Several Items of Interest

"The other day,I saw John Wesley's diary, or rather,hourary, for it had in it not merely an entry for every day, but for every hour: and not only for every hour, but usually there was a distinct occupation for every twenty minutes.  The good man made his days to have many hours in them, and his hours seemed to have more minutes in them than most men's hours have, because he did not waste any of them, but diligently used them all in his Master's service."  -- Charles Spurgeon

LORD'S DAY 1      QUESTION 1
    What is thy only comfort in life and in death?

                                 ANSWER
That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who with his precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must work together for my salvation.  Wherefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto him.

                                    QUESTION 2
   How many things are necessary for thee to know, that thou in this comfort mayest live and die happily?

                                    ANSWER
Three things: First, the greatness of my sin and misery. Second, how I am redeemed  from all my sins and misery.  Third, how I am to be thankful to God for such redemption.


Boy Scouts of America Considering Ending Ban on Gay Members
The Boy Scouts of America is considering dropping a longtime ban on gay members and discussing whether to allow local organizations to decide their own policy, Fox News reports.  Spokesman Deron Smith said Monday, "The BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation. This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation., but that the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with their organization's mission, principles or religious beliefs." Smith added that the organization has been in contact with families to determine the best interests "BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit which best meets the needs of their families," he said.
  
Muslim Group Threatens Egypt's Coptic Christians, Tells Them to  "Pay Tribute"
An armed Islamic movement calling itself the "Brigade of Muslims" released a statement on Saturday threatening Egypt's Coptic Christians and asking them to pay tribute, the Christian Post reports.  "Egypt is an Islamic country and will be ruled according to sharia," the statment said. The movement threatened all Egyptian media professionals who "mock religion and Islamic rule," warning that their persistence in mocking would result in the "shedding of their blood in the ugliest way."  The movement said it was established because of the strife being plotted against the country and the plans of enemies of Islam, both at home and abroad.  It noted its approach was jihad, and that it would fight the Egyptian army and interior Ministry if they did not stand up to "Copts and their helpers."
  (artaicles from Religion Today Headlines, Jan. 29)