A BibleGateway poll entitled "How much time do you spend reading the Bible each day?" resulted in the following:
Last week’s poll pried into your Scripture reading habits, asking How much time do you spend reading the Bible each day? Here’s what you told us:
5- 30 minutes: 52%
30-60 minutes: 18%
5 minutes or less: 16%
1-2 hours: 6%
None: 6%
More than 2 hours: 2%
It’s neat to see such a large percentage of people spending quality time in God’s Word each day—and to the 6% who don’t spend any time reading the Bible each day, give it a try! Whether you have two hours to spend reading the Bible before bed at night or five minutes before breakfast, time invested in God’s Word is always a blessing.
http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2011/06/new-poll-what-does-your-church-do-best/
© 1995-2010, The Zondervan Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
6/25/11
Old Bible/Gospel Tract Still Doing Its Job
from Chick Tracts "Ancient Chick Tract Still Doing Its Job" 06/24/2011
Passing tracts sometimes requires strong faith that the seed will be watered and give an increase that only eternity will reveal. But occasionally stories surface that proves that good, no-nonsense gospel literature will, indeed, do the job. Such a story came to us from James Madden, a Chick distributor in Brazil. He writes the following:
"Some years ago I was in a little town called Paulista in PE Brazil. I was at a lunch shack buying something and gave the teller a copy of "This was your life" in Portuguese (Esta foi a sua vida). I turned around and noticed at a table seated behind me there were two deaf mute people, and low and behold one of them was sharing the Gospel with the other one. The one who was sharing the Gospel was using a very old copy of This was your life (Portuguese) and going page by page through the book and explaining the pictures and telling the story to the other Deaf mute who was not able to read himself... Later after he was done sharing the gospel I got a chance to try and talk to him.
"He had carried the tract for some years, had received it from a missionary as a young teenager and kept it as a treasure sharing the gospel with many people over the years —reaching people that he could not have reached otherwise. I often think about the original Missionary who gave him that tract or the people who may have contributed money for the printing of it. To this day they have no idea how far their Gospel has gone out."
You can see from these pictures that the tract had a lot of mileage on it. Besides, that back cover format was discontinued some 20 years ago.
Front and back picture of the Portuguese tract.
Another tract that had been stretched to the limit was sent to us with 100 signatures written in the margins of each page. The owner explained that he did not have money to buy 100 tracts, so he showed the tract to 100 people and when they finished reading it, he asked them to sign their name.
Soul winners tell us that Chick tracts are seldom thrown away, but if a few are, stories like these prove that the others make up for them by doing extra duty.
Where did they put them?
Another soul winner passed out a few hundred Chick tracts down the beach. Then he came back up checking the trash cans to see how many had been thrown away. He said he was puzzled, because there was almost none in the trash and the people had no pockets in the skimpy clothes they were wearing. Somehow they found a way to hang onto the tracts.
Many Christians feel that handing out tracts is not worth the effort. However, stories such as these prove otherwise. Even though we may not see immediate results, the tract will do one of two things: either bring the reader closer to a commitment to Christ or stand as a witness against him at the Great White Throne judgment. If he pleads that did not know the way of salvation, Christ will only need to remind him of the day he read the tract and rejected the gospel. Either way, we know that the tract did its job helping us fulfill the Great Commission.
We all have the opportunity
This summer, almost every family will find time to play. And there is no better time to reach people than when they're at play because their attitudes are more open to new ideas. This is the perfect time to share Jesus with those we meet.
Almost all communities have leisure events at the park, beach, mountains, lake, etc. So, every Christian, young and old, can take advantage of this opportunity to witness. There are always people willing and in need of a touch from God and all it takes is a couple seconds to hand someone a tract and say something simple like, "Free comic book!"; or "Do you know where you'll spend eternity?"
Your willingness to reach out to them might be the only chance they have to meet Christ. With Chick tracts, witnessing is so easy!
Click here to view tracts by category and find the one that will work best for you.
How to contact us:
Chick Publications Inc., PO Box 3500, Ontario, CA 91761-1019 U.S.A.
(909) 987-0771 Tel. | (909) 941-8128 Fax
postmaster@chick.com http://www.chick.com
©2011 by Chick Publications
Passing tracts sometimes requires strong faith that the seed will be watered and give an increase that only eternity will reveal. But occasionally stories surface that proves that good, no-nonsense gospel literature will, indeed, do the job. Such a story came to us from James Madden, a Chick distributor in Brazil. He writes the following:
"Some years ago I was in a little town called Paulista in PE Brazil. I was at a lunch shack buying something and gave the teller a copy of "This was your life" in Portuguese (Esta foi a sua vida). I turned around and noticed at a table seated behind me there were two deaf mute people, and low and behold one of them was sharing the Gospel with the other one. The one who was sharing the Gospel was using a very old copy of This was your life (Portuguese) and going page by page through the book and explaining the pictures and telling the story to the other Deaf mute who was not able to read himself... Later after he was done sharing the gospel I got a chance to try and talk to him.
"He had carried the tract for some years, had received it from a missionary as a young teenager and kept it as a treasure sharing the gospel with many people over the years —reaching people that he could not have reached otherwise. I often think about the original Missionary who gave him that tract or the people who may have contributed money for the printing of it. To this day they have no idea how far their Gospel has gone out."
You can see from these pictures that the tract had a lot of mileage on it. Besides, that back cover format was discontinued some 20 years ago.
Front and back picture of the Portuguese tract.
Another tract that had been stretched to the limit was sent to us with 100 signatures written in the margins of each page. The owner explained that he did not have money to buy 100 tracts, so he showed the tract to 100 people and when they finished reading it, he asked them to sign their name.
Soul winners tell us that Chick tracts are seldom thrown away, but if a few are, stories like these prove that the others make up for them by doing extra duty.
Where did they put them?
Another soul winner passed out a few hundred Chick tracts down the beach. Then he came back up checking the trash cans to see how many had been thrown away. He said he was puzzled, because there was almost none in the trash and the people had no pockets in the skimpy clothes they were wearing. Somehow they found a way to hang onto the tracts.
Many Christians feel that handing out tracts is not worth the effort. However, stories such as these prove otherwise. Even though we may not see immediate results, the tract will do one of two things: either bring the reader closer to a commitment to Christ or stand as a witness against him at the Great White Throne judgment. If he pleads that did not know the way of salvation, Christ will only need to remind him of the day he read the tract and rejected the gospel. Either way, we know that the tract did its job helping us fulfill the Great Commission.
We all have the opportunity
This summer, almost every family will find time to play. And there is no better time to reach people than when they're at play because their attitudes are more open to new ideas. This is the perfect time to share Jesus with those we meet.
Almost all communities have leisure events at the park, beach, mountains, lake, etc. So, every Christian, young and old, can take advantage of this opportunity to witness. There are always people willing and in need of a touch from God and all it takes is a couple seconds to hand someone a tract and say something simple like, "Free comic book!"; or "Do you know where you'll spend eternity?"
Your willingness to reach out to them might be the only chance they have to meet Christ. With Chick tracts, witnessing is so easy!
Click here to view tracts by category and find the one that will work best for you.
How to contact us:
Chick Publications Inc., PO Box 3500, Ontario, CA 91761-1019 U.S.A.
(909) 987-0771 Tel. | (909) 941-8128 Fax
postmaster@chick.com http://www.chick.com
©2011 by Chick Publications
Hal Lindsey Report (2008) - Roots & History of Israel/Palestine Crisis
This week on "The Hal Lindsey Report"
On this week's edition of "The Hal Lindsey Report," I'll discuss 'The Modern Lie.' Hitler's philosophy was that if you told a big enough lie (one that rational people wouldn't be foolish enough to devise) and you repeated it often enough, the people would begin to believe it as truth. We're seeing exactly that strategy at work in the world today. In fact, the conflict that most threatens world peace is predicated on an enormous lie. The mainstream media, the Left, and many governments of the world are either falling prey to the lie or actively and knowingly perpetuating it. Either way, the conflict it fosters is equally deadly. More ominously, 'The Modern Lie' is rooted in and animated by 'The Everlasting Hatred.' Where is it all headed? Tune in this week to find out.
Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, Inspiration, CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings.
God bless you,
Hal Lindsey
http://www.hallindsey.com/
© Hal Lindsey Media Ministries
Hal Lindsey Report (june 17, 2011) - Media Hypocrisy & U.S. War Involvement
When many people think of prophecy, particularly prophecy concerning the last days of this Age, they often think of it in terms of predicted events such as catastrophes, wars, weather, and cataclysms of nature. But the Apostles' writings about these days also contained specific references to the characteristics of the societies and individuals during these times.
I think the Apostle Paul may have unwittingly gotten even more specific. In particular, he seems to have written a pointed description of today's American politicians and, specifically, the American mainstream media. In his first letter to Timothy, I noted a spot-on reference to those groups. Paul said that in the "latter days," there will be those "speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron."
Wow. It sounds as if Paul had just read a recent edition of The New York Times or caught a telecast of one of the network evening news programs.
Can you think of a more apt description of today's popular media -- and many of the public figures they cover -- than "speaking lies in hypocrisy?" You don't have to work very hard or look very far to find two perfect examples. I'm speaking of the recent Sarah Palin e-mail media frenzy and the Congressman Anthony Weiner sexting outrage.
Now, I'm pretty sure you're sick to death of hearing about these two situations. Frankly, though, I couldn't have scripted a more graphic scenario to illustrate the duplicity and dishonesty of the American media and the American Left. And adding insult to injury, they're doing it while claiming the protection of the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
On her television program, Judge Judy once said to the mother of a plaintiff, "Do you know how you can tell your teenager is lying? Her lips are moving!" (My apologies to all you honest teenagers out there.) Well, I'm starting to think that description applies to most of the Mainstream Media and many of the nation's political figures, as well. But then, Paul predicted these exact conditions would be present in the days just before the return of Christ for His church.
I was thinking the other day about how we numbered our world wars. I suppose they had to be called "World War I and II" because there were so many nations involved it would have been unwieldy to name them all each time one referred to the conflict. We have a different problem today that might benefit from a numbering system. This time, the United States is involved in so many wars at the same time that we should probably number them just for simplicity's sake. America is currently engaged in four conflicts: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. You probably didn't know we had boots on the ground in Yemen, did you? Most of us didn't because it's been a covert war since 2009.
So I think it would be easier just to refer to them as War One (Afghanistan), War Two (Iraq), War Three (Libya), and War Four (Yemen). Technically, though, War Three should be Yemen since we've been active there since 2009. However, almost no one knew about that one until just recently and Libya has been in the news for almost three months, so we'll just leave Libya at Number Three.
Of course, we're about to have a showdown between the Congress and the President over Libya. He got the approval of the UN and the Arab League to enter the fray in Libya. The problem is he failed to consult Congress and has, so far, completely ignored the War Powers Resolution. That resolution -- roundly passed over Nixon's veto in 1973 -- allows the President to send US troops into military action for only 60 days without either Congressional approval or a declaration of war. It also allows him an additional 30 days to disengage those troops. Since we've been active with NATO in Libya since late March, President Obama is now approaching the end of that 90 day period. By the way, for all you Code Pink-types and Anti-war protesters out there (who have mysteriously disappeared the last couple of years), President Bush secured the overwhelming approval of Congress before entering both Afghanistan and Iraq.
But that begs another question. If we're already involved in four conflicts, why not a fifth? The situation in Syria is far past the threshold the Administration used as justification to jump in against Libya. And there's absolutely no comparison between what was happening in Egypt when we piled on Hosni Mubarak and what's happening in Syria today. Some observers estimate that Syrian security forces have murdered more than 1,500 protesters in Bashar al-Assad's brutal crackdown. But why the silence from the Administration? Sure, there are trite platitudes about how Assad either needs to assist in reform or get out of the way, but, so far, nothing substantial. It sounds and feels eerily like the US response to the squashed Iranian "student uprising" in 2009. Of course, I probably shouldn't be surprised. Iran is Syria's closest ally. And Syria is one of Israel's deadliest enemies. I wonder if there's any connection?
Finally, the question I'm most often asked is, "Where is America in Bible Prophecy?" The hypocrisy, political correctness, and overt duplicity that seems to be the theme running through this week's Report may give us a clue. In times past, the kinds of catastrophic events we've witnessed in the United States lately have usually signaled God's judgment on a sinful or errant nation. When you add to that Paul's description of the characteristics of nonbelievers in the last days found in his second letter to Timothy, it paints a chilling picture of today's America. Cast it all against an unflattering picture of Christianity in the last days -- Jesus said that many would be "lukewarm," and, in some cases, apostate -- and you have a sort of trifecta of doom.
All of this means only one thing. It's time to get ready to get out of here! There's nothing standing in His way. Jesus could return for His church at any moment. Make sure you've accepted the free gift of pardon for your sins that He died to purchase for you.
Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, Inspiration (one more Monday night), CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings.
God Bless,
Hal Lindsey
mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email: comments@hallindsey.com
web: http://www.hallindsey.com
© 2011 Hal Lindsey Media Ministries
Hal Lindsey Report (may 27, 2011) - Israel, Wild Weather In American Heartland & May 21st 'End of the World' Hype
This was an interesting week in Washington, D.C. It started with President Obama attempting a preemptive maneuver that backfired.
House Speaker John Boehner invited Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress on May 24. Fearing that the Israeli leader might outline a bold new peace initiative in the Middle East -- and put the Palestinians, the Europeans, and the Administration in a box -- the President decided to deliver his own major foreign policy address the day before Netanyahu was scheduled to visit the White House.
So he drove a few blocks down the street to the State Department and spoke to the world. Ostensibly, he was outlining the US policy for dealing with the upheaval of the so-called "Arab Spring." Never mind that that train left the station weeks ago. Never mind that the speech was a mishmash of half-cooked platitudes. Never mind that the speech essentially put most of the world to sleep. That wasn't the real point of the speech at all. The real point was to lay down the President's "vision" for how to settle the Israeli-Palestinian question before Prime Minister Netanyahu got to town and had a chance to do so.
The President broke with 60 years of bi-partisan tradition and did something no previous President had done. (Of course, we DID vote for "change," didn't we?) He laid down specific parameters for the talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis. He demanded that the Israelis withdraw to the "1967 borders." Never mind that there's no such thing as "1967 borders." Technically, those are the 1949 armistice lines. But that's a ticky-tack detail in the President's mind.
He also slyly mentioned that the new Palestinian state needs to be "contiguous." That means the two parts need to be touching or connected physically.
What the President doesn't realize (or maybe he does) is that he has now moved the goal line in the eyes and minds of the Palestinians. What they had once thought to be the best they could ever hope for now appears, if the President is heeded, to be the new "starting point" for future negotiations.
What the President doesn't realize (or maybe he does) is that his demand leaves Israel only 9 miles wide at its most critical point. That means the waist of the nation is utterly indefensible.
And what the President didn't realize -- but he most certainly does now -- is that Israel CANNOT and WILL NOT fall back to those indefensible lines.
That's precisely what Prime Minister Netanyahu told the President before God and the world and the press after their meeting at the White House the next day. In fact, some observers have commented that the Prime Minister gave the still-novice President a stern lesson in history and Middle East reality. I don't think Mr. Obama liked it very much. Netanyahu flat-out said Israel "cannot go back to the 1967 lines because those lines are indefensible, because they don't take into account certain changes that have taken place on the ground, demographic changes that have taken place over the last 44 years."
But the President is nothing if not a politician. So a couple of days later, he once again traveled a few blocks down the street. This time he paid a visit to the annual meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. He stood before those 10,000 supporters of Israel (most of whom are, oddly, still solid Democrats and Obama supporters. Go figure.) and appeared to be doing a little backpedaling. He "clarified" his earlier comments by noting that he had also suggested that significant "land swaps" would be needed to account for the changes in demographics over the last 44 years.
Then he took a swipe at Mister Netanyahu, implying that he knew more about the whole process than the Prime Minister did. The President said, "Israelis and Palestinians... will negotiate a border that is different than the one that existed on June 4, 1967. That's what mutually agreed-upon swaps means. It is a well-known formula to all who have worked on this issue for a generation. (Emphasis mine.) It allows the parties themselves to account for the changes that have taken place over the last 44 years."
The President smugly described his land swap caveat as "... a well-known formula to all who have worked on this issue for a generation." That obviously does not include President Obama. However, since Mr. Netanyahu served as Israel's UN Ambassador from 1984 to 1988, its Prime Minister from 1996 to 1999, and its Foreign Minister from 2002 to 2003, before becoming Prime Minister again in 2009, that means he has been intimately involved in this issue for at least 27 years. Some would consider that almost a generation!
By the way, if you saw Mr. Netanyahu's speech before the Congress on Tuesday, you heard as clear and concise a delineation of the danger Israel faces as I have ever heard. You also understand now why this issue will never be settled. Mr. Netanyahu put it succinctly: "You see, our conflict has never been about the establishment of a Palestinian state. It has always been about the existence of the Jewish state."
The official Hamas spokesman in Gaza confirmed Netanyahu's assertion. Before the President had even gotten back to the White House following his State Department speech, Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters, "Hamas will not recognize the Israeli occupation under any condition."
But the battles raging in Washington last week pale when compared to the actual devastation experienced by the residents of Joplin, Missouri, last Sunday evening. At dinnertime, a monster tornado nearly a mile wide tore through the heart of that city of 50,000 people. More than 2,000 homes, businesses, schools, and other buildings were destroyed. By Tuesday, the death toll had climbed to 117 with hundreds injured. Some authorities estimate that as many as 1,500 may still be missing. It was the single deadliest tornado in the US in the last 60 years.
Following close on the heels of the devastating tornadoes in Alabama and across the South, the massive flooding along the Mississippi River, and the droughts and rampaging wildfires across Texas and the Southwest, it makes us wonder if the weather has gone wild. Is there prophetic significance? I believe so.
Finally, May 21st came and went, but the Church is still here. It seems the only ones who took Harold Camping's date-specific prediction seriously were the liberal media. And they covered the story for the opportunity to discredit the Bible and Christians. In fact, the American Atheists used the occasion to sponsor billboards across the nation that read: "The Rapture: You Know It's Nonsense! 2000 Years of 'Any Day Now.'"
But we can't allow the chuckling and snorting of the world to distract us from the truth: it really could be "any day now!" Jesus Himself 'commanded' us to recognize the signs that will indicate when the time of His coming is near. I still firmly believe that we are the generation that will see Christ's sudden return for His Church. Don't be ashamed to acknowledge that reality. Don't be caught unprepared
And don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, Inspiration, CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings.
God Bless,
Hal Lindsey
mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email: comments@hallindsey.com
web: http://www.hallindsey.com
© 2011 Hal Lindsey Media Ministries
Why Hit Libya and Not Syria?
By Perry Stone
06/23/2011
There seems to be an odd contradiction in the foreign policy of the present administration. There have been three major nations, all considered to be Middle Eastern, that are experiencing a political shaking and uprising by the common people: Egypt, Libya, and Syria. Our President called for the resignation of both Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Libyan President Mumar Kaddafi. However, notice the events in Syria and the near-deafening silence from the U.S. administration.
The U.S. was involved in a bombing raid against the Libyan dictator and provided assistance to the rebels who were rising up to overthrow the violent and corrupt regime of Colonial Kaddafi. At this present time there are numerous NATO airstrikes being conducted, many headed up by France. However, Syria is a different story. The U.S. and her allies seem to have little interest in removing a violent and corrupt regime in Syria. Their leader is presently torturing and killing thousands of his own people, apparently in a manner similar to Saddam Hussein when he turned upon his own population and murdered masses of people who spoke out against his oppressive government.
Oil still runs the world’s industry and will continue to do so for some time.
So, why is there such a military push against Libya, yet nothing more than verbal rebukes from political talking heads when it comes to Syria? The simple answer is found in one word – OIL. Libya had numerous oil wells that sold much-needed oil to nations such as France! With Kaddafi in charge, the oil wells and refineries have been closed, causing the price of gasoline to rise far above their normal costs. The world markets need the oil and are willing to send in planes, bombs, troops, and covert operations to ensure that the oil continues to flow.
Syria has no major oil supply and is not considered an oil-producing nation. Thus, for the United States, there is no political or national security benefit in intervening in the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad from Syria, who is just as much a violator of human rights as the leaders we wanted overthrown. It is sad to see so many thousands of people who have lived for years under oppression, marching in the streets for their freedom, only to have government troops open fire from roof tops and helicopters, and indiscriminately slay anyone in the crowd who happens to be in the path of the flying bullets.
A second fact is that Syria (as well as Lebanon) is a headquarters for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, a militant Islamic force with hundreds of thousands of followers scattered in the cities and communities of these two nations. Any attack from the west against Syria would stir up the wrath of Hezbollah, not only against the United States, but against Israel as well.
When the war against Iraq broke out during the administration of the first President Bush, and was continued though his son, the second President Bush, both men were accused by the media and their liberal opponents of starting a war just to protect the oil fields. Now those critics are strangely silent.
Oil still runs the world’s industry and will continue to do so for some time. Maybe someone in D.C. will eventually take charge and choose to drill at home, and let others fight for oil in these radical nations where people mean nothing to the dictators.
http://www.voe.org
©2008 - 2010 Perry Stone Ministries
06/23/2011
There seems to be an odd contradiction in the foreign policy of the present administration. There have been three major nations, all considered to be Middle Eastern, that are experiencing a political shaking and uprising by the common people: Egypt, Libya, and Syria. Our President called for the resignation of both Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Libyan President Mumar Kaddafi. However, notice the events in Syria and the near-deafening silence from the U.S. administration.
The U.S. was involved in a bombing raid against the Libyan dictator and provided assistance to the rebels who were rising up to overthrow the violent and corrupt regime of Colonial Kaddafi. At this present time there are numerous NATO airstrikes being conducted, many headed up by France. However, Syria is a different story. The U.S. and her allies seem to have little interest in removing a violent and corrupt regime in Syria. Their leader is presently torturing and killing thousands of his own people, apparently in a manner similar to Saddam Hussein when he turned upon his own population and murdered masses of people who spoke out against his oppressive government.
Oil still runs the world’s industry and will continue to do so for some time.
So, why is there such a military push against Libya, yet nothing more than verbal rebukes from political talking heads when it comes to Syria? The simple answer is found in one word – OIL. Libya had numerous oil wells that sold much-needed oil to nations such as France! With Kaddafi in charge, the oil wells and refineries have been closed, causing the price of gasoline to rise far above their normal costs. The world markets need the oil and are willing to send in planes, bombs, troops, and covert operations to ensure that the oil continues to flow.
Syria has no major oil supply and is not considered an oil-producing nation. Thus, for the United States, there is no political or national security benefit in intervening in the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad from Syria, who is just as much a violator of human rights as the leaders we wanted overthrown. It is sad to see so many thousands of people who have lived for years under oppression, marching in the streets for their freedom, only to have government troops open fire from roof tops and helicopters, and indiscriminately slay anyone in the crowd who happens to be in the path of the flying bullets.
A second fact is that Syria (as well as Lebanon) is a headquarters for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, a militant Islamic force with hundreds of thousands of followers scattered in the cities and communities of these two nations. Any attack from the west against Syria would stir up the wrath of Hezbollah, not only against the United States, but against Israel as well.
When the war against Iraq broke out during the administration of the first President Bush, and was continued though his son, the second President Bush, both men were accused by the media and their liberal opponents of starting a war just to protect the oil fields. Now those critics are strangely silent.
Oil still runs the world’s industry and will continue to do so for some time. Maybe someone in D.C. will eventually take charge and choose to drill at home, and let others fight for oil in these radical nations where people mean nothing to the dictators.
http://www.voe.org
©2008 - 2010 Perry Stone Ministries
6/24/11
What does the Bible say about responsibility?
Question: "What does the Bible say about responsibility?"
Answer: Without question the greatest reason that we live for God is our unwavering belief in the resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is through His resurrection from the grave that we have hope and the promise of life eternal with him. In 1 Corinthians chapter 15 the apostle Paul explains that because of these promises of a future resurrection and of living eternally in the kingdom, believers have not only the motivation, but also eternal responsibilities for our lives here on earth.
The apostle Paul touches on such responsibilities in his concluding statement in the 15th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians. He declares that if we really believe and if we are truly thankful that our resurrection is sure, we should “therefore” demonstrate our assurance and our thankfulness by “standing firm, letting nothing move us” and “always giving ourselves full to the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). This, then, is the believer’s responsibility, to stand firm in the faith and give ourselves completely to Him.
The Greek for “standing firm” is hedraios which literally refers to being seated, being settled and firmly situated. The Greek for “letting nothing move you” is ametakinetos, and it carries the same basic idea but with more intensity. It means being totally immobile and motionless, indicating that we should not even budge an inch from His will. And with our being totally within the will of God we are to be “always giving ourselves to the work of the Lord,” being careful not to be “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).
Why did Paul give us this warning? Simply because if our confident hope in the resurrection wavers, we are sure to abandon ourselves to the ways and standards of the world. Therefore, if there are no eternal ramifications or consequences of what we do in this life, the motivation for selfless service and holy living is gone. In other words, our eternal responsibilities are abandoned.
Conversely, when our hope in the resurrection is clear and certain, we will have great motivation to be attending to the responsibility we have to “always giving ourselves to the work of the Lord.” The Greek for this phrase carries the idea of exceeding the requirements, of overflowing or overdoing. A good example of this is found in Ephesians 1:7-8 where the word is used of God having “lavished” upon us the riches of His grace. Because God has so abundantly provided for us who deserve nothing from Him, we should determine to give of ourselves abundantly in service to Him, to whom we owe everything.
The Bible teaches us that our responsibility as believers is to work uncompromisingly as the Lord has gifted us and leads us in this life. We must fully understand that until the Lord returns there are souls to reach and ministries of every sort to be performed. Our responsibilities with our money, time, energy, talents, gifts, bodies, minds, and spirits should be invested in nothing that does not in some way contribute to the work of the Lord. James tells us: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26).
Our work for the Lord, if it is truly for Him and done in His power, cannot fail to accomplish what He wants accomplished. Every good work believers do has eternal benefits that the Lord Himself guarantees. Jesus tells us: “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12).
Simply put, our responsibility lies in working for the Lord, whether it is in “looking after orphans or widows in distress” (James 1:27), giving to the hungry, the naked, visiting those in prison (see Matthew 25:35-36), in our workplace (see Colossians 3:22), or in whatever we do (Colossians 3:23). And our motivation is that we have God’s own promise that our work “is not in vain” in the Lord “since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:24).
Recommended Resource: Lord, Change My Attitude Before It's Too Late, Revised by James MacDonald.
http://www.gotquestions.org
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries.
Answer: Without question the greatest reason that we live for God is our unwavering belief in the resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is through His resurrection from the grave that we have hope and the promise of life eternal with him. In 1 Corinthians chapter 15 the apostle Paul explains that because of these promises of a future resurrection and of living eternally in the kingdom, believers have not only the motivation, but also eternal responsibilities for our lives here on earth.
The apostle Paul touches on such responsibilities in his concluding statement in the 15th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians. He declares that if we really believe and if we are truly thankful that our resurrection is sure, we should “therefore” demonstrate our assurance and our thankfulness by “standing firm, letting nothing move us” and “always giving ourselves full to the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). This, then, is the believer’s responsibility, to stand firm in the faith and give ourselves completely to Him.
The Greek for “standing firm” is hedraios which literally refers to being seated, being settled and firmly situated. The Greek for “letting nothing move you” is ametakinetos, and it carries the same basic idea but with more intensity. It means being totally immobile and motionless, indicating that we should not even budge an inch from His will. And with our being totally within the will of God we are to be “always giving ourselves to the work of the Lord,” being careful not to be “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).
Why did Paul give us this warning? Simply because if our confident hope in the resurrection wavers, we are sure to abandon ourselves to the ways and standards of the world. Therefore, if there are no eternal ramifications or consequences of what we do in this life, the motivation for selfless service and holy living is gone. In other words, our eternal responsibilities are abandoned.
Conversely, when our hope in the resurrection is clear and certain, we will have great motivation to be attending to the responsibility we have to “always giving ourselves to the work of the Lord.” The Greek for this phrase carries the idea of exceeding the requirements, of overflowing or overdoing. A good example of this is found in Ephesians 1:7-8 where the word is used of God having “lavished” upon us the riches of His grace. Because God has so abundantly provided for us who deserve nothing from Him, we should determine to give of ourselves abundantly in service to Him, to whom we owe everything.
The Bible teaches us that our responsibility as believers is to work uncompromisingly as the Lord has gifted us and leads us in this life. We must fully understand that until the Lord returns there are souls to reach and ministries of every sort to be performed. Our responsibilities with our money, time, energy, talents, gifts, bodies, minds, and spirits should be invested in nothing that does not in some way contribute to the work of the Lord. James tells us: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26).
Our work for the Lord, if it is truly for Him and done in His power, cannot fail to accomplish what He wants accomplished. Every good work believers do has eternal benefits that the Lord Himself guarantees. Jesus tells us: “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12).
Simply put, our responsibility lies in working for the Lord, whether it is in “looking after orphans or widows in distress” (James 1:27), giving to the hungry, the naked, visiting those in prison (see Matthew 25:35-36), in our workplace (see Colossians 3:22), or in whatever we do (Colossians 3:23). And our motivation is that we have God’s own promise that our work “is not in vain” in the Lord “since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:24).
Recommended Resource: Lord, Change My Attitude Before It's Too Late, Revised by James MacDonald.
http://www.gotquestions.org
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries.
What is your religious IQ?
ABC News did a report on Americans' Religious IQ. The results are sadly shocking.
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=7GGDLWNX
Copyright © 2011 ABC News Internet Ventures.
Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of june 24, 2011
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Nepal—Criminal Code May Prohibit Evangelism—Compass Direct News, VOM Canada
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
Five years after it abolished Hinduism as the state religion, Nepal is considering a new criminal code that would make it illegal to “convert a person or abet him to change his religion.” Article 160 of the proposed code would prohibit any action or behavior that could cause someone from a caste, community or creed to lose faith in his or her traditional religion or convert to a different religion. Offenders could be imprisoned for up to five years and fined as much as $685. Protracted political battles have caused delays in the first complete draft of the new constitution, and the Nepali Congress was recently forced to extend the tenure of the Constituent Assembly responsible for the draft. Pray for the church in Nepal as well as for those in power. Pray that Nepal’s new criminal code will allow Christians to share their faith.
Nigeria—Pastor Killed in Borno State—Release International, Compass Direct
Philippians 4:7
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A Nigerian pastor and his secretary were murdered by Islamic militants recently in the northeastern town of Maiduguri. Pastor David Usman, 45, and his church secretary, Hamman Andrew, were shot to death on June 7 by members of the Islamist group Boko Haram. Boko Haram has been blamed for several recent attacks, including a series of bombings on June 7 that killed three people and the bombing of an army barracks in Maiduguri on May 29 that killed 15 people. Pastor David, described as a gentle and jovial man, and Hamman Andrew were killed in an area of Maiduguri called the Railway Quarters. Boko Haram had previously targeted Pastor David’s church, which belongs to the Church of Christ in Nigeria. In July 2009, militants killed several church members and set fire to the church building. Another pastor in Maiduguri, Rev. Titus Dama Pona, told Compass Direct News that the recent violence has increased fear among Christians. “We no longer feel free moving around the city,” Rev. Titus said, “and most churches no longer carry out worship services for fear of becoming targets of these unprovoked attacks.” Pray that Christians in Borno state will experience the peace of God, and pray that Boko Haram members will come to know the peace of God in their hearts.
Uzbekistan—Christian Fined and Threatened by Police—Forum 18 News Service
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
A Protestant Christian, Anvar Rajapov, was threatened by police after challenging a large fine that he received for his religious activities in Tashkent. Police raided Anvar’s home on April 14 and confiscated 250 Christian books, including Bibles. The state’s Religious Affairs Committee then ordered the books destroyed, and Anvar was fined 80 times the minimum monthly wage. Anvar appealed the fine in court, but a judge upheld the fine. Court officials warned Anvar that he would be further penalized if he did not pay the fine by June 15. On May 25, police summoned Anvar to the police station. Three police majors and an inspector spoke with Anvar and threatened him. One of the police majors, Zufar Rashidov, reportedly said, “I have prepared an axe for you, which will be flying after you, observing you, and if need be get you.” Pray that God will protect Anvar and give him strength and wisdom.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Download the iOS application on the iTunes Store by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-calendar/id432550884?mt=8
Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Nepal—Criminal Code May Prohibit Evangelism—Compass Direct News, VOM Canada
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
Five years after it abolished Hinduism as the state religion, Nepal is considering a new criminal code that would make it illegal to “convert a person or abet him to change his religion.” Article 160 of the proposed code would prohibit any action or behavior that could cause someone from a caste, community or creed to lose faith in his or her traditional religion or convert to a different religion. Offenders could be imprisoned for up to five years and fined as much as $685. Protracted political battles have caused delays in the first complete draft of the new constitution, and the Nepali Congress was recently forced to extend the tenure of the Constituent Assembly responsible for the draft. Pray for the church in Nepal as well as for those in power. Pray that Nepal’s new criminal code will allow Christians to share their faith.
Nigeria—Pastor Killed in Borno State—Release International, Compass Direct
Philippians 4:7
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A Nigerian pastor and his secretary were murdered by Islamic militants recently in the northeastern town of Maiduguri. Pastor David Usman, 45, and his church secretary, Hamman Andrew, were shot to death on June 7 by members of the Islamist group Boko Haram. Boko Haram has been blamed for several recent attacks, including a series of bombings on June 7 that killed three people and the bombing of an army barracks in Maiduguri on May 29 that killed 15 people. Pastor David, described as a gentle and jovial man, and Hamman Andrew were killed in an area of Maiduguri called the Railway Quarters. Boko Haram had previously targeted Pastor David’s church, which belongs to the Church of Christ in Nigeria. In July 2009, militants killed several church members and set fire to the church building. Another pastor in Maiduguri, Rev. Titus Dama Pona, told Compass Direct News that the recent violence has increased fear among Christians. “We no longer feel free moving around the city,” Rev. Titus said, “and most churches no longer carry out worship services for fear of becoming targets of these unprovoked attacks.” Pray that Christians in Borno state will experience the peace of God, and pray that Boko Haram members will come to know the peace of God in their hearts.
Uzbekistan—Christian Fined and Threatened by Police—Forum 18 News Service
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
A Protestant Christian, Anvar Rajapov, was threatened by police after challenging a large fine that he received for his religious activities in Tashkent. Police raided Anvar’s home on April 14 and confiscated 250 Christian books, including Bibles. The state’s Religious Affairs Committee then ordered the books destroyed, and Anvar was fined 80 times the minimum monthly wage. Anvar appealed the fine in court, but a judge upheld the fine. Court officials warned Anvar that he would be further penalized if he did not pay the fine by June 15. On May 25, police summoned Anvar to the police station. Three police majors and an inspector spoke with Anvar and threatened him. One of the police majors, Zufar Rashidov, reportedly said, “I have prepared an axe for you, which will be flying after you, observing you, and if need be get you.” Pray that God will protect Anvar and give him strength and wisdom.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Download the iOS application on the iTunes Store by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-calendar/id432550884?mt=8
Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
6/23/11
Question: "Is there a difference between joy and happiness?"
Question: "Is there a difference between joy and happiness?"
Answer: A dictionary definition of happiness is “a state of well-being, a pleasurable or satisfying experience.” The definition of the word “rejoice,” from which our word “joy” comes, is “to feel great delight, to welcome or to be glad.” Depending on the translation, the Bible uses the words “happy” and “happiness” about 30 times, while “joy” and “rejoice” appear over 300 times. If we look at some verses it will help us understand why joy is different from happiness.
Genesis 30:1-13 tells the story of two sisters, Rachel and Leah, and their rivalry over their husband, Jacob. Each woman tries to have more male children in order to please him, even using their handmaidens to conceive more offspring. Leah’s handmaiden, Zilpah, bore Jacob a second son, and verse 13 says, “Then Leah said, ‘Happy am I! For women have called me happy.’ So she named him Asher.” Thus the word "happy" comes from the Hebrew root word ashar and means "to set right or be blessed." We also find the word "happiness" in Deuteronomy 24:5, which says, “When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken.”
The word “joy” comes from the Greek root word chara and means "to be exceedingly glad." James 1:2 says, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.” How could we ever consider going through difficulties and trials a reason to feel joy? James 1:3-4 gives us a clue when it says, “Knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The deep, abiding joy comes as we persevere through trials, with God’s help, and our faith matures and is strengthened. So happiness tends to be fleeting and depends upon temporal factors like circumstances or other people.
Joy, on the other hand, is true contentment that comes from internal factors like our faith in the Lord. True joy is everlasting and not dependent upon circumstances. The book of Philippians is a great study in the difference between joy and happiness. Written by the Apostle Paul while imprisoned in Rome, this book uses the words “joy,” “rejoice,” and “joyful” 16 times and teaches us how to have true contentment in Jesus Christ, despite our circumstances. In chains and aware that his life was coming to an end, Paul talks about his faith and trust in Christ and how it had changed his whole perspective on suffering. In Philippians 1:12-24, Paul says that because of his two-year imprisonment (Acts 28:30), the whole Roman guard heard the gospel from him, and it had even spread throughout all of Rome. In verse 18 Paul says, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.” Paul goes on to encourage others to have peace knowing that God strengthens us (Philippians 4:13) and “supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
So the Bible teaches that happiness is fleeting because it often depends on things outside of ourselves, but true joy is eternal because it is based on our relationship with Jesus Christ, which is itself an everlasting source of joy.
http://www.gotquestions.org/joy-happiness.html
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
Answer: A dictionary definition of happiness is “a state of well-being, a pleasurable or satisfying experience.” The definition of the word “rejoice,” from which our word “joy” comes, is “to feel great delight, to welcome or to be glad.” Depending on the translation, the Bible uses the words “happy” and “happiness” about 30 times, while “joy” and “rejoice” appear over 300 times. If we look at some verses it will help us understand why joy is different from happiness.
Genesis 30:1-13 tells the story of two sisters, Rachel and Leah, and their rivalry over their husband, Jacob. Each woman tries to have more male children in order to please him, even using their handmaidens to conceive more offspring. Leah’s handmaiden, Zilpah, bore Jacob a second son, and verse 13 says, “Then Leah said, ‘Happy am I! For women have called me happy.’ So she named him Asher.” Thus the word "happy" comes from the Hebrew root word ashar and means "to set right or be blessed." We also find the word "happiness" in Deuteronomy 24:5, which says, “When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken.”
The word “joy” comes from the Greek root word chara and means "to be exceedingly glad." James 1:2 says, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.” How could we ever consider going through difficulties and trials a reason to feel joy? James 1:3-4 gives us a clue when it says, “Knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The deep, abiding joy comes as we persevere through trials, with God’s help, and our faith matures and is strengthened. So happiness tends to be fleeting and depends upon temporal factors like circumstances or other people.
Joy, on the other hand, is true contentment that comes from internal factors like our faith in the Lord. True joy is everlasting and not dependent upon circumstances. The book of Philippians is a great study in the difference between joy and happiness. Written by the Apostle Paul while imprisoned in Rome, this book uses the words “joy,” “rejoice,” and “joyful” 16 times and teaches us how to have true contentment in Jesus Christ, despite our circumstances. In chains and aware that his life was coming to an end, Paul talks about his faith and trust in Christ and how it had changed his whole perspective on suffering. In Philippians 1:12-24, Paul says that because of his two-year imprisonment (Acts 28:30), the whole Roman guard heard the gospel from him, and it had even spread throughout all of Rome. In verse 18 Paul says, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.” Paul goes on to encourage others to have peace knowing that God strengthens us (Philippians 4:13) and “supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
So the Bible teaches that happiness is fleeting because it often depends on things outside of ourselves, but true joy is eternal because it is based on our relationship with Jesus Christ, which is itself an everlasting source of joy.
http://www.gotquestions.org/joy-happiness.html
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
6/22/11
Moral-Based Action Alert(s)
From One Million Moms, affiliated with American Family Association
NBC Now Promotes Playboy and Portrays Hugh Hefner in a Positive Light
June 22, 2011
Dear Friend,
The Comcast owned NBC network will air a new show this fall called "The Playboy Club" and subtitled "An American icon is born." The show is about Hugh Hefner's pioneering of the porn industry with his Playboy Enterprises. The NBC website for this show states, "This provocative new series captures a time and place that challenged the social mores, where a visionary created an empire, and an icon changed American culture."
Playboy, with the cooperation of NBC and their use of the public airwaves, will continue to subject families to the destruction of pornography, contribute to addictions or porn, and portray women as sexual objects. All of these results are harmful to our society. This program is degrading to women and damaging to our culture.
OMM is prepared to contact any and all sponsors of this program if it is aired. It is proven this strategy works! MTV recently announced there will not be a second season of "Skins" because of lack of advertisers!
An email letter is prepared for you to send to Comcast and NBC officials and encourage them to reconsider the airing of their show titled "The Playboy Club."
TAKE ACTION
Please send your email to oppose NBC's new show "The Playboy Club" and strongly encourage NBC to drop all plans to air the program.
Let them also know you are prepared to join thousands of other voices in urging advertisers to place it on their "do not advertise" list and consider pulling all ads from the NBC network in protest of pushing the pornography empire directly into America's living rooms.
Send Your Letter Now!
Sincerely,
Monica Cole, Director
OneMillionMoms.com
P.S. Please forward this to your family and friends! Become a fan of OneMillionMoms on Facebook! If you use Twitter, keep up with the latest information by following us.
OneMillionMoms.com | P O Drawer 2440 | Tupelo, MS 38803 | 1-662-844-5036
Copyright © 2010 American Family Association. All Rights Reserved
*****************************************************
I have followed The American Family Association and its affiliates One Million Moms and One Million Dads for several years now. As part of their Action Alerts, which I receive from time to time, they often include alerts to basically bombard advertisers to discontinue sponsoring particular networks/brands/shows etc. that they feel are promoting an immoral message. This is a proven method because a TV show cannot survive without advertising sponsors because that is how they make their money to produce the show, and pay the cast and various staff. I decided to include this particular Action Alert because I think it's important to realize the fact that people have the power to help better society, bit by bit, and to see that it actually does work. Producers want to put out a product that they think will get them high ratings and therefore get them a lot of money. If it doesn't get either then it won't last. That's a fact.
NBC Now Promotes Playboy and Portrays Hugh Hefner in a Positive Light
June 22, 2011
Dear Friend,
The Comcast owned NBC network will air a new show this fall called "The Playboy Club" and subtitled "An American icon is born." The show is about Hugh Hefner's pioneering of the porn industry with his Playboy Enterprises. The NBC website for this show states, "This provocative new series captures a time and place that challenged the social mores, where a visionary created an empire, and an icon changed American culture."
Playboy, with the cooperation of NBC and their use of the public airwaves, will continue to subject families to the destruction of pornography, contribute to addictions or porn, and portray women as sexual objects. All of these results are harmful to our society. This program is degrading to women and damaging to our culture.
OMM is prepared to contact any and all sponsors of this program if it is aired. It is proven this strategy works! MTV recently announced there will not be a second season of "Skins" because of lack of advertisers!
An email letter is prepared for you to send to Comcast and NBC officials and encourage them to reconsider the airing of their show titled "The Playboy Club."
TAKE ACTION
Please send your email to oppose NBC's new show "The Playboy Club" and strongly encourage NBC to drop all plans to air the program.
Let them also know you are prepared to join thousands of other voices in urging advertisers to place it on their "do not advertise" list and consider pulling all ads from the NBC network in protest of pushing the pornography empire directly into America's living rooms.
Send Your Letter Now!
Sincerely,
Monica Cole, Director
OneMillionMoms.com
P.S. Please forward this to your family and friends! Become a fan of OneMillionMoms on Facebook! If you use Twitter, keep up with the latest information by following us.
OneMillionMoms.com | P O Drawer 2440 | Tupelo, MS 38803 | 1-662-844-5036
Copyright © 2010 American Family Association. All Rights Reserved
*****************************************************
I have followed The American Family Association and its affiliates One Million Moms and One Million Dads for several years now. As part of their Action Alerts, which I receive from time to time, they often include alerts to basically bombard advertisers to discontinue sponsoring particular networks/brands/shows etc. that they feel are promoting an immoral message. This is a proven method because a TV show cannot survive without advertising sponsors because that is how they make their money to produce the show, and pay the cast and various staff. I decided to include this particular Action Alert because I think it's important to realize the fact that people have the power to help better society, bit by bit, and to see that it actually does work. Producers want to put out a product that they think will get them high ratings and therefore get them a lot of money. If it doesn't get either then it won't last. That's a fact.
6/20/11
10 Lessons from an Atheist
by Carl Kerby
June 3, 2010
When faced with the mocking rants of atheists and God-haters, our natural temptation is to dismiss them as ignorant bigots or to get angry. But that’s not Christ’s way. Christians who follow the Lamb’s example will find His Spirit shedding light in the most unexpected places.
To continue reading this article go to the website:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v5/n3/10-lessons
http://www.answersingenesis.org
© 2011 Answers in Genesis
June 3, 2010
When faced with the mocking rants of atheists and God-haters, our natural temptation is to dismiss them as ignorant bigots or to get angry. But that’s not Christ’s way. Christians who follow the Lamb’s example will find His Spirit shedding light in the most unexpected places.
To continue reading this article go to the website:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v5/n3/10-lessons
http://www.answersingenesis.org
© 2011 Answers in Genesis
"How can believers be in the world, but not of the world?"
Question: "How can believers be in the world, but not of the world?"
Answer: When we read of the "world" in the New Testament, we are reading the Greek word cosmos. Cosmos most often refers to the inhabited earth and the people who live on the earth, which functions apart from God. Satan is the ruler of this "cosmos" (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19). By the simple definition that the word world refers to a world system ruled by Satan, we can more readily appreciate Christ's claims that believers are no longer of the world—we are no longer ruled by sin, nor are we bound by the principles of the world. In addition, we are being changed into the image of Christ, causing our interest in the things of the world to become less and less as we mature in Christ.
Believers in Jesus Christ are simply in the world—physically present—but not of it, not part of its values (John 17:14-15). As believers, we should be set apart from the world. This is the meaning of being holy and living a holy, righteous life—to be set apart. We are not to engage in the sinful activities the world promotes, nor are we to retain the insipid, corrupt mind that the world creates. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2). This is a daily activity and commitment.
We must also understand that being in the world, but not of it, is necessary if we are to be a light to those who are in spiritual darkness. We are to live in such a way that those outside the faith see our good deeds and our manner and know that there is something “different” about us. Christians who make every effort to live, think and act like those who do not know Christ do Him a great disservice. Even the heathen knows that “by their fruits you shall know them,” and as Christians, we should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit within us.
Being “in” the world also means we can enjoy the things of the world, such as the beautiful creation God has given us, but we are not to immerse ourselves in what the world values, nor are we to chase after worldly pleasures. Pleasure is no longer our calling in life, as it once was, but rather the worship of God.
Recommended Resource: Balancing the Christian Life by Charles Ryrie.
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
http://www.gotquestions.org
Answer: When we read of the "world" in the New Testament, we are reading the Greek word cosmos. Cosmos most often refers to the inhabited earth and the people who live on the earth, which functions apart from God. Satan is the ruler of this "cosmos" (John 12:31; 16:11; 1 John 5:19). By the simple definition that the word world refers to a world system ruled by Satan, we can more readily appreciate Christ's claims that believers are no longer of the world—we are no longer ruled by sin, nor are we bound by the principles of the world. In addition, we are being changed into the image of Christ, causing our interest in the things of the world to become less and less as we mature in Christ.
Believers in Jesus Christ are simply in the world—physically present—but not of it, not part of its values (John 17:14-15). As believers, we should be set apart from the world. This is the meaning of being holy and living a holy, righteous life—to be set apart. We are not to engage in the sinful activities the world promotes, nor are we to retain the insipid, corrupt mind that the world creates. Rather, we are to conform ourselves, and our minds, to that of Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1-2). This is a daily activity and commitment.
We must also understand that being in the world, but not of it, is necessary if we are to be a light to those who are in spiritual darkness. We are to live in such a way that those outside the faith see our good deeds and our manner and know that there is something “different” about us. Christians who make every effort to live, think and act like those who do not know Christ do Him a great disservice. Even the heathen knows that “by their fruits you shall know them,” and as Christians, we should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit within us.
Being “in” the world also means we can enjoy the things of the world, such as the beautiful creation God has given us, but we are not to immerse ourselves in what the world values, nor are we to chase after worldly pleasures. Pleasure is no longer our calling in life, as it once was, but rather the worship of God.
Recommended Resource: Balancing the Christian Life by Charles Ryrie.
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
http://www.gotquestions.org
What does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others?
Question: "What does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others?"
Answer: This is an issue that has confused many people. On one hand, we are commanded by the Lord Jesus, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). On the other hand, the Bible also exhorts us to beware of evildoers and false prophets and to avoid those who practice all kinds of evil. How are we to discern who these people are if we do not make some kind of judgment about them?
Christians are often accused of "judging" whenever they speak out against a sinful activity. However, that is not the meaning of the Scripture verses that state, "Do not judge." There is a righteous kind of judgment we are supposed to exercise—with careful discernment (John 7:24). When Jesus told us not to judge (Matthew 7:1), He was telling us not to judge hypocritically. Matthew 7:2-5 declares, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." What Jesus was condemning here was hypocritical, self-righteous judgments of others.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
In Matthew 7:2-5, Jesus warns against judging someone else for his sin when you yourself are sinning even worse. That is the kind of judging Jesus commanded us not to do. If a believer sees another believer sinning, it is his Christian duty to lovingly and respectfully confront the person with his sin (Matthew 18:15-17). This is not judging, but rather pointing out the truth in hope—and with the ultimate goal—of bringing repentance in the other person (James 5:20) and restoration to the fellowship. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are to proclaim what God's Word says about sin. 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs us, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction." We are to "judge" sin, but always with the goal of presenting the solution for sin and its consequences—the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Recommended Resource: Hard Sayings of the Bible by Kaiser, Davids, & Brauch.
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries.
http://www.gotquestions.org
Answer: This is an issue that has confused many people. On one hand, we are commanded by the Lord Jesus, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). On the other hand, the Bible also exhorts us to beware of evildoers and false prophets and to avoid those who practice all kinds of evil. How are we to discern who these people are if we do not make some kind of judgment about them?
Christians are often accused of "judging" whenever they speak out against a sinful activity. However, that is not the meaning of the Scripture verses that state, "Do not judge." There is a righteous kind of judgment we are supposed to exercise—with careful discernment (John 7:24). When Jesus told us not to judge (Matthew 7:1), He was telling us not to judge hypocritically. Matthew 7:2-5 declares, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." What Jesus was condemning here was hypocritical, self-righteous judgments of others.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
In Matthew 7:2-5, Jesus warns against judging someone else for his sin when you yourself are sinning even worse. That is the kind of judging Jesus commanded us not to do. If a believer sees another believer sinning, it is his Christian duty to lovingly and respectfully confront the person with his sin (Matthew 18:15-17). This is not judging, but rather pointing out the truth in hope—and with the ultimate goal—of bringing repentance in the other person (James 5:20) and restoration to the fellowship. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are to proclaim what God's Word says about sin. 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs us, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction." We are to "judge" sin, but always with the goal of presenting the solution for sin and its consequences—the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Recommended Resource: Hard Sayings of the Bible by Kaiser, Davids, & Brauch.
© Copyright 2002-2011 Got Questions Ministries.
http://www.gotquestions.org
Prisoner Alert Update: Pastor Vahik Abrahamian
Location: Iran (Islamic Republic of)Arrested: September 2010
Days Imprisoned: 290
Pastor Vahik Abrahamian and his wife Sonia Keshish-Avanesian were with their friends, Arash Kermanjani, and his wife, Arezo Teymouri, when all four friends were detained on September 4, 2010.
The two couples were arrested at the Abrahamians' home in Hamadan, west Iran, and taken to the Ministry of Islamic Guidance prison.
For the first 40 days, they were held in solitary confinement and reportedly suffered physical abuse and psychological pressure.
The four have been accused of various offenses, including propagating Christianity, opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran, and having contact with exiled opposition figures. They have not yet been charged.
Over six months have passed since the two men and two women were arrested. They are under pressure and intense interrogation, according to Mohabat News. They were transferred from Hamadan prison to Iran’s notorious Evin prison in Tehran.
Their families are concerned for their health, but have not been able to find news of their loved ones. They are also worried about the children of the believers.
Pastor Vahik was arrested once before, on Feb. 20, 2010, on charges of conducting activities among Muslims. He spent two months in prison before being released on bail. Pastor Vahik has dual citizenship in Iran and the Netherlands, but because of his passion for the Iranian people, he chose to live in Iran.
Source: Mohabat News
Vahik Still in Prison
When Vahik's wife, Sonia, was released from prison a few weeks ago, officials told her they would release her husband 10 days later. Unfortunately, that has not happened yet, and her husband remains in prison.
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.prisoneralert.com
6/17/11
Did Miracles Really Happen?
by Paul Taylor
June 7, 2011
Apologetics
www.answersingenesis.org
In a culture where God’s Word is constantly under attack from those both inside and outside of the church, we must always be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us. This web series on Apologetics is designed to give you the tools required to defend the faith. The Christian encyclopedic website, Theopedia, has defined a miracle as “any action in time where the normal operation of nature is suspended by the agency of a supernatural action.”
Continue reading this article on the website:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/06/07/did-miracles-really-happen#
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
© Copyright 2011 Answers in Genesis
June 7, 2011
Apologetics
www.answersingenesis.org
In a culture where God’s Word is constantly under attack from those both inside and outside of the church, we must always be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us. This web series on Apologetics is designed to give you the tools required to defend the faith. The Christian encyclopedic website, Theopedia, has defined a miracle as “any action in time where the normal operation of nature is suspended by the agency of a supernatural action.”
Continue reading this article on the website:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/06/07/did-miracles-really-happen#
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
© Copyright 2011 Answers in Genesis
Voice of the Martyrs Prayer Update for week of june 17, 2011
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: www.persecution.com
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1–2
India—Mob Attacks Mission Training School—VOM Sources
Psalm 34:10
Depart from evil and do good
Seek peace and pursue it.
A mission training school in Jonggol, West Java, Indonesia, was attacked by a Muslim mob after Friday prayers recently. The 84 attackers, who arrived on motorbikes, rushed into the school and searched each classroom and dorm room. They removed every picture of Jesus and told the school’s staff that the school must close. Thankfully, classes were not in session that day, and no students were on the premises. The mob was accompanied by several policemen and soldiers from a nearby military base. Neighbors also noticed that the attackers were not from the local community. The school was established in 1999 with the purpose of training evangelists to bless Indonesia, and it has always maintained a good relationship with its neighbors. Fearing a domino effect of future attacks, mission leaders said they will follow up on the case. They urged Indonesian Christians not to retaliate, but to remain calm and to pray. Pray that God will touch the hearts of the attackers, and pray for peace in Indonesia.
Iran—Christian Held in Solitary Confinement—Release International, Mohabat News
2 Corinthians 12:9
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Friends and family of a Christian father of two are calling for clarification of his case more than five months after he was sent to Tehran’s notorious Evin prison. Farshid Fathi, 32, has endured months of solitary confinement even though no court orders or instructions have been issued in his case. Farshid was detained by government security officials on Dec. 26, 2011, during a series of raids on Christians’ homes in Tehran. He was later transferred to solitary confinement in the 209th wing of Evin prison. According to Mohabat News reports, interrogators have used psychological torture in attempts to force Farshid to reveal details of Christian contacts. His wife and two young children — Rosana and Barbod — have been allowed to speak to him only once a week. Farshid’s family was forced to sell his father-in-law’s home in order to survive financially, and they have not been able to pay the bail to secure his release. Pray that God will enable Farshid to withstand this ordeal and endure the torture. Pray for comfort and financial help for his family.
Laos—Missionary Charged with Human Trafficking—VOM Sources
2 Timothy 3:12
If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
A missionary to youth in Laos was recently charged with human trafficking. After 24 young people were detained while traveling to a Christian training conference in May, Brother K, a conference leader, went to the police station to seek their release. He was then arrested and charged with human trafficking, an offense that carries a fine of up to $6,000 and from 5 to 50 years in prison. Brother K denied involvement in human trafficking and invited the officers to visit the conference center to see what the students were being taught. Taken aback by his boldness and concerned that the offense would become known as a persecution case, police released the 24 students but detained Brother K. After bail was set, Brother K bargained to reduce the amount, and they agreed on an amount equal to three months’ wages. The youth held their training session at a hastily convened new location. Thank God for his protection of the students and for the boldness of their leader. Pray that Christian youth in Laos will passionately share the gospel with their neighbors.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Download the iOS application on the iTunes Store by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-calendar/id432550884?mt=8
Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1–2
India—Mob Attacks Mission Training School—VOM Sources
Psalm 34:10
Depart from evil and do good
Seek peace and pursue it.
A mission training school in Jonggol, West Java, Indonesia, was attacked by a Muslim mob after Friday prayers recently. The 84 attackers, who arrived on motorbikes, rushed into the school and searched each classroom and dorm room. They removed every picture of Jesus and told the school’s staff that the school must close. Thankfully, classes were not in session that day, and no students were on the premises. The mob was accompanied by several policemen and soldiers from a nearby military base. Neighbors also noticed that the attackers were not from the local community. The school was established in 1999 with the purpose of training evangelists to bless Indonesia, and it has always maintained a good relationship with its neighbors. Fearing a domino effect of future attacks, mission leaders said they will follow up on the case. They urged Indonesian Christians not to retaliate, but to remain calm and to pray. Pray that God will touch the hearts of the attackers, and pray for peace in Indonesia.
Iran—Christian Held in Solitary Confinement—Release International, Mohabat News
2 Corinthians 12:9
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Friends and family of a Christian father of two are calling for clarification of his case more than five months after he was sent to Tehran’s notorious Evin prison. Farshid Fathi, 32, has endured months of solitary confinement even though no court orders or instructions have been issued in his case. Farshid was detained by government security officials on Dec. 26, 2011, during a series of raids on Christians’ homes in Tehran. He was later transferred to solitary confinement in the 209th wing of Evin prison. According to Mohabat News reports, interrogators have used psychological torture in attempts to force Farshid to reveal details of Christian contacts. His wife and two young children — Rosana and Barbod — have been allowed to speak to him only once a week. Farshid’s family was forced to sell his father-in-law’s home in order to survive financially, and they have not been able to pay the bail to secure his release. Pray that God will enable Farshid to withstand this ordeal and endure the torture. Pray for comfort and financial help for his family.
Laos—Missionary Charged with Human Trafficking—VOM Sources
2 Timothy 3:12
If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
A missionary to youth in Laos was recently charged with human trafficking. After 24 young people were detained while traveling to a Christian training conference in May, Brother K, a conference leader, went to the police station to seek their release. He was then arrested and charged with human trafficking, an offense that carries a fine of up to $6,000 and from 5 to 50 years in prison. Brother K denied involvement in human trafficking and invited the officers to visit the conference center to see what the students were being taught. Taken aback by his boldness and concerned that the offense would become known as a persecution case, police released the 24 students but detained Brother K. After bail was set, Brother K bargained to reduce the amount, and they agreed on an amount equal to three months’ wages. The youth held their training session at a hastily convened new location. Thank God for his protection of the students and for the boldness of their leader. Pray that Christian youth in Laos will passionately share the gospel with their neighbors.
Add the PrisonerAlert.com application on Facebook by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/prisoneralert/
Download the iOS application on the iTunes Store by visiting http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prayer-calendar/id432550884?mt=8
Digital versions of our books are available on the Amazon.com Kindle and Barnes & Noble NOOK bookstores: search for Living Sacrifice Book Company.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
6/16/11
ChristianMovies.com Sale
June 16, 2011Dear ChristianMovies supporters:
First, we wish all the Dad's out there a Happy Father's Day. And......if you really want to do something nice for him, get him a solid Christian movie!! Prices reduced for one week in honor of father's day on many of our popular titles. DVDs in stock and will be shipped right away.
Sincere thanks for your support
Rich Christiano
ChristianMovies.com
Also:
The June Special Pack. This pack includes 4 full-length features (Unidentified, In the Blink of an Eye, Hidden Secrets, Gold Through the Fire), 1 short film (The Appointment), and 1 FREE documentary from American Family Radio's long-time host JJ Jasper (Flame On)! Regular Price: $69.95, Your Pricing: $29.97 http://www.christianmovies.com/june-specials-pack-dvd1997-2011 ©ChristianMovies.com
Prisoner Alert Update - Imran Ghafur
Location: Pakistan
Arrested: July 2009
Days Imprisoned: 716
On Jan. 11, 2010, Imran Ghafur Masih was sentenced to life in prison and fined 100,000 rupees ($1,155 U.S.), according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. His family has appealed the decision to the Pakistan High Court and is awaiting a hearing date.
On July 1, 2009, Pakistani police arrested Imran Ghafur in Punjab province after Muslims accused him of burning pages of the Quran. While cleaning his brother’s retail shop, Imran removed the trash he had collected, intending to burn some of it. While burning the trash, pages of an Islamic book flew into the fire and burned. Imran’s neighbor, Haji Liaqat, saw the burned pages of the Islamic book and alerted other Muslims in the area. “Haji Liaqat saw the burned pages, and he aggressively told all resident people and travelers that Imran burnt the pages of a Quran also,” a VOM contact said. “He was telling everybody that Imran Ghafur is burning the Quran … he should be killed.”
Imran and his father were severely beaten before police arrested Imran. Following the arrest, news of the incident spread throughout the city, and angry Muslims threw stones at the police station where Imran was being held. “Give the death sentence to him who disgraces the Holy Quran, and hang him who disgraces the Holy Quran,” the Muslims said. “Christians are dogs; Imran is a dog,” they shouted.
On July 2, 2009, Imran was moved to a jail. “The situation is very tense in Hajwari town, where the Christian families live,” the VOM contact said. “Haji Liaqat and his friends are saying that they will not allow Imran’s family to live in the colony or run their business.”
Imran and his family have been managing businesses in the area and are actively involved with other Christians in the area.
Thank You for Your Prayers
On Thursday, May 26, 2011, Imran’s brother, Naveed, visited Imran in jail. Naveed told Imran many people were praying for him and he asked Imran what message he wanted to give VOM and other prayer partners.
Imran had tears of joy in his eyes. He said, “I am thankful to Lord for this help. I wish that I could personally meet and thank you, but I am in jail. I cannot do that, but I promise, the day I come out of this prison, surely I will thank you for this love and prayers.”
Imran said he is using his time in prison to study God's Word. "I am happy the Lord wants to use me for his Kingdom."
© 2011 The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.prisoneralert.com/
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