Iiiiiiit's December soon..!! You guys going anywhere..? Well mark Higher Ground one of the places, we won't want you to miss out the last session of 2010..! Check the details as below:
Date: 18th December 2010
Time: 7.30P.M.
Venue: To be confirmed (So do stay alert for more info..!)
See you in December..!
compiled by Jeremy
Friday, November 19, 2010
2010 December Higher Ground Session
Thursday, November 18, 2010
2010 November Higher Ground Session
School's out, put aside your schoolbags and come join us in the presence of Jesus..! It's November Higher Ground..!
Date: 27th November 2010
Time: To be confirmed
Venue: To be confirmed
See 'ya..!
compiled by Jeremy
Friday, November 5, 2010
Whose Child Are You..? By Marijo Phelps
We might not get to pick our earthly parents. I don't know anyone who has had that privilege actually. But we can pick our heavenly Father to be ours for time and eternity. The question becomes would we pick a Father who was the creator of the universe? Would we pick on who put the very stars in place and owns the cattle on a thousand hills? After thinking about those things a better question might be why wouldn't we choose to call God our Father?
Pausing to be quiet before Him I can hear His still, small voice once again:
Child,I desire to say on to you, you ARE my child. You are surrounded by My mercy and My love know that you are mine and I AM yours. Yield and draw neigh to my embrace. I AM that I AM I came and died and conquered death so you might have abundant life. Don't be half alive. Don't be half dead but soar/rise up in Jesus' name and strength and Spirit. He empowers you, yield. Selah.
In Song of Solomon 2:6 we are given the picture of God drawing us close with his left arm under our head and his right arm embracing me.
Our God is an intimate and loving God if we allow Him to be that for us.
In Isaiah 9:2 we are encouraged with comments about people walking in darkness who have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Jesus is the light of the world and He can be your own personal light too, you have but to ask Him to forgive you and be your Lord! What an expensive and extravagant gift He has given to you and to me.
In John 10:10 we are told about the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy and then that Jesus has come so that we may have life and that more abundantly.
That shouldn't be a difficult choice to make. Looking back I wonder that it took me so long to come to that conclusion.
Isaiah 40:31 speaks of those who hope in the Lord renewing their strength and soaring on wings like eagles, running and not growing weary, walking and not fainting.
Most of us could use a bit of extra strength on a daily basis. What a great promise to realize and hang onto.
Isaiah 40:29 speaks of God giving strength to the weary and increase power to the weak.
I could use more strength and power in my life more of God's strength and power and He promises to give it!
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to GET UP and begin spending quality time with You, to "draw neigh", to hear Your voice. I miss You so!! Help me over rule my sleepy flesh. Please don't let me be puny but let Jesus in me be strong! AMEN
(C) Marijo Phelps all rights reserved. Use with with proper credits.
About Self
Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS
compiled by Jeremy
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saving Our Spirit and Our Soul By Angel Jr. Ancheta
(A reminder for the beginning Christian, including myself)
Within each person lies a spirit and a soul. Both were given by God, and both have different functions. The spirit, or pneuma, is our whole essence, the "breath of life" through which we were created. Through our spirit, we are connected to God's spirit and are able to feel His presence. In contrast, the soul is a part of our spirit, and it contains and defines our personality, meaning our intellect, our will, and our emotions.
When this world ends, and our spirit stands before God, we shall be judged by passing through fire, and the outcome shall be based on two things: the worthiness of our spirit, and the worthiness of our soul. If we have truly accepted Jesus during our life, then our spirit is already worthy, and we are not thrown into Hell. Moreover, if we have diligently obeyed God's commands, our soul is also saved, and we enter His Kingdom as a whole person, intact.
However, if we did not make enough effort to obey God, then we suffer loss, as Paul said. And here there are also two kinds: the loss of reward, and the loss of privilege. If we have accumulated enough "treasure" as Jesus said, through our obedience, then we shall enter the Kingdom with much reward. It then follows that a little "treasure" saved would amount to only a little reward.
But if we have no invested "treasure" at all, or the things we consider "treasure" has been burned in the judgment fire, then even our privilege to enter the Kingdom is in jeopardy. We then risk being thrown out of the Kingdom, not into Hell, but as Jesus Himself said a few times, into the "outer darkness", where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth". For clarity, we recall that in the book of Revelations, the Kingdom of God has real dimensions, complete with height, length, and wall thickness. And this Kingdom is located on the new Earth. Taking things into context therefore, the "outer darkness" that Jesus described is outside the walls of the Kingdom not in Hell, but on the new Earth.
In short, there is really no room for complacency. Our acceptance of Jesus Christ is a guarantee of salvation from Hell, but it is in no way a guarantee of entrance to His Kingdom, as He himself said. Therefore, since our lifespan on Earth is unknown, as Christians, let us make each day an effort to earn as much treasure as we can in Heaven. Besides saving our spirit through faith in Jesus, let us try our best to save our souls as well, so that we can enjoy the full glory that He has promised us in the Kingdom.
Angel Ancheta Jr.
31 year old male, married, no children
Lives in the Philippines
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS
compiled by Jeremy
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Message Within The Message By Dale Linton
This article is a continuing discussion of what Gods word is performing in us.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
By Gods design we live on a word planet. We know the worlds were framed by the word of God, Hebrews 11:3. We also are given to know from Hebrews 11:3 that things which appear come from something which does not appear. This creative force that created all things traces back to Gods word or truth.
This is all to say, Gods words have so much creativity flowing from them, that a single sentence, quite possibility contains infinite layers of meaning. Most definitely, what is being communicated in Gods word goes much deeper than what is on the surface,containing mysteries we yearn to know more about.
As an experiment, if you will, read the following sentences understanding that the sentence structure has messages within it's message.
It's a fact, taller people sleep longer in bed.
If you lose your memory, you can forget it!
As the shoe said to the hat, 'You go on ahead, and I'll follow on foot'.
A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was a nurse said 'No change yet'.
Those who throw dirt are sure to lose ground.
Each one of these sentences contained more than one message. The point is, this type of sentence structure stimulates us and reveals levels of happiness we express through laughter. Consider why it is we find this amusing. We all seem to be designed to react the same way to the layering of meaning within communication. It may be said this expression of laughter is evidence of something within us being brought to life.
The verse this article began with has identifiable layers of meaning.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Here are two possible messages contained in just the first part of this verse:
Through something called "faith" we can have the understanding that God made everything.
The second meaning is, we can understand that the "method of operation" God used to frame the worlds was something called "faith".
Hebrews 4:12 is a an excellent verse to see a messages within a message.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
There are three sets of things with where God says His word can "divide asunder".First,Gods word isn't claiming a division in the negative, rather the "dividing asunder" is a gifting or a distribution which gives life to the working order of the sets. In order to better see the truths hidden in the mysteries of how these pairs relate one to the other, allow me to suggest that Hebrews 4:12 would be better understood if we viewed the three sets this way:
A mouse is to a cat, as a cat is to a dog.
Now say this:
Joints are to marrow, as soul is to spirit. Hows that?
In each of these sets, one gives life to its partner. Marrow is the life giving substance within our bones. Not only is bone marrow the
life of bone, but marrow produces red blood cells, hence bone marrow transplants for certain types of cancer. So bones contain marrow, marrow performs blood production,which is life to the bone and the entire body. Bones are used to join other bones by what we call joints. Joints are comprised of mainly smaller bones.
As remedial as this may appear, take note of the listing order of joints and marrow. The life giving substance is listed second. So if that
is no accident, the listing order of soul and spirit has spirit being the life giver. How then is joints to marrow, as soul is to spirit?
Bone marrow and joints are in the same class, the skeletal family. Our spirit and our soul have like characteristics putting them in the same class; they are and have spiritual connection. Joints rely on marrow for their existence. Our soul relies on our spirit for its
existence. Marrow and joints are extremely close in relationship. Our spirit and soul exist in an extremely close relationship. Joints express themselves in bodily function as movement. Our soul expresses itself through our bodily functions by speech,laughter,
sorrow and so on. Through bodily expression of joints and soul, the real life giving force of our marrow and our spirit exsists behind the scenes, always in operation but not blatantly apparent.
Following the modeled structure of Hebrews 4:12, it is the intentions of the heart that give life to the thoughts of the heart. In other words, the goals we have in mind are what consumes our thought life. It's also true that intentions which give life to thoughts, are
eventually expressed in bodily actions. As marrow and spirit may lurk inwardly and not be a parent in their life giving roles, likewise true intentions can be camouflaged appearing as something totally different.Of course,intentions and thoughts are in the same basic category and coming forth through the same mechanism, the heart.
Obviously, this article could turn into a book on Hebrews 4:12, so we'll stop here. The point is Gods word is saturated with subliminal messaging that once seen only serves to prove the infinite depth of His nature. As was seen in the beginning of this article, one of our designed reactions to this form of communication is amusement. As we as Christians feed on Gods word, there are operative forces at work to which we have yet to realize.
Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Psalm 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
I have a desire to see the body of Christ edified. Within the broad spectrum of edification I feel there exists a great need and opportunity for spiritual education at foundational levels. Please contact me about speaking at your church. Dale Linton 410-378-5035
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS
compiled by Jeremy
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wallpaper for you. ;)
A gift of encouragement to all the SPM and STPM candidates out there. God is with you..! :)
compiled by Jeremy
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Anchored Soul - Louis Gander
If the sea is the world - the ship your soul,
where are you at - and what's your goal?
When storms surge up and darken the skies,
do you know where you're at? Is there fear in your eyes?
Do your troubles seem endless and so overwhelm?
Tell me, "Are you standing alone at the helm?"
Where's the foundation when you're on a ship?
Do you hold to life with a white-knuckled grip?
When the world seems dark, dangerous, cold,
in the storms of life, will your anchor hold?
When shivering rain - sends you into shock,
is your faith secure? Is it in the Rock?
When the cold waves slap at your straining hull,
are you dazed, confused - in your empty skull?
Though the sharp winds slice as a piercing knife,
is your anchor firm from the storms of life?
Do you stay near the shore where it's not so deep?
Are trials so great, you cannot sleep?
When the waves surge over your fragile deck,
I think, overdue - your reality check.
Don't hide down below afraid of the facts.
With Jesus beside you - always relax.
Be bold and set sail! Your life is in hands,
that calms the waters - as He commands....
Copywrite 2004-2010 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
Written 2-13-09 by louis gander. FREE to print and use only WITH copyright information attached - NOT for resale.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS
compiled by Jeremy
Sunday, October 17, 2010
*still*
Be still and know I am God
Be still and know I am God
Be still and know I am God
7 words and yet It is such a meaningful song.
Have you every thought why we must be still and know He is God?
Why cannot jump around or head stand?
Why not "jump around and know I am God...?
Think for a moment.
If we are not still, will we focus?
Can we meditate on His word unless we are still?
Or can we clear our mind when we are jumping around?
No we cant. (if were jumping around all we think is when are we falling down)
And so
Be physically and mentally still so that we can feel His presence among us.
And also receive the glory of His
and all blessings He gives.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Everything's Going to Be Okay By Bob Valleau
Long before the iPod, iTunes and the iPhone, there was -- the music box. It was a simple, mechanical device that delighted many during the 1800s. Women adored men who gave them one as a token of their love. Little girls giggled upon hearing the music and pondered how something so grand could come from something so small.
I had an idea once to write about a homeless mother and her daughter who wandered the streets of a big city during the Great Depression. One day, while begging people for money to buy food, a stranger stops to give them a small box with a unique power -- it plays music when opened. The mother and daughter are unfamiliar with the song coming from the box, but it brings them peace and hope every time they hear it.
I hope the following story reassures you of God's love and inspires you to have faith to face another day.
The cold Chicago wind whipped Molly's wool scarf like a worn rag about to be ripped in two. She quickly grabbed both of its frayed ends and yanked it tighter around her neck.
"Is this going to be a bad winter, momma?" ask eight-year-old Molly.
Molly smashed her dirty pink knit hat more securely to her head before grabbing her mother's hand to cross the busy street.
"I don't know, honey. But it sure is beginning to feel like it."
When they had safely crossed the street, Crystal, Molly's mother, turned her focus to the source of their next meal. She knew the streets were a wicked playground with evil men lurking everywhere since the stock market crashed not too long ago. Every stranger they approached for money posed a potential threat for many felt the pain of hunger just like them.
"Excuse me, sir, could you . . ." begged Crystal to someone passing by.
"Get away from me woman! I'm out of work and can't even feed my own children," bellowed the man as he quickened his pace to hurry away from her.
Crystal hung her head in defeat.
As she had done so many times before, Molly squeezed her mother's hand and said: "Everything's going to be okay, momma. You'll see."
If only she had her daughter's faith, Crystal thought. Then, Crystal tried asking a few more strangers with no success. Suddenly, a man approached them out of nowhere.
"Miss, I noticed you and your daughter are in a dilemma. We are living in dark days, and I fear they are only going to get darker. I have no money or food to give you, for I am a beggar like yourself. But years ago, a man gave me a musical box that has given me hope on many occasions. I'd like to give it to your daughter to keep and open whenever she feels sad, lonely or afraid. Would that be okay?"
After hesitating for a moment, Crystal said, "I suppose it would be okay. I don't see any harm in it."
The man reached into his pocket and brought out a small wooden box. He opened it before giving it to Molly, and the most angelic tune began to play.
"Wow," said Molly, eyes wide open. "Thank you so much, mister."
Before the stranger turned to leave, he had one last thing to say, "Always remember little one: Jesus loves you."
Crystal and Molly were mesmerized by the gift. Never before had they heard such a beautiful tune and wondered what it meant. And the peace it brought to them was indescribable.
A month passed, and some days were better than others. One day, however, Crystal and Molly were unable to collect money for food, so they ate whatever they could find hidden in the piles of garbage that dotted the city's landscape. Crystal's spirit and passion for life began to wane. In addition to her feeling inadequate, winter was beginning with a vengeance. The temperature dropped considerably, and a light snow blanketed the slabs of concrete beneath their feet. The begging duo sought warmth by joining others who gathered around a fire burning in a rusty trash can nearby.
As they approached the small band of beggars, a woman said to them, "We've been singing songs to distract the little ones from the cold and lack of food."
After wrapping her arms around a young boy by her side, the woman continued: "You're welcome to join us. Do you have a song you'd like everyone to sing?"
"I . . . I . . . don't really have one," said Crystal.
"Oh, but we have something musical to share," said Molly as she opened her box that chimed a heavenly tune.
The young boy, at his mother's side, smiled. "I know that song," he said. "Can we sing it, mommy?"
"Sure, Johnny."
And with that, everyone belted out a familiar song to the musical box's chimes:
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so
Crystal and Molly looked at each other for a brief moment before bursting into laughter and tears. God's love flooded their souls, and they were overjoyed upon discovering the words to the musical box's tune. No wonder it brought them peace in the midst of their darkest hours. No wonder it gave them hope when they couldn't see how they were going to make it another day.
"See," said Molly, squeezing her mother's hand more tightly. "I told you everything was going to be okay."
Whatever you are facing right now, dear reader, remember that Jesus loves you. Let the warmth of His love caress your weary soul. Are you sad? Jesus loves you. Are you lonely? Jesus loves you. Are you afraid? Jesus loves you. There is nothing too big or too small that He cannot handle. As you place your hand of faith in His, may you sense His peace that far surpasses any of your understanding. And above all, may you hear Him say, "Everything's going to be okay."
Copyright 2010 by Bob Valleau. Bob has over 25 years of writing experience for the Christian market. He was once named Christian Writer of the Year by the American Christian Writers Association. Currently, he freelances and lives in Texas.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS
compiled by Jeremy
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Purity
Hrm...
What does google define purity?
One being undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material.
Then, how about a "panjang lelaki" (longman) english dictionary?
The quality or state of being pure.
Most importantly, How GOD defines it?
TEENAGERS NOWADAYS are widely promoted to sexual abstinence.
Being pure isn't just about sex. To have or not to have it isn't something we should think about.
We always hear about The Word saying about living a Godly life and what TRUE PURITY is.
Back in the old days, the people live their lives with laws written by the religious leaders, yet
the Lord has rebuked them for not being entirely pure. And these religious leaders are just simply
appearing to be holy. Anyhow, Jesus talked about the spirit of Law.
Let us refer to the Bible:
Matthew 5: 21-22
Murder
21You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder,a]" style="line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'
22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brotherb]" style="line-height: 0.5em; ">[b]will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,c]" style="line-height: 0.5em; ">[c]' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
I believe everyone reading this disliked/ hate someone before.
Sometimes, we even use some phrases like " I dont hate, I dont really like him/ her"
" I dont hate, I just dont find favour in him/ her" " I am not angry with him/ her, hes/ shes just unbearable sometimes" "Oh, thats not a very big deal"
Those are NOT EXCUSES people.
No matter how, you have sinned.
Jesus is passing across the message: Sin can occur in our minds and hearts, even id we dont commit the physical act.
Moving on to Matthew 5: 27- 28
Adultery
27"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'e]" style="line-height: 0.5em; ">[e]e]" style="line-height: 0.5em; "> 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Do you see now the definition of purity>
Through this verses, it is rather obvious God tells us His perspective in life and redefines how we should live,
Godliness and Purity is as much as about attitude while motives as it is about outward actions.
Let us keep our heats pure for God and His ministry.
Let us keep our minds pure for His Word.
Let us keep our body pure for Him.
till then.
thats all for this short purity
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Eye-Test..
 | ||
What do you see when you see the cross..?
I see a battle won.
I see sins being forgiven.
I see a redeeming sacrifice.
I see a future.
What do you see when you 'see' Jesus..?
I see God.
I see a winner.
I see a promise and dozens of centuries-old prophecies fulfilled.
I see a Saviour.
I see the only person who can love and sacrifice even His own life for everybody.
I see mercy, I see peace, I see grace.
And last but not least, what do you see when you see the Bible..?
I see hope.
I see God's Word.
I see lives being changed for the better.
I see joy.
I see love.
I see both the cross and Jesus.
I see promises yet to come.
I see truth.
I don't know why but something prompted me to post this. Maybe.. it was Him. :)
compiled by Jeremy
Monday, October 4, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
2010 October Higher Ground Session
Hi people..! It's been someone since someone talked here. Sorry about that. =X
Here are the details regarding the upcoming HG Session:
Date: 9th October 2010
Time: 7.30P.M.
Venue: Christian Praise Centre (CPC)
Looking forward to see y'all there. =)
compiled by Jeremy
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
This Is My Desire (cover) - City Harvest Church
Like how the soldiers fought for their beloved nation during war times, I pray that we, as the Lord's army, will do our best to honor Him and glorify His Name as well. Blessed Independence Day. =)
compiled by Jeremy
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
What is being explained in this video is "the sinner's prayer is NOT AN INSURANCE TO SALVATION, BECAUSE ONLY FAITH IN CHRIST CAN SAVE YOU."
The sinner's prayer is a prayer a person prays to God when they understand that they are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Saying a sinner's prayer will not accomplish anything on its own. A true sinner's prayer only represents what a person knows, understands, and believes about their sinfulness and need for salvation. Saying the sinner's prayer is just simply a way of declaring to God that you are relying on Jesus Christ as your Savior. There are no "magical" words that result in salvation. It is only faith in Jesus' death and resurrection that can save us.
I hope my explanation made clear any misunderstandings possible.
compiled by Jeremy
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
2010 July Higher Ground Session..!
Attention..! Mark your calendars dudes and dudettes, we have a special guest speaker this month..!
Date: 24th July 2010
Time: 7.30P.M.
Venue: Grace Charismatic Centre (GCC)
Speaker: Representative from Malaysia Youth For Christ
Be there..!
compiled by Jeremy
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Scripture Union team with Kuantan Christian Students
The Scripture Union team will be facilitating the No Apologies Seminar on the 17th and 18th of July at Wesley Methodist Church, Kuantan.
Before the seminar, the team wants to meet up with all Christian students in Kuantan. Respective school CF members, Recess Revolution members, church youths...All of them!
Lunch will be provided for everyone.
Please RSVP latest by 13th July.
| Date: | Friday, July 16, 2010 |
| Time: | 1:30pm - 3:30pm |
| Location: | Rev. Joshua Khong's house |
| Street: | A- 2410 Lorong Kubang Buaya 2, 25250 |
| City/Town: | Kuantan, Malaysia |
Any info please contact Jasmine zero-one-six-9350528 or Ann Marie zero-one-two-7843505. Thanks and God bless you :)
compiled by Jeremy
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Lifehouse - Broken
Psalm 34:17-19
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
The Broken clock is a comfort
It helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can start tomorrow
From stealing all my time
I am here still waiting
Though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like you've alredy figured out
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain
There is healing
In your name
I find meaning
The broken locks were a warning
You got inside my head
Tried my best to be guarded
I'm an open book instead
I still see your reflection
Inside my eyes
That are looking for purpose
There still looking for life
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still breating
In the pain
Is there healing
In your name
I find meaning
So I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you
I'm hanging on another day
Just to see what, you will throw my way
And I'm hanging on, to the words you say
You said that I will, I'll be okay
The broken light on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
But I haven't forgotten my way home
--
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
DREAMS DO COME TRUE By Joy Kimani
"Ladies and Gentlemen I have known the next act for quite sometime", said Jerome as he looked straight to our table, right into my eyes.
"I have seen him grow from diapers to now and I can not describe how remarkable this young man has grown up to be with such a unique talent that has left some of us clearly dumbfounded and now it is with all my pleasure that I introduce tonight's last act Oscar"
My girlfriend Njeri who is sited next to me squeezes my hand and tells me how proud she is of me and reassures me that I would just be incredible.
I pick up my worn out guitar and make my way to the platform. I hardly notice how quite it has been kind of pin-drop-silence. All eyes are fixed on me and suddenly I feel a sudden urge to just take on heels and never look back again but this calm voice within me reassures me over and over again as my cells and nerves scream out this is a huge mistake.
My life has not always been like this performing in front of a real life audience. A few months ago my only audience was my Cat Jerry and my girlfriend back then I never worried about looking stupid in front millions and millions of audience well not millions right now but you can't blame this strong introvert for being visually creative.
I pluck a cord and close my eyes as I take a huge breath in. I could feel the spotlight on my face and suddenly the world in front disappears and I start singing.
My mind takes a trip down memory lane, back to my room as I perform in front of my mirror. This is where for once I get to be myself no fear and no critics.
My story is, not only am I known as a computer whiz kid but a serious klutz especially under pressure. Well now you know High school was not a walk in the park for me and now that am in campus doing what I was trained to do Computer Science life has not exactly been my portion. I did not have many friends well if you call more than one many then yes I did have many friends, my cat Jerry and old mister Mosheh who lives down the street. These two have been the best sidekick any superhero would like to have am sure they are pretty envious right now.
Life in campus has been quite an experience so far. I have appeared in the Deans List a couple of times(not that am bragging in any way) and found my talent.music. Well before I get to how I discovered this talent let me explain how I meet my super-hot girlfriend.
It all started one day as I was busy hurrying down the hallway to make it to my last class of the day. This was when my eyes landed on the most beautiful creation I have ever seen. She had the smile of an angel with eyes that twinkle which has a perfect completion with her round face. Her hair was really something; she looked like she had just walked out of a Vogue magazine. My breath was clearly taken away since I reached class practically with no breath at all and to make matters worse I tripped into class making me the laughing stork of class plus the professor was not impressed.
The next couple of weeks I was Magnum P.I, Sherlock Holmes and the famous Adrian Monk all rolled into one. I tried my best to find out who she was and of course her status. The only responses I got was that she was a new student and I had no chance under the sun to ever hold an audience with her because she was popular and incredibly beautiful and I waswell I was simply me.
It took a couple of months of prepping me on how I could approach this one girl that I had immensely fallen for. The funny thing was just from a distance I had gotten to know her better but not as a stalker it's just I kept my eyes ears and nose open. First of all I knew her favorite roses were yellow roses because they reminded her of summer. Her favorite perfume was designer Marc Jacobs. She had an incredible love for shoes and had her own collection of shoes. Njeri has five smiles when she makes a plan, when trying to be polite, when with her friends, when she listening to her favorite music and lastly most probably when she looks at me.
So sure it seemed the odds were stacked up against me but the truth is I had nothing to loose. And so I decided to use my forty billion cells, you know the ones that I get credit for and see what I could come up with.
It happened that the campus had organized a talent search for fresh new talent and the best act would win quite a heavy gift pack especially a contract with world renowned record labels. I signed up and stayed up most of the nights rehearsing doing what I seldom ever do practice for the concert and since I did not want anyone to know I did it far away from the rest of the human population.
To cut this supposedly dramatic story short, the day finally arrived and the whole campus was located at one point ready to finally uncover the next big thing or bright star. Rumors on the streets was that the Campus's king of the geeks(me) was going to make a fool of myself as a kind of last act but you know I didn't mind. All that I cared was that Njeri would be there and if looking stupid would get her attention well we can never know till we try, right?
All the acts were done starting from the Acapella group to the solos of extraordinary voices that I have never heard before. It was simply amazing and I knew there was no chance of winning but I reminded myself winning was not the point but letting my message be crossed was what really mattered.
After what seemed like eternity my name was finally called out and I made my way to the front not daring to look at anyone for fear of tripping considering my state of being a klutz especially when extremely nervous. I had previously located where Njeri was sited and exactly mapped out how I could receive her reaction ok I know that sounded really geek like but you cant blame a brother especially this one.
"Hi my name is Oscar and the song I would like to sing is dedicated to someone special. Someone who I couldn't approach because I was too shy and I just wanted to ask her whether she would like to be my girl (yeah talk about guts, poor guy you must be thinking). The name of the song is Looks like we made it by Shania Twain. This song is dedicated to Njeri", I say all this looking straight at her angelic eyes because I knew this was her favorite song.
I take a deep breath and sing what I rarely did, sing about my emotions where am finally free to be who I really am and not just Oscar the geek but Oscar the real Oscar. This is the one place in my life where the rest of the world disappears and I get to choose the feelings in my own world. I sang with passion like I have never done before that left me surprised. I close my eyes as I sing and recall what I had been through to now and I discover not only am I doing this to win the one girl that I fell for but am doing this for me. The me that was hidden inside, the me that I had lost contact with and the me that I was proud of. No matter what happened that day I promised myself this would not be the end of this exemplary feeling that struck the cords of my soul.
As I open my eyes when I come to the closing of the song I notice everyone standing up clapping their hands and cheering. Njeri is not only standing up but walking towards the stage with tears in her eyes. She hugs me and says" yes.yes Oscar I will be your girlfriend I was just waiting for you to ask me that was before graduation".
I could not believe it not only did I get my girlfriend but everyone was calling out my name. I had to pinch myself to make sure this wasn't those bizarre types of dreams but it wasn't.
As we stepped down from the stage the announcements are made of the winners who swept the producers and amazingly I was on top of the List. I got a record deal with the finest record labels in the Country.
Immediately my mind comes back to the present as I finish my song. A song about hope and dreams, that they always come true if you believe but brave enough to be afraid. The audience is on their feet apparently they loved what I just did.
So get it from me when it comes to this life always choose the path that leads to fulfilling your dream and never be afraid to chase them because you will never know till you try.
My name is Joy Kimani from a country called Kenya in Africa.Currently am pursuing a degree in Mass Communication at Daystar University.My passion is writing.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS
compiled by Jeremy
Monday, June 7, 2010
Challenged to Serve By Stephen Stillman
Challenged to Serve By Stephen Stillman
God uses each and every Christian in His work. Many times before we respond to God's calling to join Him in His work we must be challenged. In Romans 15:1-13 the apostle Paul challenges believers to serve each other and to work together in unity. We are to set aside willfulness and self-pleasing actions for the sake of building others up for good.
A person that serves is described as:
1. A person that is devoted to helping those who are weaker.
Romans 15:1, "We then who are strong ought to bear with the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." This is a large challenge. Paul addresses this challenge to 'us', who he considers strong. He is addressing those who have a solid grounding in the Scriptures; those who have emerged victorious from crises in their own lives because of their strong faith; and those who are strong because of their maturity in Christian living.
Paul says it is our duty to help those who are weak. The strong "ought" to bear the infirmities of the weak. It is the duty of the stronger Christian to consider and lower themselves to the weakest. We must consider them by realizing they are weaker and not trample over them. We must encourage them by bearing their infirmities. Those strong in the faith should bear the doubts of the weak, because a weaker Christian in the faith will decrease his faith with each doubt he has. When the weaker brother can be shown his doubts are invalid, his faith is restored.
Paul also says those stronger in the faith ought to "bear" the infirmities of the weak. To bear means 'to carry'; not just put up with or tolerate. We cannot begin to 'bear' someone's burdens until we have sympathy for them and are concerned. Strong Christians have a duty to bear the burdens of the weak, and the weak Christians should be able to expect help from stronger Christians when they have doubts and experience failures. Weaker Christians should not try to bear their own infirmities if they feel their infirmities are pushing them down and destroying their faith. They should ask for help from someone stronger and expect them to provide the needed help.
2. A person that must not please themselves.
Romans 15:1, "We then who are strong ought to bear with the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." As a servant it is not our business to gratify all the little appetites and desires of our own heart. This is the. "A Christian servant should not be self-centered, but should be concerned about the spiritual welfare of others. The first lesson we must learn to be a servant of Christ is to deny ourselves. Matthew 16:24, "Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me."
3. A person that pleases his neighbor for his own good.
Romans 15:2, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." Pleasing our neighbor is not just an end in itself, (not just that they will be happy), but for his edification. When a servant pleases his neighbor in this way it builds them up in Christian graces. We are not to please our neighbor in everything, but for his good; especially the good of his soul. This is the example Jesus Christ left for us. Even He did not please Himself, but "He came to do the will of the Father that sent Him." Jesus had no place to lay His head. He lived upon alms. He would not be made a king. He washed His disciples feet. He emptied Himself and made no reputation for Himself. All Christ die was for out sake, for our good, to bring righteousness for us and to set an example. Christ was our perfect example of One challenged to serve others.
How do we learn to be one that serves?
1. Through the example of Christ.
We must bear the infirmities of the weak, for Christ bore the reproaches of those that reproached God. He bore the guilt of sin and the curse for it. We are only called to bear a little of the trouble of sin. He bore the sins of the world. We are only called to bear the infirmities of the weak.
2. Through the Scriptures.
Romans 15:4, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." The Scriptures are left for a standing rule to us. They are written that they might remain for our use and benefit; for our learning. There are many things to be learned in the Scriptures, but to learn how to be a servant is one of the most important. The example of Christ, in what He said and did, is recorded for our emulation.
3. Through the example of others.
As we have stronger Christians minister to us in our need, and help us to bear our infirmities, we can learn from their example how to minister to others who are weaker.
What are the results of being a servant to others?
1. Romans 15:4, "That we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."
The result of being a servant is that we achieve endurance through patience and develop the ability to remain steadfast in the face of adversities. Patience works experience and experience works hope. The more patience we exercise under troubles, the more hopeful we may look through our troubles.
As we study the Scriptures for the examples given to us, they serve to give us encouragement that we might have hope. As Christians learn from the past they are motivated to endure and be comforted in the present, looking ahead in hope to the future. The steadfast endurance and encouragement a Christian receives from the Scriptures come ultimately from God, the author of the Scriptures. The study of Scripture gives patience under human persecution and Satan's opposition. The study of Scripture also gives patience as we bear one another's burdens, and in waiting for divine promises to be fulfilled.
The study of Scripture gives us comfort. It is the comfort that springs from the Word of God and bids us to rise above our fears. It is the comfort that urges us to dwell little on fleeting things and commands us to find our joy in God.
2. That we have a Spirit of Unity.
Romans 15:5,6, "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus; that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." This Spirit of Unity includes being of one-mind; to be able to think the same, and one heart; to be able to love the same, and one mouth; to be able to speak the same. The foundation of Christian love and peace is laid in like-mindedness. This like-mindedness must be according to the pattern and example of Jesus Christ. Like-mindedness that is patterned after Jesus Christ means we will have a right mind, a sound mind, a pure mind, a spiritual mind, and a renewed mind. The mind controls our conversation with God; the mouth controls our conversation with others. A spirit of unity is an essential element in a relationship of service.
It is desirable that Christians should agree in everything that they might glorify God. One mouth in confessing the truths of God. One mouth in praising the name of God. One mouth in common conversation, not jarring, biting, or devouring one another.
3. That we might receive one another.
Romans 15:7,"that we might receive one another as Christ also received us to the glory of God." Paul had encouraged the strong to receive the weak because sometimes the prejudices of the weak Christian make him shy away from the strong, as much as the pride of the strong Christian makes him shay away from the weak. Neither should be. There should be mutual embracing among Christians. Those that have received Christ by faith must receive all Christians by brotherly love.
Jesus Christ has received us into the nearest and dearest relations to Himself. He has received us into His fold, into His family, into the adoption of sons, into a marriage-covenant with Him. The end of our reception by Christ is that we might glorify God in this world, and will be glorified with Him in that to come.
Stephen Stillman, owner of www.amazingchristianproducts.com a website that offers great Christian articles and a variety of religious products.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS
compiled by Jeremy
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Save Our Souls (S.O.S.) 2010, Live.
For more information, please contact Vincent. Thanks.
compiled by Jeremy
The Day I Kissed the Wrong Wife By Michael Blunk Th.D.
The Day I Kissed the Wrong Wife By Michael Blunk Th.D.
My wife is a certified, bonafide, dyed in the wool ice cream fanatic. If God would have blessed us with twin sons, I am certain she would have named the boys Ben and Jerry. Lisa has never met a flavor of ice cream that she did not like. As it happened, the two of us were at the supermarket some years ago and as she gazed longingly into the ice cream freezer, I excused myself momentarily remembering that we had failed to pick up a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk or some other such staple. When I returned with the missing purchase, there stood Lisa, her back to me, still gazing at the assortment of ice cream displayed in the supermarket freezer. Feeling a bit frisky, I slipped up behind her, wrapped my arm around her waist, kissed the top of her head, and whispered, "I love you, Sweetheart!"
But when she turned to face me, I discovered the woman I had just kissed was not Lisa! From behind, she had certainly looked like my wife. She was about the same height, the same build, and the same color of hair, too. Why, she was even dressed much like Lisa, nevertheless, the woman I had kissed was not Lisa! I had kissed the wrong wife.
You would not fault me for being affectionate. You would not fault me for saying, "I love you." But all of that mushy stuff is for naught when a man kisses the wrong wife!
Likewise, we would not fault someone singing hymns of praise. We would not fault someone petitioning God in prayer. We would not fault someone leaving a sacrificial offering in the collection plate, but all of that religious stuff is for naught if the worshipper has the wrong Jesus!
Each Sunday, millions of Jehovah's Witnesses around the world gather in Kingdom Halls to worship in the name of a false Jesus. Please understand that the Jesus of the Watchtower is a counterfeit. The Jesus of the Watchtower bears only a superficial resemblance to the true Jesus of Scripture. The Jesus of the Watchtower is a phony and a fake. He is a mere figment of collective imaginations conjured by the misguided thinking of misguided men heading a misguided organization in Brooklyn, New York. And each Sunday, millions of faithful Jehovah's Witnesses remain lost in their sins and stand condemned before God because a false Jesus equals a false salvation. A counterfeit Jesus is capable of saving no one.
THE REALITY OF FALSE CHRISTS
Let no one say they have not been warned, for our Lord Jesus Himself declared, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name saying, I am the Christ; and shall deceive many. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many, then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and such shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not (Matthew 24: 4, 5, 11, 23-26)."
Again, our Lord Jesus gave us fair and ample warning that false Christs would arise and that we are to guard our hearts and minds against deception. Jesus knew these phonies were coming and He loved us enough to tell us what would be taking place in these final days. Make no mistake about it, for those who do not guard their hearts and minds against the ploys of false Christs play a deadly and dangerous game; Scripture gives us this sober warning: "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and everAnd whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20: 10, 15)." Do not miss this point: the devil, false prophets, false Christs, and those who follow these wicked deceivers find their doom in the same place! The penalty for believing a false Christ is eternal damnation. Jesus knew nothing of religious tolerance. Followers of these counterfeit Christs stand condemned. Not only are we to avoid falling for their clever and beguiling words, but the Great Commission says we had better be prepared in reaching the followers of these false prophets with the true, life-saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!
A LESSON FROM THE U.S. TREASURY
Many years ago, I was employed by a large bank in Louisville. Although I never attended these classes, I was told the Treasury Department conducts seminars for training bank tellers in identify counterfeit currency. Their training techniques are quite ingenious and effectiveand to everyone's surprise, never once are tellers shown actual counterfeit bills, rather, the Treasury agents teach bank tellers everything there is to know about genuine currency. The tellers are taught to recognize the special properties of the unique paper that is used for the printing of currency. The tellers learn about the special inks used in the making of paper money. Too, the tellers are taught about the government's meticulous engraving techniques. By the time these classes are concluded, the bank tellers know all there is to know about real money. So familiar are they with the genuine, a fake bill passing through their hands is immediately recognized as a worthless phony!
How many religions are practiced in America? I seem to recall the late Dr. Walter Martin, founder of the Christian Research Institute, saying there were over twenty thousand different religions practiced in this country. Imagine thatsome twenty thousand different religious beliefs are being practiced in this nation today! That is a staggering number! From a practical standpoint, no single theologian, much less rank and file Christian, could possibly understand each and every religious belief that is adhered to in this nation. So how do we prepare ourselves for witnessing to the false religionists who come knocking at our door? We take our lead from the U.S. Treasury Department by learning all there is to know about the original. Through study and diligence, we learn everything there is to know about the real Jesus, so that when a Jehovah's Witness or a Mormon comes along peddling a false Christ, we immediately recognize the phoniness of their product!
JESUS: HISTORY IS HIS STORY
Without a doubt, Jesus is the most important figure in world history. More has been written of Him, spoken of Him, and considered of Him than of any other major character in all of recorded human history. It has been said, in fact, that history is His story. Although He wrote no books nor traveled more than ninety miles from the place of His birth, one of the world's great religions is founded upon the life, teachings, and personal claims of this humble son of a carpenter. To many, the life of Jesus is an enigma cloaked in a veiled mystery, for the nobility of His personality seemingly defies His humble birth and shameful death. This is certainly evident, for some two thousand years after Jesus' crucifixion, He remains the most controversial of history's notable characters. His beatitudes, as an example, rank among the most beloved and most widely quoted sayings uttered by any teacher or philosopher, yet the One who preached love and mercy is reviled by a long list of critics ranging from the humanist philosopher Voltaire to the father of communism Karl Marx to pop music idol John Lennon to cable television pioneer Ted Turner. It is obvious that Jesus has a long list of enemies, past and present, yet one hundred million followers in China alone call Him Savior and it is well worth remembering that China is a communist nation in which the wife of the former Communist Party Chairman Mao Tse Tung erroneously proclaimed that the Bible would eventually be relegated to the musty halls of a museum. Ironically, it is Mao's so-called little red book that has become a curiosity among museum relics while Christianity flourishes.
Who is Jesus? Who is this man who stands at the apex of human history? According to many, Jesus was a great man, a distinguished moral teacher, a wise human philosopher, and even a prophet. Followers of New Age thinking teach that Jesus was an avatar, that is, a divine messenger among many other divine messengers. Followers of Islam believe Jesus to be a prophet, though a prophet inferior in status to their religion's founder Muhammad. Mormons claim that Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Jesus is a created angel. Practitioners of Christian Science believe that Jesus was a divine idea. During a recent election campaign, I saw a bumper sticker that read Jesus was a liberal. We may assume, then, that there are those who believe Jesus was a Democrat, though this is scarcely odd considering that many Republicans try drafting Jesus into their ranks, too.
Again, Jesus is the most important person in human history and He is the most controversial person of all times, too; there are legions of critics who oppose Jesus and His teachings. It is a rare thing, indeed, to find a television program or a Hollywood movie that portrays Christianity in a positive light. Not long ago, I read of a survey that revealed only a slight fraction of actors, producers, writers, and directors in the entertainment industry have any kind of religious affiliation. It is hardly surprising, then, that Hollywood stands as one of Jesus' most severe and outspoken critics.
And so, again, we must ask, "Who is Jesus?" While there are other writings of antiquity that tell of Jesus, the most definitive sources of information about Him come from both Testaments of the Bible. In over one hundred prophetic passages, the Old Testament writers foretold His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection with uncanny accuracy while the New Testament writers wrote of Him from either first-hand experience (Matthew, Mark, John, Peter, and Paul among others) or from interviews with actual eye-witnesses as is found in Luke's highly detailed and historically accurate gospel account. Since many of Jesus' contemporaries wrote of Him, we may reasonably assume that information given to us by those who knew Him personally would be more accurate than the writings of, say, Mormon founder Joseph Smith or Watchtower founder Charles Taze Russell who each lived some eighteen hundred years after the fact. The same, too, can be said of Islam's Koran that was penned by Muhammad some seven hundred years after Christianity was founded. Based upon the lateness of the writings of Smith, Russell, and even the self-proclaimed prophet Muhammad, we shall dismiss these sources as being spurious and unreliable.
THE JESUS PORTRAYED IN SCRIPTURE
And so a better question might be, "Who is Jesus according to Scripture?" The Bible, our ultimate authority proven by two thousand years of exacting scrutiny, portrays Jesus as a wholly unique individual,a Person of dual natures, both fully God and fully man. He is no less than God who came to earth clothed in human flesh (John 1: 1, 14); to deny either His humanity or His deity is to deny Him. Quite simply, Jesus is the God-man.
There are those who shake their heads saying, "I can accept Jesus as being a great teacher, a brilliant philosopher, and, perhaps, even a holy prophet of God, but I cannot believe Jesus was Himself God. Jesus was a great man, maybe the greatest man to have ever lived, but I cannot believe He was God!" Such an opinion, common as it is, is fraught with logical and problematic difficulties, for Jesus claimed to be God (John 8: 58) and He accepted worship as God (John 20: 28). How is it possible, then, for a good man to go about pretending to be God when He is not? How is it possible that a brilliant teacher and gifted moral philosopher would make such claims while knowing them to be untrue? How can any man of sound mind and good character proclaim Himself as God unless, of course, He really is God? The great Christian writer C.S. Lewis said Jesus must be who He claimed Himself to be or else He was a liar or a lunatic, for mere mortals do not boast of divinity unless they are either deceivers or delusional. Let there be no mistaking in this matterlogical reasoning and Scriptural integrity give us no middle ground. Jesus is either who He claimed to be or else He is a fraud. We must, therefore, accept Jesus as Lord God of all creation or else we must write Him off as the prince of phonies.
If Jesus is God, He speaks in an authoritative voice that rises far above the voices of other religious leaders. Muhammad never claimed to be God. Confucius, likewise, made no claims to deity, either. As to the founders of modern day pseudo-Christian cults, Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russell, and Mary Baker Eddy all stand accused by their own writings of being false prophets who denied the Lord Jesus Christ. The implication of His deity is quite simple: There can be no other Name by which a lost sinner may be reconciled with God. We find grace, mercy, and salvation in Jesus our Savior and in Him alone.
There is another startling implication to Christ Jesus' dual natures; as man, He truly understands the problems of life and the difficulties and hardships we face in this world. Jesus knows about the sorrows each of us experience from the sorrowful, first-hand experiences of His own. As a fellow human being, He was well acquainted with physical pain. As a man, He knew grief and sadness. As One like us, He felt the sharp pangs of hunger. He suffered betrayal and rejection. He was abandoned by His closest friends. He was unjustly accused of wrong doings and, in the end, He was cruelly tortured in the most unspeakably methods of protracted death devised by those mocking and barbaric Roman executioners. Yes, Jesus set aside His glory in Heaven for a life of pain and suffering on earth! There is nothing we shall ever face in this life that was not likewise experienced by our Lord Jesus Christ. We may be comforted, then, in knowing we serve a God who truly understands our troubles. We may be even more comforted in knowing that He has promised to never leave us as orphans. Jesus is faithful. Jesus is faithful until the end. And Jesus is faithful even when we are unfaithful!
The importance of a higher standard of morality, proper conduct, personal duty, and selflessness of nature are taught by most of the world's many varying religions, but as no one can achieve God's exacting standard of righteousness through mere human effort, those who would seek reconciliation with their Creator shall find forgiveness in Christ Jesus the Savior. And so this, the most vital of any question ever asked of the disciple Peter, is posed by Jesus for our consideration, too: Who do men say that I am? Our answer is no trifling matter, for the way in which we answer this question determines how we shall live the remaining days of this life and, ultimately, where we shall spend never-ending ages of eternity.
SELECTED SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
John 1: 1: In the beginning was Jesus. He Himself has no beginning. No matter how far back in time we might travel, there is the Ancient of Days coming to meet us! Our Savior is, will be, and has always been! There was never a time when there was no Jesus for He exists beyond the limits of time!
John 1: 14: God became man and, figuratively speaking, pitched His tent among humanity. He left the hallowed halls of Heaven to dwell among His creationGod became one of us! We may take a measure of comfort in the realization that He knows our feelings, our temptations, our troubles, and our sorrows from firsthand experience.
John 20: 28: Upon seeing the resurrected Jesus, the disciple Thomas worshiped Jesus by exclaiming, "You are the Lord of me and You are the God of me!" If Thomas were to make this same declaration in a Kingdom Hall, the Jehovah's Witness elders would usher him out the door! The Watchtower denies the deity of Christ and also teaches that He is unworthy of our worship.
Isaiah 9: 6: In this remarkable prophecy penned by Isaiah, we learn of the many attributes of Jesusincluding His eternal nature! Yes, Jesus is the Father of Eternity who knows of no beginning and shall never see an end. Again, our Lord's earthly ministry took place in Bethlehem some two thousand years ago, but His supernatural existence cannot be measured by any human calendar. How wonderful it is in knowing we serve a Savior who stands beyond the reaches of time!
Micah 5: 2: The prophet Micah foretold our Lord's birth some seven hundred years before the manger scene took placethat in itself is a remarkable prophecy, yet we learn that the One born of a virgin in a crude manger is He whose activities have been going on from the days of eternity!
Colossians 1: 15-17: Jesus is the firstborn of creation, that is, He is preeminent and in first position of all things made. Does the term firstborn indicate, as some religious cults teach, that Jesus was created? No. He is Creator of all things, therefore, He is preeminent over His creation. The term firstborn implies supreme authority and position. Jesus is head of all that He created. The entire universe, therefore, is under the authority of our Lord Jesus. Let us be confident knowing we serve a Savior who is unbound by time and who holds all of creation in His able hands!
Hebrews 1: 1-3: In this marvelous passage of Scripture, we read that Jesus is our ultimate revelation of God. To those who would want to know God, let them learn of Him from Jesus, for Jesus is God. It is worth noting that if Jesus is God's ultimate revelation of Himself, then we certainly do not need other so-called revelations such as the Book of Mormon. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) claim their Book of Mormon to be another testament of Jesus, but the writer of Hebrews clearly states that Jesus is that ultimate revelation of God, therefore, any other supposed revelation from God must be fraudulent. (Jude 3 also declares the canon of Scripture to be complete, so we may be confident that any other "revelation" is unworthy of our time and attention.)
Philippians 2: 5-8: Jesus, though He was God and equal with God the Father, did not cling to all of the prerogatives and privileges of deity, rather, He humbled Himself by coming to earth in the form of a manand not as an exalted man, either, but as a servant. We see both the humanity of Jesus and the deity of Jesus in this passage written by the Apostle Paul.
JESUS ACCORDING TO THE WATCHTOWER
The Watchtower teaches that Jesus is a creaturea mere created beingin fact, the Jesus of the Watchtower is none other than Michael the Archangel. They have no valid Scripture for this, of course, but the organization maintains this false doctrine in spite of the plain teachings of Scripture. For the sake of the recent convert, please know that the Bible is crystal clear in teaching that Jesus is fully divine, eternal in nature, and of the same essence as the Father. Jesus is God. Jesus is God who came to earth clothed in human flesh. Again, the newcomer to the faith must understand that the Bible is replete with Scripture that affirms His deity (John 1: 1; Philippians 2: 5-11). Jesus declared Himself as God (John 8: 58; Revelation 1: 8). His disciples declared Him to be God (John 20: 28). The Old Testament prophets, though the divine inspiration of the Holy Sprit, declared the coming Messiah as being God (Isaiah 9: 6). Even our Father in Heaven declared His Son as being God (Hebrews 1: 8)! How much more proof could any reasonable person ask? Indeed, one may very well then ask, "If Scripture is so absolutely conclusive as to the divine nature of Jesus, how does the Watchtower organization present this lesser, inferior Jesus to their followers and to the pubic? The Watchtower's solution was quite simple: In order to pass off this counterfeit Jesus, the organization found it expedient to rewrite the Bible so as to seemingly make Holy Scripture behave according to their own peculiar brand of beliefs and teachings. This is to say the Watchtower employs a counterfeit Bible so as to bolster their counterfeit Jesus and their counterfeit gospel.
THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION
The Watchtower's New World Translation (NWT) is, in fact, no translation at all! The NWT is nothing but a cleverly designed propaganda tool used in furthering their strange religious doctrines. Even a perfunctory reading of Scripture reveals great lapses in Watchtower logic and thinking, so around fifty years ago, the governing body of the organization commissioned the writing of a counterfeit Bible; this move was entirely necessary if followers were to adhere to the organization's officially sanctioned teachings and beliefs.
Frederick Franz, a former member of the Watchtower's powerful board of governors, admitted that the organization did not employ a single language scholar when preparing the NWT. This admission of biblical fraud is well documented in Franz' revealing autobiography Crisis of Conscience. Again, in their supposed rendering of the Holy Scriptures, the Watchtower did not have a single Greek or Hebrew scholar seated on their translating committee. Why? No legitimate Greek or Hebrew scholar would have allowed his or her name to be attached to such a sham of a project! The NWT is a farce. It is not a legitimate translation. The NWT is not a legitimate translation and you will be pressed in finding a single reputable biblical scholar who supports the Watchtower's shameful perversion of the Bible.
A HISTORY OF FALSE PROPHECY
Besides their sham teachings about Jesus, the Watchtower is notorious for their false prophecies. Their own writings provide the organization's most damning indictments, for the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has gone on record saying the end of the world would take place in 1914, 1915, 1916, 1918, 1925, 1941, and 1975. In a Watchtower article published in the 1960's, the writer heartily condemned those religious groups that set dates for end time events, yet the irony is that no other religious group in America has so many instances of false date setting to their discredit as the Watchtower!
Among other memorable prophetic bloopers, the Watchtower predicted that World War II would end with no decisive victor (wonder what Germany and Japan thought about that?) and believing that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, and other Old Testament heroes would soon be resurrected from their graves, the organization built a lovely mansion dubbed Beth Serim (House of Princes) in San Diego as their future headquarters. A deed of conveyance was thoughtfully recorded at the San Diego courthouse, unfortunately, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, and the other heroes of old never arrived to take occupancy of this beautiful dwelling, so the organization quietly and discreetly sold Beth Serim to a Christian physician in 1953.
All this predictive blundering sounds humorous, and, indeed, a California mansion built for ancient Bible heroes and theses ridiculous examples of "end of the world" date setting come across as a bit comical, but God sees nothing funny about false prophets and their lying predictions. As evidence, I would direct your attention to Jeremiah 28. In this passage, a lying prophet named Hananiah spoke falsely in the name of the Lord. His lying prophecy gave a vain, empty hope to the Hebrew captives in Babylon. So serious was this sin in God's eye, the Lord pronounced a death sentence though His prophet Jeremiah upon the false prophet Hananiah: "Hear now, Hananiah the prophet, the LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie. Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth; this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD. So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seveth month (Jeremiah 28: 15-17)."
As one might very well imagine, the Watchtower's history of failed predictions is a source of tremendous embarrassment, therefore, the organization does not make these older publications available to their members. In truth, a goodly majority of Jehovah's Witnesses have never heard of Beth Serim or the numerous "end of the world" dates. All this has been carefully hidden from their eyes. Thankfully, we find a sufficient number of older Watchtower books and magazines in the hands of Christian counter-cult ministries that provide us with plenty of hard evidence proving that God does not speak through these deceitful men in Brooklyn. Too, there are numerous websites founded by former members and Christian apologists that openly expose the Watchtower's long string of false prophecies and the evidence these websites offer is impossible to ignore. For this and other reasons, the Watchtower's membership efforts in America have suffered severely; at present, most of the organization's growth takes place outside of the U.S. borders.
Finally, we have already discussed the fate of those who follow false prophets. Those who lend their ears to lying prophets shall suffer the same fate as the lying prophets themselvesthat is, eternal death in the Lake of Fire. This is too horrible a prospect to even consider, therefore, you and I are obligated in equipping ourselves as dutiful ambassadors of Christ when Jehovah's Witnesses call upon us. By doing so, we may very well be the instruments of God's peace that spare lost souls from the eternal miseries and torments of damnation. God takes no pleasure in the death of a lost sinner, therefore, the Jehovah's Witness standing at our door is precious to our Savior Jesus!
SALVATION: BY GRACE OR BY WORKS?
According to Scripture, our good works are as filthy rags. No one, then, should be so misled as to think they can approach the Throne of God clothed in their own self-righteousness. Such thinking is nonsense of the worst kind. Any man or woman garbed in his or her own righteousness is much too shabbily attired for Heaven! Talk about being underdressed for the occasion! To be certain, there is a strict dress code in Heaven and filthy rags are most definitely out of vogue! Thankfully, God clothes our shameful nakedness in the righteousness of His Son Jesus. Any form of self-righteousness we might conjure though our own good works and deeds is wholly incapable of saving us from the lost condition common to all of our fallen race, but the impeccable righteousness of Jesus, a perfect, holy, and pure righteousness that is most pleasing to God, is credited to our account! What we lack, Jesus provides! What God demands of us, He gives to us! This is the beauty of the grace!
Christianity is unique, then, in its teaching that salvation is based upon faith rather than upon one's own merit. The Apostle Paul declared salvation is a free gift that cannot be earned (Ephesians 2: 8, 9). To say otherwise is to pervert the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He instructed them to address God as their Father. Unfortunately, Jehovah's Witnesses know nothing of the fatherhood of God. The organization teaches its members that God's favor must be earned by their own efforts. Works, they say, is the necessary ingredient for salvation. The message of grace has been eradicated from Scripture. Jehovah's Witnesses, then, are pressed into service out of fear. They are warned that slovenly members will face certain destruction at Armageddon. Jehovah's Witnesses who fail to meet their quota are void of any hope.
Do you see the folly of this? When the Gospel is perverted, God becomes a taskmaster instead of a Father. Likewise, salvation is no longer a giftit becomes a paycheck to be earned. This kind of vulgar thinking makes a mockery of God's mercy and is tantamount to a cold slap to Jesus' face! He died for our sins. He spent every drop of His precious blood so that we might be spared the terrible wrath that awaits every unregenerate sinner! Instead of demonstrating any measure of gratitude for the great sacrificial work Jesus performed upon that cruel Roman cross, however, Jehovah's Witnesses go door to door peddling cheaply printed magazines as a means of appeasing God. It is the Blood of the Lamb, not ink from a printing press, that has the power to cleanse us from the filthy stain of sin. The works-oriented salvation taught by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has the devilish order of smoke and brimstone.
THE HALLMARKS OF A CULT
For the sake of this study, we shall refer to a pseudo-Christian cult as being any group or organization that is gathered around a particular heretical interpretation of Scripture. In the case of the Watchtower, their strange teachings originated with their founder Charles Taze Russell and have been since modified by a string of successors beginning with "Judge" Rutherford.
Using four common mathematical terms, we may identify aberrant groups who, outwardly, appear to be Christian, yet deny the historic essential doctrines of Christianity:
Addition: Cults add to the Word of God. In the case of the Watchtower, the organization openly touts their own publications as being equal or even superior to the canon of Holy Scripture. How they can make such a claim in light of their long history of bungled teachings and false prophecies defies all logic and reasoning.
Subtraction: Cults subtract from the personage of Jesus. Again, the Watchtower attempts to reduce Jesus to the rank of a mere created being. God did not send an angel to die for our sinsHe sent His Son!
Multiplication: Cults multiply the requirements for salvation. The Watchtower maintains that works are a necessary and vital ingredient for salvation. The Apostle Paul, however, plainly stated that anyone who distorted the purity of the Gospel was accursed by God!
Division: Cults divide one's loyalty between God and a manmade organization. The Watchtower insists that one must pledge allegiance to the organization if one hopes to find favor with God. One might do well by asking if God so loved the world by sending His Son or an organization?
The Watchtower stands guilty of adding to God's Word, subtracting from the divine nature of Christ Jesus, multiplying God's requirements for salvation, and dividing members' loyalty between Heaven and Brooklyn. For this and many others reasons, Kingdom Halls should post a warning: Welcome to the Watchtower. Please check your brain in at the gate.
A DOCTRINAL PRETZEL?
I previously referred to the late Dr. Walter Martin. Please allow me to refer to him once again. Dr. Martin, who wrote the best selling Kingdom of the Cults, once stated the average Jehovah's Witness could make the average Christian into a doctrinal pretzel. This is a pretty grim indictment of the Church. Likewise, it has been said that cults are an unpaid bill of the Church. It is high time, then, that we, members of Christ's Church, begin settling this old debt!
Jehovah's Witnesses may wish to debate such emotionally charged matters as patriotism, the participating in elections, the celebrating of holidays, and military service with non-Jehovah's Witnesses, however, these are but mere peripheral issues and are of little consequence in the determining of one's eternal destiny. Do not allow the Jehovah's Witness who comes knocking at your door to engage you in such vain debating. If you permit the discussion to be controlled by their side-stepping techniques, I can almost guarantee that you will make absolutely no headway in leading your lost visitor to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses are trained in debating Christians and can prove to be quite slippery when pressed for an answer. Do not fall victim to this game. In truth, the mailing of Christmas cards or saluting the American flag mean nothing if one has a distorted understanding of the finished work and nature of our Savior Jesus. Please understand that if the dialogue is to be meaningful, the Christian must keep the visitor's attention focused on Jesus. Avoid arguing over secondary matters make a difference for eternity by introducing your new friend to your best friend!
Dr. Michael Blunk is the director of the Christian Paranormal Research Project and a staff writer for Got Questions Ministries.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS
compiled by Jeremy
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