Icon’s Role In The Life Of Believers May 4, 2009
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedFor a better understanding of icon’s role in the life of believers we should first consider that our Christian-Orthodox religion is a revealed belief, meaning it is not the result of a limited human intelligence, it’ is not a passing human creation.
We’re talking about divine reason that has been revealed to us, to the people, in the beginning through the prophets of the Old Testament and then through God’s son himself, Jesus Christ, who was incarnated for our salvation. This revelation has been entrusted for keeping and administration to the Church and its servants, to the bishops and priests who to this day have the duty to teach people the truth about faith. Thus, everything happens within our Church is not a human invention.
Alongside God’s Word exposed through the Holy Bible, the icon is also a part of the divine revelation, especially if we take into account that the first icon of Saviour Jesus Chris wasn’t painted by a human hand. As we already know Christ’s face imprinted itself on Saint Veronica’s kerchief by divine miracle. The face was greatly worshiped and valued by believers since the first Christian centuries and it was reproduced by many painters for the piety of the believers who requested it. This is how the painting of holy icons of your Lord Jesus Christ began.
On the other hand it is known that the Saint Apostle Luca was a doctor but also painter and that he painted Mary the Mother of God holding child Jesus in her arms while Jesus Christ still walked this earth.
This first Mother of God icon – the Saint Tradition tells us – served as model to all the other painters.
These first icons were worshiped by believers through kissing, especially after Jesus Christ ascended to heaven. It is also known that through icons God performed numerous miracles and healings. Let us think of Edesa’s king, Abgar who was cured from the illness he suffered from by touching Jesus Christ’s face on the kerchief.
In the age of persecutions, when Christians had to pray to God in catacombs, underground, the face of our Saviour and that of the Mother of God were depicted on the catacombs’ walls. In the same period the depicting and the worshiping of God disciples and of the martyrs who died for their faith started.
Since the fourth century, after Christians stopped being persecuted came that period of heresies that lasted four centuries till the VIIIth century. During this period, the bishops and the Holy Fathers of the Church gathered together in ecumenical synods to define written dogmas of the faith that were attacked by heretics and faithless people. Thus, at the VIIth Ecumenical Synod, the Church’s position regarding the saint icons’ veneration was settled for ever.
Measures were taken against those who testified that the worship and kissing of icons meant praying to idols and that under no circumstances should icons be painted in churches. At the time, lots of Christians gave their lives for telling the truth. By worshipping icons we worship God, the Mother of God or the Saints depicted on them. Thus the seventh Ecumenical Synod, by its canons, stated that icons had to be worshiped by all believers by kissing, same as the Christ’s Saint Cross and those who are not worshipping them in this way to be anathemized, that is to be forever separated from Christ’s Church.
During that century a certain style of depicting the Saviour, the Mother of God and the other Saints was crystallized, style we now call the Byzantine style. It formed during the Byzantine Empire and through this style the Church preaches its truth of faith not only through words but also through images. It is known that the bishops and priests from those times were close by icons’ painters and they guided closely.
This article was written by father hieromonk Irineu Balan, painter of lots of orthodox icons on wood and canvas. The religious icons painted by father hieromonk Irineu Balan are displayed on http://www.orthodox-icons.org, where you can also make orders. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link back to http://www.orthodox-icons.org.
Is it God’s Will? February 12, 2009
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedHow do we truly know what is God’s will. When people speak of God’s will they are referring to one of two things. God’s desire and God’s decree.
God is in control of everything at all times. He is omniscient, omnipresent and without flaw. No matter what any of us say or do, everything will happen just as God has decreed. God loves it when we are a part of his works, but whether we participate or not God’s decree will be done.
The trick is to discern if what we do is God’s desire. Thankfully, the Bible is here to let us know exactly what we should and should not do in life. To understand it’s teaching all one must do is read it. Anyone that can read the Bible has the ability to understand and follow the Word of God. In fact if someone tells you that they have to discern the Bible for you, I would be Leary of that person and consider them a false prophet. Do not try to make the Bible say what you want it to say. Just read it as it literally states. If what you do in life is in accordance with the teachings and doctrine of the Bible. You can feel save in the fact that you have done God’s desire and it was God’s will for you to do it.
Let us Pray.
Heavenly Father please let us follow your teachings and live by your law.
Please make us better servants for you and prepare us for your good work.
Wherever we may be, please let us be found in your Word.
We love you Heavenly Father and we thank you for everything.
For we ask it in Jesus sweet and Holy name.
Amen
Brian Parker
Prayer Alliance Blog
Onward Christian Soldiers! December 18, 2008
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedWhy did ancient Israel have an army? Was it because they didn’t have faith? Did they believe in themselves instead of trusting God? Did they insist on fighting their own battles, rather than let God wage war for them?
Why did God fight for Israel in Egypt? Did they exercise faith then? Did they somehow lose their confidence in the wilderness, after having seen God’s mighty miracles? Does that make sense? They’d heard what God was going to do to Egypt from the onset, and they saw with their own eyes what God did through 10 consecutive plagues. After defeating the world’s only superpower, had God spent His energy?
God took on the gods of Egypt single-handedly. He didn’t want Israel’s participation lest their deliverance be misconstrued as a successful slave revolt. He took a slave people to become His Servant-Nation. Israel had only changed masters.
When God led Israel out of Egypt by Moses, He purposely told Moses to bypass the hot spots where Israel would encounter hostile forces, lest they opt for the “security” of Egypt (Ex. 13:17). They went out of their way to avoid war! It doesn’t sound like they were eager to do battle when you read the accounts of their griping and complaining to Moses (Ex. 14:10-12).
Moses, full of faith, encouraged the congregation to believe God. The first time Israel engaged in battle was at Moses’ command! He instructed Joshua (also faithful) to assemble a fighting force and defeat the pesky Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-16).
God had fought the first few rounds against Israel’s enemies, showing Israel He would destroy their foes. Now God would fight in and through and for Israel! Moses’ uplifted hands of blessing and authority insured Israel’s military success. It was evident to all where their true strength came from (Ps. 33:16). Israel was only a fighting instrument in God’s Hands (Isa. 41:15, Micah 4:13).
Many people understand the commandment against killing should be translated “murder.” God commands His ministers of state to execute judgment and utilize capital punishment for various offenses (Rom. 13:4). We’re told to remember Moses’ law and obey it (Malachi 4:4). God has authorized the State to act within the guidelines of His Law Book.
Israel wasn’t anxious to enter Canaan – they were afraid! Moses admitted they were outnumbered and outgunned by the Canaanites, but reassured Israel that GOD would be with them and grant them supernatural victory (Deut. 7:1-2, 16-24). When the spies brought their report to Moses about Canaan’s men and might, they wanted to run with their tails tucked between their legs (Numbers 13:31). Only Joshua and Caleb put things in perspective and encouraged the people to trust in God (Numbers 14:9). Israel didn’t have any faith in their own ability or God’s!
What many have failed to realize is ancient Israel wasn’t going to enter the Promised Land by faith alone; it was going to require faith and works! God wasn’t going to do all the work for them. Israel had to actively claim their inheritance. Don’t we also?
Israel lacked faith that GOD could work miracles through them! They knew God could take on their enemies, but they doubted He could work through them. They concentrated on their weakness rather than on God’s strength. God expected Israel to fight His battles and He would guarantee their success. Israel took one city at a time, slowly but surely making progress, subduing the land and defeating their foes, and yet giving God all the credit – like our process of conversion (Ps. 44:1-8).
Even David, a man after God’s own heart, fought numerous battles for God and His people, but considered God the Victor. David would ask God whether he should attack at this time or place, and what to do, when and how, and God answered him (1 Chron. 14:10).
Did Abraham, the father of the faithful, sin by waging war against those who had kidnapped his relatives (Gen. 14)? Melchizedek blessed him, He didn’t rebuke him! Levi and sons, following Moses’ call to arms (at God’s command), went through Israel’s camp and slaughtered those who’d sinned with the golden calf (Ex. 32:28). Did they lack faith? No! They were acting faithfully! They put God before family and friends. Couldn’t God have just sent a plague? Yes. But He worked through men.
Since God works through men, why didn’t Jesus let Peter defend Him? 1) Because prophecy had to be fulfilled and 2) because God’s Kingdom wasn’t established yet – otherwise Jesus said His servants should fight! This example teaches us that loyal citizens ought to be willing to fight and defend their king and country!
Presently we have a “dual citizenship.” Paul didn’t deny that he was a Roman citizen or hesitate to exercise his civil rights (Acts 16:37, 22:25, 25:11). He didn’t just turn the other cheek when he was about to be scourged! There’s a time and a place to wage war or declare peace (Ecc. 3:8); to suffer persecution and death, or to run for your life ( Mat. 24:16, John 8:59)!
Spiritually speaking, we should all understand we’re only mortal, taking up temporary residence on earth, and therefore be mindful of eternity and live accordingly, waiting for our eternal inheritance in God’s Kingdom (2 Cor. 5:1, Ps. 39:12, 2 Pet. 3:11).
But what about “spiritual fornication?” If we exercise our right to vote and get involved in politics, isn’t that defiling ourselves with this world’s system? Only if and when it contradicts the commandments of God. We should never disobey God to follow men (Acts 5:29). We’re in this world and do take an active part in its system of government and education everytime we go to work and pay taxes or send our kids to school or college! We’re only to avoid those aspects of this world’s system that are Biblically wrong (1 Jn. 2:16).
Joseph served in pharaoh’s administration. Was he spiritually defiled? Daniel was in the belly of the beast – Babylon – yet he served the king and God. Whenever there arose any conflict of interest, Daniel put God first, as we must also always do. Nehemiah worked in the Persian government, yet he was also blameless before God. God even referred to Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar as His servants.
God is our Heavenly King over all, that’s why we can’t allow others to try and usurp His authority over our lives. He’s our Husband and to listen to anyone else who would dare go against His Word is spiritual adultery and fornication. This is one of modern Israel’s biggest sins: giving in to international peer pressure rather than obey God!
Yet God isn’t our only ruler. He’s ordained that men aren’t to be left in a state of anarchy, but ought to obey the Noachide laws binding on all mankind: to establish a system of justice, abstain from idolatry and immorality, and refrain from eating blood (Acts 15:29).
Even Christ will be King of kings and Lord of lords; He won’t be ruling alone. God’s our Minister, and Jesus Christ’s our High Priest, yet we don’t object to having human ministers also. Do we have a double standard when it comes to politics? We speak of “dirty politics.” And there is too much graft and corruption. But what about religious scandals? Perverted preachers and adulterous ministers? Does that mean we should reject the whole idea of God having human servants? “Dirty religion?” Both Church and State need to let Christ clean up their act (Malachi 3:3).
God didn’t forbid Israel from having a king or a high priest. He simply put restrictions on them and offered guidelines. The king was to be Israelite; he wasn’t to put his trust in financial securities or gold, or depend on a huge army or arsenal of weapons for Israel’s defense; and he was to study the Scriptures daily (Deut. 18:15-20). He was permitted a token military force made up of volunteers ( Judg. 7:2, Deut. 20:5-9). The priest was to bless Israel’s troops before they went to battle, encourage them that God would fight through them, and sound the alarm with the sacred silver trumpet (Deut. 20:1-4, Nu. 10:9, 31:6).
God was upset with Israel when they demanded a king, but not because they wanted a king – He had made an allowance for that through Moses – but because they were rejecting God as their Supreme Ruler (1 Sam. 8:20).They wanted to walk by sight, not by faith, overconfident in human leaders (Ps. 118:9).
The kings were to lead the way (Ps. 1:10-11). They were to follow in the footsteps of King David who enacted the law of Moses (1 Kgs. 2:3). Israel was only to follow men as they followed God. The prophet Samuel warned them of greedy rulers, excessive taxes, and corrupt administrations, but they still decided to go ahead with their political elections. Not that the religious world was free from fault (1 Sam. 8:3). And God reveals that the best man shouldn’t always win (Dan. 4:17). But if we pray for God to lead us in deciding who to vote for or against, it’s His responsibility to let us know what to do. Of course we should study the party platforms and see which one is more closely aligned to Biblical principles. It’s vain to think that our vote could thwart God’s Will! He’ll promote and demote whom He will (Ps. 75:7).
Ancient Israel was both Church and State: a theocracy. God recognizes these two branches of government and encourages us to do the same (Malachi 4:4-5). The two anointed positions in Israel were that of priest and king (Zech. 4:14). The oil was representative of God’s Holy Spirit that Israel prayed would guide and direct their leaders.
We’ve seen how God has authorized human leaders to take life (Lev. 20). They’re free to deputize a police force (to protect and defend communities), as well as use the armed forces to defend their country and kin.
God holds His leaders responsible not to get greedy or become bloodthirsty. We’re not to relish war, but use it as a last resort (Deut. 20:10-12).We’re only to fight wars of self-defense and not throw our weight around (Lk. 3:14). We’re to hate the sins of our enemies and learn to love them, knowing they’re also made in God’s image and hopefully will come to their senses someday; we’re not to be trigger-happy or gloat over our enemies’ downfall (Prov. 24:17).
God’s going to utilize Israel to punish various nations during their trek back to the Middle East (Isa. 11:14). And God will be fighting through the Jews at Jerusalem (Zech. 14:14). Christ’s coming back to earth to wage war before He ushers in peace!
God hasn’t only intervened for Israel. He’s determined the outcome of various wars and battles to let one group of Gentiles beat another (Deut. 2:19-23). Moses also said it would’ve been a sin if the different tribes of Israel didn’t rally to each others defense (Nu. 32:20-23). And it’s a disastrous sin to go to war if God’s servants instruct otherwise (Deut. 1:42-45).
It’s all a matter of faith and obedience. We’re to realize GOD is our true Commander in Chief and the Captain of our Salvation, and follow the lead of His Holy Spirit (Jos. 5:13-15, Heb. 2:10). But let’s not forget that God can and does work through inspired men (Neh. 9:27).
About the Author
David Ben-Ariel, an American author who has travelled widely and who has lived throughout Israel, shares a special focus on the Middle East and great interest in Jerusalem, reflected in hard-hitting articles that help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out www.benariel.com
The Big Questions of Life November 17, 2008
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedDo we ever really consider the big questions of life? We are often very busy in our daily activities to earn a living and provide for ourselves. In carrying out all the mundane activities of life, we may wonder if there is something more to life. We may wonder if we are missing out on something deeper as we see all the stars in the night sky and realize how vast the universe is. We may sense that there is more to life than just earning a living.
We may wonder if God really exists and if the Bible is the Word of God. Is the Bible the proper foundation of all knowledge? Why did God create human beings and place them on earth? Does God have a plan for dealing with human beings? What is the purpose of human life? If God is all loving and all powerful, why does he allow human suffering?
With all the problems in the world and all the nuclear arsenals of several nations and more nations developing nuclear weapons, can mankind survive? Or will a nuclear war and all of its related effects such as famine and disease destroy all human life from the face of the earth?
Is Jesus Christ the son of God? Did he come down to the earth from heaven to bring good news? If so, what is the good news that he preached?
Does God want a relationship with human beings? If so, why does God seem to hide himself? Does he call some people now to have a special relationship with him? Is Christianity just another religion, or is it a way of life?
What is the purpose of the church? Is it just a place for social activities and to receive help with personal issues? Or has God given the church a special mission?
What is the Holy Spirit? How can God’s Holy Spirit empower us to overcome problems such as bad habits and addictions? Can it help us to lead a more rewarding and happy life?
Does God have special festivals that outline his plan for human beings in this life and beyond and to provide times for joyous celebrations? What happens us when we die? What happens to people who die who never heard of Jesus Christ?
The questions above are some of life’s biggest questions. The answers to these questions are in the Bible. The Bible Study Course at http://www.gnmagazine.org/litreq/index.htm brings the Bible to life. It shows how the Bible is relevant to our lives and helps us to understand the answers to the big questions of life. It is from the publisher of the Good News Magazine.
This 12-lesson Bible Study course is available in printed form free of charge and without any obligation. It is also available to be read online in either html or pdf at http://www.gnmagazine.org/bsc/
Alan D. Campbell lives in Brandon, Florida. For more good news, please see his blog The Good News of the Kingdom of God at http://goodnewsofthekingdomofgod.blogspot.com.
Rational Christian Answer To Ayn Rand November 15, 2008
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedAs a Christian I wish to respond to Ayn Rand’s non-theistic and self-centered philosophy and arguments against Christian altruism. I am quite familiar with Ayn Rand’s philosophy, and the fact is Ayn Rand would be totally correct if Darwinian macro-evolutionary theory were true. However, the actual and objective scientific evidence shows that there are natural limits to evolution in nature and that we are not here by chance or by macro-evolutionary processes. Please read my essay “The Natural Limits of Evolution” at my website. Therefore, there is a God to Whom Ayn Rand and all of us must give an account. God is not being egotistical. Truth demands that God be the Center of our lives.
Ayn Rand misunderstands the concept of Christian altruism and the proper context in which Christian altruism is to be applied. Christian altruism does not mean that we should give to others unconditionally in all circumstances because that would not be for the true benefit of others. Christian love seeks what is for the true benefit of others, not whatever they desire or want. For example, the Bible teaches that a person who is not willing to work should not eat. Therefore, feeding such a person is wrong since it would only be helping to increase the selfishness of such a person.
There is a difference between selfness and selfishness. The first involves proper Biblical love and care for oneself as God intends. The latter is based on ego and pride. Christianity is not against legitimate self-interest. We are created in God’s image so, of course, God would want us to love ourselves as well as to love others.
Ayn Rand rightly claims that “A” cannot be “non A” but she misapplies this principle in her critique of Christianity. For example, when Christ said that “the first shall be last and the last shall be first” there is no true contradiction (i.e. “A” being “non A”), as Ayn Rand claims, because the both cases in which the words “first” and “last” are used within the context of the passage have different applications and reasons for usage. Jesus was simply saying that in this world a person is considered “first” or “last” for different reasons than why a person is considered “first” or “last” in God’s kingdom. Again, there is no real contradiction (i.e. there is no “A” equated with “non A”).
According to Christian teaching, the individual (or self) is not an end in himself but rather is a means to an end – that end being to live for God and to please Him and to do His will. Part of living for God is to do good for ourselves as well as for others because we belong to God and are owned by Him.
Christianity is not against the enjoyment of material things; it is against the worship of material things. God alone is worthy of worship! The Bible does not teach that money itself is the root of all evil but rather the Bible teaches that it is “the love of money which is the root of all evil.”
God is glorified when His creatures enjoy the provisions, bounty, and wealth that He provides, but if it is God’s will and purpose in a particular case for an individual to give up all that he has and to give it to the poor then it is only right that the individual do so. After all, everything belongs to God, even the wealth a person gains in this life for nothing would be possible without God’s power and undeserving grace.
The above are just some of the Christian arguments refuting Ayn Rand’s philosophy.
The author, Babu G. Ranganathan, is an experienced Christian writer. He has his B.A. with academic concentrations in Bible and Biology. As a religion and science writer he has been recognized in the 24th edition of Marquis Who’s Who In The East. The author has a website at: http://www.religionscience.com
The Teller November 14, 2008
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedThe religious debates forth going illustrate our lack of knowing God. The story states it’s the lack of that knowledge of God why we perish. The story is presented to us through written print but all lack the perception of its account. Our vanity has endorsed self established views to the fact of the story. The story relates we can not hear or perceive this statement detailed in its account. We lack the insight to discover the ways of God. We perish as the original Adam did believing the lie of the existence rather then the truth. The story confirming these views by adam (earth placed man) lack the knowledge of God. There should be no doubt to the believer of this lack since the story states itself we fall short of God’s glory. Our vanity will not allow the view of something more then the thought we have about any issue. The story place adam a victim of circumstance. The story define an enslave condition on the life of adam. Adam did not have the ability to change the condition of their livelihood. The opinionated view on the story about God has not increase the awareness of Him but has become a pit trapping us. The game we play will never establish the glory God expect of us. It’s in the proper interpretation of the story about God we have enlightenment. We can not assemble together as one voice because of the deception. The Deceiver who snares us knows the one voice would be the word of God.
The account of the story states we can not perceive the statement: take it as fact. This fact states the truth we do not know about God. The thought of even God coming to question due to this lack define by the story account. The reasons why we can not perceive the story fact become the issue. The believer has one fact to the reality of God. Adam application of their fact into this message causes the doubt and non-perception of the stated details. The story states these facts with early man to its current. The problem is the denial of the story due to our lack of perception. That pride of heart about things without the facts. The story even coming to a conclusion with the spirit of truth bring all things to our remembrance. It’s the confrontation of this reality that we have to be told the fact to understand the story issue. We are the problem. The story assures the fullness of the message without confusion or doubt. They who believe must hold to the fact of the story account. The best that could be declared about our belief is the statement that there is a God. The thought is a possibility each should consider about the life.
We are the children of God. This fact about the story we should know. We are family. So with all these things known what is the problem? The problem is the story states a reality we can not disclose. We all pride ourselves in self acclaimed glory. The diversity of our family has its division even in a single household. The worshippers of the world cut of its division magnify the complexity. The story meaning not perceive has not formed into our hearts. God has a role in the story. Angel has their role in the story. So do adam in the account of the story. If we take the story for its face value, what makes our truth right beyond the stated ideals of others? We must expose this indifference to assure our way to that glory of God. In the sequence of events detailed in the story are we the cheerleaders on the sideline rather then the players on the field. The son who talks about what he can do in comparison to the son who did. We have a need to examine the ritual performances we illustrate to honor God. We need to define what is this act we do in the name of God? The story words states the lack of God knowledge? The story denies this act we do is the truth of God. First we have to find the path to the way to God.
The truth about the story of God has to start with its beginning. Adam states this beginning centered on the fact of the earth. The thought of this fact is mere vanity. The story relates the acts of angel. The story states God appointment of angels to watch over adam. The story states angel journey with adam throughout the account history. The story of God concludes with the punishment of angel and adam. We all have these facts stated about the story account. Even with these statements we fail to relate the whole thought conveyed about the account. In our definition we forget the host of angel there at this start of the earth. The beginning with angel starts this fact of the story. With this confrontation on this beginning is our lack of its stated fact. We can stay in the darkness of our self proclaimed awareness. Or we can perceive the fact we could not see about the story account. So I will lay the first brick to this foundation. I have a question pertained to the initial statements of the creation. The question is “who” is telling this account of the creation?
I through my own study understand the fact that Moses related these details of the creation story. Moses gave this statement by God or angel about the start of the world of adam. This is the first brick to the foundation of discerning the story account. The thought is the one who told Moses about the creation. We know there are two Lords in the story account. David made this fact clear. David who was a Lord spoke of his Lord that turn to another Lord. The story of Moses holds the fact of God on the mountain but also an angel in a flaming bush. The story states no man has ever seen God. The story states that no man has heard God voice either. The story states God in the Garden of Eden appointed one to be God. These facts ignite the flow and reality to be known of the story account. The beginning of adam creation starts before there was a garden or a earth. There at that moment was one God. God appointment of a fill in God to watch adam holds the journey from the garden to our current state. Jesus states God worked six days and on the seventh day he worked in His stead. Jesus relates Moses wrote of him. Jesus said he knew Abraham as well. The thought coming full circle to one told fact about the beginning. This beginning of adam starts in the world of angel.
Listening to fellow believers I have come to discern an indifference to the teller of the creation account. Most discern the initial statement as God proclaiming His act of the heaven and the earth creation. This is fine except the “and God said” mentioned in the story account. The “and God said” could be the thoughts of Moses to the blind. Or the “and God said” could be the conveyed fact given to Moses by the angel. The believer doesn’t have to get lost in the array of views. The sequence in the account suggests its fact account. The “let us make man” in the creation account reflects the world of angel. The world of angel was made before the world of adam. God made the world of angel as He had made the world of adam. Both angel and adam made in the likeness and image of God. The fact of adam not there in the state of the existence to relate these acts of creation about God is the truth. God was not alone and these acts of creation were in the state of angel domain. Religion concepts of this defined act start with God state in nothingness. The fact of angel relates this account start in the world of its host. My concern is the proper and improper illustrations of the creation acts by God. Adam concept of God is in a state of a dark void and angel state of Him in abundance.
Here is the first brick to the foundation. The act of this deception rooted in the host of angel prior to the creation of the earth. The logic of such a statement places a thought outside the known fit of our awareness. The ideals of a world not part of God immediate or the created state of the earth. The truth is the real value of anything we state to the story account. If the fact doesn’t relate the reality disclosed in the story account we need to remove the lie. God doesn’t take the lie as part of His worship.
May we all grow in the wisdom and prosperity of God will,
Alexander Coppedge
Tpac Manager
A self-motivated researcher of the testament of the Holy Scriptures. Have spent most of my life, some thirty years, exploring the statements of the account. This exploration of the Bible outside the guidance and practices of the religious community. To my surprise an overwhelming indifference between the religious community and my own interpretation of the scriptures account. I found great interest in the defined creation of the earth account. The expressed views of the religious community against my own interpreted account, I found interesting. It’s this desire which promotes this article to express to others a need to open debate about our views about God.
America – Is it in Bible prophecies and what can the USA expect at the second coming of Jesus Christ
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedThis is perhaps the most often asked question heard in connection with the second coming, at least for Americans. It a reasonable question for any North American to ask, but it is far from easy to answer. I would be remiss if I were to say that the Bible expressly names America in any passage from Genesis to Revelation. That some passages may refer to America is very possible but not provable and that is the very kind of conjecture I will not entertain.
Naturally all the events surrounding the second coming of Christ are global or universal in nature so they necessarily include the United States. That the antichrist rules America for the same short period he rules the rest of the world is covered in Revelation 13:7. How he gets this powerful and fiercely independent nation to cow to his will is probably the more interesting question to try to answer.
Some people believe that America will be forced to comply with antichrist after an invasion of our shores by a great Eurasian pact of nations. Mostly, the invasion idea stems from the vision of George Washington. In that vision it is said that Washington told this story to his aide who in turn told it to someone else just before he died at about the time of the civil war. Washington was told that three great calamities would befall the nation. Starting with the revolutionary war, following that the civil war and finally some future war where America would be invaded. My learned opinion of this vision is, “who knows?”
That America would require force to he pushed into the rule of the antichrist is easy to believe but the force in question could be of a different nature. The remaining two views of how the United States is forced into the final pact of nations are probably more tenable.
The antichrist does not act alone but he is aided by one the scripture refers to as the false prophet. Rev. 16:13. 19:20. 20:10 We know little about who this person is today, hut what is known about him is that he doesn’t come from the same region, country and perhaps even the same hemisphere as the antichrist. The antichrist rises up from out of the sea according to Rev. 13:1.
The false prophet rises up out of the land. Rev. 13:1 1-16. The antichrist rules from the revived Roman Empire or The European Union. Where the false prophet is stationed exactly is not known but some think it will be America. This of course is speculative, even though it is very possible. The false prophet will probably not be connected to any religion, but it is most likely he will be a political figure or a minister of science. What he is may he uncertain, but the influence he wields over the world is not. He is able to produce signs in the heavens and draw fire down from heaven at will. Whether he does this supernaturally through the aide of the devil or engages some star wars type pyrotechnical display is also not known.
What is known is that his antics are very successful in persuading the people on earth to give antichrist both credence and rule. Some biblical scholars have thought that he could come from America and while this is not known for sure, it gives rise to the idea that America will he assuaged to join with antichrist by his direct influence. But again, while it is very possible, it is still only conjectural at this time. A third and perhaps a far more likely scenario is that America will undergo a collapse of all of its markets and financial institutions. Following a collapse, a desperate nation may seek to join with antichrist’s emerging economic systems that will be so successful throughout much of the rest of the world at that time. Not long ago I asked some people the question, what do you think would be the most disastrous thing that could happen to America and what would change its nature significantly, an all out invasion of our shores or a complete and pervasive financial collapse? The majority answered that it obviously would be the collapse of our economy.
America is in the long stretch of the good times. We have many years between us and the dust bowl days and the stock market crash of twenty nine. World War Two is also far behind and the post war boom has become a post war glut. Any people that might decide to invade the shores of this powerful and fiercely proud nation would be in great peril. But take away what Americans really love, their affluence, money and material blessings and you could make them dance to just about any tune. This is the theorem that when applied to the question of how America joins the great evil new world order is the most believable, if not the most likely.
If the compunction to have more, drives a few to fraud, robbery and murder, then what will the lack of almost all consumer goods do to this nation? If history teaches us anything, the answer to this question is not a pretty one.
Rev Bresciani is the author of two popular Christian books, one on the second coming of Christ. He has hundreds of articles published both online and in print. Visit the website at www.americanprophet.com
WARNING ABOUT THE UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF SADAM HUSSEIN November 11, 2008
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedThis message below had appeared here in the month of july 2004 and was sent to the white house dated 31st July 2004 in respect of the above subject matter. the hurricane Katrina, is just the beginning of the spiritual nuclear warfare god is waging against the united states as was predicted in 2004 in the message below and many more are yet to unfold.
The only solution is to grant sadam husain an unconditional release to go back and rule the people of Iraq now with the fear of god as he did to the ancient king of Babylon in Daniel chapter 4. there is no amount of prayers and fasting that can avert the coming anger of god which has just descended onto the united states. to obey is better than sacrifices.
In the days of Abraham, god used unclear hydrogen bomb and overthrow sodom and Gomorrah with all the associated chemical elements that rained from the sun whose coals of fire became the chemical salt that rained during the rising of the sun from the east in the form of ultra-high radiation as king David explained in the book of psalms; psalm 11:6 (new international version) 6 on the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. in Deuteronomy Moses said, “the whole land completely a waste which no grass can sprout…..”(Deut. 29:23) just as the Hiroshima bomb did in Japan during theSecond World War. sun shall be the major weapon god is going to use to overthrow powerful nations as the book of revelation states, ” i saw an angel standing in the sun calling all the birds of the air for the great fest, to eat the flesh of the mighty warriors….” (rev. 19: 11-21). again the book of revelation says, “and the angel poured out his vial onto the sun so that men shall be scorched with heat of the sun…” now with the opening of the ozone layers, the sun which is god’s original nuclear reactor in space has the full capacity to produce deadly weapons in the form of various natural disasters to strike down power nations around the globe until no nation shall be boast of their nuclear might as was predicted in the books of the prophets (Micah 7:14, psalms 45); see massage below of 2004 ================================================================= ==== a renowned prophet with national and international fame whose predictions appearing in the national newspapers of Nigeria since 1986 till date, had received a warning message from god regarding the unconditional release of former Iraq leader, sadam Hussein who had been subdued and arrested by the U.S government under the president George bush administration. the prophet revealed that the cup of god’s anger will pour onto the united states in the near future and can only be averted upon the release of Sadam Hussein to go back and rule Iraq people now with the fear of god and that god had pardon him of all his sins he had committed since from the day he was born as he pardon the sins of the ancient king of Babylon who returned to his throne and ruled again as recorded in the prophetic book of Daniel chapter 4.
The man of god known as Prophet Goodnews Deinma Adolphus had been ordained by god to re-prophesy the ancient prophecies of the prophets as recorded in the end-time prophetic book of revelation chapter 10:11; who stated that Sadam Hussein is now the modern Babylonian king whom god had subdued through the united states and to rule again for the second time in the modern world. the prophet further disclosed that if the us government refused or ignored this divine order, then he god will take the united states into a nuclear warfare; that the us government should know that the ancient Babylon as been a world power far geater than the united states in which great signs and wonders were performed during the days of prophet Daniel and more are about to happen in this end time to prove to the whole world the he is the same god of yesterday, today and forever he had not changed.
The prophet revealed that for the first time in the spirit the prophecy of late Nutradamus of France was shown to him in respect of what the united state government will soon face far greater that what happen to the twin tower of the world trade centre of new youk city in September 11, 2001 which was part of Nutradamus prediction. the second part of Nustradamu prediction about the united states shall be fulfilled as implied if the us govement refuse to release Sadam to rule Iraq people for the second time then the us government shall begin to face god’s anger through nuclear warfare; god will prove his superiority to the us government as he did to the accident Egyptians during the time of Moses and shall release several spiritual missiles which shall strike the united states and shall affect other countries around the world; the missiles shall explode spiritually but will fulfill physically in the form of great earth quake and severe fire disaster that shall strike the united states; there shall be great flood that shall sweep the us to last for several days and will affect neighboring nations; there shall be great tornado storms, severe snow storms, no air plane shall fly in and out of the us throughout those days; there shall be cut off of power supply and shall live in total darkness ,epidemic shall breakout; there shall be violence of protest in several parts of the us and group of people shall fight for independent nations as splitting apart like the former soviet union; the economic power of the united states shall crumble overnight and many more.
Prophet Goodnews Deinma Adolphus being the General Overseer of the rock of Jesus ministries based in Port Harcourt, Nigeria as part of his anointing from god, had in the past given the revelation of the Chinese bush fire disaster as god anger on china who maltreated the black students accused of spreading the aid virus; the bush fire was caused by lightning and was accompanied by severe tornado which was spiritually a nuclear air blast that was sent to the far east as was shown to him in a vision long before it came to pass; china who could not quench the bush fire called the whole world to come to her aid; this happened in 1987.
Also gave the revelation about the freedom of the blacks in south Africa without the use of sophisticated weapons; as a result former prime minister of apartheid south Africa P. w. Potha who was forced to a sick bed and could not resume power until he unintentionally handed over to Dekerk his deputy the lord’s anointed who released Dr Nelson Mandela from prison and freed the blacks from the apartheid slavery. the prophetic advert about miraculous freedom of the blacks in South Africa was published in the national concord newspaper of 14 April and 2nd June 1986 page 7
In Nigeria the very prophet predicted the second enthroment of President 0basanjo from military Head of state to civilian president as reward from god almighty because of the great rule he played for the release of Dr Mandela from the prison and for the freedom of the oppressed blacks in south Africa.
The prediction of about president Obasenjo coming to rule Nigerian was published in the rivers state government of Nigeria owned new paper called ‘Nigerian Tide’ of 15 january 1995 page 7 when the late General Sani Abacha, late chief M. K.O Abiola were still alive and when the annulled June 12 election of 1993 is still pending and there was strong hope for Abiola to be decleared as the winner of the June 12 election by late General Sani Abacha but he general Sani Abacha was about to succed himself from military to civilian head of state before he died mysteriously.
However his prediction of Jan. 1995 states that General Obasanjo will handle the staff of chief M.K O Abiola to rule Nigeria for the second time instead. shortly after his prediction of jan,1995, in march 1995, President Obasanjo and others were arrested and detained and Obasanjo was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the late general Sani Abacha; however God revealed to the prophet that general obansanjo and others willl be released in the process of handing over to a democratic government and the prophet went and published the said message in the then ‘Sunray’ news paper of 30 December 1995 front page and the news was announced over the radio across the nation during press review.
Then in 1998 General sani abacha died and was succeeded by General Abusalami who freed general 0basanjo and others; and not quite too long Chief M.KO Abiola also died just few days to his release from the prison and general Obasanjo was chosen by the people democratic party of Nigeria to contest for the presidential election who is now the current president of the federal republic of Nigeria I the very prophet hereby advice the U.S government to obey the lord’s mandate of releasing Sadam Hussein to rule the people of Iraq; and should stop questioning him, putting him on trial and soon on; if God had pardoned him who else can point finger at him; you may be offending god instead as it is written ‘ touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm.
May god bless whosoever that read this message and admit it as truly god’ s divine oracle spoken through his humble vessel in the mighty name of Jesus amen.
PROPHET GOODNEWS D. ADOLPHUS GENERAL OVERSEER, ROCK OF JESUS PROPFHETIC MINISTRIES, NIGERIA PHONE: 2348034505063.
Call No Man Father
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedMatthew23:5-23:10
Call no man Father A look at deception and Consequences. The institution of the Christian religion was and is still based on the words of Jesus and the Holy Spirit directing men to put forth laws and statutes that are pleasing to the Father. Many have taken this law of Our Father in Heaven and made it to none effect upon this earth to millions.
Some times men will say, “Its all in the interpretation.” But where in the Bible is it stated that, the Scripture is only open to private interpretation? This is a deception and misleading statement. In Matthew 23:5 we see Jesus rebuking the leadership of the Church for Vanity, lets read; Matthew 23:5-10 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. The stability of the House of Israel was not upon the minds of the religious leadership at this time.
Leaders were trying, as is today, to enlarge their influence upon the congregations. Making laws and rules and changing the truth of the word of God into a lie. Not stopping for a moment to see the damage that they have done neither repenting of it. These men as some are today, cannot see clearly neither can they see any farther than their own ambition. Wanting to make a name for themselves in the annals of history, but what they fail to understand, history will neither remember them nor will any of the saints of God. Ask yourself a question, Why Did Jesus come to this earth?
What was so important that He gave up, Glory for abuse, a mansion for a rock, Golden Garments for Rags, Honor for Dishonor? John 8:45-49 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. How many have been put down because they have told the truth? Mankind has gotten to the point that they would rather believe a lie instead of believing the truth. Mans truth is short lived and it is cancerous and moth eaten.
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? Why wont they believe the truth, message after message from the Word of God and many still reject the truth. Man has stated;” We have developed a Road map to Peace in the Middle East.” The facts state; U.S. Consulate in Saudi Arabia hit
An attack on the U.S. consulate in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, left five non-American staff, four police and three extremists dead, U.S. and Saudi officials said after the three-hour long battle.
Suit against military policy on Gays, Gunfights rage in Baghdad streets. After escaping from the PA prison several months ago, Kamil returned to the Jenin region and significantly increased his involvement in Islamic Jihad activity. Kamil is responsible for both executing and directing explosive device attacks and shooting attacks against Israeli security forces operating in the Kabatya region. Kamil recruited a vast number of operatives to the Islamic Jihad infrastructure in the Jenin region.
Even after this man still calls others father. What have they done, have they delivered any from sin, have they saved a single soul, have they created anything from nothing, have they caused man to be at peace with each other, NO. They can do nothing. And what about them hearing the truth, Jesus said; He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. This was a harsh statement wasn’t it, but does this statement from Christ still hold true today? The answer is yes.
Everything Jesus said and did was from the True Father in Heaven and not a man made doctrine of human fatherhood. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? {This was an example of Blaspheme of the Holy Ghost}
Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
{Mat 23:12-13 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.}
[ABA'SED, pp. Reduced to a low state, humbled, degraded.]
Jesus in this verse declares the state of the Priest and others that dared to exalt themselves above the level of servant to the people. Jesus stated that, he came to serve and not to be served. These last few verses are the most ignored verses in Scripture, Lets read;
“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” Commandments from Jesus. Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. If this were not important to the association of man to God, Jesus would not have stated these commandments. Our relationship with The Father is based upon our acceptance of Him as, Father, Counselor, Teacher, King, Master, and Almighty God. But when we put man at the same level as God then there is a breakdown in our relationship with God.
“Howbeit in vain” ” But in vain’ they do worship me! Is your worship of God in vain, does he hear your prayers and petitions or does He turn His back to a adulterous and gainsaying person? Are you calling a man Holy Father, who can neither answer prayers nor forgive sin? {But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.} these men were destined for Hell, are you? Its time to think and search the scriptures, its time to hear the truth before its too late.
Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Sermons International
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/
C.A.P.A.I. – Christians Against Proselytizing Among Israel November 9, 2008
Posted in : Religion Center , comments closedC.A.P.A.I. is founded by Moshe-Mordechai van Zuiden, as reported by the Jerusalem-based Root and Branch Association, to whom I’ve responded:
Shalom Mr. Moshe-Mordechai van Zuiden,
I am opposed to anybody – Jew, Israelite or Gentile – becoming a convert to the counterfeit Christianity of “traditional Churchianity.” Such popular error misrepresents true Christianity with its Babylonian mystery religion dressed up in the drag of “Christianity.”
True Christianity, as taught by Herbert W. Armstrong, merely announces the soon coming Kingdom of God to be established by King Messiah, Yashua. We don’t seek converts or believe it’s our responsibility to “save” the world. If God wants to save the world, it will be saved. There’s no contest between God and the devil, contrary to traditional myths.
I encourage you to call upon Jews not to be hypocrites against “Christian” proselytzing while remaining in a self-imposed exile, far away from the Jewish homeland, and having the chutzpah to preach against Jesus in such professing countries, as I’ve seen on too many forums. Mind you, these forums I refer to were not legitimate Jewish responses to efforts to convert them.
Most sincerely,
David Ben-Ariel
Jews Should Follow Judaism to Israel!
Such a great influx of American Jews into Eretz Israel could help sweep away the suicidal peace process and restore Israel to its right mind!
A Jewish Homeland
Weren’t the Jews prophesied to return to Israel? Are the Jews ethnic Jews or merely converts? How should Israel treat their resident Arabs? Why does the world focus on Jerusalem?