Hey there to all who stop by. Today I'd like to welcome Christian Turner especially since I just talked with him tonight about the website. No longer does theblessedx.com exist, so this blog is the only location now. That means that the forum is gone, the merchandise is gone, and the newsletter sign up is gone.
This was pretty inevitable. The site was neglected for some time and finally went bust. The blog it was based around (here) lives on, however, and that was really the core of the site anyway. Now, you all can enjoy the offerings in the simple blog form. I actually think it's better.
For Christian, I've included a link that should take you to the post on Daniel 9. Like I said, I don't really touch on the end times stuff, but I do get into the mathematics of the 493 weeks. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Daniel's Seventy Weeks
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Communion
I said that I'd come back and give this a little further explanation. First, let's view the communion as it happened.
Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-23
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."
"Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked.
He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there."
They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."
After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him." They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
It would behoove you to imagine, as you take communion, that you are sitting at the table with Jesus, just as his disciples did. It's closer to what's actually happening than you might think. After all, in Galations 2:20 Paul tells us,"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." So, to imagine that he's right there with us is not only sobering, but is also true.
Communion has, at its essence, the crucifixion. Every time you undertake to practice communion you are acting out the crucifixion. I just recently read a short story called The Martyr's Song, by Ted Dekker. It tells the story of a woman who reads a story about martyred Christians regularly so that the memory of what happened doesn't fade. It really sunk in that recounting that story and taking communion are similar acts. You can admit it, we are a people that have incredibly short memories. In time, even the holocaust will fade from memory. Knowing that, many have undertaken to provide constant reminders of that atrocity as a means to preserve the memory. Those that work to keep it alive in our psyche do it so it lasts as a standing warning of what can happen.
However hard we try, though, memory becomes a 2 dimensional piece of trivia with the passage of time. For instance, Alexander the Great, who, it is said, came to think himself deity, was guilty of slaughtering entire peoples and carrying out mass brutality, but he's now remembered as "The Great". His claim was that he conquered for his own glory. By contrast, Hitler conquered for the glory of the Fatherland--a much more selfless approach by comparison.
Like I said, as time passes, we forget. Memories that once caused the living pain to recount get lost in the shroud of history never to be anywhere near as poignant as it once was. It's almost on par with blasphemy to point out that the holocaust will probably eventually be remembered as a small blip on the radar screen rather than the life altering tragedy that it really was in its time. In the scope of history, what's another tyrant?
That is why we have to work so hard to preserve our memories. The Jews did it with Passover as a way to remember the angel that "passed over" the houses of the faithful while stopping and killing the Egyptian firstborns at every other house. It was a means to keep alive the memory of their God. Even those that actually experienced it began to grumble at God in the very beginnings of wandering through the desert. To us, that seems ridiculous, but look at the luxury (by comparison) that they came from and consider what you would do if everything you once clung to was now gone. We in the "first-world-countries" are oftentimes consumed with our lives and concerns and very much take for granted the luxuries we have. If any of us were thrust into a desert to wander, relying solely on God for provision, it might not be such a different story.
Ultimately, it was a tradition passed to us not by church fathers or the Catholic popes, but by Christ himself--God. He knew us better than any other and, as can be seen throughout the Bible with his treatment of his people, he knows that we forget. Jesus, in his Godly wisdom saw to it that we had something to remember him by. So, when practicing communion, do it in remembrance of Him.
Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-23
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."
"Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked.
He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there."
They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."
After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him." They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
It would behoove you to imagine, as you take communion, that you are sitting at the table with Jesus, just as his disciples did. It's closer to what's actually happening than you might think. After all, in Galations 2:20 Paul tells us,"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." So, to imagine that he's right there with us is not only sobering, but is also true.
Communion has, at its essence, the crucifixion. Every time you undertake to practice communion you are acting out the crucifixion. I just recently read a short story called The Martyr's Song, by Ted Dekker. It tells the story of a woman who reads a story about martyred Christians regularly so that the memory of what happened doesn't fade. It really sunk in that recounting that story and taking communion are similar acts. You can admit it, we are a people that have incredibly short memories. In time, even the holocaust will fade from memory. Knowing that, many have undertaken to provide constant reminders of that atrocity as a means to preserve the memory. Those that work to keep it alive in our psyche do it so it lasts as a standing warning of what can happen.
However hard we try, though, memory becomes a 2 dimensional piece of trivia with the passage of time. For instance, Alexander the Great, who, it is said, came to think himself deity, was guilty of slaughtering entire peoples and carrying out mass brutality, but he's now remembered as "The Great". His claim was that he conquered for his own glory. By contrast, Hitler conquered for the glory of the Fatherland--a much more selfless approach by comparison.
Like I said, as time passes, we forget. Memories that once caused the living pain to recount get lost in the shroud of history never to be anywhere near as poignant as it once was. It's almost on par with blasphemy to point out that the holocaust will probably eventually be remembered as a small blip on the radar screen rather than the life altering tragedy that it really was in its time. In the scope of history, what's another tyrant?
That is why we have to work so hard to preserve our memories. The Jews did it with Passover as a way to remember the angel that "passed over" the houses of the faithful while stopping and killing the Egyptian firstborns at every other house. It was a means to keep alive the memory of their God. Even those that actually experienced it began to grumble at God in the very beginnings of wandering through the desert. To us, that seems ridiculous, but look at the luxury (by comparison) that they came from and consider what you would do if everything you once clung to was now gone. We in the "first-world-countries" are oftentimes consumed with our lives and concerns and very much take for granted the luxuries we have. If any of us were thrust into a desert to wander, relying solely on God for provision, it might not be such a different story.
Ultimately, it was a tradition passed to us not by church fathers or the Catholic popes, but by Christ himself--God. He knew us better than any other and, as can be seen throughout the Bible with his treatment of his people, he knows that we forget. Jesus, in his Godly wisdom saw to it that we had something to remember him by. So, when practicing communion, do it in remembrance of Him.
Monday, February 04, 2008
On Communion in Reply to Cyndi
This is the beginning of my answer to your question. On the surface there is much I can say about the taking of communion, but I'm certain there's more to it than I can say now without having done any work to research it. That being said, I'll attempt to give a concise answer now and then revisit the subject later when I've discovered the finer points.
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Cor. 11:26
First, communion is definitely a tradition. It was taking place early in the church--as early as the first century. (1 Cor. 11:17-34) The tradition, as with all traditions, can turn into a mindless ritual if not done properly. It is supposed to serve not only as a reminder, however, but an opportunity as well.
Secondly, I daresay that if we were to take communion every day and were forced to give an accounting for our sins regularly that we would not only grow closer to God, but also that we would never run out of things to examine. A heart that no longer requires improvement is dead. Our goal in this life is to continually improve ourselves--to become more Christ-like.
The act of communion is a time for spiritual meditation. We take time to listen to the voice that guides us and tells us what we should work on. That time is seldom grasped outside of the church, so communion serves a purpose in that it gives us those moments to truly reflect.
Thirdly, the actual partaking should only be done with a clear conscience. This means that you're required to make yourself right with God before drinking and eating. I don't know if most people fully understand the weight of what they're doing when they take communion, but it should be well understood. (Read this to find out how serious it is.) Partaking in an unworthy manner is on par with heaping judgment on your shoulders.
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Cor. 11:27-29
The price you'll pay is an unknown, but you can be sure that doing this hypocritically will not have a pleasant outcome.
So, now understanding the weight of the tradition you can begin to appreciate that the tradition is never to be taken lightly. It can become a monotonous ritual only if you become careless or don't understand it. If you've become careless, then you need to examine yourself and make it right before partaking.
Having said all that, a person who feigns examination and true repentance will likely suffer from it. It is a lesson that he or she will learn through the discipline of God. They may endure hardship that forces them to turn back to God--after all, he works that way.
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:7-11
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Cor. 11:26
First, communion is definitely a tradition. It was taking place early in the church--as early as the first century. (1 Cor. 11:17-34) The tradition, as with all traditions, can turn into a mindless ritual if not done properly. It is supposed to serve not only as a reminder, however, but an opportunity as well.
Secondly, I daresay that if we were to take communion every day and were forced to give an accounting for our sins regularly that we would not only grow closer to God, but also that we would never run out of things to examine. A heart that no longer requires improvement is dead. Our goal in this life is to continually improve ourselves--to become more Christ-like.
The act of communion is a time for spiritual meditation. We take time to listen to the voice that guides us and tells us what we should work on. That time is seldom grasped outside of the church, so communion serves a purpose in that it gives us those moments to truly reflect.
Thirdly, the actual partaking should only be done with a clear conscience. This means that you're required to make yourself right with God before drinking and eating. I don't know if most people fully understand the weight of what they're doing when they take communion, but it should be well understood. (Read this to find out how serious it is.) Partaking in an unworthy manner is on par with heaping judgment on your shoulders.
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Cor. 11:27-29
The price you'll pay is an unknown, but you can be sure that doing this hypocritically will not have a pleasant outcome.
So, now understanding the weight of the tradition you can begin to appreciate that the tradition is never to be taken lightly. It can become a monotonous ritual only if you become careless or don't understand it. If you've become careless, then you need to examine yourself and make it right before partaking.
Having said all that, a person who feigns examination and true repentance will likely suffer from it. It is a lesson that he or she will learn through the discipline of God. They may endure hardship that forces them to turn back to God--after all, he works that way.
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:7-11
Monday, January 28, 2008
Communion
Cyndi: Communion has been a baffling concept for me for about two years now. I try so hard to look at it from every possible light. I try to think of it as a shower, the act of refocusing diffused light, and many other analogies. Unfortunately, I typically arrive at the same conclusion no matter how many different analogies pop into my head: it is a ritual.
This isn't necessarilly bad, I suppose. It's an act of obedience, and it somewhat reminds of baptism. But baptism seems more practical to me. Communion is supposed to be very personal, and very meaningful. I don't disagree with the fact that periodically, we all need a reminder. We all need that point that gets us back on track, right where we belong. However, my problem is this: communion is often associated with a return to a right life, and right living. If a person is headed astray, then communion may perhaps remind him of where he belongs, but if he is not ready to return, but communion arises, he may partake and feign a return, but it won't be lasting. This seems pointless to me. A person will return when they are ready. I realize it is a point of self-examination, and I think this is good, and that everyone should examine their lives regularly. I just feel that the "body and blood" idea is very much a ritual. Don't many come to Christianity from other faiths to escape such ritualism?
Any thoughts? This has been bothering me for a long time now.
This isn't necessarilly bad, I suppose. It's an act of obedience, and it somewhat reminds of baptism. But baptism seems more practical to me. Communion is supposed to be very personal, and very meaningful. I don't disagree with the fact that periodically, we all need a reminder. We all need that point that gets us back on track, right where we belong. However, my problem is this: communion is often associated with a return to a right life, and right living. If a person is headed astray, then communion may perhaps remind him of where he belongs, but if he is not ready to return, but communion arises, he may partake and feign a return, but it won't be lasting. This seems pointless to me. A person will return when they are ready. I realize it is a point of self-examination, and I think this is good, and that everyone should examine their lives regularly. I just feel that the "body and blood" idea is very much a ritual. Don't many come to Christianity from other faiths to escape such ritualism?
Any thoughts? This has been bothering me for a long time now.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Death Penalty & War
The other day I decided to make a recording on my drive home. It deals with our Biblical standing on the death penalty and war. I hope you enjoy it.
Listen to the broadcast
Make sure you read the written conclusion at the bottom of this post!
Reference scriptures:
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:17
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
These are the scriptures that kicked off my thought process. Read and tell me what you think.
Fox's Book of Martyrs
This book details the manner in which the disciples met their deaths. Read it if you haven't. It will give you tremendous perspective.
Genesis 9:6
And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.
This is the scripture that sets forth the death penalty. Many would separate it from the Mosaic Law (Law given to Moses) and say that it is exempt from the work of Jesus and therefore remains in effect today.
Genesis 4:3-4a
In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. 4 But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
This scripture demonstrates the precedent of giving the Lord an offering or sacrifice that was in practice even before the Flood.
Genesis 7:1-2
The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. Take with you seven of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate,
This portion of scripture clearly shows that there was already an established distinction between clean and unclean animals. Noah knew exactly what God was asking him to do, no doubt, because the law had been given to these antediluvian (pre-flood) people.
Genesis 8:20
Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it.
Noah already knew to sacrifice to the Lord and did it right after the flood. Not only did he just sacrifice, but he sacrificed "clean" animals and birds. In the audio I say he sacrificed a lamb, but I was mistaken.
Romans 13:1-4
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
This is the Biblical order that the government has the authority to carry out capital punishment (the sword).
Conclusion
The laws we institute in our government become like the laws of gravity. If you leap from a cliff, it is nobody's fault that you fall to your death. In the same way, the laws of this country simply take effect when you commit a crime. You live under these rules by choice (more choice than you have over escaping gravity). Therefore, the only one to be blamed when a murderer is executed is the murderer.
War is simply an extension of our "gravity" in that if another nation or people attacks us they have subjected themselves to our laws. If they do not attack us then they are not under our laws. In the same way, if they make an agreement with us to abide by our laws, then they are subject to war if the agreement specifies such upon violation.
If you argue that the death penalty should be done away with because of a seriously flawed system then we have departed from the Biblical argument and I can level with you. When does a flawed human justice system become too flawed? That I can see.
Let me know what you thought. Thanks!
Listen to the broadcast
Make sure you read the written conclusion at the bottom of this post!
Reference scriptures:
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Matthew 5:17
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
These are the scriptures that kicked off my thought process. Read and tell me what you think.
Fox's Book of Martyrs
This book details the manner in which the disciples met their deaths. Read it if you haven't. It will give you tremendous perspective.
Genesis 9:6
And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.
This is the scripture that sets forth the death penalty. Many would separate it from the Mosaic Law (Law given to Moses) and say that it is exempt from the work of Jesus and therefore remains in effect today.
Genesis 4:3-4a
In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. 4 But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
This scripture demonstrates the precedent of giving the Lord an offering or sacrifice that was in practice even before the Flood.
Genesis 7:1-2
The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. Take with you seven of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate,
This portion of scripture clearly shows that there was already an established distinction between clean and unclean animals. Noah knew exactly what God was asking him to do, no doubt, because the law had been given to these antediluvian (pre-flood) people.
Genesis 8:20
Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it.
Noah already knew to sacrifice to the Lord and did it right after the flood. Not only did he just sacrifice, but he sacrificed "clean" animals and birds. In the audio I say he sacrificed a lamb, but I was mistaken.
Romans 13:1-4
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
This is the Biblical order that the government has the authority to carry out capital punishment (the sword).
Conclusion
The laws we institute in our government become like the laws of gravity. If you leap from a cliff, it is nobody's fault that you fall to your death. In the same way, the laws of this country simply take effect when you commit a crime. You live under these rules by choice (more choice than you have over escaping gravity). Therefore, the only one to be blamed when a murderer is executed is the murderer.
War is simply an extension of our "gravity" in that if another nation or people attacks us they have subjected themselves to our laws. If they do not attack us then they are not under our laws. In the same way, if they make an agreement with us to abide by our laws, then they are subject to war if the agreement specifies such upon violation.
If you argue that the death penalty should be done away with because of a seriously flawed system then we have departed from the Biblical argument and I can level with you. When does a flawed human justice system become too flawed? That I can see.
Let me know what you thought. Thanks!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Reasons Not to Believe
Upon further investigation, however, the whole thing seems more like a doubtful concoction. Amos Kloner, the original excavator of the tomb described the documentary as “nonsense” in his comments. Rather than first seeking a peer-reviewed scientific article to publish the theory the story was presented to the media and purported to be respectable. Jodi Magness, an archaeologist at the
After reading numerous articles concerning the story and documentary’s claims the argument for this actually being Jesus’ tomb becomes more and more shaky. DNA evidence is fractured and inconclusive. These were all common names that people of the day had. This family was from the area of
To make the claims that this documentary makes and to believe that it poses a true question or threat to the resurrection of Jesus and therefore Christianity is pretty ludicrous. It’s another notch for an uncaring atheist to throw out in an argument, but for the people seeking truth this is no more than a clever ploy to capitalize on the inquisitive market. Its popularity will make the filmmakers lots of money because it’s so controversial, but the truth will come out and the whole thing will eventually fall into obscurity. The basis it stands on can’t hold it up to scrutiny for very long. So, don’t worry brothers and sisters, your faith is well placed and will not fail you.
-Steve
Cooperman, Alan. (
Archeologists Denounce Documentary As Fiction. Retrieved
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Apologetics January 22, 2007
Topic1: Asked by Ed: It seems like the prevailing Christian view is, regarding accepting Jesus, that one has to accept Jesus to go to heaven. If we follow that logic, if one does not accept Jesus, that person goes to Hell. This says that the default is Hell. Unless one takes action, one goes to Hell.
What if that is backwards? If God loves us and wants us to join him, what if it is the other way around? What if the default is heaven? What if one has to reject Jesus to go to hell? If this were the case, it would explain why babies go to heaven. People who have never heard of Jesus and therefore, never had the opportunity to reject Jesus would go to heaven too. That answers a lot of questions.
Romans 1:20 says “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Therefore, it can be ascertained that the proof of God lies in his creation. That creation is His signature of sorts. Although the whole truth may not be known, i.e. Jesus Christ in all detail, the simple acknowledgement of the true creator might be what God is looking for.
Also take note of Romans 2:13-15: “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)” It is well known that God knows the hearts of men and judges accordingly. He has the knowledge of a wicked heart that, given the chance, would reject him. And he has the knowledge of a good heart that, given the chance, would accept him.
Finally, Romans
Friday, January 05, 2007
Truth
Recently I was asked about religion in general and whether there is an original standard that can be trusted and if so, how can it be known. This actually took place in my class studying religion and came from my teacher. I can tell by some of his statements that he doesn’t really believe in all this religion stuff, but he’ll take money to teach it. I only make that speculation about him—it may not be the case at all, but from what I gather, this is the case. At any rate, I took some time to respond to his questions and below is my response.
The idea that truth in the "sacred realm" cannot be known is an escapist mentality appealed to to avoid having to think about mortality, eternal responsibility, or possibly the realization of some previously unknown set of consequences. To write it off is either laziness or reluctance based on some preconceived notion about the subject instead of a conclusion based on evidence or lack thereof. I am not accusing anyone here of taking such a position; I bring it up because I meet with it frequently.
Now, barring rejection without good reason, what good reason is there to believe in a "sacred realm or reality"? In my years as an unbound Christian I've immersed myself (and consequently my faith with me) in many areas of critical thought. I haven't limited myself to merely reading the Bible and only reading critical analysis by other Christians. Instead, I've gone to many neutral, critical, and even anti-Christian sources to find out what has been said about my chosen faith.
First, let me explain a little about myself. As with many people that purchase a new car, I wouldn't know how it all worked before I bought it. I didn't feel that I needed to understand the fuel mixture computer as a prerequisite for buying my car--I just bought it based on face value and trusted that a new car would run. Similarly, I became a Christian without knowing much about the Bible. I was raised believing in Christianity as much as Santa-Clause. My child-like mind couldn't distinguish in a critical way to make an educated decision while I was young; I just accepted it because my parents accepted it and lived it. Later in life, I was faced with the decision to truly take this faith and define myself with it or to reject it and live life how I saw fit. Presented with a rudimentary understanding of the Bible and the faith, I chose to pursue it as my own for life.
From that point, I found myself asking question after question, but then found it difficult to get answers to those questions. I discovered opposition from non-Christians who pointed out elements that seemed contradictory and I was bombarded with questions about the nature of a loving God that exercised sovereign authority over a world filled with suffering and other questions like it. I began to lose my faith and seriously question my eternal destination. Throughout this time, I had only read my Bible sporadically, sometimes with large gaps of time between readings. I eventually realized that I was standing on my own strength.
After a long conversation with my new wife about my struggle, I resolved, with her support and advice, to actually read the Bible. During my reading I began to understand things that were complete mysteries to me before. The big questions about suffering, those who don't hear the message of Jesus Christ, and the nature of a Triune God all began to take shape in my mind with valid and surprisingly logical answers. An understanding of my faith gave me answers to these once difficult questions.
After finding my foundation right where it was supposed to be, I moved on to more difficult fields of study like Greek, historical accuracy, archeological confirmation, and scientific arguments. Needless to say, I've found nothing that has proven to be a true contradiction. There are differences in accounts, but these differences are complementary and not contradictory. There is some question about historical accuracy, but throughout our short archeological history the seeming inconsistencies have later been validated by more recent findings. And projects like RATE (Radioisotopes and the Age of The Earth) done by the Institute for Creation Research have shed light and validity on the Bible's claim to a young earth. Finally, the scriptures themselves, written over a 1700 year span, make amazing predictions that were later fulfilled with precise accuracy. In one instance, a specific number of years is given to the cutting off of the Messiah. The math comes out to exactly the time of Jesus' crucifixion.
I only say all this because I think it conveys a reliability to you the reader. Reliability is a basis for trust. This trust can be placed on the writings that have earned it. Then these trustworthy writings go on to make great claims about a reality outside our own and a God that created it all. So, what is the original standard and truth behind religion? That there really is something to it, and that some people don't just believe it for no good reason. The evidence and reliability is there, it just requires action on the part of the seeker.
Revelation 12 and Christmas
My mother-in-law Bonnie sent me a link to the blog of a friend of Maggie and I that provokes some thought. Rather than posting the body of what Kev said here, I'll give you a link to the article. This way, you'll have the opportunity to bookmark his site and visit it from time to time. It's always a good read because Kev is a talented writer. He was a journalist before going to China to teach at a university there. His current teaching profession is a major calling from God. So, take a trip over, read this article and others, and bookmark it to your favorites.
The link: Not So Silent Night
The link: Not So Silent Night
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Just a Theory
How would you respond to someone who tells you that he or she does not believe in biological evolution because it is "just a theory"?
In the event that I was told that evolution is “just a theory,” I’d respond as follows here. In March of 2005 a discovery was made that rocked the world of evolutionist scientists. An excavation took place in
It just so happens that many of the greatest opponents to evolution are Christians. Some of those Christians also happen to be respected scientists as well. One such group is the Institute for Creation Research (ICR). ICR began a project RATE (Radioisotopes and the Age of The Earth) that set out to study radioisotope relationships. “It was concluded that the uranium (238U) and polonium (Po) radiohalos frequently found in granitic rocks had to have formed simultaneously.2 This implies that hundreds of millions of years of radioactive decay (at today's rates) had to have occurred in a matter of a few days!” (Snelling, A 2005) Research this and then consider the implications that it presents. The documentation is extensive and ultimately calls the age of the earth into question. With a shortened lifespan for earth the evolutionary concept begins to come apart at the seams.
Another interesting element worth consideration is the map drawn by Admiral Piri Reis. During the year 1513, in the libraries of
Another difficulty within evolution is known as the Cambrian explosion. Many scientists grapple with the inconsistency between the theory and the evidence. “The question of how so many immense changes occurred in such a short time is one that stirs scientists. Why did many fundamentally different body plans evolve so early and in such profusion?” (WGBH Educational Foundation and Clear Blue Sky Productions, Inc. 2001) The proposed answers draw heavily on speculation.
Some point to the increase in oxygen that began around 700 million years ago, providing fuel for movement and the evolution of more complex body structures. Others propose that an extinction of life just before the Cambrian opened up ecological roles, or "adaptive space," that the new forms exploited. External, ecological factors like these were undoubtedly important in creating the opportunity for the Cambrian explosion to occur. (WGBH Educational Foundation and Clear Blue Sky Productions, Inc. 2001)
If one delves a little deeper into the claims listed above, these claims are exposed as suggested theories formed to answer the questions of the already struggling theory of evolution.
If one takes the time to research the opposition, a mere claim that evolution is “just a theory” becomes an understatement. A large amount of evidence undermines the concept and leaves a mere misallocation of time spent learning it. My answer would conclude with a challenge to back up the statement. Only by actually researching it can an individual speak with conviction on the matter.
References
Mayell, Hillary. (2005). T. Rex Soft Tissue Found Preserved. Retrieved
from
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/03/0324_050324_trexsofttissue.html
Snelling, Andrew A, Ph.D. (2005). Polonium Radiohalos: The Model for Their Formation Tested
and Verified. Retrieved
Hancock, Graham. (1995) Fingerprints of the Gods.
WGBH Educational Foundation and Clear Blue Sky Productions, Inc. (2001). The Cambrian
Explosion. Retrieved
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/03/4/l_034_02.html
Friday, December 22, 2006
Defibrillation
Statistic-June 24, 2004: More than 8 in 10 Americans are Christian, including roughly half who are Protestant and about a quarter who are Catholic.
• The following tribute is sometimes credited to Phillip Brooks, who wrote the hymn, “O Little Town Of Bethlehem.”
“He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman; He grew up in another village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn’t go to college. He never visited a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself.
“He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.
“While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His garments, the only property He had on earth. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race.
“All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one solitary life” (quoted in Kennedy, pp. 7-8).
• Jesus was not attractive. Isaiah 53:2 “He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him” (NASB)
• Jesus had no wealth to launch a significant movement (Lk. 9:58; 2 Cor. 8:9).
• He was reared in one of the most despised communities of his country (see Mt. 2:23; Jn. 1:46; 7:52). The query, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” was proverbial in Canaan.
• He had no formal rabbinical training (Jn. 7:15). Even his own people had little regard for him (Jn. 1:11; 7:5; 6:66). And yet, somehow, he changed the world forever.
• In his famous speech on St. Helena, Napoleon exclaimed:
“I know men, and I tell you that Jesus Christ is not a man. Superficial minds see a resemblance between Christ, and the founders of empires and the gods of other religions. That resemblance does not exist. There is between Christianity and any other religion the distance of infinity . . . Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires. But upon what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone founded his empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for him” (Monser, pp. 503,508).
On the day of Pentecost, the church gained 3,000 men. (Acts 2:41) That’s minimum. Women and children were not counted.
By Acts 4:4, the number of men was 5,000. It is estimated that by the time Stephen was martyred, at the church was at least 20,000 strong.
From here, Christianity spread throughout the land and flourished.
Martyrs
1. Stephen: died by being stoned to death.
2. James the son of Zebedee, the elder brother of John: as James was led to the place of martyrdom, his accuser was brought to repent of his conduct by the apostle's extraordinary courage and undaunted ness, and fell down at his feet to request his pardon, professing himself a Christian, and resolving that James should not receive the crown of martyrdom alone. Hence they were both beheaded at the same time.
3. Philip: He was scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards crucified, A.D. 54. Upper Asia
4. Matthew: killed by the axe. Parthia, and Ethiopia
5. James the brother of the Lord: At the age of ninety-four he was beat and stoned by the Jews; and finally had his brains dashed out with a club.
6. Mathias: He was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded.
7. Andrew, brother of Peter: he was taken and crucified on a cross, the two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground. Edessa
8. Jude, brother of Jesus: crucified at Edessa, A.D. 72
9. Bartholomew: cruelly beaten and then crucified
10. Simon: crucified, A.D. 74
11. Thomas: thrust through with a spear.
12. Mark: was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria.
13. John: cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by miracle, without injury afterwards banished to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation and died of old age.
14. Luke: hanged on an olive tree
15. Peter: was crucified upside down in Rome.
16. Paul: beheaded by the sword at the order of Caesar Nero.
I counted a total of 30 times that we are warned not to forget about God or his words.
It seems that the world has forgotten however.
Acts 2:42-47 42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 4:32-33 32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
Acts 8:4-8 4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. 6When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. 8So there was great joy in that city.
Amazing and wonderful things occurred in the early days of the church. The question is why don’t those things happen with any sort of frequency now?
What are we missing that our fire is not spreading like the wildfire of the old church?
Christians today seem to have fallen into a comfortable rut.
We must be the ones that strike up a new revival. Young and old, strong and weak, it is our business to defibrillate the Christians of today and bring them back to being on fire for God.
2 Cor 4:16 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Matt 5:13-16 13“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Interesting bulletin I received
Who really knows if Ben Stein really said this (or said exactly this) because I did get it via a My Space bulletin. But I found it to be profound nonetheless.
~Leah
::Added by Steve: I verified that this article is legitimate. It can be found among others at http://www.benstein.com/::
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think about this...sad but very true If they know of him at all, many folks think Ben Stein is just a quirky actor/comedian who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly.
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary, Sunday, 12/18/05. Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. If this is what it means to be no longer young , it's not so bad. Next confession:I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.Then Dr Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
~Leah
::Added by Steve: I verified that this article is legitimate. It can be found among others at http://www.benstein.com/::
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think about this...sad but very true If they know of him at all, many folks think Ben Stein is just a quirky actor/comedian who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly.
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary, Sunday, 12/18/05. Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. If this is what it means to be no longer young , it's not so bad. Next confession:I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.Then Dr Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Friday, September 29, 2006
How Do I Get Saved?
So, you want to sign up for the persecution huh? Okay. First, imagine yourself as a child. Now, imagine Jesus knocking at a door. You’re standing on the inside and you open the door. Jesus walks in. This is taking place inside your heart. When you were a child, it was easy to show your open emotion. If you’re an adult male, it may be difficult to lower your walls and imagine running into the arms of a man, so imagine that you’re a little child, running into the arms of your heavenly father. Now, you must understand that you are not and never will be able to save yourself. No one else can save you either. “No man comes to the Father but by me,” Jesus said. I’m not picking on you by the way. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Everybody falls under the same desperate situation. Now that you know, admit your sin to God. Now believe that Jesus died on the cross and spilled his blood, taking the weight of the sins of the whole human race on his shoulders. He put an end to the debt on the cross two thousand years ago. Believe that he rose from the dead, conquering death for you and me. Our Savior lives. Now, choose to place your trust in him and live for him. You are now a believer in Jesus Christ and are saved from eternal death in hell. You’re in his arms now and you never have to leave. That was easy, huh? Okay, I’m saved. Now What?
Now What?
You are now a brother or sister of Jesus Christ. You will now be faced with struggles, hardship, failures, and problems. You’re now probably going to have to endure persecution from non-believers. You’ll be hated by some. You’ll always be misunderstood when you talk about the things of God by those who don’t know him. You’ve now got a bounty on your head in the eyes of Satan and his followers. You’re going to undergo spiritual attack that will attempt to keep you from moving past this point. I’m sad to say that many Christians fall prey to this attack and never go beyond the first step. I can tell you, however, that once you begin to push through the adversity, you’ll experience real faith. Your heart will experience peace that can’t be explained, joy that surpasses understanding, and love that goes beyond any you’ve ever known.
The first order of business is getting into a church or finding a group of believers to fellowship with. You can email me. I’m always available to talk to you because that is God’s calling on my heart.
Secondly, you need a Bible. Click Here to get a Bible. If you can’t get one because of financial hardship, email me and we’ll see what we can do. Once you have your Bible, you have the spiritual sustenance that’s going to maintain you daily. You need to spend as much time in it as you humanly can. In its absence, you become more vulnerable. Of course you’ll have questions, but that’s what we’re here for.
Third, maintain the relationship with God through prayer. Reading his word and prayer go hand in hand. He speaks to you through the Bible and your heart while in prayer. Talk to him like you would a father that knows everything about you, because that’s what he is. He is your Father, he is your God. Taking care of you is his business, so give it all to him.
Now, one of the key factors in becoming a Christian is leaving the old life behind. Remember this: once saved, you should not be comfortable in the life you lived before. You’re life needs to change radically for Jesus. Some people get discouraged by this, but let me tell you that while it seems daunting at first, it only gets better. That’s not to say that you’ll never encounter problems. In fact, you’ll probably encounter many problems. The very fact that you now follow Jesus brings them to you. You will learn to take joy when you encounter trials of many kinds. It is the only way to build your faith. The truth is there can never really be long lasting happiness unless you change and live for him. There is temporal satisfaction, but it’s temporal—it comes to an end. Momentary satisfaction doesn’t carry you to eternity, Jesus does. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Don’t look at it as though coming to Jesus is giving you all kinds of new burdens; rather, you are the one with all the problems and Jesus offers to take them from you. He doesn’t have problems—he’s God. Once with Jesus, he’s going to raise you up and discipline you as a loving father would—it just happens that he’s a perfect father as well.
When you are told that you should take joy in the fact that you’re having problems, it’s because your faith is being tested. If you rise to the occasion and trust in Jesus during the crises your faith will be strengthened. Imagine working out and having sore muscles afterward. It may not be pleasant at the time, but getting through it and dealing with the pain results in strengthened muscles. Be comforted by the fact that God administers his lessons in bits and pieces being careful never to give you more than you can handle. He always gives you a way out of temptation and he always works to build you up.
Sometimes, your problems won’t be from God, they’ll be brought on by your own stupid choices. These problems, while your own fault, can result in bring you closer to God. In all honesty, there are many of these moments during your walk. Just keep in mind that you’re being unfaithful, not God. When you’re ready to admit your stupidity, he’s already there waiting for you. God is always faithful. When you stumble, just try to make it one step backward followed by two steps forward. Your faith should not revert to where it was when you were first saved. Keep it growing. Nurture it. If you find that you’ve gone back to your old ways, make the changes necessary. You’ll find that God’s been there waiting for you the whole time.
So, my word of advice to you is to continue to know God better. Love him with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul.
The first order of business is getting into a church or finding a group of believers to fellowship with. You can email me. I’m always available to talk to you because that is God’s calling on my heart.
Secondly, you need a Bible. Click Here to get a Bible. If you can’t get one because of financial hardship, email me and we’ll see what we can do. Once you have your Bible, you have the spiritual sustenance that’s going to maintain you daily. You need to spend as much time in it as you humanly can. In its absence, you become more vulnerable. Of course you’ll have questions, but that’s what we’re here for.
Third, maintain the relationship with God through prayer. Reading his word and prayer go hand in hand. He speaks to you through the Bible and your heart while in prayer. Talk to him like you would a father that knows everything about you, because that’s what he is. He is your Father, he is your God. Taking care of you is his business, so give it all to him.
Now, one of the key factors in becoming a Christian is leaving the old life behind. Remember this: once saved, you should not be comfortable in the life you lived before. You’re life needs to change radically for Jesus. Some people get discouraged by this, but let me tell you that while it seems daunting at first, it only gets better. That’s not to say that you’ll never encounter problems. In fact, you’ll probably encounter many problems. The very fact that you now follow Jesus brings them to you. You will learn to take joy when you encounter trials of many kinds. It is the only way to build your faith. The truth is there can never really be long lasting happiness unless you change and live for him. There is temporal satisfaction, but it’s temporal—it comes to an end. Momentary satisfaction doesn’t carry you to eternity, Jesus does. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. Don’t look at it as though coming to Jesus is giving you all kinds of new burdens; rather, you are the one with all the problems and Jesus offers to take them from you. He doesn’t have problems—he’s God. Once with Jesus, he’s going to raise you up and discipline you as a loving father would—it just happens that he’s a perfect father as well.
When you are told that you should take joy in the fact that you’re having problems, it’s because your faith is being tested. If you rise to the occasion and trust in Jesus during the crises your faith will be strengthened. Imagine working out and having sore muscles afterward. It may not be pleasant at the time, but getting through it and dealing with the pain results in strengthened muscles. Be comforted by the fact that God administers his lessons in bits and pieces being careful never to give you more than you can handle. He always gives you a way out of temptation and he always works to build you up.
Sometimes, your problems won’t be from God, they’ll be brought on by your own stupid choices. These problems, while your own fault, can result in bring you closer to God. In all honesty, there are many of these moments during your walk. Just keep in mind that you’re being unfaithful, not God. When you’re ready to admit your stupidity, he’s already there waiting for you. God is always faithful. When you stumble, just try to make it one step backward followed by two steps forward. Your faith should not revert to where it was when you were first saved. Keep it growing. Nurture it. If you find that you’ve gone back to your old ways, make the changes necessary. You’ll find that God’s been there waiting for you the whole time.
So, my word of advice to you is to continue to know God better. Love him with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Witnessing
How do we witness?
First, ground yourself in your faith. It is your foundation. If you still have significant doubts keeping you from being sincere, then you need to get those worked out.
Let your mind think on God as often as you can. Put Him first in your life and you’ll speak about Him more naturally.
Many people love to bring up the hypocrisy in the church. Tell them not to let a hypocrite stand between them and God. And people aren’t perfect, that includes Christians.
People like to argue for intellectual reasons. 99 out of 100 people have some other reason for refusing Jesus. The intellectual argument is only a curtain hiding deeper issues. Accountability is the problem.
Some people have the idea that they’re too bad off and there’s no saving them. This person has the right idea, because there is nothing they can do to save themselves, but at this point, they may be open to receive the gospel of grace.
Always keep yourself sharpened and ready to go to work at any moment.
Inspiration is that we all die. The time could be very soon. Don’t just stand by and allow that person to continue without the knowledge of salvation. This is a knowledge that you can provide them.
Do they have assurance of where they’ll be going? If they seem to think so, go for their very foundation. What authority did they hear such a thing from? On what basis can they make such bold statements about the unknown?
Sometimes, you’ll get a quick result. At the same time, there are some people that take seriously invested time. You must work to build trust and depth forming a friendship before you can approach them head on. When you’re more of a friend, they’ll be more willing to hear what you have to say.
Being young creates a unique challenge, because many people think you’re just a kid without any real wisdom.
1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
The concept of being too young is wrong. Don’t let anything about who you are or how much knowledge you think you’re limited to get in the way of witnessing. Let God determine how ready you are.
Subtlety is powerful. When Jesus shines through you, you begin to shine like a city on a hill. (Matthew 5:14). Your example can break down your witnessing ability or set you up for it. Don’t allow yourself to appear hypocritical to those watching you.
Let’s clearly define what your job is all about. Your workplace has been given to you so you can make a difference for the kingdom of God. If you’re not serving God where you are, then you’re not where He wants you to be. That might be with your walk, where you’re working, or who you’re keeping company with.
My dad uses his work as a witnessing platform.
Don’t be intimidated and think, “Okay, I’m going to go and witness.” Your attitude should not be that you’re carrying out an obligation, but having meaningful conversation because you truly care and desire to see your friend saved.
Speak to them about where they think they’ll go when they die.
Ask them what assurance they have for going to heaven.
Share about your own assurance.
Be sure that you convey the true salvation message during conversation. Jesus died so we wouldn’t have to suffer an eternal death.
Finally, we have been charged with the task of preaching the gospel.
Mark 16:15 15And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
But we also need to follow up and build up. Evangelizing is great, but you’re not carrying out the full mission unless you make disciples out of the new believers.
Matthew 28:19 19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations
Always remember, that it is not only the words we say or the actions we make, but God who moves the hearts of men. You are His chosen method, but He is not limited to you. In other words, do not become discouraged because God is in control.
First, ground yourself in your faith. It is your foundation. If you still have significant doubts keeping you from being sincere, then you need to get those worked out.Let your mind think on God as often as you can. Put Him first in your life and you’ll speak about Him more naturally.
Many people love to bring up the hypocrisy in the church. Tell them not to let a hypocrite stand between them and God. And people aren’t perfect, that includes Christians.
People like to argue for intellectual reasons. 99 out of 100 people have some other reason for refusing Jesus. The intellectual argument is only a curtain hiding deeper issues. Accountability is the problem.
Some people have the idea that they’re too bad off and there’s no saving them. This person has the right idea, because there is nothing they can do to save themselves, but at this point, they may be open to receive the gospel of grace.
Always keep yourself sharpened and ready to go to work at any moment.
Inspiration is that we all die. The time could be very soon. Don’t just stand by and allow that person to continue without the knowledge of salvation. This is a knowledge that you can provide them.
Do they have assurance of where they’ll be going? If they seem to think so, go for their very foundation. What authority did they hear such a thing from? On what basis can they make such bold statements about the unknown?
Sometimes, you’ll get a quick result. At the same time, there are some people that take seriously invested time. You must work to build trust and depth forming a friendship before you can approach them head on. When you’re more of a friend, they’ll be more willing to hear what you have to say.
Being young creates a unique challenge, because many people think you’re just a kid without any real wisdom.
1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
The concept of being too young is wrong. Don’t let anything about who you are or how much knowledge you think you’re limited to get in the way of witnessing. Let God determine how ready you are.Subtlety is powerful. When Jesus shines through you, you begin to shine like a city on a hill. (Matthew 5:14). Your example can break down your witnessing ability or set you up for it. Don’t allow yourself to appear hypocritical to those watching you.
Let’s clearly define what your job is all about. Your workplace has been given to you so you can make a difference for the kingdom of God. If you’re not serving God where you are, then you’re not where He wants you to be. That might be with your walk, where you’re working, or who you’re keeping company with.
My dad uses his work as a witnessing platform.
Don’t be intimidated and think, “Okay, I’m going to go and witness.” Your attitude should not be that you’re carrying out an obligation, but having meaningful conversation because you truly care and desire to see your friend saved.
Speak to them about where they think they’ll go when they die.
Ask them what assurance they have for going to heaven.
Share about your own assurance.
Be sure that you convey the true salvation message during conversation. Jesus died so we wouldn’t have to suffer an eternal death.
Finally, we have been charged with the task of preaching the gospel.
Mark 16:15 15And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.But we also need to follow up and build up. Evangelizing is great, but you’re not carrying out the full mission unless you make disciples out of the new believers.
Matthew 28:19 19"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations
Always remember, that it is not only the words we say or the actions we make, but God who moves the hearts of men. You are His chosen method, but He is not limited to you. In other words, do not become discouraged because God is in control.
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