Showing posts with label Evangelism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Evangelism. Show all posts
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Sunday, August 3, 2014
NBA Star Jeremy Lin Eager to Walk Out His Christian Faith in Los Angeles by MARK ANDREWS
Pro basketball star Jeremy Lin first captured the nation's attention with sensational play in early 2012 that earned the undrafted player out of Harvard a spot in the starting lineup of the New York Knicks.
Recently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Lin, 26, wasted no time putting his Christian faith into action with an appearance last Friday morning at a skid-row mission to hand out gift bags to the needy.
But not everyone at skid row's Midnight Mission recognized the Lakers' newest star.
"Which one's the basketball player?" one woman asked, gesturing to Lin and the two shorter, older men standing beside him. A dozen more skid-row residents filed by without so much as a backward glance, according to a report in the LA Times.
Lin officially joined the Lakers last Thursday after a trade with the Houston Rockets. Sports pundits say Lin, who was born in nearby Torrance, California, will help the Lakers tap the city's huge Asian demographic—the largest in the nation, the Times reported. Lin also brings his well-known willingness to live out his Christian faith to his new city and team.
The Lakers organization partnered with the Midnight Mission to hand out 1,000 gift bags containing soap, razors, toothpaste, deodorant and hand wipes as part of their charitable-giving efforts. The Midnight Mission often enlists athletes, celebrities and companies to help hand out food at lunchtime on skid row, but Thursday marked the first time that the Lakers had gotten involved, according to the Times report.
Lakers guard Nick Young and shooting guard Xavier Henry also appeared at the event Friday, though they left before lunch—a tray of baked beans, salad, meat stew over rice and a Greek yogurt that everyone kept trying to trade. Leftovers were put in plastic bags to eat on the go.
Lin had just returned from a trip to Taiwan, where his movements are heralded by front-page headlines, and he is mobbed most places he goes.
"Nah, this is how it always is in America," Lin said when asked if he was bothered by the lack of attention he received at the event.
Lin said he had never been to skid row before. He was "keeping his eyes open" for new directions for his Christian-based charity, the Jeremy Lin Foundation, Lin told the newspaper.
Another version of this story appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Why Relational Discipleship Has Become My Priority
by J. Lee Grady
I’d rather invest in a few emerging leaders than preach to crowds of thousands. Here’s why.
Once when I was traveling in India a pastor made a tempting proposal. “If you come to our city, we will stage a big evangelistic campaign and invite thousands,” he said. “You can preach to all of them.” This man assumed I would be intrigued. After all, I could take photos of the big crowds and use them to brag later about how many people made decisions for Christ.
I didn’t accept the offer. Instead I gave the man a second option. “Let me spend three days with a small group of pastors,” I said. “Let me encourage them, and then they can go out and preach at the big meetings. They will do a much better job than I could.”
“Jesus did not mass-produce legions of followers. He hand-carved a few—and they became the pillars of the early church.”
I’m not against mass evangelism. I’m not criticizing people who organize big meetings. But I’m learning that the best way to impact a large number of people is to focus on a few.
This was Jesus’ method of ministry. Most of his conversations in the Gospels were with His small group of handpicked disciples. Even when He did mass meetings, He used them to instruct the people He was mentoring. For 3.5 years He invested in His closest followers in a deeply personal way—not as an instructor but as a friend. Jesus did not mass-produce legions of followers. He hand-carved a few—and they became the pillars of the early church.
Jesus calls us to do ministry His way—by making disciples. Yet in today’s performance-based culture, we think bigger is better. We put all our money and time into splashy events while ignoring relationships. We want the sensational, not the simple. We crave big meetings, bigger platforms, noisy sermons, hyped-up altar calls and instant results. It may look spectacular on opening night, but the show fades fast.
This shallowness is killing us. Christianity in so many parts of the world is a mile wide and an inch deep because we think faith is best transmitted to people by preachers standing behind pulpits. Preaching is certainly important, but without personal discipleship leaders aren't formed and Christians don’t develop true character. If this vital relational aspect is overlooked, our faith becomes programmed, superficial and horribly fake.
I’ve changed my priorities as I have grasped this truth. I’m not as interested in flashy conferences or huge crowds as I am in making an indelible mark on people who can then disciple others. And as the Lord has shifted my paradigm, I have become more intentional about making discipleship a part of my daily life. I’ve done this by following what I call the Five “I’s” of Discipleship:
1. Identify. Jesus prayed carefully before selecting those who would travel with Him. Paul selected people like Timothy, Silas, Aquilla and Priscilla to be his ministry companions. Who are you called to disciple? God connects people in discipleship relationships.
2. Invest. Don’t look at discipleship as a program. It must flow out of love and genuine friendship. It is a precious investment of your time into a younger Christian. Paul told the Thessalonians: “We were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thess. 2:8, NASB).
3. Include. One of the ways I disciple young men is by taking them with me on ministry trips. I would have fewer hassles if I traveled alone, but my privacy is not that precious. In the last couple of years I’ve invited emerging leaders such as Jason, Steven, Vitaly, Khuram, Donnie, Felipe, Lyndle and Ryan to accompany me to various events. Investing in a disciple, to me, has become more exciting than preaching to a multitude!
4. Instruct. Jesus didn't lecture his disciples; He artfully wove His teaching into the events of daily life—a storm, the death of a friend or an encounter with a needy beggar. His teaching flowed out of His relationship with His companions. Discipleship does not have to happen in a classroom setting. It can happen at a doughnut shop, during a bike ride or in a car. Expect “teaching moments” to flow naturally when you are spending time with those you are mentoring.
5. Intercede. Paul told Timothy that he constantly remembered him in his prayers “night and day” (2 Tim. 1:3). The most effective discipleship occurs when the discipler invests time in prayer for those he or she is mentoring. After some of my young disciples gave me an iPad last year, I decided to return the favor by using it to help me pray for them. I now have a “visual prayer list” with photos of the people I intercede for regularly.
Floyd McClung, a former leader of Youth With a Mission who now lives in South Africa, says he wishes he had spent more of his time making disciples when he was younger. He recently wrote: “I've been blessed to do many things: books, conferences, television, etc. But that’s nothing compared to pouring into others and seeing them go for it.”
Leaders all around the world are coming to this same conclusion. They recognize that today’s fatherless generation is looking for more than the hottest music, the coolest stage lighting or the hippest techno-pastor. They just want authentic role models who will spend time with them.
J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma and the director of The Mordecai Project. He is ministering in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this week. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady.
I’d rather invest in a few emerging leaders than preach to crowds of thousands. Here’s why.
Once when I was traveling in India a pastor made a tempting proposal. “If you come to our city, we will stage a big evangelistic campaign and invite thousands,” he said. “You can preach to all of them.” This man assumed I would be intrigued. After all, I could take photos of the big crowds and use them to brag later about how many people made decisions for Christ.
I didn’t accept the offer. Instead I gave the man a second option. “Let me spend three days with a small group of pastors,” I said. “Let me encourage them, and then they can go out and preach at the big meetings. They will do a much better job than I could.”
“Jesus did not mass-produce legions of followers. He hand-carved a few—and they became the pillars of the early church.”
I’m not against mass evangelism. I’m not criticizing people who organize big meetings. But I’m learning that the best way to impact a large number of people is to focus on a few.
This was Jesus’ method of ministry. Most of his conversations in the Gospels were with His small group of handpicked disciples. Even when He did mass meetings, He used them to instruct the people He was mentoring. For 3.5 years He invested in His closest followers in a deeply personal way—not as an instructor but as a friend. Jesus did not mass-produce legions of followers. He hand-carved a few—and they became the pillars of the early church.
Jesus calls us to do ministry His way—by making disciples. Yet in today’s performance-based culture, we think bigger is better. We put all our money and time into splashy events while ignoring relationships. We want the sensational, not the simple. We crave big meetings, bigger platforms, noisy sermons, hyped-up altar calls and instant results. It may look spectacular on opening night, but the show fades fast.
This shallowness is killing us. Christianity in so many parts of the world is a mile wide and an inch deep because we think faith is best transmitted to people by preachers standing behind pulpits. Preaching is certainly important, but without personal discipleship leaders aren't formed and Christians don’t develop true character. If this vital relational aspect is overlooked, our faith becomes programmed, superficial and horribly fake.
I’ve changed my priorities as I have grasped this truth. I’m not as interested in flashy conferences or huge crowds as I am in making an indelible mark on people who can then disciple others. And as the Lord has shifted my paradigm, I have become more intentional about making discipleship a part of my daily life. I’ve done this by following what I call the Five “I’s” of Discipleship:
1. Identify. Jesus prayed carefully before selecting those who would travel with Him. Paul selected people like Timothy, Silas, Aquilla and Priscilla to be his ministry companions. Who are you called to disciple? God connects people in discipleship relationships.
2. Invest. Don’t look at discipleship as a program. It must flow out of love and genuine friendship. It is a precious investment of your time into a younger Christian. Paul told the Thessalonians: “We were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thess. 2:8, NASB).
3. Include. One of the ways I disciple young men is by taking them with me on ministry trips. I would have fewer hassles if I traveled alone, but my privacy is not that precious. In the last couple of years I’ve invited emerging leaders such as Jason, Steven, Vitaly, Khuram, Donnie, Felipe, Lyndle and Ryan to accompany me to various events. Investing in a disciple, to me, has become more exciting than preaching to a multitude!
4. Instruct. Jesus didn't lecture his disciples; He artfully wove His teaching into the events of daily life—a storm, the death of a friend or an encounter with a needy beggar. His teaching flowed out of His relationship with His companions. Discipleship does not have to happen in a classroom setting. It can happen at a doughnut shop, during a bike ride or in a car. Expect “teaching moments” to flow naturally when you are spending time with those you are mentoring.
5. Intercede. Paul told Timothy that he constantly remembered him in his prayers “night and day” (2 Tim. 1:3). The most effective discipleship occurs when the discipler invests time in prayer for those he or she is mentoring. After some of my young disciples gave me an iPad last year, I decided to return the favor by using it to help me pray for them. I now have a “visual prayer list” with photos of the people I intercede for regularly.
Floyd McClung, a former leader of Youth With a Mission who now lives in South Africa, says he wishes he had spent more of his time making disciples when he was younger. He recently wrote: “I've been blessed to do many things: books, conferences, television, etc. But that’s nothing compared to pouring into others and seeing them go for it.”
Leaders all around the world are coming to this same conclusion. They recognize that today’s fatherless generation is looking for more than the hottest music, the coolest stage lighting or the hippest techno-pastor. They just want authentic role models who will spend time with them.
J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma and the director of The Mordecai Project. He is ministering in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this week. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Rethinking How We Present the Gospel
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
In Rethinking the Gospel, I shared briefly on the content of the gospel . . . as envisioned in the New Testament.
However, I believe the way that the gospel is presented should differ depending on the people with whom we share it.
This requires sensitivity to the Spirit and attention to the person’s heart. Jesus Christ didn’t present Himself the same way to everyone.
To some, He warned. To others, He rebuked. To some, He showed compassion and mercy. To some, He asked questions or told parables, etc.
Just examine the way He interacted with various people, and you’ll see monumental differences. In a much overlooked text, Jude describes it like this:
And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh (Jude 22-23, NKJV).
You have the same thing in Paul.
Sometimes Paul says things like “it’s the kindness and mercy of God that leads us to repentance.” In other places he says things like “knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men.”
Forgive the personal reference, but as I think back on all the times I’ve shared Christ in one-on-one settings over the years (which includes many miserable failures at trying), I’ve noticed a few interesting things.
With some, I never mentioned the afterlife and focused only on the mercy and love of God for the moment. And I watched people repent and believe on Christ.
With others, I talked about the consequences of their actions and the reality of divine judgment and the suffering of our Lord to deliver us from such. And I watched people repent and believe on Christ.
With still others, I talked about how life only makes sense with Jesus. Without Him, it’s an elegant mixture of vanity and meaningless. And I watched people repent and believe on Christ.
To some (those sick or hurting), I’ve shared Christ as Healer. To others (those in present rebellion against God), I’ve shared Him as Judge. To some (those wracked with guilt), I’ve shared Him as Forgiver. To others (artists), I’ve shared Him as Beauty incarnate.
You get the idea.
Perhaps your experience is different, but most of the people I’ve shared the Lord with didn’t come to Him . . . immediately at least. But they were certainly nudged in His direction.
Some of them surrendered to Christ years later. Others still haven’t trusted in Him. Others, well, I have no idea as I’ve lost touch with them.
All told: I’ve learned that while the message of the gospel is always the same and changeth not, how Christ is presented should differ from person to person. I could be wrong of course, but that’s how it seems to me. And this principle has shaped the way I talk with non-followers about the Lord.
That said, here are several things I personally keep in view when speaking to a non Christian about Jesus:
Try to listen intently to the person and ask them questions. Listen outwardly.
Try to be sensitive to the Spirit while talking to them. Seek to discover what God has already done and is doing in their heart. Listen inwardly.
Look for an opportunity to allow the love of Christ to bleed through in their circumstances. Embody the gospel.
Never view an individual as a project, but as a person. A fellow human being. No more or less deserving than myself. The attitude is that of one beggar telling another where to find bread.
The goal is never to “close the deal.” (As a young believer, I thought that was the name of the game and did some damage as a result.) The goal is to be obedient to the Lord in the moment. The results are with Him. And sometimes they don’t show up for years. In fact, you may never end up seeing them in this life.
Keep in mind also that one of the greatest testimonies to the world that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed who He claimed to be is when His people love one another visibly (John 17).
Like the pagan of old once said upon observing the Christians, “Behold how they love one another.”
May it be so again . . .
Share some things you’ve learned about sharing Christ with those who don’t yet know Him from either your failures or successes.
P.S. In the introduction to this talk, I tell a tale of two people who share the gospel with their waitresses. You might find it of interest as it goes along with this post.
In Rethinking the Gospel, I shared briefly on the content of the gospel . . . as envisioned in the New Testament.
However, I believe the way that the gospel is presented should differ depending on the people with whom we share it.
This requires sensitivity to the Spirit and attention to the person’s heart. Jesus Christ didn’t present Himself the same way to everyone.
To some, He warned. To others, He rebuked. To some, He showed compassion and mercy. To some, He asked questions or told parables, etc.
Just examine the way He interacted with various people, and you’ll see monumental differences. In a much overlooked text, Jude describes it like this:
And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh (Jude 22-23, NKJV).
You have the same thing in Paul.
Sometimes Paul says things like “it’s the kindness and mercy of God that leads us to repentance.” In other places he says things like “knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men.”
Forgive the personal reference, but as I think back on all the times I’ve shared Christ in one-on-one settings over the years (which includes many miserable failures at trying), I’ve noticed a few interesting things.
With some, I never mentioned the afterlife and focused only on the mercy and love of God for the moment. And I watched people repent and believe on Christ.
With others, I talked about the consequences of their actions and the reality of divine judgment and the suffering of our Lord to deliver us from such. And I watched people repent and believe on Christ.
With still others, I talked about how life only makes sense with Jesus. Without Him, it’s an elegant mixture of vanity and meaningless. And I watched people repent and believe on Christ.
To some (those sick or hurting), I’ve shared Christ as Healer. To others (those in present rebellion against God), I’ve shared Him as Judge. To some (those wracked with guilt), I’ve shared Him as Forgiver. To others (artists), I’ve shared Him as Beauty incarnate.
You get the idea.
Perhaps your experience is different, but most of the people I’ve shared the Lord with didn’t come to Him . . . immediately at least. But they were certainly nudged in His direction.
Some of them surrendered to Christ years later. Others still haven’t trusted in Him. Others, well, I have no idea as I’ve lost touch with them.
All told: I’ve learned that while the message of the gospel is always the same and changeth not, how Christ is presented should differ from person to person. I could be wrong of course, but that’s how it seems to me. And this principle has shaped the way I talk with non-followers about the Lord.
That said, here are several things I personally keep in view when speaking to a non Christian about Jesus:
Try to listen intently to the person and ask them questions. Listen outwardly.
Try to be sensitive to the Spirit while talking to them. Seek to discover what God has already done and is doing in their heart. Listen inwardly.
Look for an opportunity to allow the love of Christ to bleed through in their circumstances. Embody the gospel.
Never view an individual as a project, but as a person. A fellow human being. No more or less deserving than myself. The attitude is that of one beggar telling another where to find bread.
The goal is never to “close the deal.” (As a young believer, I thought that was the name of the game and did some damage as a result.) The goal is to be obedient to the Lord in the moment. The results are with Him. And sometimes they don’t show up for years. In fact, you may never end up seeing them in this life.
Keep in mind also that one of the greatest testimonies to the world that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed who He claimed to be is when His people love one another visibly (John 17).
Like the pagan of old once said upon observing the Christians, “Behold how they love one another.”
May it be so again . . .
Share some things you’ve learned about sharing Christ with those who don’t yet know Him from either your failures or successes.
P.S. In the introduction to this talk, I tell a tale of two people who share the gospel with their waitresses. You might find it of interest as it goes along with this post.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Fu - the most auspicious word among the Chinese!
The Fu character or symbol will decorate many homes, businesses, and cities as the Chinese New Year approaches. All Chinese know the character stands for blessedness, happiness, riches, and success. But most Chinese are not aware of the wonderful message the character itself teaches about the source of true blessing, riches, and success.
All men everywhere seek to be happy, because they have known true happiness in his distant past. However, his memory of his past has become so darkened that all his pursuits to recover that lost happiness end in unfulfilled dreams and despair. But there is yet hope for him. Read on, and may God bless you with this true blessedness.
'Blessed' - 
The word comprised of four characters is an iconographic record of the original blessedness of man preserved beautifully in the Chinese character. Blessedness is one man ( 
) in the garden/field ( 
) with the Divine. Adam, the father and representative head of the human race, was this man! God created him in His own image and appointed him the keeper of the Garden of Eden. He had fellowship with God his Creator, thus glorifying and enjoying Him. This was the true happiness which man had at the beginning.
The word
comprised of four characters is an iconographic record of the original blessedness of man preserved beautifully in the Chinese character. Blessedness is one man ( ) in the garden/field ( ) with the Divine. Adam, the father and representative head of the human race, was this man! God created him in His own image and appointed him the keeper of the Garden of Eden. He had fellowship with God his Creator, thus glorifying and enjoying Him. This was the true happiness which man had at the beginning.Blessedness Lost
Alas! That blessedness was lost when Adam chose to disobey the plain command of God to abstain from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam became a rebel. The sweet communion he enjoyed with God was replaced with enmity. He was expelled from the Garden of Eden. In Adam's rebellion against God his Creator, the human race lost the true blessedness
Alas! That blessedness was lost when Adam chose to disobey the plain command of God to abstain from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam became a rebel. The sweet communion he enjoyed with God was replaced with enmity. He was expelled from the Garden of Eden. In Adam's rebellion against God his Creator, the human race lost the true blessedness
Condemned!
God is holy and does not tolerate sin. Adam was warned that in the day he sinned, he would surely die. God is righteous, and He must punish sin. And the penalty of sin is death. Therefore, before the all-seeing God, we sinners are condemned! This condemnation is physical and spiritual death. After death on earth, we will suffer in the fires of hell eternally. We will be cut off from the fountain of true blessedness - God Himself.
God is holy and does not tolerate sin. Adam was warned that in the day he sinned, he would surely die. God is righteous, and He must punish sin. And the penalty of sin is death. Therefore, before the all-seeing God, we sinners are condemned! This condemnation is physical and spiritual death. After death on earth, we will suffer in the fires of hell eternally. We will be cut off from the fountain of true blessedness - God Himself.
The only way to escape this just condemnation is to find a substitute to meet the holiness and justice of God. God's holiness requires that His law be kept perfectly. God's justice requires that all who sin must be punished in eternal hell. However, all sinners are disqualified to be a substitute, for all have sinned. A sinless substitute must be found to bear the condemnation we deserve, so that we may be spared.
Blessedness Regained
God, knowing our utter inability to meet His requirements, sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to be our substitute. He was born of a virgin named Mary. He lived a sinless life that fulfilled every demand of righteousness required by God's holiness. He then willingly laid down His life for sinners to bear the condemnation and death that they deserve. Jesus Christ not only secured righteousness for His people, He also took away their condemnation of death by His sacrificial death on their behalf. On the basis of this redemptive work of Jesus Christ, God gives eternal life to His chosen people.
God, knowing our utter inability to meet His requirements, sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to be our substitute. He was born of a virgin named Mary. He lived a sinless life that fulfilled every demand of righteousness required by God's holiness. He then willingly laid down His life for sinners to bear the condemnation and death that they deserve. Jesus Christ not only secured righteousness for His people, He also took away their condemnation of death by His sacrificial death on their behalf. On the basis of this redemptive work of Jesus Christ, God gives eternal life to His chosen people.
Blessedness Announced
The good news is that whoever believes in the Lord Jesus Christ has eternal life. Jesus Christ died that eternal life might be given to His people. Whoever believes has eternal life in him - he has been justified and regenerated and adopted by God through the finished work of Jesus Christ. His condemnation has been removed, and he has been declared righteous before God.
The good news is that whoever believes in the Lord Jesus Christ has eternal life. Jesus Christ died that eternal life might be given to His people. Whoever believes has eternal life in him - he has been justified and regenerated and adopted by God through the finished work of Jesus Christ. His condemnation has been removed, and he has been declared righteous before God.
Men must repent and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ, their Saviour. This way, they will experience the true blessedness that was lost by Adam, but was regained by Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the eternal God.
Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Friday, August 12, 2011
Evangelism: Times of Extraordinary Crisis by A W Tozer
So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." - Isaiah 6:5
Let a flood or a fire hit a populous countryside and no able-bodied citizen feels that he has any right to rest till he has done all he can to save as many as he can. While death stalks farmhouse and village no one dares relax; this is the accepted code by which we live. The critical emergency for some becomes an emergency for all, from the highest government official to the local Boy Scout troop. As long as the flood rages or the fire roars on, no one talks of "normal times." No times are normal while helpless people cower in the path of destruction.
In times of extraordinary crisis ordinary measures will not suffice. The world lives in such a time of crisis. Christians alone are in a position to rescue the perishing. We dare not settle down to try to live as if things were "normal." Nothing is normal while sin and lust and death roam the world, pouncing upon one and another till the whole population has been destroyed. Born After Midnight, 30.
"Lord help me to respond like Isaiah, when he saw the extraordinary crisis around him, 'Lord, here am I; send me.' Amen."
Let a flood or a fire hit a populous countryside and no able-bodied citizen feels that he has any right to rest till he has done all he can to save as many as he can. While death stalks farmhouse and village no one dares relax; this is the accepted code by which we live. The critical emergency for some becomes an emergency for all, from the highest government official to the local Boy Scout troop. As long as the flood rages or the fire roars on, no one talks of "normal times." No times are normal while helpless people cower in the path of destruction.
In times of extraordinary crisis ordinary measures will not suffice. The world lives in such a time of crisis. Christians alone are in a position to rescue the perishing. We dare not settle down to try to live as if things were "normal." Nothing is normal while sin and lust and death roam the world, pouncing upon one and another till the whole population has been destroyed. Born After Midnight, 30.
"Lord help me to respond like Isaiah, when he saw the extraordinary crisis around him, 'Lord, here am I; send me.' Amen."
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Voodoo Priest Finds Christ in Haiti
Recently we told you about a grassroots effort to dedicate Haiti to Christ. According to those who participated, God moved. Pastor Robert Ulysse, a minister in the northwest region of Haiti, says they prayed each day at a different crossroad in the region.
According to Ulysse, "After we closed the seventh crossroad event on Saturday, a Voodoo priest named Solivert Josep, came forward with his wife. They both declared that they wanted to renounce their Voodoo practices in favor of the 'Living God.' We filled three pickup trucks with Christians and drove to the Joseph's home to remove and burn their Voodoo articles."
Earlier in the week another couple came forward to renounce their Voodoo practices in favor of the "Living God." Ulysse recounts: "After the service, we went to their home at crossroad No. 5 to destroy their Voodoo articles. They had more articles than anyone we have seen so far in this campaign. They attended all of the remaining crossroad services."
Another husband and wife who were saved out of their Voodoo worship are so excited. "They have been trying to get their friends, neighbors and relatives to do the same," says Ulysse.
In general, says Ulysse, the seven crossroad events have been a complete victory. He adds, "Voodoo keeps people in bondage through fear. Haitians, in general, fear the power of Voodoo more than they fear God."
However, many people believe that anyone who would dare attack the Voodoo spirits on their turf (the crossroads) would be severely punished. Ulysse says, "Some people clearly said that they would wait to see if we could really hold the services at the crossroads without anyone among us being struck dead right there."
But that never happened. They prayed that God would protect them from even the smallest incidents. Ulysse reports: "We knew that any incident could be and would be interpreted as a punishment from the angry spirits of the crossroads. By the grace of God, we ended the seven days without even a minor incident even though overloaded pickup trucks and buses carried thousands of people over mountainous and other potentially-treacherous roads. So our God answered our prayers."
Ulysse is praying that the psychological effect on people will help them understand God's power.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Hell's Best Kept Secret
Evangelist Ray Comfort www.LivingWaters.com
Hell's Best Kept Secret:
Why do 80-90% of those making a decision for Christ fall away from the faith? What is the principle that Spurgeon, Wesley, Whitefield, etc., used to reach the lost? Why has the Church neglected it? Don't let anything stop you from listening to this incredible teaching. KIRK CAMERON: "Powerful. Life-changing. Prepare to be shocked." BRYAN TURNER: "I can't… but preach anything else" RON DICIANNI: "Ray Comfort forever changed my approach to sharing the gospel." TOM GRINNER, Gateway Broadcasting: "This is the hottest message on the planet!" PASTOR REB BRADLEY: "It will revolutionize the Church." PASTOR WAYNE WELBORN: "The best thing I have ever heard!" PASTOR KEN ARMSTRONG: "I began to weep as I saw the importance of this message." PASTOR JEROD MCPHERSON: "'Hell's Best Kept Secret' has completely destroyed my theology. What was first anger toward you caused me to search the Scripture, and has now turned to a sincere thank-you." PASTOR CHRIS STOCKWELL: "I listened to [the audio of] 'Hell's Best Kept Secret' 250 times!" TOM ELLIFF, Past-president of the Southern Baptist Convention: "'Hell's Best Kept Secret' is a message every congregation needs to hear."
Hell's Best Kept Secret:
Why do 80-90% of those making a decision for Christ fall away from the faith? What is the principle that Spurgeon, Wesley, Whitefield, etc., used to reach the lost? Why has the Church neglected it? Don't let anything stop you from listening to this incredible teaching. KIRK CAMERON: "Powerful. Life-changing. Prepare to be shocked." BRYAN TURNER: "I can't… but preach anything else" RON DICIANNI: "Ray Comfort forever changed my approach to sharing the gospel." TOM GRINNER, Gateway Broadcasting: "This is the hottest message on the planet!" PASTOR REB BRADLEY: "It will revolutionize the Church." PASTOR WAYNE WELBORN: "The best thing I have ever heard!" PASTOR KEN ARMSTRONG: "I began to weep as I saw the importance of this message." PASTOR JEROD MCPHERSON: "'Hell's Best Kept Secret' has completely destroyed my theology. What was first anger toward you caused me to search the Scripture, and has now turned to a sincere thank-you." PASTOR CHRIS STOCKWELL: "I listened to [the audio of] 'Hell's Best Kept Secret' 250 times!" TOM ELLIFF, Past-president of the Southern Baptist Convention: "'Hell's Best Kept Secret' is a message every congregation needs to hear."
The Use of the Law
LivingWaters.com
God be thanked when the Law so works as to take off the sinner from all confidence in himself! To make the leper confess that he is incurable is going a great way toward compelling him to go to that divine Savior, who alone is able to heal him. This is the whole end of the Law toward men whom God will save - Charles Spurgeon
God be thanked when the Law so works as to take off the sinner from all confidence in himself! To make the leper confess that he is incurable is going a great way toward compelling him to go to that divine Savior, who alone is able to heal him. This is the whole end of the Law toward men whom God will save - Charles Spurgeon
Friday, July 22, 2011
An Awakening: Youth Revive Japan's Dying Church
by Lucille Talusan
CBN News Asia Correspondent
TOKYO -- Whether they're in church or standing on a street corner, the members of Grace Tokyo Church loudly sing their songs of praise.
The congregation's young people are part of a new youth movement that many Japanese Christians hope will revive Japan's churches.
Philippines native Glen Nabarrete, who serves as the head pastor at Grace Tokyo, was born and raised in Hawaii. He and his family answered God's call to Japan in 1992.
A Dying Church?
The church in Japan is getting smaller every day. The average Japanese church has 30 people and many have less than 10 members.
Church historian Masakazu Suzuki says traditional churches are dying out.
"After the war, a lot of American GI's who came to Japan are Christians and later came back to Japan as missionaries. So, after the war, the Japanese churches grew a lot," Suzuki told CBN News.
"Now after 50, 60 years, a lot of pastors are getting older, facing retirement," he said. "Also many members are getting older too."
Like most Christians, Suzuki believes God is using the recent disasters to open the hearts of the Japanese people.
"In Christian evacuation centers, some of the aged people, five or six died. Six to seven old people died. But through their love and unity, some family members who visit them become Christian. More than 15 of them got baptized last month," Suzuki said.
Spiritual Awakening
There have been more than 1,200 aftershocks since the March 11 earthquake and there could be more, but Christians here are praying for another kind of aftershock and that is the spiritual awakening of the Japanese people.
Businessman Yuto Matsumoto saw how the power of God restored his marriage after a divorce.
"I worked too hard, not too much attention for my family," Matsumoto said.
His Christian daughter visited him in New York where he moved, and took him to watch the film "Passion of the Christ" on Easter.
Later, back in Japan, she brought him to the church their family has been attending since converting to Christianity.
"During the preaching, I couldn't stop crying. I don't know why," Matsumoto recalled. "Right after the service, I went to Pastor Scott and asked him how I can become a Christian. That was April 2004. I accepted Jesus as Lord. It was the beginning of my new life."
Two years ago, Matsumoto re-married Takako, his ex-wife. Today, they have a harmonious relationship with Christ at the center of their marriage.
He also shares his faith with his colleagues at work.
"It's very tough especially for the businessman because Japanese businessmen were taught to believe in his power, or on himself," he said.
Nevertheless, Matsumoto invites his co-worker to visit grace Tokyo church where he serves as an interpreter.
The Joy of God
Pastor Nabarrete and his family answered God's call to Japan in 1992.
"I believe in this church," Nabarrete said about Grace Tokyo.
"One of the things we have that a lot of Japanese churches don't have is a lot of joy and a lot of laughter," he told CBN News. "I think that's one quality that God wants to bring to this nation. There is the reality of joy in serving God."
"And we also cater to young people," he added. "We let the young people step up, do preaching. Young people love it they want to participate for the growth of the church."
The youth go out of their way to spread God's love, singing gospel songs on the street, even when reprimanded by the police.
"The idea is just praise and worship on the street and let God move and touch people's lives. Someone stands near; we talk to them and invite them to church," Grace Tokyo youth leader Gerwin Echegoyen said.
"When I first moved in 1992, church growth was very small," Nabarrete said. "Our church at Yokohama Grace Bible Church was about 30 people in 10 years. So for us Tokyo Bible, two years with 60 people is phenomenal. God has been gracious to us here."
The young Christians hope that through their involvement, Japan's older churches can be made young again -- and other dying churches can be reborn.
CBN News Asia Correspondent
TOKYO -- Whether they're in church or standing on a street corner, the members of Grace Tokyo Church loudly sing their songs of praise.
The congregation's young people are part of a new youth movement that many Japanese Christians hope will revive Japan's churches.
Philippines native Glen Nabarrete, who serves as the head pastor at Grace Tokyo, was born and raised in Hawaii. He and his family answered God's call to Japan in 1992.
A Dying Church?
The church in Japan is getting smaller every day. The average Japanese church has 30 people and many have less than 10 members.
Church historian Masakazu Suzuki says traditional churches are dying out.
"After the war, a lot of American GI's who came to Japan are Christians and later came back to Japan as missionaries. So, after the war, the Japanese churches grew a lot," Suzuki told CBN News.
"Now after 50, 60 years, a lot of pastors are getting older, facing retirement," he said. "Also many members are getting older too."
Like most Christians, Suzuki believes God is using the recent disasters to open the hearts of the Japanese people.
"In Christian evacuation centers, some of the aged people, five or six died. Six to seven old people died. But through their love and unity, some family members who visit them become Christian. More than 15 of them got baptized last month," Suzuki said.
Spiritual Awakening
There have been more than 1,200 aftershocks since the March 11 earthquake and there could be more, but Christians here are praying for another kind of aftershock and that is the spiritual awakening of the Japanese people.
Businessman Yuto Matsumoto saw how the power of God restored his marriage after a divorce.
"I worked too hard, not too much attention for my family," Matsumoto said.
His Christian daughter visited him in New York where he moved, and took him to watch the film "Passion of the Christ" on Easter.
Later, back in Japan, she brought him to the church their family has been attending since converting to Christianity.
"During the preaching, I couldn't stop crying. I don't know why," Matsumoto recalled. "Right after the service, I went to Pastor Scott and asked him how I can become a Christian. That was April 2004. I accepted Jesus as Lord. It was the beginning of my new life."
Two years ago, Matsumoto re-married Takako, his ex-wife. Today, they have a harmonious relationship with Christ at the center of their marriage.
He also shares his faith with his colleagues at work.
"It's very tough especially for the businessman because Japanese businessmen were taught to believe in his power, or on himself," he said.
Nevertheless, Matsumoto invites his co-worker to visit grace Tokyo church where he serves as an interpreter.
The Joy of God
Pastor Nabarrete and his family answered God's call to Japan in 1992.
"I believe in this church," Nabarrete said about Grace Tokyo.
"One of the things we have that a lot of Japanese churches don't have is a lot of joy and a lot of laughter," he told CBN News. "I think that's one quality that God wants to bring to this nation. There is the reality of joy in serving God."
"And we also cater to young people," he added. "We let the young people step up, do preaching. Young people love it they want to participate for the growth of the church."
The youth go out of their way to spread God's love, singing gospel songs on the street, even when reprimanded by the police.
"The idea is just praise and worship on the street and let God move and touch people's lives. Someone stands near; we talk to them and invite them to church," Grace Tokyo youth leader Gerwin Echegoyen said.
"When I first moved in 1992, church growth was very small," Nabarrete said. "Our church at Yokohama Grace Bible Church was about 30 people in 10 years. So for us Tokyo Bible, two years with 60 people is phenomenal. God has been gracious to us here."
The young Christians hope that through their involvement, Japan's older churches can be made young again -- and other dying churches can be reborn.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Uncertainty in Japan opens faith door
Mission Network News
Japan (MNN) ― Japanese officials are presenting conflicting messages about the nuclear emergency at Japan's crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. Some suggest stored fuel rods are exposed, risking complete meltdown which would create even more problems for the nation.
That, coupled with the earthquake and tsunami damage, has Japanese people in a place they haven't been since the Japanese Emperor denounced his divinity after World War Two, creating a spiritual vacuum there.
Neal Hicks has spent 30 years working in Japan with The Mission Society. His co-workers are okay, but two of them, Koz and Emiko Kinoshita, have lost loved ones. Emiko just returned from a visit to her family in Onagawa. "That town no longer exists. It's totally gone. Emiko and Koz are just in shock and disbelief. Her immediate family and all her relatives -- all gone."
This story is being repeated all over the region. And the uncertainty of the nuclear issues has the entire nation on edge. Hick says many Japanese who have become so materialistic and almost agnostic are changing. "Their gods of money, self reliance and even technology have failed them miserably, and they are absolutely shaken to the core and don't know which way to turn."
Less than 1% of the Japanese population is evangelical Christian.
According to Hicks, there has not been anything like this since WWII that's prompted the Japanese to turn from their 'no-god' god to the living God.
"The Japanese are once again shaken. They're asking eternal questions again.
We have another window of opportunity, and there are missionaries in Japan who are prepared to communicate the Gospel."
"I think it is probably one of the most opportune moments-at least in the last 50 to 60 years since the war--that we've ever had," says Hicks.
*Pray that the Japanese people will turn from their material gods and turn to the living God.
*Ask God to give Japanese believers boldness to share their faith.
In the meantime, Hicks is encouraging people to help support C.R.A.S.H. (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope). Click here to donate.
Japan (MNN) ― Japanese officials are presenting conflicting messages about the nuclear emergency at Japan's crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. Some suggest stored fuel rods are exposed, risking complete meltdown which would create even more problems for the nation.
That, coupled with the earthquake and tsunami damage, has Japanese people in a place they haven't been since the Japanese Emperor denounced his divinity after World War Two, creating a spiritual vacuum there.
Neal Hicks has spent 30 years working in Japan with The Mission Society. His co-workers are okay, but two of them, Koz and Emiko Kinoshita, have lost loved ones. Emiko just returned from a visit to her family in Onagawa. "That town no longer exists. It's totally gone. Emiko and Koz are just in shock and disbelief. Her immediate family and all her relatives -- all gone."
This story is being repeated all over the region. And the uncertainty of the nuclear issues has the entire nation on edge. Hick says many Japanese who have become so materialistic and almost agnostic are changing. "Their gods of money, self reliance and even technology have failed them miserably, and they are absolutely shaken to the core and don't know which way to turn."
Less than 1% of the Japanese population is evangelical Christian.
According to Hicks, there has not been anything like this since WWII that's prompted the Japanese to turn from their 'no-god' god to the living God.
"The Japanese are once again shaken. They're asking eternal questions again.
We have another window of opportunity, and there are missionaries in Japan who are prepared to communicate the Gospel."
"I think it is probably one of the most opportune moments-at least in the last 50 to 60 years since the war--that we've ever had," says Hicks.
*Pray that the Japanese people will turn from their material gods and turn to the living God.
*Ask God to give Japanese believers boldness to share their faith.
In the meantime, Hicks is encouraging people to help support C.R.A.S.H. (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope). Click here to donate.
Christian Churches Growing in Japan
Tuesday, 31 May 2011 | Mission Network News
It's been nearly three months since Japan was torn apart by an earthquake and tsunami. The billions of dollars in damage sent the country into a deeper recession as many jobs were lost, businesses were left crippled—and in some cases destroyed— by the disaster. While it was bad news for the economy, the tragedy has given the church a boost.
Joe Handley is President of Asian Access, a ministry that supports the local church in Japan. He's in Fukushima, Japan, now getting a good look at what God is doing through the church post-earthquake. Handley says of all the relief groups he's seeing in the region, the greatest response has come from "Japanese churches from all over the country—Okinawa, Tokyo, Hiroshima. It's just unbelievable the amount of love Japanese churches have mobilized to reach out and help clean up at this time."
In talking with them, Handley says churches have a new desire to plant churches, especially in areas where there were none. "One of these areas, Iwata, is one of the least-churched regions of the entire country of Japan, and yet pastors have a real heart to reach out to them at this time of need."
Handley says one denomination wants to plant 50 new churches in this area, while another group wants to plant churches in the seaside villages that have never had one.
Before the disaster, church growth was on the decline. This is really a new season for the church," says Handley. "Networks are forming that are brand new—churches from across denominations that are saying, 'God is calling us for such a time as this.'"
Immediately following the quake, there was a spiritual awakening. Previously taboo, the Japanese were now open to talking about spiritual things, including the Bible. Handley says that continues.
"As missionaries, Japanese pastors and congregants are delivering aid, more often than not they're getting questions: 'Why are you doing this? Why would you come up in these affected regions? Where is God in the midst of all this?' This is truly a new hour spiritually, and it could change the shape of the spiritual climate of the entire country," he explains.
Handley says one congregation in the devastation zone has had many opportunities to share Christ. "They've lost their own homes. They have no food. They have no clothing. But they are having spiritual conversations with people and I have heard countless stories of people coming to Christ through that church and other churches."
Handley asks for prayers for Japanese Christians working their country. "They're overwhelmed with the need. And they're overwhelmed also, to some degree, with the groups that are coming in that they're trying to facilitate. So pray for great grace for them and wisdom as they receive teams."
Asian Access also has a $1 million matching grant. About $500,000 has already been raised, but support is needed now to meet the rest of it that will allow them to provide spiritual and physical relief in this crucial time.
It's been nearly three months since Japan was torn apart by an earthquake and tsunami. The billions of dollars in damage sent the country into a deeper recession as many jobs were lost, businesses were left crippled—and in some cases destroyed— by the disaster. While it was bad news for the economy, the tragedy has given the church a boost.
Joe Handley is President of Asian Access, a ministry that supports the local church in Japan. He's in Fukushima, Japan, now getting a good look at what God is doing through the church post-earthquake. Handley says of all the relief groups he's seeing in the region, the greatest response has come from "Japanese churches from all over the country—Okinawa, Tokyo, Hiroshima. It's just unbelievable the amount of love Japanese churches have mobilized to reach out and help clean up at this time."
In talking with them, Handley says churches have a new desire to plant churches, especially in areas where there were none. "One of these areas, Iwata, is one of the least-churched regions of the entire country of Japan, and yet pastors have a real heart to reach out to them at this time of need."
Handley says one denomination wants to plant 50 new churches in this area, while another group wants to plant churches in the seaside villages that have never had one.
Before the disaster, church growth was on the decline. This is really a new season for the church," says Handley. "Networks are forming that are brand new—churches from across denominations that are saying, 'God is calling us for such a time as this.'"
Immediately following the quake, there was a spiritual awakening. Previously taboo, the Japanese were now open to talking about spiritual things, including the Bible. Handley says that continues.
"As missionaries, Japanese pastors and congregants are delivering aid, more often than not they're getting questions: 'Why are you doing this? Why would you come up in these affected regions? Where is God in the midst of all this?' This is truly a new hour spiritually, and it could change the shape of the spiritual climate of the entire country," he explains.
Handley says one congregation in the devastation zone has had many opportunities to share Christ. "They've lost their own homes. They have no food. They have no clothing. But they are having spiritual conversations with people and I have heard countless stories of people coming to Christ through that church and other churches."
Handley asks for prayers for Japanese Christians working their country. "They're overwhelmed with the need. And they're overwhelmed also, to some degree, with the groups that are coming in that they're trying to facilitate. So pray for great grace for them and wisdom as they receive teams."
Asian Access also has a $1 million matching grant. About $500,000 has already been raised, but support is needed now to meet the rest of it that will allow them to provide spiritual and physical relief in this crucial time.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Buddhist Priest
by CRASH Japan
“Maybe I Should Become a Pastor,” Said the Buddhist Priest
When Tim Cole, who grew up as a missionary kid in Japan, first found 100 people evacuated to a Buddhist temple in Onagawa on a CRASH needs assessment trip, the priest was hesitant to receive any help. But as they talked, they realized the priest had gone to the same kindergarten Cole had attended as a child.
When the priest's wife heard that Cole and the others with him were Christian pastors, she told her husband, "You should have them teach you how to give effective sermons." After commiserating a little about the difficulty of preparing interesting talks week after week, one person in Cole’s team suggested, "If you speak from the Bible, that will make a big difference." The priest thought that was an interesting suggestion.
Because of the connection they were beginning to build, Cole's team was able to leave food and jackets and ask what else was needed. Cole gave one man his duffle bag because he really seemed to want it. The evacuees especially asked for rubber boots.
On Cole's next trip to Onagawa, he made sure he had a good supply of duffle bags and rubber boots. His wife, Katie, also brought boxes of homemade bread and cookies, and while passing them out, the priest's wife came up and introduced herself.
In Katie's own words:
She got animated when I told her that Tim and I had met in Karuizawa. She told me that she has lots of good memories of Karuizawa because her grandparents are Christians and used to take her to summer camps at Megumi Chalet [Christian Conference Center]. Of course words flowed easily from then on and among other things she said, "Maybe I need to get my Bible out and start reading it again."'
I asked if life was a lot different having more than 80 people in her "family" instead of five. She laughed and said it was good—something her husband had actually hoped could happen someday. He's told her he wished he could run some sort of program to get people to come to the temple… but wasn't thinking an earthquake and tsunami would be the reason it would happen. He even jokingly said, "Maybe I should become a pastor." I can't help but wonder what God is doing there and will do in the future. Is it possible to hope that God might bring that whole little "flock" of people who are camping out at a Buddhist temple to salvation in Him?
“Maybe I Should Become a Pastor,” Said the Buddhist Priest
When Tim Cole, who grew up as a missionary kid in Japan, first found 100 people evacuated to a Buddhist temple in Onagawa on a CRASH needs assessment trip, the priest was hesitant to receive any help. But as they talked, they realized the priest had gone to the same kindergarten Cole had attended as a child.
When the priest's wife heard that Cole and the others with him were Christian pastors, she told her husband, "You should have them teach you how to give effective sermons." After commiserating a little about the difficulty of preparing interesting talks week after week, one person in Cole’s team suggested, "If you speak from the Bible, that will make a big difference." The priest thought that was an interesting suggestion.
Because of the connection they were beginning to build, Cole's team was able to leave food and jackets and ask what else was needed. Cole gave one man his duffle bag because he really seemed to want it. The evacuees especially asked for rubber boots.
On Cole's next trip to Onagawa, he made sure he had a good supply of duffle bags and rubber boots. His wife, Katie, also brought boxes of homemade bread and cookies, and while passing them out, the priest's wife came up and introduced herself.
In Katie's own words:
She got animated when I told her that Tim and I had met in Karuizawa. She told me that she has lots of good memories of Karuizawa because her grandparents are Christians and used to take her to summer camps at Megumi Chalet [Christian Conference Center]. Of course words flowed easily from then on and among other things she said, "Maybe I need to get my Bible out and start reading it again."'
I asked if life was a lot different having more than 80 people in her "family" instead of five. She laughed and said it was good—something her husband had actually hoped could happen someday. He's told her he wished he could run some sort of program to get people to come to the temple… but wasn't thinking an earthquake and tsunami would be the reason it would happen. He even jokingly said, "Maybe I should become a pastor." I can't help but wonder what God is doing there and will do in the future. Is it possible to hope that God might bring that whole little "flock" of people who are camping out at a Buddhist temple to salvation in Him?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
So sad........For what will it profit a man! Elvis Presley
Mat 16:24-28 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Friday, March 25, 2011
How can a loving God send people to hell?
Source: http://www.everystudent.com/my
Q: "I'm trying to understand how God who is love can send people to hell."
A: Here are some things to consider:
(1) God has given all people enough evidence to know that he exists.
"...What may be known about God is plain to them [people], because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20)
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalms 19:1)
(2) Nonetheless, people choose not to know him.
"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshippedand served created things rather than the Creator." (Romans 1:25)
"The fool has said in his heart, 'there is no God.'" (Psalms 14:1)
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way." (Isaiah 53:6)
"God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Psalms 53:2-3)
"There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." (2Timothy 3:1-4)
(3) Therefore, God is giving people what they want.
God wants all people to be saved and know His truth (1Timothy 2:3-4), and all to repent and come to Him (2Peter 3:9). However, the Bible also reveals God as one who does not force Himself on people. He allows people to reject Him even though He doesn't like it. God is love (1John 4:16), but God allows people to reject His love.
There will be a judgement of all people, where all people will be presented before God's throne (Rev. 20:11-13). Anyone whose name is not found in the "book of life" is thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
God told the Israelites, "I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19). In a way, that's the choice before all of us: the blessing or the curse, life or death, God's love or God's wrath.
It seems illogical to us that God could be loving and wrathful at the same time. However, much of who God is, is likely beyond our comprehension. We might assume that His wrath is a contradiction to His loving character, but our assumptions might be very wrong. God's wrath and His love might be very compatible, in a way that we do not currently comprehend.
Even though we don't fully understand things, the decision is still before us. God says that all of us are rightfully under His wrath and under His judgement. But He welcomes everyone to turn to Him for forgiveness, now while we live, so that instead of being condemned by Him, we can be forgiven and reconciled to Him. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24). And, "...unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:27).
Please forward this link to a friend
How to begin a relationship with God here.
Q: "I'm trying to understand how God who is love can send people to hell."
A: Here are some things to consider:
(1) God has given all people enough evidence to know that he exists.
"...What may be known about God is plain to them [people], because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20)
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalms 19:1)
(2) Nonetheless, people choose not to know him.
"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshippedand served created things rather than the Creator." (Romans 1:25)
"The fool has said in his heart, 'there is no God.'" (Psalms 14:1)
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way." (Isaiah 53:6)
"God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one." (Psalms 53:2-3)
"There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." (2Timothy 3:1-4)
(3) Therefore, God is giving people what they want.
God wants all people to be saved and know His truth (1Timothy 2:3-4), and all to repent and come to Him (2Peter 3:9). However, the Bible also reveals God as one who does not force Himself on people. He allows people to reject Him even though He doesn't like it. God is love (1John 4:16), but God allows people to reject His love.
There will be a judgement of all people, where all people will be presented before God's throne (Rev. 20:11-13). Anyone whose name is not found in the "book of life" is thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
God told the Israelites, "I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19). In a way, that's the choice before all of us: the blessing or the curse, life or death, God's love or God's wrath.
It seems illogical to us that God could be loving and wrathful at the same time. However, much of who God is, is likely beyond our comprehension. We might assume that His wrath is a contradiction to His loving character, but our assumptions might be very wrong. God's wrath and His love might be very compatible, in a way that we do not currently comprehend.
Even though we don't fully understand things, the decision is still before us. God says that all of us are rightfully under His wrath and under His judgement. But He welcomes everyone to turn to Him for forgiveness, now while we live, so that instead of being condemned by Him, we can be forgiven and reconciled to Him. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life" (John 5:24). And, "...unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:27).
Please forward this link to a friend
How to begin a relationship with God here.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Visitation to Heaven and Hell: Michael Jackson is there!
Prepare to Meet Thy Maker:
The Kingdoms of Heaven and Hell, and the Return of CHRIST
by Angelica Zambrano
For a period of 23 hours, a young Ecuadorian girl named Angelica was shown the Kingdoms of Heaven and Hell, and the Return of Christ. She witnessed Jesus weeping as He overlooked multitudes of souls lost forever, a world that has rejected Him, a Church that is mostly unprepared for Him, a people that have stopped witnessing to the lost, and an entertainment industry that even lures children to satan. She witnessed many of our esteemed cultural icons suffering in the Pit; singers, entertainers, and even a pope. Angelica was also shown how the Kingdom of Heaven is all wonderfully prepared and ready, an unimaginable glorious place, where no evil exists. Though Jesus is ONLY coming back for a Holy People, and many of God's children will NOT be ready on that day, and will be left behind in a world that will fall apart.
Excerpt: Jesus told me that many famous people were walking to that place, famous and important people. Take for example, Michael Jackson. This man was famous all over the world but he was a satanist. Although many people may not see it that way, but it is the truth. This man had satanic covenants: He came to agreement with the devil in order to achieve fame and attract many fans.
Those steps that he performed, that's the way I saw demons walk while tormenting people in hell. They would slide backward and not move forward, while they shout; enjoying the anguish they impose upon the people. Let me tell you that Michael Jackson is in hell. The Lord showed him to me after Michael died. He let me see Michael Jackson tormented in flames. I cried to Jesus, "Why?" It wasn't easy to see how this man was being tormented and how he would scream. Anyone who listens to Michael Jackson's songs or sings them or who is a fan of Michael Jackson, I warn you that satan is trapping you in his web so that you will end up in hell. Right now, renounce it in the name of Jesus! Jesus wants to set you free, so that you will not be lost.
The Kingdoms of Heaven and Hell, and the Return of CHRIST
by Angelica Zambrano
For a period of 23 hours, a young Ecuadorian girl named Angelica was shown the Kingdoms of Heaven and Hell, and the Return of Christ. She witnessed Jesus weeping as He overlooked multitudes of souls lost forever, a world that has rejected Him, a Church that is mostly unprepared for Him, a people that have stopped witnessing to the lost, and an entertainment industry that even lures children to satan. She witnessed many of our esteemed cultural icons suffering in the Pit; singers, entertainers, and even a pope. Angelica was also shown how the Kingdom of Heaven is all wonderfully prepared and ready, an unimaginable glorious place, where no evil exists. Though Jesus is ONLY coming back for a Holy People, and many of God's children will NOT be ready on that day, and will be left behind in a world that will fall apart.
Excerpt: Jesus told me that many famous people were walking to that place, famous and important people. Take for example, Michael Jackson. This man was famous all over the world but he was a satanist. Although many people may not see it that way, but it is the truth. This man had satanic covenants: He came to agreement with the devil in order to achieve fame and attract many fans.
Those steps that he performed, that's the way I saw demons walk while tormenting people in hell. They would slide backward and not move forward, while they shout; enjoying the anguish they impose upon the people. Let me tell you that Michael Jackson is in hell. The Lord showed him to me after Michael died. He let me see Michael Jackson tormented in flames. I cried to Jesus, "Why?" It wasn't easy to see how this man was being tormented and how he would scream. Anyone who listens to Michael Jackson's songs or sings them or who is a fan of Michael Jackson, I warn you that satan is trapping you in his web so that you will end up in hell. Right now, renounce it in the name of Jesus! Jesus wants to set you free, so that you will not be lost.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST
Franklin Graham: The Spirit of Anti-Christ Is Everywhere
Speaking during a special chapel service, the evangelical preacher asked the students of the private Christian university in Siloam Springs, Ark., to "set the sail for the course that God has in front of you," while overcoming the pitfalls, temptations and challenges in their path.
"The last thing the devil wants you to do is serve the Lord Jesus Christ," he said.
Graham, the president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, shared about his ministry's relief here response in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, telling the audience that the Gospel message has always been at the core of their work.
He said that they prayed with every patient before an operation and gave a Bible to every patient.
"We wanted everyone to know that Jesus Christ was God's Son," said the American evangelist.
Graham recently traveled back to Haiti where he delivered the Gospel message to tens of thousands at the National Soccer Stadium in Port-au-Prince. Hundreds came forward when he extended an invitation to receive Christ.
"I don't care how much good work you do. If you fail to prepare a person to stand before eternity, if you fail to prepare a person to stand before God, you're just wasting your time. So we take every opportunity to tell a person about Jesus," he said.
But preaching the Gospel may prove difficult, according to Graham, in a society where mentioning the name of Christ is prohibited.
Source: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20110119/franklin-graham-the-spirit-of-anti-christ-is-everywhere/
Speaking during a special chapel service, the evangelical preacher asked the students of the private Christian university in Siloam Springs, Ark., to "set the sail for the course that God has in front of you," while overcoming the pitfalls, temptations and challenges in their path.
"The last thing the devil wants you to do is serve the Lord Jesus Christ," he said.
Graham, the president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, shared about his ministry's relief here response in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, telling the audience that the Gospel message has always been at the core of their work.
He said that they prayed with every patient before an operation and gave a Bible to every patient.
"We wanted everyone to know that Jesus Christ was God's Son," said the American evangelist.
Graham recently traveled back to Haiti where he delivered the Gospel message to tens of thousands at the National Soccer Stadium in Port-au-Prince. Hundreds came forward when he extended an invitation to receive Christ.
"I don't care how much good work you do. If you fail to prepare a person to stand before eternity, if you fail to prepare a person to stand before God, you're just wasting your time. So we take every opportunity to tell a person about Jesus," he said.
But preaching the Gospel may prove difficult, according to Graham, in a society where mentioning the name of Christ is prohibited.
Source: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20110119/franklin-graham-the-spirit-of-anti-christ-is-everywhere/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)