Christianity is the religion instituted by Jesus Christ that has defined an era in history continuously for the last 2000 years plus. It teaches that there is no salvation without Christ's atonement, without faith in God and a belief in the gospels. Though the great moral principles which it reveals and teaches and the main doctrines of the gospel have been preserved without interruption, the genius of the different nations and ages has materially colored its character. The first community of the followers of Jesus was formed at Jerusalem soon after the death of their Master in 30/33 AD. Another was formed at Antioch in Syria about 59/65 AD, where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. The travels of the apostles spread Christianity through the provinces of the Roman Empire, Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, the islands of the Mediterranean, Italy and the northern coast of Africa, as early as the first century. At the end of the third century almost one-half of the inhabitants of the Roman Empire, and of several neighboring countries, professed this belief, and in the twenty-first century it is still spreading through missionary work. As a result of this missionary zeal, Christians have suffered persecution down through history, on the other hand, holy wars have been fought in the name of Jesus and free-thinkers have been subject to various inquisitions in the name of love, but the successes outweigh the setbacks and in the Christian viewpoint the world is a better place for the gospel outreach. Many offshoots sprang from the main trunk. The Gnostics who date from the days of the apostles professed a deeper knowledge of God’s hidden spiritual realities with a degree of asceticism, while incorporating Jesus in the system, but often combined this with a desire for moral freedom. The Arians of the fourth century believed the Son was created inferior to the Father. The Nestorians of the fifth century believed in two separate persons of Jesus, divine and human, in one personality. These early questions were representative of the dissonant voices which detracted from the message. The most important events in the subsequent history of Christianity were the division of the Roman Church in 1054 and the Western Reformation beginning in 1517. The number of Christians in the world in 1900 was computed at 477,000,000. Of these about 230,000,000 were Roman Catholics, 98,000,000 belonged to the Eastern Orthodox Church and 149,000,000 were Protestants. The figures for the year 2000 approximate 1,000,000,000 plus for Catholics, 240,000,000 for Orthodox, 590,000,000 for Protestants, and 275,000,000 for other Christian identity groups. Of the various churches of Protestants the most numerous are the Lutheran and the Calvinistic churches.
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Wednesday, January 31, 2007
The Historic Ecumenical Creeds of the Christian Church
Members of the Lutheran Church express their faith in corporate worship by use of the historic creeds, or belief statements, common to most Christians. This common profession of faith is a way to proclaim our unity with Christians around the world and throughout time back to the ancient church. The creeds are also useful for private devotions, especially the Apostles' Creed. In fact, Martin Luther suggested:
In the morning, when you rise, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen." Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. ... In the evening, when you retire, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen." Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. ....................... The Small Catechism: Morning and Evening Prayers
The Apostles' Creed as we now have it dates from the eighth century. However, it is a revision of the so-called Old Roman Creed, which was used in the West by the third century. Behind the Old Roman Creed, in turn, were variations which had roots in the New Testament itself. While this creed does not come from the apostles, its roots are apostolic. It serves as a Baptismal symbol -- that is, it describes the faith into which we are baptized and is used in the rites of Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.*
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
A greater variety of creeds appeared in the East than in the West. When the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) rejected the teaching of Arius, it expressed its position by adopting one of the current Eastern symbols and inserting into it some anti-Arian phrases, resulting in this creed. At the Council of Constantinople (381) some minor changes were made, and it was reaffirmed at the Council of Chalcedon (451). It is an essential part of the doctrine and liturgy of the Lutheran churches. Historically it has been used especially at Holy Communion on Sundays and major feasts (except when the Apostles' Creed is used as the Baptismal Creed).
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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In the morning, when you rise, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen." Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. ... In the evening, when you retire, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen." Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. ....................... The Small Catechism: Morning and Evening Prayers
The Apostles' Creed as we now have it dates from the eighth century. However, it is a revision of the so-called Old Roman Creed, which was used in the West by the third century. Behind the Old Roman Creed, in turn, were variations which had roots in the New Testament itself. While this creed does not come from the apostles, its roots are apostolic. It serves as a Baptismal symbol -- that is, it describes the faith into which we are baptized and is used in the rites of Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.*
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
A greater variety of creeds appeared in the East than in the West. When the Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) rejected the teaching of Arius, it expressed its position by adopting one of the current Eastern symbols and inserting into it some anti-Arian phrases, resulting in this creed. At the Council of Constantinople (381) some minor changes were made, and it was reaffirmed at the Council of Chalcedon (451). It is an essential part of the doctrine and liturgy of the Lutheran churches. Historically it has been used especially at Holy Communion on Sundays and major feasts (except when the Apostles' Creed is used as the Baptismal Creed).
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Global Domains, Int., GDI, is one of the best bargins on the internet! Build your own website to fit all of your web promotions. There are enough pages to enable you to market all of your links, at one site. You also get up to 10 email addresses and your own domain name, all for only $10 per month. If you bring others into GDI, they will evan pay you an Income for life.
FREE1UP, is launching a NEW PRODUCT CATEGORY consisting of new state-of-the-art "PROGRESSIVE TECHNOLOGY! Their new AD SYSTEM™ will make your inernet advertising much more effective.
http://ourdotcom.ws , is our self designed GDI website where we are promoting all
of our internet spaces. Take a look, it was easy, your can do it to.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Christian Beliefs On Hell
According to a 2004 Gallup Poll, 70% of Americans believe in hell. Belief in hell is highest among regular churchgoers: 92% of those who attend church weekly believe in hell, as do 74% of those who attend nearly weekly. In Christian theology, hell is the place or state into which unrepentant sinners pass after this life. Hell is generally thought to be eternal, and to include both punishment and separation from God. Although not central to the Christian faith, the doctrine of hell has been a significant part of historical Christian theology throughout its history. For some, however, hell has also been a major stumbling block to acceptance of Christianity. Some Christian groups no longer believe in an eternal hell, or at least regard belief in it as unnecessary. The word "hell" in English Bibles is used to translate the Hebrew word Sheol (and its Greek equivalent Hades) and the Greek word Gehenna. The English word derives from the Anglo-Saxon meaning "to conceal" or "to cover," which is similar to the meanings of Sheol and Hades. In the Old Testament, Sheol (which is also sometimes translated "grave" or "pit") denotes the underworld or the place of departed spirits. "The notion reflects an undeveloped and shadowy belief in the future life which was gradually superseded by the more defined beliefs of later Judaism." Gehenna ("the Valley of Hinnom") is the Greek translation of a Hebrew word that seems to refer to an actual place on earth. The identity of Hinnom is not known for certain, but scholars have suggested an area southwest of Jerusalem near the Cedron. Gehenna is mentioned in Jos. 15:8 and 18:16, and in 2 Kings, it is described as a place of human sacrifice (16:3, 21:6) that was polluted (23:10-12). Jeremiah warned that one day would be renamed "Valley of Slaughter" (Jer. 7:32, 19:6). A statement dating to 1200 AD that fires were continually kept burning in the Valley of Hinnom is generally regarded as reliable, although no earlier reference has yet been found. The idea of hell (as understood in Christianity) is virtually absent from the Old Testament, which has very little to say about the afterlife at all. A possible mention of hell in the Old Testament is this prophecy about the end times: "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2, NIV) Another notable passage that likely contributes to Christian imagery of hell is Isaiah 66:24, which also refers to the end times: "And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind. Other passages that speak of the afterlife seem to indicate extinction of the soul after death (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Rabbis have generally taught the existence of a hell-like place for the unrighteous, but many Jews, both historical and modern, do not believe in hell or an afterlife. In the New Testament, the notion of hell is more clearly expressed, but still not in a systematic way. In many cases, "death" and "destruction" are the only mentioned penalties for rejecting God (Matthew 7:13, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Romans 6:23, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, James 1:15). Also, the same terminology is often used in the New Testament that in the Jewish context may have suggested nothing more than physical death and destruction of the soul. New Testament passages that have suggested eternal torment to Christians include the following: "Anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." (Matthew 5:22, quoting Jesus) "And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." (Matthew 5:29, quoting Jesus; see parallel passage in Mark 9:44, which adds, "where the fire never goes out.") "Do not be afriad of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28, quoting Jesus) "As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:40-42, quoting Jesus) "Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:30) "Then he [the King] will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." (Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Matthew 25:41) "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." (James 3:6) "The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:13-15) "The cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile...the idolaters and all liars - their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulpher. This is the second death." - Revelation 21:8. Modern Christian views of hell tend to emphasize its spiritual aspects over the notion of physical suffering or material fire. Hell is seen as a logical extension of the free will of mankind to reject God's gracious advances, even for eternity, and its punishment as a realization of one's mistake and the great remorse that would follow. Many modern Christians also question hell's eternality in favor of some form of universalism (all are saved in the end) or annihilationism (wicked souls are destroyed). Following is a sampling of the positions of various Christian denominations on the issue of hell. It is impossible to describe the glory and splendor of heaven and the terror and torment of hell. Whether taken literally or figuratively, the meaning is the same: Hell is a place where one will experience total separation from God; heaven enjoys the total presence of God. Knowing that this is the horrible end awaiting the wicked, the Assemblies of God is strongly motivated to win the lost before it is too late. (Assemblies of God) To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God's merciful love means remaining separated from him for ever by our own free choice. This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called "hell." (Catechism of the Catholic Church) The statement of Christ in Matthew 25, and elsewhere, are taken at face value. It is believed that after death each man must come before God in judgment and that he will be judged according to the deeds done while he lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgment is pronounced he will spend eternity either in heaven or hell. (Churches of Christ) We believe that glorious and everlasting life is assured to all who savingly believe in, and obediently follow, Jesus Christ our Lord; and that the finally impenitent shall suffer eternally in hell. (Church of the Nazarene) This hope for the final salvation of humanity and the eternal universal restitution of all things in heaven and on earth ... is drawn from the unlimited promise of the Gospel and the magnitude of God's grace made known to the world through Christ. (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. (Evangelical Free Church of America) The moral progress of the soul, either for better or for worse, ends at the very moment of the separation of the body and soul; at that very moment the definite destiny of the soul in the everlasting life is decided. ... The Orthodox Church believes that at this moment the soul of the dead person begins to enjoy ... the life in Paradise or to undergo the life in Hell. There is no way of repentance, no way of escape, no reincarnation and no help from the outside world. (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America) One of the most common beliefs that we have today is a belief in an afterlife and in most religions a belief in a heaven. If one were to ask at random, people outside Christianity, where they will go after death, almost unanimously, it's heaven. And while heaven is each person's preference, we know that this isn't true. Everyone is not going to be able to go there. One of the most repugnant subjects is the opposite end, which is hell. Is there a Hell? Hell is a place no one likes to talk about, much less go there, however, Jesus spoke more on hell than on heaven and had very strong warnings to keep people He loved from going there. As Christians, we are constantly challenged to prove what we believe, not only from the Bible but with logic and rationale. How many times have you heard, "How can a loving God send people to hell?" or "I can't believe in a place of everlasting punishment." I personally encounter this a lot and I'm going to attempt to give some reasons why not only is hell a reality as much as heaven is, but that God's love actually demands a place such as this. Jesus spoke more about hell than all the writers of Scripture. 13% of the New Testament is on Judgment and hell, and half of the parables. Hell is describe as a place of constant fire and smoke. Now I think we're all familiar with the descriptive terms of fire that continues to burn, where the worm does not die and that it's outer darkness, as in Matt. 25:30 "And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Away from the presence of God. In Matt. .13:49-50 Jesus tells us the angels will separate the wicked from the just and cast them into the furnace of fire. Hell is described as a garbage dump by Jesus to illustrate some points (this is called Gehenna where the corpses of animals were thrown. As complete darkness Matt. 8:12 "cast into outer darkness." Where exactly does the Bible say hell is? The Bible describes it as down, Psalm 55:15, Proverbs 15:24, Isaiah 14:9, speak of it being beneath. The angels that sinned in Noah?s day were cast down 2 Peter 2:4. Many other Scriptures describe it as underneath, while God is up in heaven. Heaven is upward, hell is down. It's also described as outer darkness, yet, God is described as light. These are relational terms of contrast, yet, they are literal. It's a place at the end of the road that everyone travels on, going away from God. It's also described as a bottomless pit, no security. It's like free falling forever. Jude describes hell like a wandering star in the blackness forever, no course or direction, no end. Luke 16 is not a parable but a story, it uses name that no parables use and it is giving specific information about the afterlife. It tells us it's a place of agony and self rejection, the rich man asked for only a drop of water to quench his insatiable thirst. He still had concern for his family and felt pain for himself. It's described by the rich man in his remorse asking to warn his family, yet he is told they will not believe even if someone (Jesus) would rise from the dead and tell them so. This is how great their unbelief was! We see the rich men is still giving orders telling Abraham to send Lazarus, who was an invalid in life and the rich man did not care at all for, now he asking him to do him a favor. Hell is not just a place deprived of God's presence or blessing. Now, where does the Bible describe hell as a torture chamber? Well, actually it doesn't. It's not Dante's Inferno with Devils poking people with pitchforks. God is not into torturing people himself either (neither is the devil, or the fallen angels as they will be in torment too). If those of us who received Christ as our substitute for our sin have everlasting life with Him, then those who will suffer away from Christ will have eternal suffering. The same word for eternal is used for both the wicked suffering and the just living with God. If the punishment of the wicked is only temporary as secessionists say, then there will come a day when God will no longer exist! Because the same descriptive term is used for eternal life and eternal punishment is used for the eternal God. There was recently a report produced by the Doctrine of Commission of the Church of England titled "The Mystery of Salvation," and on addressing the doctrine of heaven and hell, hell was described as non being, in other words, annihilation. This can only come from disguising the literal words of Scripture to mean something other than they plainly mean. And it's not unusual for those inside the evangelical church to question the concept of eternal punishment. While we may wrestle with this, we have to eventually submit to the Scriptures and what they clearly state. They teach greater and lesser punishments for the works of the wicked and what they've done (Matt. 25:46, 2 Peter 2:9). All speak of the day of reckoning of judgment. Punishment will be dealt with different increments. Would it be fair of God to inflict on everyone, even people that did some good, the same punishment as the Devil or the false prophets. Would it be fair if a regular person was punished just as Hitler who killed indiscriminately. No of course not! God is just and will meet each with a fair judgment. Luke 12:46-48 tells us the difference between servants who obeyed and disobeyed, Where one will be given few stripes another many in punishment. For the Pharisees who took advantage of widows and showed off their religion publicly they will receive the greater condemnation. Matt. 23:14. Luke 12:4-5: "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into hell, yes, I say to you, fear Him!" Jesus is saying that death of the body is not the end of ones existence. Matt. 11:23-24: "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you." All these statements show that God will treat all in judgment with different degrees of punishment. Some claim that the lake of fire is just a illustration of the grave and the dead go there. The best example of this not being true is the beast and the false prophet are thrown in the lake of fire alive Revelation 19:20-21: "But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf......The two of them were thrown alive in the fiery lake of burning sulphur." Clearly showing this is not the grave of the dead. Satan is later captured by an angel and bound captive being put in the worst part of this location. While there are some groups and cults that say God annihilates people, that they somehow cease to exist after they die, this teaching is clearly unbiblical. The antichrist who is a man is resurrected after he is killed by Jesus? second coming and then cast into the abyss (hell). In Rev. 20:7 Satan is alive and spends 1,000 years only to be let out again to lead one last rebellion and to be judged proving this is not annihilation. The angels who sinned in the time of Noah, are held in reserve in chains for judgment in the abyss (Jude 6, 2 Peter 2:4). They clearly are waiting for judgment day. Obviously they do exist as spirits and so does man after he dies. God does not annihilate people, He respects the creatures he created and their own choice so much that he will never take their life away. He's not going to take their consciousness away either because they didn't go His way. The question comes up, if He doesn't annihilate, why doesn't He just reform them instead of punish them when they're disobedient? It's like being classed with infants and domestic animals. To be punished ever severely because we have deserved it, that we should know better, it is to treat us as humans made in God's image. It is immoral to force reformation on someone against their will so a reformatory concept is really what is inhumane. Punishment is the most humane and loving thing God can do. Justice demands punishment for those who hurt others and break eternal laws. There is no eternal reformatory, but there is a temporary one which is called life. In a lifetime, if one does not reform, repent and go God's way, then the day of reformation is over and the day of justice and punishment begins, which will last longer than a billion lifetimes. Remember when the demon possessed man cried out in Matt. 8:29: "And suddenly they cried out, saying, "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the appointed time? So even the spirits who once knew God are afraid to go to this place. Rev 20:10 "The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." It clearly does not say annihilated! Hell is an eternal penal institution with no release. Eternal sin must be treated justly with eternal consequences. Since sin is against an eternal God and sin's effects are also eternal, the punishment therefore must have eternal consequences. So we find that hell is part of God's justice and to understand God's justice we first need to understand that a law without any consequences is just good advice. If there is a moral standard that God sets it's for a reason. It is then an absolute standard because it relates to His character and His being, and it's from His very nature that this standard flows. One can receive mercy as a pardon for what they have done or refuse it and get the punishment they deserve. We can see the wicked prosper in our world today and justice is not paid by those who live this wicked type of lifestyle that the Bible condemns, so there must be a time when it will be paid and justice will prevail. God has put off the judgment until a certain time. So we all, good or bad, in Christ or not, are enjoying the benefits of His time of grace. It's by His mercy, the Bible says, that each and every day, we are not consumed. Paul says all are under condemnation and are without excuse in Rom. 1:18-20. He continues in Romans 2:1-8, by saying we are all guilty of the same we judge others of, "But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God who "will render to each one according to his deeds": eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality, but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness-- indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, there will be wrath and anger." Romans 2:16: "This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ,....." Now, those who refuse God's love will be totally out of place in heaven. People can?t stand hearing about God and Jesus Christ in conversation with you, now. So how will these same people be comforable in heaven with us praising God for his work? Imagine those who hate to worship God, and learning about Him, and then they end up in heaven in an eternal church meeting with everyone else loving God, who are thanking Him that saved them from their sins. Now this would be hell for them. They're more apt to be comfortable away from God then with Him. If they look with disdain on what He is all about now and do not want to love Him now, how will they be able to love Him later? God's solution will be to give them what they want. God will not violate the free will of a person and force his convictions to change. He does not force people to modify their beliefs and behavior to coerce them into the kingdom. God works through man's dignity, not violating it. Our choices have consequences and sometimes they're eternal consequences. God's love demands a hell. Imagine a man proposing to a woman in marriage and the woman refuses saying I respect you, I admire you, but I am not going to marry you. Then he comes to her and proposes to her again and she declines. He comes to her again and proposes and she declines. And then the man says I love you so much I'm going to force you to marry me. That relationship would not be operating by love, forced love is really not love at all. God's love is persuasive, it's convincing, but it's never coercive. He's not going to put your arm behind your back and force you to do what's right. He's going to allow you to have the freedom of choice, yet he will give you all the proof one needs to be convinced that He is love. God is longsuffering in His love, patient, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. So the choice is really up to us, it's ours to make. It's an eternal choice which we cannot change once we die. There are no shotgun weddings in heaven, but there will be a great divorce for those who refuse to enter into a vow and a covenant with God and Christ. If there is no heaven to gain or hell to shun, justice would not prevail in the universe. If there is final judgment there is a Hell. The Bible teaches the dead will be raised to give an account and then punished. So there has to be a final separation for wickedness. We find evil is unable to be contained, it's easily spread. This cannot be said for godliness, which is not easily spread. We are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth at which time evil will cease. Evil will be totally removed from those of us who are going God's way, who love God, and who have been born again into His kingdom. Sin has taken its effect on this world and its people and we are told in Scripture that all creation groans in travail for the day when all this will be removed. Hell shows the nature of sin and the great cost of salvation, it shows the very love of God. By the cross we see how hideous sin is and how much more powerful Gods' love is. This is the very reason that Jesus died, to save people from their sins. Death is the penalty of sin, the body dies and the soul becomes separate from the creator who gave them life. If there is no eternal consequences to sin then the crucifixion is robbed of its very significance. Jesus suffered in vain and it would not have been necessary for Him to die for our sins. Yet, God the father said there is no other way, that Christ is the only way. Jesus, who was truth incarnate, warned us, if your hand offends you, cut it off, it was better for you to go to heaven maimed than to go to the unquenchable fire whole, or with two arms. Jesus was not speaking in a literal sense but using extreme examples to make the point on how serious Hell is. Was He putting a non-existent fear in us for over two thousand years? Of course not. Fear can actually be a good motivation because it leads to the preservation of one's life or soul. The Bible tells us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, that if we want to understand what wisdom and knowledge is, it begins with a healthy respect and fear of God because He is in control and he deals justly. However we need to be as the evangelist D.L. Moody who said, "when we speak of Hell, have a tear in your eye and a quiver in your voice." If one denies the existence of hell and the doctrine of eternal punishment, they are actually denying the teachings of Jesus. Jesus affirmed that Jonah was swallowed by a fish, and He also affirmed that there was a flood that covered the whole earth, and He said that Adam and Eve were really created. So we must take His teaching on Hell as literal also if all these other teachings are literal. Don?t certain evil people deserve judgment such as Adolph Hitler or Osama Bin Laden. They can escape mans law, but they, nor no one else who ever lived will escape breaking God's law. If there is no Hell you can do whatever you want and there will be absolutely no consequences for it. There will be no difference for a Hitler or a Saddam Hussain and the non-believer or atheist. Hell is the only thing that satisfies the demand for the ultimate justice. The ultimate triumph of good over evil demands such a place as hell. The thing that bothers good people is evil and the thing that bothers evil people is good. When good people are around those who are doing evil it frustrates them, it stumbles them, because they know what is right from wrong. Evil people who are around good people that are trying to do what is right in the Lord's eyes (are stumbled because we are salt and they actually end up saying terrible things about God because of the way we live). God has a solution for this dilemma, a final separation of good and evil, a place where no evil can bother good people. For those who have rejected the Lord, there will be no more good people to frustrate them, they won't be around them anymore. What is hell going to be like? One thing for sure Hell is not a place of eternal sunburn. The Bible describes it as darkness, loneliness, thirst, torment, a place where we would not want even our enemies to go to. Torment is not torture. It is to be separated from Gods love and goodness for an eternity. Before one is saved from their sins they are already separated from God in relationship, but not in certain respects from his goodness or grace. Those who will be there will become acutely aware of their creatureness and fallen state. They will know their sin and its effect on themselves as they are self afflicted. They will understand their selfish ways and self idolatry and will gnash their teeth. They will understand there is a God and experience eternal judgment. Their whole consciousness will be engulfed in sinfulness and will not be able to get away from their nature. It will be like an itch and not being able to scratch it. It will be a mental and emotional torture that they will not be able to be removed. It will be darkness with no relief . God knows that no one who goes to eternal separation and punishment would really change their mind, they are bent on their own way. Only those who are unretrieveable, unrepentant, unredeemable, those who have their one way decision, with an irreversible mind set will be there. Yet hell is more than just eternal separation from God! Everyone who is a sinner, the devil and his angels are presently separated from God and they enjoy it. They are in this state now and not in hell. While hell is separation this is only one aspect of the consequences of going there. Hell is the absolute final punishment for those who refused to turn from ruling and ruining their own lives with their own sin nature. In Rev. 20 we find the small and great from all time standing before the throne, resurrected in the bodies they committed their sins in, only to face a greater terror. What they received prior in torment in their spirit will be even more. There's probably been billions of people from all time that went to their eternal destiny without Christ. And today we're surrounded by people who will do the same. People who are now in hell were once alive like you and I. They had the chance to make the same choice that we have today. God never sent anyone there except those that reject the light that they already have, all people have a witness and are without an excuse. Romans 1:19-20 tells us about God's witness in creation. So everyone has creation as a testimony that God exists, and are without excuse. The Biblical principle is sequential for God to reveal himself to all people. If they do not respond to the light they already have, God is not responsible to give them more light. Yet, if one responds to the knowledge that the Lord has given them, they will be led out of the darkness into His kingdom, His marvelous light. It's our choice to respond either to the general revelation that is all around us or to the specific revelation which is His word. God pleads with people who are going the opposite way to turn toward Him and become reconciled to Him through His Son's death. When we open our eyes in the after life it will only reflect what we have done in this life. We can either bless Him for His grace or despise him for the judgment we brought upon ourselves. So how does one escape their punishment for sin and not submitting to the God who loves them? By Believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hell is avoidable. Just as a doctor offers you a cure for a disease, if you refuse to take, you cannot blame him, its not his fault you are sick. Jesus offers everyone the cure for the disease of sin, God is working to get your attention to take it.
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Sunday, January 21, 2007
The BIBLE
The Bible is the sacred book of Christianity. Many of the biblical accounts, especially the "Old Testament" are believed not only by Christians, but also Jews and Muslims.
The word "Bible" originated from the Greek word, βιβλια, biblia, and means "books" or "collection of books". The origin of the Bible is very interesting, having been revised many times and multiple decisions leading to canonisation of the books as we know them today. It consists of two parts: The "Old Testament" (testament means covenant with God) which contains the Scriptures of the Jewish canon. The New Testament contains the Gospels (the good news from God) and the Epistles, the book of Acts and book of Revelation (Apocalypse).
According to The Roman Catholic Canon the whole Bible comprises 73 books; the Old Testament consists of 46 books and the New Testament has 27 books. The Protestant churches reject 6 books from the Old Testament, giving a total of 39 books, and the whole Bible would have 66 books according to the Protestant canon.
This name come from the fact that the Bible has a long history; it was not written "at once" but little by little along more than 3,000 years, according to the revelation of God to the people of those times.
The first English Bible is the "Douay-Rheims Bible", 1609, followed by the " King James Bible", 1611. Although before these two there were many partial translations, those are considered to be the first two English Bibles.
Douay-Rheims is a so-called "Catholic" Bible, and the King James is a "Protestant" Bible. There are several differences between them. Not only regarding the number of books, but also the style and the rendering into English of the original languages of the Bible.
The linguistic structure of the King James Bible helped shape the English language and set most of the standards on how words should be spelt, as well as word order and grammar. In those times word spelling was not defined and many different spellings for the same word coexisted. Putting aside its intrinsic religious value, it is a masterpiece of English literature.
The original languages of the Bible were Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Hebrew is spoken in Israel; Aramaic is still spoken in Syria and surrounding by a population of almost one million people; the New Testament was written in Greek, which is still spoken in its modern form in Greece.
In the first centuries of the Christian Era, the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek, the universal language of the time. Then, in the Middle Ages the whole Bible was translated into Latin, which was, in turn, the language spoken in Europe at that time. After some time many translations to the common languages (Spanish, French, English, German, etc) began to appear.
The Bible is the most translated book of all times, the first book printed in the world, the biggest best seller of all time.
Today the Bible has been translated into thousands of languages. The ancient Latin editions and ancient Greek texts, as well as Hebrew texts are used to translate it.
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
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of our internet spaces. Take a look, it was easy, your can do it to.
The word "Bible" originated from the Greek word, βιβλια, biblia, and means "books" or "collection of books". The origin of the Bible is very interesting, having been revised many times and multiple decisions leading to canonisation of the books as we know them today. It consists of two parts: The "Old Testament" (testament means covenant with God) which contains the Scriptures of the Jewish canon. The New Testament contains the Gospels (the good news from God) and the Epistles, the book of Acts and book of Revelation (Apocalypse).
According to The Roman Catholic Canon the whole Bible comprises 73 books; the Old Testament consists of 46 books and the New Testament has 27 books. The Protestant churches reject 6 books from the Old Testament, giving a total of 39 books, and the whole Bible would have 66 books according to the Protestant canon.
This name come from the fact that the Bible has a long history; it was not written "at once" but little by little along more than 3,000 years, according to the revelation of God to the people of those times.
The first English Bible is the "Douay-Rheims Bible", 1609, followed by the " King James Bible", 1611. Although before these two there were many partial translations, those are considered to be the first two English Bibles.
Douay-Rheims is a so-called "Catholic" Bible, and the King James is a "Protestant" Bible. There are several differences between them. Not only regarding the number of books, but also the style and the rendering into English of the original languages of the Bible.
The linguistic structure of the King James Bible helped shape the English language and set most of the standards on how words should be spelt, as well as word order and grammar. In those times word spelling was not defined and many different spellings for the same word coexisted. Putting aside its intrinsic religious value, it is a masterpiece of English literature.
The original languages of the Bible were Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Hebrew is spoken in Israel; Aramaic is still spoken in Syria and surrounding by a population of almost one million people; the New Testament was written in Greek, which is still spoken in its modern form in Greece.
In the first centuries of the Christian Era, the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek, the universal language of the time. Then, in the Middle Ages the whole Bible was translated into Latin, which was, in turn, the language spoken in Europe at that time. After some time many translations to the common languages (Spanish, French, English, German, etc) began to appear.
The Bible is the most translated book of all times, the first book printed in the world, the biggest best seller of all time.
Today the Bible has been translated into thousands of languages. The ancient Latin editions and ancient Greek texts, as well as Hebrew texts are used to translate it.
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
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Global Domains, Int., GDI, is one of the best bargins on the internet! Build your own website to fit all of your web promotions. There are enough pages to enable you to market all of your links, at one site. You also get up to 10 email addresses and your own domain name, all for only $10 per month. If you bring others into GDI, they will evan pay you an Income for life.
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Saturday, January 20, 2007
THE POEM. I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do. I had to hurry and get to work For bills would soon be due. So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, And jumped up off my knees. My Christian duty was now done My soul could rest at ease..... All day long I had no time To spread a word of cheer No time to speak of Christ to friends, They'd laugh at me I'd fear. No time, no time, too much to do, That was my constant cry, No time to give to souls in need But at last the time, the time to die. I went before the Lord, I came, I stood with downcast eyes. For in his hands God! Held a book; It was the book of life. God looked into his book and said "Your name I cannot find I once was going to write it down... But never found the time"
Do You Have The Time?
- ------------ ------------- --------------- --------
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Do You Have The Time?
- ------------ ------------- --------------- --------
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video site and a blog site.
Global Domains, Int., GDI, is one of the best bargins on the internet! Build your own website to fit all of your web promotions. There are enough pages to enable you to market all of your links, at one site. You also get up to 10 email addresses and your own domain name, all for only $10 per month. If you bring others into GDI, they will evan pay you an Income for life.
FREE1UP, is launching a NEW PRODUCT CATEGORY consisting of new state-of-the-art "PROGRESSIVE TECHNOLOGY! Their new AD SYSTEM™ will make your inernet advertising much more effective.
http://ourdotcom.ws/ , is our self designed GDI website where we are promoting all
of our internet spaces. Take a look, it was easy, your can do it to.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
JESUS our SAVIOR
Jesus (8–2 BC/BCE to 29–36 AD/CE),[1] also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is the central figure of Christianity. He is commonly referred to as Jesus Christ, where "Christ" is a title derived from the Greek christĂ³s, meaning the "Anointed One", which corresponds to the Hebrew-derived "Messiah". The name "Jesus" is an Anglicization of the Greek Iesous, itself believed to be a transliteration of the Hebrew Yehoshua or Aramaic Yeshua, meaning "YHWH is salvation".
The main sources of information regarding Jesus' life and teachings are the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Most scholars in the fields of history and biblical studies agree that Jesus was a Jewish teacher from Galilee, who was regarded as a healer, was baptized by John the Baptist, and was crucified in Jerusalem on orders of the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate under the accusation of sedition against the Roman Empire.[3][4] A small number of scholars and authors question the historical existence of Jesus, with some arguing for a completely mythological Jesus.[5]
Christian views of Jesus (see also Christology) center on the belief that Jesus is the Messiah whose coming was promised in the Old Testament and that he was resurrected after his crucifixion. Christians predominantly believe that Jesus is God incarnate, who came to provide salvation and reconciliation with God by atoning for the sins of humanity with his death. Nontrinitarian Christians profess various other interpretations regarding his divinity (see below). Other Christian beliefs include Jesus' Virgin Birth, performance of miracles, fulfillment of biblical prophecy, ascension into Heaven, and future Second Coming.
Of the four gospels, only Matthew and Luke give accounts of Jesus' genealogy. The accounts in the two gospels are substantially different, and various theories have been proposed to explain the discrepancies (see Genealogy of Jesus). Both accounts, however, trace his line back to King David and from there to Abraham. These lists are identical between Abraham and David, but they differ between David and Joseph. Matthew starts with Solomon and proceeds through the kings of Judah to the last king, Jeconiah. After Jeconiah, the line of kings terminated when Babylon conquered Judah. Thus, Matthew shows that Jesus is the legal heir to the throne of Israel. Luke's genealogy is longer than Matthew's; it goes back to Adam and provides more names between David and Jesus.
Joseph appears only in descriptions of Jesus' childhood. With Jesus commending Mary into the care of the beloved disciple during his crucifixion (John 19:25–27), it is likely that he had died by the time of Jesus' ministry.[6] The New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, and Galatians tell of Jesus' relatives, including possible brothers and sisters.[7] The Greek word adelphos in these verses, often translated as brother, can refer to any familial relation, and most Catholics and Eastern Orthodox translate the word as kinsman or cousin in this context.
According to Christian tradition (based on the accounts of Matthew and Luke), Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea to Mary, a virgin, by a miracle of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel of Luke gives an account of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to tell her that she was chosen to bear the Son of God (Luke 1:26–38). According to Luke, an order of Caesar Augustus had forced Mary and Joseph to leave their homes in Nazareth and come to the home of Joseph's ancestors, the house of David, for the Census of Quirinius.
After Jesus' birth, the couple was forced to use a manger in place of a crib because there was no room for them in the town's inn (Luke 2:1–7). According to Luke, an angel announced Jesus' birth to shepherds who came to see the newborn child and who subsequently publicized what they had witnessed throughout the area (see The First NoĂ«l). Matthew also tells of the "Wise Men" or "Magi" who brought gifts to the infant Jesus after following a star which they believed was a sign that the Messiah, or King of the Jews, had been born (Matthew 2:1-12).
Jesus' childhood home is stated in the Bible to have been the town of Nazareth in Galilee, and aside from a flight to Egypt in infancy to escape Herod's Massacre of the Innocents and a short trip to Tyre and Sidon, all other events in the Gospels are set in ancient Israel.[8] According to Matthew, the family remained in Egypt until Herod's death, whereupon they returned to Nazareth in order to avoid living under the authority of Herod's son and successor Archelaus (Matthew 2:19-23).
Luke's Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41–52) is the only event between Jesus' infancy and baptism mentioned in any of the canonical Gospels. According to Luke, Jesus was "about thirty years of age" when he was baptized (Luke 3:23). In Mark, Jesus is called a carpenter, and in Matthew a carpenter's son, suggesting that Jesus spent some of the intervening time practicing carpentry with his father (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55).
The main sources of information regarding Jesus' life and teachings are the four canonical Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Most scholars in the fields of history and biblical studies agree that Jesus was a Jewish teacher from Galilee, who was regarded as a healer, was baptized by John the Baptist, and was crucified in Jerusalem on orders of the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate under the accusation of sedition against the Roman Empire.[3][4] A small number of scholars and authors question the historical existence of Jesus, with some arguing for a completely mythological Jesus.[5]
Christian views of Jesus (see also Christology) center on the belief that Jesus is the Messiah whose coming was promised in the Old Testament and that he was resurrected after his crucifixion. Christians predominantly believe that Jesus is God incarnate, who came to provide salvation and reconciliation with God by atoning for the sins of humanity with his death. Nontrinitarian Christians profess various other interpretations regarding his divinity (see below). Other Christian beliefs include Jesus' Virgin Birth, performance of miracles, fulfillment of biblical prophecy, ascension into Heaven, and future Second Coming.
Of the four gospels, only Matthew and Luke give accounts of Jesus' genealogy. The accounts in the two gospels are substantially different, and various theories have been proposed to explain the discrepancies (see Genealogy of Jesus). Both accounts, however, trace his line back to King David and from there to Abraham. These lists are identical between Abraham and David, but they differ between David and Joseph. Matthew starts with Solomon and proceeds through the kings of Judah to the last king, Jeconiah. After Jeconiah, the line of kings terminated when Babylon conquered Judah. Thus, Matthew shows that Jesus is the legal heir to the throne of Israel. Luke's genealogy is longer than Matthew's; it goes back to Adam and provides more names between David and Jesus.
Joseph appears only in descriptions of Jesus' childhood. With Jesus commending Mary into the care of the beloved disciple during his crucifixion (John 19:25–27), it is likely that he had died by the time of Jesus' ministry.[6] The New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, and Galatians tell of Jesus' relatives, including possible brothers and sisters.[7] The Greek word adelphos in these verses, often translated as brother, can refer to any familial relation, and most Catholics and Eastern Orthodox translate the word as kinsman or cousin in this context.
According to Christian tradition (based on the accounts of Matthew and Luke), Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea to Mary, a virgin, by a miracle of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel of Luke gives an account of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to tell her that she was chosen to bear the Son of God (Luke 1:26–38). According to Luke, an order of Caesar Augustus had forced Mary and Joseph to leave their homes in Nazareth and come to the home of Joseph's ancestors, the house of David, for the Census of Quirinius.
After Jesus' birth, the couple was forced to use a manger in place of a crib because there was no room for them in the town's inn (Luke 2:1–7). According to Luke, an angel announced Jesus' birth to shepherds who came to see the newborn child and who subsequently publicized what they had witnessed throughout the area (see The First NoĂ«l). Matthew also tells of the "Wise Men" or "Magi" who brought gifts to the infant Jesus after following a star which they believed was a sign that the Messiah, or King of the Jews, had been born (Matthew 2:1-12).
Jesus' childhood home is stated in the Bible to have been the town of Nazareth in Galilee, and aside from a flight to Egypt in infancy to escape Herod's Massacre of the Innocents and a short trip to Tyre and Sidon, all other events in the Gospels are set in ancient Israel.[8] According to Matthew, the family remained in Egypt until Herod's death, whereupon they returned to Nazareth in order to avoid living under the authority of Herod's son and successor Archelaus (Matthew 2:19-23).
Luke's Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41–52) is the only event between Jesus' infancy and baptism mentioned in any of the canonical Gospels. According to Luke, Jesus was "about thirty years of age" when he was baptized (Luke 3:23). In Mark, Jesus is called a carpenter, and in Matthew a carpenter's son, suggesting that Jesus spent some of the intervening time practicing carpentry with his father (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55).
Baptism and temptation
The Gospel of Mark begins with the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, which Biblical scholars describe as the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. According to Mark, Jesus came to the Jordan River where John the Baptist had been preaching and baptizing people in the crowd. Matthew adds to the account by describing an attempt by John to decline Jesus' request for baptism, who stated rather that it is Jesus who should baptize him. Jesus insisted however, claiming that baptism was necessary to "fulfill all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15). After Jesus had been baptized and rose from the water, Mark states Jesus "saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven saying: ‘You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’" (Mark 1:10–11).
Following his baptism, according to Matthew, Jesus was led into the desert by God where he fasted for forty days and forty nights. During this time, the devil appeared to him and tempted Jesus to demonstrate his supernatural powers as proof of being the Son of God, although each temptation was refused by Jesus with a quote of scripture from the Book of Deuteronomy. In all, he was tempted three times. The Gospels state that having failed, the devil departed and angels came and brought nourishment to Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11).
Ministry
The Gospels state that Jesus, as Messiah, was sent to "give his life as a ransom for many" and "preach the good news of the Kingdom of God."[9] Over the course of his ministry, Jesus is said to have performed various miracles, including healings, exorcisms, walking on water, turning water into wine, and raising several people, such as Lazarus, from the dead (John 11:1–44).
The Gospel of John describes three different passover feasts over the course of Jesus' ministry. This implies that Jesus preached for a period of three years, although some interpretations of the Synoptic Gospels suggest a span of only one year. The focus of his ministry was toward his closest adherents, the Twelve Apostles, though many of his followers were considered disciples. Jesus led what many believe to have been an apocalyptic following. He preached that the end of the current world would come unexpectedly; as such, he called on his followers to be ever alert and faithful. Jesus also taught the necessity of repentance and the danger of damnation (Luke 13:1-5, Luke 12:1-5).
At the height of his ministry, Jesus attracted huge crowds numbering in the thousands, primarily in the areas of Galilee and Perea (in modern-day Israel and Jordan respectively). Some of Jesus' most famous teachings come from the Sermon on the Mount, which contained the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer. Jesus often employed parables, such as the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and the Parable of the Sower. His teachings centered around unconditional self-sacrificing God-like love for God and for all people. During his sermons, he preached about service and humility, the forgiveness of sin, faith, turning the other cheek, love for one's enemies as well as friends, and the need to follow the spirit of the law in addition to the letter.[10]
Jesus often met with society's outcasts, such as the publicani (Imperial tax collectors who were despised for extorting money), including the apostle Matthew; when the Pharisees objected to Jesus' meeting with sinners rather than the righteous, Jesus replied that it was the sick who need a physician, not the healthy (Matthew 9:9–13). According to Luke and John, Jesus also made efforts to extend his ministry to the Samaritans, who followed a different form of the Israelite religion. This is reflected in his preaching to the Samaritans of Sychar, resulting in their conversion (John 4:1–42).
According to the synoptic gospels, Jesus led three of his apostles - Peter, John, and James - to the top of a mountain to pray. While there, he was transfigured before them, his face shining like the sun and his clothes brilliant white; Elijah and Moses appeared adjacent to him. A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the sky said, "This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased."[11] The gospels also state that toward the end of his ministry, Jesus began to warn his disciples of his future death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21-28).
Arrest, trial, and death
According to the Gospels, Jesus came with his followers to Jerusalem during the Passover festival where a large crowd came to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!"[12] Following his triumphal entry, according to the synoptic gospels, Jesus created a disturbance at Herod's Temple by overturning the tables of the moneychangers operating there, claiming that they had made the Temple a "den of robbers." (Mark 11:17). Later that week, according to the synoptic gospels, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples - subsequently known as the Last Supper - in which he prophesied his future betrayal by one of his apostles and ultimate execution. In this ritual he took bread and wine in hand, saying: "this is my body which is given for you" and "this cup which is poured out for you is the New Covenant in my blood," and instructed them to "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:7-20). Following the supper, Jesus and his disciples went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane.
While in the garden, Jesus was arrested by temple guards on the orders of the Sanhedrin and the high priest, Caiaphas (Luke 22:47-52, Matthew 26:47-56). The arrest took place clandestinely at night to avoid a riot, as Jesus was popular with the people at large (Mark 14:2). According to the synoptics, Judas Iscariot, one of his apostles, betrayed Jesus by identifying him to the guards with a kiss. Another apostle used a sword to attack one of the captors, cutting off his ear, which, according to Luke, Jesus immediately healed.[13] Jesus rebuked the apostle, stating "all they that take the sword shall perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). After his arrest, Jesus' apostles went into hiding.
During the Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus, the high priests and elders asked Jesus, "Are you the Son of God?", and upon his reply of "You say that I am", condemned Jesus for blasphemy (Luke 22:70–71). The high priests then turned him over to the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate, based on an accusation of sedition for claiming to be King of the Jews. [14] While before Pilate, Jesus was questioned "Are you the king of the Jews?" to which he replied, "It is as you say." According to the Gospels, Pilate personally felt that Jesus was not guilty of any crime against the Romans, and since there was a custom at Passover for the Roman governor to free a prisoner (a custom not recorded outside the Gospels), Pilate offered the crowd a choice between Jesus of Nazareth and an insurrectionist named Barabbas. The crowd chose to have Barabbas freed and Jesus crucified. Pilate washed his hands to indicate that he was innocent of the injustice of the decision (Matthew 27:11–26).
According to all four Gospels, Jesus died before late afternoon at Calvary, or Golgotha. The wealthy Judean Joseph of Arimathea, according to Mark and Luke a member of the Sanhedrin, received Pilate's permission to take possession of Jesus' body, placing it in a tomb.[15] According to John, Joseph was joined in burying Jesus by Nicodemus, who appears in other parts of John's gospel (John 19:38–42). The three Synoptic Gospels tell of an earthquake and of the darkening of the sky from twelve until three that afternoon.
Resurrection and ascension
According to the Gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.[16] The Gospel of Matthew states that an angel appeared near the tomb of Jesus and announced his resurrection to the women who had arrived to anoint the body. According to Luke it was two angels, and according to Mark it was a youth dressed in white. Mark states that on the morning of his resurrection, Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9). John states that when Mary looked into the tomb, two angels asked her why she was crying; and as she turned round she initially failed to recognize Jesus until he spoke her name (John 20:11-18).
The Acts of the Apostles state that Jesus appeared to various people in various places over the next forty days. Hours after his resurrection, he appeared to two travelers on the road to Emmaus. To his assembled disciples he showed himself on the evening after his resurrection. Although his own ministry had been specifically to Jews, Jesus is said to have sent his apostles to the Gentiles with the Great Commission and ascended to heaven while a cloud concealed him from their sight. According to Acts, Paul of Tarsus also saw Jesus during his Road to Damascus experience. Jesus promised to come again to fulfill the remainder of Messianic prophecy.[17]
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Tuesday, January 16, 2007
A Christian Responsibility
My friend, I stand in judgment now, and feel that you’re to blame somehow. On earth I walked with you by day, and never did you show the way. You knew the Savior in truth and glory, But never did you tell the story. My knowledge then was very dim. You could have led me safe to Him. Though we lived together, here on earth, you never told me of the second birth. And now I stand before eternal hell, because of heaven’s glory you did not tell!
Share The Good News.
Share The Good News.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Ten Virtues to Pray for your Children
1. Salvation Genesis 49:18; II Tim. 2:1018 I trust in you for salvation, O LORD!
10 I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
2. Courage Deuteronomy 31:6
6 Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.
3. Justice Psalm 11:7; Micah 6:8
7 For the LORD is righteous, and he loves justice. Those who do what is right will see his face.
8 No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
4. Love for Word Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight to life.
9 Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who obey them.
5. Honesty & Integrity Psalm 25:21
21 May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.
6. Purity Psalm 51:1010 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
7. Passion for God Psalm 63:8
8 I follow close behind you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
8. Heart for missions Psalm 96:3
3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
9. Self-discipline Proverbs 1:3
3 Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair.
10. Faithfulness Proverbs 3:3
3 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart.
It is essential that believers pray for their children each and every day.
10 I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
2. Courage Deuteronomy 31:6
6 Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.
3. Justice Psalm 11:7; Micah 6:8
7 For the LORD is righteous, and he loves justice. Those who do what is right will see his face.
8 No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
4. Love for Word Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight to life.
9 Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who obey them.
5. Honesty & Integrity Psalm 25:21
21 May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.
6. Purity Psalm 51:1010 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
7. Passion for God Psalm 63:8
8 I follow close behind you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
8. Heart for missions Psalm 96:3
3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
9. Self-discipline Proverbs 1:3
3 Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair.
10. Faithfulness Proverbs 3:3
3 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart.
It is essential that believers pray for their children each and every day.
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