A History of Anglicanism: Part 4 - Elizabeth and the Via Media

America – Is it in Bible prophecies and what can the USA expect at the second coming of Jesus Christ?

America – Is it in Bible prophecies and what can the USA expect at the second coming of Jesus Christ?

Word Count:
902

Summary:
Do eagles and other symbols in the Bible prove that America is noted in the Bible? Here is an appeal to reason that should not be overlooked.

Keywords:
America,prophecies,world order,markets,pyrotechinical,false prophet,EU,Revelation,Antichrist,Roman Empire,second coming,Christ,economic collapse,stocks,stock market

Article Body:
This is perhaps the most often asked question heard in connection with the second coming, at least for Americans. It a reasonable question for any North American to ask, but it is far from easy to answer. I would be remiss if I were to say that the Bible expressly names America in any passage from Genesis to Revelation. That some passages may refer to America is very possible but not provable and that is the very kind of conjecture I will not entertain.

Naturally all the events surrounding the second coming of Christ are global or universal in nature so they necessarily include the United States. That the antichrist rules America for the same short period he rules the rest of the world is covered in Revelation 13:7. How he gets this powerful and fiercely independent nation to cow to his will is probably the more interesting question to try to answer.

Some people believe that America will be forced to comply with antichrist after an invasion of our shores by a great Eurasian pact of nations. Mostly, the invasion idea stems from the vision of George Washington. In that vision it is said that Washington told this story to his aide who in turn told it to someone else just before he died at about the time of the civil war. Washington was told that three great calamities would befall the nation. Starting with the revolutionary war, following that the civil war and finally some future war where America would be invaded. My learned opinion of this vision is, "who knows?"

That America would require force to he pushed into the rule of the antichrist is easy to believe but the force in question could be of a different nature. The remaining two views of how the United States is forced into the final pact of nations are probably more tenable.

The antichrist does not act alone but he is aided by one the scripture refers to as the false prophet. Rev. 16:13. 19:20. 20:10 We know little about who this person is today, hut what is known about him is that he doesn't come from the same region, country and perhaps even the same hemisphere as the antichrist. The antichrist rises up from out of the sea according to Rev. 13:1.

The false prophet rises up out of the land. Rev. 13:1 1-16. The antichrist rules from the revived Roman Empire or The European Union. Where the false prophet is stationed exactly is not known but some think it will be America. This of course is speculative, even though it is very possible. The false prophet will probably not be connected to any religion, but it is most likely he will be a political figure or a minister of science. What he is may he uncertain, but the influence he wields over the world is not. He is able to produce signs in the heavens and draw fire down from heaven at will. Whether he does this supernaturally through the aide of the devil or engages some star wars type pyrotechnical display is also not known.

What is known is that his antics are very successful in persuading the people on earth to give antichrist both credence and rule. Some biblical scholars have thought that he could come from America and while this is not known for sure, it gives rise to the idea that America will he assuaged to join with antichrist by his direct influence. But again, while it is very possible, it is still only conjectural at this time.
 
A third and perhaps a far more likely scenario is that America will undergo a collapse of all of its markets and financial institutions. Following a collapse, a desperate nation may seek to join with antichrist's emerging economic systems that will be so successful throughout much of the rest of the world at that time. Not long ago I asked some people the question, what do you think would be the most disastrous thing that could happen to America and what would change its nature significantly, an all out invasion of our shores or a complete and pervasive financial collapse? The majority answered that it obviously would be the collapse of our economy.

America is in the long stretch of the good times. We have many years between us and the dust bowl days and the stock market crash of twenty nine. World War Two is also far behind and the post war boom has become a post war glut. Any people that might decide to invade the shores of this powerful and fiercely proud nation would be in great peril. But take away what Americans really love, their affluence, money and material blessings and you could make them dance to just about any tune. This is the theorem that when applied to the question of how America joins the great evil new world order is the most believable, if not the most likely.

If the compunction to have more, drives a few to fraud, robbery and murder, then what will the lack of almost all consumer goods do to this nation? If history teaches us anything, the answer to this question is not a pretty one.

 

Am I Just a Freak of Nature?

Am I Just a Freak of Nature?

Word Count:
748

Summary:
My parents were not much into going to church but my paternal grandparents dragged my four brothers and I into church whenever possible. I went to Sunday School and sat through countless sermons – all the while wishing I were out playing baseball or doing something fun. I had better things to do on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings then attending church services. Thinking back, I am glad I did attend. Some of it did sink in. A seed was planted.

Keywords:
evolution, creation, noah, flood, jesus, god, creator, design, science, genesis

Article Body:
My parents were not much into going to church but my paternal grandparents dragged my four brothers and I into church whenever possible. I went to Sunday School and sat through countless sermons – all the while wishing I were out playing baseball or doing something fun. I had better things to do on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings then attending church services. Thinking back, I am glad I did attend. Some of it did sink in. A seed was planted.

I learned all the Bible stories, you know, Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah's flood, Moses parting the Red Sea, Jesus and the cross, and so on, not knowing sure what to believe. Because at the same time my school science classes were telling me something very different about who I was and how I got here. The schools pretty much had me convinced I evolved from a fish, which evolved from something even lower in a warm slimy sludge. They had me convinced I was a product of random chance events and no creator was involved or needed. I did not see much of a future beyond the grave. I did not feel good about this, but who was I to argue with scientific facts!

In my early 20's (a long time ago), I began to question everything I was taught. I was torn between what I was taught in church and what I was taught in school. I decided someone had lied to me and I did not like it. I still did not fully understand the whole Christianity thing and why Jesus had to die on a cross. Nevertheless, I needed to know the truth about my existence. Was I the product of a series of random accidents, or did a Supreme Being place me on this earth for a reason? I wanted to know and had to know. I had a void inside that I could not explain. I had to know why I was here and what the future held for me. This set me on a quest for the truth.

The first thing I did was to go to a local bookstore and search for the "truth" in the occult section. Surely I can find all the answers to life on these shelves I thought. Believe it or not I did, or at least the answers started there. Right there, in the middle of all the astrologers, soothsayers, and modern day prophets, was a book titled "The Late Great Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsey. I bought the book, read it, and it completely changed the way I looked at life. I knew I had an exciting future – an exciting eternal future, if any of this were true.

After reading that book, I sat down and read Genesis. An unexplainable chill came over me as I realized that I was reading actual history and not ancient myths. It actually frightened me a bit, knowing without a shadow of a doubt the events really happened. I bought another one of Hal's books titled "The Liberation of Planet Earth", that went into great detail of who Jesus was and is, and why God had to become a man and die on a cross. Another chill came over me as when I knew it was a historical fact that Jesus actually rose from the dead. I finally understood God's plan – from creation to eternity. The lights in my head suddenly came on. It all made sense.

I then set out on a journey to study everything I could find on atheistic evolution (the type of evolution taught in public schools in the USA), and creation. All the living things around me took on new meaning. I looked at them differently. I could look at a bird or ant and I could see incredible design and purpose. I studied, in great detail, the cardiovascular and vision systems of humans. I studied the workings of the simplest life form, the cell. I concluded the chances of atheistic evolution being the process of which life evolved on earth was absolute zero, not mention the origin of life springing up from non-life in some slimy sludge also being absolute zero.

 No, I am not a freak of nature, but one who has an exciting destiny in eternity, and placed here for a reason by a loving Creator. Since that day in the bookstore, I have been on an incredible and exciting journey and I have never looked back.

 

Almost Persuaded.

Almost Persuaded.

Word Count:
1403

Summary:
Many are almost persuaded to believe in Jesus but because of one thing or another they have decided to wait. Politics, religion, peer pressure are all getting in the way of many that otherwise would be persuaded to join in on the Family of God. I've heard from many around the world that are confused by their friends, and religious people that know nothing of the intent of God in the lives of mankind.

Keywords:
Bible,Prophecy,Sermons,Lessons

Article Body:
Almost Persuaded.
"Acts 26: 24-28 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Here is a letter I received the other day. "I believe this is one of saddest stories in the Bible. The king was almost Home. He was almost persuaded to make a heart commitment to Jesus and live with Him eternally in Heaven. Many of us have loved ones and friends who are almost persuaded to be a Christian. We need to search our heart and see if our actions and words to our family and friends are turning them away from Jesus. If we want our loved ones to make that final commitment to Jesus, then we need to pray for them and extend the Love of Jesus to them on a daily basis. Sometimes we get so busy with our schedules during the day that we don't make the time to fellowship with our loved ones and friends. How would we feel if Jesus didn't make time for us on a daily basis? Let's live so that others will never say to us, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" Joanne Lowe. September 3, 2005 King Agrippa, believed the prophets but he couldn't bring himself to believe that the words of the prophets had come true in his lifetime. Thats the way it is today. Many are almost persuaded to believe in Jesus but because of one thing or another they have decided to wait. Politics, religion, peer pressure are all getting in the way of many that otherwise would be persuaded to join in on the Family of God. I've heard from many around the world that are confused by their friends, and religious people that know nothing of the intent of God in the lives of mankind. This world is not what it used to be and never will return back to that place and time that many of us remember. Too much has changed, too much has happened, to ignore the signs of the times. We preach love and compassion but there comes a time that love and compassion will not work. Fear and dread of the destruction of this earth will have to be used. Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Can this happen? It already is happening, there are many that preach the Bible that denigh the Jesus Christ actually exist, some preach God only, some preach Jesus only and others preach what their congregations want to hear to appease man. Not accounting for the salvation of their listeners. We cannot persuade anyone by preaching one above the other, for as with Jude, he states, "denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." Here we see again the separation of the two even thou they are one. We must persuade those that are lost by using the entire Scripture. Telling the truth and getting by man made doctrine. We have, The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost, as was stated by Jesus. How can we denigh this? The plan of salvation come to us in three steps, The Father sacrificing His Son, The Son Sacrificing His Mortal Life and The Holy Ghost leading us into all truths. Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.[1Co_9:19-22.] Mat 19:21-22; Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Almost persuaded, riches became this mans god, his idol, his life, and rather to give heed to the will of God by distributing all that he had to the poor he chose to keep his type of religion and go about his ways. Observing religious practices from his youth up was by no means salvation. Many get into habits that become second nature to them and become more of a spectacle than worship. If a man is not born again of the spirit he has not attained salvation. If he has no circumcision of the heart there is no change. Religious practices are not what Jesus wanted from this man and neither from us. He wants mankind to worship God in Spirit & Truth. Baptism without repentance is useless. What was this young ruler actually missing? The Love of God over all, he was violating the first two commandments, Mat 22:37-40; Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Isa 1:11-15; To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Again; We must persuade those that are lost by using the entire Scripture. Bring no more vain oblations, for what kind of sacrifice can you bring before God? There is none that can satisfy Him except the Blood of the Lamb. Persuasion of the lost by the word of God, not choosing what you want and letting the rest go, but using all, showing a pattern of useless situations that God will no longer accept, false religious practices, false religion, false doctrine, false prayers, willing to be heard above the crowd but not meaning any of the words coming from your mouth. We must persuade by example, by acts, by faith, by demonstration of Power of the Holy Ghost. Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Are you almost persuaded or are you still indoubt, God says come to Him and reason with Him, ask Him any question on salvation, tell Him the reason that you refuse to serve Him and He will answer all your questions. God is willing to go another step with you if you are willing to listen. All the answers to all the questions are in the Bible. There is nothing covered that will not be shown, nothing hidden that will not be reveled and nothing said that will not be shouted out from the house top. Its all there. Are you listening to your friends, do you believe that everything is one big party, do you believe that you can escape the judgment, or have you listened to Satan telling you that, there is no God, no Heaven, no Hell, no Judgment? Who are you listening too? Seek out your own salvation, seek out the God that has created and can destroy. Don't die and wake up in Hell saying,"I was Almost persuaded."

 

Step to Spiritual Greatness

Step to Spiritual Greatness

Word Count:
811

Summary:
Spiritual greatness is something that all Christians want to attain, but how do we achieve it? Do we have the same idea of greatness as God does?

Keywords:
christian, bible, god, jesus, christianity

Article Body:
What is worse than someone who always wins?

Someone who knows they do and gloats over it.

There is no pleasure in watching these types. What we might otherwise admire is destroyed by the even greater contempt we have developed for them. So what if they are good? If they behave as if they rule the world, then it is not admirable.

There was a famous heavy weight boxer who modestly called himself "The Greatest". Before his peak he was certainly mighty at his trade, and had some admirable qualities. "The Greatest" he was not. Past his peak, with body and mind going to seed, his title was an ironic joke. There was nothing left to admire.

What is admirable and praiseworthy is someone who, though excelling, is humble with it. They don't strut around with self-importance badged on their chest. They only did their best. In these people we can admire the achievement, and also the person. We praise them on two accounts.

Albert Einstein, considered one of the greatest brains of recent centuries, wrote:

'My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit, who reveals Himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind'

Humility is an essential part of a believer's character. We may get praise for something, but it does not do to bask in the glory and let it go to our head. Why should we spoil a good work?

The Pharisees did some good works, but by proudly publishing their achievements "they had their reward". They got the praise of men they wanted. They even thought they would get a guaranteed eternal reward because they were that good! No doubt they were a little surprised at Christ's comments.

Pride spoils achievement. It blinds us to our faults and makes us devalue the part that God has played. So let us not spoil our hope of salvation.

Some of the greatest men in the Bible were only great because of their humility.

Moses was the meekest of all the men of the earth - God's words not ours. He had that poor speaking voice which made him feel he wasn't up to the task. In fact, he was so humble and unassuming that he repeatedly had leadership challenges from those who felt they could do it better.

Although he had good reason not to do so, Moses humbly took on the faults of others, and appealed to God on their behalf and his. What leader today would accept other people's faults? What leader today became a leader because of their humility? What voters today would vote for someone displaying humility?

What God admires is humility. We can all achieve this. Being humble is within the grasp of every one of us, whether we are incredibly gifted or good looking or whether we devalue our own abilities or lack confidence.

One way to be humble is to remember past failings. The apostle Paul did this, bitterly regretting his persecution of the church. Paul may have been the greatest of the apostles, but he called himself the least.

Some of the greatest men of faith were those who remembered their faults throughout their lives. In fact it was the memory of these faults that produced a humility which made them spiritually great.

Sometimes God brought about difficulty and suffering in believer's lives to help them be humble. Paul's thorn in the flesh is the clearest example. I wonder if some of the problems in our own lives are to bring us kicking and screaming to humility?

The good news is that we can use our faults to create our own humility. Let us not beat ourselves over the heads because of them, because we are all forgiven sinners. Rather we should have a healthy appreciation of our limitations, and behave as though we appreciate them.

One behaviour pattern that doesn't help is that of comparing ourselves with others. "Oh, we're are not as bad as so-and-so." So-and-so may well be chosen because we can easily match them. God's advice is that it is not wise to compare like this. If we compare ourselves with Christ, that will soon wipe the smirk off our face.

Humility with excellence is wonderful to behold. Strength and power in the hands of the kind and gentle is awesome. Knowledge and understanding only used for good is truly great knowledge and true understanding. Only God achieves this. The real gentle giant. Praise Him alone and not oneself.

Christ showed the way. "Don't call me good. No one is good but God".

Compared to God, we are bits of dust and ash. We are like ants. Less than a worm. So why should we boast?

The first step to spiritual highness is through our humble lowness. This step is one which we must all take.

 

Poor Man, With Rich Mans Dreams

Poor Man, With Rich Mans Dreams

Word Count:
1136

Summary:
A Poor Man, With Rich Mans Dreams Have you ever heard the phrase, a poor man with rich mans dreams? Many people in this life are completely exhausted by the race to wealth and prosperity. Looking for today and not for tomorrow. The poor man has only today, struggling to make ends meet, putting food on the table for his family and hoping that the next phone call he gets, isn't from his boss, telling him that he no longer has a job.

Keywords:
Bible,Lessons,Studies,Commentairy

Article Body:
A Poor Man, With Rich Mans Dreams 

Matthew 19:17-19:23

A Poor Man, With Rich Mans Dreams Have you ever heard the phrase, a poor man with rich mans dreams? Many people in this life are completely exhausted by the race to wealth and prosperity. Looking for today and not for tomorrow. The poor man has only today, struggling to make ends meet, putting food on the table for his family and hoping that the next phone call he gets, isn't from his boss, telling him that he no longer has a job. I've seen many this past week, loose every thing that they've had, home, furniture, everything. The only thing these people have now is the cloth on their backs. There are approximately 195 verses in scripture concerning the poor . The Bible states that God, creates the Rich and the poor. But there is no difference between them when it comes to judgments. A poor man dreams of a better day, without debt, without worry, without strife. He dreams sweet dreams of a day when he can rest from his labor and dreams of family, babies and his wife. The rich man has troubled sleep, worried about finances, and national debt, about rising oil prices and interest rates. His days are filled with worry over thoughts of others trying to take what he has. In the story of Matthew 19:17-23 we are shown a good example of failure to abide by the great commandment in the law. Which to me is the greatest commandment of all.
Mat 22:36-38 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment. Now lets look at failure to abide by this commandment. Mat 19:17-23 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. Pro 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding Psa 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. There is no need for a poor man, who puts his trust in God to worry. The poor man is confident in the Lord to provide him his daily needs.
Psa 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
The poor man is free from worry, over someone robbing his home, for his possessions are few and his wealth is in his dreams and in his heart, where no man can take.
1Sa 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
The poor mans dreams are set on Gods promise, "The meek shall inherit the Earth." When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
Pro 3:19-27 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. The cries of the poor man. Job 30:25 Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?
Your stature in this life has no effect on God and His love for you.
Psa 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
"yet the Lord thinketh upon me:" isn't this a true comfort to those who are poor, a dream of the Lord God almighty, sitting on a throne, creator of all, master of the universe, commander of the greatest army, and still in all of Gods thoughts, and in all of Gods majesty, He still has the time to think upon the poor man and his dreams. Wonderful isn't it? Have we become a people, like the rich young ruler, people that have great possessions and still have nothing but troubled sleep, are we a people that despise the poor, because they remind us of ourselves earlier in life, or do we despise the poor because they are not as we are? Have we forgotten that, our possessions belong to the Lord anyway, that those things that we posses are just loaned to us to help others, the Bible states that, We work to give to others. A poor man dreams of, Pearly Gates and streets of Gold, He dreams of rivers of living water and quires of Angels singing, He dreams of a tree of life and skies of blue, He dreams of eternal sunshine and walks on clouds of white. He dreams of an eternal city where He will never grow old, where his labor is thru, no sickness, no tears and no final farewells to those he loves. This is what is meant by A Poor Man, with Rich Mans Dreams.

 

Little More Than Fate

Little More Than Fate

Word Count:
435

Summary:
Is there an ideal kind of life that you dream about? Perhaps your ideal life consists of more money, more friends, or more time to do the things you love. Maybe the ideal life is one filled with less work and more vacations. Having the ideal life can be as simple as starting to exercise more, losing weight and becoming healthy again. Whatever kind of life you dream about having, I guarentee that it will take a little more than fate to get you there.

Many, many people belie...

Keywords:
fate

Article Body:
Is there an ideal kind of life that you dream about? Perhaps your ideal life consists of more money, more friends, or more time to do the things you love. Maybe the ideal life is one filled with less work and more vacations. Having the ideal life can be as simple as starting to exercise more, losing weight and becoming healthy again. Whatever kind of life you dream about having, I guarentee that it will take a little more than fate to get you there.

Many, many people believe that fate will take them where they are supposed to go. While I do believe that everything happens for a reason, I also believe that you have an important role in making your own life amazing. I believe that creating the ideal life is not so much about fate as it is about making better choices every day.

There are many ways to assist fate in making your life great. A first important step is to take time to evaluate your life and get a clear picture of where you are really at. Be careful to not idealize your current sitation. Commit to being honest with yourself in this process. Look for areas of your life that are going well and look for areas that could use improvement or extra care. If you've left your life in the hands of fate, there is a good chance that you'll have some work to do in the weeks and months ahead.

Once you have evaluated your life clearly, take time to consider the kind of life you really want. If fate could give you any kind of life you wanted, what would it look like? Write down everything you think of even if it seems too hard to attain.

Your ideal life will not happen without intentional action. Take the description of your dream life and begin breaking it down into goals that you can work toward. If you desire to have a better job, take steps to finding a new job by looking at job postings or by inquiring at businesses in your area. The more proactive you are, the more you can cooperate with fate and change your life.

A better life is possible for every single person in the world. No matter how bad things are or how good things are for you right now, things can always get better. Work with fate instead of against it by taking action and moving toward the things you dream about. No matter what the result, your life will be richer and more full because of your proactivity.

 

A House For The Devout On The Web - Build A Website For Your Religious Institution

A House For The Devout On The Web - Build A Website For Your Religious Institution

Word Count:
651

Summary:
When you are apart of a religious institution, you have a responsibility to reach a wide range of people. Not only the congregants who attend services or meetings but also those who are interested in attending as well as those curious about the workings and tenets of your religion. When you build your own website, you have the ability to cater to all of these needs in detail and with ease. Here are just a few ideas on what a religious institution might like to have on their w...

Keywords:
website hosting, religious institutions, church websites, forums

Article Body:
When you are apart of a religious institution, you have a responsibility to reach a wide range of people. Not only the congregants who attend services or meetings but also those who are interested in attending as well as those curious about the workings and tenets of your religion. When you build your own website, you have the ability to cater to all of these needs in detail and with ease. Here are just a few ideas on what a religious institution might like to have on their website.

A mission statement for your institution. What does your institution stand for? Is your institution different from others in your sect? Are there specials standards or beliefs that your institution adheres to? This is the page to lay out what it is that your group or religion stands for, your goals, and where you are in attaining those goals.

The history of your institution. Whether your institution is brand new or it started 150 years ago, a brief history of how your group got to where it is now may interest those who are considering joining you. As values, leaders, and goals changed, so may have your institution.

The history of your religion. Some may come to your site in hopes of learning more about your religion in general. Describe the origins and build up to the changes that led your particular group to practice the way that they choose. Offer profiles of important leaders and prophets. Outline basic tenets, guidelines, or commandments that are important to the foundation of your religion. Offer links to more information or contact information should readers have questions and would like to speak to a religious leader from your group.

Schedules and directions. Whether visitors need to find your building for a wedding or other ceremony, potential members want to know where you are located, or members would like to find out when a special event will happen or times for evening services, this is the page for it on your website. You will be able to easily update and make changes through your web host if necessary and even include contact information for group leaders should anyone have questions about the content and focus of a group.

A page for each group in your institution. In addition to the schedule on your web site, you may offer links on the schedule to a page dedicated to that particular group. This group page may have meeting times and event locations as well as leader contact information, upcoming special events, themed studies, and announcements. Member birthdays or special announcements, mission of the group, and group members and contact information may also be included.

Updates. The whole of your religious institution, if not large now, is growing. It may be difficult to keep up with everyone's news. Whether it's a marriage, a birth, or a death, a page dedicated to the special events in the lives of the congregants or members will help keep your religious institution as connected as any family.

Forums. Interactive forums are easy to build through your web host. Members can easily contact one another and discuss topics relevant to the institution at large or for individual groups. This is a great place to put a call to action or describe open volunteer positions or upcoming opportunities to serve the community.

Service notes and highlights. In order to assist your members in better learning the materials offered at meetings, it may be of interest to provide study guides or notes for future meetings as well as the scripture or holy writing references so that they may read ahead.

Contact information. Whether there are corrections, suggestions, or questions, certainly your religious institution will want to be accessible to the community. Posting contact information on your site will allow members and visitors alike to have equal access to those in leadership positions and create a larger community.

 

A Faith Building Device

A Faith Building Device

Word Count:
497

Summary:
Thirteen times, in the book of Hebrews, the author uses an edifying, faith building Greek device. This device usually begins with the expression "let us." I call it simply a "let us exhortation."

In other words, when an author used this grammatical device, he/she simply exhorted someone to join in with him/her in an action. He/she could exhort one to join in and help start an action that had not yet begun.

Or he/she could exhort someone to join in an action that had b...

Keywords:
faith,healing,prosperity,family,Abrahamic covenant,covenant,Book of HebrewsScriptures,God breathed

Article Body:
Thirteen times, in the book of Hebrews, the author uses an edifying, faith building Greek device. This device usually begins with the expression "let us." I call it simply a "let us exhortation."

In other words, when an author used this grammatical device, he/she simply exhorted someone to join in with him/her in an action. He/she could exhort one to join in and help start an action that had not yet begun.

Or he/she could exhort someone to join in an action that had begun already: namely an action that was in progress and in which the author or speaker was already engaged.

In Hebrews, both kinds were used by our author. See his "Let Us Exhortation # 5" below.

Heb 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV)

In this passage, "Let us" signifies that the author is already engaged in the action of boldly coming to the throne of Grace. He is presently coming to this throne to get some things.

First, he goes there to obtain mercy. Second, he goes there to find grace to help. Third, he goes there to get the above two things in a timely fashion, when the need arises.

By using the "Let Us Exhortation Device," our author exhorts his readers to join in with him in an action already in progress and in which the author himself is already engaged.

He is already coming boldly into the very throne room of God himself. He is coming into that awesome room to get some things.

He does it boldly. He is not a wimp. He knows who he is. He knows what the promises are. He knows what is his.

He goes in boldly to get them. He exhorts all his readers to join in with him in this ongoing action. We should also join in with him in this ongoing action.

The blessings he sought in the throne room were promised him in the Abrahamic covenant. This Abrahamic promise included healing, prosperity and family well being in addition to salvation.

The blessings he had are also ours by grafting. Gentile Christians are included in this same Abrahamic covenant right along with the Jews. Consequently, healing, prosperity, family well being as well as salvation belong to us also.

For these reasons we can come into the throne room just as boldly as the author of Hebrews. No wonder this author used this faith building, Greek device to exhort us ( we Gentile Christians are included by grafting) to enter into this same throne room right along with him. We have the same right to enter and get what we need when we need it.

Go ahead. Go into the throne room now. If your need is healing, prosperity, family well being in addition to your salvation, go ahead and enter the throne to obtain timely. It is your God given right.

 

 

7 Decorative Ideas For Stained Glass

7 Decorative Ideas For Stained Glass

Word Count:
486

Summary:
7 great ideas for your own stained glass windows!

Keywords:
stain glass supplies,stain glass lamps,stained glass doors,stained glass film,stained glass fireplace screen

Article Body:
Several years back, stained glass was strictly used in churches. Many people can recollect sitting in a church marveling at the detail of the glass and wondering just how it happened. But, today, stained glass can be used in many different ways. In fact, you can add it to your dcor to give your house or business an appeal like none other. How can you add stained glass to your house? Here are some ideas.

Idea 1: Windows! It makes excellent sense to add stained glass to your windows. When the light beams in, the room is filled with a wide range of colors and looks. And, you can use it in virtually any design that you would like. Add it to your front window for a unique and lavish decorative feature in your residence.

Idea 2: Doors. Many doors have that glass part of them that is hard to see through. This glass is there for security so that people can not see into the residence. But, replacing it with stained glass will give you that same beauty but will provide a lavish display on the front entrance to you residence.

Idea 3: Mirrors. For those that have large sized mirrors within their home, including those that are placed on an entire wall, stained glass can be incorporated on top of it to give a breath taking effect.

Idea 4: Vases and Bowls. An interesting way to add a little color and light into your residence is to use a vase that features stained glass. It provides hundreds of color alternatives, styles galore and even more interesting things to talk about within your house. Decorative bowls for candy are also proper here.

Idea 5: Your Coffee Table. When you have guests visit your house, do you allow them to see a dull and boring coffee table? Add a stained glass top to it and youll surely have something to talk about.

Idea 6: Lamps and Lighting. One of the beauties of stained glass is the light that it allows through. The light is modified by the colors that you have selected and can add a gorgeous tone to it. For a subtle or a dramatic look, ask for stained glass lights.

Idea 7: Cabinet doors. An excellent way to add a dcor factor to a kitchen or to your television cabinet is for the doors to them to be made of stained glass. This will give you a lavish look that is completely original. Use the colors that fit your needs and tastes, add more of those colors throughout the kitchen and get a lavish look well worth the investment.

Adding stained glass to your house is the proper way to spice things up. You choose the color scheme, the look and the design and you reap the rewards of beauty that is unlike anything else. And, when the sun shines on your stained glass, it will be nothing short of impressive.