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సంఘము » సందేశాలు - పేజీ 3772
arrow right The Spreading of the Not-So-Good News

PART 1: Another Gospel?The influence of the occult upon our everyday lives is staggering. An African missionary from the Mandinka tribe of West Africa, once asked a congregation a question similar to that asked by the Apostle Paul of the Galatians. His 11-minute message, spoken in the mid-90's, I can still recall, as he shouted the question:

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arrow right The Wealth of the Wealthy

Some may ask, why can't I have a lot of money? Or some may say I wish I had wealth. Well let's see what the Bible say about wealth. First we must understand the Blessing of Abraham, and to understand that Jesus is over everything and it all belongs to him.In the book of Genesis 12 :2 it says I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and who ever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Now look at Genesis 13:14 it says The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, Lift up you eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you. In Genesis 22:17 it says I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.Now in the book of Deuteronomy 8:18 it says But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefather, as it is today. If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.Now look what it says about Wisdom's Call in the book of Proverbs 8:17 it says I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full. At Proverbs 23:4 it says Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.Now look at Jeremiah 9:23 it says This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this; that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the Lord.Look at what Jesus said in Matthew 19:23 it says Then Jesus said to his disciples, I tell you truth, it is hard for rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, Who then can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.Now look at 1Timothy 6:17 it says Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.Look at the book of Isaiah 10:3 it says What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches? Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives or fall among the slain. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.Take look at Psalm 119:14 for a moment, it says I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoice in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. What a beautiful statement the whole chapter is wonderful. Just think of the reward we have to look forward to.Now lets look at further benefits of wisdom. Look at Proverbs 3:1 it says My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.Look at Romans 11:32 it says For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord! Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.Now look at Ephesians 2:6 it says And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God' workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Look at Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.In closing look at Psalm 34: 9 it says Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.Look at verse 19 it says A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. In the book of Matthew 6:33 it says But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these thing will be given to you as well.Love Always, Your Sister in Christ, Mellody DavisEnjoy more reading at: http://www.hostinghelps.com/allaboutjesus

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arrow right Crucification

Most of know how Jesus was crucified. Do we ever ask ourselves about the crucifying of our flesh? What it means and how do we accomplish it. Well lets see what the Bible says about crucifying the flesh. Look at Romans 6:5 it says If we have been united with him like this his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.Now look at Galatians 2:17 it says If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!Now look at Galatians 5:22 it says But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.Living as children of Light, look at Ephesians 4:20 it says You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of you minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all member of one body. In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.We must imitate Christ's humility. Look at Philippians 2:1 it says If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from is love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in sprit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus; please continue reading the chapter.Yes, there are rules for Holy Living. Look at Colossians 3:1 it says Since, you then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, since as member of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach the admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.In closing look at Colossians 2:9 it says For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them.Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.Love Always, Your Sister in Christ, Mellody DavisEnjoy more reading at: http://www.hostinghelps.com/AllAboutJesus

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arrow right The Bible ? Are Some of Its Words More Important Than Others?

Is the Old Testament equal in every way to the New Testament? Are the words of the prophets on a par with the words of Jesus? The answer to this question may seem incongruous but it is not, even though the answer is both, yes and no. But don't be confused by this apparent conflict because it is easily explained.To help explain what seems like a contradiction we can turn to a single verse of scripture for the answer. In 2Timothy 3:16 the Bible says?"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." This passage clearly says that all scripture, Old Testament and New Testament is inspired. It does not say that all scripture is of equal importance. Common sense would tell anyone that the genealogies of say Genesis are not as important as the words Christ spoke in the Sermon on the Mount. Most Christians get this confused. To avoid this is to understand that while all scripture is equally inspired, nowhere does the Bible say that all scripture is equally important. In fact it says the very opposite.Let's take a side bar and find out what this "inspiration of God" is that Timothy speaks about. We can't look to the liberals for any understanding on this subject because they are not sure that all the scripture is equally inspired. Some think the Bible is only inspired in spots. Thus the old saying that the liberal needs to be inspired, so he or she can spot the spots. For the rest of us there are mainly two commonly held beliefs about inspiration. In the smaller of the two groups are those who believe that inspiration came to men by a means called, dynamical inspiration. In short that means that God just laid the message he had in mind on the prophet or apostle, and let each one write or speak the idea pretty much in their own way and with their own personal use of their language. The more widely accepted view is called, plenary verbal inspiration. This is that God chose every single word, every phrase, every jot and every title from and through each person he was using. Since the astounding discovery of the "Bible Codes" it is very hard for any thinking person to veer very far away from the idea of plenary verbal inspiration.From the most learned Bible scholar to the Christian rank and file, one thing is commonly agreed upon. We all know that the Old Testament points toward the coming of the Savior and the New Testament points backwards to the same person. Wouldn't that make him the most important person in the Bible? If so, wouldn't it follow that his words would be the most important words in the Bible? But if any doubt yet remains let us go directly to this all important person in the Bible and see if he addresses the subject.Jesus put his own words in a class by themselves. He said his words could produce "life" and others like Peter quite on their own agreed with him. John 6:68 KJV But that's not all he said about his words. He bumped them up another notch when he said that his words would be the judge of every man woman and child that ever was born. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:48 KJVOf the infinite number of words written or spoken in this world, including those in the Bible, his stand alone in importance. The bottom line isn't a diatribe about how we should handle this obvious fact it is rather a single, simple but all important injunction?pay attention!Rev Bresciani has written many articles over the past thirty years in such periodicals as Guideposts and Catholic Digest. He is the author of two books available on Amazon.com, Alibris, Barnes and Noble and many other places. Rev Bresciani wrote "Hook Line and Sinker or what has Your Church Been Teaching You," publisher, PublishAmerica of Baltimore MD. He also wrote a book published by Xulon Press entitled "An American Prophet and His Message, Questions and Answers on the Second Coming of Christ." This book is perhaps the clearest treatment on this subject since Hal Lindsey's, The Late Great Planet Earth. Rev Bresciani's website is,http://americanprophet.org

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arrow right Comparative Religion 101 ? What They Wont Tell You in That Class

If your view of religion is like most people, you think that religion is a list of do's and don'ts or a set of rules, laws or other directives that should be guiding your behavior. What is taught in comparative religion courses is based on this simple premise. New Testament Christianity is thrown into this generalized heap usually by people who are not Christians and have no understanding of what Christ stands for. You might say I am making an excuse for them, but I am not. The result of this assumption can produce the greatest loss any man could ever endure.If rules and ordinances are what makes a real religion then New Testament Christianity would barely make it into the list. It has only two outward or ceremonial ordinances and neither of them can produce salvation. They are water baptism and the communion or breaking of bread. What Jesus said was that he came to give men life (John 10:10), not another religion. Thank God he knew we already had enough of them. Here is one of the major differences between Christianity and every religion that came before or after it. When God sent his Son into the world to die for our sins, then resurrect him from the dead he was in effect saying, knock it off! He doesn't require our feeble attempts to placate him with our endless religious hokey pokey. Essentially God was saying, stop trying to please me with those things you dream up and I will show you who I am and exactly what I want. What small child can possibly think of the best way to please his Dad? No child should have to decide what that is; a decent father sets the parameters and makes them known to his children. He already loves them because they are his, why would he require them to perform to make him love them more.That real Christianity is not a religion but a way of life is given more credence by another little known fact. The Bible uses the word "religion" only five times and only once is it given a definition. That definition (James 1:27) offers no list of do's and don'ts, no nine fold path, no Mosaic burdens and no stifling ceremonial ordinances. No one could give the New Testament a serious read and say Christ started a new religion. What he started was a way to deal with the our sins, both now and for all eternity.Most religions are like doors that keep men out until they have done the work, performed the rituals, jumped through the hoops, cleaned up their act or something even harder than all that. Jesus who said he was the door (John 10:7) has become the passage into Gods presence both now and for eternity. He requires repentance and then a dedication to Him and his words but, and I do mean but, he never sets up any religious rules, codes, or requirements. There are no ceremonies, liturgies, or imaginary scales in the sky that are there to measure your goods and bads on a daily basis.God said there are no other Gods; he alone made all there is including us. He isn't jealous of other Gods, there aren't any other Gods. He revealed himself through the patriarchs and prophets and finally through his Son. The history of man is cluttered with mans feeble and mistaken attempts to create God or a whole pantheistic slew of them from his own imagination or worse, with the help of the God of this world. (Satan) God has provided a clearer and far more approachable path to take the nonsense and guesswork out of it. But alas, mans propensity for religion is second only to his propensity for sin.We would rather build shrines and cathedrals; we would prefer a set of rules and regulations rather than accepting a free gift from God. He offers the gift quite apart from any thing we could dream up; hey that's why it is called a gift. Picture Peter, James and John looking at what most of will never see until the second coming of Christ. Jesus magnificently transfigured before them in a glowing radiance. Instead of standing in awe or quietly gazing and listening perhaps to learn something, instead they decide to build a shrine or a "Tabernacle" (Mt. 17:4) Jesus doesn't reply to Peter who suggested the tabernacle but God the Father does. In one short reply God sums up the matter of shrines, tabernacles, laws, codes ceremonies, liturgies and all the other religious notions of men. He said?"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." Mt. 17:4bThat some of the religions that are compared in a comparative religions course are ancient and perhaps predate Christianity is often the argument for their veracity. The Bible says that God winked at mans former idolatries but after he sent his Son, those excuses would no longer stand. That man has held onto religions that do not lead to God for so long is only proof of our penchant for idolatry. Lots of things are ancient, that says nothing about their usefulness. Why should religion be any different?Before Mohammed died he said some truth had been revealed to him. Before Buddha died he exclaimed that he was still searching for the truth. Jesus said quite clearly that he was the truth, John 14:6. The last time I checked the shortest distance between two points was still a straight line. I prefer the straight line when it comes to my entire future don't you. Jesus is the straight line to God and as far as putting him along side others in a comparative religions course, there is little hope of making comparisons with one who sets the definition of incomparable.Rev Bresciani has written many articles over the past thirty years. He is the author of two books available on Amazon.com, Alibris, Barnes and Noble and many other places. Rev Bresciani wrote "Hook Line and Sinker or what has Your Church Been Teaching You," publisher, PublishAmerica of Baltimore MD. He also wrote a book published by Xulon Press entitled "An American Prophet and His Message, Questions and Answers on the Second Coming of Christ." His book is now being heralded as the clearest book on the subject of the second coming of Christ since Hal Lindsey's

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arrow right Mahavira | 24th Tirthankara of Jainism His Teachings and Essence

Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism was the last of the series of 24th Tirthankars in Jainism Dharma. Jainism as we understand today is primarily focused on the teachings and essence of Bhagwan Mahavira. Why?Right from the Times of the first Tirthankara

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arrow right Building a Church and Church Building Designs

Building a church is a large project that is more than constructing natural materials, because building a church is building an expression of a church congregation's heart. Building a church has a purpose that is much more than housing classrooms or meeting rooms. Building a church is building a sanctuary, a refuge that has eternal purposes. This is why it is important for any congregation of people considering building a church to thoroughly investigate church building designs, church builders, and architects.There are many important factors to consider when building a church. Choices made early in the planning process have a great impact on success of the satisfaction of the church. Working with good church building designs, builders, and architects is a starting point to making sure that your final church building is accepted and appreciated by your congregation. Take the time and energy of assessing all of your ministry needs. Also, thoroughly research several companies that offer church building designs. Gather ideas, plans, and bids from several church building sources.A key factor when church building is to determine the needs of your church now and to determine what the needs of your church will be. Church building designs should include plenty of room for future growth. Church building designs should include careful consideration of not only sanctuary space, but storage, and expansion potentials as well. Many churches choose church building designs based on their immediate need, looking for a quick fix, instead of taking the time to consider their future needs. Planning for growth should always be a consideration when selecting church building designs. Experts in the field suggest that it is best to look ahead two to four years when planning for the future of your ministries.It is important to realize that building a church requires adequate planning. This planning starts with selecting a building committee of deacons and church members who are accustomed to dealing with building construction and construction financing. It is also important to keep your church congregation informed throughout the entire process of choosing church building designs and building the church. Building a church can be a rewarding process that brings a congregation together in unity as they plan for the growth of the church of Jesus Christ. A building time can prove to be a bonding time. The Internet can be a valuable tool in gathering information for building a church. The Internet can also be a source for church building designs. Get informed, get organized, and get your church members excited about building a church.For more information about building a church and church building designs, visit:http://churchfurniture.christianet.comhttp://churchfurniture.christianet.com/articles.htmhttp://www.christianet.com

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arrow right Christian Books and Supplies

Christian books and supplies can be found at places that specialize in these types of material. Depending on what kinds of Christian books and supplies you are looking for, there is sure to be a business that offers what you need. If you are interested in Christian books and supplies that deal on topics such as finances, there are resources available; you just need to know where to look.Christian books on finances can be found at a Christian bookstore. If you are curious how to make wise investments, save money, create a budget, etc., the Christian bookstore is sure to have supplies that will do just that. Christian books and supplies on finance might include how to use computer software and provide a ledger to keep track of spending and investments. This is a great resource to have because it can set you on the right path to becoming a financial expert.If you are interested in looking for Christian books and supplies that deal with youth ministry, than you can also find that at a local Christian store. There is a plethora of Christian books and supplies on this topic. Many authors have invested their time and energy to create the resources needed for aspiring youth ministers and workers. These Christian books and supplies can range from

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arrow right Church Retreat and Church Retreats

Church retreats are an excellent way to involve the church in an important part of church involvement. Offering a church retreat creates community and support with the people closest to you spiritually. Planned correctly, a church retreat can be excellent for the church's overall well-being.There are some key issues to think about when planning a church retreat. Get a group of interested people together to form your committee. These people will probably enjoy the church retreat the most because they worked on it personally. So, the idea is to involve as many people as possible to create the best possible outcome with your church retreat. Now that you have your committee established, decide on the date and duration of your retreat. This can be determined by the budget you have or by the theme you are planning on using. Remember, almost all details can be changed, so don't get frazzled if the church retreat turns into an overnight even 3 weeks before the church retreat.As mentioned above, the budget plays a key role in planning a church retreat. Don't worry if you don't have a lot of money to spend. Church retreats are supposed to concentrate on God, not how big the flowers are at the entrance. Even if you just have plain copies of articles or prayers to give your attendees, an awesome environment will be create by the keynote speaker and attitude of the organizers of the church retreat.Choosing a location for church retreats varies depending on the budget and atmosphere desired. If you want to create an environment of 'Coming back to the beginning' you would probably choose something more rustic and in the woods. On the other hand, if you are celebrating women or men for their efforts as a Christian, you may choose to go somewhere a little fancier to keep with the theme.We have briefly discussed a lot of the technical end of planning a church retreat, but you need to pray hard about the purpose of the church retreat. Church retreats generally are focused on a specific topic such as service, mothers/fathers, living a Christian life, etc. Some church retreats can be organized for all people by offering different workshops that people can choose from. The direction of your church retreat will depend on your availability of keynote speakers, the length of the church retreat, and the location.When planning church retreats, remember God is the real focus. Pray for guidance and support. Nehemiah 2:20 says

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arrow right Smile! God Loves You!

There is a greater sin than not obeying Jesus; it is the sin of not believing that he loves you.When you believe another person has your best interests at heart, you can accept great difficulties on behalf of that person. People will actually pay doctors to literally rip their insides out, because they trust their good intentions.When Jesus asks you to do something difficult, he's testing your faith in his love and goodness.Very few are willing to live by faith in obedience to Jesus. After all, he asks us to give up our career, family, possessions, and reputation.But he does so because he has something better to give you. We tried it and it's true.Like the merchant man who sold all he had to get the most perfect pearl in the world, we are no longer concerned about what we paid for it, because we now know what a bargain we have received.It has been argued that God

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arrow right The Catholic Obsession with Martyrs and the Question of Pain and Suffering

The Catholic Church is kind of like a forest sometimes. Someone on the outside looking in sees nothing but thousands of trees?and most of them look alike. They can see a definite shape to the forest, and elevations that someone inside might miss. On the other hand, they'll never see up-close nature like the plants and animals inside. They can hear about them, but never live through the experience.So when Christian brothers and sisters see the Catholic Church's strange fascination with martyrdom, they might find it morbid?or even alarming. Every church talks about and honors their martyrs, but Catholics seem to go overboard. We read and write book after book on it.Like a nature photographer, we show pictures and try to help other Christians connect with this Catholic mind set. No, they won't truly understand until they're inside, but they might get a glimpse of some of the logic behind the allure that draws Catholics to study the dead saints.Why We Study MartyrsWhen Jesus told Peter that "He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword", there's something he didn't say, but is equally as true. He didn't have to say it?he showed us in the chilling climax of his life. That truth is, "He who lives by the cross, dies by the cross."Think about it long and hard enough, and it's discouraging to anyone trying to lead a Christian life. But to a Catholic, it can be comforting. We feel the daily pains of health, financial, or even marital problems, and start to loose focus on our purpose in life. And life without purpose isn't life at all. It's death?death without purpose. So to find meaning in life, we look for meaning in death. And we see dying for one's faith as a purpose.Meaning in Pain and SufferingBut living for one's faith is a whole different story. It means a new act of perseverance every time we feel the temptation to despair. It means constant vigilance against a desire that might weigh on us at every moment of every day. Throughout the distractions (or even the monotonous drag of daily work schedules) we need something to focus on. We need to know that this is all going somewhere. We want reassurance (just as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane) that our dismal or even painful existence leads to a greater good.And so we turn to the martyrs, because as morbid as their deaths were, it was their lives that made them great. In their lives we find connection. We see that the pain leads to a definite end. We might not like the details, but the glory of giving ourselves to God in death shows us the glory of giving ourselves to God in life. And this leads to fulfillment when we try to justify our suffering.Written by Eric Engel at Copy For Sale

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arrow right The Study of Saints and Why Its Important

Sainthood?that title given by the Catholic Church that seems to draw so much criticism from so many denominations. The mere mention of it angers some people. It's not so much the title itself that draws attention but the dogma that prayer to those saints is helpful to the living. And while opponents of such an idea try to distance themselves from Catholic theology, they miss out on a big benefit of this 'disagreeable' doctrine.As they venture further from Catholicism (like the Church is an embarrassing ancestor that people try to keep in the closet) they stop any real honor of holy men in Church history. The mere study of their devout becomes a sin, and the only ones mentioned in their washed-out history books are the ones who's only accomplishment was extreme opposition to Catholicism. And ignoring the lives of the saints only leaves them with a terrible void?one that should've been filled by an incredible gift from God.That gift isn't so much the greatness of men and women who have dedicated their lives to the greater glory of God (and the beneficial fruits that come from this) but the display of diversity within the God's Church. As we study the life of Jesus (and try to imitate it) there's always the alluring temptation to give up, because he was God, and not being God, how could we hope to replicate such holiness.But in the study of saints, we don't always focus on the man...but on specific characteristics of a man. Pope John Paul II, for example (who'll no doubt receive the title some day), brought us an attitude of peace and the promotion of a "culture of life". Yes, he was smart, prayerful, holy, and had all the other markings of a saint. But history (while it might mention these other things) will always point to his accomplishments in the promotion of peace and unity. The Church will always see him as a shining example of what a peaceful man should be. Someone with a weakness for anger will always see his life as source of inspiration.A quick look through the lives of the saints reveals thousands of such characteristics. St. Thomas Aquinas was the intellectual giant. St. Francis of Assisi showed us how to live a life of poverty. St. Catherine of Sienna reflects a deep love for Christ. St. Bernadette's simplicity (and obedience) gives us a powerful example of what God can accomplish through unlikely channels.As each of these saints had prominent virtues in their lives, each of these virtues have a contrasting weakness or tendency that we're forced to fight throughout our own existence. And that's why we contemplate on their lives. Not just for example and inspiration, but because they signify that such perfections in virtue are possible?even for someone without a divine nature.Written by Eric Engel at Copy For Sale

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arrow right Church Building and Church Buildings

Church building is a term used to designate both the physical building of a church facility, and the spiritual building of a group of people into a unified body of believers. The physical church buildings are made of wood, stone, mortar, and brick, but the act of spiritual church building comes at the cost of evangelism, preaching, and teaching. Church building sometimes involves both acts together when a new building is being built and a new congregation is being pulled together. Those that build them with the eternal purposes of Jesus Christ in mind consider Church buildings a ministry in themselves.A church building is the physical location where a group of Christian believers come together each week to worship God and fellowship with one another. Church buildings often require a great monetary sacrifice on the part of the church members, and often a church building project can last for years. Church buildings can be small or large and the capital necessary to build them varies as well. Sometimes a capital campaign is launched to generate giving on the part of committed church members. Other times church members that are craftsmen or artisans donate their time and services to help lighten expenditures.Church building requires wise counsel and experienced help to pull it all together. Learning how to build a church to meet the needs of your particular ministry often requires experienced consultants that can offer peace of mind by helping you lay the groundwork both figuratively and literally. Knowing what you can afford to build and how you will pay for it are vital concerns for church building campaigns, and many times just making those decisions with wise counsel can reduce stress, uncertainty and effort. Church buildings are an integral part of a church's ministry to the community, and therefore much thought and planning should be undertaken. Church building is a blessed work and worthy of much prayer and forethought.Church buildings are places where the Word of God is taught and people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Acts 14:27 says,

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arrow right You and Your Money: Are You Making a GIVING?

A young man who was attending my Coffee Bar Bible studies tossed a $20 bill on the table between us. He said something like "I haven't been sowing anywhere lately" and added that he felt my eMail ministry was as valid as any. Something to that effect.A few years back, my own son handed me some crumpled bills and told me he had grown convicted about regularly supporting my ministry. He's seen the fruit of his dad's labor and wants to

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arrow right Imagine

Some people imagine what glory will behold them at the end of this age, others wonder what it will be like to be like Jesus Christ. Well let's see what the Bible says about this. Look at Colossians 1:15 it says He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.Look at Ephesians 1:9 it says And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory.Now look at verse 18 it says I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fill everything in every way.Look at Ephesians 3:20 it says Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. What a Blessing to know that the One who is the most powerful is at work within us, and that His strength is in us who believe. WOW what a Blessing!!!Now look at Romans 2:11 it says For God does not show favoritism. All who sin apart for the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.Look at Romans 16:25 it says Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him-to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.In closing look at Colossians 1:25 it says I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.Love Always, Your Sister in Christ, Mellody DavisEnjoy more reading at: http://www.hostinghelps.com/allaboutjesus

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