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 Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:36 am
Wanna Fight About It?
The last item on God’s hate list (Proverbs 6:16-19) is to cause dissention . . . to sow discord among brothers. In other words, God hates it when we pick a fight. Perhaps you know someone who loves to argue. This guy argues simply to argue. It’s as though he’s energized by causing conflict. Some folks thrive on conflict so much, that if there’s not a conflict, they’ll create one!
Well, God hates that. He despises it when we purposefully stir things up just to get an argument going. And people who thrive on that usually insecure. Talking loudly, quarreling with those around them and enjoying the heat of an argument makes them feel powerful.
Now God’s not talking about debate. Nor is He against being a lawyer or arguing a court case. This last item on His hate list is entirely distinctly about the act of Christians stirring up trouble with other Christians in the church.
“United we stand; divided we fall.” It’s really true. The Body of Christ has to be united to grow and thrive. The entire purpose of the Body is to glorify God and bring others to Him. If we’re divided, we can’t do that. As soon as we start arguing, quarreling and causing dissension among the believers, the church is in danger of splitting or completely falling apart.
So does that mean we have to agree with everyone in our church? No. But we need to understand the difference in disagreeing and in being united. We can disagree and still be as one. Someone, however, who thrives on looking for something he know will stir everyone up, is someone who’s sowing discord. And God hates that.
Let’s imagine your church has voted on building an addition to its already-existing complex. There are 25 of you on the building committee that will decide issues such as size of addition, color of carpet, expenses, etc. Imagine that 20 people on the committee feel strongly that the carpet should be forest green. You and four others really want beige, but the five of you decide to vote for green simply because you understand the importance of being united.
That doesn’t mean you agree with the color choice. It’s not your pick, but you’ll go along with it, because you’re determined not to be a stumbling block to the process as a whole. That’s spiritual maturity.
But if you were to leave the meeting and talk others in the church into being on your side, you’d be sowing discord. That’s spiritual immaturity.
Know It!
God calls us to be peacemakers. Yes, there’s a time to speak out in boldness—but those times usually need to be reserved for speaking against immorality, injustice or evil. When taste or personal opinion is at play, it’s best to quietly make your thoughts known, but to remain unified when others don’t agree.
Read It!
Psalm 34:14; Proverbs 12:20; Romans 12:18; James 3:17.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you develop a lifestyle of peacemaking and not an argumentative spirit.
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Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 9:38 am
Checkin’ Out . . . Forever
Sure hope Ashley’s in her dorm room, Jamie thought. I need a good chat with my cousin right now! She flipped on the computer and logged on.
Jamie17: Hey, Ash! I need to talk.
20ash: What’s up, Cuz?
Jamie17: Ashley, it’s terrible. This kid at my school— Troy—he committed suicide. He shot himself.
20ash: Oh, Jamie! I’m so sorry.
Jamie17: The whole school’s in shock.
20ash: Did you know him?
Jamie17: Yeah. I didn’t know him real well, but I knew him well enough to say hi to him in the hall. We had math together.
20ash: Does anyone have any idea why he did it?
Jamie17: Well . . . not exactly. But he did leave a note.
20ash: Do you know what it said?
Jamie17: I don’t know the all the details . . . something about he just couldn’t go on, and he was sorry.
20ash: Wow. That’s hard to accept.
Jamie17: Ashley, I think he was a Christian. I know what church he went to, and I saw him lead the team in prayer once before a football game.
20ash: Hmmm. That’s interesting.
Jamie17: So . . . if he really was a Christian . . . do you think he went to heaven?
20ash: Wow. That’s a tough question, Ash. And it’s one thousands of others have asked over the years.
Jamie17: So what’s the answer? Can you go heaven if you commit suicide?
20ash: We discussed this just last week in Bible class. My professor had some interesting things to say.
Jamie17: Well, fill me in!
20ash: First of all, we’ve gotta remember that God hates murder, and He’s extremely clear when He says, “Thou shalt not kill.”
Jamie17: Yeah, but maybe that’s talking about killing someone else.
20ash: Second, we need to remember that when someone takes his life, means he’s usurping God’s role. It’s as if he’s saying, “God, I don’t trust You to know best for my life. I’m going to take Your place and determine when I’ll quit living.” Jamie, none of us have the right to make that decision.
Know It!
God understands confusion and irrational thinking. If you ever struggle with desperate thoughts that concern suicide, talk to your heavenly Father, and talk with a trusted adult. DON’T push those thoughts inside. Let your parents, your youth pastor or a counselor help you deal with them!
Read It!
Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17; Proverbs 28:17; 1 Timothy 1:9; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you see the non-Christians in your life as confused and searching people. Think about it: You have what they need! So seek His help in sharing Christ with them. Ask for the right words and the right timing.
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Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 11:21 am
Suicide . . . Not an Option!
Jamie17: Yeah, I realize that someone who commits suicide is basically playing God in his life. But if someone’s desperate enough to take his life, he’s not thinking straight, right?
20ash: Right.
Jamie17: I mean, those are not rational thoughts.
20ash: That’s true. And I believe God understands an imbalanced mind. But again, taking a life — whether it’s your own or someone else’s — is sin.
Jamie17: Yeah, I agree with that. Murder is sin. But still . . . what about the question? Can a Christian who commits suicide go to heaven?
20ash: Look at it this way, Jamie: We can be grateful God understands an imbalanced mind and irrational thinking. You and I can’t imagine what would be so bad that we’d wanna end our life because of it.
Jamie17: No kidding!
20ash: But at the same time, when someone takes his life, He’s sinning. God punishes sin in hell . . . unless we repent.
Jamie17: But someone who commits suicide wouldn’t have time to repent.
20ash: Right.
Jamie17: So the answer is . . . ?
20ash: I know this isn’t what you wanna hear . . . but I don’t know the answer. I do know this, however. It’s too big of a risk to take. To assume the role of God is sin. I’m glad I don’t have to judge.
Jamie17: Me, too.
20ash: God knows each heart. He understands the hurt, the depth of the pain, and the irrational thinking. But at the same time, He expects Christians to follow His commands.
Jamie17: Yeah, I see both sides.
20ash: The issue really isn’t that we need to know if Troy went to heaven. That’s between him and God. Our priority is to make sure our own lives are in order and that we don’t take such a huge risk ourselves.
Jamie17: Yeah, that makes sense, Ashley. Thanks for listening.
20ash: I’m really sorry, Jamie. But it makes you think twice about how valuable life is, doesn’t it?
Jamie17: Sure does! And it makes me wanna evaluate my spiritual life—just to make sure everything’s in order.
20ash: You’re the best, Cuz! I think that’s exactly what Jesus would want you to do right now.
Jamie17: Hey, hurry up and finish summer school and come home. I miss you!
20ash: I’ll be home in July. Love you!
Know It!
When we take the place of God’s authority in our lives, we’re sinning. Make time to evaluate your own relationship with Christ. Where do you stand? Is everything in order? Is He truly Lord?
Read It!
Proverbs 7:1-4; Proverbs 28:14; Jeremiah 9:4-6; Jeremiah 10:6-7; John 11:26-27.
Pray It!
Ask God to keep you from getting wrapped up in issues that you don’t need to be involved in. Seek more faith to simply trust in Him and to keep your spiritual life in order. Tell Him that you don’t ever want to take His place in your heart.
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Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:13 am
Between Us
Dear Diary:
Yeah, I know. I haven’t written in here since May 2. But it’s like I said in my first entry on January 18 . . . I’m not really a diary-writing person. So just be glad I’m even writing in here at all!
Okay, it’s about this Christianity stuff. I’m a good person! I’ve gone to church all my life. My parents go to church. I got a Bible in Vacation Bible School the summer after my second-grade year.
But this Sunday, Pastor Steve said something I can’t forget. He goes, “God has no grandchildren.”
Now I like Pastor Steve. I think he’s a great youth pastor. He’s always shown up at my B-ball games, and I know he cares about us. But I think he’s missed the boat this time around.
What’s he talking about? “God has no grandchildren???” I can’t stop thinking about that. And that’s why I’m so ticked off right now. I want that phrase outta my head. “God has no grandchildren.”
Hey, God loves everybody. We’re all one big happy family, right? That’s what I’ve always believed. And since I go to church, read my Bible every now and then and do stuff with the youth group, I figure I’m part of the “family.”
“God has no grandchildren.”
“God has no grandchildren.”
“God has no grandchildren.”
Sigh. I’m really tired.
Till next time, Diary. (And you know that could be a while, right?)
* * *
No one makes it into heaven on his parent’s relationship with Christ. Each and every Christian has to have his very own, intimate, personal, growing relationship with Jesus. The fact that “God has no grandchildren” means you aren’t a Christian simply because your friends and family are. God only has children — not extended family or relatives.
If you’ve never asked Christ to forgive your sins and come into your heart, you’re not a Christian. You may be a good person doing good things, and you may even read your Bible on a regular basis. But Christianity is all about having an actual relationship with the living King of Kings.
Know It!
You can be a part of God’s family right now! Eternal life with Jesus is a gift — and it’s free for the asking.
Read It!
Romans 3:22-26: Revelation 3:20
Pray It!
Admit to Jesus that you’re a sinner. Tell Him you’re sorry for trying to run your own life, and ask Him to forgive your sins. Pledge that of this very day, your life will no longer be your own. Commit that your life is in His hands to be done with as He wills.
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Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:56 am
All Because of Hollywood
What if we had to learn everything we know from TV and movies? If that were the case, then we’d automatically assume the following is true:
• All phone numbers in America begin with 555.
• All grocery shopping bags have at least one stick of French bread in them.
• When paying for a taxi, there’s no need to look at your wallet as you take out a bill. Just grab one at random and give it to the driver. It will always be the exact fare.
• Anyone waking from a nightmare will bolt upright in bed and pant.
• Even when driving on a perfectly straight road, it’s necessary to turn the steering wheel vigorously from left to right every few seconds.
• The Eiffel Tower can be seen from any window in Paris.
• All bombs are fitted with electronic timing devices with large red readouts so you know exactly when they’re going to explode.
• Any lock can be picked with a credit card or a paper clip in seconds . . . unless it’s the door to a burning building with a child trapped inside.
• It’s always possible to park directly outside the building you want to enter.
• Cars that crash will almost always burst into flames.
• You can always find a chainsaw when you need one.
If Hollywood were our only teacher, we’d have a false view of life, wouldn’t we? Maybe we’d never know a phone number doesn’t actually begin with the digits 555 until we tried to place a call starting with those numbers. (The entertainment industry decided to use 555 as the beginning digits for all phone numbers several years ago, because viewers were memorizing the phone numbers actors used during filming and calling them. No actual phone numbers in the U.S. begin with 555.) If Hollywood were our only teacher, we’d assume phone numbers would start with 555. We’d know the truth, however, after trying to make a call and not getting through.
What about Christianity? Can we assume it’s the embodiment of truth? Have you tried “dialing the number?” If you’ve actually tried it, you know it’s not fairy tale or a religion. You recognize it as Truth. But if you’ve never “dialed the number,” go ahead. Do a little research. Compare it with other world beliefs and see how it stacks up.
Know It!
Christianity can handle every doubt and question you toss its way, or it wouldn’t have lasted more than 2,000 years. It’s okay to doubt, as long as you give those doubts to God and let Him replace them with solid faith.
Read It!
Psalm 19; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Matthew 4:10.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you know beyond all doubt that Christianity is genuine and true. Ask for courage to “dial the number” and check it out for yourself. Seek His guidance on your search for Truth.
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Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 10:36 am
Thanks, Hollywood!
More things we’d assume are true if Hollywood were our only teacher:
• TV news bulletins always contain a story that affects you personally at that precise moment.
• Anyone can land a plane if there’s someone in the control tower to talk you down.
• Once applied, lipstick will never come off . . . even while scuba diving.
• If you need to pass yourself off as a German officer, it’s not necessary to actually speak the language. A German accent will do.
• There are no light switches in kitchens. When entering a kitchen at night, you should open the fridge door and use that light instead.
• Mothers usually cook eggs, bacon and waffles for their family every morning even though their husband and children never have time to eat it.
• A detective can only solve a case after he’s been suspended from duty.
• It doesn’t matter if you’re heavily outnumbered in a fight involving martial arts. Your enemies will wait patiently to attach you one by one by dancing around in a threatening manner until you’ve knocked out their predecessors.
• When they’re alone, all foreigners prefer to speak English to each other.
• It’s not necessary to say hello or goodbye when beginning or ending phone conversations.
Again, we’d assume the above is true . . . unless we actually tried and failed . . . or did our own research. Instead of simply assuming Christianity is true, let’s see how it stacks up against other world religions.
Buddhism
View of Christ: He was a good teacher, but He wasn’t as important as Buddha. There is no personal God.
How Can One Be Saved? The original teachings of Buddha say you’re the only one who can save yourself. But Mahayana (another form of Buddhism) teaches there are many savior gods called Bodhitsattvas. The Bodhitsattvas can be called on to save you, if you’re a Buddhist monk who has achieved nirvana (the highest degree of God-consciousness that involves denying oneself of desire).
View of Sin: Sin is lust. The way to get rid of lustful desires is by working really hard at it or by relying on Bodhitsattvas.
Life After Death: Buddhists believe in reincarnation, and that people can be reborn as an animal, a ghost, a demon, a human or a Hindu god.
Christianity
View of Christ: He’s the Son of God and died for man’s sin. God is personal, omniscient and omnipotent.
How Can One Be Saved? You can be saved by placing your faith in Jesus Christ and seeking His forgiveness for your sins.
View of Sin: All have sinned, but Christ will forgive our sin and transform us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Life After Death: Everyone spends eternity in either heaven or hell.
Know It!
Does Christianity seem simple when stacked next to Buddhism? It is!
Read It!
Job 42:1-6; Psalm 115:3; Matthew 19:26; Matthew 14:33; John 1:34: Romans 5:6-8; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-10).
Pray It!
Tell God how grateful you are that you don’t have to try to earn salvation.
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Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:33 am
Christianity vs. Hinduism
In taking a closer look at how Christianity stacks up against other religions, let’s take a peek at the comparison with Hinduism.
Hinduism
The Soul: Hinduism teaches that the soul in uncreated and eternal. It’s also perfect, free and unlimited. No matter how many lives it takes, eventually each soul will reach its divine nature.
Reincarnation: Karma (action) from past lives determines a person’s identity and status in the next life.
View of Christ: Hindus don’t believe in a personal, loving God. They believe instead, in Brahma — an abstract eternal being with no attributes who was the beginning of all things. They don’t believe that Jesus is God.
View of Sin: Sin is referred to as “illusion,” and Hindus seek deliverance from it through the endless cycle of death and rebirth, and through union with Brahma, which is achieved through meditation, self- control, good works and devotion.
Salvation: Achieved through works. Brahma — the Hindu’s god — is found by seeking within one’s self, because everyone is part god.
Christianity
The Soul: The Bible teaches that all people are created by God. Reincarnation: Each of us has only one life to live. We die and face judgment.
View of Christ: He’s the Son of God and died for man’s sin. God is personal, omniscient and omnipotent.
View of Sin: Sin leads to eternal separation from God. But we can have forgiveness of our sins, if we confess, repent and allow God to be the authority of our life (one life—not many).
Salvation: Is not achieved through works but by faith in Jesus Christ. Christians believe people can’t earn salvation; neither do they deserve it. But because God loves people so much, He offers salvation as a free gift.
Other Contrasts:
Hinduism: We are all divine.
Christianity: We are all born in sin.
Hinduism: Promotes a rigid caste system (social hierarchy).
Christianity: Teaches that all people are equal and cherished in God’s eyes.
Know It!
One major difference between Christianity and all other world religions is that Jesus Christ — the One whom Christians follow — left an empty tomb. The leaders of all other religions are still in their graves. Christians serve a living God. Believers of other religions serve a dead man.
Read It!
Matthew 3:13; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1, 14; John 14:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 9:28; Titus 2:13: 1 John 5:11-12.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you reach out to those whose religious beliefs differ from yours. Tell Him you desire to you’re your friends that He truly is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:43 am
Christianity vs. Islam Part I
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the interest in Islam has grown. People are curious about Muslim beliefs. Let’s scoot a little closer for a clearer view.
Islam
View of Christ: He was only a prophet.
Sacred Scriptures: The Koran. This book of writing teaches that Allah is God, and God is one. There are no other “partners” to Allah, such as Jesus and the Holy Spirit are part of Jehovah God. The Koran also teaches that Allah is impersonal. He is called by 99 different names, but “Father” is not one of them. The Koran also teaches that Jesus never died on the Cross. The teaching says that Allah took Jesus to heaven before the crucifixion because a prophet of God wouldn’t have had to face such torment. Islam promotes that either Simon of Cyrene (who carried the Cross for Jesus when He fell) or Judas Iscariot were made up to look like Christ and died on the Cross.
Judgment and Eternity: Allah will judge humanity, and each individual will be sent to either heaven or hell. Heaven is a place of sensual pleasure. Hell is where everyone else lives who opposed Allah and his prophet Mohammed.
Christianity
View of Christ: The only Son of God Almighty.
Sacred Scriptures: The Holy Bible. The Bible was inspired by God Himself and written in obedience to His guidance. It teaches that God is the head of the Trinity — which is also comprised of Jesus Christ (God’s Son) and the Holy Spirit. Though God existed before anything else, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are part of God. The Bible teaches that Jesus actually died on the Cross for our sins and rose from the dead three days later.
Judgment and Eternity: God will judge humanity, and each individual will spend eternity in either heaven or hell. Heaven is living with God forever in celebration, peace, joy and praise. There will be no sickness and no death in heaven. Hell is eternal separation from God and is described in the Bible as a place of great torment. Everyone who has not accepted Jesus as his personal Savior will live forever in hell.
Know It!
Jehovah is a loving and personal God. He has several names and all of them are descriptive of His love and care for humanity.
Read It!
Deuteronomy 7:8; Jeremiah 31:3; Psalm 77:10-15; Isaiah 43:13; John 1:13-14; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 2:4; 1 Peter 3:18.
Pray It!
Tell God how grateful you are for Christianity and the free gift of eternal life.
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Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 9:29 am
Christianity vs. Islam Part II
Let’s continue with our comparative look at Christianity and Islam.
Islam
Sin: Muslims believe that people are born without sin. If they do sin, sins can be overcome by earning forgiveness.
Salvation: To become a Muslim, one must publicly repeat “There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is the prophet of Allah.” One must also pray five times a day while kneeling and bowing toward the direction of the holy city, Mecca. Muslims must also give 2.5 percent of his earnings. This is called alms and is given to orphans, sick people and widows. Muslims must fast an entire month during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar year, Ramadan. Food, sex, smoking and drinking are all off limits—but only during daylight. Muslims must also make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives.
Holy Scripture: The Koran is only one of four books Muslims believe are God-inspired. The Torah, the Zabur and the Injil are also viewed as holy Scriptures.
Allah: Islam teaches that Allah doesn’t love those who sin. Each human being has to earn his own salvation.
Christianity
Sin: Christians believe that all are born with sin and are separated from God until they accept forgiveness for their sins from Jesus Christ. Jesus, then becomes the Mediator between man and God.
Salvation: Accepting forgiveness for one’s sins through faith in Jesus Christ. After repentance, Christians then develop a relationship with Jesus. They pray often, but they don’t have to pray a specific number of times a day. Christians pray not because they have to, but because they’re in love with Christ and enjoy talking with Him and listening to Him. Sometimes Christians fast for a specific time, but it’s not a requirement for salvation. When Christians fast, it’s so they can focus more intently on a specific prayer request or facet of their lives.
Holy Scripture: Christians believe there is only on holy book of inspired words from God—The Holy Bible.
God: Christians believe that God loves man in the midst of his sin. And because of this great love, He provided forgiveness for sin through His only Son, Jesus.
Know It!
God is crazy about you! He loves you more than you can comprehend. And because of that love, He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for your sins. You can’t earn it, and you don’t deserve it. But you can accept it— for free!
Read It!
Matthew 8:29; Matthew 17:5; Luke 1:26-38; John 10:30; Colossians 1:15-17.
Pray It!
Thank God for loving you more than you’ll ever deserve or fully comprehend. Seek His help in loving Him you’re your very life.
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Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:12 am
Christianity vs. Jehovah’s Witnesses
Maybe they’ve knocked on your door—a couple of well- dressed young men who want to tell you about God. Chances are they were Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
View of Christ’s Return: They believe Christ was supposed to have returned in 1874. When He didn’t, JW’s moved the date to 1914 then 1918 and 1925. New dates were assigned to the years of 1975 and 1979. So many JW’s were disillusioned by this time, that approximately 750,000 left the church in 1979.
View of Jesus Christ: Christ is not God. He’s God’s Son, but He’s inferior to God.
Who Goes to Heaven: Only 144,000 people will get to live in heaven with God for eternity. These are God’s anointed. Earth will become paradise, and it’s for all the other good people who simply weren’t anointed.
View of Salvation: JW’s believe that Christ’s death (on a stake — not a cross) provides the chance for people to work for their salvation.
About Authority: JW’s aren’t allowed independent spiritual thinking. They must adhere to the decisions and scriptural understanding of the Watchtower Society.
Man’s Immortality: JW’s claim that man doesn’t have an immortal soul. When man dies, his spirit also dies.
More Facts About JW’s:
• They don’t believe in hell.
• They don’t celebrate Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or birthdays.
• They don’t believe in the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
Christianity
View of Christ’s Return: Christians believe that no one knows the time, day or year when Christ will return except for God Himself.
View of Jesus Christ: He is the Son of God and part of God. Christians believe Christ’s words: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9 NIV).
Who Goes to Heaven: All who have repented of their sin and accepted Christ as their Savior will spend eternity in heaven with God.
View of Salvation: Christians believe that Christ’s death (on the Cross) paid for all sins and that those who accept Him as their personal Savior are forgiven by God’s grace.
About Authority: Christians trust the Holy Spirit to guide them as they read the Scriptures and obey God — not man.
Man’s Immortality: Man has an immortal, eternal soul that, at death, awaits judgment or goes to be with Christ.
Know It!
If you have accepted Christ as your personal Savior and are living according to His will, you’ll spend eternity with Him in heaven. If you choose not to accept Christ as your personal Savior, you’ll spend eternity in hell — forever separated from God.
Read It!
Matthew 24:36; John 14:9; Romans 3:24-25; Romans 5:12-19; 1 Peter 2:24; Luke 23:46; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:22-23.
Pray It!
Thank Jesus for how easy it is to become a Christian.
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