What's up with Halloween?
Jim Liebelt
You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of the world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle, don’t eat, don’t touch.” Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person’s evil thoughts and desires (Colossians 2:20-23, NLT).
At HomeWord, we receive questions from time to time about Halloween. Should parents allow their kids to “celebrate” or not? To avoid “giving the devil his due,” so to speak, some Christians change the name of their festivities from a Halloween party to a “Harvest Party” (while pretty much everything looks exactly the same!). Churches throughout our country use Halloween as a means for outreach to the community. So what’s up with Halloween?
There is no doubt that Halloween's origins can be traced to pagan beliefs and rituals. Satanic groups have also attached meaning to Halloween, celebrating it as a special holiday. These origins and meanings can be researched pretty easily on the Internet. Christians of good conscience differ on their views of whether or not believers should have any participation in Halloween celebrations. Certainly, Christians should not participate in the "dark side" of Halloween – to in any way approve of the satanic, or the focus on paganism, evil, death, etc.
Yet, the reality of Halloween participation for many - believers and unbelievers alike - is that of exercising a bit of fantasy, dressing up in costumes and having fun trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. To many, this is what Halloween is about, without any connection to occult or pagan practices. I have a hard time saying that there is anything wrong with this.
Let me give an illustration: We know the source and heritage of Christmas. We also know that for many people, Christmas is a very non-religious holiday. People give Christmas their own meaning, regardless of its origins. We would never say that everyone who celebrates Christmas is a follower of Christ or honors God. Halloween, I believe, is similar. People give Halloween their own meaning, regardless of its origins. Consequently, just because people participate in Halloween does not necessarily mean they are promoting or encouraging occult or pagan practices and beliefs.
Whatever conviction you hold about participating in Halloween, live it out for God’s glory! In all these things, a person should follow his or her own convictions, while understanding that Christians may differ in their beliefs about this issue. So, if you run into those fellow believers who differ from your stance on Halloween, give them freedom to live out their own convictions. The Apostle Paul said it this way, “Who are you to condemn God’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lord’s power will help them do as they should” (Romans 14:4, NLT).
Going Deeper
Responding to today’s culture can lead to two extremes: either isolating oneself entirely from the culture or immersing oneself totally in the culture without using any discernment. How can either of these extremes be destructive to God’s work your life?
What do you believe about participating in Halloween and why?
Further Reading
Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8; 1 Corinthians 10:23-33; Colossians 2:6-23
Monday, October 19, 2009
Pastor Appreciation
At The Connection, we appreciate our Pastor and his wife very much. They are doing God's work in a wonderful and unique way. We wanted to post some scriptures that show our appreciation.
To all readers: Please make sure to let your Pastors know that they are appreciated. They probably already know but still like to hear it from you.
Passages that Encourage Us To Show Our Pastor Appreciation
This pastor appreciation scripture is taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. It calls upon us to give back to our pastors because of all they have given and done for us.
"And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love" (The Message).
This pastor appreciation Scripture is from 1 Timothy 5:17. It commands us to doubly honor those who minister to us.
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine".
This next pastor appreciation Scripture comes from 1 Corinthians 9:14. The context of this verse makes it plain that this verse refers to giving our pastors a fair salary.
“The Lord commanded that those who preach the good news should be supported by those who benefit from it.” (New Living Translation)
Passages that Tell Us Why We Should Show Our Pastor Appreciation
This pastor appreciation scripture is taken from Colossians 2:1-5. It really shows the heart of a pastor...what he thinks about us, what he wants for us, and what he works for on our behalf.
"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face. My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ." (New Living Translation)
Philippians 1:3-5, 7-11 is another pastor appreciation scripture passage that shows the heart of our pastors.
"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.
"It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and when I was out, defending the truth and telling others the Good News." (New Living Translation)
This pastor appreciation Scripture, from James 3:1, shows that our pastors willingly put themselves under a higher standard for our benefit.
"Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness." (New Living Translation)
This pastor appreciation Scripture is from 2 Peter 3:17. It shows that our pastors work diligently to watch over our souls.
"I am writing you ahead of time, dear friends, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people." (New Living Translation)
Passages that Tell Us How to Show Our Pastor Appreciation
This pastor appreciation scripture is taken from Colossians 4:2-4. One of the most important ways we can show our pastor appreciation is by praying for them.
"Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may make it known as I should." (New Living Translation)
Hebrews 13:18-19 also encourages us to pray for our pastors.
"Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. I especially need your prayers right now so that I can come back to you soon." (New Living Translation)
This next pastor appreciation Scripture is taken from Hebrews 13:7. We show our appreciation for our pastors when we follow their godly example.
"Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do." (New Living Translation)
The Apostle John wrote this pastor appreciation Scripture in 3 John 1:3-4. Our pastors feel appreciated when we faithfully live godly lives.
"Some of the brothers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living in the truth. I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children live in the truth." (New Living Translation)
Hebrews 13:17 tells us to show our pastor appreciation by submitting to his direction.
"Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit." (New Living Translation)
To all readers: Please make sure to let your Pastors know that they are appreciated. They probably already know but still like to hear it from you.
Passages that Encourage Us To Show Our Pastor Appreciation
This pastor appreciation scripture is taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. It calls upon us to give back to our pastors because of all they have given and done for us.
"And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love" (The Message).
This pastor appreciation Scripture is from 1 Timothy 5:17. It commands us to doubly honor those who minister to us.
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine".
This next pastor appreciation Scripture comes from 1 Corinthians 9:14. The context of this verse makes it plain that this verse refers to giving our pastors a fair salary.
“The Lord commanded that those who preach the good news should be supported by those who benefit from it.” (New Living Translation)
Passages that Tell Us Why We Should Show Our Pastor Appreciation
This pastor appreciation scripture is taken from Colossians 2:1-5. It really shows the heart of a pastor...what he thinks about us, what he wants for us, and what he works for on our behalf.
"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face. My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ." (New Living Translation)
Philippians 1:3-5, 7-11 is another pastor appreciation scripture passage that shows the heart of our pastors.
"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.
"It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and when I was out, defending the truth and telling others the Good News." (New Living Translation)
This pastor appreciation Scripture, from James 3:1, shows that our pastors willingly put themselves under a higher standard for our benefit.
"Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness." (New Living Translation)
This pastor appreciation Scripture is from 2 Peter 3:17. It shows that our pastors work diligently to watch over our souls.
"I am writing you ahead of time, dear friends, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people." (New Living Translation)
Passages that Tell Us How to Show Our Pastor Appreciation
This pastor appreciation scripture is taken from Colossians 4:2-4. One of the most important ways we can show our pastor appreciation is by praying for them.
"Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may make it known as I should." (New Living Translation)
Hebrews 13:18-19 also encourages us to pray for our pastors.
"Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. I especially need your prayers right now so that I can come back to you soon." (New Living Translation)
This next pastor appreciation Scripture is taken from Hebrews 13:7. We show our appreciation for our pastors when we follow their godly example.
"Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do." (New Living Translation)
The Apostle John wrote this pastor appreciation Scripture in 3 John 1:3-4. Our pastors feel appreciated when we faithfully live godly lives.
"Some of the brothers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living in the truth. I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children live in the truth." (New Living Translation)
Hebrews 13:17 tells us to show our pastor appreciation by submitting to his direction.
"Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit." (New Living Translation)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Did Peter make an Executive Decision to change formula for Baptism?
Did Peter make an Executive Decision to change the Formula for Baptism?
Was Peter there when Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 "Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
If so, why did he stand up and say in Acts, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Did he have a misunderstanding of what Jesus commanded him to do? The same Jesus who said "thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: And whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:18,19). The authority to bind and loose was inextricably joined with the possession of the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Those keys belonged to the kingdom and allowed entrance into it just as keys belong to a door and allow one to unlock it, thereby allowing entrance into the particular locale. The words translated "bind" and "loose" are from the Greek deo and lyo, which are themselves translations of the Aramaic asar and sera. This was the Jewish formula for excommunication and reinstatement. With this historical meaning in mind, then, Peter was given the authority to bar entrance into, or allow entrance into the kingdom.
Did all of this power go to Peter's head and he decided to change what Jesus told him to do?
Were the other disciples unclear as well? Why did they not stand up to Peter that day and correct him?
Phillip was actively concerned with the Samaritans and evidently was the first to proclaim the Good News to them: “But when they believed Phillip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12.
Read throughout the book of Acts how they were baptized: Acts 2:37-41; Peter and John in Acts 8:5-17
16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.;
Paul was baptized by Ananius in Acts 9:1-18; would he have changed the way he was baptized when he arrived at Ephesus in Acts 19? Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The same Name Paul cast out devils in.
I'm thinking the executive decision was made later on.
Encyclopedia Britannia 11th edition vol.3, pg.365-366- you will find this statement: "The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son, Holy Ghost by the Catholic church in the 2nd. century.
Encyclopedia Britannia, vol.3 pg.82- "Everywhere in the oldest sources it states that baptism took place in the name of Jesus Christ."
The Canney Encyclopedia of Religion, pg.53 states,
"The early church always baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus until the developement of the trinity doctrine in the 2nd century."
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, vol 2 pg.377,-- Catholics acknowledge that baptism in Jesus' name was changed by the Catholic church.
Hastings Encyclopedia of Religions, vol 2 pg.377 states---
Christian baptism was administered using the words "In the name of Jesus"(from the same source pg.378),The use of the trinitarian formula of any sort was not suggested in the early Church's history."(from the same volume,pg.389)-note that, baptism was always in the name of Jesus Christ until the time of Justin Martr, when the triune formula was used.
Under “Baptismal Formula,” the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1911 edition, states:
“The trinitarian formula and trine immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning, nor did they always go together. The Teaching of the Apostles, indeed, prescribes baptism in the name of Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but on the next page speaks of those who have been baptized into the name of Jesus -- the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century baptism in the name of [Messiah] was so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid.
When we look at commentary:
The Jerusalem Bible, a scholarly, well-respected Catholic work, admits: “It may be that this formula, so far as the fullness of its expression is concerned, is a reflection of the liturgical usage established later in the primitive community. It will be remembered that Acts speaks of baptizing ‘in the name of Jesus,’ cf. Acts 1:5.”
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. 4, p. 2637, under “Baptism,” says, “Matthew 28:19 in particular only canonizes a later ecclesiastical situation, that its universalism is contrary to the facts of early Christian history, and its Trinitarian formula “foreign to the mouth of Jesus.”
New Revised Standard Version notes on Matthew 28:19: “Modern critics claim this formula is falsely ascribed to Jesus and that it represents later church tradition, for nowhere in the book of Acts is baptism performed with the name of the Trinity...”
No Other Name
Acts 410 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Executive Decisions
Acts 4: 1 The priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
These all made an executive decision; v16 We cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straightly threaten them, that they speak from now on to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Act 5:27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straightly command you that you should not teach in this name? and, behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood on us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Wow, the Name and the Blood are tied together. No wonder it brought on an Executive Decision.
What decision will you make?
Was Peter there when Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 "Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
If so, why did he stand up and say in Acts, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Did he have a misunderstanding of what Jesus commanded him to do? The same Jesus who said "thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: And whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:18,19). The authority to bind and loose was inextricably joined with the possession of the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Those keys belonged to the kingdom and allowed entrance into it just as keys belong to a door and allow one to unlock it, thereby allowing entrance into the particular locale. The words translated "bind" and "loose" are from the Greek deo and lyo, which are themselves translations of the Aramaic asar and sera. This was the Jewish formula for excommunication and reinstatement. With this historical meaning in mind, then, Peter was given the authority to bar entrance into, or allow entrance into the kingdom.
Did all of this power go to Peter's head and he decided to change what Jesus told him to do?
Were the other disciples unclear as well? Why did they not stand up to Peter that day and correct him?
Phillip was actively concerned with the Samaritans and evidently was the first to proclaim the Good News to them: “But when they believed Phillip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12.
Read throughout the book of Acts how they were baptized: Acts 2:37-41; Peter and John in Acts 8:5-17
16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.;
Paul was baptized by Ananius in Acts 9:1-18; would he have changed the way he was baptized when he arrived at Ephesus in Acts 19? Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The same Name Paul cast out devils in.
I'm thinking the executive decision was made later on.
Encyclopedia Britannia 11th edition vol.3, pg.365-366- you will find this statement: "The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son, Holy Ghost by the Catholic church in the 2nd. century.
Encyclopedia Britannia, vol.3 pg.82- "Everywhere in the oldest sources it states that baptism took place in the name of Jesus Christ."
The Canney Encyclopedia of Religion, pg.53 states,
"The early church always baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus until the developement of the trinity doctrine in the 2nd century."
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, vol 2 pg.377,-- Catholics acknowledge that baptism in Jesus' name was changed by the Catholic church.
Hastings Encyclopedia of Religions, vol 2 pg.377 states---
Christian baptism was administered using the words "In the name of Jesus"(from the same source pg.378),The use of the trinitarian formula of any sort was not suggested in the early Church's history."(from the same volume,pg.389)-note that, baptism was always in the name of Jesus Christ until the time of Justin Martr, when the triune formula was used.
Under “Baptismal Formula,” the Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1911 edition, states:
“The trinitarian formula and trine immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning, nor did they always go together. The Teaching of the Apostles, indeed, prescribes baptism in the name of Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but on the next page speaks of those who have been baptized into the name of Jesus -- the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century baptism in the name of [Messiah] was so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid.
When we look at commentary:
The Jerusalem Bible, a scholarly, well-respected Catholic work, admits: “It may be that this formula, so far as the fullness of its expression is concerned, is a reflection of the liturgical usage established later in the primitive community. It will be remembered that Acts speaks of baptizing ‘in the name of Jesus,’ cf. Acts 1:5.”
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. 4, p. 2637, under “Baptism,” says, “Matthew 28:19 in particular only canonizes a later ecclesiastical situation, that its universalism is contrary to the facts of early Christian history, and its Trinitarian formula “foreign to the mouth of Jesus.”
New Revised Standard Version notes on Matthew 28:19: “Modern critics claim this formula is falsely ascribed to Jesus and that it represents later church tradition, for nowhere in the book of Acts is baptism performed with the name of the Trinity...”
No Other Name
Acts 410 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Executive Decisions
Acts 4: 1 The priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
These all made an executive decision; v16 We cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straightly threaten them, that they speak from now on to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Act 5:27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straightly command you that you should not teach in this name? and, behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood on us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Wow, the Name and the Blood are tied together. No wonder it brought on an Executive Decision.
What decision will you make?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
FOUNDING FATHERS QUOTES
The First Charter of Virginia (granted by King James I, on April 10, 1606)
• We, greatly commending, and graciously accepting of, their Desires for the Furtherance of so noble a Work, which may, by the Providence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the Glory of his Divine Majesty, in propagating of Christian Religion to such People, as yet live in Darkness and miserable Ignorance of the true Knowledge and Worship of God…
Instructions for the Virginia Colony (1606)
“The great hope, and for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world"
The Mayflower Compact (authored by William Bradford) 1620
John Adams and John Hancock:
We Recognize No Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus! [April 18, 1775]
John Adams:
“ The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity… I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”
• “[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”
–John Adams in a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798 -John Adams
"Without Religion this World would be Something not fit to be mentioned in polite Company, I mean Hell." [John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, April 19, 1817]
“ He who made all men hath made the truths necessary to human happiness obvious to all… Our forefathers opened the Bible to all.” [ "American Independence," August 1, 1776. Samuel Adams Speech delivered at the State House in Philadelphia]
John Quincy Adams:
• “Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?" “Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity"?
--1837, at the age of 69, when he delivered a Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts.
“The Law given from Sinai [The Ten Commandments] was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.”
John Quincy Adams. Letters to his sons
Benjamin Franklin: |
“ God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel” –Constitutional Convention of 1787 | original manuscript of this speech
In Benjamin Franklin's 1749 plan of education for public schools in Pennsylvania, he insisted that schools teach "the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern."
"For my own part, I sincerely esteem it [the Constitution] a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests." [Alexander Hamilton- 1787 after the Constitutional Convention]
John Hancock:
• “In circumstances as dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments, …at the same time all confidence must be withheld from the means we use; and reposed only on that God rules in the armies of Heaven, and without His whole blessing, the best human counsels are but foolishness… Resolved; …Thursday the 11th of May…to humble themselves before God under the heavy judgments felt and feared, to confess the sins that have deserved them, to implore the Forgiveness of all our transgressions, and a spirit of repentance and reformation …and a Blessing on the … Union of the American Colonies in Defense of their Rights [for which hitherto we desire to thank Almighty God]…
Patrick Henry:
"Orator of the Revolution."
• This is all the inheritance I can give my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.”
—The Last Will and Testament of Patrick Henry
“It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” [May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses]
Thomas Jefferson:
“ The doctrines of Jesus are simple, and tend to all the happiness of man.”
“Of all the systems of morality, ancient or modern which have come under my observation, none appears to me so pure as that of Jesus.”
"I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus."
James Madison
“ We’ve staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all of our heart.”
“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We’ve staked the future of all our political institutions upon our capacity…to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.” [1778 to the General Assembly of the State of Virginia]
At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, James Madison proposed the plan to divide the central government into three branches. He discovered this model of government from the Perfect Governor, as he read Isaiah 33:22;
“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver,
the LORD is our king;
He will save us.”
Thomas Paine:
“ It has been the error of the schools to teach astronomy, and all the other sciences, and subjects of natural philosophy, as accomplishments only; whereas they should be taught theologically, or with reference to the Being who is the author of them: for all the principles of science are of divine origin. Man cannot make, or invent, or contrive principles: he can only discover them; and he ought to look through the discovery to the Author.”
“Education is useless without the Bible” Noah Webster
George Washington:
Farewell Address: The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion" ...and later: "...reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle..."
“ It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible.”
“What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ.” [speech to the Delaware Indian Chiefs May 12, 1779]
• We, greatly commending, and graciously accepting of, their Desires for the Furtherance of so noble a Work, which may, by the Providence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the Glory of his Divine Majesty, in propagating of Christian Religion to such People, as yet live in Darkness and miserable Ignorance of the true Knowledge and Worship of God…
Instructions for the Virginia Colony (1606)
“The great hope, and for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world"
The Mayflower Compact (authored by William Bradford) 1620
John Adams and John Hancock:
We Recognize No Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus! [April 18, 1775]
John Adams:
“ The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity… I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”
• “[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”
–John Adams in a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798 -John Adams
"Without Religion this World would be Something not fit to be mentioned in polite Company, I mean Hell." [John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, April 19, 1817]
“ He who made all men hath made the truths necessary to human happiness obvious to all… Our forefathers opened the Bible to all.” [ "American Independence," August 1, 1776. Samuel Adams Speech delivered at the State House in Philadelphia]
John Quincy Adams:
• “Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?" “Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity"?
--1837, at the age of 69, when he delivered a Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts.
“The Law given from Sinai [The Ten Commandments] was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.”
John Quincy Adams. Letters to his sons
Benjamin Franklin: |
“ God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel” –Constitutional Convention of 1787 | original manuscript of this speech
In Benjamin Franklin's 1749 plan of education for public schools in Pennsylvania, he insisted that schools teach "the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern."
"For my own part, I sincerely esteem it [the Constitution] a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests." [Alexander Hamilton- 1787 after the Constitutional Convention]
John Hancock:
• “In circumstances as dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments, …at the same time all confidence must be withheld from the means we use; and reposed only on that God rules in the armies of Heaven, and without His whole blessing, the best human counsels are but foolishness… Resolved; …Thursday the 11th of May…to humble themselves before God under the heavy judgments felt and feared, to confess the sins that have deserved them, to implore the Forgiveness of all our transgressions, and a spirit of repentance and reformation …and a Blessing on the … Union of the American Colonies in Defense of their Rights [for which hitherto we desire to thank Almighty God]…
Patrick Henry:
"Orator of the Revolution."
• This is all the inheritance I can give my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.”
—The Last Will and Testament of Patrick Henry
“It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” [May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses]
Thomas Jefferson:
“ The doctrines of Jesus are simple, and tend to all the happiness of man.”
“Of all the systems of morality, ancient or modern which have come under my observation, none appears to me so pure as that of Jesus.”
"I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus."
James Madison
“ We’ve staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all of our heart.”
“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We’ve staked the future of all our political institutions upon our capacity…to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.” [1778 to the General Assembly of the State of Virginia]
At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, James Madison proposed the plan to divide the central government into three branches. He discovered this model of government from the Perfect Governor, as he read Isaiah 33:22;
“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver,
the LORD is our king;
He will save us.”
Thomas Paine:
“ It has been the error of the schools to teach astronomy, and all the other sciences, and subjects of natural philosophy, as accomplishments only; whereas they should be taught theologically, or with reference to the Being who is the author of them: for all the principles of science are of divine origin. Man cannot make, or invent, or contrive principles: he can only discover them; and he ought to look through the discovery to the Author.”
“Education is useless without the Bible” Noah Webster
George Washington:
Farewell Address: The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion" ...and later: "...reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle..."
“ It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible.”
“What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ.” [speech to the Delaware Indian Chiefs May 12, 1779]
Monday, March 23, 2009
Anger Issues
There are some things I think we – the body of Christ – should be angry about. In the mix of Christian circles, they call this anger ‘righteous anger.’ Righteous anger basically can be defined as “Getting angry at things God would be angry with.” In conclusion then, I have put together a list of things we – the body of Christ – should be angry about.
1. In the country of Moldova – where at least 80% live below the poverty line – more women are led into sex trafficking than any other country in the world.
2. 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
3. Only 6% of rapists will ever spend a day in jail.
4. It costs – on average $50,000 to keep one person in jail for one year. That is more money than a student will pay to go to schools like” Georgetown University, John Hopkins University, Carnegie Mellon, Bates College, or even Boston College. In fact, there are only three schools in the United States that cost more than $50,000 a year: Sarah Lawrence College ($53,166); George Washington University ($50,312) and New York University ($50, 182).
5. Thus far, The United States has spent over 607 Billion for the war in Iraq. None of this money has been shown to help rebuild or restructure the Iraqi people. This also does not include the $75.5 billion for FY2009 war funding.
6. According to UNICEF, 25,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world.
7. The poorest 40 percent of the world’s population accounts for 5 percent of global income. The richest 20 percent accounts for three-quarters of the world income.
8. Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.
9. Almost two in three people lacking access to clean water survive on less than $2 a day, and more than 385 million on less than $1 a day.
10. For the 1.9 billion children from the developing world, there are: 640 million without adequate shelter (1 in 3), 400 million with no access to safe water (1 in 5) and 270 million with no access to health services (1 in 7).
11. 15 million children are orphaned due to HIV/AIDS (about the total amount of children in Germany or the UK).
I don’t want to end this post on a sad note. All I am trying to say is that there are reasons we should be angry as believers – as people in general. Did you know that if those who said they were Christians tithed to their churches, there would be $168 billion dollars given? To take care of all the world’s basic needs (food, clean water, clothing, health, etc.) cost $89 billion. That means the churches in the US alone could take care of all the world’s issues each year and still have almost half of what was tithed to share the Gospel. That is a dream to me. I don’t know if it could ever happen – Jesus said we would always have the poor among us. Yet, if we would give sacrificially like we really could and should, maybe Jesus’ statement would be challenged.
1. In the country of Moldova – where at least 80% live below the poverty line – more women are led into sex trafficking than any other country in the world.
2. 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
3. Only 6% of rapists will ever spend a day in jail.
4. It costs – on average $50,000 to keep one person in jail for one year. That is more money than a student will pay to go to schools like” Georgetown University, John Hopkins University, Carnegie Mellon, Bates College, or even Boston College. In fact, there are only three schools in the United States that cost more than $50,000 a year: Sarah Lawrence College ($53,166); George Washington University ($50,312) and New York University ($50, 182).
5. Thus far, The United States has spent over 607 Billion for the war in Iraq. None of this money has been shown to help rebuild or restructure the Iraqi people. This also does not include the $75.5 billion for FY2009 war funding.
6. According to UNICEF, 25,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world.
7. The poorest 40 percent of the world’s population accounts for 5 percent of global income. The richest 20 percent accounts for three-quarters of the world income.
8. Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.
9. Almost two in three people lacking access to clean water survive on less than $2 a day, and more than 385 million on less than $1 a day.
10. For the 1.9 billion children from the developing world, there are: 640 million without adequate shelter (1 in 3), 400 million with no access to safe water (1 in 5) and 270 million with no access to health services (1 in 7).
11. 15 million children are orphaned due to HIV/AIDS (about the total amount of children in Germany or the UK).
I don’t want to end this post on a sad note. All I am trying to say is that there are reasons we should be angry as believers – as people in general. Did you know that if those who said they were Christians tithed to their churches, there would be $168 billion dollars given? To take care of all the world’s basic needs (food, clean water, clothing, health, etc.) cost $89 billion. That means the churches in the US alone could take care of all the world’s issues each year and still have almost half of what was tithed to share the Gospel. That is a dream to me. I don’t know if it could ever happen – Jesus said we would always have the poor among us. Yet, if we would give sacrificially like we really could and should, maybe Jesus’ statement would be challenged.
Friday, March 20, 2009
I Would Die For You
I Would Die For You
And I know that I can find You here
'Cause You promised me You'll always be there
Times like these, it's hard to see
But somehow I have a peace, You're near
And I pray that You will use my life
In whatever way Your name is glorified
Even if surrendering
Means leaving everything behind
My life has never been this clear
Now I know the reason why I'm here
You never know why You're alive
Until you know what you would die for
I would die for You
And I know I don't have much to give
But I promise You I will give You all there is
Can I possibly do less
When through Your own death I live?
No greater love is found
Than of those who lay their own lives down
As sure as I live and breathe
Now I know what it means to be free
MERCY ME
And I know that I can find You here
'Cause You promised me You'll always be there
Times like these, it's hard to see
But somehow I have a peace, You're near
And I pray that You will use my life
In whatever way Your name is glorified
Even if surrendering
Means leaving everything behind
My life has never been this clear
Now I know the reason why I'm here
You never know why You're alive
Until you know what you would die for
I would die for You
And I know I don't have much to give
But I promise You I will give You all there is
Can I possibly do less
When through Your own death I live?
No greater love is found
Than of those who lay their own lives down
As sure as I live and breathe
Now I know what it means to be free
MERCY ME
Friday, March 6, 2009
*Simple Harmonic Motion - SHM*
I believe that God is strategically setting us up to reach our city…to promote The Gospel to eastern Jefferson County in a creative, compelling, inspirational way. He has given Connection Worship Center a unique distinctive format…a unique and distinctive message! I am possessed with this vision. As long as there are people who don’t know Jesus, we must be the CONNECTION.
I want to thank the AfterShock Youth for the amazing Youth Service Wednesday Night. The building was packed on a Wed night. You guys and girls are getting it done!
I read this the other day (don't ask why God puts stuff in my head)
*Simple Harmonic Motion - SHM*
Now, in SHM, the total energy of the system is considered to be constant, with NO energy loss. The system oscillates between HIGH potential energy at the extreme ends and HIGH kinetic energy at the midpoint. Therefore, at the midpoint, the potential energy is zero and at the extreme ends of the motion the kinetic energy is zero. By knowing this, we can say POTENTIAL ENERGY at the extreme ends is transferred to KINETIC ENERGY at the midpoint. Kinetic energy is energy of motion. The kinetic energy of an object is the energy it possesses because of its motion.
This Church has a lot of POTENTIAL ENERGY but God is wanting to turn it into KENETIC ENERGY. We are connected to him like a ball on a spring. He is the constant, we are stretching and when we finally let go, we will be the ones who change our world. Jesus didn't need a lot of people, he just needed people who were willing to change what they had always done and focus their energy on Him and what he was trying to do.
These next few months are going to be incredible. I can hardly contain the ideas that God is giving us and trying to put them into action. God is wanting to do so many things but it is taking us some time to change our methods and routines in order to get into the groove of what He is trying to do. His message is still the same about needed laborers for the harvest. There are so many things that God is wanting to do through us as long as we make ourselves available to him and not to just ourselves. I have had years of training by routines, but God is trying to reshape and mold, and the flesh doesn't like it. I'm comfortable in my routines. Change is difficult.
Hey…If you believe in what we’re doing here at the Connection Worship Center…tell somebody. Start an energy buzz.
I want to thank the AfterShock Youth for the amazing Youth Service Wednesday Night. The building was packed on a Wed night. You guys and girls are getting it done!
I read this the other day (don't ask why God puts stuff in my head)
*Simple Harmonic Motion - SHM*
Now, in SHM, the total energy of the system is considered to be constant, with NO energy loss. The system oscillates between HIGH potential energy at the extreme ends and HIGH kinetic energy at the midpoint. Therefore, at the midpoint, the potential energy is zero and at the extreme ends of the motion the kinetic energy is zero. By knowing this, we can say POTENTIAL ENERGY at the extreme ends is transferred to KINETIC ENERGY at the midpoint. Kinetic energy is energy of motion. The kinetic energy of an object is the energy it possesses because of its motion.
This Church has a lot of POTENTIAL ENERGY but God is wanting to turn it into KENETIC ENERGY. We are connected to him like a ball on a spring. He is the constant, we are stretching and when we finally let go, we will be the ones who change our world. Jesus didn't need a lot of people, he just needed people who were willing to change what they had always done and focus their energy on Him and what he was trying to do.
These next few months are going to be incredible. I can hardly contain the ideas that God is giving us and trying to put them into action. God is wanting to do so many things but it is taking us some time to change our methods and routines in order to get into the groove of what He is trying to do. His message is still the same about needed laborers for the harvest. There are so many things that God is wanting to do through us as long as we make ourselves available to him and not to just ourselves. I have had years of training by routines, but God is trying to reshape and mold, and the flesh doesn't like it. I'm comfortable in my routines. Change is difficult.
Hey…If you believe in what we’re doing here at the Connection Worship Center…tell somebody. Start an energy buzz.
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