“Why is God landing in this enemy-occupied world in disguise and starting a sort of secret society to undermine the devil? Why is He not landing in force, invading it? Is it that He is not strong enough? Well, Christians think He is going to land in force; we do not know when. But we can guess why He is delaying. He wants to give us the chance of joining His side freely.” – C.S. Lewis, The Case for Christianity
It’s easy to criticize God for His way of doing things, until we try to improve them! Take the end of the world for instance. Why is God leaving us here so long? Why not end it all and take us up to Heaven?
One reason is that the moment Jesus returns is the moment when the window of choice for all humanity closes. I know that for those around me who don’t know Christ, I want that window to remain open as long as possible. As much as I want the Lord to return, I also want my brother, my sister, my unsaved friends, and each person who doesn’t yet know Him to learn His ways and surrender their lives to Him!
So there it is: we are to live and act in a way that we are ready for Jesus to return at any moment, and yet be patient if that doesn’t happen during our time on earth! In the meantime, we have the opportunity to creatively share God’s mercy and love with our lost and dying world.
So we work… and worship!
THIS WEEK
Tuesday, February 16 • 6:30PM | Tuesday Night Online Small Group – We meet weekly on Tuesday nights at 6:30PM. If you’re in the Kokomo area, feel free to swing by Criterion Water Labs (329 E. Firmin St., Kokomo). Otherwise, tune in online at https://zoom.us/j/7115556611 We’ll be studying the book of Romans, and discussing the news of the day! (You will need a free Zoom account; you can sign up for one at zoom.us) See more on Afikomag & Facebook!
Wednesday, February 17 • 4PM EST | Dr. Jeff Myers Webcast – Starting something? Tune into Dr. Jeff Myers’ free webcast on leadership. Reserve your spot today!
Thursday, February 18 | “Risen” Movie (and Dinner!) – In each and every generation, God’s word rings true: “[T]hose who seek me find me.” Join us as we watch the film Risen, which traces the fictional history of a Roman soldier intent on disproving the disciples’ claim that Jesus was raised from the dead. It is rated PG-13 for Biblical violence, including some disturbing images. You may recognize the main actor, Joseph Fiennes, from his role as Martin Luther in the film Luther!
Learn more about the film on The Blaze as well as on Facebook and Twitter!
SCHEDULE
5:30PM – Meet for dinner at Criterion Water Labs (329 E. Firmin St., Kokomo); bring a dish to share!
7:00PM – Meet at the AMC Showplace Kokomo 12 (1530 E. Blvd., Kokomo) to watch Risen
Check it out on the events page & on Facebook!
UPCOMING
Thursday–Saturday, March 31–April 2 • $50-65 | Midwest Great Homeschool Convention | Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH – The Great Homeschool Convention is a fantastic weekend for believers of all ages. This year’s midwest conference starts March 31st in Cincinnati and will feature stellar speakers like John Stonestreet and a massive exhibit hall where ministries like Wycliffe Bible Translators will gather. Thinking about going? Dr. Jay Wile is offering a special discount that expires at midnight on Wednesday, February 17th! Read more about the Great Homeschool Convention on their website!
Saturday, April 16 • 9AM-5PM • $25 | ReMix | Indian Creek Christian Church, 6430 S. Franklin Rd., Indianapolis – ReMix is a collaborative gathering for anyone and everyone involved in creating the worship experience in your local church. Senior ministers, worship arts staff and volunteers, tech folks, band members, vocal worship leaders, choir members, and other creatives are invited to join us. We long to see worship thriving in the local church and this conference is where that can begin. Come join us for a high quality, low-cost, one-day, intensive team experience and see how your worship ministry can flourish! For more information, visit the conference website. Lunch is included in the registration cost. Reserve your spot today!
Thursday, April 21 • 6:30-9PM • $60 | David Limbaugh in Indy | JW Marriott Downtown Indy • 10 S. West St., Indianapolis
Join David Limbaugh in person at the annual Celebration of Life Banquet. This banquet is hosted by Life Centers (Indianapolis’ faith-based pregnancy resource centers) and will include dinner, ministry updates, client testimonies, as well as the keynote speaker David Limbaugh. Pete Heck will once again be the emcee and Tom Shevlot, Executive Director of Life Centers, will give his annual update on the ministry and share some exciting news about the future of Life Centers. See more on Afikomag & Facebook!
Thursday, April 21 | Christian Medical & Dental Association (CMDA) National Convention | Ridgecrest, NC – This convention provides great opportunities for healthcare professionals to “Transform Our Culture” by fellowshipping with other professionals, learning about current health and social issues, renewing their faith through worship, and networking with exhibiting organizations. See their website for more information!
Thursday–Saturday, April 21-23 • 9AM-5PM | Be in Health | Kalahari Resort, 7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky, Ohio – Be in Health is a ministry that helps people renew their minds by overcoming accusation, bitterness, rejection, and other entrenched attitudes. For more information, check out their website!
Friday & Saturday, April 22-23 | Blush | Oakbrook Church, Kokomo – Face it…who doesn’t enjoy receiving a great gift, especially one that’s beautifully wrapped! Have you ever considered that God’s love for you is that perfect gift? BLUSHand Ashley Hicks share a passion to encourage, empower and educate young girls in understanding what a precious gift they truly are! Because of God’s love for us, He desires us to seek purity in all areas of our lives and to understand that purity is a lifestyle. The way we communicate, the way we dress, and the way we relate to others is a reflection of our heart. Join us for THE GIFT as we unwrap age-appropriate, practical teachings and tools girls need for living out a life of purity and experiencing God’s gift of love. The evening will also include a fun fashion show, high energy music, sweet treats, and more. Interested in volunteering? See more on their website and on Facebook!
Thursday–Sunday, June 2-5 | Colloquium on C.S. Lewis & Friends | Taylor University, Upland, IN – This colloquium will feature keynote addresses by top scholars from both sides of the Atlantic, workshops, panel, performances, and, most importantly, original scholarship and creative work from scholars, teachers, students, fans, and friends. Paper proposals on any topic related to C.S. Lewis and/or his friends are also welcomed, as well as creative work–poetry, fiction, essay, drama, film, visual art, musical composition, etc.–that responds to or is influenced by the Lewis Circle. Read more!
CHECK IT OUT
The “If You Prove God, Then I’ll Believe Him” Nonsense – Indiana native Peter Heck takes on a common objection to faith in God
Prolife Doritos Ultrasound Commercial – If God can use a chip commercial, He can use anything!
The Secret is Contentment – Financial guru Dave Ramsey shares what he’s learned after a few decades of financial coaching!
Believers Should Not Forget These Words – We grieve, but not as the world does. We know that God will raise up His children on the last day. In the meantime, here’s a tiny smidgen of Justice Antonin Scalia’s immense Christian legacy
Purdue Professor who Allegedly Targeted Pro-Life Women Resigns – Gideon’s army is alive and well, because the God of Gideon is alive and well!
Would a Good God Send Anyone to Hell? – Minister and author Dr. Robert Jeffress talks with Dr. James Dobson about God’s character
If You Want to Lead, You Have to Read – Books are life preservers; read one today!
Does God Care about Our Emotions? – You better believe it! Even better, He can transform them!
GET INVOLVED
Calling All Favs – Got a favorite book or movie you’d recommend to others in Afikomag! Send it to info@afikomag.com with a blurb explaining what you like about it!
“Like” Summit on Facebook! – The Summit Alumni Network has 2,125 members and is going strong! Jump into the discussion online!
Submit an Event – Know about an event you’d like to invite others to? Send it our way!