Surprisingly, some skeptics claim that Jesus didn’t exist, though to do so they have to reject the entire New Testament historical record. The New Testament contains hundreds of references to Jesus Christ, and in terms of ancient manuscript evidence, this is extraordinarily strong proof of the existence of a man named Jesus of Nazareth in the early first century A.D.
While skeptics may choose to reject the Bible’s moral message, they cannot deny its historical accuracy. Over 25,000 archaeological finds demonstrate that the people, places, and events mentioned in the Bible are real and are accurately described. No archaeological finding has ever refuted the Bible. In fact, the descriptions in the Bible have often led archaeologists to amazing discoveries. Non-Christian journalist Jeffery Sheler, author of the book Is the Bible True?, concluded, “In extraordinary ways, modern archeology is affirming the historical core of the Old and New Testaments, supporting key portions of crucial biblical stories.”
In addition, a surprising amount of information about Jesus can be drawn from secular historical sources. According to Richard M. Fales, “Writings confirming His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection include Flavius Josephus (A.D. 93), the Babylonian Talmud (A.D. 70–200), Pliny the Younger’s letter to the Emperor Trajan (approx. A.D. 100), the Annals of Tacitus (A.D. 115–117), Mara Bar Serapion (sometime after A.D. 73), and Suetonius’ Life of Claudius and Life of Nero (A.D. 120).”
The first-century Roman Tacitus, considered one of the more accurate historians of the ancient world, mentioned superstitious “Christians,” named after Christus (Latin for Christ), who was executed by Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius. Suetonius, chief secretary to Emperor Hadrian, wrote of a man named Chrestus (Christ) who lived during the first century (Roman Annals 15.44). Renowned Jewish historian Josephus wrote:
Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man [if it be lawful to call him a man], for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. [He was the Messiah.] And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him [for he appeared to them alive again at the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him]. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this date.
1 John 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God..
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wretched: God's goodness is that good.
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you!-Walking In The Way
Too Far Gone
 |
| Lost in the Wilderness... |
I was just praying this evening and it seemed good to me to write this. I don't know who needs this, or what exactly this is for, but I felt strongly led to just tell you, "You are not too far gone!". It doesn't matter what you have done, what you are doing, or what you plan to do in the near future, but you are NOT too far gone to be saved. Maybe someone was wondering this tonight, I don't really know. No matter what anyone else has told you, you are not too far gone to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ! Whatever you sins might be, He is willing to forgive them, past, present, and future, if you would just turn from you rebellious, sinful ways, and but your whole trust in Him that has already paid the price for those sins. You don't have a special sin! You don't have a terrible habit! You don't have some sort of birth thing that makes you do it! You have sin, and if you will just humble yourself before All Mighty God, He is willing to forgive you and adopt you as His child. The minute you repent (turn away from your sins) and put your faith in Jesus Christ, God will grant you the gift of eternal life. It's a gift! You can't earn it! You don't deserve it, but He gives it too you free. Walk away from it! Get away from it! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!! Because this is about your life! Where ever you are in the world that needed this, God is calling you right now. He knows everything about you, according to the Bible even the hairs on your head are numbered to Him. You don't need self help books, you don't need a therapist, you don't need man! YOU NEED GOD!!!
You might not even understand this right now, and that's fine. But you've been thinking about it and you know your heart's not right with God. Don't wait, do it today! Life is but a vapor, make it a matter of urgent prayer! If you have a Bible, we ask that you open it up and start by reading the book of John. Know that where ever you are, who ever you are. We here at Walking In The Way are praying for you.
If this ministry (through God) has helped you in any way this past year, please email us at walkingntheway@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you. Take care and God bless!
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you! -Walking In The Way
Friday, December 30, 2011
Karma
Karma. It is popular in Western culture to embrace something called “karma.” Hindus, Buddhists, New Agers, and others believe in this concept of a cycle of cause and effect. It is popular because it sounds reasonable—you bear the consequences for your own actions—and seems to give an explanation for suffering. The problem with the philosophy of karma is that it is tied to the error of reincarnation. Supposedly what you did in your past life affects you now, and what you do in this life will determine your future reincarnation.
The idea of karma requires an impersonal “force” that is able to see all people everywhere, keep track of all their deeds, determine whether each is good or bad, tally the results to see if each individual should be rewarded or punished, and assign their identity in the next life. That would require an entity that is eternal, intelligent, omniscient, omnipotent, moral, fair, and just. This describes our holy, righteous Judge rather than some unknowable, impersonal, universal force.
Although the idea of karma is erroneous, we can use it as a springboard for witnessing. If you encounter people who embrace the concept, simply ask them how they are doing—are they living a good life? How do they think they will do in the next? Most believe they are doing okay. Then say, “Let’s suppose that there is a heaven. Do you think you are good enough to get in? Are you a good person?” Take them through the Ten Commandments to show God’s perfect standard, and then tell them about grace, repentance, and faith.
Obadiah1:15 For the day of the Lord upon all the nations is near; As you have done, it shall be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.
The idea of karma requires an impersonal “force” that is able to see all people everywhere, keep track of all their deeds, determine whether each is good or bad, tally the results to see if each individual should be rewarded or punished, and assign their identity in the next life. That would require an entity that is eternal, intelligent, omniscient, omnipotent, moral, fair, and just. This describes our holy, righteous Judge rather than some unknowable, impersonal, universal force.
Although the idea of karma is erroneous, we can use it as a springboard for witnessing. If you encounter people who embrace the concept, simply ask them how they are doing—are they living a good life? How do they think they will do in the next? Most believe they are doing okay. Then say, “Let’s suppose that there is a heaven. Do you think you are good enough to get in? Are you a good person?” Take them through the Ten Commandments to show God’s perfect standard, and then tell them about grace, repentance, and faith.
Obadiah1:15 For the day of the Lord upon all the nations is near; As you have done, it shall be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.
Why we have the Bible
These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God . . .
–John 20:31
God caused the Bible to be written for the express purpose of revealing to us God’s plan for His redemption. God caused the Book to be written that He might make His everlasting laws clear to His children, and that they might have His great wisdom to guide them, and His great love to comfort them as they make their way through life. For without the Bible this world would indeed be a dark and frightening place, without signpost or beacon. The Bible easily qualifies as the only book in which God’s revelation is contained.
There are many bibles of different religions; there is the Mohammedan Koran, the Buddhist Canon of Sacred Scripture, the Zoroastrian Zend-Avesta, and the Brahman Veda . . . They all begin with some flashes of true light, and end in utter darkness. Even the most casual observer soon discovers that the Bible is radically different. It is the only Book that offers redemption to us and points the way out of our dilemma.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, as I read Your Word, Your truth shines through and illuminates a dark world.
–John 20:31
God caused the Bible to be written for the express purpose of revealing to us God’s plan for His redemption. God caused the Book to be written that He might make His everlasting laws clear to His children, and that they might have His great wisdom to guide them, and His great love to comfort them as they make their way through life. For without the Bible this world would indeed be a dark and frightening place, without signpost or beacon. The Bible easily qualifies as the only book in which God’s revelation is contained.
There are many bibles of different religions; there is the Mohammedan Koran, the Buddhist Canon of Sacred Scripture, the Zoroastrian Zend-Avesta, and the Brahman Veda . . . They all begin with some flashes of true light, and end in utter darkness. Even the most casual observer soon discovers that the Bible is radically different. It is the only Book that offers redemption to us and points the way out of our dilemma.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, as I read Your Word, Your truth shines through and illuminates a dark world.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
How long is a day
Did God create the whole universe, including the original plants, animals, and first two people (Adam and Eve) in six literal 24-hour days? Or did creation take place over millions of years?
Everywhere else in the Old Testament, when the Hebrew word for “day” (yom) appears with “evening” or “morning” or is modified by a number (e.g., “sixth day” or “five days”), it always means a 24-hour day.
There is no biblical or scientific reason to be ashamed of believing in a recent six-day creation. God has spoken clearly and truthfully. Will you trust His Word over the arrogant claims of sinful men? By Dr. Terry Mortenson, Answers in Genesis
Genesis 1:5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.
You are out of control
I had to smile the other day. I looked up the term "Homo sapiens." This is what it said: "A human being, also human or man, is a member of a species of bipedal primates in the family Homo sapiens - Latin: "wise human" or "knowing human" ... Humans have a highly developed brain."
Man believes that he is related to primates, and in the same breath he describes himself as having a highly developed brain. "Highly developed" is a relative term. Compared to what? Can a man catch a Frisbee in his mouth six feet off the ground? Can he single-handedly round up a thousand sheep, sniff out illegal drugs hidden deep within a suitcase, or hear the faintest sound of a burglar open a door in the early hours of the morning? Or can he fly with the agility of a common sparrow?
Do you think that you are a wise human with a highly developed brain? Are you the master of your own destiny and therefore in complete control? Then let me remind you that you are not. You have no control over your breathing. Your lungs start and stop irrespective of your will. So does your blinking and your swallowing. You can't stop yourself from sleeping or even from dreaming. You probably couldn't even stop a hiccup, a sneeze, or a yawn ... if your life depended on it. Even the mention of the word "yawn" is probably setting you off on one right now. Yawn. Think of it.
Your heart, liver,pancreas, gallbladder, etc., all function irrespective of your will. You don't even have complete control over your daily bodily functions. You have to go. You can't even stop yourself from thinking. Try it. Think of nothing. Bet you can't. Your subconscious voice talks to you incessantly, whether you want it to or not.
We are not the ones who are in control. God is. He gave us life, set us in motion as human beings, and He is the One who says when our number is up. So stop professing yourself to be wise, and instead do what the Bible says: "Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise" (1 Corinthians 3:18).
The wonderful irony is that the Bible compares man to a helpless worm (see Job 25:5-6), and yet at the same time says that this helpless worm is of great value to God, simply because God is love. This value was revealed once and for all by the fact that our Creator became a lowly human being and gave His life on the cross, so that we could be forgiven our sins and granted the gift of eternal life. So be a wise human; take the time to read the New Testament for details.
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you! -Walking In The Way
The Sensitive subject of Homosexuality
The world may ask, "What's wrong with being transsexual, bisexual, or homosexual? After all, people can't help the way they are born." Do you have a ready answer? This line of reasoning may help you lead the questioner to the truth.
To answer this question, let me ask you another question. Are there such things as moral absolutes? Is there an absolute right and an absolute wrong? Is murder wrong? Is it ever morally okay to murder another human being? Is rape wrong? When would it be morally right to rape a woman? Is pedophilia wrong? If you say these things are absolutely wrong, the next question is, Who says that they are wrong? From where do you get this moral compass that determines if something is right, or if it's wrong?
If you leave God and the Ten Commandments out of the picture, you will more than likely say that these practices are wrong because society says they are. It is the majority that rules. If that's what you believe, then you have to concede that what Hitler did was morally okay. He killed eleven million people—six million Jews, and the rest were homosexuals, gypsies, blacks, Jehovah's Witnesses, the mentally and physically handicapped, and anyone else who disagreed with him. Hitler did what he did with the sanction of the German people. He was voted in as the supreme ruler, and what he did was therefore legal. So according to your philosophy what he did wasn't wrong. That's the corner into which we paint ourselves, if we say that morality is determined by the majority. We believe that might is right.
Before 1962, the crime of sodomy was a felony in every state in the U.S., punishable by a long term in prison, often with hard labor. The majority said that sodomy was extremely wrong, but society's perception toward it has radically changed.
The problem with a society that has no moral absolutes is that it predictably slides down a path of degeneration. It doesn't become morally better; it becomes worse. Nazism and pedophilia become the norm, and consequently, the Bible is hated because it condemns any form of immorality. It tells us that there are moral absolutes; that it is always wrong to murder, rape, and commit adultery; and that God will bring to judgment all those who violate those precepts. It seems a statement of their absolute and unchanging nature, that God Himself wrote the Ten Commandments in stone. Then He added that we violate them by mere thought. If we hate someone, we are a murderer; if we lust, we commit adultery in the heart.
I have often said that the city in which I live doesn't really have a smog problem. Each day I walk outside into the fresh morning air, the sky is blue and the air is clean. All around me, though, I can see a brown haze on the horizon—it is the cities around us that have a smog problem. We certainly don't.
But if I get to 10,000 feet in a plane and look down on the area, I can see a brown smog covering the whole of Los Angeles. When I'm in it, I don't see it, but when I'm above it I can see all things clearly. Look now at the smog of sin, from God's high point of view:
So, how can you inoffensively tell a homosexual the good news that he can have everlasting life, without offending him? How do you convince him that he must repent of all sin (including his homosexuality) and trust in Jesus alone? The answer is in this verse:
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you! -Walking In The Way
To answer this question, let me ask you another question. Are there such things as moral absolutes? Is there an absolute right and an absolute wrong? Is murder wrong? Is it ever morally okay to murder another human being? Is rape wrong? When would it be morally right to rape a woman? Is pedophilia wrong? If you say these things are absolutely wrong, the next question is, Who says that they are wrong? From where do you get this moral compass that determines if something is right, or if it's wrong?
If you leave God and the Ten Commandments out of the picture, you will more than likely say that these practices are wrong because society says they are. It is the majority that rules. If that's what you believe, then you have to concede that what Hitler did was morally okay. He killed eleven million people—six million Jews, and the rest were homosexuals, gypsies, blacks, Jehovah's Witnesses, the mentally and physically handicapped, and anyone else who disagreed with him. Hitler did what he did with the sanction of the German people. He was voted in as the supreme ruler, and what he did was therefore legal. So according to your philosophy what he did wasn't wrong. That's the corner into which we paint ourselves, if we say that morality is determined by the majority. We believe that might is right.
Before 1962, the crime of sodomy was a felony in every state in the U.S., punishable by a long term in prison, often with hard labor. The majority said that sodomy was extremely wrong, but society's perception toward it has radically changed.
The problem with a society that has no moral absolutes is that it predictably slides down a path of degeneration. It doesn't become morally better; it becomes worse. Nazism and pedophilia become the norm, and consequently, the Bible is hated because it condemns any form of immorality. It tells us that there are moral absolutes; that it is always wrong to murder, rape, and commit adultery; and that God will bring to judgment all those who violate those precepts. It seems a statement of their absolute and unchanging nature, that God Himself wrote the Ten Commandments in stone. Then He added that we violate them by mere thought. If we hate someone, we are a murderer; if we lust, we commit adultery in the heart.
I have often said that the city in which I live doesn't really have a smog problem. Each day I walk outside into the fresh morning air, the sky is blue and the air is clean. All around me, though, I can see a brown haze on the horizon—it is the cities around us that have a smog problem. We certainly don't.
But if I get to 10,000 feet in a plane and look down on the area, I can see a brown smog covering the whole of Los Angeles. When I'm in it, I don't see it, but when I'm above it I can see all things clearly. Look now at the smog of sin, from God's high point of view:
The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one. (Psalm 14:2,3)From our low viewpoint, there are many good people. But when we see it from God's point of view, we see ourselves in truth. Again, in God's eyes adultery is always wrong. Rape is always wrong. Murder is always and absolutely wrong. So is lust, hatred, lying, stealing, greed, ingratitude to God, and blasphemy. All these things are morally wrong, even though society may say that they are acceptable because they have become normal modern human behavior. So, is homosexuality morally wrong in God's eyes? This is God's point of view:
Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)Homosexuals are "born that way." We are all born with a sinful nature. All of us are born with a propensity to steer into adultery, lying, stealing, fornication, homosexuality, etc. We are born sinners, and that's why we must be "born again." When we are born of the Spirit of God (see John chapter 3) we will have God's normal—desires that please Him.
So, how can you inoffensively tell a homosexual the good news that he can have everlasting life, without offending him? How do you convince him that he must repent of all sin (including his homosexuality) and trust in Jesus alone? The answer is in this verse:
But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. (1 Timothy 1:8–10)When the Bible speaks here of "the law" it is referring to the Moral Law—the Ten Commandments. This is what Jesus used in Mark 10:17 and Paul used in Romans 2:20 to show sinners the nature of sin. If you take the time to do what Jesus and Paul did, and take a homosexual through the Ten Commandments, you can convince him (with God's help) that he is a sinner—a liar, a thief, and a blasphemer—who is in desperate need of a Savior or he will justly end up in Hell. And you haven't even mentioned homosexuality; and the reason you have done this is because "the law is not made for a righteous person, but…for sodomites…"
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you! -Walking In The Way
You can not out give God
A tenth of the produce of the land . . . is the Lord’s.
–Leviticus 27:30 (TLB)
We are to be stewards of our money. When it is invested and shared for the glory of God, it can be a boon and a blessing. I know a businessman in Detroit, Michigan, who made a promise to God that he would tithe his entire income to the work of the Lord. He said his business had tripled, and that God had more than fulfilled His end of the bargain.
Some time ago I heard from a laborer in the San Joaquin Valley of California who said that he and his wife agreed to give one tenth of their income to the Lord. At the time they made their decision, he was able to get work only about seven months of the year. Now he says he has steady work, and is earning nearly twice what he was before. You cannot get around it; the Scripture promises material and spiritual benefits to the man who gives to God.
You cannot out-give God. I challenge you to try it and see.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have wanted to keep that which is rightfully Yours.
–Leviticus 27:30 (TLB)
We are to be stewards of our money. When it is invested and shared for the glory of God, it can be a boon and a blessing. I know a businessman in Detroit, Michigan, who made a promise to God that he would tithe his entire income to the work of the Lord. He said his business had tripled, and that God had more than fulfilled His end of the bargain.
Some time ago I heard from a laborer in the San Joaquin Valley of California who said that he and his wife agreed to give one tenth of their income to the Lord. At the time they made their decision, he was able to get work only about seven months of the year. Now he says he has steady work, and is earning nearly twice what he was before. You cannot get around it; the Scripture promises material and spiritual benefits to the man who gives to God.
You cannot out-give God. I challenge you to try it and see.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have wanted to keep that which is rightfully Yours.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Nature reveals cruelty not the hand of God
Atheist George Carlin (who passed into eternity in 2008) said, “But I want you to know something, this is sincere, I want you to know, when it comes to believing in God, I really tried. I really, really tried. I tried to believe that there is a God, who created each of us in His own image and likeness, loves us very much, and keeps a close eye on things. I really tried to believe that, but I gotta tell you, the longer you live, the more you look around, the more you realize, something is...wrong here. War, disease, death, destruction, hunger, filth, poverty, torture, crime, corruption... Something is definitely wrong. This is not good work. If this is the best God can do, I am not impressed.”
When an atheist rejects Genesis 1 (about creation), he automatically rejects Genesis 3 (about the “Fall” of mankind). God created all things perfect, but when Adam sinned against God, it brought God’s curse on all of creation. Thus, disease, suffering, pain, and death are ultimately the fault of man, not God. Reject that explanation and you end up with a philosophy similar to George Carlin. The sufferings of this world shouldn’t be used as an excuse to reject the Scriptures, but should be seen as very real evidence that what the Bible says is true.
Cure for our troubles
Would it not be wonderful if we could find an absolute cure for the troubles of human nature? Suppose we could give a shot in the arm to the whole human race that would fill people with love instead of hate, with contentment instead of greed. Suppose, also, a cure could be found for the past mistakes, failures, and sins of mankind.
Suppose by some miracle all the past could be straightened out, all of life’s tangles could be unraveled, and the broken strings of life could be repaired. The most thrilling news in all the world is the fact that there is a cure! A medicine has been provided! The sin, confusion, and disillusionment of life can be replaced by righteousness, joy, contentment, and happiness. A peace can be imparted to the soul that is not dependent on outward circumstances.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
In complete dependence upon You, Lord Jesus, let me relay Your message of love and peace to the desperately needy souls I meet.
Suppose by some miracle all the past could be straightened out, all of life’s tangles could be unraveled, and the broken strings of life could be repaired. The most thrilling news in all the world is the fact that there is a cure! A medicine has been provided! The sin, confusion, and disillusionment of life can be replaced by righteousness, joy, contentment, and happiness. A peace can be imparted to the soul that is not dependent on outward circumstances.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
In complete dependence upon You, Lord Jesus, let me relay Your message of love and peace to the desperately needy souls I meet.
Getting away with it
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3
If that doesn't make you tremble, it should! Johnny Cash wrote a song and some of the lyrics are "you can run on for a long time, but sooner or later God will cut them down". He later says in the "what's done in the dark, will be brought to the light". God sees everything, every deed done, every thought, ever...y intent of the heart. We should have a fear of the Lord. It's healthy. The Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Don't think God is just sitting up in the clouds like some divine genie waiting to grant your every wish, but He is a God of wrath, and judgement, and vengeance belongs to Him. He has appointed a day which He will judge the world in righteousness. Think of it like this, God watches your life like you watch a movie, but He not only sees the actions on the screen, but also every thought you have in your movie is also played out too. So what should a holy, just, and good God due with such a wicked character? But some would argue that God is a God mercy, love, and goodness, and that's true. The only reason you can even take that next breath is because He allows you to. But the very thing most are banking on, His goodness, is the exact thing that's going to condemn you on the day of judgement. Get your heart right with God, and do it today!
If that doesn't make you tremble, it should! Johnny Cash wrote a song and some of the lyrics are "you can run on for a long time, but sooner or later God will cut them down". He later says in the "what's done in the dark, will be brought to the light". God sees everything, every deed done, every thought, ever...y intent of the heart. We should have a fear of the Lord. It's healthy. The Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Don't think God is just sitting up in the clouds like some divine genie waiting to grant your every wish, but He is a God of wrath, and judgement, and vengeance belongs to Him. He has appointed a day which He will judge the world in righteousness. Think of it like this, God watches your life like you watch a movie, but He not only sees the actions on the screen, but also every thought you have in your movie is also played out too. So what should a holy, just, and good God due with such a wicked character? But some would argue that God is a God mercy, love, and goodness, and that's true. The only reason you can even take that next breath is because He allows you to. But the very thing most are banking on, His goodness, is the exact thing that's going to condemn you on the day of judgement. Get your heart right with God, and do it today!
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you! -Walking In The Way
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Find Peace with God
The Lord will bless his people with peace.
–Psalm 29:11
How do we find peace with God? We must stop fighting! We must surrender! We must serve! Of course, these steps will be motivated by faith and mingled with love. Having found peace with God, next we experience the peace of God.
This peace of God is not a mere abstraction advocated by preachers and theologians. Thousands of people can witness that they have actually experienced the peace of God and have found it wonderfully adequate for this present day. “For He is our peace.”
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Father, I thank You for the peace You have given to me, which does not depend on feelings or circumstances.
–Psalm 29:11
How do we find peace with God? We must stop fighting! We must surrender! We must serve! Of course, these steps will be motivated by faith and mingled with love. Having found peace with God, next we experience the peace of God.
This peace of God is not a mere abstraction advocated by preachers and theologians. Thousands of people can witness that they have actually experienced the peace of God and have found it wonderfully adequate for this present day. “For He is our peace.”
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Father, I thank You for the peace You have given to me, which does not depend on feelings or circumstances.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Where does your hope lie
Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
–Jeremiah 17:7
The Scriptures predict that a new day is coming. There will be a golden age of prosperity when all perplexing problems—religious, social, or political—will find their complete solution. It will be a marvelous time for this mixed-up world. However, the Bible teaches that man will not bring about this coming golden age. Man alone cannot. The flaw in human nature is too great. Man has no ability to repair this damaged planet. God is our only hope! His plans are already formed, and they are perfectly stated in the Scriptures.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
All my hope and plans are laid at Your feet, Lord Jesus.
True contrition
See Jeremiah 8:12. This gives a picture of true contrition. Those who recognize how abominable their sin is in God’s eyes will be broken and will humbly say, “What have I done?” (see v. 6). While modern evangelism often goes to great lengths to avoid even hinting at “shame,” note that shame is a correct response to sinning against a holy God. See also James 4:9,10.
Jeremiah 8:12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; In the time of their punishment They shall be cast down, says the Lord.
Jeremiah 8:12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; In the time of their punishment They shall be cast down, says the Lord.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Lord
Jesus is given many names and titles, and the day will come when all of humanity will kneel before Him and acknowledge Him as "Lord." Here are some of His other titles, in the hope that the lost will soften their heart toward Him and trust in His mercy:
Adam, the Last (1 Cor. 15:45)
Advocate (1 John 2:1)
Almighty (Rev. 1:8)
Alpha & Omega (Rev. 1:8; 21:6)
Amen (Rev. 3:14)
Anchor (Heb. 6:19)
Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:9–11 with Rev. 1:13–16)
Anointed, His (Psa. 2:2). See also Messiah.
Apostle (Heb. 3:1)
Arm of the Lord (Isa. 53:1)
Author (Heb. 12:2)
Balm of Gilead (Jer. 8:22)
Beginning (Col. 1:18)
Begotten (One and Only; John 3:16)
Beloved (Eph. 1:6)
Bishop of your souls (1 Pet. 2:25)
Branch (Isa. 11:1; Jer. 23:5; Zech. 3:8; 6:12; Rev. 11:1)
Bread (John 6:32,33; 6:35)
Bridegroom (Matt. 9:15; John 3:29; Rev. 21:9)
Bright & Morning Star, see Star.
Brightness of His (God’s) glory (Heb. 1:3)
Captain of their salvation (Heb. 2:10)
Carpenter[’s son] (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3)
Chief [among ten thousand] (Song 5:10)
Child [the young] (Isa. 9:6; Matt 2:8–21)
Chosen of God (Luke 23:35)
Christ (Matt. 1:17; Mark 8:29; John 1:41; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:23)
Comforter (Isa. 61:2; John 14:16)
Commander (Isa. 55:4)
Companion of God (Zech. 13:7)
Consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25)
Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20; Isa. 28:16)
Counselor (Isa. 9:6; Isa. 40:13)
Creator of all things (Col. 1:16)
Dayspring from on high (Luke 1:78)
Day Star (2 Pet. 1:19). See also Bright & Morning Star.
Deliverer (Rom. 11:26)
Desire of all nations (Hag. 2:7)
Door [of the sheepfold] (John 10:7, 9)
End, see Beginning & the End. End of the Law (Rom 10:4)
Express image of His (God’s) person (Heb. 1:3)
Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11)
Faithful & True (Rev. 19:11)
First & the Last (Rev. 1:17)
Firstborn from the dead (Rev. 1:5)
Firstborn over all creation (Col. 1:15)
Firstfruits (1 Cor. 15:20,23)
Foundation (Isa. 28:16; 1 Cor. 3:11)
Fountain (Jer. 2:13; Zech. 13:1)
Forerunner (Heb. 6:20)
Friend of sinners (Matt. 11:19; Luke 7:34)
Fullness of the Godhead (Col. 2:9)
Gift of God (John 4:10; 2 Cor. 9:15)
Glory of God (Isa. 60:1)
God (John 1:1; Matt. 1:23; Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:8)
Good Teacher (Matt. 19:16)
Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)
Guide (Psa. 48:14)
Head (even Christ) (Eph. 4:15)
Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)
Helper (Heb. 13:6)
Hiding Place (Isa. 32:2)
High Priest (Heb. 3:1; 7:1)
Holy Child (Acts 4:30)
Holy One [& the Just] (Acts 2:27; 3:14)
Hope of Israel (Jer. 17:3)
Horn of salvation (Psa. 18:2; Luke 1:69)
I AM (John 8:24,58)
Image of [the invisible] God (2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15)
Immanuel (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23)
Intercessor (Heb. 7:25)
Jehovah (Isa. 26:4; 40:3)
Jesus (Matt. 1:21)
Judge (Mic. 5:1; Acts 10:42)
Just One (Acts 7:52)
King (Zech. 14:16)
King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14)
Lamb [of God] (John 1:29, 36; 1 Pet 1:19; Rev. 5:6,12; 7:17)
Last, see First. (Rev. 22:13)
Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)
Lawgiver (Isa. 33:22)
Life (John 11:25; 1 John 1:2)
Life-giving Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45)
Light (John 12:35)
Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)
Lord (1 Cor. 12:3; 2 Pet. 1:11). See also Master.
Lord of lords (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14)
Man (John 19:5; Acts 17:31; 1 Tim. 2:5). See also Son of Man.
Master (Matt. 8:19)
Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5)
Merciful High Priest (Heb. 2:17)
Mercy Seat (Rom. 3:24,25)
Messiah (Dan. 9:25; John 1:41; 4:25)
Mighty God (Isa. 9:6; 63:1)
Minister of the Sanctuary (Heb. 8:2)
Nazarene (Mark 1:24)
Offering (Eph. 5:2; Heb. 10:10)
Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16). See also Root.
Omega. See Alpha & Omega.
One and Only Son, see Son. (John 3:16)
Passover (1 Cor. 5:7)
Peace, our (Eph. 2:14)
Physician (Matt. 9:12; Luke 4:23)
Potentate (1 Tim. 6:15)
Prince of Life (Acts 3:15; 5:31)
Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6)
Prophet (Acts 3:22,23)
Propitiation (1 John 2:2; 4:10)
Priest (Heb. 4:14)
Rabbi (John 3:2; Matt. 26:25; John 20:16)
Ransom (1 Tim. 2:6)
Redeemer, Redemption (Isa. 59:20; 60:16; 1 Cor. 1:30)
Refuge (Isa. 25:4)
Resurrection (John 11:25)
Righteousness (Jer. 23:6; 33:16; 1 Cor. 1:30)
Rock (1 Cor. 10:4)
Rod (Isa. 11:1)
Root (Rev. 22:16)
Rose of Sharon (Song 2:1)
Ruler (Matt. 2:6)
Sacrifice (Eph. 5:2)
Sanctification (1 Cor. 1:30)
Savior [of the world] (Luke 1:47; 2:11; 1 John 4:14)
Second Man (1 Cor. 15:47)
Seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:16,19)
Servant (Isa. 42:1; 49:5–7; Matt. 12:18)
Shepherd (John 10:11,14; 1 Peter 5:4)
Shiloh (Gen. 49:10)
Son (Isa. 9:6; 1 John 4:14)
Son of Man (Matt. 9:6; 12:40)
Sower (Matt. 13:37)
Star (Num. 24:17)
Stone (Psa. 118:22)
Stumbling Stone (Rom. 9:33; 1 Pet. 2:8)
Sun of Righteousness (Mal. 4:2)
Teacher (Matt. 26:18; John 3:2; 11:28). See also Master.
Testator (Heb. 9:15–17)
True Bread, see Bread.
Truth (John 14:6)
Vine (John 15:1,5)
Way (John 14:6)
Wonderful (Isa. 9:6)
Word (John 1:1)
What does Merry mean
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God . . .
–Luke 2:13
When at this season of the year we wish our friends a “Merry Christmas,” it is essential to realize that true merriment of heart is contingent upon the recognition of the truth that Christ was born in Bethlehem for our salvation. The word “merry” is from an old Anglo-Saxon word which sometimes meant “famous,” “illustrious,” “great,” or “mighty.” Originally, to be merry did not imply to be merely mirthful, but strong and gallant. It was in this sense that gallant soldiers were called “merry men.” Favorable weather was called “merry weather.” Brisk winds were called a “merry gale.” Spenser speaks of London as “merry London.” The word “merry” carries with it the double thought of “might” and “mirth,” and is used both ways in Scripture. One of the early Christmas carols was “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen.” The Christian is to engage in spiritual merriment as he thinks upon the fact that, through the redemption, he becomes a child of God’s family. The Bible teaches that the angels made merry at Christ’s birth.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
This Christmas my heart is indeed merry when I think of Your birth, dear Lord. I rejoice with the angels and praise Your holy name!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Assuming God is with us
Multitudes sit in churches “supposing” that Jesus is with them, but they don’t know Him (see Matt. 7:21–23). They are false converts who will be sorted out on Judgment Day. They have never obeyed the command to repent and trust that Savior. That’s disobedience.
The world is filled with people who, like Mary and Joseph, suppose that God is with them. To them He is nothing but a divine butler, who is expected to come running when they want something to be done. Such is the trail that often leads to atheism.
The soil of history is stained in the blood that tyrants have shed, because they supposed that their holy war had divine favor. When Abraham Lincoln heard someone say he hoped the Lord was on the Union’s side, the president responded, "I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that for the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."
Mary and Joseph had the supposition that Jesus was with them. But they were wrong. Let’s not make the same mistake.
Luke 2:44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a days journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
The world is filled with people who, like Mary and Joseph, suppose that God is with them. To them He is nothing but a divine butler, who is expected to come running when they want something to be done. Such is the trail that often leads to atheism.
The soil of history is stained in the blood that tyrants have shed, because they supposed that their holy war had divine favor. When Abraham Lincoln heard someone say he hoped the Lord was on the Union’s side, the president responded, "I am not at all concerned about that, for I know that for the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."
Mary and Joseph had the supposition that Jesus was with them. But they were wrong. Let’s not make the same mistake.
Luke 2:44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a days journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
Christmas is not a Myth
When the fullness of the time was come,
God sent forth . . . his Son . . .
–Galatians 4:4
Christmas is not a myth, not a tradition, not a dream. It is a glorious reality. It is a time of joy. Bethlehem’s manger crib became the link that bound a lost world to a loving God. From that manger came a Man who not only taught us a new way of life, but brought us into a new relationship with our Creator. Christmas means that God is interested in the affairs of people, that God loves us so much that He was willing to give His Son.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, as I remember Your birth in such a lowly stable, cleanse my heart that it might be a sanctified gift for You.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Judgement Day
Such a thought (2 Thessalonians 1: 7) should stir in us a passion for evangelism. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. For verses that warn of its reality, see 2 Tim. 4:1.
“The wrath of God does not end with death. This is a truth which the preacher cannot mention without trembling, nor without wondering that he does not tremble more. The eternity of punishment is a thought which crushes the heart. You have buried the man, but you have not buried his sins. His sins live and are immortal. They have gone before him to judgment, or they will follow after him to bear their witness as to the evil of his heart and the rebellion of his life. The Lord God is slow to anger, but when he is once aroused to it, as he will be against those who finally reject his Son, he will put forth all his omnipotence to crush his enemies.” Charles Spurgeon
2 Thessalonians 1: 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power...
“The wrath of God does not end with death. This is a truth which the preacher cannot mention without trembling, nor without wondering that he does not tremble more. The eternity of punishment is a thought which crushes the heart. You have buried the man, but you have not buried his sins. His sins live and are immortal. They have gone before him to judgment, or they will follow after him to bear their witness as to the evil of his heart and the rebellion of his life. The Lord God is slow to anger, but when he is once aroused to it, as he will be against those who finally reject his Son, he will put forth all his omnipotence to crush his enemies.” Charles Spurgeon
2 Thessalonians 1: 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power...
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Kim Jong Il Is Dead; His DVD Collection Lives On
Kim Jong Il, hereditary dictator of global wallflower North Korea, is gone now, allegedly after suffering a heart attack from overwork.
While the world at large may not miss him, Hollywood will probably shed a tear or two at his passing—not because anyone in the entertainment industry loved the man, but rather because they loved making fun of him (most notably in Team America: World Police). And, of course, when he passed on, they lost one of their best customers.
According to ABC News, Kim was a massive film buff, owning anywhere between 10,000 to 20,000 DVDs. Even if we lowball that figure, that's more than 27 years worth of movies, assuming the Dear Leader watched one every single night. It's flabbergasting to think that he had time to watch DVDs, given his propensity for writing books (he cranked out more than 1,500, according to official North Korean news outlets), operas (the six he wrote were, according to his official biography, "better than any in the history of music") and playing golf (the first time he picked up a set of clubs, he allegedly played 38-under par, including 11 holes in one).
I don't know whether he also streamed movies from, say, Netflix, but considering he was one of only a very small handful of North Koreans allowed Internet access, I wouldn't be too surprised.
And we're not even taking into account the fact that he watched some of his favorites more than once. He was apparently a huge fan of Godzilla flicks (something about the wanton destruction might've appealed to him), and he allegedly enjoyed Friday the 13th immensely. He also had an affinity, oddly enough, for Rambo. Perhaps it was only his fear of Sylvester Stallone invading North Korea that kept the dictator in check.
He loved movies so much that he went to disturbing lengths to improve North Korea's own film industry: In 1978, he allegedly had well-known South Korean director Shin Sang-ok kidnapped. North Korea held him for four years and forced Shin to helm seven films (Kim was listed as executive producer for all of them), including the Godzilla ripoff Pulgasari.
Now, the point of this blog isn't to say, "If you watch thousands of movies, you too can become an international pariah!" Rather, it's to point out something that I think all of us are in danger of doing. Being hypocritical in how we deal with our own entertainment choices.
As Kim watched Rambo, most of his subjects were subjected to a steady dose of strict, perhaps unprecedented, indoctrination. The Internet, technically, is illegal in North Korea. Radio and televisions are preset to only receive government-approved broadcasts—filled, perhaps, with only Kim-written operas.
Kim was pretty rigorous in enforcing some pretty strict standards of entertainment on his people—yet he did not feel that those same standards were appropriate for him.
I think most of us are prone to make exceptions for ourselves when it comes to our own entertainment choices. I know I'm prone to some hypocrisy in this area. We acknowledge that media can impact most people. But when someone asks us whether it influences us? "Nah," we're liable to say, as if we're the sole exception to human nature.
Now, I'm not arguing for North Korean-style censorship. None of us would want our entertainment diet to consist of repeated viewings of Pulgasari. But the truth is, a little censorship—otherwise known as discernment—is a good thing. We know that some stuff that's appropriate for adult viewing isn't suitable for children. We know that something you could watch without trouble, I might struggle with.
But it's important to remember that we all have our blind spots too. It's subtle and sneaky, and because we don't "feel" influenced, we assume we're not influenced. But the thing is, bad entertainment rarely marks you like a tattoo: "Wow, watching that one episode of South Park makes me really, really want to swear!" It's more like old age. Day by day, year by year, it works on you. And then one day, 20 years from now, you look in the mirror and you're quite different than the person you were.
So when we hear ourselves say that "South Park is a horrible show for most folks, but it's OK for me to watch," I think it'd be a good idea to take another look at our own media habits … and make sure we're not guilty of imposing different standards for "us" and for "everybody else."
And then, when we decide to flip off the television set, we can go write an opera or something. Hey, if Kim Jong Il can do it, how hard could it be?
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you! -Walking In The Way
Decision Stalled on Iranian Pastor Sentenced to Death
ISTANBUL, December 21 (CDN) — A pastor in Iran sentenced to death for refusing to recant his faith may have to wait another year for a ruling on whether the sentence will be upheld, according to sources.
Yousef (also spelled Youcef) Nadarkhani, sentenced to death after a court of appeals in Rasht, Iran, found him guilty of leaving Islam in September 2010, has been in prison since October 2009, yet his lawyers said they were told to not expect any movement on his case for another year.
“The news we have about Yousef is not official, but that’s what the lawyers are saying,” a member of the Church of Iran who requested anonymity told Compass. “The lawyers speak to the judges’ secretaries and hear things. Rasht is not a big city, so it is easy to know what is happening.”
The head of Iran’s Judiciary, Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani, has reportedly ordered the presiding judge over the trial in Rasht to do nothing for one year.
The court in Rasht, 243 kilometers (151 miles) northwest of Tehran, was expected to pronounce a verdict on Nadarkhani’s appeal in October, and sources said the court’s long silence bodes ill. Instead of pronouncing a verdict, the court sent the Christian’s case to the nation’s Islamic authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, to make a ruling.
Authorities have also continued to pressure Nadarkhani to recant his faith while in prison. In September they gave him Islamic literature aimed at discrediting the Bible, according to sources, and instructed him to read it. The court reportedly has been told to use whatever means necessary to compel Nadarkhani to recant his faith.
The anonymous Christian who spoke to Compass said he didn’t believe that Nadarkhani would be executed soon, but he said authorities were tense about his case, indicating that nothing was certain.
Some Iranian Christians have said that, in the face of international outrage over the case, the government would announce a verdict near the Christmas holidays so that it would receive less notice.
Many Christians in Iran believe Church of Iran doctrine is less than Trinitarian, although the statement of faith on the church’s website (http://www.eglisediran.org/?page_id=8) indicates belief in a triune God-head of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Christian leaders in Iran have called for prayer for their leaders and congregations over the Christmas and New Year period, as there are fears that pressures on churches may intensify in the coming days, according to advocacy group Middle East Concern (MEC).
“These fears stem partly from the waves of arrests last Christmas and New Year, and also the previous year, in which several dozen believers were detained,” MEC reported in a press statement. “Two of those arrested in late December 2010, Farshid and Noorallah, remain in prison.
Farshid Fathi, 32, has been in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran since Dec. 26, 2010. He is married and has two young children. Noorollah Qabitizade, a Christian convert and a house church leader held in Ahwaz in southwestern Iran, has been in prison since Christmas Eve of last year.
Between December of last year and February, authorities arrested scores of Christians. All have been released, except for Qabitizade and Fathi.
Authorities arrested Nadarkhani in his home city of Rasht in Oct. 2009 on charges that he questioned obligatory religion classes in Iranian schools. After finding him guilty of apostasy, the court of appeals in Rasht in November 2010 issued a written confirmation of his charges and death sentence.
At an appeal hearing in June, the Supreme Court of Iran upheld Nadarkhani’s sentence but asked the court in Rasht to determine if he was a practicing Muslim before his conversion. The court declared that Nadarkhani was not a practicing Muslim before his conversion, but that he was still guilty of apostasy due to his Muslim ancestry.
The Supreme Court had also determined that his death sentence could be annulled if he recanted his faith. The Rasht court gave Nadarkhani three chances to recant Christianity in accordance with sharia (Islamic law), but Nadarkhani refused to do so. His final appeal hearings ended on Sept. 28, and the court was expected to make its final decision two weeks from the final hearing.
Nadarkhani’s lawyer, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, also faces charges for “actions and propaganda against the Islamic regime,” due to his human rights activities.
In addition, this month Iranian authorities sentenced Alireza Seyedian to six years imprisonment for being baptized in Turkey and uploading a video of his baptism to the Internet, according to Mohabat News. Seyedian is another member of the Church of Iran, and Dadkhah is also representing him.
As Christians in Iran are held hostage to the government’s political whims, some Iranian Christians say the key to their freedom is continued pressure from the international community.
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you! -Walking In The Way
Christian Woman Killed in Nigeria’s Kaduna State
 |
| Her grave... |
KAGORO, Nigeria, December 20 (CDN) — A Muslim villager in Kaduna state allegedly helped Fulani herdsmen and other Muslims from nearby Kafanchan to ambush a Christian settlement, resulting in the death of one woman and gunshot wounds to two other Christians on Dec. 10, area sources said.
Musa Blak, 60, told Compass how gunmen lurking behind trees outside his home killed his wife, Kunam Musa Blak, and wounded him and his cousin, 48-year-old Monday Blai Yayok, after a schoolteacher in Kukum Gida village allegedly helped Muslims survey the site. Kunam Musa Blak was 50.
In the Jankassa ward of Kukum Gida village, a Christian settlement of 425 people who all attend the local Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Musa Blak and his family were asleep when they were awakened by the sound of barking dogs at 11:45 p.m., he said.
“I decided to go outside and find out what was happening,” Blak said. “While outside, I noticed a dark figure standing behind some cactus trees near my house. I neither moved nor said anything, but kept watching to see what this figure would do.”
Hidden behind the trees were Muslim gunmen who had taken positions around the village with the intent of ambushing villagers, he said.
“A few minutes afterwards, the figure moved away quietly, and at this point my wife too came out of the room and met me outside, asking whether I had found anything,” he said. “I then told her about the figure I saw that moved away.”
As he spoke to her, suddenly he heard a gunshot and saw his wife go down.
“I heard the sound of a gunshot, and suddenly I heard my wife crying as she fell to the ground. I tried reaching to hold her when I too was hit by a bullet,” Blak said. “I still struggled by crawling to the place my wife was lying on the ground and held her in my arms even as I was bleeding.”
Awakened villagers trooped out of their houses, he said, and as his cousin, Yayok, stepped out of Blak’s house, he also was shot.
With other villagers streaming out and soldiers stationed at nearby Kagoro, the assailants must have sensed that it would be difficult to overrun the village and withdrew, he said; by the time military personnel received information about the invasion and rushed over, the gunmen had left.
The soldiers transported him, his cousin and his wife’s body to Kafanchan General Hospital, and then Blak and Yayok were referred to Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos; there Musa had his bullet wounds treated, and Yayok underwent surgery on Dec. 12.
“We believe that Muslim Fulani herdsmen who once lived near our village, with the support of Muslims from Kafanchan, were the ones who attacked us,” Blak said.
Jonah Bayina, the 43-year-old head of the village ward, identified the Muslim schoolteacher suspected of helping to lead the gunmen to the site in Kaduna state, which has been wracked by several attacks on Christians the past few months.
“Isa Damu, a Fulani Muslim who teaches in one public school here, is the one who led his fellow Muslims to attack us,” Bayina told Compass. “On Tuesday, Dec. 6, he brought some Muslims to the village, and they stayed with him until they left on Friday, Dec. 9, and then they launched the attack on us the following day. We believe he brought the Muslims to enable them to survey our village before attacking us.”
Damu disappeared on the night of the attack, and he has not been seen since, he said.
“His head teacher phoned him, and they spoke, but Damu refused to disclose where he was, nor gave any reasons for absconding from his teaching post,” Bayina said.
A member of ECWA church in Kukum Gida, Bayina said this was the first attack on the Christian settlement, which lies a the bottom of a cliff face rising 50 meters, less than two kilometers from the Kagoro ECWA Theological Seminary.
“Even though this is the first attack on our community, we are now living in fear and uncertainty as regards our safety,” he said. “The incident has now forced us to keep watch over the village at night, as even a day after the attack, that is, on the night of Sunday, Dec. 11, the attackers returned again to attack us, but through resilience and courage and with the help of soldiers who rushed in from Kagoro, we were able to repel the Muslim attackers.”
Blak said that in spite of the murder of his wife, he has been praying for the assailants.
“I have been praying that these Muslims who attack us come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, too,” he said. “I have forgiven them, because I know they do not know what they are doing.”
He urged Christians to pray for those persecuting them.
“Jesus Christ also did the same while on the cross,” he said.
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you! -Walking In The Way
Doctor Luke's Cure
America is deathly sick. The nightly network TV news has become a parade for competing drug companies. Both in news content and advertising we are informed of new drugs that will help in the fight against an onslaught of diseases from breast, to ovarian, to prostate cancer, to heart disease. The problem is that most of these new breakthroughs tend to have side effects that sound as bad as the disease.
Add to this news items telling us of invading killer bees, killer mosquitoes, child killers, killer tornados, kids who kill kids, kids who kill parents, unprecedented droughts, out-of-control fires, horrific murder suicides, corporate fraud, massive lay offs, and falling stocks, and much, much more, and it is no exaggeration to say that America is sick, from sea to shining sea.
Those who know their Bibles suspect that there's more here than meets the eye. It's not just a case of bad global warming. They have studied the promised repercussions for the nation of Israel if they didn't abide by certain God-given principles. They then look at the United States and see striking parallels between America and what happened to Israel. For example, Deuteronomy 28 tells us that if they forsook the Ten Commandments (see Deuteronomy 27), certain terrible things would happen. They would have disease on the land. Their children would be struck with disease. They would be plagued with mildew (mold), terrible drought, horrific and incurable diseases, irrational fears, marriage breakdown, repossession and bankruptcy. Their children would be taken from them, the crops would be diseased, and aliens would invade their borders.
These were parallels I noticed right through the 1990's. Almost everything lined up--everything that is except an invasion by enemies. Deuteronomy warned of that, but it was obvious that that threat was one that was peculiar to the nation of Israel. It couldn't apply to this country. America was the one and only superpower of the world. No weapon that was formed against us could prosper. Great oceans protected us from any enemy attack…that is, up until September 11th, 2001.
Sadly, when the enemy struck our nation few said that the incident had anything to do with God. We had forsaken the Ten Commandments, sanctioned millions of abortions, loved violence, adultery, pornography, etc., etc., but it was unthinkable that America's sins called for God's chastening hand.
The conscience of our nation failed to do its duty. In recent years the Church as a whole has been deathly silent when it comes to having a clear evangelistic voice. According to Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, only 2% of Christians actively share their faith. That means (for some reason) 98% don't. But more than that. Even many of the 2% who share their faith fail to use the Ten Commandments in the sphere of their influence. This was the way Jesus presented the Gospel (Luke 18:18), but most didn't follow His example. They instead followed the traditions of modern evangelism, and therefore stripped the gospel of its power. If we discard the bow we shouldn't wonder why the arrow has no thrust.
Make sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and become a 'Follower' here, or sign up for email notifications on the bottom right of this page. As always, thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you! -Walking In The Way
The Giver of the Gift
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not . . . freely give us all things?
–Romans 8:32
God is the Giver of the gift. The capability of the donor usually gauges the value of the gift. We don’t usually think of a person as a gift, but actually interpersonal relationships are the most valued and cherished gifts of all. But the Bible teaches that God gave a Person as a gift to every one of us, and that Person is Jesus Christ. One day a six-year-old boy in a southern town answered a knock at the door.
It was his father, just returned from Southeast Asia. He didn’t ask, “Daddy, what did you bring me?” He threw his arms around his father’s neck and said, “Oh, Daddy, this is the best Christmas present I’ve ever had!”
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Your costly gift of Jesus, Father, fills all the longings and desires of my heart.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
An Atheist on Heaven and Hell
Penn Jillette, the taller, louder half of the magic/comedy act “Penn and Teller,” is a well-known atheist. He is so committed to atheism that he claims, “I cross the word ‘God’ off every [dollar] bill I touch.”
However, late in 2008, Penn said that after one of his shows, a businessman approached him and gave him a Gideon New Testament. Penn noted, “It was really wonderful. I believe he knew that I was an atheist, but he was not defensive, and he looked me right in the eyes...and then gave me this Bible. I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell, or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and you think that, Well, it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward...How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? I mean if I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe it, and that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you—and this is more important than that...He cared enough about me to proselytize and give me a Bible.”
Daniel 12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Neglect of Soul
“Blessed is the man who reveres God, but the man who doesn’t care is headed for serious trouble.”
–Proverbs 28:14 (TLB)
All Christians believe in God, but many Christians have little time for God. They are too busy with everyday affairs to be taken up with Bible reading, prayer, and being thoughtful to their fellowmen. Many of them have lost the spirit of a zealous discipleship. If you ask them if they are Christians, they would probably answer, “I think so,” or, “I hope so.” They may go to church at Easter and Christmas and on other special occasions, but otherwise they have little time for God. They have crowded God out of their lives.
The Bible warns against neglect of your soul. It is possible to harden your heart and shrivel your soul, until you lose your appetite for the things of God. This hunger, then, that you should have is a desire to be always right with God. It is a consciousness that all searching for peace of heart, except in Him, is in vain.
–Proverbs 28:14 (TLB)
All Christians believe in God, but many Christians have little time for God. They are too busy with everyday affairs to be taken up with Bible reading, prayer, and being thoughtful to their fellowmen. Many of them have lost the spirit of a zealous discipleship. If you ask them if they are Christians, they would probably answer, “I think so,” or, “I hope so.” They may go to church at Easter and Christmas and on other special occasions, but otherwise they have little time for God. They have crowded God out of their lives.
The Bible warns against neglect of your soul. It is possible to harden your heart and shrivel your soul, until you lose your appetite for the things of God. This hunger, then, that you should have is a desire to be always right with God. It is a consciousness that all searching for peace of heart, except in Him, is in vain.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Water Gate
We must bring God’s Law to the people. They will not come to it. Men love darkness rather than light, and they will not come to the light lest their deeds be exposed (see John 3:19–21). It is the light of this Law that exposes sin (see Rom. 7:7). The Law faces the Water Gate; it causes those who hear with understanding to thirst for the righteousness that can be found only in Jesus Christ.
The Spiritual Realm
He was zealous for my sake . . .
–Numbers 25:11
It is strange that the world accepts enthusiasm in every realm but the spiritual. The world appreciates and understands emotion and enthusiasm, until it becomes a religious fervor—then immediately it is suspect. When you bring a grand and glorious abandon to your dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ, you are thought by many of your neighbors to be mad, to have “gone too far” in religion.
The whole history of missionary enterprise is filled with names like William Carey, Hudson Taylor, John Paton, David Livingstone, and others, who were thought by their generations to be mad. Their dedication was beyond the understanding of those who loved the smugness and the ease of contemporary life . . . And yet, in the last analysis, who are the mad ones? Are they not the complacent, self-centered, and smug who are so selfish that they tire of their own smugness, tire of their pleasures, and even tire of themselves?
Monday, December 19, 2011
Lawlessness
All sin is against God. Most of this world doesn’t understand that fact. When we sin we violate God’s Law, for “sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). Notice to whom David directed his repentance after Nathan rebuked him for violating the Commandments. He said, “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight...” (Psa. 51:4).
Leviticus 6:2 If a person sins and commits a trespass against the Lord by lying
Christmas for 800 Children in the Philippines
To All Our Viewers,
This year, with Christmas quickly approaching, Walking in the Way ministry has come along side of Berean Bible Baptist Church in the Philippines to help out with their goal of bringing Christmas to 800 children there in the Philippines. Pastor Janel V. Nemeno contacted us and God has led us to this point. Both Pastor Janel and Evangelist Michael are not asking for money, but rather wanting to provide school supplies, clothing, and maybe some candy to these children. We ask that you pray about it and see what God puts on your heart. The Bible says that it is more blessed to give than receive, so I prayerfully hope you consider giving to these children and in turn display Christ's love. Most children here in the United States and around the world are hoping for that special toy or video game system this Christmas, but these children are wanting school supplies to help them with their education and clothing so they don't have to wear tattered clothes anymore. Think back when you were a kid. Do you remember how you felt getting that one special gift? Now think about to when you got those clothes from a distant relative that you didn't want to wear, but you're parents made you. These kids will have the same expression you had when you got that one special gift, when they receive clothes, paper, pencils, etc. The things we normally take for granted or expect to have, these thing are on these kids Christmas list. Please help check it off their list. Like we say here at the ministry, "Impact the world! Don't be impacted by it!"
Feel free to contact us here at Walking in the Way. If you would like more information about Pastor Janel or the Berean Bible Baptist Church just click on their link towards the bottom of the page on the side bar. If God has put it on your heart to give, we will post the address at the bottom of this post. Thank you so much for your prayers and for giving. May God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you this Christmas!
Sincerely,
Walking in the Way
Address:
Pastor Janel V. Nemeno
Berean Bible Baptist Church
Binalbagan 6107
Negros Ocidental, Philippines
Berean Bible Baptist Church
This year, with Christmas quickly approaching, Walking in the Way ministry has come along side of Berean Bible Baptist Church in the Philippines to help out with their goal of bringing Christmas to 800 children there in the Philippines. Pastor Janel V. Nemeno contacted us and God has led us to this point. Both Pastor Janel and Evangelist Michael are not asking for money, but rather wanting to provide school supplies, clothing, and maybe some candy to these children. We ask that you pray about it and see what God puts on your heart. The Bible says that it is more blessed to give than receive, so I prayerfully hope you consider giving to these children and in turn display Christ's love. Most children here in the United States and around the world are hoping for that special toy or video game system this Christmas, but these children are wanting school supplies to help them with their education and clothing so they don't have to wear tattered clothes anymore. Think back when you were a kid. Do you remember how you felt getting that one special gift? Now think about to when you got those clothes from a distant relative that you didn't want to wear, but you're parents made you. These kids will have the same expression you had when you got that one special gift, when they receive clothes, paper, pencils, etc. The things we normally take for granted or expect to have, these thing are on these kids Christmas list. Please help check it off their list. Like we say here at the ministry, "Impact the world! Don't be impacted by it!"
Feel free to contact us here at Walking in the Way. If you would like more information about Pastor Janel or the Berean Bible Baptist Church just click on their link towards the bottom of the page on the side bar. If God has put it on your heart to give, we will post the address at the bottom of this post. Thank you so much for your prayers and for giving. May God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you this Christmas!
Sincerely,
Walking in the Way
Address:
Pastor Janel V. Nemeno
Berean Bible Baptist Church
Binalbagan 6107
Negros Ocidental, Philippines
Berean Bible Baptist Church
God of Justice
What joy there is for anyone whose sins are no longer counted against him by the Lord.
–Romans 4:8 (TLB)
A number of years ago I was stopped for driving too fast in a speed zone, and in the courtroom I pleaded guilty. The judge was not only friendly but embarrassed for me to be in his court. The fine was ten dollars. If he had let me go free, it would have been inconsistent with justice. The penalty had to be paid either by me or someone else! Judgment is consistent with love. A God of love must be a God of justice. It is because God loves that He is just. His justice balances His love and makes His acts of both love and justice meaningful.
God could not consistently love men, if He did not provide for the judgment of evil-doers. His punishment of the evil-doer and His separation of the righteous is a manifestation of God’s great love. We must always look at the cross on the dark background of judgment. It was because God’s love for man was so intense that He gave His Son, so that man would not have to face judgment. -Billy Graham
–Romans 4:8 (TLB)
A number of years ago I was stopped for driving too fast in a speed zone, and in the courtroom I pleaded guilty. The judge was not only friendly but embarrassed for me to be in his court. The fine was ten dollars. If he had let me go free, it would have been inconsistent with justice. The penalty had to be paid either by me or someone else! Judgment is consistent with love. A God of love must be a God of justice. It is because God loves that He is just. His justice balances His love and makes His acts of both love and justice meaningful.
God could not consistently love men, if He did not provide for the judgment of evil-doers. His punishment of the evil-doer and His separation of the righteous is a manifestation of God’s great love. We must always look at the cross on the dark background of judgment. It was because God’s love for man was so intense that He gave His Son, so that man would not have to face judgment. -Billy Graham
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Finished Work
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
–John 3:3
A person is saved by trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross, and not by bodily sensations and religious ecstasy. But you will say, “What about feeling? Is there no place in saving faith for feeling?” Certainly, there is room for feeling in saving faith. But we are not saved by it. Whatever feeling there may be is the result of saving faith, but feeling never saved a single soul. Love is feeling. Joy is feeling. Inward peace is feeling. Love for others is a feeling. Concern for the lost is a feeling. But these feelings are not conversion. The one experience that you can look for and expect is the experience of believing in Christ.
–John 3:3
A person is saved by trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross, and not by bodily sensations and religious ecstasy. But you will say, “What about feeling? Is there no place in saving faith for feeling?” Certainly, there is room for feeling in saving faith. But we are not saved by it. Whatever feeling there may be is the result of saving faith, but feeling never saved a single soul. Love is feeling. Joy is feeling. Inward peace is feeling. Love for others is a feeling. Concern for the lost is a feeling. But these feelings are not conversion. The one experience that you can look for and expect is the experience of believing in Christ.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
I committed sin but it was in the past
Everything we have done is “in the past.” Even reading this sentence is something you’ve done in the past. We somehow think that because something sinful was done some time ago, God is no longer angry about the sin. But that defense doesn’t work even in our criminal courts: “Judge, I raped and murdered that woman in the past. I haven’t raped or murdered anyone since then; therefore you should let me go.” Such thoughts are ludicrous. Some years ago the United States extradited a Nazi war criminal after 35 years had passed. In most cases, time doesn’t forgive serious crime, and this is especially true with God, because He is not subject to the dimension of time. He sees the sins of our youth as if they were committed yesterday.
“We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. I have heard others, and I have heard myself, recounting cruelties and falsehoods committed in boyhood as if they were no concern of the present speaker’s, and even with laughter. But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of a sin. The guilt is washed out not by time but by repentance and the blood of Christ.” C. S. Lewis
Ecclesiastes 3:15 That which is has already been, And what is to be has already been; And God requires an account of what is past.
Friday, December 16, 2011
A man after My own heart
There is much speculation about why God called David “a man after My own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). This seems strange given his sin with Bathsheba and the fact that God said he was a “man of war” who has shed much blood (1 Chron. 22:8). Perhaps it was because David was a king who executed judgment and justice over all his people (see Isa. 56:1; Prov. 21:3), and yet he knew how to show mercy, as he did with King Saul when it seems he could have justifiably killed him.
1 Chronicles 18:14 So David reigned over all Israel, and administered judgment and justice to all his people.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Servant
The key to being heard by God is to be a servant who delights in the fear of the Lord. Jesus was heard in that He feared: “who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear” (Heb. 5:7).
Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the kings cupbearer.
Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the kings cupbearer.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Texas Town Braces for Battle With Atheists Over Nativity Scene
Driving through the tiny rural town of Athens, Texas, and you’d be hard pressed to find something that might catch national attention -- or so it was until about a week ago.
An hour and a half outside of Dallas, the Athens town square is dominated by the county courthouse, and this time of year, Christmas decorations are on each corner. But it is the nativity scene across the street from the Taco Bell that has caused controversy.
It started with a simple letter. As Jefferson County commissioner Joe Hall tells it, he received the shock of his life when he found out a Wisconsin group was demanding that the nativity scene be taken down.
“We get a letter saying you better do this or we're going to do that," Hall said.
A letter from Wisconsin telling Texans what they ought to do?
“You come to my house looking for a fight, you're gonna get one," he said.
Since then, many folks in the county have come out in support of the nativity scene, which has been on the square in some form or another for three decades. But the group asking for it to be removed says it has legitimate concerns.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is an atheist group based out of Madison. Co-founder Annie Laurie Gaylor says the group received a complaint from one of its members in Athens. She says since the display is right in front of the courthouse, the nativity scene makes it look like county government is endorsing Christianity.
“This excludes non-Christians and non-believers who are 17 percent of the U.S. population," Gaylor said. "So it's necessary there should be changes.”
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is not just asking that the nativity scene come down. It’s now also asking that a banner go up.
“One of the commissioners said to the effect that other people could put up their views,” Gaylor said. So one group member thought, why not put up a banner?
If you thought the nativity was controversial, wait until you see the banner. It reads: “At this season of the Winter Solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth & superstition that hardens hearts & enslaves minds.”
There’s no word on when the banner might go up. If Hall has his way, it will be never.
In the meantime, one or two women standing stand each day in front of the nativity scene with a petition urging others to sign in support of keeping the nativity where it is. A group of pastors is also planning a rally this weekend. A pastor who’s planning it says he expects a couple thousand people to pack the square.
What happens next? Gaylor said the Freedom From Religion Foundation will wait and see what county government does, but the group’s next move could include legal action.
Hall has said if it comes to that, the county has already received offers of legal help. He also says the nativity scene will come down “after Christmas, or when hell freezes over.”
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please pray for Mr Hall and the town of Athens, Texas. I also ask that you please pray for the atheist group that is involved. Pray God awakens them to the truth. That they come to realize that they are storing up wrath for them on the day of wrath and in the words of our beloved Savior "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/12/14/texas-town-braces-for-battle-with-atheists-over-nativity-scene/#ixzz1gYtMg0j4
The love of Jesus
“The powerful preaching of Jesus is piercing precisely because everything He says is not only true, but comes from a heart of love. Jesus first of all, loves His Father in heaven and would never compromise the message that sinners must be delivered or be damned. That is the reason Jesus came to earth—to save sinners. It's true. Jesus loved you and me too much to not speak plainly of our greatest problem (sin and the wrath of God) and the glorious solution (the good news of the gospel).
I recently watched a clip of a missionary named Paul Washer who tells the story of how a doctor ruined his mother's day by telling her she had cancer. The news ruined her whole weekend and made her cry. But, obviously, the doctor was doing the most compassionate thing he could by telling her the truth and offering her an opportunity to do something about her problem before it was too late. If the doctor had avoided the dreadful subject of cancer, he would have acted immorally, unethically, and should have had his license taken away. Likewise, Washer states, there are many pastors today who need to have their licenses taken away due to their lack of courage to speak of that which is most vital to the sinner—his need to recognize his own sin, turn from that sin (along with its eternal penalty) and turn to the Savior, resulting in pardon, peace, and paradise. I agree with Paul Washer and pray that God gives me courage to speak the truth in love like Jesus did.” Kirk Cameron
I couldn't agree more with these Godly men. There is so much coming from the pulpit about love and grace, but is rare, if at all, to hear about sin, repentance, or God's wrath. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the Bible speaks clearly about God's wrath! Don't let someone tell you "well, that's old testament", if that's the argument, then look at the new testament how God killed a husband and wife for telling just one lie. Instead of say "God how could you lose patience with them" we should be saying "God why haven't you lost patience with me yet"! It's then you'll see how much love and mercy He's really given to you.
Before we tell people how to be saved, we need to explain 'why' they need to be saved!
Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head- Christ
I recently watched a clip of a missionary named Paul Washer who tells the story of how a doctor ruined his mother's day by telling her she had cancer. The news ruined her whole weekend and made her cry. But, obviously, the doctor was doing the most compassionate thing he could by telling her the truth and offering her an opportunity to do something about her problem before it was too late. If the doctor had avoided the dreadful subject of cancer, he would have acted immorally, unethically, and should have had his license taken away. Likewise, Washer states, there are many pastors today who need to have their licenses taken away due to their lack of courage to speak of that which is most vital to the sinner—his need to recognize his own sin, turn from that sin (along with its eternal penalty) and turn to the Savior, resulting in pardon, peace, and paradise. I agree with Paul Washer and pray that God gives me courage to speak the truth in love like Jesus did.” Kirk Cameron
I couldn't agree more with these Godly men. There is so much coming from the pulpit about love and grace, but is rare, if at all, to hear about sin, repentance, or God's wrath. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the Bible speaks clearly about God's wrath! Don't let someone tell you "well, that's old testament", if that's the argument, then look at the new testament how God killed a husband and wife for telling just one lie. Instead of say "God how could you lose patience with them" we should be saying "God why haven't you lost patience with me yet"! It's then you'll see how much love and mercy He's really given to you.
Before we tell people how to be saved, we need to explain 'why' they need to be saved!
Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head- Christ
He hears You
If we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.
–1 John 5:14
God has said, “If my people . . . pray . . . then will I hear from heaven.” Before three thousand people were brought into the Church on the day of Pentecost, the disciples had spent ten days in prayer, fasting, and spiritual travail. God desires that Christians be concerned and burdened for a lost world. If we pray this kind of prayer, an era of peace may come to the world and the hordes of wickedness may be turned back.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Almighty God, burden my heart for those in the world who have not experienced Your peace in their lives.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Fishers of Men
“We cannot be fishers of men if we remain among the men in the same element with them. Fish will not be fishers. The sinner will not convert the sinner. The ungodly man will not convert the ungodly man. What is more to the point, the worldly Christian will not convert the world. If you are of the world, no doubt the world will love its own, but you cannot save the world. If you are dark and belong to the kingdom of darkness, you cannot remove the darkness. If you march with the armies of the wicked one, you cannot defeat them. I believe that one reason why the Church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.” Charles Spurgeon
What God has done
With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy redeemer.
–Isaiah 54:8
If God is all-powerful and all-loving, it would seem inconsistent with His nature to allow anyone to be lost. Here again we rationalize because we do not understand the nature of God. God cannot go against His own laws and against His own nature. God is holy. He cannot tolerate sin in His presence. He created us free to choose how we would live. He invites us to come His way, but leaves us free to pursue our own ends with tragic, natural consequences. We glibly say, “Surely a loving God would not allow a person He loves to be lost. Or God wouldn't send people to hell. He just wouldn’t allow it.” We must not forget that God is also a God of wrath and judgement, but far from Him allowing it, God has done everything He can to prevent it! Talk about love! “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son . . . ”(see John 3:16). This is good news. Because of what God, in love, has done for us, we need not be lost.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Almighty God, your magnanimous love is felt in my life, as I live each day through the grace of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
–Isaiah 54:8
If God is all-powerful and all-loving, it would seem inconsistent with His nature to allow anyone to be lost. Here again we rationalize because we do not understand the nature of God. God cannot go against His own laws and against His own nature. God is holy. He cannot tolerate sin in His presence. He created us free to choose how we would live. He invites us to come His way, but leaves us free to pursue our own ends with tragic, natural consequences. We glibly say, “Surely a loving God would not allow a person He loves to be lost. Or God wouldn't send people to hell. He just wouldn’t allow it.” We must not forget that God is also a God of wrath and judgement, but far from Him allowing it, God has done everything He can to prevent it! Talk about love! “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son . . . ”(see John 3:16). This is good news. Because of what God, in love, has done for us, we need not be lost.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Almighty God, your magnanimous love is felt in my life, as I live each day through the grace of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Monday, December 12, 2011
The Word is God
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.John 1:1–3
John wrote about the majesty and divine nature of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in a profound way. John said that Christ, in his divine essence, is the Word of the eternal Father. If the Word existed from the beginning before anything was created, then it must follow that this Word is God. We can easily draw this conclusion: whatever had its existence before the creation of the world must be God, because only the Creator can exist separate from creation. Everything that exists is either Creator or creation— either God or creature. Through John, the Holy Spirit stated that "in the beginning was the Word" and "without him nothing was made that has been made." For this reason, we can never think of the Word as something created. The Word is eternal. No one can deny or disprove the conclusion that this Word is God.
This passage establishes that Christ is God. On the basis of this fact, we believe and know with certainty that Mary gave birth to our Lord and Savior and that he is true and natural God, born in eternity by the Father. This is why he can't be considered an angel. Instead, he is the Lord and Creator of angels and of all other creatures. As Paul states, "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" (Colossians 1:16).
Now, we know that Holy Scripture is God's Word and will last forever (1 Peter 1:25). Scripture clearly states that the Word existed in the beginning before anything was created and that the Word made everything. So it follows that believers can't hold any other opinion or come to any other conclusion: The Word was not created or made, but already existed from eternity.
His ways are everlasting
What he hath done at one time, he will do yet again. Man's ways are variable, but God's ways are everlasting. There are many reasons for this most comforting truth: among them are the following-the Lord's ways are the result of wise deliberation; he ordereth all things according to the counsel of his own will. Human action is frequently the hasty result of passion, or fear, and is followed by regret and alteration; but nothing can take the Almighty by surprise, or happen otherwise than he has foreseen. His ways are the outgrowth of an immutable character, and in them the fixed and settled attributes of God are clearly to be seen. Unless the Eternal One himself can undergo change, his ways, which are himself in action, must remain for ever the same. Is he eternally just, gracious, faithful, wise, tender?-then his ways must ever be distinguished for the same excellences. Beings act according to their nature: when those natures change, their conduct varies also; but since God cannot know the shadow of a turning, his ways will abide everlastingly the same. Moreover there is no reason from without which could reverse the divine ways, since they are the embodiment of irresistible might. The earth is said, by the prophet, to be cleft with rivers, mountains tremble, the deep lifts up its hands, and sun and moon stand still, when Jehovah marches forth for the salvation of his people. Who can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? But it is not might alone which gives stability; God's ways are the manifestation of the eternal principles of right, and therefore can never pass away. Wrong breeds decay and involves ruin, but the true and the good have about them a vitality which ages cannot diminish.
This morning let us go to our heavenly Father with confidence, remembering that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, and in him the Lord is ever gracious to his people.
This morning let us go to our heavenly Father with confidence, remembering that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, and in him the Lord is ever gracious to his people.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A Divine Encounter
God created you for this particular time in history. You weren’t born in the Dark Ages, or in the 18th century. Your time is at hand. Today, seek and save that which is lost. Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Hand out a tract. Ask God for a divine encounter—a woman at the well (see John 4), someone He has prepared to receive the Word. You were born for such a time as this.
Esther 4:14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your fathers house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom forsuch a time as this?
What is Idolatry
Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father . . .
–Matthew 10:33
What is idolatry? Idolatry is anything that comes between us and God. Joshua told his people that their nation would be destroyed if they persisted in idolatry, and their souls would suffer eternal death. He said, “You must make your decision today. You must decide whether you want to serve the idols of this life, or the living God.” “Choose you this day,” said Joshua, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” What about you? Are you taking your stand with Joshua? No matter what the cost? I am asking you to choose this day whom you will serve. Our families cannot choose Christ for us. Our friends cannot do it. God is a great God, but even God can’t make the decision for us. He can help, but only we can decide. We have to make our own choice.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus Christ, take away the idols in my life so that, completely undivided, I may serve You, my Savior.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Labor of Love
The Christian’s works follow him. God doesn’t forget your labor of love and work of faith, and He will reward you.
“The New Testament has lots to say about self-denial, but not about self-denial as an end in itself. We are told to deny ourselves and to take up our crosses in order that we may follow Christ; and nearly every description of what we shall ultimately find if we do so contains an appeal to desire.
“If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” C. S. Lewis
Ruth 2:12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.
“The New Testament has lots to say about self-denial, but not about self-denial as an end in itself. We are told to deny ourselves and to take up our crosses in order that we may follow Christ; and nearly every description of what we shall ultimately find if we do so contains an appeal to desire.
“If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” C. S. Lewis
Ruth 2:12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
