YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE

Reincarnation, Karma, and Life after Death

2010-03-16T11:34:00.003+07:00

People have always wondered what -- if anything -- lies beyond the grave. Is death the end of existence, an entry into eternity, or an intermission between earthly lives? Some teach that the soul reincarnates in many different bodies, and approximately 25 percent of Americans believe it. Why are so many people drawn to reincarnation?

Reincarnation and Karma

Reincarnation offers hope to many. If we don't get it right in this life, we have another chance the next time around. Yet, even those who believe in reincarnation admit that the vast majority of humans do not remember their previous lives. How can we learn from our past mistakes if we cannot remember them? We seem to make the same mistakes over and over again. Given the moral failure rate of human history, do we have any reason to hope that we will get it right in a future lifetime?

Reincarnation also claims to insure justice. According to the law of karma (an unbending and impersonal rule of the universe), we get what we deserve in every life. Our good and bad deeds produce good and bad results from lifetime to lifetime. With karma, there is supposedly no unjust suffering, because no one is innocent. All suffering is deserved on the basis of bad karma. The baby born without legs deserved it, as did the woman who was raped. We all carry our karma into each life. There is no grace, no forgiveness, no mercy. Not only is this is not good news for those burdened down with the weight of a troubled conscience, but karma also conflicts with our moral sense that some suffering is undeserved and deserves our pity and our actions to alleviate it.

The Limitations of Reincarnation

Can reincarnation realistically offer hope and a sense of justice to a troubled world? And what comfort does it offer regarding the nagging problem of death? The law of karma is unmerciful. Yet the message of Jesus Christ is different. Jesus did not deny there is unjust suffering. He offered forgiveness for those who inflict it and comfort for those that experience it.

Jesus taught that no one can keep the moral law. The human heart is impure, given to wrong attitudes and actions which are offenses against a loving and absolutely good God. Jesus said he offers us forgiveness as our savior, himself paying for our offenses against God. Jesus spoke of people receiving either eternal reward or eternal punishment according to whether they accept his forgiveness during their ONE lifetime on earth (Matthew 25:31-46; see also Hebrews 9:27). Jesus explained that he came into the world "to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). He said that he "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).

Jesus showed his forgiving love even while being executed on a cross. A thief on a cross next to Jesus confessed his sin and asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus responded, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). Only faith in Jesus was required for paradise, not lifetime after lifetime of working off bad karma and building up good karma. As Jesus announced: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). That, indeed, is good news -- for this life and beyond.

by Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D.

Boys to Responsible Men

2010-03-05T11:25:00.003+07:00

Since I was a very young child I always loved to watch the nature shows on television. Some of my favorites were the Wild Kingdom episodes about the lion prides in Africa. A pride of lions generally consisted of one dominant male and several females. The dominant male lion would mate with the females and when the cubs were born he along with all the females would protect all the baby lions. However, as the cubs mature and the young male cubs begin to grow their mane, which is a sign of becoming mature, they are run off from the pride by the dominant male.

The young males are then forced to hunt and live on their own until they can get big, strong, and experienced enough to have their own pride and the circle of life starts all over again. The moment the young male lions are sent away from the pride they were born into, they are forced to grow up and first become a provider for themselves as they have to hunt for their own food. However, simultaneously, as they are learning to survive on their own they are also picking of critical skills they would need if they are fortunate to have their own pride.

Oddly enough, what occurs in nature by God given instinct with the male lions is actually more or less what should be occurring with the male offspring in our families. Some years ago this was the case; once a male child reached what is considered the legal age of eighteen it was a widely accepted rule that he would make plans to leave home and go out on his own. If the young man didn’t have plans to leave on their own, generally the fathers would set a timeframe for when the son had to get a job and go out on his own. Even if they were going to college and still were partly depended on their parents while in school; remaining home was not an acceptable long term option.

Unfortunately, today this is no longer the case as there are many young men who remain home well into their late twenties and sometimes their thirties and sadly forties. Once many young men do eventually leave home today they go from being under their mother’s roof directly to being under the roof with their wife or significant other.

We are completely destroying the God defined family. We push our daughters out the instant they become of legal age forcing them to take on characteristics God intended for Adam in order for them to survive. We then allow our sons to remain home indefinitely hindering them from learning and taking on the characteristics God intended for all male offspring to posses. We have to stop babying in our sons!

Moms, you are not helping your sons by allowing them to remain under your roof for an indefinite amount of time with no long or short term plans for becoming independent. Dads our sons needs us to be dads whether we live under the same roof with them or not. Men, if our sons live in the same home with us it is our OBLIGATION to prepare them for being independent and responsible for themselves sooner rather than later. Again, this does not mean not supporting them while they are pursuing higher education, but even that needs to have a time limit. Single moms you know better than most, especially women of color, how difficult it is to find a mate who is responsible. The reasons why so many men today do not want to live up to their responsibility is because dads were off the scene and mommas didn’t know how to cut the preverbal umbilical cord.

Psalms 127:3-4 (NKJV)

3: Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the wombis a reward.

4: Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.

The scripture above says our children are live arrows in the hand of a warrior. An arrow in the hand of someone who doesn’t know how to use is it is nothing more than a stick with a pointed on the end. However, in the hands of a warrior it becomes a tool with a purpose. Instead of shooting our children, especially our sons, into destiny and purpose we are allowing them to sit in our quiver only going were we bring them on our backs!

We have to get our sons off our backs and into the world so they can begin to learn to be responsible and gain the experiences needed to take care of themselves and hopefully and a wife and children. Moms, you are not being a bad parent if you push your adult male child out of the house and force them to get their act together. There nothing wrong with even giving our sons a little help after they are out of the house but it has to be on a decreasing scale or the occasional exception.

I’m putting more emphasis on the moms because unfortunately on an increasing manner moms are the ones left with raising the kids. Furthermore, dads were made by God to not have the emotional and coddling character traits moms have and thus it is generally easier for dads to do the tough love thing without back-paddling.

The bottom line is we have to stop literally harming our male offspring by not helping them be the men God made them to be. Some of us are afraid of dying not because we fear death but because we fearful of what will happen to our adult children. We have been taking care of them well into their adult lives and many are so co-dependent on us they are no earth good to any woman or any child they are responsible for producing.

GodsVision.org

Christianity and Tai Chi

2010-02-19T15:34:00.001+07:00

Tai Chi is more specifically called Tai Chi Chuan, which can be translated as “supreme ultimate force.” Tai Chi is a martial art, though it’s often called a “moving meditation” since the movements are done slowly and deliberately, and it is taught more as a meditative and health enhancing practice than as a martial art. Though its origins are unclear, the foundation of Tai Chi is the Taoist belief in a universal energy called chi (also spelled qi or ki depending on the language of origin). Chi is believed to be the binding life force in the universe, existing both externally and internally, moving through invisible channels in the body called meridians.

Taoism teaches that strengthening and reinforcing one’s inner chi will bring good health and long life as well as spiritual benefits. Certain breathing techniques, meditations, and bodily movements are taught to cultivate and enhance the chi. This belief is the basis of Tai Chi. There is no supreme God or Creator in Taoism; all originated from the Tao, which is an impersonal principle or source of creation.

From the Tao came yin and yang, two forces that manifested in creation. These forces appear opposite but actually are in a state of constant flux, merging with each other. The chi flows more harmoniously when yin and yang are balanced; this balance is brought about through special diets, herbs, exercises, breathing techniques, and bodily movements. Tai Chi therefore has a worldview at odds with the Christian worldview. It is based on a Taoist spiritual view of the body and the chi, and how to enhance the chi, a view incompatible with how the Bible tells us we were made—in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).

Jesus Christ created and holds the world together, not the Tao or an invisible force called chi: “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17). Doing Tai Chi, even for physical purposes, is paying homage to a spiritual belief system at odds with God’s Word.

gotquestions.org

What is your true motivation for serving God?

2010-02-10T13:47:00.003+07:00

2 Kings 5:20-27

A man named Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army and he had great favor in the eyes of the Syrian king. However, Naaman had leprosy and was told that there was a prophet in Samaria who could heal him. Naaman asked the king of Syria if he could go find this prophet and the king gave him permission and told him to take some gifts to the king of Israel. Naaman eventually came before Elisha and was healed of his leprosy. In an effort to show his gratitude Naaman offered Elisha some of the treasures he had but Elisha graciously refused Naaman’s offer.

Gehazi, one of Elisha’s servants decided that they should take some of Naaman’s gifts, after all Elisha did heal him. So Gehazi found Naaman and lied to him saying Elisha decided to take some of the gifts. Gehazi then took the ill-gotten gifts her received from Naaman and hid them in a house. Upon returning to Elisha, Gehazi was questioned about his whereabouts and actions and of course he did not tell the truth. However, he was exposed by Elisah and then immediately judged for his deeds.

For those who serve God in any capacity and those of us who desire to serve God there is a very important question we must ask ourselves and that is what is our motivation? The unfortunate reality is God’s church has been exploited and while there are many who serve out of the goodness of their hearts; there are many more where this is not the case! Is our desire to serve God based on some underlying motive to profit for ourselves monetarily or socially? This message is not suggesting that those who labor for God should not be compensated or taken care of, but compensation should not be our motivating factor.

The word of God says that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added (Matthew 6:33). There are many who are like Gehazi that think we are entitled to certain privileges and status because of what we say we are doing for God. So instead of allowing those “things” to be added we begin to do things to make sure we get what we think we deserve.

While we may successfully hide our true intension from the folks around us because they have bought into our religious charade; we have not fooled God in the least bit. Elisha asked Gehazi, “Did not my heart gowith you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you?” God is saying is not His heart/spirit everywhere we go; am I not all knowing? There are a lot of very prominent people going around teaching, preaching and prophesying operating in the very same spirit of Gehazi. The sad thing is many of them started out with pure intension but allowed desire of wanting more before it was divinely added to pervert their hearts.

Again, this is not about folk who labor for God not be well compensated; this is about when being compensated is our primary motivation. Elisha also asked Gehazi, “Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?” There is a time and a season for everything under the sun, even a time, if it is in God’s will for us, to have the things we desire added.

Whether it’s in church, on our jobs, or even among our family and friends we have to be mindful of our motivation for whatever we are doing. God would like nothing more than for us to serve Him by being a blessing to our fellow man, but the moment we expect something in return is where we open a door for the enemy to enter. There is nothing wrong if we accept someone’s token of gratitude, but the moment we start to expect something it is no longer a token of gratitude; it becomes our motivation.

Daddy, the catalyst for change?

2009-12-17T00:04:00.004+07:00

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!

2009-12-09T13:12:00.004+07:00

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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Christian Cartoons

2009-11-25T10:50:00.008+07:00

Source : http://www.joyfultoons.com

Hopefully help us all. God Bless You...

Prosperity according to The Bible...

2009-11-16T09:04:00.003+07:00

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

2009-11-09T09:49:00.004+07:00

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

2009-05-23T12:07:00.003+07:00

(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?

2009-05-22T03:53:00.004+07:00

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)

2009-04-09T04:57:00.007+07:00

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)

2009-04-09T04:35:00.003+07:00

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)

2009-04-06T17:23:00.000+07:00

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)

2009-04-06T15:28:00.005+07:00

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?

2009-04-04T23:55:00.002+07:00

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.

Answering Jehovah’s Witnesses

2009-04-03T21:13:00.006+07:00

The Return of Christ

JW Position
JW believe that when Jesus comes, no eye will see Him. They believe he has already come in 1914.

Christian Position
Their position is un-biblical and conflicts with both Old and New Testaments and Jesus Himself, who tells us every eye will see Him when he returns.
1. Matthew 24:30-31
2. Acts 1:9-11
3. Zechariah 12:10
4. Revelation 1:7

The Deity of Christ

The JW Position
1. "The true Scriptures speak of God’s Son, the Word, as ‘a god.’ He is a ‘mighty god,’ but not the Almighty God, who is Jehovah" (The Truth Shall Make You Free, Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1943, 47).
2. "In other words, he was the first and direct creation of Jehovah God" (The Kingdom Is at Hand, Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1944, 46–47, 49).

Christian Response:
The deity of Christ is clear in both the Old and New Testaments, both directly and indirectly.

1. Isaiah 9:6
Here Jesus is called Mighty God, Everlasting Father, both terms which would be blasphemous if the Messiah were not God.

2. Zechariah 12:10
When Zechariah is read in context clearly God is speaking throughout the whole chapter, then in the 10th verse Jehovah God identifies Himself as the "Me whom they pierced". This verse is quoted several times in the New Testament and identified as Jesus, the "Suffering Messiah", See Revelation 1:7, John 19:34,37.

3. Hebrews 1:5-14

In the first chapter of Hebrews we clearly told the Son is not an angel, but God Himself. This is verified in several points in these verses.
a. The angels are commanded to worship the "Son" when the Son is brought into the world.
b. The Father calls the Son "God" and tells Him, His throne is forever.
c. The Father also calls the Son, Lord (Kurios), meaning possessor of all things by Father

The Trinity

JW Position
1. "The doctrine, in brief, is that there are three gods in one: ‘God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost,’ all three equal in power, substance, and eternity" (Let God Be True, Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1946 ed., 100).

Christian Position
The Christians do not believe in three Gods in one. We believe God has revealed Himself in three persons, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The deity of the Son and the Father covered above but the unity of the Three is clearly revealed in scripture.
1. John 14:9-12
2. John 16:8-13
3. Matthew 3:16-17
4. Acts 5:3
5. I Corinthians 6:19
6. Ephesians 4:30

Hell

JW Position
The JW believe that Hell is just the grave, that it is not a place of punishement. They believe that when people die they cease to exist, after they die only to be re-created at the resurrection.

Christian Response
The JW position is an un-biblical contradicted by Jesus Himself, and throughout the New Testament.

1. Luke 16:19-35

Lazarus and the Rich Man, Jesus describes a scene before and after death or two different individuals and their contrasting fate. The Rich man after his death goes to torment in Hades, (Hell) while the Lazarus goes to place where Abraham dwells (Abraham’s bosom, Paradise). Both men clearly died on the physical earth and their lives continued after their death.

If there was not Life after death Jesus was clearly lying and misleading his listeners with this event of the death of Lazarus and the Rich man. Jesus clearly teaches Hades (Hell) being a place of torment for those who do not know God as demonstrated by Abraham’s instruction for the brothers of the Rich man, to listen to Moses and the prophets.

2. Revelation 14:9-11

In Revelation the world is warned by an Angel to not submit to the coming, Antichrist who will demand worship and allegence by the inhabitants of the earth receiveing a mark in their hand or foreheads. Here the angel warns that those who receive the mark will receive eternal punishment.
The eternal aspect as well as the consciousness of their existence is demonstrated by several points.
· He shall be tormented, meaning the person will still exist and feel pain for their actions even after death.
· The person will have no rest, night or day…they will be in a state of soul sleep, they will exist after death

144,000

JW Position
The JW believe the Kingdom of Heaven is limited to 144,000 individuals, all these individuals were called before 1935, after 1935 the Kingdom of Heaven was closed. Of the JW’s who were part of this original group only about 8000 are still alive. Those JW’s living today are considered part of the "Great Crowd" who will occupy paradise earth.

1. "Who and how many are able to enter it [the Kingdom]? The Revelation limits to 144,000 the number that become a part of the Kingdom and stand on heavenly Mount Zion"(Let God Be True, 136).

Christian Response
The 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7:3-8 and Revelation 14:1-5 do not fit the Jehovah Witness, who claim to be the remnant of this group chosen to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven.
· 144,000 are Jews from the 12 tribes of Israel Revelation 7:4
· 144,000 are virgin males Revelation 14:4
· 144,000 have no deceit in their mouths.
144,000 of the Watch Tower include both males and females, many who have had children (They are not virgins), and some who have had deceit in their mouths. And most who are not slightly Jewish.

After Death

JW Position
JW believe after death the person no longer exists but will be re-created at the resurrection if they are worthy.
"At death man’s spirit, his life-force, which is sustained by breathing, ‘goes out.’ It no longer exists. … When they are dead, both humans and animals are in this same state of complete unconsciousness. … That the soul lives on after death is a lie started by the Devil" (You Can Live, 77).

Christian Positon
The JW position is an unbiblical position, as demonstrated throughout the Bible. The life of Lazarus and the Rich man clearly show that immediately after death, the Spirit/Soul of the individual goes to Hades (Hell) or Paradise.

After the death of Christ the Christian goes into Heaven to await the resurrection. The Christian in Heaven is fully conscious of his existence after death and in Heaven.
1. Philippians 1:21-24
2. Revelation 6:9-11
3. Revelation 15:1-3
4. John 14: 1-4

The New World Bible Translation

JW Position
In the New World Translation, in the New Testament we read the word "Jehovah" as the name of God. The word is not found in the Greek manuscripts, instead the Greek word for Lord or Kurious is used in the Greek Manuscripts. The adding of a Hebrew word is a mistranslation.

Christian Position
The Bible warns against adding anything to the text. The NWT has added Hebrew words that are not found in the original Greek, ignoring this warning.
Revelation 22:18-19

Is The Da Vinci Code accurate?

2009-04-02T13:57:00.002+07:00

The Book is filled with historical and factual errors. Here are just a few to make the point. If this book is wrong on such minor points why would anybody trust it for eternal issues?

Ø Brown’s Error:
The book claims there are 666 panes of glass on the pyramid outside the Louvre. The Museum says there are 673. (Page 21)

Ø Brown’s Error:
The book claims the Olympics were held for Venus in 8-year cycles but they were actually held for Zeus in 4-year cycles. (Page 36)

Ø Brown’s Error:
Mona Lisa is an androgynous portrait representing the fusing of male and Female (Page 120). However, Mona Lisa is a young Florentine woman who in 1495 married the well-known figure, Francesco del Giocondo, and thus came to be known as ``La Gioconda'‘. This is confirmed by the discovery of documentation in Florence, Italy archives. She had five children and two became nuns.

Ø Brown’s Error:
Sir Isaac Newton was a secret "Goddess Worshipper". Yet it is well known that he was a devout Christian …who wrote a commentary on the book of Daniel and Revelation and calculated the physical return of Christ between the years 2000 and 2050

Ø Brown’s Error:
The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the 1950’s and included the Gospels. History clearly show that these scrolls were found in 1948 and there were no Gospels found there.

Ø Brown’s Error:
The Gnostic Gospel, The Gospel of Philip was not written in Aramaic as the Da Vinci Code implies but in Coptic, translated from Greek. (Page 246)

By Phil Karayan

Forgive and forget

2009-04-01T23:09:00.006+07:00

"Forgive and forget" is how the old saying goes. But is it that simple?

A boy who was dumped by his girlfriend says, "She really hurt my feelings. How can I ever forgive her for what she did to me?"
A girl whose father sexually abused her for years asks, "Why should I forgive him for that?"

The drug dealer who wants to turn his life around wonders, "Will God really forgive me for all I have done?" How do we forgive others who have wronged us? How do we accept God's forgiveness?

The Real Need for Forgiveness

God hates sin; He cannot stand to look at its ugliness. Therefore, unconfessed sin in our lives comes between us and damages our relationship with the Lord.

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, or his ear too dull to hear, but your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that He will not hear." (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Not only does unforgiveness come between us and God, it also breaks our relationships with others.
"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." (Proverbs 17:9)

The Requirements for Forgiveness

Because God hates sin, the price for forgiveness is high. Scripture gives the following requirements for forgiveness:

Sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:22 says that "without the shedding of Blood, there is no forgiveness." In the Old Testament, a sacrifice of an unblemished lamb was required to satisfy God's wrath. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died on the cross and became the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Jesus bought our forgiveness when he died on the cross.

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." (1 Peter 3:18a)
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

Forgiveness of others.

Another requirement for forgiveness of sins in that we forgive others.

1 Corinthians 13:5 says that "real love keeps no record of wrongs." Remember that Proverbs 17:9 tells us that a real friend will forgive. God has also made forgiving others a requirement for receiving His forgiveness.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:14,15)

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

Confession of sin.

We must admit our sins to God if our relationship with Him is to be restored completely. Looking back at the real need for forgiveness, we see that unconfessed sin can separate us in our relationship with God. Confession is the way to restore that relationship with the Lord, remembering that it is for our own benefit that we confess to return to the Lord because He is faithful even when we are not (2 Timothy 2:13).

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Repentance.

We must decide to change, to turn from our sins.
"Therefore this is what the Lord says, 'If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me.'" (Jeremiah 15:19a)

The Results of Forgiveness

The Bible promises the following benefits of God's forgiveness:

Happiness.

When we know God's forgiveness, we are blessed (happy).
"Blessed (happy) is he whose transgressions are forgiven, who sins are covered. Blessed (happy) is the man whose sin the Lord doesn't count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." (Psalm 32:1,2)

God chooses not to hold our sins against us. Another result of forgiveness is that God doesn't keep a record of our sins, He does not hold them against us. Because the blood of Christ covered our sins, God chooses to put them out of His mind.

"I, even I, am he who

blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25)

God removes our sin from us.

"It is possible for the Lord to look at us without seeing our sins because when he forgave us, he removed our sins as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12)

We can forgive ourselves.

When we are forgiven, we can forgive ourselves and go on with our lives.

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13,14)

http://www.christiananswer.net/

What is the Christian answer to domestic violence?

2009-03-31T10:57:00.002+07:00

Domestic violence and the Christian answer to it begins with the Word of God. Marriage is the first institution that God established between people. Both men and women were created in His image; equal partners with distinctively different roles (Genesis 1:27). A man is to be the head, or authority, of his household (Ephesians 5:23; 1 Peter 3:1). With this comes the responsibility of earning the respect of his family and community. Colossians 3:19 commands husbands to love their wives and never treat them harshly.

"In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. If you don't treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard" (1 Peter 3:7).

Husbands are to love their wives as they do their own bodies. "No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body, which is the church" (Ephesians 5:29). Men are to be servant leaders, not demanding authority or submission, but treating their wives in a way that submission becomes her natural response. "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

Child abuse is also strongly condemned by God. Although discipline is important, its purpose should be to correct and direct the child to righteousness, not as a way of taking out anger unjustly. "And now a word to you fathers. Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

Colossians 3:21 says, "Fathers, don't aggravate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying." We should do nothing to destroy the spirit of our children, or destroy their innocence. Jesus strongly warns those who might cause children to stumble, or lose faith in Him (Matthew 18:6).

Victims of domestic violence need to be protected, even moved temporarily to a safe place if necessary. If a wife is being abused by her husband, she needs to separate herself from him while he receives treatment for his violence. Once a Bible-believing Christian counselor has deemed it appropriate for the couple to reunite, they should make every effort to reconcile and live in peace, while continuing marriage and/or family counseling.

This is only possible if both parties are willing to commit their lives to Christ and make God the head of their household. They should find a local Bible-teaching Christian church, and commit themselves to membership. They should also find spiritually mature Christians who are willing to disciple them either individually or in a small group. The benefits to this are many, including accountability for their actions. "The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you" (Psalm 9:9-10).

Our Statement!!!

2009-03-31T10:25:00.001+07:00

Someone new to Christianity or churches will naturally wonder what a "statement of faith" is. It is a way of telling other people what you believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and so forth. This is important, because there are a lot of cults that pretend to be Christian organizations, which are not Christian at all. A statement of faith can be used as an indicator toward learning whether an organization represents true Christianity.

Clarifying Christianity is based on the Bible alone. We believe that the Bible is God’s "word" (communication to us) written by men, but directed and inspired by God through the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost). It contains no errors, and is the complete, final, and only authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (See 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; and 2 Peter 1:20,21.)

We believe that God the Father is perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, and measureless in power. God showed His love for all people by sending His Son to die for our sins so that we might have eternal life with God in heaven. (Luke 18:27; John 3:16,17; Romans 11:33; 1 Peter 1:16; 1 John 4:7-10; Revelation 4:8.)

We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, God Himself, and that He became completely man. Conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the virgin Mary. Jesus lived a sinless life, and chose to die as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people. He was bodily resurrected from the dead and appeared to many people. He now sits at the "right hand of God" (the highest place of honor and power), interceding (standing in to provide protection) for the sins of His people (those who accepted him as Savior and Lord). He will come in glory to righteously judge all people based on their acceptance or rejection of Him. Jesus is the only way to bridge the gap of sin between God and people, thus He is the only way to have a relationship with God now, and eternal life with God in heaven. (Matthew 16:16,17 and 25:31-46; Mark 14:61,62; Luke 1:34,35 and 2:7; John 1:1 and 1:14 and 5:22-30 and 10:30 and 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22-24.)

We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is received in full when someone gets right with God through Jesus, so all true Christians "have the Holy Spirit." He is the power that Christians have that enables them to live a Christ-like life (as God leads them). The Holy Spirit is our pledge (or "down-payment") of eternal life. (John 16:8-11; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:16-26; 1 John 3:24.)

We believe that mankind was created in the image of God and given rule over all the earth. Man forfeited everything when he chose to disobey God (in the Garden of Eden) in spite of warnings regarding the consequences for doing so. As a result sorrow, tears, pain, sickness, death, and all that is "not good" came into existence. This was never God’s intention (and therefore not His fault). All of the people who lived since that time have also sinned, for which the penalty is death. Only through accepting Jesus as Savior and by making Him Lord of your life can you spend eternity with God in heaven. Those who reject or ignore Jesus Christ will suffer God’s wrath for their sins and will suffer eternally in Hell. (Genesis 1:26,27; Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 3:23 and 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:11-15 and 22:3-5.)

We believe that Salvation depends on accepting Christ as both Savior and Lord of your life. (John 1:12; Acts 2:38,39 and 8:26-40 and 16:25-34; 1 Peter 3:21,22.)

Why does God protect the Jews even through they haven't all accepted Christ?

2009-03-31T10:21:00.002+07:00

As you read through the Old Testament you always see God taking Israel back even after they run after idols and reject their true God. The book of Hosea even gives the example of a prostitute being bought back again after she ran away as a sign of God’s love for His people.

This last 2,000 years has been a dispensation of grace and it has mainly been toward the Gentile nations. It is rare you see a Messianic Jew (although my ministry partner is one) because the Jewish people did reject Christ. However, the great tribulation and end times will be when God again reveals Himself to the Jewish people and it is a time when they will become aware of things like never before and we will see thousands of Jews coming to know Christ (although it will cost them their very lives to do so).

So, to answer your question - during this time of God dealing with the nation of Israel if He did not protect the 144,000 the Bible says every single Jew would be wiped out. God divinely protects these sealed ones (12,000 from every tribe), but millions will probably be martyred by antichrist and his armies.

Revelation 7:1-10

And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Matthew 23:37-39

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Pastor Brad

What Is Baptism?(2)

2009-03-31T10:18:00.002+07:00

#2 - When in the process of accepting Christ does baptism come in?
A second question would be, "When should I get baptized: immediately, as a part of accepting Christ; or later as a follower of Christ?"

If you’ve been around churches at all, you will run into the following philosophies:
"Baptism is just an outward sign of an inward grace, so it can be done later.""You need to ‘grow in Christ’ (become good enough) before you are ready to be baptized.""To join our church, you have to be baptized into our church."

The problem with these ideas (and any similar ones) is that they are in conflict with the Bible. One thing is clear, the Bible always places believing in Christ for salvation and baptism together. They are not separated.

Consider these references:
Acts chapter 2, verse 41 (Acts 2:41) - 3,000 people were baptized after believing on the first day of the Christian church. Verses 38 and 39 make it clear that this is the way that it will always be done. That is, all people who accept Christ as their savior will come to Him in this way.

Acts 8:26-39 - We know where this road from Jerusalem to Gaza is. Verse 26 terms it a "desert." The only water there was oasis water. This means that the eunuch and Philip climbed down into the people's drinking water to do this. Apparently, Philip and the eunuch did not think it could wait until later! (You will also notice they did not take a handful of water and "sprinkle" the eunuch to keep things sanitary, either.) The Bible states that all Philip did was "preach Jesus to him" (verse 35) and then the eunuch said that he wanted to be baptized (verse 36). This means that the preaching of Jesus includes preaching the need to be baptized.

Acts 9:18 - after this encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road, Saul (later renamed Paul) decided to accept Jesus—and was baptized.

Acts 10:47,48 - Cornelius and those with him were commanded to be baptized, becoming the first non-Jewish converts to Christianity.

Acts 16:13-15 - Lydia and her household "believed" and were baptized.

Acts 16:16-34 - The Philippian jailer "believed" with his household and they were baptized—and this was in the middle of the night!

Also consider the following passages:
Galatians 3:26,27 - "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Ephesians 4:4-6 - "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

On top of all these references, when Jesus left the earth (see the end of the book of Matthew) He told his followers to make disciples (followers), baptize them, and teach them. Jesus apparently felt it was pretty important to make this a priority for His followers.

The Bible is clear—belief and baptism were always together. Thus, "when we believe" is the right time to be baptized. If you "believed" some time back and were not baptized, then this should become a priority for you to fulfill what God asks you do in the Bible.

Why should someone be baptized?

The Bible gives a number of reasons to be baptized:

Acts 2:38 - Tying repentance and baptism together provides forgiveness of your sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 6:1-7 - This shows us that the mode of baptism (immersion) pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. In the same way that He went through these things, our old nature is to "die" and we are to be "buried with Him through baptism into death" and raised to "walk in newness of life" (live like Jesus). So we do not just try to be a better person, we bury the "old person" in the water and become a "new person" through our acceptance of Christ. It is like a new birth and a new beginning for us.

Galatians 3:27 - We "put on Christ" when we are baptized.

1 Peter 3:21 - Baptism is not an outward cleaning, but saves us through an inward cleaning. It is an appeal to God for a good conscience and asks God to take away the guilt of our past sin (that Christ paid for, wiping our "inner slate" clean).

Well, now you have it—the what, when and why. The only question left to ask is, "what will I do now?" That is between you and God.

What Is Baptism?(1)

2009-03-31T09:58:00.003+07:00

When someone decides to get right with God, part of the outward sign of accepting Jesus as their savior is being baptized. It is an exciting time, but there are many questions regarding baptism that should be clarified, since so many conflicting ideas regarding this topic developed over the centuries. The questions often come from four basic areas:

Can you go to heaven by being baptized?

What is baptism?

When should someone be baptized?

Why should someone be baptized?

Let's take a look at each of these questions.

Can you go to heaven by being baptized?
People are saved (and get to go to heaven) by believing that Jesus is the Christ and putting their faith in Him. Baptism alone does not save. However, salvation (being saved) and baptism are always tied together.

What is baptism?
The process of baptism is very simple. You begin by standing, sitting, or kneeling in some water. Another Christian then lowers you under the water and then brings you back up out of the water. You could also literally call this "immersion."

Because some faiths sprinkle water on people instead of immersing them, the obvious question is whether this is OK. Since the only consistent answer around the world comes from the Bible, we recommend using it to find your answers. It is interesting that nowhere in the Bible does anything but "immersion" take place. That is, baptism is always by immersion

This makes sense if you realize that "baptize" is a transliteration of the original Greek word baptizw (baptizo). In turn, baptizo comes from the root word baptw (bapto), a term used in the first century for immersing a garment first into bleach and then into dye, both cleansing and changing the color of the cloth.[1] (Note its similarity to baptism's cleansing of sin and becoming a new person through Christ.) Stated another way, when you process cloth to change its color, you are said to "baptize" it. If sprinkling of any kind was to be practiced, a different Greek word would have been used, but it was not.

When should someone be baptized?

Let's look at this question from two directions.

#1 - Does a person's age make a difference?
A natural question would be, "does your age make a difference?" More specifically, you may ask whether infants or young children should be baptized. It may help if you understand where the idea and practice of baptizing infants came from. Around 400 AD, a man named Augustine came up with the idea of "original sin." This basically said that everyone inherits the sin of Adam at birth and is therefore separated from God from the beginning of their life. Of course, this caused parents to become concerned over the fate of their children, should they die before "getting right with God."

Since only one of the steps required to get right with God

could be done by (or to) an infant, they decided to baptize them to "take care of the original sin." Since it is risky to immerse an infant, these people decided to sprinkle them with water instead. Thus, both baptizing infants and baptizing by sprinkling came from human ideas. They did not come from the Bible.

If we look in the Bible we see that children are never seen to "accept Christ" (and therefore get right with God). It is also interesting that God never tells us what to do to keep a child safe. Did He just forget this important point, letting many children go to Hell and suffer eternally? No. A child is safe in the arms of God until they can understand how to be saved by accepting Jesus as their savior. (See 2 Samuel chapter 12, verses 22 and 23 along with Matthew chapter 18, verse 10.) Thus, only adults and older children (who can understand separation from God because of sin and so forth) are at the age when acceptance of Christ is possible.

[1] Swindoll, Charles R., Signposts Along Life's Journey (1997), Insight for Living, CA, p. 10.

to be continue....

Can My infant Child be saved?

2009-03-31T09:47:00.003+07:00

Some friends of mine have a tiny baby in critical condition. The thoughts of loved ones around them have gone to the eternal status of the child.

It’s interesting to me that many people wonder about the state of the child, but often overlook their own state!

But I though perhaps the consideration arises in the minds of many Christians, Can this child be saved?In order to answer that question Biblically, we first must consider what saved means. The word always means delivered from some peril, whether large or small. In other words, saved must always have an object, and so there must be a salvation FROM something.

Therefore, before answering the question, we must know what the child needs to be saved from. Biblically, we immediately think of sin and sins.If we are not saved from the penalty of sin, we know the consequences are eternal separation from God, and the appropriate punishment for our misdeeds.

Some might say that children are not sinners. This is not true, according to the Bible. Children ARE sinners, even in their mother womb. Psalm 51:5 reads, Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.So this is clear that the nature of sinner is the only nature known to us in the womb, except, of course in the miraculous circumstance of the Lord birth.

We also know that, although sinners by nature in the womb, babies do not sin in the womb. Romans 9:11 reads For the children (Jacob & Esau) being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; Once babies emerge from the womb, they can start sinning, one surmises, at least in thought. Therefore, it is possible to find sins even in very, very young babies.

But an important factor, often overlooked is found in Deut 1: 39: â€œMoreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.Apart from the context, we can see the assertion by the Lord that the children of the Israelite exiles from Egypt had not reached a certain state of knowledge concerning good and evil. This condition has come down to us as the age of accountability.It not a precise age, and has to do with knowledge, but it is certain that a vast number in the wilderness had not reached it.

Religious people have tried to name this age. Jewish religionists (who today are among those who have stumbled by failing to receive the Lord Jesus Christ) attempt to place circumcision as necessary in securing eternal life to children who have not reached this age of accountability.

They have their counterparts in those Christians who would require an infant sprinkling, pouring, or immersion for the same purpose.

But what do such rites teach? They teach that without these rites, a child is condemned or consigned to hell when God does not. I remember when I was young, and in a Roman Catholic school, they told us that unbaptized infants went to limbo which was just like heaven, but without God. Well, I dont know what I thought then, but today I think anywhere without God is a nasty place indeed! I also know they just made that stuff up.

So, back to the original question: can an infant be saved? Actually the question SHOULD be Does an infant need to be saved from his sins?The answer is no.He may have them, but God has not imputed those sins to him, until he reaches an age where he knows good and evil: an age of accountability.

I personally agree with Dr. J. Vernon McGee on this point, who said he thought that time was much later than most people have speculated.

In my own case, I received Christ as my Savior by faith when I was 24 years old. I dont think I had been accountable for my sins very long before that. When I realized my sins were my own responsibility, it scared me seriously, and I was sure glad to discover God's plan of salvation in the meritorious work of Another.

144,000 is the total number that will be saved??

2009-03-31T09:43:00.001+07:00

You are going to be happy then when I tell you that there will be many more saved.

The 144,000 talked about in Revelation 7 are Jews who will come to believe sometime during the tribulation. These 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes are so marked lest the antichrist might have his desired wish of annihilating all the remaining Jews before Christ's triumphant return.

These 144,000 will have a supernatural Divine protection during the worst of the things to come such as the locust of Revelation 9. Revelation 9:3-4 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Since we know these 144,000 are still alive in Chapter 9, then these verses in Chapter 7 of Revelation prove there are many other saved during this dreadful time...

Revelation 7:13-17 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

So we have proof of many being saved during this time, but for those not sealed in the 144,000 it will most likely cost them their lives to accept Christ and be saved. A small price to pay for an eternity of glory with our Lord.

Pastor Brad

Holy Spirit is a Person or a Force?

2009-03-31T09:12:00.002+07:00

The Holy Spirit is a part of the Holy Trinity with the Father and Son. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word (ruwach, pronounced roo'-akh) was used when talking about the Spirit. This word literally means WIND, even the wind associated with a BREATHE! In the New Testament the Greek word (pneuma, pronounced pnyoo'-mah) was used which means the BREATHE or a BREEZE! We can literally think of the Holy Spirit as the "Breathe of God!"

Most Christians today understand Jesus the Son, and God the Father as two very distinct Persons within the Godhead; however, there has been much confusion over the identity of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps some of this dates back to the King James translation of the Bible where the word "Spirit" or "Ghost" was used instead of "Breathe" or "Wind" of God. In any case, many people throughout the ages have thought of the Holy Spirit more as a thing than a Person. Nothing could be further from the truth, and in fact as we begin to know the Person of the Holy Spirit we will want to have a closer relationship with Him just as we would the Father or Son.Although the word Trinity is not mentioned in the Bible, we know God is three in one. There are three very distinct Person’s that make up the Godhead. They are all equal in every way.

They (The Father, Son and Holy Spirit) are all:

Omnipotent – All powerful.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.

Omnipresent – At all places at once.

Psalms 139:7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? or where shall I flee from your presence?

Omniscient – All knowing.
1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Eternal - Hebrews 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Equal - Acts 5:3-4

But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, was it not your own? and after it was sold, was it not in your own power? why have you conceived this thing in your heart? you have not lied unto men, but unto God.

The Holy Spirit was part of all things, from the very beginning of scripture to the very end of scripture
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (elohiym (pronounced el-o-heem') created the heaven and the earth.
Elohiym is the plural form of God. Therefore, as scripture was inspired and man began to write the Word, it was evident to the writers that God was made of more than 1 Person but at the same time there was one Godhead.

There are many scriptural references that show the coexistence of the the entities within the Trinity
Luke 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Here we see the evidence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all mentioned within one verse. We also see the same reference elsewhere in the Gospels.

Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Mark 1:10-13 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
Deuteronomy demonstrates the God Israel served was one Godhead made of a plurity of entities within that Godhead.

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD (Y@hovah (pronounced yeh-ho-vaw') our God (elohiym) is one LORD (Y@h0vah)

It is important to understand the Holy Spirit is truly God because of the fact that if we are born again He lives in us.
What we allow ourselves to be part of we are inviting God to be part of..

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Four important principles to remember
1) The Holy Spirit is God, but He is a Person, not a force

2) We cannot focus on the Holy Spirit too much. Why? What is the Holy Spirit’s mission? To reveal Jesus. What is Jesus mission…to reveal the Father. What about the Father…to send Jesus and the Holy Spirit so we can come to Him. Perfect Harmony. They never had a crisis management meeting in Heaven. They never tried to sit down and work things out. They never had a power struggle amongst themselves.

3) The Holy Spirit gives gifts for use in ministry and empowers effective ministry

4) The Holy Spirit is a distinct Person within the Godhead, not a force, a thing, or an "it"

Qualities that a person has…(a force or thing does not)
1) The Holy Spirit has intellect. 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

2) The Holy Spirit has knowledge. 1 Corinthians 2:11 even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

3) The Holy Spirit has emotions. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve (lupeo (pronounced loo-peh'-o)); to make sad or sorrowful, heavy of heart) not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

4) The Holy Spirit has his own will and he makes decisions. Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia (pronounced froog-ee'-ah) and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

5) The Holy Spirit Loves. Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

Things only a person would do (a force or thing does not)
1) He teaches you things about God and yourself. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

2) He tells the truth. John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

3) He guides. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

4) He convinces. John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

5) He prays for you. Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

6) He commands. Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

The Holy Spirit was on the scene long before the day of Pentecost
He moved upon the face of the waters and was the active agent in creation. Jesus was the Word, the Holy Spirit moved.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (elohiym el-o-heem') created the heaven and the earth.
Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:27 So God (elohiym again) created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

The Holy Spirit gave us the Word of God. 2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Spirit regenerates our spirit when we accept Jesus Christ into our life. John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

In fact, the Holy Spirit has always worked hand-in-hand with Jesus Christ

His Birth - Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

The life and ministry of Jesus - Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness AND… Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
His death and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice- Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The resurrection of Jesus – Actually all 3 members of the Godhead had a part in the resurrection!
Father - Ephesians 1:19-20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Son (He had the power to take His own life up again) - John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Holy Ghost - Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

In fact, the main purpose of the Holy Spirit is to tell us about Jesus and Glorify Him. John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

9 Gifts and 9 fruits of the Spirit

2009-03-27T16:29:00.004+07:00

So many today seek the Gifts without first acquiring the Fruit in their life. We must have the Fruit of the Spirit at work if we want God to entrust us with the Gifts of the Spirit.

Gifts of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 12

1. Word of Wisdom

2. Word of Knowledge

3. Faith

4. Healings

5. Working of Miracles

6. Prophesy

7. Discerning of Spirits

8. Different Kinds of Tongues

9. Interpretation of Tongues

Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Longsuffering

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self Control

The Word of Wisdom supernaturally discloses the mind, purpose, and the way of God as applied to a specific situation. If we have the Wisdom of God, then we must have Love, for God is Love. If you search for the first gift of the Spirit, you must possess the first fruit of the Spirit.

The Word of Knowledge is a supernatural revelation of information about a specific thing and has to do with an immediate need. Jesus gave instruction to His disciples so His Joy would remain in them and be full. A Word of Knowledge will always be received with Joy from His disciples, so we must first strive to have the fruit of Joy in our lives.

Faith is a special outpouring of supernatural Faith for release of a miracle. Even a small amount of Faith in our Father will bring Peace into our lives. If we have the Peace that passes all understanding then we will be ready for the Gift of Faith when the need arises. So seek first to have the fruit of the Spirit: Peace.

Healings are those Healings that God performs supernaturally. If we are Longsuffering, then we have learned to be content in any situation as Paul was. He learned that in his weakness, Jesus strength was made perfect. So if we can learn to be Longsuffering in all, then we will be able to accept the supernatural Healing God has for us. Faith produces miracles, but miracles do not necessarily produce faith, unless we know how to rejoice in any situation. That we do not look for the Healing, but for the relationship with God that will bring about the Healing.

Working of Miracles is a manifestation of Divine power to perform something that could not be done naturally. Jesus performed many Miracles because He had compassion on the crowds and acted with Kindness. Without the Fruit of Kindness, we would not be able to use the Gift how God would want us to.

Prophesy is a supernatural disclosure, a sudden Spirit inspired insight that brings exhortation to the body of Christ. Goodness means to have decency, generosity, righteousness. To exhort and edify the body of Christ we must first possess the virtues and values which are synonymous with Goodness.

Discerning of Spirits is to detect the true spirit behind the acts and manifestations taking place around us. It is used to further build Faithfulness on our Lord and Savior. The fruit of Faithfulness is the foundation for being true only to our Lord, and the acts of the Holy Spirit. We may then seek the gift of Discerning of Spirits to further our perception of the workings of the true Spirit of God.

Different kinds of Tongues is praying or singing in a supernatural or heavenly language which has a specific message associated with it. James tells us about the things from above, that they are pure, peaceful, and Gentle. How can we seek the Gift which will deliver a message to God’s people if we first do not seek fruit of His likeness.

Interpretation of tongues is translating the message of tongues so that the heavenly message may be given. Would you trust someone translating for you that put their own thoughts and words into your message. You would want someone of great Self Control to be true and accurate. How much more would our Father want someone of Self Control to translate His holy message to His people.

Revelation is the future story

2009-03-27T14:56:00.002+07:00

The theories about the meaning of the prophecies Jesus revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos are too numerous to calculate. There are several aspects that dominate the various scenarios presented, which scripture does not support, and it is those we will address. It is of the utmost importance that the readers not make the mistake many have made before, which has allowed so many myths to be accepted. The problem is that so many simply accept the word of those theorists without studying the foundations of their concepts.

The most popular belief is that the Revelation is the future story of the rise of the Antichrist to world power, his actions to demand loyalty, the creation of a world government and world religion, the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem, the rapture, a great battle at Armageddon, the final battle that defeats Satan, Jesus taking the throne, and a new earth being created. Here are the major points most often presented concerning the prophecies of the Revelation to John:

· The Antichrist is the central figure of the end times.

· The Antichrist will establish a world government.

· The Antichrist will bring peace to the world.

· The Antichrist will stand in the Holy of Holies in the rebuilt Temple at Jerusalem.

· The Antichrist will either declare himself as the Messiah or be declared the Messiah by a new World Church.

· The Antichrist is the author of the "Great Deception".

· The Mark of the Beast will be an identifying sign of loyalty to the Antichrist.

· The Mark of the Beast is 666.· A new World Church will be established.

· The Temple at Jerusalem will be rebuilt.

· The False Prophet plays a major role in the end times events.

· The Jews will accept Jesus as the Messiah before he returns.

· There are two specific groups of 144,000 people each "raptured".

· The Beast is a human.· The Beast is the Antichrist.

· There will be a "Great Battle" at Armageddon.

· Satan will be defeated in a "Great Battle" in heaven just before he is imprisoned in chains.

The Beast

One of the first problems in the orthodox view of the "beast" is that it is a person. Many believe this, but scripture and theological study reveal that this is more likely, an organization, or group of nations. The word from which the word beast is taken means "dangerous animal". In our modern society an animal is considered "dangerous" for several reasons, not the least of which is posing a threat to human life or physical harm to humans or their property. Since the beast is mentioned in a social, rather than a natural context, we can assume that whatever the beast is, it is probably not an actual animal, but more likely some other entity that exhibits the traits of a dangerous animal. The connection of the Mark to global commerce, the institution of that Mark by the image the Beast creates, and the identification of the global corporations as the deceiver of the world place those corporations in the direct spotlight as a prime suspect.

In a recent book, and movie, titled "The Corporation", the concept of corporate personhood, and its ramifications socially, were closely examined. A person who is considered dangerous to the society as a whole very often exhibit traits that are defined as psychopathic, and would make that person a threat to society. In the book, "The Corporation", a leading expert in forensic psychology was asked to determine how the corporate personality, with its questionable humanlike power under the status of corporate personhood, would be rated psychologically. His conclusion is that the corporation, as legally structured, by the actions it is mandated to take, and considering its well-publicized performance socially, would qualify it as a severe psychopath.

Psychologist Dr. Robert Hare, a leading expert in the study of psychopathic behavior, has developed a checklist of psychopathic traits and these are but a few that represent the aberrant behavior of corporations.

· The corporation is irresponsible because in an attempt to satisfy the corporate goal, everybody else is put at risk.

· Corporations try to manipulate everything, including public opinion.

· Corporations are grandiose, always insisting that "we're number one, we're the best."

· Corporations refuse to accept responsibility for their own actions and are unable to feel remorse.

The following is his well-known and implemented psychopathy checklist in its entirety. The reader can easily see that considering what we know about the global behavior of corporations, there are very few aspects of psychopathic behavior corporations do not match.

1. Glibness / superficial charm

2. Grandiose sense of self-worth

3. Need for stimulation/proneness to boredom

4. Pathological lying

5. Conning/manipulative

6. Lack of remorse or guilt

7. Shallow affect

8. Callous/lack of empathy

9. Parasitic lifestyle

10. Poor behavioral controls

11. Promiscuous sexual behavior

12. Early behavior problems

13. Lack of realistic, long-term plans

14. Impulsivity

15. Irresponsibility

16. Failure to accept responsibility for own actions

17. Many short-term relationships

18. Juvenile delinquency

19. Revocation of conditional release

20. Criminal versatility

N-Viro International Corporation

2009-03-26T11:02:00.000+07:00

N-Viro International Corporation (Symbol: NVIC) utilizes patented technologies to stabilize and disinfect municipal bio solids and other organic waste products. These technologies safely and efficiently transform waste streams into beneficial reuse products.

One of the N-VIRO technologies is the BioDry

Biosolids are the residual solids left over after the treatment of municipal wastewater. These include organic matter and inorganic compounds, as well as those produced in the treatment process. Biosolids can be in either liquid or solid form, depending on the treatment process, and they contain valuable organic matter, plant nutrients and biological activity.

N-Viro International has developed and patented a processing tool designed to decrease the time needed to dry the product as well as decreasing the footprint of the drying facility called Biodry.

Advantages of BioDry

Reduced site layout

Reduced drying time

Advanced process automation

Reduced alkaline admixture input

Biosolids volume reduction

BioDry accomplishes these goals by reducing drying time to 30 minutes and eliminating the need for windrows. The footprint of a facility can be cut by more than 50 percent in some cases by installing a BioDry rotary drum dryer. The biosolids are mixed with the alkaline admixtures (AA) and then fed directly into the dryer. Varying amounts of product can be handled by different size dryers based on feed speed and percent solids coming out of the mixer.

Sarnia, Ontario

An application of this process was at a municipal biosolids management facility in Sarnia, Ontario, that treats 120 wet tons per day. In March of 2001, the town of Sarnia began operation of the N-Viro Soil processing facility that incorporates the patented BioDry™ biosolids treatment process. Webster Environmental designed the processing facility to use a Duske rotary drum dryer, similar to one used by Leamington, Ontario. This equipment is part of the N-Viro Process used to dry alkaline treated biosolids for disinfection and stabilization.

The town of Sarnia has signed into an agreement with Lakeshore Soils to purchase all the N-Viro Soil made at the Sarnia facility for $7.50 CDN ($5 USD) per ton FOB the processing plant. Lakeshore Soils has acknowledged the value of the N-Viro Soil to the farmers near Sarnia. One benefit is that NVS has been proven to reduce the populations of the parasitic soybean cyst nematode (SCN), increasing its value to the end user. For More Info, You can check http://www.nviro.com

what Bible said about dinosaurus?

2009-03-24T17:27:00.003+07:00

Most of us loved reading about dinosaurs at some time in our lives. In 1993, the movie "Jurassic Park" stimulated the public interest in dinosaurs far beyond its previous level. As a result, increasing numbers of people have thought, "Since we have found all these fossils and dinosaur bones, we know dinosaurs existed.

How come they are not mentioned in the Bible?"

Actually, dinosaurs are mentioned in the Bible, and we will prove it by doing the following three things:
Explaining the accuracy of the Bible.Behemoth has the following attributes according to Job 40:15-24
It "eats grass like an ox."

It "moves his tail like a cedar." (In Hebrew, this literally reads, "he lets hang his tail like a cedar.")
Its "bones are like beams of bronze,His ribs like bars of iron."
"He is the first of the ways of God."

"He lies under the lotus trees,In a covert of reeds and marsh."

Some bibles and study bibles will translate the word "behemoth" as "elephant" or "hippopotamus." Others will put a note at the edge or bottom of the page, stating that behemoth was probably an elephant or a hippopotamus. Although an elephant or hippopotamus can eat grass (or lie in a covert of reeds and marsh), neither an elephant or a hippopotamus has a "tail like a cedar" (that is, a tail like a large, tapered tree trunk). In your kid’s dinosaur book you will find lots of animals that have "tails like a cedar."

We would expect behemoth to be a large land animal whose bones are like beams of bronze and so forth, so whatever a behemoth is, it is large. A key phrase is "He is the first of the ways of God." This phrase in the original Hebrew implied that behemoth was the biggest animal created. Although an elephant or a hippopotamus are big, they are less than one-tenth the size of a Brachiosaurus, the largest (complete) dinosaur ever discovered.

A Brachiosaurus could therefore easily be described as "the first of the ways of God."
Comparing all this information to the description in your kid’s dinosaur book, you may come to the conclusion that "behemoth" is not a normal animal, it is a dinosaur—the brachiosaurus. We agree with that conclusion!

Note: Some paleontologists have found fragmentary leg bones, ribs, or vertebrae which they propose belong to "new" sauropods larger than Brachiosaurus. Examples of these include Amphicoelias, Argentinasaurus, Sauroposeidon, Seismosaurus, Supersaurus and Ultrasaurus. There currently is not enough evidence to really determine the size of any of these, and some paleontologists believe that they are merely large examples of known dinosaurs like Brachiosaurus or Diplodocus. In any case, only the "modern scientific name" of behemoth would change. The point would still remain that behemoth refers to a dinosaur, not a "modern animal" like an elephant or hippopotamus.

Creation Vs Evolution (2)

2009-03-24T17:20:00.002+07:00

Scientists discovered "living fossils" like the coelacanth that have not changed in form for "millions of years."

This is a genuine embarrassment for scientists who believe in evolution, who had to scramble for ideas that explained why these animals did not evolve while others did. (They had to find some explanation, or admit that the theory of evolution was wrong.) A popular example of such an explanation uses the concept of "stabilizing selection," which would be worded like this: "Natural selection prevented change by eliminating all the innovations, sometimes for periods of millions of years." Notice that this statement is the exact opposite of normal evolutionary thought. If that is really the case, we wonder why some "renegade" species chose to follow stabilizing selection while others chose to evolve. The reality is that the theory of evolution has no valid explanation for living fossils.

This is an example of the concept of stasis—standing in one spot. It may help you to know that stasis is not limited to "living fossils." Stephen Jay Gould (an evolutionist) stated, "Most species exhibit no directional change during their tenure on earth. They appear in the fossil record looking pretty much the same as when they disappear; morphological change is usually limited and directionless." Therefore, both living fossils and the fossil record itself are in conflict with the theory of evolution, which normally teaches that we should see constant change in species—not stasis. Actually, the concept of stasis fits the Bible’s creation model perfectly. We would expect created plants and animals to remain in stasis—the way God created them.

Scientists discovered "modern men" in Pliocene deposits.

Modern human skulls and bones have been discovered in Pliocene layers. These findings include those at Calaveras (1866), Castenedolo (1860, 1880), and Ipswich (1912). Finding modern human remains in layers that are believed to be 7-12 million years old casts serious doubt on the theory of evolution regarding humans (or scientific dating methods), since that is the time Ramapithecus (a supposed ape-man) was proposed to exist. If both Ramapithecus and modern man lived at the same time, we would know that people did not evolve from this "ancestor" (or any of the "later" ones). That is, for modern man to evolve from Ramapithecus, Ramapithecus would have had to exist before modern man. The evidence does not support this idea.

To explain these "threatening" discoveries, scientists offered many explanations regarding how all these fossils ended up in a Pliocene layer. The most popular explanation is that these remains were the result of burials, which just happened to end up in a Pliocene layer. There is, however, a real problem with this claim: no scientist wishes to announce a "discovery" and later have someone make them into a fool by revealing that they only dug up a grave (or was the naive dupe of a hoaxer). As a result, these men documented the geologic terrain to make sure that the remains they found were not the result of an "intrusive burial" before reporting the findings.

A Final Comment

Since this writer spent many years in scientific research, I know how painful it is to propose a theory and then discover evidence disproving the theory. Still, the professional thing to do is admit that the proposed theory was wrong and look for a new hypothesis. In this way, you eventually discover the truth. Open-minded scientists will always follow such a procedure. The reader may find it interesting to learn that it was our original intention to explain how God "used" evolutionary processes to accomplish the creation described in the Bible. We later learned that the evidence does not support the theory of evolution, but supports a literal creation by God in six days.

This required a change in our "theory," but we were more interested in presenting the truth than in promoting a favorite theory. Unfortunately, it seems that many people are so committed to the theory of evolution that they can not admit that their theory is failing on every front. Therefore, they "explain away" or ignore the evidence that they do not like and highlight evidence that supports their viewpoint. Selectively choosing the evidence you like and disregarding the evidence you dislike is not the way to discover the truth. For anyone who read this entire page (and who does not have a "chip" on their shoulder), one conclusion should be clear: the evidence strongly favors the Bible's creation account, and does not support the theory of evolution.

Creation Vs Evolution (1)

2009-03-24T17:12:00.001+07:00

What the theory of evolution says

We are told that old fossils are found in old rock layers and recent fossils are found in recent rock layers. Yet, some fossils (like clams) are found in all strata, including rock layers at mountain tops. So, learning which clam was millions of years old and which one is only a few thousand years old becomes a little tricky.

Most people do not know that most rock layers are "dated" by the fossils they contain. Scientists will choose a special reference fossil called an "index fossil." Then they assume (based on the phylogenetic tree) that the "simple" index fossils were the oldest. Finding one of these "oldest" index fossils in a layer identifies that layer as the "oldest." They then assign a date to that rock layer (based on the theory of evolution) and record that date on their geologic time scale. They continue this process with the "more complex" index fossils—assigning each increase in "complexity" to a younger rock layer until they complete filling out the geologic time scale. (A complete geologic time scale is also referred to as a "geologic column.")

One special note: Although Darwin popularized "evolution," he was not the first person to suggest it. Others before him proposed that layers of the earth were laid down in a sequence—suggesting geologic dates based on their "evolutionary model." Remember, the mere fact that someone preceded Darwin does not prove Darwin’s theories, validate these dating methods, or prove the theory of evolution.

Notice that although the layers of the earth were dated using index fossils, the index fossils were dated by guessing their age based on the theory of evolution. This is not science nor a valid application of the scientific method. Suggesting a hypothetical age for a fossil (based on a theory) and then telling everyone it is an established fact is not the way to apply the scientific method. If you quiz paleontologists about this, many will assure you that their techniques are indeed scientific. They will tell you they accurately date the fossil using the date of the rock layer in which they found it.

Did you notice what just happened? They assigned a date to the fossil, then dated the layer of earth which contained that fossil. Then they turned around and told you they knew the age of the fossil, because they knew the date of that layer of earth. This is called "circular reasoning."

You may be wondering about radiometric (radioactive) dating. However, you should know that scientists established the geologic time scale and assigned the ages of the fossils in those rock layers before radioactive dating was invented. In essence, the discussion of radioactive dating is a sophisticated way to divert people’s attention from the fact that there is no evidence to support the theory of evolution.

What the Bible says

The worldwide flood described in the Bible would also place different fossils in the layers of the Earth’s surface. A worldwide flood would kill all the animals (except for some that normally live in water) and most of the vegetation. Without land to break up the tides, all water movement would become very turbulent, mixing the different sizes and species together with trees and other vegetation. Whatever happened to sink to the bottom first would be covered first with the earth and silt stirred up during the flood. Those plants and animals that sank later would be buried in the higher layers.

To be fair, finding fossils in different layers of earth does not prove the Bible’s creation model either. For that reason, we give both models a "tie" on this issue.

Many fossils have been discovered that span many geologic layers.

In 1976, the complete fossil skeleton of a baleen whale was uncovered in Lompoc, California, crossing many geological layers (apparently "millions of years" of strata). This is an isolated incident, but the fossil discoveries in the next paragraph are very common.

Many animals appeared suddenly at the start of the "Cambrian Period," even though only a few multicellular fossils appear in "earlier" rock layers.

At a certain level (rocks corresponding to the "Pre Cambrian Era") the geologic layers contain almost no fossils. The few that exist are those from cellular and multicellular creatures such as algae or bacteria. Suddenly, in the next higher layer (corresponding to the "Cambrian Period") many sophisticated, fully formed fossils appear. These varied creatures include Trilobites, brachiopods, gastropods, bivalves, crinoids, graptolites, sponges, and segmented worms. This sudden appearance of so many fully developed life forms can not be explained using the theory of evolution and the slow-working microevolution model. Too many different creatures appear fully developed, too suddenly.
In contrast with the theory of evolution, the Bible’s creation account can explain why so many fully developed creatures came into existence so suddenly—God created them. Further, a world wide flood can easily explain a geologic layer filled with complex fossil remains resting on top of a relatively "empty" geologic layer—these creatures were killed during the flood. If you do not understand how something that lives under water can be killed by a flood, remember "the springs of the great deep" that opened up at the beginning of the flood. If these "springs" resembled today’s hydrothermal vents, they could easily "cook" all the marine life in the vicinity, which would then become the first casualties, being buried in the ocean floor sediment before the other plants and animals. This would also explain why the fossils of these life forms are typically found in the lowest strata.

to be continue....

Why do I believe the Bible?

2009-03-24T15:47:00.002+07:00

Why do I believe the Bible? Why do I believe in a book that was written by 40 independent authors, living in ten countries during a period covering in excess of 1500 years? Why do I believe in a book that has a cast of over three thousand characters living in over 1500 places?Why do I believe in an ancient book that some say is a book of legends, myths, fables, and ancient history? Of what benefit or gain is it to me to say that I believe the Bible?

This same book has shaped the destiny of many people to a large degree, over many centuries of time, and it continues to do so today. And yet to many, it remains a book on the shelf, gathering dust. A book that is seldom opened, and a book without any relevance to today's living.But to me, that same book is vital, completely relevant to today: exposing the weaknesses of our present times, setting out the remedies for the world's many ailments, and accurately forecasting the path of the future world to be established in the foreseeable future.

For several reasons.

Because I believe that it is a book uniquely written by the inspiration of God. I have many reasons for believing this to be so, and I shall elaborate a little later on this aspect.

Because the Bible has a message that is an important one to us today, in establishing an honest, decent, caring, and pleasing lifestyle from which each one of us can benefit in real terms. A life style unaffected by the concerns around us of environmental catastrophe, global mismanagement, or threat of nuclear warfare.

Because the Bible has a message of the future: an assurance of a far, far better environment of the future, when all aspects of war, of violence, of fear, of moral decline will cease, and the world will be a perfect place to spend what would be an eternity of time.

On the first aspect, what is it that makes me believe that the Bible is a book with a true and vital message? Perhaps in common with many other people, I find that there is not just a single reason, but a number of reasons. Each reason in itself is able to provide sufficient evidence in itself in order to support the proposition that the Bible is truly believable, but the ability to gain these evidences from completely different starting points, considering completely different aspects, fuse together to re-inforce one's confidence in the Bible. We need this confidence, for when we possess it, then the key to the Bible's message is available to us, and we can benefit directly now, and infinitely more so in the future age to come.

You see, if the Bible is just another book written by a variety of people, then it is limited by the knowledge and skills of those who wrote it. But if it can be demonstrated that the writers of the Bible had a higher source of information, then the relevance of their message becomes altogether vastly more important.The Word of God.It is true that the Bible claims to be the Word of God. It makes this claim in several ways:"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16 [All quotations are from NIV unless otherwise stated.]"For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21

But neither of these quotations prove that the Bible is the Word of God, as they are merely claims made in the Bible that the Bible is the Word of God.Similarly, the Old Testament writers made the claim that God spoke to them, and they wrote what was demanded of them. On hundreds, perhaps thousands of occasions, the writers made exactly this claim.Take, for instance, the prophet Ezekiel at the beginning of chapter 29:"In the tenth year, in the tenth month on the twelfth day, the word of the Lord came to me: 'Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophecy against him and against all Egypt. Speak to him and say: "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: " ' " Ezekiel 29:1-3aThis again does not, in itself, contribute towards making the Bible believable: anyone would have been free to make a similar claim, and who would be able to refute it, especially a long time later?

So how can I demonstrate to you why I believe the Bible? One way would be to examine some of the portions of the Bible, with a particular question in mind. Did the writers have a source of information that was above their normal human ability and knowledge? If we can show that they did, then what was the source of that information?

Let's look firstly at the one of the aspects of the Bible that stands out as quite extraordinary: the uniformity of theme. It is very generally accepted by a weight of evidence that Moses was the author of the first five books of the Bible, and there is little dissent that the apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation, which is the last book of the Bible. So between these authors lies about 1500 years. Thirty-nine books written before the time of Jesus Christ, and twenty seven after the time of Jesus Christ. They were sixty-six books written by men of very diverse backgrounds and experiences. Few had any contact with each other. And yet what they wrote showed a remarkable degree of unity.

The choice is yours. I believe the Bible - do you?

The Authors of Bible

2009-03-24T15:43:00.001+07:00

There are some books of the Bible whose authors cannot be known completely.

The first five books of the Bible, - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, are referred to in other parts of the Bible and by Jesus himself, as the books of Moses. It is accepted that Joshua (or a scribe on his behalf) wrote the book of Joshua. Then various people wrote Judges,1 Samuel-2 Chronicles which appears to have been maintained as an official record. The authors of Ruth, Esther and Job are unknown. The Psalms were mostly written by king David, Solomon wrote Proverbs Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. The rest of the prophetical books were written by the people who gave their names to the books e.g Daniel, Ezekiel.

In the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were written by the men of those names; there are some variations on who people think wrote the Acts, but the most probably author seems to be Luke.

Paul wrote the following letters/epistles:Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, right through to include Philemon.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews is not identified, but thought to also be from Paul. James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1,2,& 3 John and Jude were written by people of those names. The Revelation was written by John.

Should a Christian gamble?

2009-03-24T15:12:00.003+07:00

Gambling takes different forms:

horse racing
punchboards and pulltabs
fund raising events such as casino nights, bingo, raffles, amusement games
contests of chance operated by charitable and nonprofit organizations
card rooms
the lottery
casinos and bingo halls operated by Native American tribes.

I. GAMBLING VIOLATES LEGITIMATE ECONOMY.

A. Three Legitimate Means Of Transferring Property:
1. Law of labor: Money is earned by effort expended.
2. Law of love: Where money is given w/o expectation or desire for return. -Gambling does not qualify in any of these.

B. God Recognizes These Principles Of Economy And Authorizes Them.
1. Labor - Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:l2; Luke 10:7.
2. Buying & selling - Matt. 13:44; Matt. 25:27 - Investment.

II. GAMBLING VIOLATES DIVINE LAW.

A. It Violates Private Industry Which God Ordained For Man & Makes Him Unfit For This Mission In Life - Gen. 3:19.
1. One’s income is to come from his own hard work:
a. 1 Ths. 4:11-12 - Work...Have need of nothing.
b. 2 Ths. 3:10 - If one won’t work, not a charity case!

B. The Essential Motive For Gambling Is Covetousness (Greed).
1. It seeks the rewards of another man’s efforts. (Get rich quick!)
2. "To fix passion upon," "To long inordinately for."

C. Gambling Is Accompanied By Other Evils.
1. Matt. 7:16 - Know by its fruits. (Jas. 3:11-12)
2. Fruits of gambling: Greed, broken homes, theft, organized crime, murder, drinking, suicide.

D. Gambling Is Opposed To The Good Of Society.
-Economic liability; Attracts the criminal element. (Creates a lawless environment); gov’t creates bureaucracy to oversee it. (Prov. 14:34)

E. Gambling Does Not Promote Godliness.
1. Phil. 4:8 - Can these things be said of gambling?
2. l Thess. 5:22 - Abstain from appearance of evil.

F. Neither The Amount Of The Wager Nor The Benefactor Of Your Losses Changes Gambling Into An Innocent Activity.
1. The amount of the wager does’t change its nature...gambling -- sin. (cf. Lottery)
2. "It’s for a good cause" (cf. bingo for a church, a school, Whatcom County Crisis Council) does not change that it violates God’s will!

Conclusion

Gambling is evil for secular & spiritual reasons. The child of God must not practice gambling in any way, shape or form!!

(Adapted from article by Gene Frost, GOSPEL ANCHOR, Vol. 7, No. 8, pages 25-27)

where is antichrist right now?

2009-03-24T14:53:00.000+07:00

I'm quite certain the antichrist is on the earth right now. One piece of evidence of the Bible is found in 1 John 2:18, in which the apostle writes, "Little children, it is the last time. And as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now there are many antichrists whereby we know it's the last time."

And so, even if 2,000 years ago, he says there are many antichrists, and there certainly are still many today. But you are probably wondering more, though, about the "main antichrist" that many people see in Revelation. And my answer to that would also be yes. He is in the world today.

Revelation 17 speaks about this beast power, and you can also read about him in Daniel 7:25 and Daniel 8. In fact, this beast power raises his head several times. In essence, he's been fighting God's people--but it is not just one man. Antichrist means "opposed to Christ," and there is an entire organization that will be behind this individual.

Antichrist can also mean "in the place of Christ," so this person will declare himself as Christ on earth. I also want to add that in the same way God took on the form of a man on earth to teach us the truth, Satan argues that he should be, in the same way, able to manifest himself to propogate his government. So I think at the very end, somehow, he's going to impersonate Christ or manifest himself or possess a person. But in some way he's going to have a visible spokesman here on the earth that will be a great deceiver.

Heaven...Yes, I'll be there.

2009-03-24T14:44:00.003+07:00

What Do You Mean I Can’t Get To Heaven My Way?

Yes, a few people out there still think they are OK just as they are. We will humor you and tell you why the other "methods" of getting to heaven will not work.

Whoever goes to church will go to heaven.
This opinion is wrong for at least three reasons.
The Bible never states that attending church will get you into heaven.
Since churches disagree with one another, how do you know you are in the correct one to get you into heaven?

If going to a restaurant does not turn you into a hamburger, why do you think going to a church will turn you into a saint? (Yes, that was supposed to be humorous, but the concept is completely valid.)
Clarifying Note: We have seen people who go to church each week and promptly fall asleep. If they are openly bored with God, will He still invite them into heaven anyway? We do not think so. What if the church they are attending is actually a cult or a false religion? If that is the case, they are in trouble.
Don’t get us wrong—an important part of this site is dedicated to helping people find a good church. Still, going to church will not get you into heaven.

Whoever does more good things than bad things will go to heaven.
This is also called "balance scale" judgment, and is one of the most common wrong beliefs. This opinion is wrong for at least three reasons:

The Bible never states that doing more good things than bad things will get you into heaven.
God is so holy (perfect and sinless) that "all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" to Him (see Isaiah chapter 64, verse 6). Do you think giving God a pile of filthy rags will cause Him to bring you into heaven? We don’t.
Going to heaven (or "being saved") is a free gift of God. He made it that way so nobody could boast that they made it to heaven by their own good deeds. (See Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8 and 9.)

Whoever has not killed anyone or done anything "really bad" will go to heaven.
This opinion is wrong for at least three reasons:
Although murdering someone is one of the best ways to help you go to hell, the Bible never states that not murdering anyone will get you into heaven. The same is true of not doing "lesser" crimes.
In the Bible, there are at least two murderers that went to heaven: Moses and David.
There are some people who never killed anyone (or did anything else "really bad") who still went to hell (hades). Read an example in Luke chapter 16, verses 19 to 31.

Everyone in a Christian household will go to heaven.
This opinion is wrong for at least three reasons:
The Bible never states that being part of a specific family will allow you to go to heaven.
You are not physically born a Christian like you are born a citizen of a country. To become a Christian and go to heaven (enter the kingdom of God) you have to be "born of water and the Spirit." This is different. See John chapter 3, verses 1-8.

The Bible states that some members of a family will go to heaven while others sleeping or working next to them will not (Matthew chapter 24, verses 40,41 and Luke chapter 17, verses 34,35).

Being the member of a family is not the way to get into heaven!!

Hell.....do you really believe it???

2009-03-24T13:18:00.003+07:00

There are two principle views among even orthodox Christians about hell. Now of course, the Bible is very clear that the wicked are punished, that there is a lake of fire.

On one side you can stack quite a few Scriptures that talk about the wicked being mortal, not immortal, that they perish, they die, they’re consumed, they are no more. Then there are some Scriptures that we feel are more nebulous, where it talks about Satan being tormented day and night forever and ever in the lake of fire.

And that of course is Revelation 20. When you put all these Scriptures side by side, it seems like the bulk of evidence is on the side that the wicked are not immortalized in hell, so that 50 billion years from now they’re still burning, and they’ve just begun.

The history of that doctrine can be traced to the Dark Ages; and the church during the Dark Ages found it was very lucrative to scare people. And they were told that they could pray even after someone died and get them out of purgatory, or they could make offerings and the priest could pray that they would not go to hell.

And the doctrine really grew out of Greek Mythology where the Jewish belief was people are going to be punished according to what they deserved and then they would perish.

There are two choices for the Christian: life and death. Satan said to Eve, ‘you will not really die.’ God said, ‘you will die.’ How many Christians, even Preachers, have taken the devil’s side? They say you don’t really die – you live forever in heaven or you live forever in hell. Eternal life does not go to those who are thrown in the lake of fire.

Answering "Atheism, Christian Theism, and Rape"(2)

2009-03-24T13:15:00.001+07:00

To return to the example at hand, is rape wrong — caused to be wrong — because God condemned it, or did God condemn rape because rape's wrongness caused Him to condemn it? In part, it is a matter of perspective. First, we know that rape is wrong because God condemned it. If we had no other reason for thinking it wrong, that would be enough, for in the nature of the case, the command of an absolute God is the highest court of appeal. At the same time, it is legitimate for us to ask why God condemns rape.

We cannot suspend our obedience to the commandments of God upon our attaining what we consider to be a satisfactory answer, but it is never wrong to ask why and to seek understanding. The simple answer is that rape is violating another person. It contradicts both the basic love commands. It is a sin against God since the other person is created in Gods image. It is also a sin against that person. Not loving a person is failing to treat that person with the honor and respect that God's law commands.

What about the question, Did God's command "cause" rape to be wrong? I think not. Did God condemn rape because it violated some standard of right? Yes. But that standard of right is God Himself. Rape is a contradiction of the kind of love that characterizes the Persons of the Trinity and is therefore also a contradiction of the kind of love that men are commanded to show toward one another.

The Christian answer is that what is right is what is pleasing to God, but what is pleasing to God is not arbitrary, for God is a God of love who cannot be other than what He is. He Himself is the love which He commands us to reflect in our personal relationships. Ethical conformity to God Himself is the essence of Christian ethics. Christ has an answer to Socrates's question about the essence of piety, the true definition of what is right: first, to love God with all our being, and second, to love others as we love ourselves. This is the essence of what is good and right, for to do so is to be like God.

Finally, the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity in this regard may be illustrated by considering the problem for those religions and philosophies which conceive of God as a monad, like Judaism, Islam, and many of the modern cults. In this conception, God is one being and one person. No personal plurality in God Himself means that from eternity there is no love, goodness, kindness, or any other essentially ethical quality, for all of these words define how persons relate to one another. For in a monad, there are no personal relationships. If we conceive of God as a monad, there are fundamental problems in understanding how God can be the source of ethics.

The notion of a monad existing eternally alone, neither needing or seeking fellowship or love, hardly suffices as an ultimate source for an ethic of love. Indeed, such a conception of God is closer to the notion of an impersonal absolute than it is to the Biblical and Christian belief in God as totally and radically personal.

For the Christian, then, saying that God is Himself the source of ethics is not simply philosophical speculation about where one can find absolute standards. It is confession of faith in the Father, Son, and Spirit who love one another from eternity. No doubt this is a position that we hold by faith based upon revelation in Holy Scripture.

Though Christians believe that no other faith offers the kind of transcendent ground and eternal meaning for ethics that Christianity does, we did not come to believe in the Triune God because He answers our philosophical needs. We were drawn by the Holy Spirit to the Father because He loved the world and sent His Son to die for our sins and rise again to give life to those who believe.

by Rev. Ralph Allan Smith

Answering "Atheism, Christian Theism, and Rape"(1)

2009-03-24T12:48:00.000+07:00

The Christian has an answer to Euthyphro's Dilemma because the Christian God is absolute and transcendent. In addition, it is important to stress that ethical standards are related to God's character in a much more specific way than many Christians have argued. What I am referring to is the fact that the doctrine of the Trinity is the true source for specifically Christian ethics. The Christian answer to Euthyphro is found in an ethic of love specifically grounded in the fact of God's triunity.

First, according to Jesus, the very essence of the Christian ethic is found in the two great commandments that summarize the whole law of God. And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Mat. 22:35-40)

Second, this ethic of love is grounded in two important truths. The first is that God is a God of love. The second is that we have been created in His image. For us to do what is good is to conform to God. In so doing, we fulfill the meaning of our creation and become like God Himself.

Third, God is a Trinity. God is one Being in three eternal Persons. The Father, Son, and Spirit are a society bound in covenantal love. Each gives Himself wholly to the others. And all share in their love for the others — the Father and Son sharing together their love for the Spirit, the Spirit and Son sharing their love for the Father, and the Spirit and the Father sharing their love for the Son — so that the Trinity is a perfect fullness of love. It is clear that in this understanding of God, He could not be other than what He is, not only because it is ontologically inconceivable for God to be other than what He is, but also because of the fact that for the Persons of the Trinity to relate to one another any other way would mean the dissolution of the Trinity itself. The love which God commands is not arbitrary for it is grounded in the ontological and ethical necessities of His own being.

For a man to be ethically right means to do what pleases God. God is one. The Father, Son, and Spirit never disagree about what is good or right. Pleasing a sovereign Creator to whom we are responsible for our whole lives is something quite different from pleasing, or attempting to please, the gods of ancient Greece. All relationships with other persons as well as our stewardship over the non-personal creation are first of all and primarily to be understood in terms of our relationship with God. That is what it means for Him to be an absolute Creator and Lord.

At the same time, relationships with other persons are the second priority. We are to love others as we love ourselves. What that means exactly in the everyday affairs of men is spelled out in the law of Moses. Though the law of Moses was given to ancient Israel for her use in the land of Palestine until the coming of the Messiah, the ethical teachings of that law are still relevant for us today for they show us concretely the meaning of love.
Would Socrates have posed the same kind of questions about this kind of God? He certainly could not have referred to jealousy and strife between the Persons of the Trinity and questioned our ability to know what pleases God, as if what were pleasing to the Father might not be pleasing to the Son. If he understood the Christian notion of God, he would not have asked how God knows what is good.

God is love essentially and inescapably. When He commands what is right, we are to do it because it is pleasing to Him. Could He command us to do the opposite of what is loving? Not without ceasing to be Himself, for He is a God who subsists in three Persons who are equally ultimate, powerful, wise, and holy. What is right is what is loving and what is right and loving is what pleases the God of love who cannot be other than what He is. Euthyphro's Dilemma does not seem to be relevant. Though we still have questions about defining what is right and loving in a particular situation, the Christian answer is that God has revealed the way of love in His Word.

to be continue....

Forms of angels(2)

2009-03-24T09:21:00.000+07:00

More Interesting Information About Angels

Angels Are "Single"
We know from the Bible that angels do not get married. For example, in Matthew 22:30 Jesus spoke about people after they die and compared them to angels. That not only gave us a look at what heaven will be like for us, but also told us something about angels. He said, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven." For most of us, that is a "good deal," since we prefer that angels watch over us instead of paying attention to one another!

Angels Are Tough
Angels are also used to carry out God’s judgment. When they are on a mission of this type, you do not want to be on their "to do" list! There are numerous examples of this type in the Bible, including some that show the tremendous strength of an angel. See the example in 2 Kings chapter 19, where an angel destroys 185,000 Assyrians in one night.

Angels Might Not Sing
There is a great deal of singing in the Bible. The Psalms mention singing often. Mark 14:26 and Matthew 26:30 record a time when Jesus and His apostles sang. The heavens and mountains "cry out" or "sing" in Isaiah 49:13, and even trees "sing" or "rejoice" in 1 Chronicles 16:33. (Note: different Hebrew words—ranan and rinnah—are used for the "singing" of inanimate objects, instead of shiyr and zamar—the words normally used for human singing in the Old Testament.)

Although there is a lot of singing going on, it is interesting that the Bible never states that angels sing. Yes, many Christmas songs have lyrics indicating that the angels sang when Jesus was born—and we suspect that angels have the ability to sing. Still, it is interesting that the Bible never actually reports that angels do sing.
Note: the text in some English translations of the Bible contain verses stating that angels sing, but they are poor translations of the original Greek word lego, which means "to say" or "to speak." Typically, this happens in Luke chapter 2, verse 13 and in Revelation chapter 5, verses 12 and 13.

Forms of angels(1)

2009-03-24T09:13:00.003+07:00

The bible refers to angels in many ways, but we will consider three forms of angels for now:

God Appearing as an Angel

Angels as God’s Messengers to People

Angels Who Remain in God’s Presence

God Appearing as an Angel

This happens many times in the bible. Most translations refer to this as the "Angel of the LORD." The first example occurs in Genesis, chapter 16 where the Angel of the LORD appears to a servant of Abraham (the person whose story the Bible is relating at that time). How do we know this angel we meet in verse 7 is actually God? We have two sources of evidence.

First, if you read the language, it sounds like God. After all, a normal (or angelic) person would not say "I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude" (verse 10).

The second reason we think the Angel of the LORD is God, is because the servant says so in verse 13. Now, we admit that if this was an isolated incident that our argument would seem weak—but meetings of this type occurred many times.

That being said, we realize that it is possible to get the wrong idea that the angels and God are about the same—only looking different because they are taking on different forms. This is a illogical jump in thought that the Bible does not support. It is one thing for God to appear as an angel and it is something quite different for God to be an angel. If you would like to look into this further, find a concordance (a listing of the words of the Bible) and look up the word angel. Under "angel," you will find angel, angel of God, angel of the LORD, and so forth—each referencing a text in the Bible.By the way, angels are not called "angels" every time they appear in the Bible. See Ezekiel Chapter 8, verse 2 (Ezekiel 8:2) for an interesting example.

Angels as God’s Messengers to People

This is the most commonly stated purpose of angels in the Bible—and now we are talking about "regular" angels, too! Although God sometimes communicated with people personally (as above), He usually communicated with them through an angel. Sometimes the Bible text tells us the angel’s name. This happened three times with the angel Gabriel, who visited Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary. (See Daniel chapter 8, and Luke chapter 1.)

One of the most interesting encounters with angels occurred in chapters 10-12 of the book of Daniel. Here, the angel is referred to as a "man clothed in linen."* Although Daniel stood his ground when the angel appeared, the men accompanying Daniel were overwhelmed with terror and fled the scene! The message this angel had for Daniel (all of chapter 11 and more) was a revelation of the future. Although this revelation is difficult to interpret (many have tried and we have not read a convincing one yet) what happened in the encounter itself gives us some insight into what angels are like.

The description of this man in linen (his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, and so forth) does not resemble that of a normal man. Still, he is referred to as a "man in linen." Therefore, this type of angel (we will describe others later) has a human form. (And humans have a godlike form, since humans were created in God’s image according to Genesis 1:26.)

*Note: Some scholars believe that this "man clothed in linen" was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. (That is, appearing as He existed before being born as a baby in Bethlehem.) If true, this would be a variation of "God appearing as an angel." We agree that the Bible text allows for this possibility.

A second interesting feature of this encounter is the fact that the angel could float (see Dan 12:6,7). There are several places in the Bible that describe how angels do not obey the law of gravity. The most striking example occurs twice in the book of Ezekiel, which describes a different type of angel. See Ezekiel chapters 1 and 10.
Angels Who Remain in God’s Presence

There are celestial beings who are constantly in God’s presence. One type of these beings is called the cherubim. The vision many of us have today when we hear the word "cherub" is a chubby little two-year-old with wings. Yet, the Bible’s description of a cherubim will shock anyone who has not already read the Bible’s description. Although once again described as having "the likeness of a man," cherubim also have four different faces and have four wings.

Read Ezekiel chapters 1 and 10 to see what we mean. (These are definitely two of the coolest chapters in the Old Testament.) By the way, Ezekiel 10:20-22 confirms that the "living creatures" in chapter 1 and the "cherubim" in chapter 10 are the same thing.

The Bible refers to another type of angel, the seraphim, in Isaiah chapter 6. The description reveals that seraphim have six wings, a face, feet, hands, can fly and speak, and can be stationed at God’s throne. That still leaves us without knowing what the seraphim’s normal responsibilities are or what one looks like. (With the description we have, seraphim could physically resemble humans with six wings, cherubim with one face and two "extra" wings, or something else.)

to be continue....

How Can Jesus Christ Save Me?(2)

2009-03-21T22:35:00.004+07:00

................................A matter of trust.

The difference lies in whom they had trusted during their life. If they trusted in themselves, and were consequently self-satisfied with life, then they perished a death which would last for ever. So what was alternative? Surely, it can only be in living a life based on trust of someone else other than yourself! And who would be the one to whom that trust was directed? Let the Psalmist himself tell us."When I am afraid, I will trust in you.In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56:3,4So the first thing one must do in order to be saved, is to put one’s trust in God. In particular, our trust should, since New Testament days, be placed on God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

A New Testament follower of Jesus, and author of several portions of the New Testament, Peter, said regarding Jesus Christ of Nazareth,"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12This verse is very significant, for it immediately negates the popular theory that an ‘after-life’ is freely available for all regardless of any conditions. We have already established that future salvation requires the recognition of Jesus Christ.What then? If we accept Jesus Christ, are we automatically saved? Some would say "Yes!" And in making this claim they would refer to the Bible for supporting evidence:"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, shall be saved." Rom 10:13Too good?This truly sounds great! It is almost as if one merely has to acknowledge that Jesus exists, and you have been saved for eternity! So simple, so easy, and so gratifying. For if you have already been saved, then it matters little what you do from now on. No need for additional work or faith, or further investigation of the Bible. It sounds too easy — what is the catch? If we read the words of the writer of the letter to the Romans, which introduce the 13th verse which has been so commonly quoted, we begin to appreciate that things are not quite as simple as this verse might imply:"If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, shall be saved.’ "We see that a second theory ‘goes out the window’. Those that say salvation is freely available to all through the name of Jesus Christ, and that nothing more is involved are in error. There is at least ‘belief’ that is involved.

Belief.

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30. This question was asked of Paul and Silas, two followers of Jesus Christ, by a jailer who had just witnessed a miracle. They replied," ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and all the others in his house." Acts 16:31,32The word ‘belief’ means ‘to be firmly persuaded’. For this to be achieved one must have convincing evidence. Paul and Silas were able to convince the jailer from the word of God. To be convinced of something, one must first of all understand it. These principles were illustrated in an earlier chapter of the same book, when Philip, yet another follower of Jesus Christ was conversing with a court official from the African land of Ethiopia who was at that time near Jerusalem."Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading from Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked." ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him."The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:‘He was lead like a sheep to the slaughter,and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,so he did not open his mouth.

In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.Who can speak of his descendants?For his life was taken from the earth.’ "The eunuch asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself, or somebody else?’ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus." Acts 8:30–35So is necessary to know about, and understand, the Gospel, as part of the need for salvation. And the gospel, itself, must be the true Gospel that is contained in the Bible. For even soon after the time of Jesus Christ, the Gospel was being weakened and altered according to the whim of mankind. When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians (55-60 AD), the Gospel was already being changed from that originally delivered by Jesus:"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel — which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!" Gal 1:6–9These are very strong words! To be condemned for eternity is to be condemned for a very long time; and for sure, that person will not be receiving salvation! Belief, then, is a vital factor for salvation, and it must be the belief in the original form of the Gospel, and not a man-made modification or interpretation.But is belief all that is required? For true belief, we need to have faith. The New Testament writer James wrote:"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? - Faith without deeds is useless. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" James 2:14, 20, 26Do we, then, have to show an acceptable standard of performance, in our deeds or ‘works’?

Works.

There would be few who would doubt that Jesus was a righteous person, if the Bible is a true record. Jesus said,"The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." John 8:29Jesus, at the time he was baptised, had this commendation, that he pleased God."This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Matt 3:17. Why was God so pleased with him? Principally because of Jesus’ obedience to his Father, and his unwavering faith. In a nutshell, he performed well. So well, in fact, that he became the one to imitate. The apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians, this advice:"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God — even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Cor 10:31–11:1. Jesus, in one of the stories he told his followers, anticipated the scene at judgement time, sometime ahead in the future."All nations shall be gathered together before him [the Son of Man], and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats He will put the sheep on the right and the goats on his left."Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go and visit you.’"The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’"Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, i needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’"He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matt 25:32–46.

Works, then, are vital for obtaining salvation. Paul speaks in one place of those "deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles (or ambassadors) of Christ."Their end will be what their actions deserve." 2 Cor 13:15But can works, by themselves, save a person by Jesus Christ? What of other provisions mentioned by Scripture. For instance, from the closing words of Jesus Christ in Mark’s Gospel?"Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:16.

Baptism.

When one reads through the Book of Acts, which is a record of the establishment of the body of believers in Jesus Christ, which body was during subsequent centuries to spread throughout the world, one cannot escape notice of the frequent mention of baptism. The jailer and his family, mentioned earlier, were baptised after the true Gospel had been preached to them (Acts 16:33). The eunuch, also considered earlier was baptised once he understood about the Gospel (Acts 8:37,38). The apostles had all been baptised into the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:16). Paul, the last to be named as an apostle, was baptised following his conversion (Acts 9:18). Those of the household of Cornelius, the first non-Jewish [Gentile] converts to Jesus, were baptised after they had been told in detail, the Gospel of Jesus (Acts 10:48). The writer to the Romans explains the importance and relevance of baptism with respect to salvation."Don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ were baptised into his death?" Rom 6:3So Paul wasn’t the only one baptised — he spoke to a group of people who were each of them baptised. So he goes on to confirm with these people their reason fir being baptised.

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."If we have been united with him in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." Rom 6:4,5,8We can therefore add baptism to our list of pre-requisites for salvation. It is a qualification that is needed as a starting point on the path to salvation.But doesn’t all this go out the window, when we consider a verse such as that found in the letter to the Ephesians: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast." Eph 2:8

Grace.

"But because of his great love toward us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace we are saved." Eph 2:5In view of this verse, and the preceding quotation taken from a few verses later, it popularly considered that it is by grace alone that we are saved: there is nothing that we can do that will alter the situation.If such a view is correct, then Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians negates all that Jesus said, as recorded in the four Gospels, of the need to have faith, and to live in a manner that will find acceptance at his Second Coming, when a judgement will take place. Certainly, Jesus would not have accepted such an attitude.

Take for instance, the messages given to the seven churches in the opening chapters of the Book of Revelation. (This book was written about 96AD, about 36 years after Paul’s writing to the Ephesians. In those chapters of Revelation, Jesus approves or disapproves of each church according to their works (Rev 2:2, 2:9, 2:13, 2:19, 3:1, 3:8, 3:15) and specifically comments that any salvation for them will depend on improvement in their performances. But not only would he negate the words of Jesus, but would also speak counter to the messages he had sent to other churches, that we should concentrate on doing good things."In everything set them an example by doing what is good. While we wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God, and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do that which is good." Titus 2:7, 13–15.To understand the situation, we must investigate what is meant by the word "grace". If we turn to an English dictionary, we find that, in this context, it is defined as "divine favour", with the word being derived from the Latin gratia, favour.

When we look at the Greek word from which "grace" has been used as an English translation, we have a little more meaning to the word. It is a translation of the Greek word charis, which is a favour done without expectation of return; unearned and unmerited favour. Again, one could infer that it is the direct antithesis to works. And in a certain way it is, as Paul on several occasions illustrates by his application of the word. In the Gospels, it is a rare word: it occurs once in Luke (2:40, where it is applied to the years of Jesus’ early youth), and three times in the first chapter of John (vv 14, 16, 17 where it is applied to the character of Jesus). It is very significant that the Bible nowhere attributes Jesus’ own salvation to grace. The word is used in this sense only in reference to mankind. Why would this be?Jesus was an exceptional man. And so he should have been, since he was the Son of God. But his outstanding attribute was that, though made in every way a man like ourselves, he withstood every temptation that came his way. The Bible put it this way:"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we possess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Heb 4:14–16.

God required of Jesus, nothing short of perfection. This was foreshadowed in the animal required for sacrificial purposes under the law of Moses.· Burnt Offering:"If the offering is a burnt offering from the flock, from either the sheep or goats, he is to offer a male without defect" Lev 1:10· Fellowship Offering:"If he offers an animal from the flock as a fellowship offering to the LORD, he is to offer male or female without defect" Lev 3:6· Sin Offering:"If the anointed priest sins he must bring to the LORD a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. " Lev 4:3. The emphasis throughout the Law was that the male animal needed to be without defect. The Lord Jesus attained this level by living a life that was free from succumbing to temptation. God’s requirement was for nothing less than 100% attainment.

Jesus reached this level, and was therefore eligible to represent the sacrificial lamb, an achievement recognised when he was crucified at the very time that the Passover lamb was being crucified for the annual Passover celebration. This celebration also called for a defect-free lamb:"The animals you choose [for the Passover] must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight." Exod 12:5,6. Not surprisingly, these aspects were fulfilled to the letter when the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified — to the very hour.God required of Jesus a 100% performance to achieve salvation. God would also require 100% from us, except for one thing. He was so pleased with Jesus’ achievement that he introduced the concept of grace. In essence, what he has done is to reduce the "pass-mark" from 100% to a much lower figure, but fortunately one that is attainable. For no-one on earth (apart from Jesus) can achieve anything near 100% obedience to God. No matter how we try, we all fall short — well short of perfection.

The precise "pass-mark" has not been revealed, but we know it is well below 100%, and probably significantly above 0%. If we understand grace in this perspective, then we can fully understand the position we are in and how Jesus can say that we need evidence of works in order to achieve salvation, while Paul can be correct in saying that works, in themselves, are not able to save us — that we can only be saved by grace. For no matter how good our deeds or works may be, they cannot satisfy God 100%. By accumulating deeds we cannot score 100%. Human failings and weaknesses continually mar our effort. A New Testament writer correctly reminds us:"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify ourselves from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1 John 1:8–10.It is by the grace of God that we are saved. He has, by grace, lowered the "pass-level" for salvation, so that it can be reached by effort on our part. But it still needs effort, and the result of our effort won’t be known until Jesus Christ returns to the earth to set up his kingdom, for then will be the Day of Judgement.

Paul wrote the following in his second letter to the Corinthians:"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Cor 5:9, 10To be saved by Jesus Christ we need to believe in him, and to do this we need faith. On these two factors we can base our baptism, as a preliminary qualification for salvation. We then need works to demonstrate our faith. But above all, we need grace; for without grace we cannot be saved, no matter how great our effort may be; and this necessary grace is available to us automatically when we turn to God and his Son Jesus Christ.

How Can Jesus Christ Save Me?(1)

2009-03-21T21:14:00.006+07:00

How can Jesus Christ save me? What do we mean by this statement? Saved from what?The answer is, Death. It is an accepted fact that everyone eventually dies. Some, perhaps, die sooner than others.Yet, most people have a lingering hope that death is not the end of life altogether. Some believe that this ‘after-life’ is freely available for all regardless of any conditions; some say it is freely available to all through the name of Jesus Christ; some say it is available only through Jesus Christ and is restricted according to certain pre-defined conditions; while others say that it can be achieved through some non-Christian belief such as Buddhism. Still others say that death is death, and that it is the extinction of life on a permanent basis.

For them, there is no saving, or salvation, from death.Various theories and propositions exist in this respect, and people actively support their respective beliefs. So one might conclude that one theory is as good as another. So why not live the best life you can, and then hope for salvation when you die. After all, if you’ve done your best, the "Great God up above" will surely take your effort into account and reward you suitably.The subject, however, is a vital one, and we would be most unwise if we neglected to give the matter at least some serious examination. To do this, let us consider the evidence presented in the Bible, for although the Bible is considered by many to be relegated to the archives of fable and mythology, and left on the shelf to gather dust, yet to others it is a book that is unique, in that its claim to be the Word of God is recognised. So let us consider, first of all, exactly what it is that we wish to be saved from, and when we have done this, we will be in the position to see what can be done to save us from the position that we have inherited. I say inherited because that is how the Bible describes our current position in relation to death. But let us go back to the beginning of time:"In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth." Gen 1:1The Beginning.

The first chapter of the Bible tells us of this beginning, and informs us that God created the universe, and also created the various life-forms on it. "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold it was very good." Gen 1:31And that included everything: all planets and stars, all plants, all land animals, all birds, all marine life, and human life — all was classed as very good.The second chapter of Genesis revisits the creation scene, but with more detail on the creation of the first human couple. The third chapter tells us how things began to go wrong .

This was not through any mal-creation on God’s part, but on the blatant disregard of the human pair to God’s commands that he had left with the first man, Adam. Both Adam and Eve (his created wife) openly flouted the instruction of their Creator. The reaction of their Creator was sharp and clear:"To Adam he said, ‘Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, "You must not eat of it",‘Cursed is the ground because of you;through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.It will produce thorns and thistles for you,and you will eat the plants of the field.By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken;for dust you are and to dust you will return.’ " Gen 3:17–19A sentence of death. This should not have come as a surprise to Adam, for God had already warned him what would happen should he choose to disobey the command of God."And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree of the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.’ " Gen 2:16,17This statement of God became a reality in Adam. He was sentenced to death. As a New Testament writer puts it:"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned — ." Romans 5:12

Another New Testament writer, James, has this to say:"- each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. "Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers." James 1:14–16Universal death.The sentence of death was introduced by Adam and Eve through their disobedience, and consequently this sentence of death has been inherited from them by all mankind, since all are descendents of those first parents, Adam and Eve. Death is universal — it has been the experience of every person, with the exception of this current generation.But does death constitute the end of the living experience, or does some form of recognition survive passed the grave? Note carefully the observation of one Old Testament writer:"So I reflected on all this (apparent meaningless to life) and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him.

All share a common destiny — the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not."As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them."This is the evil that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. Anyone who is among the living has hope — even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!"For the living know that they will die,but the dead know nothing;they have no further reward,and the memory of them is forgotten." Ecclesiastes 9:1–5"man’s fate is like the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless.

All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return." Eccl 3:19,20Before we trigger the reaction which insists on a continuation of experience after death, let us pause and assess whether or not this writer has provided a correct evaluation of the situation. Isn’t what he says exactly our observations, too? Don’t dead bodies get returned to the earth, and don’t they return to dust, just as the writer stated? Except for an occasional fossil, every animal form returns to dust, and even with a fossil, the majority of the animal has returned to dust.But peoples’ reaction to this situation, is to say that these words of Ecclesiastes.are merely the uninformed opinion of a person ignorant of God. But this reaction ignores the words, for example, of the New Testament:"All Scripture [ie., the Old Testament] is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness -" 2 Tim 3:16

Now this comment was made in New Testament times when the Old Testament had been in shape for at least 400 years, and included the book of Ecclesiastes. So the inference is that Ecclesiastes is also God-breathed, ie. the writer was expressing a God-given truth.So then is that it? Does it mean that there is no hope at all for a future life, even if one has been on one’s best behaviour all life through? There is an interesting passage in the writings of the Psalms: a collection of poetry from the period 1000 – 500 BC, and it reads like this:"For all can see that wise men die;the foolish and the senseless alike perishand leave their wealth to others.Their tombs will remain their houses forever,their dwellings for endless generations,though they had named lands after themselves."But man, despite his riches, does not endure;he is like the beasts that perish."This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.Like sheep they are destined for the grave,and death will feed on them.

The upright will rule over them in the morning;their forms will decay in the grave,far from their princely mansions.But God will redeem my life from the grave;he will surely take me to himself."Here he states that the wise and foolish, those he says "who trust in themselves", will perish and that will be the end of them. But with respect to himself, he was confident that he would be "redeemed from the grave" — that he would be brought back to life again. Why the difference? Why him, and not the others? Why was his position superior?

to be continue....

Does the Bible specifically say about marry or not?

2009-03-21T20:55:00.004+07:00

The Bible does give specific guidelines on the kind of person you are supposed to marry but you’re probably not going to find in the Bible, Linda, where it says Linda, marry George Baker or something like that; but it will tell you first of all, marry somebody who is in the same faith as you. You should not marry outside of the faith. You’re being unequally yoked. You want to marry someone who is going to be a compassionate husband and a man of God, a good family man. And so there are criteria in the Bible where God gives guidance.

Now there are examples in the Bible where the Lord supernaturally guided people in regard to whom they were to marry, as in the case of Isaac and Rebecca. And God providentially brought together Jacob and Leah. Jacob thought he wanted to marry Rachel and ended up first marrying Leah and she became the great-great grandmother of Jesus.

So, God through providence will arrange meetings; and also through His word, He will give you principles that’ll guide you to the right person – and you can follow those. Second Corinthians 6:14 talks about not being unequally yoked, and that doesn’t just mean someone who’s not a believer. If you’ve got your PhD, you might find you’re not compatible with a high-school dropout. Culturally – we just had a question about races – and while the Bible says all people are made of one blood, you want to consider the culture and heritage of the people you’re marrying.

Sometimes there are family squabbles because people grow up with certain traditions and culture, they marry someone with completely different traditions and culture, and it can create some interesting scenarios.

Trinity???

2009-03-21T20:29:00.005+07:00

Describing God

God is described with different words in the Bible, a few of which translate into English as LORD, Lord, the LORD almighty, God, God Almighty and so forth. When reading these in different places in the Bible, you become aware that although God is "one" He is also "more than one"—God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). Together, they are referred to as "the Trinity" or "the Godhead." On this page we will provide explanations that help people understand God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Trinity.

God is not so complex that He can not be understood. The Bible is written so that anyone can understand Him. The difference is that God is not human, so He can not be described as a human can be described. The gods of every other religion can be described in "normal" terms since they were invented in the minds of men.* Even some "Christians" (actually Christian cults) invent their own description of God and make Him seem like these other gods (by denying the aspect of the Trinity). On this page we will clarify the Trinity so that you can understand this aspect of God.

* Romans 1:20-23 (chapter 1, verses 20-23)
These same people may even agree that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are "working together." However, the followers of several cults are taught that Jesus is "just a prophet," or "only the son of God"—not God. This wrong viewpoint is easily clarified by looking at two Bible verses: Isaiah 9:6, and Isaiah 43:12 (below).

Isaiah 9:6For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 43:12I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,"Says the LORD, "that I am God."

Notice the numbers in brackets that we placed in the text. Those numbers indicate the "Strong’s Numbers" of those particular words. Strong’s Numbers are index numbers in a document called a "Strong’s Concordance" that allow someone who only reads English to understand what the Bible’s original Hebrew words are. For example, the number [03068] refers to the Hebrew word YHWH. This word is usually written in English as LORD, Jehovah, or (phonetically) Y@hovah. Similarly, the number [0410] refers to the Hebrew word ‘el, which is normally written in English as God.

It has been thoroughly proven that Isaiah 9:6 is a Messianic Prophecy referring to Jesus Christ. Notice how Isaiah 43:12 clearly shows that God (YHWH) refers to himself as God (‘El)—the exact same term (‘El) used to refer to Jesus. There are numerous other examples, but we will not belabor the point. It is obvious that God and Jesus are both God.

Jesus Doing What Only God Can Do

Mark chapter 2 opens up with an interesting story about Jesus healing a paralytic man. Notice that Jesus forgives the man’s sins in verse 5 and the reaction of the teachers of the law (the religious experts of the day) in verses 6 and 7.
The teachers of the law knew that only God could forgive sin. Since the people could not "see" sin being forgiven, Jesus proved He did indeed forgive the man’s sins by supernaturally healing the man’s paralysis (providing visible proof everyone could see). You can also read about this event in Luke 5:17-26. In both cases it is obvious that Jesus is God.

Out of the Mouth of Jesus

In Luke 22:70 and John 8:58, Jesus answers questions put to him by the Pharisees that declare Himself to be on "God’s level." Notice how Jesus answered their questions by saying "I am." (Ego eimi in Greek.) Ego eimi is not a translation of YHWH, but it is similar to our translating YHWH into "I AM" in English. This choice of words was not lost on the Jewish audience He was talking to! They immediately wanted to kill Jesus for blasphemy. That is, the Jews believed that by comparing Himself to God in that way, that Jesus deserved death. They clearly understood the implication Jesus was making—that He was the same as God. We hope that makes sense to you also.

Should we love Muslims?

2009-03-19T13:28:00.007+07:00

God loves Muslims!
Muslims are loved by God in the same way that He loves all people. Like all humans, Muslims are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Like all humans, Muslims sin and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Like all humans, God loved them so much that He sent His son, so that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life (John 3:16).
God calls Muslims to Himself!
God designed all of us to seek after Him. That includes Muslims. "From one man, He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth", …God did this so men would seek Him and perhaps reach out to Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:24-31, espec. 26,30)." Like you and I, God has placed "eternity in their hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11)."
The only good Muslims … are most Muslims.
The media tends to picture Muslims as wild-eyed terrorists who want to bomb America and kill all Christians. The overwhelming majority of Muslims are peace-loving, hospitable people.
Muslims are people, too!
Most Muslims are concerned about the same things as you and I. They want to raise their children well, they are concerned about rising crime and pornography, and work hard to pay their bills and survive. Like us, most Muslims decry human suffering and violence between peoples. Many Muslims yearn for peace, friendship, and a happy life. We share the same concerns and needs.
God is at work among Muslims!
Many Muslims are sensitive to God and spiritual things. Because they fear God and are aware of spiritual reality, Muslims often speak of how God appeared to them through dreams and visions, just like He did to the God-fearer Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8). Stories abound of healings because of God's power through Jesus. An increasing number of Muslims are hungry to know about God's dramatic work through Jesus.
Because we are spiritually related.
Many Muslims look to 'Ibrahim (Abraham) as "our forefather (Romans 4:1)." Since those who follow Jesus call Abraham "the father of all who believe (Romans 4:11)," that makes us 'cousins'! Like us, Muslims believe in one true God, the Creator of all peoples.
Because they value our Holy Book and Jesus.
The Q'uran specifically commends the Torat (books of the Law, the first five books of the Bible); the Zibur (the Psalms, or wisdom literature); and the injil (the Gospels). Jesus was sent by God to earth; Jesus healed many during his ministry; and he is returning to judge the living and the dead.
Because they have something to teach us.
Muslims take the spiritual world very seriously and generally are more open to discuss spiritual issues. They have a very high respect for God and His power. Muslims place a high value on community and loyalty. Hospitality is very important to them. These are qualities that most westerners appreciate in their Muslim friends.
God made promises to their ancestors.
Many Muslims look to 'Ibrahim (Abraham) as their descendant through his first son, Ishmael. God made this promise to Ibrahim: "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and I will make him fruitful, and I will multiply him. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation (Genesis 17:20)." God fulfilled this promise, for there are over one billion Muslims in the world today!
Because God promised that Muslims who follow Jesus will be part of the multitudes who are gathered about the Throne of God.
When God gathers all His people at the end of time, there will be representatives from every people group on the earth, "from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing before the Throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, …crying out in a loud voice, 'Salvation to our God who sits on the throne… (Revelation 7:9,10)!"

Evidences of the Christian Life

2009-03-19T13:05:00.005+07:00

Belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died as the substitute for our sins is the only requirement for salvation. The following are not tests of our faith, because we cannot be good enough to merit God's salvation. We can be encouraged that we do have eternal life because God says so, because changes have taken place in our lives, because we want to share Christ with others, and because we desire to live lives that would be pleasing to God.

We know that we have eternal life because God says we do.
God's Word tells us that we have eternal life if we have received Christ as our savior
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
We know that we have eternal life because changes have taken place in our lives since we became a Christian.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17).

These may be small changes. At first, they may not even be noticeable to others. But this verse tells us that positionally, we become a new person when we accept Christ and changes in our life are inevitable.
We know that we have eternal life because we want to share Christ with others.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (Romans 1:16)
We know that we have eternal life because we want to live godly lives.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age… (Titus 2 :11-12)

All religions are same?

2009-03-19T12:36:00.005+07:00

Are these Americans right or wrong? Mahatma Gandhi of India once said:

“The soul of religion is one, but it is encased in a multitude of forms.”

Is this true or false?

“In reality, there is only one religion, the religion of God. This one religion is continually evolving, and each particular religious system represents a stage in the evolution of the whole,” claims the Bahá'í faith on its official Web site at bahai.org.

Are the Bahá'ís correct or incorrect? What about the Hindus?

“In whatever way men approach Me, even so do I go to them.”

—quoted from the Hindu scripture by Swami Chidananda of Divine Life Society

Is Christianity's claim of uniqueness and exclusivity misleading and baseless? Or is it necessarily true?

Even a cursory examination of comparative belief charts and data* quickly reveals that make very different truth claims on a number of even basic issues. And they do so in a definitive manner. In other words, as any knowledgeable student of comparative religions will tell you, every religion—not just Christianity—claims exclusivity.

Here are a few examples:

Nature of God

	Christianity		— Monotheistic, personal
	Buddhism		— Monostic, impersonal
	Hinduism		— Monostic, polytheistic

Identity of Jesus Christ

	Orthodox Christian		— Deity incarnate
	Orthodox Jewish		— human only

Dr. Michael Green is an internationally respected author, speaker and scholar. He is currently Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, England. He recently authored the text “But Don't All Religions Lead to God?,” Navigating the Multi-Faith Maze (Baker Book House, 2002). In this book, Dr. Green writes:

“Jesus is unique among religious leaders in claiming to bring God to our worl in His own person and making good that claim by such powerful evidences.”

Green says that no other spiritual leader or teacher but Jesus Christ…

ever claimed to bring God to human
dealt radically with our wickedness
Broke the final barrier of death
offers to “live inside” His followers

Apologist and author, C.S. Lewis said that when it comes to the categorical claims of Jesus Christ regarding His Divinity…

There is no half-way house, and there is no parallel in other religions. If you had gone to Buddha and asked him, 'Are you the son of Brahah?' he would have said, 'My son, you are still in the vale of illusion.'

If you had gone to Socrates and asked, 'Are you Zeus?' he would have laughed at you.

If you had gone to Muhammad and asked, 'Are you Allah?' he would first have rent his clothes and then cut off your head.”

Sin

	Christian		— real moral trespass and condition of indebtedness before a holy, infinite-personal God
	New Age		— ignorance; susceptibility to illusion; unprofitable behavior

Crucifixion and Resurrection

	Christian		— historic fact
	Islam		— deceptive myth

Salvation

	Christian		— a gift of God's grace
	Islam		— only by observing Pillars
	Scientology		— Dianetic counseling

Again, Dr. Michael Green writes:

“Perhaps the greatest difference of all [among religious views] lies in the Christian assertion that and make ourselves acceptable to God, try as we may: all the other faiths assert that by keeping their teachings a person will be saved, fulfilled or reborn.”

Authority

	Christianity		—the Bible alone
	Mormonism		— the Bible plus
	Christian Science		— the Bible plus
	Roman Catholicism		— the Bible plus
	Unification Church		— the Bible plus
	Unity School		— the Bible plus
	Way International		— the Bible plus
	Jehovah's Witnesses		— the Bible as per flawed New World translation

Author: Daryl E. Witmer of AIIA Institute

2009-03-19T12:20:00.004+07:00

We pray this blog encourages you in your faith in Jesus Christ. The Savior’s invitation applies to each of us to come unto Him and to learn of Him and strive to follow Him.

we pray you’ll find posts that speak about your life. We hope you come to know Jesus Christ as your personal Advocate, who atoned for each of us and who stands in a position to plead our cause before the Father and to intercede in our daily lives through his grace and power.

This is a blog to which you can refer your friends and family of any faith. So, have a great journey in your christian life because Jesus loves you so much. God Bless you all