September offers many exciting opportunities for the expression of Christian living, some of which our readers may seek to employ in their homes, local churches and where appropriate, in their businesses. Of all that may be anticipated in the expression of our Christian faith in the month of September, renewed interest in Christian education should be a prominent focus. For many of us careful planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas is delayed too long and hasty efforts produce lackluster results, though grandma and grandpa would never admit it. Late summer and early fall is not too early to begin to give thoughtful reflection upon how we will express our Christian faith within our homes, churches, communities, businesses, and other opportunities as the year comes to a close. Remember, for decades the secularists have been removing Christian symbols from public view and as believers, we must seek to be creative in finding places to publicly express our faith.SeptemberTable of ContentsSeptemberThe term "September" is derived from Latin, the language of the Romans. In Latin, septem means "seven" while the closely related term septimus means "seventh." According to the Roman calendar, September was the seventh month of the year until 46 BC when the first month of the year was changed from March 1 (Kalendas Martius) to January 1 (Kalendas Januarius).According to the Julian and Gregorian Calendars, September is the ninth month of the year and one of four months with a length of 30 days. In the Northern Hemisphere, September is the seasonal equivalent of March in the Southern Hemisphere. The meteorological autumn in the Northern Hemisphere begins on September 1 while in the Southern Hemisphere, September 1 is the beginning of the meteorological spring. For Eastern Orthodox Christians the ecclesiastical year begins in September.The birthstone for the month of September is the sapphire and the birth flowers for September are three, including the forget-me-not, morning glory, and aster.In addition to the highlights of this month that are discussed below, additional subjects of interest regarding our Christian heritage are presented online where they are arranged according to dates of occurrence with particular attention being given to the influence Christianity has exercised upon the origin of America. The online calendar where these articles are arranged is under continual development with new articles appearing as they become available. By clicking the message box below, readers will navigate to the present month under consideration. Suggested observance: First weeks of January, May, and SeptemberChristians have observed periods of prayer and fasting as early as the era of the Apostles who, in turn. learned these spiritual disciplines from the Older Testament and the Hebrew tradition. To nurture and encourage the development of prayer, seasons of prayer may be observed within the family as well as the local church. Though a regular prayer life is encouraged within individual believers and their families, and weekly prayer and fasting is encouraged in the church, a periodic seasonal effort may be undertaken to sustain and further develop these habits. It was the custom of the Church in Early America (and the Continental and Congressional Congresses) to call for days of "public humiliation, fasting and prayer." To nurture a spirit of dependence upon the Lord, several seasons of prayer and fasting may be established in the calendar year. In America, the first week in January (after the Christmas holidays and the beginning of the year) the first week in May (which may include the last weekend in April and the week of National Day of Prayer) and the first week of September (the beginning of the new Sunday School year) provide good opportunities for more protracted efforts in the disciplines of prayer and fasting. During these weeks Christians may select at least one day (and more if possible) of the designated week for these spiritual disciplines. Christians in other nations may seek to identify other regular seasons more appropriate to their national and church life.Observance: August through early OctoberDuring election cycles Christians should become actively involved in the political process. Unbelievers decide many elections simply because Christians refuse to be troubled by the simple process that is required to become politically active. Some of these same individuals contend that there should be a separation of the Church from political interests. But in siding with the liberal cause, they deny Jesus Christ his rightful rule over the world. As the Apostle Paul began to close his letter to the Christians in the city of Rome, he penned the following benediction, expressing his political teaching:Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept in silence through times eternal but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations so they might believe and obey Him, to the only wise God through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 16:25-27)
September offers many exciting opportunities for the expression of Christian living, some of which our readers may seek to employ in their homes, local churches and where appropriate, in their busines
Dr. Stephen Flick | August 28, 2024 | Christian Living Articles
Whereas the "dog days of summer" in the Northern Hemisphere begin in early July, they conclude prior to the end of the second week of August.
Whereas the "dog days of summer" in the Northern Hemisphere begin in early July, they conclude prior to the end of the second week of August.
Dr. Stephen Flick | July 28, 2024 | August
Throughout the summer months, families are preoccupied with various activities that are often unique to this season of the year. Family vacations, church camp, and other activities provide materials from which family and personal memories are made. For those of us who are privileged to regularly share in a good, summer family church camp, meeting with the Lord and cherished friends for a few days of spiritual retreat is eagerly anticipated. Lamentably, too many times the ministry of the local church slows during the summer because the church deliberately plans not to minister. If the people of God are willing to invest the effort, every season of the year may be filled with significance, providing succeeding generations with the memories of Christ-centered and Spirit-filled Christian living.Christian Living in JulyTable of ContentsOriginally, the fifth month of the Roman calendar was known as Quintilus. Following the assassination of Julius Caesar, it was changed to July in honor of the fallen Roman statesman. In the Julian and Gregorian Calendars, July is the seventh month of the year and one of the seven months with 31 days. Since it is the second month of summer in the Northern hemisphere it is, on average, the warmest month of the year. However, in the Southern hemisphere, it is the second month of winter and, consequently is the coldest month of the year. Christian Living in JulyThe birthstone of July is the ruby which symbolizes contentment, and the birth flowers of the month are White Water Lily and Larkspur.In addition to the highlights of this month that are discussed below, additional subjects of interest regarding our Christian heritage are presented online, where they are arranged according to dates of occurrence—with particular attention being given to the influence Christianity has exercised upon the origin of America. The online calendar where these articles are arranged is under continual development with new articles appearing as they become available. By clicking the message box below, readers will navigate to the present month under consideration. Observance: Determined by the family and/or churchThe most important institution in any society is the family. Real love in the family begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Children most generally replicate the examples they observed in their parents when they become adults and have families of their own, and one of the most important decisions parents may make is to establish patterns in family life of both work and leisure. In all situations of life, children need to observe positive examples of how to respond appropriately to life's demands, and observing their parents at both work and play helps establish a positive view of the world in the minds of children and youth. Family vacation, and at least one evening a week set aside for family leisure, is important to obtaining a well-balanced and holistic understanding of Christian living.Family Night may also be an experience many churches need to encourage within the family. Often small churches do not have sufficient volunteers to staff vibrant children and youth programs, and frequently, children and youth Sunday school teachers also act as coordinators of social events for these age groups in the absence of church staff. Smaller churches will soon see the value of combining all age groups and pooling resources across the spectrum of church life into a single, once-a-month family night. This combined effort reduces the number of volunteers necessary to produce quality experiences for all age groups.In contemporary America, family life is frequently fragmented. Children often are tossed to one parent or the other knowing little stability in relationships and generally left with few positive role models. Family Night provides adults in the local church with the opportunity to reach out to the children and youth within the church, as well as the community, in order to make a difference in their lives. But children and youth are not the only ones who need this type of interaction. Too often churches focus only on the younger generation and fail to provide holistic interest in every generation. Adults also must continue to grow in their walk with the Lord and fellowship with other believers. With regard to the efforts with younger generations, Christian adults should be deliberate to reach out and touch younger lives—even though numerous situations may be new and therefore make them uncomfortable. Over an extended period of time, adults may have a significant impact upon the lives of youth. If America is to be saved from social decay, Christian adults must take an active role in the lives of the children and youth, first in their own families, then in their churches and communities.Observance: July 3He is often referred to as "Doubting Thomas," but Church history suggests that the Apostle Thomas was responsible for taking the gospel to some of the darkest spiritual corners of the world. Persia and India are believed to be the places Thomas ministered most extensively. In India, he is believed to have built a church with his own hands.Church history suggests that Thomas was attacked by his assassins, shot with arrows, stoned, and left to die. Following the attack, a pagan priest is thought to have run a spear through him. The apostolic symbol of Thomas combines a square (symbolizing the fact he was a builder) and a spear, reminding the Church of his martyrdom.In the ninth century, the Roman Church assigned the feast of Saint Thomas to December 21, though early Church leader, Jerome, assigned the day of his martyrdom to July 3. In 1969, the Roman observance of the life and ministry of Thomas was transferred—to follow Jerome's dating—to July 3 so that it would no longer interfere with the days of Advent. Following the 1662 edition of the Book of Common Prayer, some Anglicans and members of the Episcopal Church continue to remember the Apostle Thomas' ministry on December 21.Observance: July 4In September 1774, the first Congress of the American colonies was convened to address the refusal of King George III and the British Parliament to grant to the American colonists their rights as British citizens. At this Congress, and the one that followed, no talk of separation from Britain was entertained. The question was one of how to secure the rights that were theirs under English law.A Second Continental Congress assembled in May 1775. This Congress made provision for a temporary general government, an army, and appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief of the army. Still, they did not seek separation from England, but only to secure their rights as British citizens. With rising tensions, King George sent German mercenary troops to the colonies to silence the voices of dissent.In June of 1776, at another Congress of the colonies, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia offered a resolution that all allegiance of the colonies to British government be terminated. The proposition was entertained by the Congress, and a committee consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston was established. The draft of the Declaration of Independence was composed by Jefferson and after a few verbal alterations by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, was submitted to Congress on the twenty-eighth day of June. On July first Congress took up the draft and after several amendments were made, nine colonies voted for independence. Maryland and Pennsylvania refused to accept the draft, but after conventions of the people were called, majorities were received in favor of the Declaration and the thirteen colonies were declared free and independent of the government of Britain. On July 4 only the president of the Congress, John Hancock, signed the Declaration of Independence; and with his name and the name of the secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson, the Declaration was initially sent forth to the world. Nearly one month later on August 2, it was signed by the remaining fifty-six signers, with the exception of one representative. The final signer was Matthew Thornton who took his seat in the Congress in November and asked for the privilege of signing it.Special attention should be given to the influence of Christians upon the rise of America as an independent nation. It is not possible to fully develop this influence in the space allotted for this article. However, it may briefly be mentioned that the president of the Congress, John Hancock, was the grandson and son of Christian ministers. All except two or three of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were part of Christian churches. Perhaps the following quotations will demonstrate the Christian influence behind the American Revolution.Benjamin Franklin: History will also afford frequent opportunities of showing the necessity of a public religion ... and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient and modern.
Throughout the summer months, families are preoccupied with various activities that are often unique to this season of the year. Family vacations, church camp, and other activities provide materials f
Dr. Stephen Flick | June 28, 2024 | Christian Calendar (Holidays)
Each month offers new and exciting opportunity for Christians to celebrate their faith. If observed without regard to the rest of the year, any given month--by itself--may appear stark and lean. But, within the context of the Christian life, each month enjoys greater vividness and importance. If one piece of a stained glass window is missing, the design or story of the window appears incomplete. The months of the year should help to compose a beautiful mosaic of Christian life.Christian Living in JuneMany of the events of June are already known, while other dates of significance are less known. Almost forgotten in the life of American Christianity is the camp meeting, yet this institution has tremendously influenced the life of America. Once again, Christian education must be carefully considered and observed in June. Flag Day, Father's Day, and other significant events and memorials make the month of June a month of opportunity for the Christian community.Christian Living in JuneTable of ContentsIn Julian and Gregorian calendars, June is the sixth month of the year. The summer solstice begins in June in the Northern Hemisphere, the day with the most daylight hours. In the Southern Hemisphere, June begins the winter solstice with the shortest daylight hours of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, June is the seasonal equivalent to December of the Southern Hemisphere and is the beginning of the traditional astronomical summer of June 21.In his poem concerning the Roman calendar, the Roman poet, Ovid, suggested multiple explanations for the etymology of June. Among the suggested origins of the term is that it was derived from the Roman goddess Juno, wife of the supreme deity Jupiter and goddess of marriage. Ovid further suggests May received its name from the Latin term maiores, meaning "elders," and June from the term iuvenes, or "young people," but given the fact that the other months of the Roman calendar are named after pagan gods and goddesses, it is unlikely that this latter suggestion is valid.
Each month offers new and exciting opportunity for Christians to celebrate their faith. If observed without regard to the rest of the year, any given month--by itself--may appear stark and lean. But,
Dr. Stephen Flick | May 27, 2024 | Christian Living Articles
May is the fifth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of November in the Northern Hemisphere and vice versa. May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, whom the Romans called Bona Dea, goddess of fertility—something quite common within paganism.Christian Living in May The month of May in many ways stands as the gateway to the summer. In early America and in the best and brightest periods of the history of Christianity, believers have been proactive in integrating their faith into every-day practices, and the month of May offers Christians the opportunity to integrate their faith into private and public observances. Patriotic spirituality should be reflected throughout the month as patriots observe National Day of Prayer, honor the role of motherhood and womanhood via Mother’s Day, celebrate the spiritual and intellectual ministry of the Sunday school and other academic concerns, and remember other ecclesiastical, national, and seasonal events that compose the fabric of this important month.Christian Living in May Table of Contents How May Received Its NameMay is the fifth month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. In the Northern Hemisphere, May is a month of spring, and in the Southern Hemisphere, May is numbered among the months of autumn where it is equivalent to the month of November in the Northern Hemisphere. In the United States, the end of May (Memorial Day) marks the unofficial beginning of summer.May received its name from the Greek goddess Maia. In the Roman Empire, Maia's equivalent was Bona Dea, the goddess of fertility whose pagan festival was held on May 1. Given the fact that the other months of the year are named after pagan gods and goddesses, it is unlikely that the Roman poet Ovid is incorrect when he suggests that May received its name from the Latin term maiores, meaning "elders," and June from the term iuvenes, or "young people".
May is the fifth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of November in the Northern Hemisphere and vice versa. May is named a
Dr. Stephen Flick | April 27, 2024 | Christian Calendar (Holidays)
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Christian Heritage Fellowship exists for the advancement of the faith of individual believers and the defense and advocacy of the Christian faith within the context of the family, local church, American society, and the global Christian community. Materials are developed chronologically and thematically with these purposes in mind. Some articles are seasonal and reappear throughout the calendar year.
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