Daddy, the catalyst for change?

When we think about change of seasons in the natural what comes to mind for most of us are the climatically related seasons of winter, summer, spring, and fall.  However, as many of us my already know, the seasons don’t change simply because of the months of the year we are in.  The temperature variations we experience in the different season have a direct correlation to the location of the earth on its orbit or ration around the sun.  The earth’s orbit around the sun is an elliptical or oval shape.  Therefore, when the earth is approaching its closest proximity to the sun we experience spring and then summer.  However, as the earth begins to move further away from the sun we have the seasons of fall and then winter.  Therefore, the catalyst or trigger for the seasonal changes is the rotation and orbit of the earth around the sun and would not occur if this annual trip around the sun did not occur. 

God’s original design of the family was for a man and woman to become one as husband and wife and then be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:27-28 & 2:24).  As we know all too well, God’s original definition of the family has been corrupted, perverted, twisted, and torn, by man in our attempt to redefine the family to suit our carnal needs.  Today a very large percentage of kids are in single family households, which statistically make sense considering as much as fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce and the many children born out of wedlock.  God being the creator of all things had a reason for designing the family in manner He did because He knew that the ideal environment to raise children is with both mother and father in position and operating accordingly.  The intention of this lesson is not to make anyone feel bad or guilty about whatever situation we may find ourselves in but to bring enlightenment about the roles some of us will have to operate in that is not natural to us.

God made women to be nurturers and as mothers their role is nurture the children especially when they are really young.  God also made women to be emotional in nature, which also plays a strong role in how they interact and respond to their children.  On the other hand, God made men to be providers and protectors; both from a natural and spiritual perspective.  God also made men to be more logical in nature and less emotional.  Ideally, God made man and woman to be perfect compliments of one another when we are operating respectfully in our roles.

Unfortunately, today we have far too many single parent homes with mom being the single parent in the majority of the instances.  Therefore, we have moms doing what they know how to do which is to be a nurturing mom.  However, as our children grow older, especially our boys, there are some seasons that are being missed because the catalyst to bring about the change is missing.  

There are ton of discussions about why are our young men so weak and irresponsible.  The answer to this question in most cases is simple.  Mom, continued to nurture but when the time came for dad to intervene, he wasn’t there!  In a family where dad is operating in his role, once the kids start reaching a certain age, he begins to intervene on how to deal with the kids in varying situations and circumstances.  The dad begins to cut off the level of nurturing and emotional responses that might come from mom and deal with the kids from a more logical perspective.  Dad, becomes that catalyst to say okay, enough of all the baby stuff, let’s start dealing with the kids in a manner that prepares them to become more independent.

Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) - And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

This by no means undermines the wonderful job so many single moms have done with their kids.  However, a lot of the change that need to occur in the appropriate season of our children’s up bringing do not occur because the trigger for change that is the role God gave to dads is never pulled.  Thus, we expect our boys to become men when they have missed many critical life changing seasons.  Without the proper trigger or catalyst our sons will not instantly become men once they reach eighteen, no more than it will automatically become cold simply because we are in the month of December if the earth isn’t moving further away from the sun. 

 

The bottom line is our children need both of their parents.  Those of you who are in the position where the other parents is not a functional option for whatever reason, please understand that you have to be even more sensitive to the season changes in your children’s lives.  While this lesson tended to be my son/boy centric, our daughters also need both of their parents as well.  However, a single mom is more naturally equipped to raise a daughter on her own than a son.  Some of you mothers have been wondering what missing from your children’s lives that would catapult them to the next level/season of their lives.  The answer to that question for many young men and women is that catalyst of being affirmed by a father or a father figure. 

More Fearful Than 2012!

It may not be in 2012 - but you WILL die!

What happens next

Will be more fearful than any 2012 predictions...

For SOME people.

Will YOU be one of them?

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT 

But it won't change the facts.

This is a prediction you can count on.

 

Whether you die in 2012 through some world wide destroying event or whether you die in your sleep tonight or get run over by a car tomorrow, you will still die.  While everyone should do their part to "save the world" and while we should take legitimate threats to the earth seriously, it is far more important to be concerned about what happens next - after you die. 

There are prophecies in the Bible which say that after you die, you face judgement before God who alone is holy.  The Bible says, "It is appointed unto man once to die and then the judgement" (Hebrew 9:27).  What if this was true?  Would you gamble with your soul that these prophecies are not true?  Consider the eternal consequences of being wrong.  Imagine standing (if you were able to stand) before the creator of the universe, knowing that he is about to judge you as worthy of heaven or maybe, hell. 

What is more fearful than 2012 doomsday predictions?

Answer: Standing before God, without your sins forgiven.

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
(Hebrews 10:31)

 

What is more fearful than 2012 doomsday predictions?

Answer: Being judged and found guilty by God.

“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do.  But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!" 
(the words of Jesus from the gospel of Luke chapter 12, verses 4-5, in the Bible)  

You might be thinking, "I thought God was a God of love!"  That's true, but he is also a God of justice and he has set aside a day of justice where the wicked will come before him, before being cast into everlasting hell.  You canNot avoid death, but you can avoid hell.

Hell is a place of "fire": 

Matt 5:22; 18:9, Mark 9:47;  Matt 7:19, 13:40, 25:41; Matt 13:42,50. 

Hell is a place which is eternal, 

Mark 9:43, 45; Mark 9:44, 46, 48; Matt 18:8, 25:41.

Hell is a place of "damnation".  

Damnation is not good:  Matt 23:14, Mark 12:40, Luke 20:47;Matt 23:33; Mark 3:29; you won't escape through death because there is a "resurrection of damnation" John 5:29.  

Hell is a place where there will be much "wailing and gnashing of teeth"

 Matt 13:42, 50, Matt 8:12, 22:13, 25:30.
 
Hell is a place of "torment" 

Luke 16:28, Luke 16:23, Luke 16:24. 

Hell is a place of "outer darkness" 

Matt 8:12, 22:13.

Hell is a place of "everlasting punishment": 

Matt 25:46.

 

Have you heard the saying, "Not a hope in Hell"? 

If you go to hell, you won't be going for the weekend. 

There is no hope of getting out - ever!

http://endoftheworld2012.net

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Hopefully help us all. God Bless You...

Prosperity according to The Bible...

Does the Bible teach that money is the root of all evil? Doesn't the Bible teach against making money? What does the Bible say about money and prosperity?

The Bible contains over 2,000 verses on money. That's more than on the subjects of prayer and faith combined. With that many verses on money, prosperity, and greed, what the Bible says about money should be an important consideration for anyone who wants to follow God.

Bible Verses on Prosperity 

In his third epistle, the apostle John writes: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth" (III John 2, KJV). That John says he wishes this "above all things" implies that he really wants his readers to financially prosper and enjoy great health.

That he adds "even as thy soul prospereth" takes away any attempt to redefine John's wishes as being symbolic of some spiritual quality. John is specifically referring to health and wealth, and saying that he wants these things for his readers, just as he wants them to grow spiritually.

What's more, if III John indeed belongs in the Bible, then John's wishes constitute divinely inspired Scripture and are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16, KJV).

Anyone tempted to think III John 2 is an anomaly in Scripture can turn to the book of Proverbs, which provides wisdom on a wide range of subjects, including money. Here are just two examples:

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, [b]ut those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5, NKJV)

"Through wisdom a house is built, [a]nd by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." (Proverbs 24:3-4, NKJV)

Is Money the Root of All Evil?

If there are Bible verses encouraging prosperity, then has the Bible contradicted itself? Doesn't the Bible teach that money is the root of all evil?

This misconception stems from Paul's first letter to Timothy, in which he writes: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (I Timothy 6:10, KJV).

Paul doesn't say money is the "root of all evil," the King James Version translates Paul as saying that the love of money is the "root of all evil."

While other English translations, such as the New International Version, have softened I Timothy 6:10 to read that the "love of money" is "a root of all kinds of evil" (I Timothy 6:10, NIV), the KJV is perhaps closer to Paul's original meaning. Even so, Paul is associating the "love of money" with covetousness. And many would agree that coveting (a biblical term for lust and greed) is indeed the root source of every human sin.

Those inclined to dispute that last statement should consider that covetousness involves the desire to pursue one's own agenda and take that which he or she desires. Covetousness is the very essence of selfishness.

God and Money

The Bible doesn't condemn the acquisition of money or wealth. On the contrary, it provides much in the way of practical and spiritual instruction on how God's followers can achieve monetary blessings. The Bible does, however, condemn greed and it warns that material prosperity has its limits.

Anyone focused on achieving material wealth in this life is pursuing the temporal, rather than the permanent and is compromising his or her ability to follow God's calling. Jesus warns: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthew 6:24, NIV).

Thus, while God may indeed bless a person with financial prosperity (Proverbs 3:9-10) and while the Bible does provide instructions on how to acquire money (Proverbs 6:6-8), a follower of God must first pursue God's calling and not his or her own agenda.

The Biblical stance is clear: money is a tool; It should not be one's focus. For a follower of God, the focus must be God, and not money.

Brian Tubbs

The Godly woman and the family

The first task/responsibility God gave to Eve/women is:  

Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) - And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

Genesis 2:18 (Amp) - Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.

Eve’s first role and responsibility the moment she becomes a wife is to be his help meet.  Again, many women today see this as an insult because it is looked as making women subservient to men both in the natural and in the spirit, which is not true. The scripture does establish order for the family, but that is because we serve a God of order and not confusion and chaos, which is what we have when families operate outside of God’s divine order. 

 Ladies, what many of you have overlooked is that God has given you the ability to adapt to any situation and respond accordingly!  This means that regardless of what God has called your husband to be or how God has structured the dynamics of your household, you are capable of not only adjusting to it, but helping your family to thrive!

The problem is most women have allowed society to pervert the role of the women in the family.  You have been tricked into thinking that being called a help meet is a bad thing that makes you a slave to your husband, which is not true especially if you are married to a man who loves you as Christ loves the church.  Women, God said it’s not good for man to be alone, but not merely for companionship sake, but because Adam needed Eve.  We all heard that behind every great man there is a great or strong woman.  This is a very true statement, but if God called the woman to be the one who is the mover and the shaker in the family, that is okay too.  There is nothing wrong with the women being the primary income earner as the amount of money earned doesn’t make you head of the family; this is a worldly concept. 

 A woman being the primary income earner is just another facet of how God created women to be capable of operating in any capacity.  So a woman can be anything from a housewife to a CEO of a corporation and still be obedient to God’s will for her life if she understands that in God’s eyes her husband is still head of the family.

Women, don’t be afraid or ashamed of operating the roles God created you for as none of them are insulting are belittling. Both Adam and Eve were made in the image of God and were both assigned roles and responsibilities according to God’s wishes.  He knows and understands us better than we do ourselves and if both Adam and Even could get back to God’s original plan for the family we would see that it is a winning situation for both of husband and wife.  Ladies, you should take pride in knowing that you are capable of being and doing whatever is necessary for your family; and you are able to adapt to whatever situation and environment you enter into once you get married.  

This is a gift that God saw fit to bless Eve with because He knew that Adam needed help in more ways than Adam/men could ever realize! 

The Necessity of Vision

(Proverbs 29:18, Ephesians 1:15-19a)

Proverbs 29:18 in the KJV: Where there is no vision, the people perish. When we speak about the necessity of vision, the reasoning from that scripture - written by the wise man named Solomon - is crystal clear. We need to speak of the importance of vision because this day and age in which we live, pastors and churches seem to be confused or have forgotten the necessity of vision.

What is vision?

Obviously, in the physical or human context, vision is the ability to perceive through the sense of sight. In the Bible, the ability to see was so important that blindness was considered a curse. When we speak about vision in the life of the church, we speak of something similar: very simply, vision is the ability to discern and understand in which direction God is leading. We need to know God's vision and His heart, and to be led by that, lest we go forth in our own strength and understanding, which is always a recipe for disaster.

Where there is no vision, the people perish, they cast off restraint. We understand that vision is something that holds us together - it is that which both captivates us and binds us together; that which keeps us moving in the same direction, guided by God and communicated by church leadership. Vision is that which keeps us on point and on task - it is that which keeps us focused and encourages us to submit all of our personal agendas to the fulfillment of what God is calling us as a Body to fulfill. The vision is what encourages us to commit our time, talent and treasure to the cause of the Kingdom, which is bigger than we are.

What does the lack of vision look like? We find a good example in the book of Judges. Judges is the story of the children of Israel in a cycle of disobedience and repentance after crossing into the Promised Land. Joshua had died and the people fell under the influence of various nations, and God, in His grace, raised up men and women called judges. Through their disobedience towards God, the Israelites broke their covenant with God. Each time they disobeyed and repented, God would raise up a judge to deliver them, but this was a stopgap measure at best. Judges is the story of a nation between the Promised Land and the monarchy of Saul. The last verse of the last chapter of Judges gives us a stunning picture concerning the necessity of vision and how people perish when there is none: "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit (what was right in their own eyes)." (Judges 21:25).

Sadly, that is the position of many in the church today - doing what seems right in ‘my’ own eyes. Even sadder is the reality that many leaders have abdicated their responsibility to communicate and teach the vision that God has for the church. We need to understand that the church is not a democracy when it comes to the vision of the church. We don't hand out ballots and vote on what kind of church we are going to have; if we are going to talk about the Kingdom of God, that means there is a king and in any kingdom the word of the king is law. When we don't seek the vision of the King, we cast off restraint. We do what is right in our own eyes and estimation and ultimately, we will perish.

Rev. Darrell A. Hazard.

wise or smart?

True wisdom is the combination of both worldly and spiritual/biblical knowledge. The fact that we are in a season of time where it is absolutely critical for all of us, regardless of our personal economic situation, to operate in a level of divine wisdom like never before. We are in what the world considers and dark economic times and God is moving His people into position to take advantage of the spiritual harvest that is occurring simultaneously during this natural time of famine.

However, in order for us to be prepared and position ourselves and God desires, it is going to require a level of wisdom beyond our natural understanding. Some of us hear the need for true wisdom and think we need to go out fill our brain with all kinds of information, but there is so much more to it.

For a moment, let’s look at one of Dictionary.com definition of the word “wisdom”:

First, the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight. This definition says having knowledge is only a part of being wise, but there is another part of the formula.

The second and most important aspect of being wise is acting upon or making a decision based upon the information or knowledge we possess! It’s very similar to the idea of having faith. We cannot say we have faith in something unless we put our belief or trust in that something to work. We all know the scripture, “faith without works is dead.” Well knowledge and information without action or decision makes us just very smart or informed people, but it doesn’t make us wise.

Psalm 111:10 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

This is why Psalm 111:10 is so critical for Christians. God is going reveal instructions on how the act upon or make decision about the information and knowledge many of us have or soon will have. However, unless we have faith and do what He tells us to do; we are no better off than the people who are not aware of what we know. We cannot be wise without action or decision; just as we cannot say we have faith if we never put our faith to work.

It cannot be reiterated enough that having a lot of education and knowledge doesn’t make us wise if all we do is store it in our minds and spit out facts to illustrate to others how smart we are. Being smart and being wise are NOT synonymous! What good is it to go to a class to learn how to write a business plan if you never use this knowledge to start a business! What good is it to learn all there is to know about real-estate if we never purchase a piece of property! What good is it to read the bible as a believer in God and then worry about everything under the sun we have absolutely no control over!

godsvision.org

How did Jesus Christ die?(2)

Crucifixion

Hung completely naked before the crowd, the pain and damage caused by crucifixion were designed to be so devilishly intense that one would continually long for death, but could linger for days with no relief.

According to Dr. Frederick Zugibe, piercing of the median nerve of the hands with a nail can cause pain so incredible that even morphine won't help, "severe, excruciating, burning pain, like lightning bolts traversing the arm into the spinal cord." Rupturing the foot's plantar nerve with a nail would have a similarly horrible effect.

Furthermore, the position of the body on a cross is designed to make it extremely difficult to breathe.

Frederick Farrar described the intended, torturous effect: "For indeed a death by crucifixion seems to include all that pain and death can have of horrible and ghastly—dizziness, cramp, thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, traumatic fever, tetanus, shame, publicity of shame, long continuance of torment, horror of anticipation, mortification of untended wounds—all intensified just up to the point at which they can be endured at all, but all stopping just short of the point which would give to the suffer the relief of unconsciousness."

One doctor has called it "a symphony of pain" produced by every movement, with every breath; even a slight breeze on his skin could bring screaming pain at this point.

Medical examiner, Dr. Frederick Zugibe, believes Christ died from shock due to loss of blood and fluid, plus traumatic shock from his injuries, plus cardiogenic shock causing Christ's heart to fail.

James Thompson believed that Jesus did not die from exhaustion, the beatings or the 3 hours of crucifixion, but that he died from agony of mind producing rupture of the heart. His evidence comes from what happened when the Roman soldier pierced Christ's left side. The spear released a sudden flow of blood and water (John 19:34). Not only does this prove that Jesus was already dead when pierced, but Thompson believes it is also evidence of cardiac rupture. Respected physiologist Samuel Houghton believed that only the combination of crucifixion and rupture of the heart could produce this result.

There is no question that it was painful beyond words.

Biblically, it is clear that Jesus chose and willed His moment of death. That moment was induced not by pain, emotional stress, heart attack, or any other, but by His will. Though fully human, He is also fully divine. As God, He could not die from external sources, but only of His own volition and will.

Near the end, a criminal beside him mocked, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us." Little did this sinner know that the man he was speaking to hung there voluntarily. He was speaking to our Creator, capable of releasing all the power in the universe and beyond, and easily saving himself. Jesus remained in this agony and shame, not because he was powerless, but because of his incredible love for humanity. He suffered to provide the needed way of salvation for you and me.

Paul S. Taylor

How did Jesus Christ die?(1)

Medical experts, historians and archaeologists have examined in detail the execution that Jesus Christ voluntarily endured. All agree that he suffered one of the most gruelling and painful forms of capital punishment ever devised by man. Here is a brief summary of some of the things we know about his last hours from history, archaeology and medicine.

Severe stress, even before the abuse began

Jesus had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Even before the crucifixion began, he clearly had physical symptoms associated with severe stress. The night before the execution, his disciples reported seeing Jesus in "agony" on the Mount of Olives. Not only did he not sleep all night, but he seems to have been sweating profusely. So great was the stress that tiny blood vessels were rupturing in his sweat glands and emitting as great red drops that fell to the ground (see Luke 22:44). This symptom of severe stress is called hematohidrosis.

Jesus was physically exhausted and in danger of going into shock unless he received fluids (which he apparently did not). This is the man that the Roman soldiers tortured

Torture by beating with Roman scourges

Having previously been beaten by the Jews, it was now the Romans' turn. The beatings administered by Roman soldiers are well known to be very bloody, leaving lacerations all over the body. Romans designed their whips to cut the flesh from their victim's bodies. These beatings were designed to be painful to the extreme. It would also cause a fluid build up around his lungs. In addition, a crown of thorns was forced into his scalp which was capable of severely irritating major nerves in his head, causing increasing and excruciating pain, as the hours wore on.

In Christ's severely stressed condition, these beatings were easily enough to kill him. His body was horribly bruised, cut and bleeding. Having had no nourishment for many hours, and having lost fluids through profuse sweating and much bleeding, Jesus would have been severely dehydrated. This brutal torture would certainly be sending him into what doctors call "shock," and shock kills.

In addition, Jesus was forced to carry the the wooden beam on which he would die. Imagine the effect of carrying a heavy weight if you were in that condition.

to be continue...

The Jesus of Mormonism VS The Jesus of the Bible(2)

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus was married in Cana to three women
The Jesus taught by Mormonism was a polygamist. (See Journal of Discourses, Vol. II, page 269.)
Jesus also married Mary and Martha and the other Mary at Cana of Galilee, "Whereby he could see his seed, before he was crucified" (Apostle Orson Hyde, Journal of Discourses, 4:259; 2:82)

The Jesus of the Bible
The Biblical Jesus was a guest at Cana
The Jesus of history was never married. He was a guest at the wedding of Cana. He came to be a sacrifice, not to be a husband and/or to become a father.

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus killed
The Mormon Jesus threw temper tantrums destroying whole cities, killing innocent women and children and sparing the guilty. (See The Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 8 & 9.)

The Jesus of the Bible
The Biblical Jesus was killed
The Jesus of the Bible was the Lamb of God (John 1:29) who came to forgive sin (Mark 2:5) and to provide rest (Matt. 11:28). He is meek and lowly in heart (Matt. 11:29).

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus does not have a personal relationship
The Jesus of Mormonism does not have a personal relationship with us. Mormonism refers to this as "false and vain", "perilous", "improper" and part of "Lucifer’s system." (See Deseret News, Church News Section, page 5, March 5, 1982 by Elder Bruce McConkie.)

The Jesus of the Bible
The Biblical Jesus wants a relationship with us
The authentic Jesus is one that we can know personally as Saviour. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me" (Rev. 3:20).

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus needed help in creation
The Mormon "Jesus" was helped in his work of creation by Joseph Smith, Adam and many others including Noah. (See Mormon Doctrine, page 169, by Elder Bruce McConkie.)

The Jesus of the Bible
The Jesus of the Bible is the true creator of all things -- all that ever was created was His work; He needed no assistance from Joseph Smith or anyone else. (See Colossians 1:16, 17.)

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus is the son Adam, who was God the Father.
The Mormon writings reveal their "Jesus" as one who "was begotten in the flesh by the same character that was in the Garden of Eden, and who is our Father in heaven." (Journal of Discourses, Vol. I, pp. 50-51) Early Mormon leadership taught Adam was God, even though current writers deny it.

The Jesus of the Bible
The biblical Jesus was Eternal God who partook of humanity
(Hebrews 2:14). His incarnation was the work of the Godhead (Hebrews 10:5, Luke 1:35).

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus is a different Jesus
Mormon leaders have admitted that they believe in another Jesus, not the One of historic, biblical Christianity. (See Ensign, May, 1977, page 26.)

The Jesus of the Bible
The Biblical Jesus is the only Jesus
He warned of false Christ, and false prophets. Matthew 24
There really is only one true Jesus. False apostles and deceitful workers consistently propagate a false Jesus. (See 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.)

The Jesus of Mormonism VS The Jesus of the Bible(1)

The Jesus of Mormonism

God the Father of the Mormon Jesus was once a man before he was god with a god over him.

• "God exists and we had better strive to be prepared to be one with them" (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 7:238)
• "As man is, God once was: as God is, man may become" (Prophet Lorenzo Snow, quotedin Milton R. Hunter, The Gospel Through the Ages, 105-106)
• Remember that God, our heavenly Father, was perhaps once a child, and mortal like we ourselves, and rose step by step in the scale of progress, in the school of advancement; has moved forward and overcome, until He has arrived at the point where He now is" (Apostle Orson Hyde, Journal of Discourses, 1:123)

The Jesus of the Bible

The Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the One and "Only" God.

• For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: "I am the Lord, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:18
• Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.' " Isaiah 44:8

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus is a god, one of many

• This Jesus became a God through his obedience and consistent effort in his pre-existent state.
  (See The Gospel Through The Ages, page 51 by M. R. Hunter.) He became a son of God just as our children are sons. (See Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, page 12 by J. F. Smith.)

The Jesus of the Bible
Jesus of the Bible is God incarnate
The Jesus of the Bible is absolute and eternal Deity.

• Scripture reveals this in John 1:1, Romans 9:5, Titus 2:13 and Hebrews 1:8. He was and is eternally God the Son. His eternal Sonship is presented biblically in John 1:18, Colossians 1:12-19, Hebrews 1:8 and Psalm 2:7.
  

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus is the result of a sexual act

• The Jesus of Mormonism was conceived by sexual union between the Mormon god and Mary who was a bigamist. She was married to Joseph and to God who is believed to be an exalted man and with whom she entered into sexual union resulting in the physical body of Jesus.
• When the Virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, the Father had begotten him in his own likeness. He was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. And who was the Father? He is the first of the human family; and when he took a tabernacle (Body), it was begotten by his Father in heaven, after the same manner as the tabernacles of Cain, Abel and the rest of the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve; from the fruits of the earth, the first earthly tabernacles were originated by the Father and son in succession…..Jesus, our elder brother, was begotten in the flesh by the same character that was in the garden of Eden, and who is our Father in Heaven"
  (Journal of Discourses, 1:50-51)

The Jesus of the Bible

The Biblical Jesus was virgin born

• The Biblical Jesus was virgin born as a result of the Holy Spirit.
  (Isaiah 7:14, Matt. 1:23-25). The Holy Spirit was the source of Mary’s pregnancy, "...she was found with child of ("ek" = shows source of cause) the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 1:18).
• In Matthew 1:20 we learn that Joseph was informed that Mary’s child was conceived of "the Holy Ghost." The true Jesus was born of a virgin (Gal. 4:4).

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus is the brother of Lucifer another son of the Mormon god

• Mormon theology presents its Jesus as a brother to Lucifer, the devil who wanted to be the saviour of the world. (See The Gospel Through the Ages, page 15, by M. R. Hunter.)
• And the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying; That Satan, whom thou has commanded…came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all manknd surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
• But, behold, my Beloved Son which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Pearl of Great Price, Moses 4:1-2
  

The Jesus of the Bible
The Biblical Jesus is the "Only" Begotten Son

• The Jesus of the Bible is the only begotten (only, unique) Son, as God reveals in John 3:16. That Jesus is "Son" does not biblically show chronology, rather it reveals relationship.
  

The Jesus of Mormonism
The Mormon Jesus needs to be saved

The Mormon Jesus once needed to be saved himself. (See Deseret News, April 11, 1857 and Mormon Doctrine, page 25

The Jesus of the Bible
The Biblical Jesus is needed for Salvation

• The real Jesus is the Saviour in whom there never was any sin or personal need (I John 3:5). Deity is utterly and eternally without sin. (See Heb. 1:12, 13, Isa. 6:15, I John 1:5.)

to be continue

Should a Christian have credit cards?

The answer to this question is not stated yes or no in the Bible. Outside of specific commandments, God instead offers principles which we are to implement in our lives. This is illustrated in parenting when a child is told to do something versus being offered a choice in the matter.

When the child is young, and before sound judgment is developed, a parent will instead require obedience, rather than giving them the freedom to make their own decision—which will become the case once they are older and more and more capable.

Similarly, God gives us principles, where He doesn’t give us commands, in order to govern our behavior that, when followed, will produce life-giving results in our lives. So what are the principles God offers surrounding the use of credit cards?

Let’s set a context for this idea that is of familiar use and comparable value. Can a Christian watch

television, listen to secular music, or surf the Internet? Many of us have navigated these questions before in regard to our relationship with God. The consideration of the use of credit cards for the believer is similar. In the previous example, media in itself is not inherently evil and neither are credit cards. What these things are used for and our purpose in using them become important factors, though.

A key question at the heart of this matter is this: Do you control your credit cards or do they control you? Perhaps more clarity will come as we take a look at what credit cards should NOT to be used for in our lives as believers.

Trust or Security
(1 Tim. 6:17) As Christians, we are to place our trust and security in God and not in credit cards. This does not mean that it is unwise to have savings or even an emergency credit card, if justified, but it should not be our security or constant "go to" in times of trouble. If you can trust a credit card to be there for you when times are tough, you can trust God to help you establish an emergency fund as well.
Budget Bridge

Jesus told the disciples to be practical in estimating their ability to complete a tower if they built one (Luke 14:28). Similarly, we should be practical in calculating a monthly income and expense budget and live within our means. If we have less money coming in than we have going out at the end of the month, using a credit card to bridge the budget is not a wise decision. This leads us deeper and deeper into debt. This is comparable to having a slow leak in a boat that is never patched. Over time, it will sink you.

Frivolous Purchases
Grandpa and Grandma didn’t buy large things if their current income couldn’t afford them, and neither should we. Why? When we use credit cards to purchase something we otherwise can’t afford, why should we presume upon God that He will later (or perhaps miraculously) supply for it? If you desire something beyond your present reach, that’s fine. Ask God to provide the means for it, instead of trusting in credit to get it.
If it’s His will for you to have it, I bet He can do it! (Matt. 7:7; 6:33)

To be fair, what are some good reasons for us to use credit cards?

Sadly, many people know credit cards have become a problem, but are now stuck with the balances nonetheless. If this describes you, you’re not alone. The Federal Reserve states the total US consumer debt (excluding mortgage debt) reached $2.46-trillion in June 2007, up from $2.398-trillion at the end of 2006. Additionally, revolving debt (credit cards) reached $904-billion in June 2007 (Source: Federal Reserve). Many Americans are facing mounting credit card debt and agree they need out, but they don’t know where to turn. Even worse, some in the body of Christ feel called to pursue God’s will but can’t, due to the shackles of credit card debt. Where do we turn?

3 steps to begin with to escape the bondage

Ask God to help you get to a place where your monthly income exceeds your monthly expenses.

Additional income can result from working more hours, learning a new skill or acquiring more education or certification that leads to a promotion or new career. This could simply mean a new opportunity. God is big; He can help you with this, if you ask Him.

Establish a plan.

You will need a budget to get a handle on your expenses. An unplanned grocery amount becomes a larger grocery amount, so determine your limits before going. You can always make adjustments, but without a plan you will surely spend more each month.

Tackle the debts.

Depending upon the type and amount of debt, you can either "snow-ball" debts or create a prioritized pay-down schedule based on interest rates and/or amounts. If the amount is very large, perhaps you should seek a program that deals specifically with debt reduction. Debt consolidation or debt settlement may be good options for you, but you should work with a reputable company.

Face the facts, and get the help you need, but also be encouraged.

No matter what your situation, God has a way out for you (1 Cor. 10:13). The issue is that you have to seek Him for it. The specific way out can widely range from supernatural to practical things, because God is a big God. However, there is something required on your part to initiate the process.

The first step is to ask for assistance. Start by asking God for help. Ask Him to take charge of your finances, to help you make wiser choices in your budget and spending, and for Him to send the right people to help you. I’m sure you’ve seen this produce results in other areas of your life. Why would it be any different when it comes to your finances? Take some time to pray right now.

Second, if you need advice, seek someone who has fruit in their life in this area and who also has your best interest at heart. If you don’t know of anyone off hand, ask the Lord to connect you and He will be faithful to do so.