Showing posts with label Theology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theology. Show all posts
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Why Hell Exists
The existence of hell confirms the holiness of GOD. Without it GOD would neither be Holy nor Just. It's not the fear of hell that drives a sinner to GOD but the splendid magnificence of his holiness, justice, love and Mercy. Christians who do not believe in the literal hell, affirm that GOD is not holy and not just. I doubt that they are real Christians at all.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sinners in the hand of the angry GOD
"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" is a sermon written by American theologian Jonathan Edwards, preached on July 8, 1741 in Enfield, Connecticut. Like Edwards' other sermons and writings, it combines vivid imagery of the Christian concept of Hell with observations of the secular world and citations of scripture. It remains Edwards' most famous written work, and is widely studied both among American Christians and historians, due to the glimpse it provides into the theology of the Great Awakening of c. 1730–1755.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The keys to victorious Christian living
The reason why many Christians live in sin and cannot overcome various addictions, is because, deep down inside in their inner being, they have never believed that God loves them unconditionally and eternally.
They think that they have to be worth of the love of God, and because none of us is really worthy, they conclude that God loves them only when they are good. In John 15:09 we read Jesus saying: “I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me”
You can never fathom the depth of the love of God for Jesus, or of the greatness of the love which Jesus has for you, and when you begin to understand the greatness off unconditional love which Jesus has for you with no performance strings attached, you begin to live a victorious life of a Christian. Think of these things continually until they become a strong conviction in your heart.
The only thing a Christian is required to do is to believe, and the rest is God working through you, as your faith grows, so will the power of God in your life in proportion to your faith
They think that they have to be worth of the love of God, and because none of us is really worthy, they conclude that God loves them only when they are good. In John 15:09 we read Jesus saying: “I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me”
You can never fathom the depth of the love of God for Jesus, or of the greatness of the love which Jesus has for you, and when you begin to understand the greatness off unconditional love which Jesus has for you with no performance strings attached, you begin to live a victorious life of a Christian. Think of these things continually until they become a strong conviction in your heart.
The only thing a Christian is required to do is to believe, and the rest is God working through you, as your faith grows, so will the power of God in your life in proportion to your faith
Monday, August 24, 2009
Contemplating on Exodus 20:05
Exo 20:5 "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,
Someone once said: “Jealousy is God’s love protecting itself” and that is a very good definition. Jealousy in today’s language is entangled with envy, which is desiring that which is not yours, while Jealousy in perfect sense is protecting what rightfully belongs to you. Of course human jealousy is rooted in insecurity and fear, while God’s jealousy is rooted in His righteousness and justice.
Idolatry is taking something that belongs to God and turning it against God. It is a way of showing hatred toward God whether you are conscious of it or not.
“visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me” A lot of people will say, “how just is that to punish the children for the sins of their fathers” because they have no knowledge of the principle: Fathers who hate God, will have children who hate God. Children are often impacted by their parents, sometimes on a subconscious level.
The sins of the fathers have a way of increasing themselves in the lives of their offspring, unless God’s mercy intervenes. In the same way the righteous life is passed unto many generations and affects the life of countless generations.
The best thing to leave to your children after you are gone, are NOT bank accounts, stocks or real-estate, but Godliness and the fear of God.
Someone once said: “Jealousy is God’s love protecting itself” and that is a very good definition. Jealousy in today’s language is entangled with envy, which is desiring that which is not yours, while Jealousy in perfect sense is protecting what rightfully belongs to you. Of course human jealousy is rooted in insecurity and fear, while God’s jealousy is rooted in His righteousness and justice.
Idolatry is taking something that belongs to God and turning it against God. It is a way of showing hatred toward God whether you are conscious of it or not.
“visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me” A lot of people will say, “how just is that to punish the children for the sins of their fathers” because they have no knowledge of the principle: Fathers who hate God, will have children who hate God. Children are often impacted by their parents, sometimes on a subconscious level.
The sins of the fathers have a way of increasing themselves in the lives of their offspring, unless God’s mercy intervenes. In the same way the righteous life is passed unto many generations and affects the life of countless generations.
The best thing to leave to your children after you are gone, are NOT bank accounts, stocks or real-estate, but Godliness and the fear of God.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Power Corrupts
"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" said British historian Lord Acton (1834-1902).
Mega stars TV evangelists with admirers and worshipers have set themselves on a slippery road.
Former wife Patti of Richard Roberts TV healer and evangelist of Oral Roberts University wrote in her book Ashes to Gold:
"No man or woman can stand the weight of worship. It is intoxicating and highly addictive, it perverts ones way of thinking and bends ones personality. The load is too much, you loose sight of who you are in God"
I heard this quote, today on a podcast, this makes a lot of sense in sight of what is happening with the church these days.
If you want to know more about the fate of this woman read here
Mega stars TV evangelists with admirers and worshipers have set themselves on a slippery road.
Former wife Patti of Richard Roberts TV healer and evangelist of Oral Roberts University wrote in her book Ashes to Gold:
"No man or woman can stand the weight of worship. It is intoxicating and highly addictive, it perverts ones way of thinking and bends ones personality. The load is too much, you loose sight of who you are in God"
I heard this quote, today on a podcast, this makes a lot of sense in sight of what is happening with the church these days.
If you want to know more about the fate of this woman read here
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Repressed Anger is Dangerous it does not go away.
BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
and do not give the devil an opportunity (Eph 4:26-27)
Deal with your anger immediately and there on the spot, do not leave it for later, because unresolved anger goes down into you and starts festering and growing into resentment until it gives birth to hatred, and then the devil shows up with the words of sympathy... "You don't deserve this" or "you are the victim in this marriage"
When devil appears sympathetic, brother run!!!
If you do not take your problems in prayer to God, you will take it on people.
Here are the ABC of dealing with anger:
A = Admit that you are angry
B = Brainstorm it in the light of the Word of God
C = Control your anger in Godly fashion.
When you are angry, slow down and take time to make decisions and speak.
Force yourself to pray for the person you are angry with.
and do not give the devil an opportunity (Eph 4:26-27)
Deal with your anger immediately and there on the spot, do not leave it for later, because unresolved anger goes down into you and starts festering and growing into resentment until it gives birth to hatred, and then the devil shows up with the words of sympathy... "You don't deserve this" or "you are the victim in this marriage"
When devil appears sympathetic, brother run!!!
If you do not take your problems in prayer to God, you will take it on people.
Here are the ABC of dealing with anger:
A = Admit that you are angry
B = Brainstorm it in the light of the Word of God
C = Control your anger in Godly fashion.
When you are angry, slow down and take time to make decisions and speak.
Force yourself to pray for the person you are angry with.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Is your church a cult? Read bellow to find out.
The following checklist of cultic tendencies by Charles Lesser was published in the October, 1991 Spiritual Counterfeits Project Newsletter. They are typical of a number of aberrational cultic groups and churches on the scene today.
1. Is your pastor fully accountable to a board of elders, presbyters, etc?
2. Is loyalty to Jesus and to one's own calling placed before loyalty to pastor and church?
3. Does your pastor encourage questions and suggestions? Is he approachable?
4. Does your pastor give equal attention to all kinds of people in his congregation?
5. Does your pastor readily admit his errors?
6. Does your pastor avoid boasting or hinting at a "special anointing"?
7. Is your pastor truly humble?
8. Are the sermons based on clear Biblical truths, not on "original revelations" or ax-grinding?
9. Does your church interact with other churches?
10. Does your church staff avoid secrecy?
11. Is power shared in your church (rather than preempted by a hierarchy)?
12. Does your church see itself as just one organ of the Body of Christ, and not the main one?
13. Is your church truly friendly?
14. Does your church emphasize ministry to people rather than church programs?
15. Are especially needy people cared for lovingly in your church?
16. Are church members encouraged and loved even when they leave?
17. Are relationships with former members encouraged or allowed?
18. Do the pastor and congregation avoid attacking and using as object lessons, former members or those who disagree?
19. Are families encouraged to stay together and spend time together?
20. Does your family worship Sunday service include children, at least for part of the service?
21. Are you encouraged in your own calling?
22. Are pleas for money rare and unemotional?
23. Are your children happy to attend church?
24. Are you happy to bring unsaved friends to your church?
25. Is there a diversity of classes, races, dress styles, ages, and occupations in your church?
26. Are people encouraged to hear from God for themselves?
27. Is there a single behavior standard for all people in the church?
28. Are all types of people considered welcome at your church?
29. Is the joy of the Lord present in your church?
30. Are you free from fear in your church?
31. Do you think more about God and Jesus than you do about your pastor and church?
32. Does your pastor include himself in any calls for repentance and forgiveness?
33. Are you clear that the pastors and elders never exaggerate or lie to make themselves look good?
34. Is your group encouraging of each other and free from gossip and rumoring?
35. Is there a humility of doctrine that points to the grace of God and His mercy for sinners?
36. Are you encouraged to serve in ministries or missions outside the local body?
37. Is there ever any pressure put upon members to give or lend money to leaders for their personal or business use (exclusive of church business or projects)?
1. Is your pastor fully accountable to a board of elders, presbyters, etc?
2. Is loyalty to Jesus and to one's own calling placed before loyalty to pastor and church?
3. Does your pastor encourage questions and suggestions? Is he approachable?
4. Does your pastor give equal attention to all kinds of people in his congregation?
5. Does your pastor readily admit his errors?
6. Does your pastor avoid boasting or hinting at a "special anointing"?
7. Is your pastor truly humble?
8. Are the sermons based on clear Biblical truths, not on "original revelations" or ax-grinding?
9. Does your church interact with other churches?
10. Does your church staff avoid secrecy?
11. Is power shared in your church (rather than preempted by a hierarchy)?
12. Does your church see itself as just one organ of the Body of Christ, and not the main one?
13. Is your church truly friendly?
14. Does your church emphasize ministry to people rather than church programs?
15. Are especially needy people cared for lovingly in your church?
16. Are church members encouraged and loved even when they leave?
17. Are relationships with former members encouraged or allowed?
18. Do the pastor and congregation avoid attacking and using as object lessons, former members or those who disagree?
19. Are families encouraged to stay together and spend time together?
20. Does your family worship Sunday service include children, at least for part of the service?
21. Are you encouraged in your own calling?
22. Are pleas for money rare and unemotional?
23. Are your children happy to attend church?
24. Are you happy to bring unsaved friends to your church?
25. Is there a diversity of classes, races, dress styles, ages, and occupations in your church?
26. Are people encouraged to hear from God for themselves?
27. Is there a single behavior standard for all people in the church?
28. Are all types of people considered welcome at your church?
29. Is the joy of the Lord present in your church?
30. Are you free from fear in your church?
31. Do you think more about God and Jesus than you do about your pastor and church?
32. Does your pastor include himself in any calls for repentance and forgiveness?
33. Are you clear that the pastors and elders never exaggerate or lie to make themselves look good?
34. Is your group encouraging of each other and free from gossip and rumoring?
35. Is there a humility of doctrine that points to the grace of God and His mercy for sinners?
36. Are you encouraged to serve in ministries or missions outside the local body?
37. Is there ever any pressure put upon members to give or lend money to leaders for their personal or business use (exclusive of church business or projects)?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
I asked GOD
I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The providence of God is a two edged sword
“…And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”. (Romans 8:28)
If you are not numbered among those who are called according to God’s purpose… If you do not love God and are actively working against the purposes of God, don’t dare take refuge in this verse, because the providence of God is a double edged sword. God’s providence includes His government and God’s execution of His government, includes execution of His justice and in His justice He will punish unrepentant sinners, which is a very scary thought.
People who do not love God, the supposed good things which they received from God’s hand during their lifetime, will actually work against them. One of the most fundamental sins of the human heart is the sin of ingratitude. Paul, tells us in the first chapter of Romans, that God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against the ungodly. He tells us that this wrath is not revealed against innocence or against righteousness, but, ungodliness which characterizes in: “..nor did they honor God, nor were they thankful..” The most frequent offense that we commit against God, is our stubborn refusal to honor him as God.
According to Paul, God has made His existence and His divine attributes clearly evident to us, yet in our fallen deprived nature we resist that knowledge and we end up refusing to honor God in our mind.
We all know how it feels to sacrifice something very costly to you for someone, or go extra mile for that person and they show absolutely no regard or appreciation whatsoever for it, display no gratitude, and you realize how offensive that is to you. That is offensive to God too. The scripture tells us that every good and perfect gift which we have ever received in this world, comes to us from God, everything.
We take credit for our personal achievements, without realizing that every skill we have, every talent and ability, were bestowed upon us by our Creator. You insult Him by calling your success either a matter of your own skill or talent, or even worse, a matter of luck.
Every time God is gracious to us, can become an occasion for the increase of our sin, if we refuse to acknowledge when we receive a gift that it comes from God and refuse to express gratitude to God for it.
In light of this passage (Romans 8:28) any bad thing that happens to you in your life is ultimately a good thing, but, there is another side to this, another face on this coin.. If you do not love God, then every good thing, that has ever happened to you is ultimately a bad thing, because it is working now towards your destruction, because, through God’s goodness you have hardened your heart and increased your hostility toward Him, and with every gift that He gives you, your guilt is multiplied, as long as you refuse to be grateful.
So, in simple terms, what this text is teaching us, that for those who love God there is no such thing ‘ultimately’ as a tragedy and for those who despise God, there is no such thing ‘ultimately’ as a blessing.
If you don’t love God, your blessing will be your curse and if you do love Him your curse will be your blessing. There aren’t any other alternatives.
If you are not numbered among those who are called according to God’s purpose… If you do not love God and are actively working against the purposes of God, don’t dare take refuge in this verse, because the providence of God is a double edged sword. God’s providence includes His government and God’s execution of His government, includes execution of His justice and in His justice He will punish unrepentant sinners, which is a very scary thought.
People who do not love God, the supposed good things which they received from God’s hand during their lifetime, will actually work against them. One of the most fundamental sins of the human heart is the sin of ingratitude. Paul, tells us in the first chapter of Romans, that God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against the ungodly. He tells us that this wrath is not revealed against innocence or against righteousness, but, ungodliness which characterizes in: “..nor did they honor God, nor were they thankful..” The most frequent offense that we commit against God, is our stubborn refusal to honor him as God.
According to Paul, God has made His existence and His divine attributes clearly evident to us, yet in our fallen deprived nature we resist that knowledge and we end up refusing to honor God in our mind.
We all know how it feels to sacrifice something very costly to you for someone, or go extra mile for that person and they show absolutely no regard or appreciation whatsoever for it, display no gratitude, and you realize how offensive that is to you. That is offensive to God too. The scripture tells us that every good and perfect gift which we have ever received in this world, comes to us from God, everything.
We take credit for our personal achievements, without realizing that every skill we have, every talent and ability, were bestowed upon us by our Creator. You insult Him by calling your success either a matter of your own skill or talent, or even worse, a matter of luck.
Every time God is gracious to us, can become an occasion for the increase of our sin, if we refuse to acknowledge when we receive a gift that it comes from God and refuse to express gratitude to God for it.
In light of this passage (Romans 8:28) any bad thing that happens to you in your life is ultimately a good thing, but, there is another side to this, another face on this coin.. If you do not love God, then every good thing, that has ever happened to you is ultimately a bad thing, because it is working now towards your destruction, because, through God’s goodness you have hardened your heart and increased your hostility toward Him, and with every gift that He gives you, your guilt is multiplied, as long as you refuse to be grateful.
So, in simple terms, what this text is teaching us, that for those who love God there is no such thing ‘ultimately’ as a tragedy and for those who despise God, there is no such thing ‘ultimately’ as a blessing.
If you don’t love God, your blessing will be your curse and if you do love Him your curse will be your blessing. There aren’t any other alternatives.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Hell is Real
God created Hell out of anger when Lucifer and his angels rebelled. He did not have human beings in mind when He made it. You often hear, "A loving God wouldn't put His creatures in hell." Friend, God doesn't put anyone in hell, their sins put them in Hell. It was created for the devil and his angels but people will end up there if they die in sin without Christ as Savior.
"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." (Matthew 25:41)
Thank God for Jesus. Repent and trust in Him today.
"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." (Matthew 25:41)
Thank God for Jesus. Repent and trust in Him today.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
What it means to be a lukewarm Christian
(Rev 3:15-16) "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. “Jesus”
When you live in sin, you become a lukewarm Christian, It means you have lost your emotions, you are not exited about the things of GOD anymore. It's just Jesus, It's just His word.
There are three things that sin does to you:
1. You loose your ear (you don't hear from God anymore, the word of God doesn't speak to your heart)
2. You loose your tear (you never get broken anymore, no emotions no passion, no zeal)
3. You loose your fear of God. (no reverence before God or His word, you don't stand in awe, you don't feel a need to worship Him, it's all just a show).
When you live in sin, you become a lukewarm Christian, It means you have lost your emotions, you are not exited about the things of GOD anymore. It's just Jesus, It's just His word.
There are three things that sin does to you:
1. You loose your ear (you don't hear from God anymore, the word of God doesn't speak to your heart)
2. You loose your tear (you never get broken anymore, no emotions no passion, no zeal)
3. You loose your fear of God. (no reverence before God or His word, you don't stand in awe, you don't feel a need to worship Him, it's all just a show).
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
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