Know Jesus

Helpful Tips For Writing Thank You Notes

2009-10-05T02:24:00.001-07:00

For gifts given on birthdays, anniversaries, religious celebrations, showers and weddings:

Keep it real. Be sure your thank you note fits the person you are thanking by the tone and style of your writing. In your thank you note, mention the gift and how you plan to use it. Even if the gift is a monetary one - you can tell the giver how you plan to use their generous gift. Be sure to acknowledge how wonderful and/or useful the gift is in your thank you note. Always send your thank you notes within two weeks time or as soon as possible so that the gift and what it means to you is fresh in your mind.

Guidelines for a monogram: Example: Susan Ann Doe

When a monogram has a large middle initial, the center initial represents the last name, the initial on the left represents the first name and the initial on the right represents the maiden or middle name = SDA

Today many couples are using both of their names in the monogram.

Example: Susan and John Doe

The same guide applies, however, one person's name is to the left and The other person's name is on the right = SDJ

When you complete a job interview, thank the interviewer for giving you the:

* Time of the interviewer
* Information you received in the interview
* Hospitality of the receptionist, interview and others
* Consideration of the organization to be hired as an employee
* Opportunity to advance in your career

Business reasons to send a thank you note:

Send a personal note of congratulations when someone you know is cited for a personal or business achievement. Promote good will by acknowledging an order or referral with a thank-you note.

And this advise from C.J. Hayden, business coach and author of Get Clients Now: "To most people, an anonymous brochure received in the mail is merely junk. A personal, handwritten note on attractive stationery will get someone's attention. Why? Because you took the time to write it. It makes the recipient feel special. And that's how he or she wants to feel as your customer."

Stay in touch!

Quality and convenience at prices you can afford.
Correspondence cards and folded notes.
Also unique invitations, Holiday and Christmas cards. =>
http://www.classiccommunication.com/stationery.htm

Your Covenant with Death

2009-10-04T18:49:00.001-07:00

As we walk in the beautiful raze of the sun, we dont take much time considering our death nor or eternal home. The Bible tells us that we have an appointment and a covenant, with death and an agreement with Hell.

Isa 28:15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Do men actually believe these doctrines will save them in the time of Christs reappearance? Do they believe, Wood, Hay and Stubble, will keep them from the fire of eternal damnation?

Isa 28:15, are the thoughts and words of those that have, and will reject God and His son Jesus. From the Mosaic Law to the Law of Grace and Mercy.

As was in the Days of the Mosaic Law, today there are multitudes that reject the word of God. The Bible is one of the most read books in the history of the world. Many read it to find salvation and guidance and others read it to find fault.

Many scholars of the past and the present, have tried to avoid this subject, many saying that hell is just an imaginary place created by the church and death is just the end of life, no reward nor punishment. Isa 28:15, Covenant; A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing; a contract; stipulation. Agreement; Union of minds in regard to a transfer of interest; bargain; compact; contract; stipulation.

The covenant with death came with the fall of Adam. We are all born into the curse that Adam and Eve placed us with. We are all of the Family of Man, from the beginning to the end. Now being born so, we also hold the same responsibility of abiding to the covenant that Adam brought upon all. So we are appointed to die.

Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adams transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
The agreement that many sign with hell, is the spiritual and not the physical body, that enters into a contract with hell to abide by no rules nor limitations on our actions as a physical being. Satisfying the flesh while letting Satan have the soul.

Deu 32:22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. The word,Hell is mentioned 55 times in the KJV.

All with the idea that it is a place of utter torment and a result of Gods anger with mankind. Psa 21:8 Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. Many say, they dont need God, we are beautiful, we are intelligent, we are in control of our own destiny, we are gods of ourselves. We have attained the summit of intellect, wisdom, knowledge and understanding of our world, and the universe is ours to plunder and shape.

Psa 21:9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

In Mat 23:13, we see an example of the things going on in the time of Jesus, but we also see things that are going on in our world today. There are many teachers, teaching for doctrines of man, things that are contrary to the Scriptures, false religions, false doctrines, books written by man, for man, by the will of man and not of God.
Bibles that are written by man that alter Gods word, false prophets are made to be something when they are not, for example, the Books of, Nostradamus, Scientology, Joseph Smith, the Church of Satan bible, Marshal Applewhite, Jim Jones, the new world religion, and many many others.

Man has created himself gods of stone, wood, gold and paper. Its not just these men but also those that believe in them. Mankind has, sense the time of Adam, sought to make gods many that would supply the lust of the flesh and make salvation easier to obtain, these times were the days of darkness.

Mat 23:13; But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Just as with the followers of Nostradamus, his writings are so vague that anyone could intreprete any of his words, to mean anything they wanted. Its not the words but mans use of those words, that create a real and present danger. These writings are the writings of confusion and deception. If they would take the book as a fantasy, things would be different. But the use of these words create a stumbling block to them who teach, and a wall of ignorance to all who listen and believe. Just as Jesus stated; ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. Ignorance and Indifference make men susceptible to all manner of false doctrine, accepting these things, results in a pact with death and an appointment with hell.
False preacher,Prophets and Ministers of Lies; Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Ars
Isa 28:9 - shall he teach: Isa_30:10-12; Psa_50:17; Pro_1:29; Jer_5:31, Jer_6:10; Joh_3:19, Joh_12:38, Joh_12:47, Joh_12:48 doctrine: Heb. The hearing, Isa_53:1 *marg.

Weaned: Psa_131:2; Mat_11:25, Mat_21:15, Mat_21:16; Mar_10:15; 1Pe_2:2, Deu 32:22 - For a fire: Deu_29:20; Num_16:35; Psa_21:9, Psa_83:14, Psa_97:3; Isa_66:15, Isa_66:16; Jer_4:4, Jer_15:14; Jer_17:4; Lam_2:3, Lam_4:11; Eze_36:5; Nah_1:6; Mal_4:1, Mal_4:2; Mar_9:43-48; 2Th_1:8; Heb_12:29

shall burn: or, hath burned lowest: Psa_86:13; Isa_30:33; Zep_3:8; Mat_10:28, Mat_18:9, Mat_23:33 shall consume: or, hath consumed, Isa_24:6, Isa_24:19, Isa_24:20 foundations: Job_9:5, Job_9:6; Psa_46:2, Psa_144:5; Isa_54:10; Mic_1:4; Nah_1:5; Hab_3:10

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Ministries http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Jesus Speaks on Death and Dying

2009-10-04T11:32:00.001-07:00

When Sylvia and I got married, the minister commented that he had done as many weddings as he had done funerals. All of his funerals lasted. Not all of the marriages that he performed have lasted. One thing is for sure, we are all going to die once per lifetime. There will be no second chance to go back and do it over. If God were to call you today, are you ready to die for Him?

In Matthew 20:17-28; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34, Jesus prepares the Apostles for His coming death. James and John's mother asks Jesus for preferential treatment for her sons. Jesus challenges their commitment and then informs everyone about how to have true greatness. Are you willing to die to yourself for Jesus?

We're All Going to Die - Matthew 20:17; Mark 10:32; Luke 18:31-32 Jesus and the Apostles are on their way to Jerusalem. Jesus will not leave the city and immediate area alive. He prepares the Apostles again, reminding them that He is going to die as the Old Testament prophesied.

Death is something that is going to happen to everyone who is conceived on this earth. Not even God's Son will escape the pain of dying. We need not lament that we are going to die, but be prepared so that we don't have to "get ready" if that moment should come suddenly.

Best Friends May Betray You - Matthew 20:18-19; Mark 10:33-34; Luke 18:33-34 One thing that makes this situation especially painful is that Jesus declares that He will be betrayed. He doesn't give any clue that it is one of the Apostles, but He knows. He does state that it will be unfair, cruel and final. Jew and Gentile will be involved in His death (murder).

How would you feel if someone that you were close to lied about you to authorities in a way that was quickly going to result in your execution? How would you feel if you knew this person was going to do that, days, weeks, even years ahead of the event? Could you tolerate having them in your company? Jesus did! No matter how much someone has hurt you in your life, you have never experienced the betrayal that Jesus endured!

Bargaining With God - Matthew 20:20-21; Mark 10:35-37 The mother of James and John comes to Jesus upon this announcement and, not realizing fully what she is asking, requests that they be given special honor in Jesus' Kingdom. She may have totally missed that Jesus is going to die and be expecting Him to set up a Kingdom in Jerusalem. That is what most of His followers are expecting from Him. Death is totally out of their minds. Whether she understands or not, she tries to bargain with Jesus for that special favor.

Most people who are dying go through a phase of bargaining for more time. All of us want some kind of "glory" or recognition. We will look to God or someone else for a special favor or title in hopes that it will give us a degree of life after we are dead.

Paying the Cost - Matthew 20:22-23; Mark 10:38-39a Jesus responds to the request for James and John by asking them if they are willing to pay the price to have the honor. They declare that they are willing to do whatever is required in exchange for the recognition.

Nothing "great" comes without a cost. If you want a raise or promotion, you have to deliver more work or assume more responsibility. Although our salvation is not on such terms, privilege on this earth does require a responsibility and special commitment if we are going to receive the honor. Are you willing to die for Jesus, if necessary? Are you willing to pay the price of your life in order to maintain your eternal life with Him?

Jealousy in the Ranks - Matthew 20:24; Mark 10:39b-40 The other Apostles are a little upset at James and John for asking for special favor. After all, aren't they as good (or better than) those two?

Being jealous is a waste of time. You should use your talents for God and not compare yourself to others or complain because they have some talent that you do not have.

Dying to Self - Matthew 20:25-28; Mark 10:41-45 Jesus sees the resentment towards James and John and must now defuse the jealousy and wrong attitudes in the ranks. He tells them that the one who is truly greatest is not the boss, but the worker who is out there doing something for others.

Which is more important to you, getting the honor or serving the Lord? Is Jesus truly first in your life? If He is, what are you doing to help advance His Kingdom? Are you the best worker at your job? Does your integrity reflect Jesus' presence in your life? Is loving others and serving Jesus more important to you than getting recognition or controlling others? Are you willing to die to yourself (your selfishness) for Jesus? God bless you and have a great week!

These articles are related to the "Getting To Know Jesus" Bible study series, a non-denominational Bible study that is written to help you become more like Jesus! Jesus is a role model and a testimony of God's best being given to us!

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Our mission is to help you experience a more dynamic, personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ in order that you may live your life more like Him. Please join us in fulfilling this mission statement and support this ministry with your prayers and tax-deductible gifts.

Glen Copple is an ordained minister who has over 25 years of preaching and teaching experience in ministering to non-denominational churches. In 1983, he earned a Master of Arts in Ministry from Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University) in Fullerton, CA, and has had ministries in Kansas, Missouri, and California.

In previous ministries, Pastor Glen taught through the Life of Christ and developed the structure for "Getting To Know Jesus." He knew that God led him to put his years of ministry and Bible study to work to share with you, your family and friends in this non-denominational study of Jesus Christ, his life and teachings.

Creation Versus Evolution - Gods Ultimate Power

2009-10-04T03:46:00.001-07:00

You rarely hear the word evolution among scientists anymore and creation seems to be too far-fetched for any educated person to make sense out of. How the world started and where the universe came from has been one of the secrets that even the most educated people on the planet seem to have problem solving.

Creation states that God created the world in seven days. Evolution states that man has evolved from apes. Anyone could make sense out of both of them and with that in mind, we could tear each one of them apart with very little effort. It's hard to imagine modern man believes in either one of them but there are millions of people who do. Christians, Hindus, Judaism and of course the Nation of Islam.

How could we ever prove that God created the earth? I guess if someone invented a time machine, we could go back in the past and watch these events taking place but how would we know for sure, this is actually what we were seeing and would we be able to tell the difference between an illusion and the truth. If you choose to base your review of creation entirely on faith, I have some oceanfront property in Utah I would like to show you.

Evolution doesn't seem to fare much better than creation when it comes to proving scientifically that it's true. A hundred years ago, some of our greatest teachers were convinced that evolution could very easily replace the theory of creation. Nowadays it almost seems like something from our past, something like Greek mythology. At one time people on this planet believed in Greek and Roman gods but they are kind of a joke, while religions like Christianity seem to be gaining more ground.

Evolution is missing more than one link, they're missing links that link the other links together. The theory that our world was created by God makes more sense to me than the theory of evolution. However, if there was a God or being so powerful, why wouldn't this supreme entity intervene on our planet and eliminate hunger.

It's hard to imagine that either one of these theories are entirely true but at the same time each one of these theories could be stepping stones on our ladder of education towards the truth. I'm sure that one day we will know the truth but for now I will choose not to endorse either one of them 100%.

More Spiritual Ideas

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Christian Themes in Contemporary Art

2009-10-03T20:30:00.001-07:00

Undoubtedly, the first Christian art - or "God art" - appeared during or shortly after Jesus' life here on earth. Indeed, paintings from around 70 A.D. still exist. Over the past two decades, Christian themes in contemporary art have enjoyed a renaissance as artists have sought to express their spirituality and religiosity through their paintings.

Religious Themes

Contemporary Christian paintings incorporate a wide variety of themes. Some fine art adheres to the iconic imagery seen in religious art throughout the ages - what some might call literal Biblical interpretations. These iconic themes include the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the Stations of the Cross, and the Virgin Mary. Saints are also popular iconic themes in contemporary God art.

Some artists go back to before Christ's birth; indeed, to the creation of the universe. For example, contemporary fine artist Anthony Falbo's Genesis Series depicts the first book of the Bible. Through Falbo's paintings, the creation of the universe unfolds as though it was happening today. Through his abstract style, you can see light emerging, the separation of day from night, the firmament rising, the land appearing, the vegetation blooming, the living creatures coming forth, and the hand of God touching the hand of man.

But just as God created both light and darkness, contemporary Christian artists depict both good and evil. From the shame that Adam and Eve felt after disobeying God in the Garden of Eden to both overt images and subliminal messages of hell, artists depict the darker side of humanity.

A Variety of Styles

Today's Christian artists employ styles and media as varied as devotion itself. For example, some artists may paint in an Impressionist style, using bold colors, loose strokes, and thick dabs of paint to bring a scene to life. Others express themselves through cubism, the art form that rearranges pieces of objects in such a way that the person seeing the painting gains new insight into the object represented. Still others paint in an abstractionist form, stretching, enlarging, or magnifying figure and form to shed new light on everyday subjects. Some artists, like Anthony Falbo, combine forms like cubism and abstractionism into what could be termed "cubestraction," and produce remarkable pieces.

Exhibiting Our Devotion

Christians today are embracing contemporary artists by purchasing both original works and limited edition reproductions. Fine art with a spiritual theme - whether it's the birth of Christ, the creation of the earth, or other "God art" - serves as a reminder of the Creator's presence in our lives, as well as His importance to our safety and well-being. It also keeps us mindful of the need to express our devotion, to spread the Word of God, and to be thankful for the gifts He has bestowed upon us.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about God Art: Christian Themes in Art.

God News For Christians Who Want To Argue With Others - Video

2009-10-03T12:51:00.001-07:00

How Can I Know The True Church?

2009-10-03T05:23:00.001-07:00

Let's set the record straight. There's only one Body of Christ. It has no name but His Name. It has no creed but the Spirit-anointed Book with 66 parts. It has no head but Christ. Its members are wildly diverse in thinking, looks, skin-color, and giftedness.

That means that my group is not the only group. That means I can't draw circles around my group that exclude you. Even doctrinal circles. Our understandings are growing. No denomination has arrived. They are all flawed. The perfect churches are the ones on fire with God's awesomeness and being persecuted by the fires of man's awfulness. Perfect does not mean only doctrinally pure.

No Pope or Chief Elder or Superintendent died for your sins. They are not worthy to lead. True men of God in the church of Jesus will submit to each other and all to Christ. Little lords are not needed. One big One is enough. Men who are lording over God's inheritance need to step down.

No label fits the child of God. No doctrinal or denominational title says it all. Throw me a label and I will throw it back. I will not be written off or written out because someone has said I do not belong. If my sins are washed away, and if the Word of God is true, and if there is one Lord and one church, I do belong, forever.

"Ah, so you are an ecumenist!" You see, here come the labels already! No, Christ excludes from his church all who are not born again, regardless of their seemingly glowing credentials. Not everyone will be saved!

"A legalist then!" No, the grace of God cuts across assemblies where most of us would not be found dead. Oh the surprised looks there will be when saints are raptured out of groups we had assigned to Hell! Oh the despair as those who attended "good" churches are lost forever!

The church has invisible borders. Only those with God-trained eyes know where the borders run. Follow the blood trail. The blood of Christ. The blood of the martyrs. There is the Church. Not your little group or mine. Not your little ideas or mine. When it is over, only God's Word and those in whom it dwells will stand.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. I love to write Scriptural works. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Three Incredible Stories

2009-10-02T22:20:00.001-07:00

There is a good chance you have never heard the name Yi Sun Shin. There are great men in every culture of which Americans are unaware. Understandable, but here is one you would truly have profited in knowing. Easily equal to the likes of Sir Francis Drake and Lord Nelson - some say superior to these western naval stars - Yi towered above the petty power-seekers of his day and became a hero beloved of all.

Imagine it. Twenty three major naval clashes with the Japanese who had invaded Korea in the late 16th century. Twenty three victories. After the Japanese landed and destroyed village after village, even to the taking of the capital, the first positive news that came to the King of Korea, in exile, was that of Yi's first battle that crushed a fleet of Japanese vessels.

So you expect me to say that Yi's popularity landed him titles, riches, honor. In fact, jealousy among the ranks led him to prison in the midst of his finest triumphs. That, to me, is the most unbelievable and awe-inspiring part of his story. The seeming failure in the midst of all the triumph.

Consider one Jesus. Healer, comforter, gentle Teacher. Blind eyes made to see, broken hearts forgiven, hungry mouths fed, all by His compassion. Anyone who had faith to receive something from Him, did. Victory after victory. Never defeated.

Then hung on a cross.

Hmmm. That last line doesn't seem to fit either. Seems like we should rip that part of the story out, as Peter tried to do before it even happened. "Not you, Master! Stop talking negative things!"

Incredible stories, these. Yi Sun Shin, Jesus Christ. No, they are not in "the same boat" in terms of significance, I know. Yi Sun Shin's resurrection from prison to return to the battle front and continue his unbroken string of victories is great history and very inspiring, but cannot be compared to Jesus' rising from the grave to give life to all who will receive Him forever and ever. But the parallel is there.

But my title promises three incredible stories. Stories of persons who were incredible in their feats, incredible in their defeats, but somehow rose again. The third story is being lived out as I write. It's going on in North Korea, among those we label the "baekjeong", the low class, because we do not have the same sense of high and low as Heaven does...

The lowly Christian believers of that land do exploits every day. Finding enough food to eat. Working long and hard hours in a mine for money that is not sufficient to support their families. Worshiping carefully and hidden, so as not to incur the wrath of a hostile government. Hiding Bibles and guests. Yet victories. You would expect that someone somewhere would honor these folks and call them heroes.

Unfortunately they are called by at least two governments traitors and criminals. Escapes are often tragic in outcome. Many end in death. All end in some sort of wrenching separation. Even coming to the "free" world can mean enduring suspicion and persecution by those who ought to know better.

So why call this an incredible story along the lines of Yi and Jesus? Because those who are faithful will be raised up with Christ. Their story is not yet complete. It is the lowly for whom Jesus came. They are the only ones who will see thier need of a Saviour and continue to the end. High-born materialists have only a slight chance of making it, according to Jesus.

High, low, baekjeong... Do we really know what these words mean? And "incredible".. Can your story and mine be called incredible when compared to the ones I have described? Have we known the experience of defeating the enemy during a long and difficult war? Have we seen the Power of God move through us to change our sphere of influence? Have we then been sent to further humiliation instead of the reward we expected?

May we search our hearts daily, and always be a friend to the lowly Christ Who still works His wonders among us in the form of Baekjeong...

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Should Women Lead Men In The Church?

2009-10-02T14:55:00.001-07:00

There are those in every generation who have tried to explain away Scriptures that annoy. One of the classic doctrines that has suffered at the hands of modern man is the teaching of male leadership of the church.So why is the Church looking for "explanations" of the passages regarding female leadership in the Church? Who is asking that these explanations be made? Are we being betrayed? Are we afraid of political powers that now reign in the world? What is wrong with the Scriptures as they are, and as they have been believed all these many years?

Some may feel the preceding comments and questions to be a bit too harsh a way to introduce the subject at hand, which many believe to be a topic of relative insignificance. I stand with the tone given on the following grounds:

1. Every Word of God is pure, Proverbs 30:5. And Jesus, in Matthew 5:19 says that any man who breaks even the least of the commandments and teaches men so shall be called least in the Kingdom... God speaks today. The Holy Spirit still quickens His Word to the hearts of man. Whatever He says is pure and holy. Let no one despise even the smallest of the commandments of God. And yes, in dealing with our present topic, we are dealing with commandments, not suggestions, of true prophets and true apostles. Let every mouth be silenced as He speaks.

2. Consider how important this topic is even in the Word. First there are direct statements in Genesis , saying that woman was taken out of man, man shall rule over woman. And in I Corinthians , Let your women keep silence, as the law says, and I Timothy's "I do not allow a woman to teach." These concepts are backed up by a goodly number of examples throughout Scripture.

3. Consider the effects of this teaching on men. A strong woman in a local church will tend to put male leaders in the background. Many of them will not rise up and take their proper place. In the secular world , for example, much male unemployment can be attributed to too many females in the job markets.

4. A feminized church cannot model the marriage of Christ and His own. A feminized church cannot picture the Fatherhood of God. Oh indeed, as the poet said, God, give us men!

5. Even if this is were a "little truth" (forgive the expression!) , is it not a truism that when "little" lies become embedded in a congregation, it will not be long before bigger ones are at home also?

6. If any reader still believes this to be a "minor" issue, let him hear Isaiah's lament over backslidden Israel (3:12) "As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people! Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. "Let us now consider the Scriptures. Surely the Lord has not left us without guidance on such a serious matter. Let us go to the beginning of all things.

I urge those who wish to follow the risen Lord to search out what God has said on this matter and obey Him fully.

Consider also the great numbers of women affected by this teaching. As the spirit of lawlessness continues to abound , especially in the Western Church, more and more women will be drawn into this restless desire for authority over men.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

I Can Only Imagine

2009-10-02T07:34:00.001-07:00

I can only imagine how there could be such smart people in the world, and such powerful people, and such talented people, and yet no one can find a solution for North Korea.

Men are so arrogant and love to point to their technology and colleges and monuments. But dictators still reign in this "advanced" world. North Koreans starve. Torture and desperation have become a way of life there. Can some smart someone imagine what needs to be done?

Smart men, call on Jesus!

Some days I imagine that the persecution has come to the West. Churches are closed. Radios and TV's are confiscated. The government controls all. Suddenly, wages are what Washington says they will be. No free market... and so on, add what ever other perversions come to your mind, because you cannot imagine something more horrible than what the Word says is coming to this entire world and what is happening in NK even now.

In the midst of all this, I imagine offering a prayer: Father, bless me in the same way I blessed your North Korean people when they called out during their suffering! Exactly what would that mean in our lives if God answered us literally?

It could mean that some well-off saint somewhere will think about us when a special speaker comes to church. Or that a hidden sister will call our name out to God. Some banker brother may try to get us some money. Others may visit us.

Christians, let us call on Jesus on behalf of the suffering church! Today is our day to invest.

Other days I am one of those Zinzendorf Moravians. You know, the ones who deliberately sold themselves into slavery , so as to win slaves for Jesus. Yeah, that's me! I'll defect to North Korea, become a Korean somehow, and suffer alongside my brothers.

Hmmm, so now they have one more suffering saint, but one less person sending in offerings. Maybe that's not so good. Or so I tell myself, knowing that my imaginings are the pure fantasies of a "wanna-be" saint. I loathe, in my flesh, the idea of physical pain and deprivation.

May God give us all the desire to call on Jesus Who is the only One who makes saints. What if God wants to make me holy by sending me to that same old job that seems to be so grievous and worthless? What if I find I can touch North Korea more here than there?

I continue to imagine but I anchor my imagination to the written Word of God so it does not soar out of control.

What do you imagine?

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

The Call is to Die

2009-10-02T00:36:00.001-07:00

It's been in the Scriptures all along. The invitation to come die with and for Jesus. I shall not try to explain it away. We must not only "hate" the world around us, but our own life too.

"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

It starts in the Old Testament. See Joseph off to give food to his brothers. Left for dead. The prophets one by one eating the sweet word of God, but when feeding it to those around them, one by one tasting the bitterness of death. Jesus Himself, and foremost, with His message to give, a life to live, but Who gives Himself freely in love to die. The apostles with that same message, but death is their reward too. They count it a privilege to die with Jesus.

Through the church's history the trail of blood is the pathway along which the narrow way winds. Enemies of the Roman State, then enemies of the Roman Church, and systems like it in many nations. Called to die for Jesus. Nothing has changed.

Why even in the last days, during the last trials of the church, a great company is ushered into heaven and the question rings out, "Who are these?" The answer is that these innumerable members of the Body of Christ got there, not escaping from, but right through the middle of, great tribulation.

Yes, far be it from the Scriptures to say that the "tribulation saints", as we love to call them, are the spineless backslidden Christian wannabes portrayed in slick books and movies in this post-Christian era. That they are some sort of second-class citizens who don't even merit the name "church". No, that same group is described later by John as beheaded witnesses who are lifted up to reign with Christ for 1000 years. They become the brightest stars the church has ever known.

Does the book-reading movie-loving "saint" of our own lazy culture think that somehow our own slovenliness at Christian warfare will be able in any way to compare with those luminaries? That we should be snatched up to glory while the enemy is raging at his highest decibels on earth?

The call is to trouble and suffering and death. If we suffer with Him, we reign with Him. All who will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Those who will follow the crucified Christ must follow Him in this also. There are no exceptions. The one who dies for Christ seals the message of the cross that he has preached.

Even now, readers and listeners may be waiting for the softening of the blow. "Here is what that really means," he will say. No, there is no interpreting away of God's Word. The call upon our lives is the call to die. Yes, surely there is a crown. Yes, surely there is pure joy on the other side. But the other side is reached through the valley of a death chosen by us. A decision to take the cross and be crucified upon it in His time and place. For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. The cross is on the way to the crown. For so many of us we view the cross as "in the way."

Yes, death will come to all regardless of our choices. But how wonderful from Heaven's vantage point to see one who did not have to die, go ahead and give his life anyway.

We've heard the call to salvation. The call to the Spirit-filled life. The call to faithfulness. The call to growth and service. If we are to continue on with Him, we must hear the call to die.

Look for "Bob Faulkner" on http://sermonaudio.com - There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs , ovber 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond .

What Is The "Tribulation" In The Bible?

2009-10-01T17:12:00.001-07:00

"Tribulation." What's this about?

Most students of prophecy believe in a time of "trouble". It is well documented by prophets and Jesus and John:

Prophet Jeremiah in his 30th chapter sees a future era he calls "Jacob's Trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7). The reference is to the father of the Jewish nation, a man also known as Israel. He says that this time will be unprecedented in its devastation, the same thing an angel who appears in the book of the prophet Daniel says about a "time of trouble" coming to the planet, in association with resurrections and judgments (Daniel 12:1-3). In other words, this tribulation period is the beginning of the end of all things as we know them today.

That same line of thought is repeated by Jesus in Matthew 24:21. Here the word is "tribulation", but that is simply another translation of the same Greek word translated "trouble" in other passages. Jesus too is speaking of the end of all things, which he says immediately follows this tribulation. And John's Book of Revelation describes the horrors of God's wrath, leaving no doubt to the reader that the time he describes is also the time of the end.

Now what do Bible teachers mean by "Pre"- or "post"- tribulation?

There is some major trouble coming. Unprecedented. Final. And, there's a "snatching up" , a "catching away", a "rapture" coming too. The whole issue we deal with here is , Which comes first, the trouble, or the flight? If one believes the catching up is first, he is a "pre-tribulation rapturist", whether he particularly likes such a label or not. If he believes the rapture is after the tribulation and in fact a part of the second coming of Jesus,

He is "post-trib."

Sadly, the church is seriously divided on this issue? There are those who will not accept the life or ministry of persons on the "other side" of this discussion. How that came to pass is a fascinating study but must be reserved for another time.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Pitfalls Of North Korea Ministry

2009-10-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

Interested in North Korea ministry? I'm told that when one enters the struggle for the lives of this isolated nation, he/she may be up against more than bargained for. North Korea is a Satanic stronghold on earth the likes of which does not come around every day. The fate of this nation will determine the fate of many nations, and the enemy is strategically and therefore firmly entrenched there, or so he thinks. One nod from the Father and a host of angels will be released to defeat him and change the course of history. For this we enter into spiritual warfare, though never forgetting to address the day to day suffering of the people.

Many questions begin to form as the battle is waged as to the nature of the struggle, when one gets beyond prayer. Perhaps many will not be called to "get beyond prayer" since the spiritual battle is the only one that counts ultimately anyway.

But, for those who feel called to give material aid or assist in escapes, what happens if:

a person that you are helping tries to escape and is killed, or imprisoned for life?
a person you are assisting does come out, but his family left behind is rounded up and imprisoned or executed?
you are asked to "pay off" a lot of criminal mafia types and to bribe guards to get your target person out?
the released person actually succeeds in getting to South Korea or even America, and becomes so engrossed in Western worldliness that they lose the precious faith that once saw them through every difficulty?
you yourself get caught up in emaciated bodies and forget the higher calling of ministering to emaciated souls?
you get so involved in people "over there" that you forget the hurting around you?

All of the above have happened, I'm sure you can imagine.

Then must come the question, of course: Is the hurting around me to be compared with the pain of a North Korean? Will your wife or children be pleased with your answer to that question?

What about the cross? you will eventually ask. Am I a soldier of the cross or are those only soldiers who must pay for their warfare in starvation, torture and death?

Hard, hard questions for one who falls in love with North Korea. Do I love her because Christ loves her or because I "feel good" loving her? Is my love "romantic", unreal, unconnected, or do I have scars to show for my love?

Thankfully for my readers, I stopped being omniscient years ago. The questions I have asked are still questions, and must be tackled by those who hear them as they seek earnestly their God. And I'm still trying to hear the answers fully myself.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Good Christians Really Do Inspire Me

2009-09-30T04:57:00.001-07:00

One of the best Christians who I ever met, truly inspired me and everyone around him to become a better person. His son is now working at a church and his daughter is a teacher and they're not the only people who he inspired.

He inspired me to write this article, good Christians really do inspire me and others and he definitely was living his life, like Jesus did. He's the only person that I ever met, who didn't have anything bad to say about anyone, with the exception of one time. I actually heard him say that he hates that person, the person probably deserved it, but I still couldn't believe that the word came out of his mouth.

We all make mistakes, even he did, every once in a while. Whenever someone asked him about Christianity, he would try to avoid sharing his beliefs with them, unless they were persistent and then he would share all that he knew.

He never tried to convert anyone and never forced his opinions on anyone else. I asked him once," Did he actually read all of those books that he had in his library." He said that he actually did and I was shocked. He had three large library shelves that were each 4 foot wide and went almost all the way up to the ceiling, filled with books on Christianity and some on other religions.

He's the only man I ever met, that I would actually consider to be a good Christian. I don't know what it was about him, his honesty, compassion or simple kindness, but I valued his friendships and kept my ears open and my mouth shut... most of the time.

If you know someone like this in your life, I would advise you to take full advantage of their wisdom and let them inspire you to become a better Christian and if you don't believe in Christianity, these people can inspire you to become better person. A great life can be acquired, learning the wisdom from people who lead great lives.

Unbelievable Christian Bible Study Book

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Do you really know why you're a Christian, click on this way to get more information about Becoming Really Good Christians

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Thanks for reading my articles

Jesus' Missing Years in the Bible

2009-09-29T21:48:00.001-07:00

It looks like there is a big problem in the Gospels. There are more years in Jesus' life that are missing than years of his life that were ever recorded. Why weren't these years listed in the Bible?

All the Gospels talked about the death of Jesus, the birth of Jesus and a few years in between, but all of the Gospels are missing some very important years from his life. When raising a child, some of the most important years of their lives, will be those when they were teenagers and often those of their young adulthood.

The Gospels talk about Jesus at the temple at around the age of 12 or 13. After that, there is very little known until he reaches the final years of his life. Was there someone or a group of people or even a community who influenced his life? Could Jesus have learned something from a spiritual master Guru that changed the world forever?

There is more speculation on Jesus' missing years than you could ever imagine. Some say that Jesus went to Egypt to study with their masters or priests. Egypt obviously wasn't that far from where Jesus was raised, but like most of the stuff in the Bible, there is very little evidence to support any of these speculative stories.

Could Jesus have went to India and studied with the Buddhist masters or even a Hindu scholars? Did Jesus study with advanced Jewish scholars? This is only a little bit of the historical speculation, but if the truth was ever to be known, it could help Christianity solve a lot of problems.

Most Christians rarely even question these missing years. There are quite a few Christians that don't even know that there are any missing years in Jesus' life. I wrote this article to get people thinking and hopefully to start educating themselves about early Christianity. Good luck and God bless.

Great Christian Books And Articles

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Religious Education And Fear

Religious Mind Control Or Generational Sin

2009-09-29T14:35:00.001-07:00

If you were raised with certain beliefs and belong to a certain religion, there is a very good chance that your parents followed your religion and share the same beliefs. If you are a Muslim, there's a very good chance that your parents were Muslims. If you live in the United States, there is a really, really good chance that you're a Christian, especially if you live in Texas or Utah.

Is this religious mind control and generational sin or is this truly the way life is meant to live. Your parents and ancestors formed strong beliefs and pass them on to their children. What's wrong with that? Is it a generational sin to pass on what you truly believe? With that question asked, is a generational sin our mind control to teach our children how to fit into society, is it our obligation as stewards.

We often send our children to school, give them a good religious upbringing and then assimilate them into the workplace, almost like robots on an assembly line. We seem to never even question where these beliefs originated, we have no idea where they are going to take us and above all, we have no idea that they are truly beneficial to society, let alone ourselves.

Teaching our children what we have been taught, isn't always going to be right. If you look back in history, at all the beliefs, rituals and facts that have been disproven and are no longer followed by modern man, you can get a pretty good idea what I'm talking about. These people often taught their children, what they were taught. In centuries to come, these truths died out and were replaced by new ones.

Religious mind control can be cured by opening your mind and reading articles like this. You might be talking to someone who you have been taught to fear or even hate your whole life, only to find out that they think like you. They care about their families, feel sorry for others who are less fortunate and usually eat and sleep just like you do. If your mind is open enough, you could realize that you have been lied to and now it's time to start thinking seriously about what you were taught and what you're going to believe in the future.

Religious mind control can be cured through reading books, watching television, visiting other countries and educating yourself about other cultures and religions. The change you make today could affect future generations in your family.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg is currently working on a religious help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Could You Be a Married Adulterer? - For Christians Only

2009-09-29T07:22:00.001-07:00

Adultery has been going on for centuries and obviously was a problem 2500 years ago or it wouldn't have been mentioned in the Bible so many times. Could you actually be married to someone and be considered an adulterer? It's time for you to learn all the rules in the New Testament about adultery.

Here's a Bible verse that could get a lot of Christians in trouble. Mark 10:11-12 (New King James Version)" 11 So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

It looks a little more complicated than most of us could have ever thought. Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, has committed adultery. That means that there are millions of Christians all over the world who have committed adultery.

I've got some more bad news for Christians who might have looked at a woman lustfully. Matthew 5:28 (New International Version Bible) "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This isn't looking good, for men or women is it?

If you've never been married, but while you were at church, notice an attractive woman or man and had lustful thoughts, about them, you're an adulterer. I know, it sounds a little harsh, but I'm not making anything up here, it's right out of the Bible.

I know things aren't looking good but I would like to leave you with a comforting thought. If you were divorced from your spouse because of an adulterous relationship, things might be starting to look a little different with this next Bible verse.

Matthew 19:9 (New International Version Bible) I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."

These are typical contradictions and they are located throughout the Bible. Mark 10:11-12 states that all divorced people who have remarried, commit adultery. Matthew 19:9 states something completely different, if your divorced and your ex spouse has been unfaithful during your marriage and you remarry, everything is okay.

Are you even more confused than when I started? There's a good chance that you are. I'm even confused and I wrote the article. The real question is, can we remarry or can't we.

This would be a good topic during Bible study. You can start by asking, how many people are adulterers?

Read This Today

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Click here if you're interested in the Bible truth.

Good Christians Really Do Inspire Me

2009-09-28T23:50:00.001-07:00

Unbelievable Christian Bible Study Book

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Do you really know why you're a Christian, click on this way to get more information about Becoming Really Good Christians

Thanks for reading my articles

Jesus' Missing Years in the Bible

2009-09-28T16:18:00.001-07:00

It looks like there is a big problem in the Gospels. There are more years in Jesus' life that are missing than years of his life that were ever recorded. Why weren't these years listed in the Bible?

Great Christian Books And Articles

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:
Religious Education And Fear

Religious Mind Control Or Generational Sin

2009-09-28T09:21:00.001-07:00

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

The Christian Sabbath - A Roman Catholic Declaration

2009-09-08T05:55:00.001-07:00

After an intensive study of the Scriptures and church history, I came up with the following conclusions about the Sabbath.

1. Nearly the entire Bible and Judaeo-Christian history recorded there point to a seventh-day observance.

2. Though there is no expressed command to change from one day to another, the early church assumed that Jesus' resurrection, Pentecost, and a statement of Paul pointed to a new day of rest as well as a new day of celebration.

3. Ignoring the ages-old tradition of the Jewish prophets and apostles, the post-apostolic church allowed a hybrid day to develop, a day in almost every respect patterned after the Jewish Sabbath, but, in animosity against the Jews, not allowed to be on their day. The new Sabbath would be better. It would be on the day of the Sun.

4. Fed by many Imperial and Papal decrees over the centuries, first-day observance was cemented into the minds of believers for all times as having been established by God when in fact it was established by the official church. See how it is worded in Roman Catholic canon law for the "faithful" of that group: (1985 , Paulist Press, p. 853)

"Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church..." This tradition is further explained thus: "By a tradition handed down from the apostles [by which here they mean a practice, not a statement] , which took its origin from the very day of Christ's resurrection, the Church celebrates the paschal mystery every eighth day, which day is appropriately called the Lord's Day or Sunday [but by whom? and by what authority except its own?] For on this day Christ's faithful are bound to come together into one place... The Lord's Day is the original feast day, and it should be proposed to the faithful and taught to them so that it may become in fact a day of joy and of freedom from work."

Allow me also to paraphrase from Sadlier's Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, #347-349 : "The Sabbath is at the heart of Israel's law... but for us a new day has dawned: the day of Christ's resurrection... the 'eighth day'

begins the new creation..." The argument is made that the creation is less important than redemption. With this we agree, while seeing the same pattern in both events, namely, rest following and preceding a great work of God.

And in the same work, #2168-2190, there is a quotation from Justin, I, Apol 67, "We all gather on the day of the sun, for it is the first day when God, separating matter from darkness, made the world, and in this same day Jesus Christ our Saviour, rose from the dead." Over and over, proof of a day of rest is offered by citing monumental work! The Sabbath is to celebrate the end of work, yea, no work at all, not the beginning of work.

Again on 2175, "In Christ's Passover, Sunday fulfills the spiritual truth of the Jewish Sabbath." There you have it. Rome speaketh. But on what authority? Her own.

More statements of justification in #2176: "The celebration of Sunday observes the moral commandment inscribed by nature in the human heart to render to God an outward, visible, public, and regular worship 'as a sign of his universal beneficence to all.' Sunday worship fulfills the moral command of the Old Covenant, taking up its rhythm and spirit in the weekly celebration of the Creator and Redeemer of His people.

Here the switch is actually made from seventh to first day. The first day becomes the new Sabbath, the new holy day. To this we must object. Worship can take place at any time of any day by the Spirit, just as Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4 of the absence of geographical boundaries for a true worshiper. I know of no day of worship given us by New testament writers. Worship is in the Spirit. But as to the day of rest, there is no reason to believe that the original command to His people has been changed by any event of the first century. Surely the rhythm of the weekly celebration cannot be changed by an edict from man. God blessed the seventh day, and it is blessed until God un-blesses it.

In 2177, "The Sunday celebration of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church's life. Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church."

Now it is more than rest. It is enforced rest. Soon, it will be "Rest or die!" Yet somehow this is supposed to be different than and better than the Jewish Sabbath?

Finally, in 2190, a summary: "The Sabbath, which represented the completion of the first creation, has been replaced by Sunday which recalls the new creation inaugurated by the resurrection of Christ." And most Protestants agree!

I trust I have not created a dilemma for anyone. But it seems to me that Sunday observance, in its present form, embodying not only a day to meet, but a day of enforced rest, was created not in Scripture, but in the Vatican.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

A Match Made In Heaven

2009-09-08T03:37:00.001-07:00

Mary Magdalene is this years leading lady. Common misconception used to paint her as a lowly prostitute. Now, no one is quite sure what to think. Her life has become a mystery for modern Sherlock Holmess everywhere. But, no one has channeled the man of reason better than Dan Brown. In The DaVinci Code Dan Brown firmly supports the marriage theory. But is it really possible Mary and Jesus were married? To find the answer the Bible is not the only thing under scrutiny. Culture needs examining too.

Separate but equal is not a new concept. During Jesus time men and women hardly ever mixed. A womans domain was her home, while men kept the public persona. If a woman did anything in public, she got permission from her husband. In the Bible, Mary Magdalene traveled. She met Jesus at his early teaching at Galilee and appeared in Judea where Jesus was crucified. Since women could not leave their homes on a whim, Mary had to be married to someone. Jesus is the best candidate.

The Gnostic Gospels, written by early Christian followers, claim Jesus and Magdalene had a very close relationship. It is written Jesus was extremely fond of her and used to kiss her. This action meant one of two things: adultery or marriage. Men did not feel comfortable with their wifes speaking to male relatives, let alone kissing strange prophets. The scandal would have ruined Jesus reputation. The only option left is marriage. Even holy men had wifes; it was unnatural to be alone.

Based on the cultural evidence, a bond between Jesus and Mary Magdalene was very likely. They were too free around each other not to be married. The Bible says God made everything with the purpose of balance. Jesus was not above this. He needed a woman to be complete. That woman was Mary Magdalene.

Is Jesus A Republican?

2009-09-08T01:07:00.001-07:00

As I ponder decisions on an everyday basis, I ask the question, "What would Jesus do under similar circumstances?" Often, it is difficult to decipher the right answer that would lead me down the path of personal piety.

Recently, I had a dream which had a dramatic impact on my way of looking at the world. During the dream, God clearly conversed with me in an audible tone. I recall what He said because it startled me to the point of waking me out of a deep sleep. When I was finally more lucid, I recall Jesus saying to me - "I am a right-wing Republican, and you have been remiss in failing to follow in my footsteps!"

I immediately sensed that His statement would have the affect of turning my world upside down. I got up, took a shower, had breakfast and contemplated what I should do in response to this perplexing news. Immediately my mind flashed to Pat Robertson, the preacher from The 700 Club who miraculously leg-pressed 2000lbs. If anyone could confirm the veracity of my synchronistic, spiritual experience it would Reverend Robertson. It was Pat Robertson, along with Oral Roberts, Jerry Falwell and others who had ample experience with this issue of divine intervention. So I contacted Pat Robertson to make sure that I was not delusional. Pat emailed me back providing me with confirmation that I was clearly hearing the voice of God.

Trusting Pat's wisdom regarding my pipeline to the Almighty, I realized that indeed Jesus had talked to me and was staking His claim as a bonifide right-wing Republican. My mind then aimlessly wandered to another thought. What changes was I supposed to make in response to this dramatic disclosure? In order to follow in His footsteps, what issue did I need to proclaim with evangelical fervor? Numerous ideas flooded my mind. If I was to be God's vessel, I needed to:

Dissociate myself from any vestiges of Hollywood. Burn all of my CD's with the exception of my Bon Jovi collection.

Renounce global warming since it is the brain-child of internet guru Albert Gore.

No longer watch The Oprah Show.

Practice the word abomination. Write it ten times in a sentence for a week.

Learn to think black and white without being wishy-washy.

Believe in my beliefs even if they contradict my experience.

Embrace the euphemism of pro-life even though it is inconsistent with the eyes of despair and death from pre-emptive war.

Believe that the United States is the only country that receives God's special blessing and favor.

Profess that the axis of evil only exists in the hearts and minds of other countries, never our own.

Believe that some sins are worse than others, especially the Big Three.

Renounce the concept of separation of church and state because our country was founded on Christian principles. Faith-based initiatives should receive tax breaks even if they are exclusionary.

Keep the government out of dictating whatever people want to do even if it hurts themselves or others.

As I pondered my new list of proclamations, I felt a sense of relief. All of my new "talking points" were simple and understandable. God had delivered His message. Jesus was as right-wing Republican and He had given me a new set of principles to follow. No longer a "bleeding heart liberal," I made my way out into the community to share my new perspective.

James P. Krehbiel is an author, freelance writer and nationally certified cognitive-behavioral therapist practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona. He has taught Master's level classes in counselor education throught Chapman University of California. James received the Educator of the Year Award for his contribution to the Chandler, Arizona School District. He is published in the Illinois Counseling Journal on the topic of cognitive therapy's application to the treatment of anorexia nervosa. He is a featured writer for Nu Image Magazine, a resource for physicians and patients. He is also a featured writer for http://www.womanspassions.com He has an question and answer format on http://www.theparentstation.com regarding family issues. James specializes in working with patients who have depressive, anxiety and autistic spectrum disorders.

I Was Not Placed Here to Condemn - But to Shine

2009-09-07T22:52:00.001-07:00

I was not placed in this position to condemn anybody. I was placed here to shine in order that those who do not know light may witness light and be drawn to the light.

I frequently notice how Christians tend to lash out at non-christians. They hit them on their heads with the bible and condemn them of their sins. Why? Do you not know that we are here not to judge but to shine so that others may see our light and in their witnessing our light that shines through, that they too will seek after the light and come to the light.

John 12:45 "And he who sees me sees Him who sent me."

12:46 "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness"

12:47 "And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him: for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world".

Verse 45 states that when someone sees Jesus, they see God. Likewise when someone sees you they should be seeing Jesus, or possibly it could be that you will be the closest thing to Jesus that they will ever see.

Verse 46, in my personal translation, says let your light, which is Jesus in you, shine through that others will see the light and come to know the light and darkness in their lives will automatically be gone.

Verse 47 Jesus says that He did not come to Judge but to save. Do we set out to Judge the world or do we go into the world and let our light shine.

John 3:17 "For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved". Do we as Christians, rush out and start to bash people over their heads with the bible and convict them of their sins, or do we quietly go out, sit amongst the sinners and let our lights shine so that they are automatically drawn to the light? I wonder which approach Jesus chose?

How many Christians do you know that have absolutely no fellowship with non-christians. How will the non-christian ever come to see the light if we do not take the light out. We open churches in nice buildings, which is great, but sometimes the church building acts as a lampshade and all the christians go hide their lights in the building. When they leave the building many turn their lights off that they may go unnoticed! How can we ever be the light of the world and shine to the lost if we hide in buildings and keep turning our lights off?

I remember many years ago, how my earthly father, who was a fairly devout Roman Catholic at the stage, proudly explained to me how religion was a personal thing and how he hid his religion so well that most people in his work place thought that he was an atheist. SHAME. I did eventually, many years later, manage to lead him into a true relationship with Jesus. How? I never ever preached to him and never hit him over the head with the bible, but my light shone through and when he was sickly, he called for me. He had seen the light and realised that he needed the same light as what I had.

Now I am not saying to any of you that we should stop preaching and close the churches. I am saying that we should go out into our own little worlds and shine so that others will see the light. The light will attract them and they will be drawn to the source of the light which is Jesus. They will want Jesus and will come to him of free will, not because you hit them on the head. If you hit someone every time you see them , they will avoid you and run away from you. If you carry the light while you hit them they will come to hate the light as it starts to represent punishment to them.

Love them. Everyone craves to be loved and when you love them with your light, they associate the light with love and are then attracted to the light.

Now my great commission to you, the Christian, is to go into the whole wide world and let your light shine. Go to places where you would not normally go, and let your light shine into the darkness there. Do not let the darkness overcome the light, so make sure that the lamp in you has sufficient oil, so that it does not go out.

John 12:45 "And he who sees me sees Him who sent me."

12:46 "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness"

12:47 "And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him: for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world".

Verse 47 Jesus says that He did not come to Judge but to save. Do we set out to Judge the world or do we go into the world and let our light shine.

Love them. Everyone craves to be loved and when you love them with your light, they associate the light with love and are then attracted to the light.

Compliments of http://www.his-love.us a place of daily inspiration and where you are able to contribute your testimonials in order to touch others. We encourage your participation.

The Deity of Jesus Christ - Luke and Paul

2009-09-07T20:19:00.001-07:00

Luke's account of the early Church meshes perfectly with the writings of Paul regarding Jesus' Divinity. Here is Luke. And another name we love.

Acts 10:36, Lord of all. It's Peter preaching now, to Cornelius, Gentile convert. "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all)" Jesus is not a usurper. God, the Almighty, has not stepped down off His Throne. God, the Almighty, is Jesus.

Acts 19:5, The true Name at baptism. There is only one in whose Name we should be baptized. Notice how the fullness of Scripture defines that Name. In Acts 19:5 we see how some believers who had been baptized unto John the Baptist, are re-baptized "in the name of the Lord Jesus." Not believing that the baptizers were disobeying the command of Jesus, we must assume that baptizing in the name of Jesus is no different than the formula Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19... "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

Put those stones down. I am not denying the personality of Father and Spirit, only trying to point out the essential Oneness of the Godhead.

Now from Paul.

I Corinthians 15:47, The Lord from Heaven. Who is the Lord of Heaven? Every Bible-reader knows it is Yahweh, Elohim, Adonai, and so on. But He has another name! "The first man [Adam] is of the earth, earthy: the second Man [Adam] is the Lord from heaven" ! Who is Adam being compared to here? None other than Jesus Christ the Lord!Yahweh, Elohim, Adonai, Yeshua. All the Same!

Colossians 1:13-15, Image of God "(God) hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son...Who is the image of the invisible God..." When you look into a mirror, you see your image...

Colossians 2:9-10, Fullness of the Godhead. "For in ( Christ ) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily [in a bodily form]. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power." 3:3 "...your life is hid with Christ in God." Everything in God is in Christ. Everything I need from God I find in Christ. Christ is God.

I Timothy 1:2 , God of the greeting. "...Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord." This may seem a bit trivial after the astounding verses I have shared so far, but check out the greetings to the epistles and you will quite often find God and Christ mentioned in the same breath. It's as though the writer is saying, "I can't send you a letter from God without sending you that same letter from Christ. Because of the Incarnation, we think of two. Because of the Godhead, we are brought back to One. And both countings are correct!

I Timothy 3:16, God of the mystery of Godliness. "And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." Here is one of the classics on the Deity of Christ. Of course, the scholars have jumped on it, informing us that the word God is not in all the ancient manuscripts. So this is just telling about a remarkable human being...

No. Paul said without controversy and He meant it, present disputers aside. It should be obvious to those who have studied Scripture in depth that the Deity of Christ does not rest on this one passage! But it is not necessary to surrender this verse; in fact, in the light of all the other Scriptures, the King James rendering here is the only one that makes sense. What do we mean by the mystery of Godliness? This is the same godliness that is listed as a quality of the Spirit-filled Christian. It comes from a Greek word that means literally well-revered or worshipped. Great then, is the mystery of that which is holy and worthy of worship to us as believers. (The quality of "godliness", then, is a reverential nature.)

Whether one puts the word God next or not, that which follows is worthy of our worship! A person who was manifest in the flesh. Humans are never considered to be manifest or revealed in the flesh. We're just flesh! But God was revealed, made, flesh for sinful man. That fits. That Jesus would have been justified in the Spirit is no great mystery, if He is a human, who like us, needs to be justified. But if God is somehow justified by His own Spirit, now that is a mystery! Seen of angels? You and I and all humans have been seen of angels. But what a mystery that the One Whom no one can see was seen! Mystery! Preached unto the Gentiles? What mystery is there for a mere mortal man to be announced to heathens? But if God, whose special love for the House of Israel is proclaimed throughout the Old Covenant, if God Himself is now being preached to Gentiles, we have a mystery here! "Believed on in the world?" No mystery . Jesus the man was believed on by His disciples. But to say that God, whose abode has always been considered Heaven, was believed on in the world, creates something to ponder. And "received up into glory" is the crowning confusion of this mystery. How could God, who lives eternally in glory, be "received up" into glory?

I think the word God is safely kept in the text. Oh, without controversy!

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

How Can I Know The True Church?

2009-09-07T17:53:00.001-07:00

What Is The "Tribulation" In The Bible?

2009-09-07T15:27:00.001-07:00

"Tribulation." What's this about?

Most students of prophecy believe in a time of "trouble". It is well documented by prophets and Jesus and John:

Now what do Bible teachers mean by "Pre"- or "post"- tribulation?

He is "post-trib."

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

What a Way to Live!

2009-09-07T13:05:00.001-07:00

What a way to live. Even when he was not in jail, the Holy Spirit would tell the apostle Paul in every city: chains and trouble are coming. He could truly say 'remember the prisoners as though bound with them' for he was bound in the spirit, as was Jesus, when he approached Jerusalem and virtually every day of his life.

I wonder, are we so 'bound' today? Headed for 'Jerusalem'? Going there to die? Heading for chains and trouble and death? Our Master is. But you say, wait, there are some who are called to this suffering business and some who are not! This sort of thing in the first century was for Paul and the other apostles, who laid the foundation. Surely not all believers were or are called to suffer.

I agree. Those who are called to reign with Him are the ones who are called to suffer with Him. Are we people who love to go about bragging about how we will be a 'king' with Jesus some day, and in fact are a king right now? Do we have scars to prove it? Paul tells Timothy, "If we endure, we shall also reign with him..." Apostles Paul and Peter, who are the featured "sufferers" of the Book of Acts, both write to the church informing it that we have been called to join their suffering ranks if we are to be reigning some day.

No, it is not true that we are not called. It is only true that we don't want to hear the call, because it does not fit our comfort level. Here is the call:

First from Spirit-filled Peter, who rejoiced that he was worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:40-42):

I Peter 4:12 ff: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

Then Spirit-filled Paul, who after 39 lashes from a Roman guard, and a painful evening in a Philippian jail, was singing with Silas so loudly that the prisoners in adjoining compartments could not help but listen (Acts 16:22-25):

Philippians 1:27 ff: "To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me."

No one to lash us or throw us in jail yet? No one who will burn our house down or take away our income? Let's not panic, but rather, while we still can, let us be the ones who are called to "remember the prisoners, as though we were bound with them..."

That way, no one is left out of the suffering church who wishes to reign with Jesus. My own experience so far has been that the more I ask Jesus, "How can I truly relate to, 'remember', those who now suffer?" the more He shows me. Some of the responses are not too cheery. But what is good about this is that when the fire does fall here (and can it be much longer?) we who have practiced this relationship will be ready.

Yes, what a way to live had Paul. No matter what God showed him or gave him, he could say (Acts 20:23-24) that he was not moved. Unfortunately for too many of us, we listen to the things the enemy tells us are coming, and believe him. That is what the Bible would call "fear." We can believe the lies of the enemy about our future and cower in a corner threatened by it all, or believe that, even when God Himself says difficult times are coming, He will give us the sufficient grace he promises to endure. And that's what the Bible would call "walking in the Spirit." It's the only way for the believer to live.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com - There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

The Story of Chosun, Part 16

2009-09-07T10:33:00.001-07:00

Tragedy. Ancient and modern tragedy. It is the only way to describe Korean history, though of course there are many bright spots...

It's the early 1590's. After the initial invasion of Japan, through much struggle Chosun is able to beat the enemy back until they finally leave the major cities of Seoul and Pyongyang. But the worst is yet to come. A famine envelops the land. Children are found sucking milk from a dead mother. Vomit is fought over for sustenance. Men kill other humans to eat them. A typhus epidemic ensues, and many more are consumed.

Meanwhile the Japanese are forced south and trapped. But there is no pursuit by otherwise occupied Koreans, so the Japanese dig in and fortify the area.

The Chinese, always conditional allies, leave, but still are present to the war for years.

In October of 1593, the king re-enters Seoul, returning to Myung-ye-gung where the author we have been following, Henry Hulbert, lived when this book was written in 1905. The people want the king to abdicate. He is totally pleasure- mad. But the crown prince, the concubine's son, is not responsible either. A leaderless land is bound to fail.

Though many higher-ups continue to toy with the idea of abdication, the Chinese object, and the King is forced to reform. These same Chinese, represented by the military leaders, want peace with Japan so that they will become vassals of China. In the end of 1593, Japan astonishingly agrees to this proposition! But the enemy is only trying to gain time. Though many are homesick, and want to leave for Japan, when it comes down to it, they stay until 1596.

In 1596 General Konishi finally does head home, with Chinese and Korean envoys. Now the king feels it is time to turn over power to the prince. But Hideoshi in Japan treats the Korean envoys poorly, and decides on a second invasion,to punish Korea for stopping his original plans. Hope springs eternal, they say.

A Japanese plant named Yosira pretends to be a friend of Korea and gives out false information. He suggests that Admiral Yi Sun Sin be sent to battle with Kato who is coming. But Yi knows it is a trap to set him aside, and he refuses to go. For this disobedience to the King's orders, his enemies have him brought to Seoul and busted. He becomes a common soldier.

In 1597, Kato & Konishi both invade. Korea makes its traditional appeal to China. China says Yes.

Admiral Yi's replacement is soon defeated and in desperation the nation turns to its imprisoned Admiral. Yi is restored. But there is a major massacre by Japan before he can get back together.

When he finally arrives on the scene, the Chosun navy is down to about a dozen ships! Japan's armada is in the hundreds. Incredibly, Yi pulls off the win of his lifetime, and perhaps the nation's history. Other Japanese that are on their way to Seoul are stopped.

I have said often that Korea should not still be on the map, as witnessed by incidents as the above. God has preserved this land for His own purposes, which even now are being worked out as people pray. Don't give up on Korea. It seems that God has not!

Next time: How the Roman Catholic Church entered Korean society.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

The Sign - The Abomination Of Desolation

2009-09-07T08:19:00.001-07:00

How many times during the life of Jesus, as we have it in the Gospels, do Jewish apostles ask questions and receive answers? Are all the responses to their questions intended for Israel because the disciples were Jewish? No one is considering giving up the Lord's prayer (I hope) or the "Comforter" teaching of John, using this logic. Is literal Israel involved in all this? Yes, of course they are! But have we been grafted into the tree called Israel? (Romans 11:17-21) Yes, of course we have! Our fates intertwine.

The disciples asked for a sign, and they received one. A very specific event is foretold, after which Jesus will come. Let's look at this event: It is called by Jesus and Daniel, the abomination of desolation. It is an unthinkably evil occurrence that causes destruction, annihilation, a scattering, a desolate state of affairs.

Now, what in the world could do that? A clue is given: it "stands" in the holy place, Jesus says (24:15). The Jewish listeners knew that Jesus was speaking of their temple. Remember that John, who wrote more than 20 years after the Temple of Jesus' day was destroyed, is seen in the Book of Revelation measuring a Temple on earth. Oh, yes, there will be a Temple in the last days. Even as I write, preparations are being made to raise it up. Those who object to the idea of a Temple should read the latter portions of Ezekiel's book. Other prophets (Isaiah, Micah) saw the house of the Lord in the latter days. A consistent literal interpretation of Scripture demands such an edifice.

History records two times at least when the Holy Place was desecrated by something "standing" in it. Both Antiochus Epiphanes in 163 BC and Roman General Titus in 70 AD placed in the Temple things abominable to God. Once it was a pig. Once it was an idol. Both times desolations occurred immediately thereafter. There was a massacre of Jews, destruction, desolation both times. But Daniel who along with Jesus prophesied the abomination that makes desolate must have had in mind something even more horrible, for they both tie it to a time of incomparable agony. That time has not come yet because the agony itself is tied to the very end of all things, and that end has not come. Antiochus and Titus were only showing us

a little of what will happen when the Temple is occupied again and desecrated again.

But some ask, Can a Temple even be the real House of God again? I ask this: Was the Temple ever the real House of God, or was it merely a picture of Heaven, the Church, and the very Body of the Lord Jesus Who is the true Temple? The point we are making here is that antichrist and the Jews of that day will consider the Temple in Jerusalem to be holy, and a watching world will know exactly what is being said by its occupation.

Daniel in his 8th chapter speaks of daily sacrifices being taken away, an army's opposition, a "transgression of desolation," and the trampling of the sanctuary. He is told in the same chapter that all of this is to happen in the time of the end (8:9-19). Then in the retelling of these events in chapter 11 and 12, the same events are tied to "a time of trouble such as never was..."

Similarly, Jesus mentions not only the same desecration of the temple, but the surrounding of Jerusalem with armies in Luke 21:20-24, the parallel passage to Matthew 24. Here is mentioned the "times of the Gentiles", making many think that the period from Titus' devastation until the Jews return to their Temple is such a time. But in fact, Revelation 11:1-2 clearly states that the time of total Gentile domination in this context is three and one half years.

Daniel and Jesus both saw the end times. The abomination that made desolate in Antiochus' day was already history when Jesus prophesied. And now, the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus is history, and the predicted coming of Jesus has not materialized. So we must look to the future for fulfillment of both of these prophesies.

Paul adds the final piece to the puzzle when he describes in II Thessalonians 2, one who will sit in the Temple of God himself! If a pig or a statue has such a horrible effect on the region, what happens when the arch-enemy of God himself declares his deity and challenges God face to face?

Exciting, yet dreadful days ahead. Let us be ready to carry our cross wherever He leads.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

The Women Of The New Testament, And The Role They Played

2009-09-07T05:56:00.001-07:00

Did women rule men in the New Testament Church?

In the definitive history book of our Church, the Book of Acts, one must prove or lose his case when dealing with church "issues." If one cannot discern even a single female teacher or leader there, it becomes apparent that current female leadership is being driven by another spirit, not God's.

Roman Catholics want to see Mary elevated in this book. Alas, only one mention of her name, and that in a list with several other disciples.

Then there is Sister Priscilla. 5 times is her name mentioned in the New Testament, 3 in Acts. Always she is seen with her husband. 3 of the 5 times she is mentioned second, 2 times she is mentioned first. It is nearly amusing to see female-authority advocates swoop down on those 2 lone passages as proof positive that women were to have the ascendancy at times.

This blessed couple, Aquila and Priscilla, or if you must, Priscilla and Aquila, were helpers of the Apostle Paul. We see them taking a personal interest in Preacher Apollos, setting him straight on some issues. We see a church in their home. Of how that church operated and of any other activities of theirs or hers, we have no clue. With this scanty evidence it is not likely we should nominate her for the church board. I am sure Aquila learned from his friend Paul that this is simply not acceptable.

We have already run out of history. The godly women of Scripture all submitted to their husbands. The ungodly rebelled and were judged. Women prophesied, but none ruled in Israel or the Church. None were called upon to teach except by Paul who asks older women to teach younger women (Titus 2:4). Women are called to silence in the public assemblies. When they prophesied, it is possible that often this was outside the assembly.

Are there no other female voices to be raised? What of sister Phoebe? A total of 2 verses describe all we know of her. In I Corinthians 16:1-2, we learn that she served the church, she needed assistance in that service, she helped many people, and she helped Paul. To raise this servant of the Lord to church office and leadership is to, once more, ask Paul to contradict Paul! Is it likely that the apostle, having spoken so forcefully about women leading and teaching, would promote a woman who was doing that very thing? Is there not service that is not public, not authoritative?

Was this a widow woman who, like Dorcas served the saints by making clothes for the needy? Was she a woman given to prayer? Was she blessing the orphans of Israel or ministering to the sick? All we know is that she served!

The Greek "diakonos", a term here applied to Sister Phoebe, is translated servant, deacon, minister at various times in Paul's writings. Paul and Phoebe are both called "diakonos" . Servant. Paul was not an "official" deacon. Nor was Phoebe.

Oh how we love to make a big deal about our titles! But in fact every one who serves God is a minister of God, a servant. Young and old and male and female are servants of God! Ministers. Slaves, if you will. There is no "prominence" attached to this position. It is a lowly office, like the life that Jesus lived. It is washing stinking feet clothed in a towel. It is a call downward, not upward.

Distinct from this general servanthood is the call for men to be "official" servants, deacons, chosen by the church, as were the original seven of Acts 6. For these men, service was not given as they desired, but as the elders needed. These men could be called upon at any time to do jobs that the elders were too busy to perform. Yes, "deacons" could preach and minister in the miraculous, but their calling was to be "on call."

And why do I shift to "men" when I speak of these servants? Because all of the originals were men. Because the qualifications for their service involves having a godly wife. The idea of a female being exalted over the church was simply not in the mind of the founding apostles, nor should it be in our mind.

In short, Phoebe, our last applicant for pastor, or teacher, or even deacon, in the Scriptures, will have to be rejected. It seems very clear from Scripture that though women have many wonderful functions in the Body of Christ, rulership over men is not to be one of them.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Alas! Babylon

2009-09-07T03:32:00.001-07:00

So you've figured out what the Bible is talking about when it mentions Babylon? Let me ask you: Is the Babylon in the Old Testament the same as the one in the New? Have the Old Testament prophecies been fulfilled? In the New, do the seven hills of Revelation 17 point to Rome? Is it Catholicism? Is it America?

Babylon is a study in confusion, to be sure. But then the very name means confusion, and when you attach the word Mystery to it, as God does when talking to John, there should be no surprise that it's hard to figure out.

One thing you do not want to do in coming to a conclusion about this mystery or any Biblical mystery is, trust men. Including this one. Go check it out yourself. Read everything that Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the apostle John had to say about it. Look at its history in the Kings and Chronicles. Look at the Tower in Genesis 11, and Nimrod, the founder of this city as well as Nineveh, the true "man behind the myths" of the mystery city.

If you read as I read, you'll discover some of the following evidence, I believe - but don't take my word for it:

Babylon of old was founded by Nimrod. The record is in Genesis 10. He was a mighty man opposed to God's rule. He was able to persuade others to leave the God of Noah. False religion in the new world began in this rebellion.
Babylon and the empire that formed around it became one of the mighty forces surrounding the Bible story, along with Egypt, Assyria, and Medo-Persia.
Babylonish-type religion was transferred from kingdom to kingdom. Only names of gods changed. Idolatry was the order of each empire.
Eventually Babylon was permitted to attack and conquer Israel. Its resultant delight, instead of remorse that it had to be used in this horrid task, caused God to plan its destruction.
Many prophecies in Isaiah and Jeremiah point to a sudden, swift and complete annihilation. Unfortunately, those prophecies were not fulfilled totally. Babylon only very slowly retreated from power and population.
Empires that succeeded Babylon used that still great city as one of their places of renown, as we would a tourist attraction. Emperors used "King of Babylon" as one of their titles.
Even in New Testament times, hundreds of years after the warning of a swift demise, Babylon prospered. Many Jews lived there, and a church was born in that place.
But unquestionably, the city had lost its world-wide prestige, so much so that the prophecy of the New Testament about a great and wealthy business center, could not, at least in those days, refer to the same city.
Instead, the New Testament Babylon actually ruled over the kings of men. This is a not-so-veiled reference to Rome, the only city in John's day that could be so described. The fact that seven-hills are mentioned has caused most Bible scholars to point to the New Testament's Babylon as being that famous city on the Tiber.
Many of the predictions about the New Testament Babylon parallel the Old. Sudden, swift and permanent destruction.
Must we conclude that there is more than one Babylon? My own study, found in Scarlet Threads (1994), revealed a Babylon type of religion in every age, dominating the religious landscape. The mysteries are simply passed on from generation to generation.
It should be no secret that Romanism, though containing much that is absolute truth, has mixed in with its belief system much that can only be called pagan and Babylonish. Why Bible believers want to head back toward this system that killed Jews and saints of God shamelessly is another mystery, one that I must reserve for another article.
But certainly it cannot be ignored that Babylon is a city, and is so labeled by the apostle. The Catholic tradition is not all that is Babylonian in Rome's history. There was pagan Rome too. More than that is the move toward even greater paganism that has been afoot in Rome since Vatican II. The same Popes that have convinced Baptists to "come home" have been able to sway Buddhists too. It's the nature of Babylon to mix, and that's the reason God's people are called out of it.
In short, the ecumenical movement will eventually be dominated by Rome and will later, I believe, have a "false prophet" at its helm. He will be granted miraculous power.
When Rome dominates again, she will crush those who try to oppose her. In this she will be aided by the antichrist, whose back she rides to world power. There is nothing but trouble for those who oppose, or "protest" in that day. trouble and death.
I absolutely and categorically mean no insult to any person of any religious faith. I speak only of governmental systems and the doctrines that come from anywhere but Heaven and the written Word.
So where are we with this? When the Bible says Babylon will be destroyed, is that just a continuation of the Old Testament prophecy that was never totally fulfilled? Shall Rome surrender its religious powers one day to a revived city of Babylon? Or is Babylon a code name for the Satanic system that found its way to Rome? Is Rome therefore the target of God's wrath?
One thing is pointed out by John's writings. Many other cities are going to fall in that judgment. Whatever city is storing up the wrath of God because of its treatment of His special children, will be visited on that day. But exactly who and where Babylon is still hasn't fully emerged. At least, in my opinion.

In my ongoing appeal for attention for North Korea, this word that relates to today's subject: I have spoken elsewhere about my concern for the nation when it finally opens up. People who have been treated as the North Koreans have been are going to be easy prey for anything false. We must pray that God's true people will have a voice all over the land, and that North Koreans will have a discernment to weed out that which can only harm them.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed , lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

In North Korea - Help! Someone Call 911!

2009-09-07T01:10:00.001-07:00

Behold one cup of rice. During the dark famine days, and in certain portions of North Korea today, in certain people groups and ages, this is the rationed amount for an entire day. Eight ounces. Eight or nine hundred calories. Every day. Until you die by starvation.

The international minimum standard for calories per day is said to be two to three times that much . North Korea sets the standard at 1,600 calories per day, about 450 grams, less than two cups per day. Some people in Korea actually are given that much. In fact Party faithful are given up to 900 grams, twice the standard set by the Kim government. Some receive as little as 300. Perhaps less.

That's one topic. The amount of food the government expects one to live on. The other topic is, even with the low NK standard, will North Korea have enough food to meet its goals? If the state is now giving, as I have read elsewhere, 550 grams per day to its adults and 300 to children and elderly,that's 15 million persons times 550, and 7 million persons times 300. Therefore, 12,000 + tons of grain per day, or nearly 4 million tons per year.

Can North Korea produce 4 million tons per year? It hasn't always. During the famine years of the 90's it was about half that much. No one is daring to say that the situation has improved dramatically, only mildly. Free markets have popped up here and there but if the rice isn't there to sell, the proper economy means nothing.

And don't forget the recent floods. And don't forget how donated foods are still misdirected to feed the government's loyal ones. There is still so much to do. In fairness, there are projects scattered over the country attempting to right the problem. But so far no one has come up with a workable solution.

No, we're not out of the rice fields yet.

On the way home tonight, the car in front of me on the freeway suddenly veered to the center lane and almost crashed into a truck. Then a hard right and off went that same car went onto the shoulder and beyond, finally turning on its side and sending up a stream of smoke. I was shaken. I pulled over, got out of my car, and since I do not carry a cell phone, I began madly waving my arms to try to get people to stop and/or call 911. Many did, both. And creative Americans found the way to get the needy victim taken care of. They smashed a window. Pulled the man out, as it was obvious he was not only conscious -though bleeding- but quite aware of what was happening and willing to cooperate. He'll be fine now.

Perhaps I philosophize too much, but it occurred to me as I climbed back in my little car, shaking but thankful, that there are some of us, due to age, due to lacking skills, etc. whose only job is to wave our arms and hope that God will send help. Maybe there's some creative prayer warrior, some gifted financier, some talented economist, who will get on over to North Korea and start doing what needs to be done. Surely most of us don't have things on our agenda that are more important? I mean, I wanted to get home tonight after a day at work. But this man who was possibly dying in a car...

Anybody out there? These articles are not written to make people cry and sigh, but to motivate them to action. Chosun is in serious trouble. Dying as a nation. Almost totally without Christ. Doomed therefore forever. Hidden from the light and the truth found in Jesus Christ alone. There's got to be something you can do. Will you pull over and help a vehicle spinning out of control?

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Why I Am A Presbyterian

2009-09-06T22:50:00.001-07:00

With so many types of Christian churches available today how do you choose the faith community that best fits your individual beliefs and needs? The best way to do this is by simple visiting the different churches. Not only attend a regular service but also take part in some other activity as well. Plus you should talk with members to get a sense of the individuals that make up that church community. In order to help others who are looking for a church community I would like to share just why I am a Presbyterian.

One of the primary reasons I am a Presbyterian can be summed up in one word -- tradition. My family has long been Presbyterians and that was the church that I was raised and married in. Whenever I have moved it is always the Presbyterian Church in the community that I visited first and because of my own personal tradition that is the church that I feel most comfortable with. Aside from my own personal tradition with the Presbyterian Church I also enjoy being part of the larger Presbyterian tradition which can trace its routes back to the earliest Protestant Reformation. While the Presbyterian Church is a living body that is constantly changing and evolving it also has a long tradition.

Mission is another important part of Presbyterianism. Presbyterians have long built schools and hospitals in parts of the world where health care and education are lacking. This tradition continues today. Presbyterians attitude toward mission work is not to convert by offering a helping hand to those in need but rather to demonstrate what it means to be a Christian by helping others. We hope to spread the word of God's love by our actions rather than our words. Presbyterians walk the walk while some other Christians simply talk the talk. This is why you find Presbyterian churches in unlikely locations such as remote villages in Africa, cities in China, and small communities in Appalachia. Because the Presbyterian Church came to offer help to that community then the people living there were inspired to become Presbyterians.

Evangelism, or rather the understatement of it, is a key component of being a Presbyterian. Presbyterians believe that you will know we are Christians by our love. I am always suspicious of someone who needs to tell me they are a Christian. I believe that I should know this by your actions and deeds. Presbyterians believe we are a Christian nation but strongly believe in separation of church and state. While many Presbyterians might be community leaders they hold their faith and their leadership apart from each other. Our witness is rooted in the gospel ministries of preaching, teaching, and healing, and in Christ's example of advocacy for the poor, the hungry and the oppressed. Presbyterians believe they are already saved by Jesus Christ and so can focus their life on helping others rather than saving themselves.

Tradition, mission, and evangelism are the reasons why I am a Presbyterian and why other Christians should at least consider joining this community of faith when seeking out a new church.

Read more articles by Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle at http://deannamascle.com

What Does Christ's Church Look Like?

2009-09-06T20:21:00.001-07:00

If we know anything about the mind of Christ, then we must also know something about His mind for His church. In other words, if any of us have caught a glimpse of Christ then we should also have a pretty good idea of what His church should look like. Otherwise, if we can't imagine what Christ's church looks like, then how can we claim to know Christ?

So, if Christ were leading His church, what would that look like? My answer to this is... I don't know. Or at least I don't know from watching this play out before my fleshly eyes. This is the honest answer for anyone whose primary idea of "church" has been a building, a paid pastor and all the usual, western fixin's.

If your idea of church is not these things and yet you're still taking part in these things, then why? Maybe you know better... or maybe you're fooling yourself into thinking you know better. I'll believe you when you say "I know better" as soon as you start acting better.

But God's Spirit will lead us into freedom.

The first step toward freedom and obedience is to take care of our unfinished business with the Almighty. When our consciences are clear before God, then we will be free to confront any life-circumstance.

The same quality of freedom applies to God's people despite all the hardship or opposition that the world can assemble against us. Our successfulness or lack thereof is not ours to measure. It is our place to obey Christ directly and then trust Him to work out the end product of these things.

If we belong to Christ, then it is fitting that we should stumble around and fail miserably every time we try to live apart from Him.

by Patrick Roberts

http://www.BooksByPatrick.com

Patrick is an average Christ-seeker. His goal is to turn people to Jesus Christ.

Love and Prayers to Heal Divisions in the Christian Church

2009-09-06T17:56:00.001-07:00

More than same-sex marriage and pedophile priests molesting choir boys, what tears the Christian Church apart is its own followers' biases and prejudices against each other.

As Christians, we tend to focus too much on our diversity that we forget what it is that unites us: our faith in Jesus Christ, his death for sins, burial, resurrection and our desire to follow His teachings.

But is it possible to have unity in the Christian Church? The answer is yes. Love, understanding and praying for unity are what we need to break down denominational walls in the Church.

With two billion followers, Christianity is the world's most widely practiced religion. If a family consisting of a father, a mother and their two children may not always see eye to eye, how much more such a huge number of people? Dissension cannot be avoided and there will always be disagreements. It is when we begin to ask, "Whose views are more superior?" that judgment starts. This leads to alienation, and alienation is what creates disunity among us.

Wracked by issues as child sexual molestation by the clergy, contraception, abortion, stem cell research and divorce, the moral authority of the Christian Church is continuously under scrutiny. Also, some denominations within the Christian Church openly support homosexuality and gay marriage even among male priests and consecration of openly gay bishops. This triggers denouncement from other Christian groups which perceive these practices as blasphemous to the Church's doctrines and damaging to the already fragile image of the Christian faith.

Another issue that has drawn criticisms from both Christians and non-Christians alike is the growing number of churches being established in areas in close proximity of each other. One example of this is a particular town in Texas which only has a population of around 20,000 but 51 churches were built in the area. It seems the Christian Church is taking the words, "Go forth and multiply" too literally. With the problems hounding it, it seems that the Church's response is to build more churches much like social networking sites sprouting on the internet instead of unifying the members of the existing ones.

Instead of addressing these glaring problems within the organization, church leaders hurl blame against each other. Different denominations preoccupy themselves arguing about non-essential matters like worship styles, Arminianism, Calvinism, etc., instead of uniting on the foundation of Christianity. This somehow proves what most people fear all along, that the Christian Church is the Church of the Disunited.

How can the Christian Church summon enough credibility (and focus as obviously its energies are scattered) to continue to preach the word of God? How can it defend itself from the attacks of other religions when a war is raging within the Church itself? Division and bickering is like a disease that attacks the Christian Church from within, much like an auto immune disease.

How differences can be healthy

A little dose of differences among the members of the Christian Church can be healthy because it leads to dynamism. "For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you,"(1 Cor. 11:19).

According to Romans 14:1-12, we may have differing opinions, but we should not judge each other because "To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind..." God himself will be the judge.

Not one denomination of the Christian Church should consider itself superior and regard the other groups with contempt. Christians may operate under different names, but it should not matter because God gave us no name but his under which to rally.

Unity in the Christian Church is possible

Unity is not achieved by ramming one's opinions down someone else's throat and the other person blindly conforming to these. We need to recognize that our differences of opinions and worship styles are fine, but we need to constantly work and pray for unity.

What is important is for us to practice God's loving and accepting attitude across denominational barriers. When we reject others whom Christ has accepted, it conflicts with the very nature of the Christian faith which preaches about love, forgiveness, self sacrifice, humility, and unity. What God truly meant for us to do is to practice His teachings and spread His word, not sit as judge of the other person.

Would it not be a good way to preach to the world about Christianity if the Christian Church is able to unite despite its differences? Would it not please God if Christians, regardless of denominations, are able to accept and love each other?

Love, acceptance, and praying for unity

Love, acceptance, and praying for unity are the perfect unifying bond for the Christian Church, and these should be tightly woven into the spiritual and moral fiber of the Christian faith. The unity of the Christian Church begins with individuals praying for unity.

It is for this reason that the Missionaries of Prayer, an interdenominational Christian Prayer Ministry committed to praying for the world and praying for unity in the Church, holds a daily time of prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18 - 25 at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/missionariesofprayer. The daily intercessions are aimed at healing the divisions within the Church, as well as promote dialogs among Churches and Christian communities.

How to Easily Prove There is a God

2009-09-06T15:24:00.001-07:00

Proving that there is a God or a Creator is about the most simple thing you could ever do. And because it is so easy to do, it boggles the mind, that there are so many people in this world who can't see the simplicity in doing so.

You do not need any religion to do this. You do not need any religious leader to do this. You do not need any holy book to do this. You can do this without any assistance at all. Anybody, even a child, can do something as simple as proving there is a God.

Here is how anybody, who can read this article, can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a Creator does exist - because it is just a simple matter of visual observation and common sense deduction.

As you look out on this world, you are going to be able to see only "two kinds things."

First: You are going to see things that are made by people. You are going to see houses made by people. You are going to see cars made by people. You are going to see telephone poles, lawnmowers, bicycles, computers and thousands of other things made by people.

Second: You are going to see mountains, rivers, flowers, carrots, leaves, grass, planets, stars and thousands of other things that people DID NOT MAKE.

Now since it is a scientific fact and also just common sense, that nothing can make itself, then everything that you see, that man did not make - had to be made by somebody else, millions of times smarter than we mere mortals.

No mortal can make a flower. No mortal can make a dog. No mortal can make or create a planet, that billions of mortals live on and FLOAT - IT - IN - SPACE as easily as a child plays with a balloon.

Anything that you see, that man DID NOT MAKE had to be made by a Creator or it would not even be here in the first place - and neither would WE.

There are many holy books in the world, all proclaiming that "their God" is the only "true God." Most people adhere to the religion they were raised in and do not take an interest in other religions. One way that you can know the truth about all of these religions, is to study all of them extensively.

You can also take a "short cut" and read a book that God Himself wrote. Let Him tell you about all these religions, their gods - saviors - prophets, who started these religions and why they were started.

Oahspe is a history book going back over 78,000 years. Read about the huge continent in the Pacific Ocean "called Pan" that God sank beneath the surface and why He had to do it. Only a few escape that were on the highest points and in boats which floated off to other continents. Japan was a high part of that continent.

You will learn what has been going on in heaven and earth all this time. You will read how God inspired Europeans to sail to a new land (America) for religious freedom. http://oahspe.blogspot.com

Also, there are many diets in the world, but God knows more than anybody else what is best for us. Everybody else who makes food for our consumption is just after our money. http://gods-diet.com

The Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles Today and the Birth of Jesus Christ

2009-09-06T12:58:00.001-07:00

Following Yom Kippur comes the Feast of Tabernacles, at the end of September or beginning of October, when Jews remember the forty days they spent in the wilderness, living in tabernacles or booths or tents. You will find the details in Leviticus Chapter 23.

This is the season of the year when Jesus was born. John tells us how Jesus Christ tabernacled amongst us. We need to remember that when it comes to December. Facts are important. Truth and accuracy is vital.

In Jerusalem, and Jewish communities around the world, decorated booths can be seen in gardens or balconies, during the Feast of Tabernacles.

For eight days people will have their meals in these flimsy temporary shelters, some even sleeping under the palm branch roofing, through which the sky can be seen.

It is a time for remembering and giving thanks to God, Who led His People, leading and bringing them to the Promised Land, a phrase we seldom hear these days.

Not only do the people remember, but they celebrate with willow, myrtle, palm and lemon. Each has a significance.

For over 3,000 years the people of Israel have kept and observed this Feast. Why? So that your descendents will know all about your being slaves in Egypt and how God set you free.

On the last day of the Feast in Jerusalem, the High Priest would take a container down to the Pool of Siloam returning to the Temple with it full of water. There was prayer for water for the crops, and for Messiah to come and refresh them.

John speaks of Jesus being in Jerusalem for the Feast, and on that day, shouting out in a loud voice, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink". Jesus saw people who had been at an eight day Feast or 'Conference' and they were dissatisfied. They had not had their spiritual needs truly met, and Jesus invited them to come to Him. Check this out in John Chapter 7.

Jesus was thinking too of the future when He would pour out the Holy Spirit.

If you are dry, dissatisfied, spiritually thirsty, confused or burdened, drink from Jesus Christ, and then you can refresh others.

Prime your pump and allow the rivers to flow.

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.

His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.

Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com

Watch This to see if Jesus was Born From A Virgin - Video

2009-09-06T10:28:00.001-07:00

In the Eyes of the Future

2009-09-06T08:09:00.001-07:00

What do you see in the eyes of the elderly? Do you see the past, the future, or nothing important? Do you see the pain of a long and hard life, or do you see a loved one in pain of living too long?Do you see hope in those eyes of love, or confusion? Do you see someone asking for help, when years earlier they asked no one?
Do you see weakness, when once there was strength? Do you see sadness, when once there was joy? Do you see yourself in years to come?

As a child at school, I once told a friend, as we looked down the road; Our future is down there, we couldn't see it yesterday, but now its clear, and I'm afraid. John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

There are many that ridicule the word of God and those that deliver it. They only look at the physical view and not into the intent of the message. We cannot ignore what God has given us, our birth, life, old age and yes even our death. For death into life is His promise. We see, sometimes only the beginning and the end, but we forget all that is and what will be. For Jesus said; Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
That is the same with us, we must all die so that life can be renewed.

Death comes to all, but in the mean time, do we ignore the helplessness of our elderly? Can we look into those eyes of yearning and say; No more. Can we see them suffer and wonder alone and say; Your time is over and now its my time? Can we forget all that they have sacrificed for us, all the pain, suffering, work, care and especially, forsaking all their pleasure and comfort for our sakes?

How hard hearted can a generation be, how can they overlook the tears and whimpers of their mothers and fathers?

Think of it this way, You say that you believe in God and Jesus, thats great, but what if they overlooked all the tears of loneliness, and feelings of brokenness that you feel? The worst thing that you can experience, is a broken heart, and I've seen many elderly with broken hearts. Hearts torn apart because they feel that their own children have left them and no longer care. That they no longer matter or are of any use.

I know this feeling and without God and my family, I would have been a man most miserable. My heart breaks when I see these people. We reach out to them, taking care of them, as they have taken care of us. All children of God have a mother and father, even when their own are gone to meet Jesus. Every nursing home is full of mothers and fathers, waiting for a kind word, a hug, a kiss, a card or letter from someone, that will show them love.

The cries to the Father are many in these days of age; Psa 71:9, Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Cast me not off in the time of old age. Each Christian should learn this verse and keep it to heart. For if Christ doesn't come before your time of age occurs we will all call upon the Lord for lost love and compassion, for strength to see, hear and understand.

The greatest promise for all of us is that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. He may not give us back our sight, our strength, our hearing but He will give us hope in these latter years.

Isa 46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Isa 41:4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he. From the beginning to the last generation, God is there.

He never changes as generations do, as children do and as attitudes do. Is there something that you must change in these last days, is there something that is missing from your life, have you forsaken those that have, and still do, love you no matter what? Are those eyes that you look into, show you your future? ars.

Psa 71:9 -
Cast: Psa_71:18, Psa_92:13-15; Isa_46:4; 2Ti_1:12, 2Ti_4:18 Isa 46:4 -
even to your: Isa_41:4, Isa_43:13, Isa_43:25; Psa_92:14, Psa_102:26, Psa_102:27; Mal_2:16, Mal_3:6; Rom_11:29; Heb_1:12, Heb_13:8; Jam_1:17
even to hoar: Psa_48:14, Psa_71:18

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R. Smith Ministries
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Watch This to see if Jesus is Really Real - Video

2009-09-06T05:42:00.001-07:00

North Korea's Unique Educational System

2009-09-06T03:20:00.001-07:00

From North Korea comes yet another witness of the reality of life there. All life? No. All the time? Of course not? But this man was there. He saw first hand things that should not be seen in our world. No attempt is being made to "defame" a nation, only to allow the West to understand that something must be done.

He is Kim Tae Jin, and comes to us by way of China, North Korea, China again , North Korea again (this time through the prison system including well-known Yodok), again China, Mongolia, Seoul. And that's just the outline of his story.

His father was Chinese military, so he started out there. But he and his Korean mother returned in 1961 to North Korea when he was five. Went through the standard educational system, got a job, all in South Pyong-an Province. At age 30, a full grown adult, he decided to visit family in China. There he was arrested and forced back home.

Then he was passed through North Korea's other "education" system, where one learns even more. The lessons are about fearing and then hating the government, though that is certainly not what is intended. First, there is torture in the "People's Safety Agency" near Chongjin. Four months later, more torture at the "National Security Agency" . He was eventually accused of treason because of his family visit.

And the torture? According to this eyewitness (and who can know better?) Beatings. Sleep deprivation. Forced to kneel or sit motionless for hours. Not permitted to wash, thus fleas, lice. Freezing temperatures in the jail cells.

Then on to "university", if I may continue using the analogy. The "Revolutionizing Process Zone" at Yodok. Four years six months. A slave labor camp. Helps the body. Helps the mind. Not only that, all this free labor helps to keep North Korea's economy barely afloat. Farming corn. Cutting trees into firewood. Making furniture. Serving the whims of the government.

So what's so bad about farm work for a prisoner? Hey, after 8 months in confinement as described above, that's what the prisoners think at first. "I can move around!" But the food is meager, and was even before famine rations of the mid 90's. To survive, he has to eat plants, grasses, rats, snakes, frogs. People around him are dying from starvation every week. He is personally witnessing public executions of those trying to escape. Still enduring beatings. Sit-down-stand-up exercises until he can barely sit up.

Four and one half long years. But at least, now free at last. Happy? No. His wife has to denounce him. It's the rule. Denounce and divorce anyone suspected of treason or you are supporting him and may be punished yourself.

Five more years. Finally he must leave this cruel land. Off to China. Off to Mongolia. Seoul in 2001.

I tried to warn you. It's not pleasant . Let us bear Kim Tae Jin's name to the Father tonight, along with all the other Tae's who are still at Yodok, Hoeryong, Chonjin, and all the others. How helpless we feel. But let us keep believing that God is working in all of this, having His perfect will. And as Mary said to the servants at Cana, "Whatever He says to you, do..."

Say the word, Lord. And give us your grace to obey it.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Placing God Under Arrest

2009-09-06T01:01:00.001-07:00

If in the passages referring to the trials of Jesus one substitutes the title "God" in place of His name, the result is striking. John 18:12 becomes:

"Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested God and bound God. And they led God away to Annas..."

You get the idea. God was in Christ. Jesus said, "I and My Father are one." John says, "The Word was God."

The thought of puny man being given the opportunity to control his Creator is at once startling and sickening. But, yes, God is still being arrested and tormented in our own day. Totalitarian governments have unknowingly placed the Deity in custody countless times. For Jesus promised to come to His disciples in the form of His Spirit. The church is truly the very body in which the Lord of Creation lives in our day. The house of God. To arrest church members is to arrest God Almighty.

We want them to be set free so desperately. But all of our prayers cannot be directed to "Get them out of there! " for Jesus suffers willingly for the people of earth. Those that he uses to suffer are those that he makes similarly willing.

So we also say, "Lord give them grace while they are there. May they faithfully bear their cross without complaining. May they in fact be faithful until death, for we know You have said we will never be tested above what we are able to bear."

And after we finish such prayers, we look in a mirror and see if there is a cross on our own back.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Out of the Shadow of Death

2009-09-05T22:35:00.001-07:00

If Jesus and the disciples were baekjeong, (outcasts, lowest dregs of society, worthy of misery and death) why am I not? I say I love Him, know Him. But even if I travel to a restricted country, I am usually honored in some way. If these thoughts are beginning to irritate you at times, maybe you are being called alongside the baekjeong of our own day, like this one in modern North Korea:

I was a boy living in the shadow of death, starving and despairing in North Korea. Before I escaped from that land, I lived with my parents and a younger brother. But without rations or food, my family was about to starve to death. So my parents left home to make money. They said they would be back in a couple of days. They never returned. My 14-year-old brother started to cry out for food.

I stayed home and sent my brother to our grandfather's. But he soon had to come back when grandfather died of an illness for which he could do nothing. Shortly after, my brother also died after suffering in the house with no parents present. My heart wrung. I felt it unfair, so I wept a lot. The world seemed pitiless and my parents, reproachful.

Left alone, I waited for my mother and father, but eventually had to wander around for food, begging sometimes, picking anything off the ground that might be useful. I drifted into various towns by train. One day, I got off at a station, and decided to go over to China.

On a dark rainy night in 2001, I crossed the river, very hungry, leaving my parents behind in their miserable situation. I was so weak from hunger and illness, that I started to be carried down the fast-flowing stream. I closed my eyes, thinking that I would die trying to save my life! I'd never see either my homeland or my parents again. But no, I narrowly escaped death. I crossed over something solid, and when I laid my feet on it, I found it was a rock. I came back to myself and reached shore. When I look back, I see that God saved me so that I would spread the Gospel to dying North Korea, and show His love and grace.

After I survived the river, I begged for food in China. At one Chinese-Korean home, they said they didn't want to see North Koreans anymore, and threatened to report me to the police. My opinion of China soon changed. I have always heard that food is abundant in China, but I was being rejected, turned away. It seemed so unfair.

I had walked for a long time when I met an old Chinese-Korean couple. I begged for food. They asked if I was from North Korea. When I said yes, they took me home, gave me food and money, and told me to go to church. I thanked them and walked to another town instead.

I met North Korean kids there, and started to live with them. We sustained our lives by begging for food from Koreans at parks and bridge-heads. This is illegal activity. One day, my friends and I got caught. While in jail, I met a Christian defector. I thought it absurd that he would be praying and singing praises in a prison, but he was.

It was the first time that I had ever seen someone praising an invisible being. Oddly, I felt joyful and strong whenever he would sing. He asked me where I was from and told me to believe in Christ. He said that these hardships would not happen if North Koreans would trust God. He gave me an address and as soon as I was released, I went there.

That is how I came to the house of the Lord and accepted Christ. But the story does not end there. My illness re-appeared and since then, I experienced God's love and grace even more, as I have come to fellowship with this Jesus who died for us and gives us grace to endure all things...

Our young brother goes on to tell his desire to serve this Jesus and tell others of Him. Aren't you proud to know the baekjeong? The earth is filled with them. One day Heaven will be too.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

A Christ Who Doesn't Suffer

2009-09-05T20:09:00.001-07:00

It was Jesus' leading disciple who thought this one up. Well, he had help. Jesus attributed this notion of painless sainthood to the enemy of our souls.

Matthew 16 carries the episode. You remember. Seconds before, Peter's finest hour. He allowed the Truth of God to bubble up out of his mouth-gate, "You are the Christ!" Not only that, "You are the Son of the living God!" I'm sure the other disciples were in agreement, but it was Peter through whom the revelation came audibly.

But it was only to be the first of several major revelations on that incredible day. The rest of the revealing seems to have been lost on this disciple with whom we all relate so freely when he is making his super blunders. The other revelations went something like this:

This Christ must go to Jerusalem and suffer.

This Son of the living God must die at the hands of fellow Jews.

This Jesus is to rise again on the third day after His death.

From that day to this the idea of a suffering Christ and a suffering Christian has been fought. We are rightly taught that it is of the Devil to be persecuted. But we are further led to believe, by implication if not outright statement, that believers have the right to fight the Devil's attacks and win. We have in fact bought the Enemy's interpretation of the Psalm to the fasting Jesus that suggests that since angels have charge over us, we can never be harmed.

Satan has not changed his tactics. He is, using our love of the flesh and this world, still creating stumbling blocks to our ultimate destiny: the crown that follows the cross. Satan's pathway is a shortcut that leads to a coronation now. A kingdom now. Power now. Comfort now. The American dream... He still favors the things of men over the things of God.

If there is any doubt in my readers' mind about the cross Jesus mentions being ours and not just His, He goes on in that same chapter to make it clear:

We must deny ourselves.
We must take up the cross.
We must lose our lives.

And absent any of the above, we must forget any idea of reward.

This Christ we follow, the One you follow, the One you say is actually living His life in you... does He suffer? Does he lead you, not only by still waters, but through the valley of the shadow of death, for His Name's sake? Yes, keep that last phrase in there. I'm not advocating a martyr complex, suffering for suffering's sake, feeling sorry about life's circumstances, of which all men partake, no.

This cross business is about Jesus. I'm speaking of the peculiar flavor of suffering that can only come about when one chooses it, yea desires it above all else. Has your Christ become so powerful that you fear losing Him more than you fear losing the dearest relationship, the most expensive toy you own, or life itself?

I still say we need North Korea more than they need us. So many of them have chosen the cross and are worlds ahead of us. Let us take up our cross and follow them, as they follow Him.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website made to ask believers to pray for North Korea. Recently I have added Bible teachings to the menu. There are nearly 300 blogs , a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com Audio teachings at sermonaudio.com under my name.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

The Sabbath - Written On Our Hearts?

2009-09-05T17:36:00.001-07:00

Is the Sabbath for today? Has the Fourth Commandment been placed in our heart when we were filled with God's Spirit under the New Covenant?

It was men full of the Spirit of God who wrote the will of God for God's New Covenant People. Following is a partial list of how the Ten Commandments left the stone tablets of Moses and found their way into New Covenant thinking and into our hearts through the Spirit. God's law, you will see, has not changed, only gotten deeper, better, richer.

Commandments 1 and 2: Exodus 20:1-6, "...have no other gods before Me... do not make images..." is repeated in I John 5:21, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." Acts 15:20 tells us, "...abstain from things polluted by [offered to] idols." Likewise I Corinthians 10:28, "If anyone says to you, This was offered to idols, do not eat it..." II Corinthians 6:14, 16, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers...what agreement has the temple of God with idols...?" The New Covenant, written in our hearts, keeps us not only from other gods but also from fellowship with idolaters.

Commandment 3: Exodus 20:7, You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" is suggested by Jesus in Matthew 6:7, explaining to the disciples how to pray, "...do not use vain repetitions, as the heathen do." Also, "Hallowed be Thy Name," from the Model prayer in Matthew 6:9. We are taught to ask in His Name anything we want, call on His Name for salvation, and that there is no other way to be saved but by that Name. We are taught that only the evil people "blaspheme the Name by which you are called," James 2:27. Truly no Spirit-filled believer will lightly use the Name of the Lord.

Commandment 4: Exodus 20:8, "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy..." Since the fourth commandment is the subject of this research, allow me to discuss it last.

Commandment 5: Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother." This one is quoted verbatim by Paul in Ephesians 6:1-3. In addition the Spirit-filled apostles command the people of God to honor widows, honor the king, honor all men! Spirit-filled living is respectful living. Disrespect is a sure sign that the enemy is present.

Commandment 6: Exodus 20:13, "You shall not murder." James put it this way in 2:11, "...if...you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law." Romans 13:9 has Paul summing up the last 5 commandments in the one concept of love. Rather than destroy the law, Paul says, we live it out by loving. The sentence of death is destroyed, but the righteous requirement of the law lives on and prospers in us.

Commandment 7: Exodus 20:14, "You shall not commit adultery." In Galatians 5:19, adultery is listed as one of the works of the flesh. Those who practice these works will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Commandment 8: Exodus 20:15, "You shall not steal." And in Ephesians 4:28, "Let him that stole steal no more."

Commandment 9: Exodus 20:16, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," becomes "Do not lie one to another..." in Colossians 3:9.

Commandment 10: Exodus 20:17, "You shall not covet." Paul says, "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you as is fitting for saints... no... covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God." (Ephesians 5:3, 5)

And so the commandments come full circle. Worshiping false gods to worshiping the works of man's hands and every evil practice in between was forbidden by Moses and is forbidden by Jesus and the apostles. That is to say, the same Spirit has directed all His messengers to give the same message, even though intensified, to God's people. And now that message is to be fulfilled in God's people by the Author Himself.

Now what about that fourth commandment? There is no specific command by any apostle to keep the seventh day holy. There is also no specific repeal of the Sabbath command of 4,100 years. There is likewise no command to rest on the first day of the week. If all other commands are in evidence in the New Covenant's Spirit-filled life, what are we to assume about this one? If indeed every man is to be convinced in his own heart of the truth (Romans 14:5) then it seems to me that he will be convinced only by a word from God. A Gentile who has been taught first-day Sabbath may, like myself, eventually be called upon to seek out the truth. It seems, though, that if he does not, he is under no condemnation. Eventually all this will be made right, when Jesus comes. And there is no question in my mind about which day will be the Kingdom standard . The prophets are very explicit about the coming seventh-day Sabbath experiences of the people of God.

For now, I prefer to relate as much as possible to the saints throughout Scripture who rested on the seventh day, met most any day, and had a special meeting on the first day, the day of the creation of light, the day of the resurrection, the day of the church's founding. But I would be hard-pressed to show you a New Testament verse that puts all that together. But one of my reasons for writing this report is to show that the Sunday-Sabbath folks would be equally hard-pressed to prove that that day is a day of rest equal to the original Sabbath of the Lord. The weight of evidence shows that Rome, not Scripture, is the basis for this teaching.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed , lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

Which Bible College Should I Attend?

2009-09-05T15:07:00.001-07:00

Which Bible College should I go to? With so many great Christian Colleges available around the world it can get a bit overwhelming trying to find the one that is best for you.

I remember when I first felt called to go to bible college. I knew that I was called to go, but wasn't sure where. I was willing to go anywhere in the world but didn't know where to start.

It was a big step, which included giving up a well paid job, but I knew it was the right thing for me to do. Here's some quick thoughts on what I learned where important things for me to consider before choosing the right place to attend to help you in your ministry training needs;

1) Does the Christian College line up with what you feel God is calling you to do? For example there's no point going to a Christian College that specializes in worship leading if you feel called to community work

2) Does the Christian College carry similar values to you?

3) Have you done some background research on the Christian College to make sure its got a good track record? A simple Google search will help in this process.

4) Do you have peace about the Christian College you are looking at attending? Phil 4:6-7 talks about a peace that comes upon you that goes past your understanding. The peace that you feel on the inside. If you can learn to live according to this God given inner peace, then you will know that its a God thing!

Once you have followed these steps, you should get a better idea of whether the Christian College you are looking at is right for you. I know my time at Bible College was life changing. I hope yours is too!

Benjamin James is founder of Bible College Guide.com http://www.biblecollegeguide.com and Christian Universities Guide.com http://www.christianuniversitiesguide.com . His passion is to build the body of Christ by helping people become trained and equipped for ministry through bible based training facilities.

Rapture Or Second Coming? A Second And Third Distinction Refuted

2009-09-05T12:32:00.001-07:00

Those who hold that the "catching away" of the church to glory and the second coming of Christ are two distinct events teach that, at the rapture, all believers are resurrected, whereas at the Second Coming there is no resurrection until antichrist is defeated. This is called "begging the question," using your preconceived conclusion as proof of your conclusion!

In Revelation 19 we are shown an army of believers behind Jesus, meeting Him in the air. They have just been resurrected and are on their way to conquer the earth. They are not fresh from the graves, it is reasoned, so it is assumed they have been with Jesus seven years and therefore are not resurrected.

But the theory calls for more than the two Bible raisings, the resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation called for by Jesus (John 5:28-29). It demands a third resurrection, for one is seen in Revelation 20:4-6 also. Here, John, relating things not always in order, but sometimes by topic, states in chapter 20 that the persons he sees are part of the first resurrection. He does not see a resurrection, but sees the ones who have been resurrected. That means that there was no resurrection seven years before , except in the Hollywood style movies of our own generation.

John is saying here that he saw thrones set up after antichrist is judged. The reign with Christ foretold here is for all those who suffer with Jesus. Romans 8:17, "If we suffer with him" we are "heirs with Christ." The whole creation is awaiting our reign, 8:19. II Timothy 2:12, "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him." Revelation 5:10 quotes the "elders" , those who have gone on before us, as saying, "We shall reign on the earth."

So in talking of the thrones he brings in a description of the persecuted saints who reign with Jesus. He is not implying that the whole army following Jesus is not a resurrected entity. He is in fact in perfect harmony with Daniel 7:25-27:

"He [little horn] shall persecute the saints of the Most High...then the saints shall be given into his hand [tribulation] for a time, and times and half a time [the same three and one half years of John's Revelation]. But the court shall be seated, [judgment]...and the greatness

of the kingdoms...shall be given to the saints of the Most High [resurrection]..."

There are two resurrections coming (John 5:28-29, Revelation 20:4-5). The first, and the second. The first, when Jesus comes to earth. The second, 1000 years later, the resurrection of the damned. By calling this pre-tribulation event a "rapture", the fact that it is a resurrection is covered up. But , added to the two resurrections of revelation 20, well, that's just one too many.

Another supposed distinction seen between rapture and second coming: Immortality is given believers at the rapture, but at the second coming

they already obviously have it. Here again, normally logical scholars break the rules of logic by using the conclusion to prove the point. It is seen as utterly impossible for saints to be raised, glorified, "immortalized", and coming back to earth in so short a time. Forgotten, perhaps, is what happened on "Resurrection Day", commonly called Easter. Jesus in His new body began immediately to do the work God called Him to do, though He had been dead for three days. In our new bodies, made after the image of Christ, will be placed new instincts, skills, and powers. A simple flight to Jesus does not seem all that complicated for a God who can speak worlds into existence, and raise up Christ from the dead in an instant.

We shall all rise. We shall be changed. In a moment! In the twinkling of an eye. Dead shall rise and experience the same miracle. And their first assignment: Hold on! We're going for a ride with King Jesus while he pours out judgment on the earth.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

When God Foretold Television

2009-09-05T10:06:00.001-07:00

God let readers in 90 A.D. know that one day all the world would see an event happening in Jerusalem, Israel. The whole visual media explosion we have experienced in the last 70 years is no surprise to Heaven.

What was the event foretold? It's the death of two men. Two men the world will hate. Prophets. They are foretold by another prophet, Zechariah, in the 4th chapter of his book: "These [two olive trees seen in Zechariah's vision] are the two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth." That's where they stand now, anyway. One day they will come to earth as God's witnesses (Revelation 11:3). In verse 4 the Lord through John ties them to Zechariah's prophecy by calling them "two olive trees...standing before the God of the earth."

Are they alive today? Will they be born and raised in a good Jewish home, come to Christ and go to the wilderness like John the Baptist? No, Zechariah is clear. These two men are in Heaven as I write these words. Their entrance to earth will be a miraculous visitation, as will the Antichrist's, but that's another story.

Speculation abounds as to their identity. We probably know them. They are men who never died and so must come and keep their appointment with death, as all men must. Two Old Testament men never died. One's burial place is disputed. You can take it from there. It's not the point of this article.

From the heavenlies these men come and preach God's final warning to a sick planet ruled by a sickening dictator. They will have miraculous powers, as prophets of old had. Whoever can believe the Old Testament can believe what I am writing. Those who have trouble with extra-ordinary events are in for some surprises.

Their fellow extra-terrestrial will be given power over them when God is certain that He has said all that needs to be said to corrupted humanity. Christians too will be called home via the genocide of the people of God. Their testimony will be sealed, their life's purpose will have been fulfilled.

The in-human race will have a true field day when the prophets are killed. To shame them before the world, they will allow their dead bodies to be viewed on prime-time TV as a monument to the power of the Great Leader. But as they watch, and here by the way is the reason television was invented, as they watch, these two men will slowly awaken, stand, and be caught up to Heaven. And "all flesh will see it together", the glory of the Lord. (Isaiah 40:5)

Those who glibly talk about a pre-tribulation rapture are faced with a dilemma here. In chapter 4, when John is told "Come up here," he is in the Spirit, with the Lord, and our pop theologians declare, "See! That's the time when the entire church is caught up to Heaven, just before all the trouble breaks out!"

No. That's just when John is caught up. And here in chapter 11, the same words come to these two men. "Come up here." If ever there were a model for the rapture it is these two. Their entire body and soul is unquestionably raised, as our (new) body and soul will be caught up. But no, this is not the rapture either. The rapture is when we all hear the voice of God, when Jesus returns in judgment, a judgment which His church will never bear. The Tribulation is not the Judgment.

What horrendous days will come to us, perhaps soon. Weary ones, no time for letting up or letting down. Keep the lamps burning. And you who are free, will you go in Spirit to the prisons of earth tonight where God's people languish, and intercede for them? Will you pray for citizens of brainwashed nations like North Korea, who know how to suffer, but who do not yet know why and for whom suffering is a great honor? Pray that the light of God's Word will be shed upon them that they not enter this darkest road of Earth's history without a road map.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed , lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

How To Clean Up Your Dirty Side Really Quick

2009-09-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

His name was Eugene. Haven't seen him or heard from him in over 50 years, but I can't forget what he did for me. If he continued on with the Lord, we'll meet up on the other side.

I was a 5th grader at Linden Elementary School . Eugene was in 6th. I was a pretty bad kid. Eugene was worse. That's why he was my hero. I especially remember him as having a bad vocabulary. His mouth, his words, his stories. He was the worst.

Eventually Eugene had to move on. In those days you went from 6th grade to Junior High. After three years of that you were in High School. Usually you stayed in one building for those last six years.

Eugene was gone. I tried my best to fill his shoes. Then one day there he was again. I couldn't believe my eyes. From across the playground I caught a glimpse of my old friend. Evidently the High School was off that day. Of course, with Eugene it wouldn't matter. Maybe he was cutting class. All the more reason for my reaction.

I barreled across that playground and greeted him like the exalted person he was to me. Soon after that display of emotion, I started to tell him the latest joke I had heard from the street. I don't remember the joke right now except to say it was probably pretty lowly if I meant to impress King Eugene.

Then - I'll never forget it - the king put his hand out and motioned for me to stop. "Sorry, I don't listen to those jokes any more. Jesus Christ has come into my life and changed me..."

My countenance fell and crashed on the ground. Something new but at that time unpleasant went all through me. Was it disgust I felt or shock or what?

Eugene, how could you! I thought but never said. After an embarrassed reaction to this bit of news, the snake that I was slithered away looking for solace...

But the seed was planted. A simple no and a simple testimony. God used it. And God will use what you do also, Christian soldier! The creative miracle of Acts 2, where God poured out His Spirit and sent His followers out full of Life, continues today. The seed is within you, as surely as it was in the plants and animals that He blessed on creation week. When we plant that living seed in the human heart, the result, believer, is life and life eternal.

Growing Up Around Christians in Organized Religion

2009-09-05T05:09:00.001-07:00

I was born in the 1960s and raised in Southern California, United States of America. During that period of time, and in the area I was raised, there was basically one religion that dominated every aspect of mine and my friends lives. That religion was Christianity. When I was in elementary school, I knew one Jewish boy and he looked different than the Christians and even talk different. He was very smart and spent a lot of his time reading, instead of playing at recess.

There were no Muslims or Hindus and it was a predominantly white environment. The first black students I seen was when I entered the eighth grade and by the time I finished high school, I could count all of the black students I had met on both of my hands. So now you have a pretty good idea of my life, living in a white neighborhood that was 90% Christian.

As you can guessed it, I was raised a Christian, but not a regular Christian, I was a Methodist and proud of it, until my parents got tired of the church elders asking for money or if my father could help build the new church. My father explained to them, that he needed to work to support his family and could only contribute, what ever he could to the church and no more. They were very unhappy and made it uncomfortable for us to go to the church anymore.

Hard to imagine, isn't it. Christians asking for money and then when they don't receive it, getting mad at one of their brethren.

Well it was time to switch churches and we are now going to the Crystal Cathedral Church in Garden Grove California. These people had everything and it was a large church. This was before they built the massive glass structure that is presently the church sanctuary. I enjoy going to this church, because we didn't have to go to Sunday school and got to sit with the adults to worship.

By the time I was 15, neither one of my parents were going to church anymore and my life didn't seem to change that much, even though I prayed every night with my brother. Maybe that was it, I didn't have to go to church as long as I prayed every night... By the time I was 18 years old, I was more confused about organized religion than ever before and this included Christianity.

How can someone kill in the name of God? The Muslims were doing it, the Christians were doing it, the Muslims were fighting the Hindus in India and it all seemed normal. It didn't seem normal to me, when I was supposed to love my neighbor and live a life like Christ who never seemed to start fights or even get mad. Maybe a couple of times, over some money, in the Temple.

I have chosen not to be a part of organized religion. I'd figured out that most of our religious beliefs came from our upbringing. This seems to have brainwashed us into believing we are better because were right and know for a fact, that we have chosen to belong to the right religion. What if were not right?

I want to ask you a question, do you think that other religions are wrong and yours is right? If you really spend some time and think about this, you will see, that your religion is not that different than someone else's and neither was their upbringing. Most religious followers, belonged to the religion of their childhood.

Who Is Jesus?

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Greg is currently working on a spiritual videos filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Syrian Kings and the Anti-Christ

2009-09-05T02:45:00.001-07:00

The prophet Daniel has received a serious message about the end of all things. It is helpful in understanding this chapter to read previous prophecies of Daniel, as in chapter 8.

Daniel 11, verses 5-20 are about two of the "horns" that rise up after Alexander's demise, one in the North, one in the South. The history that matches with the prophecy is astoundingly parallel. Let us look at the South first. Here is where Alexander's general Ptolemy arrived and over the years got himself entrenched with the Egyptian people and other nations of that region. "Ptolemy", at first a family name, soon came to mean the same as "Pharaoh", a title of honor given to all the following rulers of Egypt for many years.

Egypt proper was never satisfying enough a territory to rule, and the Ptolemies, kings of the "South" were forever reaching north, sometimes as far as Syria, but nearly always to Israel, for more ground. In doing this they were in constant conflict with the "king of the North", originally General Seleucus, who considered his domain to be from Israel and Syria to points east. And of course, Egypt, if he could manage it. Sometimes he actually did, either by force or marital intrigues.

Sixteen verses tell, ahead of time, the actual details of this tug of war between North and South, the jockeying for power, the shifting loyalties of Israel in the middle. But lest we think that the Spirit is only interested in giving us a history lesson, in verse 21 there is a zooming in on the reason for all this lineage being shared. In Daniel 11:21 we are introduced to a vile man who inherits the throne by deceit. He was not next in line to receive it, he surely was not fit for it. Some say he was mad. And the writer of Daniel's prophecy never once calls him "the king of the North." His name is Antiochus Epiphanes. Epiphanes, the manifested one. Later he would add the term "Theou..." A manifestation of God. That's blasphemy. In his very name. Many of his subjects referred to him as "Epimanes" , the mad one.

I want to remind us again here that from verse 15, dealing with Epiphanes' father Antiochus the Great, the term "King of the North" is not used again until we are into the clearly prophetic portion of this passage. Though the vile Antiochus truly seems to be taking the place of kings who rule in the North, it seemed good to the Spirit not to confuse the reader with this title. I believe that it will become clear later, why.

Early deceitful dealings with Israel are mentioned in verses 22 and 23 establishing his way of working with the Jews early in his career. In verse 25 his complete mastery of the South (Egypt) is foretold, but also the whittling away of that power at conference tables (26-27). Also see in verse 27 another mentioning of "the appointed time" as though the Spirit is readying the reader for something unusual. Though these two liars sit at the same table and make their schemes for annihilating the other in public, it is God who rules over the affairs of men, and the plans He has made for Israel will happen His way, and at His time.

In verse 28 we see a rich and powerful Antiochus, happy about how life is treating him, going into Israel to add to his riches by stealing from the Temple treasury .

But in verse 29 there is an immediate reversal. Antiochus "returns". And from here until verse 35 is a troubling series of verses. Most historians agree that Antiochus did make a second excursion approach toward Egypt. Surely the incident of verse 30, his rebuff by a Roman commander, has been documented. His subsequent desire to "dump" on Israel has been verified also. The ensuing martyrdom and exploits of the Maccabees can all be made to fit into this passage.

But there are some curious features about what is said from 29-35 also. The passage begins with "at the appointed time." From Daniel 8:19 to 10:1 to 11:27 and later to 11:35, and 11:40, the "appointed time" or "time of the end" is where the Divine Originator seems to be going.

"He shall return" (29) gives one pause also. Yes, he returned to Egypt, or tried to. Is it possible that hidden in this text is the idea that he shall return to earth?

He approaches Egypt but the writer tells us that it will not be like the "former" (time he came here) , that is, he will not succeed this time. He also says that it will not be like the "latter". What does that mean? That can only mean that another trip is in view by the angel. Indeed, such a campaign is mentioned in verse 40. And by the time we get to verse 40, no one doubts that we are talking about an end-time series of events. Our only struggle is 29-35, when it could be that history must be repeated.

It is verse 31 that gives us the largest clue that this passage, fulfilled already or not, must come again to the world stage. Another look at chapter 8:11-13 which has already been defined by Gabriel as an end-time scenario, and a comparison of phrases used there to ones used here in 11:31 will remind us, I hope, that we are in search of "the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel" which was future in Jesus' day and cannot therefore be tied to history already passed. Look at what is said:

8:11, "by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 11:31, " they shall defile the sanctuary fortress... then shall they take away the daily sacrifices...8:12, "Because of transgression, an army was given over to him to oppose the daily sacrifices...11:31, "Forces shall be mustered by him...8:13, "... transgression of desolation..." 11:31, "...the abomination of desolation."

And so we come full circle, if our beginning place is the words of Jesus in Matthew 24. he is the one telling us to look to Daniel for meaning of the abomination. But when we come to Daniel, he points us to the end time. Is not the meaning clear?

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Three Men Who Will Change All

2009-09-05T00:18:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I have dealt with prophecy in this blog. North Korea, and the Body of Christ there, surely do consume time. I say it humbly and gratefully. But something grabbed me the other day that I thought might be profitable for you. See what you think. Well, I mean, see if this is borne out in the Word.

Two men will suddenly appear on the scene in the days of Antichrist preceding the return of Jesus Christ to the Earth. I will not attempt a defense of that fact here, but assume it going in. Zechariah sees these two, as does John in the Revelation (11). Jesus alludes to it when he says that Elijah truly comes first to restore all things.

Then Jesus leads the reader/hearer to believe that he is talking about John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah, but wasn't actually Elijah. So John becomes a picture of the Old Testament prophet as well as a precursor of at least one of those coming prophets.

For you see, one of the qualifications for such a man is that he never died in the ordinary sense. Since all men have an appointment with death except end-time saints here when Jesus returns, and since Revelation 11 even records their death, it is safe to assume that they cannot have died before. The traditional wisdom, and that which I have clung to, is that, therefore, Enoch and Elijah must be the two returning men. Neither ever died.

Today I'd like you to look at the possibility of Moses' return. I am quick to inject that the word "died" is used in connection with his departing the planet, in Deuteronomy. But I must hasten to add that there are some strange statements made in regards to this death. First, God buried him. Second, no one knows where the grave or the body is. Third, Jude records a dispute over that body between the angels of God and the angels of Satan.

Why a dispute? Does Satan believe he should be in charge of the dead? Did God have other plans for this particular body? Was Satan grieved because it seemed God was not playing by the rules? Was in fact Moses' body taken immediately to a holding place, to be joined later by Elijah, where they have been preserved ever since?

Why not Enoch? Well, maybe it is he after all, but consider the activities of these two men, described in Revelation 11:

They will "shut heaven" in regards to precipitation. That was a work of Elijah.
They will turn water to blood. Moses.
They will strike the earth at will with various plagues. Again, a Moses activity.

One other intriguing clue is the appearance of these two very men on the mount of transfiguration. Bodies. Not spirits, as we have been led to believe that all men are when they leave their bodies awaiting the resurrection. Here are two glaring exceptions. They had a body just as surely as the One with whom they were discussing the coming sacrifice of God. Where did they go after this incredible experience? Back to the waiting room. They wait there still...

And in an adjoining room, one more waits, hindered or "restrained" (KJV, "let") by a strong angel who will release him at a given cue. That's another story, but connected in a very real way to this same closing chapter of Earth as we know it. These three men will revolutionize the world! And there's no newspaper or magazine you can read to try to figure out if they're "alive" on the planet now. They are very much alive... but not quite on the planet. All in good time...

If America's current problems are the signal of the winding down of civilization, life could get pretty exciting before long

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com. There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Catholic Symbol of the Epiphany

2009-09-04T22:00:00.001-07:00

Many Christian denominations do not pay that much attention to the Epiphany of Jesus Christ. The Epiphany event occurred shortly after Jesus was born in Bethlehem and is celebrated by the Catholic church on January 6th of each year. It commemorates the day when the magi, the three kings came to pay homage to Christ, the king.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church the Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world.

The three kings, the wise men if you will, symbolizes the acceptance of Jesus as the salvation of the world through the Incarnation. Their journey to Israel in order to pay homage to Jesus shows that they sought the one who would be king of all nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world.

Here's what Pope Benedict said in his homily at the Vatican, last year, during the celebration of the feast of the Epiphany:

"The light that shone in the night at Christmas illuminating the Bethlehem Grotto, where Mary, Joseph and the shepherds remained in silent adoration, shines out today and is manifested to all. The Epiphany is a mystery of light, symbolically suggested by the star that guided the Magi on their journey. The true source of light, however, the "sun that rises from on high", is Christ.

In the mystery of Christmas, Christ's light shines on the earth, spreading, as it were, in concentric circles. First of all, it shines on the Holy Family of Nazareth: the Virgin Mary and Joseph are illuminated by the divine presence of the Infant Jesus. The light of the Redeemer is then manifested to the shepherds of Bethlehem, who, informed by an Angel, hasten immediately to the grotto and find there the "sign" that had been foretold to them: the Child, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

The shepherds, together with Mary and Joseph, represent that "remnant of Israel," the poor, the anawim, to whom the Good News was proclaimed.

Finally, Christ's brightness shines out, reaching the Magi who are the first-fruits of the pagan peoples.

The Magi worshipped a simple Child in the arms of his Mother Mary, because in him they recognized the source of the twofold light that had guided them: the light of the star and the light of the Scriptures. In him they recognized the King of the Jews, the glory of Israel, but also the King of all the peoples."

Ed Gallagher is a researcher, speaker and the author of Catholic Symbols, a blog that deals with the meaning and origins of various Christian Symbols, Religious Symbols and primarily Catholic Symbols.

When the State Oversteps Its Bounds

2009-09-04T19:37:00.001-07:00

Why was Jesus crucified? Because His gospel was highly politicized. It had everything to do with GOVERNMENT! God's people would do well to note that fact. His enemies accused Him of sedition. They distorted His Message to make it appear He was out to overthrow the government! (John 19:12). They led the rulers to believe Jesus was a dangerous individual, a real threat to public order and national security (John 11:48). Jesus had to be stopped! Both the political and religious authorities turned on Christ.

Why was Stephen murdered? Should he have just kept his opinions to himself? He blasted the religious establishment for their hypocrisy. Although he spoke the plain truth, they confused the issue by taking his words out of context. He undoubtedly did tell them that Jerusalem was going to fall and the Temple was going to be destroyed - just like Jesus prophesied - if they didn't quickly change course (Acts 6:8-15). He was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin (their religious court). They angrily condemned him to die for being so blunt (Acts 7).

I read the Book of Acts, making it much more meaningful and relevant, during my detention in Jerusalem's Russian Compound jail. If you examine the evidence surrounding Paul's frequent arrests and imprisonments, you'll see a pattern of trumped up charges, misunderstandings and misguided zeal. It's a miracle that Paul didn't say "enough is enough" and quit. But God used him to provide for us a very human example, since we expect Jesus to act divine (I Tim. 1:16).

Many in jail proclaim their innocence, but God knows that I was an innocent politico-religious prisoner. The Leftist government in Israel was out to crush their opposition. As a Christian member of the Temple Mount Faithful, I represent all that the secular hate. I've been involved in many televised demonstrations to remind the government of its biblical responsibilities. Whether they listen or not is between them and God.

Living by Faith

The Israeli settlers whom Gerald Flurry (pastor general of the Philadelphia Church of God) once condemned are putting their lives on the line. By living in Eretz Israel (the Land of Israel) they are exercising their faith in God's Word that promises the Holy Land to Israel, not Ishmael. How cowardly for Gerald Flurry to throw rocks at their faith when he sits safe in his comfortable office in democratic America. God help him (and all the other Church leaders) to wake up to this aspect of the Bible of which too many remain ignorant. Thankfully, from subsequent articles in The Philadelphia Trumpet magazine it appears Mr. Flurry's understanding has improved.

God's people won't suffer the prophesied persecution (not that we're seeking it) until we take a PUBLIC STAND on religious matters that have political ramifications, just like Jesus and the apostles and prophets. It's an artificial separation between politics and religion. God's one government has two branches: Church and State (Malachi 4:4-5).

Spiritual issues are fought in the political arena of men's minds (2 Cor. 10:4). Whether we recognize it or not, our Israelite nations are engaged in a cultural war. Unless we join the struggle, promoting the biblical platform that pierces through the mental fog, how can we expect to be in any position to help influence our nation's direction away from the precipice (Rom. 10:14)? God's Church has a superficial understanding when they fail to put God's truth into practice and take political action (James 2:14-17)!

I was detained for a righteous reason. I'm closely associated with those who call for a return to biblical values. We uphold God's Law as our true Constitution. We plead with Judah (and Joseph) to obey God and not men; to put their trust in Him and not fear the UN; to restore the Temple Mount as the Temple Mount. If the Jews fail to listen to this opportunity for restoration, they'll self-destruct, falling apart at the seams. Israel faces the growing threat of a civil war and European intervention!

Warning the Jews

My enemies (if you don't have any, God is your enemy), knowing that I've written that the mosques must go - the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aksa mosques - have falsely accused me of being in a plot to destroy those beautiful abominations! It's the serpent up to his old tricks, telling half-truths and mixing it with outrageous lies. I did tell the GSS (Israel's Secret Police like the former East German Stasi) that I was thankful for the opportunity to clear the air and answer any questions. I didn't want to incriminate myself in any way - and they did try to entrap me - but I also didn't want to deny Christ the opportunity to testify before them (Mark 12:13).

All the while during my six and a half hours of interrogation, I prayed only to speak what God would have me to say; nothing more or less (Luke 20:12-19). I did clearly warn them that the "peace" process is a trap; that it's about to blow up in their faces, and that a German-led Europe is going to wage a new crusade to enforce the Vatican's version of peace. Catholic Europe will backstab and betray both the Arabs and the Jews. They'll push for Jerusalem to become "an international city" (Zech. 14:2), all under the cover of UN Resolution 181.

I maintained that the only explosives that I'm involved with is the bombshell I've written, Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. I continually referred them to it, stating that's where my beliefs are on public record (John 18:20). (Later I gave them a computer disk with my book on it to assist their alleged investigation). I told them I know that Israel won't take God's warning seriously, any more than those Jews who spurned Jabotinsky's efforts to save them from Hitler. (Ze'ev Jabotinksy warned the Jews of Hitler's fury but they thought he was just crying wolf). Nevertheless, God will intervene and save us after our worst time of suffering, and every survivor in Jerusalem will be holy.

That whole ordeal brought my name, and the fact that I've written a book, and that I'm a Sabbath-keeping Christian member of the Temple Mount Faithful, to Israel's attention (Philip. 1:12-14). It also increases my standing in the Jewish community who know I've willing to suffer to help try to save Israel from itself, and that I'm not bitter, but still expect Israeli citizenship. I've proven that I'm not a fair-weather friend. I plan on standing by Judah's side, even when they fall because they've refused to take the necessary actions to insure "Never Again." (Isa. 49:5; I Sam. 12:23).

David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer in Ohio and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out Beyond Babylon.

How to Handle Your Boss

2009-09-04T17:08:00.001-07:00

II Peter 2:18-25. It's all about how servants should treat their masters. Tough stuff for Westerners to grasp until they realize that anyone who works for someone else is his servant . A few of us are even masters.

As for me, I'm a paid servant of a major American school system. That means I have a lot of masters, from my principal, to the people at the district level, the people downtown, even the mayor! And let's not forget the state, where federal dollars are flowing in and expected to be spent well.

Some of my masters are cool people who treat me just fine. Others are not. Peter says to respect and honor and obey all of them equally well. That's a tough pill to swallow. But with God's help, we are called to swallow it anyway.

The only exception would be those times when the boss says to in some way deny Christ. Peter would be first to amen this statement, because he was indeed a conscientious objector in his day. He kept on preaching in the face of the State's command to stop. And went to jail for it. More than once.

I've not faced anything quite that severe. But, back when I was beginning my march out to the world to conquer it for my denomination, I found myself in the Albany, New York, area. The church back home in Ohio was helping me but I needed to support myself too.

I found a job in the public schools up there. Knowing I had some influence in children's lives, I used it to invite them to after-school Bible studies. They showed up. It was a Catholic neighborhood. You can imagine the rest! I was fired. Chalk it up to no wisdom, or was I really being persecuted?

I broke the law in another public school system. We were told to teach the wildly unbelievable theory known as the survival of the fittest, pinning the origin of all things to a primordial soupy mush. Evolution. I shut my door and told the students about the creation and the Creator. About how life has been devolving from the beginning. About the second law of thermodynamics. And a whole lot more.

There were several bits of history in social studies classes that got messed with by this teacher, too. So far I have not been accused of anything. And before they come after me, one would hope they'll go after the gays, lesbians, adulterers, and abortionists, who live their life and spread their propaganda before these precious young minds.

There will be a reward for those who served their employers well in spite of obvious persecution for Christ's sake. The stories abound in the Communist and Islamic world of harrassed believers just being believers at work and paying for it.

But Peter is just as adamant in declaring that those who suffer for their own shenanigans receive no praise from God. How I wish I did not have further self-anecdotals on this subject. How I wish I had never been angered enough to slap that child, and to shake another, and to yell at still others. Losing control gained me only a deserved reprimand from the boss, and a weakening of my chances to be the light that Christ had so wanted in the darkness of that system.

Everyone needs someone to submit to, I think. In submission we learn Christ. Peter spends the rest of this passage convicting us, shaming our poor behavior, as He compares it to that of the Son of God, Who was treated despicably, but did not answer in kind. He ends by telling us where all that led: our salvation.

What will our perfect submission lead to? The same thing. Many will come to Christ when they see Who He really is... in us.

How to Easily Prove There is a God

2009-09-04T14:41:00.001-07:00

Here is how anybody, who can read this article, can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a Creator does exist - because it is just a simple matter of visual observation and common sense deduction.

As you look out on this world, you are going to be able to see only "two kinds things."

Second: You are going to see mountains, rivers, flowers, carrots, leaves, grass, planets, stars and thousands of other things that people DID NOT MAKE.

No mortal can make a flower. No mortal can make a dog. No mortal can make or create a planet, that billions of mortals live on and FLOAT - IT - IN - SPACE as easily as a child plays with a balloon.

Anything that you see, that man DID NOT MAKE had to be made by a Creator or it would not even be here in the first place - and neither would WE.

You will learn what has been going on in heaven and earth all this time. You will read how God inspired Europeans to sail to a new land (America) for religious freedom. http://oahspe.blogspot.com

Also, there are many diets in the world, but God knows more than anybody else what is best for us. Everybody else who makes food for our consumption is just after our money. http://gods-diet.com

A Thief's 3-Point Message

2009-09-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

Did ever a messenger of the pulpit deliver a more eloquent all-inclusive recounting of the Gospel of Christ than the thief anguishing with Jesus on the day that lives in infamy? Through the grace given only by the Spirit, illumination filled his dying soul. He saw the Truth. The other thief saw the man in pain, the flesh and bones and blood flowing out, the nastiness and hopelessness of it all. But this one saw the Truth, and saw it in a Man, the man Christ Jesus.

HIs first conviction, and the one which must be the starting point of our own entrance into the Way, was the admitting of the fairness of His judgment. I preached weekly in jail for several years. Almost never did someone say to me that he deserved to be in that place. Regularly I heard the justifications of men who just didn't get it, just couldn't be wrong. But this thief got it. "We are receiving the due reward of our deeds," he shouted to the other thief, who was demanding human justice of the One Who could have given him God's righteousness. He cursed Christ, and using his limited logic reasoned, "If this Man were some sort of Messiah, He would first take care of Number One, then sweep through a suffering world and set everybody free, starting with me of course." He said as much to Jesus until he was cut off by the greater - the heavenly - revelation given to his comrade.

But the "good" thief, pardon the expression, wasn't wallowing in his sin, only recognizing it. And he recognized something else. The only one who can save a drowning man is one who is not drowning himself. The only one who can rescue a straying lamb from the mountain must be a shepherd, and a compassionate one at that. And the only One Who can take my sins away must be One Who has no sins of His own. "This man has done nothing wrong," he argued. Perhaps in his mind he was thinking only of the facts of the present punishment. The trial had been a scam, the mob had been herded into a place of false accusations; he knew what was going on. This Christ was innocent. But the thief had touched unwittingly upon the greater truth, that here being sacrificed on a high place of Rome, an unlikely but real altar lifted to the glory of God, was a spotless Lamb, the sinless One Who takes away the sins of the world. The thief somehow understood this.

Many men have seen it through the years, when the facts have been explained. "I am a sinner. Jesus is a Saviour." Good as far as it goes, but thus far only undeniable history. The action the thief took next is what sealed the deal. He made it his own. In what we might want to call a brash move he approached this One against Whom he had sinned, though unknowingly, this One Who had no sin of His own, though perhaps the thief did not have a perfect understanding of the theology involved, but in desperation, in hope planted by the Spirit, the thief reached out to the Truth, the Way, and asked for Life. He saw the whole picture. He wanted it. And that is the key to having something from God. Wanting it. "Remember me, when" - not if - "when You come into Your kingdom." Jesus, I believe you are a real King, with a real kingdom, in a real place, for real people, even people like me, maybe especially for people like me, totally unworthy but oh so needy and desiring. I've blown it in this life but I truly believe there is another. I feel pain and am in anguish right now, but I believe that somehow there's more. Remember me when it all materializes."

Jesus shows us Who He is by His response to this appeal. No hesitation. Time is running out. Both men will appear to be dead shortly. But both men will also be in bliss shortly. "Today you will be with Me in Paradise."

I realize that most of those who come to this site come with a testimony already. Christ has entered into and changed your life. But if you have happened onto this place today without a Saviour, without a hope, filled only at present with your own wretchedness, I wish to hold before you the crucified but now risen Savior Who still calls out to those who will reach for Him, "You will be with me in paradise. After the pain, after the suffering, after a life that seems to have no purpose at times, you and I will share glory together forever."

Feel free to contact me for further instruction if you wish to follow the crucified Messiah.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs , ovber 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond .

Tithe Versus Free-will Giving

2009-09-04T09:51:00.001-07:00

Ten has always been the symbol of fullness, and when giving a tenth of your income, it symbolizes the total; it represents everything that you've earned. All things belong to God & has to be seen as such (cf. Ps.50:10; Hag.2:8; Deut.8:18; 1Cor.4:7; Jas.1:17).

However, it is important to distinguish between the tithe & free-will giving to the church.

The tithe was implemented in O.T. times when Israel was a theocracy and not a democracy, i.e., when it was a God-ruled nation. The tithe was meant to provide for the rulers of Israel ... the Levites' tax (Lev.27:21, 28, 30, 32; cf. Lev.7:34, 36; Num.18:26). They were required to give another ten percent every year that was to go for the funding of the national holidays & national feasts, etc. (Deut.12:17; Deut.14:22-26). This was to take care of national unity & national religion. And yet another ten percent was required every third year that was to go to the poor as welfare (cf. Deut.26:12; Deut.14:27-29).

That means that 231/3% were annual funding for the government. The tithe was related to that & was never related to free will giving or spontaneous giving. It was required taxation, and in Mal.3:10 where He says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, ..." it means that we should pay our taxes. I.e., the tithe in the Old Testament was not free will giving to God out of love, but it was a compulsory paying of taxes.

In O.T. times there was free will giving too (Prov.3:9), to give & honour the Lord with however much they wanted, and for that there was a principle (Prov.11:24). That principle was reiterated by Jesus in Luke 6:38 & similar ones are found throughout Scripture (see Acts 4:35; cf. Acts 6:5; 2Cor.8:2, 5; 2Cor.9:6-8; 1John 3:17; Jas 2:17,20,26). God wants us to do good to others, whoever they are, and so we have to be ready & eager to share wherever the government doesn't provide (cf. Heb.13:16; Acts 20:35).

So what is the proportion of giving? How much are we to give? What does Paul say in 1Cor.16:2? You are to give just exactly what you in your heart determine. Let every one of us purpose in his heart what he will give, but be sure that it's not grudgingly or of necessity, because the Lord loves a cheerful giver (cf. 2Cor.9:7).

The period for giving is the first day of the week, because that is what they did back then (cf. 1Cor.16:1-4). And this was done so that when a need came along, they didn't have to traumatise it & get everybody all worked up so that they gave emotionally. Likewise, we need to learn to deal systematically, week by week, with stewardship, so that when needs come there'll be money available. This forms a great part of our faithfulness ... giving to God out of love and not out of some emotional stimulation.

Deon (Ditto / D)

Can We Prove That an Invisible God Lives

2009-09-04T07:28:00.001-07:00

Here's a pretty good interview about someone explaining the existence of God.

Peaceful Warrior God

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg is currently working on a christian video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Wanted - A Prophet of God

2009-09-04T04:56:00.001-07:00

The job description for the office of Prophet, in the Biblical sense, might be a bit intimidating for modern -at least Western - believers. Yet it was a typical profile when God put His men on the planet. The qualifications included, but were not limited to:

a desire to live in deserted, lonely habitat
a severe limitation to wardrobe
a similar cutback in the area of diet. The necessity of eating what is available in the wild.
being subject to various forms of death and near-death experiences: beheading, boiling in oil, crucifixion, drowing in a deep pit, stoning, being sawn in two.

Also consider:

applications are not available. one must live close to God and wait for a call. no call means one is not needed as a prophet. no self-made self-styled prophets need consider themselves a part of this office.
no college training will prepare such a man. life is the training for a prophet.
no particular secular life-calling fits the mold of prophet. one can be called from the field or the palace or the synagogue.

And then there are these tips:

If you are a true prophet, your audience will go down, not up.
In some cases your entire flock may be asked to follow One Better than you.
There are no special benefits and privileges, this side of heaven. You are to live a life of perfect obedience, as a slave to the One Who called You.

Have I not properly described the men of God, named and un-named, who grace the pages of Scripture? Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, John. And have I not properly drawn a line between a true man of God and the men who are rising before us today trying to wear that same title, with their fine clothes and multi-million dollar homes and vehicles and toys?

Give us Lord, a man of God! One who is not afraid to say everything You have already said, one who cares not how small his congregation becomes as long as he is speaking the truth in love. One who will give his life for what he knows to be the truth.

One of my constant concerns is for the time period immediately following the fall of the Kim reign in North Korea. When the door is open, what will go through that door? The cults that deny Jesus is Lord of all. The religions that look holy but lack life. Mainline denominations of Christendom that have long ago exchanged the good news for a bowl of stew and a warm bed and American-style comforts.

Lord, Your sheep will hear Your voice. For that we are grateful.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed , lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Speaking in Tongues - Become a Pentecostal

2009-09-04T02:33:00.001-07:00

First of all, why is it important that we receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues? As a Christian, it's important if we want to go in the rapture. Jesus said the wise virgins took oil with their lamps while the foolish virgins didn't. Matthew 25:1-13. Oil is a type of the Holy spirit. At the midnight hour when the rapture happened the wise virgins walked in while the foolish couldn't find their way. The early church was a Pentecostal church, and John the Baptist said that "He (Jesus) shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire."

There are two churches today, the Laodicean and the Philadelphian. Revelations 3:3-22. The real baptism in the Holy Spirit will bring some persecution. All who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution the Bible says. 2 Timothy 3:12. The Bible says the Philadelphian church has kept the word of my patience. Tribulation worketh patience. The Philadelphian church has already had their tribulation so they don't need to go through any more. The Laodicean church is bragging they are rich, increased in goods and have need of nothing, but what they need is the baptism in the Holy Spirit and then they will start getting some persecution. If you aren't getting any persecution you don't have the real thing if you think you already are baptized.

So how do we receive this? We need to be cleansed. The Spirit will fill the temple when it's cleansed. Call a day of fasting to seek the Lord with all your heart. Jesus said if our feet are cleansed we're cleansed all over. Wash our feet in the name of Jesus. Take a bath and say "I baptize myself in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus." Read these Psalms as prayers for cleansing: Psalm 19, Psalm 51, and Psalm 79. Read Ezekiel 36:24-38 and pray for all that for you.

Then on a Monday through Friday during business hours call Brother Ted Shuttlesworth's ministry toll free at 1-888-323-2484 and ask them to pray for you to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking with other tongues or just pray to God yourself if you live in a country where you can't get through at that number. Surrender all you are and all you have, including your tongue to God now and forever. Yield yourself and begin to speak in an unknown tongue or language. Whatever is there, no matter how foolish it may seem. Keep praying as long as it's there. Sometimes the Holy Ghost will pray through us in sighings and groanings too.

Then just keep groaning and sighing until you feel relieved. It's like giving birth to a baby. Then repeat this every day - in the morning. The Bible said "Be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:18. We need to be Spirit filled prayer warriors in these last days, if we want us and our loved ones to go to heaven in the rapture soon to come and escape the coming Tribulation.

Roger Bovee is editor and publisher of Tithes and Offerings, which attempts to provide sermons to read and prayer requests for salvation and divine healing. Please bookmark it and come back often. http://www.squidoo.com/tithes-and-offerings

Marks of the False Teacher

2009-09-04T00:05:00.001-07:00

If I were a pastor, I would name names in this article. I would defend the flock against the ravaging wolves. Now that would get me in trouble with carnal members, but I'd do it anyway. There is absolutely nothing wrong with God's true shepherds taking a verbal rod and verbally smashing the head of one who is viciously devouring the people of God.

I'm not a pastor. And calling out names before in my writings got me in trouble with the Lord. Nevertheless I believe I have the green light to name descriptive characteristics of false teachers so that anyone can recognize these monsters on sight.

"Monsters" you say? So severe? Yes, I'm using a rather severe source for my authority. It's a blistering denunciation written by none other than the apostle Peter. Straying weakling little lambs who are all excited by the current crop of false luminaries need to have this list of Peter force-fed to them by someone who cares.

There have been deceivers in every generation. There have been silly sheep who go after them. The true sheep wake up in time. The others were looking for a show and got what they wanted.

All right, Peter, talk to us. It's II Peter chapters 1 and 2.

At the end of chapter one, Peter lays the foundation for all prophetic utterance, the standard by which all utterances of our day must be judged. Those prophecies already written came by way of the Holy Ghost and are not to be changed in any way.

But, says Peter, along with those true prophets were a gang of false ones. And though we too have true utterances, which have likewise been recorded for us in the New Testament, Peter says look out! These words are going to be challenged too. Here's how to recognize what's happening: (numbers correspond to verses in chapter two)

1. The false words will come in secretly. Not to entire denominations. Not to major churches. But here and there the ideas will be planted, and then spread. Some will go so far as to deny the Lord altogether. This is not explained. Does it mean that cardinal doctrines about Jesus will be discredited? His atoning power? His resurrection? Or to equate their own words with His? Or imply that the words of Jesus are passe, that we need fresh fire, fresh words from Heaven?
2 Because of their ways, that is, their habits or lifestyles, or just the awfulness of the teaching, even the outside world will curse the Christian message. We will be a laughingstock not because of the truth but because of the ridiculous additions to the message.
3 These men will be known to be covetous. They will fleece the flock instead of feed it. They will live like kings using the offerings given innocently to God.
10 These men, and let us not leave out the women, will be obviously fleshly in their demeanor. Many will try to excuse them in the name of Christian liberty, but eventually someone will just have to say, these guys are in the flesh, not the Spirit.They will be lust-filled men, unclean in body and soul.
11 They will despise authority, treat it lightly, and raise themselves up to fill the void they have created.They will be presumptuous, intruding into people's lives with an unholy boldness. They will be self-willed. Ever try to speak to one of these "prophets" and convince him of anything? 11 They will have a light attitude toward heavenly authorities, and in their own fleshly power will come against angelic forces. They will breathe a sense of familiarity with angels and demons that will be unhealthy and unsafe.
12 In keeping with the latter, they will "speak evil of things they do not even understand."
14 These will be adulterous men, who lead others into sexual immorality.
15 They do what they do in church to receive a financial reward.
18 They are great speakers. "Great swelling words" come from their mouths. But it is all show, all flesh, and the end result is the re-capturing of souls who were on their way out of the world's system and its tempptations. But now these straying ones have found a flesh champion in the church and they do not follow the way of holiness any longer.
19 They preach "liberty" from the old bondage, as they call it. Liberty from the "same ol' Christianity". But they are slaves to their lusts.

Now, I have seen men and women like this on TV and in church. How about you? I have heard of others by doing research on the Internet. How about you?

Oh brothers and sisters, beware! When you hear about brother so-and-so, do a few things before you go hear him preach:

Pray with all your heart for God's wisdom and discernment
Check him out! Most of these charlatans have already been nailed by godly pastors. We live in the Internet age, and there is no excuse for people being deceived unless they want to. A simple Googling of the teacher's name will bring up the information you need.
One thing NOT to do: Go personally to check him out first. If he is a deceiver, and you have any weak areas at all, you'll be prey to his poison. Pray, study, be sure! You do not need to drink the poison to know it will kill you.

So, no names named. But I would not be surprised if you are inwardly saying the names of quite a few people now. Don't be afraid to give them, mentally, the left foot of fellowship.

The Deity of Jesus Christ - Genesis

2009-09-03T21:36:00.001-07:00

There is no question in my mind about the humanity of Jesus of Nazareth. Nor do I doubt the existence of what we have called trinity, a 3-in-one concept of the Godhead. In the case of this study I should speak of two-ness rather than three, for I center on the Son, and His identity with the Father. And in making that statement I am admitting a distinction between the two.

But there is a growing discomfort with the idea of two as we understand that numeral, as the Person of Jesus Christ the Lord is studied in detail throughout Scripture. One graduallly and then fully realizes that "two" just won't do. Yes, the distinction is there. Yes, a Father and a Son. Multitudes of passages point out the difference. But quite a number say the other truth: "I and My Father are ONE." "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father." "And His Name shall be called ...the Prince of Peace...the everlasting Father!"

It is this aspect of our marvelous Lord that I wish to trace through Scripture. What a sublime mystery unfolds before us. And unlike some mysteries of Scripture that unfold themselves at last upon careful scrutiny, this one stays intact from start to finish as an enigma that shall not be solved until we have the mental equipment, viz., our glorified bodies, to comprehend it.

This Jesus. This wonderful Jesus. He is indeed a man. A perfect sinless man. He is also the very Son of God. But that phrase can lend itself to interpretations and explanations. After all, are not we sons of God, also? one will be asked. Therefore let us proclaim this other truth: Jesus is GOD. No explanation, no interpretation. Let it stand! Jehovah's true witnesses all agree, Jesus is God. Here is the proof from Genesis:

1:1, the Creator "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," says the Holy Spirit through witness one, Moses. But another witness, John, under that same Holy Spirit says in his Gospel, 1:3, "All things were made by Him (referring to the Word in verse 1) and without Him was not any thing made that was made." Paul chimes in, too, in Colossians 1:16, that the Firstborn, the Head of the body, the church is the One by Whom all things were created! And the writer of Hebrews, in an attempt to show the superiority of Christ over the angels, quotes the Psalmist as though the Father was speaking to the Son: "Thou, LORD, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth!"

But wait! Who is "the Lord" who speaks to Job in that book (38:4)? Whoever He is, He challenges Job with the same words: "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?" God did it. Jesus did it. The Lord did it. And who are the 24 elders worshipping in Revelation 4:11, when they proclaim the worthiness of the One Who "hast created all things"? Although in the very next chapter we see the Lamb interacting with One on the throne, in this chapter we see only the throne. And on that throne the one God. The Creator. The Word. The Firstborn. Truly in creation, Jesus is God.

11:7 speaks of Us as the singular God is speaking. "Let Us go down, and there confound their language," says God to God. But 11:8 reads, "So the Lord (singular!) scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth. Insights like this let us know that our God, though He is One, is more than "one" as we reckon numbers. God the Father speaks to God the Son, Jesus. As a member of the "Godhead", Jesus is God.

and 17:1, Almighty God.We have become comfortable with assuming that everything that happens Divinely in the Old Covenant happens because of God the Father, Jahweh, Jehovah, or some such name. With this title, Moses introduces us to the fact that there is a constant overlapping of Father and Son. One called "the Lord" introduces Himself to Abraham thus: (17:1) "I am the Almighty God..." A quick trip to the other end of your Bible will bring you face to face with Jesus Christ, who appears to John in the book of Revelation, and says in 1:8, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord ...the Almighty."

What a presumptuous title for someone to take. Unless that Someone truly is God. What other conclusion can be drawn? In His might, Jesus is God.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

The One Who Was, Is Not, But Is Coming

2009-09-03T19:03:00.001-07:00

Ten nations, somehow bonded together, part strong like iron, says Daniel, part not so strong, like clay. Many have been the speculations: Democracies and Muslim-style "kingdoms" merging to form a super-power? An awesome nightmare, don't you think, combining the wealth of Europe and the passion of Mohammed's men? Is not Europe being overrun by Islam this very moment? But I merely speculate. We need to get back to the main discussion...

Notice that it is the heads and not the nations (horns) that have a blasphemous name. The world powers, and one man in particular in each of these powers has risen to fame on the basis of his hatred for and emulation of the Deity we serve. An antichrist, so to speak, in every Empire, every generation. We have them in our day. They will continue to rise and be obviously the enemy until the final manifestation comes, and by the elect will be easily identified.

But wait. The Daniel picture before us is very similar to the one John painted in chapter 12 of his revelation, verse 3. And this chapter 12 beast is called by the author, the Devil. So is this beast from the sea in chapter 13 also the Devil? No. The clue is in 13:2. The Devil gives the beast before us his authority. This person rising in the Mediterranean region of our planet is Satan, but Satan incarnated in human flesh. This is Satan's "masterpiece". Often he has been behind these God- and Christ-haters. But to my knowledge never before has he been inside such a man, directing every step. This he will do, I believe, to replicate as exactly as possible what the Father did in our Lord Jesus. Lived in Him, directed and empowered Him. Satan's object is to be so like Christ as to deceive the very elect, if that were possible. (But God will find a way to alert the elect!)

The beast. He is described in verse 2 as having characteristics of leopard, bear, and lion, the very same as the first three animals seen by Daniel. So this beast is a combination of every power that has ever reigned. Daniel sees the only world power that has ever ruled from the end of Greece's time until the end of history as a separate animal. John sees that same animal as having combined all former rule in itself. But the images are essentially the same.

In Revelation 13:3, 12, and 14 we are introduced to the idea of a resurrected ruler (some say kingdom, but a king and a kingdom are inseparable). Thankfully this concept is not new to us, as we have been studying Daniel's history-gap-history pattern. Simply put, but how simply believed I am not sure: Someone who reigned before will reign again. Let's look closer at what happens.

In verse 3, one of the heads of the beast receives a (potentially) fatal wound. We have identified the heads above in terms of nations of the world. But in chapter 17 they are also considered to be individual men. Which way shall we go when thinking about interpretation? I believe we need to see the context of the chapter. The world sees this resurrected entity and concludes that it will be impossible to make war with such a one (13:4)! That sounds more like a man than a nation does it not? Let's see how it fits as we move on.

Again in verses 3, 12, and 14, there is indication that a deadly wound is healed, one who should have died does not, or seemingly dies but "comes back" from the dead. I am not totally certain that this person experiences an actual death, due to the phrase "as if it had been" mortally wounded. Is this sleight of hand? Or is this referring to the fact that antichrist has already been raised from the dead by re-appearing after hundreds of years?

Whatever, the wound is made by a sword, yet Antichrist lives. The world is in awe. Now, some have speculated that what we are seeing here is Sennacherib, the great Assyrian "antichrist" figure, who decimated Israel and incurred God's wrath. The story of his demise and slaying by sword is actually told in your Bible (II Kings 19:35-37)!

I cannot ignore what I have seen of antichrist in the book of Daniel, especially since the Lord Himself has told us to go to that book for answers to the mystery. Though I do not want to write off every other idea, I prefer to stay with Antiochus, as opposed to Sennacherib, about whom little else is said in Scripture. Now, Antiochus died a horrid death. The disease which took him was similar to that suffered by Herod in the book of Acts (12:20-24). He was eaten of worms. But as with all lost and saved persons a new body is reserved so that persons can be blessed or judged eternally. When Antiochus returns from the dead it will be with a new imperishable body, one that can indeed endure any sort of "fatal" wound.

As to the idea of the use of the sword in the last generation, it is not so difficult to imagine any longer, is it? With the Muslim ascent to power, we can readily envision not only the sword but beheadings, prophesied for believers of the last days.

Daniel readers recall the details John now points out in verse 5, the blasphemous words, the three and one half years. No question who this is. Six hundred years earlier, an angel had pointed the finger to a historical figure described in great detail in Daniel 11 and 12, mentioned his blasphemy, mentioned his time limit. It all comes together. Even if only his name "Epiphanes" was on his head, it would be blasphemy enough. He claims to be the "manifested son of the living God." "Great is the mystery of godliness," says Paul (I Timothy 3:16) "God was manifest in the flesh!" But the mystery of iniquity is that there will be one claiming this "manifested" title for himself and demanding that all give him the honor deserved only by Jesus.

One is coming who has been here before. Let us be holy before our God and ready to endure.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Keys to Success

2009-09-03T16:37:00.001-07:00

Have you toiled day and night searching for a success guide?

Have you searched and read all success tips, success articles, success ideas, success books, personal development books but you have not really recorded any success story in whatever you do?

Do you desire a proven personal development plan or a genuine personal growth and development?

Have you read the success stories of successful people all your life and you believe it is about time people read your own story?

If you answer "Yes" to these questions, then I advise you to read on.

I am sure you know very well that nobody wants to be associated with a failure. Everybody loves achievers. This is the simple truth!

You can make yourself stand on the winning podium always by studying and applying the success keys that I will be sharing with you in this article.

Success Key 1: Believe in yourself: You must understand that there is something unique that has been deposited into you by God during creation. You are a STAR (Genesis 1:17). Stars are meant to shine lights! You are very relevant wherever there is anything representing darkness. A star has in-built characteristics that are necessary for it to perform its great work of light-shining. Since you are a star, there is something great in you to succeed on this earth. You only need to make yourself believe this.

Success Key 2: Never stop learning the Truth about your success from the Word of God: I believe it is very important you make yourself learn the truth in the word of God-the Bible on a regular basis. It is the best place to learn. I have always read the success stories of Jesus Christ from the Bible on a regular basis. You can begin to do this too. He is the most successful Human Being that ever walked the surface of this earth. So position yourself to learn from Him the various success keys He used to open success doors. You can claim a FREE copy of my e-book "Jesus and Your Success" at www.sesanoguntade.com/freesuccessbooks. You will have access to 10 super-success secrets of Jesus.

Success Key 3: Update your knowledge of your industry: We all belong to one niche or industry or the other. Things are changing nowadays at a very fast rate. You can't afford to loose sight of the changes in your industry. If you do, you are making yourself very irrelevant and this will never make you open success doors.

Success Key 4: Have a great relationship with man: You must find a way of learning about how you can have a great relationship with man. If you must succeed here on earth, you need the company of people on most occasions. You must understand how you relate with people for you to gain tremendously from your relationships. I am assuring you if you can learn this skill so well, it will make you open success doors on regular basis.

Success Key 5: Be bold to take actions: This is also very important. You must be bold to take actions. If you are not bold, you will never do anything worthwhile that can ensure your success. Obstacles are always there to stop you, so you must be strong to overcome them. One of my hobbies is "crushing obstacles". You can't crush if you are not bold. Be bold to take actions always.

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Sesan Oguntade teaches Success Principles at http://www.sesanoguntade.com Obtain OVER 30 Secrets on "How You Can Begin to ACT on Your Ideas" and gain access to 69 product IDEAS you can begin to ACT upon immediately! Visit http://www.rocktech.biz/ideasales.html

Do You Remember?

2009-09-03T14:11:00.001-07:00

Remember?

You were terrified. So was your mate to be. But in front of all those witnesses you exchanged your vows and your rings, and even your affection. Remember? You had thought for days, weeks, months, about the plans and just what kind of person this would turn out to be, and the progress of your career and the number of children and the house you would some day buy. You thought regularly about all the ways your combined life would give glory to God and His Kingdom. Remember? And what does your remembering do for you? There are tears of gratitude. Tears of regret. Memories. New resolve. New vision. Remembering is powerful. It leads to action.

I remember the night oh so many years back when I thought I'd try out my neighbor's advice. "Try God" , she said. She knew my dad was an alcoholic and was missing again. She knew my mom had emotional issues that were destroying her and that she was in the hospital. She knew that the family that had moved into my house was abusive... She saw my sad little face often, and simply said, "Try God."

I remember that night on the way home from school when I "tried" Him. I knelt down in a wooded area and prayed as only a child can: "God, if you're really there, I want to hear from my dad tonight!" It had been a long time. Months, I guess, since Dad had called in. Oh how a little boy needs his daddy. But I had no reason to expect that call.

I remember what the clock was saying when I got to the fence around my house: 5:45. I remember that as I was walking in the door, the phone was ringing. I remember my sister handing me the phone and telling me, "Bobby, it's your dad calling." I remember thinking, "This is God! He's really there!"

I remember it so clearly, 50 plus years later. And remembering helps me to get my perspectives in order. Remembering clears out a lot of the junk in my life. Oh yes, it's powerful to remember.

Jesus told us to take some bread and some juice and remember. That's all. No elaborate ritual with specified speeches, uniforms, lights, smoke. Just bread, juice, memory. And into that scene comes Christ, crucified but alive from the dead. Power. Sheer power.

That's why He later told us to remember the prisoners. And with His dear friends in prison He adds this bit of instruction: "Remember them as though you were there with them." (Hebrews 13:3)

First call them to mind. Give them the place they deserve in your thinking apparatus. In your imagination. In your emotions. Let the Christ in His Body fill you full.

Then let one more thought in: You are there with them in prison. You are chained. You are doing hard labor in the fields or the mines. You are separated from your family. You are about to be beaten. You have just been beaten. But you will not deny Christ. You are hungry. You are oh so cold. You are roasting from the heat, and there is no ventilation or plumbing in your cell. Go on and on. "Remember" them. Put them in your brain deliberately.

Then rise up to act upon what you have experienced in those moments. For all of our life is nothing more than acting upon that which our mind has absorbed and processed. So process this: There is one body of Christ, and it is in great pain, and you are part of that body. Feel it. Now what do you do?

Remember...

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

The 21st Century Lord's Prayer

2009-09-03T11:37:00.001-07:00

The Lord's Prayer

This is the newer version of The Lord's Prayer.

The fuller version of the Lord's prayer is found in the bible in the gospel of Matthew 6:10-14, as well as a part in the gospel of Luke 11:2-4.

The Lord's prayer is the most famous model prayer that Jesus teaches us. It is therefore used frequently in Christian church services, and is often prayed as a personal prayer.

What surprises me, and disappoints me, is the continue use of the older Victorian version of the Lord Prayer. I would argue that this older version means very little to the modern, young, seeker who comes into the Church. This is because the language of English changes with time, and it becomes increasingly hard to decode by young church seekers.

To be more specific the use of old English causes a double translation, one from the original text into English, and then a further translation from old English into modern English. For example "Thy will" is well known to older generations but is not in common usage outside of church circles and should now be "Your will".

I am not suggesting that those who like the older translations are wrong, they are not. The the older translations are equally valid. If you have learned an older version and are happy with it, that is all that matters. It is just that language changes with time, and we should be seeking to include the young in our use of English, and be seeker sensitive, without changing the meaning of the text. I am arguing for clarity, not confusion of the translation.

There may even be a case for looking at the 1977 modern version and updating it further, whilst keeping to the exact biblical meaning of the prayer.

The fuller version of the Lords prayer is found in the bible in the gospel of Matthew 6:10-14, and is the most famous model prayer that Jesus teaches us. It is therefore used frequently in Christian church services, and is often prayed as a personal prayer.

(The Lord's Prayer - Modern Version)

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom,
the power and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever. Amen

The prayer can be broken down into sections, and each section can be contemplated as a separate topic and thought about in greater depth.

(The new English version was adopted by the Church of England in 1977)

Steve is a Christian who lives in North East England with his wife, and is web master of a number of websites including Christian Websites Directory, and Christian Article Directory

Basic Christian Marriage Advice

2009-09-03T09:01:00.001-07:00

Does your Christian marriage need help? If so, take a few minutes to step back and consider this basic Christian marriage advice - straight from the Bible.

1. Give Your Marriage to God

Most "Christian marriages" are Christian in name only. One or both spouses claim to be Christians, and they assume then that their marriage is likewise "Christian." It doesn't work that way. To be a Christian is to be not only a believer in, but also a follower of Jesus Christ. Does your marriage truly believe in Christ? Does your family follow Christ?

The first thing you must do is dedicate (or re-dedicate) your marriage and family to God. Put your marriage on the altar. Give it to God. Don't try to "control" your marriage or your spouse. Give it all to God. From this day forward, your marriage must be God's marriage.

2. Re-commit Yourself to God

Before you re-commit your marriage to God, you may need to do that with your own life. In fact, we should put ourselves on the altar each day (Romans 12:1-3). Are you living for yourself? Are you trying to make yourself happy and/or expecting your spouse to make you happy?

As bestselling author and pastor Rick Warren puts it: "You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense." Give God back the keys to your life. Give Him control.

3. Pray Without Ceasing

Prayer is not so much about petitioning God and asking Him for things. It's about spending time with God and bringing yourself into a deeper relationship with Him. Truly effective prayer is not possible until you have done the preceding step, which is to give yourself to God. Once you've done that, pray without ceasing.

Pray. Pray. Pray. Never stop praying. Pray in the morning, during the day, and at night. Pray while you're driving. Pray in the good times and in the bad times. And, right now, if you're trying to put your marriage back together, then pour yourself out to God every day (as David does in the Psalms). Give all your burdens, cares, and stresses to the Lord.

4. Love Your Spouse Unconditionally

This is the tough part. You must love your husband or wife unconditionally. (Side note: If you are in an abusive relationship, especially one that is putting you in danger, get out of the house and seek help! You should still love your spouse, but you don't need to put yourself in any more danger). Assuming that you are not in any physical danger, you must commit to loving your spouse unconditionally - and expressing that love in consistent, practical ways.

If you want to know about unconditional love, consider the example of Jesus. You should also read I Corinthians 13. By putting these four principles into practice, you will see positive results in your Christian marriage.

Learn "Five Simple Ways to Improve Your Marriage" by clicking here Take action - and start improving your marriage today!

Rev. Brian Tubbs is the author and course manager for ChristianMarriageHelper.com and the Feature Columnist-Editor for Protestantism at Suite101.com. He is also a pastor who lives with his wife and children in southwestern Ohio.

Kim Il Sung And The Foxtail Millet

2009-09-03T06:37:00.001-07:00

Rodong Sinmun is North Korea's propaganda headquarters. On a daily basis there is a stream of strange-sounding information, or mis-information, emanating thence. Recently I picked up there another entry in the large collection of Kimmian mythology. This one is about the annual birthday celebration of the [deceased] grandmother of North Korea's present leader, i.e., Kim Il Sung's mom. Fascinating North Korea speak.

The writer introduces this maternal figure not as a mother or grandmother, not as someone's wife or descendant. No, Kang Pan Sok is "an indomitable revolutionary fighter and an outstanding leader of the Korean women's emancipation movement..." Doesn't it warm your heart? Wouldn't you love to be snuggled close to this cuddly mommy if you needed some solace?

Once upon a time, when this mom was very critically ill, soldier son Kim Il Sung, forever battling the pesky Japanese, took a break in his endeavors to buy some foxtail millet and bring it to her, as it has certain medicinal value. She was touched inside, but would not allow her son even to mention her sickness. Instead she wanted to talk about political topics. Japan. The struggle. The revolution.

At least, that's how the story goes.

In response to his spending the night, gathering firewood and such, Mom said, thanks for being a good son, but you really need to get back to the great cause of Korea. She gave him some seriously-hard-earned coins, and sent him on his way.

The story ends as it begins. The author indicates that what the mother had shown was not "simply motherly love. It was true revolutionary affection..."

Our hearts ache over a people who have sold out natural affection for military-political ideals. We hurt for those who honor nation above family, society above the individual soul. We pray for those who give their lives away to start a revolution and have never heard of the revolution Christ began here centuries ago. And we grow weary of hearing stories like these being told as historical fact.

Yet, there is something about this story, even this perversion of NK history, that is worth taking away and contemplating. No less than the Christ Himself has called us to a comparable life, has He not? Did He not say that those who follow Him are to love Him more than mother, father, brother, sister? Did He not call us to lay down our very lives for the sake of promoting the Gospel Revolution that He ignited?

So, on second sight, we do not necessarily disown every feature of the dismal lifestyle of the North Korean, but rather we object to the target of Korean affection. We desire for One worthy of all this pain and suffering to be honored in this way, One Worthy of the daily sacrifice, One who will richly repay, not with more restrictions and more poverty, and more famine and death, and international shame, but with everlasting life, with joy unspeakable and full of glory, with the unabashed delight of sins forgiven, all items that are not within the NK government's power to offer.

Lord Jesus, we pray that Your message will permeate the darkness. Show us our part. Amen.

By the way, the real history of this revolutionary mother of North Korea indicates that she and her husband were faithful members of the local Presbyterian Church.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed , lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

Scientific Theories to Support Religion

2009-09-03T04:04:00.001-07:00

Can you believe in God and scientific theories of how the universe started.

Seek the wisdom and the truth shall set you free.

Hope in Religion

Is the Sunday Sabbath From the Bible or Rome?

2009-09-03T01:33:00.001-07:00

Having traced the idea of a Sabbath all the way through Scripture, I am still at a loss to make a completely valid decision.With all I have learned, something is still missing. What seems to be strong and important to God loses its significance as the Bible story continues on. Let's take a look at how the church of later generations understood their Sabbath responsibility before God. But because the church is always fallible, we must reserve the right to come back to the Scriptures, and see if we can discern what grace has done to the law of God. When it is all said and done, will the Sabbath go the route of circumcision and burnt offerings? Will it be at the level of the tithe? Will it be changed into a different day altogether likewise labeled Sabbath? Or will it be written on our hearts like the other of the ten commandments? I'm far from finished with this quest

What says History?

It certainly is a long way from the statement "Do this or die!" as the Old Testament speaks of Sabbath-keeping to the idea,"Do this wrongly and you might as well not do it at all!" as Jesus had to teach the leaders of His day. It's even further to saying , "Choose whatever you want or even nothing at all," as Paul seems to be saying later in Church history. What did we miss along the way? Why the radical change? Can God's heart desires really be that different? What did the early and later church do with all of this?

To begin, consider the following two quotes and see if you agree:

1. T. Enright, C.S.S.R., February 18, 1844 lecture: "I have repeatedly offered $1000.00 to anyone who can prove to me from the Bible alone that I am bound to keep Sunday holy. There is no such law in the Bible. It is a law of the holy Catholic Church alone. The Bible says, 'Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.' The Catholic Church says: 'No. By my divine power I abolish the Sabbath day and command you to keep holy the first day of the week.' And lo! the entire civilized world bows down in a reverent obedience to the command of the holy Catholic Church.' "

2. D.B. Ray, The Papal Controversy, 1892, p. 179: "From this same Catholic Church you have accepted your Sunday, and that Sunday, as the Lord's day, she has handed down as a tradition; and the entire Protestant world has accepted it as tradition, for you have not one iota of Scripture to establish it. Therefore that which you have accepted as your rule of faith, inadequate as it of course is, as well as your Sunday, you have accepted on the authority of the Roman Catholic Church."

What say you? Is there any iota of truth about a Sunday holy day in Scripture? Well, we cannot say that those who built this doctrine started from nothing. Let's admit to the iota anyway, maybe even a few iotas, but nothing more. Let's look quickly at these particles of Scripture and then see how history built from there:

1. We can't forget that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. There is no official Scriptural union made between His resurrection and our weekly observance of 24 hours of celebration, but the resurrection does figure into why people believe the first day is now holier than the others. Of course, it was a day of work for God the Father. It was in fact the greatest work accomplished on the planet.

2. Pentecost, the very birthday of the Church of Jesus, when the Spirit of God fell and empowered the apostles, is likewise on the first day of the week. Still there is no commandment given to continue this observance every week until the end of the Church age. But a strong "silent" case certainly seems to be made by what God sovereignly did. Remember always that the word did implies yet more work. This too was not a day of rest.

3. Acts 20:7 is perhaps an even stronger argument for something happening on the first day, but certainly not for an all day rest. I quote: "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight."

So did the disciples meet every first day either before or after Troas? Even if this could be proved, the only message being given in this passage is that the first day was becoming a meeting time, and that the actual clock hour was after sun-down. Could this in fact have been Saturday evening, following Sabbath observance? Or was it Sunday night? Whichever, there is no reason to jump from first-day celebration to first-day holy Sabbath of rest. But church history is clear that this jump was made anyway.

4. Finally there is that command of Paul about a certain offering, I Corinthians 16:2. "On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come." This could well stop the mouths of those who say there was nothing special about that first day. Not only in Asia Minor , but now here in Greece there seems to be a growing practice of meeting on this day to celebrate the resurrection, fellowship in the Spirit, hear the Word of God, even minister to the material needs of the saints. In short, church. I think it important to say again here that from the beginning of the church, there was a daily fellowship of believers and a daily intake of souls into Christ, Acts 2:46-47, but it is hard to avoid the rising up of this first day as a clear pattern developing in those early days.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

The Abomination of Desolation

2009-09-02T23:07:00.001-07:00

The abomination of Desolation.
There is a misconception of the prophecy's of Christ, Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel concerning the time of the abomination of desolation. There have been many desolations and times of desolation in Israel. Many of these caused much hardships and even death to the House of Israel.

The Babylonian Captivity, Jer 25:11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
Jer 44:22 So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day. Ezr 9:7 Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

The House of Israel has rejected Christ as the Messiah and are still under the law to a point. The Daily sacrifices have been put aside because of the natural law of man, but they justify this by the verse, Obedience is better than Sacrifice. This will end in the days of the anti-Christ, which will allow the renewing of the Red Heifer Sacrifices within the 3rd temple. Which I must say that many scholars do not believe in.
Dan 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
What we are going to look deeper at is the end days.
Jewish 76.4%, Muslim 16%, Arab Christians 1.7%, other Christian 0.4%, Druze 1.6%, unspecified 3.9% (2004)(C.I.A. World Fact Book)

The abomination of desolation.
The Daily sacrifices and The abomination of desolation, as spoken of by Daniel, is a subject of much controversy among many bible Scholars. There are those that teach that these two events have already taken place in the Days of Caesar,as many are teaching.

This prophecy has nothing to do with, Rome nor Caesar. Prophecy must be looked at very carefully and be regarded by not single events, but as a string or combination of events. Those things spoken of the abomination of desolation and the third temple are future events backed up by Scripture. Israel is not allowed by natural or should I say mans law, to accomplish animal sacrifices.

This interpretation from T.S.K. Is one that I disagree with, take a look;
the abomination: Heb. to set up the abomination, etc. Probably Mohammedanism, which sprang up in power the same year as the papal, ad 606; and 1,290 years from that time will be ad 1896, and 1,335 years ad 1941.

The abomination of desolation will be a statue of the anti-Christ that will be placed inside the third temple. Many scripture back this up. This attempt to work time and dates to justify interpretation is not the way to interpret scripture, many try to look at past events and match Bible prophecy to it, this is a grave mistake and leads to faulty or false interpretations.
Mar 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
Isa 28:22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.

The best reference to this is in Revelations 19:20; And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. This is the abomination of desolation as the end of the anti-Christ; read and understand, them that worshipped his image.
Mohammedanism(Islam) is not older than Christianity nor the Jewish religion, but it will play and important part in the desolation of Israel as spoken of by Christ.
Therefore, Rameses, nor the Caesars of Rome, have not fulfilled prophecy of the end days.

Many use this part of Mark 13:14, to justify calling Caesar the anti-Christ for He had an image of Himself constructed and forced many to worship his image as God, but there were Kings before and after that have done the same thing. Dan 3:14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not;, The point of the matter with all these false god images is that they never fulfilled the prophecy's of the end days such as these;

Rev 13:13-14; And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Dan 7:25-26; And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.

2Th 2:9-10; Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

What Caesar never fulfilled is this verse of prophecy; Dan 9:27; And he(The Anti-Christ.) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Also this verse was not fulfilled by any King yet; Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Key words here; the abomination of desolation (Image)stand in the holy place.
Luke 21:32; Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. This study is just the tip of the Prophecy of the abomination of desolation.
ars.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Ministries http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

The Judgment of God

2009-09-02T20:31:00.001-07:00

It is not a popular subject today. The pendulum of preaching has swung far away from hell-fire brimstone to a sentimental reading of Scripture that is just as diabolical as the enemy's first questionings of the truth of God. We have changed, church. The Scriptures have not. Here is what they say about the coming judgments.

Yes, I say the word should be plural. The best historical traditions of church teaching has seen in the Scriptures two very separate events, both called judgment. And in both cases it seems that the purpose of the gathering is to make public the obvious outcome of man's shortcomings, not to have a Perry Mason-like courtroom scene where the outcome is not certain until after the last commercial.

There are many differences between God's judgment meetings and our own. We have laws in abundance in America, for example. But a man can break those laws and still come out innocent. Innocent persons have been found to be guilty. Injustice and perversions of the legal system abound. That's why a trial here can take so long. Not so in the Heavenly Court. In that place God is judge and jury and author of the law. He knows exactly what is right and exactly what is wrong and who did what when, and with what motive. No need to drag this scene out. Unless a sin has been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, mankind is guilty, and our God will make that eternally and painfully clear. Publicly.

But there is this thing of the "judgment seat of Christ," that both Paul and John talk about. It seems to have a different flavor, though it is a judgment. Let's go to the Book of Revelation, chapter 20.

John speaks clearly of a 1,000 year period of time, at the beginning and end of which will be a judgment that follows a resurrection. Jesus referred to this series of events as the "resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation."

At the first resurrection, or the one we refer to now as the rapture, when the dead in Christ are raised, there is a group of people brought forth that live and reign with Christ for the millennium. But not before they must be judged. Yes, the first things John sees in this picture are judgment thrones. Not one negative word is said in this passage. It seems that this is a judgment in favor of the saints. Jesus' parable of the talents, and others, tells us that varying rewards will be given out. It would seem to me that this is the time for that.

Though salvation is secure to those first resurrected, the judgment of little or no reward for service is a serious matter. Saints today should be running a race so as to do well at the finish line, a type of judgment, where crowns of victory are given out. Or withheld. A time of weeping and shame, but not eternal loss.

Far more horrible shall be the judgment of damnation. Men shall be resurrected at this time, also, according to Jesus and John (still in Revelation 20). Here "the rest of the dead", those not included in the first resurrection, shall be given bodies fit for destruction, eternally able to bear shame. Unspecified books will be opened. Will these be the 66 of the Bible, as a testimony against the works of men? Will they be minute details of every sinful action, inaction, and thought of every man, woman, and child who has ever lived? The Scripture does say that all of these people will be judged by their works, according to everything written in the books.

Yes, believers 1000 years earlier will be able to say that Christ bore their judgment on the cross. And that argument will be accepted. But unbelievers, those who never accepted the work that Christ did, will have to offer their own works. An offering that has never been accepted in Heaven.

The only puzzle I find in this passage is the mention of the Book of Life. If what I have concluded above is true, then there will be no one whose name appears in the Book of Life that is represented at that second judgment. Our works cannot justify us before a holy God.

But John says "anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." The way that's worded seems to open the door to some on that day actually being in that special Book, but by what provision I know not.

I certainly want my name to be in the Book now. The question I pose may be interesting enough academically, but as a matter of life and death, I don't want to take any chances regarding that second judgment. I trust my readers and listeners have come to that same conclusion.

Judgment. A very difficult matter to discuss. But a message that must be preached by the church to a world that becomes increasingly ignorant of the things of God. For whether man knows about it or not, God has appointed a day for that judgment, and a Man to supervise the proceedings. Judgment Day is coming. May the Day, and especially the Man, Christ Jesus, be preached.

As always, join me in prayer for the nation of North Korea, a land headed for judgment unless the Word of God is allowed in.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed , lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

How Do Christians View The World?

2009-09-02T17:57:00.001-07:00

I've been reading and believing the Bible for over 50 years. I unapologetically say that my worldview is between the covers of that Book. The way the born again see it is this: There is God, and there is everything else.

But the transcendant God, we believe, has entered our bounds, and walked with us in the person of Jesus Christ, Himself God and man. We teach that after His cruel death and glorious resurrection, He ascended to Heaven, then came back via Spirit to His followers. (This is not to discount a bodily return at the climax of world history.)

As He filled and fills His disciples with Himself, He actually exerts an influence in the world that He likened to salt and light. God's people, filled with Christ Himself, are preserving this planet and giving it the only true guidance it has.

He is here. He is working steadily among men to call out a people for Himself. All of this, while kingdoms rise and fall around Him and His people. All this while nature rages and time rushes to its final destiny.

Let me break it down more:

The world. Created by God for God.

The world. Corrupted by man in the face of God.

The world. Loved by God and redeemed by His blood for those interested.

The world. Overseen by God but now managed by Satan until all rule is given to Christ.

The world. To be destroyed and renewed and ruled by God's people, when Christ returns.

The world. A place now of temptation and danger.

The world. The enemy of the souls of men, posing as its friend.

The world. Setting of spiritual battles directed from the heavenlies.

The world. Here, we are pilgrims, passing through.

The world. Its peoples are loved by God, but its ways are to be avoided by believers.

"God so loved the world (not the corruption but the needy people) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life ."

John 3:16

That's God's worldview. Though we have corrupted ourselves, He holds out His hand and calls us still...

North Korea - Return of the Arduous March

2009-09-02T15:27:00.001-07:00

That's what they are saying in some quarters. The "Arduous March" has returned. Arduous, as in "characterized by toilsome effort to the point of exhaustion." More like, to the point of starvation and death, in North Korean terms. The official "march" was said to have taken place when the Korean people were led through the worst famine in their history -some say anyone's history- back in the 90's, around 1994-2000 to be a little more precise. All the reasons for such an event are not clear, but governmental mis-management is never ruled out except by Pyongyang.

During the "march" years, the Public Distribution System suddenly stopped. People ate more grass than rice. Thievery increased. Death abounded then multiplied. Hunger kills. Two to three million, they say.

But in spite of recent pronouncements from the capital that by the year 2012 (Kim Il Sung's 100th birthday), North Korea will become so great a power that it will "dwarf all the difficulties" and solve all the problems it has been having, the people who know best say it aint necessarily so.

some homes had less food last year than during the "arduous march" years.
the longer some people live there, they say, the less hope they have of living.
ordinary laborers say that 2007 was the very worst year yet, at least regarding food.
in 2007 laborers were forbidden to farm on their own.
once again, more and more people are turning to lives of thievery to survive.
now the thievery is turning to members of their own families.
many North Koreans drift away into the mountains, never to be seen again.
people are working hard all year, but the food crops last only a few months.

No one knows the future. Maybe by 2012 North Korea really will be a rich and prosperous nation, and powerful too. I'd say they'd have a much better shot at that if they will open up to the Creator of the harvest. Right now they are being told He does not exist. Though some know otherwise, the big breakthrough of spiritual and material uplift that comes when Christ is free to be preached nationwide, is still in the future.

Our job as believers is clear. Pray, pray, and then pray some more.

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Low-Class Like Me

2009-09-02T13:00:00.001-07:00

His name was John Howard Griffin. Middle-aged. White. Male. 1959. Mansfield, Texas. He was a man dedicated to the end of racism, and was so passionate for his cause that he underwent medical treatment to turn his skin black, temporarily. What he experienced as a "black" man became the classic book, "Black Like Me." And what did he experience? The "N" word. "No jobs available." "Sorry, can't cash your check." No public restroom. Slowly Griffin became hopeless and defeated, as were the people he was portraying by his courageous act. He eventually allowed the medication to wear off. He was White again. His report went out and brought him adulation throughout the world. Except in still-very-racist Mansfield, Texas, where he was abused and threatened for favoring the African American cause.

In this weekly letter we deal with a similar situation, the baekjeong*. Behold the North Korean. But wait! Are we sure it is a "North" Korean? Add a few pounds and a few centimeters. Clean up the dirt of the coal mine or the hue that comes when clean water and good soap are not available for washing. Put a few good clothes on to replace the ragged cloth you see. Let his smile break. Stand him up straight. Teach him how to walk with dignity again. Is it not now a South Korean? Can you tell? Does it matter?

For so many, yes, it does matter. In South Korea today, North Koreans are herded together and placed in a "special" neighborhood. Their churches are separate. Their lives are suspect. Depression experienced for long years under Kim Jong-il's government gives way to a similar dejection created by the elite and rejecting South Korean government. Stomachs are fuller, trappings are nicer, but the inner separation continues.

Yes, not totally fair. Many South Koreans, there and here, love and cherish the Northerners. I'm sure there are even members of the SK government who have opposed the stringent policies that hurt rather than help their long-departed family members. Nevertheless, the situation remains.

And in this situation lies a wondrous opportunity for the church of Jesus Christ. For when folks are weak they are really strong, if God has a chance to get hold of them. That's a Paul-ism, straight from the Spirit's mind, recorded in your Bible. What if those weak and sickly ones rejected by this world -as was Jesus Himself - were called to strength and salvation and eternal glory? What if they were raised up to incredible worldwide service to the Master? What if mission stations were directed by these for whom hope was lost, and what if their very message was "hope!"

Ah! That's an in -your-face to the Enemy, don't you think?

*baekjeong: considered Korea' lowest class of humanity.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs , over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Christian Online Dating - What is it All About?

2009-09-02T10:32:00.001-07:00

Religion is still a large and pervasive part of our world today. I see religion as another colour on the spectrum that makes man unique. Belief and faith has divided and united us in the past few thousand years, and in these modern times, and in more modern and contemporary settings, there is an environment of tolerance that has blessed these times. There are very few of us who would lift the vanguard of religion as a weapon against those who are different and religion in society has as much place as ethnicity, as colour, as belief, as educational status.

Once we can view religion as just part of an individual, then we have matured as a society. I think this has been most succinctly been produced in the Christian online dating scene. Yes, there is a Christian online dating scene, just like there is a Jewish and a Muslim one. I do not really see it as a another form of segregation but an identification of mutual interests reaching out. The internet has focused the dating scene thoroughly and it is through sites like these that the bad cycles of 'fall out' dating does not happen. Why? Have you ever been in a position where you just want to find the right one and you are going through dates night after night? We do not want to be in that cycle of mismatched personalities and interests and sometimes we cannot deny that religion does get in the way.

While some of us float along on the grey areas of religion and love, others have a much more focused vision of what we would like to see in our partners. Maybe its down to traditionalism or even belief, a cyclic pathological inculcated by generations of co-existence. I have had friends who have lost the ones they loved, or who have been in difficult relationships because of the issue of religion. Why put yourself through the pain if you know it is going to be a problem? Find someone who shares the same monotheistic beliefs as you do, if you find arguments over theology not a good way to spend a candle lit dinner over. It is unavoidable. But it also makes us unique.

I shudder to think of the day when we are all equal, thinking equally and sharing the same interests - a wallpaper paste existence of no colour, no dynamism and of no vibrancy. Love can be nurtured in almost any setting, and Christian online dating is for those who have chosen a path in their life and would like to walk within this valley with a partner of equal stature; one who sees the same things; who hears the same voices as they do and who believes in the same realities. If that is happiness then the internet and dating sites such as these have helped them achieve it. What ever your orientation or your belief, the internet has allowed you to find someone of some likeness to you.

Jane Sanders, an expert in psychology, researched human dating behaviors for years. She has currently released her findings in a FREE Copy of her "Online Dating Success! In 5 Simple Steps!" Click Here! to Download the Free Ebook Now!

Free Real Estate, No Money Down

2009-09-02T08:03:00.001-07:00

How would you like to have a luxurious mansion with sweeping vistas, great neighbors, and perfect weather? Even more so, how would you like to be given this mansion, free of charge? Believe it or not, such an offer is on the table right now, and it can be yours for a limited time only.

If you've ever dreamed of having greater wealth than any person on earth, then you've come to the right place. Keep on reading, and you'll learn the details of the greatest real estate deal in human history.

It's the offer of a lifetime. Free real estate with no money down, and you don't even have to pre-qualify or meet any net worth requirements. You don't need to be part of an exclusive fraternity or an alumnus of an elite college or university. However, there is one catch - you do need to be well connected. In order to close this once in a lifetime deal, you must have an intimate and personal relationship with the man who's offering it.

The Offer

By now, most of you are skeptical. Nothing's free, right? But I assure you, this is not a pyramid scheme or a late-night infomercial scam. This offer comes from the most trustworthy person in the entire universe - Jesus of Nazareth. You might better know Him by the name of Jesus Christ.

If you've spent most of your life chasing after the pleasures and luxuries of this world, then I ask you to take a moment of your time and consider the following offer from Jesus. After all, it's a pretty sweet deal. He's offering you a life of abundant wealth in a luxurious mansion with amenities beyond your wildest dreams, and best of all, the wealth He offers lasts forever!

But don't take my word for it, this is what Jesus says:

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:1-4 (NLT)

What is this place that Jesus has prepared for those who trust in Him? And what does it look like? Luckily, the Book of Revelation describes it in detail:

"So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone - like jasper as clear as crystal. The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. There were three gates on each side - east, north, south, and west. The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Revelation 21:10-14 (NLT)

Chapters 21 and 22 of the Book of Revelation provide an in-depth description of the place Christ is preparing for His followers, a place which includes the very presence of God Himself:

"No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there - no need for lamps or sun - for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:3-5 (NLT)

To all who wish to live in such a place and consume the water of life, the Lord Jesus Christ issues a freely issues this invitation:

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life." Revelation 22:17 (NLT)

The glory of what Christ offers is beyond comprehension, and the Return on Investment you'll receive if you accept His offer is truly astronomical. Just take a moment to consider the terms of His offer. The real estate component alone makes it the best deal you'll ever encounter - a luxurious mansion never in need of repair where God is your neighbor and you live forever while never growing hungry or thirsty for anything He can't readily provide.

Such a place is invaluable. There's no way to put a value on it, because there are no comparables. This is a neighborhood completely unique unto itself, a truly one of a kind place, and anyone would be a fool to turn down a sweetheart deal like this one.

In fact, this real estate is so valuable, you should be willing to give up everything in order to make certain you close the deal.

Nothing is More Valuable

According to Jesus, nothing is of greater value than the Kingdom of Heaven. You should be more than willing to give up everything you have in order to devote the rest of your life to obtaining it:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field." Matthew 13:44 (NLT)

"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!" Matthew 13:45-46 (NLT)

The Kingdom of Heaven is so valuable, you should forsake everything else in an effort to obtain it. For people of great wealth and high position in this world, an enormous amount of faith and self-discipline is required in order to exhibit a willingness to trade everything in this world for the reward that Christ offers. But the payoff is immense. That's why Jesus warned us of the dangers presented by love of money and the material and physical pleasures of this world.

The Things Of This World

Because of the pitfalls associated with this world, the followers of Jesus must be careful not to allow their thoughts and ambitions to become captive to the things of this world. The danger inherent in pursuing the wealth of this world lies in a lack of ambition to produce fruit for Christ:

"The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced." Matthew 13:22 (NLT)

We see this danger firsthand in the Gospel of Matthew, when a rich man expresses His desire to follow Christ:

"Jesus told him, 'If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions." Matthew 19:21-22 (NLT)

Despite his apparent willingness to follow Christ, and his acceptance of the words and deeds of Jesus as truth, the rich man is unwilling to accept Christ's deal. He is consciously unwilling to trade His earthly wealth for treasure in heaven. As a result, He can never be a follower of Christ, because a person cannot serve two masters:

"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24 (NLT)

The man in question could've experienced wealth beyond his wildest imagination. Unfortunately, because of his love for this world, he willingly traded the finest of pearls for a pile of ashes; He traded his buried treasure for a pile of counterfeit coins. Don't make the same mistake!

Would you place millions of dollars under a mattress instead of inside a bank? Of course not! The danger of fire or theft is too great. Why then, should you treat your heavenly treasures any differently? Too many people spend their lives hoarding earthly wealth, while their heavenly treasures go unclaimed:

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)

Hoarding earthly treasures is utterly foolish. Christ tells us so:

"A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, 'My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!' But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Luke 12:16-21 (NLT)

What good is all the wealth in this world, if to attain it, you have to forfeit your soul? Don't be foolish. A deep and intimate relationship with the Creator and Master of the Universe is far more rewarding than the fleeting comforts of this world.

Closing The Deal

So now that we've established what really matters, how does one go about closing the deal of a lifetime?

To properly close the deal requires humility:

"God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth." Matthew 5:5 (NLT)

Why is humility required? Because to accept Christ's offer, one must acknowledge His glory. Obtaining the Kingdom of God independently is simply not an option. It's impossible. Only one person can open the door to the Kingdom of Heaven - Jesus Christ:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NLT)

To those who are willing to humble themselves and accept Christ's sacrifice on the cross as payment for their sins, a Kingdom awaits - built on the foundation of Christ's glory:

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me." Matthew 25:34-36 (NLT)

The Kingdom of Heaven is yours to inherit. It's already yours if you simply lay claim to it, so don't be worried when the world mocks you as foolish for accepting it. To such people, the things of this world are perceived as valuable, while the rewards of Christ are perceived as worthless. Don't worry about what such people say. Instead, pray for them. For at one time, we were all as foolish as they are. Pray they recognize the value of true treasure, to the very point of sacrificing their lives in order to obtain it:

"God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven." Matthew 5:11-12 (NLT)

Don't let their ridicule divert your focus, for you have full knowledge of the reward which is just around the corner:

"God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." Matthew 5:10 (NLT)

Remember, our Lord Jesus Christ was Himself persecuted by this world. What, then, makes us think we will encounter anything less?

"You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT)

Follow the example of Jesus and serve others. If you do, even the smallest act will be acknowledged by our Lord:

"And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." Matthew 10:42 (NLT)

So don't worry when others call you foolish. Instead, trust with absolute faith that Jesus Christ will make good on His promise to reward you. The return you will receive from serving Him is far greater than any financial return the world can offer:

"I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property - along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then." Mark 10:29-31 (NLT)

Despite what the world may tell you, you lose nothing of real value by following Christ. In fact, it's just the opposite - you gain everything!

It's the deal of a lifetime, and all you have to do is accept it. If you haven't taken advantage Christ's offer, I strongly encourage you to do so today. Like all great deals, it's available for a limited time only. Once your life is over, the deal is no longer on the table. Right now, it's available free of charge to as many people as are willing to accept it. It could all be yours - an opulent mansion with great neighbors. A personal relationship with God Almighty. Eternal life. Wealth beyond belief. It's yours for the taking because Christ gave His life. Only a fool would turn down such a sweetheart deal. Don't be a fool.

"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.'" 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NLT)

Britt Gillette is the author of BrittGillette.Com, a Christian website examining bible prophecy and emerging technology. Visit his site to learn more about this free real estate, no money down deal.

Christ Is Christmas, It Said

2009-09-02T05:32:00.001-07:00

It was just a week ago today that I pulled my little Echo into the driveway after pushing it all the way to Florida. And we don't live in Georgia. We live in Chicago.

While driving through Clearwater during that most wonderful trip, we happened upon a sign posted at a large Presbyterian Church. It said simply, "Christmas IS Christ." I was at least a little while distracted from the birds and the flowers and the most un-Chicago-like temperatures.

Christmas IS Christ? Does that mean, the celebration as we know it today? Are they saying that what we celebrate every year is truly a Jesus event?

Christmas IS Christ? Is that supposed to be a historic statement? Was the holiday meant from the beginning to honor the Lord and remember His birth?

As more Florida miles got away from me, I began thinking, if there had been no incarnation of the Son of God, would there have been a winter celebration anyway?

I wasn't too happy with any of my responses to my questions.

Yes, Christ is honored by some, but those folks honor Him all year. No, most of what goes on in the season has to do with greed and paganism. Yes, the winter holiday itself goes back way before Jesus came and honors the birth of the sun. It has a life of its own. Rome baptized the festivities when it declared it would celebrate the Christ-Mass at a time that coincided with the pagan celebration. Take Christ out of it, and it continues merrily on its way. Ho-ho-ho.

There is of course no command to celebrate any event in Jesus' life except His death (Lord's Supper) and burial (baptism) and resurrection (by our daily fellowship with the risen Lord.) I guess there is no explicit prohibition from other celebrations, but when they start looking like the world, we need to flee from them as from anything else babylonian. Or at least not call them "Christian".

It's over for a year. But the damage is done in so many lives. I counsel students whose parents, I'm sure many of them believers, obviously went into great debt to buy them the things that their peers were getting. The pressure is so incredible. And it trains and feeds a greedy spirit.

It's over. But the church is no richer. Every year, for a month, the church is stuck on a handful of songs that teach only one thing about Jesus. The Biblical texts and sermons, ditto. Then there's the cancellation of truly profitable programs as they are replaced by parties and food. These things ought not to be.

Let the world celebrate and go into debt and be gluttonous and drunken. Don't we have more than they? Has Christ ordained this strange time of year? Is Christ truly "Christmas"?

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed , lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

The Story of Chosun, Part 1

2009-09-02T03:02:00.000-07:00

They say all of history is "His story." I agree with them. As I begin with you today an accounting of some of the major moments in Korea's past, I offer the accompanying encouragement that what I shall be sharing is not just the past. You will see how Korea was shaped and eventually prepared for the call of God on her life. Yes, the Gospel finally came to that land, and has produced in the South a harvest unimaginable.

But it took a long time for the Koreans to see their need and to reach out for something better than they had. Because of that long refusal and/or ignorance of the Good News, the pattern of independence followed by attacks and foreign domination and independence again, clung to this nation for thousands of years. Homer Hulbert, who will be our guide through most of this history, lived in the 19th - and wrote at the beginning of the 20th - century:

"Hulbert saw that Koreans of the nineteenth century were held captive by a small elite group of aristocratic bureaucrats whose vested interests lay in maintaining government by intrigue and corruption and in keeping the people as isolated as possible from the egalitarian influences of the West..."

That was true then, it was true through much of her history, and even to this day, a portion of the peninsula is dominated by an oligarchy. This particular dynasty of our day represents a foreign power. It is an alien government, a decidedly non-Korean turn of events. But all of that in good time.

For now, let's go back to the beginning, as far as we can anyway. Using Hulbert's classic 2-volume set, History of Korea, 1905, we begin.

PART I: ANCIENT HISTORY. 2322 BC- 892 AD

Legend has it that Korea was founded by a "son of God", God being the creator "Whanung". This was supposed to have happened somewhere between the days of the flood and Abraham. So far we're not as distant from the truth as you might expect. Following the flood account in your Bible is the story of the beginning of nations, especially focusing on one Nimrod, the real man behind all the myths of ancient peoples. Korea's mythological wonder man is "Tan-gun." Tan-gun was born when Whanung breathed upon a woman who wanted a son. That sounds pretty Biblical too. (Did I mention that the woman had once been a bear?)

It is not Seoul but Pyongyang that is Korea's first capital. Today this city is North Korea's number one place. Tan-gun reigns there until about 1122 BC, around the time of the judges of Israel, then disappears from the earth. If long lives trouble you, remember that our Bible has a Methuselah.

The word "chosun" arises during this period. "Land of morning calm" will be the idea attached to the Korean peninsula. And it probably had its calm moments. But the name, historically, is as meaningful as Jerusalem, "city of peace." It's a great idea, and in the future the idea will be realized, but for now...

It is from China that Korea is to be given its first major endowments:leadership, poetry, manners, music, medicine, sorcery, silk culture, weaving. And many attempted take-overs.

For the next 1000 years, the area covering the two provinces nearest Pyongyang today is governed by one Kija and his descendants. Kija is the son of Li, who is the 2nd son of Wuyi, Emperor of China in the 1100's BC. Kija first becomes an advisor to Emperor Tajung, known as the "Nero" of China. Kija actually places himself in exile but later is granted permission by the Chinese government to set up a kingdom on the nearby peninsula. It is independent of China, yet China seems to have regretted the decision at times, and tries to bring it under its control. All these attempts are rebuffed by the growing people group in Chosun.

This Kija kingdom is the first recognizable dynasty. One dynasty will follow the other in Korea until South Korea forms a republic in the mid 20th century. The world is hoping for the end of dynasties altogether in Korea. Somehow the word hasn't gotten up North that dynastic power is not the most efficient way to deal with 21st century citizens.

That's where you and I can come in and change Korea's history. Heart-felt, gut-involved, loud persistent knocking on the door of Heaven. Jesus has let us know that that kind of prayer really does work. Will you join multitudes worldwide in this movement of true liberation?

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com - There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

A Two Year Old Prophecy Over My Life That I Cherish

2009-09-02T00:27:00.001-07:00

It was Juliette who wanted to write tonight, but it is I who want to speak to you and your heart. So I am the One who is choosing to speak to you. I have told Juliette that she is not to be the one to write and that she is to shut down her mind and allow Me to say exactly what I want to say to you without changing My words or allowing herself to cut in when she feels that I couldn't possibly be wanting to say these things to you.

There are times when I look at you with wonder and think about why you continue to be so hard on yourself. You have much to give, yet you let your own ideas dominate over the ones that I have for your life. You freely give My words to people, yet fail to see that I have words that I want to freely give to you.

Yes, My heart grieves at the lack of commitment from those who know Me and yes there is much anger I carry in My heart for the injustice of this world and I allow you to feel these things to enable you to see that I am the One who cares about those who you see around you.

You have continued to be faithful to Me and have reached into the lives of many. You do not understand why I use you and you do not understand why I give you wisdom. You cannot see why I continue to take you into the night and speak into the lives of people who dont know you and at times dont want to know you. But I have a plan and purpose for your life that goes way beyond what you will ever be able to understand.

The times that you struggle are the periods in your life that will bring you growth. The times when you feel darkness around you, are the times I need you to reach out to Me the most, for it is My strength which will sustain you through these moments.

I have taken you and called you to Myself. You say that you never asked for what you have now, yet you asked to serve Me, you asked to reach into the lives of people and to show them Me. Now you carry your burden and there are times when you want to run away. You escape into sleep and cannot see that it is I who is trying to shine a light into your life that will cause you to lift from the moment of despair that you find yourself in.

When you wrote your web site did you think it was just a foolish notion or do you believe it was something that I planted within your heart? When you wrote the words that spoke into the lives of those that sought answers from you did I not give them to you because you were happy to serve Me and bring My love into peoples lives. My ways are not your ways. My ways are infinitely greater and always will be.

Those that fear Me know what it is to serve an awesome God. A God who created the Heavens and the earth and who set the stars in the sky as a reminder to all who gaze upon them.

My love for you goes beyond what you will ever understand and your worth is found in Me. You are worthy because I say youre worthy and there should be no better reason than that. I am who I say I am and you look at these words and believe them. Can you then not also believe that when I say you are worthy, you are!

I have spoken over your life words that see you moving beyond this nation and now is a time of testing and refining. I will use these moments to create within you a new heart and will create within you a new mind. Your eyes will see infinitely more than they do now. Your ears will hear more wisdom than youve already heard and there will be fresh revelation of who I am and what My ways are.

Over and over I will show you what it is to know Me in great intimacy. You see before you your friend Jesus who has traveled this road with you and who has loved you despite all your circumstances. I also love you and want you to see that as much as Jesus loves you, Jesus also loves all those around you. His heart breaks for those that dont know Him and His heart bleeds for those who turn away.

My word does not lie and there will be times of judgment when I pour out My wrath upon this earth. You know that in your heart to be true. There will be moments in time when My anger will come down in such a way that countless lives are wiped out in an instant. Does this mean I do not care about my people? Does this mean I dont long to save everyone?

I have tempered my anger with great love and it is I who decide those who should die and those who should live. It is before Me that people will stand in judgment, it is before Me that they will have to give account of all that theyve done. It is before Me that they will need to explain why they made the decisions they did.

I want you to see that you are special to Me and that I have just as many words for you as I have for those around you. I want you to see that what you pour out I will pour back in. I want you to see that what you freely give will be freely given back to you.

Keep running child, keep fighting.

I am outworking My will in your life and I am changing you from glory to glory. No more will people be able to say about you that you dont belong. You belong to Me, youre Mine. I own you, youre marked by Me. My Son carries His stripes for you, my Son carries the marks in His hands for you. My Son who walks with you and who you know so well.

Do you see the weight of my words for you? When you spread your wings, you are going to soar because you will soar with Me, but now is not yet the time to spread your wings. Theres more I need for you to learn. Theres more I need to teach you. Theres more I have to give you before I send you out amongst the nations. Theres more that you need to learn to see through My eyes.

Everyday will bring with it new challenges. Everyday will bring with it new lessons. Everyday will see you experiencing something different. I desire for you to see in those experiences the depth of My love not only for you, but for all people.

Dont let go of Me My son, hold my hand. Place your hand in Mine and let Me hold you close and comfort you, especially now. Let Me pour in great refreshing. Let me do a new work in you. Let Me be the one who causes you to grow. Such love I have for you.

When the moon is in the sky and the stars shine, do you see the blessings I have for your life? Each star represents a blessing that I want to give just to you. Each light represents a part of Me that you still dont understand.

Your worth to Me outweighs the treasures of this world. Your worth to Me outweighs the wall you have seen standing here in Heaven. Your worth to Me goes beyond what your mind can conceive. Dont try to understand it, just accept it!

Try to see that I will have My way, no matter what happens. My little friend, so open to Me, so wanting to please and serve Me. Such beauty I see in you, such pleasure.

When you read this it is My heart you will see. When you read it again, it is my wisdom you will fathom. When you read it once more it will be My words that sear across your mind.

Take these things I say to you and burn them on your heart, remember that it is I who love you and it is I who will have My way. Just be obedient to Me and let Me order your footsteps according to My plan for your life and you will see that the plans you commit to Me will succeed.

With love from your Father in Heaven.

Have you ever wanted to see a clairvoyant but the Bible forbids it? Did you know that there are people in churches with a gift of prophecy that can get a message off God for you? You can ask questions of them and they can take the questions to God for you. Eighty percent of the church don't use these people as they don't think the gift of prophecy exists anymore but the people that do use them get tremendously blessed.If you are not a Christian just say that in your email and the prophet will be more sensitive to you. Come and request a free personal prophecy today at http://www.personal-prophecy-free.net

Was Jesus Real and Did He Live - Video

2009-09-01T21:58:00.001-07:00

Issues Concerning Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ

2009-09-01T19:32:00.001-07:00

Here are some things to ponder as one decides upon the value of the box-office great "Passion of the Christ."

First is the fact that this movie is ecumenical in its scope, and has persons of all religious persuasions working on a common project. While it always seems good to have people put aside their differences to serve Christ together, there is always the danger that many of the converts, as in Graham crusades, will be ushered into Romanist or liberal Protestant churches.

Second is the issue of reliability. The difference of this movie from the ones which have preceded it is that all of the others were billed as imperfect, where this one seems to carry a weight of authenticity that is misleading. How many years will it take even the best of saints to unlearn all the false additions to the life of Christ here portrayed. As is typical of Roman concoctions there is a deadly mix here, portrayed by a powerful medium. One thinks immediately of the Left Behind movies that have people absolutely convinced that Jesus is going to make them bypass the Tribulation, though not one Scripture clearly indicates such.

The following internet article is insightful: "The scholars have had a field day. They say the soldiers of imperial Rome would not have spoken Latin, as they do in Gibson's film, but Greek. Then there is the question of sourcing. Gibson has admitted that his screenplay was based not so much on the Gospels as on the reinterpretation of a 19th century nun... whose hypnotic visions of the Passion included frankly anti-Semitic details missing from the Gospels. According to his critics, Gibson has the Jews clamouring for the death of Jesus in ways that neither the Bible nor the historical record suggest." No one can take blame away from Jews or any Gentile groups either for the death of Jesus. But the Scriptures are sufficient to prove this point.

Third is the unprecedented union of Church and culture, Church and Hollywood. Is Mel Gibson a born again Christian? One doesn't know for sure, so "judging" is not allowed. He seems to be a man of some measure of faith, but is he associated with the spreading of the Gospel in other aspects of his career? And is it not true that the same man who wrote the musical score for Bruce Almighty is writing for The Passion of Christ? This is a world that hates Jesus Christ, by and large. Why is it suddenly in love with Him? Why do we need worldly methods to bring people to Jesus? Recently in my Church, the pastor preached a simple but powerful message exposing the truth of God and the hearts of men. Five people responded to the invitation. Is this not any longer acceptable ?

Fourth is the violence. How bloody is the Bible story? The blood has been saving men for these many centuries, without Gibson's, that is, Emmerich's, blood and guts portrayal. God has gripped the hearts of men with a still small voice about His undying love. As Bill Jackson of Christians Evangelizing Catholics says, "even graphic photography cannot capture the reality of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Fifth, consider the mysteries associated with this film. What of lightning striking the main character, and his full recovery? What of the healings purportedly associated with the making of this film? I can only answer with another question: What of the healings and other attested mighty miracles associated with the alleged appearances of Mary throughout the world and throughout history?

This is a Romanist event. The Roman religion is no stranger to the miraculous. Is this confirmation of the truth of Romanism? Rather, have we not been warned that the enemy will be working miracles alongside believers? False Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders so as to deceive if possible the very elect (Matthew 24:24). Does not the Lamb-like beast of Revelation 13 perform great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men (Revelation 13:13) ? "And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do..."

We must cling to God's Word and let no man deceive us. Saying No when everyone else is saying Yes is not easy, but it is often necessary. One day it may be a matter of life and death. This movie is just another testing ground to see whether God's people are going to start using discernment or are going to be swept along with the flow.

Sixth is an issue that I am not yet qualified to describe. It has to do with whether a human being should ever portray Christ in anything but words. It is a question of the Ten Commandments, and the idea of making anything, even an actor on a stage, in the image of God. I leave this one with my readers to contemplate.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

A Real Solution to the Problem of Child Abuse?

2009-09-01T17:08:00.001-07:00

Modern society is so plagued with problems that people from all walks of life are attempting to solve as many of them as they can. Many Christians profess belief in the Bible as God's answer and solution to every problem that society can and does face. However, numerous believers are embracing the solutions that are offered by those who don't consider the Bible as God's word and; consequently, ignore its counsel, guidance, instruction, and warnings.

If someone truly believes the Bible to be the inspired word of God in which the answer to all ills is found, that individual must accept the Bible's declarations. It clearly declares the existence of an intelligent entity of various names in scripture but commonly known as "Satan". Several biblical passages warn of the craftiness of this evil being as well as his mastery of the art of deception. 2 Corinthians 11:14 says, "and no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." "Transformed" refers to putting on a most clever disguise as an angel of light.

Revelation 12:9 reveals that the reason for the disguise is to deceive as many as possible, believer or not. The passage reads, "and the great dragon was cast out. That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world; he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

What does this have to do with the solving of society's problems? Everything. All of the evils that plague man are the works of Satan and have their origin in him since the beginning. This is precisely why the Son of God came to earth. 1 John 3:8 teaches that, "...the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil."

One of the most important truths the believer can keep in mind is the need to beware of embracing "solutions" to problems that are from the same source as the problem itself--the Enemy of God masquerading as an angel of light. There are numerous real life examples of this type of deception on top of deception which only stacks problems upon more problems.

It should not be difficult for any believer to see that child abuse figures among the practically endless list of the works of the Enemy. While it's a good thing to desire its eradication, it's not a good thing to accept a solution from the same source that gave the problem. Many people, Christian and non-Christian, have embraced the "solution" of forbidding parents to physically discipline their children. Nevertheless, the abuse of children has not declined. What is more is that a new problem has arisen--wrongful jailing of parents and caretakers who have disciplined, but not abused their children while abusive parents continue to escape the "protective" system. Notice that solutions from the kingdom of darkness will always contradict the word of God.

Proverbs 13:24 says, "he that spareth his rod hateth his son, but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." To "spare the rod" is to refuse to physically discipline. The words "hateth" and "loveth" simply refer to the making of choices. One may chose to refrain from physical discipline because he accepts man's advice over God's, or because he fears man's law over God's, or because he sees it as cruel regardless of how God sees it. Decisions such as these amount to "hating" the child in that the child's learning to submit to proper authority and the importance of obedience to the saving of his life, are of less importance. The word "betimes" refers to the use of physical punishment from an early age. Proverbs 22:15 again reminds that, "foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."

It is understandable that those who are not believers will support anti-biblical solutions to society's problems. However, believers claim to be enlightened in spiritual matters. Why then do they embrace the same problem-causing "solutions" as those who claim no special enlightenment?

The example regarding child abuse is only one in many that prove that the Enemy's "solutions" never has and never will solve the problems that he created in the first place.

In-depth Bible studies by Heavenly Manna

What Will Pope Benedict XVI Find In Turkey

2009-09-01T14:36:00.001-07:00

Following in the the steps of his predecessors pope Benedict XVI is about to begin his first apostolic trip to Turkey. His visit will begin from Ancara, the capital of turkey where he is scheduled to meet with president of Turkey and will make some visits to meet with the diplomats of that country. Then his trip will take him to Ephesus, the city visited by St. Paul the Apostle where on his second visit he spent almost tree years. Then the pope Benedict XVI will conclude his trip to turkey with the visit to Istanbul (former Constantinople), where he will meet with His Holiness Bartholomew I and other religious leaders.

Pope and Orthodox Christian Churches.

There have been many efforts during last century via ecumenical dialog to bring about unity with the Orthodox Church. While these did not produce evident results, it did bring to the table the leadership of both churches. The schism that took place close to 1000 years ago still looms over both churches today. While both churches recognize each other as "sister" churches, neither side had ever celebrated Mass together since the rupture of 1051.

Pope and Muslim World.

The trip to turkey is taking place roughly two months since pope's comments made during his trip to Germany, where he quoted an ancient emperor and stirred which stirred a controversy in the Muslim world which lead to desecration of Christian churches in the Middle East. The program of pope's visit does not say if he is to meet with any Muslim leaders of this predominantly Muslim country, even though pope went out of his way to distance himself from the views of the emperor he quoted during his visit to Germany.

What can his trip can accomplish?

As with his predecessor, pope John Paul II, pope Benedict XVI has an opportunity to offer reconciliation to the religious leadership around the world. Unfortunately the controversy that arouse around his comments in Germany, may prevent the Muslim religious leaders may find difficult to open up to a dialog.

Eugenia Brown is a writer for Everything Catholic! - website that promotes products from Ingatius Press, a Catholic Publisher. There you can find books and literature on variety of topics including Pope.

Was Jesus Real and Did He Live - Video

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Why the Bible?

2009-09-01T09:45:00.001-07:00

The Bible was written by many different authors (40, all of which were of Jewish heritage), over many years (2,000 or so from Moses - 1500 B.C. to John - 90 A.D.) with one Divine purpose. The Bible, consisting of the New and Old Testaments in the Christian cannon, consists of 66 separate books written throughout the ages, all deemed to be authoritative (divinely inspired), and brought together as one whole. The word 'Bible' means literally, 'the Book'. The word 'Testament' (as in Old and New Testament) can have the meaning of a covenant, in that God establishes an old, and then a new covenant with his people throughout history, the Lord Jesus Christ being the turning point into the New Covenant, or testament God establishes with man.

If the Bible is God's Word, that means it is God's Word to man. The Apostle Paul wrote that, All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16), that is divinely inspired and given unto man all the way from Moses through the Apostle Paul.

So how is the Word of God useful for us? In this case it can be a guide for us, a measuring stick to compare our thoughts with what is written.

Matthew 4:10 "For it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

The written Word of God gives us a guide post for our lives, just as the commandments did for the Children of Israel, 3000 years ago. The Bible continues to grow worldwide and to be translated into over 1000 languages across the globe. It is also the greatest selling book of all time. Sixty-six books that come together to make one extraordinary divinely inspired book. Let it speak to you today. God bless.

Find other inspirational articles and devotionals like this one free at Jesus Devotionals & JesusDevotionals Blog. God bless.

Lance writes at Jesus Devotionals in his spare time and appreciates any link backs or promotion.