Eternal Life Day-By-Day

180 Movie

2011-09-28T13:40:00.002-04:00

Are you pro-life or pro-choice? Why? When is abortion OK? Is adoption the better alternative?

http://www.180.movie.com brings a new perspective to these questions and more.

Untitled

2011-07-20T05:07:00.002-04:00

A tear for time forever lost... a bittersweet smile for distant fond memories... eyes ever looking towards a life lived, not just survived... thinking how nice it would be if I had my own personal soundtrack playing in my head for inspiration... :)

Learn'd Astronomer

2011-05-01T00:10:00.000-04:00

When I heard the learn'd astronomer;
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me;
When I was shown the charts and the diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them;
When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick;
Till rising and gliding out, I wander'd off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.

-Walt Whitman

A Universe Fine-tuned For Life

2011-03-11T02:31:00.000-05:00

Gravity is roughly 10^39 times weaker than electromagnetism. If gravity had been 10^33 times weaker than electromagnetism, "stars would be a billion times less massive and would burn a million times faster."

The nuclear weak force is 10^28 times the strength of gravity. Had the weak force been slightly weaker, all the hydrogen in the universe would have been turned to helium (making water impossible, for example).

A stronger nuclear strong force (by as little as 2 percent) would have prevented the formation of protons--yielding a universe without atoms. Decreasing it by 5 percent would have given us a universe without stars.

If the difference in mass between a proton and a neutron were not exactly as it is--roughly twice the mass of an electron--then all neutrons would have become protons or vice versa. Say good-bye to chemistry as we know it--and to life.

The very nature of water--so vital to life--is something of a mystery (a point noticed by one of the forerunners of anthropic reasoning in the nineteenth century, Harvard biologist Lawrence Henderson). Unique amongst the molecules, water is lighter in its solid than liquid form: Ice floats. If it did not, the oceans would freeze from the bottom up and earth would now be covered with solid ice. This property in turn is traceable to the unique properties of the hydrogen atom.

The synthesis of carbon--the vital core of all organic molecules--on a significant scale involves what scientists view as an astonishing coincidence in the ratio of the strong force to electromagnetism. This ratio makes it possible for carbon-12 to reach an excited state of exactly 7.65 MeV at the temperature typical of the centre of stars, which creates a resonance involving helium-4, beryllium-8, and carbon-12--allowing the neceesary binding to take place during a tiny window of opportunity 10-17 seconds long.

(From God the Evidence: The Reconciliation of Faith and Reason in a Postsecular World by Patrick Glynn, as quoted by Dave Hunt in Cosmos, Creator and Human Destiny)

Time

2011-02-03T09:25:00.000-05:00

Wonder Why

2010-11-29T20:45:00.000-05:00

Went to bed last night with the news on his mind.
Woke up this morning, another tragedy he finds.
And he wonders why he feels so sad...

He asks God why, why so much suffering and pain.
His Bible sits on the shelf, while God gets the blame.
And he wonders why he feels alone...

He wants to fix the world, make everyone feel nice.
But he can't ruffle their feathers, whatever the price.
And he wonders why he feels guilty...

People go about their lives, not giving God a second thought.
But they blame Him for the suffering, and bloody wars being fought.
And they wonder why they feel empty inside...

July 2009

To those who condescendingly say, "I don't read fiction"...

2010-11-29T20:37:00.000-05:00

"The first question to ask about fiction is, Why bother to read it? With life as short as it is, with so many pressing demands on our time, with books of information, instruction, and discussion waiting to be read, why should we spend precious time on works of imagination? The eternal answers to this question are two: ...enjoyment and understanding."

-Laurence Perrine, Literature: Structure, Sound and Sense

Dawkins' Delusion

2010-11-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

"As an academic scientist I am a passionate Darwinian, believing that natural selection is, if not the only driving force in evolution, certainly the only known force capable of producing the illusion of purpose which so strikes all who contemplate nature.” (Richard Dawkins, A Devils Chaplain: Reflections on Hope, Lies, Science, and Love)

"Darwinian natural selection can produce an uncanny illusion of design. An engineer would be hard put to decide whether a bird or a plane was the more aerodynamically elegant. So powerful is the illusion of design, it took humanity until the mid-19th century to realize that it is an illusion.” (Richard Dawkins, New Scientist 9/17/05)

“Natural selection.… has lifted life from primeval simplicity to the dizzy heights of complexity, beauty, and apparent design that puzzle us today. After Darwin, we all should feel, deep in our bones, suspicious of the very idea of design. The illusion of design is a trap that has caught us before, and Darwin should have immunized us by raising our consciousness.” (Richard Dawkins, The Theory of Evolution by John Maynard Smith, Forward)

“It is almost as if the human brain were specifically designed to misunderstand Darwinism, and to find it hard to believe.” (Richard Dawkins, The Blind Watchmaker, Preface)

VS

“That consciousness is ruled by the laws of physics and chemistry is as preposterous as the suggestion that a nation could be ruled by laws like the laws of grammar. In human affairs [law] means a rule.… which may be kept or broken. In science it means a rule which is never broken…. Thus in the physical world what a body does and what a body ought to do are equivalent; but we are well aware of another domain where they are anything but equivalent. We cannot get away from this distinction…. The laws of logic do not prescribe the way our minds think; they prescribe the way our minds ought to think…. However closely we may associate thought with the physical machinery of the brain, the connection is dropped as irrelevant as soon as we consider the fundamental property of thought—that it may be correct or incorrect…. [Truth] involves recognizing a domain…. of laws which ought to be kept but may be broken. Dismiss the idea that natural law may swallow up religion; it can’t even tackle the multiplication table single-handed.” (Sir Arthur Eddington, Science and the Unseen World)

A Father's Day Story...

2010-06-18T14:43:00.001-04:00

A true story I heard on the radio last year:

A few days after Father's day in 2005 a line man for a power company was called to reconnect the power in a neighborhood. As he rode up to where the problem was in his bucket, he noticed a Mylar balloon was entangled in the line.

So, he untangled the balloon and reconnected the power. As he was getting back into his truck he noticed there was a note attached to the balloon. So, he got in, started up the truck and read the note:

Dear Daddy,

Happy Father's Day!

I hope you are having a good time in heaven.

Love, Kayla

Just as he finished reading the note, a song started to play on the radio called 'In the Arms of An Angel'.

Critics

2010-06-18T14:28:00.002-04:00

Everyone thinks they are a critic. They seem to think that if they say something (or lots of things) negative about a movie, TV show or band, that they are better than those who actually like it.

You can probably already tell that this post is going to be somewhat of a rant, but, I really have to get this off my chest.

There are probably more movies, TV shows and bands that I don't like than those that I do like. Yet, somehow, I manage to NOT seek out ways to declare my dislike of them to the world.

Whether it's Facebook fan pages, YouTube comments, or Hulu reviews, you will see "critics" everywhere. These people actually take time out of their lives to seek out things they DON'T LIKE in order to insult them! As if there isn't enough negativity in this world already.

People, please don't waste your time (or mine) complaining about how watching a movie or TV show is a waste of time. Don't make others feel bad because listening to the music they like makes you feel bad. Don't spread poison because you are bitter. Get a life and let others live theirs.

"In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." -Matthew 7:12

Integrity

2010-03-31T03:28:00.000-04:00

Just a few days after my last post, "Unemployment," I was contacted about a job opportunity that I had thought was long gone (ironic, huh?). The job is really nearly perfect for me. The hours, the location and the job description are all suited to my life right now. However, there was one caveat: I would have to screen content posted by users of a social networking site, which could expose me to some pretty inappropriate stuff.

I was going to just write it off as a necessary evil and try to work around it. But, thankfully, the woman who I had been in contact about the job really encouraged me to think about it seriously and make sure I would be okay with it. So, I took her advice and spent this last weekend thinking it over and came to the conclusion that I really wouldn't be okay doing that on a daily basis. Although I do believe God would protect my mind and heart if it came to that, I don't need to be putting myself in the line of fire, so to speak.

So, even though I am still unemployed, I am thankful that I didn't give in to accepting an unacceptable job. I kept my integrity, and hopefully God will bless me for that. I have faith that He will provide.

"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness." -Matthew 6:22-23

Unemployment

2010-03-18T04:56:00.003-04:00

Last December I turned 21 years old. Pretty much ever since then, and probably for a while before that, I have been struggling with feelings of failure. You see, I still live at home, have never had a boyfriend, have no job, no car (not even an unrestricted drivers license), and no college education whatsoever.

All of that aside, I do have responsibilites at my parent's home, and my lack of other responsibilities have given me freedom to pursue some things I may not otherwise have time for. I do all of the cooking/baking for the most part, and have been able to develop my skills in that area, especially baking. I have a self-taught working knowledge of the piano and guitar. I even have experience in construction from when we enclosed our carport. All of these things (and much more) are opportunities and experiences that not everyone has or can have.

Even so, I feel so... unaccomplished; unfulfilled.

Money may not be the answer to life's problems, but a lack of it certainly doesn't help. Up until a year ago or so, I didn't really need a job. But the pressure is building, and now that I do need employment, it's nowhere to be found. Ironic? Yes. Fun? No. Lesson? I'm not sure yet.

I know I should be thankful. Not everyone gets to grow up in a truly Christian home, have a Christ-centered education, protected from, but not ignorant of the world and an enemy who would like nothing more than to pull you as far away from God as possible. And I am thankful. Those are all wonderful things that I am truly grateful for. But is it wrong to aspire to even more? The Bible says that Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and favor with God and men. Obviously I want to grow in wisdom and favor with God. But what about man? I know, I'm not supposed to be a people-pleaser or desire accolades from the world. The heart is deceitfully wicked and to listen to it would only lead to darkness.

BUT, that doesn't mean I can't be accomplished. Even Paul had a reputation. Yes, he counted all that he had "accomplished" before encountering Christ as nothing, but after that he maintained a status. He worked to support himself. He administrated. He knew his place in this world, but not of it. Tradition says he spent eight years in Arabia studying. That all has to count for something, right? Should I desire any less?

Yet, I am afraid. Afraid that the right opportunities won't appear, and if they do I will miss them, or be too afraid to take advantage of them. I guess I forget that Jesus is the One who opens doors and no one shuts them and shuts them and no one opens them.

Is that what it all boils down to? Forgetfulness? Lack of faith and trust in God and His promises? Do I simply need to trust in Him for all of my needs and lay my desires at His feet? Why am I asking all of these rhetorical questions that I obviously know the answer to?

--sigh--

I keep on feeling like I'm a failure, and what I don't realize is that I am. Without God I am a complete and utter failure. It's only when I walk with Him and hide His Word in my heart that I can rest in His love and have no fear. My trust and confidence must be in Him and Him alone.

But, because I am so imperfect and forgetful, I know that I will have to remind myself of all these things again in the not-too-distant future. I guess that's just how it works. Even David went through the cycle, from the time he was a young man until he was lying on his deathbed. Despair; realization; peace. It's like we all have incandescant lightbulbs above our heads that periodically burn out, and we're stumbling around in the dark until we (or God) finally replace them.

My, my... What a future to look forward to. At least I'm not alone.

No post yet...

2010-03-14T17:25:00.002-04:00

I lost my notes for the post I wanted to write, so, I guess I will just have to think of something else. It's kind of a sad testament to my procrastination. If I had written it when I originally came up with the ideas, I wouldn't have lost the notes and I wouldn't be sitting here writing about it.

Still haven't written that next post...

2010-03-14T01:57:00.003-05:00

Time has just been going so fast. I can't believe it's the middle of March!

Anyway, I'm writing this on a super-old laptop that used to be my dad's. Hopefully I'll be able to get some more RAM for it and actually have a useable laptop of my own. Everyone else in my family has one except for me, so it will be nice to finally have some mobility.

I will try to get my head together enough to write my next post. I heard a famous person say something that sparked a barrage of questions and issues I feel I can address. I may have to split up the posts, though, because the topics are a bit complicated and intertwined with so much of life. I can't think about it all right now, though. I don't know why it's been so hard to focus. I love to write, but it often feels like hard work. I wish the things I love to do came more naturally.

Enough of that. I'm rambling now, so I'll stop.

Upside Down: The World

2010-02-02T18:47:00.007-05:00

“Where there is a loss of wonder there is a natural tug toward a reductionistic view of everything aesthetic or virtuous. For that matter, all of life boils down to the rags of matter in chemical or physical reaction, and the strongest ‘reactions’ win. Man becomes another blip on the radar screen of time” (Ravi Zacharias).

What emotion does that last sentence evoke? Is it not one of the individual’s greatest fears to be just another blip, another drop in the bucket? The quest for originality and the meaning of life has filled thousands of volumes and flashed across millions television screens. The late J.D. Salinger’s story of an adolescent temper tantrum, Catcher in the Rye, comes to mind. One can understand the confusion and emotional upheaval of a teenager growing up in post-war America, having certain things expected of him, but longing for something more. But, in his attempt to portray a young man struggling to find his place in the world, Salinger failed to address the real issues, instead leaving the reader with a sense of hopeless cynicism.

In the time since then (the past decade especially) the foundations of our country, society, and even our freedoms, have begun to shift, causing many people to reevaluate their state of being and security. No one wants to see their world crumble around them. But as much as we may try to deny it, and as much as we may fear it, sometimes we must witness the world change. Sometimes this change can be violent, carrying suffering, pain and need along with it. Of course, human will and a “we can do it” mantra alone is not enough to stem the tide of a cultural and/or economic breakdown. We must recognize that there are powerful (even non-human) forces at work behind the scenes of most political, economic, military and even religious associations. Sadly, many of these shadow-powers do not have humanity's best interest at heart.

But how can a blip on a radar screen make a difference? How can someone like me change the world? Consider the words of Charles Spurgeon:

“The Apostles were not the disturbers of states. It is true, they preached that which would disturb the sinful constitution of a kingdom and which would disturb the evil practices of false priests, but they never meant to set men in an uproar. They did come to set men at arms with sin; they did draw the sword against iniquity; but against men as men, against kings as kings, they had no battle; it is with iniquity and sin, and wrong everywhere, that they proclaimed an everlasting warfare. But still, brethren, there is many a true word spoken in jest, we say, and surely there is many a true word spoken in malice. They said the Apostles turned the world upside down. They meant by that, that they were disturbers of the peace. But they said a great true thing; for Christ's gospel does turn the world upside down. It was the wrong way upwards before, and now that the gospel is preached, and when it shall prevail, it will just set the world right by turning it upside down.”

Francis of Assisi is attributed with saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.” While I do not think he was undermining the verbal proclamation of the Gospel message, I do think he was stressing that we should go about each day in such a way that our lives mirror the spirit of the Gospel even when we aren’t speaking it. This, I believe, is another way in which we can impact the world around us. To live our lives unselfishly, inspiring others to do the same.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

In a world where greed and marketing ploys are a part of every day life, it is refreshing to see a break in the trend. As I drove through the streets of my city on Christmas night, and saw darkened businesses and bright homes, something stirred within me, inexplicably, like a realization that there are still people who care about each other. The simplicity of leaving material thoughts and things behind to spend time with family and friends has tragically become a rare commodity. But it would seem that in these hard times people are beginning to see the value of those things which cannot be lost or taken away. Perhaps, as Christians, we will finally listen to Christ's admonition not to store up treasures in this life, but rather to live with eternity in our minds and hearts.

Truly, as I stated earlier, no one wishes to go through turmoil and tribulation. But I do believe, as well as many, many others, that it is in these tumultuous times that we are given the opportunity to shine as bright lights in a dark world. Even if we do not realize it, by simply living our lives as Christ would have us--not losing heart or hope--we will be seen and heard by others. This is our calling; to be seen as different; to be in the world but not of the world; to speak the truth, and more importantly, live the truth.

Little things, like the stillness on Christmas night, have been standing out to me lately. A few weeks ago I was running some errands with my mother. We were stopped at a red light, and as we were waiting I noticed a man crossing the street in front of us, obviously heading home from work. He looked to be a mechanic, or some similar vocation, wearing greasy gray coveralls and carrying a lunch box. Wanting to keep an eye on the light (I was driving), as soon as he passed out of the crosswalk I was not going to pay any more attention to him. But then my mother said, "Someone's coming to say ‘Hi’ to daddy." I looked over and saw two small children excitedly running towards the man. He had just entered the parking lot of a motel at the corner of the intersection, and the children were obviously coming from the motel itself. Once they reached the man, the children hugged him and he picked them both up in spite of the lunch box. The light turned green just as I saw the three of them heading back towards the motel.

Clearly, I cannot pretend to know whether or not that man was even the children’s father, much less their overall situation. Nonetheless, I cannot help but think about the thousands of men who go to work in Cadillacs and BMWs instead of walking; wear three-piece suits instead of jumpsuits; and come home to a nearly empty five-bedroom house instead of a crowded one-room motel. And I wonder, "Are these men as happy as the blue-collar worker whose children run out to greet him after a hard day's work?" Does more money mean more love, contentment or happiness? Or does it tend to drive people apart and sometimes even ruin lives? Understand, I am not saying that people with money are not or cannot be happy, but I am saying that a lack of money does not necessarily mean they are lacking. We talk of "haves" and "have-nots". Have-not what? What are the things that really matter? What makes a person who they are? What contributes to their legacy? Is it their car, house, clothes or paycheck? Is that what we want to be defined by?

We all know, I believe, the answers to these rhetorical questions. Nevertheless it is good to sometimes be reminded of them and to reflect on life and the essence of life. Jesus, of course, said, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." This simple truth is echoed numerous times and in various ways throughout the Bible.

The goal of writing this commentary was partly to put my own thoughts about materialism, individuality and life's purpose in order, and partly to stir up a renewed sense of what it truly means to live. Being the beginning of a new year, a time in which I personally have been contemplating the meaning of my own life, I think it is appropriate to put these thoughts and observations out for others to consider. I am neither a philosopher nor a greatly experienced person of the world. I do, however, like to think that I am fairly intelligent and discerning (although hardly above correction or criticism).

My prayer at this time is that each of us will choose the path of hope and living this life with our eyes fixed on eternity, and on the One with whom we will spend eternity, and that in doing so we will inspire others to live as extraordinary, ordinary people. Only through Christ is this even possible, so above all, thanks be to Him who redeemed us that we might have hope and abundant life. Amen.

Replacing God's Word with... what?!

2010-01-02T15:49:00.000-05:00

Colossians 2:8-10 (NKJV): "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power."

Colossians 2:8-10 The Message "Bible" by Eugene Peterson: "Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything."

Sounds strangely similar to "Awaiting You All" by George Harrison of The Beatles

You don't need a horoscope or a microscope to see the mess that you're in
If you open up your heart You will know what I mean...
Now here's a way for you to get clean
By chanting the names of the lord and you'll be free
The lord is awaiting on you all to awaken and see.

Funny, Peterson doesn't mention being inspired by The Beatles in his explanation for why he wrote The Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Message-MSG-Bible/.

See this link for more on The Message: http://www.crossroad.to/Bible_studies/Message.html

Happy Independence Day...

2009-07-04T12:46:00.003-04:00

Quotes from our Founding Fathers:

"A constitution founded on these principles introduces knowledge among the people, and inspires them with a conscious dignity becoming freemen; a general emulation takes place, which causes good humor, sociability, good manners, and good morals to be general. That elevation of sentiment inspired by such a government, makes the common people brave and enterprising. That ambition which is inspired by it makes them sober, industrious, and frugal. " --John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776

"A free people [claim] their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate." --Thomas Jefferson, Rights of British America, 1774

"A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." --James Madison, letter to W.T. Barry, August 4, 1822

"A nation under a well regulated government, should permit none to remain uninstructed. It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support." --Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1792

"All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the Ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid?" --Benjamin Franklin, To Colleagues at the Constitutional Convention

"A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government. A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a government ill executed, whatever may be its theory, must be, in practice, a bad government." --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 70, 1788

http://www.marksquotes.com/Founding-Fathers

Abortion is a Holy Work Says Anglican Priest

2009-05-11T10:43:00.000-04:00

From The Berean Call

Abortion is a blessing and abortionists are doing holy work, says Anglican priest [Excerpts]

The new Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massacusetts, has given a sermon describing abortions as a "blessing" for the women who undergo them. The Rev Katherine Hancock Ragsdale also thinks that the people who run abortion clinics are "heroes" and even "saints".

Ms Ragsdale, speaking in Birmingham, Alabama, said that "when a woman becomes pregnant within a loving, supportive, respectful relationship; has every option open to her; decides she does not wish to bear a child; and has access to a safe, affordable abortion - there is not a tragedy in sight - only blessing."

Do not, please, make the mistake of assuming that she is an unrepresentative extremist: liberal Anglicans in America are among the most fervent supporters of abortion in the world, outstripping even atheists in their enthusiasm for this gruesome procedure.

[Dean Ragsdale finished her sermon with the following exhortation]: These are the two things I want you, please, to remember - abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Let me hear you say it: abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done. Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done.

I want to thank all of you who protect this blessing - who do this work every day: the health care providers, doctors, nurses, technicians, receptionists, who put your lives on the line to care for others (you are heroes -- in my eyes, you are saints); the escorts and the activists; the lobbyists and the clinic defenders; all of you. You're engaged in holy work.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/damian_thompson/blog/2009/04/02/abortion_is_a_blessing_and_abortionists_are_doing_holy_work_says_anglican_priest

(Damian Thompson, Telegraph.co.uk, Society/Religion, April 2, 2009).

[TBC: "Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen." (Deuteronomy 27:25).]

(Anyone else disgusted? -K)

The Miracle of Life

2009-05-06T22:50:00.001-04:00

"For You formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..."

~Psalm 139:13 & 14

St. Petersburg, FL Tax Day Tea Party

2009-04-17T08:31:00.000-04:00

About 150 people gathered at the corner of 66th St. and 18th Ave. N in St. Petersburg to let everyone know they've been "Taxed Enough Already".

It's very saddening to me that the media has been so distorting and twisting what these events are all about. They use terms like "angry protesters," which was not the case at all. Everyone there was smiling and waving and just wanting to be heard.

Contrast that to the truly angry and vicious mob that protested Proposition 8 in California a few months ago. Yet the right-wing conservatives are considered to be the "dangerous" ones. Right...

Questions

2009-02-04T15:44:00.000-05:00

Is it possible to long for a home you've never seen?
Is it possible to love someone from a dream?

Can you reach for the sky and find your soul?
Can you discover a place that makes you whole?

Is there inspiration in a flash of light?
Is there hope and forgiveness in the gloom of night?

Can Someone sacrifice that you may live?
Can Someone show us what it means to give?

Is there truth in the midst of lies?
Is there comfort for tear-filled eyes?

Can a sinner become clean and pure?
Can a dying man find a cure?

Is there justice for the guilty?
Is there escape from the penalty?

Can the Son of God become a man?
Can the Healer take a nail in His hand?

Is it possible you're here for a reason?
Is it possible this life is just a season?

Can you hear Him knocking, calling your name?
Can you see He's already taken your blame?

(Written April 2006)

Infinite Universe

2009-01-02T12:33:00.001-05:00

Atheist Central: Ray Comfort's Blog

"I would like to hear your quantitative answers as to how big the universe is, what light is, and what life is. Since God has revealed all of these answers to you in the Bible, I’m sure that these answers will be answered with 100% precision, and will be reflected in current observations." Mudley

I have no faith in "current" observations. Every generation thinks that they are current--that they are "modern." In 20 years time they will laugh at current clothes and hair styles. In 100 years what science believes today will be a joke, and they will no doubt believe that their current knowledge is cool. Man’s quantitative knowledge is a tiny drop in the ocean of what actually is absolute truth.

To use the word "big" in describing the universe shows the smallness of our minds. If an elephant is big, what word describes the universe? The best one I can currently come up with is the "infinitude" of the universe. There's not a wall around the edge of space. Traveling at the speed of light, you would go on forever, no matter what direction in which you travel. But one thing I do know, God fills the universe. That's a big brain-strain.

He is also the source of light and the source of life. Around 800 years BC, the Psalmist maintained this: "For with you is the fountain of life: in your light shall we see light" (Psalm 36:9). In speaking of the Messiah, John said the same thing: "In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). Jesus said the same thing of Himself: "Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Then the Apostle Paul confirms this with his: "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Timothy 1:10). There you are. That's 100% precision, straight from the ever-current Bible.

SPECIAL NOTE TO MY ATHEIST (FRIENDS): It's been 2009 years since Jesus of Nazareth walked on this earth. May this be the year you come to know Him. In the meanwhile, may God continue to bless you and keep you and your family in health.

Apathy

2008-10-11T12:02:00.001-04:00

Who Cares About Apathy
By Ray Comfort

I watched the TV monitor as the pastor of a church in West Virginia invited his congregation of 600 to join him, as he held a sign saying that abortion was wrong. He said that he stood on the side of the road for one hour the previous year, and asked who would join him this time. Twenty people raised their hands. I could sense his disappointment at their apathy. He then introduced me as the morning’s guest speaker.

I told the congregation that I felt passionate about the subject of abortion, for a good reason. Many years ago someone told me that a new Christian (named Fran) was about to take the life of her child through the procedure. I was horrified, and found out that she was due to have it done within a couple of hours. I sped to the hospital, praying all the way that God would give me the words to change her mind. I rushed in, ran up to the second floor and into her room. She was sitting on the bed, and had already had her preoperational medication. I pleaded, "Please don’t do this!"
To my surprise, she just looked at me, and smiled. Then she said, "It’s okay. I’m not going to have it. I just prayed 'God, if you don’t want me to have an abortion, make Ray Comfort come up and see me.'"

Two years later, I was at a church picnic when I saw a beautiful little girl playing in the grass. It was Fran’s child. As I knelt down by the cute toddler, it hammered home the issue that we are dealing with when it comes to abortion.

I told the congregation (with some passion), that I would never, ever, vote for a man who advocated the murder of a child in the womb. I don't care about his fiscal policies, because the blood of the innocents is on his hands. I also encouraged them to follow the wonderful example of their faithful pastor. I heard later that afternoon that between 400 and 500 turned out. God bless them.

However, the answer to the issue of abortion isn’t just to protest, although that's a start. A nation that kills 50 million of its citizens through abortion with no qualms of conscience needs more than a voice of protest. We are no different than Nazi Germany. We have given ourselves to the wickedest of sins, and that will eventually have terrible national consequences. We desperately need God’s forgiveness, and we need a new heart that can only come with conversion. Only the gospel can take a self-righteous, blaspheming, idolatrous, hypocritical, baby-killing nation, forgive it, and make it brand new:

"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them" (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

(http://raycomfortfood.blogspot.com/2008/10/who-cares-about-apathy.html)

AFA Ends McDonald's Boycott

2008-10-10T18:25:00.002-04:00

Not sure if I'll be going back any time soon, but this is good news:

AFA ends boycott: McDonald's agrees to changes

October 9, 2008

Dear Kristina,

Great news! Because of AFA supporters like you, McDonald’s has told AFA they will remain neutral in the culture war regarding homosexual marriage. AFA is ending the boycott of McDonald’s. As you know, AFA called for the boycott in May after McDonald’s joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

McDonald’s said McDonald’s Vice President Richard Ellis has resigned his position on the board of NGLCC and that his seat on the board will not be replaced. McDonald’s also said that the company has no plans to renew their membership in NGLCC when it expires in December.

In an e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners the company said, "It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association."

We appreciate the decision by McDonald’s to no longer support political activity by homosexual activist organizations. You might want to thank your local McDonald’s manager.

Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution to help us continue?

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon,
Founder and Chairman
American Family Association

For Whom Should We Vote?

2008-10-10T13:48:00.001-04:00

For Whom Should We Vote?

The "Heart" of the Issue

By Ken Ham, Answers in Genesis

Would you vote for someone like Eliab if he were running for office? He was an impressive Old Testament character. And he was a tall and handsome man! Surely we should vote for such a person? After all, when comparing him to his little brother David (the future king of Israel), the prophet Samuel did!

The Lord said to Samuel, however: "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

Many of us will soon be deciding whom to vote for in the U.S. presidential election (as well as congressmen, senators, and other offices.) This will be just the second opportunity for me to vote for the president of the most powerful nation on earth.

Just over four years ago, my homeland of Australia passed legislation to allow its citizens to obtain citizenship in another country, yet retain their Australian citizenship. My family and I (having lived in the USA for over 17 years at the time) immediately applied to become American citizens.

Not long after, there was a presidential election. My wife and I had to decide who we should vote for, and I learned a lot in the process. Here's how we came to our decision.

First of all, as a Christian, I recognized that I needed to seek God's direction, just as the apostle Peter and others did in Acts 1:24: "And they prayed and said, 'You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two You have chosen.'" So I now pray today: "Lord, please guide me as I take seriously this great responsibility to vote."

Second, we need to remember God's lesson to Samuel: it is not about how impressive a person is on the "outside"--it's what is on the "inside" that counts!

I was also reminded of Matthew 12:34: "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" and how important it is that "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).

So I recognized that as we consider candidates, we cannot see their hearts. Christians must evaluate them by their actions and words--judging those actions against the absolute authority of the Word of God.

Third, we need leaders who are wise and knowledgeable. How do we determine that? God's Word tells us that: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10) and also: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). Do the exhibit a reverence for the Lord and His Word?

Fourth, and probably the most applicable to each of us on a personal level, I should not consider a person's politics in light of what might benefit me materially. After all, the Scriptures tell us: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in a steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither most nor rust destroys and where thieves do no break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

As I ponder all these things, I also realize what King David said: "I know, my God, that You test the heart." Only God can really know a person's heart. I can certainly judge a person's actions and words against Scripture as a test of the heart--but then I'm suddenly reminded: "But what about my own heart?" And then I ponder: "Knowing my own heart, would I vote for me?" Well, frankly I could not!

Oh Lord, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my thoughts; And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24). "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24).

But how I should fall upon my face and thank God that He voted for me! You see, "God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). And: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy..." (Hebrews 4:16).

Let this election time be a heart reminder!

(Answers Update - Volume 15 - Issue 10)

Boys Punished For Refusing to Pray to Allah

2008-07-04T22:59:00.003-04:00

From WorldNetDaily

BRAVE NEW SCHOOLS

Boys punished with detention for refusing to pray to Allah

Parents outraged: 'If Muslims were asked to go to church on Sunday and take Holy Communion there would be war'

Posted: July 04, 2008 6:15pm

Two seventh-grade boys were given detention and their classmates forced to miss their scheduled refreshment break when the pair refused to kneel and pray to Allah during a religious studies class.

Outraged parents called the punishment of the boys for not wanting to take part in the practical demonstration at Alsager High School near Stoke-on-Trent, UK, of how Muslims' worship Allah a breach of their human rights.

"This isn't right, it's taking things too far," parent Sharon Luinen told the London Daily Mail.

"I understand that they have to learn about other religions. I can live with that, but it is taking it a step too far to be punished because they wouldn't join in Muslim prayer. Making them pray to Allah, who isn't who they worship, is wrong and what got me is that they were told they were being disrespectful.

"I don't want this to look as if I have a problem with the school because I am generally very happy with it."

Last month, WND reported Principal Robin Lowe was reassigned after staging a mandatory lesson in Islamic religious beliefs for nearly 900 students at her Houston-area school.

The controversy erupted at Friendswood Junior High when students were diverted from a scheduled physical education class and taken to a special assembly.

In the 40-minute session, representatives of the Houston office of the controversial Council on American-Islamic Relations, an organization critics link to terrorist groups, presented a lesson in the religious beliefs and requirements of Islam.

The CAIR representatives instructed students that Adam, Noah and Jesus are prophets; announced "there is one god, his name is Allah"; taught the five pillars of Islam; told students how to pray five times a day; and gave instruction on Islamic religious requirements for dress.

The assembly had not been authorized by the district, officials confirmed.

In May, officials at a Minnesota charter school, housed in the same building as a mosque, attacked a television news crew investigating whether the publicly funded institution had complied with a state order to stop accommodating Islamic prayers and religious programs.

The investigation followed revelations by a substitute teacher who observed children being forced to participate in Islamic prayers.

In the Alsager School incident, the religion teacher, who was not named, made the class wear Muslim headgear and watch a short film. Afterward, she took prayer mats from her cupboard and said, "we are now going out to pray to Allah," parents claimed.

"I am absolutely furious my daughter was made to take part in it and I don't find it acceptable," said parent Karen Williams.

"Not only was it forced upon them, my daughter was told off for not doing it right. They'd never done it before and they were supposed to do it in another language."

"My child has been forced to pray to Allah in a school lesson," the grandfather of one of the students said. "It's absolutely disgusting, there's no other way of putting it. My daughter and a lot of other mothers are furious about their children being made to kneel on the floor and pray to Islam. If they didn't do it they were given detention.

"I am not racist, I've been friendly with an Indian for 30 years. I've also been to a Muslim wedding where it was explained to me that alcohol would not be served and I respected that. But if Muslims were asked to go to church on Sunday and take Holy Communion there would be war."

Keith Plant, Alsager's deputy headmaster, said with summer break, many of the staff was unavailable and he could not comment fully.

"I think that it is a shame that so many parents have got in touch with the press before coming to me. I have spoken to the teacher and she has articulately given me her version of events, but that is all I can give you at the moment."

Cheshire County Council issued a statement telling parents "inquiries are being made into the circumstances as a matter of urgency.

"Educating children in the beliefs of different faith is part of the diversity curriculum on the basis that knowledge is essential to understanding. We accept that such teaching is to be conducted with some sense of sensitivity."

Revelation of the incident follows this week's pronouncement by the UK's top judge, Lord Chief Justice Lord Phillips, that Islamic sharia law should be used in the UK.

In a speech to an East London mosque, Phillips said, "Those entering into a contractual agreement can agree that the agreement shall be governed by a law other than English law.'

"Those who are in dispute are free to subject it to mediation or to agree that it shall be resolved by a chosen arbitrator. There is no reason why principles of sharia law or any other religious code should not be the basis for mediation or other forms of dispute resolution."

Phillips signaled approval of sharia principles as long as punishments – and divorce rulings – complied with the law of the land.

In February, WND reported Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, chief of the 70-million-strong worldwide Anglican Communion, advocated the establishment of Islamic law in Britain.

Boycott McDonald's

2008-07-04T15:15:00.003-04:00

'Gay' McDonald's prompts boycott
AFA urges millions to shun fast-food giant over its promotion of same-sex marriage

Posted: July 03, 2008 4:29 pm Eastern

© 2008 WorldNetDaily

Following a link from the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce's website leads to a promotional for children's Happy Meals at the McDonalds website

The American Family Association, whose earlier boycott of Ford Motor Co. over its promotion of homosexuality was dropped after company sales fell 8 percent per month for two years, now is asking consumers to stop buying Big Macs and Happy Meals at McDonald's.

In a brief announcement today, AFA, whose constituents number in the millions, said it is "asking its supporters to boycott the restaurant chain."

"This boycott is not about hiring homosexuals, or homosexuals eating at McDonald's or how homosexual employees are treated. It is about McDonald's, as a corporation, choosing to put the full weight of their organization behind promoting the homosexual agenda, including homosexual marriage," said AFA chairman Donald E. Wildmon.

AFA pointed out McDonald's donated $20,000 to the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in exchange for membership in the NGLCC and a seat on the group's board of directors. The NGLCC lobbies Congress on a wide range of issues, including the promotion of same-sex marriage.

AFA had asked the corporation to remove its name and logo from the NGLCC website, where it is listed as a "corporate partner and organization ally." AFA also requested that McDonald's remove the endorsement of NGLCC by Richard Ellis, vice president of communications for McDonald's USA, from the website.

"McDonald's refused both requests," the AFA announcement said. In fact, Pat Harris, global chief diversity officer and vice president of "inclusions & diversity," told AFA the burger-and-fries conglomerate would "reaffirm our position on diversity."

The McDonald's logo is featured on the website of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, among other well-known companies

"Ellis, who is openly homosexual, was given a seat on the NGLCC board of directors. … He was quoted as saying, 'I'm thrilled to join the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and ready to go to work. I share the NGLCC's passion for business growth and development within the LGBT community, and I look forward to playing a role I moving these important initiatives forward,'" AFA said.

The AFA initiative followed an exchange of words between the pro-family organization and the corporation. WND reported then that McDonald's was running an e-mail campaign responding to concerns expressed by AFA to constituents.

The restaurant corporation had told consumers expressing opposition to its pro-homosexual stance that the company treats "all our employees and customers with dignity and respect regardless of their ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or any other differentiating factor."

"We are not telling McDonald’s who they can hire to work for the company, nor are we demanding that they stop serving Big Macs to homosexual customers," AFA said then. "This issue is about the world’s largest fast food chain allying itself and partnering with an organization that lobbies Congress to enact laws that we feel can be used to repress religious freedom or undermine the sanctity of marriage."

McDonald's noted, "While one McDonald's employee is affiliated with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), McDonald's is in no way 'aggressively promoting the homosexual agenda' as suggested in the newsletter."

But AFA said, "To refer to Richard Ellis, who is the vice president of communications for McDonald's, as 'one McDonald’s employee,' as if he is a teenager flipping hamburgers, is disingenuous at best. While 'aggressively' is admittedly a subjective term, AFA believes that giving money to and partnering with a homosexual lobby organization is certainly an enthusiastic promotion of the homosexual agenda."

AFA asked the corporation for honesty in its communications and called its verbal maneuvers "disingenuous."

"As a Christian organization, the American Family Association always seeks to be honest, accurate and completely forthright in the information we pass along to our supporters," AFA said. "We expect corporations in this country, especially those that position themselves as 'family friendly' businesses, to do the same."

McDonald's officials declined to return a WND call seeking comment on the placement of its executive on the "gay" advocacy organization. But the corporation sent a subsequent e-mail confirming its support for the agenda of the homosexual business lobby.

"McDonald's is indeed a Corporate Partner and Organizational Ally of NGLCC. Our vice president of U.S. communications, Richard Ellis, was recently elected to its board of directors," said the brief statement to WND from Heidi M. Barker, senior director of media relations.

A spokeswoman for NGLCC refused to speak with WND except on "background" when asked about McDonald's financial contribution to the group. But she did confirm the organization would not release information on its sponsors.

As WND reported, after joining the NGLCC, Wal-Mart's income later started declining as Christian organizations reacted to the news.

CNN reported Wal-Mart officials later decided to pursue a lower level of homosexual promotions.

"We are not currently planning corporate-level contributions to LGBT groups," Mona Williams, the company's senior vice president of corporate communications, told CNN only months after the issue arose.

WND also reported AFA's suspension of its two-year boycott of Ford after the auto giant met the conditions of an original agreement with the pro-family group.

Wildmon said the original agreement between AFA and Ford contained four items:

Ford would not renew current promotions or create future incentives that give cash donations to homosexual organizations based on the purchase of a vehicle.
Ford would not make corporate donations to homosexual organizations that, as part of their activities, engage in political or social campaigns to promote civil unions or same-sex marriage.
Ford would stop giving cash and vehicle donations or endorsements to homosexual social activities such as 'gay'-pride parades.
Ford would cease all advertising on homosexual websites and through homosexual media outlets (magazines, television, radio) in the U.S. with the exception of $100,000 to be used by Volvo. The Volvo ads would be the same ads used in the general media and not aimed at the homosexual community specifically.

According to AFA, during the 24 months the boycott was in effect, Ford sales dropped an average of 8 percent per month. The organization said its boycott was not entirely responsible for the drop in sales but played a very significant role. A total of 780,365 individuals had signed AFA's Boycott Ford petition

America's Sovereignty

2008-07-03T14:41:00.004-04:00

I am not particularly patriotic. There are a great many problems with our government (too many to expound on here), and I believe my allegiance is to Christ, not country. However, recently I've been noticing moves toward globalization and the end of national sovereignty. These things seem to surface especially around the patriotic holidays, such as Flag Day and Independence Day.

This concerns me. Although I know that the Bible fortells a coming One World Government, I will never support such a thing. For this reason my family and I will be flying the Flag this Fourth of July for the first time.

Consider the date on this advertisement I received from eBay recently, just one of many similar I have been noticing:

UK for 5¢ - reach millions more buyers

July 1-4 only

For eligibility choose Int'l Site Visibility listing upgrade
Reach millions more UK shoppers looking for deals
No more double listing. Available in most categories

AMERICA BLESS GOD

Weigh In

2008-06-25T20:08:00.001-04:00

Costly Ransom

2008-06-20T13:13:00.003-04:00

This alone should have been enough to convince Luther and the other reformers:

Psalm 49
5 Why should I fear in the days of evil,
When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?
6 Those who trust in their wealth
And boast in the multitude of their riches,
7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother,
Nor give to God a ransom for him
8 For the redemption of their souls is costly,
And it shall cease forever
9 That he should continue to live eternally,
And not see the Pit.

Hollywood's War on God

2008-05-19T23:46:00.001-04:00

Part 1 of 16

Click here for complete playlist.

"The Da Vinci Con: Hollywood's War on God," is a mind-blowing, eye-popping documentary that reveals how satanic forces are using Hollywood's most memorable movies and most popular actors to propagate an ancient lie in fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

earn how these movies are initiating the masses into a Gnostic worldview that will culminate in a "strong delusion" as the world joins Satan & the final Antichrist in their war on God

Psalm 17

2008-04-02T16:04:00.003-04:00

A Prayer of David.

Hear a just cause, O LORD,
Attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
Let my vindication come from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.

You have tested my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and have found nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Concerning the works of men,
By the word of Your lips,
I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.
Uphold my steps in Your paths,
That my footsteps may not slip.

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
From the wicked who oppress me,
From my deadly enemies who surround me.

They have closed up their fat hearts;
With their mouths they speak proudly.
They have now surrounded us in our steps;
They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,
As a lion is eager to tear his prey,
And like a young lion lurking in secret places.

Arise, O LORD,
Confront him, cast him down;
Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,
With Your hand from men, O LORD,
From men of the world who have their portion in this life,
And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure.
They are satisfied with children,
And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

(Emphasis added)

Murder Capital of America

2008-03-21T18:59:00.000-04:00

Murder Capital of America

From Ray Comfort's Blog

I was called to jury duty in Compton, California, the city that has been called "the murder capital of America." As I sat with 44 other people in the jury selection process, the judge asked the prospective jurors in the jury box if they would give as much credence to the testimony of a gang member as they would to the testimony of an officer of the law. I looked across at the two gang members who were on trial for the murder of an Hispanic “human being,” as the judge had put it. They looked nice enough, in their plush suits and ties. I imagined them in their baggies, with their long socks and hats to the side, holding their guns the way gangs do.

The judge also asked the prospective jurors if they would be prejudice against anyone who pleaded the Fifth Amendment, and didn’t testify on their own behalf.

The next day I was called to the jury box. When it came to my turn, I gave my name, and then my marital status. I said, “I am married to my wife.” That got a laugh all around, even from the judge. Then I gave my occupation and told him that I would like a “side bar.”

As we stood in the hallway outside his office, two lawyers and the court typist joined us. When the door was closed, he looked at me and said, “Okay . . .”

I said, “Your honor, yesterday you asked if I could give as much credence to the testimony of a gang member as they would to the testimony of an officer of the law. I definitely would not. An officer of the law is sworn to uphold the law, but when someone joins a gang, they submit to a creed that is one of lawlessness--of lying, stealing and killing. You are asking me to give credence to someone I liken to the Mafia, the KKK or someone who is in the Nazi party.

“I am horrified that every time I turn on the television, I see some poor mother crying because gangs have murdered her child, and they are doing it in the thousands. I am a preacher, and think that all gang members should be lined up against a wall, and I be allowed to preach to them. I know what’s wrong. They don’t fear God, because they have deadened their consciences. I know how to resurrect the conscience. That’s what I do. I teach Christians how to speak to the conscience. I turn down more than 500 invitations a year to speak around the country. They offer big money, but if you would cut through the red tape and get me into the prison system and let me preach to the gangs, I would do it free of charge. Instead of sentencing me to seven days on a jury, sentence me to seven weeks preaching to gangs, and if I have the help of the finger of God, you would see a big change.” My voice trembled with nervousness, as I shared these thoughts.

The judge became thoughtful. He said, “I don’t have the authority to do this. I wish I did.” Both he and the lawyers were very sympathetic and made some suggestions on how it could happen, but there was nothing concrete. I passed the judge my card and said, “Well, contact me if you have a dream in the night.” He said that he would.

I added, “And by the way, you asked about my attitude towards a murder defendant who pleaded the Fifth. I would be very suspicious that he was hiding something. If I was on trial for a murder that I didn’t commit, I would definitely want to take the stand. I would want to face the jurors, let them see my eyes and hear my voice. I would plead directly, not through a lawyer.” One of the lawyers said, “That’s because you would never murder anyone.” I agreed with him. The judge thanked me for being honest, and dismissed me from the jury pool.

May God give him a dream.

-Ray Comfort

Planned Parenthood: Wanting fewer blacks 'understandable'

2008-02-28T12:44:00.001-05:00

Abortion provider says 'yes' when 'donor' wants to reduce minorities
By Bob Unruh

From WorldNetDaily

A student-run magazine at UCLA has revealed an undercover investigation in which representatives of Planned Parenthood, the nation's abortion industry leader, admitted willingness to accepting a financial donation targeting the destruction of an unborn black baby.

Lila Rose, who edits The Advocate, previously revealed how Planned Parenthood officials expressed a willingness to conceal statutory rape, an investigative piece that earned her an appearance on The O'Reilly Factor.

Now she's told WND she hopes the taped responses of Planned Parenthood officials in seven states reveal to her local UCLA community and the nation at large the racist leanings of the organization.

WND calls to Planned Parenthood of Idaho, which was featured in The Advocate report, requesting a comment were not returned.

"Students on campus are shocked and saddened that such a huge organization would have racist leanings in the present day," she told WND. "They are surprised to hear the truth about [Planned Parenthood founder] Margaret Sanger, and how the African-American community is being hurt by abortion.

"There's a lot of surprise out there. Planned Parenthood does an excellent job of covering up the facts," she said.

Sanger supported eugenics to cull those she considered unfit from the population. In 1921, she said eugenics is "the most adequate and thorough avenue to the solution of racial, political and social problems."

At one point, she lamented "the ever increasing, unceasingly spawning class of human beings who never should have been born at all." Another time, Sanger wrote, "We do not want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population."

According to Bryan Fisher, executive director of Idaho Values Alliance, Planned Parenthood, which gets an estimated $200 million annually from U.S. taxpayers, has located nearly 80 percent of its clinics nationwide in minority neighborhoods, and about one-third of all abortions are performed on blacks, even though they make up only 13 percent of the population.

Nationwide, almost half of all black pregnancies end in abortion, officials said.

"It turns out that blatant racism is alive and well in Idaho, but it's not coming from the Aryan Nation types it's coming from way-left organizations like Idaho's own Planned Parenthood," Fischer said. "If Idaho is in fact a haven for white racism, it turns out that Planned Parenthood and not Richard Butler is to blame."

Richard Butler, who died in 2004, was a notorious white supremacist who founded Aryan Nations in northern Idaho. He lost a 20-acre compound in 2000 when a $6.3 million civil judgment against his group led to a bankruptcy.

"Idaho didn't have room for Richard Butler and shouldn't have room for Planned Parenthood," Fischer said.

The Advocate released a transcript of a conversation between an actor presuming to be a racist and wanting to make a donation, and a woman identified as Autumn Kersey, vice president of marketing for Planned Parenthood of Idaho.

Actor: I want to specify that abortion to help a minority group, would that be possible?
Planned Parenthood: Absolutely.
Actor: Like the black community for example?
Planned Parenthood: Certainly.
Actor: The abortion I can give money specifically for a black baby, that would be the purpose?
Planned Parenthood: Absolutely. If you wanted to designate that your gift be used to help an African-American woman in need, then we would certainly make sure that the gift was earmarked for that purpose.
Actor: Great, because I really faced trouble with affirmative action, and I don't want my kids to be disadvantaged against black kids. I just had a baby; I want to put it in his name.
Planned Parenthood: Yes, absolutely.
Actor: And we don't, you know we just think, the less black kids out there the better.
Planned Parenthood: (Laughs) Understandable, understandable.
Actor: Right. I want to protect my son, so he can get into college.
Planned Parenthood: All right. Excuse my hesitation, this is the first time I've had a donor call and make this kind of request, so I'm excited, and want to make sure I don't leave anything out.

The investigation included calls to Planned Parenthood in Idaho and half a dozen other states

"I think Idahoans are going to be horrified and shocked at the blatant racism and bigotry exhibited by our local Planned Parenthood affiliate," said Fischer. "I just cannot imagine they're going to stand for that."

He said the timing of the release of the information was intriguing, because the Idaho Legislature is scheduled this week to have its first public hearing on a bill written to prevent Idaho women from being forced into having abortions they do not want.

Lila Rose said students at UCLA now have begun a petition to request the school cut its affiliations with Planned Parenthood.

She said the actor specifically asked about lowering "the number of black people," and each PP branch called agreed to process the racially earmarked donation.

"None expressed concern about the racist reasoning for the donation," The Advocate said.

The Advocate said an Ohio representative, identified as Lisa Hutton, listens to the racist reasoning, but confirmed Planned Parenthood "will accept the money for whatever reason."

Rose said her UCLA campaign has been endorsed by Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King, who said she supports "the student campaign to get UCLA to cease its programs with Planned Parenthood."

Another Planned Parenthood branch, in Kansas, is facing 107 misdemeanor and felonies charges for allegedly violating Kansas abortion law.

WND reported Rose earlier posed as a 15-year-old seeking an abortion at a Planned Parenthood center in Santa Monica, Calif. She was equipped with a hidden camera when she met with an employee to discuss her options.

When Rose revealed she was 15 and her boyfriend was 23 the employee informed her Planned Parenthood was legally required to report the statutory rape, a transcript of the conversation shows.

The Planned Parenthood representative then suggested she could say she was 16, and avoid complications. "Well, just figure out a birth date that works. And I don't know anything," the rep said.

The Texas-based pro-life group Life Dynamics earlier conducted an extensive undercover project in which an adult volunteer posing as a 13-year-old called every Planned Parenthood clinic in the U.S., saying she was pregnant by a 22-year-old boyfriend. Almost without exception, the clinics advised her to obtain an abortion without her parents' knowledge and told her how to protect her boyfriend, who would be guilty in any state of statutory rape.

'Miracle' baby arrives after abortion recommended

2008-02-28T12:38:00.004-05:00

Review ordered after unborn incorrectly diagnosed as blind, deaf

From WorldNetDaily

An urgent review has been ordered into hospital procedures after an unborn baby diagnosed with rhomboencephalosynapsis, a rare and serious brain disease, was born without handicap to parents who now call him their "miracle."

The case developed in the Fetal Medicine Unit at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where doctors first thought the baby known as Brandon Kramer, and who now is teething and trying to talk, had Down's Syndrome, according to a new report in the Daily Mail in the United Kingdom.

They later diagnosed the more rare brain condition after they determined he suffered from a swollen head and hydrocephalus while in the womb. They said tests showed his condition worsening, and they recommended to the parents that he be aborted.

The newspaper cited medical notes written by pediatric neurologist Dr. Cathy White shortly before Brandon's birth:

"Rhomboencephalosynapsis is an extraordinarily rare congenital abnormality and this, therefore, makes it very difficult to predict the long-term outcome for this baby," she wrote.

"I have explained to them [the parents] that children with this condition are likely to be profoundly handicapped with severe physical and learning disabilities and will be totally dependent for the whole of their life," she continued. "They often need the level of care given to babies for the whole of their lives."

Brandon's mother, Becky Weatherall, and father, Kriss Kramer, were offered "termination" because of the diagnosis and doctors' expectations he would be born deaf and blind and would survive no more than a few hours.

The report said, however, Brandon was born naturally and quickly given a clean bill of health after being examined by a team of specialists.

The parents say they are publicizing their situation to let people know.

"Perhaps doctors shouldn't put so much confidence in scans," Weatherall told the newspaper. "One of the older doctors we spoke to said a scan is like a fuzzy image of a snowstorm it cannot be relied upon and he turned out to be right."

The British Pediatric Neurology Association confirmed MRI scans are a new development, and "the problem is that it's hard to go from what the brain looks like to how it's going to work."

Officials at Cardiff told the newspaper they couldn't comment on individual cases because of confidentiality issues, but "ultrasound is not 100 percent accurate."

"I feel incredibly guilty thinking that I could have killed him and then I find myself wondering how many other babies are killed who would have turned out to be completely health," Weatherall said. "Just two weeks before he was born scans showed that his head was so swollen it was off the scale for normal babies but when he had an MRI scan on Christmas Eve it was confirmed he was completely healthy.

"We had prepared to spend Christmas without him we thought we'd be planning a funeral. Instead, it was the best Christmas present ever and now we're having a christening."

On the newspaper's forum, Sarah noted that scans are a "doubled edged sword" because they sometimes are inaccurate.

"Congratulations and well done for publicizing the story so other parents are made aware of these kinds of mistakes," added Cathy.

Officials said their investigation will focus on whether the diagnosis was incorrect, or whether the baby had some abnormalities, but then recovered.

Joel Osteen

2008-02-19T14:25:00.000-05:00

From The Berean Call

[TBC: Joel Osteen was interviewed on FOX News Sunday With Chris Wallace, and made the following remarks as to whether Mormons were true Christians.]

WALLACE: And what about Mitt Romney? And I’ve got to ask you the question, because it is a question whether it should be or not in this campaign, is a Mormon a true Christian?

OSTEEN: Well, in my mind they are. Mitt Romney has said that he believes in Christ as his savior, and that's what I believe, so, you know, I'm not the one to judge the little details of it. So I believe they are.

And so, you know, Mitt Romney seems like a man of character and integrity to me, and I don't think he would — anything would stop me from voting for him if that's what I felt like.

WALLACE: So, for instance, when people start talking about Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, and the golden tablets in upstate New York, and God assumes the shape of a man, do you not get hung up in those theological issues?

OSTEEN: I probably don’t get hung up in them because I haven’t really studied them or thought about them. And you know, I just try to let God be the judge of that. I mean, I don’t know.

I certainly can’t say that I agree with everything that I’ve heard about it, but from what I’ve heard from Mitt, when he says that Christ is his savior, to me that’s a common bond.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318054,00.html

Another Christian Group Targeted in Gaza

2008-02-18T17:44:00.000-05:00

From The Berean Call

Another Christian/Western Target Attacked in Gaza

At least ten armed men blew up a YMCA library in the Gaza Strip, destroying thousands of books early Friday. This appears to be the latest attack by Muslim fundamentalists against either Christian or Western targets.

An estimated 10,000 books, some of them very old, were destroyed when an explosive device was placed in the Young Men Christian Association's library in Gaza City before dawn on Friday, said Isa Saba, director of the YMCA there.

The Palestinian news agency Maan said that more than 10 armed men had broken into the library after midnight, overpowered the guards and abducted them. The gunmen then returned to blow up the library, the report said.

Over the last few years, a number of Christian and Western interest have been attacked in Gaza, including the local Bible Society, a church and Internet cafes.

Saba told Cybercast News Service in a telephone interview he did not know who was behind the attack but he did not believe it had anything to do with the fact that the YMCA is Christian. He said the organization has never been threatened or attacked before this.

The YMCA has been serving Gaza's Palestinian and Arab society for 55 years. It has an art school, a library, summer camps and youth exchanges, which benefit both the Christian and Muslim communities, Saba said.

There are an estimated 3, 500 Christians living amid 1.4 million Muslims in the Gaza Strip.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=/ForeignBureaus/archive/200802/INT20080215d.html

Bishop warns of no-go zones for non-Muslims [Excerpts]

2008-02-18T12:26:00.000-05:00

From The Berean Call

Islamic extremists have created "no-go" areas across Britain where it is too dangerous for non-Muslims to enter, one of the Church of England's most senior bishops warns today.

The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, the Bishop of Rochester and the Church's only Asian bishop, says that people of a different race or faith face physical attack if they live or work in communities dominated by a strict Muslim ideology.

Bishop Nazir-Ali warns that attempts are being made to give Britain an increasingly Islamic character.

The Muslim Council of Britain today described his comments as "frantic scaremongering", while William Hague, the shadow foreign secretary, said the bishop had "probably put it too strongly."

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said the idea of no-go areas was "a gross caricature of reality".

Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Bishop Nazir-Ali compares the threat to the use of intimidation by the far-Right, and says that it is becoming increasingly difficult for Christianity to be the nation's public religion in a multifaith, multicultural society.

Bishop Nazir-Ali, who was born in Pakistan, gives warning that attempts are being made to give Britain an increasingly Islamic character by introducing the call to prayer and wider use of sharia law, a legal system based on the Koran.

David Davis, the shadow home secretary, has accused Muslims of promoting a kind of "voluntary apartheid" by shutting themselves in closed societies and demanding immunity from criticism.

Bishop Nazir-Ali, whose father converted from Islam to Catholicism, was criticised by Ibrahim Mogra, of the Muslim Council of Britain. He said: "It's irresponsible for a man of his position to make these comments.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=BDZVD2NMKCW0LQFIQMGCFFOAVCBQUIV0?xml=/news/2008/01/06/nislam106.xml

[Unfortunately, as we have learned from the experience of other nations, the Bishop's statements simply reflect reality. The "no go" areas of France received attention during the Islamic riots of a few years ago. At the same time Scandinavian nations acknowledged the same problems.]

Ten Plagues

2008-02-15T19:07:00.003-05:00

The Ten Plagues of Egypt:
Yahweh vs. the 'Gods'

Plague 1. Nile River (Exodus 7:14-25):

Aaron stretched out his staff over the Nile River and it was changed to blood. Hapi was the god of the Nile. He was supposedly the spirit of the Nile in flood and "giver of life to all men." The annual innundation (when the Nile was in flood stage) was called "the arrival of Hapi".

The Nile water was thought to be the transformed life-blood of Osiris (god of the dead who was second only to Ra; he was also the father of Horus and husband of Isis). The fact that the Nile turned to blood, which was abominable to Egyptians, was a direct affront to one of their chief gods.

The fish-goddess was Hatmeyt, yet she was shown to be powerless when all the fish in the Nile River died.

To illustrate the fact that the plagues of the Exodus were directed against the gods of Egypt, we note some Egyptian prayers to those gods. (The reference to "Nine Gods" apparently did not include pharaoh. It may be of interest that there were just nine plagues before Yahweh killed the sons of pharaoh.)

Praise to thee, 0 Nile, that issueth from the earth and cometh to nourish Egypt . . . That watereth the meadows, he that Ra hath created to nourish all cattle. That giveth drink to the desert places, which are far from water . . . When the Nile floodeth, offering is made to thee, cattle are slaughtered for thee, a great oblation is made for thee . . . Offering is also made to every other god, even as is done for the Nile, with incense, oxen, cattle, and birds upon the flame . . . All ye men, extol the Nine Gods, and stand in awe of the might which his son, the Lord of All, hath displayed, even he that maketh green the Two Riverbanks. Thou art verdant, 0 Nile, thou art verdant. He that maketh man to live on this cattle, and his cattle on the meadow . . ." (Adolph Erman, The Ancient Egyptians, 1966, p. 146.)

The Nile flooded every year, making the land fertile. If the Nile did not flood enough there was famine; if it flooded too much there was famine. The Nile was, indeed, the lifeblood of Egypt, and thus it became one of their gods. Heathen gods often have some connection with the economics of daily life, but especially in the case of the sun.

Plague 2. Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15):

The land was so filled with frogs that they became objects of loathing. Heqt, the frog-headed goddess, played a part in "creation." Hers was one of the oldest fertility cults in Egypt. Though she was the goddes of frogs and fertility, she too was discredited when she failed to control the fertility of a these frogs. Because of this plague they became a stench to the Egyptians.

Plague 3. Lice (Exodus 8:16-19):

The land of Egypt was supposed to be sacred to nearly all of the Egyptian gods. But when it was defiled by lice it revealed their weakness to protect it. Crops and animals were also affected, reducing the food supply. In addition to being the god of the dead, Osiris was the god of vegetation.

The Egyptian magicians, unable to duplicate this plague, attribute it to "the finger of God" (Exodus 8:19), and they withdrew.

Plague 4. Flies, or Beetles ("insects" -- Exodus 20 - 32):

Although it is not clear which insect the Hebrew word arob refers to (it can be literally translated as swarms), this plague may have been against the beetle-god Khephira, a scarab-headed god regarded as a manifestation of Atum or Ra. Khephira was supposed to be god of the resurrection. Priests wore scarabs as charms.

Plague 5. Disease Upon Cattle (Murrain or Anthrax) (Exodus 9:1-7):

This judgment against the bull god, Apis. It was also against Hathor, the cow-headed love goddess. The pharaoh worshipped Hathor, whose name means "house of Horus," bringing special reproach against him when she failed to protect the "sacred cattle of Hathor."

Other gods associated with cattle were Ptah and Amon.

Great cemeteries of embalmed cattle have been excavated. The symbol of the bull was the symbol of pharaoh himself. In the "Hymn to Amun," it is difficult to distinguish the Pharaoh from the bull. The title is: "Adoration of Amunre (Amun-Ra), Bull of Heliopolus, chiefest of all gods, the good god, the beloved, who giveth life to all that is warm, and to every good herd."

Praise be to thee, Amunre, Lord of Karnak, who presideth in Thebes. Bull of his Mother, the first on his field! Wide of stride, first in Upper Egypt. . . . Greatest of heaven, eldest of earth, lord of what existeth, who abideth in all things. Unique in his nature among the gods, goodly bull of the Nine Gods, chiefest of all gods. Lord of Truth, father of the gods, who maketh mankind, and createth beast. (Erman, p. 283.)

Plague 6. Boils (Exodus 9:8-12):

This plague was especially against the god of healing, Im-Hotep, an outstanding nobleman of the Old Kingdom, later deified. But he could do nothing to help the Egyptians. The goddess Sekhmet was also known for her healing ability. This plague also affected animals and livestock, once again discrediting Anis and Hathor. Also Anubis, the jackal-headed god.

Plague 7. Hail (Exodus 9:13-15):

The sky goddess Nut was "the mother of the sun-god Ra, whom she swallowed in the evening and gave birth to again in the morning". She was especially culpable in this plague in that she was supposed to protect the land from destructions which came down from heaven. Exodus 9:31 mentions that the flax and barley were hit. Destruction of the flax was trying because it was used to wrap mummies and to make clothes.

Other gods discredited were, again, Apis and Hathor (the hail struck lifestock), and Osiris, god of vegetation.

Plague 8. Grasshoppers, or Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20):

The locust-headed god was Senehem. During the plague, the locusts were so thick that the "eye of the earth" was darkened (Exodus 10:5). One of the epithets of the sun-god Ra was "the eye of Ra." By causing darkness while the sun was shining, Ra was discredited. Osiris, too, was once again shown to be powerless.

Plague 9. Darkness (Exodus 10:21-27):

The greatest god of Egypt was the sun. The sun-god Amun-Ra was the principle deity of the pantheon. He made all growth possible. Pharaoh was considered himself to be the incarnation of Ra. With three days of darkness, the principle deity was scorned, while the Hebrews in Goshen were not affected by this plague. One of many hymns to the sun may help us feel their devotion to this deity:

Beautiful is thine appearing in the horizon of heaven, thou living sun, the first who lived. Thou risest in the eastern horizon, and fillest every land with thy beauty. Thou art beautiful and great, and glistenest, and art high above every land. Thy rays, they encompass the lands, so far as all that thou hast created. Thou art Ra, and thou reachest unto their end and subduest them for thy dear son [the Pharaoh]. Thou art afar, yet are thy rays upon the earth . . . etc., ad nauseum. (Erman, p. 289.)

Horus, son of Osirus, was also associated with the sun.

Plague 10. Pharaoh (Exodus 11-12):

The last plague was not only directly against the supreme god of Egypt, Pharaoh himself supposedly being the incarnation of Amun-Ra, but also against the future pharaoh, his son, the very next god of Egypt. He was to die on the same level as animals (not as a god), for the prophecy was that the firstborn of man and cattle would die.

Hymns of worship to many pharaohs have been found. Here is one to Rameses II:

The good god, the strong one, whom men praise, the lord, in whom men make their boast; who protecteth his soldiers, who maketh his boundaries on earth as he will. . . . (Erman, p. 258.)

Concerning the divinity of the pharaohs, William Edgerton notes:

As for the organization and powers of the government, everyone knows that the Pharaoh was an absolute monarch and that his authority rested theoretically on his supposed divinity. He is constantly called"the good god." One of his most frequent titles designates him as the son of the sun-god Ra, and we know that his claim of divine parentage was not a mere figure of speech; it was meant to be taken literally. Theoretically, of course, the Pharaoh's right-to-rule rested on his divinity. He was begotten by the sun-god Amon-Ra, who took the form of the previous king for this purpose, and Amon-Ra with the enthusiastic approval of the other gods placed him on the throne and decreed a long and brilliant reign for him. No doubt those theological fictions helped to strengthen the Pharaoh's position. But the really solid basis of his power was his control of the machinery of government, including the army and police. (Edgerton, Journal of Near Eastern Studies: 6, 1967, pp. 153-4.)

A great majority of the historical monuments were intended as official propaganda with the purpose of transmitting to posterity a "correct" impression of the glory and power of the pharaohs. Crises of revolution and that type of inner strife so common in the Orient, as well as military defeats in foreign wars, were either passed over completely or were interpreted so that the monuments conveyed impressions much distorted and unduly colored to the credit of the Egyptians. (Steindorff and Seele, When Egypt Ruled the East, p. 6, our emphasis.)

So, since the judgment was for both man and animals, Pharoah/Ra, and all of the animal-gods were once again exposed as completely and utterly helpless in the shadow of Yahweh. Only those who put the blood of a lamb on their doorposts were safe that night.

By Kristina Y. (some portions taken from internet sources)

666 raises its ugly head in British House of Commons [Excerpts]

2008-01-18T11:25:00.000-05:00

From The Berean Call

Whether or not you are a student of prophecy, a conspiracy theorist, or dabble in the art of biblical numerology, you may find interesting or disturbing the fact that a motion calling for the disestablishment of the Church of England has been listed in the British House of Commons as 666 -- the Number of the Beast.

According to Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent of The Times, Labour Member of Parliament (MP) John Austin, who has repeatedly tabled Early Day Motions urging disestablishment, put down his latest motion last night as MPs debated scrapping Britain's blasphemy laws.

The British Houses of Parliament building in London.

The motion appeared on the House of Commons order paper numbered 666, the number associated with the Antichrist in the Book of Revelation. Some scholars believe 666 referred to the Emperor Nero, Gledhill reported.

The King James Bible renders Revelation 13:8 as: "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."

Bob Russell, Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester and one of the signatories, said: “It is incredible that a motion like this should have, by chance, acquired this significant number. This number is supposed to be the mark of the Devil. It looks as though God or the Devil have been moving in mysterious ways."

Russell added: “What is even stranger is that this motion was tabled last night when MPs were debating blasphemy.”

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08010088.htm

What Are the Elements of Man?

2008-01-13T17:46:00.003-05:00

By Kristina Y.

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Thessalonians 5:23

The question of how many elements there are to man has been an important factor in every culture, religion, and people group over the centuries. It ranges from one (the physical body) to five or more. The most common belief, however, is that we consist of two parts: the physical body, and another non-physical element known as the spirit, soul, or mind; this is the seat of our thoughts, feelings, imagination, affections, etc.

Now, I must admit, I did not know just how common the dualistic (two-parts) belief was in Christendom until about a year and a half ago. I was listening to a Christian radio program and the subject of how to define the trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) came up. The host was giving various analogies, and some people called in to give their opinion. One of the people calling in suggested that we use man (meaning the human being) as an example. He said that man is made up of body, soul, and spirit, and yet is one man. I was expecting the host to agree with this, but instead he quickly brushed the idea aside saying matter-of-factly that man is not a trinity, so therefore you cannot use man to describe the Holy Trinity. This surprised me to say the least. Up until then I had always assumed that most Christians (especially fundamental) believed in a triune human nature, and it was only those with humanistic, naturalistic beliefs who would deny a second non-physical element. No honest person can get around the fact that thoughts and feelings are non-physical, but that's about as far as most unbelievers will go.

So, that is what prompted me to start researching the subject of man's elemental nature. The first thing that came to mind was the familiar phrase found in both Testaments, "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength." For some, this alone would be enough to prove that man is more than two parts. Here it lists four distinct attributes we are to use to focus on God. However, after further investigation, I found the argument against that to be rather strong. Those on the dualistic side say that it was only meant for emphasis. Even though each word has a different meaning both in English and the original Greek or Hebrew, it isn't enough to convince those who hold strongly to the dualistic approach.

However, that isn't the only Scriptural support for a triune nature. There are many passages that don't even mention the soul or spirit which demonstrate how man must consist of more than two parts. For example, John 13:3-11:

"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, 'Lord, are You washing my feet? Jesus answered and said to him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.' Peter said to Him, 'You shall never wash my feet!' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.' Simon Peter said to Him, 'Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!' Jesus said to him, 'He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.' For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, 'You are not all clean.'"

The obvious question now is, what part of the human nature does this feet washing apply to? Christ Himself said that once you are bathed you are completely clean, except for your feet. Bathing here must refer to salvation, being cleansed from one's sins. It is quite frankly absurd to think that Christ is speaking of literal, physical feet. Therefore, if you believe that man is a dual nature, it must be concluded that it is your spirit (which has become a new creation and is covered by the blood of Christ) which has become dirty and in need of cleansing, even though this is a direct contradiction of what Jesus said in the text. Your "hands and head" are already clean, and will always be clean. It is just the this one part of you, the metaphorical feet, which needs washing. What could it be?

Here is another passage which may put things into perspective. Romans 12:1-2:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Here Paul is asking his "brethren" (fellow Christians) to "present your bodies a living sacrifice.," and to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." What then is our mind? If it is our redeemed spirit, why does it need to be renewed? It sounds like this "renewing of the mind" is the same thing Christ was demonstrating in the washing of the feet. There is some part of us which is touched, non-physically, by the world and needs to be washed or renewed.

Yet another passage from a Pauline epistle shows us a battle between two non-physical human elements. Romans 7:14-25:

"For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

"I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

"So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin."

Are we to believe that Paul was being held captive to his physical body? It is your stomach which hungers, but it is your hand which picks up the food and puts it in your mouth.

What does the hand care if your stomach is hungry or not? Or what physical need does the body have for a fancy car, big house, or fine clothes. Is it not our ego, our self (which we are to deny daily) which desires these things? It appears to me that there must be two sides to our non-physical nature, which are constantly warring with one another for control over our physical body.

Here is a commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:23 from the Scofield Study Bible, written in 1909:

Man a trinity. That the human soul and spirit are not identical is proved by the facts that they are divisible (Heb. 4:12), and that soul and spirit are sharply distinguished in the burial and resurrection of the body. It is sown a natural body (soma psuchikon = "soul-body"), it is raised a spiritual body (soma pneumatikon), 1 Cor. 15:44. To assert, therefore, that there is no difference between soul and spirit is to assert that there is no difference between the mortal body and the resurrection body. In Scripture use, the distinction between spirit and soul may be traced. Briefly, that distinction is that the spirit is that part of man which "knows" (1 Cor. 2:11), his mind; the soul is the seat of affections, desires, and so of the emotions, and of the active will, the self. "My soul is exceeding sorrowful" (Mt. 26:38; see also Mt. 11:29; and John 12:27). The word translated "soul" in the O.T. (nephesh) is the exact equivalent of the N.T. word for soul (Gr. psuche), and the use of "soul" in the O.T. is identical with the use of that word in the N.T. (see Deut. 6:4; 14:26; 1 Sam. 18:1; 20:4,17; Job 7:11, 15; 14:22; Psa. 42.6; 84:2). The N.T. word for spirit (pneuma), like the O.T. ruach, is trans. "air," "breath," "wind," but predominantly "spirit," whether of God (e.g. Gen 1:2; Mt. 3:16) or man (Gen 41:8; 1 Cor. 5:5). Because man is "spirit" he is capable of God-consciousness, and of communication with God (Job 32:8; Psa. 18:28; Prov. 10:27); because he is "soul" he has self-consciousness (Psa. 13:2; 42:5, 6, 11); because he is "body" he has, through his senses, world-consciousness. See Gen 1:26, note.

-C.I. Scofield, The Old Scofield Study Bible, 1909

Now, here is the passage being commented on, 1 Thessalonians 5:23:

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit^G4151 and soul^G5590 and body^G4983 be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Here are the definitions of the Greek words highlighted, taken directly from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance:

G4151 - pneuma:

pnyoo'-mah

From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy spirit:—ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare G5590.

G5590 - psuche:

psoo-khay'

From G5594; breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew [H5315], [H7307] and [H2416]:—heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you.

G4983 - soma:

so'-mah

From G4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:—bodily, body, slave.

One would think that all of this would be sufficient evidence for a triune nature to man. However, that is not the case for some. As with many issues within Christendom, no matter how much evidence one presents, straight from Scripture, there will always be those who deny it.

Another argument the dualistic side gives is that there is no evidence in the creation story of God giving man three natures. I beg to differ. Here are two passages out of the creation story which refer to both animals and humans, and the elements God created in them.

Genesis 1:24:

" And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living^H2416 creature^H5315 after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast^H2416 of the earth after his kind: and it was so."

Genesis 2:7:

"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed^H5301 into his nostrils the breath^H5397 of life^H2416; and man became a living^H2416 soul^H5315."

Here are the definitions of the Hebrew words highlighted, taken directly from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance:

H2416 - chay:

khah'ee

From H2421; alive; hence raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively:— + age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life (-time), live (-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, + merry, multitude, + (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.

H5301 - naphach:

naw-fakh'

A primitive root; to puff, in various applications (literally, to inflate, blow hard, scatter, kindle, expire; figuratively, to disesteem):—blow, breath, give up, cause to lose [life], seething, snuff.

H5315 - nephesh:

neh'-fesh

From H5314; properly a breathing creature, that is, animal or (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental):—any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X dead (-ly), desire, X [dis-] contented, X fish, ghost, + greedy, he, heart (-y), (hath, X jeopardy of) life (X in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortality, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, + slay, soul, + tablet, they, thing, (X she) will, X would have it.

H5397 - n^eshamah:

nesh-aw-maw'

From H5395; a puff, that is, wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect or (concretely) an animal:—blast, (that) breath (-eth), inspiration, soul, spirit.

You should be able to tell from the passage and definitions above that both man and the animals held two things in common upon creation: A body, "chay" (H2416), and a soul "nephesh" (H5315).

However, there is one thing God gave Adam which He did not give the animals: The breath (spirit) of life, "neshamah" (H5397). God breathed, "naphach" (H5301), something different and special into Adam.

So, according to Genesis 1 and 2, the animals have a body and a soul. But man has a body, soul, and spirit.

Thank you for reading this. I feel I have made my case to the best of my ability. Ultimately you must look at the evidence for yourself and decided what you believe. Obviously, this is a non-essential doctrine, and your view on this does not affect your salvation or status in the body of Christ. So, I will just leave you with a few more passages of Scripture to think about, and a simple illustration of how I believe man's trinity could be different from God's trinity. I encourage your feedback, positive or negative. I would like to hear from both sides proofs and arguments.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18:

"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Galatians 6:15:

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation."

Ephesians 2:15:

"Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace."

Ephesians 4:23-24:

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."

Colossians 3:9-10:

"Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him."

Romans 7:23,25:

"But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members… So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin."

1 Thessalonians 5:23:

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

You can see from these oversimplified drawings how the "Holy Trinity" could be understood as different from the human "triune nature." All persons of the Holy Trinity are interconnected: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Whereas with human nature, the body is not directly connected to the spirit. This is only a theory, however, and should not be taken as fact.

Kristina Y.

January 13, 2008

Romance Rooted in Purity

2008-01-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

~Steve and Stephanie's Story~

Stephanie lived more of a quiet life. Being home-schooled in a Christian home she had never had very many friends her own age. But because she was always taught that having close friends that weren't true Christians was against God's will, she was content to just learn more about God through her mother who home-churched, so to speak, as well as teaching her two other children.

Then, through one of her favorite Bible teachers, Stephanie's mother finally found a church that taught the truth from the Bible. Stephanie started making friends and at the age of 15 was part of the "Collage" group, mainly for college-age and young adults. A man named Steve, 22 at the time, was also part of that group.

Steve hadn't always been a Christian. In fact, some of his younger exploits were not something he was proud of. He had two relationships before that ended up in transgression, hurting them both. But, because of this evident sin, he was more easily convinced he was heading towards destruction. He cut off the second relationship right away, and removed himself from temptation. He turned his life around by acknowledging his sin, asking Jesus Christ to forgive and save him, and to lead his life. Since then he had found the church Stephanie was also attending, and was really seeking God and praying for whoever it was that God wanted him to end up being with.

Steve and Stephanie went to many of the Collage outings, saw each other at church, and they liked to hang out together in group settings. This was the start of a friendship that would last. Steve started to go to Stephanie's house, more and more. Her family had accepted him as a friend. Stephanie would later say that Steve was her best friend.

One day after Steve and Stephanie had known each other for about 2 years, Stephanie's parents suddenly called Steve and asked to speak with him alone. He had a hunch as to what was coming. They asked him to meet them at a restaurant. Once they were all there and seated, Stephanie's parents told Steve that they wanted to talk to him about his relationship with Stephanie - Steve's hunch was right. He then proceeded to nervously take out a long list from his wallet. On it were listed all the reasons why he wanted – and should be allowed – to start courting (not dating, they had both independently read the book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Josh Harris, and agreed that courtship was the way to go with whoever they ended up with) Stephanie, and see if it would lead to marriage. He was so nervous, and Stephanie's parents watched somewhat amused as he talked to them and looked at his long list. Finally, he was finished and they agreed to his proposals, no pun intended.

Stephanie's mother had discussed with her this possibility before, and expressed concern with the fact that she and Steve had been spending so much time together. She felt that, if they did not end up being together, Stephanie would compare everyone she met afterward with Steve. He was such a big part of her life that it would be difficult not to think about him. Her mother and father already decided that, if Steve did not make a move soon, they would have to talk to him about either taking the next step, or seriously cutting down the time they spent together.

So, anxiously Steve went to Stephanie's house. Her brother and sister excitedly listened through the door as Steve and Stephanie talked in the carport. Steve told her that he wanted to court her, and eventually marry her. Stephanie agreed, she literally said, "I agree." She already knew what was coming, and had had time to pray and prepare for her answer. She and Steve hugged for several minutes. They agreed to take things slowly and work in God's timing.

Another thing they agreed on was not to kiss yet. They wanted to keep their relationship 100% pure at all costs. This included dragging Stephanie's brother and/or sister around with them everywhere they went because they required a chaperone, and continuing to hang out together in group settings. Although, they did have one day a month that they could be alone together.

That was in January. So, in May, four months later, on their "alone day" Steve took Stephanie to the beach. As they were standing at the shoreline, he asked her to marry him. Well, what he said wasn't all that romantic. What he said was, "I think it's time to take our relationship to the next level."

A little later that month, they picked out an engagement ring, and it was official. Time to start kissing? No. Once again, they agreed not to kiss until their wedding day! They knew that once they went past the physical boundaries they had already set, it would be even harder for them to stay completely pure. But, they would no longer have chaperones (a relief to all of them, I'm sure) so they were on their own as far as staying pure. They had God's help, but they needed to keep seeking His will. Either way it would require a lot of discipline not to have that kind of physical contact with the person you are in love with!

So, what do you think? Did they succeed in staying pure until their wedding day? Did they abstain from even kissing until their wedding? Well, they were engaged May of 2001. They were married September of 2002. That's almost a year and a half.

With strength from God, and encouragement from family, friends and the church, they did succeed. With her family looking on, the blessing of the church, a beautiful wedding dress, her sister as her maid of honor, best friend as her bridesmaid, and God's blessing because of her total purity, she came down the aisle to Canon in D. It was almost magical.

The pastor talked about how important it is to be pure, and have a pure relationship and the example Steve and Stephanie had set. Then, the time came to take the vows. The pastor said, "Repeat after me. I, Steve, take thee Stephanie...." Steve's voice was broken with emotion, he had to clear his voice to speak. Tears streamed down his face. He loved Stephanie so much, and he was about to be her husband. It was all new. It was all pure. It was wonderful and beautiful!

Stephanie was crying, too. This was the apex of their whole relationship. Everything that was building up to this point was about to burst. They had made it through the past year and a half, and now it was about to pay off.... hopefully. She had never kissed a man before. She was anxious, and excited, but she trusted God and Steve. The rings were placed on their fingers, and the pastor said, "And now, for the first time, and certainly not the last, you may kiss your bride!" Steve took Stephanie's face in his hands, whispered, "Yes?" Stephanie nodded back, "Yes!" and he kissed her for the very first time! It was done. They had accomplished what few have even thought of doing. They had their first husband-and-wife dance to Steven Curtis Chapman's "I Will be There." Stephanie looked into Steve's eyes the whole time, so in love!

Now, have a two-year old son (Josiah Michael), are expecting their second child in August (2008), own a home building/remodeling business, and are working hard for God and their future together.

Also, since their marriage they have spoken at a courtship presentation. Steve said there that even though he had had relationships before, and had kissed someone else before, when he kissed Stephanie, it was undoubtedly the best he had ever had. Of course, Stephanie had never kissed anyone else, but she definitely knew it was good, and it was all in God's will.

So, what this true story has set and example for is this: staying pure in all ways before you are married is not only staying in God's will, but you will enjoy it much, much more when you get married, because you are doing things the way God intended, and there is no risk of disapproval from the church. You have protection from the church because of staying pure. Steve had experienced impure relationships before, he knew what it was like to give into temptations outside the will of God. And he agrees that it is so much better to simply stay within the boundaries of marriage.

Read the Bible daily. You can't go more than a few chapters without reading about how God expects us to abstain from sexual immorality. It urges us to keep ourselves pure. Read the Song of Solomon. See how he tells in detail of different women he was infatuated with. But, then read Ecclesiastes. Solomon says it's all for nothing! He was the richest man in the world, he had thousands of women, but he knew it was all for nothing if you weren't in God's will. It was all worthless. Paul says of the GOOD things he did that he counts it as filth. So, how much worse are the wrong things we do? Let us consider the Word of God, and see how He speaks to us. It is our decision to make whether or not we believe the truth, but it is God's decision what truth is.

"Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body."
----1 Corinthians 6:13

"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body."
----1 Corinthians 6:18

"Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband."
----1 Corinthians 7:2

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality."
----1 Thessalonians 4:3

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
----1 Timothy 4:12

(Originally written May 2004 by Kristina; updated and posted here September 2005; updated again January 2008 [current post].)

The Only True God

2008-01-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

By Dave Hunt

As we all know, the “Lord’s prayer” was never prayed by our Lord. It was a pattern for prayer: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name...” (Mt 6:9). To repeat these words over and over (instead of using them as a pattern for prayer from the heart) would be to disobey our Lord and to engage in what He strictly forbade: “vain repetition” (6:7).

Certainly this prayer is only for those who know God as their heavenly Father. It is a grievous error common to pseudo-Christianity to assume the universal Fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man. The typical Unity church service, for example, includes this affirmation repeated in unison, “I am a child of God and therefore I do not inherit sickness.” Such “positive confessions” have led multitudes astray. Paul declared that we become “the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:26).

The fact that this relationship with God as one’s Father does not come by natural birth is clear. To those who boasted of being “Abraham’s children,” Christ countered, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do” (Jn 8:44). The rebellion of Adam and Eve, by which they became the followers of Satan as “the god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4), made the devil the patriarch of mankind.

That is why Christ told Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (Jn 3:3). This spiritual birth is an absolute requirement, allowing no exceptions. No one will be in heaven who has not been “born again,” both “of water and of the Spirit” (v. 5).

There is a common abuse of this prayer among American athletic teams. A high percentage of teams across America (especially in high school football) pray the “Lord’s Prayer” either before or after games. Attitudes of participants vary from skepticism, to suppressed ridicule, to a shrugging acquiescence to something that might now and then bring “good luck.” This American tradition is an abomination to God.

Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, turned from the Pentecostalism in which his co-pastor parents raised him to Zen Buddhism and the occultism of Lakota Indian “spirituality.” Yet he still repeats the “Lord’s prayer” and has for years encouraged his teams to do so without knowing God or Christ. This unbiblical practice has been one of Satan’s major tools of deception.

Confusion reigns over what it means to be “born again.” The teaching is rather common that Christ’s words, “of water,” refer to the protective amniotic water sac that breaks in natural birth, while “of the Spirit” refers to being born of the Spirit of God at the second birth. The latter is true, but the former is false.

Everyone enters via the amniotic fluid into the human race. “Born of water” must mean more than that. It would be redundant to say that in order to be born again one must have already been born once. Furthermore, that doctrine would place an unbiblical restriction upon entrance into heaven! Such a proposition would mean that there would be no salvation for anyone who had not experienced natural birth. Thus no fetus that died by whatever means before coming to full-term delivery could be considered a real person eligible for the second birth and heaven, thus allowing abortion at any stage.

The biblical teaching of the “new birth” (becoming a “born-again” Christian) has caused much controversy. Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and others believe this occurs at baptism. As previously noted (see TBC 8/04), every Lutheran church follows Luther’s Small Catechism. At baptism (usually as a baby), one receives a certificate stating, “In baptism full salvation has been given unto you; God has become your Father, and you have become His child through this act....”

In fact, the Bible teaches that baptism (like the “Lord’s prayer”) is only for those who have believed the gospel. Baptism testifies to the faith by which one was born again. Otherwise it is meaningless. Infant baptism defies Scripture, denies the gospel, and is a major net by which “the god of this world” gathers multitudes into his kingdom, providing them with false assurance that prevents them from seeing their need to receive Christ as Savior and Lord.

How could a church defend baptizing an infant that cannot understand or believe? It was necessary to claim some efficacy, as the Catechisms say, “in this act of baptism....” This occult lie of spiritual power innate in and released by baptism, burning a candle or incense, doing rituals, priestly hand motions, voice tones, etc., has been for thousands of years the essence of ritual magic, witchcraft, paganism, etc., which anthropologists now call shamanism.

This pernicious delusion is also known as sacramentalism—a heresy so vital to Roman Catholicism that it has its own Latin term: ex opere operato (i.e., “in the act itself”). To deny this doctrine concerning any official sacrament is to deny Roman Catholicism, for which the penalty is automatic excommunication (tantamount to being sentenced to hell). Here it is from The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent: Seventh Session...third day of March, 1547, Decree Concerning the Sacraments...Canons on the Sacraments in General [still in full force]:

Can. 4. If anyone says that the sacraments of the New Law are not necessary for salvation but...that without them or without the desire of them men obtain from God through faith alone the grace of justification...let him be anathema.

Can. 8. If anyone says that by the sacraments of the New Law grace is not conferred ex opere operato, but that faith alone in the divine promise is sufficient to obtain grace, let him be anathema.

The grievous heresy of sacramentalism continues to seduce in various forms most “Reformed” churches. R.C. Sproul, for example, justifies infant baptism by likening it to circumcision: “The scriptural case for baptizing believers’ infants rests on the parallel between [O.T.] circumcision and N.T. baptism as signs and seals of the covenant of grace....The Old Testament precedent requires it” (Geneva Study Bible, p. 38).

The Ethiopian to whom Philip had just preached Christ from Isaiah 53 (Acts 8:29-35) asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest” (8:36,37). Philip then baptized him—not by sprinkling or pouring water over him but, obviously, by immersion, for “they went down both into the water” (v. 38). Baptism publicly declares one’s faith, identifying the believer with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. One does not sprinkle dirt on a corpse. One buries it.

If “born of water” does not refer to amniotic fluid or to baptism, what could it mean? The second birth is by the Spirit of God and by water (Jn 3:5), symbolic of the Word of God, as in “the washing of water by the word” (Eph 5:26), and “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (Jn 15:3). When we believe the gospel, we are regenerated and washed clean. “He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Peter declares: “Being born again...by the word of God...which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Pt 1:23-25).

Having been brought into the family of God, we address Him as “Father” in prayer. In His high priestly prayer (the true “Lord’s prayer” that Christ prayed), He declared, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (Jn 17:3). So the new birth involves knowing the only true God—not being “born again” through baptism, especially of infants.

There are millions of so-called gods and numerous prayers to each of them in the various religions they represent. The Bible condemns every one in unmistakable terms:

For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens....Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name....[F]ear before him, all the earth....[H]e cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (Ps 96:5-13)

Such language is ridiculed by the “New Atheists” such as Richard Dawkins, who says the atheists must “spread the good news. Evangelism [to convert the world to atheism] is a moral imperative.” Although the Bible clearly distinguishes Christianity from all religions and separates their leaders (Buddha, Muhammad, et al.) from Christ, who is unique, atheists make no such distinction. Consequently, most of their arguments are irrelevant.

The Bible denounces all religions as instruments of Satan to keep mankind in darkness, shut off from the light of the gospel by which alone one can be saved, for “the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not” (2 Cor 4:4).

Atheism is just one of the world’s religions, and Satanic blindness is reflected in its arguments against God and Christianity. A recent secular article about the New Atheists was titled, “The Church of the Non-Believers.” And it is a church—a church to which everyone must belong, if atheists get their way. In their religious fervor to destroy “religious faith” and to convert the entire world to their religion, they are blind to the true faith that motivates biblical Christians.

Dawkins says, “Faith is one of the world’s great evils....[It is] belief that isn’t based on evidence [and] the principal vice of any religion.” Francis Collins, however (in charge of the Human Genome Project involving 2,300 scientists), who turned from unbelief to faith in Christ, says that Dawkins’ definition of faith “certainly does not describe the faith of most serious believers of history nor of most of those of my personal acquaintance.”

Many famous scientists, Nobel Prize winners, and some of the greatest historians and legal experts have turned from atheism to faith in the resurrected Christ—not by mystical or emotional experience but from verifiable evidence. The early pioneers in science, like Kepler, claimed that it was precisely their conviction that there was a creator that inspired their science to ever-greater heights.

“Religion is not only wrong; it’s evil,” atheists fume, unaware that biblical Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Leading atheists harangue against religion, blind to the fact that the Bible is not about religion. In its more than 1,000 pages, the phrase “religious faith” is not found once, the word “religion” appears only five times, all in one verse, and the word “religious” twice in the next verse. All but one of these seven references is critical of “religion.” Furthermore, in these few times that it mentions religion, the Bible never means what atheists foolishly denounce.

In their war against God, Dawkins and his fellow crusaders dishonestly equate Christian “fundamentalists” with murderous Muslims. In fact, atheists are themselves fundamentalists, seeking to impose their warped interpretation of the fundamentals of science on the world.

Nor can the New Atheists be ignorant of the fact that the fundamentals of Islam (according to the Qur’an, Hadith, the dogmas and example of Muhammad, and 1,300 years of history) teach that Islam must be forced upon the entire world by murdering all who refuse to submit to Allah. Christ taught and lived entirely otherwise. Yet the New Atheists persist in equating Islam and Christianity simply because each is considered to be a “faith.” Such irresponsible accusations permeate their arguments.

Yes, some who have called themselves Christians (Roman Catholic popes, Eastern Orthodox leaders, crusaders, numerous televangelists, et al.) have been guilty of all manner of evil. In the process, they have violated the teachings and example of Christ. But Muslim terrorists follow both Islamic teaching and the example of Muhammad and his successors who tortured and slaughtered millions from France to China for 13 centuries. Today’s terrorism is just a hint of what Islam would continue to do if it could.

The fundamentals of true Christianity promote love, freedom of choice, and forgiveness, not hatred and violence. The latter are the trademark of fundamentalist Islam. To equate the fundamentals of Islam with those of Christianity is reprehensible.

Atheists also perversely equate Christianity with the fanaticism and violence of the Crusades and Inquisition. Yet the crusaders were not biblical Christians; they violated everything Christ taught and slaughtered His brethren, the Jews, everywhere they went. It is gross dishonesty to attribute the crusaders’ misconduct to biblical Christianity.

From the days of Christ, multitudes of Christians have never given allegiance to Rome but to the Bible and to Christ alone. They were martyred by the millions by the church of Rome for centuries before the birth of Luther. From the 16th-century Reformation onward, millions of Roman Catholics embraced faith in the Bible and Christ alone and were martyred by the hundreds of thousands by the popes and their armies. To fail to distinguish between martyrs and their murderers is unconscionable.

The New Atheists, led by Dawkins, call themselves “the brights” and look upon theists as dimwits. Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg recently said, “The world needs to wake up from the long nightmare of religion....Anything we scientists can do to weaken the hold of religion should be done, and may in fact be our greatest contribution to civilization.” Richard Dawkins says: “I am utterly fed up with the respect we have been brainwashed into bestowing on religion.” Religion? As we’ve seen, atheists are tilting at windmills.

In their fervor to convert the world to their religion, atheists betray their complete ignorance of biblical Christianity. The Bible is not a religious book and does not promote “religion.”

Many Christians try to be “scientific” by adopting theistic evolution as compatible with Christianity. Their compromise does not impress atheists. Unashamedly, Dawkins declares that “evolution must lead to atheism” and “the atheist movement has...a moral imperative...to aggressively spread the good news....”

Dawkins declares, “Should [theists] be free to impose their beliefs on their children? Is there something to be said for society stepping in?” This is dangerous totalitarian talk that makes one fear for parents and children alike.

James Perloff put it well: “But remember; ‘The princess kissed the frog, and he turned into a handsome prince.’ We call that a fairy tale. Evolution says frogs turn into princes, and we call it science....Is that science? Or is it, like the fraud of Piltdown Man, the forgeries of Haeckel’s embryos, the misrepresentations of Inherit the Wind, and the coercions of the Supreme Court, merely part of a long effort to deny God?”

Atheists who end up in hell cannot blame the God they hate for excluding them from heaven. We need to rescue as many as we can from atheism’s lies.

December 31, 2007

From The Berean Call

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T12:07:00.000-05:00

From The Berean Call

Encouraging words taken from William MacDonald's devotional book, “One Day at a Time”:

New Year's resolutions are good but fragile, that is, easily broken. New Year's prayers are better; they ascend to the throne of God and set answering wheels in motion. As we come to the beginning of another year, we would do well to make the following prayer requests our own:

Lord Jesus, I rededicate myself afresh to You today. I want You to take my life this coming year and use it for Your glory.

I pray that You will keep me from sin, from anything that will bring dishonor to Your Name.

Keep me teachable by the Holy Spirit. I want to move forward for You. Don't let me settle in a rut.

May my motto this year be, “He must increase; I must decrease.” The glory must all be Yours. Help me not to touch it.

Teach me to make every decision a matter of prayer. I dread the thought of leaning on my own understanding. “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23).

May I die to the world and even to the approval or blame of loved ones or friends. Give me a single, pure desire to do the things that please Your heart.

Keep me from gossip and criticism of others. Rather, help me to speak what is edifying and profitable.

Lead me to needy souls. May I become a friend of sinners, as You are. Give me tears of compassion for the perishing.

Lord Jesus, keep me from becoming cold, bitter, or cynical in spite of anything that may happen to me in the Christian life.

Guide me in my stewardship of money. Help me to be a good steward of everything You have entrusted to me.

Help me to remember moment by moment that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. May this tremendous truth influence all my behavior.

And, Lord Jesus, I pray that this may be the year of Your return. I long to see Your face and to fall at Your feet in worship. During the coming year, may the blessed hope stay fresh in my heart, disengaging me from anything that would hold me here and keeping me on the tiptoes of expectancy. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

2007~2008

2007-12-27T00:33:00.000-05:00

2007 was filled with lessons learned; let us pray that 2008 will be filled with opportunities to live out those lessons.

2007 was a time of testing; let us pray that 2008 shows positive results to those tests.

2007 was filled with new experiences; let us pray that 2008 gives us a chance to remember those experiences thankfully, and to count our blessings.

2007 was a time when God revealed Himself through those lessons, tests, and experiences; let us pray that in 2008 we will not forget Him and never take Him for granted.

2007 was filled with surprises, some good some bad; let us pray that 2008 will be a time for us to evaluate our reactions to those surprises, and that God will prepare us for the surprises that lay ahead.

2007 was a strange year for some. Each day held a new challenge, a new question, a new road to travel.

2007 was not always pleasant, not always easy, not always comfortable.

2007 was an opportunity for growth, change, and overcoming.

I pray that 2008 will hold new opportunities, new challenges, and new roads.

I pray that in 2008 we will be stronger, sharper, and ever ready to take up the task that God has given us, willing and able to push forward towards the prize.

I pray that 2008 will be a time for keeping promises, fulfilling goals, and leaving procrastination behind.

I pray that 2008 will be a time for winning more souls than ever to Christ, and beckoning the return of our Lord.

I pray that 2008 will be a time of great growth and strength, physically, spiritually, and mentally.

I pray that 2008 will be a year of encouragement and edification, not forgetting the lessons learned in years past, but using them to our advantage, diligently pressing forward.

I pray that 2008 will be a year for decisiveness, not leading anyone to doubt, but surety in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I pray that 2008 will be a time of fervent prayer, never forgetting our brothers and sisters, a dying world, and our own hearts in need of forgiveness and renewal.

I pray that 2008 will be God's year, not letting the enemy prevail, not letting our flesh or the world hinder us; overcoming our weaknesses in the power of Christ, and thriving on the Word of Life.

I pray that 2008 will not be 2007 , or any other year, but a year of great change and revival among the true Body and Bride of Christ.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!

The Cradle & the Cross

2007-12-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

By Dave Hunt

Another Christmas season is here. Why December 25, since it's unlikely that Jesus was born at this time of year? The Roman Church simply took the Saturnalia, a licentious celebration of the winter solstice dedicated to Saturn, and Christianized it in order to convert pagan Rome. The actual effect was to paganize official Christianity. For example, statues of Isis and Horus were renamed Mary and Jesus so that pagans could continue their idolatry under Christian names. Pagan customs involving vestments, candles, incense, images and processions were incorporated into Church worship and continue today. No authentic history denies these facts.

Would the world, then, be better off without Christmas? Atheists think so and wish to remove all manger scenes and crosses from public places. Rather than joining the enemies of God in denouncing Christmas, however, might we not better cultivate the bits of truth that shine through the lamentable commercialization and paganism? This is a unique time of year for presenting the gospel to the world, so let us take advantage of the opportunity.

Christ's birth and the details of His life, death and resurrection were foretold centuries before by the Hebrew prophets. No such prophecies preceded the births of Buddha, Confucius, Muhammad, et al. Biblical prophecy fulfilled is the most powerful persuader we have. Paul used it in converting the lost and turned the world of his day upside down. So should we.

In Romans 1:1-4 we see Paul's approach. He refers to "the gospel of God, (which he [God] had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures)." Christianity is not a first-century invention. It is, in fact, the fulfillment of that which, with one voice, the Hebrew prophets consistently foretold for centuries.

There are more than 300 Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. Why? So Israel could identify Him, when in the fullness of time God would send forth his Son (Gal 4:4). The third chapter in the Bible contains the first prophecy of the Messiah's coming, His virgin birth ("the seed of the woman") and His destruction of Satan (Gn 3:15). The prophets declared that He must be of the "lineage of David" (Jer 23:5; 2 Sm 7:10-16; Ps 89:3-4) and rule upon David's throne. To prove that Jesus met this criteria, Matthew and Luke begin with the genealogy of Joseph and Mary.

Having rejected Jesus, the Jews still hope for their Messiah to come-but they hope in vain. Jesus Christ fulfilled Malachi 3:1 ("the Lord [Messiah], whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple") when He cast out the money changers and merchants (Mk 11:15). The destruction of the temple 38 years later in A.D. 70 made it impossible during the last 1,923 years for any would-be Messiah to fulfill that scripture. Moreover, all genealogic records were lost in the destruction of the temple, so a future "Messiah" would not be able to prove the necessary descent from David.

Yes, the temple will soon be rebuilt. Instead of cleansing it, however, as Christ did, Antichrist will defile it with his image and force the world to worship him as God: "he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God" (2 Thes 2:4).

Jacob prophesied, "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah...until Shiloh [Messiah] come..." (Gn 49:10). Shortly after the birth of Jesus, about A.D. 7, the sceptre departed when the Jews lost the right to enforce the death penalty. Thereafter, it was forever too late for Messiah to come. By God's grace, however, He had already come; and He will come again to rescue at Armageddon those who rejected Him the first time. They will know Him by the marks of Calvary ("they shall look upon me whom they pierced"; Zec 12:10). The sceptre having departed from Judah, Christ, instead of being stoned by the Jews, was executed by the Romans, whose supreme penalty was crucifixion. Thus was fulfilled yet another prophecy: "...they pierced my hands and my feet" (Ps 22:16)!

But back to the cradle. Caesar Augustus had no inkling of the momentous effect of his decree "that all the world should [return to the city of one's birth to] be taxed" (Lk 2:1). That decree brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem in time for the birth of her "firstborn son" (so she had other children) in fulfillment of Micah 5:2: "But thou, Bethlehem...out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel...."

What depth of meaning there is in the simple statement, "when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son" (Gal 4:4)! His birth had to occur before the sceptre departed from Judah; His death, after. His birthplace was determined by a Roman decree; His death and its method of execution, by the Roman occupation of Israel. He had to come before the temple was destroyed and with it the genealogic records.

The "fulness of time" has passed. No one else can meet the Messianic criteria laid down by the Hebrew prophets! That simple phrase, however, carries a much deeper meaning than we have seen above. If the timing of His birth causes us to marvel, the timing of Christ's death is even more precise and full of meaning. Daniel prophesied the very day of His death.

Through the writings of Jeremiah, Daniel learned that the Babylonian captivity would last 70 years (Dn 9:2). God had commanded that each seven years the Hebrew slaves should be set free, debtors forgiven and the land given a one-year sabbath of rest (Ex 21:2; Dt 15:1,2,12; Lv 25:2-4). For 490 years Israel had disobeyed this precept. As judgment, Jews became slaves of Babylon while their land rested the 70 years of sabbaths it had been denied.

While confessing this sin, pondering and praying, Daniel was given the revelation that another period of 490 years (70 weeks of years) lay ahead for his people and for Jerusalem (9:24). At the end of that time all of Israel's sins would be purged, all prophecy fulfilled and ended, and the Messiah would be reigning on David's throne in Jerusalem. These 70 weeks of years (490 years) were to be counted "from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" (v 25). That crucial date is given to us in Scripture.

Nehemiah tells us that it was "in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king" (2:1) that he received the authorization to rebuild Jerusalem. When the day of the month was not given the first day was intended. There were several Artaxerxes, but only one, Longimanus, who ruled more than 20 years-from 465-425 B.C. Thus we have the key date from which this incredible prophecy was to be calculated: Nisan 1445 B.C.

At the end of 69 of these "weeks" (7x69 = 483 years) "Messiah the Prince" would be made known to Israel (Dn 9:25) and then "be cut off [slain], but not for himself" (v 26). Counting 483 years of 360 days each (the Hebrew and Babylonian calendar), a total of 173,880 days from Nisan 1445 B.C., brings us to Sunday, April 6, A.D. 32. On that very day, now celebrated as Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey and was hailed as Messiah the Prince! (Zechariah 9:9 was fulfilled at the same time.)

There is, however, an even deeper meaning to the phrase, "In the fulness of time...." April 6, A.D. 32 was, on the Hebrew calendar, tenth of Nisan. On that day the passover lamb was taken from the flock and placed under observation for four days to make certain that it was "without blemish." During the same four days, Christ, whom John the Baptist had hailed as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (Jn 1:29), was likewise on display before Israel. On the fourteenth of Nisan, "the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it [the passover lamb] in the evening [between 3:00 and 6:00 P.M.]" (Ex 12:6). It was during that precise time period that Jesus died on the cross!

It is fascinating to see how God uses man's decrees and even man's connivings against Him to fulfill His Word. The rabbis had determined not to arrest Jesus during passover, "lest there be an uproar of the people" (Mk 14:2). Yet that was when He had to die. Judas was not only Satan's pawn, but God's. Even the "thirty pieces of silver" he so shrewdly bargained for fulfilled prophecy (Zec 11:12-13). As Peter would declare in his Pentecost sermon, "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain" (Acts 2:23). Paul wrote, "Christ our passover [lamb] is sacrificed for us" (1 Cor 5:7).

The fourteenth of Nisan began, as Jewish days did, at sunset Wednesday evening. That night Jesus and His disciples had the "last supper" in the upper room where they were preparing to eat the passover the following night. At this meal "before the feast of the passover" (Jn 13:21), Jesus told His disciples, "One of you shall betray me" (Jn 13:1). Earlier He said, significantly, "I tell you before...that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he" (Jn 13:19). The word "he" is in italics and does not appear in the original. Jesus was declaring once again to His disciples that He was Yahweh, the I AM of Israel, who tells beforehand what will happen and makes certain that it comes to pass (Is 46:9-10).

Arrested by the Judas-led troop in the Garden later that night, Christ was taken secretly to the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest. A sham trial before the Sanhedrin, with hastily called false witnesses, convened sometime after midnight, condemned Christ to death as dawn broke. Shortly thereafter, Pilate, the Roman governor, was notified of the emergency. Hurriedly taken down side streets, the prisoner was received into the citadel at "the third hour" (Mk 15:25), about 9:00 A.M., Nisan 14. All over Israel preparations were underway to kill the passover lamb, which was to be eaten that night.

Jerusalem was crowded and in a state of great excitement. Valuing public relations, Pilate consulted his ever-volatile citizens and let them decide the prisoner's fate. Incited by the rabbis, the bloodthirsty rabble suddenly turned against the One who had miraculously healed and fed so many of them. "Crucify him, crucify him" (Lk 23:21). "His blood be on us, and on our children" (Mt 27:25). The horrible chant echoed down Jerusalem's narrow streets.

Shortly before noon the soldiers had finished their vicious, depraved sport. Jesus, scourged almost into unconsciousness and beaten about the face until he was nearly unrecognizable, was led through the frenzied, screaming mob out of the city to "the place of the skull." By high noon, the One whom Jerusalem, in fulfillment of prophecy, had the previous Sunday hailed as its long-awaited Messiah, was hanging naked, in shame and agony, on the center cross between two thieves. Man had crucified his Creator! Angels recoiled in horror and the sun hid its face.

The next three hours of that Thursday afternoon the earth was darkened mysteriously(Mt 27:45) as God "laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Is 53:6). Thursday? Not "Good Friday"? Indeed not. Jesus himself had said, "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth [i.e., in that part of Hades known as "Abraham's bosom"]" (Mt 12:40; Lk 16:22). The gospel includes the declaration that Christ "rose again the third day" (1 Cor 15:4).

Obviously, had Christ been crucified on Friday, He couldn't possibly have spent three days and three nights in the grave by Sunday morning. We are distinctly told that the angel rolled away the stone "as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week" (Mt 28:1). The tomb was already empty at that point, so Christ must have risen from the dead sometime prior to dawn.

Yet the myth of a "Good Friday" crucifixion persists, with much ritual and dogma built upon that obvious mistake. In this fact alone we have sufficient evidence of Rome's manufacture and endorsement of untruth to cast doubt upon everything else it affirms with equal dogmatism. And what can be said for the Protestants who, by the millions, so willingly go along with this error?

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday-does it really matter? Yes! The day of our Lord's crucifixion is of the utmost importance. If Christ was not three days and three nights in the grave, then He lied. Moreover, His death, to fulfill prophecy, had to occur at the very time the passover lambs were being slain throughout Israel. It is an astronomical fact that Nisan 14, A.D. 32, fell on Thursday.

"And it was the preparation of the passover....The Jews therefore...that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day...besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away" (Jn 19:14,31). Wait! Not a bone of the passover lamb (Ex 12:46) or of the Messiah (Ps 34:20) could be broken. Not knowing why he did it, "one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side" (Jn 19:34), fulfilling yet another scripture: "they shall look upon me whom they pierced" (Zec 12:10).

John explains that the "sabbath" which began at sunset the Thursday Christ was crucified "was an high day." It was, in fact, the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, of which the first and last days were special sabbaths during which no work was to be done. That "high" sabbath ended Friday at sunset and was immediately followed by the weekly sabbath which ended at sunset on Saturday. Thus two sabbaths followed Christ's death, preventing the women from coming to the grave until the third day, Sunday morning.

The rabbis thought that having Jesus crucified proved He was not the Messiah. In fact, it was one more proof that He was! In taking His clothes for a souvenir, in gambling for his robe and giving Him vinegar mixed with gall to drink, the soldiers unwittingly added to that proof the fulfillment of yet more prophecies (Ps 22:18; 69:21). The nails driven into hands and feet by Roman soldiers and the spear that pierced His side drew forth the blood of our redemption-all in fulfillment of prophecy!

It is impossible to remain an honest skeptic after comparing what the prophets said with the historical record of Jesus Christ, from the cradle to the Cross. Proof of the Resurrection, which we must leave for another time, is even more powerful! We have solid reason for our faith in Christ. Knowing the facts increases our joy and gives us courage to present the gospel with boldness and conviction.

From The Berean Call

Note From Kristina: I believe that Christ was crucified on a Wednesday afternoon (three days and three nights before His resurrection; 72 hours), and that Christ celebrated His own special Passover Tuesday night. This way we can reconcile all four Gospels. Matthew, Mark and Luke clearly say that Jesus partook of the Passover meal, but John seems to say that the Passover had not yet occured (e.g., when the high priest and his son would not go into Herod's Praetorium because they didn't want to defile themselves so as not to be able to eat the Passover [John 18]; and when the Jews wanted to take Christ's body off the cross before sunset, because the day was Preparation day for Passover, which was a "high sabbath" [John 19]).

If anyone would like to know more about what I believe concerning the day/date of Christ's death, I will be happy to provide sources and information.

-Kristina

Thanksgiving, Praise & Joy

2007-11-21T23:06:00.000-05:00

By Dave Hunt

November is the month when we traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving Day. For most Americans it means little more than a holiday from work or school, an excuse to overeat and watch special sports events. The day is hardly devoted to giving of thanks. And what brief thanks is given to God scarcely reflects habitual attitudes. How readily we return to lives devoted to self instead of to Him-lives characterized more by complaining than by gratitude.

These few paragraphs are not intended as an exhortation to sanctify a secular holiday. Rather, we want to deal with something much deeper, something which ought to characterize our lives at all times. Sadly, that continual thanksgiving which Scripture exhorts-"giving thanks always" (Eph 5:20)-is a rare commodity among Christians. Why? And how can our attitudes be changed?

Christian psychologists and motivational speakers would suggest that "exchanging grumbling for gratitude turns unhappiness into joy." Now there's a catchy phrase to motivate thanksgiving! So it would seem. Those who are deceived by such slogans adopt a thankful "mental attitude" for selfish reasons-in order to benefit themselves. Such placebo techniques may produce surface changes and even convince those who seem to benefit for a time, but eventually the forced smiles betray the emptiness of hearts.

It is Truth, and only Truth, which can effect any real and lasting transformation in our lives. And the truth is that there is much for which we ought to be genuinely and continuously thankful. Most people who think they have nothing to be thankful for are not nearly as bad off as they could be, and are far better off than millions of others-reason enough to be thankful. No matter how dismal one's circumstances may seem, there is always a great deal for which to give thanks. But the problem goes deeper.

It is self on the throne, wanting to please and benefit itself-and the failure to deny self as Christ commanded-which brings unhappiness no matter how favorable the circumstances may be. The fear of loss haunts those whose security and joy is in earthly position and possessions; and death eventually robs them of all. Genuine and acceptable thanksgiving to God must have a source far deeper than a feeling of gratitude for the physical blessings of this temporary and fragile earthly existence.

The trials of this brief life will soon be ended-either through death or the Rapture. The Christian knows that though this body of flesh and blood may die and decay, he has a new body "eternal in the heavens" (2 Cor 5:1) which will never know pain, fatigue or death. We have "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation..." (1 Pt 1:4-5). Here is truth that ought to grip our hearts and make us always thankful-truth so wonderful that one would think we could never thank God enough. When did you last thank Him for eternal life?

As Christians, our hearts should be continually filled to overflowing with thanksgiving to the God who created and redeemed us. How wonderful that though we sinned so grievously against Him and were His enemies, He became a man to suffer for our sins. His Holy Spirit pursued and wooed us to Himself with infinite Love even when we persisted in our self-centered rebellion. What grace! What love! How can we take these blessings for granted?

The very life we have, with the capacity to know and love one another and, wonder of wonders, to know and love God and enjoy His love, is a priceless gift. What gratitude should flood our hearts and lives and what fervent thanksgiving we ought to express to Him continually! And on top of it all, He has given us the surpassing privilege and joy of experiencing Christ's life within our mortal flesh and witnessing for Him in deed and word right now. What thanks ought to burst forth continually from our hearts to Him!

Thanksgiving, however, is not enough. It should always lead to praise. And there is a difference. Thanks expresses appreciation for what God has done to benefit the one who is thankful. Praise goes beyond thanksgiving. It highly values, exalts, commends, extols, glorifies, and honors God for whatever He has done and especially for who He is. Praise takes us from the mundane to the majestic, out of ourselves into Him. It values God above all else. Thus, praise can only flow from a heart that has come to know God.

How can we fully know God? Must not the praise of finite beings always reflect an imperfect understanding of Him who is infinite? Is it not an insult to evaluate God as less than He is? Then how can anyone truly praise him? Yet Scripture says we can and must. Though praise is conceived in our imperfect perception of God, it matures into wonder and worship. Praise is made acceptable when it is amplified by the sense of awe that God is infinitely beyond our comprehension. That humble realization draws us closer to Him, sinks us deeper into His love, and compels us to seek to know Him better.

The passion of David's heart, like Paul's, was to know God and to be continually enjoying His presence: "My soul thirsteth for God" (Ps 42:2; 63:1); "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may...behold the beauty of the Lord" (Ps 27:4); "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord ...that I may know him" (Phil 3:8-10). Could anything else be more worthwhile? "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

As a young Christian I thought that Hebrews 11:6 ("he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him") was the formula for getting things from God. If I would seek Him, as the verse prescribed, then He would reward me with the "things of earth" that I wanted. How could I have missed the fact that I was to "diligently seek Him"? And how could I truly seek Him if what I really wanted was not Him at all but other things? And would it not be a bad bargain indeed if, instead of God as my reward, I received things!

What can the result be when all we want is God and He rewards us with Himself? It can't be less than a taste of heaven here on earth! "Joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Pt 1:8)! Heaven? We give it too little thought. It's the place where everyone wants to go-but not just yet. For many Christians heaven is a last resort, welcome only when they are too old or too ill to enjoy the pleasure resorts of this evil world.

How can we truly desire God's presence in our lives here and now if we would only reluctantly exchange earth for heaven? To be in heaven is to be in His presence. Do we really desire and enjoy God's presence? Wouldn't that be like being in church all the time-bored, restless, watching the clock, eager for it to end? What an indictment! And what further proof is needed that there is very little of God in most churches in spite of claims to the contrary.

God is a God of joy. To be in His presence is to be supremely happy. Jesus welcomes to heaven His faithful followers with these words: "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Mt 25:21,23). Joy eternal? David knew it: "in thy presence is fullness of joy and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Ps 16:11). We begin to know that joy even now in this life as we give ourselves totally into His hands and rest in His love, trusting Him completely. That is when we begin to experience with wonder, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh 8:10).

A favorite hymn begins, "There's joy in following Jesus, every moment of every day." Great joy for us and for Him: "He will rejoice over thee with joy...he will joy over thee with singing" (Zep 3:17). Even the prophets who pronounced doom upon the disobedient knew this joy in their own hearts and lives: "I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Hb 3:18). The closer to God we walk in holiness, the greater our joy: "and let thy saints shout for joy" (Ps 132:9). As the hymn writer put it, "When God is near my heart leaps up in ecstasy, and all the world's a paradise when God is near."

Though circumstances may have worsened, God has not changed. Our earthly condition, no matter how difficult, is temporary and will soon be past-but our heavenly home is eternal and remains secure. That hope brings present joy: "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing" (Rom 15:13). Yes, in "believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Pt 1:8)-a joy that makes us strong to live above our circumstances and to demonstrate to all who observe us that God is good and that we are in His hands.

There is much talk about "spiritual warfare" these days, and it often involves much error and extremism. So many Christians spend time "rebuking" demons that would be much better spent in praising God. Instead of focusing so much attention upon Satan and giving him so much credit, let us give thanks that "greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world" (1 Jn 4:4). Here is victory: in thanksgiving, praise and joy!

This article was originally published November 1, 1991 and is located here.

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy

2007-11-20T15:01:00.000-05:00

"We have had a lot of requests to replay the phone call that Pastor Mike shared during our church service on Sunday, Nov. 11th, 2007. Here you'll find the video clip that was created just for you. We've placed the video on YouTube so that you can watch it and share with family and friends. Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf. His words have wisdom beyond his years. Since airing the audio of the phone call and now the making of the video clip, it has taken on a life of its own. People are forwarding it all over the world. We encourage you to share the love of Christ with anyone you can." -Sky Angel

Sky Angel is a family safe broadcasting service that is offered on satellite. KSBJ is a local Houston Christian music radio station. Video clip produced with love by Frank Lozano. Hear the entire message at ValenicaHills.com

California Firestorm Evacuee Hears The Gospel

2007-11-01T18:26:00.000-04:00

Listen here.

"Street Fishing" segment from the 10-23-07 edition of Way of the Master Radio. Tony talks to Nora at the Santa Clarita Superior Courthouse. Just two short days before this interview, Nora and her family were evacuated from their home, as a result of the firestorm that had struck the area.

Listen as Nora sticks to her post-modern perspective. That is, until the Law and the Gospel begin to do its work. By the end of the conversation, Nora's heart was softened and she was brought to tears as she heard about a Stranger who came into the courtroom to pay her fine.

www.wayofthemasterradio.com

Originally Posted By Esly

Stressed Out Moms: Feminism's Dirty Little Secret

2007-10-07T12:47:00.000-04:00

By Ingrid Schlueter

From www.ChristianWorldviewNetwork.com

The feminists won't be happy to hear it, but the news that women in their 30's and 40's are struggling is starting to leak out. Men feel pressure today as well as women, but several news articles recently have pointed to the true state of American womanhood these days. It can be summed up in the word “exhaustion”. An article from Sky News this week makes my point. The dirty little secret among many women with families is that having it all is a terrible myth. Many working women are facing meltdown physically and emotionally as the jobs of being an employee, conscientious mother, spouse and sometimes caregiver for an elder are burning them out.

I have discussed with others what is at the root of the hard reality that lurks just below the superficial prosperity in this country. One factor seems to be expectations going into marriage. Newlyweds of my parents’ generation had very modest expectations financially. My parents started out in a basement apartment in Des Moines, Iowa that didn’t have much in the way of amenities. They graduated to a studio apartment later and then to a three bedroom flat where my brother, sister and I spent our early childhood years. From there it was a very simple, three-bedroom Milwaukee bungalow. No family room, one bathroom, old, basic kitchen and bath. The carpet when we moved in was the original and that goes for the linoleum as well. Mom made it all comfortable and homey, and we kids didn’t know that we lacked a thing. That’s where my parents lived until I was married. Today, few newlyweds start out this way. Home ownership is seen as essential for many, even if it requires both husband and wife to work outside the home. It’s a dangerous way to begin because once the couple starts relying on two incomes to live, it is very hard to stop when a baby comes. Then the couple begins the stressed out years of trying to find and pay for exorbitant childcare, while strangers get the privilege of caring for their baby. Add a couple more children to the picture, and you have a lot of outgo for that same two-income couple and the race to meet all the demands begins. Many couples believe that a bigger family necessitates a bigger house. One couple down the street from us is selling their 2200 square foot home because they claim they need more room. They have two preschool little girls! My mother-in-law was raised in a three bedroom home with six children in Milwaukee. The boys slept in the attic, the girls had their own bedroom and the parents the other. No, expectations today are not anything like those of earlier generations. These expectations coupled with a lack of strategic planning can profoundly affect the life of the family and particularly, that of the mother.

A couple we know is in their mid-30’s. When they got married, they sat down and made up a plan. They knew they wanted the mother to be able to raise their children at home and so they figured out a plan that to the best of their ability and, barring unforeseen factors, they would carry out. After their wedding, they moved into a modest apartment. The wife worked for two years. During that time they saved every penny of her income and lived on the husband’s. At the end of that period, they had a good amount for a down payment on a modest, three-bedroom home for their future family. The down payment gave them a manageable house payment each month that the husband was able to easily make out of his income alone. The Lord blessed them with several babies in quick succession and the wife has had the pleasure of staying home to raise her little ones. A little planning went a long way. Early on, they decided not to try to get a fancy home in the newer suburbs. Early on, they committed to avoid the debt trap and live as inexpensively as possible with older cars. They now reap the rich benefits of that planning. Rather than come home to a frazzled, exhausted wife and mother who is seeing her babies for the first time all day, he comes home to well-prepared meals and a wife who knows her home life is under control. Regardless of what lies feminists tell, a home life under control is a very important factor in the overall happiness of a wife and mother, whether or not she works outside the home. That is just a plain fact.

Many of us never thought about planning ahead. Life just sort of happened and we played it by ear. Times have changed today, and those who want to have a rich family life need to plan for it and ask God's help in achieving it. I tell my young adult sons frequently that in today’s economy, with the cost of living, education, medical care, etc. that they need to get the training and education to be able to provide for their wives and families. They need to prayerfully plan. If they do not do this, they will fall into the trap of so many couples today that are living uneasily above their means, with the family paying the price for it. Stressed out, unhealthy and emotionally drained parents, kids scheduled out of their minds to keep up with the neighbors’ kids, (one boy in our neighborhood takes karate, soccer, cub scouts, swimming, little league, piano lessons and golf lessons in one week!) and all in all, the evaporation of family life and meaningful personal time.

From a Christian standpoint, the loss is not just personal peace, balance and quality family life; children today are not being properly taught and discipled in today’s high stress, hurried climate. Try to have quality family worship time with children when you’re so burned out as parents that the only thing you can think about is bed when you stagger in the door. Discipleship is work, but who will do the work when parents are emotionally unavailable? This is why having a family vision early in young adulthood is so critical. If we aim at nothing we will hit it every time. There is much more material and teaching about these issues today than there once was, and I think it’s a very good thing. The antidote to a life of chaos and stress is to have humble expectations at the start, the wisdom to reject the world’s values, and a commitment to letting the Lord build a godly home based on a sound plan for marriage and family. The choices we make as parents have a direct impact on the spiritual lives of our children. It really is that serious.

New Song

2007-09-13T19:03:00.000-04:00

El Chaiyai

(Hebrew: God of My Life)

An Original Song by Kristina Y.

You are my Rock, my only Refuge

You are the Living God

You crossed the river my sin ran deep in

You made me a new creation

Not death not life, not anything

Can pull me from the love

That You have given me.
~
Lord You have searched my heart and know me

You know when I sit and rise

You formed me in secret, and I will praise You

I'm fearfully and wonderfully made

Search me and try me, reveal my heart

Keep me from wicked hands

Lead me in the eternal way.
~
El Olam, El Chaiyai

El Olam, El Chaiy - ai

You're the Everlasting God

You are the God of my life.
~
You have declared that You're the Light

In You there's no darkness at all

You teach me to walk in Light as You walk

You've cleansed me from all my sin

Lord You are faithful and just to forgive

Let me not love this World

I trade my will for Yours
~
El Olam, El Chaiyai

El Olam, El Chaiy - ai

You're the Everlasting God

You are the God of my life.
~
El Olam, El Chaiyai

El Olam, El Chaiy - ai

You're the Everlasting God

You are the God of my life.
~
You're the Everlasting God

You are the God of my life.

Psalm 20

2007-07-05T02:49:00.000-04:00

(To my brothers and sisters in Christ:)

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2 May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
3 May He remember all your offerings,
And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah

4 May He grant you according to your heart's desire,
And fulfill all your purpose.
5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stand upright.

9 Save, LORD!
May the King answer us when we call.

Green Tea and Dark Chocolate

2007-02-17T22:36:00.000-05:00

A slightly abstract and out-of-character scene of thoughts I'm thinking at this moment.

It's cold outside. I like that. Cold and Florida are strangers, so it's good when they have time to get to know one another. I'm just sitting here at my computer listening to music, enjoying being cozy in my room, sipping green tea and nibbling on leftover Valentine's Dove chocolate - yeah, it's good.

I've been reading Oscar Wilde. I'm only a quarter of the way through Collins Complete Works Of. He knew very well how to evoke emotion through writing. But his theology is all wrong. Love (meaning pity and kindness) doesn't fix everything. Having a hard heart, and then experiencing persecution, being outcast, going through tough times, and coming out soft doesn't all add up to redemption.

But I'm realizing that that is what most Christians think Jesus and the Bible are all about. Sure, Jesus taught us to love one another, and help those in need. But that's not the essence of the Gospel, it's the outcome. People are not hard shells with soft hearts. They are all rotten to the core, deceitfully wicked beings who need to be transformed by the power of God. That is how we get Paradise with God. Not through an act of sacrifice - obedience is better than sacrifice - and not through human love.

Oscar Wilde does bring out good moral points, though. Even though we should not look to any man's writings for the answer to spiritual problems, there are some common sense lessons we can derive from them. But, then again, there is no conundrum that the Bible doesn't hold the solution to.

In any case, I will finish reading Collins Complete Works of Oscar Wilde for social and educational reasons, however shallow they are, and continue to turn to God and His Word for guidance and wisdom concerning the problems of mankind.

Raising Godly Women

2007-02-10T21:31:00.000-05:00

It's 911 Time for Christian Girlhood
By Ingrid Schlueter

I won't waste time trying to convince you that the death rattle of our once strong American society is getting louder. Let me just say that in every corner of our culture, there are signs that we are in a death spiral as a nation. Whether we look at our nation's public schools, bristling with security to keep kids from killing each other, the dance of despair carried out by Sodom's children in the media every night, the postmodern absurdity of today's art galleries that display things like unmade beds or used prophylactic devices and call them profound, or the sheer moral squalor that leers at us from the magazine racks at the grocery store, the decay is amply evident.

One of the casualties of our culture's rejection of God has been womanhood. A women's movement that at one time fought for equal protection under the law for women, rights to custody of their own children and property ownership now is responsible for 18-year-old former cheerleaders being sent into combat in Iraq. The basic courtesies that used to be shown to women in public were abandoned decades ago. Girls are not taught how to care for their husbands and homes, they are put into sports leagues early on and taught how to ''kick some butt'', as one father put it. Girls need to learn how to fight and compete in this dog eat dog world, they say. Girls are expected to have a career track outside the home, and they are asked from early on what it is they want to ''be''.

The styles and fashions point to a near total abandonment of modesty as power and instead, girls are taught that their sexuality is their power. That's why soft, feminine and modest clothing is unlikely to make a comeback in the girls and junior departments any time soon. To be feminine and modest is read as weakness and vulnerability today. Whereas once, womanhood was thought to be something worthy of male protection and respect, women are now one of the guys, with some highly flaunted anatomical differences. Rather than see sexuality as sacred and private, women have believed the lies of the media and see it as a tool to control and dominate.

Into this toxic culture come our young Christian girls. By all appearances, many Christian parents are taking their cues and their child rearing philosophy from the world. Other than within homes where there is a purposeful intent to teach otherwise, many Christian girls live in a fashion that is hard to distinguish from the world. Smaller families have meant less of an opportunity for girls to learn how to be mothers. Rather than girls growing up being tutored by watching their mothers care for home and family, girls are more likely to grow up while mom works outside the home. Like secular middle-class counterparts, Christian homes and families center their lives around their kids' activities. Chances for a young girl to help care for the home or be a consistent help to her mother are few and far between. Life is often about keeping the kids happy while valuable lessons are lost in the scheduling shuffle.

So how should Christian girls differ from the unsaved counterparts? Their entire worldview should be different. This means that exposing girls to a lot of secular television, including the Disney Channel, warps their perspective on what it is to be a young lady. One Christian girl confided that she had watched the Disney movie, ''High School Musical'' countless times. She giggled that she was ''kinda boy crazy.'' The problem with this is that ''High School Musical'' represents life utterly without God. There is humanism at its core and a fleshly, carnal view of life's purpose. This philosophy is at complete odds with our true reason for living—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. When children are at tender ages, these messages are driven home. The entertainment we allow in our homes must comport with what the children are learning from Scripture or the message is canceled out.

Secondly, a Christian girl is a useful one. Idleness is one of the biggest contributors not only to moral problems, but to things like obesity. I believe there's a direct correlation between the advent of the Internet and the epidemic of weight problems among the young. Girls are leaving school and their peer packs only to get home and spend inordinate amounts of time instant messaging their friends online. Christian girls can and should make better use of their time. As a mother, I have tried to involve my daughter in house work from early on. (Our son does his share as well.) When a parent begins training at a young age, the girl doesn't think there's anything strange about doing a load of laundry or mopping the kitchen floor. Try to introduce this at 16 and see what happens.

A friend recently told me how she had been ill for several days. The family had several younger children and their oldest was a 15-year-old daughter. This home schooled girl literally took over for her mother, helping with the little ones, seeing that supper was on the table and that things were picked up around the house. The daughter was a competent and confidant young woman because she had been taught well. Rather than lie in bed, feeling guilty at being ill, the mother could relax and know that needs in the home were being met. She had earned her own rest.

There are many homes where the outcome would have been very different. Self-absorbed, selfish and untrained in womanly arts, many teen girls would have turned to her dad and demanded that he hit the local drive-through window, instead. We expect too little from our girls today and the failure to teach and train our daughters as mothers can have generational consequences. The homes of our grandchildren will be determined by the character and teaching we mothers instill in our daughters. If girls are raised on television, teen magazines, popular music and their peers, they will be unprepared to be Christian wives and mothers who will run their own homes with godliness and gravity. They will be a burden to whatever husband marries them. Their children will be deeply affected by the atmosphere they create in their own homes.

Scripture describes the model of older women teaching younger women. How many modern evangelical churches actively encourage mentoring by older women of the girls and young women in the congregation? How much godly wisdom and knowledge is being wasted because of our obsession with age segregation in churches today? Churches are being disobedient to God's Word when they fail to facilitate intergenerational ministry in the lives of young women.
Let the world carry on with its own sad travesty of girlhood. We as Christian parents should pray for our daughters, that we would raise them faithfully---not as the tragic girls of Sodom, but as handmaidens of the Lord, ready and willing to use their hands for good.

Distributed by http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/

Sex Has a Price Tag - Audio Message

2007-02-10T21:29:00.000-05:00

Message by Pam Stenzel

Sex Has a Price Tag - Part One
Sex Has a Price Tag - Part Two

Why People Don't Read the Bible

2007-01-22T18:20:00.000-05:00

The Top 10 Reasons Why People Don't Read The Bible

Americans revere the Bible—but, by and large, they don't read it. And because they don't read it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates.

GEORGE GALLUP, JR.

America has changed and so have our reading habits with regard to the Bible. We have more Bibles than ever before, but we are reading them less. Americans express a longing to understand the Bible better. We believe the Bible answers most if not all of the real questions of life, but there our leather-bound, study Bibles sit—unopened.

What's the problem? Why do people who have access to so many Bibles, in so many versions, in a language they speak, who want to know more about the content of the Bible read it so infrequently?

For years I've been tracking what people tell me keeps them from reading their Bible consistently. Many of these reasons you may have expressed yourself. They all seem reasonable, until you take a moment and think about them.

So, in the style of David Letterman on The Late Show, here are the "Top 10" reasons people have told me they do not read their Bible.

REASON # 10 -- "I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START"

It's amusing, really, that the Bible is the only book in print in which knowing where to start is a problem. Readers of The Purpose-Driven Life knew where to start. So did readers of the Left Behind series and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Here's a novel idea: start at the beginning. In the first eleven chapters of Genesis are recorded answers to all the great issues of life. There you will learn whether you should be a deist or an atheist. There you will discover whether there is intelligent design in the universe because of a Designer or because a random explosion resulting in fantastic good luck. In these first chapters you will discover the purpose of marriage, the origins of evil, the geography of early humanity, the grace of God as well as the judgment of God. To have the best vantage point from which to understand the rest of the Bible, a good place to start is at the beginning.

Should you choose to begin in the New Testament you'll discover much of the same—stories, narratives, history, intrigue and love. Only this time the story will revolve around the life and death of Jesus Christ. You may find the reading easier here than in the Old Testament, but you will also find yourself going back to the Old Testament to get context, background and information that will help you understand the New Testament.

If you don't read your Bible because you don't know where to start, let your instincts guide you. You can start anywhere, but as in other books you read, why not start in the beginning?[i]

REASON # 9 -- "I CAN'T FIND WHAT I WANT IN THE BIBLE"

Sometimes as you are reading the Bible something will sound familiar to you. You'll say to yourself, I've read something like that before. Occasionally people are kept from reading the Bible because they are haunted by the memory of a story, a saying or even a word and can't remember where they read it.

Here's a good way to handle the problem. Read your Bible with an open notebook, laptop or journal nearby. When you encounter something that strikes you as particularly important or interesting, jot it down. Keep a list. Don't rely on your memory. There's an old Chinese proverb that says, "The smallest amount of ink is stronger than the largest amount of memory." Write it down.

There are also Bible study aids that will help you find what you want in the Bible. A concordance, for example, is a book or computer program that lists every verse in the Bible in which a particular word is used. If you encounter something that sounds familiar, use a concordance to see where you may have come across that word before. And then there is software. We've got it coming out of our ears. Logos has an incredibly complete program of Bible study tools all in one package that will be more than you will ever use in a lifetime. Don't let your inability to find something in the Bible keep you from reading it. The fact is, the more you read, the easier it will be to locate things. So, just keep reading.

REASON # 8 -- "THE BIBLE DOESN'T CONFIRM WHAT I BELIEVE"

I received a letter from a radio listener in California. This young wife wrote: "I'm planning to divorce my husband. We were saved about the same time a couple of years ago, but he isn't growing as fast spiritually as I am. In fact, I feel like he's holding me back spiritually. Now I've met this guy at our church fellowship group who is already divorced. He and I are so much more compatible spiritually and I believe God may be leading us to each other, maybe even to marriage. It feels right to me. What do you think?"
Frankly, this woman wasn't at all interested in what I thought; she wanted me to give my blessing to her sin. She wasn't interested in what the Bible said unless it confirmed what she felt was "right."

Some people choose not to read the Bible because they're afraid it will contradict what they've already made up their mind to do.

REASON # 7 -- "I HEAR THE BIBLE AT CHURCH, WHY DO I NEED TO READ IT FOR MYSELF?"

In the first days of the church, the early Christians compensated for their lack of personal copies of the scriptures by reading extensively from the Bible as part of the church service. That's why Paul said to Timothy, "Devote yourself to reading" (1Timothy 4:13). It was a common practice for huge portions of Scripture to be read at public services so that in a year the early congregations would hear the entire Bible read aloud. Today, however, we have our own copies of the Bible and it is becoming less common to hear portions of Scripture read in church.

Does your pastor read Scripture in your weekly church service? Does he read an entire book? Likely not. How about a chapter? Too long. Would an average of five verses be about right? If that's all the Scripture you ever read, those five verses would only be 260 verses a year. How long do you think it would take to hear the entire Bible read? Go ahead. Guess. You're not even close.

If you don't read the Bible yourself because you hear it read at church, in order to hear all the Bible read you'd have to live an astonishing 120.6 years.[ii] Still think you don't need to read the Bible for yourself? You'd better enjoy an extraordinarily long life.

REASON # 6 -- "THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIBLE DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME"

When I was growing up some words in my Bible were more than a little difficult to understand. When James instructed us to "lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness" (James 1:21), I admit I was a bit puzzled by what that meant. And when someone in church went to the pastor admitting, "Pastor, I have been guilty of evil concupiscence" (Colossians 3:5), I can just see the puzzled look on the pastor's face and hear him say, "Let me get back to you on that."

Actually, the more I read the Bible the less difficulty I had even understanding Elizabethan English. When I encountered a word I didn't understand, I looked it up. That's what I did when reading other books too.

Years ago it was easy to blame the language of the Bible for our lack of Bible reading. "It's King James' fault. His language is so old fashioned. If I just had a Bible in modern English, then I'd read it," everyone argued. Well, now we have dozens of Bibles in easy-to-read 21st century English and we are reading less now than ever before.

The best way to make the unfamiliar language of the Bible familiar to you is not to set your Bible on the shelf but to hide it in your heart.

There may be words and concepts in the Bible that puzzle you still. But don't let that stop you from reading it. After all, the more you read unfamiliar words or concepts, the more familiar they become.

REASON # 5 -- "THE BIBLE IS SUCH A BIG BOOK, I COULD NEVER READ IT ALL"

You're right. The Bible is a big book. In fact, the Bible is a library, a collection of 66 books. Some are quite long—Genesis, Matthew, Isaiah, Acts—but others are quite short—Philippians, Malachi, Colossians, Zephaniah. In fact, five books in this library have only one chapter.[3] One book has just two chapters.[4]

"Maybe you think of the Bible the way you think of Tolstoy's War and Peace. You know it's supposed to be a classic, and you've got nothing against it. But it's too long,[5] and it's just not your thing. Well, it might be okay to skip War and Peace, but the Bible isn't just another literary classic. It's the one book you can't afford to neglect."[6] But is the length of the books in the Bible really the reason why people don't read them? Did you read any of the Harry Potter books? The first, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, was the shortest at 309 pages. By book four, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J. K. Rowling was up to 734 pages. Book five, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, was 870 pages. No complaints or excuses there.

Don't you find it odd that Harry Potter readers wait outside bookstores at midnight to get the next HP release, but when it comes time to reading the only Book God every wrote, we say it's too long. I don't think God is buying that.

REASON # 4 -- "THE BIBLE ISN'T RELEVANT TO MY LIFE"

Sometimes the Bible doesn't seem to speak to our 21st century needs. After all, think of all the words that aren't in the Bible: AIDS, computer, text messaging, NASCAR, Alaskan cruise, etc. But maybe the Bible would speak more to us if we read more of it and were more sensitive in applying to our lives what we do read. Let me give you an example. Bill Armstrong was a young businessman in my church. He and his partner sold and installed security systems in homes. Bill was a Christian but Jack, his business partner, was not. Soon a conflict arose between Bill and Jack over a security device that Bill knew was overpriced and inadequate. Jack wanted to up sell the customers on features that both Bill and Jack knew were just bells and whistles. Bill was hesitant because he knew the device was not as reliable as one with fewer features. He prayed and asked God for guidance. Bill wanted to check out his Bible but didn't know where to look. Had Bill been more familiar with his Bible, he would have easily drawn principles by which to conduct his business.

God told the Israelites always to be fair in business. "You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a heavy and a light one" (Deuteronomy 25:13), implying that some merchants would cheat their customers with a weight that was lighter than the standard. Bill had apparently not read any of the apostle Paul's comments about honesty in business. He told the Corinthian believers that they must provide all things honest or honorable, "not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" (2 Corinthians 8:21).

One day Bill couldn't take it anymore. He came to me seeking advice. I steered him to some of these verses and when he left he knew what he had to do. Bill bought out Jack's interest in their business (2 Corinthians 6:14). He quit selling the overpriced but inferior alarm systems. He told his customers what features could be added to any system, but let them decide for themselves. People appreciated Bill's new candor and today his business is booming.

The Bible's relevance to our lives isn't determined by what it says; it's determined by what we know of what it says. If you can't put your finger on any passages of Scripture that speak to your needs, that doesn't mean there aren't any. More familiarity with the Bible through reading will bring more relevancy for the Bible in your life.[7]

REASON # 3 -- "THE BIBLE IS BORING AND WASN'T WRITTEN TO ME ANYWAY"

If some portions of the Bible seem boring to you, you're not alone. Even a spiritual giant like John Bunyan, author of the classic Christian allegory Pilgrim's Progress, once said, "I have sometimes seen more in a line of the Bible than I could well tell how to stand under, and yet at another time the whole Bible hath been to me as dry as a stick."

Bunyan's candor is exactly the point. There are portions of the Bible that are not as exciting as others—Leviticus, Ezekiel, Obadiah—but the whole Bible isn't like that. Let's be fair. You may have to slosh through some places in Scripture and look closely for application to your life, but the vast majority of the Bible has ready application.

In the Bible you will find love stories (Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel, Joseph and Mary), war stories (Joshua and the Amalekites, Hezekiah and the Assyrians, David and the Philistines), stories of international intrigue (Daniel, Moses, the Magi), and stories of family conflict (Jacob and his sons, the prodigal and his father, Cain and Abel). You'll also read of death threats (Mordecai), attempts on one's life (Paul), and even a story about a boy king hidden from his own grandmother so she wouldn't kill him (Joram and Athaliah).

So what's your interest? The Bible has it all—danger, intrigue, passion, jealousy, betrayal, love, honor, it's all in there.

Sometimes it does feel like your reading someone else's mail when you read the Bible. But that's true of every other book too. The fact is, there is more addressed to you personally in the Bible than in any book ever written. The reason is clear: the Bible is God's love letter to you, and whether He is telling you someone's story or predicting the future, the bottom line is how you fit in the plan of God as outlined in His Word.

2. "READING THE BIBLE ISN'T A PRIORITY IN MY LIFE"

In our "Top 10" list the reasons for not reading the Bible are becoming both more honest and more to the point. How much you read your Bible depends on how valuable you think that time will be.

Rabbi Daniel Lapin makes an interesting observation about time. He says:

"Most people who travel for business spend about the same number of days per year on the road as our great-grandfathers did. The reason for this synchronicity is clear. Most people subconsciously calculate the amount of time they are willing to spend away from family and friends and the amount of discomfort they are willing to endure. They then plug this figure into their economic ambition, massage the resulting equation a little, and emerge with a figure representing roughly how many days each year they are willing to travel for business. All of this is done subconsciously; it even gets updated from time to time.6 "

The rabbi's point is this: you do only what you think is valuable. You will read God's Word only if you deem it personally profitable. If you see the Bible as of little value, you will place little value on reading it. It won't be a priority. If, however, you see it as the only book God ever wrote, as God's way of communicating with you, as the only reliable guide for successful living, reading the Bible will become your priority.

"Today, unless you were brought up under a rock, or in a stone age tribe in a jungle somewhere, you know in your heart that there is a book called the Holy Bible, that you should be reading. Biblical illiteracy is 99.9% a matter of choice."[8]

REASON # 1 -- "I DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ THE BIBLE"

The most common excuse for not reading the Bible is our busy lives. We don't seem to have time to do the things we know we should do. There's work and school, running to the store, soccer practice, dinner—life is just a bit harried. Who has time to sit and read? You do. Here's why.

Time is a set quantity. It's not elastic. We all have 60 seconds in every minute, 60 minutes in every hour, 24 hours in every day. Time may fly, but it doesn't change. You have one thousand four hundred and forty golden minutes in every day and so do I.

The issue is never about time, it's always about what we choose to get done in the time we have, and that takes us right back to our priorities. Is reading God's Word, meditating and benefiting from it, something you wish to take some time each day to do or not? If not, the convenient way to express your lack of desire is to say, "I don't have time." But we both know time isn't the problem.

A couple of years ago I took a stopwatch with me everywhere I flew. I would read my Bible while in flight and time how long it took to read each book of the Bible. Once returning from Frankfort on a flight to Chicago a flight attendant saw the stopwatch around me neck and asked, "Are you timing our service?" I chuckled and said, "No, I'm timing how long it takes me to read my Bible." With a puzzled look on her face she inquired why someone would want to do that. I said, "Because everybody tells me they would read their Bible but they don't have time. I want to know how much time they don't have."

Did you know that you can read half the books of the Bible in less than 30 minutes each? You can read 26 of them in less than 15 minutes. The whole Bible, cover to cover, can be read by an average reader in less than 72 hours.

Maybe it's time we rethink our reasons for not reading the Bible and just call them what they are--excuses.

Take another look at these "Top Ten." How many of them are excuses you've given to God for not reading His Word? If you can see through them so quickly, imagine how easily He can see through them.

The Bible is read by people who choose to read it. Bible reading is neglected by people who choose to neglect it. It's just that simple.

No excuses. Just honesty.

[i] There are many fine guides to reading the Bible that will help you read the entire book in a year or more. Back to the Bible provides seven such guides in a READ ME Bible guides packet. Some reading schedules are found on-line. Wherever you start your reading, the important thing is to start, and don't quit.

[ii] In the King James Bible, there are 31,373 verses.
[1] There are many fine guides to reading the Bible that will help you read the entire book in a year or more. Back to the Bible provides seven such guides in a READ ME Bible guides packet. Some reading schedules are found on-line. Wherever you start your reading, the important thing is to start, and don't quit.
[2] In the King James Bible, there are 31,373 verses.
[3] Obadiah, Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude
[4] Haggai
[5] Leo Tolstoy's book is one of the longest classics in history. The W. W. Norton & Company 1996 second edition translated and edited by George Gibian contains the 15 books and 365 chapters of War and Peace in 1,300 pages.
[6] The Good Book, October 6, 1996, (www.backtogodhour.org/sermons)
[7]To learn more about what the Bible says regarding various topics, see: http://www.bibletopics.com/ 6 Rabbi Daniel Lapin, Lapin, America's Real War. (Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 1999), 27-28.
[8] The High Cost of Illiteracy (www.fellowshipinhislove.com/illiteracy.html

Arise, My Soul, Arise

2007-01-03T20:20:00.000-05:00

By Charles Wesley

(Sung by Twila Paris)

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

Statement of Faith

2007-01-01T12:26:00.000-05:00

We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons--Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and that He created everything out of nothing for His own pleasure and purpose.
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired Word of God, inerrant and infallible in the original manuscripts, and the supreme and final authority in matters of faith and life, interpreted by the Holy Spirit to each individual believer.
We believe that man was created in the image of God, and when he sinned the race incurred both physical and spiritual death; thus man became alienated from God and incapable of remedying his sinful condition by his own means.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was begotten of the Father through the Holy Spirit, was born of the Virgin Mary, and is true man without ceasing to be God.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ lived a sinless and perfect life that fully pleased His Father; that He died for our sins on the cross, bearing the judgment demanded by God's Holy Justice against sin, thus making it possible for God to remain Just and at the same time to justify those who believe in Jesus.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead, never to die again, and is ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He intercedes as High Priest and Advocate on behalf of all who believe in Him.
We believe that those who, by faith alone and through no merit of their own, receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior are miraculously born again of the Holy Spirit and become, as children of God, partakers of His divine nature and of eternal life.
We believe that the Holy Spirit baptizes all true believers into the one true Church, His Body; that He indwells them eternally, bestows spiritual gifts upon them, and empowers them for service and holy living.
We believe that God through His Word promises those who believe, all things that pertain to life and godliness, including not only salvation from the penalty of sin but instruction in righteousness for present sanctification and victorious living to the glory of God.
We believe that two ordinances, neither of which is essential to salvation, are to be observed in obedience to our Lord by all believers until Christ's return: baptism and the Lord's Supper.
We believe that at death the souls of the redeemed pass immediately into Christ's presence, to remain there until the resurrection of the body at Christ's return for the Church. We also believe that at death the souls of the lost go to Hell, where they remain until they are brought before Christ at the Great White Throne final judgment to be judged according to their works and cast into the Lake of Fire, there to remain
eternally.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the redeemed at the premillennial return of Christ for His Church, when the souls and spirits of those who have died will be reunited with their bodies, now immortal, and that believers who are alive at that time, their bodies likewise transformed into immortality, will be caught up together with them to meet Christ in the air, ever to be with Him.
We believe in the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ to rescue Israel at Armageddon and to establish His millennial kingdom, reigning over this earth from His father David's throne in Jerusalem, and that His redeemed will reign with Him in resurrected bodies for 1,000 years.

Source: http://www.thebereancall.org/node/4981

2006-12-12T17:38:00.001-05:00

"I picked the baby up for a closer look. I noticed that its chest was fluttering rapidly. 'This baby is still alive!' I said. I thought they hadn't noticed."

Jennifer and Baby Garcia
by Jennifer P., with Greg Koukl

I was a new nurse on a new job. The night shift nurses were hard on the newcomers, and I was particularly easy to intimidate.

One night a nurse on my shift came up to me and said, "Jennifer, you need to see the Garcia baby." [not its real name] There was something suspicious about the way she said it, though. I see babies born every hour, I thought. Why do I need to see this one?

She led me to a utility room the nurses used for their breaks. Girls were smoking and drinking coffee, their feet up on the stainless steel counter. There, laying on the metal, was the naked body of a newborn baby.

"What is this baby doing here on this counter," I asked timidly.

"Oh, that's a preemie born at 19 weeks," she said. "We don't do anything to save them unless they're 20 weeks."

I noticed that his chest was fluttering rapidly. I picked him up for a closer look. "This baby is still alive!" I said. I thought they hadn't noticed.

Then I learned the horrible truth. The nurses knew, and it didn't matter. They had presented the baby to its mother as a dead, premature child. Then they took him away and tossed him on the cold, steel counter in the lunch room until he died. His skin was blotchy white, and his mouth was gaping open as he tried to breathe.

I stared at the little boy, trying to collect my thoughts. Inside I was in complete turmoil. What should I do? Should I talk to the supervisor? But she was involved in this, and I knew the doctors wouldn't do anything.

I slowly realized that this child was going to die and there was nothing I could do to stop it. The only movement I could see was the rapid fluttering of his little chest.

I did the one thing I could think of. I held him in his last moments so he'd at least have some warmth and love when he died, which I was sure would happen any second.

Just then one of the nurses--a large, harsh woman--burst into the room. "Jennifer, what are you doing with that baby?" she yelled.

"He's still alive..."

"He's still alive because you're holding him," she said. Grabbing him by the back with one hand, she snatched him from me, opened one of the stainless steel cabinets, and pulled out a specimen container with formaldehyde in it. She tossed the baby in and snapped the lid on. It was over in an instant.

I was in such shock, hardly breathing. I was a new nurse. I didn't understand the system. I was intimidated by these worldly and aggressive people.

Worst of all, though, I hadn't given issues like this much thought, even though I was a nurse. I'd just rolled along like everybody else. I'd never consciously asked myself, "Jennifer, what is really going on here?" I'd been floating through life as a Christian not facing the hard issues.

When I was confronted with a horrible situation, I wasn't prepared. I didn't respond with what I knew to be true about myself in Christ. Instead, I was easy to push around. I gave in to intimidation.

I can't express the failure, guilt and powerlessness I've felt over these years. In a profession that's supposed to save lives, many people don't really care. To them, this child wasn't human. In seven more days he would have qualified, but at 19 weeks he was just trash.

That baby was meaningless to the world. But God allowed this life to begin because it had a purpose. It was God's desire that this child be created.

That little boy was meaningful to God even though his own mother didn't even know he was alive. He was meaningful to me, too, because it was his death that God used to completely turn my own life around.

Thank you, baby Garcia.

Dear Mommy...

2006-12-03T14:05:00.000-05:00

Month One

Mommy, I am only 8 inches long, but I have all my organs. I love the sound of your voice. Every time I hear it, I wave my arms and legs. The sound of your heart beat is my favorite lullaby.

Month Two

Mommy, today I learned how to suck my thumb. If you could see me, you could definitely tell that I am a baby. I'm not big enough to survive outside my home though. It is so nice and warm in here.

Month Three

You know what Mommy, I'm a boy!! I hope that makes you happy. I always want you to be happy. I don't like it when you cry. You sound so sad. It makes me sad too, and I cry with you even though you can't hear me.

Month Four

Mommy, my hair is starting to grow. It is very short and fine, but I will have a lot of it. I spend a lot of my time exercising. I can turn my head and curl my fingers and toes, and stretch my arms and legs. I am becoming quite good at it too.

Month Five

You went to the doctor today. Mommy, he lied to you. He said that I'm not a baby. I am a baby Mommy, your baby. I think and feel. Mommy, what's abortion?

Month Six

I can hear that doctor again. I don't like him. He seems cold and heartless. Something is intruding my home. The doctor called it a needle. Mommy what is it? It burns! Please make him stop! I can't get away from it! Mommy! HELP me!

Month Seven

Mommy, I am okay. I am in Jesus' arms. He is holding me. He told me about abortion. Why didn't you want me Mommy?

Every abortion is just:

One more heart that was stopped...
Two more eyes that will never see...
Two more hands that will never touch...
Two more legs that will never run...
One more mouth that will never speak...

(Originally posted by Michael)

Sweet Eternal Heaven

2006-11-17T11:53:00.000-05:00

The elegance of a single candle, burning in a dark room

The beauty of a sunset over the ocean

The vastness of rolling hills, stretching for miles

The splendor of mountains lining the horizon

The loveliness of fragrant flowers, floating through an open window

The majesty of giant trees touching the sky

The gentle sound of a river, happily bubbling down smooth rocks

The power of a mighty waterfall, roaring and rushing white froth

The peace of a starry night, sleeping safely under a tent

The warmth of a sunny day, dozing on the beach

The gentle embrace of a warm blanket, on a bitter cold day

The refreshing splash of water in the dead of summer

The serenity of a winter landscape, frozen in time

The vibrance of a spring morning, renewed with life

How do we experience all of the glory of this creation?

How do we express our thanks for this magnificent world?

Instead I ask, How can we fathom the greatness of our true home?

How can we imagine the grandeur of heaven?

All these things and much, much more

The beauty and life of Earth will be present

But the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father

The brotherhood of millions of His children

All of us perfect through Him, how can we know?

Oh, that I could comprehend the wonder of my Savior's works

He who went to prepare a place for us

We shall stand in awe at His glory, and tremble at His power

His deity we shall never deny, His greatness we shall never forget

And the home which He has made for us

Shall always reflect His love and forgiveness

With all the majesty and splendor of this present world

On a backdrop of unfathomable beauty

The simple pleasures of Time,

With the timelessness of never-ending peace and joy

All in a future without time

Even the apostle could not utter the things which he had seen

And had to live his days with the knowledge of that place

So then we must wait until our Father calls

Then we can live each day in His sweet eternal heaven

-Elizabeth Kristy

Give Thanks...

2006-11-16T22:15:00.000-05:00

~Thanksgiving is Coming Fast~

Click on the picture-link below for stories, recipes, and Bible verses just in time for this holiday of thanks to our Lord for all He has given us.

http://www.geocities.com/firstjohn1seven

Wow...

2006-10-27T14:00:00.000-04:00

Mark Cahill's October 2006 Newsletter

"And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us."

Acts 16:13-15

Open Hearts

I got an email the other day from a lady named Carly. She had an amazing story about her journey from the depths that Satan had taken her, to the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Here is part of her email below:

For nearly all of my life, I hated Christians. I stood against them, I persecuted them, I would go out of my way in attempts to prove them wrong. Everyone I know is still in shock at what happened. In fact, I think I am still in shock myself. Every time I tell my testimony, God is glorified. I feel blessed and honored that I can share this with you right now.

I was born into an abusive family of drug users and alcoholics. I have a long history of abuse in my past, but the most painful scars came from the wounds that no one could see. My parents would constantly tell me how worthless, stupid, insane, and hopeless I was...and even told me many things that I would never repeat. I became seriously depressed at a very young age. Even in kindergarten, my teacher said there was no light in my eyes. But I was very intelligent, so they placed me in advanced classes, and because I kept up my grades, very little was ever done to help me.

When I was a child, my neighbors asked if they could take me to church. My parents agreed, because it would take me off their hands for some time. When people told me about the Christian religion, about hope, love, joy, peace, happiness...I clung to it for dear life. But in every church I went to, finding rides with whatever neighbors would accept me, I would find hypocrisy. My intellect always got in the way, and I would stump the pastors, preachers, ministers, and priests with my questions, or my downright challenges. I recall clearly being asked not to return to a Catholic church when I was 5 because I asked the priest why they bow to statues when the Bible said that was a sin, and asked why they worshiped Mary more than God.

A few years later, in the third grade, I was hopelessly depressed. That year, however, I made some really interesting friends. One friend in particular was very well-read, and I was always going to him to learn things. His name was Nick. He would teach me phrases in French; he would teach me science, math, history, and music. I completely adored him, and listened to everything he told me. One day, he told me that there were other religions in the world besides Christianity. I was shocked, and felt even more anger towards Christians since no one had ever told me this fact before. I immediately became obsessed with studying every religion I could get my hands on. My parents moved us, and I lost touch with Nick, which pushed me further into depression, but I had finally found hope. Every moment that I could, I would study books about religion. I would finish my school work early and get hall passes to the library. I would skip recess and lunch and read about every religion and every deity I could find. I became a recluse, at the age of 10, locked up in my own little world.

I became a follower of the Hindu goddess Kalikamata, or Kali, and intensely studied the teachings of the Golden Dawn, which is a cult. I became highly involved in the occult and magick.

At the age of twelve, I was performing long and complicated rituals, I made an altar to Kali, filled with candles, incense, and even statues that I did indeed bow down to. I worshiped Kali while still studying about every religion I could find. I studied palmistry, tarot cards, numerology, astrology, herbology, and more.

Soon, I got into studying a form of magick called "energy magick". This is the type of magick you see in movies, and you've probably heard about, but I am a witness to magick being very real. I spent a lot of time in meditation, chanting, and doing what is called "invocations". For invocations, you plead with the deities, which I now know are demons, to come into you, and "bless" you with "gifts". By the time I entered high school, I had many "gifts", and I knew how to use them very well.

I had a lot to say. I began to stand up against Christians, and I became evangelical for paganism. Everyone who would listen to me, I would teach about the religions I knew about, and about the occult. Even the toughest skeptics believed me. I started teaching anyone who would listen, and a lot of people listened.

During this time, someone I had known for years began to constantly get on my case about my involvement with the occult, and with my pagan religion. His name was Travis, and I had known him since the sixth grade. He knew the magick I did was real, but he called it evil. I was highly offended by him, and much of my high school time was spent arguing with him. We never got anywhere, but I loved talking about religion, because studying it was my passion, so I did not mind having him around.

As the years moved on, though, I became more and more depressed. I became very suicidal, and my life was saved a few times. I just did not care anymore. Besides, I believed in reincarnation. I was more than ready to trade this life in for a new one.

I actively told Christians why they were wrong. I wrote papers about their hypocrisy. I found Christians who did not walk the talk, and I would verbally beat them down, and tell whoever would listen why Christians were the worst people on earth. I would do history reports on the Inquisition and the Crusades and give copies to people, and post them online as more reasons to hate Christianity. I would get into apologetics debates with any Christian who dared to try to take me on. I played the persecuted party, and would express how I felt that they were monsters for teaching that anyone who didn't follow their religion would suffer eternally in a "lake of fire". I enjoyed showing Catholics why they were wrong, and how they didn't even follow their own teachings. I did these things every chance that I got.

Then, my mother died. I was cold and heartless about it, because of how I had been treated my whole life, but things got complicated when my father got into harder drugs, abandoned my sisters and I, and I was forced to begin working full-time to pay the bills while still in my senior year of high school. My big sister adopted my little sister, and I was left to my own devices. I decided to go to college, and I was awarded full scholarships. I attended a very liberal university, and I soon found myself back in the occult, practicing magick with a few people on campus, and thinking about eventually becoming a priestess of a Unitarian Universalist church. I believed all religions were just different paths to God.

I started talking to my friend Travis more. We talked about religion, as we always did. Because I told him that I did indeed believe in his God, that I prayed to Him and even wore a cross from time to time, he stopped burying me under apologetics, and started trying to get me to go to church. He did not know at the time that I was still a follower of Kali, and set her higher than the Christian God. He kept giving me sermons to listen to and articles to read, but I never would. Finally, he got on my last nerve, and I agreed to listen to ONE sermon. I accepted the link that he gave me, opened the file, and proceeded to completely ignore it while I checked my email.

However, about half way through, something about the speaker's tone made me pause. I still hadn't heard what he was talking about, but I stopped to listen to his tone. I stopped and asked myself how he could actually believe this stuff. Christianity as a religion meant nothing to me. I thought, "Wow, he really believes this. He believes this more than I believe that 1+1=2. He knows this. How? How can that be?" Then, there was almost this voice in the back of my head that seemed to whisper, "because...it's true."

Something snapped in me. Everything shattered. Suddenly I knew it was true, too. I started asking myself questions, and that same little voice always seemed to reply. "Is the Bible true?", "Yes.", "Was Jesus real?", "Yes.", "Is there really heaven and hell?", "Yes.", "Did God really give those laws?", "Yes."...and on and on it went. I believed it completely, with everything that I had. Like a flash of light, everything I thought I knew was changed. My world changed. I fell down in tears, begging God to forgive me for my idolatry, for my years in the occult, and for leading so many people away from Him.

I restarted the sermon, and found out that it was called "One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven", by Mark Cahill. The next day, I downloaded all of his sermons that I could find, and asked Travis to give me as many resources that he could think of. Mark Cahill's sermons walked me through the 10 Commandments, and I repented of each and every one of them.

I then listened to "Hell's Best Kept Secret" by Ray Comfort. The next day I hit the streets, street preaching. I called up all of my pagan friends within the next week, and preached to them. I went back to my pagan message board, and shared the gospel with them. When I wasn't reading the Bible, listening to sermons, reading books on witnessing and apologetics, I was street preaching.

I have now been saved for about six months, and I am on fire for God. Nobody can keep me quiet. Mark's sermons told me I "got to preach the gospel", and preach I do. I am now studying Biblical Studies in college, and I plan to live my whole life to glorify God, to evangelize, and to give myself to God. I am prayerful that he will use me to further His glorious Kingdom! I am so caught up in the wonderful mercy of God...His forgiveness for even me, a modern-day Saul of Tarsus...the miracles He has already worked in my life...I owe him all that I am, and I intend to give it.

As you can tell by Carly's story, you have no clue what the Lord can do with a seed that is planted. It is His job, and His job alone to open up the hearts of people. We must faithfully plant seeds, water seeds, and pray and watch Him work His wonders on the hearts of the lost. It might be a CD given to someone, a book, a tract, a conversation, etc., and the Lord can use all of that to get someone's attention. Would you please be a Travis in someone's life this week? Would you care so much about someone's soul that you will never, ever give up on what the Lord might do in their lives? If God can open up the heart of Lydia, Carly, etc., He can open up the heart of the people you desperately want to see saved.

Until the nets are full,

P.S. I thought you would love these two pictures below. They are from Baghdad, Iraq. Thanks for your prayers for the ministry and for getting the books into the right hands. The Lord continues to use the materials in many people's lives. Please pray for the salvation of all soldiers.

Click here >>> Soldiers in Iraq #1

Click here >>> Soldiers in Iraq #2

(In case you can't discern what is going on in the photos, they're holding up copies of One Heartbeat Away and One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven.)

Thoughts On...

2006-10-17T21:11:00.000-04:00

Some interesting thoughts in the context of a Christian's actions on (and towards) "Halloween":

"Believers should have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, either by participation or by any attitude that might indicate tolerance or leniency."

-William MacDonald (Believer's Bible Commentary on Ephesians 5:11)

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light."

-Ephesians 5:8-13

"Satan loves Halloween because it glamorizes the powers of darkness, drawing little kids into his realm. And it is paying off, witchcraft is exploding among teens today."

-Christian Youth Alliance

"Is there anything wrong, in and of itself, with dressing up in silly costumes and eating candy? No. But when it is associated with everything that goes against a pure and clean spirit (such as every Christian is supposed to have) there IS something wrong with it."

"Samhain (also known as Halloween, ShadowFest, Martinmas, Old Hallowmas): The Last Harvest. The Earth nods a sad farewell to the God. We know that He will once again be reborn of the Goddess and the cycle will continue. This is the time of reflection, the time to honor the Ancients who have gone on before us and the time of 'Seeing" (divination). As we contemplate the Wheel of the Year, we come to recognize our own part in the eternal cycle of Life."

-http://www.witchvox.com/ (a neo-pagan community)

"[Halloween] was the most magical time of the year; Samhain was the day which did not exist. During the night the great shield of Skathach was lowered, allowing the barriers between the worlds to fade and the forces of chaos to invade the realms of order, the material world conjoining with the world of the dead. At this time the spirits of the dead and those yet to be born walked amongst the living. The dead could return to the places where they had lived and food and entertainment were provided in their honour. In this way the tribes were at one with its past, present and future. This aspect of the festival was never totally subdued by Christianity."

-http://www.wikipedia.com/ via http://www.samhain.com/

That Time of Year

2006-10-14T08:09:00.000-04:00

Yes... it's that time of year when people are getting ready for the Holidays... enjoying the cool Autumn weather... gazing at the beautiful colors of Fall... and being met with evil at every corner. That's right; it's Halloween time.

The following is an e-mail I sent to the host of a Christian talk show who has stated that it's "harmless" to let your children participate in Halloween activities. In the e-mail I state just a few of the reasons why I disagree. Also at the end of this post I have included some resources which tell of the pagan origins of Halloween (known to Wiccans as "Samhain" pronounced "Sow-en") and how they, and their present-day followers, celebrated it.
_______________________________________________________

Todd,

I heard you a couple of months ago talking about the issue of Halloween, and although I disagree with you, I want you to take the following as a compelling statement coming from someone on the other side of the fence, not as from an argumentative spirit. I know you are very busy, but I ask that you would read this e-mail in its entirety so as not to be left with an incomplete or misunderstood view of what I am trying to say and what my Biblical basis are; thank you. Any questions I have included are more of a Socratic or rhetorical nature, I do not require an answer.

The difference between the pagan origins of Christmas, Easter and Halloween, is that Christmas and Easter have been "redeemed" so-to-speak, by what they now celebrate and are associated with. What is there about Halloween that has any redeeming quality? What has Halloween claimed as a Christian celebration? It is still a night of greed, selfishness, and rejoicing in darkness. Its origins are of the highest blasphemy against our Lord, not only in that it was a pagan festival to honor their demon-gods, but that it was put in to practice specifically to dishonor what they perceived to be a day honoring the true God. Christmas and Easter never had such an offensive strike against Christianity.

The article below was written several years ago by a fifteen year old Christian. This teenager had been brought up their entire life without having ever participated in any Halloween or Harvest event on October the 31st, and does not regret it. They never felt left out, they never felt as though they were missing out on something wonderful or essential to a normal childhood.

As the author of this article states, what is the fruit of Halloween? What traits does it bring out in our children? Why must Christians always try to sanitize the world for their children, instead of keeping them out of it so that they can be a light in the darkness? Is there anything wrong, in and of itself, with dressing up in silly costumes and eating candy? No. But when it is associated with everything that goes against a pure and clean spirit (such as every Christian is supposed to have) there IS something wrong with it.

The Bible says, "You shall know them by their fruits... a tree does not bear both good fruit and bad... a spring does not yield both sweet and bitter water."

This is just my opinion about Halloween, although I do feel that I have Biblical grounds for it. Frankly, it scares me to think that millions of Christians are participating in something that displeases God. There is a big difference between what God allows and what He likes. Remember "all things permissible, not all things profitable"?

Just as the writer of this article, I too was brought up never having celebrated Halloween it in any way, shape or form, along with two siblings. Yet, we are not so weak minded as to feel we have missed out on something at all. And I would hope that no other Christian children are.

-Kristina
_______________________________________

"Abstain from all appearance* of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:22

The Truth About Halloween

Witches, devils, goblins, ghosts. Are we really abstaining from ALL appearance of evil when we condone the use of these evil symbols to represent our families on the night of Halloween?

What about the "innocent" princesses and super-heroes? What are they participating in? Anyway you look at it they are using this night for greed. On what other night do children threaten their neighbors for candy? It has to be the one night that is admittedly evil.

Did you know that most, if not all, Satanic cults practice crude and disgusting rituals on this night, and consider it a "high holy" day? Did you ever realize that when we participate in any kind of events on this night we are heeding their night to be celebrated, even though it represents everything we are to abhor?

What about this: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control? How many of these fruits of the Spirit of God are shown from anyone you know on Halloween? More important, how many do YOU show?

Think twice before allowing your children, or you yourself to participate in any of the events on this evil night. Because even though you may not be THINKING bad things, or DOING bad things, simply by participating in any way, you are by your actions giving glory the enemy of your God and Savior. One of Satan's biggest lies is, "It's fun! It FEELS good! How could it be sin?"

One more thing to consider is that even the pagans and Satan worshippers don't participate in our Holidays. On Christmas and Easter they disgrace themselves and others by profanity, and drunkenness, and many other things I cannot even mention. So, when even the followers of the enemy are disgusted at our beliefs and the special days that represent them, why are we celebrating along with them on their "holy" days? What does that say about the Christian faith?

Are we supposed to have mushy feelings towards the people who do abominations to God? Aren't things like Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings only going against what God has told us to do? The root of these kinds of entertainment is to cheer on the appointed "hero", who is usually heavily involved in magic, fortune telling (soothsaying), spirit conjuring, etc.

I could go into next week telling about the origins of Halloween. About how it was originated to mock what people thought to be a holy day on honor of the Saints. But I know that if you are truly following God, the Holy Spirit will tell you what is wrong with what so many "Christians" have been doing for so many years.

I believe that unless it is for purely evangelistic purposes, no true Christian should participate in ANY events on Halloween night. Having a harvest party on Halloween night is very transparent, because harvest isn't anywhere near the 31st of October. Why should the children of God want to get mixed up with the lost souls who find October 31st the most "fun" night of the year? Shouldn't Christians be PREVENTING trouble, not PARTICIPATING in it?

Please, think about this scripture, and look even further into the bible about how God forbids things like fortune telling, channeling spirits, and looking for dead spirits.

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Here are some more bible verses showing repeatedly that God does not approve of magic and the like:

(Leviticus 19:26) Nor shall you practice divination or soothsaying.

(2 Kings 17:17) And they caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and soothsaying, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger.

(2 Kings 21:6) Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger.

(2 Chronicles 33:6) Also he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger.

(Deuteronomy 18:10) "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you."

(Joshua 13:22) "The children of Israel also killed with the sword Balaam the son of Beor, the soothsayer, among those who were killed by them."

"Definition: DIVINATION AND MAGIC: An attempt to contact supernatural powers to determine answers to questions hidden to humans and usually involving the future."
~"I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness."~
~*Psalm 101:3-4*~

~"And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."~
~*Matthew 10:42*~

~"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."~
~*Revelation 1:3*~

*The word translated "appearance" here (sometimes translated "forms") is the Greek word eidos (i'-dos) which means "a view, that is, form (literally or figuratively):—appearance, fashion, shape, sight"

September 2004 (originally appeared on the BFN Newsletter website October 2004)
__________________________________________________

Want to learn about (the real) Halloween from those who practice it in all its glory? Go to: http://www.witchvox.com/

It's pretty sad... I mean it's sad that Christians would want to have any part in this evil, abominable, blasphemous, abhorrant, totally anti-God celebration. The god of this world must be loving us this time of year.

-Kristina

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INDEX: Samhain (Halloween)
Posted by: Witchvox Central
(October 31st -Nov 1st) also known as: Halloween, ShadowFest, Martinmas, Old Hallowmas

The Last Harvest. The Earth nods a sad farewell to the God. We know that He will once again be reborn of the Goddess and the cycle will continue. This is the time of reflection, the time to honor the Ancients who have gone on before us and the time of 'Seeing" (divination). As we contemplate the Wheel of the Year, we come to recognize our own part in the eternal cycle of Life.

(Source: http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usxx&c=holidays&sc=samhain&id=1984)

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Samhain is the winter season of the ancient Celts. The Celts divided the year into four quarters: Samhain (winter), Imbolc (spring), Beltane (summer), and Lughnasadh (autumn). The Celtic year began in November, with Samhain. The Celts were influenced principally by the lunar and stellar cycles which governed the agricultural year - beginning and ending in autumn when the crops have been harvested and the soil is prepared for the winter. Pronunciation differs radically between different groups of Celtic language speakers.

Samhain Eve, in Erse, Oidhche Shamhna, is one of the principal festivals of the Celtic calendar, and is thought to fall on or around the 31st of October. It represents the final harvest. In modern Ireland, the name by which Halloween is known in the Irish language is still "Oíche Shamhna".

Bonfires played a large part in the festivities. Villagers cast the bones of the slaughtered cattle upon the flames. (the word bonfire is thought to derive from these "bone fires.") With the bonfire ablaze, the villagers extinguished all other fires. Each family then solemnly lit their hearth from the common flame, thus bonding the families of the village together.

Like most Celtic festivals, it was celebrated on a number of levels. Materially speaking it was the time of gathering food for the long winter months ahead, bringing people and their livestock in to their winter quarters. To be alone and missing at this dangerous time was to expose yourself and your spirit to the perils of imminent winter. In present times the importance of this part of the festival has diminished for most people. From the point of view of a tribal people for whom a bad season meant facing a long winter of famine in which many would not survive to the spring, it was paramount.

Samhain was also a time for contemplation. Death was never very far away, yet to die was not the tragedy it is in modern times. Of signal importance to the Celts people was to die with honour and to live in the memory of the tribe and be honoured at the great feast (in Ireland this would have been the Fleadh nan Mairbh (Feast of the Dead)) which took place on Samhain Eve.

This was the most magical time of the year; Samhain was the day which did not exist. During the night the great shield of Skathach was lowered, allowing the barriers between the worlds to fade and the forces of chaos to invade the realms of order, the material world conjoining with the world of the dead. At this time the spirits of the dead and those yet to be born walked amongst the living. The dead could return to the places where they had lived and food and entertainment were provided in their honour. In this way the tribes were at one with its past, present and future. This aspect of the festival was never totally subdued by Christianity.

On the level of cosmic event, the rising of Pleiades, the winter stars, heralds the supremacy of night over day, the dark half ruled by the realms of the moon.

In the three days preceding the Samhain month the Sun God, Lugh, maimed at Lughnassadh, dies by the hand of his Tanist (his other self), the Lord of Misrule. Lugh traverses the boundaries of the worlds on the first day of Samhain. His Tanist is a miser and though he shines brightly in the winter skies he gives no warmth. and does not temper the breath of the Crone, Cailleach Bheare, the north wind. In this may be discerned the ageless battle between the light and dark and the cyclic nature of life and the seasons.

In parts of western Brittany Samhain is still heralded by the baking of kornigou. Kornigou are cakes baked in the shape of antlers to commemorate the god of winter shedding his "cuckold" horns as he returns to his kingdom in the Otherworld.

When the Romans made contact with the Celts, they added their feast of the dead to Samhain. The Christians subverted the recognition of Samhain to honor the saints, as All Saint's Day on November 1st and named October 31 as All Hallow's Eve. This latter became a secular holiday by the name of Hallowe'en. Although using different nomenclatures, all of these festivals and feasts are celebrating the accessibility, veneration, awe, and respect of the dead.

(Source: http://www.wikipedia.com/ via http://www.samhain.com/)

2006-10-10T12:25:00.000-04:00

Someone was once asked when all of the suicide bombing would stop in the Middle East. The response was chilling. "The bombing will stop when Muslims love their children more than they hate the Jews."

States I've Visited or Passed Through (Updated)

2006-10-09T15:32:00.000-04:00

I just got back last Saturday night (the 7th) from a 10-day our-of-state trip, which is why I haven't posted for so long!

My mom and I left on Wednesday, September 27th for Knoxville, Tennessee. The following Wednesday we went to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and spent one night there, and then started the 25 hour trip back home. We spent the night in the Dallas area, and then another night in the Baton Rouge area.

This updated map shows all of the states I have now been in.

They Sold Their Souls...

2006-09-22T15:12:00.000-04:00


...For Rock and Roll

The End Times of the 18th Century

2006-09-18T20:00:00.000-04:00

This is a very good article that was most likely written in the late 17th or early 18th century (I can't locate the exact date). It is extremely accurate concerning the state of this modern (and post-modern) world. His arguments are convincing, and his theology, while it may be questionable on other topics, is on target here. It definitely gives us a good reason to not only study prophecy, but get the Gospel out there before it's too late. I think it's amazing that he was so able to capture what studious Christians experience still today.

~Kristy

The Importance of Prophecy
By Sir Isaac Newton

(Article from the August 2006 Prophecy in the News magazine.)

Editor's Note: Sir Isaac Newton's book, Principia (1687), is recognized as the greatest scientific book ever written. In it, Newton analyzed gravity and the motion of bodies, demonstrating that the planets were attracted toward the Sun by a force of gravity, and suggested that all heavenly bodies mutually attract one another.

His greatest achievement was his work in physics and celestial mechanics, which culminated in the theory of universal gravitation. He was the father of the mathematical discipline called, Calculus.

In 1703 he was elected president of the Royal Society and was re-elected each year until his death. He was knighted in 1705 by Queen Anne, the first scientist to be so honored for his work.

The following is an article by Sir Isaac Newton, on the importance of studying prophecy. Its grammar is updated somewhat for clarity in modern English.

______________________________

If the prophecies that concerned the Apostolic Age were given for the conversion of the people of that age to the truth, and for the establishment of their faith; and, if it was their duty to search diligently into those prophecies; why should we not think that the prophecies, which concern the latter times, that we might be able to discern the truth; and be established in the faith? Consequently, it is also our duty to search with all diligence into these prophecies.

If God was so angry with the Jews for not searching more diligently into the prophecies, which He had given them to know Christ by; why should we think He will excuse us for not searching into the prophecies, which He has given us to know Antichrist by? Certainly, it must be as dangerous, and as easy an error, for Christians to adhere to Antichrist, as it was for the Jews to reject Christ. Therefore, it is a much our duty to endeavor to be able to know him that we may avoid him, as it was theirs to know Christ that they might follow Him.

You see, therefore, that this is no idle speculation, no matter of indifference, but a duty of the greatest importance. Wherefore, it concerns you to look about narrowly, lest you should, in do degenerate an age, be dangerously seduced and not know it. Antichrist is to seduce the whole world and, therefore, he may easily seduce you, if you are not well prepared to discern him. However, even if he has not yet come into the world; living amidst so many religions, of which there can be but one true (and perhaps none of those that you are acquainted with), it is possible that you may be deceived; and, therefore it concerns you to be very circumspect.

Consider how our Savior taught the Jews with parables: "By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall hear, and shall not perceive." (Matt. 13:14). As these parables were spoken to try the Jews, even so, the mystical Scriptures were written to try us. Therefore, be aware; so that you are not found wanting in this trial. For if you are, the obscurity of these Scriptures will not excuse you; as the obscurity of our Savior's parables did not excuse the Jews. Consider also the instructions of our Savior concerning that "latter times" by the parable of the fig tree:

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
"So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors"
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matt. 24:32, 33, 42).

Wherefore, it is your duty to learn the "signs of the times" (Matt. 16:3) that you may know how to watch, and are able to discern what times are coming on the earth by these things that come to pass. If you watch, you may know when it is at the door; just as a man knows by the leaves of a fig tree that summer is near.

But, if through ignorance of the signs you say in your heart,

"My Lord delayeth his coming:
"And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
"The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
"And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 24:48-51).

If you do not watch, how can you escape more than other men?

"For as a snare shall it come on all them that dew on the face of the whole earth" (Luke 21:35).

Consider that the same prophets, who foretold our Savior's First Coming, also foretold His Second Coming. And, if it was the main and indispensable duty of the people, before the First Coming of Christ, to have searched into and understood those prophecies beforehand; why should it not be as much the duty of the Church, before His Second Coming, to understand the same prophecies beforehand (so far as they are yet to be fulfilled)? Or how do you know that the Christian church (if they continue to neglect) shall not be punished , even in this world, as severely as were the Jews? Yea, will not the Jews rise up in judgment against us? For they had some regard to these prophecies, insomuch as to be in general expectation of our Savior about that time when He came; only they were not aware of the manner of His two comings. They understood the description of the Second Coming, and only were mistaken in applying that to the time of His First Coming.

Consider, therefore, if the description of His Second Coming was so much more plain and conspicuous than that of the first; so that the Jews (who could not so much as perceive anything of the first) could yet understand the second, how shall we escape, who understand nothing of the second, but have turned the whole description of it into allegories? And, if the Jews were so severely punished for not understanding the more difficult prophecy, what can we plead, who know nothing of the more conspicuous?

We have this advantage above them -- that the first, which is a key to the second (and was hidden from them), is made manifest to us; and that we have the second, also much further explained in the New Testament. Again, consider how the Apostles instructed the churches of the first age in the knowledge of these "latter times" (I Tim. 4:1). And, if it was the duty of those Christians to understand them, which were not to live in them, shall we think that the knowledge, thereof, is of no concern to us?

Consider also, the design of the Apocalypse. Was it not given for the use of the church, to guide and direct her in the right way? And, is not this the end of all prophetic Scripture? If there was no need of it, or if it cannot be understood, then why did God give it? Does He trifle? But, if it was necessary for the church, then why do you neglect it? Or, how do you know that you are in the right way, and yet do not understand it?

Lastly, consider the blessing, which is promised to them that read an study and keep the things, which are written in prophecy:

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand" (Rev. 1:3).

To reinforce the invitation to take these things into consideration, the same blessing is repeated in Revelation 22:7. Does God ever annex His blessings to trifles, or things of indifference? Wherefore, be not wise in your own conceit; but, as you desire to inherit this blessing, consider and search the Scriptures, which God has given to be a guide in these latter times; and be not discouraged by the gainsaying, which these things will meet with in the world.

They will call you a bigot, a fanatic, a heretic; and tell you of the uncertainty of these interpretations, and the vanity of attending to them; not considering that the prophecies concerning our Savior's First Coming were of more difficult interpretation; and yet, God rejected the Jews for not attending better to them. And whither they will believe it or not, there are greater judgments that hang over the Christians for their remissness, than ever the Jews felt.

But the world loves to be deceived. They will not understand. They never consider equally, but are wholly led by prejudice, interest, the praise of men, and authority of the church they live in -- as is plain, because all parties keep close to the religion they have been brought up in. And yet, in all parties, there are the wise and learned, as well as the fools and ignorant. There are but few that seek to understand they religion they profess. And those that study for understanding, therein; do it rather for worldly ends, or that they may defend it; rather than to examine whither it be true, with a resolution to choose and profess that religion, which, in their judgment, appears the truest.

As is their faith, so is their practice; for where are the men that do no yield to anger; nor seek revenge; nor disobey governors; nor censure and speak evil of them; nor cheat; nor lie; nor swear; nor use God's name idly in their common talk; nor are proud; nor ambitious; nor covetous; nor unchaste; nor drink immoderately? Where are they that live like the primitive Christians -- that love God with all their hearts, with all their souls, and with all their might, and their neighbors as themselves?

The godly are not led by fashions and principles of gentility, but rather, by religion. And where fashions disagree, the godly do not account it rudeness to depart from fashions. I fear there are but very few whose righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees.

This is the guise of the world. Therefore, trust it not; not value their censures and contempt. But rather, consider that it is the wisdom of God that His church should appear despicable to the world, to try the faithful. For this end, He made it a curse under Law to hang upon a tree; that the scandal of the Cross might be a trial to the Jews; and for the like trial of the Christians, He has allowed the apostasy of the latter times, by calling it: "the hour of temptation, which should come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev. 3:10). Be not, therefore, scandalized at the reproaches of the world; but rather look upon them as a mark of the true church.

And when you are convinced, be not ashamed to profess the truth; for, otherwise, you may become a stumbling block to others, and inherit the lot of those "rulers of the Jews" who believed in Christ, but yet, were afraid to confess Him lest they should be put out of the synagogue.

Wherefore, when you are convinced, be not ashamed of the truth, but profess it openly; and endeavor to convince your brother, also, that you may inherit, at the resurrection, the promise made in Daniel 12:3, that "they that turn many to righteousness [shall shine] as the stars for ever and ever." And rejoice if you are counted worthy to suffer in your reputation, or any other way for the sake of the Gospel, for then, "great is thy reward!"

Fall

2006-09-08T23:17:00.000-04:00

It's just around the corner...~Click here for animation~

States I've Visited or Passed Through

2006-09-07T21:21:00.000-04:00

create your own personalized map of the USA
or write about it on the open travel guide

Eyes

2006-09-04T17:11:00.000-04:00

Take the quiz:
What kind of eyes do you have?

Eden
You have eden eyes. Eden is the color of water. Your eyes symbolize your great flexibility. You are a creative person. You can think of many good ways to get your point across to people as you have very good communication abilities. When someone feels down or is hurt, you have the remarkable ability to help them and heal them. If you have too little going on in your life, you may be withdrawn and depressed, timid, manipulative, unreliable, stubborn, or suspicious. Some words to describe you: peaceful, sincere, affectionate, tranquil, intuitive, trustworthy, pure, loyal, healing, and stable.

Actually, I just have brown eyes :)

My Generation

2006-09-04T10:02:00.000-04:00

This is generation 'I'. Ours is the plight of possessing knowledge without understanding; being wise in the world yet ignorant in life.
--Elizabeth Kristy

Is Legalism or Liberalism Worse?

2006-09-04T09:58:00.000-04:00

There may be something seriously wrong with your walk and relationship with God if instead of "How can I become more holy and Christ-like, and do things that please Him not my flesh?" the question you find yourself asking is "What can I get away with - how long I can swim in the wordly waters - and still be considered a Christian?" Which one of these does your heart dwell on?

All things may be permissable, but not all things are profitable. Just because you may be allowed to do certain things as a Christian, does not mean it will augment your growth, and it does not mean that it is pleasing to your heavenly Father. Do you find yourself saying and doing things that, while they may not be damnable, you know in your spirit they are not "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely"? Do you find yourself listening to secular music, admiring art, or watching movies and television that have ungodly content, or are based on a worldview that opposes the Truth?

The answer to those questions may shed some light on the inward struggle, and guilty feelings. We tend to focus on one part of our imperfections that we admit to being "wrong" about, and then we won't have to worry about the other side of the coin. If we focus on our supposed prejudice or judgmentalism, then we won't have to worry about our tolerance of sin. If we focus on our supposed legalism about the way others act and what they say, then we won't have to worry about our own actions or words. So many of these balancing acts could be settled if we just asked the question "Is it Biblical and does it please God?"

Yes, legalism may be wrong... but liberalism is just as wrong. Wouldn't you rather err on the side of pleasing, rather than displeasing, God?

Just a thought...

2006-08-31T21:53:00.000-04:00

I've noticed a lot of "Christians" using words and terminology that I wouldn't normally attribute to Christians. Now, dictionaries are wonderful tools, and I sometimes wonder if we Christians would be pleasing God and growing more in Him if we would actually take the time to open one up and find out what we are talking about when we use certain words.

So, I thought we would take a look at one or two of the most common words I hear (and read). I realize this may come across as being somewhat crass, but is it really worse to define a term than to use it?

Word #1:

freak-ing (freakin')

adjective

Definition: an offensive term expressing strong feelings by its similarity in sound to other offensive terms [I don't think I need to mention which terms those are] (slang )

Source: MSN Encarta Dictionary (http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/freaking.html)

Word #2:

pimp (plural pimps)

noun

Definition: somebody soliciting for prostitutes: somebody, usually a man, who finds customers for a prostitute in return for a portion of the prostitute's earnings

Source: MSN Encarta Dictionary
(http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861726253/pimp.html)

My point in all of this is that sometimes we tend to simply go with the flow, and don't take the time to think about whether or not what we are doing is right and pleasing to God.

Jesus said that we would give an account for every idle word spoken. If you still aren't convinced that these words (and many others I haven't even mentioned) are not acceptable for a Christian's vocabulary, then think about this: Would Jesus say "I laughed freaking so hard" or "I'm pimpin' now"? I think I can safely say "No, He wouldn't." It's bordering blasphemy to even ask the question.

So, in short, I would like to suggest that we Christians be an example to the world. Let's try and think about what we say before we say it. Especially in an internet setting where you have the time to type out and read over everything you write.

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18

Let us be transformed into the image of Christ, in all our actions, words, and thoughts.

Random Thoughts...

2006-08-27T09:09:00.000-04:00

My Jesus, my Savior
Lord, there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Lord of All Creation
Of water, earth and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on High
God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth

"We must distinguish those things which God can use as tools for good from those things which are good tools to use."

"The Bible is so amazingly and bluntly true concerning every thing pertaining to life and living day-by-day. You could never find such wisdom in the writings of Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, Confucius, Gandhi, or any other philosopher, religious leader, or poet in all of history."

"God knows what it is to be human... He lived our lives. Yet He still says, 'with God nothing is impossible.' Who else would know?"

"May all my thoughts be pure and righteous, and directed towards my Heavenly Father as prayers."

"You will keep him in perfect peace; whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3) "The Hebrew expression translated 'perfect peace' is literally 'peace, peace.' Compare the word 'holy' in Isaiah 6:3. Immanuel will inaugurate this superior kind of peace (Isaiah 9:6 and 11:6-9)."

"If you abide in My Word you are My disciples indeed." (John 8:31) "A rose is a rose, is a rose without exception. A Christian is a Christian, is a Christian only when one follows his name sake."

"Lord, sometimes I feel like everything I need is in my head, but not in me heart. How do I remove whatever is blocking the road to my soul? I want Your ways to be deeply ingrained in my being. I want to always be in touch with Your will for me. Please, Lord, I want to know You. I want to follow always the path You have laid for me. Open the floodgates from my mind to my heart!"

"There are more lies in this world then there are people to tell them... But God seeks truth in the inward parts. Truth that is not pure is not truth at all. It's truth used to tell a lie."

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Time and Change

2006-08-20T02:09:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe it's nearly September. The Summer is all but gone, the Holidays are coming up fast. I only went to the beach twice, I didn't go to the pool at all.

This is how it's been for me the past five years or so. The time has gone by so quickly. Steph's been married for four years; Josiah will be a year old in November; I'll be 18 in December; Josh will be 15 (and driving...yikes).

Mom and I will be going up to Tennessee soon to "scope things out." I don't know how we will move in less than 18 months. There's so much to do. I wish we could all go up together, at the same time. I will miss Steve and Stephanie and Josiah terribly... yes, terribly. But God is making it so clear it's what we're supposed to do.

I was born here, in this very house. I don't know any other place. Yet, I feel like a stranger ... because I am one. I will never feel at home in this world. But, at least I can go be where there are other people who are waiting to go home, who aren't storing up treasures on earth. I know Knoxville isn't going to be the Promised Land, but surely it's better than the San Francisco of the Gulf Coast (okay, I'm exaggerating a little there). We won't know until we're there.

This whole thing is slowing sinking in, creeping up on me little by little each day... we're going to be leaving this place, possibly never to come back. You just don't know what you have until you lose it. Yet, it seems that the positives outweigh the negatives, if only in weight and not size.

I remember the illustration my Sunday school teacher gave one time: She took a jar and filled it with rice, which represented all of our own dreams, desires, and plans. Then she tried to put some walnuts in the jar, which represented God's plans and will for our lives. The nuts didn't fit, because she had put the rice in first. Then she poured the rice out, put the walnuts in first, and poured the rice back in. It fit perfectly. I think that illustration applies to almost every aspect of our lives as Christians. If we don't see the big picture, how are we going to accept our part in it?

I don't usually write such personal posts, but for some reason I felt I should start here. I'm fairly introverted by nature, and I have to consciously make an effort to be outgoing and friendly. I'm sure this stems from being home-schooled and not having much social interaction with people outside my own family. But, it's just another way to glorify God by putting to death my old "nature" and putting on the "new man." I've heard people say that it's not in their personality to go and share their faith with strangers. The thing is, I don't think it's in most people's nature to do that, and yet there are men and women of faith going out of their way every day to share the Good News. God doesn't call us to stay within the bounds of our "personality." He calls us to "go into all nations and preach the Gospel to every creature." That's a pretty blanket command, and He doesn't cite any exceptions.

I've also been thinking about the slightly more distant future. I mean, no offense to the Floridian guys, but I just haven't seen very many godly, decent, clean-cut guys my age here. If they're godly, they're beach-bum surfer-dudes, and if they're clean-cut they're probably legalists. Are there still guys out there that can be men? Do they intend to be the breadwinners of the family, or will they sit back and make the women work all day and try to raise a family and be a good mother and wife? Do they respect girls, stand up for themselves and their faith, and protect their families? Do they live to seek after God and become more Christ-like? Where can I find a man after God's own heart?

These are all questions I've had on my mind for the past year or so. It's not that I don't think God would bring me a good husband down here, because I do. But from the stories I've heard there are some really good, decent men to be found up there, too.

Anyway, it's late and I'm off schedule... another contributor to our dilemma of not having all our ducks in a row (the scientific term is a "severe non-linear waterfowl issue" ;) .

So, anyone who's reading this, please pray for me (and my family). I'm thankful for all the blessings God has given me. And I know it's only by His grace that we even have a place to live, so my fretting about the location isn't showing my gratitude very well.

Keep Looking Up,

~Kristina (John 16:33)

Website Updated

2006-08-02T18:35:00.000-04:00

This website has been for the month of: August

In the Light Monthly Bulletin

Kitty Loves Doggy...

2006-08-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Another Survey...

2006-07-21T00:45:00.000-04:00

This is the survey from Jessica's blog.

Everything I marked with an "x" is "true" about me:

Appearance:
[] I am shorter than 5'4.
[] I think I'm ugly sometimes.
[x] I have many scars (small ones, mostly cat scratches)
[x] I tan easily.
[] I wish my hair was a different color.
[] I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color.
[] I have a tattoo.
[x] I am self-conscious about my appearance (just a little)
[]I've had braces.
[x] wear glasses/contacts
[?] I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
[?] I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.
[] I have more than 2 piercings.
[] I have piercings in places besides my ears.
[] I have freckles.

Family/Home Life
[] I've sworn at my parents
[] I've run away from home.
[] I've been kicked out of the house.
[]I have a sibling less than one year old.
[x] I want to have kids someday.
[] I've had children.
[] I've lost a child.

School/Work
[x] I'm in school (hope to get my GED soon)
[x] I have a job.
[] I've fallen asleep at work/school.
[x] I almost always do my homework (when I'm given it).
[] I've missed a week or more of school.
[] I've been on the Honor Roll within the last 2 years.
[] I failed more than 1 class last year.
[] I've stolen something from my job
[] I've been fired (does a babysitting "job" count?).

Embarrassment
[]disney movies still make me cry.
[] I've peed from laughing.
[] I've snorted while laughing.
[x] I've laughed so hard I've cried.
[x] I've glued my hand to something (usually a finger)
[] I've laughed till some kind of beverage came out of my nose.
[] I've had my pants rip in public (I don't wear pants that tight).

Health
[] I was born with a disease/impairment.
[] I've gotten stitches.
[] I've broken a bone.
[] I've had my tonsils removed.
[] I've sat in a doctors office with a friend (does family count?).
[] I've had my wisdom teeth removed.
[] I've had surgery.
[x] I've had chicken pox.

Traveling
[] I've driven over 200 miles in one day. (I've RODE over 200 miles, but I wasn't driving!!)
[] I've been on a plane.
[x] I've been to Canada.
[] I've been to Mexico.
[x] I've been to Niagara Falls.
[] I've been to the Grand Canyon.
[] I've been to Japan.
[] I've Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans (why is that something to be desired???).
[] I've been to Europe.
[] I've been to Africa.

Experiences
[] I've gotten lost in my city.
[x] I've seen a shooting star.
[] I've wished on a shooting star.
[x] I've seen a meteor shower.
[x] I've gone out in public in my pajamas (when I was very, very young).
[x] I've pushed all the buttons on an elevator
[x] I've been to a casino (it's called the Gulfport Casino... we just went Swing Dancing)
[] I've been skydiving.
[] I've played spin the bottle.
[] I've drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour.
[] I've wrecked a car (I was a passenger in a car when it was wrecked).
[] I've been skiing
[] I've been in a play.
[] I've met someone in person from the internet.
[?] I've caught a snowflake on my tongue.
[] I've seen the Northern Lights.
[x] I've sat on a roof top at night.
[] I've played chicken.
[x] I've played a prank on someone.
[]I've ridden in a taxi.
[] I've seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
[] I've eaten Sushi.
[] I've been snowboarding.

Relationships
[x] I'm single
[] I'm in a wonderful relationship.
[] I'm engaged.
[] I'm married.
[] I've gone on a blind date.
[] I miss someone right now.
[] I have a fear of abandonment.
[] I've cheated in a relationship.
[] I've gotten divorced
[] I've had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
[] I've told someone I loved them when I didn't.
[] I've told someone I didn't love them when I did.
[] I've kept something from a past relationship.

Honesty
[x] I've done something I promised someone else I wouldn't
[x] I've done something I promised myself I wouldn't.
[] I've snuck out of my house.
[] I have lied to my parents about where I am.
[] I am keeping a secret from the world
[] I've cheated while playing a game.
[] I've cheated on a test.
[] I've run a red light (not intentionally).
[] I've been suspended from school.
[] I've witnessed a crime.
[] I've been in a fist fight.
[] I've been arrested.
[x] I've shoplifted (I was 5 or younger... it was bubblegum from Blockbuster's... I actually thought it might be free).

Death and Suicide
[] I'm afraid of dying.
[x] I hate funerals.
[] I've seen someone dying.
[] Someone close to me has attempted suicide.
[] I've planned my own suicide.
[] I've attempted suicide.
[] I've written a eulogy for myself.

Materialism
[] I own over 5 rap CDs.
[x] I own an iPod or MP3 player.
[] I own multiple designer purses, costing over $100 a piece.
[] I collect comic books.
[x] I own something from The Gap.
[x] I own something I got on e-Bay.
[?] I own something from Abercrombie.

Random
[x] I can sing well.
[] I've stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.
[] I open up to others easily.
[x] I watch the news.
[] I don't kill bugs. –I'm too scared
[x] I hate hearing songs that sacrifice meaning for the sake of being able to rhyme.
[] I curse regularly. (NEVER)
[x]I sing in the shower.
[] I am a morning person.
[] I paid for my cell phone ring tone.
[x] I'm a snob about grammar.
[] I am a sports fanatic.
[?] I twirl my hair
[] have "x"s in my screen name
[?] I love being neat
[] I love Spam (Yuck!)
[x] I've copied more than 30 CD's in a day (minstry or evangelism material to hand out to people)
[x] I bake well.
[x]My favorite color is either white, yellow, pink, red or blue
[] I wear pajamas to school.
[] I like Martha Stewart.
[x]I know how to shoot a gun.
[] I am in love with love.
[]I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.
[?] I laugh at my own jokes.
[?] I eat fast food weekly.
[]I believe in ghosts (just demons).
[] I am online 24/7, even as an away message.
[] I've not turned anything in and still got an A in a certain class.
[] I can't sleep if there is a spider in the room.
[x] I am really ticklish.
[] I love white chocolate
[] I bite my nails.
[x] I play video games.
[?] I'm good at remembering faces.
[?] I'm good at remembering names
[x] I'm good at remembering dates.
[] I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Website Updated

2006-07-13T18:47:00.000-04:00

This website has been updated for the month of: July
In the Light Monthly Bulletin

Everyone needs to hear this...

2006-07-09T16:22:00.000-04:00

Shocking Youth Message Stuns Hearers

So shocking and Biblical the

preacher was never invited back:

Exhortation to Prayer

2006-07-04T13:21:00.000-04:00

What various hindrances we meet
In coming to a mercy-seat!
Yet who that knows the worth of pray'r,
But wishes to be often there?

Pray'r makes the dark'ned cloud withdraw,
Pray'r climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings ev'ry blessing from above.

Restraining pray'r, we cease to fight;
Pray'r makes the Christian's armour bright;
And Satan trembles, when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel's side;
But when thro' weariness they fail'd,
That moment Amalek prevail'd.

Have you no words! Ah, think again,
Words flow apace when you complain;
And fill your fellow-creature's ear
With the sad tale of all your care.

Were half the breath thus vainly spent,
To heav'n in supplication sent;
Your cheerful song would oft'ner be,
"Hear what the LORD has done for me!"

-William Cowper

Kristina needs...

2006-06-30T14:46:00.000-04:00

Hey Jessica. I did that web search. Some of these are really funny :)

Kristina needs your help
Kristina needs a two parent adoptive family with one or two older children or a baby
Kristina needs to stay at Sonny's
Kristina needs to update
Kristina needs this surgery
Kristina needs to find something to do tonight to keep her mind occupied
Kristina needs to stop thinking
Kristina needs to be here
Kristina needs sleep
Kristina needs to stop listening to emo music
Kristina needs more than a bandage
Kristina needs a fan club too
Kristina needs to send the receipt for the aprons to Danielle
Kristina needs an operation

Kristina has always been more of a leader
Kristina has always had a passion for public service
Kristina has always wanted pursue a career that had something to do with drawing
Kristina has always been a performer
Kristina has always had a strong interest in politics
Kristina has always loved dancing
Kristina has always been a strong speller
Kristina has always had a passion for helping others
Kristina has always risen to the top
Kristina has always been surrounded by music
Kristina has always loved animals, especially cats
Kristina has always had an interest in gardening

Some of those are true, but others are completely opposite of my personality!

What Ukulele???

2006-06-24T20:14:00.000-04:00

I don't know anything about this guy or the song he's playing, but it's just... amazing.