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COMMUNITY, NOT CONFRONTATION

 

 

cooperation, not confrontationWhat we need today is community and cooperation, not confrontation! These days, it is increasingly obvious in social and political discourse that the mood has shifted to confrontation rather than cooperation. Not only demonstrators and rioters, but also even politicians are using coarse, inflammatory, profane and abusive language. It is no longer "civil discourse," but quite uncivil.

When you do a simple Internet search on the phrase "wars, conflicts and disputes" you'll find page upon page of articles that describe the ways people don't get along with each other, but instead turn to harsh rhetoric, lawsuits, and even violence in their effort to win an argument. Social media programmming algorhythms are designed to amplify and reinforce negative emotions, making people react and be drawn into a cycle of anger, profanity, and hate. This is what the Evil One has designed.

How can we break free from this cycle of anger, profanity, and hate? Just as there is a real Evil One, Satan, there is an even greater Good One, Jesus Christ, Who can set us free from this bondage to anger, profanity, and hate. By His death, He conquered death and evil. Christ, the only begotten Son of God, liberates us and makes us adopted sons and daughters in God's family, the Bride of Christ, the Church. Scripture often uses the word "reconcile" which means to make peace, to resolve conflict. In Christ we are enabled to be peacemakers, not troublemakers. We are brought into real, heartfelt community with God and neighbor.

"Love your neighbor as yourself" is more than a warm-fuzzy secular slogan. In the Bible, it's preceded by "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength." That's the only way we can really love our neighbor from a pure heart, when we love God as our Lord with the totality of our being. This is what gives us the ability to genuinely love our neighbor as ourselves.

Being God's adopted children by becoming the Bride of Christ, we are part of God's "extended family" – the community of faith – the Church. Christ is the Rock, the Cornerstone, the foundation of our faith. Then the Church is built up on the Apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20-22) – "One holy, catholic (universal) and Apostolic Church." So there's a definite structure that is described in the New Testament, and in fact was already in place long before the NT canon was officially approved. Thus, we must recognize the Apostolic nature of the Church. This is how Christ's headship and authority is to flow down, This is the foundation for genuine community.

The word "community" in the Greek NT is "koinonia." It's also often translated as "communion" and "fellowship." This is why "community," "communion," and "fellowship" are sometimes used in place of "Church." So "ABC Community Church" and having "fellowship hour after church" are really redundant, if you stop to think about it! If the Church is something different than community and fellowship, it ceases being the Church.

So genuine Christian community can only take place when we recognize Apostolic authority in the Church and partake of the Body and Blood of Christ in communion, thus becoming partakers of the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). From the early Church times, holy communion was part of a fellowhip meal, just like the Last Supper. What started my thinking about this was the article "Orthodoxy Without Community? That Isn’t Orthodoxy." The subtitle was "If We Don’t Eat Together, Are We Even the Church?" Let that sink in for a minute!

Community also means sharing each other's burdens, thus fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). This includes praying for each other's spiritual and material needs, but must not be limited to just praying: do what you can about it! The early Church shared their possessions ("but not their wives" as one early saint wrote). This must not be under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)... quite different than the forced collectivization under modern communism! It also must not be done for show, pretending to be generous but in reality holding back, as Ananias and Saphhira did (Acts 5:1-11).

Living in community was often expressed by Christians living close to each other: this is what "parish" means. In fact, in some southern states of the U.S. the smaller sections of land are called "parishes." At times, Christians built cooperative housing for several families, singles, elderly, and people with disabilities. They join together in a covenant or pledge to live in harmony, purity, and simplicity, having a "community room/chapel" where they can gather for worship / fellowship / community. It's all one!

This is what we have in mind with our ARC ("Agape Restoration Community") concept. Please take a look at our PDF "Building the ARC" – thanks!


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A Personal Note:Tanzanian police killed 100s of protesters. Riots and Killings in Tanzania Simon at Vision Complex Orphanage in Tanzania wrote on Nov. 29: "In Bunda now we are not allowed to move out in the afternoon and night right away starting yesterday. Yes, if you don't have food and medication, you may die... no visiting hospitals [for his orphan and sick children]. Many people who were killed during election on 29th October have not been buried by their relatives and their bodies are not in the mortuaries... people are asking themselves where are they to be buried by their relatives? The government hasn't released them to relatives. Our [newly-reelected] president is a Muslim."

And on Dec. 4 he wrote again: "We are now in lockdown: we are only allowed to go out for one hour then back to sleep." Hundreds of civilian demonstrators and bystanders have beeen shot dead by police, many of the bodies have secretly been buried in mass graves. Please pray for Tanzania and the dire straits that the children are in at Vision Complex Orphanage!

And continue praying for my wife Cheryl's complete healing from her two spinal fusion surgeries: next Wednesday, Dec. 10, will be the one-year anniversary of her first spinal surgery. The second was in April this year. Full healing takes about a year

 

Here's our next free online course: (click →) Course 300 - "A Biblical Theology of Ministry" - deadline to enroll: 4 Jan. 2026 (← click). So enroll today, before you forget! And check out all of our free literature, e-books, and booklets!

 

 
NEXT, THE NEWS:
 

2. OHIO DOCTOR CHARGED WITH SIX FELONIES FOR FORCING ABORTION PILL ON WOMAN
from: LiveAction

SYNOPSIS: Dr. Hassan-James Abbas, an Ohio doctor, has been charged with six felonies. The charges stem from allegations that he illegally obtained an abortion pill and forced a woman, with whom he was sexually involved, to take it. The woman's unborn child did not survive the assault. The charges include abduction, unlawful distribution of an abortion-inducing drug, and identity fraud.

"On December 15, the woman visited Abbas' home, where he offered her tea, hot chocolate and food — which the woman described as unusual. On December 18, he again offered her hot chocolate in his home. Later that night, she awoke to find him on top of her, with his fingers in her mouth. She described tasting a powder, which she believes was the abortion pill."

Dr. Hassan-James Abbas, an Ohio doctor, has been charged with six felonies that stem from allegations that he illegally obtained an abortion pill and forced a woman, with whom he was sexually involved, to take it. The woman's unborn child did not survive the assault. The charges include abduction, unlawful distribution of an abortion-inducing drug, and identity fraud.

Pray for ex-doctor Hassan-James Abbas to repent of this gross crime of assault on a woman and murder of an unborn human being, and for all people to realize that unborn babies are real people, not merely "a lump of tissue."

 

3. 'WE ARE WEARY, YET UNDEFEATED': UGCC BISHOPS APPEAL TO FAITHFUL
from: RISU

SYNOPSIS: The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) issued a pastoral letter titled “In Unity Lies the Strength of the People.” The letter urges the faithful to observe the Christmas fast as a period of spiritual mobilization and social responsibility. The bishops emphasize Ukraine's resilience despite the ongoing war, urging mobilization of all resources for victory. They highlight that internal discipline, including fasting, prayer, and self-sacrifice, is key to the strength of the people.

The UGCC calls for societal purification from apathy and Soviet-era models, emphasizing that internal renewal is crucial for victory. The bishops state that true victory for Ukraine stems from individual self-restraint and sacrifice. The letter concludes that the struggle for Ukraine is a struggle for the future, calling for good deeds as a defense of truth. "The only certain path to victory is to pursue the way of Christ. True victory for Ukraine will not come from the intervention of allies or diplomatic efforts. It will come when each of us makes a sacrifice – of time, energy, abilities, conveniences, and, if necessary, life. For it is only through personal self-restraint that we will create a common resource capable of becoming an invincible force," the bishops of the UGCC emphasize.

Intercede for Ukraine, for a just peace, for the return of the 20,000 abducted children and thousands of adults, for the land stolen from Ukraine, and the full restoration of that land to usefulness.

 

4. SEVENTEEN INSANE THINGS POLITICIANS HAVE SAID ABOUT PREGNANCY CENTERS
from: SBA ProLife

SYNOPSIS: New Jersey AG Matthew Platkin is taking his years-long campaign against pregnancy centers into court. Make no mistake: this case isn’t happening in a vacuum. Leftist politicians across the country have spent years demonizing the very places that serve women with real help, real resources, and real compassion. The article goes on to list 17 of these politicians' statements that illustrate the total moral bankruptcy of their anti-life ideology. This is the climate AG Matthew Platkin and politicians like him is operating in. This is the echo chamber fueling and reinforcing their raging.

It is a coordinated, unmistakable message from leftists nationwide: Pregnancy centers must be silenced. Shut down. Erased. But here’s what they refuse to acknowledge: Pregnancy resource centers are trusted, local, community-rooted, and lifesaving. They provide diapers, housing support, counseling, ultrasounds, formula, and long-term care – for FREE. They meet women where they are, without judgment. That’s what this case threatens. Not “fake clinics.” Not “misinformation.” But the right of women to choose free, life-affirming support instead of being funneled only toward abortion.

Pray that leftist politicians and all people will comprehend the humanity of and the horrendous nature of advocating for the abortion of unborn babies.

 

5. TO ADDRESS DISABILITY CAREGIVER CRISIS, FEDS LOOK TO AI
from: Disability Scoop

SYNOPSIS: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is launching a $2 million Caregiver Artificial Intelligence Prize Competition. The competition aims to find innovative ways to use AI to support both paid and family caregivers for people with disabilities. The initiative seeks to improve caregiving efficiency, scheduling, and training. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the goal is to make caregiving "smarter, simpler, and more humane."

According to a recent report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, "Nearly 1 in 4 American adults provide care to an adult or child with a complex medical condition or disability." The competition responds to the strain on family caregivers and the workforce crisis of paid caregivers. The AI competition will initially grant 10 awards, with a total of $2 million in prize money, spanning three years. The competition is expected to open in early 2026.

Thank the Lord for the responsible use of AI, and pray that it will not be used for diabolical goals. Artificial Intelligence is no match for genuine stupidity, and not to be used for evil purposes.

 

6. SCIENTISTS REVEAL TURNING POINT WHEN YOUR BODY'S AGEING ACCELERATES
from: Science Alert

SYNOPSIS: A new study identifies a significant acceleration in human ageing around age 50, based on protein changes in various tissues. The research, led by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed samples from 13 tissues of organ donors aged 14-68. Blood vessels, particularly the aorta, showed the most marked changes and susceptibility to ageing, along with the spleen and pancreas.

Researchers found 48 disease-related proteins increased with age, including those associated with cardiovascular conditions and liver disease. Experiments with mice showed that injecting a protein associated with ageing led to reduced physical performance, suggesting a direct link. The study suggests human ageing is a complex, step-wise process, and understanding it could lead to targeted medical interventions. The research was published in the journal Cell, and its insights may pave the way to improve the health of older adults.

Ageing is a lifelong process. Ask God that people would understand that we are all growing older, to have compassion for people who are suffering from conditions that often (but not always!) accompany ageing.

 

7. PROPRIOCEPTION: THE SIXTH SENSE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR AGEING, DISABILITY, AND CONSCIOUSNESS
from: Disabled World

SYNOPSIS: While most people are familiar with the traditional five senses, far fewer understand the profound importance of proprioception - our ability to sense the position and movement of our bodies in space. This internal compass operates continuously, allowing us to navigate the world without constantly watching our feet or consciously calculating every movement. Yet when this sense falters, as it often does with ageing or disability, the consequences ripple through every aspect of daily life, from walking safely to the simple act of reaching for a cup of coffee.

Proprioception is the body's built-in sense that lets you know where your limbs are and how they're moving without needing to look at them. It relies on specialized receptors in your muscles, tendons, joints, and inner ear that constantly send information to the brain about position, tension, and movement. Essentially, proprioception is the internal guidance network that keeps your body coordinated, stable, and smoothly in sync with your intentions.

Pray for and provide assistance for people who might have difficulties maintaining their balance while walking, turning or doing something else.

 


 

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BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS

 

Bear one another's burdensHow are we to "bear one another's burdens"? When Jesus Christ first started His ministry, He said: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).

Then He showed His disciples how to preach the Gospel and minister to the sick, handicapped and poor (Luke 5:12-15). Next, He sent them out two by two and they practiced what He taught (Luke 9:1-2): preach the Gospel, care for the needy and heal the sick. After that, He taught His followers to minister to the same audience: "the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind" (Luke 14:12-13 and 21), and He put it into practice: "Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people" (Matthew 9:35).

And in the Great Commission, Jesus commanded His disciples to make more disciples and teach their disciples to FULFILL ("observe" but not just spectate!) everything He had taught His disciples to DO (Mat. 28:18-20). What was it that He taught His disciples to DO? Proclaim the Good News and Minister to "the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind"!   P&M - Proclaim & Minister - that's Practical Ministry! It's not an "either-or" solution: either preach, evangelize, witness for Christ; or do social action things like feeding the poor, sheltering the homeless, helping the jobless find work. It's a "both-and" proposition: Do Both!

Later, the Apostles selected seven deacons (Greek "diakon" = "minister") to carry out this diakonia-ministry to the poor, widows, etc. "...and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly" (Acts 6:1-7). St. Paul taught that the bishops, pastors and deacons should equip the saints to do the work of diakonia-ministry "to the building up of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12). This is not just dry theory or theology: it is practical, hands-on ministry that helps the church grow! Enroll in our free courses to see how YOU can do diakonia-ministry. And Join "The ARC" Chat/Video Forum to Build the ARC!

Yours sincerely,

"Dr. Bob"

Robert D. Hosken, M.Min., M.Th.S., D.Min.

 


 
 

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If just 5% of the people who see this would give $5 per month (just 17¢ per day!) – the average cost of a coffee at Starbucks – we could cover our operating expenses and do much more in spreading the word, supporting orphans, and providing accessible housing for the disabled. So please DONATE ...thanks!

 
   



Who Are We?   Please remember to pray for Christians in Secularized Countries, and for...

  Your fellow-servants,

  Bob & Cheryl

  p.s. Status: Spending money you don't have, to buy things you don't need, to impress people you don't like.