HOW GREAT THOU ART

Acoustic Guitar by Rory O'Donnell

How Great Thou Art

Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy pow'r throughout the universe displayed

Refrain:
Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art


When through the woods, and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze


And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin


When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim my God how great Thou art!


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How Great Thou Art – The History of the hymn
The history of the hymn How Great Thou Art begins with Mr. Carl Gustaf Boberg (1859-1940). He was a Swedish pastor, editor, and member of the Swedish parliament. Mr. Boberg was enjoying a nice walk when a thunderstorm suddenly appeared out of no where. A severe wind began to blow. After the storm was over, Mr. Boberg looked out over the clear bay. He then heard a church bell in the distance. And the words to How Great Thou Art begin to form in his heart -- O Lord, my God, When I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands hath made. . . Can you imagine what Boberg felt as he formed these words? There was such calmness after the fierce storm he could only utter those words of peace.

This poem, titled O Store Gud (O Great God) was published in 1891 in Witness of the Truth, the weekly newspaper that Boberg edited. It was later translated in German. In 1927, it was published in a Russian version of the German text.

How Great Thou Art – Translated by Stuart K. Hine
How Great Thou Art was translated by Stuart K. Hine, the English missionary to Ukraine. He found some version of the Russian text and sang it at an evangelistic meeting with his wife. He then translated the first three stanzas into English, which was sung at an evangelistic meeting in England during World War One. He published the first three verses (in both English and Russian) in 1949 in Grace and Peace, a Russian evangelistic paper which Hine edited. He later wrote the fourth verse as a triumphant message of life eternal.

Of the hymn’s importance he said: “When we reach that heavenly home, we will fully understand the greatness of God, and will bow in humble adoration, saying to Him, O Lord my God, how great thou art.” May we all live in such a way that we will be ready when Jesus Christ appears to receive the saints. Our heavenly home awaits us, all of those who have received Christ in obedience.

Dr. J. Edwin Orr of Fuller Theological Seminary, is said to have brought the hymn to America. After hearing it sung in India, he introduced it to various Christian groups in America. In 1954, Dr. Cyrus Nelson of Gospel Light Publications copyrighted and published the song.

From AllAboutGod.com

END TIMES WATCH ~ NOAHIDE LAWS ~ "EVERY KNEE SHALL BEND"

For some time now and with considerable interest I have been following some stories in the news concerning the Noahide Laws, which are the laws the B'Nai Noach (Children of Noah or Noahides) claim God gave to the Gentiles following the Great Flood according to the Hebrew Bible. This cannot, however, be found in Scripture. Rather they are found in the Talmud, which is not God's inspired Word. It is interesting to note that the Noahide Laws can also be found in the religion of Islam, making it possible for this to be a point of unity between the Jews and Arabs at some future date. I came across this information while I was doing some research on my articles, THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED, (Parts 1 and 2, and the addendum). I discovered that the Noahide Laws have been equated with the Golden Rule by some. The Noahide Laws have also been called The Covenant of the Rainbow. For a good overview of the Noahide Laws, click HERE.

There is a prophecy in Daniel 7 which says:

23Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

24And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."

I wonder if there is a connection between this prophecy and the Noahide Laws.

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There have been a number of news report in January about the Noahide Laws.

While George Bush was in the Middle East this month, the newly formed Sanhedrin was also meeting to discuss the Noahide Laws on the week he was there. (Read the January 10th article, Sanhedrin Recognizes Council to Teach Humanity 'Laws of Noah' in the Israel National News for yourself). Although these meetings of the Sanhedrin with the B'nai Noach were being reported in the major Israeli newspapers, not much was being said about them anywhere else. I suppose it was taking a back seat to the Peace Talks.

The Jerusalem Post had an article on January 24th called Parashat Yitro: Every Knee Shall Bend. This is significant because Noahides believe that peace and righteousness on the earth is only possible when the Noahide Laws are in effect worldwide, and are intent on making them so. They also believe that when they are put in effect worldwide, the Messiah will finally make His appearance for the first time in history. This is contrary to the Bible (OT and NT) which teaches that peace and righteousness is in Christ alone, and that Christ having already appeared to this world over two thousand years ago, will return one day to establish His physical kingdom after He has conquered Satan and his system. This would mean that the messiah the Jews are expecting is, in reality, the Antichrist.

Schlomo Riskin (Jerusalem Post article, Parashat Yitro: Every Knee Shall Bend) had this to say:

Returning to the biblical message of Yitro, at the very least we are enjoined to oppose human enslavement and spread the Ten Commandments. After all, the Midrash on the verse "God came forth from Sinai [after] He had shown [His laws] to them from Seir and revealed [them] from the Mount of Paran …" (Deuteronomy 33:2) teaches that God initially offered His Decalogue to the descendants of Esau (Seir) and then to the descendants of Ishmael (Paran), only to have them rejected by all except Israel. And Maimonides rules that only the Jews must keep the 613 commandments for ultimate "salvation"; it is enough for the gentile world to accept the Seven Noahide Laws of morality (Laws of Kings 8,10).

But we certainly must proselytize every human being to keep those seven laws - do not worship an idol, do not misuse God's Name, do not murder, do not commit licentious sexual acts, do not steal, respect all creatures, and create a judicial system to enforce the first six laws. (emphasis mine)1.

There are several reasons these news reports (and I have read many over the past month) are significant. They are:

• Jews who hold to the hope of the first appearance of a soon-coming messiah, also believe that the worshipers of Christ are worshiping a false god, since they do not recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Messiah. The Noahide Law forbidding idolatry claims that Jesus is a false God because "God is One" in their religion, and anyone who believes in a triune God would be breaking that law. They also believe Jesus of Nazareth was the illegitimate child of Mary and a Roman soldier, and a lunatic who believed himself to be the Messiah, deceiving people into following Him, thus initiating the cult of Christianity.
  
• This would mean that anyone who is a Christian would be in violation of the Noahide Laws and subject to punishment under the law.
• The punishment for breaking this law is decapitation. Revelation 20:4 says that decapitation is the method the antichrist uses to kill the saints: "Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years."
• According to my research, and according to the Talmud, the application of the law (decapitation) is only able to be implemented when the Temple is in place in Jerusalem.

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The official website for B'Nai Noah has this to say:

Four Ways of the Death Penalty

Execution of the death penalty is the component and integral part of the first of Seven Biblical Laws - about establishment of courts and appointment of judges. However the death penalty itself can be used as punishment for deliberate and conscious infringement upon one of Seven Laws only when Jerusalem Temple exists. As it's explained in Mechilta (Midrash Hagadol, Shemot 21:14): "Even from My altar you shall take him to die; that is if there's Temple - is sentenced to the death penalty, if there's no - is not sentenced." That's why today while there's no Temple, cases which may lead to death sentence are not considered.

It all refers to our world - the world of humans. But Midrash explains though human's court has no right to put to death nowadays - noone (sic) cancelled Heavens' court and it judges everyone in accordance with one's actions and deeds, each second. And if somebody deliberately infringes upon one of six prohibitions - he brings death sentence of Heavens upon himself. Such sentence is executed by definite sequence of events or by concatenation of life's circumstances. Read "Death from the hand of Heavens" subsection below for more details.

We live at times that Tora directly calls "birth pangs" before Mashiach's (Messiah - Biblical language translation) coming. Times when evil strengthened curiously. And times when world itself balances at the edge of abyss, hardly and miraculously keeping from breaking away. Righteous Mashiach is just about to come (may it happen soon, in our days) and the reigning will return to house of David. And he will build the Temple and fulfill numerous prophecies which already started coming true. In his days all laws are going to return to functioning, as it was before: all will honour G-d, bring sacrifices and establish courts to guard observing of Seven Laws among the peoples of the world (emphasis mine)- according to all details described in Tora.

That's why it's so important to say about rules prescribed by Scripture as for malicious breakers of Seven Laws and it's important to say that today already. For tomorrow may come very unexpectedly...

There are four ways of the death penalty in Bible, that court can sentence to. They are:

- Skila (throwing down onto stones - Biblical language translation);

- Srefa (burning - Biblical language translation);

- Hereg (execution with sword - Biblical language translation);

- Henek (strangulation - Biblical language translation).

Execution with sword is done the following way. The convict is decapitated by cutting off his head with sword the way the kingdoms did in previous times. He's beheaded standing and his body falls dead under its own weight after the head is cut off (Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin 52b).2.

Third Law is No Idolatry

Worshipping idols is called Avoda Zara in Biblical language (alien service - Biblical language translation). Sometimes Tora uses other terms - Avodat Elilim (serving to powers - Biblical language translation) and Avodat Kokhavim (worshipping stars - Biblical language translation). In the most general outline it all can be defined as serving and worshipping anything except G-d. In other words - the recognition there are some different powers, except for Hashem, that can somehow influence our fate.

What does it all mean in practice? Christians are idolaters as far as their cult includes the worship to the regular human, who was executed by the sentence of the Sages' court, but whom Christians consider to recognize and openly call their god. (emphasis mine). The way of worship typical for this idol is "to cross".

And RAMBAM writes both about this cult and about Islam ("Mishne Tora" Religious Code, Laws of Kings and Their Wars 11:4):

"And about Jesus from Nazareth who got a false idea to consider himself Mashiach (Messiah - Biblical language translation) and was executed by the sentence of court - prophet Daniel prophesied about him as it's written (Daniel 11:14): And parvenus from your people will exalt themselves to bring about the vision but they will fail - and can there be a failure bigger than that? Coz (sic) all prophets spoke of Mashiach who rescues Jewish people, and saves them, and brings back to their land those scattered from them, and strengthens them in observing the commandments. But that one became a cause of death of Jews from sword, and of exile of those remained at their land yet, and of their humiliation. He substituted Tora and misled the majority of humanity the way they started worshipping him instead of Creator. 3.

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Here is an excerpt from another blog, Maurice Pinay Blog, which contains quotes from the Encyclopedia Judaica. (I generally prefer not to use second-hand quotes unless they are from a trusted source, but have chosen to do so in this article because the EJ is not available online.

What are the Noahide Laws?

NOACHIDE LAWS, the seven laws considered by rabbinic tradition as the minimal moral duties enjoined by the Bible on all men (Sanh. 56–60; Yad, Melakhim, 8:10, 10:12) ...

The seven Noachide laws as traditionally enumerated are: the prohibitions of idolatry, blasphemy, bloodshed, sexual sins, theft, and eating from a living animal, as well as the injunction to establish a legal system (Tosef., Av. Zar. 8:4; Sanh. 56a). Except for the last, all are negative, and the last itself is usually interpreted as commanding the enforcement of the others (Maim. Yad, Melakhim, 9:1). (Encyclopaedia Judaica, "Noahide Laws")

Who is an idolator according to the codifier of Judaism, Moses Maimonides?

"The Christians are idolaters, and Sunday is their holiday..." (Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Avoda Zorah 9;4)

How does the Judaic "justice" system of double standards handle those accused of disobeying Noahide law (ie. Christian "idolaters")?

A non-Jew is put to death on the basis of a decision given by one judge [no jury], and on the basis of testimony given by a single witness, and even if he was not given a proper warning prior to the commission of his offense. He is put to death on the basis of testimony and a decision given by a man but not on the basis of testimony and a decision given by a woman, and the man who testified or decided against him can even be a relative.

A Jew can only be put to death by a court of twenty-three judges, and on the basis of the testimony of two male witnesses who are not disqualified from testifying on account of kinship, and after being properly warned against committing the transgression. But none of these rules apply in the case of a non-Jew. (Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 57b, Steinsaltz edition, vol.18, page 110)

What happens to those found guilty of disobeying Noahide law in a Judaic kangaroo court?

... violation of any one of the seven laws subjects the Noachide to capital punishment by decapitation (Sanh. 57a).(Encyclopaedia Judaica, "Noahide Laws") 4.

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I have been finding evidence that B'Nai Noach have been very active worldwide in spreading their message. Below is an example from Chabad Tokyo Japan Blog (The News and Blog of the Jewish Community in Tokyo). Ambassadors from six countries signed a proclamation for all of mankind to accept the Noahide Laws (Mitzvos).
The event described here happened in February 2007 as far as I can tell.

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Ambassadors Sign 7 Mitzvos Declaration

On Yud Shevat, a big event was held in Tel Aviv, in honor of the Rebbe Shlita Melech Hamoshiach. Rabbi Binyomin Edery, Chabad Tokyo, flew in especially to talk at this momentous occasion.

Ambassadors from six different countries came to take part in the gathering and declare in the name of the states they represent, their support of the Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach. They represented; Poland, Latvia, Mexico, Panama, Ghana, and Japan, they were part of a special program organized by Harav Boaz Kali.

Harav Kali spoke shortly about the work being done to spread the message of the Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach, followed by a short video on the importance of the Sheva Mitzvos. To the amazement of the audience at the Kinus, the embassadors signed a special proclamation which calls for all mankind to follow the Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach and to accept the everlasting kingship of the Rebbe Shlita as Melech Hamoshiach. 5.

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Another interesting thing to note is that The US Congress has officially recognized the Noahide Laws as the laws which are the foundation of civilized society, replacing the Ten Commandments, which were have since been removed from many public buildings. This resolution was passed on March 26, 1991 and was designated "Education Day". The resolution reads

To designate March 26, 1991, as `Education Day, U.S.A.'. (Enrolled as Agreed to or Passed by Both House and Senate)

--H.J.Res.104--

One Hundred Second Congress of the United States of America

AT THE FIRST SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the third day of January,

one thousand nine hundred and ninety-one

Joint Resolution

To designate March 26, 1991, as `Education Day, U.S.A.'.

Whereas Congress recognizes the historical tradition of ethical values and principles which are the basis of civilized society and upon which our great Nation was founded;

Whereas these ethical values and principles have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization, when they were known as the Seven Noahide Laws;

Whereas without these ethical values and principles the edifice of civilization stands in serious peril of returning to chaos;

Whereas society is profoundly concerned with the recent weakening of these principles that has resulted in crises that beleaguer and threaten the fabric of civilized society;

Whereas the justified preoccupation with these crises must not let the citizens of this Nation lose sight of their responsibility to transmit these historical ethical values from our distinguished past to the generations of the future;

Whereas the Lubavitch movement has fostered and promoted these ethical values and principles throughout the world;

Whereas Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, leader of the Lubavitch movement, is universally respected and revered and his eighty-ninth birthday falls on March 26, 1991;

Whereas in tribute to this great spiritual leader, `the rebbe', this, his ninetieth year will be seen as one of `education and giving', the year in which we turn to education and charity to return the world to the moral and ethical values contained in the Seven Noahide Laws; and

Whereas this will be reflected in an international scroll of honor signed by the President of the United States and other heads of state: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That March 26, 1991, the start of the ninetieth year of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, leader of the worldwide Lubavitch movement, is designated as `Education Day, U.S.A.'. The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Vice President of the United States and

President of the Senate. (emphasis mine) 6.

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I would also like to caution anybody involved in the Hebraic Roots movement, as it seems to be leading Christians into converting to Judaism and the Noahide Laws. Keep your head up on this one. For additional reading on this subject, click HERE and HERE.

I am beginning to wonder, in light of the many events involving the Sanhedrin and the B'Nai Noach lately, if the attempt to implement the Noahide Laws could be the fulfillment of this prophecy of Daniel 7:25. I have also begun to question my belief in a pre-tribulation rapture. I'm not convinced that one should be dogmatic about it, as I wonder if we can really understand the sequence of events in the last days until they are upon us. At this point in time I am not ready quite yet to let go of the pre-trib rapture, as I believe there are just too many indications in Scripture that point to one, but I am beginning to wonder. At any rate, I think it is important to be ready for Christ's return at any moment, but to also be ready to face intense persecution and even martyrdom should that be the case. If the Noahide Laws should come into effect during our lifetime this will surely be the case, as followers of the Covenant of the Rainbow consider Christians to be worthy of death. So far, this appears to be a piece of the puzzle in the end-times picture. Just how, where and when it all fits remains to be seen ~ something to keep an eye on at any rate.

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1. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1201070786760&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
2. http://7for70.net/en/?topic=sevenlaws&id=10
3. http://7for70.net/en/?topic=sevenlaws&id=3

4. http://mauricepinay.blogspot.com/2007/03/chabad-lubavitch-rabbi-to-congress.html
5. http://chabadjapan.org/blog_e/?p=3
6. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c102:H.J.RES.104.ENR:

As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So my soul pants for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my food day and night,
While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
These things I remember
and I pour out my soul within me
For I used to go along with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and thanksgiving,
a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
O my God, my soul is in despair within me;
Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan
And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;
All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.
The LORD will command
His lovingkindness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.
I will say to God my rock,
"Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"
As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,
While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 42

As The Deer ~ Jim Greening

THE MEANING OF THE CROSS

Today I decided to post a video collage telling the story of the true meaning of the cross for the Christian believer. In and of itself, the cross is an instrument of torture and execution used by the Romans in the ancient world, and has no meaning to the Christian. It is THE PERSON who was on the cross ~ THE SON OF GOD ~ and THE WORK He did there ~ ATONEMENT FOR SIN ~ that gives it any meaning at all. Apart from these elements, the cross is a cruel and senseless instrument of death. It happened in this way as a prophetic fulfillment of Scripture, and was an act that can change the course of your life.

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Paul Washer ~ The True Meaning of the Cross





Paul Washer ~ The Cross the Modern Preachers Put in the Back





Jim Greeninger ~ Nothing But The Blood of Jesus

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

Photo courtesy of FreeFoto.Photographer Ian Britton.

For Christ died for sins
once for all,
the righteous for the unrighteous,
to bring you to God.
He was put to death in the body
but made alive by the Spirit

1 Peter 3:18

The message of the cross is so powerful, that if accepted. it will revolutionize your life. It is no wonder that it has been under attack from the day this world was faced with the dilemma of who Christ was and what He came to do. His sole purpose was to give His life as an offering for sin, to pay the price we could not. The Old Testament is a record preparing the world for His coming; the New Testament is the record of His life, death and resurrection, and His impact on the world. He turned the world upside down, claiming to be God dwelling with man. He was was hated by those who rejected His claims. He saw what was in their hearts and revealed it. He threatened their thinking and their lust for power, their agenda. They had a Christ of their own conception who was to be Messiah, and Jesus didn't fit the bill. In effect, they tried to strong-arm God into accepting their god. And the ages roll on...and the scenario continues...

Today I would like to point you to some posts on other blogs that have been discussing the atonement. The doctrine of the atonement is so vital to our salvation, that if you get this one wrong, you really miss the whole point. You miss the plan and purpose of God for your life completely. We dare not get it wrong for the future of our souls is at stake!

There are many ways the cross is being undermined these days ~ liberal theology (the "social gospel"), mysticism, and interfaith alliances ~ are the ones that come to my mind as being the prevalent ones creeping into the evangelical church these days. They are like parasites, devouring it from the inside out, robbing it of life and power. I may elaborate on how these do that on another day.

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For now please read the postings at the Living Journey Blog:

An excerpt:

"We should all be very wary that there will be those who will preach another Jesus in the last days and because of this you will have to judge which Jesus it is that you are going to follow. Is it the one that is found in the Word of God, the one who is the Word of God in the flesh? Or is it the one that has become nothing more than a political leader fighting against the religious and political domination of his time."

Read the entire post... IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ATONEMENT, AGAIN!


Also from Living Journey~

"Recently there has been a bit of a buzz around the blogosphere concerning the ‘Atonement’, I have even posted a few things on this very subject. And in doing some research on it I have come across certain theories called the “Eucharistic praxis” and the “Atonement Imagery”.

As I understand it, “Atonement Imagery” is not so much about the suffering of the Son but more about understanding the passion and injustice done to a man. It becomes less about the divinity of Christ, as they often refer to that as a mythical story – and more about the historical man Jesus. To understand the crucifixion primarily in this way you may fail to see the whole of Jesus, the God/man.

If the atonement is brought down to the level of praxis and community only, then the divinity of Christ could very well be lost. As a result, the injustice of the cross against a man is exalted above the Penal Substitution act and this is because the emphasis is the man being punished by God the so called ‘child abuser’. If the divinity of Him is neglected, this could ultimately result in an unbalance in the understanding of the triune nature of God because man is amplified."

Keep reading... ATONEMENT PRAXIS

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Book reviews about Stricken By God? (the book questions and attempts to redefine the atonement, and implies that the evangelical view of the atonement amounts to "cosmic child abuse"). Read the book reviews at the More Books and Things Blog:

BOOK ALERT!!! - STRICKEN BY GOD?
SBG PARTS 1-5

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This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Traitors, heady, highminded,
lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Having a form of godliness,
but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away.

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins,
led away with divers lusts,

Ever learning, and never able
to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses,
so do these also resist the truth:
men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

But they shall proceed no further:
for their folly shall be manifest unto all men,
as their's also was.

But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured:
but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus
shall suffer persecution.

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse,
deceiving, and being deceived.

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned
and hast been assured of,
knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

And that from a child
thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3

DISCERNMENT OR ATTACK?

Yesterday I left a comment on Part 3 of a book review at morebooksandthings about a book entitled Stricken By God?, which is a compilation of essays by author Brad Jersak. I am reposting my comment here on my own blog, as it relates to some of the other topics I like to write about. One of the commenters reprimanded us for "attacking" other Christians, stating that we should emphasize what is good, and affirm it, rather than criticizing what we disagree with. (Click HERE to read the other comments on Part 3).

N. T. Wright, an essay writer included in Stricken By God?, is a liberal theologian who I have studied and written about and criticized in earlier posts (DO YOU NEED A NEW PERSPECTIVE? and THE SOCIAL GOSPEL). The question needs to be asked, "Should a Christian be critical of other people who claim to be Christians and their work?". Is this a biblical way to deal with false doctrine? What is the gift of discernment and how should it be exercised? I invite your comments on this topic as it is an important one in this day and age. The multitude of books being written these days, and the prevalence of new varieties of theology can be overwhelming at times. I have become aware in the last few years just how important it is to know my Bible as well as I can so that I can be able to distinguish truth from error, and I encourage you to do the same.

My reposted comment is included below:

The way I see it, dialogue on matters of faith with people of another faith, or with those who have a low view of Scripture and the cross, always seems to lead to a compromise of the truth. This is never acceptable, as it runs counter to God’s way. Some think there is a need to compromise truth for the sake of love, but in God’s economy this isn’t necessary since speaking the truth is a loving thing to do. In today’s politically correct world we aren’t used to using harsh words when dealing with someone face to face. We expect people to be more diplomatic when confronting someone they disagree with.

Christ went so far as to call the Pharisees “a brood of vipers”. In another place in Scripture we are told to be gentle and to live at peace with others as much as is possible. In context, false doctrine was always dealt with very harshly in Scripture. Both Christ and the apostles understood the spiritual damage that would occur if false teaching were allowed to continue unchecked. The apostle Paul rebuked Peter publicly for going along with the Jews attempting to force the Gentiles to be circumcised as part of their new-found faith in Christ, adding works to faith. In matters not important to the doctrines of the faith (as in matters of food or the color of the church carpet) we need to give people some leeway, however, and be gentle. These are disputable things; doctrine (especially the doctrine of the cross) is not.

As Christians, we have the freedom to walk in the way laid out before us because we have been freed from the curse of the law, but we do not have the freedom to step outside the parameters of the gospel as given in the whole counsel of God’s Word. I think when this happens we are compelled to correct those doing so and if there is no repentance we are to warn others to stay away and label the person a false teacher, so that they know WHO to stay away from.

I read a sign in a doctor’s office not long ago that said:

“The five most dangerous words in the English language are: MAYBE IT WILL GO AWAY!”

This is especially true of false doctrine, which could be seen as a serious infection in the body of Christ. It should not be ignored, as it will only continue on its course, getting bigger and more pervasive with time, possibly becoming gangrenous. A doctor would be foolish to tell a patient “Maybe it will go away” or to go home and just focus on the positive things in their life if there was something he could do to help. If death were imminent a patient might want to do that, but we are talking about the body of Christ here, which is supposed to be a bride without spot or wrinkle, ready and waiting for her Bridegroom. She is to keep herself pure and to be faithful for the purpose God has called her. She could never be so if she allowed a dirty old dog with muddy feet into her chambers who could soil her wedding garments. It would be absolutely reasonable for her to become angry, try to protect herself and warn her bridesmaids if this were to happen, and have the dog expelled from their midst.

Blessed are they
that do his commandments,
that they may have right to the tree of life,
and may enter in through the gates into the city.

For without are dogs, and sorcerers,
and whoremongers,and murderers, and idolaters,
and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.
I am the root and the offspring of David,
and the bright and morning star.

Revelation 22:14-16

PAPER BAIT ~ PAPER MOUSE

Most of you will agree that this picture of a mouse is just a little TOO cute, and very unrealistic. I deliberately chose it to illustrate the article I have posted below. What Christ wants is true believers who will follow Him with all their hearts, minds and souls, not imitation Christians, and not Christians who follow a Christ of their own making and a false gospel

Source: www.biblepage.org

You have probably heard the story of the fellow who was out of cheese, so he baited the mouse trap with a picture of a piece of cheese. The next morning the trap was sprung, having captured a picture of a mouse!

This reminds me of the efforts made by religious teachers (including some of my brethren), who try to attract souls to Christ without the real gospel. Instead, they substitute recreation, entertainment, and other social events in the hope of drawing large numbers who can then be "trapped" into becoming Christians. At least two things are wrong with this practice.

First of all, reaching the lost is not some kind of trapping expedition where the quarry is the unsuspecting sinner, who must be "baited" or "suckered" into accepting the Gospel.. While it is true that Jesus wants His disciples to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), most of the fishing done in that area had to do with nets, not fancy and deceptive baits. Jesus said, "Go and preach." He did not authorize us to sneak up on or entrap sinners.

In the second place, the real, unadulterated gospel is the only means God has given us to attract sinners. It alone is the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16). The knowledge of God is, according to our Master, sufficient to draw sinners to Christ (John 6:44-45). The use of some phony, worldly "bait" will, like the story above, result in snaring phony, worldly converts. We still reap what we sow. Sowing carnality is not likely to bring forth spirituality.

If we are faithful and diligent in forthrightly proclaiming the gospel to the lost, those with good and honest hearts will receive the word with gladness and be saved. Those who reject it cannot be saved by worldly means. This is God's original, simple, and effective plan for reaching mankind. Who are we to suggest that we can improve upon the Divine plan by using the world's methods. We need to be satisfied with God's provisions which are more than adequate to accomplish His purposes. -- Bob West, The Milpitas Messenger, February, 1996

KEN BLANCHARD & HIS DIRTY LITTLE "SECRET"

I was considering creating a post on Ken Blanchard's affiliation with "The Secret" these days, but have seen that Carla at morebooksandthings has already done an excellent job of exposing his spiritually twisted collaboration with other New Agers. To read her post entitled It's No Secret Anymore, click HERE. She includes links to Lighthouse Trails who posted the original article. Be sure to follow her links to see this latest partnership for yourself.

Ken Blanchard claims to be a Christian and has done interviews with Wayne Teasdale (proponent of contemplative prayer); this added to the fact that Awana has just incorporated Blanchard's program into its prison ministry project (see this post). I don't understand how anyone who claims to be a Christian can promote New Age practices, as "The Secret" clearly does.

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From Lighthouse Trails:

Rhonda Byrne, the author of The Secret, is a disciple of a couple named Jerry and Esther Hicks. In the Acknowledgements of The Secret, Byrne thanks the Hicks and "the teachings of Abraham." Abraham is a group of spirit guides that Esther Hicks channels for guidance on spiritual issues. On their website, they state:

Abraham, a group of obviously evolved teachers, speak their broader Non-physical perspective through the physical body of Esther [Hicks]. Speaking to our level of comprehension, from their present moment to our now, through a series of loving, allowing, brilliant yet comprehensively simple, recordings in print, in video, and in sound - they guide us to a clear connection with our Inner Being--they guide us to self-upliftment from our total self [god-self].

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Scripture clearly states:

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers:
for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
and what communion hath light with darkness?"
2 Corinthians 6:14

TAKIN' A BREAK

My thanks to Ian Britton and freefoto.com for the great picture above.

Well, the old computer has been having quite a few issues lately, and I've been feeling a little worn out myself these days, so I'll be taking a few more days off to get the new one set up and get caught up on some other things that need attention around the house. Take some time to explore the great sites I've linked to on my sidebar if you like, and check back soon for some new articles. Thanks, Bonnie

Special Alert: Awana Embraces Contemplative Spirituality!

Source: Lighthouse Trails

In February of 2006, Lighthouse Trails issued a report titled "Awana: Are They Heading Toward Contemplative/Emergent?" The concerns were over the organization's connection with Willow Creek, with Awana's interest in Spiritual Formation and with a recommended ministry list that included a number of contemplative/emergent organizations, including Youth Specialties.1

A year and a half later, Awana is showing signs that it is becoming a full-blown contemplative organization. First of all, through Awana's prison project, the organization is incorporating New Age sympathizer Ken Blanchard's Lead Like Jesus Encounter program. On July 13th, we spoke with Lyndon Azcuna, Awana Cross Cultural Ministries director, who told us he was a Lead Like Jesus facilitator. Azcuna works in the main headquarters office of Awana. He said that the project was using Ken Blanchard's materials. When we explained to him that Blanchard promoted the New Age and mystical meditation, he said that the program did not have these elements.

However, the Lead Like Jesus Encounter is largely based on Blanchard's book, Lead Like Jesus, and that book does include contemplative elements. For instance, in the chapter called "The Habits of a Servant Leader" a palms-up, palms-down exercise is described (something Richard Foster has encouraged)(p. 158). The book gives a typical instruction on contemplative:

Before we send people off for their period of solitude, we have them recite with us Psalm 46:10 in this way: Be still and know that I am God. Be still and know. Be still. Be.... When people return from their time of solitude, they have big smiles on their faces. While many of them found it difficult to quiet their mind, they say it was a powerful experience. The reality is most of us spend little if any time in solitude. Yet if we don't, how can God have a chance to talk with us?

For Awana to include Ken Blanchard's teachings into its organization, shows that the situation is quite serious. Blanchard has been promoting eastern-style meditators for over twenty years, and to this day is still doing so. In addition, he is a board member for the occultic Hoffman [Quadrinity] Institute. Blanchard participated in the Hoffman Process and said it made his spirituality come alive. We believe this experience he had through Hoffman is similar to what Blanchard refers to in his Lead Like Jesus book, when he says people who "quiet their mind[s]" during the Lead Like Jesus Encounter have "powerful experience[s]." This means that now children and families in Awana could possibly wind up with the same experience.

Blanchard, who has been a professing Christian since the 1980s, wrote the foreword for a 2001 book titled What Would Buddha Do at Work?. In the book, Blanchard said:

"Buddha points to the path and invites us to begin our journey to enlightenment. I ... invite you to begin your journey to enlightened work."

Blanchard has made numerous other similar statements about other books. After a 2005 report exposed his connection with Rick Warren (see below), Blanchard placed a statement on a page of his website for a short time that said some of his previous endorsements had been wrong. However, since that time, the endorsements have continued, including his connection with Hoffman Institute. One example of his continued endorsement of meditation practices is his back-cover statement on Jon Gordon's 2006 book, 10-Minute Energy Solution, in which Gordon makes several favorable references to eastern-style meditators and the practice itself (see ATOD, pp. 164-165). Another example is Blanchard's June 2006 endorsement of Thom Crum's book, Three Deep Breaths.

Amazingly, in the book that inspired the Lead Like Jesus Encounter that Awana is using, Blanchard acknowledges Norman Vincent Peale's role in his spiritual walk. According to Ray Yungen (For Many Shall Come in My Name - p. 47), Peale had strong New Thought connections. This could partly explain Blanchard's leanings toward the New Age.

While Awana's decision to include Ken Blanchard's materials into their program is enough evidence to show that the organization is quickly changing, we must now report that there is something even more disquieting with regard to Awana and their slide into contemplative - a book that is recommended by Awana and also carried by the Awana store: Perspectives on Children's Spiritual Formation. A description of the book is as follows:

In childrens ministry, models, methods, and materials abound. How do you decide what direction you want your ministry to children to take? Perspectives on Childrens Spiritual Formation allows you to examine the four prominent points-of-view in the church today. You will then be able to make a more informed decision on the way in which your ministry should take.

The book offers four different views on how to transform children. One author, Scottie May, a professor at Wheaton, writes the section titled, "Contemplative-Reflective Model." May gives a hearty promotion of centering prayer, the Jesus prayer, Christ candles, the Catholic Eucharist and an strong endorsement for contemplative spirituality ala Thomas Merton, whom he favorably quotes in the book. Two Awana staff writers respond in the book to May's contemplative approach and give it a thumbs up with only minor cautions. But overall they believe that contemplative is a valid approach for all Christians, including children. Perspectives on Children's Spiritual Formation is giving a green light to Awana leaders around the world to practice contemplative prayer.

Some people may not understand why we write this report about Awana. After all, they have done some wonderful things for children. But that is the very reason we do issue this report - we do not want to see Awana sell out to the fast growing apostasy of contemplative spirituality and the New Age; and because we care about children, we speak up. With more and more public schools teaching kids to meditate and do yoga, and with more and more Christian schools bringing in emerging leaders like Rob Bell (through his Noomas and his book Velvet Elvis), millions of children are now placed in harm's way by learning meditative techniques that will possibly take them into altered states and demonic realms. We hope Awana leadership will reconsider their position on contemplative/spiritual formation for the sake of children and their parents. And if you have children in the program, please use extreme caution in light of these new developments.

Let us leave you with this sobering thought: Sue Monk Kidd was at one time a conservative Southern Baptist Sunday school teacher. She was led down the road to apostasy (i.e., worshiping the goddess Sophia) through the practice of contemplative prayer after someone handed her a book by Thomas Merton, the same Thomas Merton who is endorsed and quoted in the Awana book, Perspectives on Children's Spiritual Formation.

ADDENDUM TO "THE GOLDEN RULE ~ PT 2"

I was browsing through our local library today to see if I could find something for my son to read when I decided I should look for something by new ager Scott M. Peck for research purposes, when what should to my wondering eyes should I see . . . something written by Hans Kung, one of the creators of the Golden Rule Bears mentioned in my previous post. I went to the computer at the end of the bookshelf to see if I could find anything else by him and discovered he has written quite a few books. I also discovered that he is considered the most prominent Roman Catholic theologian living today. He has been (or is) professor of Dogmatic and Ecumenical Studies at the University of Tubingen, West Germany and is the co editor of various periodicals and recipient of several honorary doctorates ~ no small potatoes!! And I didn't know!!

Among the books he has authored are On Being A Christian (that should be an interesting read seeing he is a Roman Catholic theologian); Eternal Life? Life After Death as a Medical, Philosophical, and Theological Problem (hmmmm); Christianity and the World Religions: Paths to Dialogue with Islam, Hinduism, and Bhuddism (oh yeah?); and Theology for the Third Millenium: An Ecumenical View (no surprises there!).

Well, I guess that explains his motivation for creating the United Buddy Bears. Somehow I am no longer surprised when I find out there is a Roman Catholic connection to all things ecumenical and interfaith ~ they just seem to go hand in hand. I guess the old axiom, "If the shoe fits, wear it" would apply here.

Anyhoo, just thought my readers might find this information as interesting as I have. Till next time...

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Read the THE GOLDEN RULE ~ PART 1
Read the THE GOLDEN RULE ~ PART 2
Read the THE GOLDEN RULE ~ PART 3

THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PART 2

To read THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PART 1 click HERE.

As I noted in part 1 of this series, Scarborough Missions' version of the Golden Rule is interfaith in its agenda, and it appears to be targeting children in particular. It is expedient for the parents of young children in school these days to pay attention to what is being taught in the classroom.

Above is a picture of The United Buddy Bears, the brainchild of Eva and Klaus Herlitz. Take note of the religious symbols on the right bear. The Golden Rule in the various faiths are represented on the bear on the left side of the picture. These bears(in the foreground) and 140+ others (in the background) representing different countries have been on tour to major world cities since 2002, the last one being Jerusalem in November, 2007. Artists representing their countries created the bears, and the proceeds from any funds raised relating to the their exhibition go to Unicef and other charitable organizations. The bears are exhibited in a circle to represent love, peace, friendship, tolerance, and international understanding. You will notice the Golden Bears at the front of the picture which stand outside of the circle. They symbolize one of the requirements for a peaceful co-existence of the people in this world, and represent the global ethic or Golden Rule. Another name for them is The Golden Rule or Global Ethic Bears. Here is a statement on the United Buddy Bears official website about their interpretation:

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As the peaceful co-existence of people, nations and states often breaks down because of conflicts between the different religions, the GLOBAL ETHIC BEAR is dedicated to this subject.

No peace among the nations without peace among the religions.

No peace among the religions without dialogue between the religions.

No co-existence on our globe without a global ethic.

These are the theses that Prof. Hans Küng puts at the beginning of his “Project Global Ethic“. It is not intended to create a new religion with Global Ethic, it is much more the effort to identify and emphasize the similar thoughts that all religions have in common, in order to enable and support the dialogue between the religions. Without this dialogue a peaceful co-existence is not possible.

“From my own experience I know all the dark sides of the religions – the Christian religion as much as all the others. Up to the present day religions have often played a fatal role in many conflicts all over the world” writes Prof. Hans Küng in the preface to his brochure.

“WORLD RELIGIONS – UNIVERSAL PEACE – GLOBAL ETHIC “



but he continues: “However, I also know the bright sides of religions: As doctrines and ways of salvation they can provide a sense of purpose and can be patrons of peace and reconciliation. They can provide ethic standards and personal orientation for the people of our days.“

Our modern society is increasingly characterized by a lack of orientation which is mainly due to a lack of an education for young people giving them a sense of purpose.

Thoughtlessness, an increase in crime rates and more violence are the results.

In our pluralistic society it is becoming increasingly difficult to acknowledge a universally binding formula for all people in one single religion, philosophy or ideology. “The “Project Global Ethic“ is supposed to show that the religions of this world can only contribute to peace in this world, if they think about what they already have in common. In 1993 in Chicago, at the “Parliament of the World’s Religions“ 200 delegates representing all religions and continents signed the “Declaration towards a Global Ethic”. On the GLOBAL ETHIC BEAR the four basic commandments of this declaration branch out in rays from the seven main world religions.

Above all is the so-called “Golden Rule”, its original quote from all the world religions can be read on the back of the GLOBAL ETHIC BEAR.

These are the original quotes of the "Golden Rule" as you can find them on the back of the “Global Ethic Bear”.

They are quoted from the brochure "WORLD RELIGIONS, UNIVERSAL PEACE, GLOBAL ETHIC" (www.global-ethic.org).

HINDUISM

This is the sum of duty: do nothing to others which would cause you pain if done to you.

Mahabharata XIII, 114,8

JAINISM

A person should treat all creatures as he himself would be treated.

Sutrakritanga I.11.33

CHINESE RELIGION

Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.

Confucius talks 15,23

BUDDHISM

A state that is not pleasant or delightful to me must be so for him also; and a state which is not pleasant or delightful for me, how could I inflict that on another?

Samyutta Nikaya V, 353.35 – 354.2

JUDAISM

Do not do to others what you want them to do to you.

Rabbi Hillel, Sabbat 31 a

CHRISTIANITY

In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.

St. Matthew 7,12; St. Luke 6,31

ISLAM

None of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.

40 Hadithe (The Book of Muhammad) by an-Nawawi 13

Please find further information on this project under www.global-ethic.org.
You’ll find ideas for school projects on the subject under www.berlin-message.com.

This especially concerns our children. Having in mind that this way of thinking is an important tool for a peaceful coexistence, I would like to apply to all teachers and nursery-school teachers. This homepage can be used for finding information on this topic as a part of your teaching. Thank you!

Eva Herlitz(1)

To see a larger view of what is on each of the Golden Rule Bears click HERE.

To go to Global Ethic Foundation for Intercultural and Inter-Religious Research, Education and Encounter click HERE.

To read the DECLARATION TOWARD A GLOBAL ETHIC by the Parliament of the World's Religions click HERE.

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There is a video on Youtube of a grade 2 class talking and singing about the Golden Rule in which young students recite some of the different aspects of it, including color, race, etc. and then religion, implying that this is something that all people share that is equal, in its message. This is really sad, when you think of these children growing up to think that they all contain the way of salvation. This makes the work of the cross of no effect to them. They will die in their sins if they don't accept God's gift of grace, His Son, as the atonement for sin. This is an abuse of the Golden Rule, which should act more like a mirror reflecting the inability of man to obey God. Instead it is promoting it as the means of salvation for the world. (The embedding for this video has been disabled, but you can view it by clicking HERE if you want to see it.

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Below is a video labeled Religious Tolerance: The Golden Rule which is made by an older student as a class assignment. It includes depictions of witchcraft, spiritism and animism in it. This is the message that children are receiving in school, believing and sharing with others. This will lead to the persecution of anyone considered intolerant by this new religious order.

So as you see, from their point of view there is no need to eliminate any religions from this picture. One must merely lay aside fundamental differences within the religions and unite in the areas of commonality. It seems to me that the "Golden Rule" is about the only thing they do have in common. All this says is that these religions all recognize the presence of the conscience within every man. However, only one of these religions deals with mankind's fallen, sinful state in an effective manner, and that would be Christianity. If Christianity is willing to lay down its claim on the truth and its claim to the only way for the salvation of man, it would fit nicely with its agenda. Within Christendom, those who will not lay this aside will be considered intolerant and counter to the peace process they so dearly want to promote. They will be labeled extreme and divisive. Unfortunately, many Christians are unaware of where this is leading and will likely be duped by the syrupy rhetoric of those who will purchase peace at the expense of truth. This Utopian type of thinking was present in Hitler's day too, don't forget. This is why so many German people followed him. The Holocaust had moral underpinnings; but without the anchor of truth it became a regime of brutality.

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Are you prepared to honor all religions, agreeing that they are all truth? Attempting to witness to and win someone of another religion to your own will be forbidden as this will be seen as claiming to have something better than another, rather than equal to it. The Bible is very clear that there is salvation in no other than Jesus Christ. To deny that this is so would be to deny the very faith I base my life on. If you are a Christian and hold to God's Word as your standard it is time to prepare for persecution. At the rate these false religious ideals with their false unity are being spread, it won't be long before it happens.

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Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by this name this man stands here before you in good health.

He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone.

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:10-12

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life;
no one comes to the Father but through Me.
John 14:6

You shall have no other gods before Me.

You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.

You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,

but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
Deuteronomy 5:7-10

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Read the THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PART 1
Read the ADDENDUM TO THE GOLDEN RULE ~ PART 2
Read the THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PART 3

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(1) http://www.united-buddy-bears.com/de/bears/showinter.php?lang=en&bbbyear=2007&spbears=yes&bearid=1010

HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ 2008!

One of my hobbies is collecting old books. Whenever I come across a used-book sale I will go through it looking for discarded hymn books and devotional readings, books which have passed through hands that are now old and wrinkled which may have spent many hours folded in prayer. A book I have recently acquired and just started reading is a devotional called "Come Ye Apart" by J. R. Miller D. D. No publishing date can be found within its pages, but since the truths it contains are timeless, maybe that is appropriate.

The purpose stated in its preface is this:

This volume of a year's readings has been prepared in the hope that it may prove daily food to some earnest children of God in their life of care, struggle, and duty. It is made to cover the earthly life of our Lord, from its beginning to its close...This book has but a single aim ~ to honour and glorify Christ in the eyes of those who follow its pages.

Its first devotional is entitled, "In The Beginning", and follows:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
~John 1:1

Life is full of beginnings. We are now at the beginning of a new year. But here is a beginning that carries our thought back beyond all years, all dates of history, all imaginable periods of time, beyond the beginnings of creation. Then was Christ. What a sublime stretch of being these words give to Him who is our Saviour! We cannot grasp the thought, but we can find security and comfort in it when we think of Christ, and when we rest in Him as our hope and salvation. We trust in human friends, and the comfort is very sweet; yet we can never forget that they are but creatures of a day, and that we cannot be sure of having them even for tomorrow. But we trust in Christ, and know that from eternity to eternity He is the same, and therefore our confidence is for ever sure and strong.

Our trust is still more stable and firm when we read on and find who this Person is in whom we are confiding. "The Word was God." There is nothing doubtful in this language. No kind of exegesis can blot from this brief clause the truth of Christ's divinity. The Saviour, into whose hands you have committed your life, is the eternal God. Earthly trusts are never secure, for everything human is mortal; but those who commit themselves to the keeping of Christ are safe for ever. It is very sweet to think of Christ's humanity. It brings Him nearer to us. He is like one of ourselves. He is our own brother, with tender sympathies and warm affections. We study the gospel and learn the graciousness of His character as seen in His compassion, His tears, His love. Then when we know that behind these qualities are the divine attributes, that He is very God, what glorious confidence it gives us! Let us set this glorious truth at the gate of the New Year ~ it is a shining point from which to start.

Come and hear the grand old story
Story of the ages past;
All earth's annals far surpassing,
Story that shall ever last.

Christ, the Father's Son eternal,
Once was born, a Son of man;
He who never knew beginning
Here on earth a life began...

Hear we then the grand old story,
True as God's all-faithful word,
Best of tidings to the guilty
Of a dead and risen Lord.

Hear we then the grand old story,
And in listening learn the love
Flowing through it to the guilty
From our pardoning God above.
~Dr.Bonar

At the start of this new year, I encourage you to begin it by making the Word your priority~ both the written Word, the Bible, and the living Word, God's only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. How can we do any less than follow the example given to us in John 1:1. If we are God's children we will want to follow in His footsteps. May God richly bless you in 2008.

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And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
to the which also ye are called in one body;
and be ye thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:15-17