of two men making a jour-ney who were joined by a third. These two men were so wrapped up their gloom and disappointment over what had transpired in the last few days; their “earthly problems”, they didn’t even recognize their Savior who was walking with them. Discipleship is not about being perfect. We all fall away at times and forget. God will do whatever it takes to get you back and he is a patient God. God’s grace does not leave us alone, even in our separa-tion. By His grace, we are turned from rebellion, healed from sin and re-newed by the Holy Spirit. “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence with-out fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and au-thority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more. Amen ~ Jude 1:24-35

“Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” ~ Matthew 26:33-34

We all know what hap-pened next. Peter did in fact deny Jesus three times that night. In those deni-als, there were some things that happened to Peter. He assumed an air of indiffer-ence and in doing so; he took on the appearance of the crowd and gave the enemy home field advan-tage. He tried to “fit in.” It wasn’t Peter’s desire that his real character be known. Peter was flat out scared of what would hap-pen to him if people found out that he was a disciple of Jesus Christ. Fear is one of the enemy’s best tools for it is a great (de) motivator. There were some in the crowd who saw Peter for what he was. (In hindsight, we can now con-sider that to be a good thing.) In the end Peter, due to his

fear, fell away. Do we fall away from God as did Peter? When it comes to Jesus are we in-different? Is it important for us to “fit in” to the point where we deny Je-sus?” Are we scared of what people will think if they find out that we are a Christian? Remember that I mentioned that peo-ple in the crowd saw Peter for what he was. Do peo-ple see you and think, “Christian”? If not, why? The Christian life is one that is lived every other day of the week in every aspect of your life, not just at church on Sunday. The good news is that YES, we can come back. Peter finally came around and eventually was one of the most influential of the disciples. What Peter fi-nally did, as I see it, was place Jesus ahead of him-self. Jesus did the rest. Another example that comes to mind is the story

Falling Away Mike Victorino

Community of Christ

Sagle Crier

Special points of inter-est:

♦ Enjoy Your Summer

♦ Remember Boating and Water Safety

JULY THROUGH AUGUST, 2007 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3

I yearn for the day when we have spiri-tually matured as a people to the point we instinctively know that the Sprit that binds us together in Christ is far greater than any differences that may separate us.

Stephen M. Veazey

Inside this issue:

Resurrection Power 2

Good Friday Observances

2

Prophets 3

An Island To Write On

3

We Need A Thicker Skin

4

Freely Give 4

Birthdays and Anniver-saries

5

My Book of Mormon Testimony

5

Book Review ~ The Visitation

6

a busy week.

As a rule, I tend to notice little things that are not supposed to be noticed or deemed of any importance in the bigger picture. For instance, in the movie Twister, they are supposed to be in Oklahoma but pass a Texas road sign while chasing the third tornado. Well anyway, as I was reading this story in the Spokesman Re-view, I was enamored by the picture included with the story. There was traditional dress, mul-tiple rings and a very nice cross; all of the elements necessary for

JERUSALEM – Some in agony, others in ecstasy, Christians around the world marked Good Friday with prayer, processions and pleas for peace. Thousands of pilgrims, some carrying large wooden crosses and others hold-ing candles, wound their way through the narrow lanes of Jerusalem's Old City, retracing the route the Bible says Jesus took on the way to his crucifix-ion. This was from an Associ-ated Press Story by Steve Weiz-man. This story took a while to come up with. What can I say? It was

the experience. She even seems to be happy. I can only assume that it is because she finds her-self fortunate to be able to par-take of this opportunity. My very next thought was, "I wonder what the appropriate sunglasses are to retrace the steps of Jesus as he made the arduous journey to his crucifix-ion and our salvation?" Would Foster Grants be acceptable? How about Ray Bans? Or, is the sheer magnifigance of the event worthy of breaking out the Oak-leys?

Resurrection Power Candy Moon

Good Friday Observations (An Alternate View) Mike Victorino

One of my favorite accounts of resurrection power is found in the book of Acts when Saul of Tarsus is knocked off his horse as he was leading his men into Damascus. Saul, as you recall, was a Roman soldier. His job was to persecute Christians by killing them or putting them into prison. He was determined to take men and women who walked in they way to prison. Saul was riding in the lead, when a bright light appeared. He was thrown from his horse and he heard a voice from heaven say to him, "Saul, why do you perse-cute me?" Saul asked, "Who are you?" "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were with Saul heard the voice but did not see the Lord; only Saul saw him. Saul's men had to lead him to town as he was made blind. For

three days he waited and prayed; eating nor drinking nothing. In this time, Saul had a dream that a man named Ananias would come and lay hands on him and he would regain his sight. Awe-some!! Saul was changing. Even more awesome to me was the disciple Ananias. The Lord calls him in the night and he answers, "Here am I, Lord". The Lord tells him to go to the street called Straight and inquire in he house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul. "For I have given him a dream that you would come and lay hands on him and restore his sight." Ananias answered that he had heard from many how this man is killing and persecuting all who follow the Lord, and has in his hands authority from the Chief Priests to do so. The Lord said, "Go, for he is chosen to carry my word to the Gentiles." OK Wow!!, Ananias goes as the Lord asks. He does not reason away what he has heard, he walks in

faith. He finds Saul, just as he was told. Ananias enters the room and says "Brother Saul" and lays hands on him. Saul regains his sight, then is filled with the Holy Spirit and was baptized. Later, he becomes Paul. To me, this is the power of Christ's resurrection moving in the life of Saul of Tarsus and in the life of Ananias, whose faith and trust in the Lord God Al-mighty is what I would like my faith to be. My life has seen many experiences which prove to me the power that lies in Je-sus' resurrection. The same power that leads me step by step on my journey to be a soldier of light; one who walks in the way. My prayer is that each of you would seek the Lord and allow his power to lift you up. Walk with him on your journey through this life. I ask a blessing on each of you.

Page 2 SAGLE CRIER

Saul regains his

sight, then is

filled with the

Holy Spirit and is

baptized. Later,

he becomes Paul.

“There are no more prophets”. “God’s Word is complete”. “Everything we need is in the Bible and nothing more needs to be said.” Sound familiar? These are sev-eral explanations that I have heard when the word prophet is mentioned amongst the majority of Christian faiths. Why do people reject the idea that God speaks to us today through peo-ple? One of my favorite expla-nations is that the Book of Reve-lation ends by saying that there should not be any words added to or taken away from the book of prophesy. Somewhere along the line, the interpretation of this one verse has extended to in-clude the entire Bible. The NIV note on this verse says, “The warning here relates specifically to the book of Revelation.” So, if one were to use that argument, everything written after Deuter-onomy is not valid. Do we need a reminder that that the Bible is really just a collection of 66 dif-ferent books and that they were chosen by men; who very possi-bly had agendas? Now I regress

to my original thought. Why does the idea of a church having a prophet raise so many eye-brows? I have an idea about that. All throughout history, people have rejected prophets. Jesus told the lawyers and the Phari-sees that they were approving of what their forefathers had done in killing the prophets. (Luke 11:47) He told them that he would send them prophets and wise men and teachers and that some, they would kill and crucify while the others, they would flog in their synagogues. (Matthew 23:34) Stephen boldly told the Sanhedrin that they were just like their fathers, always resisting the Holy Spirit. He also asked them if there was ever a prophet that they didn’t persecute. (Acts 7:51-52). History is replete with accounts of prophets being re-jected, persecuted and killed. (Ether 4:33, 91, 94, 114; III Nephi 4:66; Jacob 3:22). That’s ok; nobody listens to prophets anyway, right? Actually it goes farther than that. People like doing what they want to do and they like thinking what they

want to think. They always have. The prophet’s messages are quite appalling to them in their understanding. They’re comfortable and the prophet’s message goes against the grain of what they know. It’s really an “in your face” kind of message. So the prophets were persecuted and/or killed. Why? I think that it is because as human beings, it’s natural for us to attack (tear down and destroy) that which we don’t understand. It’s not amazing to me that the theology of “God saves every-one anyway” is such a popular theology. You can do what you want and its ok with God. It’s easy and it doesn’t require any effort. It is also the original lie. “Surely you will not die”. People have a wired in need to feel good about their selves and to feel secure about their future. The message of prophets does not always speak to that security. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and there are penalties for not figuring that out. God’s word is the truth and sometimes, the truth hurts.

both in the east, and in the west, and in the north and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words that I speak to them.”

I was trying to say that I have absolutely no problem writing what I feel led to write, I just needed (wanted) to figure out how I could make the “writing from an island in the sea” part a reality. Oh to be able to sit on an island and just write. Yes! Wouldn’t that be awesome.

Then I was looking through a

Lately, I have found that I am able to speak of scripture and the Book of Mormon a lot more comfortably. I tend to speak of it using my own unique perspec-tive.

For instance, recently I was standing around having a con-versation with someone and the conversation turned to my per-sonal blog site and my writings. I told them that one of my fa-vorite scriptures was from the Book of Mormon; II Nephi 12:65; “For I command all men,

blog site that I read called, “By His Hand”. On this site was the answer to my dilemma in the links area in the form of “Buy An Island”. A link to a real es-tate site that sells islands.

I thought to myself, “yeah, how cool is that? I have found a way!”

Now I have another dilemma.

Does anyone have about three million you can loan me?

Prophets Mike Victorino

An Island To Write On Mike Victorino

Page 3 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3

People are

comfortable

and the message

of the prophets

goes against the

grain of what

they know.

That’s me on the beach!!

what am I giving in return?”

Truly, Jesus has told us to bring our burdens to him. “Everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” So we ask and ask ; we knock and knock; and Jesus is faithful to his word.

What does he want from us? He simply wants us to love him and to love others. Simple huh? “Freely you have received, freely give.” How many of us do that? We might now, but tomorrow, it’s a good bet that we will be right back at the table asking for more cheesecake?

The first time I saw this cartoon, I found it to be quite humorous, especially since cheesecake is one of my favorite deserts. Espe-cially topped with some type of fruit or chocolate syrup; or both. Whew! Sorry, now I’m just get-ting off subject. Let me wipe off the corners of my mouth before I continue typing.

Upon further reflection, the thought occurred to me that hidden within this cartoon lies a much deeper meaning. We’re never satisfied, we’re always wanting more aren’t we? I asked myself, “Do I keep expecting more and more from Jesus and

We Need A Thicker Skin Mike Victorino

Freely Give

New Jersey School Stages Practice Hostage Drill - Por-trays Killers as Fundamentalist Christians. Superintendent says, "We need to practice under con-ditions as real as possible" BURLINGTON, NJ, April 3, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – On Thursday, March 22, officials at Burlington Township High School enlisted the help of two local policemen to carry out a mock ‘hostage situation’ drill at their school. The drill invoked disapproval from Christian stu-dents as the student body was told that the alleged gunmen were “members of a right-wing fundamentalist group called the 'New Crusaders' who don't be-lieve in separation of church and state.” (Partial Story) I heard this while listening to Jay Seculo live. The American Cen-ter for Law and Justice is just up in arms because the school chose to use the theme of funda-mentalist Christians as the bad

guys taking over the school, shooting kids and taking hos-tages because one of their chil-dren was suspended for praying in school. This was a readiness drill for the school and the emer-gency services in the area in response to a school crisis. Isn't it important to be prepared for this contingency? Recently, I went through training that we, as law enforcement officers go through at least twice a year for just that contingency. The whole time I was listening to Jay Seculo, I was just getting madder and madder and eventu-ally had to turn it off. My issue is that we really need to grow a thicker skin. This was a drill, nothing more, nothing less. It was not an indictment of Christi-anity. It was not some covert way to persecute Christians. It was a drill with a theme. Get over yourselves! People are up in arms because Christians were used as the bad guys. Now let's be honest, nothing bad has ever happened to people in the name

of Christianity has it? Oh, we're being so persecuted. Give me a break!! I think that the bigger point here is being missed. CRISIS DOES OCCUR IN SCHOOLS I wonder if the ACLJ would be equally fervent in the denounc-ing the incident if the theme would have been a Muslim take-over of the school, or perhaps an Aryan takeover or something a little more realistic like a gang takeover. Moreover, if the schools and emergency services don't practice for that contin-gency, how many people would have attorneys on retainer? Once again, we need to keep our eye on the ball. I guess the point I’m trying to make is that if you roll over onto your back and tuck your tail between your legs enough, someone is going to rub your stomach.

Page 4 SAGLE CRIER

If you roll over

on your back and

tuck your tail

between your

legs enough,

someone is going

to rub your

stomach.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

was days or weeks, I woke up in the middle of the night with a leading to read the book of John. I didn’t know what I was supposed to read so I opened to the book to Chapter 10 and there found my answer. ”I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” This revelation was confirmed to me during my study of the Book of Mormon in the third Book of Nephi. Jesus explains that he tried to tell the brothers in Jeru-salem about the tribes that God had led away from Jerusa-lem but due to their unbelief, they just didn’t get it. (7:16) Jesus tells the Nephites that it was them who he was

talking about when he referred to “the other sheep”. (7:20) One might ask what makes this testimony so powerful. First off, it is powerful for me and I don‘t really think that any other expla-nation is needed. However, in fairness to those who might need an explanation, the most powerful thing about my testi-mony for me is that the two instances occurred three years apart. Want more? I never gave either of the two instances a second thought until I read Doctrine and Covenants 3. “I will show unto this people that I had other sheep”. I just love being an “other sheep!” I wonder how many more are out there that we don’t know about yet.

My Book of Mormon Testimony Mike Victorino

I was wondering at what point I would have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. Here it is, finally, after how many years? I guess, looking back, it has always been there. Today, it was made clearer to me than ever. I remember in the beginning of my transformation. This would have been very shortly after the day of my repentance, the day I was driven to my knees in regret for my past, the day I begged the Father for forgiveness and asked the Lord Jesus to dwell in my heart. I remember hearing about the promise of Mo-roni. “And when you receive these things, I urge you to ask God, the eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are true”. (10:4 My Para-phrase). Sometime later, I can’t remember now whether it

Page 5 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3

And other sheep I

have, which are not

of this fold: them

also I must bring,

and they shall hear

my voice; and there

shall be one fold

and one shepherd

John 10:16

Matt Ross July 1st Paulette Marcy July 3rd Cory Cookman July 3rd Vernon Burke July 27th Crystal Gunter Aug 1st Ralph Crabb Aug 2nd Becky Gunter Aug 7th Lisa Crabb Aug 7th Nicholas Hanson Aug 9th Mackenzie Crabb Aug 10th Luke Hill Aug 22nd Ed Gould Aug 22nd Amy Jahn Aug 28th Nikki Vierra Sep 7th Aaron Vierra Sep 8th Pat Gunter Sep 9th Elbert Gunter Sep 10th Wayne Gunter Sep 22nd Mike Gunter Sep 28th

Happy Anniversary Jason and Sylvia Whipple

July 1st

Pat and Candy Moon July 8th

Aaron and Nikki Vierra

July 15th

Ryan and Lisa Crabb August 16th

Brent and Annette Gunter

August 14th

Don and Crystal Gunter August 22nd

"It is one of the blessings of old friends; that you can afford to be stupid with them."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

popular church in Southern Cali-fornia where he goes the com-plete opposite direction and blindly accepts that which is in-herently in direct conflict to what he knows. Eventually, he is chas-tised by a family member to set him straight. We see him eventu-ally settle on a small congregation in east Washington. This is the story of Travis Jordan, a burned-out former pastor of a small town Pentecostal Church. Travis Jordan was born a Chris-tian and grew up a Christian. He did it all. He led worship and youth groups. He was a teacher and a preacher. He was led by God to the ministry. He was on the right track until one day; he started to feel the difference be-tween religion and relationships. This began his journey down a different road that would lead him into the conflict of his life

“The more I longed to know God, the more fed up I got with all the Christian “stuff”. In “The Visitation”, we find out what happens when people get in the way of what God wants to do and how this might affect one person. We see a new associate pastor welcomed into his first position out of seminary by resis-tance from the parishioners. We find out first hand what happens when a fired up new spirit comes into an already established rou-tine and attempts to use new methods which although effec-tive, don’t meet the standards of the “select”. We see the same person, who after circumventing all the roadblocks, establishes a successful youth program and is still eventually, run out of the church. We see this person turn to a

and an ultimate trust in God. For on the way to his sleepy little town, was his nemesis. One who had been down the same path but found answers on the oppo-site side of the coin. “Kids like us grow up and need our relationships with God forged in the heart through time and experience; not draped around us by the church we at-tend. We need to know God for ourselves; not second hand” Be careful, you might see some-thing vaguely familiar when you read this book. “The Visitation” By Frank Peretti Copyright 2003 By West Bow Press Nashville, TN ISBN# 0849944775

Book Review “The Visitation” by Frank Peretti Mike Victorino

Community of Christ

1024 Sagle Road Sagle, ID 83860 Pastor: Don Gunter

E-mail: sagle@cofhchrist-iwest.org Or saglecofchrist@hotmail.com

Come Join Us Every Sunday Worship/Class 10:00 Services 11:00

We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities

of

Joy, Hope, Love, Peace

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