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Houston Pastor Can Use Christ’s Name on Memorial Day

May 29th, 2011

Memorial Day

I was trolling the area events calendar this morning, looking for a good Memorial Day topic on which to write, and I came upon a story that, to my own discredit I had yet to read about. Every year, a Memorial Day ceremony is held at the Houston National Cemetery, at which, area pastors are asked to participate by saying prayers and making speeches. This tradition has been practiced for over thirty years.

This year’s ceremony was to include an invocation by Pastor Scott Rainey, who has delivered the invocation a couple of times in recent years. This year was different however as he was asked by cemetery director Arleen Ocasio to please submit his prayer in advance. While it seemed unusual, the pastor complied with the request. Upon reading the prayer, director Ocasio notified Pastor Rainey that while the prayer was well written “…I must ask you to edit it …The tone must be inclusive of all beliefs and non-denominational in nature.” Stated clearly, she objected to the prayer because its close was in Christ’s name. This despite the fact that his prayer specifically stated “While respecting people of every faith today, it is in the name of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord that I pray…” But evidently this precaution was not enough for Ms. Ocasio who told Pastor Rainey that he would have to edit the prayer and remove the offending name of Jesus Christ before he could offer his prayer in public. Failure to make the changes would result in the pastor losing the privilege of speaking at the event. Wait, wasn’t Mr. Rainey chosen on the basis that that he is in fact a pastor, and thus does have a particular religious belief?!

When Mr. Rainey took his case to the Veterans Affairs Department, he was told that cemetery policy was to be non-sectarian, and that they couldn’t intervene. Finally the pastor took his cause to the Federal courts. Fortunately Judge Lynn Hughes agreed with the pastor citing the fact that despite the ceremonies location it was a private event and that forcing Mr. Rainey to edit his speech amounted to a violation of his free speech rights.

The frustrating thing to me (although in my opinion the story ends well), is that the military families scheduled to be present are predominately Christians, who strongly object to the exclusion of their faith, in favor of a tiny minority. No disrespect to Military families of any stripe! But why should the vast, vast majority be required to sacrifice their beliefs to the god of absolute inclusion? The case only illustrates the intellectual chasm that exists between the litigious bureaucratic class and average Americans who are not in fact trying to offend any minorities, but simply want to remember their loved ones in the context of a tradition that happens to be the majority tradition in the United States. I hate to see things like this go to the courts. But when they do, it’s nice to see traditional American values win one on occasion. All that being said, Happy Memorial Day East Texas! We honor our fallen servicemen this weekend. May light perpetual shine upon them.

Hell House in Tyler a Halloween Christian Takeover

September 17th, 2010
Hell House Tyler Texas

Tyler TX Hell House

Halloween is just around the corner. Tyler Metro Church will open another year of the haunted house, Hell house. In the years past Hell House has been in the middle of the woods and in creepy “haunted” building.

The last year that I went to Hell House, it was all set out side in the middle of the woods. It was really quite freaky riding towards the woods in a carriage. The next thing I knew was a man jumped onto the back of the carriage and was right on my face. I felt like I was going to pass out, he was dressed up in a demon costume and I was not expecting him.

After we got to the beginning of the woods, the man escorted us off the carriage and to a path through the woods. In the middle of the woods there is all different scene set up. As you watch the different stories of men and women dealing with hard times in their lives, you listen to the temptations of the devil. I would not bring a young kid to Hell House because there are very graphic scenes. The most frightening thing about Hell House is that people dressed as demons keep popping up right in your face.

After you have walked through the different scenes you are lead to a dark underground room that resembles a coffin. As the doors open for you to walk out of the coffin the last scene is a scene of Jesus Christ dying for our sins. They talk to you about new life and Jesus washing away our sins. They have people that are willing to pray for people if they are willing. There has been quite a bit of controversy over Hell House’s message. Some people say that they are scarring people into a relationship with Jesus. Hell House staff says that their message is to show how real Hell is, and that we can have life through Christ alone.

There are many ways to help out with Hell House. They open the doors of Tyler metro for anyone to help out. You can be in the different plays, dress up as different creatures or demons. They ask people to be there to pray for visitors that have gone through Hell House. You and your youth groups or church groups can help out in all different ways.

Tyler Texas Suicide

Hell House Suicide

It only costs a few dollars to go through the Hell House. It does get your adrenaline going and freaks you out which is what Halloween is all about.

For a more traditional Tyler TX haunted house check out “Terror Nights” haunted house in Tyler.

Pregnancy Resource Center

April 7th, 2010

Pregnancy Advice and Free Sonogram Service

1003 South Baxter Avenue
Tyler, TX 75701-2212
Phone: (903) 592-4495

When you are a teenage girl the world of pregnancy is intimidating and lonely. I do not think that anyone can really understand that statement unless they have been there themselves. I can say this. I remember finding out that I was pregnant and only being 18 years old. I felt so alone even though so many people were around me supporting me. The truth of the matter is that no one around me had been there. I had no idea what to do, what doctor to go to how to get on insurance or Medicaid. I was like a deer caught in head lights. The world seemed so empty and I could see disappointment every time someone looked me in the eyes. I felt like there was no one to talk to about my concerns. But there was someone.

As I walked into the Pregnancy Resource Center I thought that I knew what to expect, because I have grown up having relatives work there and my Bible study group even met there at one time. As I walked in I thought I would get the looks of disappointment and condemnation. After all, I grew up in an extremely Christian home, went to a Christian school and I did and still do have a very true relationship with Jesus Christ. How could I screw up? How can I be pregnant? I figured that they would not understand that everyone sinned; I just wore the evidence of my sins under my shirt. I did not just want to be preached to, but I needed to be heard, and understood.

They handed me a couple sheets of paper to fill out, so that they understand where I am coming from. After a few minutes of waiting, they led me to the small bathroom and handed me that small cup to fill up for the pregnancy test. As I figures the test was positive and instead of words of condemnation, they offered an embrace of love. I had no idea how I was going to face the world, but right at that moment I felt loved and cared for. After they quickly talked to me about my plans of parenting, adoption and discouraging against abortion (which was never ever an option), they let me talk. They answered questions of how to break the news or where to go from here; they ended my time by praying for me. I knew I was going to raise my now two year old daughter, I just did not know where to start. Since I had no insurance they talked to me about how to get on Medicaid and where to go for the best health care. They gave me numbers and even made a few calls for me. I was great to have a little understanding of how to start my new life with this child.

After a couple months they asked me to come back in for a completely free sonogram. That day was one of the most memorable days of my life. I was preparing for my wedding that was going to take pace in a coupe weeks, through all the chaos this day seemed to slow everything down. As I was asked to lie on the padded table, I began to get anxious to see my child. The room was packed by my family and my now in-laws. This was the first day I saw my little girl. I knew she was real. I saw her hear beat, her hands moved, and her legs kicked in excitement. It was almost like she knew I was watching her. When the lady told me that my child was a girl, tears quickly filled the room. I loved her more at that point. I could not afford a sonogram at that point, but the Pregnancy Resource Center in Tyler Texas made it possible for me to see my little girl for the first time.

To this day, I am very thankful for the help that the Resource Center offered to me. I am only one of the many young girls that they support. The women that work there do not do this for a paycheck. They volunteer everyday because they want to help the young women of our society, and to make a difference. Every pregnancy test is free, and every sonogram is free, and run by professionals. They are there for you. To show the love of Christ to women of all ages. I have heard many stories of woman whose lives were changed because they decided to go to the Pregnancy Resource Center. I am just one of those women.

Christian Science Church Tyler Burned Down Today

January 17th, 2010

Christian Science Church 1st Address and Phone Number

Church of Christ Scientist Tyler

(903) 592-0462
106 E Second St
Tyler, TX 75701

Today represents the 7th church in East Texas to be burned to the ground by arsonists. According to sources the Christian Science church in Tyler TX near Bergfeld Park was burned down. This church is also known as Church of Christ Scientist. These church burnings are being intentionally burned down by pyro freaks who seem to get a kick out of the news stories and publicity surrounding the burnings. The problem is their motivation is what will eventually nab them. An arsonist has a twisted point of view in thinking that they will not get caught. With this many church burnings in Tyler and East Texas you will find a heightened level of security and surveillance at many churches throughout the area.

Neighbors and citizens of Tyler Texas are now on the watch for any suspicious activity around a church, especially at night. The fact that the Christian Science church was burned down in the early hours of the evening tonight proves just how invincible these people must think they are at being caught.

Our pastor has made the point that what these arsonists do not realize is that Christian people in the city of Tyler will be praying for the hearts and minds of these arsonists. God will eventually get a hold of these people’s spiritual corrupt state and hopefully turn them around to the saving faith in Jesus Christ.  Our pastor encourages local Christian believers to pray for these people and for the churches that have been the victims of these crimes.

Christian Science Church is only the latest in these wave of East Texas church burnings. It is only a matter of time until these people are caught. I really think that these people are probably teenagers and may even be intelligent people but with just a twisted spiritual and mental state which causes them to make really bizarre and evil choices. Tyler is filled with churches almost on every street corner which is why we are considered the heart of the Bible belt. I encourage everyone to be on the lookout and feel free to leave a comment if you see anything suspicious or know anything about who these people might be.

The people who burnt down Christian Science Church in Tyler probably have a motive that revolves around the notion that there are a lot of churches in town. Because Tyler has so many churches it may seem to be an obvious target for someone as twisted as these people are. I assume they are going after the attention that a stunt like this would cause because so many people are affected when a church is burnt to the ground.

If we all work together in the city of Tyler we can quickly put a stop to these people and bring upon them swift justice.

Here’s a listing of the 7 churches of East Texas to have burned so far… (1) Lake Athens Baptist Church, (2) Grace Community Church Athens, (3) Faith Church Athens, (4) Little Hope Baptist Church, (5) a church in Martin’s Mill, (6) Tyland Baptist Church Tyler, and (7) Church of Christ Scientist Tyler. All of these since January 1st 2010… Please pray!

Substance Abuse Treatment in Tyler Texas

September 16th, 2009

An important consideration when deciding on a substance abuse treatment program in Tyler is whether to go with a 12 step program or a substance abuse treatment program based on clear science and statically proven results. I personally do not believe that 12 step programs like alcoholics anonymous work and have researched this matter extensively to come to this conclusion. After reading many facts and research journals on 12 step programs like alcoholics anonymous the final conclusion is that AA is a nice pep rally to go to but does not have the recovery results often lauded. One of the primary tenants of a program like this is a belief in a “higher power” I have a major problem with this and I’m not even an atheist.

Alcoholics Anonymous

The terms ‘Higher Power’ and ‘power greater than ourselves’ appear in the “Big Book”, on three occasions:

  • Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.[6]
  • The alcoholic at certain times has no effective mental defense against the first drink. Except in a few cases, neither he nor any other human being can provide such a defense. His defense must come from a Higher Power.[7]
  • Follow the dictates of a Higher Power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances!

I except that there is a God but his name is Jesus and because of this a higher power just isn’t enough to believe in to fix your addictions. In fact because the “higher power concept is vague and does not refer to someone specifically it has no power. However, if you will read and learn about Jesus Christ as found in the Bible you will discover who the real “I Am” is. He is the only power and the only way you can effectively kick your addictions for the right reasons. Anyone can kick an addiction and occasionally AA works for some people but you don’t want to just kick the addiction because you are hurting others but because you are disobeying God. You have broken his law and must repent to God first through Jesus Christ. Because Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins you must ask forgiveness from Jesus Christ and repent of your sins and addictions.

After you have trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins you have made yourself right with God and can now have right relationships with people, family, and friends. A part of being right with God, family and friends is to kick your drug addiction. Alcohol and drug addictions are not diseases but are sins that need to be forgiven. Alcoholism and drug addictions are just symptoms of much worse problems in your life related to your sins against God and man. You are in a state of death and destruction and are on a pathway to hell unless you through Jesus repent of your sins and trust Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins.

Through a Tyler Texas Christian substance abuse center you can be lead by loving Christian people to find out what your underlying sins are, get right with God, and put an end to your substance abuse problems and drug addiction. It doesn’t matter if you are hooked on crack, heroine, Meth, cocaine, or any other drug. There are preachers that used to be hooked on those drugs that are now clean and with families.

Although sin is at the root of a substance abuse problem there are typically four causes of alcoholism and drug addiction.

1. Chemical imbalance.
2. Events of the past you have not been able to reconcile.
3. Current conditions you can’t cope with.
4. Things you believe that aren’t true.

In the example in number 4 the root issue is the brain washing the public is fed through the media and AA that your addiction is a disease and can never be cured.We encourage you to learn about Jesus Christ in the Bible and his forgiveness for your sins instead of believing that you have an incurable disease.

Until your personal underlying causes are discovered and healed, you will most likely continue using drugs and alcohol, struggling every day, but with no end in sight. Once your underlying problems are solved, your drug addiction will cease to exist and you will be able to go back to your family in friends in Tyler Texas or wherever you may have traveled to come to a Tyler Texas substance abuse center.

When you check into a substance abuse center in Tyler, a team of Christian counselors will be assigned just to you and the issue at hand, getting you off of drugs or alcohol for good.. These Christian therapists work with you one-on-one, providing help in understanding your underlying sin issue and the forgiveness of Jesus and helping you admit too and repent of your sins. Your substance abuse treatment therapists work as a team, sharing and changing information as needed to get you to the point of recovery as fast as possible. Having an experienced team of people who have helped hundreds of people who have come and gone through their facility help you achieve freedom and release from the bondage of drug and alcohol addiction. This type of drug addiction care with a Christian focus is not something you will find anywhere else and it is not a AA pep rally by any means. Tyler Texas is the center for effective Christian drug abuse and substance abuse treatment, and this city is the right town, the the only city, for yourself, a family member, or friend.

For some reason people are scared to say you can be “cured” of substance abuse and drug addiction but this idea is nothing new in the Tyler Texas area. We are a historically Christian town in the bible belt of the United States. We do have bad churches and Christian hypocrites but the city of Tyler also has seasoned men and women of God that truly want to help you kick your habit and more importantly come to repentance and a right relationship with God and family. You do not have to buy into the theory that drugs and alcohol addictions are diseases. You will receive one-on-one substance abuse treatment in the Tyler Texas area with a licensed Christian drug abuse clinic. We are here to help you find your life in Christ and life free of the bondage’s that come with sin and separation from God.