tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49233133942020620352024-02-18T20:09:19.802-08:00Bread of Life Christian FellowshipYou matter to God. You matter to us. No one stands aloneMrs Betty Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294525918990533630noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-33892747532883287002023-01-17T15:23:00.000-08:002023-01-17T15:23:24.691-08:00Welcome!<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://launcher.nucleus.church/launcher/4b1787791296d020a483" target="_blank">Click Here for the Prayer and Giving Launcher</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_AHcQJ1SVPlWl0EHQAPbjZKjzxIaV4oCqoVxvEXrl7RBlWC-05P47olurvr30MGh887t656oxS5IWc_4nNyjqP7J0NRS-ibZFvWx0zBLEovLp6Wlm_S2HXc_Y_mzFnWtVhRO7S_vtKMnQlpAi-CXZdXadMj8nZ7BbDQLmejytINsw2qBF97h3jTUAuA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3320" data-original-width="3464" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_AHcQJ1SVPlWl0EHQAPbjZKjzxIaV4oCqoVxvEXrl7RBlWC-05P47olurvr30MGh887t656oxS5IWc_4nNyjqP7J0NRS-ibZFvWx0zBLEovLp6Wlm_S2HXc_Y_mzFnWtVhRO7S_vtKMnQlpAi-CXZdXadMj8nZ7BbDQLmejytINsw2qBF97h3jTUAuA" width="250" /></a></div><br />
<p></p><div class="html_button btn-left"><center><a href="https://bolcf.blogspot.com/2022/12/welcome.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;">I'm a Visitor</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></a></center><center><a href="https://launcher.nucleus.church/flow/47309a28b17e4930cb67?nucleuslauncher=openflow&nlflow=47309a28b17e4930cb67" target="_blank">Contact Card</a></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="https://bolcf.blogspot.com/2023/01/bible-chart.html" target="_blank">Read the Bible Challenge</a></center><center><br /></center></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Services: </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sunday Morning 10:00 <span style="font-size: xx-small;">AM</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Wednesday Night 7:00 <span style="font-size: xx-small;">PM</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d79847.41189950549!2d-119.6757692!3d39.21264110000001!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x80990997a90823f3%3A0x48c33b28454e003d!2s10042+U.S.+Hwy+50+E%2C+Carson+City%2C+NV+89706!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1417645389817" style="border: 0;" width="100%"></iframe>
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<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Coming from Carson City:</h3>
Take Highway 50 heading East, up the hill going out of town. Go under
the train bridge. We are on the left, just past Red Rock. Turn at the
A-frame house (church annex).<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Coming from Dayton:</h3>
Take Highway 50 heading West, up the hill going out of town. Go all
the way through Moundhouse, past the Auto Body shop. Turn right at the
A-frame house (church annex).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8ngMygVdohQ3Nx9wBdrP_nKXWLb-DE7QroKWtUPMJORZYUaZZ_w3L16QhZ1-OQF8gWw9IgKMpa1UTNeQFv6drUs7JL67jxY89_VBDMsh8E2rk8b2gtYo-nIchvS-7AqnDgblZhkPDGYpvyqg1Hty4J7FQ461wi60TjHPnB3aIlbHVDzt_ZiSV45ffA/s3065/2018_0821_013109_001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3065" data-original-width="2125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8ngMygVdohQ3Nx9wBdrP_nKXWLb-DE7QroKWtUPMJORZYUaZZ_w3L16QhZ1-OQF8gWw9IgKMpa1UTNeQFv6drUs7JL67jxY89_VBDMsh8E2rk8b2gtYo-nIchvS-7AqnDgblZhkPDGYpvyqg1Hty4J7FQ461wi60TjHPnB3aIlbHVDzt_ZiSV45ffA/s320/2018_0821_013109_001.JPG" width="222" /></a></div><br /><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See you soon!</h1>
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<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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Mrs Betty Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294525918990533630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-12310260004843432872023-01-17T15:14:00.005-08:002023-01-17T15:14:46.072-08:00Bible Chart<p><br /> Occasionally our Pastor challenges us to read the entire Bible in a year. Many of us use this handy chart to keep track of our readings.Each chapter of the Bible has its own square that you can mark off when you read it. This way you don't have to read it exactly in order, but can mix it up. You also get a visual idea of your progress. </p><p><br /></p><p>Click here to open a printable version of our chart.</p><p><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iN4N-GUImfnpV3KaSKSZULDkgBKAp7ov/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank">
<img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1401" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZHhaNu51aBSp3DwDefY6M-0lSyWlrSW241jYkbKWX_ffPBFO13CBIu24hRp2HB7RaOxAULJRS7RM4noE_Cv4Yz0_mFDNPm1OjMAUntuUXCwZjcecTVOMyike2kylan3geP_-uN5lzIftIPQSWfcuHbgG5_f9HA-WowbcuUyL5Rj2njrEx519Rzsv5Q/w640-h368/Bible%20Chart.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Mrs Betty Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294525918990533630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-12717728961563088282022-12-27T09:37:00.002-08:002023-08-29T13:15:13.975-07:00Welcome!<h4 style="text-align: left;"> You Need the Bread of Life </h4><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Jesus is the </span><a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/09/bread-for-life.html" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Bread of Life</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">, the very source of Eternal Life; just as physical bread is the “staff of [physical] life.” We need the Bread of Life to live in our hearts, to help us with our everyday lives, and to guide us to Heaven. This is the ONLY way to get Eternal Life.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Christian Fellowship </h4><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #444444;">God did not design us to be loners. He designed us to need each other, to need Christian Fellowship. That is what church is for; worshipping God, and helping each other in our walk with God.</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">Church is supposed to be a place where you feel “at home,” a place where, as the song says, </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"></span></div><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><i>“you can see, our troubles are all the same…</i></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><i>where everybody knows your name,</i></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><i>and their always glad you came. ….”</i></span></blockquote></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What Happens at church</h3><div><a href="https://launcher.nucleus.church/flow/4dd3b93db74fc5709de9/preview" target="_blank">Let us know you are coming</a></div><p>We know that it is awkward going to a new church and meeting new people. It helps to know what to expect, so; </p><center><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyzTDbMG6_ZIglvcvK1TtiJIUBa_xLgm5uKCmIeVdnMeUnDds_Q5BAF4vwrSWeDm3CChyDmKcUyNIA36HuWmfRf55qfoDvXpfX476EeTrCkoeyRi4TGL3LGWPln67Jy-czcW9jw8sp4bHxMqWlDYwG2d1WemM3W8hlzvXUVU-uEfkD2ZOO3HRN_3TYQ/s4872/DSC_0464.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3248" data-original-width="4872" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyzTDbMG6_ZIglvcvK1TtiJIUBa_xLgm5uKCmIeVdnMeUnDds_Q5BAF4vwrSWeDm3CChyDmKcUyNIA36HuWmfRf55qfoDvXpfX476EeTrCkoeyRi4TGL3LGWPln67Jy-czcW9jw8sp4bHxMqWlDYwG2d1WemM3W8hlzvXUVU-uEfkD2ZOO3HRN_3TYQ/s320/DSC_0464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">There is extra parking behind the church.</span></li><li style="text-align: left;">The bathrooms are to your right as you come into the building. </li><li style="text-align: left;">Please take a bulletin from the "Welcome" center, as well as a Visitors Pack.</li><li style="text-align: left;">We would really appreciate it if you filled out the visitor's card inside the Visitor's Pack and drop it in the Offering Box (which is for members only. We do not ask for any cash from guests).</li><li style="text-align: left;">We will open service with a Proverb led by our Pastor.</li><li style="text-align: left;">We sing a few songs to God. Feel free to join in anyway you wish; sing, clap hands, raise your hands to God, etc.</li><li style="text-align: left;">We share our prayer needs and then pray about them.</li><li style="text-align: left;">We share what good things God has done for us this week.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></li><li style="text-align: left;">There is a short Children's Sermon <a href="https://bolcf.blogspot.com/p/children.html" target="_blank">(Children remain with their parents throughout the service)</a>.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Our Pastor then shares a sermon straight from the Bible. </li><li style="text-align: left;">Then we Eat! (Joining us for lunch is not required, of course, but we would enjoy the extra time to get to know you :-) )</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">You and your family need to be a part of a bigger family.</span></h2><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">You need us.</span></div><span style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/04/when-you-arent-here.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/04/when-you-arent-here.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">And We Need You! </span></a></div></div><div><br /><span style="color: #444444;">That’s right, we need you. The Bible teaches that;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) </i></span></blockquote></div><div><span style="color: #444444;">Without your insight, your experiences, we are lacking in our understanding of God and His Word.</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">At Bread of Life Christian Fellowship, you won't find polished productions, or professional performances. We're not actors or performers. We don’t come to church to be entertained.</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">We are just a group of real people who gather together to Worship our King, learn about our God, and fellowship with His people.</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">We may not do things quite the way others do. We tend to be more informal and to laugh a lot. But that’s OK. God made different churches because we all have different needs. Some need formal worship and serious atmospheres. Some need to relish the “Joy of the Lord.”</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Come join us this Sunday!</span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">We're your family</span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">you just haven't met yet.</span></h3></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></center>Mrs Betty Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294525918990533630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-11399816524314931102020-01-19T15:30:00.007-08:002023-12-27T16:22:34.253-08:00God's WorkIt is important to take care of others. That is how Jesus said others would know we were His followers; by our love for each other.<div><br />
So, we support several ministries on a regular basis<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.domesticshelters.org/help/nv/carson-city/89702/advocates-to-end-domestic-violence" target="_blank">Advocates to End Domestic Violence</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nvfish.com/services" target="_blank">Friends In Service Helping (FISH)</a> (Food kitchen, homeless ministry)<br />
<a href="https://www.lifechoicescarson.com/" target="_blank">Life Choices</a> (Crisis Pregnancy Center)<br />
<a href="https://nndreamcenter.org/" target="_blank">The Dream Center</a> (Homeless Ministry)<br />
<br />
We also Support <i>The Haiti Mission</i>. <br />
<br />
When you donate to Bread of Life, your money goes to pay our mortgage, utilities, and other expenses necessary to keep our doors open, plus it is pooled with other donations to support the above works. We thank you very much for your support.<div><br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Please use the <a href="https://launcher.nucleus.church/flow/4057bbc063c6d1aaf2b5" target="_blank">Donation Launcher</a> (the footsteps) to give.<br /><br />
(We are a 501C3 organization. If you would like a tax receipt at the end of the year, please make sure we have your name and address)<div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Mrs Betty Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15294525918990533630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-26198598870746379822015-09-22T16:33:00.000-07:002020-01-19T15:36:15.720-08:00Is There a God?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
<a name='more'></a></h1>
<span style="color: #444444;">This is the fundamental question of life on which
all other questions hang.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">If there is no God then life has no purpose beyond
our momentary pleasure. There is no meaning. There is no right or wrong. Take
all you can get and enjoy yourself for the moment because when it is over, it
is OVER. That is all she wrote, so to speak.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">If there is a God, however, then there is a heaven
to gain and a hell to shun; a Great White Throne to stand in front of and give
answer to. There is a right and a wrong. There is an eternity that is more real
than anything you have every experienced in your life, good or bad.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Can we know if there is a God? <br />And if so, how?</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">Within the cells of every living organism is a thing
called DNA. This is the programming that determines whether you are a
watermelon or a woman, whether you have blue eyes or brown, whether you are
tall or short. This DNA is an intricate code that we humans are just now
beginning to be able to read. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Noah Webster (1828) says: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><i>CODE </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>n. Any
collection or digest of laws. </i></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<blockquote>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><i>LAW, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>n. [L. lex;
A law is that which is laid, set or fixed, like statute, constitution, from L.
statuo.] </i></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">1. A rule,
particularly an established or permanent rule, prescribed by the </span><b>supreme power </b><span style="font-style: normal;">of a state to its subjects, for regulating their actions,
particularly their social actions. Laws are imperative or mandatory, commanding
what shall be done; prohibitory, restraining from what is to be forborne; or
permissive, declaring what may be done without incurring a penalty. The laws
which enjoin the duties of piety and morality are prescribed by God and found
in the Scriptures. (Emphasis
mine.)</span></span></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<span style="color: #444444;">You do not have green vines coming out of your ears,
grapes hanging off your nose, or a horse-like tail because the laws prescribed
by the Supreme Power who wrote your DNA says you do not.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Could your DNA have written itself? </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">No. DNA is a language. Language takes intelligence. </span><br />
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><i>LAN'GUAGE</i></b><i>, n. [L. lingua, the tongue, and speech.] </i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Words duly
arranged in sentences, written, printed or engraved, and exhibited to the eye. (DNA is exhibited to the eye through the
microscope. Different from my glasses only in degree) Style; manner of
expression. Any manner of expressing thoughts. </span></span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<span style="color: #444444;">"Any manner of expressing thoughts." For
DNA to express thoughts there had to be thoughts to express before it was
written down in our cells. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">There has to be a Creator God. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Have you ever examined a giraffe? Their necks are so
tall they must have an extraordinarily strong heart in order to pump the blood
all the way up there. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">But with such a strong heart, if they bend their head
down, gravity + the heart would blow their brains out (high blood pressure). So
they have a set of valves in the arteries of their necks that shut the blood
flow down when they put their head down. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">But then when they lift their heads
suddenly (as in a lion attack) they would pass out (low blood pressure). So
they have little sponges in the back of their brains that hold enough blood in
reserve to keep them conscious until the valves open again. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">If any one of these
steps were missing, the giraffe would die (either by exploding brain or hungry
lion). They must have all been there from the start. They could not have <a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/07/evolution-and-bible.html" target="_blank">evolved</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">They must have been created as a complete animal. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There are many other creatures (the woodpecker who
would knock its eyes out if it had not been programmed to close its eyes with
each strike, the garden spider which would starve if its web was not just
right, the chicken egg where the chick would suffocate without its microscopic
air holes, the human eye, the bombardier beetle which would blow itself up if
it did not have all systems functioning at once, etc.) that simply could not
exist without a Divine Design.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">
There must be a God.</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><a href="https://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/08/commit-submit-benefit.html" target="_blank">Comit, Submit, Benefit</a></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-44829901753652103132015-09-07T15:26:00.001-07:002021-06-04T15:17:22.572-07:00Christianity is Not About Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<a name='more'></a></h1>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">(Got your attention, didn't I? :-)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">At least, "God is love" is not the whole story. In fact, it is just the last part of what Christianity is about.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Christianity is about the fact that<b> you are a sinner and you are going to Hell....BUT God loves you so much He provided a way for you to go to heaven instead.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Leaving out the first part totally skews the last part.</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /> Think about it.</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Take
your typical twenty or thirty something from America today. They were
raised in an atheistic culture, taught at school to have high self
esteem, told by the media that there is no right and wrong and the
greatest "sin" is to be "intolerant" (meaning actually believing there
is such a thing as sin). Now tell this person that God loves them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"Well, of course He does! Why wouldn't He?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">You see? It changes the whole message and the response to it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I
suspect if you were to ask most young adults today what a "sin" is they
would list: </span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">polluting, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">not recycling, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">being "intolerant," </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">wearing real
fur, and </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">not listening to their heart.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Here is what the Bible says sin is:</span></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Loving ANYTHING more than God,</b> even your own life. [Exodus 20, Galatians 5]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Disrespecting your parents</b>.[Exodus 20, Ephesians 6, Romans 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Lying,
deceit</b> (except to protect the life of innocents as in the case of those Christians who lied to protect Jews from Hitler during the Holocaust. The
Bible gives examples of such lies being rewarded by God.)[Romans 1, 1
Timothy 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Taking anything that is not yours.</b>[Exodus 20, Ephesians 4]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Murder</b> [Romans 1, Exodus 20]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Being mean, unmerciful, unloving,</b> [Romans 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Stirring up trouble.</b> [Galatians 5]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Hate</b> (Jesus said hating someone is the same thing as murder)[Romans 1, 1 John 2, 3, 4]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Adultery</b> (two people who are not married to each other having sex) [Galatians 5, Romans 1, Exodus 20]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Lust
</b> (Jesus said lust is the same thing as adultery. Lust is having sexual
thoughts for anyone you are not married to.)[Matthew 5, Galatians 5]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Fornication</b> (the misuse of sex. Godly sex {and yes there is such a thing. It was
His idea after all} is defined in the Bible as between one man and one
woman who are married to each other.)[Galatians 5, Romans 1, 1 Timothy
1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Not forgiving someone who has wronged you</b>.[Matthew 6]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Gluttony / Greed</b> [Galatians 5]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Anger</b> (for yourself. Being angry at injustice done to others is OK, maybe required.) [Galatians 5]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Being selfish</b> (Thinking yourself better than others)[Galatians 5]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Being prideful boasters</b> (including trusting your own heart instead of God and His Word)[Romans 1, Jeremiah 17]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Wanting to have something that belongs to someone else.</b>[Galatians 5. Romans 1, Exodus 20]</span></li>
<li><b style="color: #444444;">Not keeping your promises</b><span style="color: #444444;">; </span><b style="color: #444444;">being untrustworthy</b><span style="color: #444444;"> [Romans 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Being violent, causing or enjoying strife</b> [Galatians 5, Romans 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Gossip</b> [Galatians 5, Romans 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Worry / Fea</b><b>r</b> [2 Timothy 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Devil worship</b> (including horoscopes, Ouija boards, palm reading, etc. Anything classified as witchcraft.) [Galatians 5]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Haters of God</b> [Galatians 5, Romans 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Undiscerning</b>
(unintelligent, without understanding, stupid- This speaks of those who
<u><b>choose</b></u> to be stupid, not the mentally handicapped.)[Romans 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Evil mindedness, inventors of evil things,</b> [Galatians 5, Romans 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Sedition,</b> [Galatians 5, Romans 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Teaching others false doctrines</b>.[Galatians 5]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Drunkenness, "partying"</b> [Galatians 5]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Kidnapping</b> [1 Timothy 1]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Being happy when others do the above or when they are hurt; Approving of sin</b> [Galatians 5, Romans 1]</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>(This is not an inclusive list of scriptures speaking against these things but just a sample)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">If you have done ANY of these things ONCE you deserve to go to <a href="http://www.hellhappens.com/pictures-of-hell.htm">Hell</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><i>(For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23) </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">But</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">God
<b>loves</b> you so much that "He gave His only physical Son" to die the most
torturous method of execution invented by mankind to pay for YOUR sins
so that you can go to heaven and live with Him forever. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This is a free
gift. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">However, a gift does not do any good if it is not accepted. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">If I
put a million dollars in a box, wrapped it up and left it on your
porch, it won't do you a lick of good unless you pick it up and unwrap
it. God's gift of salvation does no good if you don't accept it. You
will go to hell unless you accept His gift.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">How do you accept that gift? You quit sinning (repent=turn away from) and ask Jesus into your heart to be your Boss. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Yes,
Christians have left out the essential first part of the message for
much too long. They probably assume everyone knows that part and it is
unpleasant to think about. But the fact is that we no longer live in a
Christian society and most people don't know the first part.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It's our job to tell them.</span></div>
<br /><br /><br /><h3>
<a href="https://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/09/is-there-god.html" target="_blank">Is there a God?</a></h3>
<hr style="background-color: #730909; border-style: solid; height: 4px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left; width: 70%;" />
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-64202087696627937002015-09-07T15:15:00.003-07:002022-12-27T11:57:29.473-08:00A Warrior's Guide to Prayer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Prayer is an essential part of our walk with God. Prayer is how we build a relationship with Him and it is how He has designed the Universe to function.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Imagine you are married and your spouse only talks to you occasionally and then only to ask you to do something for them. How long do you think your marriage will last? Probably not very long. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">When we choose to follow God, we need to invest the time and energy to build a relationship with Him. He wants us to and is just waiting eagerly for us to decide to turn to Him. </span><br /><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
God Changes His Mind When We Pray</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">The Bible is full of examples of God actually changing His mind when His people pray. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #444444;">When God was going to destroy Israel for their whining, Moses begged Him not to and He refrained. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">When they ran out of wine at the wedding in Canaan, Mary asked Jesus to do something about it. He originally refused, but because of her faith and acts of obedience He ended up creating wine for the celebration.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">These are just two examples.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The Bible says that it is God’s will for everyone to be saved, </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">...yet we know not everyone is saved. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Jesus told His disciples to “Ask the Father and He will send harvesters into the field.” </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">God has set up the universe so that the very elements are moved by the prayers of the saints. Our prayers are powerful and DO change things. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">They Do get people saved.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">God forged the swords, crafted the arrows, made the spears. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We have to pick them up and use them.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">God has already created the answers to our prayers.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We have to pray to release those answers.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
So how do you pray? </span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Do you recite famous lines others have written?</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Well, there may be a place for that, but God really wants to hear from our heart. Jesus gave us a sample prayer. Though it doesn’t hurt to repeat this prayer as long as we mean it, I think He meant for it to just be a sample for us to build on.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Let's look at that sample:</span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Our Father Who Art in Heaven. </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Jesus opened His prayer acknowledging who He was talking to. He wasn’t referring to Buddha, Confucius, or The Universal Consciousness. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">He was talking to Daddy God, the Creator of the Universe, the King of Kings. Be sure who you are talking to when you pray. </span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Hallowed Be Thy Name. </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">He praised God. Now this sounds like a simple thing to do…until you go to do it. What do you say? What words do you use? </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">There are a number of places to begin. The last chapters in the book of Psalms are great praise chapters. You could begin by reading one of those out loud, concentrating on each phrase and meaning what it says. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Another good place to start is Isaiah 9:6 “…and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Build from there.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Some like to pray the different names of God listed in the Bible. Example: </span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jehovah-Rohi: My Shepherd (Psalms 23:1) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jehovah-Jireh: My Provider in times of trouble. (Psalms 23:1) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jehovah-Shalom: My peace in the midst of turmoil (Psalms 23:2) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jehovah-Rophi: My Healer (Psalms 23:3) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jehovah-Tsedkenu: The Lord is Righteous (Psalms 23:3) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jehovah-Shammah: The God who is always there (Psalms 23:4) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jehovah-Niszi: My Banner (Psalms 23:5) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jehovah-M’Kaddish: My Sanctifier (Psalms 23:5) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jehovah-Yasha: My Savior (Jesus) </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Or you can just tell Him in your own words how wonderful you think He is. Thank Him for all His blessings to you; your thumb, home, car, pets, children, parents, the clouds, mountains, rain, sunshine, your health and anything else you can think of.</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, on Earth as it is in Heaven</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Pray for God’s will to be done, first of all in your home, then your block, neighborhood, town, state, country and the world. ("… you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8- In other words, beginning at home and working out from there.) </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Pray for your neighbors, friends and family by name.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">This can also take the form of declaring to the world, to Satan, that God's will WILL be done. God's the Boss, and we're His representatives (like soldiers obeying orders while representing their General). We can confidently confront our enemy knowing we are carrying God's sword.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A19&version=ESV">Luke 10:19</a> ESV Behold,<u> I have given you authority</u> to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+16%3A17-18&version=ESV">Mark 16:17-18</a> And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”<br /><br /><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A1&version=ESV">Luke 9:1</a> And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,<div><br /><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A7&version=ESV">James 4:7</a> Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he WILL flee from you.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A12&version=ESV">John 14:12</a> “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A3&version=ESV">2 Peter 1:3</a> His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,<div class="verseundefined" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Segoe UI", -apple-system, Verdana, sans-serif;"><h3 style="color: #625529; font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444;">Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread.</span></h3></div></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Now you ask for those things you and others need. I keep a list of prayer requests in my Daily Planner that I go over every day. There are also several "Prayer Notebook" apps for smartphones. My list covers everyone from my immediate family to extend family, friends, and our country. I don’t go on and on about these needs though. God knows them and I have faith in my prayers that He is answering them.</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Forgive Us Our Debts as We Forgive Our Debtors</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Sin creates a debt. We must ask God to forgive us for those sins we have committed. If we also truly forgive those who have sinned against us, who have harmed us, who have offended us, God WILL forgive us. </span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Lead Us Not Into Temptation But Deliver Us From Evil.</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It is OK to ask to not be tempted by sin. I pray this for my children regularly. I also pray that God lets me catch them when they do begin to sin and to have the wisdom to correct them in the most effective way to produce righteousness. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We should pray this for ourselves as well.</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Glory, and the Power Forever</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Your prayer should end with praise and acknowledgement of God’s strength and wonder.</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Amen</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Amen means “So be it.” </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br />When you are first starting to pray, set aside 10 minutes to listen to worship music to get your mind on God. Then spend another 10 minutes or so praying. Some like to write their daily prayers down; others like to speak them out loud. Saying them silently in your head makes it easier for your mind to wander or for you to fall asleep, so I don't generally recommend those (lol), though God hears your thoughts. You can accompany this with 10 minutes or so of Bible reading, also. This will enhance your prayers even more. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Also, talk to God throughout your day. He likes it. He enjoys our attention, like a loving grandpa.<br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We have the authority through our prayers to change the world. It is time for prayer warriors to get on their knees …</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">And Fight!</span></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-10529796932674248692015-08-10T18:12:00.002-07:002022-11-08T14:18:39.003-08:00Commit, Submit, Benefit: Why does a Christian need to attend church? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 16.6px;">Why does a Christian need to attend church?</span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Why should a Christian commit to one local assembly?</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
We go to church to worship God </span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
He deserves our
praise and worship.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">He made this beautiful world for us. He gave
us the very breath we breathe. And most importantly of all, He put on a robe of
flesh and suffered the most painful method of execution humankind has ever
invented to save us from hell. The least we can do is to worship His greatness
towards us!</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">The only thing we can give God is our worship</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">He owns everything. He controls everything.
He knows everything. Our worship is the only thing we can truly offer Him.</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">We are commanded in the Bible to worship God.</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">The book of Psalms is full of commands
to worship Him, not to mention the rest of the Bible. It is, in fact, our biggest
job in this life. If we are not worshiping God, it could easily be argued that
we are not really saved. </span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">"But I don’t need to go to church."</span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
I can worship God in my own home or out in nature.</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Yes,
you can worship God at home or out in nature. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">But DO you? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Few people who say
that, actually worship God at any time.</span></span></div>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you
pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters
of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: <u>These ought you to have done, and
not to leave the other undone.”</u> Matthew 23:23</span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Church attendance and Home Worship are
not mutually exclusive! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">You should do BOTH! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">That’s right; you should read your
Bible, <a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-warriors-guide-to-prayer.html" target="_blank">pray</a>, sing, and glorify God privately (in you “prayer closet”), with your
spouse, and with your children <u>every day</u>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">AND </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">you should be in church worshiping with other Christians regularly.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">God commanded the entire Israelite
nation to gather together three times a year to worship, plus they were
required to hold a feast and sacrifices
in their own communities on each New Moon (once a month), and the Sabbath in their homes (once
a week). </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">The disciples also worshiped regularly (weekly) after Christ’s
crucifixion (Acts 17:2, et al).</span></span></div><div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 </b></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span>"How often should I go to church?"</h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">Different
groups at different times and places throughout the church age have required
their people to attend services on different schedules.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">Sometimes meetings were
held once a month. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">Sometimes several times a week. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">Today, some Amish groups
meet every other week. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">Some fundamentalist churches meet four times a week. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">Here’s
the thing, God put specific men in charge of your church to watch out for your
soul. Those men pray and decide what schedule best fits the needs of you and
the other members of the congregation. In the American culture this usually
means 1-3 services per week, with the main service on Sunday morning. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">It is
quite arrogant and downright disobedient to tell our leaders (and God!): </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">“I
don’t think I need to be there that often.” </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">It certainly brings frustration to
the leadership of a church, makes their burden heavier, discourages them, and is
a major cause of burnout. They have to give account for your soul, for goodness
sake! </span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span>"But I don’t belong to any church."</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">It is popular right now to be “above”
being committed to one church body. We are all, after all, a part of “The Body of
Christ.” </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">And picking just one church is saying we think that church better than
any other. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Isn’t that judgmental? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">So why not go to church wherever we feel like
this week? Only stodgy, fanatics actually belong to a certain church and only
attend the one.</span></span></div>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>But</b></span></div><div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b></b></span><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">how can you fulfill the command to
submit to your authority if you don’t actually choose an authority to submit
to? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">God created the institution of
“church” just as He created the family and government. The Garden of Eden,
Noah’s Ark, the Nation of Israel, and the Early Church all had “inside” and
“outside,” those who belonged and those who didn’t. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Those who didn’t were lost.</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Examples of the local Church in the New Testament: </span></h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/context/matthew/18-15.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Matthew 18:15-17</span></a><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">: <b>"If
your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault…if he does not listen,
take one or two others along with you…If he refuses to listen to them, tell it
to <u>the church. </u>And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to
you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”</b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> How can you "tell it
to the local church” if there is no local church to tell it to? (This can’t
possibly be speaking of the “Church Universal.” If it was, it would be giving
an impossible command, something God doesn’t do). </span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><li><a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/5-12.htm" target="_blank">Acts 5:12-13</a>: <b>“Now
many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the
apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest
dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.” </b></li>
</span></span></ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> This is a local
congregation, meeting on “Solomon’s Porch” on a regular basis. They were an
inclusive group that no one who wasn’t saved felt comfortable joining.</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><li><a href="http://biblehub.com/timothy/5-9.htm" target="_blank">Timothy 5:9-12</a>, <b>“Let
a widow be enrolled </b>(in the church charity program)<b> if she is not less than sixty
years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for
good works…” </b></li>
</span></span></ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> How do you know what
widows qualify for help without a local congregation for them to have been
working in? And how do you organize and extend that help without the local
church? You have to have a "roll" in order to “enroll” someone.</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><li><a href="http://biblehub.com/1corinthians/5-12.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:12-13</a>: <b>“For
what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church
whom you are to judge? God judges those outside.”</b></li>
</span></span></ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> Obviously there was a
clear-cut means of identification of who were “inside” and who were “outside.” It
is the job of those in the local congregation to keep each other on the
straight and narrow; an impossibility if everyone is doing their own thing and
not committing to each other. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b>You
see,</b> this shows the major flaw with the “I don’t have to belong to a church”
philosophy. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">If this is true theology, than no one needs to belong to a church
and that means there will be NO church. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>If everyone in this church was just like me, <br />What kind of a church would this church be?</b></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13.6px;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 13.6px;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">This whole idea of not committing to a
congregation is, in fact, incredibly selfish. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Those who don't believe in committing expect the leadership of the
church to be there all the time so the church doors are open anytime they “feel like” showing up, whether it’s once a week
or once a year, all prepared with an entertaining worship service and a
nourishing sermon. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">They expect someone else to clean the church, pay the bills,
encourage the pastor, and do all the other hard work of keeping a church’s
doors open, all without them lifting one little finger to help. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">They are, in
fact, expecting everyone else to hold to the traditional schedule of being in
church every service while holding themselves ABOVE such commitment.</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/2corinthians/2-6.htm" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 2:6</a>: <b>“For
such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather
turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” </b></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> This man’s excommunication
from the church was a punishment by the majority. You can’t have a majority
unless you have a definite set of people from which a majority is constituted.</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
“Scripture repeatedly commands Christians to submit to their leaders </span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">(<a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrew/13-17.htm" target="_blank">Heb. 13:17</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/1thessalonians/5-12.htm" target="_blank">1 Thess. 5:12-13</a>). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">The only way to do
that is by publicly committing to be members of their flock, and saying in
effect, “I commit to listening to your teaching, following your direction, and
to submitting to your leadership.” <a href="http://www.9marks.org/answers/church-membership-biblical">Source</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">There’s no way to obey the scriptural
commands to submit to your leaders if you never actually submit to them by
joining a local church”</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">"Are there benefits to belonging to a church?"</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Yes, several:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>You
have someone watching out for your soul.</b> That is the job of the leadership of
the church. They will teach you and keep an eye out to prevent you from falling
into doctrinal error.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>You
have the help</b> of the other members of the congregation in your walk and you are
not alone.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>You
get to fellowship</b> with other believers, a wonderful, soul-lifting time!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>You
have people to pray for you.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>You
have people to care for you in hard times.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>You
have someone to marry and bury you.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>You
have a base and support to launch your own callings in Christ from.</b> It’s the
church’s job to help its members in their personal ministries.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b> You
have a place to belong.</b> Why do you feel at home in your own kitchen but not in
a restaurant? It’s because you work to maintain your kitchen and make it
function. You become a part of a family when you share in the work. This
applies to churches also. </span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">When you commit to and serve in your local church,
you become an integral part of that spiritual family. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">You belong.</span><br />
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">What do I Owe My Church?</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b>Your
attendance.</b> Your very presence encourages other believers, and especially the
leadership, in their walk with God.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b> </b><b>Your
recommendation.</b> You should be inviting others to your church regularly.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b> </b><b>Your
money.</b> I know, I know. No one wants to talk about this one. But churches have
mortgages, utilities, printing expenses, etc, just like anyone else. Plus, the
ministry deserves to be paid for their work. The Bible says this pay is to come from the congregation.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">“For the scripture said, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.” </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">1 Timothy 5:18 </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">(see also Deuteronomy 25:4 and 1 Corinthians 9:9.) </span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">If a man works to feed you
spiritually, it is your job to make sure he is fed physically. </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">4.
<b>Your
prayers.</b> Prayer is a powerful thing and can move mountains. Your church needs
your prayers.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">5.
<b>Labors.
</b>Your pastor can’t do it all. There is a great deal involved in the upkeep of a
church building and grounds, as well as a lot of labor in outreach programs,
putting together and conducting services, business, etc. It is the member’s
responsibility to see that the toilets get washed, the lawn mowed, the
neighborhood canvased, the bills paid, etc. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">6.
<b>Loyalty
to the other members.</b> They are your brothers and sisters in Christ and need
your prayers and help. They certainly don’t need your gossip (to or about them)
or your condemnation.</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">"What is required to be a Church member?"</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Each
church has its own requirements, set by the men in charge on the council of
God. Go to the ministry of your church and ask them what is required. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">At
Bread of Life, you must attend regularly for six months, and complete a
course of study covering the basic beliefs of the Christian faith
called "Foundations of Faith." (See the tab at the top)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><h3><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/11/bread-of-life-frequently-asked-questions.html" target="_blank">Frequently Asked Questions</a></span></h3>
</div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-70458470660487679912014-11-02T16:04:00.007-08:002023-12-27T16:29:55.814-08:00Frequently Asked Questions <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
</h1>
<div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockRight">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<span style="color: #444444;"></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
</div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
FAQ
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">What denomination are you?</span></span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We are an
independent church. This means we do not belong to a larger denomination. Though every denomination has some truth, none of
them are 100% correct. We like being free to take those things each
group gets right and leave the things that don't line up with the Bible.
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/11/bread-of-life-statement-of-faith.html" target="_blank">Statement of Faith</a></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Who is the Pastor?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Our pastor is Bro Jon Tracy. He apprenticed for two years with our founding pastor, Bro John Wiltse, before taking the pastorate. </span></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">What Bible Translation do you use?</span></span> </h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We mostly use the King
James and New Living Translation. The KJV is what most of us have been raised with and we are most
familiar with, but lately we have been enjoying the more modern English of the NLT. We do refer to other translations on occasion to help
our understanding of a scripture though.</span></span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;">Do you have a dress code?</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We believe boys
should look like boys and girls should look like girls and important
body parts should be covered (including the entire bottom), but
otherwise, no. We don't care what you look like.</span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Do I have to stay for lunch Sunday?</span></span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">No. We would enjoy your company, but we understand that people have other plans sometimes.</span></span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Do I have to bring something if I do want to eat?</span></span> </h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Not at all.
This is a time for those who like to cook to <strike>experiment on</strike>, ummm, Treat the
rest of us. We always have more than enough left over.</span></span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Can I come late?</span></span> </h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We try to start
all services on time, but we won't lock the door to keep you out. We
look forward to seeing you whenever you can make it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/p/sunday-morning-family-worship-1000am.html" target="_blank">Service Times</a></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Do I have to agree with you on everything in order to attend?</span></span> </h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I have yet to meet any two people who agree on everything. And if we did, one of us wouldn't be necessary, would we? The important thing is that we all love the Lord and honor His Word. </span></span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">What is "Family Integrated?"</span></span> </h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We do not segregate people according to their age. The whole family worships
together. Parents know what their children have been taught and children
see the example of their parent's worshiping. The family is strengthened
when the responsibility for teaching the children is put with the
parents where God originally intended.</span></span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">But I don't know that much about God. How am I supposed to teach my own children? </span></span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">You can teach
them what you do know and learn the rest together. We recommend daily
family devotionals: a time to read the Bible and pray together. There
are many good resources out there to help you and we are always willing
to help, too.</span></span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;">Do you offer special studies?</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">If asked, our
pastor or one of the elders will gladly teach on whatever subject you would like.</span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Am I going to hell?</span></span> </h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The Bible says
that if you do not have Jesus as your Lord and Savior (Boss), yes, you will
spend eternity in eternal death. However, God loved YOU so much that He
robed Himself in flesh and willingly suffered the most painful method of
execution ever invented by humans in order to pay your way to Heaven.
All you have to do is accept Him into your heart.</span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Will you pray for me?</span></span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Absolutely! Email your requests to <a href="mailto:OurChurch@BreadOfLifeCF.com">OurChurch@BreadOfLifeCF.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<h3>
<span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/11/bread-of-life-statement-of-faith.html" target="_blank">Our Statement of Faith</a></span></h3>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-17012466619949746962014-11-02T16:03:00.006-08:002023-12-27T16:37:28.804-08:00Statement of Faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
<a name='more'></a></h1>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
SCRIPTURE</span></h2></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h2><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">We believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, infallible in its original writings, as proven through history and fulfilled prophecies.<br /><br /> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><i>All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.-2 Timothy 3:16, </i></span></div> <span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">21</span><span style="font-size: small;">or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.- 2 Peter 1:20,21.</span><br /></i><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">THE GODHEAD</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">We believe in the one everlasting, eternal God, infinite in power, knowledge, and love; holy in nature, attributes, and purpose. We believe in His absolute deity; that this one true God has revealed Himself as Father in creation, as Son in redemption; and as the Holy Ghost in this Church Age. God has also revealed Himself in many other ways such as a burning bush, protective pillar of fire/cloud for Israel, a dove, and many other things as needed over time.<br /></span></div> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br /><i>Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.- Deuteronomy 6:4 <br /></i></span></h2>
</div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
FALLIBILITY OF MAN</span></h2></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">We believe in the fallibility of all mankind. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><i>All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.<br /></i><br /><i> When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.- Romans 5:12 NLT<br /></i><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Sin separates us from God.</span><br /><br /><i>But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.- Isaiah 59:2<br /></i><br /><i>So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.- James 4:17</i></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Because of sin we must be born again or have a rebirth through confession and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. </span><br /><br /><i>Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God...For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”- John 3:3, 16.<br /></i><br /><i>If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.- 1 John 1:9</i></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><i> </i></span><i><br /></i><span style="color: #444444;">SUFFERING OF CHRIST</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe in the vicarious suffering of Jesus
Christ the Son of God; that through His shed blood, atonement for sin
has been made for all mankind. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-13.htm" target="_blank">Isaiah 53:1-12</a> </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/26-28.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 26:28</a>; </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/9-11.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 9:11-28</a>.</span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;">CRUCIFIXION AND RESURRECTION</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe that Jesus Christ, God robed in flesh born of a virgin, was rejected
by the world, especially His own nation; was tried and suffered under
the hands of Pilate; died on the Cross by crucifixion, was buried, rose
again the third day; His resurrection being confirmed by many definite
proofs. He was seen by many witnesses, for about forty days after His
resurrection, after which He ascended upon high. <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/2-32.htm" target="_blank">Act 2:32</a>.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
GRACE</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe that our present dispensation is a time of grace (undeserved favor). That
we are "saved by grace through faith, not of works lest any man should
boast." <a href="http://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-4.htm" target="_blank">Ephesians. 2:4-10</a>.</span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;">NEW COVENANT</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe that God took away the first covenant that He might establish the second. <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/8-6.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 8:6-10</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/10-9.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 10:9</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">That under this new covenant, in this dispensation, none of the statutes
of the Mosaic Law are binding. But now we are delivered from the Law. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"> "That being dead wherein we were held: that we should serve in newness
of spirit, and not in oldness of the letter." <a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/7-6.htm" target="_blank">Romans 7:6</a>. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;">"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth." <a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/10-4.htm" target="_blank">Romans 10:4.</a> </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;">"The law and the prophets were until John" since that time the kingdom of God is preached. <a href="http://biblehub.com/luke/16-16.htm" target="_blank">Luke 16:16</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/09/which-mountain.html" target="_blank">Which Mountain?</a></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
THE CHURCH</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">Jesus said, "Upon this rock I will build my church." We
believe that it is a Spiritual house (church) that is to offer up spiritual
sacrifices (worship). <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-5.htm" target="_blank">1 Peter 2:5</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/john/4-23.htm" target="_blank">John 4:23</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/13-15.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 13:15-16</a>.</span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;">WATER BAPTISM</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe in water baptism by immersion, and that it should be
administered in the name of the Lord Jesus, Jesus Christ, or Lord Jesus
Christ as practiced by the apostles. <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/3-19.htm" target="_blank">Acts 3:19</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/2-38.htm" target="_blank">Acts 2:38</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/10-48.htm" target="_blank">Acts 10:48</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-13.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:13</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/colossians/3-17.htm" target="_blank">Colossians 3:17</a>.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe and teach the baptism of the Holy
Ghost for believers, witnessed by the physical sign of speaking in other
tongues as the Spirit gives utterance as well as other signs. <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/2-4.htm" target="_blank">Acts 2:4</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/10-46.htm" target="_blank">Acts 10:46</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/19-6.htm" target="_blank">Acts 19:6</a>.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
HOLINESS</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">"Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness
of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God." <a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/7-1.htm" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 7:1</a>; </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;">"For God hath not called us unto uncleanliness; but unto holiness." <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm" target="_blank">1Thessalonians 4:7</a>; </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;">"Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/12-14.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 12:14</a>; </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/1_peter/1-15.htm" target="_blank">1 Peter 1:15-16</a>;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/09/christianity-is-not-about-love.html" target="_blank">Christianity is not about Love</a><br /></span>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
DIVINE HEALING</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">Deliverance from sickness is a privilege for believers.
As the Lord made our bodies it is not unreasonable to expect that He should heal
them. <a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/53-5.htm" target="_blank">Isaiah 53:5</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/mark/16-15.htm" target="_blank">Mark 16:15-18</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/james/5-14.htm" target="_blank">James 5:14</a>.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
SPIRITUAL GIFTS</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe the gifts of the spirit should be
manifested in the church today, and that all spirit filled believers
should earnestly covet the best gifts for the edification and
up-building of the church. <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/12-8.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:8-11</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/14-1.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:1</a>.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe the spirit-filled believer will produce
the Fruit of the Spirit in their lives and their walk will be according
to godliness and holy living. <a href="http://biblehub.com/galatians/5-22.htm" target="_blank">Galatians 5:22-23; </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/2-6.htm" target="_blank">John 2:6;</a> <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_peter/1-16.htm" target="_blank">1 Peter 1:16</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/titus/2-11.htm" target="_blank">Titus 2:11-13</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/7-1.htm" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 7:1</a>.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
FINAL COMING OF CHRIST</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe in the final personal coming of the Lord as taught by the scriptures. <a href="http://biblehub.com/acts/1-11.htm" target="_blank">Acts 1:11</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/4-16.htm" target="_blank">1Thessalonians 4:16</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/9-28.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 9:28</a></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
JUDGEMENT</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe that all will appear before the judgment seat of
Christ to be judged according to the deeds done in the body. <a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/12-14.htm" target="_blank">Ecclesiastes 12:14</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-10.htm" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:10</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/revelation/20-11.htm" target="_blank">Revelation 20:11-15</a>.</span><br /><h2><span style="color: #444444;">MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe that marriage was invented by God for the purpose of producing godly children and showing the relationship Christ has with the Church. Thus, marriage can only be between one mature male who has xy chromosomes and one mature female who has xx chromosomes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Divorce and remarriage is
unscriptural and forbidden for believers, except where fornication,
extreme abuse, or desertion because of the Gospel is proven to be the
cause of separation. <a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/19-3.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 19:3-7</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/5-1.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:1</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/7-15.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 7:15</a>.</span><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">REDEMPTION OF THE BODY</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe we shall receive our immortal bodies at the final appearing of our Lord. <a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/8-22.htm" target="_blank">Romans 8:22-23</a>, <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1-5</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-43.htm" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:43-55</a>; <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/4-16.htm" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:16-17</a>.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
FINALLY</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">We believe in the seven principles of the doctrine of Christ. <a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/6-1.htm" target="_blank">Hebrews 6:1-2</a>. With all their connections throughout the New Testament as revealed by the Holy Spirit from time to time.</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-52135799093252772502014-11-02T16:00:00.003-08:002022-12-27T10:28:59.116-08:00In the Beginning there was Sunday School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
</h1>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<a name='more'></a><h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
In the beginning there was Sunday School.</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Children’s Church was added thereunto.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">In the fullness of time, Youth Group came to be.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Yeah, all “good” churches shall hold Vacation Bible School.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Children’s Bible Study, Evangelism, etc.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">With these we shall win the world!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">Except We Haven't</span></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">American churches have been investing increasingly large amounts of
money, time, effort and talent into “children’s programs” for over a hundred
years now. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Let’s see how that's working;</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">Is America more or less “churched” now
than before we began these programs? </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">Do we have more or fewer people (percentage wise) going to
heaven?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Anyone with even a little knowledge of history will tell you we are
much less churched today. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">In fact, studies tell us we are losing 65-85% of our children by the time they are 19 years old.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Now, I think there are several reasons why that is
true. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">But obviously, children’s programs aren’t stopping our hemorrhaging of
young people.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
The theory of children's programs sounds good.<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> </span></span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Very righteous. </span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b>“We teach the children about God now so that when they grow up they will
remember Him and come back.”</b></span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">Except They Don't</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #444444; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #444444; font-size: 15.6px;">“We work to get the children saved so they can go back home and save
their parents.”</b></div>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;">Except They Don't</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">In fact, this is a “backdoor” approach to getting God into a household.
It is, in fact, underhanded. We are trying to sneak God in behind the parent’s
back and “catch” them.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
And we expect God to honor this?</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">The Bible says that the man is the head of the household. He is the
boss and is responsible for how and what his children are taught. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Everyone has a “world view.” Everyone has a religion. Those who claim
they don’t are actually self-worshipers. Self is their god. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">To teach a child different, is to undermine the parent’s authority in
the home. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">And we expect them to thank us?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">No, as much as I love children (I have nine of my own), and as much as
it grieves my heart to see children not getting what they need, I firmly
believe it is wrong for us to go about evangelism the way we typically do. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><br />We need to focus our resources at the God-appointed Head of the House-
the Man. Once he is saved we can teach him how to teach his children to follow
God. But God will not honor our deceitfulness when we go under the proper authority’s
nose.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Fact:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">3% of the time when a child gets saved, the rest of his family gets saved.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">40% of the time when the wife gets saved, the rest of her family gets saved.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">90% of the time when the husband gets saved, the rest of his family gets saved.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Obviously, aiming at the God appointed "Head" is the best way to go.</span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
“So we should just let children go without trying to teach them about God?”</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">If the child is visiting your home, starts a conversation in the park,
or is in some other way put in your path, by all means, share the Good News.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">But as for church programs, trust God to provide for that child to
learn about Him during the main service and when he is grown and aim your energy at the proper authority, the child's dad.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">That God will honor and bless.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-89972263310231700782014-11-02T15:58:00.003-08:002022-12-27T10:49:05.864-08:00Who Invented the Family?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #444444;">God, of course.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Who invented age segregation?<br /><br />Man.<br /><br />This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have age segregation in our churches. Age segregation has always been around.<br /><br />But so has sin. That doesn’t justify it being in the church. We need to discern what is really in God's will.</span><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let's Define Our Terms</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Traditional Church”- </b>or TC- is where the family walks into the building and the children go to Sunday school, children’s church, and youth ministry while the adults go to the sanctuary for “real church.” <br /><br /><b>“Family Integrated Church”- </b>or FIC- is where the entire congregation worships and learns in the same room, at the same time.<br /><br />A TC sorts people according to age. <br />A FIC sorts people according to family.<br /><br />A TC needs a sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen, bathrooms, and a classroom for each group (often more than 50% of the needed square footage of the facilities) as well as a Sunday School curriculum budget.<br />A FIC needs a sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen and bathrooms. Their “educational groups” meet in their own homes.<br /><br />A TC assigns a “staff member” to teach each sorted group (class). <br />A FIC assigns the parents to teach each group. (Or more accurately, acknowledges that God has assigned the parents to teach the children.)<br /><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Both train and equip their teachers to do their job.</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In a TC, you don’t know who is teaching your child or what they are teaching them. It may not be the same thing you believe.<br />In a FIC, you know exactly what your child is taught in church because you are sitting right next to them. And you know exactly who is teaching them.<br /><br />In a TC, many people (often new converts) miss the sermon and worship because they are <strike>babysitting</strike>, uhhh, "teaching the children."<br />Not so in a FIC. The whole family is worshiping together. Further teaching is done at home.<br /> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There is no direct biblical support for TC, and any indirect support is iffy at best.<br />There is a great deal of biblical support for the family to be the main educational unit in a child’s life and for a child to receive an exclusively Christian education;</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Deuteronomy 6:7, “Teach [My Words] unto your children talking of them when you do your errands in town, rest in the evening, get ready for the day, and do your day’s work.” (In other words; Every Waking Moment.)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ephesians 6:4, “Parents, don’t frustrate your children but bring them up in the education and culture of the Lord.”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, … And teach [My Laws] to your children and your grandchildren,”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Deuteronomy 11:19 “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jeremiah 10:2 “Thus says the LORD: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles;…” (Don’t even know about what goes on in the unsaved culture)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Psalm 1: 2 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates DAY AND NIGHT.” (This includes school hours).</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing EVERY THOUGHT into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” (Even math thoughts)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Luke 6:40 “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained (finished with his schooling) will be like his teacher.” (and if his teacher isn’t a Christian…)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, …</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Matthew 16:23 “But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not MINDFUL OF THE THINGS OF GOD, but the things of men.”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Colossians 3:1 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Matthew 22:37-38 “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the first and great commandment.”</span></li>
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> The Affects of Non-Christian Associations</span></h4>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (Christian kids do not bring their unsaved peers to the Lord very often. Not even in Sunday School)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Proverbs 13:20 “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Remember that “the fool says in his heart there is no God.” Ps 14:3-1 So anyone who walks with, or spends time with, someone who doesn’t acknowledge God is on the path to destruction.)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;">Can't tell you how many heartbroken moms talk about losing their children to the world through the influence of unsaved kids in the youth group. </span><ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> The Content of True Education</span></h4>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (What more do you need from an education?)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (True education BEGINS with the fear of God; the fear of God is its foundation. But atheists despise true knowledge.)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” (The foundation of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Government schools are lacking the very foundation of wisdom or knowledge.)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Psalm 119:97-101 “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me.” (The Bible is what makes us wiser, not degrees on the wall)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Matthew 6:33 “But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ALL THESE THINGS (including a good education) shall be added to you.”</span></li>
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> Children Belong to God</span></h4>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ezekiel 16:21 “that you have slain MY CHILDREN and offered them up to them by causing them to pass through the fire?”</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When asked whose image is on the tax coin, the people answer (<a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/22-21.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 22:21</a>) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“ ‘Caesar's.’ </b></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b> Then saith He unto them, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” </b></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Caesar’s image was carved on the money. Render the tax coin to Caesar. <br />Our children are carved in the image of God. Give them to God, not Caesar.<br /><br />"We can not be surprised when we send our children to Rome for their education and they come out Romans." -Bro Voddie Baucham<br /><br />We can not be surprised when we use Rome’s methods in our Sunday Schools and we find our churches to be ineffective.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />God charges parents in these verses with providing His children that He has entrusted to their care a Christian education and culture. <br /><br />The church is charged with helping the parents, not taking their place with Sunday School and not ignoring them when life prevents them from homeschooling. It is the church’s job to help the parents achieve God’s commands in their lives.<br /> </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Look at the Numbers </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Children who grow up in Christian homes, TC, and public school have a retention rate of 15%. (15% stay in church into adulthood) </span> <span style="color: #444444;"><br />Children who grow up in Christian homes and FIC have a retention rate of 80%. </span> <span style="color: #444444;"><br />Children who are homeschooled have a retention rate of 96% </span> <span style="color: #444444;"><br />Combine homeschooling and FIC and you get very close to 100% who stay in church. <br /> </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Why?</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">1. God is capable of speaking to our children without a Sunday School teacher’s help. We don’t need a high priest anymore. We can go straight to God ourselves and that holds true for our children, too. <br /><br />Children treated like adults, by being left with the adults to worship like adults, will grow up with an adult faith. <br /><br />Children taught on a “child’s level” will always have an immature faith, if they even stay in church.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /><br />2. When we do things different than God’s plain spoken will, God will not bless it. <br /><br />There was a time when every believing family had devotions at breakfast and suppertime everyday. The USA was born in these households.<br /><br />Then came TV. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Now we “don’t have the time." <br /><br />And anyway, "their youth leader/Sunday school teacher is doing that stuff.” <br /><br />It is the church’s responsibility to teach the parents and the parent’s responsibility to teach the children. <br /><br />Doing it God’s way makes the parents learn better and faster, bonds the family together and has more lasting results.<br /><br /><h1 class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">“If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.” -Albert Einstein </h1><br /><br />3. Children’s programs remove the father from headship over the children. In fact, since most of these programs are staffed by women, it feminizes them making our boys see religion as a “girl thing.” <br /><br />No wonder our churches are now mostly women!<br /><br /><br /><br />4. Age-segregation creates adult-a-lecents; “children” who never grow up. <br /><br />It creates its own subcultures within each age group and looses the wisdom of the previous generations. <br /> </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">History</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">“Sunday School” was invented in the 1800’s. <br /><br />In England at this time, poverty was so extreme that many families simply couldn't afford to feed children who didn't work. Since they did not have the history of literacy given to us Americans by the pilgrims, this meant poor parents were usually too illiterate themselves to teach their own children.<br /><br />Methodists began teaching READING on most poor children’s only day off- Sunday. This allowed them to read the Bible for themselves. <br /><br />It was a wonderful ministry and resulted in a vast increase in the Christian church, soul's going to heaven.<br /><br />They brought “Sunday School” to America where it quickly spread also, making a real difference in the lives of illiterate immigrants.<br /><br /><br />It was about this time that America began to pass compulsory attendance laws. Before this, it was the norm for a truly Christian family to read the Bible, sing hymns, and pray together every day. <br /><br />Also, since most parents simply taught their children themselves (with a 98% literacy rate, compared to today’s official 85% [but suspected 75% or lower] rate), they would use the most important Book (the Bible) in the house as their main textbook (Since the average book at this time cost more than a week’s salary, it may even have been the only book, though eyewitnesses of the time claim the majority of homes also had a Euclid’s Geometry and it wasn’t unusual to find a law book or two). <br /><br />Penmanship assignments would be copying Scripture on slates. <br /><br />Memorization would be verses, (One family I read about required one verse be memorized every DAY! That’s nearly 4000 verses memorized by the end of a ten-year education!) <br /><br />And each child would have an actual Bible study to do every day, often learning Greek and Hebrew in order to research the original meaning of the Word,<br /><br /><br />With the new school laws, these children were forced into schools- against their parent’s wishes (often at gun point)- during their best hours of the day. <br /><br />The schools continued the Bible studies and the parents, not wanting to overwork their children, quit theirs at home. <br /><br />By the next generation or so, radio was invented and families would gather around it instead of the Bible after meals. After all, the children were learning all the Bible stuff at school and more and more churches were having Sunday schools, which were teaching the Bible now, instead of reading. <br /><br />In this way, the children were being taught that it was the church’s and school’s job to teach the children, especially the Bible. These children became the next generation of parents and grandparents.<br /><br />Then came TV and the court rulings removing prayer and Bible from the schools. <br /><br />Today, we honestly think a parent has fulfilled his job of “bringing up his child in the culture and education of the Lord” (Eph 6) if he doesn’t steal, cuss or cheat and drives his child to church once per week for a one hour Bible class.<br /><br />Classic divide and conquer tactics. <br /><br />Satan did a good job of it, didn’t he?<br /> </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">How Our Church Works</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Everyone worships together (From our 84 year old grandpa to the babies). Then someone gives a basic Bible lesson to the children, but in the sanctuary with everyone else (many adults need these lessons as much or more than the children).<br /><br />The parents bring quiet toys or books for the littlest ones to use during service and diligently teach them to be still. (There are some quiet toys available in the back of the sanctuary).<br /><br />Older children are encouraged to listen and take notes on the sermon. <br /><br />Youngers learn from olders; olders get perspective from youngers. <br /><br />Singles, marrieds and retired-s aren't that different. They all are learning how to serve God to the best of their ability with what they have, helping each other.<br /><br />Regular fellowship outside the church is encouraged (“I'm going out to eat and then the park after church. Anyone want to come?” “I'm renting movies Friday. Why don't you come over and watch them with me?” and of course “Sister Smith needs her front lawn mowed and her house painted. Let's go do that Saturday.”) <br /><br />The church is structured like a family and functions like an extended family. This provides more cohesion in the church and more accountability to individuals. There is more available wisdom to all of us, and more security that we are loved and not just an assignment. <br /><br /><b>It is the difference between a fast food restaurant (TC) and a community (FIC).</b><br /><br />Family devotions are encouraged. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It is the parent’s duty to teach their children. <br />The church helps parents to learn to teach their own children at home. <br /><br />After all, even the best Sunday school program can’t counter in one or two hours everything a child picks up during thirty or more hours of school plus time in front of the TV, (though we also strongly encourage parents to take full responsibility for their children’s whole education through homeschooling.)</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">What about new converts who don’t know enough to teach their children? </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It doesn’t take a theology degree to read a chapter out of the Bible and pray each evening. The church as a whole already teach new converts that they should come to church regularly and tithe. We just need to add “read your Bible to your children every day.” <br /><br />The family can learn together.</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">What about children who come without their unsaved parents? </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">They can be “adopted” during the duration of the service by one of the established families in the church. <br /><br />They can learn from the same sermons and songs as everyone else and be encouraged to start reading the Bible daily for themselves (as we all should anyway). <br /><br />They are encouraged to ask questions and are given resources as needed. Honestly, this makes us work even harder to connect with the parents and get them to God.<br /> </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Won't Children Disturb the Service?</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">“Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” <a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/19-14.htm" target="_blank">Matthew 19:14</a><br /><br />When we exclude the children from “real” church, we are also excluding the Kingdom Of Heaven. <br /><br />Very young children can be taught to sit still in service. After all, they are expected to sit still for a whole three-hour kindergarten class and often sit through two-hour movies. They are capable of doing the same in church. They just have to be taught.<br /><br />Additionally, the congregation needs to become more tolerant. Children are part of God’s kingdom. A little noise doesn't hurt anyone.</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> Conclusion</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Children who grow up having family devotions, learning the Word at the feet of their father and worshiping with their families have a more realistic view of God’s relationship to the church. <br /><br />When children grow up with a Christian education, they grow up knowing that God is in every aspect of life. <br /><br />When children grow up worshiping and learning with adults, they grow up knowing that religion is for adults. <br /><br />They also grow up knowing how important God and the Bible is.</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When we follow God’s plan, we get godly children.</span></h4>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-61006417221116621132014-11-02T15:50:00.001-08:002021-06-04T17:33:36.650-07:00Foundations of Faith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #444444;">What are the teachings, the foundations, necessary for a young Christian to know to get started on his Christian walk? </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">This is a workbook detailing those teachings and leading you through the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. It was written by our founding pastor over the course of many years of ministry. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We offer this <a href="http://bolcffoundationsoffaith.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">study online</a> for your convenience. Or you can order the whole book in print or E-book form <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/john-wiltse/foundations-of-faith/ebook/product-17561900.html">Here.</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-53727434586185362502014-09-07T15:31:00.002-07:002015-01-07T11:53:04.083-08:00Bread for Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
<a name='more'></a></h1>
<span style="color: #444444;">The term “bread” includes everything made
from grains. This means “bread” is not only the stuff that holds your
sandwich together, but also all... </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">pastas, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">tortillas, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">pancakes, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">waffles, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">hamburger and hotdog buns, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">biscuits, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">muffins, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">the breading on your fried
chicken, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">the croutons in your salad, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">corn on the cob, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">popcorn, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">rice, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">cake, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">pie crust, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">cookies, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Twinkies, and </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">oatmeal. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;">Since potatoes are
similar in nutrition, you could call them God’s quick bread. This makes
French fries, mashed potatoes, and hash browns “bread” also. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Now, imagine your life without “bread.” How bland that would be! How difficult to even get enough calories to live!</span><br />
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
The Bread of Life</span></h1>
<span style="color: #444444;">Jesus
Christ called Himself the “Bread of Life.” In the same way that bread
is essential for our physical survival, Jesus is essential for our
eternal survival. </span><br />
<h1>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
The Basics</span></h1>
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/09/is-there-god.html" target="_blank"><b>There is a God.</b></a> The universe is too complex to have created itself. The very Laws of Nature speak of a Divine Father.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>God
gave us the Bible to show us the way to Him</b>. </span></h3>
<span style="color: #444444;">No other document has ever
been subjected to as much scrutiny and evaluation, yet the Bible has
never been proven wrong. <a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/09/about-bible.html" target="_blank">(About the Bible)</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Quite the opposite; Archeology and science are
continually proving It is right.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">It contains many prophecies that have
come true also, further proving Its truth and Divine inspiration.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
<b> </b></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>God created human kind.</b> </span></h3>
<span style="color: #444444;">He molded us, His masterpiece, from the dust of the ground.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>All
humans have chosen to rebel against God.</b> </span></h3>
<span style="color: #444444;">Whether it is a “little white
lie,” being selfish or the choice to be outright evil, we have all, at
one time or another, chosen to disobey God; </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We have all sinned.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The
penalty for sin is eternal death.</b> </span></h3>
<span style="color: #444444;">This is not an end to existence, but
being in the torture of the throws-of-death forever. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Eternal pain,
eternal suffering. There is no human who does not deserve this.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
<span style="font-size: 24.6px;"><b> </b></span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 24.6px;"><b>But…</b></span></span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">God
loved us, His master creation, so much that He robed Himself with
flesh, walked this earth for thirty-three and a half years, and gave
Himself as a sacrifice to pay for our sins. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>He paid the debt we owe.</b></span> </div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>We
must accept this gift of payment.</b> </span></h4>
<span style="color: #444444;">If I wrapped up a million dollars and
put it on your door step, it does you no good unless you pick up the
box, open it and take the money. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Christ’s gift of salvation to you will
do you no good unless you accept it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Each and every
one of us must acknowledge that we have rebelled against God, we have
sinned, ask Him to forgive us, and choose to follow Him. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">If we do not do
this, we will continue to walk to Hell. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">If we ask, God will forgive us.
Always. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Once we have received forgiveness for our sins,</b> Jesus becomes our Boss (Lord). We must follow and obey Him.</span><br />
<h1>
<span style="color: #444444;">
How do we know what God wants us to do?</span></h1>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">He tells us in the Bible.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">He tells us through men He has appointed to serve us by shepherding (pastoring) us.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">He tells us through fellow Christians who are farther along in their walk with Him.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">He tells us in our heart when we pray.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Every
Christian</b> needs to find a church that believes the Bible is true. They
need to be there regularly (at least weekly) so they can learn more
about their Jesus. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://bolcf.blogspot.com/2014/08/commit-submit-benefit.html" target="_blank">(Commit, Submit, Benefit)</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Every Christian</b> needs to read their Bible and spend time talking to God every day. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Every Christian</b> needs to fellowship with other Christians. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Every Christian</b> needs to follow Jesus commands to;</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Love God with EVERYTHING you have. Leave no part of your heart or life out.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Love your neighbor the same way you love yourself. Treat him the way
you would want to be treated. Make his needs at least as important as
your own.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;">This is how Jesus becomes our “Bread of
Life.” </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">This is how He enriches us and nourishes us. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">This is how He makes
our lives better. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">This is how He gives us Joy and Peace.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Unlike
with bread, which it is possible (though difficult) to live without, we
can’t live forever without Jesus. We can’t go to heaven unless He is our
Boss.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Won’t you please accept the Life He offers you today?</span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-52705699886262923552014-09-07T15:30:00.002-07:002015-01-07T11:53:17.539-08:00Good Bread <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
<a name='more'></a></h1>
<div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockRight">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><img src="http://www.breadoflifecf.com/images/1109131704.jpg" style="max-width: none;" width="137" /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b> John 6:35</b> “And Jesus said unto them, ‘I am the Bread of Life…’”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: symbol;">·</span><b>2
eggs</b> (Whole eggs are high in fat-soluble vitamins, protein, and lecithin which
breaks down bad cholesterol and raises the good.)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b> Luke 11:12-13
</b>“Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being
evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your
heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<ul><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
<li><b>5
oz milk</b> (I put the eggs in the bowl of a kitchen scale and add milk until the
combination equals nine ounces) </li>
</span></span></ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">(Milk is high in vitamins and minerals,
protein, and RAW milk is high in folic acid and vitamin C.) </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b>Exodus 3:8</b> “I will bring you into
a Land flowing with milk and honey.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<ul><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
<li><b>2
½ Tablespoons of honey</b> (Raw honey is high in the amino acid proline. Proline is
the primary component in collagen which is the main structure in bones.) </li>
</span></span></ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b>Proverbs 16:24</b> “Pleasant
words are as an honey comb; sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<ul><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
<li><b>1
½ teaspoons salt</b> (True sea salt [which is unprocessed] contains many minerals essential to good health beyond sodium and chloride.) </li>
</span></span></ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b>Matthew 5:13
</b>“Ye are the salt of the earth.”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<ul><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
<li><b>13
oz freshly ground whole wheat flour</b> (Wheat contains many vitamins.<span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> The Bran
prevents constipation, colon cancer and high cholesterol.</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> The germ [kidney of
wheat in the Bible] is a mega-vitamin.</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> The “white” of the grain contains sugar
for the new plant to grow on.</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> Guess what part white flour is made from?</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"> One of
the chemicals used to bleach white flour [its natural color is creamy] is also
used to give rats diabetes for lab tests. Gee, why does every country that can
afford white flour have significantly higher rates of diabetes?) </span></li>
</span></span></ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b>Deuteronomy
8:8</b> “A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a
land of oil olive, and honey;”</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<ul><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
<li><b>2
Tablespoons of butter</b> (God gave us “butter of kine [cows].” Deuteronomy 32:14. </li>
</span></span></ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Heart
patients given butter had fewer heart attacks than those that ate margarine.
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Among chickens fed various fats, those fed butter had better bone formation and
insulin receptors than the veggie-oil birds. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">In another study, pigs fed butter
had no signs of heart disease while those on veggie fats [margarine] had the
clear beginnings of heart disease. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Heart disease began to sky rocket in this
country ten years after the introduction of margarine. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Heart disease continues
to climb even after two decades of “don’t eat fat, especially animal fat.”) </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b>Proverbs 14:12</b> “There is a
way that seems wise to a man but the end thereof is destruction.”</span></span><br />
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Eat what God made for food, as close
to the way He made it and you will have health. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Oh yeah, </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
</span></span><br />
<ul><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
<li><b>2
teaspoons of yeast</b></li>
</span></span></ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">
</span><span style="font-size: 15.6px;"><b>1 Corinthians 5:6</b> “A little leaven leaveneth the whole
lump.”</span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
Directions </span></h2>
<div class="ReminderBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<h4>
<span style="color: #444444;">
I frequently make this bread for our Sunday lunches</span></h4>
<span style="color: #444444;">Come have some</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Put the liquids in the bowl and mix.
</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Add the yeast and half the flour. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Add the salt. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Add flour slowly, mixing until the
consistency of Play Dough. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Turn out on a floured counter and knead (massage,
turn, punch) until it’s not sticky, adding flour as needed to keep it from
sticking to the board. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">When it doesn’t get sticky anymore (about 15 minutes, give or take), place in a well
buttered bowl, </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Cover with a wet towel and let rise for 1 ½ hours (until doubled
in size). </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Punch down and let rise again (about an hour). </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Punch down, shape into
loaves or rolls and let rise again. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Bake at 450 for 20 minutes. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Lower the oven
to 400 and bake until golden and it sounds hollow when “thumped” (about 20
minutes for loaves. Less for rolls.) </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Rub with butter or egg whites and let cool
for 20 minutes. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">Cut and eat</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15.6px;">:-)</span></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-14848390369645827862014-09-07T15:24:00.003-07:002021-06-04T15:43:12.487-07:00About the Bible<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
<a name='more'></a></h1>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Bible is the most important document ever
written. It is the inspired word of God. God dictated it to righteous men:
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“For the prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” </b>2
Peter 1:21 </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness.”</b> 2 Timothy 3:16</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Without the Bible we cannot know God. It tells us of
His character and His will in the world and in our lives. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It is also the foundation for our Western Society,
American government, and our culture. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It is the greatest piece of literature ever written
containing some of the most beautiful prose and poetry ever written (Psalms as
well as many individual passages rhyme in Hebrew). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It is essential that we study our Bible regularly.
We cannot become too familiar with it. This is how we draw closer to God. </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Facts About The Bible</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16.6px;">The
Bible is made up of 66 books: 39 from the Old Testament and 27 from the New.
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Old Testament has thirty-nine books
(Memory help: there are three letters in the word old and nine in the word
testament= 39).
The first five are called the Pentateuch, and
most attribute them to Moses. They are:
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Genesis
(Creation through the life of Joseph) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Exodus
(The Israelites leaving Egypt
and traveling to the promised land) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Leviticus
(Various laws given by God) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Numbers
(The numbering of Israel
and various laws) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Deuteronomy
(Various Laws)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> The next twelve are the books of history. They are:
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Joshua
(written by Joshua telling of Israel's
conquering of the promised land) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Judges
(The history of Israel
under the rule of judges, from Joshua to Samuel) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ruth
(A romance story) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1
Samuel (The birth of Samuel, crowning of Saul as the first king) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2
Samuel (The story of David and Saul) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1Kings
(The history of Judah
and Israel,
from a kingly perspective, from Solomon to the captivity) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2
Kings (The history of Judah and Israel, from a
kingly perspective, from Solomon to the captivity) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1
Chronicles (The history of Judah
and Israel,
from a priestly perspective, from Solomon to the captivity) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2
Chronicles (The history of Judah
and Israel,
from a priestly perspective, from Solomon to the captivity) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ezra
(Israel
returns to Jerusalem
after the Babylonian Captivity.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Nehemiah
(Israel
returns to Jerusalem
after the Babylonian Captivity.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ester
(A story of God’s provision and protection, though the book does not use the
name of God anywhere at all.) </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then come the books of poetry:
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Job
(The trials of a righteous man and a debate about the nature of God.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Psalms
(Songs) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Proverbs
(Wise sayings) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ecclesiastics
(The purpose of life) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Song
of Songs (or Solomon; a love story) </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Major Prophets (each written by the man
the book is named after):
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Isaiah
(Tells of the coming destruction of many countries as well as the ending
history of Judah.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jeremiah
(Tells of the coming destruction of Judah and of its actual end.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Lamentations
(written by Jeremiah to mourn the death of the king.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ezekiel
(many prophecies from the end of Judah to the coming of Christ.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Daniel
(the story of the Captivity and prophecies concerning the rest of the history
of the Israelite people). </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And the Minor Prophets (each written by the
man the book is named after):
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">
Hosea
(Prophecy of the coming Assyrian Captivity and an example of God’s love for Israel.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Joel
(A description of a coming plague, a call to repentance, and prophecy of the
coming Messiah.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Amos
(The shepherd prophet; coming judgment on Israel’s enemies and Israel herself.
A call to repentance.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Obadiah
(Judgment pronounced on Edom.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jonah
(A story about rebellion and redemption.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Micah
(The story of Israel’s
sin, judgment and restoration.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Nahum
(Nineveh is
doomed.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Habakkuk
(Prophecy of Judah’s destruction.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Zephaniah
(Prophecy of Israel’s destruction and restoration.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Haggai
(An exhortation for the restored Israel to finish the Temple.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Zechariah
(Prophecy of the coming Messiah and His work.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Malachi
(God’s answers to man’s questions. A call to righteousness.) </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The New Testament has
twenty-seven books (Memory help: three letters in the word new times nine
letters in the word testament equals twenty-seven.)
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The first four books
are about the life of Christ, are named after the authors and are called the
Gospels:
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">
Matthew
(From the Hebrew perspective.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Mark
(From the Roman perspective.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Luke
(From the Greek perspective.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">John
(From the Savior’s perspective.) </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The one book of
History:
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">
Acts
(The history of the early church. Could be called the second half of the book
of Luke.) </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Pauline (written
by Paul) epistles (letters):
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">
Romans
(Written to the church at Rome.
The “Constitution of the Christian Church.”) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1
Corinthians (Written to the church at Corinth.
Practical Theology.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2
Corinthians (Information and Instruction
to the Corinthian
Church.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Galatians
(Written to the church at Galatia.
Justification is by Grace, not Law.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ephesians
(Written to the church at Ephesus.
Explanation of relationships and roles.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Philippians
(Written to the church at Philippi. Joy in the
Christian walk.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Colossians
(Written to the church at Colossae.
Salvation is through Christ alone.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1
Thessalonians (Written to the church at Thessalonica. Correct doctrine and
instruction to the church.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2
Thessalonians (Written to the church at Thessalonica. More of the same.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1
Timothy (Written to his apprentice Timothy. The Leadership manual for the
Church.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2
Timothy (Written to his apprentice Timothy. Paul’s final words and instructions
to Timothy.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Titus
(Written to his friend Titus. Much the same theme as in Timothy.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Philemon
(Written to his friend Philemon about a runaway slave who had come to Christ.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Hebrews
(We don't know for sure who wrote this book. Some attribute it to Paul. Others
to Apollos, Timothy, or other ministers of the time. It was written to Hebrews
still in Jerusalem.) </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The non-Pauline epistles (named after the
authors):
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">
James
(Practical application of the Gospel.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1
Peter (To persecuted Christians.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2
Peter (An exhortation to continue growing in God.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1
John (Strengthening believers and refuting heretics.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2
John (“Stay the course.”) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">3
John (Commendation to Gaius and Condemnation to Diotrephes.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jude
(Encouragement to remain doctrinally pure.) </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> One book of Prophecy (Written by Jesus'
disciple John):
</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Revelation
(Foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem
and the ending of the Jewish nation.)</span></span>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-63912514938677221172014-09-07T15:23:00.002-07:002016-01-26T16:19:52.771-08:00Bible Fun Facts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
<a name='more'></a></h1>
<span style="color: #444444;">The Bible is made up of 66 books:
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">39 from the Old Testament </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">27 from the New.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
The Old Testament</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">The
Old Testament has thirty-nine books </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">(Memory help: there are three
letters in the word “old” and nine in the word ”testament”= 39).</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The first five are called the Pentateuch, and most attribute them to Moses. They are:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Genesis (Creation through the life of Joseph)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Exodus (The Israelites
leaving Egypt and traveling to the promised land)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Leviticus (Various
laws given by God)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Numbers (The numbering of Israel and various laws)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">
Deuteronomy (Various Laws)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The next twelve are the books of history. They are:</b></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Joshua (written by Joshua telling of Israel's conquering of the
promised land)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Judges (The history of Israel under the rule of judges,
from Joshua to Samuel)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ruth (A romance story)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1 Samuel (The birth of
Samuel, crowning of Saul as first king)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2 Samuel (The story of David
and Saul)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1Kings (The history of Judah from Solomon to the captivity)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2
Kings</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1 Chronicles (The history of Israel from Solomon to the
captivity)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">2 Chronicles</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ezra (Israel returns to Jerusalem)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Nehemiah</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ester (A story of God’s provision)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Then come the books of poetry:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Job</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Psalms</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Proverbs</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ecclesiastics</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Song of Songs (or Solomon)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The Major Prophets (each written by the man the book is named after):</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Isaiah (Tells of the coming destruction of many countries as well as
the ending history of Judah)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Jeremiah (Tells of the coming destruction
of Judah and of its actual end)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Lamentations (written by Jeremiah to
morn the death of the king)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Ezekiel (many prophecies from the end of
Judah to the coming of Christ)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Daniel (the story of the captivity and
prophecies concerning the rest of the history of the Israelite people).</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>And the Minor Prophets (each written by the man the book is named after):</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Hosea</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Joel</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Amos</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Obadiah </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jonah </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Micah </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Nahum</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Habakkuk</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Zephaniah</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Haggai</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Zachariah</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Malachi</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
The New Testament</span></h2>
<div class="ReminderBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<h4>
<span style="color: #444444;">
Food for the Soul has no Calories</span></h4>
</div>
<span style="color: #444444;">The
New Testament has twenty-seven books </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">(Memory help: three letters in the
word “new” times nine letters in the word “testament” equals
twenty-seven.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The first four books are about the life of Christ, are named after the authors and are called the Gospels:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Matthew</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Mark</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Luke</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">John</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The one book of History:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Acts (The history of the early church)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The Pauline (written by Paul) epistles (letters):</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Romans (written to the church at Rome)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 1 Corinthians (written to the
church at Corinth)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 2 Corinthians </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Galatians (written to the church at
Galatia)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Ephesians (written to the church at Ephesus)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Philippians
(written to the church at Philippi)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Colossians (written to the church
at Colossi</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>(The Five T’s)</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 1 Thessalonians (written to the church
at Thessalonica)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 2 Thessalonians</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 1 Timothy (written to his apprentice
Timothy)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 2 Timothy</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Titus (written to his friend Titus)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Philemon
(written to his friend Philemon)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Hebrews (We don't know for sure who wrote this book. It may have been
Paul or it may have been one of several other ministers in the early
church. It was written to Hebrews still in Jerusalem.)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The non-Pauline epistles (named after the authors):</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> James</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 1 Peter</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 2 Peter</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 1 John</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 2 John</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 3 John</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Jude</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>One book of Prophecy (written by Jesus' disciple John):</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Revelation (foretelling the church age)</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
Fun Facts</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The longest book </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">of the Bible</span> is Psalms-150 chapters.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The shortest book </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">of the Bible</span> is 2 John with one chapter, 13 verses.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The longest chapter </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">of the Bible</span> is Psalms 119 with 150 verses.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The shortest chapter </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">of the Bible</span> is Psalms 117 with 2 verses. This is also the <b>middle chapter</b> of the bible.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The middle verse</b> of the Bible is Psalms 118:8.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The shortest verse</b> in the Bible is John 11:35-"Jesus wept."</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The longest verse</b> is Ester 8:9 containing 90 words.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The Bible Contains:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 3,566,480 letters</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 773,693 words</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> 31,102 verses</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">1,189 chapters: 250 in the new, and 939 in the old</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The word “and” appears 46,277 times.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Reverend appears once.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">“Lord” appears 1,855 times.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>The longest word is :</b> Mahershalalhashbaz. It is found in Isaiah 8:1 and has 18 letters.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The 21 verse of Ezra 7 contains all the letters of the alphabet except J.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Ester has no mention God.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Verses 8, 15, 21, and 31 in Psalms 107 are alike.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Every verse in Psalms 136 ends the same.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The 19th chapter of 2 Kings and Isaiah 37 are almost identical.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">There are Over 200 direct quotes in the New Testament from the Old Testament.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The first Bible printed is this country was in 1663 in the Iroquois language.</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-41999620322925574672014-09-07T15:22:00.003-07:002016-01-26T16:29:26.553-08:00Bible Helps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #444444;"><br /> Biblical Interpretation</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Proper
interpretation and understanding of the Bible requires three basic
tools; </span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Understanding of biblical context, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Understanding of historical
context, and </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Understanding of original languages.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
The Rule of Context is <br /> Context Rules.</span></h4>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In
order to understand scripture we must always take the context of
scripture into account.
</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">What was the author saying in the whole chapter,
the whole book? </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Who was he talking to? </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Why?</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There once
was a man who wanted to know God’s will in his life, so he randomly opened
his Bible. It fell to the scripture where Judas killed himself.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Wondering what this meant for him, he randomly opened his Bible again.
This time it fell open to the scripture where Jesus says; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">“...Then said
Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:37) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Was this God
telling him to kill himself? Of course not. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">You must take scripture in
its context. You CAN NOT take a verse here and a verse there and put
them together to form a doctrine. This is mis-handling of the Word of
God.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">God tells some people to do things He doesn’t want
everyone to do. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">For example, all believers are not to go preach to
Nineveh as Jonah was told to do. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Or build a large boat and gather a
bunch of animals onto it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Or lay in the middle of the city, naked,
eating nothing but bread and not talking for an entire year like Ezekiel
was told to. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We must pay attention to who each scripture was written to
and why. The moral lessons taught in every scripture can be applied to
our lives, but the fact of the scripture applies to who it was written
to. </span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br />History</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The
second rule of biblical interpretation requires we see what was
happening in history. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">For example, when God told Jonah to go to Nineveh
(the capital of the Assyrian empire), it was because the Ninavites were
very cruel conquerors of the entire region. They would cut the heads off
of the leaders of each city-state they conquered and often torture the
inhabitants. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">God was fed up, so He sent Jonah to warn them to change their
ways or else. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Of course we know that it worked; they repented and God
spared the city. Well, for a while anyway. History tells us that the
city relapsed into its old ways and was destroyed for its cruelty a
generation or so later.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We must understand the history surrounding an event to truly understand what the Bible is telling us.</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Original Languages</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The
third tool we need to really understand the Bible is a knowledge of
original languages. This is not so hard as it used to be. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Any
Internet-connected computer has access to a Strong’s Concordance (and
they are available in book-form from any book seller for as little as
$10.00). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">A concordance is a list of each word in the Bible and its location AND
its definition in the original language. You simply look up the words in
a verse and see what the original author meant.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>The Concordance</b></u> A
concordance is an assemblage of every word in the Bible in alphabetical
order with all of its locations. The Strong's concordance also links
you to the original Hebrew or Greek word and gives the definition of
that word. This better allows you to know what the author really meant
when he wrote that scripture.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Let's say we want to know
where the verse <i>"For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but shall
have ever lasting life"</i> is found.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">First we will pick a word to look
up- “world.” In
the alphabetical listing we find that the word "world" is listed 249
times. This means that in 249 verses the translators translated a Greek
or Hebrew word to mean "world." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Forty-six of these are in the Old
Testament. In the 203 New Testament occurrences, three different Greek
words (represented by three different numbers; 165, 2889, and 3625) were
translated into the word "world." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">By reading the part of each verse
listed we find that the one we want is John 3:16. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">“World” in this verse
is number 2889. We turn to the Greek Lexicon in the back and find that
this "world" is κόσμος or in the English alphabet; kosmos. It means:</span></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
</ol>
<span style="color: #444444;">1. An apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government</span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
</ol>
<span style="color: #444444;">2. Ornament, decoration, adornment, i.e. the arrangement of the stars,
'the heavenly hosts', as the ornament of the heavens. 1 Peter 3:3</span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
</ol>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> The
world, the universe</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> The circle of the earth, the earth</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">3. The
inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">4. The ungodly multitude;
the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the
cause of Christ</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">5. World affairs, the aggregate of things earthly</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> The whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages,
pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir
desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">6. Any
aggregate or general collection of particulars of any sort</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> The
Gentiles as contrasted to the Jews (Rom. 11:12 etc)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Of believers only,
John 1:29; 3:16; 3:17; 6:33; 12:47 1 Cor. 4:9; 2 Cor. 5:19</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>Thompson Chain Reference Bible</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This is the Bible required by many Bible colleges. It is King James.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Down
the sides of each page are two columns with numbers and scriptures. The
scriptures take you to other scriptures on the same subject as the
adjoining verses. The numbers take you to a supplement in the back that
lists scriptures by subjects. These numbers correspond to the numbers in the Strong's concordance. Before this supplement is a Table Of
Contents that lists all the different subjects so you can look up
whichever one you need.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Thompson Chain also has: </span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">A concordance (not as complete as Strong's, of course), </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Maps, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Charts about
the life of Christ and other prominent Bible characters, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Summaries of
each book in the Bible, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">And an archaeological supplement.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>Dickson Bible</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">(No
longer in print, but there are several similar Study Bibles out there)
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In the front of it is a very good dictionary with scripture references.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In the back, the concordance also gives a definition. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It also has:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">In-verse
definitions.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> “The Life of ….” outline pages. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">A chart
of tables and measures, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">A timeline and synopsis of each book, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">And
chapter, maps, and other helps.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>Center Reference</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">(Cambridge
is one brand)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">These Bibles have a column down the middle of the page
with small numbers or letters followed by definitions of words in the
corresponding scripture and sometimes other verses on the same subjects.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>Bible dictionary</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This is a dictionary specific to giving you the Biblical definitions of words and terms.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><u>Comparative Bible</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This
is a Bible that has more than one translation in the same book. It will
have one translation in one column and another right next to that.
These are good for Bible studies to see how each translation words each verse. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">They have from two to twelve different
versions. (A great online comparative Bible is <a href="http://biblehub.com/" target="_blank">Here. It has many different version, commentaries and Strong's all in one place.</a>)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>Bible Atlas</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This is a book
of maps, pictures and information about the biblical region of the world
(modern day Palestine). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">They usually have different maps of the same
area marked for different time periods. For example, one map may be
marked for the travels Moses and the next for Joshua’s, while a later
one is marked for Christ and another for Paul.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Important!</span></h2>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Remember
that commentaries and all these helps, as well as the Internet, are
written by human beings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">They are fallible. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">They may help us understand
the Bible or they may confuse us, or even lead us into lies. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Use them
carefully and always check EVERYTHING out with the Bible itself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">EVERY
Christian should read the entire Bible, cover to cover, at least three
times before
reading any commentaries and frequently thereafter (I try to read it through every year). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This applies to the Internet also. In fact, this may
even be true for listening to preachers on the radio who are not your
pastor. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It is important to be well founded in what really is in the
Bible before you listen to humans.</span></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-35959550119778813352014-09-07T15:20:00.027-07:002022-12-27T10:20:06.619-08:00Which Mountain?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 style="text-align: left;">
</h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a name='more'></a></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Zion or Sinai? <span style="font-size: x-small;">By Bro John Wiltse</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The question I would like to deal with today is, </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
“Are we under the laws and ordinances of the Old Testament?”</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I
hope to answer questions that are posed to us from those who teach that
we are to keep the Sabbath and other teachings of the Old Testament.</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
There
was a problem in the first century church</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We read in the fifteenth chapter of Acts, verse one; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“And certain men which came
down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, ‘Except ye be circumcised
after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.’”</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The
Apostles came together to consider this matter. After much discussion,
they came to a decision that circumcision and the keeping of The Law was
not applicable. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Verse 19 says; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Wherefore my sentence is, that we
trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:”
</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Don’t let those that teach such things today trouble you either. These
teachings put you under bondage.</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
The Apostles Conclusion</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b> “That ye abstain from MEATS OFFERED TO IDOLS,
and from BLOOD, and from THINGS STRANGLED, and from FORNICATION: from
which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."</b> (Acts15:29)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The apostles didn't require the new believers to keep any other parts of the Law.</span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
<b> </b></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Let’s look at some other scriptures.</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Colossians 2:10-22 “And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">11
“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without
hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the
circumcision of Christ: <b><i>(It's the circumcision of Christ's Salvation that is required, not the one done with hands and a knife.)</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">12 “Buried with Him in baptism,
wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation
of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">13 “And you,
being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He
quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">14
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances<b> [<i>The Law</i>]</b> that was against
us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to
His cross;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">15 “And having spoiled principalities and
powers, He made a show of them <b>[<i>The Laws</i>]</b> openly, triumphing over them in
it <b>[<i>His crucifixion</i>]</b>.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">16 “Let no man therefore judge
you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new
moon, or of the Sabbath days:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">17 “Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body<b> [<i>substance, true message</i>]</b> is of Christ.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">(Why would we still need the shadow if we have the real thing?)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">18
“Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not
seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">19 “And not
holding the Head <b>[Jesus]</b>, from which all the body by joints and bands having
nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase
of God.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">20 “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from
the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye
subject to ordinances,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">21 “(Touch not; taste not; handle not; THE ORDINANCES<b> [<i>These ordinances are the mosaic law.]</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">22 “Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Some more scriptures on this subject.</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Galatians
4:21-26</b> “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for
if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily
righteousness should have been by the law. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>[<i>Righteousness comes from
faith in Jesus Christ, not The Law].</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">22 “But the
scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of
Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">23 “But before faith came, we were kept under The Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">24 “Wherefore The Law was our schoolmaster <i>(more properly interpreted as "Guard". A "SchoolMaster" was a slave assigned to make sure a child got to his teachers.) </i>to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">25 “But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.<i> <b>[We are no longer under the Law]</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">26 “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Galatians 5:4</b> “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by The Law; <b><span style="font-size: small;">ye are fallen from grace.”</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Romans 13:8</b> “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for <b><span style="font-size: small;">he that loveth another hath fulfilled The Law.”</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Galatians 5:14</b> “For all The Law is fulfilled in one word, <b>[even]</b> in this; ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Matt. 5:17</b> “Think not that I am come to destroy The Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”<i> ("The Law says 'If you sin you die.' We sin so we are under the condemnation of the Law. If Jesus had destroyed the Law there would no longer be any such thing as sin. He didn't destroy it. Jesus died for us, completing the cycle." -Bro Andy Tracy)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Luke
16:16</b> “The Law and the prophets were until John: since that time the
kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We
need to look at what it means to “fulfill the law.” To understand this
passage of scripture, we need to know what the word FULFILL means. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In Greek it was written in the word is PLEROO. The meaning of this word is;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">1) To make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> To cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i> I abound, I am liberally supplied</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">2) To render full, i.e. to complete</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> To fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> To consummate: a number</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">3) To make complete in every particular, to render perfect</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">4) To carry through to the end, to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking)</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> To carry into effect, bring to realization, realize</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">5) Of matters of duty: to perform, execute</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">6) Of sayings, promises, prophecies, to bring to pass, ratify, accomplish</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">7)
To fulfill, i.e. to cause God's will (as made known in the law) to be
obeyed as it should be, and God's promises (given through the prophets)
to receive fulfillment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Jesus said that the temple in
Jerusalem would be completely destroyed. In the year 70 <span style="font-size: 10.6px;">A.D</span>. this
prophecy was FULFILLED. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When Jesus died on the cross, He fulfilled the
purpose of The Law. We are no longer under the schoolmaster.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Hebrews 10:9</b> “Then said He, ‘Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.’ He taketh away the first that He may establish the second.”</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
How about the Ten Commandments?</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Do we live by them today? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The answer to
that question is NO. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Ten Commandments are a part of the old law.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Does the scripture separate the Ten Commandments from the rest of the Mosaic Law? </span></h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
</h4>
<span style="color: #444444;">I don’t know of ANY scripture that makes that separation. God
gave it all.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Ten Commandments were given to Israel
for the purpose of bringing righteousness. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">They serve the purpose today
of identifying what righteousness is. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Do we need this righteousness
today? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">YES WE DO!</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
The New Testament Application </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Ten Commandments are from Exodus 20:3-17:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">1) verse 3.<b>Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. </b>In the following scripture, the apostle Paul corrects the men of Lystra for honoring him and Barnabas as Gods.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Acts 14:11-15 "And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their
voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us
in the likeness of men.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">13
Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen
and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the
people.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">15
And saying, “Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like
passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should <span style="font-size: 20.6px;">turn from these
vanities unto the living God,</span> which made heaven, and earth, and the sea,
and all things that are therein:”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">2) verse <span style="font-weight: normal;">4.</span><b> Thou shalt
not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that
is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the
water under the earth.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>5.Thou shalt not bow down thyself to
them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth
generation of them that hate me;</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>6. And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">1John 5:21 says.“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." </span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">John made sure the new converts understood that this Law was still in affect.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">3) <b>verse 7. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain;</b> <b>for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">James 5:12
12 “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven,
neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be
yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Again James made sure everyone understood that this law was still valid.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">4) <b>verse 8. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>10.
But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou
shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that
is within thy gates:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>11. For in six days the LORD made
heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the
seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed
it.</b></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Commandment #4 is for the benefit of man. It is a
day of REST. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">This day was never designated as a day of worship except
where Festivals were concerned. There were weekly Sabbaths and Festival
days that were called Sabbaths or High Days (John19:31). </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">This
commandment is the same as the rest of The Law. It was our schoolmaster
that was to bring us to Christ. There isn’t any place in scripture after The Cross that instructs us to keep the Sabbath.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Hebrews4:4</b> “For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, ‘And God did rest the seventh day from all His works.’</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">5 And in this place again, ‘If they shall enter into My rest.’</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">6
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to
whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">7
Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, “To day, after so
long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not
your hearts.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">10 For he that is entered into <b>His rest, </b>he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Our
rest is in Jesus, not in our own works. We walk by faith, not by
works.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Isaiah28:11-12 11 “For with stammering lips and another tongue
will He speak to this people.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">12
To whom He said, <span style="font-size: 20.6px;">‘This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to
rest; and this is the refreshing:’</span> yet they would not hear.”</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">The rest we have in Christ includes the Gift of Tongues.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">5) <b>verse 12 Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. </b><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Ephesians 6:11 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">6) <b>verse</b> <b>13 Thou shalt not kill (murder).</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">1 John 3:15 15 “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">In the New Testament, we are not only commanded to abstain from murder, but from hate! God raised the standard for the New Covenant!</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">7) <b>verse</b> <b>14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Matthew
5:28 “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust
after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Jesus again raised the bar. Not only can we not commit adultery, we cant even lust!</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">8)<b> verse 15 Thou shalt not steal.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Ephesians 4:28
“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working
with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him
that needeth.”</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Even without the Ten Commandments, we still aren't allowed to steal.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">9)<b> verse 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Colossians 3:9-10
9 “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with
his deeds;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">10 “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in
knowledge after the image of him that created him:”</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">The 9th commandment is really just talking about giving court testimonies. Paul extends it to lying in general; again, a stricter standard than The Ten Commandments.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">10) <b>verse 17 Thou shalt not covet</b>
<b>thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his
manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing
that is thy neighbor’s.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Ephesians 5:3 “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.”</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
The Greatest Commandment</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Matthew 22:36-40 “Master, which is the great commandment in The Law?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">37 Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">38 “This is the first and great commandment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">39 “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">40 “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Those who lived before The Cross lived under the shadow of DEATH.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There
was no remission of sins available until Jesus shed his blood on that
old cross. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Those that lived back then were under sin until Jesus shed
his blood. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The blood covered their sins retroactively. They looked forward
to that time and we look back to it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Law and the prophets were for
the purpose of bringing them to The Cross. The Law and the prophets have
served their purpose. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We are now under grace.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Galatians 3:23</b> “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Luke 1:76-79
</b> “And thou, child <b><i>[John the Baptist]</i></b>, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou
shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">77 To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, <i>(His people had been hearing the Law all their lives, yet still didn't know salvation. - Sis Betty Tracy)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the SHADOW of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Matthew
7:12</b> “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to
you, do ye even so to them: for <span style="font-size: 20.6px;">this<u> is</u> the law and the prophets.”</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Colossians 2:17</b> “Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Hebrews
8:5</b> “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses
was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for,
‘See,’ saith He, <b>‘[that]</b> thou make all things according to the pattern
shewed to thee in the mount.’”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Hebrews 10:1</b> ”For the law
having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the
things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year
continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The Law
cannot make us perfect. If any laws, could, the Mosaic Law would do it,
but it can’t. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The Law was to teach us what righteousness is; to show us
that we CAN’T please God in our own strength. Christ fulfilled the Law.
He completed it. He paid the sacrifice for our sins, our failure to
keep The Law.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Today, if we insist on keeping The Law,
we are saying that Christ’s sacrifice was not enough. It was not
sufficient. He needs our help to get us into heaven.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Galatians 5:4</b> “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by The Law; ye are fallen from grace.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We are, however, commanded to live a righteous life as stated by Jesus:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 20.6px;"><b>“Love
God with everything you’ve got and Love you neighbor as yourself.”</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">If
we do this, (not if we follow a bunch of rules from ANY source,) we
please God.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Choose which mountain you will put your faith in: Mount Sinai’s mountain of ordinances or Mount Calvary’s mountain of Love.</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-29897573150354792892014-09-06T14:56:00.003-07:002021-10-02T15:32:35.126-07:00Authorship of the Book of John<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Book of Matthew is believed to be written by Matthew himself, one of the best
educated of Jesus 12 apostles.</span></div>
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<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">The
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by Peter, plus the book of Matthew.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">The
Book of Luke is believed to be written by Dr. Luke from the stories told him by
various believers, especially Paul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">The
Book of John is believed to be written by Jesus’ disciple John, but nowhere in
the book does it say the author’s name is John. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a title that came to be in the second
century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the church fathers of
the time called it “the gospel according to John” or “John’s Gospel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strongest evidence for this name comes
from Irenaeus, the student of Polycarp who was the student of John. He directly
stated that John was the one who leaned on Jesus during the last supper and was
the one Jesus Loved. However, Irenaeus is notorious for getting names and dates
wrong and simply is not a reliable witness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">There
is no place in scriptures that says John was Jesus best friend. In
fact, Jesus had more than 12 disciples. At one point He sent 70 out to
minister. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 11:5: Jesus loved
Martha and her sister (Mary) and Lazarus. </span></b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 11:3: So the
sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love (Lazarus) is
sick." </span></b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John 11:36: Then
the Jews said, "See how he loved him (Lazarus)!" </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">John
is the only book that mentions either Lazarus or “the disciple whom Jesus
loved.” The others don’t even mention Lazarus’ death or resurrection, the event
that evidently led to the Crucifixion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">The
Transfiguration is recorded in the other three gospels but not in John. Why?
John was at the Transfiguration, why wouldn’t he record it? Maybe the author
wasn’t at the event and didn’t really know enough about it to be a witness?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Disciple
who He loved reclined on him during last supper.</b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">Were only the 12 at that
supper? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt;">John 18:15-16: Simon Peter and <u>another disciple</u> were
following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with
Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the
door. <u>The other disciple, </u>who was known to the high priest, came back,
spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. </span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">Lazarus
(who lived in a suburb of Jerusalem) was well known by the Pharisees. They came
to mourn him when he died, before Jesus raised him from the dead. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">There
is no indication that the High Priest knew John in any way. As a professional
fisherman from Galilee, it isn’t really likely. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt;">John 19:25-27: Near the cross of
Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary
Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and <u>the disciple whom he loved</u>
standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your
son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time
on, this disciple took her into his home. </span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt;">John,
we know, was among those eventually scattered. Lazarus we think was pretty
stable in his home life and a better choice to care for Mary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then the <span style="color: blue;">“other disciple” </span>goes inside the
tomb and it is recorded, <span style="color: blue;">“He saw and believed”</span> <span style="color: blue;">(John 20:8). </span> At some point later,</span><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Mark records that Jesus appeared
to the eleven and scolded them for not believing He had risen from the dead.</span><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Mark 16:14: Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked
them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who
had seen him after he had risen.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
It is recorded in John 20 that the <span style="color: blue;">“other disciple”</span>
believed after having entered the tomb and finding it empty. Sometime
afterwards, Jesus is seen as scolding the eleven for their
unbelief. The eleven would have included John. Eleven
Apostles remained after Judas killed himself shortly after his betrayal of
Jesus.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt;">John 21:<a href="http://biblehub.com/john/21-1.htm"><span color="windowtext" style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1</span></a>Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea
of Galilee. It happened this way: <a href="http://biblehub.com/john/21-2.htm"><span color="windowtext" style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">2</span></a> Simon
Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus<a href="http://biblehub.com/niv/john/21.htm#footnotes" title="Thomas (Aramaic) and Didymus (Greek) both mean twin."><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">b</span></a>
), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples
were together. <a href="http://biblehub.com/john/21-3.htm"><span color="windowtext" style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">3</span></a> “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they
said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that
night they caught nothing….7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter,
“It is the Lord!”</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">During the fishing trip, it is
generally assumed it is John who is the one who tells Peter it is the Lord standing
on the shore and, therefore, John must be <span style="color: blue;">“the
disciple whom Jesus loved.” </span>However, there is nothing in this
account that identifies John as this disciple. John has already been
implicitly identified by name in that the sons of Zebedee are named as being
part of the fishing group. In view of this, it would appear reasonable to
expect that if John is the one who tells Peter <span style="color: blue;">“it is
the Lord,”</span> John would have been identified by name as the person who
said this to Peter. Yet the writer identifies this person as <span style="color: blue;">“the disciple whom Jesus loved.”</span> May it be more
reasonable to conclude that <span style="color: blue;">“the disciple whom Jesus
loved”</span> is one of the two unnamed disciples (not necessarily limited to
the 12) who were in the boat and not John, the son of Zebedee?</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Of course, Lazarus was from
Bethany and they were all in Galilee. What was he doing so far from home? Could
he have been just on vacation with them?</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt;">John 21:20-24: Peter turned and saw that <u>the disciple whom Jesus
loved</u> was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against
Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray
you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about
him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return,
what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, the rumor
spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not
say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive
until I return, what is that to you?" <u>This is the disciple who
testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony
is true.</u></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Some believe this is evidence “<span style="color: blue;">the disciple whom Jesus loved”</span> is Lazarus. It is
argued that because Lazarus had already died once, it came to be believed that
he would not die again. Therefore, it must be Lazarus who Peter was
asking about and it is Lazarus who the brothers concluded would not die.
It’s pointed out that there is no Scriptural reason to conclude the disciples
would single out John as a disciple who would not die.</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The disciples believed that
Christ would return in their lifetimes or shortly after.</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Why does Peter have an interest
in what is going to happen to this disciple? Why is Peter questioning
Jesus about this disciple as opposed to any of the other disciples present at
the time? Some believe Peter, after being told how he would die, wanted
to know what was in store for a disciple who had already died once and was
resurrected. Peter may have been wondering what was to happen to him
after his own death.”</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The fourth Gospel identifies <span style="color: blue;">“the disciple whom Jesus loved”</span> as its author or at
least the source for the information presented in this Gospel.</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The strongest evidenced in favor of John being the author the testimony
of the early Church Fathers. These men, without apparent exception, see a
person named John as the author of the fourth Gospel. </span><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If indeed
the fourth Gospel was written by someone other than the provider of the
testimony of what was written, though, why did this writer attribute such
testimony to <span style="color: blue;">“the disciple whom Jesus loved.”</span>
Why not simply name the person who provided the testimony? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s been
suggested by those who believe Apostle John wrote the fourth Gospel that he did
not use his name out of a sense of humility. However, it would not appear
to be a sign of humility to single yourself out as <span style="color: blue;">“the
disciple whom Jesus loved.”</span> Furthermore, most believe Apostle John
wrote the Revelation. In the Revelation the author is identified as being
John five times. Was John being less humble in the writing the Revelation
than he was in writing his Gospel? It’s to be noted that the three other
Gospel writers mention John’s name twenty times but never as <span style="color: blue;">“the disciple whom Jesus loved.”</span> The humility
argument in support of John’s authorship appears to be without merit. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Those who
believe Lazarus provided the written testimony used to produce the fourth
Gospel believe Lazarus didn’t want his name used because he felt it would
distract from his focus on Jesus. While Jesus had become popular and had
garnered a significant following, it is apparent from Scriptures we have
already cited that Lazarus had become a celebrity in his own right as a consequence
of the many witnesses to his resurrection. Therefore, it is believed Lazarus
did not want his named used as the source of his testimony pertaining to
Jesus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While it
is true that there are editorial comments in the fourth Gospel that show that
the purpose of its author was to focus on what Jesus did and accomplished, it
seems odd that the author of this Gospel would hide his identity behind a
pseudo name such as <span style="color: blue;">“the disciple whom Jesus loved.”</span>
It is obvious from the Gospel of John that the other disciples of Jesus knew
who this disciple was. His name wasn’t <span style="color: blue;">“the
disciple whom Jesus loved.”</span> He had a name.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
discussed above, it would have been the height of vanity for this disciple to
refer to himself as <span style="color: blue;">“the disciple whom Jesus loved.”</span>
This strongly indicates an editor was involved in writing the fourth Gospel and
it was this editor who designated the one who provided the material for this
Gospel <span style="color: blue;">as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is some historical evidence that a man named John the Presbyter,
also known as John the Elder, may have been the one who wrote the fourth Gospel
and that is why the Church Fathers believe it was a John who authored this
Gospel. Some believe John the Elder took written material presented by
Lazarus and, along with his own editorial notes, formatted the fourth Gospel.
However, there is no sound evidence to support this conclusion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-31476391145588236332014-08-10T18:13:00.004-07:002022-12-27T10:53:03.734-08:00Examine Yourselves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Last
week, I jokingly asked a health club acquaintance whether he would
change his mind about his choice for president if presented with
sufficient facts that contradicted his present beliefs. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">He responded
with utter confidence. "Absolutely not," he said.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"No new facts will
change my mind because I know that these facts are correct." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I was
floored. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In his brief rebuttal, he blindly demonstrated overconfidence
in his own ideas and the inability to consider how new facts might alter
a presently cherished opinion. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Worse, he seemed unaware of how
irrational his response might appear to others. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It's clear, I thought,
that carefully constructed arguments and presentation of irrefutable
evidence will not change this man's mind.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">We are Emotional Creatures</h2>
<div class="ReminderBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="color: #444444;">
"Let's make sure that there is certainty during uncertain times."<br />September 22, 2008 George Bush </span></h4>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Each one of
us is created by God to be a creature of some emotion. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We have a heart
and we have a very powerful "feelings department" within our soul or
psyche. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Those feelings are not particularly subject to reason. That is a
well known fact.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The fact is, we are not entirely
rational in what we believe. Our "feelings" play a very big part in what
we decide is "true"- true for us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">In other words, it is like we
believe in something we might call "my truth". </span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">What about "my truth"?</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Well, this is something "I like," and "it works for me".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Our heart
is often cross wired with our rational mind. And so our mind is loaded
with presuppositions we have not checked for accuracy. They are
what we believe are Biblically well established facts. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">But they are not.
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">They are our notions, really just our own fondly held, and often false,
presuppositions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">This is why the process of deciding what we believe can play tricks on us. We don't want to "hear" some
hard truths. Nor do we want to "see" some things. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We might think we have
all the issues in alignment with God, and our beliefs are consistent
with God's Word. But there are Pied Pipers out there, and we have been
paying them to play our tune. So what they tell us is often what we
"want to hear".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Of course seeker-friendly religious
salesmen are just like other salesmen. They are close by our side. They
know what we "want". And like good salesmen they are very keen to sell
us what we want to hear.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We must face the brutal truth
here. Jesus said that "where our treasure is there will our heart be
also." This is an exceedingly difficult matter for us to address.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Bible
teachers who teach a false issue are usually sound in every other way.
For the most part they are our dear evangelical brothers and sisters.
But the false issue becomes a well entrenched corporate belief. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">There is a
huge amount of false-issue traffic on the air waves. And the peer
pressure involved here is past knowing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">When we finally see the error of
this false issue then it suddenly becomes exceedingly difficult for us.
It is hard to accept that we have been entangled in error and confusion
for many years of our Christian lives. It is also very hard for us to
believe that we have been deceived...</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> by well
meaning Bible teachers.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">And by ourselves.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We
have not done our homework in the Holy Scriptures as we should. And we
are creatures of habit who live and breathe in the status quo.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">But
here are the awful questions we must face:</span></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> What if we are wrong?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> What if our judgment is off?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> What if we are still largely living on the carnal side of our
nature?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"> Does our lower nature and our ego lord over the spiritual side
of our nature?</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Our
mind is like an iceberg, with the rational part of our being just the
tip. The real workings of our mind are submerged and
hidden beneath the surface. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">So just what is going on deep down in our
subconscious mind? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Are we Holy Spirit led, Bible believing overcomers?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Or
is the fleshly side of our nature on the throne of our hearts and
calling the shots? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Could it really be possible that our carnal religious
desires can actually rise up and trump out Biblical truth? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Could this
be what is happening deep down in our heart with our belief in a false
issue?</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
These are awful things to have to consider</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Most
of us don't bother. We just drift along with the
crowd. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">It is not just our teenagers who are giving in to "peer
pressure". It seems our false opinion on an issue will not
change until the opinion of the crowd and our peers’ change.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Can it really be this bad?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Bible repeatedly alludes to human beings being like sheep.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The prophet Isaiah said,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>"All we like sheep have gone astray.We have turned every one of us, to his own way." - Isaiah 53:6</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And he was right.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The prophet Jeremiah lamented;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“And the priests rule by their own power; and my people love to have it so.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>But what will you do in the end?" - Jeremiah 5:31</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Sometimes the truth really hurts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I
know others who have had the same experience. It is a tough initiation
into the Way of the Cross. But it is a necessary one if we really want
to be "sold out" for God. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">And the Holy Spirit is with us. He is our
Comforter as well as our Guide.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Here is another
pointer;</b> It is quite normal for saints to cry out to God in their
distress. We need His covering in such times. It is even normal to cry
or even become broody or moody for a season. We can even get angry at
God for a time as we pass through these straits.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
We serve a gracious God.</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">He understands what we are going through, and has promised to lead us "in Spirit as well as in Truth". </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Shepherd of
the sheep is with us. He does not just hit us with data, or "sock it to us" with the cold facts. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">His spirit dwells in us; He is
our Comforter as well as being our Guide. He empowers us to walk in
truth. The Holy Spirit also helps us to walk in the graces of His love,
joy, and peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self control.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Now is the time for us to take a long
hard look at our attitude to Christian witness and the Bible. God has given us time
for peaceful reflection and preparation in the Holy Spirit. And that
time is now.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Now is the time</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">...to allow ourselves to be
led in quietness deeper into the heart of the Shepherd.. </span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444;">Let us get to
know His voice. (John 10:3-4) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;">A dark and cloudy day is coming. (Ezekiel34:
12) </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">True believers will need to stay very close to the Shepherd of
Israel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Let us join our Apostle Paul and affirm our faith to the end.</span></div>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">"For the which cause I also suffer these things:Nevertheless,
I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against
that day." 2Timimothy l: 12</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The highway of holiness leads onward and upward.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">We
as Christians really desire to live in truth. Each one of us needs to
examine ourselves. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The final truth we are all seeking for is found in
God's holy word. </span></div>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Look in your Bible and let it have priority over
everything else.</span></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-42761277598419073022014-08-10T18:09:00.002-07:002022-12-27T11:02:31.730-08:00Do Babies Go to Heaven?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>What happens to babies when they die? What about miscarriages? Toddlers? Do they go to hell or heaven or just cease to exist?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">First of all, life begins at conception. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">There is no other logical, scientifically valid time to declare life to begin. All other moments of “becoming human” are based on arbitrary events and human emotions. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">This means that a baby who dies, even very early in a pregnancy is every bit as much human as you and I are. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Children Belong to God </span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Ezekiel 16 “20 Moreover you have taken your sons and your daughters, whom you have born TO ME, and these have you sacrificed to them to be devoured. Is this of your prostitutions a small matter,<br /><br /> 21That you have slain MY CHILDREN, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them?”</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">This was written to a people in deep rebellion to God, yet He claimed their children as His own.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Children are Innocent, even when parents are evil.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children; neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.” Deuteronomy 24:16</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” Ezekiel 18:20</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Though we all have the nature to sin (condemning us to eventual, physical death), God does not punish us for other people's sins. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">He does not punish our babies for our sins, or even Adam’s sin. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">He will only punish a child for his own sins. In fact, all scripture that discusses Hell, talks about people being punished for their own, willful sin. (i.e. Revelation 21:8,)</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>
So the question is, what sins can an unborn child commit? How about an infant? Can a toddler sin? </i></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">Though there are many sins, they can all be summed up in James 14:17</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.”</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">A small child or a baby (born or not) does not yet know how to do good. He has not yet learned enough to know righteousness. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">He has not yet rejected God. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">In Deuteronomy 1:39, God says </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Moreover your little ones, which you said should be a prey, and your children, which in that DAY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL, they shall go in </b>(to the Promised Land) <b>thither, and to them will I give it, and they shall possess it.”</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b></b></span><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">And in speaking about gentile children in Nineveh, </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than six score thousand PERSONS THAT CANNOT DISCERN BETWEEN THEIR RIGHT HAND AND THEIR LEFT HAND; and also much cattle?”</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b></b></span><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">(120,000 people too young to even know their left from their right, much less right and wrong)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">and again, speaking of the children of pagans, </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Because the people have forsaken Me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the BLOOD OF INNOCENTS,…” Jeremiah 19:4</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We also know Jesus blessed the children and He never blessed anyone in rebellion to God.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">So children are innocent.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Yes, a small child can (and does) rebel and is selfish but, it is like the law of gravity, just part of nature.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted”. Isaiah 7:16<br /><br /> “30 And the times of this ignorance </b>(sinning such as idol worship, selfishness)<b> God winked at </b>(looked the other way, ignored)<b>; …” Acts 17:30 </b>and<br /><br /><b>“The Lord is …not willing that any should perish.” 2 Peter 3:9</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">God looks the other way when a human does not know what is right and what is wrong but when they learn right from wrong He will no longer ignore their sins. They will be punished for them. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Paul tells us:</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” Romans 1:20</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Those mature enough to see God’s handiwork in the stars and mountains, the rivers, flowers, desert cactus and the wind have no excuse to not know about God. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">But a small child does not “see” these things. He simply doesn’t understand yet.</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Examples </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">1 Kings 14:13 tells us that though, Jeroboam’s infant son would die physically as a result of his father’s sins, he would receive a noble burial and would not suffer the same punishment as those adults in the family who had sinned.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“… I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” </b>David speaking of his dead child.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">His servants were shocked he was worshiping God after he heard of his baby’s death (which was his own fault). </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">His response was that he would go to heaven to be with the child, so why not worship? </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">In contrast, when his son Absalom (who was in rebellion and not likely saved) died, David mourned inconsolably. He knew he would never see this child again.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Job wished he had been still-born. He knew what hell and heaven would contain. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">He obviously believed that if he had died at birth, he would have gone straight to heaven. (Job 3:11-13) </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>3:16 “Or why was I not as a hidden stillborn child, as infants who never see the light? <br /><br />17 There (in death/heaven) the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest. <br /><br />18 There the prisoners are at ease together; they hear not the voice of the taskmaster. <br /><br />19 The small and the great are there, and the slave is free from his master.” </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">An obvious description of heaven accompanied by the assumption that Job would already be there if he had died at birth.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Revelation 5:10 speaks of those from every tribe, nation and tongue worshiping God. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Since many tribes died out before the word of God was preached there, how could this be fulfilled if babies weren’t among those worshiping God?</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Babies are Saved </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">For these reasons, I believe that Christ’s blood covers our little ones. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“The blood of Jesus Christ … cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">His salvation extends to them. We will see our babies who die before birth or while still small in heaven; we will see them dancing with Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Except ye be converted, and become as LITTLE CHILDREN, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Only children and the child-like will enter heaven.</span><br />
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
At what age does a child become accountable? </span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">The Bible certainly doesn’t give us an age, but God only held those Israelites over the age of 20 accountable for the sins of the nation: </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“29 Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me.” Numbers 14:29</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Since Israelites counted children in their first year as “one year olds” this means God punished everyone we would call 20 and up and preserved those 19 and under.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">He also commanded a different tax for those of adult age than those in their educational years. (Leviticus 27:3)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">It appears that God considers someone old enough to take responsibility when they reach the age of (what we call) nineteen.</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
Does this mean that an eighteen year old who dies goes to heaven? </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">I am confident that the unborn to small children who die are in the arms of God. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">It is possible that He holds each person accountable when they reach the age to understand right from wrong, which would range from four to nineteen, depending on the person. I don't know.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Some children between 4 and 19 act in horrible, evil ways. But when does God hold them accountable for those actions? I don't know. <br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">I do know He honors prayers and vows made by knowledgeable children (I promised to serve Him for the rest of my life at four and know He accepted that promise. He granted my heart’s plea at twelve and has brought it to pass.) </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Or He may not hold anyone accountable until nineteen. I have observed (and experienced) a time of testing to twenty-year-olds, as if God is asking them for an adult commitment. Could He "wink at" unholy actions before this time? Maybe.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
This I do know: </span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">God is love</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">God is mercy</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">God is justice.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” <br /><br />2 Timothy 2:19</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-47201807096958465142014-08-10T18:08:00.003-07:002022-12-27T11:09:58.507-08:00Why You Shouldn't Get an Abortion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 25.4px;"><a name='more'></a>Abortion Increases Your Risk of Cancer</span></span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Women who get an abortion between the ages of 18 and 30 have twice
the risk of breast cancer than women who never have an abortion. Women
who get one before 18 have 100% more risk.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">When a woman becomes
pregnant, her breasts immediately begin to change in order to nurse a
baby. That change isn't finished until the baby is born. An abortion
stops the breasts in mid-change and they don't know what to do with the
partly changed cells. They often become cancerous. These findings were made by
PRO-abortion doctors.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Miscarriages don't cause these
same problems because miscarriage is generally caused by too-low hormone
levels. Without sufficient hormones, the breasts don't start the change
towards breastfeeding in the first place.</span><br />
<h2>Abortion Increases Your Risk of PTSD</h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">Women who have abortions suffer
from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome more often than Vietnam vets do.
This is true even if the woman's family wholeheartedly supported her
decision. Some report hearing the baby crying in pain for the rest of
their lives.</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Abortion Increases Your Risk of Future Infertility</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">Women who have had abortions suffer from
infertility 7-25% more often than women who haven't.</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEju7Zlwn0FNQ5SpqIPn1hPC_SVpG9gWCmEhFKKmRMXqMujP0l5Dfxh1r5dBiBZke-cpm03AzftLFqm2sDrlCL7bID2YiLrqGY44jdV3FT-FzXMltc51-g2L7eGxSsFKvYaMkfhku_6tJDKE9cH4W4m7nfk=" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>They also have
serial miscarriages more often (twice to ten times as often). </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">They are
in greater danger of uterine rupture and abnormal hemorrhage if they do
carry a baby to term.</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Abortion is a Unnatural, Dangerous Procedure</h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">One slip of the doctor's hand and
you are dead. This happens .5-1% of the time. Hemorrhage bad enough to
need transfusions happens 2-5% of the time. Infection from mild to fatal
happens 25% of the time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">The natural course for a human body that
conceives a baby is for that pregnancy to continue until birth.
Abortion disrupts this natural process.</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span>Someone Needs Your Baby</h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">There is a good chance you need this baby and just don't know it yet.
Many an "unwanted child" becomes the Light of his Mamma's life once she
can hold him and look into his eyes. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">But also...</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">There
are millions of couples waiting to adopt babies, even handicapped
babies. Before abortion was legalized the waiting list for a government
adoption was two years. Now it is seven years and many of those that
qualified for the list forty-five years ago, are now weeded off.<br /></span><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">EVERY
baby is wanted by somebody.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">If you have been raped, instead of putting
yourself through the traumas of an abortion, carry the baby to term and
give it as a gift to a childless couple. This would make something
beautiful and Holy and loving come out of your nightmare. It would turn
your temporal pain into something Eternal and triumphant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Actually, few
women who are raped get abortions. They see that as just another trauma
added onto the first, another way for the man to win and rob her of
something; that part of herself that goes into the baby. Many find that the baby brings healing to their lives, whether they raise it themselves or give it up for adoption.</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Handicapped People Have the Right to Life, Too</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">If
you were handicapped, would you have wanted your parents to abort you?
Some of the most precious people in the world are handicapped. Parents
of handicapped children often tell of how these special children bring
the biggest blessings to their lives through their unconditional love.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">It is an evil society that approves of killing people just because they aren't perfect.</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; text-align: left;">Fetus is Latin for Offspring</span></h2>
<div class="ImageBlock ImageBlockLeft"><u style="color: #444444;">After Conception:</u></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Day 1</b> – fertilization: all human chromosomes are present; a unique human life begins.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>21
days</b> (three weeks) after conception (about a week after the due date of
the first missed period) the Offspring's heart has an independent beat
with the child's own blood, often a different type than the mother's.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">By <b>day 35</b> (five weeks) brain, bone marrow and nervous system are in place.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">By
<b>42 days</b> (six weeks), the skeleton is complete and the buds of the milk
teeth appear. Brain waves are detectable; mouth, lips present;
fingernails are forming. The digestive tract is in formation.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">By<b>
day 49</b> (seven weeks) the muscles and nerves function. The baby now has
reflexes, so he can move spontaneously. Eyelids and toes form; the nose
is distinct, baby is kicking and swimming. The thorax and abdomen are
entirely formed. The mouth can be opened and the eyes can be seen.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">By <b>day 56</b> (week eight) fingerprints begin to form.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">By
<b>day 63</b> (week nine), all of the vital organs are in place: heart, lungs,
brain, intestines. He can grasp an object placed in his palm and can
make a fist. Baby can turn his head and frown.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>Week 12 </b>–
He responds to light, sound, cold and pain. All of the parts necessary
to experience pain, including the nerves, spinal cord and thalamus are
present and films made of babies during abortions show them trying to
run away from the knife and screaming.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
Abortion Exploits Women</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">Abortionists get paid three
times for their work; Once by the woman. Once by my tax dollars. And a
third time by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies when they buy
the body parts to put in their products. Ever hear of "Alpha Feta
Protein"…..? </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">These doctors are making money off of trauma in a woman's
life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Planned Parenthood, the biggest abortion provider in the
world, a multi-million dollar company that makes it's profit (yes, profit.) off of
killing babies and putting women at risk. Ex Employees have admitted
that the clinics often give out low dose, ineffective birth control pills
in order to insure the woman will need an abortion in a few months.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3Dal0opeSnQ" width="420"></iframe> </span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
It Is a Human Being</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">Did you know that abortion was legal in the
1800's? Everyone believed that the Offspring was not alive until the
mother felt movement, so there were few who had a moral problem with
"ending the pregnancy" before then. Then someone invented the x-ray
machine and, low and behold! Baby is alive and kicking long before
movement is felt! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">That is when abortion was outlawed; when it became
obvious to everyone that the Offspring was a living human being.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">With the invention of sonograms it has become even more apparent that Baby is human from the very start. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Baby's First Picture is now often at 20 weeks gestation! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We can watch Baby suck his thumb, play with the umbilical cord, and have the hiccups. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">He is in every way a human Baby. Just very, very tiny.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">
Legal Abortion is Inconsistent and Illogical</span></h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">Today,
if I am five months pregnant and go into early labor the doctors will
work their hearts out to save my "baby." Many are saved and grow up to
lead perfectly normal lives. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">But if I am five months pregnant and decide
to have an abortion, now it is just a "lump of inert flesh, a tumor."
</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">This is unscientific at best.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Personhood is hanging on the whim of
a hormonally
challenged woman (and before anyone writes accusing me of being a
male-chauvinist pig, I am a woman who has had 14 pregnancies ending in
nine full term births and five miscarriages. I know from personal
experience what I am talking about when I talk about pregnancy
hormones!)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">If I am pregnant and a robber breaks into my
home and beats me up and kills me, he will be tried on two counts of
murder; one for me and one for my baby. If I hire a doctor to do an
abortion, it is somehow magically now not a person. Illogical.</span><br />
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Question:
If we must do everything in our power to save the rain forests because
one of those trees may have the chemicals needed to cure cancer, why
don't we do everything possible to save every baby? The one being
aborted right this minute may be the one that has the exact
neuro-pathways necessary to find that cure for cancer.</span></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #444444;"> </span>Why You Should Have an Abortion</h2>
<span style="color: #444444;">A baby would be inconvenient right now.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">This
is exactly what Susan Smith said when she strapped her two and four
year old boys into car seats and pushed the car into a lake. What is the
difference? Just the age of the Offspring. All she did was perform a
post-natal abortion.</span><br />
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE!</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">If you are pregnant, please go to your local Crisis pregnancy center
or church. They will be able to help you in any way you need it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Your baby deserves a chance at life. He deserves to live. He deserves to meet his mommy face-to-face.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">Please give him that chance. You won't regret it.</span><br />
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #444444;">If you have had an abortion, take heart! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">God forgives. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">God Heals.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">You can get help for the after affects of an abortion or an unwanted pregnancy. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Contact our local <a href="http://communitypregnancycenter.com/" target="_blank">pregnancy center.</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">or us.</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;">We will pray with you and do what we can to get you help.</span></div><div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div><div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #444444;">Please watch this video.<br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7y2KsU_dhwI" width="560"></iframe></span>
</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b>“31 When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b> 32 And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b> 33 And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b> 34 Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b>Matthew 25:31-34</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span>
We all know we want to be sheep, </span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span>But How do we know the difference?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, at first it seems pretty simple. They look very different. Tell me, which one is the sheep?</span></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLdps0zSVAUzjIhNCyijMybNgVLW_hcbSNxTlWd7UMCzyga0_e7sAmIk8R7Is36GpYQrQcP72Cn3cc2i62GRYaE642E-HU1Dm6MUnHvAkyv1knzzZI469N7M6GnhPCN1s_SG0YlAP4j_s/s275/sheep+sheep.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLdps0zSVAUzjIhNCyijMybNgVLW_hcbSNxTlWd7UMCzyga0_e7sAmIk8R7Is36GpYQrQcP72Cn3cc2i62GRYaE642E-HU1Dm6MUnHvAkyv1knzzZI469N7M6GnhPCN1s_SG0YlAP4j_s/w200-h133/sheep+sheep.jpg" width="200" /></span></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VVntu6r8Asf53nlfvE8GA9i6zG_nGTcSSpt5tM67ay8fDOHfDxlGw9rFMv9nAu-nk7VQjJEvOkGQTNvUmR2cA6fqVkUOzIFGNzfUGSR2G2xa31nOZZCxBmTJNgafdSYN9m1F7mTdksXP/s311/goat+goat.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VVntu6r8Asf53nlfvE8GA9i6zG_nGTcSSpt5tM67ay8fDOHfDxlGw9rFMv9nAu-nk7VQjJEvOkGQTNvUmR2cA6fqVkUOzIFGNzfUGSR2G2xa31nOZZCxBmTJNgafdSYN9m1F7mTdksXP/w200-h104/goat+goat.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">But it isn’t really as simple as it seems. Which one is the sheep now?</span></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOVxJ1qVa4GdV-KWZPIaM1FNJFjukTYgPkYqxer8_v5uV-P3U2Mv4D2wyLa8xlWzcIVqWR5jdCNOYRiz_uVy7yEQKsJ_4zjdkpTkYjgQauW7aSFdxLFtJDVEFUiyIzwPadqi5m75iNKOy/s243/jacob+sheep.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="207" data-original-width="243" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOVxJ1qVa4GdV-KWZPIaM1FNJFjukTYgPkYqxer8_v5uV-P3U2Mv4D2wyLa8xlWzcIVqWR5jdCNOYRiz_uVy7yEQKsJ_4zjdkpTkYjgQauW7aSFdxLFtJDVEFUiyIzwPadqi5m75iNKOy/w200-h170/jacob+sheep.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLFvKzpK3KYWl99y8WA5HCxg8JJyxH3zC_ok0xYHGKTW3eUXYIUspzGhMu4DAQiDihMmgdwLCWwMs1e5eeb91tqYv50hlbKMIE-zdYOkVNNm9CnUolFPF0uwoS47n5B48-3RSescBI6XG/s254/angora.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="254" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLFvKzpK3KYWl99y8WA5HCxg8JJyxH3zC_ok0xYHGKTW3eUXYIUspzGhMu4DAQiDihMmgdwLCWwMs1e5eeb91tqYv50hlbKMIE-zdYOkVNNm9CnUolFPF0uwoS47n5B48-3RSescBI6XG/w200-h156/angora.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>(The sheep comes first in both sets)</span></div></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">So what is the difference?</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Sheep and goats eat different diets.</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sheep eat grass and a few select herbs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">Goats will nibble on grass and herbs and weeds and trees and paper.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;">I
recently read a story to my children about a goat that was very ill. She
was obviously dying. When the vet examined her, he discovered the
problem was she had eaten her owner's underwear! (He was able to successfully treat her)</div></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">Spiritual
sheep graze on the pure word of God and a few select books, websites
and sermons. They are very careful to take in those things that will
enhance their understanding of God, not interfere with it. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">"Goats" will
"eat" any ole thing.</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Goat horns are sharp and pointed.</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pm1IdCjF2SWJ2KMmAx1x3m4ny1tnf8vaF4aMc-FbOXzj7CZSjMWuhf70EMhukk-kTSOyHY60PUxiASTp4nwKMLlKpyM1Op90MSaG1WE8U4WkAf2WgDInO1J2z-7K66G7bwfCnHTp7CNL/s271/sheep+horns.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pm1IdCjF2SWJ2KMmAx1x3m4ny1tnf8vaF4aMc-FbOXzj7CZSjMWuhf70EMhukk-kTSOyHY60PUxiASTp4nwKMLlKpyM1Op90MSaG1WE8U4WkAf2WgDInO1J2z-7K66G7bwfCnHTp7CNL/s0/sheep+horns.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk7UmT0YRhlLFtSs1QO1EmxwPIes2TSVVAqYAeGvjP8ZTSqYzDjvKQp2hoz9tFzObFZKmeOT3p7pPZk927qlQIYwcTXLOY5UYWQcX8OCDXbGah0m0TYP-wrdG_dG1T_OIsUDtQQpswT1O/s275/goat+horns.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk7UmT0YRhlLFtSs1QO1EmxwPIes2TSVVAqYAeGvjP8ZTSqYzDjvKQp2hoz9tFzObFZKmeOT3p7pPZk927qlQIYwcTXLOY5UYWQcX8OCDXbGah0m0TYP-wrdG_dG1T_OIsUDtQQpswT1O/s0/goat+horns.jpg" /></span></a>
<span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.6px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></span></div>It takes two "horn" genes to produce
horns, but a goat that doesn’t have at least one gene will die. This
means that at least half of all goats have horns. Owners will usually
cut them off when they are babies, but the genes are there.</span></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span>
And those horns are dangerous. </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">I read about a family that went out one morning and
found their goat pen full of hair and blood. They carefully examined
each of their animals and didn’t find even a scratch. Whatever had come
into the goat pen during the night had left a whole lot less healthy
than it had come in.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
<span><span>Sheep horns generally curl around their heads. They can hurt, but it is very difficult for them to kill. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;">(Note: if you look carefully at the sheep that looks like a goat at the top of the page, he has four horns. Two curl around his head like normal, but there isn't enough space on his head for the other two to curl. This is a Jacob Sheep, which is a special breed that can come with 2-6 horns). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">Spiritual
sheep can unintentionally cause damage, but seldom kill. Spiritual
goats will lead others away from God and will promote doctrines that can
kill.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Sheep will not try fences.</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">They are more likely to be content with what they have.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
<span><span>Goats
are difficult animals to keep in. They will go under or over or through
most any fence, unless of course they decide to just open the gate. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
<span><span>Spiritual
goats are always trying the boundaries; always trying to see how close
to the edge they can get. They are not content with the boundaries
placed by God in their lives.</span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span><br />The biggest difference between sheep and goats, however...</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;">... is how they mother. </span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">Goats
have many babies (2-5) at a time. They leave them for long periods of
time coming back only to nurse a couple of times a day. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
<span><span>Sheep have 1-3 babies at a time. They keep their babies by their side at all times, nursing them frequently. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
<span><span>A
momma goat will fight a predator, and if she has horns may just win. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
<span><span>But
if it comes to a choice between her baby and her own life, she will run
away; abandon her kids.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
<span><span>A momma sheep isn’t much of a threat to any predator, but she will stand and fight to the death to protect her baby.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">Human
mommies should care for their own babies like sheep. God designed us to
have 1-2 babies and to nurse frequently, like sheep, so that we have to
be with our children. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
<span><span>Our babies need us. It is not natural to treat
them like goats and run off doing our own thing while the babysitter
raises them.</span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">But that isn’t my point today.</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">We
should be spiritual sheep when caring for our spiritual lambs. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">We
should “mother” our new converts like sheep. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">We should become a part of
their lives, helping them to learn to “eat” the pure Word of God. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">We
need to teach them the dangers of “eating” the wrong things and trying
the boundaries. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">We should defend them from Satan to the death.</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">How does this look? Jesus tells us:</h2>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span> “<b>35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: </b></span></span><br />
<span><span><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span><b><span>36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. </span></b></span></span><br />
<span><span><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span><b><span>37
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, "Lord, when saw we thee an
hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? </span></b></span></span><br />
<span><span><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span><b><span>38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? </span></b></span></span><br />
<span><span><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span><b><span>39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?”</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span><br />They didn’t even remember ministering to Jesus. </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><b>
</b></span></div>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;">
<span><b><span><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> “40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me.” </span></b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><b>
<span> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span><span style="font-family: arial;">When
we feed someone, cloth someone, fix their skinned knee, change their
dirty diaper, it is counted to us in heaven as if we did it for Jesus
Himself. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
<span><span>That changes the whole perspective of caring for our babies,
doesn’t it?</span></span><br />
<span><span> </span><b><br />
</b></span></span></div>
<div class="CalloutBox" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><b><span><b><span>“41
Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: </span></b></span></b></span><br />
<span><b><span> <b> </b></span></b></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><b><span><b><span>42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: </span></b></span></b></span><br />
<span><b><span><b> </b></span></b></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><b><span><b><span>43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. </span></b></span></b></span><br />
<span><b><span><b> </b></span></b></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><b><span><b><span>44
Then shall they also answer him, saying, "Lord, when saw we thee an
hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and
did not minister unto thee?"</span></b></span></b></span><br />
<span><b><span> <b> </b></span></b></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><b><span><b><span>45
Then shall he answer them, saying, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as
ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."</span></b></span></b></span><br />
<span><b><span> <b> </b></span></b></span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><b><span><b><span>46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.</span></b></span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><b>
</b></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
<b>
<span> </span></b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span>
</span><h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span>
Now there are some bad things about sheep. <b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15.6px;"> </span></b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span>They are ridiculously stubborn, stupid and curious, a deadly combination to be sure. And in a mixed herd, they will follow the goats to places the goat can handle fine but the clumsier sheep can’t. </span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>They will also eat the same things they see the goats eat, though it will kill the sheep. </span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Is it any wonder God often compared us to sheep?</span><br />
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div><span><br /></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4923313394202062035.post-23531867209953435812014-08-10T18:02:00.002-07:002022-12-27T11:25:33.554-08:00Should We Eat Meat?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">
There are three kinds of vegetarians:</span></h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Those who believe meat is bad for us.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Those who believe it is morally wrong to kill any animal.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Those with honest health reasons to abstain.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">If
meat was bad for us, why didn’t God forbid Israel to eat it? Why, in
fact, did He command them to eat red meat a minimum of once per year (on
threat of being kicked out of the country if they didn’t)? The truth is
that meat is good for us, and God, of course, knew this.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">There
are nutrients (i.e. B12) in meat that are simply not available from any
other source.* Humans, especially men, need the extra iron available in
meat, especially red meat (beef, sheep, goat, deer, etc).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Other nutrients it is difficult or impossible to get without animal products:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">D3</span></li><li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Calcium</span></li><li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Zinc</span></li><li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Choline</span></li></ul></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Those
who eat meat have a longer average life span, and nearly a third less mental disorders than meat-free people.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Most vegetarians claim to
feel better after they quit eating meat, but the placebo affect could
easily be the true cause for this, especially since nearly anytime anyone makes a major change in their diet they claim to feel much better (including those who adopt a "carnivore" diet; only eating meat). Also, major changes like becoming a vegetarian often include suddenly leaving out white flour, white sugar, sodas, and other common parts of the Standard American Diet (or SAD). Just leaving SAD will make you feel better, no matter what you actually do eat.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Vegetarians are afflicted with some
types of cancers that meat eaters simply don't get, and are way more likely to have other eating disorders (i.e. anorexia/bulimia)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">God created us. He designed us with meat eater teeth, eyes**, taste buds, instincts, and appendixes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">And there has to be something to our love of the flavor of meat. God gave us our instincts for a reason. (If humans were meant to be vegan or vegetarian there would be no market for fake meats. We would be content with just plants-as-plants)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">The evidence is growing that we really need the high protein diet that comes with being meat eaters.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"> *A vegan will tell you that you can get B12 from soy. However what B12 is in soy is not digestible by the human body. So, no, you can't. B12 supplements are made from bugs, so not vegan or, technically, vegetarian.</span></h2><div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">**Predators (meat eaters) have their eyes on the front of their head. Animals that are eaten (herbivores) have their eyes on the sides of their heads. Human eyes are on the front.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Quick side rant</span></h2><div><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Why do some people say fish is not meat? It most certainly is the eating of an animal- meat. I will accept you could be quite healthy with your only meat being fish</span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Was Jesus a Vegetarian?</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">No. This article explains it better than I can.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/DidJesusEatMeat.htm" target="_blank">Did Jesus Eat Meat?</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Morality of Eating Meat</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Those
who believe it is wrong to kill an animal are equating animals with
humans. This lowers humans to the level of animals and removes the human’s
rights. Yet we all know that humans are more than animals. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">For example, why doesn’t the government do medical experiments
on children instead of bunnies? After all, children would give much more
reliable results than bunnies would. The reason is of course that
humans are created in the image of God and bunnies aren’t so it is OK to
use bunnies but not humans.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">So why would people want to equate humans with animals? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Partly in worship of the creation instead of the Creator.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">But mostly because they can't stand the thought of anyone or anything dying for them. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">If an animal dies for their physical life, it reminds them that Jesus died for their Eternal Life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">By denying the need for sacrifice for their lives they deny the need for Christ.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Veganism</h2><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Not eating any animal products at all is the current fad. But it is not healthy for a long term diet. Nor is there true science to support it. The few studies that say veganism is good were done by religious vegetarians and were obviously quite biased.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Both history and anthropology tells us there is no society anywhere on the planet, anywhere in history that was voluntarily vegan for long term, and I only know of one long-term vegetarian society (a community in India that has not eaten meat for 400 years, but eats large amounts of eggs and dairy products). On the other hand, Mongolians, Inuit's, and at least one tribe in Africa survive on meat, milk, blood, and fat with no digestive problems, diabetes, or tooth decay. Quite healthy people, actually. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, I will admit that a short term time of veganism (2 months or so) can give your body a rest and produce some benefits. But after that short time your body begins to suffer from nutrient shortages.</span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What About the Environment?</h2>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Some claim you can grow food for more people with an acre of corn than an acre of cow. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">First
of all, we are not short of acreage for growing food. Only those stuck
inside big cities where land is at a premium believe this. Those who
live in the country know that, especially in America, there is way more
unused land than we need for food growth. The truth is, we could fit the entire population of planet earth in the state of Texas at the same density (people per square mile) as Paris, France. The rest of the planet could be used for farming if we had to.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Secondly, most of the
land used to grow beef is simply not fit to grow anything else. You
couldn't grow grain on it if you had to.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">And, anyway, its simply not true. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Yes, it takes one acre of grazing land to feed a milk cow, while you could grow all the veggies you need to support one person for one year on an acre. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">However, today's milk cows give 10 gallons of milk a DAY. Even the person with the most heavily dairy diet will eat less than a gallon's worth a day, meaning you can only credit 1/10 or less of the cow's acre to them. And that milk replaces some of the plant matter (100 calories of milk would replace at least 100 calories of veggies), making the actual acreage come out pretty close to even, especially when you consider that a good part of that plant acreage must produce plant stalks and other plant parts that humans are not equipped to eat (being designed as somewhere between carnivores and omnivores, not herbivores) but the cow can eat and turn into either meat or milk. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">The same can be said for every animal food product.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">So it's simply not true that we need to devote all of our land to plant production in order to feed the world. Getting rid of tyrannical governments is what would end poverty/starvation, since most of today's hunger comes from greedy politicians stealing the peoples food and selling to get more luxuries for themselves.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">And cow flatulence being a threat to us is simply ridiculous grasping at straws.</span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Restrictions on Meat Eating</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Now, killing for the
enjoyment of watching something die is wrong. The Bible teaches us to treat
animals with kindness. But there is nothing wrong with humanely killing
an animal for food.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">There is some argument for limiting our meat consumption to those animals the Bible calls "clean," but that is a subject for a different article.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Some people do have a legitimate health
reason to abstain from meat. If you have had your gallbladder removed,
for example, you no longer have the bile juices necessary to digest
meat very well. You may feel better without it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Meat is good for us and enjoyable. God gave us permission and even commanded Israel to eat it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Now, go have a steak:-)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
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