press)

Following Christ 2008 is a conference for graduate students, faculty, and professionals which is designed to help them flourish as followers of Christ and as leaders in their fields, and also to equip them to help others flourish. Visit followingchrist.org for more info. Non-Christians who attend should consider taking the Doubting Jesus Track. The early registration deadline is this Friday, Oct. 31. While the overall conference is not just for internationals, there is a special “day ahead” session on Dec. 27 for international students and scholars.

Free Ballroom Dance Lesson

There is a free Foxtrot lesson this Sunday as part of "try before you buy" week with UPenn Latin and Ballroom Dance.

Sun, Nov 2nd
Hoover Lounge, Vance Hall
1 PM - 2 PM: Beginner Foxtrot with Christy Kam

Access list is required for these lessons. If you are not Penn student/faculty and are not on the list, please contact Guarav by 12pm Saturday Nov 1st. Please only reply if you are not a Penn student or faculty.

Contact:

Gaurav Mendiratta
Social Lessons Coordinator
University of Pennsylvania Latin & Ballroom Dance

More Information >>

Fun Halloween Ideas for Christians

Check out this site for Halloween ideas for Christians.

Also, an interesting article: Halloween - What do we tell our kids?

Monday, October 27, 2008

The Gospel Around the World Concert

From dc-connect.org: Multitude, an organization dedicated to building cross-cultural community at DC through prayer and fellowship events, is sponsoring The Gospel Around the World Concert on Friday, November 14 at 7:30 PM in the DeMoss Center Auditorium. The concert will celebrate the way that various world cultures worship and praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Tour the City for Only $5!

Get to know Philly really, really well with Landmark walking tours. They are doing a promotion right now - all tours are half off which is only $5 for adults and $4 for students! That's about as good as it gets for in depth tours of the city's best places.

The Gospel & Culture Project

TUESDAY, OCT 14, 7–9 PM

Dr. Chris Simmons

Jesus Watching Mad Men: a gospel model for understanding television, film and cyber culture spectatorship

FRIDAY, NOV 7, 7–9 PM

Dr. Diane Langberg & Dr. David Powlison

Lessons from a Genocide: the gospel and healing in Rwanda, with a screening of the Academy award-winning documentary, As We Forgive, followed by extended discussion

Forays are held at the Spruce Hill Christian School auditorium at the corner of 42nd & Baltimore in University City, Philadelphia. Light refreshments provided.

www.gospelandculture.org

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Praise 103.9 Gospel Radio

Check out Praise 103.9, a new gospel music station in Philly.

The Philadelphia Orchestra Connection

From PhilaMuseum.org:

Concerts on Fairmount
Free after Museum admission

The Sacred Songs of Gee's Bend: St. Thomas Gospel Choir
  • Sunday, November 2, 2008, Starts at 3:00 p.m.

  • Join us in the Great Stair Hall for inspirational gospel music sung by one of Philadelphia’s finest church choirs, the St. Thomas Gospel Choir of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas.

  • Directed by Waltier Blocker
    Rev. Fr. Martini Shaw, Rector
The Philadelphia Orchestra Connection
Van Pelt Auditorium
Paid tickets required
Members: $16
Nonmembers: $20

Che-Hung Chen and Friends
  • Sunday, November 16, 2008, Starts at 2:30 p.m.

  • Philadelphia Orchestra violist Che-Hung Chen leads an ensemble featuring violinist Paul Arnold, cellist Efe Baltacigil, and pianist Natalie Zhu in a program of Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Schumann.

How To Know God

More about knowing God from Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Crusade.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Faith Comes By Hearing

Faith Comes By Hearing offers 380 Audio Scripture recordings in 321 languages reaching more than 4.4 billion people in more than 97 countries.

How Can Jesus Be Both Man And God?

Tenth Pastor Phil Ryken speaks on this pervasive topic.

Free, Fun Spanish Club - All levels

From the Philadelphia Spanish Language Meetup Group:

There is a Meetup tomorrow!

Saturday, October 25, 2008 11:00 AM
Liberty Place
16th & Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia PA 19103
215.548.6756

- Liberty Place Food Court, 16th & Chestnut Streets
- Second Floor
- Spanish-English Dictionaries are the identifying item(s).
- We're near the ATM near the Food Court.

We meet three times per week:
  • Thursdays 6pm-8pm - Joe's Coffee Bar 1100 Walnut St
  • Saturdays 11am-12Noon - Liberty Place Food Court, near the ATM (16th & Chestnut Streets, Second Floor)
  • Saturday 7pm - until - Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St
Also, please register on our sister website:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PHLspanish

Rob Ambrose

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Noah’s Ark

My grandfather was diagnosed with melanoma shortly before my mother got married. He was given only a short time to live, but he kept pulling through, beating the odds and outliving the doctors’ predictions. However, after a few months, death became unavoidable.

My grandfather knew that he was going to die, and he was scared. When death is inevitable, one certainly becomes afraid - afraid of the unknown, afraid for themselves, and afraid for those they are leaving behind. With these thoughts running through his mind constantly, he started searching for answers. He sought out the religious figures – the priests, pastors, fathers, brothers. Because these people had answers to the “afterlife”, my grandfather thought they could give him hope and safety.

Shortly before he breathed his last, my grandfather told my mother that he “wanted to be on the ark”. Now my grandfather was born Catholic, but he rarely went to church as an adult. He had basically abandoned all religious ideals, but when death approached, he knew exactly where to turn. Whether he was actually on the ark, I will find out soon enough. I certainly hope that he was.

Death is inevitable – some people don’t like to talk about it, but it is the punishment for the Fall of Man and for our sin. The Lord will take our lives at some point. Potentially, you might be carried up into heaven in a chariot of fire, similar to Elijah…but don’t bank on it. However, bank on this - you will face judgment before Chief Justice. Will you be on the ark?

Just as the Lord destroyed the Earth in Genesis, He will come to judge the world again for its wickedness. That day could be tomorrow, or that day could be in a million years. However, it will come suddenly and without a warning. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” The only way to escape this condemnation is to be on the Ark of the Lord.

For some of you, you are firmly planted on the ark. You potentially have been born and raised on it, and have come to accept it as your own. Praise the Lord! For others of you, you may be newcomers to the ark. You are welcome with open arms! Jesus says in Luke 15:10 that “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents”. And there is rejoicing here on earth as well for those that come into the Kingdom of God.

Now there are others of you that have not yet put yourself on the ark. For a long while myself, I was clinging to the edge, but I still wanted to dabble my feet in the sinful waters of this world. I thought to myself, “Oh, I can play and splash around in the water until it gets to a certain level, and then I’ll pull myself up”. No! This is not the way with God. James 4:4 says “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God”. Do not become an enemy of God, my brothers and sisters. There is a gnashing of teeth and roaring fires waiting for you in Hell. You have to choose.

Finally, there are those of you who have no interest in the Gospel. “It’s boring” or “It’s restricting”. “I can’t have fun…I have to go to church and read my Bible”. Hopefully, none of you see the Gospel as this way, because that is totally wrong. Being a Christian doesn’t entail a checklist of responsibilities that you have to follow. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that you have to work your way up a corporate ladder into heaven. By no means! “It is by grace that you have been saved, through faith- not by works”, as Ephesians 2 proclaims. Nothing that you have done or will do can get you into heaven. You don’t have to do all these things to work your way into favor with God. No. Rather, God is extending His saving Hand, welcoming you into the kingdom of heaven. He threw His son Jesus Christ off the ark and into the waters to save you. All you need to do is repent and grab the life vest that is floating in the water. The Lord wants you in His kingdom – will you reject that offer?

That’s the “evangelical” part – most of you have probably heard that story again and again and again. So what about those that are on the ark, whose salvation is secure? Well, one thing is certain – we are not commanded to sit about happily and twiddle our thumbs, waiting for the Lord to come. By no means! We are called to serve and love the Lord in all our actions.

This is where spiritual gifts come into play. Ephesians 2:10 says that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We have been given gifts to advance the kingdom of God – 1 Corinthians 12 tells us about this.

So what is your gift? For some, they are given the gift of teaching. This includes pastors, preachers, teachers, and elders. It is there job to guide the ark, per se. They are to inform and continually teach the passengers – the body of Christ. 1 Peter 5:2 says “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them.” This includes watching over those that are firmly secure in their faith, as well as those struggling in sin. Obviously, we all struggle with sin, but for those that are struggling to stay on the ark, this is where these men are called.

Then there are those who are called to dive headfirst into the waters: our missionaries. These take many different forms. Some may minister in a far off third world country, where Christianity is a banned religion. For others, this calling may take you to your local youth center. Spreading the Gospel is our calling, regardless of where it takes us.

Finally, there is everybody else. The majority – those who are not teachers or missionaries. But your role in no less important. 1 Corinthians 12 says “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. Three are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” It goes on later to say in verse 12 “just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ”. We all serve the same purpose, with the same goal in mind – serving the Lord.

For me, sometimes, I get frustrated being cooped up at college. I want to go out an evangelize; get involved with a ministry such as Harvest or WYAM. I want to be on the front lines for the Lord. But I am on the front line for the Lord already. Just because it isn’t as “glorious” does not take away from the Lord. In an army, you only see the work on the front line soldiers. But what army can function without its commanders, without its technology. In the same way, we are the army of the Lord.

In closing, let us remember who we serve. It is not for our own glory and praise that we spread the Gospel, but for the Lord. Christ is the anchor to our ark. Hebrews 6:19 says “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”. We sail our ark through the rough waters of this world for the glory of God. The waters are rising, brothers and sisters. Hold fast – help is on the way. Our lives on earth will soon be over, and we will soon enter the glorious presence of God Almighty. But until, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfect of our faith.”

--Ben Fallon

Modern Hymns - Keith & Kristyn Getty

From Keith & Kristyn Getty's email newsletter:

'Where morning dawns and evening fades You call forth songs of joy' (Psalm 65v8)

Music like air connects us. Songs link ear to ear and voice to voice and heart to heart. It is the most thrilling part of our work to hear the layers of sound build and build as people sing together declaring praise to God. This month one of the most memorable moments for us was being part of the team for the Franklin Graham crusade in Charleston, South Carolina. As thousands, including a huge choir, stood to their feet to sing 'In Christ Alone' the sound of singing was immense and mesmerizing.

Last week we attended the True Woman conference. It certainly was an incredible experience for all involved and we considered it a privilege to be involved in such a potentially historic event for the church.

From one continent to another, this week sees the start of our UK 'In Christ Alone Symphonic tour' and we're looking forward to leading people in their singing alongside different choirs and orchestras and would appreciate your prayers for these events. We have been busy collecting together our choral and orchestral arrangements for the tour and have made them available for you this month. Also we are in the finishing stages of the new 'Compassion Hymn' which will be featured as part of the U.K. tour and will be available to you all in our next mailing so you can look out for that!

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Sun 02 Nov 2008
Northcreek Community Church, CA

Mon 03 Nov 2008 to Wed 05 Nov 2008
The Choir in Modern Worship Conference - Mt. Hermon Conference Centre, CA

Sun 09 Nov 2008
Northside Christian Church, Wadsworth, OH

Fri 14 Nov 2008
CCEF Conference, Philadelphia, PA

Sun 16 Nov 2008
Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills PA

Domus Nodus - Puzzles by Becky Hormann

Looking for unique Christmas gifts? Check out Domus Nodus, where you can find beautiful handmade puzzles by TIF member Becky Hormann.

Prayer Request - Orissa, India

Please pray for Christians living and working in persecution in Orissa, India. Read more on this topic from Good News India.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Reformation Hymn Festival

From the Tenth Concert Series Mailer:

Join us as we mark Reformation Sunday with a service of musical praise celebrating our union with Christ.

Guest Speaker:
Dr. Bryan Chapell, President and Professor of Practical Theology
Covenant Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

Musicians:
Richard Zuck, bass-baritone
All Tenth Choirs and Westminster Brass
Dr. Paul S. Jones, Organist and Music Director

Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Want Free Phillies Tickets?

From Philly.com: Mayor Nutter is holding a drawing to distribute some of the cities World Series Phillies tickets. Six tickets are available for each series home game.

Contest Rules:

Answer the following trivia question and place your response in the subject line of the email. In the body of the email, include your name, address and telephone number. Winners will be notified after noon on Friday, October 24th. The contest is open to Philadelphia residents only. City employees are ineligible for this drawing but are welcome to participate in a separate drawing open only to City workers.

Question: WHAT IS THE MAIN INGREDIENT TO SHANE VICTORINO’S FAVORITE DISH?

Click here for more info>>

TIF Luncheon - October 26th

Sunday, October 26, TIF will have a special luncheon around 12:30 pm in the Catacombs of Tenth Presbyterian Church.

It will be a farewell luncheon to Christopher and Robin Seah. Do not miss this final chance to say good bye!

Colombian Exports...

In August, I went to Colombia on a short term mission trip with Pastor Bruce McDowell. In doing some research on the country, I came across this link about an interesting Colombian export...

Harvest Crusade 2008 Videos

Harvest Crusade is a traveling Christian music concert that also gives people the opportunity to come to the Lord or recommit themselves to the Lord. This year, over 40,000 people attended the event in Philly, and about 3,000 opened their hearts to Christ. I was there all three nights and it was an amazing experience seeing people pouring down from the aisles in response to the call. Here are some videos from the event.

Jeremy Camp Reading Scripture

Jeremy Camp Performing

Katinas Performing Wait Upon the Lord

Katinas Performing I Am Free

Katinas Performing Draw Me In

Leeland Performing Yes You Have

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Missionary Blog - Japan

Danielle Guevara is a missionary currently working in Nagoya, Japan. Stay up to date with her work at her blog.

PCA Discipleship Conference

Atlanta, Georgia
November 13 -15, 2008

From the PCA website: "Join us at the PCA Discipleship Conference, where you will be trained to effectively teach others to bring the kingdom of God to our current culture and generation. Many Christians today do not fully grasp the scope and purpose of God’s Kingdom and how it relates to everyday life. We need to understand how God intends to use the Body of Christ to redeem and restore life on earth from the Fall. This calling involves having a transforming impact on every aspect of life and God’s ways permeating everything from the political arena to the marketplace, the education system to the family. When people look at the Church they should have a glimpse of what the kingdom of God is like. In essence, the body of Christ should 'make visible God’s invisible Kingdom.' In order to fulfill this mission, the Church must first be adequately trained and discipled – This is the goal of the PCA Discipleship Conference."

Cost: $225 | Register Here

Welcome to the TIF Blog

Welcome to the official blog for Tenth International Fellowship (TIF). TIF is a ministry of Tenth Presbyterian Church.

This is the place to find information, updates, and announcements related to TIF, as well as other noteworthy news.

To subscribe to this blog, just click on the button on the right side of this page.

We hope to open a dialog with TIF members and other readers alike - we welcome you to post comments and share your feedback and insight.