reformed faith:salsa style

Coming soon

2010-05-06T13:48:00.002-05:00

I will return to post here soon-thank you all for following even when i have not posted for almost a year...

A deaf church

2009-09-03T18:35:00.002-05:00

http://byfaithonline.com/page/in-the-church/planting-a-deaf-church-to-proclaim-christ

I came across this interesting article about another forgotten minority: The Deaf

what is wrong with this ad???

2009-09-02T06:23:00.005-05:00

what was wwf thinking using the 9-11 tragedy as a ad tool??? Tey should revoke their rights to their name as wel when thye rightfully revoked their title rights from the wwf wrestling when they turned from family friendly entertainment to a more adult theme.

31 days of prayer for our children

2009-08-23T10:19:00.003-05:00

A great article for us adults that have children in our lives;

http://www.thebanner.org/magazine/article.cfm?article_id=2201

Open Doors fellowship of East harlem

2009-08-18T17:15:00.008-05:00

!

http://opendoornyc.org/index.html

To all of the REFORMED Community Keep this church plant in your prayers and give them all the support they need I lived in East harlem for 38 years -so I know what they are up againest and add the urban renewal which is driving away their target group of hispanics and african americans and the obscene rents charged now for church space....

God bless,

willie

miracle baby Rises from the "Dead"

2009-08-10T13:01:00.003-05:00

This is just a feel good story:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=14973817&ch=4226714&src=news

And it makes you wonder when they say a baby will not survive the birth-and they perform a abortion-this should give them second thoughts.... For it is God Who has the final word......

Deuteronomy 32:39

Listen to this passage
View commentary related to this passage

39"'See now that(A) I, even I, am he,
and there is no god beside me;
(B) I kill and I make alive;
(C) I wound and I heal;
and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

Cross references:
A.Deuteronomy 32:39 : Isa 41:4; 48:12
B.Deuteronomy 32:39 : 1 Sam 2:6; 2 Kgs 5:7
C.Deuteronomy 32:39 : Job 5:18; Hos 6:1

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Job 14:5

Listen to this passage
View commentary related to this passage

5Since his(A) days are determined,
and(B) the number of his months is with you,
and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass,

Cross references:
A.Job 14:5 : Job 7:1; Psalm 39:4
B.Job 14:5 : Job 21:21

PULPIT PIMPS

2009-08-05T15:52:00.003-05:00

http://www.pulpit-pimps.org/

Galatians 1:10

10Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 4:17

17Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them.

2 Timothy 3:6

6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,

2 Peter 2:3

3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

2 Peter 2:18

18For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.
Revelation 2:14

14Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.

Revelation 2:20

20Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.

In Memoriam for Scott Wesley Buchholz-Sanchez

2009-07-30T19:54:00.007-05:00

This week i could not blog anymore-i just felt not right and dishonoring to the memory of this precious child-so i will blog again next week and end this one with a article on God and babies that die young in their entirety:

Are Those Who Die in Infancy Saved?Sam Storms
Nov 6, 2006
Series: Controversial Issues
If human nature is corrupt and guilty from conception, the consequence of Adam's transgression, are those who die in infancy lost? The same question would apply to those who live beyond infancy but because of mental retardation or some other handicap are incapable of moral discernment, deliberation, or volition.

This is more than a theoretical issue designed for our speculation and curiosity. It touches one of the most emotionally and spiritually unsettling experiences in all of life: the loss of a young child.

I was first confronted with this issue on a personal level in the late 1970s. I received a phone call from a family in our church which had just experienced the premature birth of twin girls. Upon arriving at the hospital I was informed that one of the girls had died. I never anticipated the question that came my way as I walked into the room of the grieving mother: "Sam, is my baby in heaven?" A few years later the young child of a good friend was killed in a car accident. The parents asked me to perform the funeral, once again putting me in the position of having to think through and articulate in a biblical and compassionate way what I believed about the eternal destiny of their child. So, what conclusion did I reach? Let's take a look at the variety of options that have been suggested.

(1) The sinlessness of infants - One view insists that those dying in infancy are saved for the simple reason that there is nothing in them or done by them that merits condemnation. In other words, they are born in a state of moral neutrality or moral equilibrium. They do not possess a sin nature nor are they corrupt. They are, in a word, characterless. They lack moral standing. There is nothing in their souls that is properly the object of divine judgment. Hence all dying in that state are saved for no other reason than that they are not condemnable. Several texts would seem to contradict this view, among them Pss. 51:5; 58:3; Prov. 22:15; Gen. 8:21; Job 15:14-16; Eph. 2:3.

(2) Universalism - Another viewpoint simply asserts that all will be saved, inclusive of those dying in infancy. None will suffer eternal condemnation. God's saving grace extends effectually to the entire human race. Again, countless texts could be cited to disprove this idea, among them Mt. 7:13-14, 21-23; 8:11-12; 10:28; 13:37-42; Luke 16:23-28; 2 Thess. 1:9; Jude 6; Rev. 14:10-11; 20:11-15.

(3) Post-Mortem Salvation - Based on a certain interpretation of 1 Peter 3:18-19 and 4:6, it is asserted that those who die without having the opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ and make a cognitively and morally informed decision will be granted a "second chance" (it is, in fact, a "first" chance if they never had a legitimate opportunity in this life). As for infants in particular, it is said that God will bring them to a state in which they are sufficiently mature to understand and choose responsibly.

There are several problems with this view.

First, how can they be brought into a state of maturity by God without the influence of parents, education, peers, experience, etc. which contribute to our own intellectual and spiritual framework and on the basis of which we ourselves make an informed choice? Would they be brought into a state of moral equilibrium, having had no history of personal sin that has so decisively shaped who we are? If God is the one who somehow directly educates and nurtures them, has he not then prejudiced their minds/wills in a way that is altogether different from the way we are educated and nurtured? The problems associated with this are innumerable.

Second, the two texts on which they base their view say nothing about post-mortem evangelism for either those dying in infancy or pagans who never hear the name of Jesus. I will address both these texts in a future installment of Deciphering Difficult Texts.

Third, from a pastoral point of view, this theory does nothing to ease the anxieties of parents who want to know if their baby is in heaven. For there is no guarantee, on this view, that even if given an opportunity after death that they will respond in faith.

(4) Infant Salvation via Infant Baptism - Certain traditions within Christianity have affirmed baptismal regeneration, according to which the waters of baptism are used by God to effect the regeneration, spiritual cleansing, and forgiveness of the infant. Needless to say, this view is only as cogent as is the case for baptismal regeneration, and the case for the latter is poor. In addition, it fails to address the question of what happens to the vast majority of infants in the history of the world who died without the benefit of Christian baptism.

(5) The Roman Catholic Concept of "Limbo" - The Roman Catholic Church has acknowledged the possibility of a state of natural blessedness or happiness in which unbaptized infants experience a form of eternal peace but not the consummate joy of heaven itself. Rome has neither formally affirmed nor denied this teaching.

(6) Salvation of the Infants of Believing Parents - Others have appealed to 1 Cor. 7:14-16 to argue that the infants or children of a believing parent or parents are, for that reason, granted special salvific privilege in the kingdom of God. Again, this view is only as cogent as is that particular interpretation of 1 Cor. 7.

(7) Elect Infants are Saved - Another view advocated by some Reformed theologians is that some who die in infancy are elect, and therefore saved, while others are non-elect, and therefore condemned.

(8) All those dying in Infancy are Elect - The view that I embrace is that all those dying in infancy, as well as those so mentally incapacitated that they are incapable of making an informed choice, are among the elect of God chosen by him for salvation before the world began. The evidence for this view is scant, but significant.

First, in Romans 1:20 Paul describes people who are recipients of general revelation as being 'without excuse.' Does this imply that those who are not recipients of general revelation (i.e., infants) are therefore not accountable to God or subject to wrath? In other words, those who die in infancy have an "excuse" in that they neither receive general revelation nor have the capacity to respond to it.

Second, there are texts which appear to assert or imply that infants do not know good or evil and hence lack the capacity to make morally informed and thus responsible choices. According to Deut. 1:39 they are said to 'have no knowledge of good or evil.' This in itself, however, would not prove infant salvation, for they may still be held liable for the sin of Adam.

Third, is the story of David's son in 2 Sam. 12:15-23 (esp. v. 23). The first-born child of David and Bathsheba was struck by the Lord and died. In the seven days before his death, David fasted and prayed, hoping that "the Lord may be gracious to me, that the child may live" (v. 22). Following his death, David washed himself, ate food, and worshipped (v. 20). When asked why he responded in this way, he said that the child "has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me" (v. 23). What does it mean when David says "I shall go to him?" If this is merely a reference to the grave or death, in the sense that David, too, shall one day die and be buried, one wonders why he would say something so patently obvious! Also, it appears that David draws some measure of comfort from knowing that he will "go to him." It is the reason why David resumes the normal routine of life. It appears to be the reason David ceases from the outward display of grief. It appears to be a truth from which David derives comfort and encouragement. How could any of this be true if David will simply die like his son. It would, therefore, appear that David believed he would be reunited with his deceased infant. Does this imply that at least this one particular infant was saved? Perhaps. But if so, are we justified in constructing a doctrine in which we affirm the salvation of all who die in infancy?

Fourth, there is consistent testimony of Scripture that people are judged on the basis of sins voluntary and consciously committed in the body. See 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rev. 20:11-12. In other words, eternal judgment is always based on conscious rejection of divine revelation (whether in creation, conscience, or Christ) and willful disobedience. Are infants capable of either? There is no explicit account in Scripture of any other judgment based on any other grounds. Thus, those dying in infancy are saved because they do not (cannot) satisfy the conditions for divine judgment.

Fifth, and related to the above point, is what R. A. Webb states. If a deceased infant

"were sent to hell on no other account than that of original sin, there would be a good reason to the divine mind for the judgment, but the child's mind would be a perfect blank as to the reason of its suffering. Under such circumstances, it would know suffering, but it would have no understanding of the reason for its suffering. It could not tell its neighbor - it could not tell itself - why it was so awfully smitten; and consequently the whole meaning and significance of its sufferings, being to it a conscious enigma, the very essence of penalty would be absent, and justice would be disappointed of its vindication. Such an infant could feel that it was in hell, but it could not explain, to its own conscience, why it was there" (The Theology of Infant Salvation [Harrisonburg, VA: Sprinkle Publications, 1981], 288-89).

Sixth, we have what would appear to be clear biblical evidence that at least some infants are regenerate in the womb, such that if they had died in their infancy they would be saved. This at least provides a theoretical basis for considering whether the same may be true of all who die in infancy. That is to say, "if this sort of thing happens even once, it can certainly happen in other cases" (Ronald Nash, When a Baby Dies [Zondervan, 1999], 65). These texts include Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:15.

Seventh, some have appealed to Matthew 19:13-15 (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17) where Jesus declares, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' Is Jesus simply saying that if one wishes to be saved he/she must be as trusting as children, i.e., devoid of skepticism and arrogance? In other words, is Jesus merely describing the kind of people who enter the kingdom? Or is he saying that these very children were recipients of saving grace? But if the latter were true, it would seem to imply that Jesus knew that the children whom he was then receiving would all die in their infancy. Is that credible?

Eighth, Millard Erickson argues for the salvation of deceased infants in an unusual way. He argues that notwithstanding Adam's sin, there must be a conscious and voluntary decision on our part to embrace or ratify it. Until such is the case, the imputation of Adam's sin to his physical posterity, as is also true of the imputation of Christ's righteousness to his spiritual posterity, is conditional. Thus, prior to reaching the "age of accountability" all infants are innocent. When and in what way does this ratification of Adam's sin come about? Erickson explains:

"We become responsible and guilty when we accept or approve of our corrupt nature. There is a time in the life of each one of us when we become aware of our own tendency toward sin. At that point we may abhor the sinful nature that has been there all the time. We would in that case repent of it and might even, if there is an awareness of the gospel, ask God for forgiveness and cleansing. . . . But if we acquiesce in that sinful nature, we are in effect saying that it is good. In placing our tacit approval upon the corruption, we are also approving or concurring in the action in the Garden of Eden so long ago. We become guilty of that sin without having to commit a sin of our own" (Christian Theology, 2:639).

But there are at least two problems with this. First, if we are born with a corrupt and sinful nature, as Erickson concedes we are, our willing ratification of Adam's transgression and the guilt and corruption of nature which are its effects is itself an inevitable effect of the corrupt nature to which we are now ostensibly giving our approval. In other words, how else could a person who is born corrupt and wicked respond but in a corrupt and wicked way, namely, by ratifying Adam's sin? If Erickson should suggest that such a response is not inevitable, one can only wonder why it is that every single human being who ever lived (except Jesus) ratifies and embraces the sin of Adam and its resultant corruption of nature. Surely someone, somewhere would have said No. Erickson would have to argue that at the point when each soul becomes morally accountable it enters a state of complete moral and spiritual equilibrium, in no way biased by the corruption of nature and wicked disposition with which it was born. But that leads to the second problem, for it would mean that each of us experiences our own Garden of Eden, as it were. Each human soul stands its own probation at the moment the age of moral accountability is reached. But if that is so, what is the point of trying to retain any connection at all between what Adam did and who/what we are? If ultimately I become corrupt by my own first choice, what need is there of Adam? And if I am corrupt antecedent to that first choice, we are back to square one: my guilt and corruption inherited from Adam, the penal consequence of his choice as the head and representative of the race.

Ninth, an argument that is entirely subjective in nature (and therefore of questionable evidential value) may be noted. We must ask the question: Given our understanding of the character of God as presented in Scripture, does He appear as the kind of God who would eternally condemn infants on no other ground than that of Adam's transgression? Admittedly, this is a subjective (and perhaps sentimental) question. But it deserves an answer, nonetheless.

Personally speaking, I find the first, third, fourth, fifth, and ninth points convincing. Therefore, I do believe in the salvation of those dying in infancy. I affirm their salvation, however, neither because they are innocent nor because they have merited God's forgiveness but solely because God has sovereignly chosen them for eternal life, regenerated their souls, and applied the saving benefits of the blood of Christ to them apart from conscious faith.

God Bless,

willie

texas mom kills baby son

2009-07-28T21:57:00.005-05:00

IT Always brings tears when a baby is killed by their birth parents a ultimate betrayal and i can empathize with the victim since my mother was mentally ill and could not keep me. all i can say as i read the article and look at the picture is commend that baby to God 's awesome arms where there is infinite love,mercy,grace,justice,wisdom etc The fountaian all that is good and holy.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_baby_decapitated

Ben 10 and the Christain walk

2009-07-23T18:24:00.009-05:00

One of my son's favorite shows is Ben 10. The main charecter in the show ben has a watch which allows him to become many different alien superheros. In reflecting on this we christains are called to be ben 1os to all the world:

21To those without (outside) law I became as one without law, not that I am without the law of God and lawless toward Him, but that I am [especially keeping] within and committed to the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law. 9 1cor 9;21)

meaning not the way some pcusa pastors did last decade by attending strip clubs to win the people there for Christ(and by wearing their clerical collars while there further granted them God's "blessing") by joining them in their particular sins and rebellion towards God. BUT instead as christains who are neighbors,workers,friends etc living,sharing,bearing,comforting,loving,defending,blessing and expressing our faith to them.

A man,a woman,same names and a wedding

2009-07-21T12:15:00.003-05:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090721/ap_on_re_us/us_same_name_wedding;_ylt=Ao5w6M0c9wTmo8swHFtrfcLtiBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTJsYzUwYXUzBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkwNzIxL3VzX3NhbWVfbmFtZV93ZWRkaW5nBGNwb3MDMQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3J5BHNsawN0aGlzZGVjMTEyMDA-

racism ruins children fun at swimming pool

2009-07-21T12:06:00.002-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/10/philly.pool.response/index.html

Chris Tomlin Video

2009-07-20T18:58:00.003-05:00

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=be6f7327b970c4ac07f9&utm_source=newsletter0720&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weeklytopvideos

cat in oven

2009-07-16T14:23:00.002-05:00

Teen Cheyenne Cherry taunts animal activists after guilty plea for killing kitten in oven
BY Dorian Block
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Updated Thursday, July 16th 2009, 9:08 AM

Lombard for News

Animal lovers gathered across the street of the Bronx Supreme Court.

Cheyenne Cherry

Young Tiger Lily
Take our PollPet Justice
Kitten killer Cheyenne Cherry can't own a pet for three years. Is that long enough?

No, she should be banned from ever owning a pet, period.

Yes, by then perhaps she'll learn to have compassion for animals.

.Related News
Articles
Teen who burned cat in oven busted in '08 in armed dog-napping: cops
Here's evil teen who tossed cat in the oven
Wave of cat mutilations grips South Florida
A heartless kitty killer hissed angrily at animal rights activists Wednesday, grinning widely as she took credit for stuffing the helpless pet into a 500-degree oven.

"It's dead, *****!" snapped an unrepentant Cheyenne Cherry, sticking her tongue out after a plea bargain that will put her behind bars for a year in the May 6 killing of tiny Tiger Lily.

Cherry, 17, was confronted after her guilty plea in Bronx Supreme Court to charges of animal cruelty and attempted burglary in the May 6 killing at her former roommate's apartment.

Tiger Lily was left to die inside the blistering oven after Cherry and a 14-year-old friend trashed the apartment of Valerie Hernandez, destroying furniture before stealing DVDs and food.

After her arrest, Cherry told police the cat killing was "just a joke."

In court Wednesday, Cherry admitted to Judge Margaret Clancy that the younger girl put the cat in the oven - and "I didn't let the cat out."

The pair fled the apartment because they didn't want to hear the dying cat's cries or desperate scratching at the oven door, authorities said.

The second girl is facing trial in Family Court because of her age. Prosecutor Jennifer Troiano said Cherry was granted a plea deal because her cohort was "more culpable" for the crimes.

Under the agreement, Cherry pleaded guilty to two charges in a six-count indictment. She waived her right to appeal and agreed not to keep a pet for the next three years. Cherry, jailed on a probation violation, faces formal sentencing July 31.

As she exited the courtroom, she passed a row of animal rights activists outraged by her crime.

"Justice for Tiger Lily," read one sign held by the demonstrators.

Sharon Tuerlings, 43, of Levittown, L.I., extended both her middle fingers and kissed them. Cherry grinned widely, stuck out her tongue and responded with her profane retort.

Cherry is not new to animal crimes.

She was busted last year for using a BB gun to dog-nap a teacup Yorkie with her boyfriend. She was also arrested for robbing a man of his iPod at gunpoint.

The dozen animal lovers who attended the hearing said they represented more than 20,000 people who signed an online petition supporting harsh punishment for Cherry.

They were thrilled by the deal that guaranteed Cherry would do time for the cruel killing. "She is dangerous," said Brooklyn cat owner Josie Marrero. "A very dangerous young lady."

Tuerlings said she wanted to get a glimpse of the monster behind the cat execution. "It felt so good to look at her ugly face," she said. "Those evil eyes that she has."

**********************************************************************************
This is what happens in a society where life becomes cheaper each passing day--when leave children without a firm moral framework to fall on and build upon.

idols

2009-07-15T17:54:00.013-05:00

http://www.monergism.com/directory/search.php?action=search_links_simple&search_kind=and&phrase=idols&B1=Go

Idols are the walmarts(that keeps us coming back for its sales and cheap prices) that sin uses to package,market and sell to our mind,life and heart from the good things of God and things contary to God...............

jesus in my shower/potato chip theology

2009-07-15T16:38:00.004-05:00

Once again in the world of jesus in my shower/potato chip theology someone sees a image of christ in a tree bark--and sadly people flock there now to seek a miracle from and to worship nothing more than a IDOL.( click on blue letters to go to link) I couldnt get the actual picture but a similar event occurred in milwalke so i posted that image.

for jesus in my shower click here:

The Bible has a lot to say about this:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

Isaisah 59:8
8 The way of peace they have not known, And there is no justice in their ways; They have made themselves crooked paths; Whoever takes that way shall not know peace.

Jeremiah 5:4/10:1-5 Therefore I said, "Surely these are poor, they are foolish; for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God.

1-5 Listen to the Message that God is sending your way, House of Israel. Listen most carefully:
"Don't take the godless nations as your models. Don't be impressed by their glamour and glitz, no matter how much they're impressed.The religion of these peoples is nothing but smoke.An idol is nothing but a tree chopped down, then shaped by a woodsman's ax.They trim it with tinsel and balls, use hammer and nails to keep it upright.It's like a scarecrow in a cabbage patch—can't talk! Dead wood that has to be carried—can't walk!Don't be impressed by such stuff. It's useless for either good or evil."

deuteronomy 4:28 and ye have served there gods, work of man's hands, wood and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

Isaiah 45.20 20Be gathered, and come in, Come nigh together, ye escaped of the nations, They have not known, Who are lifting up the wood of their graven image, And praying unto a god [that] saveth not.

Romans 1:18 -25 18-23But God's angry displeasure erupts as acts of human mistrust and wrongdoing and lying accumulate, as people try to put a shroud over truth. But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.
24-25So God said, in effect, "If that's what you want, that's what you get." It wasn't long before they were living in a pigpen, smeared with filth, filthy inside and out. And all this because they traded the true God for a fake god, and worshiped the god they made instead of the God who made them—the God we bless, the God who blesses us. Oh, yes!

1 timothy 1:4/4:7 4nor to pay attention to (A)myths and endless (B)genealogies, which give rise to mere (C)speculation rather than (D)furthering the administration of God which is by faith.

7But have nothing to do with (A)worldly (B)fables fit only for old women On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of (C)godliness

2 timothy 4:4 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned toward fables.

titus 1:14 14[And may show their soundness by] ceasing to give attention to Jewish myths and fables or to rules [laid down] by [mere] men who reject and turn their backs on the Truth.

Isaiah 44:9-12

9 They that fashion a graven image are all of them vanity; and the things that they delight in shall not profit; and their own witnesses see not, nor know: that they may be put to shame.
10 Who hath fashioned a god, or molten an image that is profitable for nothing?
11 Behold, all his fellows shall be put to shame; and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; they shall fear, they shall be put to shame together.
12 The smith maketh an axe, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth; he drinketh no water, and is faint.

EVERYTHING IN CREATION POINTS TO GOD-YET WE SHOULD NOT USE CREATION AS A FALSE GOD TO WORSHIP-BUT LET CREATION POINT US TO CHRIST AND HIS WORD....

Who God is Not...

2009-07-14T19:48:00.002-05:00

A Big Bad wolf wants to take away free lunches from poor children

2009-07-13T13:50:00.004-05:00

Missouri State Representative Cynthia Davis, lambasted by Keith Olbermann last night (June 22, 2009) as a "Worst person in the World" for opposing summer meals for low-income kids based on her belief that "hunger can be a positive motivator," is, ironically, one of Missouri's leading pro-life activists.

While the organization I manage, the New York City Coalition Against Hunger, has no official position on reproductive choice, I can't help but note how absurd it is for a state official who claims to care so much about the life of children in wombs to oppose a program that, by improving the nutrition of children who are born, reduces the likelihood that they will die early from diet-related causes.

In a recent column, Davis opined: "Some people say we should be satisfied in life with half-a-loaf. But when the issue itself is protecting innocent life, it is ludicrous to ask if we would mind compromising our basic core values." Yet when it comes to another basic value -- that of ensuring that those children, once born, deserve the nutrition necessary for a healthy life -- she seems to be for far more than compromising, she seems to be for eradicating that value entirely.

Davis proudly touts her religious convictions, but ignores that fighting hunger is a central tenet of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and virtually every other religious faith.

She denies that she has ever seen hunger in her district but, in 2008, the St. Louis Food Area Food Bank had to distribute an amazing 689,929 pounds of food to food pantries and soup kitchens, most of which were surely faith-based, in her home county of St. Charles.

Also in that county, according to federal statistics, one in 12 people, and one in ten children live in homes that can't afford enough food. (Missouri Hunger Atlas.)

If she hasn't seen hunger, it is only because she has her eyes closed. (And keep in mind that St. Charles County, a nice suburb of St. Louis, has far less poverty and hunger than many parts of Missouri.)

Rep. Davis cited the success of charities in the response to Hurricane Katrina, but seems wholly ignorant that the vast majority of food relief provided after the hurricane was government food, either in the form of USDA commodities or through the Disaster Food Stamp Program.

She claims that the existence of the Summer Meals Program funded by government is somehow an implicit criticism of the job that parents do raising their children. That's nonsense. The program is simply an acknowledgement that many families simply don't earn enough to buy their children enough meals during summer, when their children no longer get free meals at school. If anything, the need for the program should be seen as a criticism of elected officials such as Rep. Davis who stand idly by as government and economic policies make American children increasingly hungry.

Rep. Davis claims that a nation that has so much obesity can't have hunger, but as I prove conclusively in my book All You Can Eat: How Hungry is America?, obesity and hunger are flip sides of the same malnutrition coin.

Unfortunately, Rep. Davis's extreme claims are only the tip of the iceberg of a whole Right-wing cottage industry of hunger and poverty denial. Right-wing think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute are hard at work every day generating propaganda to dismiss or deny hunger and poverty. No matter how many times they are proven demonstrably wrong, they never seem to lose credibility -- at least in the world of Right-wing political zealots.

Perhaps most disturbing, Rep. Davis is Chair of the Special Committee on Children and Families and Chair of the Interim Committee on Poverty. I don't suppose the poverty committee is only an interim committee because they have a serious plan to wipe it out.

Davis claims to decry government programs, while taking home a government salary in excess of $31,351 a year for a part-time job. If Ms. Davis really thinks that "hunger can be a positive motivator," perhaps she should give back her salary and, after she runs out of money to buy food, go on a hunger strike to determine whether that gives her more motivation to get the Legislature to do more productive work.

Perhaps she should further demonstrate her anti-government credentials by refusing to drive on any roads built by government and only take roads privately built by churches. She wouldn't get very far.

Matthew 25:35-37 (English Standard Version)
35For(A) I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you(B) gave me drink,(C) I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36(D) I was naked and you clothed me,(E) I was sick and you(F) visited me,(G) I was in prison and you came to me.' 37Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

Icon 1 heidelberg and westminister catechisms

2009-07-13T10:21:00.004-05:00

Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, (a) am not my own, (b) but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; (c) who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, (d) and delivered me from all the power of the devil; (e) and so preserves me (f) that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; (g) yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h) and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i) and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. (j)

(a) Rom.14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. Rom.14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. (b) 1 Cor.6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (c) 1 Cor.3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. Tit.2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (d) 1 Pet.1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 1 Pet.1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (e) Heb.2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. John 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (f) John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 2 Thess.3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 1 Pet.1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (g) Matt.10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Matt.10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matt.10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 21:18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. (h) Rom.8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (i) 2 Cor.1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Cor.1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 2 Cor.1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor.5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Eph.1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Eph.1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Rom.8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (j) Rom.8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Question 2. How many things are necessary for thee to know, that thou, enjoying this comfort, mayest live and die happily?

Answer: Three; (a) the first, how great my sins and miseries are; (b) the second, how I may be delivered from all my sins and miseries; (c) the third, how I shall express my gratitude to God for such deliverance. (d)

(a) Matt.11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt.11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matt.11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 1 Cor.6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Tit.3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Tit.3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Tit.3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Tit.3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Tit.3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (b) John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. (c) John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 10:43 To him (Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (d) Eph.5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Eph.5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Eph.5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Eph.5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 1 Pet.2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Pet.2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Rom.6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Rom.6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom.6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Rom.6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

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The First Part - Of The Misery Of Man
2. Lord's Day
Question 3. Whence knowest thou thy misery?

Answer: Out of the law of God. (a)

(a) Rom.3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Question 4. What does the law of God require of us?

Answer: Christ teaches us that briefly, Matt. 22:37-40, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and the great commandment; and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (a)

(a) Deut.6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Lev.19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

Question 5. Canst thou keep all these things perfectly?

Answer: In no wise; (a) for I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbour.(b)

(a) Rom.3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Rom.3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom.3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (b) Rom.8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Eph.2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Tit.3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Gen.6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Gen.8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. Jer.17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Rom.7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM
WITH PROOF TEXTS
Question 1-50
Q.1-50 Q.51-90 Q.91-150 Q.151-196 EXIT

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Q. 1. What is the chief and highest end of man?

A. Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God,[1] and fully to enjoy him forever.[2]

Q. 2. How doth it appear that there is a God?

A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God;[3] but his word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.[4]

Q. 3. What is the Word of God?

A. The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God,[5] the only rule of faith and obedience.[6]

Q. 4. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are of the Word of God?

A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God, by their majesty[7] and purity;[8] by the consent of all the parts,[9] and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God;[10] by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers unto salvation:[11] but the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very word of God.[12]

Q. 5. What do the Scriptures principally teach?

A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.[13]

WHAT MAN OUGHT TO BELIEVE CONCERNING GOD.

Q. 6. What do the Scriptures make known of God?

A. The Scriptures make known what God is,[14] the persons in the Godhead,[15] his decrees,[16] and the execution of his decrees.[17]

Q. 7. What is God?

A. God is a Spirit,[18] in and of himself infinite in being,[19] glory,[20] blessedness,[21] and perfection;[22] all-sufficient,[23] eternal,[24] unchangeable,[25] incomprehensible,[26] every where present,[27] almighty,[28] knowing all things,[29] most wise,[30] most holy,[31] most just,[32] most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.[33]

Q. 8. Are there more Gods than one?

A. There is but one only, the living and true God.[34]

Q. 9. How many persons are there in the Godhead?

A. There be three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory; although distinguished by their personal properties.[35]

Q. 10. What are the personal properties of the three persons in the Godhead?

A. It is proper to the Father to beget the Son,[36] and to the Son to be begotten of the Father,[37] and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son from all eternity.[38]

Q. 11. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father?

A. The Scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father, ascribing unto them such names,[39] attributes,[40] works,[41] and worship,[42] as are proper to God only.

Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

[15] 1 John 5:7. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

[16] Acts 15:14-15, 18. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written.... Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

[17] Acts 4:27-28. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

[18] John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

[19] Exodus 3:14. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Job 11:7-9. Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

[20] Acts 7:2. And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran.

[21] 1 Timothy 6:15. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

[22] Matthew 5:48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

[23] Genesis 17:1. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

[24] Psalm 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

[25] Malachi 3:6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

[26] 1 Kings 8:27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

[27] Psalm 139:1-13. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

[28] Revelation 4:8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

[29] Hebrews 4:13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Psalm 147:5. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

[30] Romans 16:27. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

[31] Isaiah 6:3. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. Revelation 15:4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

[32] Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

[33] Exodus 34:6. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

[34] Deuteronomy 6:4. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.... But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Jeremiah 10:10. But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

[35] 1 John 5:7. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. Matthew 3:16-17. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 2 Corinthians 13:14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. John 10:30. I and my Father are one.

[36] Hebrews 1:5-6, 8. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.... But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

nothing but calvin

2009-07-12T11:44:00.001-05:00

http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Calvin-John/Multimedia/

Daily Bite: Chicken Chimichangas

2009-07-12T11:39:00.002-05:00

INGREDIENTS:
1 can chicken broth 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast ≤ cup salsa, plus more for garnish 1 tsp. ground cumin ∏ tsp. dried oregano 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, plus more for garnish π cup finely chopped green onion with tops, plus more for garnish 6 flour tortillas (6 to 8 inches wide) Vegetable oil Sour cream Shredded lettuce
PREPARATION:
In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, pour broth, then add 1 can water and bring to boil. Add chicken, reduce heat and simmer 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool in poaching liquid, about 15 to 30 minutes. Shred chicken using two forks. In large bowl, combine chicken, salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese and onions, then divide into six portions. Place one portion filling in center of tortilla; fold left and right sides of tortilla over filling, then fold tops and bottoms over sides to form square, securing with toothpick if necessary. Repeat for remaining tortillas. In large, deep skillet, heat 2 inches vegetable oil. Place tortillas seam side down in skillet. Deep-fry on each side until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Fry in two batches if necessary so as not to crowd skillet. Garnish with cheese, green onions, salsa and lettuce, if desired.

new demonstration

2009-07-12T11:32:00.005-05:00

http://newdemonstration.com/

past wisdom applies to blogging today

2009-07-12T11:23:00.002-05:00

Dear Sir,
As you are likely to be engaged in controversy, and your love of truth is joined with natural warmth of temper, my friendship makes me solicitous on your behalf. You are of the strongest side; for truth is great, and must prevail; so that a person of abilities inferior to yours might take the field with a confidence of victory. I am not therefore anxious for the outcome of the battle; but I would have you more than a conqueror, and to triumph, not only over your adversary, but also over yourself. If you cannot be vanquished, you may be wounded. To preserve you from such wounds as might give you cause of weeping over your conquests, I would present you with some considerations, which, if duly attended to, will do you the service of a great coat of armor; such armor, that you need not complain, as David did of Saul’s, that it will be more cumbersome than useful; for you will easily perceive that it is taken from that great armory provided for the Christian soldier—the Word of God. I take it for granted that you will not expect any apology for my freedom, and therefore I shall not offer one. For methods sake, I may reduce my advice to three heads, respecting your opponent, the public, and yourself.

1. As to your opponent, I wish that before you set pen to paper against him, and during the whole time you are preparing your answer, you may commend him by earnest prayer to the Lord’s teaching and blessing. This practice will have a direct tendency to conciliate your heart to love and pity him; and such a disposition will have a good influence upon every page you write.

If you account him as a BELIEVER, though greatly mistaken in the subject of debate between you, the words of David to Joab concerning Absalom, are very applicable: "Deal gently with him for my sake." The Lord loves him and bears with him; therefore you must not despise him, or treat him harshly! The Lord bears with you likewise, and expects that you should show tenderness to others—from a sense of the much forgiveness you need yourself. In a little while you will meet in heaven—he will then be dearer to you than the nearest friend you have upon earth is to you now! Anticipate that period in your thoughts, and though you may find it necessary to oppose his errors, view him personally as a kindred soul, with whom you are to be happy in Christ forever.

But if you look upon him as an UNCONVERTED person, in a state of enmity against God and his grace (a supposition which, without good evidence, you should be very unwilling to admit), he is a more proper object of your compassion than of your anger! Alas! "He knows not what he does!" But you know who has made you to differ from him. If God, in his sovereign pleasure, had so appointed, you might have been as he is now; and he, instead of you, might have been set for the defense of the gospel! You were both equally blind by nature. If you attend to this, you will not reproach or hate him, because the Lord has been pleased to open your eyes—and not his!

Of all people who engage in controversy, we, who are called Calvinists, are most expressly bound by our own principles, to the exercise of gentleness and compassion. If, indeed, those who differ from us have a power of changing themselves, if they can open their own eyes, and soften their own hearts—then we might with less inconsistency be offended at their obstinacy! But if we believe the very contrary to this, our part is not to argue, but in meekness to "gently teach those who oppose the truth—if perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth."

If you write with a desire of being an instrument of correcting mistakes, you will of course be cautious of laying stumbling blocks in the way of the blind, or of using any expressions which may exasperate their passions, or confirm them in their false principles, (humanly speaking).

2. By PRINTING your article, you will appeal to the PUBLIC—where your readers may be ranged under three divisions:

First, such as differ from you in principle. Concerning these I may refer you to what I have already said. Though you have your eye upon one person chiefly—there are many like-minded with him; and the same reasoning will hold, whether as to one or to a million.

There will be likewise many who pay too little regard to true religion, who have no settled system of their own, and yet are biased in favor of those sentiments which are at least repugnant to the good opinion they naturally have of themselves. These are very incompetent judges of doctrine; but they can form a tolerable judgment of a writer's spirit. They know that meekness, humility and love are the characteristics of a Christian temper. And though they treat the doctrines of grace as mere notions and speculations, which, supposing they adopted them, would have no beneficial influence upon their conduct; yet from us, who profess these principles, they always expect such attitudes and dispositions as correspond with the precepts of the gospel. They are quick-sighted to discern when we deviate from such a spirit, and avail themselves of it to justify their contempt of our arguments.

The Scriptural maxim that "man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires," is verified by daily observation. If our zeal is embittered by expressions of anger, invective, or scorn—we may think we are doing service of the cause of truth, when in reality we shall only bring it into discredit! The weapons of our warfare, and which alone are powerful to break down the strongholds of error, are not carnal, but spiritual. They are arguments fairly drawn from Scripture and experience, and enforced by such a mild address, as may persuade our readers, that, whether we can convince them or not—we wish well to their souls, and contend only for the truth's sake. If we can satisfy them that we act upon these motives, our point is half gained; they will be more disposed to consider calmly what we offer; and if they should still dissent from our opinions, they will be constrained to approve our intentions.

You will have a third class of readers, who being of your own sentiments, will readily approve of what you advance, and may be further established and confirmed in their views of the Scripture doctrines, by a clear and masterly elucidation of your subject. You may be instrumental to their edification, if the law of kindness as well as of truth regulates your pen; otherwise you may do them harm.

There is a principle of SELF, which disposes us to despise those who differ from us; and we are often under its influence, when we think we are only showing a fitting zeal in the cause of God.

I readily believe that the leading points of Arminianism spring from and are nourished by the pride of the human heart! But I would be glad if the reverse were always true; and that to embrace what are called the Calvinistic doctrines was an infallible token of a humble mind! I think I have known some Arminians, that is, people who for lack of a clearer light, have been afraid of receiving the doctrines of free grace, who yet have given evidence that their hearts were in a degree humbled before the Lord. And I am afraid there are Calvinists, who, while they account it a proof of their humility, that they are willing in words to debase the creature and to give all the glory of salvation to the Lord—yet are of a prideful, harsh and bitter spirit. Whatever it is that makes us trust in ourselves, that we are comparatively wise or good, so as to treat those with contempt who do not subscribe to our doctrines, or follow our party—is a proof and fruit of a self-righteous spirit!

Self-righteousness can feed upon doctrines—as well as upon works! A man may have the heart of a Pharisee, while his head is stored with orthodox notions of the unworthiness of the creature, and the riches of free grace!

Yes, I would add—the best of men are not wholly free from this leaven; and therefore are too apt to be pleased with such caricatures as hold up our adversaries to ridicule—and by consequence flatter our own superior judgments. Controversies, for the most part, are so managed as to indulge—rather than to repress this sinful disposition; and therefore, generally speaking, they are productive of little good. They provoke those whom they should convince—and puff up those whom they should edify!

I hope your article will savor of a spirit of true humility, and be a means of promoting it in others.

3. This leads me, in the last place, to consider your own concern in your present undertaking. It seems a laudable service to defend the faith once delivered to the saints; we are commanded to contend earnestly for it, and to convince gainsayers. If ever such defenses were seasonable and expedient, they appear to be so in our own day, when errors abound on all sides—and every truth of the gospel is either directly denied or grossly misrepresented.

And yet we find but very few writers of controversy who have not been manifestly hurt by it. Either they grow in a sense of their own importance; or imbibe an angry, contentious spirit; or they insensibly withdraw their attention from those spiritual truths which are the food and immediate support of the life of faith—and spend their time and strength upon matters that are at most but of a secondary value! This shows, that if the service is honorable, it is also dangerous. What will it profit a man if he gains his cause and silences his adversary—if at the same time he loses that humble, tender frame of spirit in which the Lord delights, and to which the promise of his presence is made?

Your aim, I doubt not, is good, but you have need to watch and pray—for you will find Satan at your right hand to entice you. He will try to pollute your piety; and though you set out in defense of the cause of God, if you are not continually looking to the Lord to keep you—it may become your own cause, and awaken in you those tempers which are inconsistent with true peace of mind, and will surely obstruct your communion with God! Be upon your guard against admitting anything personal into the debate. If you think you have been ill treated—this will give you an opportunity of showing that you are a disciple of Jesus, who "when reviled—He did not revile in return; when suffering—He did not threaten, but committed Himself to the One who judges justly." This is our pattern, thus we are to speak and write for God, and "not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult—but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this."

The wisdom that is from above, is not only pure, but also peaceable and gentle; and the lack of these qualifications, like the dead fly in the jar of ointment, will spoil the fragrance and efficacy of our labors. If we act in a wrong spirit—we shall bring little glory to God; do little good to our fellow creatures; and procure neither honor nor comfort to ourselves! If you can be content with showing your wit, and gaining the laugh on your side—you have an easy task!

But I hope you have a far nobler aim; and that, sensible of the solemn importance of gospel truths, and the compassion due to the souls of men, you would rather be a means of removing prejudices in a single instance, than obtain the empty applause of thousands! Go forth, therefore, in the name and strength of the Lord Almighty, speaking the truth in love; and may he give you a witness in many hearts that you are taught of God, and favored with the unction of his Holy Spirit!

The Human Heart

2009-07-12T11:20:00.002-05:00

The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." Jeremiah 17:9-10

The heart, with all its deceitful and wicked workings--is incessantly under Divine inspection and examination! The Lord searches the heart--He traces and investigates, the inmost principles of our souls and their motives, with the utmost exactness!

To form a more just idea of this scrutiny, let us ask ourselves how we could bear to be compelled to declare aloud, in full company--every thought, wish and desire which pass through our minds--with no exception! People, if they were brought to this trial, would rather choose to die than comply with it!

If every man was compelled to speak all that he thinks--there would be an end of human society; and man would no more venture to dwell with man, than with tigers and bears!

We know what mischief one ungoverned tongue may sometimes occasion. But the tongue can do no evil, any farther than as it is an instrument of disclosing the hidden things of the heart--yet it is but a small part of these, that the worst tongue is capable of disclosing! What then would be the case, if all our hearts were open--and all our evil thoughts, motives and desires known to one another! What a mixture of confusion, defiance, shame, rage, fear, and contempt--would overspread every countenance!

And yet, we are thus exposed to the searching eye of a pure and holy God! The Lord knows the thoughts of man's heart, that they are vain. He long ago declared the result of His examination, "God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth; and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually!" Thus, we see how vile and hateful our hearts must appear--in the sight of a heart-searching God!

And consider that the Lord does not observe the heart of man with the indifference of a mere spectator--but as an impartial and inflexible Judge! "I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve!" Alas! Is it not sufficient to fill our souls with dread--that He sits as Judge, not only upon outward actions, but He examines the very thoughts and intents of the heart! Can any of us stand under such a trial?

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account!" Hebrews 4:13

This is a most uncomfortable doctrine indeed--were there no remedy provided! "The blood of Jesus cleanses us from every sin!" 1 John 1:7

MOM SAVED BY SON AFTER LIGHTENING INCIDENT

2009-07-09T21:27:00.009-05:00

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=8034658&page=1

part of a book

2009-07-09T21:03:00.004-05:00

In the book of the church authored by God the father,written in the blood of Christ the Son and published by the Holy Spirit-we christains each and everyone may contribute a word,a sentence,a paragraph or a whole chapter yet whatever we individually contribute-each is equally needed-each is equally important -without one or the other the story is not perfect or complete.....

1 Corinthians 12:13-15 (The Message)

12-13You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you're still one body. It's exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves—labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free—are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive.

14-18I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less. A body isn't just a single part blown up into something huge. It's all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together. If Foot said, "I'm not elegant like Hand, embellished with rings; I guess I don't belong to this body," would that make it so? If Ear said, "I'm not beautiful like Eye, limpid and expressive; I don't deserve a place on the head," would you want to remove it from the body? If the body was all eye, how could it hear? If all ear, how could it smell? As it is, we see that God has carefully placed each part of the body right where he wanted it.

skating babies

2009-07-09T19:42:00.010-05:00

http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&vid=0f258421-7d02-43fd-bdbc-75a0c98ec0c8&playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:fb8a3e2b-0dd1-4b9c-9405-c48bcec96b73%2Cb7719031-b4b6-4f7b-

final good bye to miachel jackson

2009-07-07T19:00:00.010-05:00

as i watch the funeral of miachel jackson these scriptures come to mind:

Ecclesiastes 3 (The Message)

Ecclesiastes 3
There's a Right Time for Everything
1 There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:

2-8 A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh,
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.

In this light we can see THAT MJ never had a childhood so his right time to enjoy a normal childhood was sacrifenced to his fans,his right time to enjoy a normal childhood was stolen by corperate greed,his right time to enjoy a normal childhood was given away to bless his family with fiancial security,his right time to enjoy a normal childhood was slain by fame and his right time for a normal childhood became so unhealthy that when he grew up he became a peter pan who was misunderstood,maligned,prone to chidish and immaturity and taken advantage of.........

captain america and materialism greed strikes again

2009-07-06T21:06:00.008-05:00

Once again captain america sh0ws how sinfully materialistic this society has become that kids(some adults like me) can not read their favorite comic books-because people have grabbed them not to enjoy reading them-but to use them as investments.

cases in point :

1. when captain america dies you saw those issues on ebay weeks later beig autioned off.

2. just recently when capt america comes to life in a six part series -it just came out 3 days ago july 1st and guess what its already on ebay!!! It is currently bidded at twice its newstand price...

all i can say to hese people: You are robbing from kids and true fansa big SHAME ON YOU !!!

Blogging for God

2009-07-01T19:42:00.009-05:00

this Sunday I was reflecting on Christians who blog on the Internet. It is a great responsibility and these are some of the points to reflect:

1. when we look at our blog-let us look at it in humility It Is only Thru Christ that any works of our hands are acceptable and pleasing to God-(everything we may do is tainted by sin.) If people come to Christ thru our blogging let us remember it is the Holy Spirit taking whatever crumbs of the gospel WE have placed there.Also Let us not look at fellow bloggers like we are hall of famers and they are minor leaguers.

2. Our Blogs can glorify and praise God by reclaiming those aspects of the web we can redeem biblically.

3. Our blogs need not be sanitized with Christianize rather let our minds and hearts sanctified by Christ using our everyday actions and speech and character compose our posts.

4. In posting let the Bible and principles we can deduce from it be our sole guide in the words we use,what topics we discuss and pictures we use to illustrate.

transformers: revenge of the fallen

2009-06-28T07:42:00.004-05:00

i went to see the new transformers movie-and all i could say it is AWESOME-it is everything a sequel should be and more!!!i wish the terminator franchise would learn from this and some coming short of reaching its great potential-giving movie fans just enough for a sequel. The transformers franchise went all out: all other franchises in this respect should copy and build upon on what made the transformer sequel a oustanding success both at the box office and with their fans....

Miachel Jackson: A Legend and Historical Icon passes away...

2009-06-26T12:26:00.010-05:00

It is sad that such a legend passes away at a young age of 50. God gave Him a Priceless gift of music:

James 1:16-18 (English Standard Version)

16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17(A) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from(B) the Father of lights(C) with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.[

Likewise we christains recieve gift(s) and we are called to use their gifts TO glorify and honor God.

1 Corinthians 10:30-32 (English Standard Version)

30If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that(A) for which I give thanks?

31So, whether you eat or drink, or(B) whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32(C) Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to(D) the church of God,

And We do not have to christainize everything like: christain rap, christain movies actor etc

we can be a rapper,musiscian,actor,writer who happens to be a christain etc

NOR feel that one gift is more holy than other- so a woman who God has given the gift to raise children or a janitor stands on the same ground as a pastor or a missionary.... Each equally glorifes and Praises God...

Pan De Maiz

2009-06-16T20:48:00.003-05:00

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 8-12

Cooking Time: 40-60 minutes

1 1/2 cups of yellow corn flour or cornmeal

1/2 cup of sifted all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1 cup of milk

1-2 cups of sugar (Taste for sweetness)

1 teaspoon of salt

2 large eggs, well beaten

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 cup of coconut milk

1/4 a bar of unsalted butter, room temperature

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oven @ 375 degrees and grease the 8"x8" nonsticking baking dish with butter

Mix all dry ingredients together

Mix milks together. Then mix eggs and butter into the milks and beat well. Combine dry and wet ingredients

Pour mixture into the 8"x8" non-sticking baking dish and bake @ 375 degrees for about 20-25 minutes (top layer should be golden brown)

It's totally done when you insert a toothpick in the center and it's totally clean

When done, let it cool down

The ship

2009-06-16T20:34:00.003-05:00

Poor ship!

(The following is a letter of John Newton to his 14 year old adopted daughter, who was away at school)

"He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm!" Luke 8:24

My dear Betsy,
Sometimes, when I consider what a world you are growing up into, and what snares and dangers young people are exposed to, with little experience to help them--I have some painful feelings for you!

The other day I was at the harbor, and saw a ship launched--she slipped easily into the water; the people on board cheered; the ship looked clean and mirthful, she was freshly painted, and her colors flying. But I looked at her with a sort of pity, "Poor ship!" I thought, "you are now in port and in safety; but before long you must go into the wild sea! Who can tell what storms you may meet with hereafter, and to what hazards you may be exposed! How weather-beaten you may be before you return to port again, or perhaps you may return at all!"

Then my thoughts turned from the ship--to my dear Betsy. The ship seemed to be an emblem of your present state--you are now, as it were, in a safe harbor; but by and by you must launch out into the world, which may well be compared to a tempestuous sea. I could even now almost weep at the resemblance! But I take courage, as my hopes are greater than my fears. I know there is an infallible Pilot, who has the winds and the waves at His command! There is hardly a day passes, in which I do not entreat Him to take charge of you. Under His care--I know you will be safe. He can guide you, unhurt, amidst the storms, and rocks, and dangers--by which you might otherwise suffer--and bring you, at last, safely to the haven of His eternal rest!

"Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water--and they obey Him!" Luke 8:25

I hope you will seek Him while you are young--then you will be happy, and I shall rejoice. Nothing will satisfy me but this! Though I should live to see you settled to the greatest advantage in temporal matters--unless you love Him, and live in His fear and favor--you would be quite miserable! I think it would nearly break my heart; for, next to your dear mamma, there is nothing so dear to me in this world as you! But the Lord gave you to me--and many a time upon my knees, I have given you back to Him. Therefore I hope you must, and will, and shall be His!

I am, with great tenderness, my dear child,
Your very affectionate father

A costly kiss

2009-06-16T20:16:00.003-05:00

A Very Costly Kiss: Senior Denied Diploma
by Mike Krumboltz
5 hours ago

829 Votes .For teens, there is no greater joy than graduating high school. Shaking off the shackles of education and claiming that hard-fought diploma is truly an epic day. Unfortunately, for several students at Bonny Eagle High School in Maine, their natural exuberance has led to some surprisingly serious problems.

On Friday night, when the senior class was waiting to graduate, excitement began to grow. Students bounced a large inflatable rubber duck. The noise level rose. And then came "the kiss." When called, one student walked on stage to receive his diploma and blew a kiss to his family. The school administrator, clearly not the sentimental sort, sent the student back to his seat ... sans diploma.

The seemingly harsh punishment has sent the Web all aflutter. Searches on "student denied diploma" and "bonny eagle high school" are both through the roof. Additionally, blogs and news papers are chiming in with opinions on whether or not the administration overreacted. The student's mother has given interviews and is quite upset at her son's treatment. According to an article from Fox News the outraged mother said, "A bow, a kiss to your mom is not misbehavior."

But the administrators feel they were just enforcing the rules that students agreed to. At a meeting following the debacle, school superintendent Suzanne Lukas said that "if a student doesn't adhere to the expectations, then the consequences are clearly spelled out."

This isn't the first time that rambunctious (dare we say "fun"?) behavior affected a graduation ceremony at Bonny Eagle. "Four years ago we had some issues with silly string and beach balls," said Lukas.

kids and diabetes

2009-06-14T13:32:00.003-05:00

FREE e-book for children with diabetes:

http://www.mychildhasdiabetes.com/ebook.htm

Diabetes

2009-06-14T11:26:00.006-05:00

1.The other day on tv there was a political ad in which a lady with diabetes is urging you not to vote for a certain politician because they are not pro embroyonic stem cell. I shook my head and declared I have diabetes and i will never condone using embroyonic stem cells to cure my or treat my diabetes.....even if they were not other alternatives:

http://www.ncfamily.org/PolicyPapers/Findings%200501-StemCells.pdf

http://www.answersingenesis.org/tj/v15/i3/stem_cells.asp
http://www.sermonaudio.com/mediapdf/72805111510.pdf

I told my wife let me like paul and:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Let Christ keep me ever true......

2. http://pr.caltech.edu/periodicals/EandS/articles/Stem%20Cell%20Forum%20Feature.pdf

I heard recently how because of the Iraq war-a new technology using stem cells to administer to disabled American soldiers regenerate lost limbs-My God that tempted me because i yearn for my long walks without fear of losing my balance,of running and playing with my son,running down the stairs,playing baseball and hiding my amputated foot from the public,wearing sandals etc which now unfortunately i can not enjoy. But God reminded me Hey willie the techno uses stem cells from fetuses(which i always and believe in my heart are little full persons)of aborted babies. I will never ever have my hands bloodied with the blood of these little defenseless innocent angels-until Christ comes or i go home:

6Though if I should wish to boast,(A) I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7So(B) to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a](C) a thorn was given me in the flesh,(D) a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8(E) Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, (F) "My grace is sufficient for you, for(G) my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that(H) the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10(I) For the sake of Christ, then,(J) I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For(K) when I am weak, then I am strong. (1 cor 6-10)

12Therefore(A) let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.(B) God is faithful, and(C) he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 c0r 10:12-13)

earlier in the past i posted a similar thought concerning stem cells and curing diabetes....

Judge Sonia Sotomayor,me,volunteers of america,yorkville pantry and job discrimination

2009-06-14T10:46:00.007-05:00

I am glad as a fellow hispanic and a diabetic that she was U.S. nominated for supreme court. As a diabetic who was formerly unemployed i went through secret blatant discrimination which both volunteers of america and yorkville pantry thought it would not come to light. I will not get any details into this but i am saddened by their treatment of me and perhaps others who could do the job but are discriminated againest because they have diabetes. even though in their human resources for new job hirees and the very job application states point blankthey do not and can not by law.. what even hurt more they have christain leanings or have historical roots in christainity...

Judge Sonia Sotomayor's physician has penned a letter proclaiming Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee to be in "very good health" with few long-term concerns about her Type I diabetes.

In a letter obtained by the Huffington Post, Dr. Andrew Jay Drexler, a clinical professor of medicine at UCLA, said that during his twenty-plus years serving as Sotomayor's doctor, the court of appeals judge "always had excellent control of her diabetes."

"Her hemoglobin A1c levels, the best measure of diabetes control," he wrote, "have consistently been less than 6.5%, the optimal level as defined by all diabetes organizations."

In addition, the nominee for the Supreme Court is unlikely to develop any of the late-in-life complications, which may arise with Type I diabetics, Drexler said

"As of my last visit with Judge Sotomayor on March 20, 2009," Drexler wrote, "she had no evidence of any micro vascular complications of diabetes or even any early signs that they might develop. More sophisticated testing, which she has had done on a regular basis, confirms this opinion. Specifically, I would not expect Judge Sotomayor to develop any eye problems, kidney problems, or nerve problems. During her last cardiac stress test, she was able to exercise at the level of a much younger woman with a completely normal result. Given her blood pressure and cholesterol levels and excellent diabetes control she does not appear to be at risk for a heart attack or stroke."

The concerns over Sotomayor's diabetes have played a small part of the dialogue surrounding her nomination. While legal observers and political strategists have given the issue a bit more weight, the medical community has cautioned against over-emphasis and even prejudice. While Type I diabetics tend to live, on average, seven to ten years less than those without the disease, a slew of medical advancements have begun to close that gap. Stem cell research, moreover, could pave the way for even greater breakthroughs.

That said, senior officials in the Obama administration said they did look closely at Sotomayor's medical history and stressed that, after their review, they felt more than confident in her capacity to serve on the bench. The Drexler letter is, undoubtedly, the next step in putting the issue to rest.

Here is a copy of her speech:

Thank you, Mr. President, for the most humbling honor of my life. You have nominated me to serve on the country's highest court, and I am deeply moved.

I could not, in the few minutes I have today, mention the names of the many friends and family who have guided and supported me throughout my life, and who have been instrumental in helping me realize my dreams. (See pictures of Judge Sonia Sotomayor.)

I see many of those faces in this room. Each of you, whom I love deeply, will know that my heart today is bursting with gratitude for all you have done for me.

The President has said to you that I bring my family. In the audience is my brother Juan Sotomayor — he's a physician in Syracuse, New York; my sister-in-law, Tracy (ph); my niece Kiley — she looks like me.

My twin nephews, Conner and Corey.

I stand on the shoulders of countless people, yet there is one extraordinary person who is my life aspiration. That person is my mother, Celina Sotomayor.

My mother has devoted her life to my brother and me. And as the President mentioned, she worked often two jobs to help support us after dad died. I have often said that I am all I am because of her, and I am only half the woman she is.

Sitting next to her is Omar Lopez (ph), my mom's husband and a man whom I have grown to adore. I thank you for all that you have given me and continue to give me. I love you.

I chose to be a lawyer and ultimately a judge because I find endless challenge in the complexities of the law. I firmly believe in the rule of law as the foundation for all of our basic rights.

For as long as I can remember, I have been inspired by the achievement of our founding fathers. They set forth principles that have endured for than more two centuries. Those principles are as meaningful and relevant in each generation as the generation before.

million dollar bed

2009-06-13T21:47:00.003-05:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/31213683#31213683

JERUSALEM - An Israeli woman mistakenly threw out a mattress with $1 million inside, setting off a frantic search through tons of garbage at a number of landfill sites, Israeli media reported Wednesday.

The woman told Army Radio that she bought her elderly mother a new mattress as a surprise on Monday and threw out the old one, only to discover that her mother had hidden her life savings inside. She was identified only as Anat, a resident of Tel Aviv.

When she went to look for the mattress it had already been taken by garbage men, she said. Subsequent searches at three different landfill sites turned up nothing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot published a picture of the woman searching through garbage at a dump in southern Israel.

‘Totally desperate’
Yitzhak Borba, the dump manager, told the radio station that his staff was helping the woman, saying she appeared "totally desperate." He said the mattress was hard to find among the 2,500 tons of garbage arriving at the site every day.

Domestic abuse and the Bible

2009-06-07T20:36:00.004-05:00

FACT SHEET: DOMESTIC ABUSE AND THE BIBLE : I wrote this in 2004 for my dating and courtship class i was teaching at my church....

I. Why do people say that the bible supports, Endorses or encourages domestic Abuse?

A. Ignorance: (Mt. 22:29 )

B. Misapplication of Scriptures: Quoting one passage or part of a passage without consulting other parts of the bible that relates to the issue at hand.

C. Taken it for granted; That it is in the bible without searching its passages to see if it is so.

· Unlike the Bereans (Acts 17:11 ) (Mt 22:29 )

D. Pride: (1John 2:116, Pr 3:7, Pr 26:12, 1cor 8:2,Ge 11:4)

E. Culture/Traditions: ( Col 2:8, 16-23)

F. Hatred of God’s word: (Psa 50:17, Isa 5:24 , Isa 30;12, Jer 6:10 )

G. False Prophets/teachers: (Tit 1:10 -12, Jer 50:6, 2T 4:3-4)

H. Self Righteous: (Isa 65;5, Mt 6:5)

I. Selfishness: (Judges 17:6, Mt 15:3,Mk 7:8,Col 2:8,Tit 1;14,1Pe 1:18)

II. What does the bible teach about women?

1. Created equally in the image of God: (Gen 1:27 , Gal 3: 28 )

2. Just as good as men: (Gen 1:31 )

3. Created to do great things as well as men: (2Cor 5:10 )

4. Precious in His sight: (1Cor 6:20 , Psa 8:5, Dt 26;18)

5. To be treated with honor, love and respect: (1Pe 3:7, 1Ti 5:2,Eph 5:3-4,Heb 13:4,Rom 12:6,Mt 7:12,Mt 22:39)

6. Just as important as men: (1Cor 12;20-21)

III. What does the bible specifically teach about domestic abuse?

A. General

Tit 1:7
Ezek 7:11
Obad 10
Gen 6:11-13

1 Tim 3:2
Joel 3:19
Hab 2:17
Ezek 28:16

Psa 11:5-6
Amos 3:10
Zeph 1:9
Isa 59:6-8

B. Act

Psa 58:2
Prov 3:31, 2:17

Psa 7:16
Prov 11:29-30

Mal 2:16
Prov 24:15

C. Victims

Psa 118:5-6
Jer 4:30-31

Psa 38:11
Jer 8:11,15,19

Psa 55:12-14,20-21
Jer 8:21-9:1

D. Abusers

Prov 24:1-2
Prov 24:2
Prov 24:8,10-12
Ezek 45:9
Mic 7:2

Psa 10:2,8-10
Psa 7:9
Prov 1;11,18
Psa 17:11/37:32
Psa 73:6

Prov 19:19 Prov 4:17
Psa 56:5-6/59:3
Jer 5:26
Psa 58:2
Psa 140:5

E. Verbal Abuse

Mt 5: 21-23
Mic 6:12
Psa 73:8 Psa 10:7

James 3:2-10
Zeph 1:9
Psa 56:5

Psa 27:12
Mal 2:17
Psa 52:2-4

Eph 6:9
Acts 4:21,29,9:1
Psa 55:9,20,21

Prov 10:11
Psa 140:9,11
Hos 12:1

F. Comfort/Promises

Psa 140:1-6
Psa 18:48
Psa 143:9-11
2Sam 22:49
2Sam 22:3

Psa 103:6
Psa 72:14
Psa 12:5, 59:2
Psa 17:4-6
Isa 54:11-17

Psa 10:17-18
Isa 60:17-18
Psa 119:134,153,157,161,166
Dt 14:29
Psa 139:19

Job 31:17
Psa 140:1
Mt 18:2-6
Hab 1:2-9
James 1:27

IV. Passages Misapplied

Negative (man’s way) in light of Positive (God’s way)

Negative (man’s way)
Positive (God’s way)

1 Cor 11:9
Gen 1:26-27, Gen 2:18-23

Eph 5:22-23
Eph 5:21,25-29,33

1 Cor 11:3,9
1 Cor 11:11:11 -12, 1 Cor 12:11 -27, Col 3:12 -17, 1 Cor 7:3, Col 3:19

Col 3:18
Col 3:19

Rom 6:19 -20, 1 Cor 6:11 , Eph 2:2
Col 3:8;15, James 1:19-20, Mk 10;42-44

Tit 3:3
Tit 3:4-5, Tit 2:11-14, 1 Pe 3:7-11

1 Pe 3:1
Rom 12:10 , 1 Pe 5:3

Tit 2:5
Tit 1:7-8

1 Ti 5:14,15
Eph 5:18, I Tim 3:3,8, 1Pe 5:2, Tit 3:2

V.The Dark Passages

Judges 19;24-25

Gen 19:8

2 Sam 13;1-21

The bible presents both the good and the bad of the people it records in the pages without condoning the evil of their actions.

to teach us:

1. not to make idols of people

2. as examples either to emulate or not in our lives

Ø 1 Cor 10:11

Ø 2 Tim 3:15-17

Ø Phip 4:3-9

Ø Rom 15:4

Man’s Way
Attribute
God
God’s Way

1k: 8:6, Ro 3:23, Ge 6:5
Holy
Ex 15:11 , Is 6:3
2Co 7:1

Ecc 3:16, Lev 19:5, Ps 32:2
Just
Dt 32:4, Ps 72:2,Ps 103:6
Dt 16:20,Ps 82:3,Pr 21:3, Isa 56:1

Mt 6:15,Mt 18:28,35, Ro 1:31, Ja 2:13
Mercy
Ne 9:17,Tit 3:5
Mic 6:8, Mt 5:7,Lk 6:36

Lk 6:32-36
Goodness
Ps 100:5,Ps 145:8-9
1th 5:5, Eph 4:32,Col 3:12,Tit 2:11-12

Mt 23:12,Jer 17:5,Pr 28:26
Sovereignty
Da 4:35
2 Co 12;9,Eph 3:16,Jn 5:5

Ps 53;1,Lk 11:39, Pr 15:2
Wisdom
Ps 104:24,Ro 11;33
Ecc 2;26,Ja 1:5,Hos 14:9

15Hn 4:20 , pr 10:12 , Ps 56:5-6
Love
Dt 33:12, Jhn 3:16
15 Hn 4;8,Is 54:5-14, Is 58:4-6

Ps 116:11, Jer 9:5, Pr 6:16-19, Mt 15:19, Ps 27:2
Truth
Heb 6:18, Ps 33:4
Ps 120:2, Pr 13:5

Gal 5:19-21
Faithful
Dt 7:9,La 3:22-23
Ex 20:14 ,Gal 5:19 -21

Ecc 7:29, Ju 3:9-10, Ps 58:3, Nu 23:19
Unchanging
James 1:17
1Co 15:10 , 2Co 12:9, 2Ti 3:16 -17

Jm 1:12-13, Jh 3:5-7, Tit 3:5, Ro 2:5-8
Righteous
Ps 32:4,Ps 15:9
2Co 7:1, Gal 2:20, Eph 2:8-9, Ta 2:17-18, Lk 18:14

Part VI: God’s Attributes

Part VII Who Jesus is;

I. God: John 1:1-3, Col 1:16,17, John 20:28, John 10:29-31 Col 2:9, Tit 2:13

II. What He did: Isa 53:4-5, Mk 10:45, John 10:14-18, Rom 5:10 , 1Tim 2:5-6, Heb 9:14 , 1Pe 2:24 , Rev 5:9

III. What He is doing now: Heb 4:14, Heb 7:26

IV. What He will do: Php 2:9-11, Ro 14:11-12, 2Co 5:10 , Rev 20:12 -13

V. His treatment of women:

v Taught women together with men: Matt 14;21 and 15:38

v Accepted sinful women with respect: Lk 7:47, Lk 10;41, Matt 19;3-4

v Ministered to them: Lk 8;40-56

v Shows compassion: Jonh 4:5-42

IV Attributes Jesus Displayed:

v Humility: Mt 11:29, Philp 2:8

v Obedience: Jn 4:34 , John 5:30 , John 8;29

v Serve-hood: Mk 10:42-45, Lk 22:27, John 13;12-15

v Strong; Mk 11:15-18

v Love: Lk 8;43-48

v Righteousness; Lk 1:35, John 6;69, Heb 7:26

v Truth: John 14:6, Rev 3;7

VI. Example of Submission in the Trinity

v Phil 2;6-8

v Ma 26:39-42

v Ma 20:27-28

v Jo 4:34

VII. Power of words in light of Domestic abuse

A. Gives Life: Prov 18:21

B. Gives Death: Prov 18:21 , Matt 5:21 -22

C. Christians Responsibility: Phil 1;27, Prov 12:6, 1Pe 2:23 , Mt 12:36 -37, Eph 4:29 -30, Ja 3:18 , 1Co 6;19, Prov 10:19

D. Forgiveness and Grace: Eph 4:32-5: 2, Col 4:6, Matt 18;21-35, Rom 12:9-21

E. Hypocritical: James 3:3-12

F. Perverse: Prov 2:12 , Matt 15:19

G. Seductive: Prov 2:16, Prov 6:2-3, Prov 7:21

H. Lying: Prov 6:16-19, Prov 17:7, Prov 12:17-19, Eph 4:25

I. Evil: Prov 16:28, Jer 17:9, Prov 17:4

J. Causes Problems: Prov 17:19, Prov 25:9-10, James 4:1-2, Prov 18-8, Prov 26:20-21, Prov 22;10, Prov 29:8

K. Flattery: Prov 28:23, 1Thes 2:4, Prov 29:5

L. Speaking in haste: Prov 29:20, Mt 12:36

M. Reveals true self; Lk 6:43-46

N. Speaking over abundantly: 1Co 14:19

O. Empty Words: 1Cor 13:1

VIII. What is Love?

1. 1Cor 13:1-7

Man’s Way God’s Way

V-4B V-4A

V-5B V-5A

V-6A V-7

2. Sermon on the Mount: Matthew Chapter 5

RD. Matthew Chapter 5:1-12

3. Ten Commandments: Exodus Chapter 20

Man’s Way God’s Way

Worship/Serve Self V-3. Worship/Serve God

Making Idols V-6. No Idols

Curse God by V-7. Not Curse God in any Form

Their actions/words against their love ones

By their violence of words/actions to their love V-8. Keep one day special to the Lord

Ones desecrates God’s Special Day

Dishonor their parents and the parents of their V-12. Honor thy father/mother

Loved one by their violence of speech/action

4. Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:16-26

Man’s Way God’s Ways

V-19. Adultery

Fornication V-22. Love

Uncleanness Joy

Lasciviousness Peace

V-20. Idolatry Long Suffering

Witchcraft Gentleness

Hatred Kindness

Strife Goodness

Jealousies Faith

Wrath V-23. Meekness

Divisions Temperance (Self Control)

Heresies

V-21. envy

Murder

Drunkenness

Reveling

See also: James 3:13-18

Romans 6:20-23

Romans 7:4-6

Ephesians 5:3-14

Romans 1:29-30

Matthews 5:19

Jer. 14:10

Man’s Way God’s Way

Kill their loved ones V-13. Thou Salt not kill

With their violent words and actions

Committing adultery by taking the V-14. Thou Shalt not commit adultery

Love of violence instead of being faithful

To their loved ones

Stealing from them by your words/actions V-15. Thou Shall not steal

Their God’s given special, God-given

Charge to you to treat them as his priceless/

Wondrous/awesome gift to you and you alone

By your violent words/actions V-16. Thou Shall not bear false witness

Making the promises you made to them against thy neighbor

Before God null and void

By your desires for someone better or for a V-17. Thou shall not covet

Personal slave sealed/witnessed by your

Violent words/actions

VIV. Prevent domestic abuse

1. BEFORE:

Teaching children the word of God from birth

2Tim 3:15 -17, Prov 22:6, Psa 119:9

The church to provide good role models

Titus 2:2:2-4

2. AFTER:

The abuser to seek repentance

2Cor 7:9-10, Lk 7:47 , Acts 8:24

The abuser to seek forgiveness

1John 1:9, Isa 55:7, Prov 28:13, Acts 8:22 , Mt 6:22, Ps 32:5

The abuser to change to please God first

1Thes 2:4, 1Thes 4:1, Heb 13:16, Psa 1:1-6, Lk 11:24-26

The abuser to separate for a time from their victim(s)

1Cor 7:11

The abuser to place themselves under accountability

James 5:16-20, Heb 3:12-14, Heb 13:17 , 1Thes 5:12 , 1Ti 5:17 , 1Cor 5:1, 2Cor 5:1-11, Gal 6:2

Yet the abuser may have been truly repentant, truly seeking forgiveness, truly changed God’s way (2Cor 5:17 ) truly placed themselves under the accountability and discipline of the church. YET SIN HAS ITS CONSEQUENCES:

1PE 4:17-18, ISA 59:18, JER 17:10, 1 TI 5:24, PSA 62:12, ROM 2:6, GAL 6:7-8,HEB 12:16-17

3. For the victim concerning the option of divorce

PSA 97:19,97-105, 2TIM 3:15 -17, Prov 3:5-6, Psa 119:7

1

William Morales

Earth without people and God

2009-06-04T07:42:00.004-05:00

There is a show on history channel called: Life after people. The premise are scientist's and other specialists theorizing how earth will be like if there was no longer any people and they project their speculations one year after,50,100,1000 etc...

People live and likes to believe there is no God. So just imagine what if there truly was no God-how will this universe be like???It will be another place called Hell....

pastor and the Bus driver

2009-05-27T21:04:00.001-05:00

Biblical training free online

2009-05-27T20:42:00.003-05:00

http://www.biblicaltraining.org/

Land of the lost

2009-05-25T08:33:00.010-05:00

Coming soon one of my favorite childhood kid's shows:

First and Second Season Theme Song

Marshall, Will and Holly
On a routine expedition
Met the greatest earthquake ever known
High on the rapids It struck their tiny raft (insert screams here)
And plunged them down a thousand feet below
To the Land of the Lost
To the Land of the Lost
To the Land of the Lost

Catchy, short, to the point, what more could you want from a theme song?

Land of the Lost theme song (863k) - file format .MP3

Now that you've heard it, how about watching it? Click here to try it out!

Third Season Theme Song

After Poppa Marshall managed to rescue himself and strand the kids, it was time for a new parental figure to take over. Make way for Uncle Jack.

Will and Holly Marshall
As the earth beneath them trembled
Lost their father through the door of time
Uncle Jack went searching
And found those kids at last
Looking for a way to escape
From the Land of the Lost

Props out to Landofthelost.com fan Barry who sent in the 3rd season theme for all to hear, Thanks Barry! This theme sure has a lot of sound effects in it!

Third season theme song (470k) - file format .WAV

Ending Theme

Didn't remember this one did ya? But here it is, the snippet they ran over the ending credits of Land of the Lost.

When I look all around
I can't believe the things I've found
Now I need to find my way
I'm lost I'm lost find me
Living in the Land of the Lost
Living in the Land of the Lost

Hear this outro and relive those Saturday mornings when it was just you, the Krofft brothers and a big bowl of Honeycomb.

Land of the Lost ending theme (73k) - file format .WAV

http://www.landofthelost.com/lotltheme3.wav audio

video theme; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0MRU1f2SJ0

new movie preview: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809953162/info

websites: http://www.landofthelost.com/

http://donniesergentjr.com/LandOfTheLostOnline/

http://personal.linkline.com/enik1138/

official movie website; http://www.landofthelost.net/

wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_of_the_lost

Our Memorial day

2009-05-24T15:48:00.007-05:00

We christains must and should mark those momments when God has acted upon our everday lives:

1. To praise and Honor The God that is...

2. To keep us humble recognizing all these blessings and mercies did not come by our own strength or because we are somehow special-but they all come from the sovereign and gracious arm of God and God alone...

and those momments when it is dark and stormy they may act as our lighthouse,our flashlights for our walk of faith in the midst of uncertainity.......

the new Star Trek

2009-05-24T15:33:00.004-05:00

I finally saw the new trek movie and I have to say: It is a excellent retooling of the old star trek for this present generation... i see more sequels and a possible rebirth on televison as well...

It is radical, revolutionary, lasting!

2009-05-24T14:52:00.002-05:00

It is radical, revolutionary, lasting!

(Arthur Pink, "The Sovereignty of God")

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

In the new birth, God exerts a quickening influence or power upon His own elect. Regeneration is very, very much more than simply shedding a few tears because of some temporary remorse over sin. It is far more than changing our course of life, the leaving off of bad habits and the substituting of good ones. It is something different from the mere cherishing and practicing of noble ideals. It goes infinitely deeper than coming forward to take some popular evangelist by the hand, signing a pledge-card, or "joining the church." The new birth is no mere turning over a new leaf--but is the inception and reception of a new life! It is no mere reformation, but a radical transformation. In short, the new birth is a miracle--the result of the supernatural operation of God. It is radical, revolutionary, lasting!

In the new birth:

God lays hold of one who is spiritually dead--and quickens him into newness of life!

God takes up one who was shaped in iniquity and conceived in sin--and conforms him to the image of His Son!

God seizes a drudge of the Devil--and makes him a member of His holy family!

God picks up a destitute beggar--and makes him joint-heir with Christ!

God comes to one who is full of enmity against Him--and gives him a new heart that is full of love for Him!

God stoops to one who by nature is a rebel--and works in him both to will and to do of His good pleasure!

By His irresistible power, God transforms . . .
a sinner--into a saint;
an enemy--into His friend,
a drudge of the Devil--into His beloved child!

POLLO EN FRICASE

2009-05-24T14:46:00.002-05:00

3 lbs. chicken pieces, seasoned
3 tsps. adobo
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. vinegar
3 tbsps. garlic, mashed

¼ cup olive oil
1 cup sofrito
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup white wine
1 hoja de laurel
8 olives stuffed with red peppers
1 cup diced potatoes
1 cup chopped carrots
sal al gusto

Season the chicken ahead of time (at least 1 hour) and refrigerate until needed.

In a medium sized sauce pan heat olive oil, add chicken and cook until it is brown on both sides. Remove from oil and drain. En the same pan add the sofrito and cook for 3 minutes or so. Add the chicken and the rest of the ingredients, season to taste, cover and cook over medium heat for 35 minutes until the chicken is tender.

The truth about angels and demons

2009-05-21T07:46:00.002-05:00

This is a apologetic site concerning the second movie from Dan brown:

http://www.truthaboutangelsanddemons.com/

helpful audio sermons on the movie; http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?keyword=angels%20and%20demons&entiresite=true

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and
winter, day and night, shall not cease. genesis 8:22

You make darkness, and it is night,
when all the beasts of the forest creep about (Ps. 104:20).
You cause the grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may bring forth food from the earth (Ps. 104:14).
He sends out his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.

He gives snow like wool;
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
who can stand before his cold?
He sends out his word, and melts them;
he makes his wind blow and the waters flow (Ps. 147:15-18).

make your own radio station

2009-05-12T21:10:00.002-05:00

http://www.playlist.com/

You can download free good music and make your playlists while you are at work,home or having devotional time....

Christain and what if's

2009-05-12T20:43:00.006-05:00

Spike tv has a new show called Deadlist warrior where the what ifs pertaining to military history like what if ninjas meet roman soilders or pirates clashed with knights etc It is very interesting. But this thought came to mind concerning the christain and the what ifs of God-when it comes to these what ifs His word teaches us this:

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Deuteronomy 29:29

1 Timothy 1:4

4neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which promote questions rather than godly edifying in the faith, so do!

1 Timothy 4:7

7But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

2 Timothy 4:4

4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned toward fables.

Titus 1:7

7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, not selfwilled, not quick to anger, not given to wine, not violent, not given to filthy lucre;

Titus 1:14

14not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.

2 Peter 1:16

16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

Where the wild things are

2009-05-12T20:37:00.003-05:00

One children's classic comes to the movies 10/09;

see the preview:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/66000/tv-guide-specials-where-the-wild-things-are-trailer#s-p1-st-i0

Abortion 3

2009-05-12T20:17:00.002-05:00

abortion 3

abortion's "unhumanity" againest the youngest and most defenseless and defiant fist aimed at God-is hidden behind labels such as fetus,women's right,microscopic dot,potential human being,viable life....

abortion instead of promoting life degrades it

abortion is the wisdom of fools

abortion to succeed,find meaning,find justification must exist in a God shaped vaccum

abortion lolls the mind from thinking what if my parents did this to me?

pagans from old testament times if they lived today would feel quite at home worshipping in abortion clinics

abortion goes hand in hand with the survival of the fittest and might makes right

Mother's day

2009-05-07T20:02:00.003-05:00

E4

2009-05-07T11:51:00.006-05:00

http://www.freebiblesoftware.com/

sound doctrines sound words

2009-05-03T21:21:00.004-05:00

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=328091910172 video

http://media.sermonaudio.com/mediapdf/328091910172.pdf Pdf

Flame and Abraham Kuyper

2009-05-03T19:20:00.024-05:00

A rapper who happens to be a christain and reformed-whose faith defines,sustains his music-not his music marketing,defining and sustaining his music. A example of this famous quote: There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!' "

Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920)

videos;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM8kVeRlFXM go buck angels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlAt2uGkeoI invasion day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3TOndaAk38 limelight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcaii2Jgrw8 good to repentance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cicrc-CiQjA call him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCtggeOFbOg our world fallen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrsstYogS9g desires in conflict

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG4O_JWpXzo our world redeemed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wphfy_vM5-U war of minds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpWfEeGtxNw worldviews

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gI24fCqoI8 Bad aint good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD-hZTgp58U we apolegize

Matteh 5:13-17

13"Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men.

14"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

15Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.

17"Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

13Vosotros sois la sal de la tierra; pero si la sal se ha vuelto insípida, ¿con qué se hará salada otra vez? Ya para nada sirve, sino para ser echada fuera y pisoteada por los hombres.

14Vosotros sois la luz del mundo. Una ciudad situada sobre un monte no se puede ocultar;

15ni se enciende una lámpara y se pone debajo de un almud, sino sobre el candelero, y alumbra a todos los que están en la casa.

16Así brille vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas acciones y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.

Jesús cumple la ley y los profetas
17No penséis que he venido para abolir la ley o los profetas; no he venido para abolir, sino para cumplir.

The christain reformed church

2009-04-29T12:37:00.005-05:00

These editorals from the past two months caught my eye. reflections will follow next post.

What's to Discuss?
by Rev. Bob De Moor

The ethical position of the Christian Reformed Church on homosexuality was reaffirmed by the denomination's synod (annual leadership meeting) in 2002-2003:

homosexual orientation is a result of humanity's fallen condition and not the result of sinful choice(s) made by those who have this orientation;
homosexual actions are sinful, and a person who persists in them is subject to church discipline;
CRC members who have a homosexual orientation but do not engage in homosexual practices are eligible for church office, but those who engage in homosexual practices are not;
our congregations must show full acceptance to all our brothers and sisters who have a homosexual orientation, lovingly enfold them in the fellowship of believers, and support them with pastoral care in living out God’s will for their lives.
On that last point, synod admitted that our congregations have failed miserably in fulfilling our responsibility to those among us who are homosexual. I've asked around. We've made precious little progress on that since Synod 2003 made that admission. Congregations, de facto, use a "don't ask, don't tell" policy that continues to marginalize those who are homosexual and makes them feel anything but welcome in our midst.

This "ostrich in the sand" approach isn't serving any of us well. I know of a number of congregations who have members living in committed homosexual relationships and in which church leaders are not actively applying church discipline. Why not? It's not because those leaders are lazy or uncaring but because present CRC policy doesn't help them deal pastorally with same-sex couples who live in a committed relationship and who show strong faith, Christian maturity, and a sincere desire to continue within the fellowship of believers.

Perhaps more common is the ongoing exodus of those who must choose between a lifelong same-sex partnership and membership in the CRC. They quietly leave our congregations to worship elsewhere.

Rev. Mike Veenema's IMHO on page 8 reveals the deep personal pain that people suffer because of this present reality in the CRC. Perhaps we need to maintain our official position with respect to homosexual practice but build on it and train local church councils how to implement it properly. Perhaps we need to modify it in some way to address differently those who are in committed same-sex relationships. In either case, we need to converse and deal openly with each other in seeking God’s will and God's way in this very significant pastoral matter—without the chilling effect of ecclesiastical censure.

It's time to take another look at the best way for us to proceed together in faith, love, and unity.

Why risk discussing this again, seeing the pain it has brought in other denominations? Because, as Pastor Mike's IMHO shows, the pain is already here. It's quietly borne by those who are silenced and excluded and by their loved ones. For their sake and all of ours, let's heed Paul's urging to "speak the truth in love" so that we will "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Eph. 4:15, NRSV).

Let's talk.

We Can Be Sure and Wrong, Right?
by Rev. Bob De Moor

With great interest I’ve followed our discussions on homosexuality in The Banner, on the Banner website, and on “Bob’s Blog,” also on the Banner website (www.thebanner.org).

Two things strike me. The first is that these conversations are open, respectful, and keenly concerned about being true to Scripture. That’s hopeful. The second is that so many of us are so sure about stuff—even though what we’re sure of stands diametrically opposed to what others are sure of.

This is what many respondents are sure of:

• The Bible clearly forbids all homosexual practices.

• The Bible does not forbid all homosexual practices.

• The church must discipline those who are in same-sex relationships.

• The church must not discipline those who are in same-sex relationships.

• If parents love their homosexual children, they will support them if they choose a same-sex partner.

• If parents love their homosexual children, they will warn their children away from same-sex relationships.

Interestingly, respondents on both sides of the debate agree that they’re sure the Banner editor raised this issue because he’s secretly hoping that the present church policy will be liberalized. But the one side is sure that’s a good thing, the other that it’s a bad thing.

(For the record, if you refer back to the March issue of The Banner you’ll see that the editor is not at all sure of what’s needed, just that there are a lot of people hurting out there and that we either need to help our churches better implement the policy we have, or we need to adjust it in some way to meet the challenge placed before us by Synods 2002 and 2003 to provide better pastoral care.)

So what might get our conversation unstuck? What might get us beyond our conundrum?

I see hope in the fact that we’re all sure we must do what Scripture would have us do—both in terms of the policy we adopt and how we implement that policy in extending loving acceptance and pastoral care to all our members. Might it help our conversation forward if we parked our certainties at the door and humbly asked our best minds to do some fresh, serious Bible study that is also informed by the latest scientific research on the subject (since Reformed folks do need to consult creation revelation as well)? A new synodical study committee might help us to do that, and, further, to advise our churches on how we are to implement CRC policy (changed or unchanged) in an appropriate manner.

Sometimes the more we study, the less we know we really know. That’s not a bad thing because it opens us up to the Holy Spirit’s leading as we pray, learn, dialogue, and continue to live together in love.

I’m sure that the same applies to the issue at hand. And, yeah, I could be wrong

image is not everything

2009-04-28T19:16:00.002-05:00

The other week we went to see horton hears a who and me and my son were wearing DR Seuss hats to go see it. But my mother in law saw this and told my wife about it-who insisted that we do not wear the hat till we got there. You see to my mother in law and most people IMAGE IS EVERYTHING like the nike ad awhile back. My point is because of the fall image is everything-we hide the ugliness of our heart behind a facade of nice clothes,status,education,religous rituals but that does not change the reality of that ugly heart shaped like a clutched fist towards God (trying to please God like cain our way:)
Genesis 4:4-6 (English Standard Version)

4and Abel also brought of(A) the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD(B) had regard for Abel and his offering, 5but(C) for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?
that WE all are naturally born with...
Psalm 51:4-6 (English Standard Version)

4(A) Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil(B) in your sight,(C) so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.5Behold,(D) I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.6Behold, you delight in truth in(E) the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
The only way to remove that ugly heart is the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
Romans 1:15-17 (English Standard Version)

15So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 16For(A) I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is(B) the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew(C) first and also to(D) the Greek. 17For in it(E) the righteousness of God is revealed(F) from faith for faith,[a](G) as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."[b]

cartoon that caught my eyes

2009-04-28T17:59:00.003-05:00

two funny animal true stories

2009-04-28T11:40:00.005-05:00

I had to put these two strange but true stories on my blog;

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090428/ap_on_fe_st/odd_chihuahua_touchdown the flying Chihuahua

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090428/ap_on_re_as/as_skorea_cloned_dogs

Glowing Dogs

Swine flu epedimic??? english/spanish

2009-04-27T14:34:00.005-05:00

i encourage anyone visiting my site concerning swine flu to visit the cdc to get accurate and credible info as well as up to date:

current info; http://www.cdc.gov/

english: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

spanish: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/swine_espanol.htm

Dulce de Coco

2009-04-26T20:24:00.003-05:00

4 cups dulce de coco en almibar *
2 tbsp. melted butter
2 egg yolks
½ cup diced almonds
1/8 tsp. salt

* Prepare 'dulce de coco en almibar' recipe and let it cool.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 x 8 x 2 mold.
Mix all ingredients together and pour in mold. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.

Recipe for Coco en Almibar
3 cups shredded coconut
3 cups sugar
3 cups water
1 tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. salt
Run the shredded coconut (store bought is ok) in the food processor to grate. In a medium caldero cook all the ingredients together over medium heat for one hour or until the candy reaches 222 degrees. Let it cool and pour into a glass mold. Refrigerate until needed.

CPYU.ORG

2009-04-26T20:16:00.002-05:00

A reesource for understanding todays youth:

http://www.cpyu.org/Default.aspx

PCA Historical Center

2009-04-22T20:40:00.002-05:00

http://www.pcahistory.org/index.html

Sin

2009-04-22T20:33:00.002-05:00

2005willy thought 1 sin:

sin at each of our births has placed a handle with care label whose instructions read: I'm a good person, i do good, my family is christain, i am baptized, i go to church, i tithe, i pray, i read the bible, i belive in God etc.

sin before the majesty and holiness of God clothes us in" The emperor new clothes"...
sin deceives us thinking with it we have a master/genie relationship when in reality we are its slave and sin our cruel master...

sin creates a religon where it can hide and grow...
Posted by rev5:9 salsa style at 8:16 AM 0 comments

Red ballonhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBS2TvWD2t8

2009-04-21T07:31:00.005-05:00

This movie was shown during my public school days in the auditorum on rainy or snowy days
.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Balloon

Loving sin

2009-04-20T19:43:00.003-05:00

one of the reasons men love sin and hate God is that sin allows us to wear whatever mask(s)we want to hide our true selves behind-but God takes our mask(s) off to reveal our true selves: natural born sinners in need of His saving grace he alone can truly offer and truly give.....

Dominican Chimichurri Burgers

2009-04-19T18:30:00.001-05:00

Ingredients
1 1/4 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 large red bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
4 hamburger buns, split
2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
1 carrot, coarsely grated
1 small red onion, cut into rings
1 tomato, sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Directions
1Mix together beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, cilantro, oregano, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, a scant 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Form into 4 (4 1/2-inch-wide) patties.
2Heat a large griddle or 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat until hot, then lightly toast buns.
3Oil griddle, then cook patties, turning once, about 8 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to buns.
4Mix together cabbage, carrot, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then cook, turning occasionally, until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Divide among burgers.
5Oil griddle again, then sear onion and tomato, turning once, until slightly charred, about 2 minutes total. Divide among burgers.
6Stir together ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard, then top burgers with sauce.

married life

2009-04-19T18:06:00.001-05:00

New Demonstration

2009-04-19T17:57:00.003-05:00

Around my neighborhood blogdom I came across this woderful website-Check it out!!!

http://newdemonstration.com/

Gi joe movie trailer

2009-04-18T21:12:00.003-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsogJy3zxLk

This is one of the cartoons I grew up with in the 80's.....

funny cartoon by PIxar

2009-04-18T15:45:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng-Iigt2Njw

porn again christain

2009-04-18T15:27:00.002-05:00

http://relit.org/porn_again_christian/toc.php

Porn-Again Christian:
A Frank Discussion on Pornography & Masturbation for God’s Men

by Pastor Mark Driscoll
Mars Hill Church, Seattle

Unholy Worship Robert Cameron

2009-04-18T11:07:00.006-05:00

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=83106154020

Atesorando a Cristo en la Plantación de Iglesias y el Amor al Pobre by John Piper

2009-04-17T21:23:00.003-05:00

Este es el tercer y último mensaje dentro de la serie Atesorando Juntos a Cristo, nombre que le dimos a nuestra estrategia para toda la iglesia a fin de llevar adelante la misión de nuestra iglesia. Recuerde que primeramente existe Dios –absoluto, increado, eterno, infinitamente glorioso, y grande. Inmediatamente en segundo lugar está su palabra, en La Biblia, inspirada por él y provista a nosotros totalmente libre de errores, una revelación confiable de sí mismo y de sus caminos y voluntad. Luego tenemos nuestro esfuerzo humano para extraer una declaración de misión a fin de dar coherencia y guía a nuestra iglesia: “Existimos para comunicar la pasión por la supremacía de Dios en todas las cosas para el gozo de todas las personas a través de Jesucristo”. Y seguidamente a esta revelación de la misión está la estrategia llamada Atesorando Juntos a Cristo (TCT, siglas en inglés): Nuestra meta es cumplir con esta misión multiplicando los templos a distancia, plantando iglesias, y atendiendo al más pobre de los pobres mediante el Diaconado Global.

Hoy nos enfocaremos en la plantación de iglesias y en el interés por el pobre – ocho observaciones en cada tema. Comencemos con las observaciones relacionadas con la plantación de iglesias.1 Recuerde que con plantación de iglesias, queremos decir crear nuevas iglesias, que no son parte de Bethlehem. Estas nuevas iglesias comparten la misma Antigua Declaración de fe para los líderes, pero en un sentido organizativo, sus líderes están expandiendo iglesias, no templos a distancia.

Observaciones en la Plantación de Iglesias
1.Existen 195 millones de personas en América que no asisten a las iglesias, haciendo de América una de las cuatro primeras naciones en el mundo que no se congregan.
2.A pesar del surgimiento de las mega-iglesias, ningún condado en Norteamérica tiene, en las iglesias, las grandes cantidades de miembros que tuvo hace diez años.
3.Durante los últimos 10 años, la membresía practicante de todas las denominaciones protestantes declinó un 9.5 por ciento (4 498 242), mientras que la población nacional se incrementó en un 11.4 porciento (24 153 000).
4.Cada año de 3 500 a 4 000 iglesias cierran sus puertas para siempre, pero surgen 1 500 nuevas iglesias.
5.Ahora hay cerca del un 60 por ciento menos de iglesias por cada 10 000 personas que en 1920.

En 1920 existían 27 iglesias por cada 10 000 Americanos.
En 1950 existían 17 iglesias por cada 10 000 Americanos.
En 1996 existían 11 iglesias por cada 10 000 Americanos.

6.“Hoy, del aproximando de 350 000 iglesias en Norteamérica, cuatro de cada cinco se han quedado estancadas o han declinando”.
7.Una denominación Norteamericana encontró recientemente que el 80% de sus convertidos vinieron a Cristo en las iglesias que tenían menos de dos años de construidas.
8.Debido a estas razones es el argumento de tantos líderes: “La metodología evangelística más efectiva bajo el cielo es la plantación de nuevas iglesias” (Peter Wagner).
Observaciones de La Pobreza del Mundo
También considere ocho observaciones sobre la pobreza del mundo.2

1. Más de 1.5 billones de personas alrededor del mundo viven con menos de $1 al día.

2. Más de un billón de personas no tienen acceso a agua limpia.

3. Todos los años 6 millones de niños mueren por malnutrición antes de su quinto cumpleaños.

4. Más del 50 por ciento de los africanos sufren de enfermedades relacionadas con el agua como cólera y diarrea infantil.

5. Más de 800 millones de personas van a dormir hambrientos cada día, 300 millones son niños.

6. De estos 300 millones de niños, el ocho por ciento son víctimas de inanición u otra situación de emergencia. Más del 90 por ciento sufren, a largo plazo, de desnutrición y de deficiencia de micronutrientes.

7. La declinación de la fertilidad del suelo, la degradación de la tierra, y el extensamente epidémico SIDA nos llevan a un 23 por ciento de disminución en la producción de comida per cápita en los últimos 25 años aún cuando la población se ha incrementado dramáticamente.

8. Una mujer que vive al sur del desierto del Sahara, en África, tiene de 1 a 16 posibilidades de morir durante el embarazo. Compare esto con que el riesgo para una mujer de Norteamérica es de 1 entre 3 700.

Estas son cuestiones que no deben olvidar aquellos que siguen a Jesús: la plantación de iglesias y el interés por el pobre. Sin embargo, son increíblemente fáciles de olvidar en Norteamérica. Para ayudarnos a no ignorar estas cuestiones, una de las cosas que debemos hacer como iglesia –y enfatizo solo una– es que cuando ofrendemos para Atesorando Juntos a Cristo (que está designado principalmente a pagar el alquiler y compra y construcción de nuestros templos a distancia), tomemos el 10 % para la plantación de iglesias y el 10% para el Diaconado Global. Esto significaría, si somos capaces de dar los $4 000 000 para TCT, esperando y orando para que en los siguientes catorce meses $400 000 puedan ir hacia el alcance del perdido mediante la plantación de nuevas iglesias y $400 000 puedan ir hacia aliviar el sufrimiento y dirigir a las personas hacia Jesús que es el único que nos puede consolar del sufrimiento eterno.

Uno de los medios
La razón por la que enfatizo que Atesorando Juntos a Cristo, mediante su plantación de iglesias y el Diaconado Global, es solo uno de los medios con que mantenemos personas que están muertas espiritualmente y a los pobres delante de nuestros ojos, es porque la existencia y fundación de los templos a distancia de Bethlehem son la base de todo un conjunto de ministerios activos, algunos de los cuales han funcionado por 136 años. Y el objetivo de estos ministerios para niños y jóvenes y adultos y hombres y mujeres y simples y señores y discapacitados –ministerio de adoración, ministerio de armonía racial, ministerios de pequeños grupos, ministerios consultivos, ministerios de evangelismo y alcance, ministerios de misericordia, ministerios de adopción, ministerios a favor de la vida (que defienden que la vida del feto es sagrada), misiones mundiales, y el surgimiento constante de ministerios de enfoques especiales – El propósito es despertar y convertir a miles de personas, mediante nuestros templos a distancias, en el tipo de siervos que exalten a Cristo, estén centrados en Dios, sean interculturales, sacrificados, arriesgados, y quienes siempre estén involucrados en alcanzar al perdido y bendecir al pobre.

En otras palabras, Atesorando Juntos a Cristo se ocupa de dos funciones: Ir directamente en busca del perdido y del pobre a través de la plantación de iglesias y del Diaconado Global, e indirectamente proveer a los templos a distancia donde, Dios mediante, las personas sean moldeadas adentrándolas en esa clase de sacrificio servicial.

¿Dónde los líderes encuentran en La Biblia la iluminación e inspiración para la plantación de iglesias y el interés por el pobre? Permítame darle dos ilustraciones de lo que vimos. Primero, la experiencia en la plantación de iglesias en el capítulo 16 y, segundo, como esa misma iglesia se convierte en apasionamiento por el pobre en 2da a los Corintios 8:1-4.

Una Iglesia Plantada
La iglesia en Jerusalén que vimos la semana pasada ayudó a plantar la iglesia en Antioquía en Siria (Capítulo 11:19-26). Los líderes de esa iglesia oraron y ayunaron y enviaron a Pablo como misionero para plantar iglesias (capítulo 13:1-5). Observe cómo Dios lo usa para plantar la iglesia en Filipo. Filipo es la principal ciudad en Macedonia al norte de Grecia –puede verlo en el capítulo 16:12.

1. Una Mujer de Negocios

Cuando Pablo llega a Filipo no había cristianos ni iglesias de los que supiéramos. Pablo llega y al primer lugar al que va es hacia una reunión de mujeres que oraban a la orilla del río. Versículos 13-15:

Y en el día de reposo salimos fuera de la puerta, a la orilla de un río, donde pensábamos que habría un lugar de oración; nos sentamos y comenzamos a hablar a las mujeres que se habían reunido. Y estaba escuchando cierta mujer llamada Lidia, de la ciudad de Tiatira, vendedora de telas de púrpura, que adoraba a Dios; y el Señor abrió su corazón para que recibiera lo que Pablo decía. Cuando ella y su familia se bautizaron, nos rogó, diciendo: Si juzgáis que soy fiel al Señor, venid a mi casa y quedaos en ella. Y nos persuadió a ir.

Así que este es el primer grupo de miembros en esta nueva iglesia que está comenzando –una mujer de negocios, probablemente acomodada, y su familia.

2. Una Esclava Adivina

Segundo, Pablo encuentra una muchacha endemoniada quien es esclavizada por sus amos y usada por ellos para ganar dinero mediante la adivinación. Versículo 16: “Y sucedió que mientras íbamos al lugar de oración, nos salió al encuentro una muchacha esclava que tenía espíritu de adivinación, la cual daba grandes ganancias a sus amos, adivinando”. Ella discernió que Pablo y Silas eran siervos de Dios. Así en el versículo 17, ella se mantiene voceando: “Estos hombres son siervos del Dios Altísimo, quienes os proclaman el camino de salvación”. Los versículos 18-19 nos dicen que fue así por días: “Y esto lo hacía por muchos días; mas desagradando estoa Pablo, se volvió y dijo al espíritu: ¡Te ordeno, en el nombre de Jesucristo, que salgas de ella! Y salió en aquel mismo momento. Pero cuando sus amos vieron que se les había ido la esperanza de su ganancia, prendieron a Pablo y a Silas, y losarrastraron hasta la plaza, ante las autoridades […]”.

No vamos a decir qué le sucedió a la muchacha. Pero supongamos que fue llena de gratitud y cariño en sí misma hacia el equipo de Pablo y vino a ser parte de la primera iglesia de Filipo. Así que ahora hay una mujer de negocios y una esclava adivina.

3. El Carcelero

El alboroto alrededor de Pablo le llevó junto con Silas a la cárcel. Pero Dios sabe lo que hace. He aquí otro fundador de la iglesia plantada en Filipo que quiso incluir, a saber, el carcelero. Así que en los versículos 25-33, leemos:

Como a medianoche, Pablo y Silas oraban y cantaban himnos a Dios, y los presos los escuchaban. De repente se produjo un gran terremoto, de tal manera que los cimientos de la cárcel fueron sacudidos; al instante se abrieron todas las puertas y las cadenas de todos se soltaron. Al despertar el carcelero y ver abiertas todas las puertas de la cárcel, sacó su espada y se iba a matar, creyendo que los prisioneros se habían escapado. Mas Pablo clamó a gran voz, diciendo: No te hagas ningún mal, pues todos estamos aquí. Entonces él pidió luz y se precipitó adentro, y temblando, se postró ante Pablo y Silas, y después de sacarlos, dijo: Señores, ¿qué debo hacer para ser salvo? Ellos respondieron: Cree en el Señor Jesús, y serás salvo, tú y toda tu casa. Y le hablaron la palabra del Señor a él y a todos los que estaban en su casa. Y él los tomó en aquella misma hora de la noche, y les lavó las heridas; enseguida fue bautizado, él y todos los suyos.

Eso es todo lo que oímos de los primeros miembros de la primera iglesia plantada en Filipo: una mujer de negocios y su familia; una esclava adivina; y un ciudadano empleado, el carcelero, y su familia. Esa fue la iglesia plantada en Filipo. Lo encontramos edificante porque Dios lo hizo, y lo hizo con personas muy diversas. Lucas dice que el Señor abrió el corazón de Lidia (Versículo 16:14), y el nombre de Jesús liberó a la esclava endemoniada (versículo 16:18), y el Señor sacudió la cárcel con un terremoto. El mismo poder que creó la iglesia en Filipo está presente hoy por la Palabra y por el Espíritu de Dios, y somos impulsados a creer que esa voluntad de Dios formará plantadores de iglesias al estilo de Pablo y Silas en las Twin Cities y sus alrededores.

La Preocupación por el Pobre
Ahora regresemos a 2da a los Corintios 8:1-4 buscando una representación de cómo esta misma iglesia amaba al pobre. Pablo les escribe a los corintios para motivarlos a proporcionar dinero para el pobre en Jerusalén (1ra a los Corintios 16:3). Para animarles, describe lo que Dios ha hecho en Macedonia –más notablemente en la iglesia Filipense. Aquí está lo que dice sobre ellos en 2da a los Corintios 8:1-4:

Ahora, hermanos, deseamos haceros saber la gracia de Dios que ha sido dada en las iglesias de Macedonia; pues en medio de una gran prueba de aflicción, abundó su gozo, y su profunda pobreza sobreabundó en la riqueza de su liberalidad. Porque yo testifico que según sus posibilidades, y aun más allá de sus posibilidades, dieron de su propia voluntad, suplicándonos con muchos ruegos el privilegio de participar en el sostenimiento de los santos […].

La vida había sido difícil en la pequeña iglesia en Filipo. El versículo 2 dice que estaban en “una gran prueba de aflicción” y dice que estuvieron en “profunda pobreza”. Pero más sorprendentemente, esta pobreza y aflicción “sobreabundó en la riqueza”. “[…] en medio de una gran prueba de aflicción, abundó su gozo, y su profunda pobreza sobreabundó en la riqueza de su liberalidad”.

Nuestro Sueño
Así que aquí usted ve una manera de vislumbrar que ese liderazgo de Bethlehem se obtiene cuando vamos a La Biblia por inspiración y guía: las iglesias son plantadas por la gracia y el poder de Dios. Y tal vez solo de modo milagroso las personas pobres y afligidas en estas nuevas iglesias plantadas estarán sobreabundantemente libres de egoísmo y serán esplendorosamente generosas hacia el pobre. Este es nuestro sueño para Atesorando Juntos a Cristo. Ser esa clase de personas plantando esa clase de iglesias.

El folleto explica nuestra expectativa de lo que $4 000 000 puedan hacer en los próximos catorce meses. Nos ayudaría en nuestros planes si usted nos dijera cuanto aspira dar para TCT este año y el próximo. Para eso es la carta de respuesta en el folleto. Muchas gracias por hacerlo. Que el Señor nos conceda el atesorar juntos a Jesús tan profundamente que seamos liberados para ser como los macedonios.

Estas estadísticas fueron tomadas de: paper by Dave Earley.

2 Estas estadísticas fueron tomadas de: Wikipedia's article on extreme poverty.

Church planting resources

2009-04-17T17:42:00.017-05:00

"You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as The Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." (1 Corinthians 3:3-7 NIV)

For those who are called to the minstry of church planting.

1. http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?keyword=church%20planting

2.http://www.churchplantingvillage.net/atf/cf/%7B087EF6B4-D6E5-4BBF-BED1-7983D360F394%7D/Reaching%20a%20Nation%20Book.pdf

3. http://www.byfarthersteps.com/?cat=47

4. http://www.churchplanting4me.com/churchplantingresources.htm

5. http://www.pca-mna.org/churchplanting/resources.php

6. http://www.opc.org/chm/chplant/

7. http://www.founders.org/journal/fj72/article2.html

8. http://www.rev.org/magazine/extras/PDF/planting.pdf

9. http://www.rts.edu/Site/Academics/Docs/Syllabi/Orlando/2007/2007_03_2DM853_Church_Planting_Seminar.pdf

10. http://www.pca-mna.org/churchplanting/orientation_manual/MNACPO200710.1dMinisteringAmongChangingCultures.pdf

11. http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TopicIndex/36_Church_Planting/

12. http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/MediaPlayer/2486/VideoExcerpt/

13. http://www.monergism.com/directory/search.php?action=search_links_simple&search_kind=and&phrase=church+planting&B1=Go

14. http://www.gty.org/search/resources/church+planting

15. http://www.pca-mna.org/hispanicamerican/ChurchPlantingManual.PDF

16. http://www.bbc.edu/journal/volume7_1/Multicultural_Church-Davis.pdf

17. http://www.namb.net/atf/cf/%7BCDA250E8-8866-4236-9A0C-C646DE153446%7D/multiculturalChurchGuide4.pdf

18. http://www.citylifeboston.org/Assets/resources/multiethnic_ministry.pdf

19. http://www.reformedworship.org/magazine/article.cfm?article_id=1297

20. http://cd.efca.org/media/hispanic_ministry_resources.pdf

21. http://www.globalmissiology.org/english/docs_pdf/contextualization/Worldviews-Part%204_April_2009.pdf

22. http://www.djchuang.com/multi/

23. http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sourceOnly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=tbcnj&keyworddesc=Trinity+Baptist+Church&subsetcat=topics&subsetitem=t6

24. http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sourceOnly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=tbcnj&keyworddesc=Trinity+Baptist+Church&subsetcat=topics&subsetitem=t6

25. http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sourceOnly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=tbcnj&keyworddesc=Trinity+Baptist+Church&subsetcat=topics&subsetitem=t3

pirate show

2009-04-15T20:26:00.004-05:00

HONESTLY,FRIENDS- the sad reality is TV reality shows will contuine to seek to come up with more outlandish shows till it will culminate with live real time crimes and worse....Amusing ourselves to death-death to our morality,death to the fabric of our socity,death to our common sense,death to the basic cornerstone of society the family,death to community,death to the arts,death to religon, death to education,death to creativity,death to social restraints etc WM

TV show to track U.S. Navy's battles with pirates
Mon Apr 13, 4:13 pm ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A day after the violent rescue of a U.S. ship captain from Somali pirates, a cable television channel on Monday said it will air a reality show about the U.S. Navy's mission to stop piracy off the coast of Africa.

Producers and the Navy have been in talks for three months about the show, which is titled "Pirate Hunters: USN" and is expected to air as a one-hour special in the fall on Spike TV.

The Navy will allow cameras from Spike and 44 Blue Productions to capture life aboard warships USS San Antonio and USS Boxer as their crews search for pirates.

On Sunday, Navy snipers shot dead three Somali pirates holding cargo ship captain Richard Phillips captive off the coast of Somalia. Pirates abound in the region, where civil conflict complicates efforts to control the age-old scourge.

"By all accounts it will get worse, pirates will get more deadly and certainly the Navy will try to counter that," said Rasha Drachkovitch, president of 44 Blue Productions.

So far, most of the known fatalities involving Somali piracy have involved the pirates themselves: hostages are by most accounts well-treated and released unharmed, usually after ransoms are paid.

If "Pirate Hunters: USN" is successful, it could return as a mini-series on Spike, Drachkovitch said.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte and Eric Walsh)

Morir Soñando

2009-04-15T18:59:00.002-05:00

Morir Soñando (Die dreaming) is a popular beverage of the Dominican Republic, usually made of orange juice, milk, cane sugar, and chopped ice. Sometimes vanilla extract is also added, or evaporated milk is used instead of regular milk.

The recipe for Morir Soñando varies greatly depending on the regions and is also varied according to personal taste.

[edit] Recipe
2 cups of milk
Juice from 2 large oranges(can be substituted for lemons or limes)
8 tablespoons of sugar (optional)
Plenty of crushed ice (blender cup filled with all previous
A dash of salt (for taste)
3 table spoon of orange Tan juice for color and stronger flavor (optional) ingredients)

[edit] Preparation
Use three pitchers, large jars or similar tall containers. Juice the limes or lemons. Place the juice in one of the containers, adding sugar. Pour back and forth from one container to another until sugar is mostly dissolved.

Add half the ice. Pour the ice and lime back and forth a number of times until it is very cold. Taste. It should be tangy but slightly sweet, like tart-sweet lemonade. Add more sugar if required, and pour back and forth some more to dissolve.

In the third, clean pitcher, place the milk and the rest of the cracked ice. Pour back and forth, using the second empty container, until it too is extremely chilled. Work quickly so the lime juice doesn't have a chance to warm up.

Quickly combine the milk and lemon, pouring back and forth a few times to allow it to combine and not curdle. Before serving add the orange Tan juice. Strain into tall glasses. Serve with straws.

From wikipedia

P,S We Puerto ricans do something but also with malta or welchs grape juic WM

Operation Exodus

2009-04-15T07:41:00.001-05:00

2009-04-14T07:58:00.002-05:00

Is this your religion?

2009-04-14T07:43:00.002-05:00

Is this your religion?

(John Angell James, "Christian Love")

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all
mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith
that can move mountains, but have not love,
I am nothing!" 1 Corinthians 13:2

LOVE is a grace which many professing Christians
think far too little about; but it is of infinite value
in the eyes of God. Love is the most characteristic
feature of Christ's image in a renewed man. Love is
the most precious fruit of grace; and yet the fruit
which too many of His professed followers seem to
think themselves hardly under any obligation to
cultivate.

Christian love is that benevolent disposition
or kindness, which consists in good-will to all
creatures, and which leads us, as we have
opportunity, to promote their happiness.

The apostle has given us a description of the
exercises of this noble and god-like principle.

"Love is patient" and forbearing under injuries
and annoyances--and does not revile, revenge,
or retaliate.

"Love is kind," not harsh or crude--but ever ready,
willing, and pleased by looks, words, and actions,
to promote the comfort of others.

"Love does not envy." It does not pine and grieve
at the sight of another's superior possessions, fame,
happiness, or piety--and dislike him on that account.

"Love does not boast. Love is not proud." It neither
boasts its own gifts, achievements, and possessions,
nor despises others, nor makes insulting comparisons
--but is humble and gentle.

"Love does not behave unseemly." It modestly keeps
its place, and does nothing to offend by what is
unfitting its rank, station, or circumstances.

"Love seeks not her own." It does not selfishly want
to have its own way, or promote its own interest--to
the neglect of others.

"Love is not easily provoked." It governs its temper,
controls its passions, and is not soon or unreasonably
irritable or petulant.

"Love thinks no evil." It is not censorious, nor forward
to impute a bad motive to a doubtful action--but is
disposed to put the best construction on the actions
and words of others.

"Love rejoices not in iniquity--but rejoices in the truth."
It does not delight in the sins--but in the excellences
of an opponent.

"Love bears (or covers) all things." It does not divulge,
proclaim, aggravate faults--but hides them as far as it
can, and it is right to do so.

"Love believes all things," that are to the advantage
of another.

"Love hopes all things," where there is not sufficient
evidence to authorize belief.

"Love endures all things," bears hardships, sustains
labor, makes sacrifices--in order to accomplish its
purposes of good-will.

Such is love in exercise and act. This is benevolence
--this is a regard to the happiness of others. Whoever
acts thus, must promote happiness. He must bless all
around him. All things smile in his presence.

Beautiful description! Heavenly temper! Godlike mind!

Now, dear friends, look at love! Gaze upon . . .
its lovely form,
its beautiful countenance,
its graceful actings.

Observe its seraphic glow, its divine temper, until you
are all enamored with its charms. But look at it not only
as something to be admired--but to be possessed and
practiced. Unless this is your temperament, you are not
Christians. I do not say you cannot be Christians unless
you have love in perfection. But you must have the
principle of love, and must be living in its exercise. You
are Christians no further than you live under its influence.

No matter what knowledge you may have of the doctrines
of the gospel; what seeming faith you may possess; what
zeal you may manifest; what liberality you may exercise;
what regularity, and punctuality in attendance upon the
means of grace, you may maintain--if love is lacking, all
this is of no avail.

Nothing can be a substitute for love.

Christianity is love . . .
not a slavish attendance on ceremonies;
not receiving the sacraments;
not zeal for orthodoxy;
not a form of church government;
not belonging to any particular church.

God's eternal thoughts and purposes in election,
Christ's redeeming work upon the cross,
the Spirit's omnipotent agency in regeneration,
are not merely to bring us under a particular
ecclesiastical regimen--but to deliver us from
the dominion of selfishness, and place us under
the reign of love--and thus make us like God!

If an individual is destitute of love, he has no
saving religion. He may be zealous for the forms
of Christianity, but he is destitute of its living spirit.

And now, my dear friends, let me entreat you to
examine yourselves concerning this great essential
of the Christian character. Are you experimentally
acquainted with this disposition? Is this your
religion? Is your temperament thus molded? Is
that one word 'love' characteristic of your spirit?
Has God's love to you, changed you into its own
likeness? Do you know what it is to have pride,
passion, envy, malice, selfishness--subdued,
repressed, resisted--by a meek, gentle, lowly,
forgiving, forbearing, generous, self-denying
temper? Are the harshness, hardness, asperity
of the fallen nature, displaced by the softness,
sweetness, and kindness of true love?

superhero comic art

2009-04-13T22:20:00.009-05:00

while wondering the web I came acroos these superhero comic art:

The parable of the prodigal son

2009-04-13T22:15:00.002-05:00

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9908135378

unfriendly enviroments

2009-04-13T21:59:00.007-05:00

As a diabetic (and i am quite share my fellow diabetics share this experience and feelings) I have been to social gatherings family,job,school and church etc where the food and desserts offered creates and promotes a hostile enviroment for us emotionally and physically . My wife gets mad with me when i bring my supplies so i can partake in the time in that social event. You see it depresses me making feel left out and the burden of having diabetes that much heavier... So what can a school,church job and family can do??? Include diabetic friendly foods in these events and make us feel more part of the event and feel less the weight of diabetes on our shoulders....

Amazing grace

2009-04-11T13:25:00.002-05:00

If God had left me alone

(by Charles Spurgeon)

http://www.gracegems.org/04/alone.html
If God had left me alone(by Charles Spurgeon)Sometimes, when I see some of the worst characters in the street, I feel as if my heart must burst forth in tears of gratitude that God has never let me act as they have done! I have thought, "If God had left me alone, and had not touched me by His grace, what a great sinner I would have been! I would have run to the utmost lengths of sin, dived into the very depths of evil. Nor would I have stopped at any vice or folly, if God had not restrained me!"I feel that I would have been a very king of sinners, if God had left me alone. I cannot understand the reason why I am saved, except upon the ground that God would have it so. I cannot, if I look ever so earnestly, discover any kind of reason in myself why I should be a partaker of Divine grace.

Brick testament

2009-04-11T12:31:00.004-05:00

http://www.thebricktestament.com/

Kids Coloring pages

2009-04-11T11:34:00.004-05:00

http://www.coloringbookfun.com/

http://www.colouringbookpages.co.uk/

http://www.coloring-book.info/coloring/

easter resources

2009-04-10T17:50:00.015-05:00

Articles:

http//www.gotquestions.org/seven-sayings-Christ.html

http://www.leaderu.com/everystudent/easter/articles/yama.html

http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayings_of_Jesus_on_the_cross

Pdf sermons:

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-132

http://www.gracesermons.com/robbeeee/resurrection.html

http://www.fpcjackson.org/resources/sermons/Topical_Seasonal%20%20Sermons/INDEX_topical_seasonal.htm#easter

Books:

http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_pojc/bpojc_all.pdf

http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_b50r/b50r_leaders_guide.pdf

Video:

http//www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=32303215655

Audio:

http//www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=4110719240

http//www.gty.org/AudioPlayer/Sermons/42-291

thank you

2009-04-10T17:41:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for visiting my site and helping me to past 30,000

Easter cartoons

2009-04-10T16:50:00.004-05:00

East Harlem Church plant

2009-04-09T14:43:00.006-05:00

If you ever in East harlem-check out the reformed church plant there:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=johnnytechknow&view=videos

2009-03-23T21:30:00.004-05:00

Thank you my readers and I am sorry I have not posted since Dec 2008-I have been busy with my growing family and tossed to and fro by life storms....It is now i am begining to see a rainbow by Christ's grace--i will beging posting sometime next april 2009.

animals singing christmas

2008-12-26T19:07:00.002-05:00

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4098255/11055550

alternative lighting for christmas trees

2008-12-25T21:45:00.003-05:00

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4152290?fr=yvmtf

2008-12-25T21:37:00.000-05:00

Crazy Dominican Chicken ~ Pollo Loco

2008-12-25T21:15:00.003-05:00

Chicken - Crazy Dominican Chicken ~ Pollo Loco
INGREDIENTS:
6 chicken breasts (cook as per instructions and cut into ½ inch portions)
½ chicken broth cube
1 teaspoon of seasoning (Use complete season or what you like)
3 Tablespoons of Corn oil
¼ cup of Raisins
½ Cups of Mayonnaise
1 small onion (chopped)
2 teaspoons of powdered curry
1 Tablespoon of tomato paste
½ cup of red wine
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice
¼ teaspoon of thyme
¼ teaspoon of oregano
Salt and ground pepper to taste.
PREPARATION:
Prepare a hot frying pan for frying the chicken breast. Place 2 Tablespoons of corn oil In the frying pan over a medium to high flame.
Coat or Dress the chicken breast with powdered seasoning (not bread-crumbs). You can use Maggi complete seasoning, Adobo or similar powdered “all season”.
Fry the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes each side. Add ½ cup of water and the ½ chicken broth cube by breaking it into a powder with your fingers over the pan. Place a lid over you pan and cook on a low to medium flame for an additional 8 minutes. Turn off and remove chicken breasts (save the broth or liquid contents that is in the pan for later use). You may want to place the chicken on a paper towel covered plate to drain off the oil. Cut the breasts into portions or ½ inch cubes / strips.
In a new frying pan add the other Tablespoon of Corn oil and place over a low flame. Fry the chopped onions for 2 to 3 minutes. Now add the curry, thyme, oregano and the liquid you have reserved from when you fried the chicken breasts. Also add an additional ¾ cup of water, red wine and 1 teaspoon of fresh lime-juice. Cook or simmer on a low flame for a few minutes, sufficient to blend and integrate everything in the pan and evaporate some of the water. Turn off and allow to cool down.
In a mixing bowl, add the ½ cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, raisins and salt & pepper to taste.
Strain off the liquid from the frying pan. If it is more than ½ cup, then use about ½ cup only. Add this broth or liquid to the mayonnaise mixture in your bowl (just the broth and not the onions). Add your chicken to the bowl containing the mayonnaise-raisins and toss together with the other ingredients.
Your crazy Dominican chicken is ready.

Is santa coming to town good???

2008-12-24T13:12:00.006-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aKEkzh0Inw John Piper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVsTCxUlZLU John Macarther

JESUS CHRIST: OUR LORD AND SAVIOR ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE
SANTA CLAUS: THE COUNTERFEIT ACCORDING TO MYTH OF MEN
1. Has white hair like wool (Rev 1:14)
1. Has white hair like wool
2. Has a beard (Isaiah 50:6)
2. Has a beard
3. Comes in red apparel Isaiah (63:1-2)
3. Comes in red apparel
4. Hour of His coming is a mystery
(Luke 12:40; Mark 13:33)
4. Hour of his coming is a mystery
5. Comes from the North where He lives (Ezekiel 1:4; Psalm 48:2)
5. Comes from the North where he lives: North Pole
6. Is a carpenter (Mark 6:3)
6. Is a toy carpenter
7. Comes as a thief in the night
(Matthew 24:43-44)
7. Comes as a thief in the night. Even gains entrance to homes as a thief.
8. Omnipotent -- all powerful (Rev 19:6)
8. Omnipotent -- can deliver all the toys of the world in one night
9. Omniscient -- knows all (Hebrews 4:13; 1 John 3:20)
9. Omniscient -- knows if you have been good or bad, for the entire year
10. Omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10; Ephesians 4:6; John 3:13)
10. Omnipresent -- sees when you wake or sleep. Has to be everywhere at once to be able to deliver all the toys in one short night.
11. Ageless, eternal (Rev 1:8; 21:6)
11. Lives forever
12. Lives in men (1 Cor 3:16; 2 Cor 6:16-17)
12. Lives in the hearts of children
13. Giver of Gifts (Ephesians 4:8)
13. Giver of Gifts
14. Absolute Truth (John 14:6)
14. Absolute Fable - (1 Tim 1:4; 4:7;
2 Tim 4:4)
15. Sits on a throne (Rev 5:1; Heb 1:8)
15. Sits on a throne
16. We are told to boldly go to the throne of Grace for our needs (Heb 4:16)
16. Children are bidden to approach his throne to ask for anything they want
17. Commands children to obey parents
17. Tells children to obey parents
18. Wants little children to come to Him (Mark 10:14)
18. Bids children to come unto him
19. Judges (Rom 14:10; Rev 20:2)
19. Judges whether you were good or bad
20. Everlasting Father (Isa 9:6; Heb 12:2)
20. Father Christmas
21. Christ Child (Matt 1:23; Luke 2:11-12)
21. Kris Kringle (means christ child)
22. Worthy of Prayers and Worship (Rev 5:14 Hebrews 1:6)
22. Prayers and worship to "St. Nick" by children
23. Lord of Hosts (Mal 3:5; Isa 8:13; Psalms 24:10)
23. Lord over a host of elves - (In Druidic religion, elves are demons or tree spirits
24. God says, "Ho, ho ... (Zechariah 2:6)
24. Santa says, "Ho, ho, ho ..."
25. Prince of Peace, the Image of God (Isa 9:6;
Hebrews 1:3)
25. Symbol of World Peace, the image of the Christmas Season

you tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-2jbFGiLmI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Dg24IVgDw&feature=related

concerning Christmas all I would do is to point you to His Holy Word:

Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of
Conscience
20.1 The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the Gospel, consists in
their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral
24
law;1 and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and
dominion of sin,2 from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave,
and everlasting damnation;3 as also in their free access to God,4 and their yielding
obedience unto Him, not out of slavish fear, but a child-like love and willing mind.5 All
which were common also to believers under the law;6 but under the new testament, the
liberty of Christians is further enlarged in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial
law, to which the Jewish Church was subjected,7 and in greater boldness of access to the
throne of grace,8 and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers
under the law did ordinarily partake of.9
1Tit 2:14; 1 Thes 1:10; Gal 3:13; 2Gal 1:4; Col 1:13; Acts 26:18; Rom 6:14; 3Rom 8:28; Ps 119:71; 1 Cor 15:54–
57; Rom 8:1; 4Rom 5:1–2; 5Rom 8:14–15; 1 Jn 4:18; 6Gal 3:9, 14; 7Gal 4:1–3, 6–7; 5:1; Acts 15:10–11; 8Heb
4:14, 16; 10:19–22; 9Jn 7:38–39; 2 Cor 3:13, 17–18.
20.2 God alone is Lord of the conscience,1 and hath left it free from the doctrines and
commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to His Word, or beside it, in
matters of faith or worship.2 So that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such
commandments out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience;3 and the
requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of
conscience, and reason also.4
1Jas 4:12; Rom 14:4; 2Acts 4:19; 5:29; 1 Cor 7:23; Mt 23:8–10; 2 Cor 1:24; Mt 15:9; 3Col 2:20, 22–23; Gal 1:10;
2:4–5; 5:1; 4Rom 10:17; 14:23; Isa 8:20; Acts 17:11; Jn 4:22; Hos 5:11; Rev 13:12, 16–17; Jer 8:9.
20.3 They who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, do practice any sin, or cherish any
lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty; which is, that being delivered out of
the hands of our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and
righteousness before Him, all the days of our life.1
1Gal 5:13; 1 Pet 2:16; 2 Pet 2:19; Jn 8:34; Lk 1:74–75.
20.4 And because the powers which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ hath
purchased, are not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one
another; they who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or
the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of God.1
And for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are
contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity, whether
concerning faith, worship, or conversation; or to the power of godliness, or such
erroneous opinions or practices, as either in their own nature, or in the manner of
publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to the external peace and order which
Christ hath established in the Church, they may lawfully be called to account, and
proceeded against by the censures of the Church,2 and by the power of the civil
magistrate.3
1Mt 12:25; 1 Pet 2:13–14, 16; Rom 13:1–8; Heb 13:17; 2Rom 1:32; 1 Cor 5:1, 5, 11, 13; 2 Jn 10–11; 2 Thes
3:14; 1 Tim 6:3–5; Tit 1:10–11, 13; 3:10; Mt 18:15–17; 1 Tim 1:19–20; Rev 2:2, 14–15, 20; 3:9; 3Deut 13:6–12;
Rom 13:3–4; 2 Jn 10–11; Ezra 7:23, 25–28; Rev 17:12, 16–17; Neh 13:15, 17, 21–22, 25, 30; 2 Kgs 23:5–6, 9,
20–21; 2 Chr 34:33; 15;12–13, 16; Dan 3:29; 1 Tim 2:2; Isa 49:23; Zech 13:2–3.
_________________________

2008-12-24T13:03:00.004-05:00

In this christmas time I want to wish you all a MERRY Christmas and a Happy New year!!!

A Message for Reformed Christian Rappers (and the Hip-Hop Culture) at the 2007 Legacy Conference paul washer

2008-12-14T15:38:00.005-05:00

http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=42208121490

Max (6/14/2008)
“ Great Sermon! ”I listened to this sermon to find out if Pastor Paul Washer was encouraging rap music. He was just defending biblical truth. For that reason I truly enjoyed this sermon. However I do not agree with the fact that some christians are using rap music to preach the gospel. Knowing the origins of Hip Hop, I will go as far to say that it has no business in the Church no matter how biblical these rappers may be, for the same reason that strange fire should not be presented to a Holy God. Remember that Aaron's sons were killed for doing so (Leviticus 10: 1-3) We should not use the world's music to reach the lost or adapt the gospel to this culture. They will come to Jesus through the preaching of the Gospel or they will not come at all. For those who wants to know about hip hop and its origins, visit www.exministries.com and you'll understand the reason why I make this statement. The pastor is G. Craig Lewis and he has done a phenominal job at explaining what really goes on in Hip hop and why christians should never embrace it. God bless you all
Sean I (5/26/2008)
“ Thanks Paul! ”Thanks Paul for stopping long enough to get to know some of the men that are preaching the gospel through rap, and being open enough to examine the words in their music. If we are honest, most of us are closed to rap music because of our personal and cultural bias. What makes music biblical first is the content (lyrics). Secondly the instrumental accompaniment should not take away from the message. I have had the opportunity to hear a few reformed rappers. Their theology is more solid and grounded in scripture than many modern day preachers. Being part of a culture that has been dumbed down and entertained to death, I am convinced that our dead, dry, formal preaching will never reach them! A dead theological sermon or lecture will never reach a culture or the conscience that has been addicted to iPods, MySpace, music, entertainment.... My heart aches for many who will never enter the doors of our reformed churches and be classified as the “non elect”. Yet did we weep over their condition, or seek ways to reach them outside of the 4 walls. May we develop the heart of Christ, Brainerd, Carey, Taylor, Mccheyne, Elliot….And use the gifts and talents God has given us! Even if its Rap Music. Music is powerful and should be use to teach and warn.
curtis woods (5/9/2008)
“ Great Sermon! ”This sermon represents the passion of my heart! I remember when GOD, via my campus minister, confronted my mind with the GOSPEL...Now as a campus minister I long for God to truly save sinners, transforming their affections for His glory alone... Soli Deo gloria!
Carol R from Bible Belt (4/26/2008)
“ Great Sermon! ”I was surprised to hear Paul Washer encouraging the Christian rap, but as I listened, I understood his point. And then he went on to tell the rappers that they had to live a life above reproach, and to keep reaching the audience that might only listen to them. Washer then gave the gospel message in the clear, powerful style he always does. I can't get enough of Paul WAsher's sermons!
Jay Miklovic from Toledo, Ohio (4/23/2008)
“ Appreciated message ”The Gospel is wonderful, and astounding, and presented clearly in the message. It is encouraging to hear a reformed preacher encouraging reformed music (rap artists) to continue in the ministry they do. To acknowledge these men who rap truth without bashing them is a bold move for a preacher who is likely associated with many who bash the very genre of rap as being heretical or from the pit. As a caution, we are all aware that there is some really lame 'Christian' music out there in all genres that is not Christian at all. (including 'Gospel Singers')

Wherefore that much more ought we to take care not to abuse it, for fear of fouling and contaminating it, converting it to our condemnation, when it was dedicated to our profit and welfare. If there were no other consideration than this alone, it ought indeed to move us to moderate the use of music, to make it serve everything virtuous, and that it ought not to give occasion for our giving free reign to licentiousness, or for our making ourselves effeminate in disorderly delights, and that it ought not to become an instrument of dissipation or of any obscenity.”
-John Calvin

It is crucial that the church’s songs be substantial enough to express accurately mature Christian belief as well as the subtlety of Christian experience…Simplistic, sentimental, repetitious songs by their very nature cannot carry the weight of Reformed doctrine and will leave the people of God ill-equipped on occasions of great moment.”
-Terry Johnson

I know how difficult it is to persuade the world that God disapproves of all modes of worship not expressly sanctioned by his word. The opposite persuasion which cleaves to them, being seated, as it were, in their very bones and marrow, is, that whatever they do has in itself a sufficient sanction, provided it exhibits some kind of zeal for the honor of God. But since God not only regards as fruitless, but also plainly abominates, whatever we undertake from zeal to his worship, if at variance with his command, what do we gain by a contrary course? The words of God are clear and distinct, "Obedience is better than sacrifice." "In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men," (1 Sam. 15:22; Matt. 15:9). Every addition to his word, especially in this matter, is a lie. Mere "will worship" (ethelothreeskeia) is vanity [Col. 2:23]. This is the decision, and when once the judge has decided, it is no longer time to debate." (John Calvin, The Necessity of Reforming the Church

The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the Church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them...providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the Church...
"The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt that it sets men aflame." -- Charles Spurgeon

All music is a product of culture, past or present, and . . . previous historical cultures were as deeply flawed as our modern Western one. Even the Israelite culture that produced the Psalms, the ultimate book of praise songs and the only one to achieve canonical status (somethingeven Bach and Isaac Watts have failed to do), was constantly corrupted by syncretism, apostasy and sin. . . . The tendency to use what is familiar and popular—the musical vernacular—and sanctify it for holy purposes, has powerful precedents throughout church history.
–Mary L. Conway, “Worship Music: Maintaining Dynamic Tension,” McMaster Journal of Theology and Ministry

Every complaint about worship music, no matter which style, claims to be rooted in theological principles. Yet in every critique, the theology aligns perfectly with the critic’s own musical taste. What may be more helpful instead is a pragmatic test based on a bit of wisdom from the Gospels: “The tree is known by its fruit.” If this is so, then worship music ought to be judged not by the songs themselves but by the people who sing them. Looking at the songs themselves is rather like looking at the bark of a tree and then pronouncing the tree good or bad. Better to look at the fruit itself – the lives of the people who are singing the songs. The job of the local church is to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ, to draw people into a living relationship with God, and to remold disciples of Jesus into a Sermon-on-the-Mount shape. Any worship music that aids a church in these tasks is almost certainly a conduit of the Holy Spirit. In light of this, maybe it is time to substitute charity for condescension.
–Michael S. Hamilton, “The Triumph of the Praise Songs: How guitars beat out the organ in the worship wars,” Christianity Today 43.8 (12 July 1999)
We tend to think that it’s the sacrifice that makes the person acceptable; but actually it’s the person who makes the sacrifice acceptable.
–Daniel I. Block, on the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)