JESUS - God's greatest gift to the world, wrapped in the humblest wrapping, in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
An Unsolicited Gift
... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 KJV)
An Unlimited Gift
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2 KJV)
An Unspeakable Gift
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV)
An Unchanging Gift
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)
An Undeserved Gift
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
An Unclaimed Gift
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (John 1:10-11 KJV)
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
The Greatest Verse
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
For God - The greatest lover
so loved - The greatest degree
the world - The greatest number
that he gave - The greatest act
his only begotten Son - The greatest gift
that whosoever - The greatest invitation
believeth - The greatest simplicity
in him - The greatest person
should not perish - The greatest deliverance
but - The greatest difference
have - The greatest certainty
everlasting life - The greatest possession
Author unknown
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV)
how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3 NASB)
For God - The greatest lover
so loved - The greatest degree
the world - The greatest number
that he gave - The greatest act
his only begotten Son - The greatest gift
that whosoever - The greatest invitation
believeth - The greatest simplicity
in him - The greatest person
should not perish - The greatest deliverance
but - The greatest difference
have - The greatest certainty
everlasting life - The greatest possession
Author unknown
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV)
how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3 NASB)
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Only Two Religions
This article is extracted from "The Only Two Religions and Other Gospel Papers Biblical Resource Database"
"There are only two religions in the world: The true and the false. All phases of false religion are alike. They all say: 'Something in my hand I bring,' The only difference between them being as to what the 'something' is. The true religion says: 'Nothing in my hand I bring.'"
Lines well worth pondering are these, reader, and we beg you to consider them. You are, we will suppose, a religious person. Most people are. "Man," said an ancient philosopher, "is a religious animal." You may have your particular ideas about religious questions, then; but are yours the true, or the false?
Recently, while presenting the gospel on the streets of a California city, we were often interrupted about as follows: "Look here, sir! There are hundreds of religions in this country, and the followers of each sect think theirs the only right one. How can poor, plain men like us, find out what really is the truth?"
We generally replied something like this: "Hundreds of religions, you say? That's strange; I've heard of only two."
"Oh, but you surely know there are more than that!"
"Not at all, sir. I find, I quite admit, many shades of difference in the opinions of those comprising the two great schools; but after all there are but the two. The one covers all who expect salvation by doing; the other, all who have been saved by something done. So you see the whole question is very simple. Can you save yourself, or have you to be saved by Another? If you can be your own savior, you do not need my message. If you cannot, you may well listen to it."
This we would press also upon you, reader, and for a few moments ask your attention to a picture drawn by Christ Himself of the only two religions. A word picture it is, and a graphic one. You will find it in Luke 18:9-14. It is the well-known parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The first is the doer, the man with "something" in his hand, which he offers God, hoping to buy a seat in heaven. Note his prayer: "God, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." He is, surely, a representative man in the great Church of the Doers. What a handful he brings!—his character, his fasts, and his tithes. A Pharisee he is called, but he will be found under a score of other names. We have beheld him in the garb of Papist and Jew, Churchman and Dissenter, Unitarian and Evangelical, Theosophist and Spiritist, Buddhist and Brahmin, Mormon and Mohammedan, Christian Scientist and Confucian, Jezreelite and—what not? His robes are various; his prayers—the pith of them—are ever the same. Sometimes he quotes Scripture. Sometimes he rejects it.
We heard him once in the village church, telling how, by living an exemplary life, attending to religious duties, and keeping the commandments, he expected to go to heaven after death. His manner was earnest, his words were fervent. He had been advertised as a wonderful evangelist and revivalist. He dwelt much on reformation, lauded creature-righteousness, and had apparently forgotten that Christ had ever died, though he quoted the verse that says, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," omitting to emphasize the fact that salvation must first be your own, and that this verse was written to those who are saints, or saved already.
Not long after, we listened to the Pharisee again, in the person of a Mormon elder, telling how his faith, his repentance, his baptism, the fact that hands had been laid on his head, and his good deeds, assured him, if he kept on to the end, of an exalted place after death; but not a word he uttered about the Lord Jesus—His cross, His death, His blood, His resurrection, or His Priesthood; and although he dwelt much on the doctrine of "justification by works," he neglected to tell his hearers that such justification was before man—not before God! What need of Christ if he could do so much himself?
We met this Pharisee also one day as a Spiritist medium, and asked him his ground of hope. He told us of his benevolence and righteousness, and vaunted loudly his earnest desire to "help the world," and "better his fellowman," but not a syllable did he utter of Him whom God hath made "to be wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption" to poor sinners who receive Him.
A few months since, also, we questioned a Chinese merchant as to whether he had peace in view of death. He said, in fairly plain English, that he tried to be a good man: he neither smoked opium nor gambled in the lottery (the two great sins of the Americanized "celestial"); besides, he worked hard and attended to the precepts of Kung Fu Tze (Confucius); so he saw no reason to fear. A Pharisee, though he wore a queue!
Different men were all these, and widely differing many of their views; but on one point they all agreed: salvation could be won by effort—no need for the Christ of God!
The publican in our chapter—how different was his case! Righteousness he had none to plead. Character he is almost ashamed to mention. "Me, the sinner," he cries, and beats upon his breast. Fasting and tithes he cannot tell of. Empty-handed he appears before God, his only hope that Divine love may find a way whereby Divine holiness may remain untarnished and Divine righteousness be fully vindicated, yet he, a guilty wretch, be saved instead of damned.
The latter he deserves. His true condition he does not try to hide. Has God, then, grace for such as he? and can He, without compromising the dignity of His throne, let the poor sinner go free—nay, more, justify him before that throne and bless him eternally?
He can. An apostle, once a Pharisee himself, but emptied at last of all his fancied goodness, tells us how, and in what name, it can be done. "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:38, 39). Here, then, is that on which even the publican can rest. Here is the religion for the lost and helpless. Every phase of the false one says, "do;" but alas, he cannot do even what the law of Moses demands. He tries and struggles, but all in vain. To wash out the stain of one sin is, for him, impossible.
Blessed the message, then, that "true religion " brings. It tells that "Christ, in death, has wrought salvation. God has raised Him from the tomb."
Is this your ground of peace, dear reader; or do you belong to that great church started by Cain at the dawn of earth's long day, who hoped by fruits plucked with toil from a cursed ground to satisfy the claims of a holy God against sin, instead of, like Abel, resting on the blood of the sacrifice?
Only the two religions, then—only two today. Which is yours? Do you trust in self, or Christ? There is no third party on whom to rest. "To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:5).
H. A. Ironside (1876-1951)
"There are only two religions in the world: The true and the false. All phases of false religion are alike. They all say: 'Something in my hand I bring,' The only difference between them being as to what the 'something' is. The true religion says: 'Nothing in my hand I bring.'"
Lines well worth pondering are these, reader, and we beg you to consider them. You are, we will suppose, a religious person. Most people are. "Man," said an ancient philosopher, "is a religious animal." You may have your particular ideas about religious questions, then; but are yours the true, or the false?
Recently, while presenting the gospel on the streets of a California city, we were often interrupted about as follows: "Look here, sir! There are hundreds of religions in this country, and the followers of each sect think theirs the only right one. How can poor, plain men like us, find out what really is the truth?"
We generally replied something like this: "Hundreds of religions, you say? That's strange; I've heard of only two."
"Oh, but you surely know there are more than that!"
"Not at all, sir. I find, I quite admit, many shades of difference in the opinions of those comprising the two great schools; but after all there are but the two. The one covers all who expect salvation by doing; the other, all who have been saved by something done. So you see the whole question is very simple. Can you save yourself, or have you to be saved by Another? If you can be your own savior, you do not need my message. If you cannot, you may well listen to it."
This we would press also upon you, reader, and for a few moments ask your attention to a picture drawn by Christ Himself of the only two religions. A word picture it is, and a graphic one. You will find it in Luke 18:9-14. It is the well-known parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The first is the doer, the man with "something" in his hand, which he offers God, hoping to buy a seat in heaven. Note his prayer: "God, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." He is, surely, a representative man in the great Church of the Doers. What a handful he brings!—his character, his fasts, and his tithes. A Pharisee he is called, but he will be found under a score of other names. We have beheld him in the garb of Papist and Jew, Churchman and Dissenter, Unitarian and Evangelical, Theosophist and Spiritist, Buddhist and Brahmin, Mormon and Mohammedan, Christian Scientist and Confucian, Jezreelite and—what not? His robes are various; his prayers—the pith of them—are ever the same. Sometimes he quotes Scripture. Sometimes he rejects it.
We heard him once in the village church, telling how, by living an exemplary life, attending to religious duties, and keeping the commandments, he expected to go to heaven after death. His manner was earnest, his words were fervent. He had been advertised as a wonderful evangelist and revivalist. He dwelt much on reformation, lauded creature-righteousness, and had apparently forgotten that Christ had ever died, though he quoted the verse that says, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," omitting to emphasize the fact that salvation must first be your own, and that this verse was written to those who are saints, or saved already.
Not long after, we listened to the Pharisee again, in the person of a Mormon elder, telling how his faith, his repentance, his baptism, the fact that hands had been laid on his head, and his good deeds, assured him, if he kept on to the end, of an exalted place after death; but not a word he uttered about the Lord Jesus—His cross, His death, His blood, His resurrection, or His Priesthood; and although he dwelt much on the doctrine of "justification by works," he neglected to tell his hearers that such justification was before man—not before God! What need of Christ if he could do so much himself?
We met this Pharisee also one day as a Spiritist medium, and asked him his ground of hope. He told us of his benevolence and righteousness, and vaunted loudly his earnest desire to "help the world," and "better his fellowman," but not a syllable did he utter of Him whom God hath made "to be wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption" to poor sinners who receive Him.
A few months since, also, we questioned a Chinese merchant as to whether he had peace in view of death. He said, in fairly plain English, that he tried to be a good man: he neither smoked opium nor gambled in the lottery (the two great sins of the Americanized "celestial"); besides, he worked hard and attended to the precepts of Kung Fu Tze (Confucius); so he saw no reason to fear. A Pharisee, though he wore a queue!
Different men were all these, and widely differing many of their views; but on one point they all agreed: salvation could be won by effort—no need for the Christ of God!
The publican in our chapter—how different was his case! Righteousness he had none to plead. Character he is almost ashamed to mention. "Me, the sinner," he cries, and beats upon his breast. Fasting and tithes he cannot tell of. Empty-handed he appears before God, his only hope that Divine love may find a way whereby Divine holiness may remain untarnished and Divine righteousness be fully vindicated, yet he, a guilty wretch, be saved instead of damned.
The latter he deserves. His true condition he does not try to hide. Has God, then, grace for such as he? and can He, without compromising the dignity of His throne, let the poor sinner go free—nay, more, justify him before that throne and bless him eternally?
He can. An apostle, once a Pharisee himself, but emptied at last of all his fancied goodness, tells us how, and in what name, it can be done. "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:38, 39). Here, then, is that on which even the publican can rest. Here is the religion for the lost and helpless. Every phase of the false one says, "do;" but alas, he cannot do even what the law of Moses demands. He tries and struggles, but all in vain. To wash out the stain of one sin is, for him, impossible.
Blessed the message, then, that "true religion " brings. It tells that "Christ, in death, has wrought salvation. God has raised Him from the tomb."
Is this your ground of peace, dear reader; or do you belong to that great church started by Cain at the dawn of earth's long day, who hoped by fruits plucked with toil from a cursed ground to satisfy the claims of a holy God against sin, instead of, like Abel, resting on the blood of the sacrifice?
Only the two religions, then—only two today. Which is yours? Do you trust in self, or Christ? There is no third party on whom to rest. "To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:5).
H. A. Ironside (1876-1951)
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Lessons From Jigsaw Puzzle
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22 KJV)
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16 KJV)
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV)
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (Romans 8:29 NASB)
Our life is like a jigsaw puzzle, built piece by piece, until we form a beautiful picture.
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16 KJV)
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV)
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (Romans 8:29 NASB)
Our life is like a jigsaw puzzle, built piece by piece, until we form a beautiful picture.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
道 ...I am the way, the truth, and the life...
To find the right way, we must have the Right View or Understanding or Perception (正見) of God and man. Once the right view of God and man is established, you will understand why man cannot save himself and the necessity of God sending Jesus to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world.
Once you understand, you should take the Right Action (正業) of accepting Jesus as your Lord and savior. There is only one way.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)
Grow
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)
Do good works
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV)
Once you understand, you should take the Right Action (正業) of accepting Jesus as your Lord and savior. There is only one way.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)
Grow
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)
Do good works
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV)
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
滅 ...the first heaven and the first earth had passed away...
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV)
And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (Revelation 21:5-8 ESV)
And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (Revelation 21:5-8 ESV)
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
集 ...through one man sin entered into the world...
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1 NASB). God saw all that He had made, and it was very good (Genesis 1:31 HCSB). The LORD God caused to grow out of the ground every tree pleasing in appearance and good for food, including the tree of life in the midst of the garden, as well as the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9 HCSB).
The Bible tells us that in the beginning, everything was very good. There was no evil, and no knowledge of evil. Adam and Eve knew what good was, but they knew not evil. There was no dukkha.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:1-6 ESV)
The serpent packaged evil as something good to have, an exclusive wisdom currently only known to God.
Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. (Genesis 3:7 ESV)
The first knowledge of evil was shame. They were naked! But that was just a small part of evil. With evil come suffering, injustice, imperfection and more importantly, death, which is separation from God.
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned - (Romans 5:12 NASB)
...by the transgression of the one the many died... (Romans 5:15 NASB)
...by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one... (Romans 5:17 NASB)
...through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men... (Romans 5:18 NASB)
Because of the disobedient act of one man, death came to all. That is the injustice of evil.
For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse. For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles. (Romans 1:18-23 HCSB)
Sin in men made progress. First, men suppress the truth about God in their sin.
Therefore God delivered them over in the cravings of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen. (Romans 1:24-25 HCSB)
Then they exchanged truth for lies. Then they started worshipping creatures instead of the Creator.
This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. The males in the same way also left natural relations with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty of their error. (Romans 1:26-27 HCSB)
And their idolatry degraded into depravity.
And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong. They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful. Although they know full well God’s just sentence - that those who practice such things deserve to die - they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32 HCSB)
As their standard of morality slide, they set up their own standards of righteousness, declaring evil as good. And they encourage others to join in.
The Bible tells us that in the beginning, everything was very good. There was no evil, and no knowledge of evil. Adam and Eve knew what good was, but they knew not evil. There was no dukkha.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3:1-6 ESV)
The serpent packaged evil as something good to have, an exclusive wisdom currently only known to God.
Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. (Genesis 3:7 ESV)
The first knowledge of evil was shame. They were naked! But that was just a small part of evil. With evil come suffering, injustice, imperfection and more importantly, death, which is separation from God.
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned - (Romans 5:12 NASB)
...by the transgression of the one the many died... (Romans 5:15 NASB)
...by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one... (Romans 5:17 NASB)
...through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men... (Romans 5:18 NASB)
Because of the disobedient act of one man, death came to all. That is the injustice of evil.
For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse. For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles. (Romans 1:18-23 HCSB)
Sin in men made progress. First, men suppress the truth about God in their sin.
Therefore God delivered them over in the cravings of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen. (Romans 1:24-25 HCSB)
Then they exchanged truth for lies. Then they started worshipping creatures instead of the Creator.
This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. The males in the same way also left natural relations with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty of their error. (Romans 1:26-27 HCSB)
And their idolatry degraded into depravity.
And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a worthless mind to do what is morally wrong. They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful. Although they know full well God’s just sentence - that those who practice such things deserve to die - they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32 HCSB)
As their standard of morality slide, they set up their own standards of righteousness, declaring evil as good. And they encourage others to join in.
Monday, November 25, 2013
苦 Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble...
This world is imperfect. There are a lot of suffering and injustice. Buddhism has this term dukkha (in Pali) or duhkha (Sanskrit). Although dukkha does mean suffering, it also includes ideas such as imperfection, impermanence, emptiness, and insubstantiality. This is a universal fact recognized by all. The Bible has many verses that tells us that the world is imperfect, impermanent and full of troubles and that death reigns over all.
Life is short and troubled
Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. (Job 14:1-2 KJV)
Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah. (Psalm 89:47-48 KJV)
Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. (James 4:14 NASB)
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. (Psalms 103:15-16 KJV)
Labour is vanity
As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. (Ecclesiastes 5:15 KJV)
Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. (Job 1:21 KJV)
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Timothy 6:7 KJV)
Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah. Surely every man walks about as a phantom; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them. (Psalms 39:5-6 NASB)
Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts that peoples labor merely for fire, and nations weary themselves for nothing? (Habakkuk 2:13 ESV)
The world is suffering and in decay
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (Romans 8:22 ESV)
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: (Psalm 102:26 KJV)
All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades ... (Isaiah 40:6-7 ESV)
Life is short and troubled
Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. (Job 14:1-2 KJV)
Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah. (Psalm 89:47-48 KJV)
Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. (James 4:14 NASB)
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. (Psalms 103:15-16 KJV)
Labour is vanity
As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. (Ecclesiastes 5:15 KJV)
Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. (Job 1:21 KJV)
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Timothy 6:7 KJV)
Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah. Surely every man walks about as a phantom; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them. (Psalms 39:5-6 NASB)
Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts that peoples labor merely for fire, and nations weary themselves for nothing? (Habakkuk 2:13 ESV)
The world is suffering and in decay
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (Romans 8:22 ESV)
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: (Psalm 102:26 KJV)
All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades ... (Isaiah 40:6-7 ESV)
Monday, November 18, 2013
God And Sufferings
If God exists, why are there sufferings in the world?
This is an age old question which was not answered to men's satisfaction. The usual conclusions we get are:
Sufferings entered the world by the disobedience of Adam.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12 KJV)
To those who are lost, who insist that the Almighty has to do things their way, they would then conclude that reason 2 is true. "If God knew the future and is almighty, He would not have created Satan to cause Adam to sin. He knew all these would happen, yet He allowed it. He is a sadist."
The Bible also answer this accusation, not with a direct answer, but with questions (e.g. Job 38:1 - 41:34).
Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? Let him who argues with God give an answer. (Job 40:2 HCSB)
"Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker-- An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands '? (Isaiah 45:9 NASB)
Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? (Romans 9:21 ESV)
To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. (Isaiah 40:25-26 ESV)
For those who realize that God is infinitely wise and will resolve the problem of sin and suffering in His time and in His way, they would have to accept by faith that God's solution is better and His Word will ultimately come true.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NASB)
"Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete." (Genesis 15:16 NASB)
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (Revelation 21:1 ESV)
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36 ESV)
This is an age old question which was not answered to men's satisfaction. The usual conclusions we get are:
- God wanted to stop suffering but could not. He is not omnipotent.
- God can stop suffering but will not. He is a sadist.
- God does not exist. He is just some imagination by men to ease their sufferings.
Sufferings entered the world by the disobedience of Adam.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12 KJV)
To those who are lost, who insist that the Almighty has to do things their way, they would then conclude that reason 2 is true. "If God knew the future and is almighty, He would not have created Satan to cause Adam to sin. He knew all these would happen, yet He allowed it. He is a sadist."
The Bible also answer this accusation, not with a direct answer, but with questions (e.g. Job 38:1 - 41:34).
Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? Let him who argues with God give an answer. (Job 40:2 HCSB)
"Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker-- An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands '? (Isaiah 45:9 NASB)
Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? (Romans 9:21 ESV)
To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. (Isaiah 40:25-26 ESV)
For those who realize that God is infinitely wise and will resolve the problem of sin and suffering in His time and in His way, they would have to accept by faith that God's solution is better and His Word will ultimately come true.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NASB)
"Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete." (Genesis 15:16 NASB)
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (Revelation 21:1 ESV)
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36 ESV)
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Substitution
Below are taken from this web page "Substitution" by an ex-Roman Catholic.
QUOTE
What kind of death was the substitutionary death of Christ or how did Christ die?
1. VOLUNTARILY
John 10:11, 18 "I am the good shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. No man taketh it for me, but I lay it down of myself. I have the power to lay it down and I have the power to take it again. This commandment I have received of my Father."
2. VICARIOUSLY
Hebrews 9:26 "For then he must have often suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."
Philippians 2:5-8 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
I Peter 2:24 "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye are healed."
3. VICIOUSLY
Isaiah 50:6 "I gave my back smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face shame and spitting."
Isaiah 52:14 "As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of man:"
Matthew 26:67 "Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and other smote him with the palms of their hands."
Matthew 27:30 "And they spit upon him, and to the read, and smote him on the head."
Luke 23:33 "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."
4. VISIBLY
Psalms 22:7,8 "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake their head saying, He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: Let him deliver him seeing he delighted in him."
Matthew 27:39 "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads."
Mark 15:29 "And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroy us the Temple, and build listed in three days."
Hebrews 13:12 "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate."
5. VICTORIOUSLY
I Corinthians 15:20 "But now is Christ risen from the, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."
Matthew 28:6 "He is not here, he is risen."
Mark 16:6 "He is not here."
Luke 24:6 "He is not here, but is risen."
UNQUOTE
QUOTE
What kind of death was the substitutionary death of Christ or how did Christ die?
1. VOLUNTARILY
John 10:11, 18 "I am the good shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. No man taketh it for me, but I lay it down of myself. I have the power to lay it down and I have the power to take it again. This commandment I have received of my Father."
2. VICARIOUSLY
Hebrews 9:26 "For then he must have often suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."
Philippians 2:5-8 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
I Peter 2:24 "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye are healed."
3. VICIOUSLY
Isaiah 50:6 "I gave my back smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face shame and spitting."
Isaiah 52:14 "As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of man:"
Matthew 26:67 "Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and other smote him with the palms of their hands."
Matthew 27:30 "And they spit upon him, and to the read, and smote him on the head."
Luke 23:33 "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."
4. VISIBLY
Psalms 22:7,8 "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake their head saying, He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: Let him deliver him seeing he delighted in him."
Matthew 27:39 "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads."
Mark 15:29 "And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroy us the Temple, and build listed in three days."
Hebrews 13:12 "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate."
5. VICTORIOUSLY
I Corinthians 15:20 "But now is Christ risen from the, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."
Matthew 28:6 "He is not here, he is risen."
Mark 16:6 "He is not here."
Luke 24:6 "He is not here, but is risen."
UNQUOTE
Friday, November 15, 2013
Websites By Ex
The past two weeks, I stumbled upon two website, one by an ex-Roman Catholic and another by an ex-Muslim.
Ex-Roman Catholic
Here is a powerful refutation of the Roman Catholic Church's theology of salvation using the Bible in the web page "Faith Alone".
QUOTE
We are often told by our Catholic friends that Martin Luther invented the doctrine of "Sola Fide" or faith alone. They ask, "Show me any verse in the Bible that states "by faith alone." They often claim that Luther added the word "alone" to his translation of Romans 3:28-"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith (alone) without the deeds of the law." According to Rome, the teachings of faith alone was no where to be found for the first fifteen hundred years of church history. Furthermore Catholics claim that "by faith alone" is a false premise used by the Reformers.
The Catholic church goes one step further and pronounces a curse on anyone who believes that salvation is by grace through faith alone. This is quite evident by the following statements that are found in the Council of Trent. This Council was the nineteenth general council of the Catholic church and was convened from 1545 to 1563. Everything that was espoused in Trent was later reaffirmed in Vatican Council I (1870) and Vatican Council II (1962-1965). All of the major Catholic Catechisms quote heavily from Trent.
UNQUOTE
QUOTE
I am not interested in what Martin Luther had to say about "sola fide." I am also not interested in what the Roman Catholic church has to say about "sola fide" either. I am only interested in what the Bible has to say on the subject. I must concede that there are in fact no verses in the New Testament that specifically state the phrase "by faith alone." However the doctrine of salvation by faith alone is clearly espoused in the New Testament. Following is a litany of verses that clearly teach the doctrine of salvation by faith alone.
UNQUOTE
Ex-Muslim
In this web page "My Story", an Iraqi Christian told how he "cried to the true God of the universe, 'reveal yourself to me please, I cannot find you on my own'".
Here is an excerpt of his testimony:
QUOTE
Why was Jesus born from a virgin mother? Why is He sinless? Why did He not die? Why is He still living up in heaven? Why did He do all of these miracles? Why is He so special?
I was bewildered by the agreement between the Quran and the Gospel that Jesus was born from a virgin mother. Why did He have no father? I recalled the Islamic answer,
Verily, Jesus is as Adam in the sight of God. He created him of dust: He then said to him, “Be” – and he was. Quran 3:59
So, Jesus is like Adam! Hmm. There is only one thing making Jesus similar to Adam. They both did not have a father, but definitely Jesus is the opposite of Adam in everything else.
Adam lived in paradise, he was sinless and immortal then (he did not have to die) until he disobeyed God commandment and ate from the forbidden tree and was expelled from paradise to earth (Quran 20:115-123).
Though the Quran suggested that Allah forgave Adam, we cannot say that Adam is sinless. He is now “forgiven” not “sinless”. Living on earth, Adam did not enjoy his previous privilege in paradise, immortality. Adam now DIES.
It was clear to me, that Adam had been expelled from paradise was not the only punishment for his disobedience, he received an extra punishment: DEATH.
As children of Adam, we all die like him. In a way, we inherited death from him; in other words, we inherited Adam’s punishment.
Since God is just, we should not be punished for something we did not do; indeed none of us is capable to avoid sin. All of us have sin, one way or another. My conclusion was: we inherited the ability of sin or the nature of sin from Adam; therefore we received the just punishment of death just like him. (read my article "Adam’s Sin")
But just as by one man’s sin, death entered into mankind, is it possible that through one man’s sinlessness we could be restored back to eternal life in paradise?
The only sinless man like Adam is Jesus. He is the second and last Adam who never sinned. He indeed could restore us back to eternal life in paradise, if we believed in Him and followed Him.
I found that God’s Word in the Bible taught this concept. I was astonished and marveled as I gazed on texts talking about this exact concept. Read: Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-22,45 to find for yourself.
For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19
For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
It made sense, Jesus had to be born not from the seed of Adam so that He does not inherit the ability of sin and the punishment of death from Adam. That way He became the last sinless Adam who could restore believers back into eternity with God in paradise.
Well, I guess you know what happened after I found this truth. I simply followed the only sinless man who came from heaven and returned back to heaven believing that He will bring me into His place in heaven after I die. I followed Jesus and confessed Him to be my only Lord and my only Savior.
UNQUOTE
Ex-Roman Catholic
Here is a powerful refutation of the Roman Catholic Church's theology of salvation using the Bible in the web page "Faith Alone".
QUOTE
We are often told by our Catholic friends that Martin Luther invented the doctrine of "Sola Fide" or faith alone. They ask, "Show me any verse in the Bible that states "by faith alone." They often claim that Luther added the word "alone" to his translation of Romans 3:28-"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith (alone) without the deeds of the law." According to Rome, the teachings of faith alone was no where to be found for the first fifteen hundred years of church history. Furthermore Catholics claim that "by faith alone" is a false premise used by the Reformers.
The Catholic church goes one step further and pronounces a curse on anyone who believes that salvation is by grace through faith alone. This is quite evident by the following statements that are found in the Council of Trent. This Council was the nineteenth general council of the Catholic church and was convened from 1545 to 1563. Everything that was espoused in Trent was later reaffirmed in Vatican Council I (1870) and Vatican Council II (1962-1965). All of the major Catholic Catechisms quote heavily from Trent.
UNQUOTE
QUOTE
I am not interested in what Martin Luther had to say about "sola fide." I am also not interested in what the Roman Catholic church has to say about "sola fide" either. I am only interested in what the Bible has to say on the subject. I must concede that there are in fact no verses in the New Testament that specifically state the phrase "by faith alone." However the doctrine of salvation by faith alone is clearly espoused in the New Testament. Following is a litany of verses that clearly teach the doctrine of salvation by faith alone.
UNQUOTE
Ex-Muslim
In this web page "My Story", an Iraqi Christian told how he "cried to the true God of the universe, 'reveal yourself to me please, I cannot find you on my own'".
Here is an excerpt of his testimony:
QUOTE
Why was Jesus born from a virgin mother? Why is He sinless? Why did He not die? Why is He still living up in heaven? Why did He do all of these miracles? Why is He so special?
I was bewildered by the agreement between the Quran and the Gospel that Jesus was born from a virgin mother. Why did He have no father? I recalled the Islamic answer,
Verily, Jesus is as Adam in the sight of God. He created him of dust: He then said to him, “Be” – and he was. Quran 3:59
So, Jesus is like Adam! Hmm. There is only one thing making Jesus similar to Adam. They both did not have a father, but definitely Jesus is the opposite of Adam in everything else.
Adam lived in paradise, he was sinless and immortal then (he did not have to die) until he disobeyed God commandment and ate from the forbidden tree and was expelled from paradise to earth (Quran 20:115-123).
Though the Quran suggested that Allah forgave Adam, we cannot say that Adam is sinless. He is now “forgiven” not “sinless”. Living on earth, Adam did not enjoy his previous privilege in paradise, immortality. Adam now DIES.
It was clear to me, that Adam had been expelled from paradise was not the only punishment for his disobedience, he received an extra punishment: DEATH.
As children of Adam, we all die like him. In a way, we inherited death from him; in other words, we inherited Adam’s punishment.
Since God is just, we should not be punished for something we did not do; indeed none of us is capable to avoid sin. All of us have sin, one way or another. My conclusion was: we inherited the ability of sin or the nature of sin from Adam; therefore we received the just punishment of death just like him. (read my article "Adam’s Sin")
But just as by one man’s sin, death entered into mankind, is it possible that through one man’s sinlessness we could be restored back to eternal life in paradise?
The only sinless man like Adam is Jesus. He is the second and last Adam who never sinned. He indeed could restore us back to eternal life in paradise, if we believed in Him and followed Him.
I found that God’s Word in the Bible taught this concept. I was astonished and marveled as I gazed on texts talking about this exact concept. Read: Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-22,45 to find for yourself.
For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19
For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
It made sense, Jesus had to be born not from the seed of Adam so that He does not inherit the ability of sin and the punishment of death from Adam. That way He became the last sinless Adam who could restore believers back into eternity with God in paradise.
Well, I guess you know what happened after I found this truth. I simply followed the only sinless man who came from heaven and returned back to heaven believing that He will bring me into His place in heaven after I die. I followed Jesus and confessed Him to be my only Lord and my only Savior.
UNQUOTE
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Waiting To See God's Glory
One of our church pastors came back from his overseas mission because his father was sick. His father was a very staunch Roman Catholic, refusing to believe in the Gospel. He became very sick and was hospitalized. While the operation was successful, he is now unable to communicate. My pastor now is not sure whether his father understood what he is being told and he does not understand what his father is saying. In such desperate situation, preaching the gospel seem impossible.
The church is now praying for his healing and his salvation, which is definitely more important. I am waiting to see how God can work out of this impossible situation. Wait for further updates.
The church is now praying for his healing and his salvation, which is definitely more important. I am waiting to see how God can work out of this impossible situation. Wait for further updates.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
ISOM Survived Typhoon And Earthquake
Thank God that our Church's International School Of Mission survived Typhoon Yolanda-Haiyan (9-Nov-2013) and the earthquake at Bohol (15-Oct-2013). The building is suppose to be unsafe but God's hand was upon us.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Salvation
The main actor in the salvation of men is God and God alone.
Saved by God
God is the provider of salvation
Mechanics of Salvation - Propitiation / Substitution
Atonement: Propitiation (for Wrath of God); Substitution (for Sin of Man)
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2 KJV)
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4 KJV)
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24 KJV)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, (1 Peter 3:18 ESV)
Therefore, He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17 HCSB)
Legality of Salvation - Redemption
Jesus cancelled the record of our sin by His death, nailing it to the cross.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. (Hebrews 9:22 ESV)
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14 ESV)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7 NIV)
He was able to do so because He entered the real sanctuary in heaven.
For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:24-28 NIV)
The death of Christ completely propitiate the wrath of God and nothing else is needed.
"Τετέλεσται (It is finished)" John 19:30
τετέλεσται
τε - reduplication prefix, done in the Greek perfect tense
τελεσ - Greek perfect tense stem of τελεω which means "I finish, fulfill"; the noun version is τελος, which means "end, goal"; perfect tense is translated in English using "has been (done)"
ται - third person singular ending, or "he/she/it", depending on context
Glory of Salvation - Reconciliation
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19 ESV)
Motivation of Salvation - God's Love
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10 KJV)
Proof of Salvation - Works / Fruit
But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? (James 2:18-20 ESV)
Purpose
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:10 KJV)
Saved by God
God is the provider of salvation
- Call of Salvation - All
- Mechanics of Salvation - Propitiation / Substitution
- Legality of Salvation - Redemption
- Glory of Salvation - Reconciliation
- Motivation of Salvation - Love
- Opportunity of Salvation - Grace
- Acceptance of Salvation - Faith
- Proof of Salvation - Works / Fruit
- Purpose of Salvation - Glory
Mechanics of Salvation - Propitiation / Substitution
Atonement: Propitiation (for Wrath of God); Substitution (for Sin of Man)
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2 KJV)
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4 KJV)
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24 KJV)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, (1 Peter 3:18 ESV)
Therefore, He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17 HCSB)
Legality of Salvation - Redemption
Jesus cancelled the record of our sin by His death, nailing it to the cross.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. (Hebrews 9:22 ESV)
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14 ESV)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7 NIV)
He was able to do so because He entered the real sanctuary in heaven.
For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:24-28 NIV)
The death of Christ completely propitiate the wrath of God and nothing else is needed.
"Τετέλεσται (It is finished)" John 19:30
τετέλεσται
τε - reduplication prefix, done in the Greek perfect tense
τελεσ - Greek perfect tense stem of τελεω which means "I finish, fulfill"; the noun version is τελος, which means "end, goal"; perfect tense is translated in English using "has been (done)"
ται - third person singular ending, or "he/she/it", depending on context
Glory of Salvation - Reconciliation
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19 ESV)
Motivation of Salvation - God's Love
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10 KJV)
Proof of Salvation - Works / Fruit
But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? (James 2:18-20 ESV)
Purpose
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:10 KJV)
Sunday, November 10, 2013
The Two Mysteries
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16 ESV)
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7 ESV)
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7 ESV)
Monday, November 4, 2013
Sola Fide
The Roman Catholic Church like to say that the words "faith alone" does appear in the Bible but follows:
You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:24 ESV)
Did the Bible have any verses that declare that salvation is by faith alone? This article by an ex-Catholic gave a good answer.
You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:24 ESV)
Did the Bible have any verses that declare that salvation is by faith alone? This article by an ex-Catholic gave a good answer.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Imagining What Being God Is Like
Have you ever try to imagine what it is like to be God?
When we are one, we are one. How does it feel to be one yet three?
We exist in a container, a kind of platform, one which has space and time. We exist as a point in space and time. How does it feel to exist without a platform, without space and time?
Our world is imperfect and sinful. How is it like to be perfect?
When we are one, we are one. How does it feel to be one yet three?
We exist in a container, a kind of platform, one which has space and time. We exist as a point in space and time. How does it feel to exist without a platform, without space and time?
Our world is imperfect and sinful. How is it like to be perfect?
Friday, November 1, 2013
Sun and Moon
The sun shines with its own light. The moon reflects the light of the sun. If the moon boast of his light, it is pride. If the sun boast of his light, he is stating a fact.
When men boast of their works, it is pride. When God show forth His works, it is His glory.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
"For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"
"Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)
When men boast of their works, it is pride. When God show forth His works, it is His glory.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
"For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?"
"Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)
Sunday, October 27, 2013
You Gotta Serve Somebody
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. (Romans 6:22 ESV)
There is no freedom in this world. Before we knew Christ, we serve sin and our flesh. When we break the bondage of sin, we became slaves of Christ. So what is our job as Christ's slave? We have to obey His law.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:13-14 ESV)
There is no freedom in this world. Before we knew Christ, we serve sin and our flesh. When we break the bondage of sin, we became slaves of Christ. So what is our job as Christ's slave? We have to obey His law.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:13-14 ESV)
Sunday, October 13, 2013
A Foolish Nation
They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. (Deuteronomy 32:21 ESV)
But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, "I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry." (Romans 10:19 ESV)
Time and again, we see the Americans trying to kill themselves with some stupid act. Then they survived. It is all in the Bible. The British and the Americans are the foolish nation that God used to glorify Himself.
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 ESV)
Thus the foolish built the world's largest empire and we had to speak their language. Blessed are the foolish, because they glorify God.
But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, "I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry." (Romans 10:19 ESV)
Time and again, we see the Americans trying to kill themselves with some stupid act. Then they survived. It is all in the Bible. The British and the Americans are the foolish nation that God used to glorify Himself.
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 ESV)
Thus the foolish built the world's largest empire and we had to speak their language. Blessed are the foolish, because they glorify God.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Prayer Frequency
The Jews prayed three times a day. Muslims prayed five times a day. What is a Christian's frequency of prayer? Always!
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
祖宗十八代 - 鼻祖耳孫
From various sources in the internet:
祖宗十八代的稱呼
所謂祖宗十八代是指自己上下九代的宗族成員
上按次序稱謂：
生己者為父母，
父之父為祖，
祖父之父為曾祖，
曾祖之父為高祖，
高祖之父為天祖，
天祖之父為烈祖，
烈祖之父為太祖，
太祖之父為遠祖，
遠祖之父為鼻祖。
即：父、祖、曾、高、天、烈、太、遠、鼻。書中說：因人懷胎，鼻先受形，故鼻祖為始祖。
下按次序稱謂：
父之子為子，
子之子為孫，
孫之子為曾孫，
曾孫之子為玄孫，
玄孫之子為來孫，
來孫之子為晜孫，
晜孫之子為仍孫，
仍孫之子為雲孫，
雲孫之子為耳孫。
即：子、孫、曾、玄、來、晜、仍、雲、耳。書中說：耳孫者，謂祖甚遠，僅耳目聞之也。
亞當生塞特；塞特生以挪士；以挪士生該南；該南生瑪勒列；瑪勒列生雅列；雅列生以諾；以諾生瑪土撒拉；瑪土撒拉生拉麥；拉麥生挪亞;(歷代志上 1:1-4 《和合本》)
亞當(Adam)的兒子是塞特(Seth)、孫子是以挪士(Enosh)、曾孫是該南(Kenan)、玄孫是瑪勒列(Mahalalel)、來孫是雅列(Jared)、晜孫是以諾(Enoch)、仍孫是瑪土撒拉(Methuselah)、雲孫是拉麥(Lamech)、耳孫是挪亞(Noah)。
挪亞(Noah)的父是拉麥(Lamech)、祖父是瑪土撒拉(Methuselah)、曾祖是以諾(Enoch)、高祖是雅列(Jared)、天祖是瑪勒列(Mahalalel)、烈祖是該南(Kenan)、太祖是以挪士(Enosh)、遠祖是塞特(Seth)、鼻祖是亞當(Adam)。
祖宗十八代的稱呼
所謂祖宗十八代是指自己上下九代的宗族成員
上按次序稱謂：
生己者為父母，
父之父為祖，
祖父之父為曾祖，
曾祖之父為高祖，
高祖之父為天祖，
天祖之父為烈祖，
烈祖之父為太祖，
太祖之父為遠祖，
遠祖之父為鼻祖。
即：父、祖、曾、高、天、烈、太、遠、鼻。書中說：因人懷胎，鼻先受形，故鼻祖為始祖。
下按次序稱謂：
父之子為子，
子之子為孫，
孫之子為曾孫，
曾孫之子為玄孫，
玄孫之子為來孫，
來孫之子為晜孫，
晜孫之子為仍孫，
仍孫之子為雲孫，
雲孫之子為耳孫。
即：子、孫、曾、玄、來、晜、仍、雲、耳。書中說：耳孫者，謂祖甚遠，僅耳目聞之也。
亞當生塞特；塞特生以挪士；以挪士生該南；該南生瑪勒列；瑪勒列生雅列；雅列生以諾；以諾生瑪土撒拉；瑪土撒拉生拉麥；拉麥生挪亞;(歷代志上 1:1-4 《和合本》)
亞當(Adam)的兒子是塞特(Seth)、孫子是以挪士(Enosh)、曾孫是該南(Kenan)、玄孫是瑪勒列(Mahalalel)、來孫是雅列(Jared)、晜孫是以諾(Enoch)、仍孫是瑪土撒拉(Methuselah)、雲孫是拉麥(Lamech)、耳孫是挪亞(Noah)。
挪亞(Noah)的父是拉麥(Lamech)、祖父是瑪土撒拉(Methuselah)、曾祖是以諾(Enoch)、高祖是雅列(Jared)、天祖是瑪勒列(Mahalalel)、烈祖是該南(Kenan)、太祖是以挪士(Enosh)、遠祖是塞特(Seth)、鼻祖是亞當(Adam)。
Monday, September 16, 2013
Are You Perfect?
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 KJV)
Many non-Christians do not accept the doctrine of original sin. When you challenge them and ask them if they are perfect, they always reply, "Nobody is perfect." Some of them may assert that their religion's founder is perfect. If I ask them how they know, they will retort, "How do you know Christ is perfect?"
Jesus said He is sinless (John 8:46) but there is no way I can really know, if not for the fact that He died and was raised again on the third day. All religion's founders died and remain dead. Jesus was sinless and He cannot receive the wages of sin. He died for our sins, not for His own. Death could not keep Him.
For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23 KJV)
Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? (John 8:46 ESV)
Many non-Christians do not accept the doctrine of original sin. When you challenge them and ask them if they are perfect, they always reply, "Nobody is perfect." Some of them may assert that their religion's founder is perfect. If I ask them how they know, they will retort, "How do you know Christ is perfect?"
Jesus said He is sinless (John 8:46) but there is no way I can really know, if not for the fact that He died and was raised again on the third day. All religion's founders died and remain dead. Jesus was sinless and He cannot receive the wages of sin. He died for our sins, not for His own. Death could not keep Him.
For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23 KJV)
Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? (John 8:46 ESV)
Friday, September 13, 2013
Atheism Defined As Non-Belief
Below is a letter written by Paul Tobin, the founding president of the Humanist Society (Singapore) to Straits Times entitled "What atheism really means", published on 13th September 2013.
QUOTE
IN LAST Saturday's Supper Club interview ("'I told the minister to send me to jail'"), pastor Lawrence Khong was quoted as saying "an atheist is very religious. He has a belief system. He believes there is no God".
As the founding president of the Humanist Society (Singapore), I call myself an atheist, as do many of our members, and we find Mr Khong's understanding of the term both incorrect and misleading.
The prefix "a" in front of "theism" does not mean "the opposite of" or "against". It simply refers to the absence of theism.
As atheist comedian Ricky Gervais wittily puts it: "Saying atheism is a belief system is like saying not going skiing is a hobby. I have never been skiing. It's my biggest hobby. I literally do it all the time."
Atheism is not a belief system; it merely describes the absence of belief in god(s).
Such misunderstandings of the term "atheism", of which Mr Khong's is but one example, are very common. It is partly due to the need to correct such misconceptions that the Humanist Society (Singapore) was formed.
UNQUOTE
More quote from Ricky Gervais, serious stuff from a comedian:
QUOTE
Science doesn’t concern itself with the non-existence of something. The periodic table of imaginary things would be too big for a classroom - infinitely big in fact, and rather pointless. It’s not trying to prove the non-existence of anything supernatural. All it knows is there is no scientific proof of anything supernatural so far. When someone presents a jar of God it will test it. If it finds some evidence of "godness" it will follow the evidence till it knows everything it can.
QUOTE
IN LAST Saturday's Supper Club interview ("'I told the minister to send me to jail'"), pastor Lawrence Khong was quoted as saying "an atheist is very religious. He has a belief system. He believes there is no God".
As the founding president of the Humanist Society (Singapore), I call myself an atheist, as do many of our members, and we find Mr Khong's understanding of the term both incorrect and misleading.
The prefix "a" in front of "theism" does not mean "the opposite of" or "against". It simply refers to the absence of theism.
As atheist comedian Ricky Gervais wittily puts it: "Saying atheism is a belief system is like saying not going skiing is a hobby. I have never been skiing. It's my biggest hobby. I literally do it all the time."
Atheism is not a belief system; it merely describes the absence of belief in god(s).
Such misunderstandings of the term "atheism", of which Mr Khong's is but one example, are very common. It is partly due to the need to correct such misconceptions that the Humanist Society (Singapore) was formed.
UNQUOTE
More quote from Ricky Gervais, serious stuff from a comedian:
QUOTE
Science doesn’t concern itself with the non-existence of something. The periodic table of imaginary things would be too big for a classroom - infinitely big in fact, and rather pointless. It’s not trying to prove the non-existence of anything supernatural. All it knows is there is no scientific proof of anything supernatural so far. When someone presents a jar of God it will test it. If it finds some evidence of "godness" it will follow the evidence till it knows everything it can.
UNQUOTE
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Right View 正見 - 2
Man is the measure of all things - Protagoras
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
Human beings are men-centered. We view all things with ourselves as the center. We believe we are the judge of all things. We also make ourselves the judges of gods. We treat religion as a service or commodity for our benefit. We choose our religion like choosing a smart phone. We can choose between Samsung, Apple or HTC. We choose service provider. Our choice are based on suitability, availability and price. To us they are all the same. If it does not benefit us, we become atheists.
The Bible tells us that this is the wrong view. God is the center of all things. All things are created for His pleasure and purpose. Men were created for God's pleasure and glory, not the other way. Man-made religions made man the center of the religion. That is why all religions other than the Bible tell us that we are judged by our works. In the Bible, we are saved by God's work. He is the hero, the star of our salvation. We cannot do anything to save ourselves.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
Human beings are men-centered. We view all things with ourselves as the center. We believe we are the judge of all things. We also make ourselves the judges of gods. We treat religion as a service or commodity for our benefit. We choose our religion like choosing a smart phone. We can choose between Samsung, Apple or HTC. We choose service provider. Our choice are based on suitability, availability and price. To us they are all the same. If it does not benefit us, we become atheists.
The Bible tells us that this is the wrong view. God is the center of all things. All things are created for His pleasure and purpose. Men were created for God's pleasure and glory, not the other way. Man-made religions made man the center of the religion. That is why all religions other than the Bible tell us that we are judged by our works. In the Bible, we are saved by God's work. He is the hero, the star of our salvation. We cannot do anything to save ourselves.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
Thursday, August 29, 2013
God Always Has Our Good In His Mind - 2
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32 ESV)
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (Proverbs 3:12 KJV)
God does all things for our good even though sometimes things seem to go tough. Many times, we made prayers, but actually did not expect them to be answered because we do not believe God has our good in His heart.
James the Apostle was just executed by Herod and now Peter was arrested and put in prison. The whole church prayed for Peter.
So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. (Acts 12:5 ESV)
And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.
They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, "It is his angel!" But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. (Acts 12:13-16 ESV)
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (Proverbs 3:12 KJV)
God does all things for our good even though sometimes things seem to go tough. Many times, we made prayers, but actually did not expect them to be answered because we do not believe God has our good in His heart.
James the Apostle was just executed by Herod and now Peter was arrested and put in prison. The whole church prayed for Peter.
So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. (Acts 12:5 ESV)
Peter was released by an angel and he went back to the church (Mary, John Mark's mother's house). So the prayers of the church were answered, but they could not believe it. They did not expect a speedy answer to their prayer. Probably they thought they must pray very hard and very long before God will answer. Probably, they even thought their prayer might not even be answered and Peter will be executed like James. They were not sure. They were not expecting any good news. At least, not so fast.
They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, "It is his angel!" But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. (Acts 12:13-16 ESV)
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Freedom Without Truth
The Book of Judges is a story of a cycle of idolatry, defeat, crying out to God and deliverance. It catalogs some of the worst sins that men committed - fratricide (Judges 9:5), gang rape (Judges 19:25), civil war (Judges 20:1-48) and human sacrifice (Judges 11:39). The key verse of the book in in its last verse:
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25 KJV)
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32 KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)
Know the Truth, and you will know God, have freedom and eternal life.
If you just have freedom without truth, then your life will be more and more miserable.
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25 KJV)
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32 KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)
Know the Truth, and you will know God, have freedom and eternal life.
If you just have freedom without truth, then your life will be more and more miserable.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Living in Times of Prophetic Fulfilment
It is a privilege to be living in times when the prophecies of the Bible is being fulfilled. There are very few such times. In the past we have the following times when prophecies of God in the Bible were fulfilled:
- The first exile of Israel, the Babylonian exile of 70 years (Isaiah 39:5-7, 2 Kings 25:1-21, 2 Chronicles 36:15-21, Jeremiah 52:4-28);
- The first restoration of Israel (Jeremiah 29:10, Ezra 1:1-4);
- The first coming of the Messiah (Micah 5:2, Daniel 9:25-26);
- The second exile of Israel, the world wide exile (Deuteronomy 28:64-68).
Friday, August 16, 2013
Praying In Christ's Name
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2 KJV)
But the Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), He entered the most holy place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:11-12 HCSB)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
Sin separates us from God. Therefore, we need to pray in the name of Christ.
But the Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), He entered the most holy place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:11-12 HCSB)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
Sin separates us from God. Therefore, we need to pray in the name of Christ.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Channels, Not Reservoirs
I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice. (Genesis 22:17-18 ESV)
God answers our prayer so that we can be channels of blessings to others. God does not bless us to be a reservoir of His blessings. His name cannot be glorified by our hoarding of His blessings.
Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8 NIV)
God answers our prayer so that we can be channels of blessings to others. God does not bless us to be a reservoir of His blessings. His name cannot be glorified by our hoarding of His blessings.
Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8 NIV)
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
God Answers Prayer to Glorify Himself
God knows your need before you ask.
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:8 ESV)
God answers prayers that are asked according to His will.
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14 ESV)
God answers our prayers to glorify Himself.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13 KJV)
Therefore, God answers prayer that are prayed according to His will which is to glorify His Name. When God is glorified, we benefited.
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:8 ESV)
God answers prayers that are asked according to His will.
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14 ESV)
God answers our prayers to glorify Himself.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13 KJV)
Therefore, God answers prayer that are prayed according to His will which is to glorify His Name. When God is glorified, we benefited.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
God Always Has Our Good In His Mind - 1
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:7-11 KJV)
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:9-13 KJV)
We just cannot believe God has good intentions for us. We always think that God is reluctant to give us our desire because we know very well that we usually disobey His words. When my daughter lost her keys in the market, I prayed that she could find them, but with a secret reservation that if she cannot find it, probably God had other plans. But my prayer was answered and she found the keys. God always has our good in His mind. Somehow, our mindset is such that we refuse to believe it.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:22 KJV)
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32 KJV)
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17 NASB)
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8 ESV)
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:9-13 KJV)
We just cannot believe God has good intentions for us. We always think that God is reluctant to give us our desire because we know very well that we usually disobey His words. When my daughter lost her keys in the market, I prayed that she could find them, but with a secret reservation that if she cannot find it, probably God had other plans. But my prayer was answered and she found the keys. God always has our good in His mind. Somehow, our mindset is such that we refuse to believe it.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:22 KJV)
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32 KJV)
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17 NASB)
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8 ESV)
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Sin
The Bible's Definition of Sin
1. Transgression - to go beyond a set boundary or limit (G458 ἀνομία anomia)
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4 KJV)
2. To miss the mark (G266 ἁμαρτία hamartia)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 KJV)
Scope of Sin
1. All have sinned
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near; (1 Kings 8:46 KJV)
How can a person be justified before God? How can one born of woman be pure? (Job 25:4 HCSB)
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1 KJV)
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 53:1 KJV)
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Psalm 14:3 KJV)
Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Psalm 53:3 KJV)
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. (Psalm 143:2 KJV)
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? (Proverbs 20:9 KJV)
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV)
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Roman 3:10)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 KJV)
3. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin
The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22-23 ESV)
4. Sins of Omission
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17 KJV)
The origin of sin - How did sin begin?
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12 KJV)
Ultimate cause of sin - Unbelief
Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:1-5 NASB)
Antidote to sin - Belief
Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." (John 6:28-29 ESV)
Effects of sin
1. Separation from God - sin always destroys communion with God
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2 KJV)
2. Death
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23 KJV)
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22 KJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:13-15 NASB)
The Progression of Sin (James 1:14-15)
1. Enticed by temptation
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (James 1:14 NASB)
it gives birth to sin; (James 1:15 NASB)
4. Reaped the final fruit
and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:15 NASB)
Sources of Temptation
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:16 KJV)
1. The lust of the flesh which is the craving for physical pleasure and our selfish desires;
2. The lust of the eyes is our craving for things that we see, those that please our eyes;
3. The pride of life is pride in our achievements, possessions, lifestyle, things that puffs us up.
The Progression of Sin in Society or History
1. Rejection of God (Truth)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20 NASB)
2. Futility of Thoughts - trying to understand a world without God, recreating God in man's image
Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:24-25 NASB)
4. Perversion of Moral Standards
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. (Romans 1:26-27 NASB)
5. Approval of Sin as the New Moral Standard
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32 NASB)
Classification of Sin
Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be innocent and cleansed from blatant rebellion. (Psalm 19:12-13 HCSB)
1. Unintentional Sins (Numbers 15:22-29, Leviticus 5:17-19, 1 Timothy 1:13)
1. Transgression - to go beyond a set boundary or limit (G458 ἀνομία anomia)
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4 KJV)
2. To miss the mark (G266 ἁμαρτία hamartia)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 KJV)
Scope of Sin
1. All have sinned
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near; (1 Kings 8:46 KJV)
How can a person be justified before God? How can one born of woman be pure? (Job 25:4 HCSB)
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1 KJV)
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 53:1 KJV)
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Psalm 14:3 KJV)
Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Psalm 53:3 KJV)
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. (Psalm 143:2 KJV)
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? (Proverbs 20:9 KJV)
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV)
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Roman 3:10)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 KJV)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8 KJV)
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. (1 John 5:17 KJV)
2. All unrighteousness is sin
3. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin
The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22-23 ESV)
4. Sins of Omission
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17 KJV)
The origin of sin - How did sin begin?
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12 KJV)
Ultimate cause of sin - Unbelief
Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:1-5 NASB)
Antidote to sin - Belief
Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." (John 6:28-29 ESV)
Effects of sin
1. Separation from God - sin always destroys communion with God
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2 KJV)
2. Death
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23 KJV)
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22 KJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:13-15 NASB)
The Progression of Sin (James 1:14-15)
1. Enticed by temptation
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (James 1:14 NASB)
2. Conceived in the mind
Then when lust has conceived, (James 1:15 NASB)
3. Resulted in actionit gives birth to sin; (James 1:15 NASB)
4. Reaped the final fruit
and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:15 NASB)
Sources of Temptation
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:16 KJV)
1. The lust of the flesh which is the craving for physical pleasure and our selfish desires;
2. The lust of the eyes is our craving for things that we see, those that please our eyes;
3. The pride of life is pride in our achievements, possessions, lifestyle, things that puffs us up.
The Progression of Sin in Society or History
1. Rejection of God (Truth)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20 NASB)
2. Futility of Thoughts - trying to understand a world without God, recreating God in man's image
For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. (Romans 1:21-23 NASB)
3.Exchanged God (Truth) for Idols (Lies)Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:24-25 NASB)
4. Perversion of Moral Standards
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. (Romans 1:26-27 NASB)
5. Approval of Sin as the New Moral Standard
And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32 NASB)
Classification of Sin
Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be innocent and cleansed from blatant rebellion. (Psalm 19:12-13 HCSB)
1. Unintentional Sins (Numbers 15:22-29, Leviticus 5:17-19, 1 Timothy 1:13)
2. Willful Sins
2.1 Sins of commission
2.2 Sins of omission (James 4:17)
3. Blatant Rebellion (Numbers 15:30-31, Matthew 12:31, Revelation 14:9-11)
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Atheists Create God For Prayer
The following is quoted from an article found in The New York Times Sunday Review The Opinion Pages published on 3rd August 2013 written by Op-Ed Guest Columnist T. M. Luhrmann.
QUOTE
Addicted to Prayer
As evidence accumulates about the many health benefits of religious practice, prayer is looking better and better. Some atheists have even gone public with their own prayer-for-health’s-sake practice.
Take Sigfried Gold, the subject of a recent article in The Washington Post. He’s a thoughtful, articulate man who lives in Takoma Park, Md., and turned 50 yesterday. He is passionate about philosophy and long ago decided that there was no stuff in the universe that was not physical — no supernatural, no divine.
But he also smoked too much, and more than anything else he ate too much. He was worried that his weight — a good 100 pounds of excess fat — would kill him. So he joined a 12-step program to control his food addiction. One of the steps is to turn your problem over to a higher power. So Mr. Gold created a god he doesn’t believe exists: a large African-American lesbian with an Afro that reached the edges of the universe. (Those who find this ridiculous, if not offensive, should read "The Shack," by William P. Young, in which the Holy Trinity is a black housekeeper, a Hebrew handyman and a mystical Asian gardener with windblown hair. "The Shack" was a runaway New York Times best seller.)
Every day Mr. Gold dropped to his knees to pray, and every day he spent 30 minutes in meditative quiet time. These days Mr. Gold, who calls himself a "born-again atheist," doesn’t smoke. He doesn’t drink. And, at 5 feet 7 inches, he weighs 150 pounds.
So is there a downside? Should we all drop to our knees and pray? In general, I have to admit I’m impressed with the evidence. But it’s also true that while I was doing research on evangelical spirituality, there were times when people got so engrossed with prayer that they seemed almost addicted — so compelled to pray that they could not stop. Some called this "puking" prayer.
I was most struck by the dangers of prayer when people got deeply involved with spiritual warfare. Any Christian who treats the Bible as true in all it affirms needs to take demons seriously. In the Gospels, Jesus spends a lot of time confronting them. Many evangelicals conclude that humans live in a supernatural battlefield in which prayer attacks demons like a stun gun.
There are, indeed, evangelical organizations that teach people (often young people) how to identify and destroy demons. I met one young woman after she came back from one of those summer camps. She returned to college with a sense of purpose, and would pray intensely for hours. She would walk into a restaurant and sense an immaterial, sulfurous evil and feel that she had to pray powerfully against it. It was as though the world were drenched in darkness that no one else could see.
Soon, she found herself crying while praying; she felt God’s love so deeply that she wept with the grief of being human. But this intense need to pray also began to frighten her. "It is so crazy," she told me. "It’s like we’re addicted."
Eventually, she stopped. It was just too exhausting. Some weeks later, she remarked: "It’s so strange. You get into that zone, and you know that the students around you think about things completely differently, and you really do wonder whether you are crazy."
Whom does this intense imaginative immersion put at risk, and when? A study of the popular Internet game World of Warcraft suggests an intriguing answer.
World of Warcraft creates a landscape of craggy mountains, wastelands and castles, villages full of orcs and elves. Players create avatars who enter this world and interact with other avatars and fight monsters. It’s like finding yourself in "Lord of the Rings" and discovering that it’s your job to kill the huge venom-dripping spider that stands between you and your quest. At its peak, in 2010, there were more than 12 million players. (About half of all American adults play video games, and about one in five play almost every day or more.)
The anthropologist Jeffrey G. Snodgrass and his colleagues set out to study this complex social world. They found people who were relaxed and soothed by their play: "Sometimes I just log on late at night and go out by myself and listen to the soothing music." Others felt addicted: "Once I start playing it’s hard to tell whether or not I’ll have the willpower to stop."
What made the difference was whether people found their primary sense of self inside the game or in the world. When play seemed more important than the real world did, they felt addicted; when it enhanced their experience of reality outside the game, they felt soothed.
Prayer works in similar ways. When people use prayer to enhance their real-word selves, they feel good. When it disconnects them from the everyday, as it did for the student, they feel bad.
The imagination is a double-edged sword. It is, from a secular perspective, at the heart of what makes Mr. Gold’s god sufficiently real that he treats it as more than himself. But the capacity to make something real is not the same as the capacity to make it good or useful. That’s a caveat to bear in mind for any kind of prayerful life.
T. M. Luhrmann, a professor of anthropology at Stanford and the author of "When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship With God," is a guest columnist.
UNQUOTE
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (Romans 1:22-23 KJV)
For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:25 NASB)
QUOTE
Addicted to Prayer
As evidence accumulates about the many health benefits of religious practice, prayer is looking better and better. Some atheists have even gone public with their own prayer-for-health’s-sake practice.
Take Sigfried Gold, the subject of a recent article in The Washington Post. He’s a thoughtful, articulate man who lives in Takoma Park, Md., and turned 50 yesterday. He is passionate about philosophy and long ago decided that there was no stuff in the universe that was not physical — no supernatural, no divine.
But he also smoked too much, and more than anything else he ate too much. He was worried that his weight — a good 100 pounds of excess fat — would kill him. So he joined a 12-step program to control his food addiction. One of the steps is to turn your problem over to a higher power. So Mr. Gold created a god he doesn’t believe exists: a large African-American lesbian with an Afro that reached the edges of the universe. (Those who find this ridiculous, if not offensive, should read "The Shack," by William P. Young, in which the Holy Trinity is a black housekeeper, a Hebrew handyman and a mystical Asian gardener with windblown hair. "The Shack" was a runaway New York Times best seller.)
Every day Mr. Gold dropped to his knees to pray, and every day he spent 30 minutes in meditative quiet time. These days Mr. Gold, who calls himself a "born-again atheist," doesn’t smoke. He doesn’t drink. And, at 5 feet 7 inches, he weighs 150 pounds.
So is there a downside? Should we all drop to our knees and pray? In general, I have to admit I’m impressed with the evidence. But it’s also true that while I was doing research on evangelical spirituality, there were times when people got so engrossed with prayer that they seemed almost addicted — so compelled to pray that they could not stop. Some called this "puking" prayer.
I was most struck by the dangers of prayer when people got deeply involved with spiritual warfare. Any Christian who treats the Bible as true in all it affirms needs to take demons seriously. In the Gospels, Jesus spends a lot of time confronting them. Many evangelicals conclude that humans live in a supernatural battlefield in which prayer attacks demons like a stun gun.
There are, indeed, evangelical organizations that teach people (often young people) how to identify and destroy demons. I met one young woman after she came back from one of those summer camps. She returned to college with a sense of purpose, and would pray intensely for hours. She would walk into a restaurant and sense an immaterial, sulfurous evil and feel that she had to pray powerfully against it. It was as though the world were drenched in darkness that no one else could see.
Soon, she found herself crying while praying; she felt God’s love so deeply that she wept with the grief of being human. But this intense need to pray also began to frighten her. "It is so crazy," she told me. "It’s like we’re addicted."
Eventually, she stopped. It was just too exhausting. Some weeks later, she remarked: "It’s so strange. You get into that zone, and you know that the students around you think about things completely differently, and you really do wonder whether you are crazy."
Whom does this intense imaginative immersion put at risk, and when? A study of the popular Internet game World of Warcraft suggests an intriguing answer.
World of Warcraft creates a landscape of craggy mountains, wastelands and castles, villages full of orcs and elves. Players create avatars who enter this world and interact with other avatars and fight monsters. It’s like finding yourself in "Lord of the Rings" and discovering that it’s your job to kill the huge venom-dripping spider that stands between you and your quest. At its peak, in 2010, there were more than 12 million players. (About half of all American adults play video games, and about one in five play almost every day or more.)
The anthropologist Jeffrey G. Snodgrass and his colleagues set out to study this complex social world. They found people who were relaxed and soothed by their play: "Sometimes I just log on late at night and go out by myself and listen to the soothing music." Others felt addicted: "Once I start playing it’s hard to tell whether or not I’ll have the willpower to stop."
What made the difference was whether people found their primary sense of self inside the game or in the world. When play seemed more important than the real world did, they felt addicted; when it enhanced their experience of reality outside the game, they felt soothed.
Prayer works in similar ways. When people use prayer to enhance their real-word selves, they feel good. When it disconnects them from the everyday, as it did for the student, they feel bad.
The imagination is a double-edged sword. It is, from a secular perspective, at the heart of what makes Mr. Gold’s god sufficiently real that he treats it as more than himself. But the capacity to make something real is not the same as the capacity to make it good or useful. That’s a caveat to bear in mind for any kind of prayerful life.
T. M. Luhrmann, a professor of anthropology at Stanford and the author of "When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship With God," is a guest columnist.
UNQUOTE
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (Romans 1:22-23 KJV)
For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 1:25 NASB)
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Desmond Tutu Is Going To Hell
"I would not worship a God who is homophobic and that is how deeply I feel about this."
"I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say sorry, I mean I would much rather go to the other place."
Desmond Tutu on 26th July 2013 Friday at the launch of a United Nations gay equality campaign in Cape Town
But Desmond Tutu has a big problem. First, there is only one God.
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: (Isaiah 45:5 KJV)
And He is homophobic.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22 KJV)
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13 KJV)
And His Heaven is homophobic.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB)
Desmond Tutu may be a Nobel Laureate, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, but he may get his wish of going the other place, where homosexuals exist, but love does not exist.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV)
O Archbishop Emeritus, why fight against the clear commandment of God? Repent and live!
Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? (Ezekiel 18:23 ESV)
Above all, Archbishop Emeritus, do not have such a low opinion of God. Always remember, God's purpose in creation is to glorify His great Name.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
"I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say sorry, I mean I would much rather go to the other place."
Desmond Tutu on 26th July 2013 Friday at the launch of a United Nations gay equality campaign in Cape Town
But Desmond Tutu has a big problem. First, there is only one God.
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: (Isaiah 45:5 KJV)
And He is homophobic.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22 KJV)
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13 KJV)
And His Heaven is homophobic.
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB)
Desmond Tutu may be a Nobel Laureate, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, but he may get his wish of going the other place, where homosexuals exist, but love does not exist.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV)
O Archbishop Emeritus, why fight against the clear commandment of God? Repent and live!
Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? (Ezekiel 18:23 ESV)
Above all, Archbishop Emeritus, do not have such a low opinion of God. Always remember, God's purpose in creation is to glorify His great Name.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11 KJV)
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Sacrifice
God demands sacrifice.
Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. (Deuteronomy 16:16 ESV)
God does not desire sacrifice.
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17 KJV)
Some thought that God need sacrifice and would be happy to have lots of it.
To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. (Isaiah 1:11 KJV)
The message of Moses:
Redemption (Exodus 12)
Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. (Deuteronomy 16:16 ESV)
God does not desire sacrifice.
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17 KJV)
Some thought that God need sacrifice and would be happy to have lots of it.
To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. (Isaiah 1:11 KJV)
The message of Moses:
Redemption (Exodus 12)
Law (Exodus 20)
Sacrifice (Exodus 25 - Leviticus 27)
QUOTE
Every religion has its outward forms and it is easy for people to confuse the outward forms for the reality for what it represents. For e.g. in the Christian faith, water baptism is but a reflection of the Spirit baptism that every Christian receives when he embraced the faith. And Spirit baptism is essentially the regeneration of a Christian. Hence to be baptized in water without experiencing true conversion is of no value at all. Water baptism is just the outward form no better than taking a bath, but regeneration is the inward reality experienced by the believer and the reality is that of becoming a new creature in Christ.
UNQUOTE
VOICE OF JESUS SAVES MISSION SINGAPORE Vol. 22 No. 29 dated 21 July, 2013
QUOTE
Every religion has its outward forms and it is easy for people to confuse the outward forms for the reality for what it represents. For e.g. in the Christian faith, water baptism is but a reflection of the Spirit baptism that every Christian receives when he embraced the faith. And Spirit baptism is essentially the regeneration of a Christian. Hence to be baptized in water without experiencing true conversion is of no value at all. Water baptism is just the outward form no better than taking a bath, but regeneration is the inward reality experienced by the believer and the reality is that of becoming a new creature in Christ.
UNQUOTE
VOICE OF JESUS SAVES MISSION SINGAPORE Vol. 22 No. 29 dated 21 July, 2013
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Christianity Is An Auditable Religion
There is a web page titled "Christianity, the World’s Most Falsifiable Religion." Actually, I think a better title would be "Christianity, the World’s Most Auditable Religion." Christianity would pass any audit, unlike many religions. Here are two interesting pictures from the above website on how religions are started:
In fact, the three major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam are auditable, but one of them will fail the audit.
Old Testament
The authority of Moses as the prophet of God was established publicly in the sight of all Israel and Egypt.
No prophet has arisen again in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unparalleled for all the signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do against the land of Egypt—to Pharaoh, to all his officials, and to all his land, and for all the mighty acts of power and terrifying deeds that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12 HCSB)
New Testament
As shown in the cartoon above, the authority of Jesus as the Son of God was established publicly.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV)
Quran
The Quran was given privately to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel, who then told his followers what the angel told him. We have no way to audit if the angel really did speak to him and if the words spoken were faithfully transmitted.
In fact, the three major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam are auditable, but one of them will fail the audit.
Old Testament
The authority of Moses as the prophet of God was established publicly in the sight of all Israel and Egypt.
No prophet has arisen again in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unparalleled for all the signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do against the land of Egypt—to Pharaoh, to all his officials, and to all his land, and for all the mighty acts of power and terrifying deeds that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12 HCSB)
New Testament
As shown in the cartoon above, the authority of Jesus as the Son of God was established publicly.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV)
Quran
The Quran was given privately to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel, who then told his followers what the angel told him. We have no way to audit if the angel really did speak to him and if the words spoken were faithfully transmitted.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Marriage
Marriage's fundamental motivation must be to glorify God.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Love
We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NASB)
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15 KJV)
Companionship
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24 KJV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV)
Procreation
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:27-28 KJV)
Sex
Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4 NASB)
Conditions
1. There is One that you need to love more than your spouse
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV)
2. Your partner must also agree to rule number one
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)
3. There is hierarchy in marriage
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22 ESV)
4. There is sacrifice in marriage
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, (Ephesians 5:25 NASB)
5. It is life long
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:4-6 KJV)
6. There are those whom you cannot marry
None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives to uncover nakedness. I am the Lord. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, which is the nakedness of your mother; she is your mother, you shall not uncover her nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife; it is your father's nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father's daughter or your mother's daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son's daughter or of your daughter's daughter, for their nakedness is your own nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife's daughter, brought up in your father's family, since she is your sister. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister; she is your father's relative. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister, for she is your mother's relative. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother, that is, you shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law; she is your son's wife, you shall not uncover her nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and of her daughter, and you shall not take her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter to uncover her nakedness; they are relatives; it is depravity. And you shall not take a woman as a rival wife to her sister, uncovering her nakedness while her sister is still alive. (Leviticus 18:6-18 ESV)
Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14 KJV)
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22 KJV)
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13 KJV)
And you shall not lie with any animal and so make yourself unclean with it, neither shall any woman give herself to an animal to lie with it: it is perversion. (Leviticus 18:23 ESV)
Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death. (Exodus 22:19 ESV)
"Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal." And all the people shall say, "Amen." (Deuteronomy 27:21 ESV)
If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal. If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20:15-16 ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Love
We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NASB)
If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15 KJV)
Companionship
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24 KJV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV)
Procreation
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:27-28 KJV)
Sex
Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4 NASB)
Conditions
1. There is One that you need to love more than your spouse
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV)
2. Your partner must also agree to rule number one
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)
3. There is hierarchy in marriage
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22 ESV)
4. There is sacrifice in marriage
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, (Ephesians 5:25 NASB)
5. It is life long
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:4-6 KJV)
6. There are those whom you cannot marry
None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives to uncover nakedness. I am the Lord. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, which is the nakedness of your mother; she is your mother, you shall not uncover her nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife; it is your father's nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father's daughter or your mother's daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son's daughter or of your daughter's daughter, for their nakedness is your own nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife's daughter, brought up in your father's family, since she is your sister. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister; she is your father's relative. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister, for she is your mother's relative. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother, that is, you shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law; she is your son's wife, you shall not uncover her nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness. You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and of her daughter, and you shall not take her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter to uncover her nakedness; they are relatives; it is depravity. And you shall not take a woman as a rival wife to her sister, uncovering her nakedness while her sister is still alive. (Leviticus 18:6-18 ESV)
Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14 KJV)
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22 KJV)
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13 KJV)
And you shall not lie with any animal and so make yourself unclean with it, neither shall any woman give herself to an animal to lie with it: it is perversion. (Leviticus 18:23 ESV)
Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death. (Exodus 22:19 ESV)
"Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal." And all the people shall say, "Amen." (Deuteronomy 27:21 ESV)
If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal. If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20:15-16 ESV)
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Eternal Life
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:36 ESV)
"For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:40 NASB)
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (John 6:47-51 ESV)
So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." (John 6:53-58 ESV)
Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death. (John 8:51 NASB)
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26 NASB)
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:36 ESV)
"For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:40 NASB)
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (John 6:47-51 ESV)
So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." (John 6:53-58 ESV)
Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death. (John 8:51 NASB)
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26 NASB)
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Dependency
I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. (John 5:30 ESV)
Dependency is such a hard thing. We love freedom and independence. At worst, we want to be interdependent. We do not like the idea of being dependent. But Jesus said that He can do nothing by Himself. He does the will of God who sent Him.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5 KJV)
Dependency is such a hard thing. We love freedom and independence. At worst, we want to be interdependent. We do not like the idea of being dependent. But Jesus said that He can do nothing by Himself. He does the will of God who sent Him.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5 KJV)
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Sexual Perversions
Sex is only allowed between married couples. One man can only have one wife.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24 NASB)
Men sinned and refused to obey God.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Romans 1:26-27 KJV)
And these shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV)
We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching based on the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me. (1 Timothy 1:9-11 HCSB)
Against adultery
If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. (Deuteronomy 22:22 KJV)
If there is a man who commits adultery with another man's wife, one who commits adultery with his friend's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. (Leviticus 20:10 NASB)
Against incest
No one is allowed to approach any blood relative for sexual contact: I am the Lord. You must not uncover your father’s nakedness, which is your mother’s nakedness. She is your mother; you must not have sexual contact with her. You must not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife; it is your father’s nakedness. You must not have sexual contact with your sister—regardless of whether she is your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether born into the same household as you or outside it. You must not have sexual contact with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, because their nakedness is your own nakedness. You must not have sexual contact with the daughter of your father’s wife, who was born into your father’s family; she is your sister. You must not have sexual contact with your father’s sister; she is your father’s blood relative. You must not have sexual contact with your mother’s sister because she is your mother’s blood relative. You will not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother—that is, you will not approach his wife for sex; she is your aunt. You must not have sexual contact with your daughter-in-law; she is your son’s wife. You must not have sexual contact with her. You will not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness.
You must not have sexual contact with a woman and her daughter. You will not marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter, thereby uncovering her nakedness. They are her blood relatives; it is shameful. You must not marry your wife’s sister as a rival and have sexual contact with her while her sister is alive. (Leviticus 18:6-18 CEB)
Against fornication
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18 KJV)
Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. (1 Corinthians 10:8)
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; (Ephesians 5:3 KJV)
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (Colossians 3:5 KJV)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: (1 Thessalonians 4:3 KJV)
Against sodomy
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22 KJV)
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13 KJV)
Against beastility
And you shall not lie with any animal and so make yourself unclean with it, neither shall any woman give herself to an animal to lie with it: it is perversion. (Leviticus 18:23 ESV)
Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death. (Exodus 22:19 ESV)
"Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal." And all the people shall say, "Amen." (Deuteronomy 27:21 ESV)
If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal. If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20:15-16 ESV)
In 1960s, fornication became mainstream.
In 2010s, sodomy became mainstream.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24 NASB)
Men sinned and refused to obey God.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (Romans 1:26-27 KJV)
And these shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV)
We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching based on the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me. (1 Timothy 1:9-11 HCSB)
Against adultery
If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. (Deuteronomy 22:22 KJV)
If there is a man who commits adultery with another man's wife, one who commits adultery with his friend's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. (Leviticus 20:10 NASB)
Against incest
No one is allowed to approach any blood relative for sexual contact: I am the Lord. You must not uncover your father’s nakedness, which is your mother’s nakedness. She is your mother; you must not have sexual contact with her. You must not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife; it is your father’s nakedness. You must not have sexual contact with your sister—regardless of whether she is your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether born into the same household as you or outside it. You must not have sexual contact with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, because their nakedness is your own nakedness. You must not have sexual contact with the daughter of your father’s wife, who was born into your father’s family; she is your sister. You must not have sexual contact with your father’s sister; she is your father’s blood relative. You must not have sexual contact with your mother’s sister because she is your mother’s blood relative. You will not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother—that is, you will not approach his wife for sex; she is your aunt. You must not have sexual contact with your daughter-in-law; she is your son’s wife. You must not have sexual contact with her. You will not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness.
You must not have sexual contact with a woman and her daughter. You will not marry her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter, thereby uncovering her nakedness. They are her blood relatives; it is shameful. You must not marry your wife’s sister as a rival and have sexual contact with her while her sister is alive. (Leviticus 18:6-18 CEB)
Against fornication
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18 KJV)
Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. (1 Corinthians 10:8)
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; (Ephesians 5:3 KJV)
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (Colossians 3:5 KJV)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: (1 Thessalonians 4:3 KJV)
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22 KJV)
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13 KJV)
Against beastility
And you shall not lie with any animal and so make yourself unclean with it, neither shall any woman give herself to an animal to lie with it: it is perversion. (Leviticus 18:23 ESV)
Whoever lies with an animal shall be put to death. (Exodus 22:19 ESV)
"Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal." And all the people shall say, "Amen." (Deuteronomy 27:21 ESV)
If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal. If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20:15-16 ESV)
In 1960s, fornication became mainstream.
In 2010s, sodomy became mainstream.
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