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Calling all Christian bloggers - this is for you....
2007-09-15 22:11:00
I don't know why I didn't think of this before... First let me say that spreading the Word and reaching people is the most important thing and I think we all can agree on that. I don't think any one of us has a competitive spirit about us when it comes to our blogs. Sure we all want exposure but at the very core, I believe we all want some things that are much more important - to reach other people. Every blog is different and unique and what I'm suggesting is a wider exposure for your blogs in message board world. Namely mine! :) I will add you to my Blog forum if you join my message board, Belt of Truth Ministries (and participate a little so that we can get to know you). We both win - you get more exposure for your blogs and I get new members (and easy access to your blogs because the links are right there and I don't have to search blogcatalog!). Hope to see you there! (can't get the link to work - please copy and paste or click on the link in the upper left corner of t...
More About: Christian , Bloggers , Calling

End Time Parallel - Antichrist and Elijah
2007-09-15 11:10:00
I was on a site that spoke about an end time parallel between the AC and Elijah . This article was HUGE and so I’m going to paraphrase for brevity’s sake.Quick recap of Elijah the Tishbite:The twelve tribes of Israel were divided into two groups. Jeraboam (sp?) was the king of 10 tribes in the North, and Rehoboam (sp?) was king of two tribes in the South. Both were evil but Jeraboam was more so. He did not want both kingdoms to be united, because they both served the same God. All Jews were required by law to go up to Jerusalem three times a year to observe Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles. Jeroboam knew that as long as his people regarded the high priest in Jerusalem (who favored the rule of Rehoboam) as their spiritual authority, his control over the ten tribes would not be secure. So, Jeroboam’s scheme included displacing the religion of Israel with a "new" religion. And these people accepted this new religion quickly. In comes Elijah who was not a great man ...
More About: Time , Antichrist

Is Repentance Necessary for Salvation?
2007-09-14 13:47:00
It is true that numerous Bible verses speak of the promise of salvation with no mention of repentance. These verses merely say to "believe" on Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). However, the Bible makes it clear that God is holy and man is sinful, and that sin makes a separation between the two (Isaiah 59:1,2). Without repentance from sin, wicked men cannot have fellowship with a holy God. We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephes.2:1) and until we forsake them through repentance, we cannot be made alive in Christ. The Scriptures speak of "repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). We turn from sin to the Savior. This is why Paul preached "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21).The first public word Jesus preached was "repent" (Matt 4:17). John the Baptist began his ministry the same way (Matt 3:2). Jesus told His hearers that without repentance, they would perish (Luke 13:3). If belief is all that is necessary for salvat...
More About: Salvation , Repentance , Epen , Penta

Stained Glass Masquerade
2007-09-14 13:33:00
Stained Glass Masquerade by Mark Hall and Nicole NordemanIs there anyone that fails Is there anyone that fallsAm I the only one in church todayFeeling so small?Cause when I take a look aroundEverybody seems so strong.I know they’ll soon discoverThat I don't belong.So I tuck it all away like everything’s ok.If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too.So with a painted grin I play the part again.So everyone will see me the way that I see them.Are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeplesWith walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our painBut if the invitation’s open to every heart that has been brokenMaybe then we close the curtain on our stain glass masquerade.Is there anyone who’s been there. Are there any hands to raise.Am I the only one who’s traded in the altar for a stage?The performance is convincing and we know every line by heart.Only when no one is watching can we really fall apart.But would it set me free if I dared to let you seeTh...

My observation of some Christians...
2007-09-10 05:45:00
What I'm about to say is not directed at anyone specifically, but a group of "Christians " in general. This is something I've observed (for as long as I've been saved anyway) and something my parents have observed since they've been saved (since the 70's) and it seems to be consistent. I've found that the people who scream Hallelulah the loudest, people who do the most 'service' for God (and tell you about it), people who are super spiritual, super loving (not Biblical love but a friendly superficial love that never rebukes or warns or helps bros/sisters out of sin etc.), who follows every preacher and thinks all of them are doing God's work and just loves them in spite of their message because they are just so loving and kind and they do their best to make sure you know it, (notice it's all about them and how you perceive them - an image if you will), the people who sing the loudest, who have their hands permanently pointed skyward as the tears trickle down their faces (ev...
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Biblical Shepherds - Are Mega-Churches Lacking?
2007-09-10 05:33:00
Biblical Shepherds-Are mega-churches lacking? Most people frown upon mega-churches due to strange doctrines so I don’t have to get into that. That’s obvious to most. But I think there may be something else we’re missing, another reason why mega-churches may not be Biblical. What does the Bible say about a good shepherd? A good shepherd knows his sheep. John 10:14 14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. He knows them by name. John 10:3 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. The shepherd should see to the needs of the sheep. He should also feed the sheep. John 21:15-17 15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; ...
More About: Churches , Mega , Biblical , Lack

What is the Purpose of the Church?
2007-09-10 05:21:00
What is the purpose of the church? Firstly, let’s define “church”. I am referring to the true body of Christ, not an organization with the label ‘church’ on it. I’m referring to people, individuals who make up the body of Christ. This means that the Church is made up of only Christians, not a mix of different religions. Colossians 1:12 says that the saints are the ones who will receive the inheritance. In the context of this verse the word "saints" is referring to those who have heard and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 1:26-27 God's Word says that the mystery of the gospel has been shown to the saints. Not everyone understands or accepts the gospel, those who reject God and His plan for salvation are not part of the Church. Church by definition is a group of Christians who come together and worship God and have fellowship with each other. In II Corinthians 13:11 Paul says that the members of the Church are to be like-minded. This means that they all ...
More About: Purpose , The Church , Pose

Twisted Texts: Touch Not Mine Anointed
2007-09-09 05:35:00
Touch not mine anointed is one of the biggest catch-phrases used by charismatic leaders today. To them it means not to question or criticize what is being said. These leaders think they are beyond criticism or reproach and we accept that because, after all, they are ‘men of God’ and have 15 theological degrees. Credentials don’t make the man a Godly man.Let’s read this in context.1 Chronicles 16:12-22 and repeated in Psalm 105:6-1512Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 13O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 14He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 15Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; 16Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; 17And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, 18Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the...
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Twisted Texts: 1 Corin. 6:12 "Everthing is permissible for me"
2007-09-09 05:23:00
1 Cor. 6:12"Everything is permissible for me" - but not everything is beneficial."Everything is permissible for me" - but I will not be mastered by anything.These verses have been applied, or should I say misapplied, as a doctrine of Christian freedom, allowing for wiggle room for doing all thngs that please us. It is seen as a means to stretch God's grace to the limits without crossing that line into sin. In other words, following Christ has no boundaries as long as there is a connection to Christ even if that connection is as frail and as weak as a piece of thread.But these verses are not instruction for us and they certainly are not doctrine. The verse "Everything is permissible for me" is a quote from the congregation of the Corinthian church boasting that they had a right to do whatever they pleased. Paul counters this boast in the next line - 'not everything is beneficial'. The first verse is repeated again, notice the quotes, and he counters it again with 'I will not be m...
More About: Vert , Missi

Grace vs. Works
2007-09-09 04:58:00
Having God as your Lord is the requirement for salvation, but grace, faith, and works play an integral part. Many people incorrectly understand grace and works to be opposing concepts. The concept of grace is misunderstood to mean individuals are saved regardless of continuation in evil behavior. The concept of works is misunderstood to mean individual are saved only if they can earn salvation by perfectly obeying God's law. The misunderstanding of these concepts has led to the mistaken belief that there is a conflict between grace and works. The mistaken belief that there is a conflict between grace and works leads to the acceptance of one concept and the rejection of the other. For example, if you believe people are saved by grace, then it ultimately does not matter whether or not people obey God's law. Conversely, if you believe people are saved by works, salvation is not a gift but instead is something to be earned by perfectly obeying God. Ephesians 2:8-10 clearly states that...
More About: Grace , Works

The Gospel: Why not preach that Jesus gives happiness, peace, and joy?
2007-09-09 04:23:00
(Taken from the Evidence Bible)Two men are seated on a plane. The first is given a parachute and told to put it on as it would improve his flight. He's a little skeptical at first, since he can't see how wearing a parachute on a plane could possibly improve his flight.He decides to experiement and see if the claims are true. As he puts it on, he notices the weight of it upon his shoulders and he finds he has difficulty in sitting upright. However, he consoles himself with the fact he was told that the parachute would improve his flight. So he decides to give it a little time.As he waits he notices that some of the other passengers are laughing at him for wearing a parachute on a plane. He begins to feel somewhat humiliaited. As they continue to point and laugh at him, he can stand it no longer. He slinks in his seat, unstraps the parachute and throws it to the floor. Disillusionment and bitterness fill his heart, because as far as he was concerned he was told an outright lie.The s...
More About: Jesus , Peace , Happiness , Gospel , Why Not

Joel's Army...What's the deal?
2007-09-07 08:19:00
First I want to say that I'm not a teacher, scholar, or theologian by any stretch of the imagination. I'm just a born again believer and servant of Christ. What I have to say is a result of a study I've done and being a sin-tainted person (as we all are), I am prone to error. But I'm giving it a shot.Joel's army... there are Christians who believe that the army spoken of in Joel speaks of a mighty Godly army that will rid the world of evil in these last days. They say it's the world's greatest revival complete with signs and wonders that will exceed the apostles and the prophets of old. A staff minister from Vinyard Ministries said the following:"This army will inspire fear and terror in the hearts of its adversaries. In Joel 2:4-6 it says this: 'They have the appearance of horses, they gallop along like a flame of fire (???) with a noise like the chariots they leap over the mountain tops like a crackling fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army drawn up for battle. At th...
More About: Army , Deal , The D

Studying like crazy....
2007-09-05 20:10:00
A couple of interesting subjects have come up on my board and so I'm studying like a madwoman! One is annihilation - the state of non-existing after death. And if you go to hell, then you don't suffer for an eternity. I don't hold this view but I'm studying it anyway.Another subject is Ellen G. White's writings. I'm currently reading The Desire of Ages. I'm on chapter 6 and so far so good. Nothing strange. But I have heard that she falsely predicted the return of Jesus in 1844 and 1845. I want to read this prediction for myself because I don't want to take the words of others anymore. Some SDA (Seven Day Adventists) adherents say that she never claimed to be a prophetess, but instead claimed to 'speak for God' but I say...what is the difference? Is not a prophet the mouthpiece for God? And the issue of the Sabbath has reared it's ugly head again!!! I believe that the Ten Commandments were NOT done away with or nailed to the cross but rather the Levitical laws were. Some p...
More About: Crazy , Studying

Bible Study - Contradictions in the Creation account.
2007-08-30 06:03:00
I did a study today - something I haven't done in awhile and it was great. I'm no great scholar and I'm not even that smart really, so if I said anything good or truthful, please know that it is not due to my own wisdom and understanding but the Lord's. I hope whomever reads this is blessed....I'd like to start by saying if you compared every story, parable, and teaching in the Bible with another one in the Bible, there will always be "differences" but they are not true differences. It is simply new or more information of the same event. (expansion)So to correctly understand an account, you must first determine that these are the same event and you do this by searching for what they have in common. More on that later...Creation account:Gen 1:26-27 And God said , Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepe...
More About: Study , Bible Study , Account

New Age Taking Over
2007-08-29 04:46:00
It's seems like everything on tv has a New Age reference to it. It may be subtle or in-your-face but it's there. We are saturated with this poison constantly - it's no wonder people are turning away from God and have strange ideas. It's already permeated Christianity with the labyrinths and meditation rooms. While that is a large audience, it pales in comparison with cable tv viewers.And I haven't even gotten into sex and the morally bankrupt tv shows and stations like Bravo. Disgusting!! TV is dangerous media for the person who wants to protect their minds and consciences.
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I'm a "boarder" and I'm tired!!!
2007-08-28 11:23:00
Do you know what I mean by a "boarder?" Probably not because I made it up. It means I'm a message board junkie. Christian boards that is. I cannot count how many I've been a part of and how many I've gotten banned from. I'm not very well liked and would you like to know why? Because I HATE false doctrine. I HATE false teachings. I hate today's pop-christianity and I voice it. I don't have a smile eternally plastered to my face like today's cookie-cutter Christians. I don't like "Christians" who justify their sins by bending and twisting texts. I can't stand their holier-than-thou persona, who refuse correction or who mark you with a bullseye because you disagreed with them. I could go on but you get the jist.I'm a Christian just trying to follow the Lord and getting mighty sick of these so-called "Christians" of today.
More About: Tired , Tire