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Christian Faith: A Journey to Life’s Real Purpose
May 27th
Christian Faith: A Journey to Life’s Real Purpose
Drug addiction, woman trafficking, child abuse, abortion, and all time high crime rates – what more could this rotting society offer? It seems as if everyday is just another opportunity for these rowdy criminals to spread foibles and idiosyncrasies without recognizing the after effects they do to society, more so to the Christian faith.
A lot of people are slowly moving away from their Christian values and from knowing wholly the most high who breathes life into what humanity gets pleasure from âlife. So even if society brings about community restorations and improvement, or prison reform and rehabilitation for those who are behind bars, without the willingness of the entities involved, these overhauling and rectifications will only turn to naught, with a society that will continue to worsen and with hardened criminals coming about.
What is there left for this putrid world to do? If every person in this world could do even one of the following below-mentioned advices, this world could indeed be a better place to live in:
Get access to inspirational Christian stories â Instead of perusing unworthy reads, why not focus your attention to stories that will strengthen your Christian character, widen your standpoint in life, and draw you nearer to your creator. If you come across the book White collar: From CEO to Federal Inmate by Patrick Antrim Sr., you will realize that it is indeed possible to change the direction of your life from meaningless to meaningful, from unwillingness to the desire of knowing God, and from doubt to faith. The book is indeed a worthy account that could change how youâll view and live life. A Christian Book as an instrument â The best book of all time and perhaps nothing could ever equate to it is the Bible. If you really want to renew your faith, the Bible will certainly lead you to a better relationship not just with people, society and the world, but with your creator whom you owe and ought to offer everything to.
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Related Christian Faith Articles
Christian Faith: A Powerful Way to Advancing God’s Kingdom
May 27th
Christian Faith: A Powerful Way to Advancing God’s Kingdom
You passed by a bar one night and what did you see? Teenagers probably your daughterâs or sonâs age drinking and partying like thereâs no tomorrow. As your car moves a little farther, you noticed groups of young people who appear to be having unlawful sessions. By the time youâve reached the other end of the road, you saw lovers stealing fleeting moments of hook-ups. What is happening to the world, you began to ask. If this is the kind of generation your childrenâs children would see, people of today are more fortunate of having a dying world than a morally dead world in the next years to come.
Whatâs lacking with those people who have gone astray? Christian faith. Theyâve been so overwhelmed with what their youthfulness could afford and what the world could offer that they tend to forget all about one ultimate purpose â knowing and serving God.
With the abovementioned scenario growing rampantly by the minute, inspirational Christian accounts may be the only hope worthy of providing? But how is this possible with the world slowly losing its morale? The following words will shed light to the issue of faith and morality:
Set good examples â The youth of today are overpowered with earthly desires. Whatâs even more alarming is that they wind up becoming threats to the society. If they become a big peril to their community, they wind up behind bars. And if they end up in jail, it isnât an assurance that prison reform could transform them to civilized and well-mannered citizens. Therefore, before your child or someone else ends up as publicâs ultimate enemy, you as parents must take the responsibility of molding your children to become better individuals with high regards to authority, respect to other peopleâs rights, and fear of God. The introduction of Christian values at an early age â The best time to instill Christian values to a child is not when heâs come of age, but the moment he learns his words, distinguishes right from wrong, and realizes even in his own immature way the purpose of living. Even a simple baby step of reading a Christian book to your child could greatly contribute to his becoming a full-pledged Christian all geared up in advancing Godâs kingdom.
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Christian Faith Singles Dating Sites – Faith Dating Online
May 27th
Christian Faith Singles Dating Sites – Faith Dating Online
Christian faith singles dating is becoming very popular online, and christians are finding love in record numbers. For Christian singles dating online, your opportunities for finding similar faith sharing people has never been better. For most people, finding a date online can be a trial, you meet tons of people you have little in common with and it can feel like there are no interesting people you have anything in common with, faith dating hopes to change your opinion. Thanks to a few quality websites, christian singles can now meet like minded local people that share their belief outside of their church with the help of the web.
Once, a few years back, if you wanted to try for love using the web, you were forced to use one of the few available sites, with broad membership and finding people you shared interests with was your burden. Online singles dating has grown, and christian singles can rejoice because the benefits of faith based websites are many, and you now can quickly find like-minded people with similar beliefs. One can choose to date by ethnicity, by shared interest, or by something deeper, such as a shared faith. Christian faith singles dating has become a thriving community online filled with interesting and quality individuals looking to meet like minded members for dating.
As is common, a few services have become trusted leaders over time for having helped countless people in the Christian faith find love. These niche services allow for all the traditional search, instant messaging, email, and chatting options of a normal relationship service, but it all stands on a foundation of shared beliefs. Over the months these sites have established themselves as reliable and trustworthy, having exceeded the expectations of their members and having helped thousands find their loved one.
Perhaps you have enjoyed meeting new friends and quality people at your church meetings, in a friendly, safe environment, screened for good people. Faith based internet dating is an attempt to recreate that safe, relaxed environment for meeting individuals with shared beliefs, shared foundations, and shared interests.
Finding shared belief local singles for dating is all up to you, it just requires you join a trusted dating website and join the countless local people that are already experiencing all the benefits. You might be searching for a life partner, love interest, or just a friend for fun, whatever the case, Christian singles online are available and interested in meeting people just like you for Christian singles dating today.
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Conservative Poet Tom Zart’s = Poems of Christian Faith
May 27th
Conservative Poet Tom Zart’s = Poems of Christian Faith
CHRISTIAN POET
TOM ZART’S POEMS OF
CHRISTIAN FAITH
THE HORNETS of HELL
The hornets of hell swarm from their nest
Overwhelming all the victims they can.
To sting as many souls as possible
In their destruction of the glory of man.
They murder, rob, rape and plunder
While provoking the meek to submit.
They lie, deceive and mislead
And depend on the world to forget.
Eager to enhance their numbers
They are the cheerleaders of disgrace.
Their agendas of sin must be stopped
For the betterment of each race.
Endless is God’s test of time
To measure man’s spiritual worth
Unwholesome deeds tempt us all
Festering in the repugnance of earth.
The hornets of hell are on the hunt
In all directions by day or night.
The Armor of God shields man’s soul
And gives us our resolve to fight.
The champions of heaven in rapture await
To see who will stumble and fall.
They watch us struggle, in our world of woe
As they pray we will heed, God’s call.
Fools declare we must hide from view
And leave the hornets of hell alone
But when we ignore the liabilities of life
The failings of man become, our own.
MY FAVORITE POET
My favorite poet is God above
Who gives Earth its rhythm and rhyme.
Not pied pipers of misguided souls
Who promote distrust, hatred and crime.
Poetry is nature serenading in song
The peaceful roar of the oceans waves.
The wind through the trees and over the hills
And the flowers in the fields by the graves.
The sound of rain as it waters the thirsty
The songs of children at play in the park.
The far off rumble of trains or thunder
As they pass through the night in the dark.
The joy of our babies first words and steps
The passion of life with its heroes and clowns.
The on going struggle to survive our sins
As we proliferate in hamlets and towns.
My favorite poet is our Father of love
Who was first to know us before birth.
His poetry prolongs every thing we love
As His deliverance gives life its worth.
HEAVEN’S HEROES
Winning souls tend to change everything
Including who and what we are.
When our darkness within transforms to light
And our eyes have the luster of a star.
We must always pray for the lost among us
Who eagerly race toward the wrong direction.
So they may know their own repentance
Blessed by God’s, grace, love and protection.
All of heaven’s heroes have suffered remorse
From hate, fear, lust, loneliness and war.
They do what they do with deliverance of heart
Defeating the dark side of life and more.
Noah found safety within the beams of his ark
To endure heaven’s cleansing of earth.
Moses the deliverer, climbed a mountain
Descending with God’s guidelines of worth.
David the shepherd, a boy among men
Slew evil’s giant with a flying stone.
Samson the strong man, broke from his chains
Toppling the temple with God’s help alone.
Jonah was swallowed by a monster fish
To be cast up on shore with a prophecy to tell.
Jesus of Nazareth was nailed to the cross
And without his forgiveness we’re doomed to fail.
Lord I’ll feel blessed to greet all your heroes
When it is my time to escape my woes.
I’ll clutch their hands and kiss their face
As we celebrate the journey we chose.
HEAVEN’S GATE
Lord I’m coming, Lord I’m running
Skipping steps all the way to your gate.
I know I have faltered, thanks to faith I’ve altered
Escaping my bondage of hate.
For too long I was selfish, reckless and cruel
Refusing to regret my actions as a fool.
An arrow from heaven found its way to my soul
Since then till now giving love as my goal.
Blessed by my children and the treasures of life
Blessed by income, hard work and a wife.
Led by your wisdom to combat what is wrong
Blessed by your grace, worship and song.
Age is upon me but I’m not afraid to die
All that I stand for will be viewed by and by.
I don’t expect a mansion or wings to help me fly
Only to serve you and yours in the sky.
With one foot in heaven and one down on earth
I pray to be remembered and judged by my worth.
If I’m forced to camp, just outside your gate
I will still be grateful and not, “hesitate.”
POETS ARE THE BELL RINGERS OF THE SOUL
Most poets tell the truth of life
Though they may wrap it in beauty.
It’s their passion, not their purpose
To compose is but their duty.
Poets as a rule are high on adventure
Like wondering bards or prophets today.
Embracing hearts and minds with wisdom
Casting through verse their visions at play.
Poets have their dreams and their nightmares
Of love, life, death, faith, and war.
They feel the pain and tragedy of others
Even those they’ve never met before.
One merit of a poet’s work
Which most people cannot deny
They say more and in fewer words
To illuminate you and I.
Their poems are used to convey passion
By composers of both good and evil mood.
Some are hateful others loving
Sharing thoughts to be consumed as food.
They fan the flames of human compassion
With their stories of the failings of man.
Professing to follow a higher power
As they recruit whomever they can.
The wild birds sing and flowers bloom
As clouds form figures in the sky
But only poets will write poems
That shall last long after they die.
God has always had his poets
Who he watches with love from space.
But Satan has his poets too
Who try to lead us from our grace.
Poets are the bell ringers of the soul
As they depict the past, the present and beyond.
They sound their alarm of what lies ahead
As the missteps of man live on.
JESUS IS A FISHERMAN
Jesus is a fisherman
Who saves the souls of man.
Dead or alive he leads the faithful
To the streams of promise land.
He sees us when we’re happy
He hears us when we’re glad.
He whispers words of hope to us
When we face something sad.
As wicked thoughts control the mind
Evil deeds control the heart.
Jesus is who we turn to
When from sins we must depart.
Jesus is a fisherman
Who baits his hook with love.
Casting his line in your direction
From the banks of heaven above.
THE DISTORTION OF MAN
We’re sought by Satan of that I’m sure
As he plots to derail our soul.
Greed, hate, lust, anger and fear
Are deeds which facilitate his coal.
He smiles at lies, cheating and theft
He laughs at never-ending war.
He drools to conquer the hearts of man
Shadowing every window and door.
Tempting all with unclean pleasures
His success is weakness and desire.
We triumph only through the power of faith
Avoiding eternal torment and fire.
Goodness and evil illustrate life
Like the two sides of every coin.
Most can’t help but experience both
As we learn who to trust, follow and join.
Praise our Lord for morals and ethics
The laws of heavenly command.
Without God’s armor and his grace
We become the distortion of man.
THE RIVER OF NO RETURN
Beware of the streams of evil
Feeding the river of no return.
Where whatever gives us pleasure
Is our only worry and concern.
True happiness results from blessings
Handed down from heaven to earth.
God seems to smile on people in love
Who have chosen to share their worth.
Three types of humans occupy earth
The bad, the not so bad and the horrible.
Somewhere in-between, most us are
And our babies are most adorable.
Far to many become disappointing
Mimicking adults as they stretch and grow.
Lost somewhere in self indulgence
In a world they have yet to know.
Thanks to faith and spiritual teachings
Multitudes follow the path of grace.
The righteous are the hope of man
As we journey the dangers of space.
Reject what is selfish, cruel and unkind
Steer clear of evil deeds without fear.
Listen to the voice of God in man
And you’ll remain more civilized and clear.
THE FIRST ONE TO LOVE ME
The first one to love me was you; Lord
And nothing can take that away.
My soul is refreshed by living water
While my heart flows with love each day.
I thank you for the love of my family
And I thank you for the love of my life.
I thank you for all of the blessings
You give to each husband and wife.
Your glory rides high on the sunsets
Your voice is the thunder of rain.
I thank you for all of the heavens
And Jesus who came to be slain.
I feel when your eyes are upon me
As you listen to my humble cry,
You’ve redeemed the soul of your servant
To dwell in your mansion on high.
I’ll claim each and every promise
From the Lord of the earth and sky.
I’m so glad I’m free from my bondage
Of the grave where my body shall lie.
I thank you for parting the darkness
And guiding my footsteps each day.
I thank you for being my shepherd
You’ve walked with me all the way.
I know your armor protects me
From the devil in search of his feast.
And all who are lost without you
Shall dwell in hell with the beast!
DAVID AND GOLIATH
David, the shepherd, a tender of sheep
Would pray to his God before he would sleep.
One day he awoke to the roar of beasts
A bear and a lion in search of a feast.
David slew both with his knife and his hand
Though still just a boy and not yet a man.
The Lord’s love for David was proven once again
When he challenged the champion of the Philistine men.
Goliath’s beastly fingers and hideous toes
Made David more selective with the stones that he chose.
One for the giant, he knew he would slay
Four more for his brothers who were laughing that day.
The giant told David, “I’ll tear you apart;
The birds and the animals shall feast on your heart.”
David yelled back, “I’ll soon see you dead
And when I’m through I’ll cut off your head!”
The worst of all men, drew high with his arm
Came forth to David to do him great harm.
The youth jumped ahead just as quick as a lynx
A stone from his sling popped the giant where he thinks.
Blood and bone spewed forth as that devil fell down;
A thousand pound soldier lie dead on the ground.
With Goliath’s own sword, David chopped off his head
Then took it to Jerusalem, to prove that he was dead.
JESUS
There once was a traveler who was driven out of town
On his shoulders was a burden that pushed him to the ground.
On his head was a crown made of thorns from a bush
And the street was so crowded the guards had to push.
They stopped at some sandstone at the top of a hill
There was a round hole the cross would soon fill.
They made him lie down upon that wood cross
There they nailed him to prove who was boss.
The beam was up-ended by the muscles of men
As it plunged down the hole it was carved to fit in.
Then Jesus looked up at the lightning that flew
And cried, “God, My Father, they know not what they do.”
They crucified our Lord as his blood flowed to earth
If inside you believe, you feel what love is worth.
They wrapped him in loincloth when he was taken down
Then carefully removed his scarlet stained crown.
They placed him in a cave with a large, round, stone door
Before sealing forever, they lay lilies on the floor.
Though it wasn’t very long, and the stone was rolled away
For Jesus resurrected, to rise on Easter Day!
DARTS OF THE DEVIL
The darts of the devil fly free on the winds
And sometimes they pierce both family and friends.
Remember young Adam and his wife, Eve?
When they gave into Satan, the Lord said, “leave”.
Ever since then, right up to today
The devil makes sure we’ll sin in some way.
Wear all of God’s armor, whatever you do;
Should the darts of the devil seek out you.
Thank God for Jesus who died on the cross.
Our passage to heaven was paid by his loss.
Every knee shall bow and tongues confess all
That Jesus is our Lord at his final call.
Angels will descend with Jesus in the sky
He’ll greet us with open arms when it’s our time to fly.
For our Lord awaits all who believe
And those who do not, shall be told to leave.
NIGHT OF NIGHTS
In the tiny town of Bethlehem
Born in a stable, an infant lie.
While he slept his first dreamless night
A whole universe of stars passed by.
When Jesus Christ our savior was born
Most of the angels began to sing
Of peace, and good will to all mankind
And hallelujah to earth’s new king.
There were those angels, who did not sing
For they had passed through the devil’s gate.
They knew this young lad belonged to God
And for them salvation was too late.
So let’s rejoice, and sing with great cheer
That night when Jesus slept without fear.
For our Lord’s birthday comes once a year
On that night of nights we hold so dear.
GRACE
The Son of God came to save that which was lost
To redeem our soul from the power of the grave.
Where the prisoners of death must rest together
Except for the spirits of the kind and brave.
The preaching of the cross is ignored by fools
And sinners who are unable to conform.
By grace we are saved as a gift from our Lord
Who wipes tears from the faces that mourn.
By learning, loving, working, teaching, and prayer
We submit our years as a tale to be told.
The survival of life is our pilgrimage
As we tackle each challenge both young and old.
No one can be sure of how long they will last
Though all have a choice of whom they choose to be.
Warmongers, adulterers, thieves or saints
Everyone must some day bow down before thee.
From dust we were made and shall return
After life has brought us to our earthly end.
Though all must walk in the shadow of death
The righteous are promised they will rise again.
NOAH’S ARK
God saw that wickedness had fouled his earth
To a state it could no longer be ignored.
While grieving sadly he chose to destroy it
Though Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
The Lord told Noah to fashion a great ark
Made of gopher wood and pitch, outside and in.
Three hundred cubits long and fifty in width
Before the world he knew, would come to its end.
Bring your food, your sons, your wife and your son’s wives
And two of every living sort, be with thee.
For with you I’ll establish my covenant
And all who are with thee shall survive the sea.
They all marched forth, two by two, into the ark
And waited for God’s waters to flood the land.
For forty days and for forty nights
The fountains of the deep consumed beast and man.
Inside the ark nostrils kept their breath of life
As the high waters prevailed upon the earth.
Every mountain and every hilltop vanished
As all within felt the power of God’s worth.
The waters from heaven were finally restrained
And after ten months the tops of mountains were seen.
God had blessed Noah and all who had joined him
To multiply, plant and fulfill his dream.
WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
The wise listen to increase their learning
Where the scorners of wisdom close their mind.
The hearts of the prudent gather knowledge
For a soul without grace becomes confined.
Our knowledge can help us fulfill our dreams
Though most of the time with wisdom comes grief.
For knowledge removes our veil of ignorance
Exposing within the liar or thief.
A wise mind is a fountain of life;
To teach others it’s knowledge before death.
Wisdom is too hard for fools to retain
Who curse their fellows with spiteful breath.
Fill yourself with love and understanding
For wisdom makes the human face shine.
Knowledge is stronger than weapons of war
While on ignorance, fools continue to dine.
The words of the wise are heard in quiet
More than the loud shouts of screaming fools.
Wisdom and knowledge cause stability
In the lives of those who use them as tools.
We should shun with wisdom what is evil
And glorify with knowledge what is good.
Better is the gift of learning than gold
For by virtue we become what we should.
MIRACLES
Miracles are the extraordinary acts of God
If you don’t believe it, why pray?
Some say, they’re just happenings brought about by luck
Thus, superstition has led the rest of us, astray.
Woe to what the misinformed might think
Who claim their excellence is their own.
A wise man knows his gifts are from heaven
And by repentance, his gratitude is shown.
I believe in miracles for I’m alive and well
I’m loved by God, family, and a few good friends.
I’ve lived long enough to see miracles transpire
As one must end, another descends.
WHO?
Who wrote the tune the songbird sings?
Who made the diamonds we wear on rings?
Who caused the snow and rain to fall?
Who made spring, winter, summer and fall?
Who gave man a woman to love?
Who made the clouds and sky above?
Who lights the stars and moon in the night?
Who makes heaven and beyond so bright?
Who gives us babies we follow till death?
Who made us able to speak with our breath?
Who gives us heroes willing to die?
Who made the tears we shed as we cry?
Who shows us hope and guides our way?
The same one who loves us night and day.
THE ARMOR OF GOD
Put on the whole armor of God
And soldiers we shall be.
Fighting the powers of darkness
Who thirst for the souls of the free.
Through lust, they try to enslave us
And silence God’s voice in man.
With focus of faith we shun them
Avoiding the grasp of their hand.
Satan whispers his sadistic thoughts
In every language and every ear.
Tempting all with the sins of hell
Victims of misery, hopelessness and fear.
Eagerly plotting to disrupt God’s works
Evil swallows up souls like the shifting sand.
The armor of God is our divine protection
Shielding every child, woman, and man.
THE MYSTERY OF PRAYER
Never be afraid to pray boldly to God
For no matter the crisis our Lord is aware.
Sometimes it’s hard to recognize God’s answers
But that’s just part of the mystery of prayer.
Some of the greatest heroes in history
Wore holes in the knees of their pants.
For without God’s grace and human prayer
Man’s survival on earth is by chance.
Surrender your soul and make time for prayer
Sharing moments with your Savior alone
He’ll shoulder your burden and give you rest
As the seeds of his praise are sown.
JESUS IS MY MASTER
Jesus is my master
I’m not afraid to admit.
All I had to do
Was be willing and submit.
He loves me when I’m bad
He loves me when I’m good.
He loves me even more
When I behave as I should.
He knows that I’m not perfect
He knows I’m guilty of sin.
He leadeth me to righteousness
And allows me to rise again.
FAITH
So perfect is nature, though not by man
It’s the brush of our master that paints the land.
The sun comes up and sun goes down
As in every direction God’s wonders are found.
The tide comes in and the tide goes out
Our faith in eternalness is what life is about.
Contentment depends on which path we walk
By daylight or darkness; our faith is our rock.
Our confidence and trust in a higher power
Helps guide us through every moment and hour.
Fidelity to ones promise and observance of law
Lets our Lord know we heed his call.
DIVINE INTERVENTION
I never write a poem
That doesn’t write itself.
I catch a buzz and come alive
Like a puppet off it’s shelf.
Hearing many voices
Whose words are never mine.
My pen becomes a painter’s brush
Forming visions on a line.
I seem to be a better person
When it’s time to sit down and write.
A higher power guides my hand
Sharing wisdom by day and night.
People born to create
Have no choice but to perform.
It’s the rush of sharing their gift
That elevates them from the norm.
What would our world become
Without intervention from above?
Angry beings in a revolving cage
With no sense of passion or love.
LUCIFER LOVES TO BAIT HIS HOOK
Jesus is our savior who whips the Devil’s hide
After death heaven awaits for all with him who ride.
Disobedience by believers was forgiven by his loss
The future of man was changed by his death on the cross.
We’re free to believe whatever till its time to say farewell
All who turn their back to Christ shall suffer the blaze of hell.
Lucifer loves to bait his hook and fish the pond of man
Once he has you in his net you’re the victim of his hand.
Some say not to worry for man was once an ape
It’s okay to hate, plunder, murder, lie and rape.
I choose to follow the Bible and observe God’s laws
Praying for the mislaid in the clutch of Satan’s claws.
JONAH
God’s words to Jonah were to preach at Nineveh
A great city from which armies against Israel often came.
Instead he went to Joppa a city by the sea
Where he paid his passage and sailed without shame.
The ship had not gone far before a tremendous storm arose
And the crew became frightened and began to pray.
They threw the cargo overboard to help stay afloat
As they pondered who among them should be cast away?
They chose to draw lots to expose God’s offender.
And the lot fell upon Jonah who ran from his call
The sailors tried their best to bring the ship to shore
When they failed they pitched Jonah to suffer God’s law.
Jonah’s body hardly touched the waters of the deep
When up came a huge fish, and swallowed him whole.
From within it’s belly he had time to think of his sins
Make peace with God, and purify his soul.
After three days, the fish swam close to shore
Casting up Jonah on dry land unharmed.
Again Jonah heard God’s voice from his heart
Saying save Nineveh from Lucifer’s charm.
Soon after he preached, that Nineveh along with its people
God would destroy unless they turned from their wicked ways.
To his surprise, they listened and repented their sins
And were told by their king to pray for God’s praise.
All Poems By
Conservative Poet
Tom Zart
Most Published Poet
On The Web
You can hear all of Tom Zart’s 330 poems
of love, war, faith and more 24-7 on web radio at
http://internetvoicesradio.com/Arch-TomZart.htm
Tom Zart ARCHIVES:
Global
Special
Operations
101
http://www.globalspecialoperations.com/tomzart2.html
Tom Zart’s
“Shepherds of Life”
330 Poems
Conservative Poet Tom Zart
Most Published Poet On The Web.
Is the Christian Religion the Same Thing as the Christian Faith?
May 27th
Is the Christian Religion the Same Thing as the Christian Faith?
Human beings are a complicated mix. For example, we are quite social and operate in groups … yet, we are also unique, individual units. Some activities are correctly pursued in group, but some pursuits must be solo. As Christians, we become part of the body of Christ – yet, we remain an individual. God says it this way: “You are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” Furthermore, He distributes spiritual gifts “to each one individually just as He wills” and places “the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desire(s)” (1Cor 12:11,18 and 27). Those in this group actually have their individuality enhanced – by imparted gifts. But, … let’s move back a step.
The most important, the most crucial, indeed the most non-negotiable of all solo actions, centers on the salvation issue. This matter begins and ends with the individual and the Creator. There is no activity more solo. And it puts us in the weakest of positions because “all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb 4:13). It’s no wonder we hide “in the trees” like Adam – looking for cover (Gen 3:8). It is ironic that the shield of choice is often … religion.
The only religion I am interested in discussing here is the Christian religion.
The Christian Religion
In my mind, the Christian religion and the Christian faith are two different things. It is not imperative that you adopt my demarcation between the two, but if you think (for this moment) in the framework I am presenting, the following discussion will make more sense. When I think of religion, I think; “ceremony, ritual, dogma – and formulas for these things.” When I think of faith, I think; “inquiry, study, knowledge – and persuasion of what is true.”
Using this definition, the Christian religion … is easy. Formulas are presented that lead one to salvation, then directives are clearly defined for “good” Christian living. Altar calls, confirmations, or baptisms are soon followed by church membership, tithing, and the church calendar.
It is a natural weakness for man to fall into religion. The reason is really quite simple. Religion tells the follower everything he/she must do. The directives are not to be questioned – just obeyed – and everything will be fine. Many people feel like they have actually accomplished something by following religious orders. This has great appeal for the participant – and often provides great comfort. But, this comfort does not end in life.
The Christian religion rests on two primary pillars. First, those in the pew are sheep who must be led. And the second pillar is (you guessed it) – the leaders. They are to be obeyed. Two huge blunders are created by this model. For starters, Christians – as sheep – is a “figure of speech” (Jn 10:6). Sheep are depicted as naive, defenseless and quite dumb (However, they only answer to the trustworthy voice of their master … and ignore a stranger’s voice [Jn 10: 1-5,16,27]. People would do well to imitate this. They often follow “strange voices” … who lead them into death). But, where does Ezekiel’s verse fit in the “dumb sheep” analogy? “‘As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord” (Ezek 34:31). This is consistent with Paul’s admonition to the wayward Corinthians: “in your thinking be mature … Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1Cor 14:20 and 16:13). Where is it that God calls His children – to be stupid sheep?
Secondly, the leaders of the Christian religion are exempted from this “figure of speech”. They are over the dumb sheep. But, they themselves … are not dumb sheep. One of the most oft quoted passages supporting this position comes from Hebrews: “Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you” (Heb 13:17). At first glance, it does appear the religion model is accurate – sheep are supposed to obey leaders. But, a simple language lesson will demand a closer scrutiny.
This English translation (from Koine Greek) contains at least three problems.
First, in the English translation: “Obey” is a verb in the active voice. But in Koine Greek, this is a verb in the passive voice. The passive voice means the subject is acted upon – not doing the action. The actual word translated, “obey” (peitho) has several potential meanings (just as English words do). The root meaning of “peitho” is “persuasion.” Blind obedience is outside the circle.
Second, in the English translation: “leaders” is a noun. But, this is a participle in the Greek – not a noun. A participle is a verbal adjective. There is a huge difference between “the leading ones” and “leaders.” In this instance, “the leading ones” refers to the more mature Christians “of you all” (a plural genitive). They seek to persuade the less mature by instruction and example – and call for imitation. “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1Cor 11:1 – and this is the Apostle Paul … to the Corinthians!).
Third, in the English translation: “to them” is a prepositional phrase. This is not in the Greek at all and should just be forgotten.
Hebrews 13:17 should be translated more like this: “You must allow yourselves to be persuaded by the leading ones of you all … and yield.” The less mature are commanded to allow themselves to be persuaded (passive) by the more mature among them – and then yield to accurate handling of the word of God (doctrine and lifestyle) – not to them. This is totally consistent with all the other foundational Biblical injunctions of the Christian faith. “Examine everything; adhere to that which is good” (1Thes 5:21). The Bereans “were more noble minded than those in Thessolonica … examining the Scriptures daily” to see if Paul’s assertions were correct (Acts 17:11). “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (2Cor 13:5).
Those who are leading must account for how they led. But, they are not responsible for wrong choices by their listeners (assuming they had led correctly). Paul was not guilty before God for the errant choices of the wayward Corinthians or the bewitched Galatians. Their choices did bring him grief … but not guilt.
I cannot explain why translators have so fouled this passage from Hebrews. If you can find a Greek scholar who can explain this – let me know (“Peithesthe” is not a middle deponent verb to be translated active either). By the way, Jesus did talk about leaders one time. “Do not be called leaders; for One is your leader – Christ” (Mt 23:10). Does He need to repeat Himself?
The Christian Faith
This arises when individual circumstances converge on a person – forcing an intense search … for the Creator. While God may use people, or even some of the structures of religion as cited above, these things are secondary (at best). The Christian faith is the search for God. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God – for the living God” (Ps 42:1,2). Furthermore, He tells us, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13). This is hard. In fact, I don’t think we can really know when we have truly sought Him with all of our heart. Duplicities, known and unknown, infest us.
God calls people to the Christian faith. He calls them … one by one. No one can get into heaven on the coattails of another. Adhering to the greatest of preachers … will not work. Supporting, or participating in, the most fruitful Christian church … will not move God to accept that one. Even following hard on the heels of the most devout of mothers … will not usher one into glory. There is but One Advocate before God the Father who can make a successful case for one’s inclusion into His favor (1Jn 2:1). And one must deal with Him solo. Nothing we will ever undertake is more solo – and absolutely necessary.
The extreme emergencies of life … are faced alone. The only One who can help us – is God. When Stephen was being stoned to death, he needed Christian faith – not some version of Christian religion (Acts 6 and 7). Our situation will be different, but the reality of need will be the same. The Christian faith is spiritual independence from man … and total spiritual dependence upon Jesus Christ.
Robin: Christian in 1977. Education: BA, Bus Admin (Milligan Collg ‘90) and M-Div (Emmanuel School of Relign ‘92). One of his ebooks includes every Bible verse about love in a Bible study on love . Other ebooks biblically address death, no tithe, abortion, and capital punishment. You can find each Free Christian Ebook online at freelygive-n.com!
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Exporing the Faith and Moral Lessons in a Christian Home School Curriculum
May 27th
Exporing the Faith and Moral Lessons in a Christian Home School Curriculum
The world that we live in, is somewhat complicated and it is confusing for our children. There are so many ideas and images put forth that even we can become confused and unsure. There is one sure way that you can guide your children to a standard of living that will provide them with a strong moral background. This is achieved via a Christian home school curriculum program.
When you are selecting one of these programs, you should see which of the features in these curriculums are most suited for your child’s study needs. Likewise you will need to remember that your child will continue to grow and develop both physically and mentally.
For these reasons choosing a Christian home school curriculum that is flexible and has many different levels of study will provide this mental stimulus. Additionally there should be subjects where an interest in studies will grow. As there are many different types of Christian home school curriculum programs you may want to discuss these many options with your child.
This partnership will let you see what sort of interests your child has towards educational subjects. Also by talking with your children you can ensure that they understand what home school is. They will then know what they must do to make this coursework a success.
There are various Christian home school programs where each phase of your child’s life is divided into sections. In these separate sections your child’s learning is developed so that they can take these lessons into their minds as they grow older. In the first section of the learning the building blocks of a good life are laid.
These first steps that you can give your child are learning phoenetics and the basics of maths. These lessons can be augmented with chapters from the Bible and inspirational stories. You will find the lesson plans that you need provided with the Christian home school curriculum of your choice.
Once you have selected the appropriate curriculum, you can begin guiding your child’s educational development. In this manner you can ensure that the various lesson plans and creative play time are benefiting your child. The addition of real life stories and various biblical messages will enrich their studies.
As with all types of education, you should select the Christian home school curriculum that will help your child learn. The faith and moral lessons in the program will let your child grow and live a fulfilling life as a good Christian citizen. To accomplish this, your love, support and encouragement are required. The choice of good Christian home school curriculum programs is also very helpful in the early formative years.
Muna wa Wanjiru is a web administrator and has been researching and reporting on internet marketing for years. For more information on Christian home school curriculum, visit his site at CHRISTIAN HOME SCHOOL CURRICULUM
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Strengthening Christian Faith
May 27th
Strengthening Christian Faith
As an ideal Christian person, it is our prime duty to spread godâs sayings in all over the world. On the other hand, it does not matter whether we are Christian or from other religion. As a human being, we must know the ultimate gist of all religions. In the revolutionary era of information-technology, the task has become quite easier. The website like nzchristianfoundation.org.nz is determined to provide a new dimension to such aesthetic spirituality.
We have heard the word âEvangelismâ and organization like âNew Zealand Christian Foundationâ is ideally practicing it. In spite of so many contributions to the society, Christian faith is still countering good amount of opposition from communists, theological radicals, gays, and even there are some Christians who hate the Christian faith. Hence, the Christian society needs many foundations like New Zealand Christian Foundation.
The foundation with the help of its website is brilliantly capitalizing the virtues of “world wide web”. Certainly, internet has made the âevangelismâ quite easier than never before. Evangelism is an ultimate tool to establish the Christian faith in the strongest way. The biggest one subject to counter through âevangelismâ is the term âSolasâ. A common man loves to pay regard to âBibleâ as the book of Godâs word but as soon as the âsolaâ portion appears, perception changes because it sets forth the Bible as the only book for godâs word.
Basically, people realize that there are large numbers of books accepted as the godâs word. Though, they are contradicting with each other at the certain specific points. So, people want to narrow it down and pick only those words what they wish to follow. On the other hand; people hate âgospel-proclaiming Bible based stream of the Christian faithâ because it prohibits human inclination towards lust of flesh, lust of eyes and pride of life as well.
In contemporary circumstances, people love to practice inclusive approach irrespective of creeds and believe. They respect âChristâ but have doubt in its stature as the only savior. They state that faith and grace can not be the only way for justification and salvation. If the things are so then people will come back empty handed from the doors of God.
NZ Christian Foundation is helping New Zealand find Jesus. The Mission of the New Zealand Christian Foundation is to provide funding to individuals those spreading the message of Christianity in New Zealand Provides Bible Studies Free Books, Christian resources, Christian e-cards, The Bible 3ABN, Trinity Mending Broken People.
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Patron Saint Medals – Symbols of Christian Faith
May 27th
Patron Saint Medals – Symbols of Christian Faith
Patron saint medals are time-honored symbols of Christian faith and devotion that conflict sharply with the materialism of this modern, secular secular world.
To wear a medal portraying the image of a person who has been dead perhaps for centuries, but whom you believe can still have influence on your day-to-day activities, is considered incredible superstition by many, if not most, members of our materialistic society.
Those who do not totally reject the belief in saints are still likely to look askance at a patron saint medal hanging in a friend’s car and feel some measure of awkwardness or even embarrassment.
However, there was a time when faith in saints and the spiritual world they inhabit was as commonly accepted as the faith in the cycles of nature.
No one doubts that summer will lead to fall, then winter and spring…then summer again.
With the same assurance, much of the world in times past believed that a righteous person lived on beyond the grave in the heavenly realm, where, according to their degree of holiness on earth, they possessed special graces of intercession before the throne of God.
The secular world, mired in self-serving pleasures and pursuits, is unable to accept the fact that our lives on earth have a purpose that points to an eternal life beyond this earthly one. Such a thought is too confrontational.
Wearing patron saint medals proclaims the belief that others have indeed lived holy lives in complete submission to God. And, furthermore, their submission was so total that from heaven they are able to dynamically interact with those of us who offer them honor and veneration.
Patron saint medals – these symbols of faith and devotion – will always perplex the secular world, while serving as a reminder to the faithful of their eternal connection to the graces of heaven.
Faith Engleman supports and encourages the ancient traditions of the church. To support your devotion, she offers for your consideration these beautiful patron saint medals honoring St. Christopher, St. Jude, St. Anthony,and St.Therese of Lisieux.
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Christian Belief Today Our Effort in Faith
May 27th
Christian Belief Today Our Effort in Faith
Many folks think that life will be clear sailing after they get saved. Instead, they frequently find that life looks to be full of more struggles than formerly. We shouldn’t be dismayed because this is the normal Christian life. Before we met the Savior, we were drifting downstream, but on salvation, we commenced an excursion thru coarse waters and horrible currents. In the epistle to the Galatians, Paul warned us not to use our newfound liberty in Christ as an incentive to revert-instead of drifting back downstream, we must take the yoke of Jesus and learn how to stroll in the Spirit. We grapple each day with lust, envy, and pride as we reside in a world bursting with such things. At the same time, we are able to learn how to walk by the Spirit and rise above our enticements and enemies. But doing the best we intend to is exactly what Paul claims will not work – it is simply not quite good enough. We are going to learn to allow him do the best he’ll by fully submitting to Him.
About Christian Faith Today
We think that there’s one God, eternally existing in 3 folks : the daddy, the Child , and the Holy Spirit. That alienation can be removed only by accepting thru religion God’s present of deliverance which was made feasible by Christ’s death. We assume the Bible is God’s written revelation to man and that it is verbally galvanized, authoritative, and without blunder in the first manuscripts.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of sin, was alienated from God. That alienation can be removed only by accepting through faith God’s gift of salvation which was made possible by Christ’s death.
We believe that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man and that it is verbally inspired, authoritative, and without error in the ori
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