Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
THE AD
So you are watching your TV, it JPS time and the ad starts. In bold letters, it can seen these words “DID YOU PAID PAID YOUR LIGHT BILL?” Soon after the lights start to flicker, associated with a distorted connection sound to give the the best effect as possible. Following that the screen goes blank. However the ad does not end (Randell made sure he pointed this out as many times as possible). The screen stays blank for a while then its back to normal television again.
Seeing this everyday on television can make such an ad a routine one. Soon after the ad losses its potency and a new one will have to be made to relay the same message. Let me however steer your mind to what he was saying, one that is of a spiritual context.
BREAKING IT DOWN
STAGE 1: CONSTANT CONNECTION
Bold lights with with a steady connection. This is a symbol of ones connection strength with the Almighty God. This strength as most may know, is acquired with earnest prayer and a dedicated life to God. So how do you know your connection strength? The preacher did not leave us in the dark (pun intended) on this. Matt 7:20 helps. It is a simple text with a profound meaning. We are rational humans (well most of the times), we know what good fruits are and what bad ones are. The good connection however must NEVER be said to be their own.
STAGE 2: RESISTANCE PRESENT
For those who know the game of IN THE RIVER ON THE BANK, you would know that you can’t be in the river or on the bank at the same time. The flickering lights signify a connection that is on a demising path. Think about it. When a room light starts to flicker, what is the first thing that comes to mind? It has to be a solution to fix it. It’s the same with our spiritual light. There is a problem however if left unattended. That is the first step to ignoring the Spirit. This neglect is seen by family, friends and others.
What will happen? Matt 7:17 states clearly what is the result of this neglect to heed the spirit. Since it is a process we will bare both fruits (good and bad) and people will start to wonder, until eventually all the fruits follow the vines nutrients of bad. This stage is reached through indulging in sin, exposing one’s self to anything that forms a resistance to God’s connection (pun intended again). At this time the conscience is in overdrive, the Holy Spirit tries His very best to get us back on track. But He helps those that help themselves. Left unfixed, one enters STAGE THREE.
STAGE 3: BLACKOUT
Matt 7:18 and 1John 1:6 helps us understand this stage. The presenter often says, “There is a difference in sinning and living a life of sin”. Confused? don't be. He is essentially stating that no one is perfect, but we strive for such a state. On our journey however, we may err but go straight to Jesus as we realize our wrong. We get up and start the race again, taking 1 John 1:9 as promise to heart.
Living a life of sin however is a different story. People reach here based on many factors. So engulfed would the person be by sin, that it becomes a way of life. His/Her ability to hear the Spirit is little to none, leaving them in a blackout.
This stage is the final one. It is a sign that connection is GONE, all gone. One’s fruits will be a sign to the others. Remember your fruits involve your deeds (dress, talk, walk, entertainment choices ect.)
GONE FOREVER?
About the connection being gone. There is hope. It is no man’s obligation to determine and condemn another’s life (even if the fruits seen are bad). Again the presenter left us with hope, letting us know that God can reverse this process. From Blackout to Flicker to Constant connection.
It is a message of self inspection. A time of meditation, a time to evaluate one connection, a time to see if we are influencing another’s life for good or bad, a time to see if our life’s are sustained by the Sovereign God or if we are just another pawn on the Devil’s chess board.
So, DID YOU PAY YOUR LIGHT BILL?
Friday, December 11, 2009
One day Fly was curious, curious. He noticed to the top of the roof there seemed to be a group of flies. Oh he wished he could join this HAPPY group. Why would he want to join? From his view he saw that they seemed to be having a good time. His friends were up there, and he had not seen them since they left. He believed that the place must be so much fun that they did not want to return.
For days he watched as the party got bigger and bigger. Flies were flogging from far and near. The party seemed to swing from left and right. He though, “That must be real fun, for so many to flock to one place and do not want to even leave”. He thought about it, and he made his decision, he was going to join in the fun. He could not afford to be left out.
On his way to the party, he met up on Mr. Spider.
Mr. Spider: “Where are you going fly?”
Fly: “I am going to the party”
Mr. Spider: “What party?”
Fly: “The one hanging from the roof, how can you miss that”
Mr. Spider: (Laughing) “Oohhh, that party”
Fly: “Yes”
Mr. Spider: “Well, I would not really want to go to that party at all”
Fly: “Why is that?”
Mr. Spider: “Well…”
Fly: “Hold on, you are just boring”
Mr. Spider: “Calm down and listen carefully”
Fly listens as best he can
Mr. Spider: “You hear that?”
Fly: “No”
Spider draws Fly closer to the “party”
Mr Spider: “Listen again”
Spider, come you wasting my time
Fly speeds off in anger and adrenalin. He heeds not the warning and heads to joins the party.
Upon reaching he landed in a group of strangers. He saw his friends over the other side. He decided he would go look give them a chat. So he flapped his wings to leave, but he could not leave. He was stuck, stuck to a a fly trap.
Spider told him to listen. But he did realize that he was telling him to listen to silence, a silence that indeed tells that is was not really what it looked like. There was no music. Many a times, we see the world from a far and see people having fun. They are for now, but one day they are going to want to leave the world of SIN and they are going to realize that it is going to be really hard to leave. The Lord forbid, that they are so caught up that God comes, and they would really be stuck. DO NOT LET THIS BE YOU.
As Christians we are suppose to be different from the world. She recalled (from her reading), that where ever you see a Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple, Jewish Sanctuary or Catholic Church, it can be noted that their form of worship has has not evolved and it is the same all around the world. In essence,is not influenced by the world. People HAVE TO CONFORM to their form of worship, it is what makes them what they are. If these places of worship are placed in a secular area, it is more likely that they (the church) will influence. They make it a GREAT point of duty to pass down their ethics, such as to sustain their identity.
On the contrary, if a Christian church is placed in certain areas, most often our not the surrounding culture (minor or major) will influence so much that the style of worship is changed. Therefore a certain denomination in Africa will worship a certain way, but the same denomination in Ireland worships a different way. If one member on each country were to visit another, it would seem ALMOST like a total different worship experience in worship practices. Each would be saying, “In my country we don't do this or that.” Hence there is confusion among and sometimes conflict. Also, the un-looking world starts to scratch their heads as well, “Where is the unity” they say. Music is one known fact that has drastically been changing over the years. As the years roll on, more and more tinges and pinches of the world’s IDEA/CONCEPT of worship creep in. So I ask this question specifically about drums; Do You Think The Trap Set In Church Is Conforming To The World?
Friday, August 28, 2009
If you read my first post, you would have realized that I have categories to which I write my article. Something bad turned out wonderful today, and it has inspired me to create the FOR A REASON column. This section will include seemingly bad things that happen either in my or a friends life, but show how God had a plan all along.
So this morning I got left behind by my brother. Yes I was mad, but I definitely decided not to get angry as I am the one that controls the response to any situation. Everyone knows that the first MAJOR event that happens in your day sets the tone for the rest of the day. Devil would have it that I would be angry, but I was not in it with him. As walked down the road I talked to myself and tried to find the most tactful words I could, so if I see my brother I would put him in his place.
I reached the first taxi stop and waited. Two taxis passed, the third one picked me up. It so happened when I reached my stop, I forgot to take the money out. I handed the fare to the driver, he already started to move. So without a word I just allowed it because I could get a bus faster in the town. After reaching the town I went on a coaster filled with music and jammed as usual. I sat beside a woman, who was not too much on the slim side. She was on my right.
We started our journey to Half-Way Tree and it was fare time. The woman to my left gave me her fare, followed by the woman on my right started the “Give all the change to one person” routine. For all those who take the bus, they have a good idea of I am talking about. By the time I realised, I had everyone’s fare in my hand. That was not a problem at all.
On Molynes Road, the heavy traffic started, therefore the bus came to a crawl. People bailed as they deemed it faster route if they walked. The woman on my right turned to me and asked if I knew what bus to take to KPH. I started to wonder, I knew she was on the heavy side but she did not look sick. I told her I did not know what number, but directed her to the bus park.
After getting of the bus, I took it as my obligation to ask the conductor what number bus to take to KPH, for I knew one had to take a bus to Cross Roads, but that is where my knowledge of the commute route stopped. The conductor just bolstered my opinion and offered no help. I decided to help her to the bus stop. As we walked i realised, she was infirmed as she moved rather slow. We passed the transport centre and she paused. I told her to hold to the railing. She bent over the railing in pain and explained that she got referral to KPH from Spanish Hospital. I wanted to hold her hand but was too proud to do it. We eventually made to the park. I told the conductor to take care of her as she was not feeling well; he said the bus was going directly to KPH so I did not have to worry.
I had no idea why I got left behind, but after helping that woman I felt good. This was now the first MAJOR event for the day and it did set the tone for the following hours as well. Doing good really helps. I just wonder what if I did not get left behind. Would someone have helped her? Would she have fainted? It is proven by studies that many a times we are tired and feel like giving up, but because of one person’s presence, all the pressure is somehow softened. I got left behind just to be pushed for forward. Next time you feel angry because you feel you were left behind unjustly, remember everything happens for a reason.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
This one was really a blessing to me, just had to share it. I was going to work one morning and of the most sublime things caught my eye. It is most oft times an overlooked miracle. Many would say a miracle is an event if divine origin that CANT be explained, so what do you say about child’s birth? If you get my drift, miracles can sometimes be explained. The miracle I speak of is the rejuvenation of grass from the rain.
The day before, the grass was really in drought. The most you would want to do with it is excavate and replant some fresh healthy grass. As the Lord would have it, FEW showers fell in the day and night. This is a natural occurrence since its first appearance in Genesis in the antediluvian world. However the result was amazing. The once dry and pedestrian looking leaves now had fresh green lustre. I had to say WOW, amazing. You would have thought this was a novel experience to me.
We oft ask for blessings to come down upon us. We even sing “...showers of blessings we need...” which means we are cognisant of the fact that such a spiritual entity is pertinent in life’s pilgrimage. Do we understand what we a asking for? From the event sited, we realize that the once withered grass had technically become new and refreshed. Pleasant for the eyes again and adding to the geographic aesthetics. The same applies to us. We are asking for a refreshing of our state. We ask for blessings to fortify our famished souls, so that that we may become rejuvenated for God Almighty. Whether the blessing is food, money, garment, health or academics, they are showers/droplets of sent down due to the incense of benedictions. There should never be a time that good omens fall upon us and we are in the same lifeless state.
Note well the next time you ask for a blessing and receive it, it should rejuvenate you and make you feel as new, helping you in one way or the other to further His cause. Let it remind us that our dried souls cane be revived again by droplets sent from above.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Rest is needed by all who claim to be humans, and I said claimed because some seem to think they are superhuman. If you live in Jamaica, you can relate to the heat that is felt at nights. One of the best conventional ways to soften the harsh effect of the temperature is to use a fan.
After a hard day’s work, when I come home, most times all I want to do is just sleep. I jump in the shower and say prayers and snuggle under the covers for some well-deserved shut eye (after turning the fan on of course). As I closed my eyes one night, it came to mind that I could save on the electricity bill by not using the fan. I turned the fan off and went under the cover again. It was fine for 3-5 sec, after which the orchestra started (nothing like Beethoven's symphonies). Then it dawned on me that there was another reason I used the fan. THE MOSQUITOES. These are some annoying little pests that can make a night sleep hectic. With their cacophonic wing flaps, they sing with buzzes of annoyance. So I got my arsenal ready, my dear fan. Everything was back to normal again.
Almost everything can be linked to the love, care or protection of God. Don’t believe me, watch this. It hit me; these MOSQUITOES are like Satan and his 1/3 (no pun intended), always pestering to seek their best chance to bite (I know they suck, and again no pun intended). They will never ease until their endeavour is complete. However, the FAN was the protection of God. With its presence, there was no way the pests could touch me. There was an important factor to all this however, the fan could not turn on itself, I had to make the effort to push the power button. It’s the same with God; we NEED to make an effort to ask God for his guidance and protection. If you read 1 John 3:22 you will see that he will grant unto you what you ASK for (provided you follow his commandments). You have to make a purposive effort to reach out to Him, just press that on button on the fan and all will be ok.
Most often than not, fans do come with more than one speed. Some obstacles can easily be rid, but others require diligent prayer and seeking of God. As apprehension builds towards the temptations that may face you and those mosquitoes seem to have strengthened their army, just switch to a higher gear. They will all be blown away in a wink. Sometimes, as you still might wake with bites on your body despite the fan speed. However, it would have been worse if the fan was not there. YOU NEVER HAVE TO FACE THE BATTLE ALONE. This is similar to you digging into the promise bag of God and you earnestly telling God that you need His help to fight the battle.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
In the presence of a judge, we have to stand when told to do so. When the GG/Prime Minister is in our presence at any occasion, we have to pay the customary respect. Therefore, what is expected of us when someone brings us to the Throne of Grace on our behalf? Do we have such a hard time giving respect to the Great Being that is unseen? There is great decadence in regards to how we treat the Lord in this respect.
Following the simple requests of kneeling or bowing our heads when standing seems to be a thing of the past. I often see people disrespecting the Highest Order by sitting as if kneeling is too much of a pain. I know there are those who can’t kneel due health reasons, so let’s not go there. However it’s not possible under the world's sun that almost everyone has a health problem with there knees. How can we display such disrespect to the Greatest Sovereignty. "I’m tired", "He understands", "He will not mind", ore worst yet "I don’t have to kneel". If such thoughts have slightly entered the mind, there needs to be a spiritual check up. (And yes there are times you can’t kneel because of the floor texture that is excluded as well)
ONCE I FOLLOWED
I was tough to kneel at the appropriate times in worship to God. Guess it should not be such a great surprise because we as a nation do not even stand for our national anthem. Going against the taught lesson, I practiced sitting for years. As I got older, I realized the insolence which I could be accused of. I decided to stop and return to my roots. It was not an easy thing; years of sitting practice really takes its toll when you decide to kneel again. Like a 90 year old man, I knelt, aching with pain after the prayer, but I was adamant that I was going to kneel at every chance I got. The dry cleaning of the clothes does not matter, that is trivial.
NEED A CHANGE
It is now a wide spread exercise, and it is executed very well by the younger ones who fail not to be the protégé of our faults. If corrected, people tend to get rash and start to repine, but a change needs to come. Next time we approach the Throne of God, kneel, we are be the Almighty.
Friday, July 10, 2009
We know that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, after he fasted 40 days and nights. His first temptation was that of appetite. It must have been quite a sight to see the Prince of Light and prince of darkness conversing. Satan presented Jesus with what seemed a plausible solution to His famish state. Jesus being tactful and wise drew for the scriptures and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Not here to mention how important spiritual food is now. This text can be found in Matt 4:4, and is well known by many. But have you ever stopped and thought were Jesus was quoting from? Not many people have, as a matter of fact, I have never thought about it myself. I was reading the bible one day and found it. It is clear that from “It is written…”, he took some cerebral travel and found the appropriate answer to assail the devil. Well, He quoted from Deu 8:3. If you read the previous verse, you realize it talks about Israel's travel in the wilderness for 40 years as well, I wonder if 40 is significant?
You may have noticed a lack of posting for some while now. It may seem that the novel excitement of blogging has worn off. My dear friends fear not. I am making myself even more prepared by garnering vital information, so as to make my post more inspirational and on target. As I do this I am better preparing myself to witness and also learning valuable life lessons. I see it fit to share the blessings I gain with you, as in this race no one can do it on their own. The reminders and insights may assail at times, but it's done to aid all, even myself.
Ideas have been running around in my head, but I can't blog everything I think about. I have to be prudent, making sure that all my posts are relevant and most of all pleasing to God. With an idea like this, the devil will to deter me; as he realizes that I am against him with full force. With this in mind I have to be careful as to what my thoughts allude to.
Thanks again to my dear followers and all the people who read my blog.
Anggelos
Monday, July 6, 2009
I participated in a football rally this Sunday, and after being thrashed 2 love, my compatriots and I started a conversation. Its usually me pointed things out to them, doing my bit of witnessing in my niche. Somehow the conversation switched to God and culture. Some said religion and culture are intertwined, while others said it should not be. Other options were shared as well.Here is my question to: IS GOD A GOD OF CULTURE?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORDH as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Here is my dilemma (just being melodramatic). I am a fervid member of the Hagley Park SDA Youth Choir, lending my abilities to the tenor line as best as I know how (I getting better at it). We have been singing in black and white for the past five months and its time to mix things up a bit. The alternatives are coloured tops with black bottoms or full black accompanied with red or orange ties for males and red or orange scarf for females.
On this here Sabbath eve, I attempted to prepare for the Sabbath. The first location I checked was my own closet, to my dismay they wasn't a black shirt to be found. The next thing to do was to check my brother's closet for his black shirt(his black shirt looks better anyway). I could not find his either. After desperate searching, I eventually found it on the clothes rack downstairs.
OK, these are the options. Pay close attention to the intro bible text.
1. Press the shirt on the rack (It is the ugly on though)
2. My brothers has a BLACK sweater-shirt that would make me look quite dapper (I would however be lauding self)
3. Wear an already pressed white shirt that my brother offered me, even though I would not match with choir.
WHAT WOULD DO? I really like option #2.
Friday, July 3, 2009
A lot of us if asked "Have you ever been to a night club", many of us would have said either yes, just a couple, sometimes and no. It’s the way of the time, we go
clubbing when we want to "chillax" with or friends or just get our dancing groove on.
To most of the non-club goers, might as well join the rest of those that do indeed go, as they entertain themselves the same way as individuals that do enter the doors of such places (if they have doors). How do they do so? By mp3 players, car stereos, television and computers, you name it. It’s a common thing now; everyone has something in their ears. From young to old, from the professional to the ordinary work man. (Not to cut you- But have you ever watched BET and after about 6 or 7 secular videos they just start playing a Marvin Sapp, WEIRD. Is Never Could Have Made It suppose to have an effect after I have just heard The Dream's Falsetto, J. Holiday's Bed, or had such a sweet time seeing simulated sex scenes and indulgence of alcohol and lusting over the girls with tight fitted clothes wishing I was with one of them. Then after getting into the gospel song, the BET signal technicians hit with another 7 to 8 songs of either gangster rap or sentimentalism. Again I say WEIRD!!!). Back to the non party goers. They can usually be found trumpeting a tune that would cause the normal onlooker to reminisce about places like Quad and...(I would name more if I remembered their names, but you get my point) and the famous ATI parties. I am afraid to say, WE ARE BASICALLY LITTLE MOBILE CLUBS. Our ears the patrons, our device the source and our hands the dj, pulling up all the big tunes. They would be found with the rhythms channeling through our ears 24/7, never giving it a break. We don't realize that it acts as literal ear plugs to prevent the Holy Spirit from reaching us. Most people will never see this as an obsession as they can’t see how much of their life is being dedicated to such an act.
So we convince ourselves... Ahhh boy
Not all secular music is harmful; we just need to choose carefully. In current times however, people seem to like the garbage more than the good stuff (like Solja Boy). We convince ourselves that we are Christians preparing for Heaven. We however have remnants and emblems within our possession that alludes to the clubs. I have seen and experienced the powerful influence of such sources. The results are usually sexual gyrations that commence and accompany it. Because we use such small devices outside the clubbing arena, we fail to see that the damaging effect are either equivalent or of a higher magnitude due to them being at arm’s length. We sometimes go hysterical if any of the devices behave in a haphazard manner. "Why this stupid thing stop working now", most may say. Unconscious to them, this supposedly plight sets the rest of the tone for the day, leaving you unprepared for the challenges ahead, snapping at everyone that upset you. This is the Devil's plan, and he laughs when he has accomplished such a mission.
My experience
I have clubbing experiences, 4 to be exact (I know it not a lot, but anything over nil is too many). On all occasions I felt an uneasy feeling. I did not feel that the Lord was near me. All on my mind was on was "What if God burst the clouds". Despite my dubious position, it did not stop me from participating. I can still hear "Watch de, go de", all in their attempt to laud me. I brought joy, smiles and surprise to many. At the same time however, I was bringing my standards to demise, preventing my opportunities to witness for the Lord and most of all displeasing my God. What about the other times that I have spent listening to my phone and pmp (these cost a lot of money) play the latest tunes, or spending countless hours downloading the newest songs just to gain "I have it 1st" bragging rights. Such amount of time should have been spent getting to know God. I have even seen people with their musical contraptions playing unseemly music on the Lords grounds, IT’S NOT RIGHT. It dictates how we as individuals view His sanctuary. To get back on track I had to rid myself of all the secular music. I have to now start from scratch, being prudent in my musical choices. (Not saying everyone has to resort to such extremes, but I had to do it for me and my God. I could not afford to lose my soul over music, not at all). This was a ten year skirmish, me and the music. It takes great effort to try and discern godly music. It was obvious that this fight included great principalities and powers beyond my control, but in the end I became victorious.
God's view on the situation
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8. It’s a simple text with application to all aspects of life.
The history of the songs of the Bible is full of suggestion as to the uses and benefits of music and song. Music is often perverted to serve purposes of evil, and it thus becomes one of the most alluring agencies of temptation. But, rightly employed, it is a precious gift of God, designed to uplift the thoughts to high and noble themes, to inspire and elevate the soul. As the children of Israel, journeying through the wilderness, cheered their way by the music of sacred song, so God bids His children today gladden their pilgrim life. There are few means more effective for fixing His words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort. Messages to Young People Pages 291-292
Angels are hovering around yonder dwelling. The young are there assembled; there is the sound of vocal and instrumental music. Christians are gathered there, but what is that you hear? It is a song, a frivolous ditty, fit for the dance hall. Behold, the pure angels gather their light closer around them, and darkness envelops those in that dwelling. The angels are moving from the scene. Sadness is upon their countenances. Behold, they are weeping. This I saw repeated a number of times all through the ranks of Sabbath keepers, and especially in _____. Music has occupied the hours which should have been devoted to prayer. Music is the idol which many professed Sabbath-keeping Christians worship. Satan has no objection to music, if he can make that a channel through which to gain access to the minds of the youth. Anything will suit his purpose that will divert the mind from God, and engage the time which should be devoted to His service. He works through the means which will exert the strongest influence to hold the largest numbers in a pleasing infatuation, while they are paralyzed by his power. When turned to good account, music is a blessing, but it is often made one of Satan's most attractive agencies to ensnare souls. When abused, it leads the unconsecrated to pride, vanity, and folly. When allowed to take the place of devotion and prayer, it is a terrible curse. Young persons assemble to sing and, although professed Christians, frequently dishonor God and their faith by their frivolous conversation and their choice of music. Messages to Young People, Page 296
We end up walking around, bumping our heads to either hand selected songs or those traveling on the air waves, mimicking the djs and the myriad patrons that enter the club. Such a pattern is becoming of the saints and should be avoided at all costs. I hope what has been written here has served as an eye opener.
Not bashing out against anyone. Some of my good friends affiliates with these denominations, and they are good people. However can they defend their day of worship. Yea, yea I have heard that we can worship on any day, but take a look and see what has been said.
For more go here: http://www.sundaylaw.net/opening/said.htm#kname
The Anglican Church
"And where are we told in the Scriptures that we are to keep the first day at all? We are commanded to keep the seventh; but we are commanded to keep the first." Isaac Williams, "Plain Sermons on the Catechism," pp. 334, 336.
The Methodist Church
"It is true that there is no positive command for infant baptism. Nor is there any for keeping holy the first day of the week. Many believe that Christ changed the Sabbath. But, from his own words, we see that He came for no such purpose. Those who believe that Jesus changed the Sabbath base it only on a supposition." Amos Binney, "Theological Compendium," pp. 180-181.
"No Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral." "The Sabbath was made for MAN; not for the Hebrews, but for all men." Methodist Church Discipline (1904), p.23
"But the moral law contained in the Ten Commandments, and enforced by the prophets, He [Christ] did not take away. It was not the design of his coming to revoke any part of this. This is a law which can never be broken.... Every part of this law must remain in force upon all mankind and in all ages; as not depending either on time or place, or any other circumstances liable to change, but on the nature of God and the nature of man, and their unchangeable relation to each other." John Wesley, Sermons on Several Occasions, Vol. 1, Sermon XXV.
The Mormon Church \Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
"In this, a new dispensation, and verily the last - the dispensation of the fullness of times - the law of the Sabbath has been reaffirmed unto the church... We believe that a weekly day of rest is no less truly a necessity for the physical well-being of man than his spiritual growth; but primarily and essentially, we regard the Sabbath as divinely established, and its observance a commandment of Him who was and is and ever shall be, Lord of the Sabbath." James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, 25th Edition, Art. 13, Chap. 24, pp. 449, 451, 452.
"The acceptance by the Latter-day Saints of what is usually called the 'Christian Sabbath,' or 'Lord's Day,' as the proper day of special service and worship of the Lord is sometimes challenged. Such acceptance is challenged as being in violation of one of the Ten Commandments- the fourth- which directed ancient Israel to keep holy the Sabbath day- the Seventh day of the week; and which, it is held, was designed to be a perpetual law unto all who accept God as Creator and Law-giver." Brigham H. Roberts, The Lord's Day (13 page pamphlet), p. 3.
The Baptist Church
"There was and is a commandment to keep holy the Sabbath day, but that Sabbath day was not Sunday... It will be said, however, and with some show of triumph, that the Sabbath was transferred from the seventh to the first day of the week... Where can the record of such a transaction be found? Not in the New Testament - absolutely not. There is no scriptural evidence of the change of the Sabbath institution from the seventh to the first day of the week...’To me it seems unaccountable that Jesus, during three years intercourse with His disciples, often conversing with them upon the Sabbath question, never alluded to any transference of the day; also, that during forty days of His resurrection life, no such thing was intimated...’Of course, I quite well know that Sunday did come into use in early Christian history as a religious day, as we learn from the Christian Fathers and other sources. But what a pity that it comes branded with the mark of paganism, and christened with the name of the sun god, when adopted and sanctioned by papal apostasy, and bequeathed as a sacred legacy to Protestantism." Dr. Edward T. Hiscox, author of the Baptist Manual, in a paper read before a New York minister’s conference held Nov.13, 1893
"The Scriptures nowhere call the first day of the week the Sabbath. There is no Scriptural authority for so doing, nor of course, any Scriptural obligation." "The Watchman."
"The first four commandments set forth man's obligations directly toward God.... But when we keep the first four commandments, we are likely to keep the other six....The fourth commandment sets forth God's claim on man's time and thought....The six days of labor and the rest on the Sabbath are to be maintained as a witness to God's toil and rest in the creation.... No one of the ten words is of merely racial significance....The Sabbath was established originally (long before Moses) in no special connection with the Hebrews, but as an institution for all of mankind, in commemoration of God's rest after the six days of creation. It was designed for all the descendants of Adam." Adult Quarterly, Southern Baptist Convention series, Aug. 15, 1937.
Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall
"Therefore God gave his law through Moses to the Israelites and which applies to all who want to do right, and the first in order and first in importance of his commandments or fundamental law is this, to wit.' Exodus 20:1-6,".."which is the first part of the Ten Commandment law...'The law of God never changes, because God never changes. (Malachi 3:6). His law points out the way to everlasting life. No creature will ever be given life everlasting who willfully, that is, intentionally, violates God's law....For a man to violate the fundamental law of God means that that man puts himself on the side of the devil, who therefore leads him to destruction." Enemies, Watchtower publications, 1937, pg. 94.
The Nation of Islam \ note: their holy day is Friday
The leader of the Nation of Islam Minister Farrakahn, in addressing White America said "You have not obeyed Divine Law, you have set yourself up as a law beside God, so whatever God says thou shall not do, you said 'it's all right, hang in there, go on and do it."........"God says you should keep the Sabbath. You didn't do it, so we (Black people) don't do it. See, we were your slaves, we came up under you, you were our teacher, you taught us and wanted us to call you master." Quoted from Minister Louis Farrakahn's speech at the Jacob Javit Center, in New York City, December 18, 1993,
The Church Of England
"Not any ecclesiastical writer of the first three centuries attributed the origin of Sunday observance either to Christ or to His apostles." Sir WILLIAM DOMVILLE, Examination of the Six Texts," pages 6, 7. (Supplement).
"There is no word, no hint, in the New Testament about abstaining from work on Sunday. . . into the rest of Sunday no divine law enters. . . The observance of Ash Wednesday or Lent stands exactly on the same footing as the observance of Sunday." CANON EYTON, "The Ten Commandments," pages 52, 63, 65
"Is there any command in the New Testament to change the day of weekly rest from Saturday to Sunday? None." Manual of Christian Doctrine," page 127
"The Lord's day did not succeed in the place of the Sabbath ... The Lord's day was merely an ecclesiastical institution It was not introduced by virtue of the fourth commandment, because for almost three hundred years together they kept that day which was in that commandment.... The primitive Christians did all manner of works upon the Lord's day even in times of persecution when they are the strictest observers of all the divine commandments; but in this they knew there was none." BISHOP JEREMY TAYLOR, "Ductor Dubitantium," Part 1, Book II, Chap. 2, Rule 6 Sec.51,59.
"Sunday being the day on which the Gentiles solemnly adore that planet and called it Sunday, partly from its influence on that day especially, and partly in respect to its divine body (as they conceived it), the Christians thought fit to keep the same day and the same name of it, that they might not appear causelessly peevish, and by that means hinder the conversion of the Gentiles, and bring a greater prejudice than might be otherwise taken against the gospel." T. M. MORER, "Dialogues on the Lord's Day," pages 22,23.
"Where are we told in Scripture that we are to keep the first day at all? We are commanded to keep the seventh; but we are nowhere commanded to keep the first day.... The reason why we keep the first day of the week holy instead of the seventh is for the same reason that we observe many other things, not because the Bible, but because the church has enjoined it." ISAAC WILLIAMS, B.D., "Plain Sermons on the Catechism," Vol. 1, pages 334-336.
"Dear Madam:
"In reply to your letter of May 7th, I am asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury to say that from the first century onward the Christian church has observed the first day of the week as the weekly commemoration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many of the early Christians . . . deliberately substituted the first day of the week for the seventh on the ground that it was on the first day that our Lord rose from the dead. [Italics ours.]
"Yours faithfully,
"ALAN C. DON."
"The Puritan idea was historically unhappy. It made Sunday into the Sabbath day. Even educated people call Sunday the Sabbath. Even clergymen do.
"But, unless my reckoning is all wrong, the Sabbath day lasts twenty-four hours from six o'clock on Friday evening. It gives over, therefore, before we come to Sunday. If you suggest to a Sabbatarian that he ought to observe the Sabbath on the proper day, you arouse no enthusiasm. He at once replies that the day, not the principle, has been changed. But changed by whom? There is no injunction in the whole of the New Testament to Christians to change the Sabbath into Sunday." --D. MORSE- BOYCOTT, Davy Herald, London, Feb. 26, 1931.
"The Christian church made no formal, but a gradual and almost unconscious transference of the one day to the other." F. W. FARRAR, D.D., "The Voice From Sinai," page 167.
"Take which you will, either of the Fathers or the moderns, and we shall find no Lord's day instituted by any apostolical mandate; no Sabbath set on foot by them upon the first day of the week." PETER HEYLYN, History of the Sabbath, page 410.
"Merely to denounce the tendency to secularize Sunday is as futile as it is easy. What we want is to find some principle, to which as Christians we can appeal, and on which we can base both our conduct and our advice. We turn to the New Testament, and we look in vain for any authoritative rule. There is no recorded word of Christ, there is no word of any of the apostles, which tells how we should keep Sunday, or indeed that we should keep it at all. It is disappointing, for it would make our task much easier if we could point to a definite rule, which left us no option but simple obedience or disobedience.... There is no rule for Sunday observance, either in Scripture or history." DR. STEPHEN, Bishop of Newcastle, N.S.W., in an address reported in the Newcastle Morning Herald, May 14, 1924.
The Church Of Christ
NOTE: The current official position of the Church of Christ is that the Sabbath was abolished entirely and Christians need not keep either Saturday or Sunday as a day of worship.
"There is no direct Scriptural authority for designating the first day the Lord's day." DR. D. H. LUCAS, Christian Oracle, Jan. 23, 1890.
"The first day of the week is commonly called the Sabbath. This is a mistake. The Sabbath of the Bible was the day just preceding the first day of the week. The first day of the week is never called the Sabbath anywhere in the entire Scriptures. It is also an error to talk about the change of the Sabbath. There never was any change of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. There is not in any place in the Bible any intimation of such a change." First-Day Observance, pages 17, 19.
"To command ... men ... to observe ... the Lord's day ... is contrary to the gospel." Memoirs of Alexander Campbell," Vol. I, page 528.
"It is clearly proved that the pastors of the churches have struck out one of God's ten words, which, not only in the Old Testament, but in all revelation, are the most emphatically regarded as the synopsis of all religion and morality." ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, "Debate With Purcell," page 214.
"I do not believe that the Lord's day came in the room of the Jewish Sabbath, or that the Sabbath was changed from the seventh to the first day, for this plain reason, where there is no testimony, there can be no faith. Now there is no testimony in all the oracles of heaven that the Sabbath was changed, or that the Lord's day came in the room of it." ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, Washington Reporter, Oct.8, 1821.
For more go here: http://www.sundaylaw.net/o
The Anglican Church
"And where are we told in the Scriptures that we are to keep the first day at all? We are commanded to keep the seventh; but we are commanded to keep the first." Isaac Williams, "Plain Sermons on the Catechism," pp. 334, 336.
The Methodist Church
"It is true that there is no positive command for infant baptism. Nor is there any for keeping holy the first day of the week. Many believe that Christ changed the Sabbath. But, from his own words, we see that He came for no such purpose. Those who believe that Jesus changed the Sabbath base it only on a supposition." Amos Binney, "Theological Compendium," pp. 180-181.
"No Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral." "The Sabbath was made for MAN; not for the Hebrews, but for all men." Methodist Church Discipline (1904), p.23
"But the moral law contained in the Ten Commandments, and enforced by the prophets, He [Christ] did not take away. It was not the design of his coming to revoke any part of this. This is a law which can never be broken.... Every part of this law must remain in force upon all mankind and in all ages; as not depending either on time or place, or any other circumstances liable to change, but on the nature of God and the nature of man, and their unchangeable relation to each other." John Wesley, Sermons on Several Occasions, Vol. 1, Sermon XXV.
The Mormon Church \Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
"In this, a new dispensation, and verily the last - the dispensation of the fullness of times - the law of the Sabbath has been reaffirmed unto the church... We believe that a weekly day of rest is no less truly a necessity for the physical well-being of man than his spiritual growth; but primarily and essentially, we regard the Sabbath as divinely established, and its observance a commandment of Him who was and is and ever shall be, Lord of the Sabbath." James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, 25th Edition, Art. 13, Chap. 24, pp. 449, 451, 452.
"The acceptance by the Latter-day Saints of what is usually called the 'Christian Sabbath,' or 'Lord's Day,' as the proper day of special service and worship of the Lord is sometimes challenged. Such acceptance is challenged as being in violation of one of the Ten Commandments- the fourth- which directed ancient Israel to keep holy the Sabbath day- the Seventh day of the week; and which, it is held, was designed to be a perpetual law unto all who accept God as Creator and Law-giver." Brigham H. Roberts, The Lord's Day (13 page pamphlet), p. 3.
The Baptist Church
"There was and is a commandment to keep holy the Sabbath day, but that Sabbath day was not Sunday... It will be said, however, and with some show of triumph, that the Sabbath was transferred from the seventh to the first day of the week... Where can the record of such a transaction be found? Not in the New Testament - absolutely not. There is no scriptural evidence of the change of the Sabbath institution from the seventh to the first day of the week...’To me it seems unaccountable that Jesus, during three years intercourse with His disciples, often conversing with them upon the Sabbath question, never alluded to any transference of the day; also, that during forty days of His resurrection life, no such thing was intimated...’Of course, I quite well know that Sunday did come into use in early Christian history as a religious day, as we learn from the Christian Fathers and other sources. But what a pity that it comes branded with the mark of paganism, and christened with the name of the sun god, when adopted and sanctioned by papal apostasy, and bequeathed as a sacred legacy to Protestantism." Dr. Edward T. Hiscox, author of the Baptist Manual, in a paper read before a New York minister’s conference held Nov.13, 1893
"The Scriptures nowhere call the first day of the week the Sabbath. There is no Scriptural authority for so doing, nor of course, any Scriptural obligation." "The Watchman."
"The first four commandments set forth man's obligations directly toward God.... But when we keep the first four commandments, we are likely to keep the other six....The fourth commandment sets forth God's claim on man's time and thought....The six days of labor and the rest on the Sabbath are to be maintained as a witness to God's toil and rest in the creation.... No one of the ten words is of merely racial significance....The Sabbath was established originally (long before Moses) in no special connection with the Hebrews, but as an institution for all of mankind, in commemoration of God's rest after the six days of creation. It was designed for all the descendants of Adam." Adult Quarterly, Southern Baptist Convention series, Aug. 15, 1937.
Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall
"Therefore God gave his law through Moses to the Israelites and which applies to all who want to do right, and the first in order and first in importance of his commandments or fundamental law is this, to wit.' Exodus 20:1-6,".."which is the first part of the Ten Commandment law...'The law of God never changes, because God never changes. (Malachi 3:6). His law points out the way to everlasting life. No creature will ever be given life everlasting who willfully, that is, intentionally, violates God's law....For a man to violate the fundamental law of God means that that man puts himself on the side of the devil, who therefore leads him to destruction." Enemies, Watchtower publications, 1937, pg. 94.
The Nation of Islam \ note: their holy day is Friday
The leader of the Nation of Islam Minister Farrakahn, in addressing White America said "You have not obeyed Divine Law, you have set yourself up as a law beside God, so whatever God says thou shall not do, you said 'it's all right, hang in there, go on and do it."........"God says you should keep the Sabbath. You didn't do it, so we (Black people) don't do it. See, we were your slaves, we came up under you, you were our teacher, you taught us and wanted us to call you master." Quoted from Minister Louis Farrakahn's speech at the Jacob Javit Center, in New York City, December 18, 1993,
The Church Of England
"Not any ecclesiastical writer of the first three centuries attributed the origin of Sunday observance either to Christ or to His apostles." Sir WILLIAM DOMVILLE, Examination of the Six Texts," pages 6, 7. (Supplement).
"There is no word, no hint, in the New Testament about abstaining from work on Sunday. . . into the rest of Sunday no divine law enters. . . The observance of Ash Wednesday or Lent stands exactly on the same footing as the observance of Sunday." CANON EYTON, "The Ten Commandments," pages 52, 63, 65
"Is there any command in the New Testament to change the day of weekly rest from Saturday to Sunday? None." Manual of Christian Doctrine," page 127
"The Lord's day did not succeed in the place of the Sabbath ... The Lord's day was merely an ecclesiastical institution It was not introduced by virtue of the fourth commandment, because for almost three hundred years together they kept that day which was in that commandment.... The primitive Christians did all manner of works upon the Lord's day even in times of persecution when they are the strictest observers of all the divine commandments; but in this they knew there was none." BISHOP JEREMY TAYLOR, "Ductor Dubitantium," Part 1, Book II, Chap. 2, Rule 6 Sec.51,59.
"Sunday being the day on which the Gentiles solemnly adore that planet and called it Sunday, partly from its influence on that day especially, and partly in respect to its divine body (as they conceived it), the Christians thought fit to keep the same day and the same name of it, that they might not appear causelessly peevish, and by that means hinder the conversion of the Gentiles, and bring a greater prejudice than might be otherwise taken against the gospel." T. M. MORER, "Dialogues on the Lord's Day," pages 22,23.
"Where are we told in Scripture that we are to keep the first day at all? We are commanded to keep the seventh; but we are nowhere commanded to keep the first day.... The reason why we keep the first day of the week holy instead of the seventh is for the same reason that we observe many other things, not because the Bible, but because the church has enjoined it." ISAAC WILLIAMS, B.D., "Plain Sermons on the Catechism," Vol. 1, pages 334-336.
"Dear Madam:
"In reply to your letter of May 7th, I am asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury to say that from the first century onward the Christian church has observed the first day of the week as the weekly commemoration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many of the early Christians . . . deliberately substituted the first day of the week for the seventh on the ground that it was on the first day that our Lord rose from the dead. [Italics ours.]
"Yours faithfully,
"ALAN C. DON."
"The Puritan idea was historically unhappy. It made Sunday into the Sabbath day. Even educated people call Sunday the Sabbath. Even clergymen do.
"But, unless my reckoning is all wrong, the Sabbath day lasts twenty-four hours from six o'clock on Friday evening. It gives over, therefore, before we come to Sunday. If you suggest to a Sabbatarian that he ought to observe the Sabbath on the proper day, you arouse no enthusiasm. He at once replies that the day, not the principle, has been changed. But changed by whom? There is no injunction in the whole of the New Testament to Christians to change the Sabbath into Sunday." --D. MORSE- BOYCOTT, Davy Herald, London, Feb. 26, 1931.
"The Christian church made no formal, but a gradual and almost unconscious transference of the one day to the other." F. W. FARRAR, D.D., "The Voice From Sinai," page 167.
"Take which you will, either of the Fathers or the moderns, and we shall find no Lord's day instituted by any apostolical mandate; no Sabbath set on foot by them upon the first day of the week." PETER HEYLYN, History of the Sabbath, page 410.
"Merely to denounce the tendency to secularize Sunday is as futile as it is easy. What we want is to find some principle, to which as Christians we can appeal, and on which we can base both our conduct and our advice. We turn to the New Testament, and we look in vain for any authoritative rule. There is no recorded word of Christ, there is no word of any of the apostles, which tells how we should keep Sunday, or indeed that we should keep it at all. It is disappointing, for it would make our task much easier if we could point to a definite rule, which left us no option but simple obedience or disobedience.... There is no rule for Sunday observance, either in Scripture or history." DR. STEPHEN, Bishop of Newcastle, N.S.W., in an address reported in the Newcastle Morning Herald, May 14, 1924.
The Church Of Christ
NOTE: The current official position of the Church of Christ is that the Sabbath was abolished entirely and Christians need not keep either Saturday or Sunday as a day of worship.
"There is no direct Scriptural authority for designating the first day the Lord's day." DR. D. H. LUCAS, Christian Oracle, Jan. 23, 1890.
"The first day of the week is commonly called the Sabbath. This is a mistake. The Sabbath of the Bible was the day just preceding the first day of the week. The first day of the week is never called the Sabbath anywhere in the entire Scriptures. It is also an error to talk about the change of the Sabbath. There never was any change of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. There is not in any place in the Bible any intimation of such a change." First-Day Observance, pages 17, 19.
"To command ... men ... to observe ... the Lord's day ... is contrary to the gospel." Memoirs of Alexander Campbell," Vol. I, page 528.
"It is clearly proved that the pastors of the churches have struck out one of God's ten words, which, not only in the Old Testament, but in all revelation, are the most emphatically regarded as the synopsis of all religion and morality." ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, "Debate With Purcell," page 214.
"I do not believe that the Lord's day came in the room of the Jewish Sabbath, or that the Sabbath was changed from the seventh to the first day, for this plain reason, where there is no testimony, there can be no faith. Now there is no testimony in all the oracles of heaven that the Sabbath was changed, or that the Lord's day came in the room of it." ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, Washington Reporter, Oct.8, 1821.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
It’s the weirdest things at times that remind us of the Heavenly Father and His grace for us. Can pipe pouring water have any link to God?
There were four objects that caught my eye:
1. a bath tub
2. A water container
3. A shower head
4. A shower flow controller
Fiddling with the flow
What does plumbing have to do with God? I know it’s easier to think about pottery and him fashioning us in His likeness, but let me explain. As the water poured in to the container, I realized it did so without hindrance. Then it hit me. Just as the water flows freely, so does the blessings of God. But there is a BUT!!! This happens only if we allow it. We keep playing with the flow controller. Jesus is ready and willing to pour the blessings upon us but we tend to prefer leaving the pipe flow half open, quarter open or unfortunately even off. We do this by drifting away from His precepts, clearly stated in the Bible. Why would we want such an unfortunate thing to happen to us? Keep it open and the blessing will flow.
Source cutoff/Pipe clogging
At times the flow control will seem to be left open on full to you, yet there are no blessings coming. There must be a problem with the source you say. This is where some start to curse God and other invite the hand of doubt in their minds. Well the source is where you think the concern is, but there is no problem there. The problem is you. Maybe, just maybe He chose to channel the flow in a different direction, as He does not see it fit to let His blessings travel your route anymore because there is a clog. A clog of self, time wasting, constant prevaricating and many more. Remove the clog and the blessings will come gushing again, maybe trickle at first but it will reach.
In time all will be seen
The container was not filled in one shot. This brings me to my next point, TIME. It took quite a while for the water container to be filled. This applies to the acquiring of blessings. It takes time to receive the blessings, and with each interval it allows us time to bask in them and thank God once more for His mercy and grace.
Fill my cup let it overflow
Finally it was filled, to the brim. The bible says God is faithful and just to provide all our needs. This will only happen if we follow His commandments. At times there will be over flow, so much that you are going to wonder what is happening. This is where the bath tub comes in. This represents the people who you can share your blessings with and hopefully witness to them. Let them see that you praise and worship a God with rooms and storehouses rife with blessings. Never let the extra blessings go down the drain.
Standing your ground
If I moved the bottle from its position, it’s inevitable that that water would not reach it. In order for us to receive the good omens promised to us, we have to stand our ground, never giving up and striving for spiritual victory through Gods strength.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Welcome to my blog, a project that has entered my mind for a couple months now, but not since now mustered the courage to grace the face of the web. I was inspired to create one before my accident, but a great impetus has overtaken me since then. Some important fact about blogs, they have to be updated regularly to be deemed active or else the audience will decrease and the topics presented have to be interesting (we all know everything has its fans). I will try my very best to do both, hoping to keep the audience and reach someone as well.
The blog aims to inspire, correct and educate. I don't claim to have the writing prowess of Shakespeare as this is a novel experience for me, but I am willing to take the journey to point someone to Christ. Not saying I am the most inspirational, perfect and astute individual out there, hence comments are vital for the longevity of this blog, so are suggestions. Suggestions will be fulfilled if they past the requirements of being both plausible and doable.
BLOG SECTIONS
The blog will have identified sections to be versatile.
1. Your Opinion on Mine/Just Saying: Seeks to be a little conversation starter or thought provoker. A topic of interest be presented and more than likely explained. At times it will end with a question to inquire your thoughts.
2. The Vox: A section where a question is asked and you answer.
3. Hope This Helps You: Here a quote is created by me or derived from other authors will be presented, seeking to empower spiritually.
4. We Are Sleeping/Wake Up: This is one of the most important sections. It intends to cause self examination of self as an eye opener in design
5. Godly Allusion: Takes simple day to day event and link it to the workings of God.
6. Something I Found: General information that I might find, that I think would help you think differently.
7. From My Experience to Your Life: Contains an event that has brought blessing to me. I share it with you and hope it will bring a blessing to you as well.
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