Helposter Blog

These are compelling questions, and for answers, we can begin looking at both the stories of Jesus and the Prophet Mohammed. We can read about them in the Bible, the Koran, the writings from Babylon, Ur, ancient Persia, the ancient (and modern) Greece, Egypt and even India and China.

In so many societies and cultures (and many without cultural contact) Angels seem to play the role of messengers of God (or the Gods), and their purposes are as varied as are the tasks required.

They heal and teach (as in Tobias, and take on human form), they destroy (as in Sodom), the expel (as in Eden), they console and strengthen (as in Garden of Gethsemane), they foretell and explain (as in Daniel), they reveal (as in the Koran), and much more.

All the above is from ancient times, and writings of our ancestors, but how about today?

Without much effort, we all know stories of the improbable and even impossible with our friends, family and in the news. Is all this just co-incidence or the intervention of some divine power (Angels for example)?

Even a reading of the Arabian Nights offers direct answers to the above question. This is something that is not yet proved by modern scientific evidence, but on the other hand, there is universal acceptance of Angelic existence.

This itself can be offered as evidence. A Time magazine survey found out that 69% of people questioned believed in Angels.

What are Angels?

From all traditional sacred writings, it seems that Angels were created as messengers of God. The Judeo-Christian Scriptures disclose that God created nine orders of angels:

They are the Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, Powers, Virtues, Archangels, and Angels. Most people seem to know only the two Archangels Michael, and Gabriel. However, the Christian Church has another four, which include Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, and Sariel. That makes 7 Archangels, but there is yet another, which is Lucifer. The fallen Angel of Light. It was he who opposed God’s plan.

Most, if not all humanity, knows about, and somehow believes in this particular Angel’s existence (and works!)

Guardian Angels. Who are they?

They seem to be spiritual beings assigned to each soul to follow, guide and assist that soul in its earthly journey. The Jewish religion, nor the Christian Church have not clearly defined what Guardian Angels are, but there are two direct mentions (and many more) that give credence to their existence and roles.

The first is from St.Jerome who said, “how great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it.” The next was from Jesus Himself who said (Mathew ) “See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”

So if there are Guardian Angels, and everyone has one, how can be contact them and obtain their assistance directly?

The answer if very simple, ask them.

If you sincerely and seriously pose questions or requests to your Guardian Angel, you shall receive a direct and appropriate reply or response. It’s a simple as that.

If you are very quiet and still, and keep your mind and thoughts quiet, you can often hear the rustling of wings, or a cooling and refreshing rush of air. Sometimes you can hear angelic sounds (like celestial music), or a feeling of great peace comes over you.

Further, there is a wonderful prayer (non-sectarian in nature) that if said with all sincerity and positive expectations that it will be answered, can put you in direct conscious contact with your Guardian Angel. The prayer can be said at any time.

Angel of God, my guardian dear
to whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side to
light and guard and rule and guide.
Amen.

There are also Angels who rule over special days, birthdays, events, and more, and in addition to your Guardian Angel.

For more FREE information on angels, other religous questions, alternative thought, and spiritual wellbeing visit ==>http://www.net-planet.org/newage.html

Have you ever wondered why religion developed in the Middle East? Did you ever even think why could it not have happened somewhere else? That’s because due to weather patterns of the earth, the weather decides the fate of ones country, land, and beliefs. This is the Inclination Point Theory. It is supposed that 1,500 years ago China had a great abundance of food due to the weather it was experiencing, it is the same weather the United States is experiencing today, we have phenomenal irrigation and so much food that we just give it away constantly. China built the Great Wall in order to block out the Mongolians and Huns in order to stop invading and searching for food in China. Why is it that in history classes today we discuss as China falling back in advancement when Europe and the Middle East caught up, while China was still in it’s isolated era?

China’s isolated area was not the direct cause of it’s slowed advancement. What difference does it make that it’s isolated or not, the main point is that China had food production and people were happy thus giving many things in society advancements, especially in agriculture. Also at this time, the first book ever was written, “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” this book was derived from that area of China’s location, and not in the middle east, nor Europe and not the America’s. As time went on the weather patterns began to shift to the Middle East, and so the Middle East supposedly continued the advancement that China had slowed. Religion was formed, the Bible was derived from parts of “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and monotheism (belief in one God) was born. Then as we all know and can relate to, the Renaissance flourished the streets of Europe and most importantly Europe founded the Industrial Revolution which changed the world forever. Today in modern day the weather patterns favor the United States, we have advanced far more than any other nation in this time period, even during the Cold War, if now during any war, we need not to save food or be afraid the supply is going to run out, we have enough to probably feed almost the whole world, or at least Russia.

Also our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is higher than any other nation in the world all due to food production. In other simple and shorter words, a nations great wealth and advancement is based on it’s food production, and that’s based on the earth’s weather patterns therefore, the earth itself controls revolutions, crusades, and all together history. So where does the disapproval of God play a role in this explanation? If religion was derived in the Middle East and now is upon the whole world, what would the difference be if it was derived in the United Kingdom and today America wouldn’t be as powerful, because the weather patterns would be on either Hawaii or Japan. Now you have to rethink the whole history of the world, if it was Japan to be the most powerful, how much greater would they have attacked Pearl Harbor?

God upon all of this is just an advancement, another invention from people’s minds and cultures, you may say God is a part of people’s cultures. But if seen from a bigger perspective, God is part of the world no matter where derived from, but it is his development in the world which is the same as the development of any other invention a human has invented. In other simpler words, it was inevitable that God would be created upon any civilization and therefore a part of civilization just like any other invention, therefore he does not exist. He may not exist and may be erased from history just as the same as erasing the industrial revolution from happening or the Bible being written. And God and religion was derived before highly advanced inventions of society because religion was and is still the fundamental building block of cultures due to questions that the early man and woman could not have answered.

But since history is remembered whether through oral tradition or documented evidence, it cannot be erased just as today, God is unerasable. But most of the questions that “God” has answered in religious books have now been answered by science. So what’s to stop human kind from just one more weather current to change the world forever and possibly erase America’s power, wealth and dominance? What’s there to stop human kind from erasing God from their history due to even more advancements in the next thousands of years and finally being able to answer the greatest of all mans questions, “did God create man, or did man create God?” God was created by man, but it is hard for an individual to erase history of his or her God and accept the truth that is inevitable.

Born in Belarus, Minsk 1988, came to America with huge aspirations, and fullfilling them by participating in a Microsoft competition, and soon attending Polytechnic University for Business & Technology in New York City. I spend my time with my friends and research technology constantly. I always question things before i believe them blindly and make sure that in whatever it is i do, there is truth in it, or at least money!

Welcome to the website: All about Jesus, I hope you enjoy the Revealing Facts about the Bible. I encourage you to look at your Bible and see the truth (fact) about the true living word of God and then make your decisions. My Goal is to bring as many as I can to the Glory of the salvation of Jesus in hopes that your soul may be save.

Let’s start by saying all Praise and Glory go to the Lord Jesus and his Father God

Not Just Hearing The Word

In many chapters in the Bible it speaks of not just hearing the word, but also following it. In Matthew 7:21 it says: Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. We must live by the Will of the Father and as Jesus did. In James 1:22 it clearly states the fact about just hearing the word. It says; Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he look like.
Now who wants to forget what he looks like? That’s something to think about.

It also says in Matthew 12:48 it says; He replied to him, Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? Pointing to his disciples, he said, “here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” We are one Family in Jesus Christ. Furthermore Jesus asks the question in Luke 6:46 saying; Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say? We all need to ask ourselves that question. If you look at John 14:21 it says; Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. “He who loves me will be loved by my Father,” and I too will love him and show myself to him. What a wonderful statement. Now look at 1John 5:3 it says; This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus is so powerful, he gave us so many wonderful works. Look at 1John 2:5 it says; But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. Jesus even gave us the ability to learn his word on our on. Look at 1John 2:20 it says; But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. Now look at verse 2:27 it says; As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. Bus as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him. To sum it up I think it is best written in Romans 12:1 it says; Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, Holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will. Jesus is truly merciful and deserves all the praise and glory. Enjoy more reading at:

WWW.hostinghelps.com/allaboutjesus

The dictionary defines hope as “a looking out for something good; a belief that what we wish for will come.” Are you hoping for the positive outcome of your dream, a sickness, or finances? Do you see the desired end result in your mind’s eye so vividly that you can almost touch it? What is your hope based on? Were you very excited yesterday when the stock market jumped or the doctor gave an optimistic prognosis? How about today, when the market had a sudden drop and the hospital reported further complications in your condition?

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1). Now, what does that mean? You mean that no matter how hard it gets and when everything points to disaster you still have to hope against all hope? So, if you clench your teeth, purse your lips and scrunch your eyes together in faith trusting your dilemma will pass, it should go, right?

Well, let’s have a look how the Bible puts it. In the fifth book of Romans it tells us to even go so far as to glory in tribulation! As you delve into it you will discover that this is true because hardships are a time of testing. The more you learn to rely on hope, and by faith wait in expectation for the desired result, the more patience will develop. Patience will result in small breakthroughs which, in turn, provide you with the experience that no one can take away from you. When you experience a miracle, however small, you have the confidence that the next time you can believe for something even bigger and better!

This whole process produces character. It generates a whole new you! Yes, one who has been hurt maybe, sick, depressed or beaten down emotionally, physically or spiritually. BUT… at the end of it you will have gained something. It may be wisdom of what not to do, a certain peace and strength you would never have realized you had, and a greater realization of who you really are. You did come out of it and now, having “been there and done that” you are in a position to help someone else through their struggles.

“Hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Do you know the love of God? Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, for the joy set before him, endured the cross. (Heb. 12:2) He is Emmanuel, which means: “God with us.” Even though he was God, he took on a human body, whereby he was subject to all the physical and emotional circumstances as you and me. But… he endured and is now seated at the right hand of the Father, where he has prepared a place for you! What’s more, with Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have the same Holy Spirit living in you. You’re not alone. Inside of you there is an awesome power to persevere!

Ann is author of With Wings As Eagles. www.lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles
Embracing All the Promises of God will encourage and inspire you weekly. Get it here:
www.lifealteringwords.com

This article will deal with the next set of judgments called the 7 Trumpet Judgments. Things will now go from bad to worse compared to what just happened with the 7 Seal Judgments.

1. The First Trumpet

In this first Trumpet Judgment, God will rain down hail and fire upon the earth. Literally one third of the trees and grass will be burned up. Again, just imagine on a global scale that one third of all the trees on our planet will be burned to the ground! Here is the verse:

“The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.” (Revelations 8:7)

2. The Second Trumpet

In this next judgment, a “great mountain burning with fire” is thrown into the sea, turning one third of the sea into blood, killing one third of all the living creatures in the sea and also destroying one third of the ships that are in the sea when this happens. The “great mountain burning with fire” is probably a meteor that is launched by God to the earth to continue His judgment against all the wicked people now living. Here is the verse:

“Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood; and a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.” (Revelations 8:8-9)

3. The Third Trumpet

In this next judgment by God, a “great star burning like a torch” falls from heaven on one third of the rivers and springs causing contamination – causing many men to die because the waters were made “bitter.” This great star burning like a torch would appear to be another meteor. In the previous judgment, one third of the ocean waters became blood. Now one third of the rivers and springs are going to be highly contaminated to such a degree that it will kill “many men.” Here is the verse:

“Then the third angel sounded; And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of the water; and the name of the star is wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.” (Revelations 8:10-11)

4. The Fourth Trumpet

In this next judgment, God “strikes” a third of the sun, a third of the moon and a third of the stars so that they are darkened and thus give no light to the earth. This verse then ends giving serious warning about the next 3 trumpet judgments getting ready to be released. Here is the verse:

“Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them was darkened; and a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night. And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, Woe, Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!” (Revelations 8:12-13)

5. Fifth Trumpet

This next judgment begins what is called the “woes” as mentioned 3 times in the above verse. This one is the first
“woe,” which means that it is a very serious judgment being allowed by God to occur.

In this judgment, the bottomless pit is opened up where a huge swarm of locusts are allowed to be released upon the earth. These locusts are only allowed to attack men who do not have God’s seal on their foreheads. They are not allowed to kill these men, but to only torment them with their bite. This verse tells us that their bite is like that of a scorpion and that this torment is allowed to last for 5 months.

This judgment will be so bad, that people will be seeking death and won’t be able to find it. They will literally be desiring to die and won’t be able to do so. These locusts are also not attacking in a random fashion. They will literally have a demon from the “pit of hell” leading them. His name is called Apollyon. His name stands for “Destroyer.” This verse then ends stating that this is just the first “woe,” and that there are two more “woes” getting ready to occur. Here is the verse:

“Then the fifth angel sounded: and I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth, and to him was given the key to the Bottomless Pit. And he opened the Bottomless Pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for 5 months.

And their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.

And the shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads were crowns like gold, and their faces were like faces of men. They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lion’s teeth. And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. And their power was to hurt men for 5 months. And they had a king over them the angel of the Bottomless Pit, whose name is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.

One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.” (Revelations 9:1-12)

6. The Sixth Trumpet

This next judgment is called the second “woe.” This one is almost beyond human comprehension. In this judgment, 4 demonic angels are released from the Euphrates river to literally kill one third of all mankind. They will lead an army of demonic spirits numbering 200 million!

This army of 200 million is not China. China emerges in the battle of Armageddon. This judgment will occur before the battle of Armageddon. We are talking about 200 million demons let loose upon this earth to literally kill one third of the people that are still left!

Remember, one fourth of mankind has already been killed in the fourth seal judgment. With one third now being killed in this trumpet judgment, 58% of the world’s population will now have been killed after this judgment passes. And the most amazing thing occurs at the end of this verse – it says that the people still left on earth watching and experiencing all of these horrors still refuse to repent and turn to God.

They still continue in their worship of demons and all of their wicked ways. They know that all of these judgments are the wrath of God being supernaturally thrown at them, but yet they still refuse to turn from their wicked ways. This really shows how stubborn the human heart can be when it comes to spiritual matters. Some people will refuse to accept the truth of the Christian Gospel, even when faced with God showing Himself the way He is doing during these times. Unbelievable! Here is the verse:

“Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, WERE RELEASED TO KILL A THIRD OF MANKIND. Now the army of the horsemen was two hundred million, and I heard the number of them.

And then I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire smoke, and brimstone. BY THESE THREE PLAGUES A THIRD OF MANKIND WAS KILLED – by the fire and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, and having heads; and with them they do harm.

But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (Revelations 9:13-21)

7. The Seventh Trumpet

This last and final trumpet judgment is the final “woe.” However, it is not really a judgment per se. In this judgment, we are shown that heaven is beginning to rejoice because they know the end is very near. They are rejoicing because God has been releasing His wrath on a sinful world and He is starting to extract His vengeance.

However, the last part of the verse says that more lightnings, noises, thunderings, another earthquake and more hail is released upon the earth once again. However, these events are almost tame compared to what has just been occurring over the last set of trumpet judgments. Here is the verse:

“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” And the twenty four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshipped God saying: “We give you thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you shall reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.

Then the Temple of God was opened in heaven, and the Ark of His Covenant was seen in His Temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.” (Revelations 11:15-19)

Believe it or not, there is still one more wave of judgments that will hit the earth. These are called the Bowl Judgments and there are also seven of them. Go to the next article titled “The 7 Bowl Judgments” for what these will entail. God will be turning up the heat for one last time to try and get some of the wicked to turn from their ways before Jesus comes back for the second time to put a final end to all of this bloodshed.

Article written by Michael Bradley of Bible Knowledge Ministries. Their website is a resource of Bible Knowledge, articles, commentary and teaching. They currently have over 100 Bible articles. All free of charge.
If you do not want to wait for the next article, you can go to our
end times section of our website for all 15 articles regarding the 2nd Coming of Jesus.
Copyright &copy 2005 by Michael Bradley. All Rights Reserved.

A baby was born in Bethlehem today, To Joseph and Mary, jesus was his name. Not in a fancy hospital, like you and I would go to stay, But in a lowley manger, His bed made out of hay. A star shown bright above Him for He was the King of Jews. The wisemen came to worship, They brought gold, frankincense and myhr, They knew he was the Son of God, love in their hearts did stir. Now Joseph was a carpenter amd taught Jesus all he knew, But Jesus wanted to preach God’s word and shed His light upon the truth. So He walked as a man on this earth, and preached His Father’s word. And miracles he did perform, for people did not believe, That He was the chosen Son of God, oh how my heart does grieve. For Jesus knew that He would be a living sacrifice. To die for us that we may have everlasting life. Upon a cross they nailed Him, a crown of thorns upon His head, A lance pierced Him in His side, and on the ground He bled. And after the ninth hour, precious Jesus he was dead. They placed His body in a tomb, a rock rolled at the door. Guards were posted outside, so he could walk this earth no more. But only three days later, he walked out of that grave, And ascended into Heaven to fulfill a promise God had made. So listen all you sinners, Jesus died for us that day. On a lonely mount called Calvary, it was the only way, To have a home in Heaven, and everlasting life. To rid us all from evil, temptation, sin and strife. So get down on your knees and pray, ask Him to come into your heart For He’ll forgive, that we might live, His love will not depart. Do you know Jesus?

http://www.originalpoetry.com/my-christmas-poem

“Jacob dwelt in the land of his father’s sojourning, in the land of Canaan.” (Bereishit – Chapter 37:1)

Rashi explains that when Jacob sought to dwell in tranquility, the troubles of Joseph sprang upon him. The righteous seek to dwell in tranquility but said the Holy One, blessed be He, “What is prepared for the righteous in the world to come is not sufficient for them, but they seek also to dwell in tranquility in this world!”

Rav Yerucham Levovitz, the great pre-WWII Mirrer mashgiach asks a difficult question. Which type of tranquility did Jacob desire? Surely, it was not tranquility in our terms. Jacob was requesting a life of hard work and self-sacrifice for Torah and mitzvoth. During the fourteen years that he served in the house of Eber, he did not lie down at night, because he was engaged in Torah study (Gen. Rabbah 68:11). What was so terrible about requesting this sort of tranquility? He was only asking to not be oppressed by Laban or pursued by Eisav. What in truth was wrong with Jacob’s desire?

The answer is, that tribulations, difficulties and problems are the essential makeup of this this world. Hashem desires that we learn Torah and perform the mitvoth within the “smelting pot” of the tribulations in this world. It is only the mitvoth which are done under difficult circumstances which can lead us to greatness, purity and eventually the next word.

The house of Laban was the furnace which purified Jacob. When Jacob had to work another seven years to marry Rachel the Medrash compares the other ones to the first ones. Just as he worked for him during the first ones faithfully, so did he work for him during the other ones faithfully, even though Laban had dealt with him deceitfully (Gen. Rabbah 70:20). Living amidst the lies, idol worship and lusts of Lavan brought Jacob to even greater heights.

The Medrash Rabbah, Numbers 19:1 explains that the purity of the next word actually comes forth from the impurity of this world.

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Is it not the One? (Job XIV, 4) For example, Abraham out of Terah; Hezekiah out of Ahaz; Josiah out of Amon; Mordecai out of Shimei; Israel out of the idolaters; the future world out of this world. Who did this? Who commanded this? Who decreed this? Was it not the world’s Only One?

It is both important and helpful to understand that this world is overflowing with troubles, aggregation, hardships and filth. Our portion in the next world of illumination and purity is dependent on how we handle our things here. It is the next world where we will receive our true tranquility.

As Iyov 3:25 states – I was not at ease, neither was I quiet, and I did not rest, yet trouble came.

Rabbi Eliyahu Mitterhoff is the director of the Global Yeshiva. The Global Yeshiva is devoted to creating a warm and friendly yet serious place for people of all levels to share and discuss Torah and Orthodox Judaism. He envisions this as a great and unprecedented historic opportunity to share, learn, teach and spread Torah on a global level.

It has been said that, there is a purpose for our life here on earth. Does it comes to mind that it maybe a test? If so what kind of test and how does one pass this test? The dictionary explains test a meaning (analysis, trial, tryout, exam, final, put to the proof.) Let’s see what the Bible says about test. First look at Romans 12:2 it says; Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’ will ishis good, pleasing and perfect will.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Now look at 1Corinthians 3:12 it says; If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Look at Proverbs 17:3 it says; The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

Now look at 1Thessalonians 2:3 it says; For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greedGod, is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

Look at Hebrews 4:12 it says; For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 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.

Now look at 1John 4:1 it says; Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see weather they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God; Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but who ever is not from God does not listen to us. This how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us; He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Now look at 2Peter 2:1 it says; But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought thembring swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute (dishonorable, disgraceful.) In 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.

Look at 1John 2:18 it says; Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichristhe denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

Now look at 1John 3:7 it says; Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.

Look at 1Chronicles 29:17 it says; I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.

Now look at Psalm 26:2 it says; Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.

Look at Jeremiah 17:10 it says; I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.

In closing look at Psalm 139:23 it says; Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Love Always,

Your Sister in Christ,

Mellody Davis

Enjoy more reading at: http://www.hostinghelps.com/allaboutjesus

Always remember to read your Bible!!!

A business acquaintance of mine mentioned how the personal-growth company she works for is tacitly assumed to be a cult by FACTNet.org. I browsed over and discovered that sure enough, there are many FACTnet message board posters pointing the finger at their organization and screaming “Cult! Cult!”.

Knowing that my religion is judged by some to be a cult, I used the search function on FACTNet to discover that, sure enough, there are even MORE people pointing at my religion and yelling the same thing.

So, I read around a little on the site to discover why FACTNet believes my religion and my friend’s company are cults. Surely there must be somewhere where they give a list of criteria and objectively judge point by point whether a given organization qualifies for such a dubious title.

I found some very interesting things. On one page FACTNet offers an answer to a very important question, “Anybody can unfairly attack a group they disagree with by calling it a cult or saying they are using coercive mind control. How does FACTNet prevent this type of problem and determine fairly whether or not a group is a cult?”

Wow! Great question! Here is their answer, “FACTNet uses specific criteria to determine if a mind control system has been used, and does not suggest organizations are destructive or dangerous cults without careful research and determination that the evidence fits definite criteria.” Wow! Great answer!

Only one problem, FACTNet, where’s the beef? With Google’s help, I searched all 75,600 pages of the website looking for the pages where FACTNet discloses the results of their “careful research” of both the organizations in question. Found nothing. I repeat, I found no listing anywhere on their site as to how they came to the reputation-damning conclusion that both my religion and my friend’s business where cults. Nichts, nada.

What I DID find were discussion boards where former members of both organizations lambast them for all their past and present faults and shortcomings — both real and perceived (but wait, didn’t Jesus say, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone?”).

I also found that FACTNet has a listing of links to newspaper and web articles about members of my church (who apparently never listened in Sunday School) who were convicted for child abuse. So, is THAT the standard? If a religion has members who, against the teachings of their church, abuse children, then the religion is a de facto cult? If so, FACTnet, please tell us which religion has no child molesters, so we can all convert!

But, I digress. Not being able to find the all-important “careful research”, I read through the list of criteria of how to tell if a group is a “destructive cult”. As I read, I reviewed in my mind what I knew about my religion, of which I have been an active member — attending weekly and serving in one capacity or another for over 35 years. Can you imagine my surprise to discover that my religion does not qualify based on their criteria? Yet, there they are, treated on the site as if they are some kind of wacked-out fruitcakes.

So, why? Why are both these and other organizations being targeted by this site without presenting their “careful research”? I can only venture a guess. The site’s founder, Lawrence Wollersheim, was in a 22-year legal battle with the Church of Scientology, of which he is a disgruntled former member. He won a $8.9 million settlement. Hmmm… maybe he’s fishing for more deep-pockets to sue — I don’t know.

And another possibility. Doesn’t it stand to reason, whether Scientology is actually a cult or not, that Wollersheim wears “cult-colored” glasses? We tend to see what we believe. So Lawrence, reading down the same list of criteria for dangerous cults, would probably judge my religion and my friend’s organization as cults solely because he is predisposed to agree with disgruntled former members. But has he ever actually VISITED either? Has he actually done this all-important research? If so, Lawrence, where’s the beef?

While his website allows people to vent their spleens on various organizations, he offers no objective analysis of any organization against their touted list of criteria. Again, Wollersheim, where’s the beef?

What does life want from me?

Conclusion to the series entitled, “Who am I and Where am I going?”

Faith Fellowship Church PO Box 1586 Broken Arrow, OK 74013 Pastor Terry Dashner.

I love dogs. Someone once said that “dog” is “God” spelled backwards. A dog is unconditional in his love to his owner. God’s love is unconditional to His creation.

Dogs have lived so long with man that they seem to know the mind and ways of man more so than any other domestic animal; however, there is one significant gap in our relationship. As a man, I can reason and think ahead to form opinions and conclusions. Obviously animals can’t reason on the same level.

If I point my finger to the horizon and ask you to look at the sunset, you will probably look beyond my finger to the horizon; however, it’s a different story for my dog. If I point my finger toward my pet’s feeding dish, he looks at my finger only. He never looks beyond my finger to his feeding dish. He can’t rationalize and and make the right assumptions. I usually have to lead him there with my finger.

Have you ever asked this question: what do I want out of life? Were you able to answer it to your satisfaction? If not, maybe you are asking the wrong question. Maybe you should ask this question: what does life want from me? Can you answer that question? What does life want from you?

The best way to answer that question is with the Bible. Why? The Bible is a “divine pointer.” In and of itself it is merely paper and ink, but what it points to is life beyond physical life. You see, the Bible is God’s Word to you and me, and it tells us what God wants with our lives. Each has a void in his or her life that can only be filled by a relationship with God through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.

If I could point you somewhere today, I’d point you to the Word of God. I’d advise you that when you get there, look beyond the page and print to its author Jesus Christ. I’d encourage you to seek out His answers for your life and live in Him always.

Keep the faith. Stay the course. Jesus is coming soon: therefore, keep looking to the eastern sky while your feet are planted firmly on this planet, helping others.

Pastor T.