Saturday, December 31, 2016
The devils lie
I want to share with you what John MacArthur said about the law and works as compared to righteousness by faith. Specifically, he's addressing Galatians 3:21-24 and I want to pickup there with his conclusion:
"But in Galatians 3:21 it says, “The law is not able to impart righteousness. The law is not able to impart life.” And then Galatians 3:24, “The law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.”
"[We] can’t be justified by works. All the law does is condemn you and escalate your sinfulness by expanding the categories and becoming literally a solicitation to do evil. The law increases the reality of sin, increases the awareness of sin, and increases the desire to sin. That’s completely contrary to what religions of works tell you, that somehow there is in you the power to overcome your Adamic fallenness and do good, good enough to please God. That is the devil’s big lie."
Heresy
In the ordinary course of secular life, heresy was of little consequence; one person's opinion or choice about most things in life is just as good as another's. A person can be given any number of alternatives, any one of which he may be perfectly free to believe. However, in Christianity we are dealing with revelation, with God-given truth, with absolutes. When God's truth comes to men, we either have to accept or reject it. Thus, a heretic is a man who believes what he wishes to believe instead of accepting the truth of God that he ought to believe.
Friday, December 30, 2016
What is the G12 vision / movement?
What is the G12 vision / move
ment?: What is the G12 vision / movement? Is the G12 vision a Biblical method of church growth?
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Someone
As difficult as it has been, as much pain as you have endured, take heart in this: Someone is watching you. Someone is drawing on your strength and learning how to remain faithful in spite of adversity. You are someone's hero, the reason they get out of bed each morning. Imagine: Even on your worst day, God is using you to bless others.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Catholic 2nd commandment
There is no doubt as to the NUMBER of the Commandments. There are ten (Ex. 34:28; Deut. 4:13; 10:4).
It is their CONTENT which is of vital concern. It was not until the fourth century A.D. that this confusion even began to exist. It was then that Augustine (Catholic bishop of Hippo in North Africa) devised a new way of presenting the Ten Commandments in order to allow the use of images and statues in religious worship. He dropped the Second Commandment altogether, divided the Tenth into two “commandments,” and then renumbered his revised list of ten.
Dropping the Second Commandment makes it appear that there is only one commandment against idolatry. But, there are two kinds of idolatry — and two distinct commandments prohibit these two major sins:
- The First Commandment forbids worship of anything in the place of God (Ex. 20:3).
- The Second Commandment is altogether different and forbids bowing down to, serving, or otherwise using statues in the worship of God (Ex. 20:4-6). The latter is the one Catholics do not like, for obvious reasons.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Reread
When I read the Bible I often read a passage two or three times and ask, "what is this saying?" G. Campbell Morgan was born December 9, 1863. He would read a passage of Scripture 50 times before he preached it. You'll see things you didn't see by doing this. I was just rereading 1 Corinthians 6:12 and saw something I missed. There is that word "power" again. This time it is not referring to God's "power". It is referring to the power of "things". Things can have power over us if we let them. The Bible says, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any". Now I have to ask myself, "does anything have power over me?" "Is this thing keeping me from doing what God called me to do?"
Monday, December 26, 2016
Soul
To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul. To do this, you need to experience solitude, which most people are afraid of, because in the silence you hear the truth and know the solutions. - Deepak Chopra
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Healing
When you have endured a lot of pain, it is natural for you to become numb -- to lose some feeling. But God does not mean for us to move through life without passion. We must pray for healing; we must do the inner work & be willing to take risks so we can FEEL again. Yes, this means you might get hurt again, but remember: You cannot experience all the Joy unless you can also experience all the pain...
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Is it true that everything happens for a reason?
Is it true that everything happens for a reason?: Is it true that everything happens for a reason? Is it possible to find meaning and purpose in the seemingly random things of life?
Time
Sometimes, God keeps us in the valley, not as punishment, not as a test. Sometimes God keeps us in the valley because someone else needs us -- our guidance, our encouragement. Sometimes it's to provide physical help in case of emergency. So instead of cursing your time in the valley, thank God for the chance to be there for others...
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Sunday, December 18, 2016
God and you
God is EVERYWHERE, including INSIDE YOU. So try this on: If you believe in God, believe also in yourself. After all, you were created in HIS image and likeness. And if that sounds like a big pill to swallow, you'll love this: GOD BELIEVES IN YOU! God has ULTIMATE faith in your ability to be Christ-like here on Earth. If you can BELIEVE that GOD BELIEVES IN YOU, Heaven awaits . . . shout it out!
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Friday, December 16, 2016
Are Christians expected to honor an abusive parent? How can we honor an abusive parent?
Are Christians expected to honor an abusive parent? How can we honor an abusive parent?: Are Christians expected to honor an abusive parent? How can we honor an abusive parent? How should Christians deal with parental abuse?
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Faith
Faith is like a muscle -- one which must be "tested" to grow stronger. Imagine lying on a bench press. Standing over you is God, adding more weight to each side. You lift it, struggle with it, beg God to take it off you. But God is right there saying, "Push! I won't let it fall on you! Now PUSH!!" So you keep pushing. When it's over, you're exhausted, but stronger — knowing that with God, you can handle more than you thought you could....
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Judging others
Steer clear of judging others. One, you don't know what they are dealing with, what they've gone through; you don't know the pain that drives them. But more importantly, tending to your own soul is enough to keep you PLENTY busy. Pray for them; forgive any transgressions, then ask God for guidance on how to deal with them. Judge not...
Monday, December 12, 2016
How can I be saved?
How can I be saved?: What does it mean to be saved? How can I be saved? How can I be certain that I am saved?
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Filipino ways
I find more Filipinos to be dependent on family reason being is their theory of self is associated very closely with their family. An example would be that a child would not be able to easily choose a course to take in college without his/her family’s say on the matter. I’m talking, parents, grandparents,aunts and uncles. We often hear kids at home say they will go to acting school or arts school, the same is not easy in the Philippines. If the family does not approve ‘well to bad’. Ultimately, the family will prevail. From his youth a child is made to believe that he belongs to the family. He is encouraged to share all of his thoughts and feelings to his parents and yield to their rule, counsel and advice. He is instructed to be good because any disgrace that he commits on himself is a disgrace to the family. In times of misfortune he is assured of his family’s support and sympathy. Parents here can be meddling and intrusive though.
From my observations while in the Philippines, smooth interpersonal relationship is the rule of conduct. One must, at all times, avoid showing signs of hostility when relating to a Filipino . As much as possible we must never show a sour look nor utter harsh words. We must never disagree openly. We are bringing unneccairy trouble on ourselves. A smile, a friendly lift of the eyebrow (both eyebrows), a word of praise or a friendly concern can easily win the friendship of a Filipino. Do this whether you want to or not.
Filipinos are very sensitive and easily humiliated. One must never ridicule a Filipino. A Filipino more often than not will retaliate in in some way, in situations in which momentary difficulties in interpersonal relations develop, Filipinos are sensitive to hard words and aggressive behavior.”
Another cultural trait of Filipinos is that of being a poor loser or one. If he wins, he is over jubilant; but if he loses, he is exceedingly bitter. In athletics, he is deeply sports-minded but tends to be unsportsmanlike. To a lot of Filipinos, to be defeated is to be humiliated. Thus, when a pinoy loses, he is apt to put up an excuse or alibi. Defeat could lead to a more serious consequence which is redeeming their wounded pride “in any way they can”. The reason for this Filipinos’ attitude towards defeat is the colonial experience suffered by them during the Spanish era during which they have always been relegated to the rank of inferiors. The experience has made the Filipinos very sensitive.. For a Filipino, defeat is a sign of inferiority and subordination. An alibi or excuse when one loses is a defense mechanism against accepting the superiority and dominance of the winner.
We tend to regulate our contact with Filipinos by failing to observe the gap; Filipinos tend to regulate their contact with us by a clear recognition that differences exist and a shallow notion of what these consist of. Filipinos limit their contact with the Westerners in their midst partly by shifting to another dialect, and by a variety of other defensive measures whereby they try, to evade the difference. There are many different dilects here. They will speak in the one they know the best.
Analyzing the meaning of a Filipino based on Western motives and values is not possible. Their behavior must be interpreted in the light of their own habits, motives and values. An example would be the difference in handling of a death in the family. Our funerals require silence. We also require that the privacy of the bereaved be respected since we want to be alone. The Filipinos “vigil”, on the other hand, is the exact opposite of ours. In the Philippines, the body of the deceased is laid out in a coffin, placed in the funeral parlor or in the family’s house, the relatives gather, people come and go, express condolences and contribute money for the funeral expenses. There is hustle and bustle of activities, people standing by and gossiping; young boys and ladies play word games and flirt at the door; there’s gambling tables set up and food served, with general merriment, singing and guitar-playing going on throughout the night. It is almost like one huge celebration.
Our handling of bereavement requires that the bereaved person should not be reminded of what has happened, not be asked to talk about it. Tact requires that the name of the deceased person be mentioned only with extreme respect, that the details are to be glossed over, and the emotions not re-aroused. Filipino way of handling bereavement is exactly the opposite way. Filipinos would express sympathy and concern by asking specific questions and the primary assumption about those who have suffered a loss is that they should not be left alone. A Filipino friend starts asking detailed facts about the dead such as “How did he die?”, “Did he suffer much?” , “How much did you spend at the hospital?”, etc. This is the Philippine-born way of saying “They are sorry to hear that one of our relatives has died. They are trying to express concern and affection but still that’s just the wrong way to go about things.
The Catholic orientation of the Filipinos makes them handle death and birth as ordinary familiar experiences while most of us will treat grief with silence and repressed feelings. Thus, in their handling of doom, Filipinos might be characterized by us as down right rude inconsiderate people, while we may be characterized by Filipinos as euphemistic and indirect.
Our cultures are totally different so it is best not to argue with them nor humiliate them in any way. If they even perceive that this is what you are trying to do they will cause lots of trouble for you, Like I said before, they are very sensitive people, even the men.
Christian
We all sin, we all fail, we all stumble, but if we spend time daily reading and meditating on the Bible, spending time in prayer talking to God, and spending time with other believers in fellowship, Bible study, and worship, then we won't sin, fail, or stumble as much as we do
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Friday, December 9, 2016
Direction
You can keep on looking in the rearview mirror. Of course you can. But it has consequences..... You're either going to completely miss what's up ahead or you'll crash. Neither are happy options.
What's behind us lives on in our memories but what's before us deserves our full attention. Choose your direction.....
What's behind us lives on in our memories but what's before us deserves our full attention. Choose your direction.....
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Surviving the end times - what do I need to know?
Surviving the end times - what do I need to know?: Surviving the end times - what do I need to know? What are the different events that will occur in the end times / last days?
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Oppurtunity
No matter what garbage you're dealing with in your life, know this: Today you will be given an opportunity to be a blessing to someone else. SEIZE IT. Even on our worst days,God made it so we can lighten someone else's load. What's more: You shall reap what you sow. THAT is a blessing indeed!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Feelings
Regardless of the distance or barriers between you and your loved one, know this: It is natural to miss them, to worry about them-- and you are entitled to your feelings. But when the worry gets overwhelming, remember they are in God's Divinely capable hands. And keep sending your prayers & your love. Your loved one needs them -- and they miss you too....
Saturday, December 3, 2016
What should we learn from the woman at the well?
What should we learn from the woman at the well?: What should we learn from the woman at the well? Why did Jesus speak to the woman at the well in Samaria?
Friday, December 2, 2016
Who were the Samaritans?
Who were the Samaritans?: Who were the Samaritans? Why did the Jews hate the Samaritans? What did the Samaritans believe?
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Confession and Salvation
Confession and Salvation: The confession that leads to salvation is not a magic spell; it doesn't include specific words that are absolutely necessary. It's what's in the heart that matters.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Last words
Jesus last words were about believers receiving the power of the Holy Spirit and a command to make disciples. This applies to all who believe in Jesus. I believe that one of our most important daily prayer request should be about asking God to give us an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Saturday, November 26, 2016
What is true religion?
What is true religion?: What is true religion? Is true religion comprised of rules, rituals, or a relationship? Does God desire religion or relationship?
Friday, November 25, 2016
The past
It may be tempting to go back and relive past glories. You are not the same person you were then, nor are the other people involved. There's a reason they call it the past: It's BEHIND YOU. Besides how will you see the path God has laid out ahead of you are always looking back?
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Is it possible to be Christian and pro-choice at the same time?
Is it possible to be Christian and pro-choice at the same time?: Is it possible to be Christian and pro-choice at the same time? Is the pro-choice abortion mindset compatible with the Christian faith?
How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying?
How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying?: How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? Why, when we are promised Heaven, still have a fear of death?
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
How can I not go to hell?
How can I not go to hell?: How can I not go to hell? How can I escape from the eternal fate of hell?
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Monday, November 21, 2016
GOP Returning to Its Vomit
GOP Returning to Its Vomit: GOP Returning to It’s Vomit, Whitewater, Travelgate, Filegate, Chinagate, pardongate, stealing the White House furniture, perjury and obstruction of justice in the Paula Jones case and about Monica Lewinski, the Clinton Foundation, stealing the money meant for Haitian relief, e-mailgate, Benghazi, Hillary stealing furniture from the State Department when she left, selling access to foreign governments
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Adult children,
The President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University gave a lecture to students they’ll never forget. Recently a student complained about a sermon that made him feelguilty and blamed the school for making students feel uncomfortable. This is not uncommon. Many universities now are so afraid of offending even one student, that political correctness has run amuck. However, this University is based on religion and so one would expect that discipline, good character and personal accountability would be a big part of the curriculum.
Everett Piper, who is the President of the school, wrote a letter to the students admonishing them that playing the victim, blaming others and not admitting mistakes is not a way to live a productive and meaningful life. Here is the letter titled “This is Not a Day Care. It’s a University!”
This is Not a Day Care. It’s a University!
This past week, I actually had a student come forward after a university chapel service and complain because he felt “victimized” by a sermon on the topic of 1 Corinthians 13. It appears this young scholar felt offended because a homily on love made him feel bad for not showing love. In his mind, the speaker was wrong for making him, and his peers, feel uncomfortable.
I’m not making this up. Our culture has actually taught our kids to be this self-absorbed and narcissistic. Any time their feelings are hurt, they are the victims. Anyone who dares challenge them and, thus, makes them “feel bad” about themselves, is a “hater,” a “bigot,” an “oppressor,” and a “victimizer.”
I have a message for this young man and all others who care to listen. That feeling of discomfort you have after listening to a sermon is called a conscience. An altar call is supposed to make you feel bad. It is supposed to make you feel guilty. The goal of many a good sermon is to get you to confess your sins—not coddle you in your selfishness. The primary objective of the Church and the Christian faith is your confession, not your self-actualization.
So here’s my advice:
If you want the chaplain to tell you you’re a victim rather than tell you that you need virtue, this may not be the university you’re looking for. If you want to complain about a sermon that makes you feel less than loving for not showing love, this might be the wrong place.
If you’re more interested in playing the “hater” card than you are in confessing your own hate; if you want to arrogantly lecture, rather than humbly learn; if you don’t want to feel guilt in your soul when you are guilty of sin; if you want to be enabled rather than confronted, there are many universities across the land (in Missouri and elsewhere) that will give you exactly what you want, but Oklahoma Wesleyan isn’t one of them.
At OKWU, we teach you to be selfless rather than self-centered. We are more interested in you practicing personal forgiveness than political revenge. We want you to model interpersonal reconciliation rather than foment personal conflict. We believe the content of your character is more important than the color of your skin. We don’t believe that you have been victimized every time you feel guilty and we don’t issue “trigger warnings” before altar calls.
Oklahoma Wesleyan is not a “safe place”, but rather, a place to learn: to learn that life isn’t about you, but about others; that the bad feeling you have while listening to a sermon is called guilt; that the way to address it is to repent of everything that’s wrong with you rather than blame others for everything that’s wrong with them. This is a place where you will quickly learn that you need to grow up.
This is not a day care. This is a university.
Values
Stay true to your principles, to your values. Stick to your faith, and don't worry about the outcome. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, meeting each day and everyone in it with Love, Kindness & Forgiveness. Do not let this world take your faith, hope or joy . . . DO NOT GIVE UP ON WHO GOD MADE YOU TO BE. Amen!
Saturday, November 19, 2016
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