By the Numbers

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

God's Promises to Guide Us

                             God's Promises to Guide Us
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Trials dark on every hand, And we cannot understand
All the ways that God would lead us to that blessed promised land;
But He'll guide us with His eye, And we'll follow till we die;
We will understand it better by and by.  Hymn When the Morning Comes by Charles A Tindley
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Of great concern to committed Christians who love God is this question: what does my Lord  want me to do? I've struggled with this from my youth on since I became a Christian. I never found it an easy thing to know and felt like socking persons who seemed so certain they knew. I've asked a thousand times what should I do and what can I expect God to do? Of course I read the Bible,  what preachers and theologians said about God's guidance, and prayed, even fasted. I know the Bible lists of things we should do and shouldn't do. The Bible also gives us principles to guide us in doubtful matters such as will it please God, or  will it cause others to stumble. But what about important details such as should I go to college, get a job, join an armed  service, or maybe get married? Then the question becomes: What college? What job? Which military service? What possible spouse? 
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Like I said above, I'm still struggling and don't claim to be an expert on anything, but hope my remarks will be of genuine help and assurance to you. I pray continually  that my Lord guide me to write helpful and honest articles.  Please pray for me as well. Let's consider some Bible texts and examples.
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God's Covenant Promises in Abraham's Life (Genesis 12:1-25:11).
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Jews, Christians and Muslims claim Abraham as their spiritual father because he proved his faith through life's great--really impossible--difficulties.  A step at a time he trusted  God's promises shown in making painful sacrifices such as his turning from idols, leaving home, country, brother Nahor's family, giving Lot the best land, refusing  riches rightfully earned in warfare, refusing as potential heirs Lot, Ishmael, then willing at God's command to sacrifice promised child Isaac believing God could raise him from the dead (Heb. 11:19). He  received God's repeated promises and blessings such as great riches, name change from  great father to father of nations, son in old age (100 years). And yes, he made mistakes as going to Egypt during famine, telling Pharaoh and later Abimelech Sarah was his sister, and taking Hagar as a wife. God, giving him choices, tested his faith and commitment repeatedly as he does ours. 
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Let me suggest some lessons we may draw from this. God blesses and uses us when we turn to Him from idols--whatever separates us from God. Sacrificing things dear to us demonstrates our faith and love for God. As believers we make serious mistakes that have costly consequences. Even then we have God's forgiveness, restoration and provision. God keeps His promises though we may not see any possible way they can come true. Faith progresses a step at a time though it may have many setbacks. Though God keeps his promises, it is in His time, His way and not ours. Philosopher Soron Kierkegaard was wrong to call sacrificing Isaac "a leap into the dark," since Abraham tested God's promises multiple times and found them true--it really was a further step into the light. And just as God blessed those who blessed Abraham and cursed those who cursed him in his day, we should heed that promise and that warning to our nation and to our lives today.
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Joseph, the Interpreter of Dreams (Genesis 37, 29-50).
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Jacob's sons hated their seventeen year old brother to the point of trying to kill him. Jacob favored Joseph as his beloved Rachael's son of his old age, and gave him a princely tunic.  Joseph had  one dream of his brothers and then of his parents and brothers bowing down to him. And Joseph informed Jacob of his brother's misbehavior. When Jacob sent Joseph to check on the brothers sixty miles away tending the flocks, they saw him coming and plotted to kill him putting him into a pit. They dipped his fine coat in goat's blood to convince Jacob a beast had slain him. But Judah convinced them not to kill him hoped to rescue him later. But Joseph was sold as a slave to passing Ishmaelites going to Egypt.
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The Ishmaelites  sold Joseph in Egypt  to Potiphar the captain of  Pharaoh's  guard. Potiphar saw the Lord  prospered all Joseph did and put him in charge of his estate.  Being handsome in form and appearance, Potiphar's wife kept asking Joseph to lie with her being by themselves in the house. He firmly refused saying he could not betray his master's confidence nor sin against God. She grabbed onto his garment, but he fled leaving it in her hands. She screamed to the servants and later told her husband Joseph attempted to seduce her who had Joseph put into the dungeon where the kings prisoners were confined.
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God gave Joseph favor with the prison keeper who put him in charge of the prison. Finding fault with his chief butler and chief baker, Pharaoh had them imprisoned where Joseph was. Each man had a dream  to which Joseph said God is the interpreter of dreams (not Freud). Within three days the chief  baker (chef) was hung and the chief  butler (wine taster) was restored as Joseph said but he forget to tell Pharaoh of Joseph.
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Two years later, Pharaoh had two dreams. Standing by the Nile River, he saw seven fat cows come up and be eaten by seven lean cows. In another dream, he saw a stalk of seven heads of good grain eaten by seven blighted heads of grain. This troubled Pharaoh who wanted an interpreter but none of his wise men could interpret. Then, the chief butler remembered Joseph who could interpreted dreams. Pharaoh sent for Joseph asking him if he could interpret his dreams. Joseph said, God has showed Pharaoh what He is about to do.  Egypt will have seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.  Select a wise man over the land to appoint officers and have them store a fifth of the grain in the good years to feed people in the bad years.
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Seeing Joseph as God's wise man, he appointed Joseph ruler over everything except matters of the thrown and gave him expensive gifts--his signet ring, fine linen garments, gold chain around his neck, his second chariot, a Egyptian wife, new name and persons seeing him coming were to bow down before him. Joseph, seventeen years later, was now thirty and had two sons Ephraim and Manasseh who fathered tribes of Israel.
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In Canaan famine was severe, so Jacob sent ten sons to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognized his brothers and remembered his dreams of them bowing before him. But they didn't recognize this mighty Egyptian who spoke roughly through an interpreter, asking about their father and younger brother, accusing them of being spies, and demanding they not return without brother Benjamin. He tested his brothers several times to see if their old hateful jealousy's disappeared. He revealed himself to them and later to grieving Jacob and revived Israel lived seventeen years with Joseph in Egypt and Jacob and Joseph were buried in Canaan. As God promised, Jacob had many descendants. Twelve tribes, as well as nations, kings, and Messiah came from Jacob.
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What can we take away from all this?  Jacob's blatant favoritism spoiled both his life and his whole family. We can be a lowly slave but trusting God live in dignity, honor, and win respect. Sex is a powerful temptation that genuine  commitment  to God can prevent. Joseph's dream interpretations were no mystic's imagination--the predicted events occurred. Jacob (trickster) felt Joseph's death meant everything was against him, until Israel (prince with God)  discovered Joseph was alive and in fact that God was working for him all the while (Gen. 37:35; 45:28). Could Jacob have first mistakenly believed Messiah should come through Joseph's line instead of Judah's? Can a wrong belief sometimes be the cause of our problems?
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We know God has a purpose for our lives as He gave us His guidebook (2 Tim. 3:16). We  couldn't endure a detailed instruction book, or have our every move programmed. That would destroy our dignity and zest, make loving obedience impossible, and make God a Tyrant. God wants our free loving response trusting Him to guide us even when we don't understand.  He may give us good times, or difficult times  may be necessary to get our attention, move us out of our comfort zone, or enable us to see our need of Him. Joseph's conclusion to his brothers was: "You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to same many people alive" (Gen. 50:20).
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Who can show there is no God, or that He can't speak, or act in our lives? From an idolatrous culture to incredible sacrifices, Abraham confirmed God's covenant promises can be fulfilled. From an outcast slave to a foreign ruler, Joseph demonstrated his dream interpretations became real events, not a mere mystic's imagination. Known Egyptian names, offices, customs, and requirements further illustrate the truth of these events. Further, it becomes nonsense to explain these events as historical apart from God's intervention given in context. And later Hebrews accepted and rejoiced in them as their loving God's faithful deliverances (Psalm 105).
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Many times I've felt no purpose in being  at a certain place, or doing some particular thing? I'm coming now to see why or how it could be God's preparation, plan and purpose for later and greater service. May God make you faithful and fruitful in your walk with Him and in sharing your faith even to internet friends yor may meet in heaven one day.
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Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7). Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5). 
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

God's Ten Commandments

                                                 God's Ten Commandments
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Evolutionists who absolutely reject God  have no alternative but to make the ridiculous claim that the universe brought itself into existence. Julian Huxley, once the leader of Darwinism, was asked on Merv Griffin talk show why people believe in evolution. Huxley answered honestly, "The reason we accepted Darwinism even without proof, is because we didn't want God to interfere with our sexual mores." (Quoted in D. James Kennedy, Skeptics Answered, p. 154). Darwinism gives us freedom to do as we please, but makes us perishing animals, destroys any basis for morality other than individual opinion, and enslaves humanity to the terrorism and control of those who produce the most fearsome weapon. Now the question is: what do God's Ten Commandments do for our world.
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You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3; Acts 14:15.
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"You should turn from these useless things (idols) to the living God who made heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things" (Acts 14:15). There can be only One Almighty since any claim to another almighty is a contradiction and any lessor god is not almighty. Moreover, a nonexistent universe can't created itself. And like adding books to the shelf, if we could backtrack in an  unending universe, we couldn't arrive at today. Material creation clearly points to an infinite eternal, unchangeable, self-existent mind and will. Alleged gods are their worshipers own imaginings. Further, the atheist would have to know everything to say there's no God. Respectfully, does he even know the people next door?
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The specified irreducible complexity of living things, the conscience of man, and the historic presence of the God-man affirm the personal, ethical, triune Almighty God of the Bible. Jesus said, "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord" (Mark 12:29;1 Cor. 8:5-6; Matt. 19:18-19). See my article on The Great Mysteries of the Christian Faith.
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You shall not make for yourself a carved image. Ex. 20:4; 1 John 5:21.
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In 1 John 5:21, we read, '"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." Idols cannot represent the Almighty and are his enemy being demon spirits enticing people to godless practices such as sacrifice their children, have same sex partners, even sex with animals, and such existed all over the ancient world (1 Cor.10:20; Rev. 9:20; Rom. 1:18-32). God's people were told to shun such  practices and live separated to God alone. Wouldn't an idol you can see be severely limited to time, place, power and knowledge? Moreover, worshipers make their own idols and must protect them from damage and thief. How could such a god be dependable and trustworthy? The universe's Almighty Creator has no such limitations and really could be the only God.   
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Such paganism is returning today where Christ's influence isn't felt or believed and demonic ideologies prevail. We can easily succumb to pressures in a pluralist society devoid of moral standards. We must study God's Word and keep his commandments for the safety and sanity of society.
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You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Ex. 20:7; James 5:12.
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"Do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes" and your "No" be "No," lest you fall into judgment (James 5:12).  Our name reflects our character. A bad character can't be trusted. God is our Life-giver and Judge to whom we must one day give account of our lives. God's name should only be spoken with the highest affection, gratitude, praise and honor. To dishonor God's name is to drag down human value and life to an animal level. Apart from being in God's image and Christ's resurrection, is a perishing person ultimately worth more than a pig?
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Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Ex. 20:8; Colossians 2:16 nullifies it.
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 Sabbath means "rest" and it speaks of the six day's of creation and God's rest on the seventh. It was a  sign of God's covenant with Israel to the other nations (Ex. 31:12-17).  Christians worship on the first day of the week in honor of their Lord's resurrection (John 20:19, 26; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). But the principle of rest one day in seven still stands (Col. 2:16-17; Gal. 4:1-11; Rom. 14:1-15:7).
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Honor your father and your mother. Ex. 20:12; Ephesians. 6:1.
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"Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (Eph. 6:1). Loving fathers discipline their children to correct them as God does us (Heb. 12:5-12). Wild unruley children are a shame to their parents, their community, and their nation. Further, we should appreciate  elder persons for their wisdom and contributions. How we treat them today may determine how we will be treated tomorrow. The elderly is the only outcast group everybody expects to join since nobody wants the alternative. Rebellion toward parents can only lead to a fearful destructive society.
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You shall not murder. Ex. 20:13. 1 John 3:15.
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"Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him" (1 John 3:15). Because we are made in God's image, murder is an attack against God (Gen. 1:26-27; 9:6). While murder is a capitol offense, unintentional accidents are not. Unless we regard human life as a sacred gift of God, nobody at any age is safe. Atheist religion makes it a chaotic animal eat animal world with survival of the fittest--meaning those who survive. Those who hate God love death (Pr. 8:36). God alone who gives, sustains, and owns us has the right to take life, especially those who attenpt to destroy His plan for redemption of mankind.
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You shall not commit adultery. Ex. 20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
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"Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will  inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10). We can't omit or excuse our particular sin from God's list without being self-deceived and bringing doom upon ourselves. Marriage partners tend to overlook their mates virtues and get irritated with their faults. We all have both and should keep check on ourselves that we show each other respect and loving concern--what we give is often what is returned. The home is the foundation for good or evil for us as individuals and as nations.  See my articles: God's Instructions to Christian Husbands. Effective Loving Families. 

You shall not steal. Ex. 20:15; Genesis 2:15; Ephesians 4:28.
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"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it" (Gen. 2:15). From beginning until today, God provided man this world to take care of and we all have the right to  own property and things. Government taxes don't make sense otherwise (Rom. 13). "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good that he may have something to give him who has need" (Eph. 4:28). It's God's world and unless we are His good caretakers, we become thieves even destroying ourselves. One can steal in many ways simply by not being completely honest and fair.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Ex. 20:16; Colossians 3:9.
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"Do not lie to one another"  (Col. 3:9). Lying  is usually our attempt to benefit us in some way or to avoid  trouble. It's a selfish unconcern toward others. It takes many forms such as gossip, slander, half truths, denials, excuses, exaggerations, etc. It too can be a means to save face or avoid someone having hurt feelings. And one lie can trap us into telling others. But isn't compassionate truth the best policy? Satan's lies can send us to Hell!

You shall not covet. Ex. 20:17; Matthew 15:19.

This commandment goes to the heart of the matter. God isn't pleased with outward acts that hide an inward attitude of self desires and indifference toward others. Jesus put it in true perspective, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man" (Matt. 15:19). Indeed our heart can be deceitful, disobedient, depraved before God.

How can  some persons claim God's Ten Commandments are outdated and pernicious superstitions that should be eradicated to make the world safe for the human race? They are the one thing that can save us!  Moreover, how unfair and deceitful of the "new atheists" to lump God's teachings with other religions as no different! And how immoral of Muslims to kill unbelievers even those ignorant of Islam  (jihad)  thinking it will help them get to paradise! Those who claim God's Ten Commandments outdated would cry foul if  others stole, lied, cheated, or somehow abused them. They are hypocrites who can't abide by the atheism they claim others should observe.  Honest thoughtful persons cannot accept and should stand against such nonsense. These Ten Commandments are basic to human decency, morality and security, and sanity.
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God's Ten Commandments while given to Israel reflect the moral principles of God's moral nature and will that make it possible for persons to live together in helpful beneficial ways and not destroy themselves. They insure the most freedom, protection, security, and happiness of all peoples and nations who implement and uphold them. But apart from the Bible's God who gave them, they have no basis or power to insure human well being--we're then shut up to limited conflicting human opinions. Deny the biblical God and you destroy the basis for a sane and secure, healthy and happy humanity. That breath giving, patient, but just Lord, will one day set everything right. Don't regretfully let it take you by surprise. 
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Here is the crucial fact we don't like to face: we're selfish rebellious people who don't like anyone telling us how to live our lives, not even God. We want to do things our own way with our own desires. Nobody but Jesus has ever kept God's Ten Commandments and that's why He alone can save us who break them all the time in attitude if not also in act. Unless we trust the Lord Jesus to save us weak sinful persons we have little chance of pleasing our Maker and no chance of seeing Him in Heaven. The fact that we can't keep God's Ten Commandments, no matter how hard we try, is proof positive we need the Savior who alone kept them.
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Won't you say, Lord Jesus, I trust You now and forever to save me a selfish sinner and be my Lord and Guide from now own. I want to learn and live Your Word and tell others about You. God bless you in your new life of faith, hope and love in Christ and your service to others.
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You may share God's Word and Gospel simply by telling others to look at these articles. God bless your life saving worldwide ministry. U can make a tremendous difference for good in this world and in the world to come. God bless.
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Friday, November 23, 2012

They have come for you, Claiming America for Islam

"They have come for you, Claiming America for Islam. But Jesus our Lord has come for them .... in Love!"

#Islam

Muslim Population to Double in U.S. 

by 2030, Report Projects
Read more here

It's the day when thousands of Muslims bowed to the east , toward Mecca, on the Washington Mall. There, they publicly laid claim to the U.S. as theirs. Muslim clerics openly preached that the only thing in the way was the U.S. government, represented by the captial building.

They didn't know that Jesus had already laid claim for them and given His life to purchase for them eternal life.

posted for: christforallpeoples.org

 ISLAM'S BASIS. Muhammad claimed an angel revealed the Qur'an to him making him Allah's final authoritative prophet (c.570-632). It seems anyone could claim the same thing as the Mormon Joseph Smith Jr. did centuries later (1805-1844). Muslims hope to go to heaven if they can do more good deeds than evil deeds and Muhammad is their example of virtue.
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CHRISTIAN BASIS. Biblical history was accurately transmitted centuries before Muhammad by prophets and apostles often martyred in evidence of its truth. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and demonstrated it by fulfilling hundreds of detailed Messianic prophecies and by performing hundreds of visible public miracles astonishing disciples and hostile critics. We sinners are assured of heaven by trusting in Jesus who in love and to satisfy divine justice, died to pay for our sins and arose again.
For more see my article: What Did Muhammad Say About Jesus? 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The Best News I've Ever Heard!!

                          The Best News I've Ever Heard!!
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"Sir, Mam, Friend, I'm ----------  -----------. May I share with you the best news I've ever heard?"
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"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
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Let me break this most loved Bible verse down for you in simple terms.
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First, God unconditionally loves us----"God so loved the world"
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My friend, we can know God loves us no matter who we are or what we've done. God wants relationship with us--that's why He made us in His image.  God knows about our sins even before we're born--He knows the end from the beginning. God, who says He loves us, cannot lie. Even the most evil persons--thieves, rapists, murders--can be forgiven. God's love can transform us to have purity, peace, guilt free, loving, purposeful lives for His glory. It happened to me! I know it can happen to you--just give Him the chance to show you. It's like filthy contaminated water made pure, clean, and fit to use. Isn't that good news?
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Next, God gave His Son to save us----"that He gave His only begotten Son"
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His only begotten Son means Jesus is the Son of God, the God-man who alone can take away our sin. Since all our sins are committed against God, He alone can forgive them (Psalm 51:4). God is our Creator, Owner, Lawgiver and Judge. Jesus bleeding and dying upon the cross cried, Father, forgive them. We put Jesus on the cross. He died in our place. He took the punishment for our sins (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18). Jesus is both just and justifier of us sinners who put faith in Him (Rom. 3:26). Drug addicts, alcoholics, thieves, prostitutes, everyone can be washed white as snow (Titus 3:5) and do great and lasting things for the Kingdom of God. That's amazingly good news.
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Now, God invites you to believe in His Son----"that whoever believes in Him"
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Accepting God's love and God's way means accepting God's Son to save us. God is perfect (Matt.5:46). Heaven is perfect (Rev. 21:27). But we aren't (1 Cor. 6:9-10). So it's not our goodness, not our good deeds--it's Jesus paying for our sins that makes us acceptable to God and fit for Heaven.  God's way is faith in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Faith is not  mere head knowledge or intellectual belief--it's a commitment of will for life to serve God according to His Word (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16).  "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).
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So, if you belief in Jesus,  you gain eternal life----"should not perish but have everlasting life."
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Jesus came to give us abundant and eternal life (John 10:10). His resurrection proves we are not soulless dirt as atheists suppose. We are not recycled energy as pantheist religions claim. Christian life begins the very moment we believe (John 5:24). Jesus makes us new creations. He changes our way of thinking and living to love Him and obey Him (2 Cor.5:21-22). We can now see life and the world in a new dimension. Praise God! It's the best good news ever.
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My dear friend, the opportunity is yours--eternal life through faith in Christ. Grab it while you have the chance. You may never be so ready to receive Christ again. Life's distractions can grab it away from you and send you to your doom. Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life. His arms of love, acceptance, forgiveness, and a new purposeful life are extended to you.
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Will you pray, Lord, I'm a sinner and I trust You now and forever to save me and give me a place of service in Your kingdom. Thank You, Lord. Amen (So be it.) Link, translate, and share this good news with everyone. Praise God!
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Monday, October 8, 2012

Every Knee Will Bow Before King Jesus

                    Every Knee Will Bow Before King Jesus
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We're very busy doing things we feel crucial and essential to us. But will these things count or just be shameful wasted time when we bow before King Jesus to give account of our lives? Are we too busy to think about it, to know about it, to even care about it? Do we even believe it's true? We will all bow before King Jesus someday to give account of our earthly life.
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"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:10-11). The Lord will laugh at the nation's kings coming against Him who are told to kiss the Son lest He be angry" (Psalm 2). All intelligent creation will worship King Jesus as Lord.
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We lose cells from our body every day. Ever notice the thin skin, protruding veins and discoloration on elderly person's hands? They hold objects and wash their hands millions of times shedding cells yet the skin on their palms is still smooth, thick and clear. Why? Did mindless nature know we need increase cell production in our palms? No, it's impossible! It's a God thing as are a million other things all around us, if we take time to think honestly about them. Now allow me please to mention some things that will immensely count when we stand before the King of kings and Lord of lords to give account of our lives.
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King Jesus died to save us from a fruitless wasted selfish life. Speaking of the sheep of which Jesus is their shepherd, He says "the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly"John 10:10. Here we may liken this to false teachers and teaching that would steal Christ's followers away, or kill and destroy them with their teachings. But Jesus came to give his people a better life. Not one wasted by trivial or destructive pursuits. His suffering on the cross for our sin showed His real concern for our well being and should motivate us to live a life pleasing to Him, not one of empty waste and shame when we bow before Him in judgment.
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King Jesus has all knowledge, wisdom, love and power that we need to help us. Unlike the rulers of this world more concerned with themselves than with their people, Jesus our Creator and God knows what we need and has resources in abundance to provide. But He never said it's going to be easy or that we will be popular, loved, and accepted with the evil world. As it rejected Him, it will reject us who try to live for Him. This requires great faith and courage to persevere in trials and temptations to avoid tobacco, alcohol, drugs, unholy sex, gambling, theft and anything that can trap us into a destructive lifestyle out of His will and purpose for our lives.
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 By prayer, study of God's Word, and fellowship with God's believing people, we draw strength and courage to live Godly lives and have great rewards throughout eternity. But Christ rejectors perish in darkness, punishment, tears and torments from the lifestyle they have chosen and brought upon themselves.
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King Jesus gave us instructions to guide us into an ennobling honest productive rewarding life. The "new atheists" claim God and the Bible are evil and dangerous. But if  they are as these atheists claim, how could the Bible become known as "the good Book" and God as "the good Lord"? People knowing the Bible for centuries never thought what the new atheists claim. It's only in today's world of gross Bible ignorance that people can accept such claims. 
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Consider a few Bible statements. Jesus says the two greatest commandments is to love God and love your neighbor as yourself"--is that evil and dangerous? (Matt. 22:37-40). "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men . . . live peacefully with all men" (Rom. 12:17-18). "Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 17:21). "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law" (Rom. 13:8). "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all" (Gal. 6:10). "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal. 5:22). I could easily provide a hundred other like statements of Bible teaching. Those who ignore and misrepresent Bible teaching to malign biblical Christianity have little honesty of conscience. They are the ones who I'm afraid are evil and dangerous. 
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King Jesus would have us ask if humanists, socialists, pragmatists and Islamists will help or hurt us as individuals and as nations. Atheist humanists who deny God and exalt man are dogmatic and arrogant to degrade us as mere perishing soulless animals who are justified to live on a self-centered animal level. Marxist socialists promise economic security that is complete government control of our faith, family, and future driving us into economic poverty. It's dialectical materialism provides an excuse to use any adverse national situation to usurp more power and control over our lives. It has never worked in Russia, China, Cuba or elsewhere. Their citizens sought to escape such oppression in the land of the free and home of the brave. Where can they go now?
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Pragmatisists, like atheism's just mentioned, seeks an immediate fix usually of throwing citizen tax money at projects that may not work with little concern for future consequences. They advocate a world government run by dictators who claim they know enough to solve the grave problems they created.  Islam's law is another government dictatorship to control every aspect of our lives.  Politically correct means we're not allowed to question anything these dictatorships  say. The Quran claims Muslims don't have to keep treaties or agreements with non-Muslims and are at war with them until the world becomes wholly Muslim. They may lie, kill and do anything that promotes the faith of Allah. Now here is a most serious thing: These above philosophies are taught as truth every day in public schools in the U.S.A. and around the world. 
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The upcoming youth have been brainwashed in these ideologies for decades and are taking leadership positions in government, science, industry, entertainment, the arts, news media, and courts. Are persons who believe in human decency, freedom, and opportunity going to stand up, speak out for truth and righteousness, or sit on their hands and let further decay take place?  Nations fall into decay, moral and spiritual poverty and hardship when their people become lazy, indifferent, and cowardly. Freedom and humanity cost a terrible price. Are you willing to fight for your dignity and freedom? Ignorance and indifference will be no excuse when we kneel before King Jesus. It may be very soon!
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King Jesus will win in the end of course since He is the only real King. But God allows us sinful human beings the freedom to make our own choices and reap the consequences. Our leaders may be corrupt and betray us, but we can do something to change it's course if we will. We can pray and trust God's promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14. We can vote not for a certain race, or skin color, but for persons who honestly love God, country, and their people's well being. Another thing we can do is link these articles on our internet blog and tell our friends about them. Of course, the biggest thing is to make King Jesus Lord of our lives. God bless you and your concern for truth, your moral courage, and human decency.
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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

We Are Not Merely Perishing Animals!

                        We Are Not Merely Perishing Animals!
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The foundational question facing humanity is this: Are we mere animals living in an eat and be eaten world? Don't all worldviews say that somehow our lives will cease to be? If we're only more evolved animals within nature, then wouldn't we perish like the other animals?  Consider the following five worldviews and you decide.
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1. Evolution is the belief mindless molecules arranged themselves into all life forms. This seems to be the basis of almost all non-biblical worldviews. It assumes anything can happen by chance given enough time. It assumes life spontaneously arose from mindless chemicals. It assumes all life forms evolved from molecules to man. It assumes natural selection and mutation are the mechanisms by which it all takes place. It assumes this is all scientific fact and no personal Creator God is necessary to explain the world. It says believers in God (theists) mistakenly assume a God of the gaps to explain what is completely natural. It seems worldviews conclude in one way or another that we are merely more evolved perishing animals. But not so with biblical Christianity.
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Evolutionists cannot show each step in the ongoing process which would be the real proof. They show only disconnected fossils and a few disputed hoaxes. They cannot conduct experiments that demonstrate evolution occurred. They point to miner genetic changes within an animal and extrapolate this means that one animal can change into another. They ignores both scientific and  biblical evidences that seem to preclude evolution.
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2. Atheists claim no god of any kind and no eternal soul exists. Atheists go under different names that put emphases upon different factors. Materialists say all is matter and nothing really spiritual exists. Naturalists claim nature is everything and nothing supernatural or outside nature exists. Physicists think that nothing beyond the physical or metaphysical exists. Secularists believe things called sacred are only superstitious ignorance. Humanists feel man is the height and standard to measure all else. Further, atheists claim to use the scientific method of observation and experiment which is the only sure way to knowledge. Evolution is the basis for atheism.
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Atheists claim to be reasonable and scientific whereas others are not. They say evils disprove the existence of a good and powerful God who would eliminate such evils. And galaxies and planets outside our solar system, germs that kill millions, dinosaurs, and cave men all prove evolution and disprove God. Moreover, Christians are hypocrites who don't live as if they know God.
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I'm not saying atheists are necessarily bad people.They may be respectful good citizens, friendly lovable people who try to do good, and may even appear more descent that some Christians or persons assumed or think they're Christians. I am saying that atheists and others don't have the foundational principles biblical Christianity provide that work to make a better peaceful loving world. Moreover, we none understand and apply our worldview consistently in all life situations.  
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Human knowledge is a small dot in the huge circle of universal knowledge, so isn't it a bit arrogant for anyone to claim a Godlike knowledge that he knows there's no God. And if God were to eliminate all evil, wouldn't that mean all of us?  Wouldn't God show patience, mercy and grace to allow us multiple opportunities to admit our wrong doing and turn to Him for forgiveness and blessings? Perhaps God was more concerned with  His people having a loving relationship with Him than knowing about other galaxies and planets which they were not in any position to understand anyway.
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The Bible says God created a good world and disobedient rebellions man corrupted it that brought disease germs and death.  I'm convinced dinosaurs probably are what were known in China and Europe as dragons and were probably killed off by man and weather conditions. Some men live in caves today but that doesn't make them primitive and had ancients built houses do you think they would survive? Ape-men are evolutionists reconstructed biased  imagination. The real evidence is for the God-man of the Bible. See my articles: Atheist Arguments Answered. Ape-man Or God-man? Human Evolution--Did We Climb from the Slime? How Scientific and Open-minded Are Darwinists?
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Further, the scientific method of observation and experiment assumes logical reasoning, accuracy of our senses, honesty in research and reporting, all of which are only shown to be certain in the Creator God of the Bible. Moreover, experimental method cannot decide crucial issues of history, beauty, morality, human dignity, freedom, and life after death which are decided by other means.
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Also, death only shows there is no life in the body, not that it can't have gone elsewhere. The brain is not the mind and soul is not matter. Serious differences show this. Physics textbooks never mention anything psychological, mental or spiritual. Brains can be weighted; thoughts can't. Brains can be dyed, minds or souls cannot. Matter is extended and has weight, souls have not. Matter just exists, but mind remembers and believes things true or false. Let's be real!
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3. Polytheists believe little gods evolved from nature that can fight and die. Ancient peoples believed  gods evolved out of nature. Popular Hinduism believes in many gods. These gods care nothing about people and must be offered sacrifices lest they cause people harm. Mormons claim even people can become gods. But where are all these gods that we can know they exist? Mere claims they exist sure don't convince me. It would take eyewitness experiences and supernatural acts to demonstrate these gods exist. They are unlike what we have in Jesus the God-man. Isn't polytheism also a dead-in-street? And it's the outgrowth of pantheism.
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4. Pantheists say that ultimately all is spiritual energy. Philosophical Hinduism, Taoism, Christian Science, New Age are forms of pantheism. Everything is god or a part of it, but it's all illusion like a wave that returns to the sea and human personality evaporates into energy, force, principle, nirvana, Brahma, or whatever. Moreover, pantheists live as though things they deny are very real. Self is absorption into universal energy and really was only an illusion.  
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5. Biblical Christianity is different. It's difficult to see how Bible texts allow for evolution or even theistic evolution. Since I've discussed the biblical texts in articles mentioned above, here I want to explain the crucial differences Christian faith makes in this life and world. Rather than destroy us, the Christian worldview gives us life and hope. God created us in His image and likeness for relationship with Himself. Let me briefly mention the superior human advantages God gave man in His image that other worldviews deny or have no foundation to uphold.
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(1) God made us  directly with dignity. We didn't crawl up from slime or lower life forms, but were made rational, moral, immortal persons at the outset. Adam could walk and talk with God who visited him in human form. He could name the animals recognizing their essential natures and no helpmate was found among them. We exhibit many characteristics that show an insurmountable gulf between us and the animal kingdom. We can produce literature, art, philosophy, science, write history and invent things that animals cannot. And best of all we can have loving relationship with our Maker.
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(2) God gave us family. Both the man and woman were made in God's image. The man's stronger physique shows his role is to provide and protect. The woman bears children to further extend the human race. It's so apparent it's God's design that denying it is open rebellion.
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(3) God gave us absolute truth. God gave our first parents the command to take care of His garden which applies to our earth today. Clearly, what God told Adam and Eve was known, understood and to be obeyed. What the all-knowing Creator and Sustainer says is absolute truth that no human subterfuge can discredit.  We know our senses furnish data and that our minds can organize, describe and know reality. It's not an illusionary world in which we're absorbed into universal energy as pantheists claim--it's a real world God made for us to care for and enjoy. There is no secular truth and religious truth--all truth is God's truth that corresponds to reality.
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(4) God gave us free choice. Unlike animals we're not governed by instinct. God made us for loving relationship with Him and with each other. His commandments and instructions are for our good, but we can choose to obey or disobey them. God in love warns us of consequences if we don't obey and gives us multiply opportunities to turn from selfish rebellion to humble loving forgiveness, acceptance and restoration. As Randy Alcorn says: God loves us enough to tell us the truth.
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(5) God gave us equality. We're quick to notice human differences and claim we're superior or better than other persons in some way. It may be race, gender, tribe, caste, position, nationality or whatever. But biblical teaching is that we're all descended from the same parents, and have the same blood. Geneticists studying DNA have now established that all peoples have descended from one female and one male living in the same region. Of course we differ in looks, intelligence, size, shape and so on but before God we are to be given the same equal respect and concern. To follow this would eliminate greed, hatred, wars.
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(6) God gave us morality. Adam and Eve were told not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil lest they die. Only one tree they were to avoid in a garden of a great many trees they could freely eat. God wasn't being mean to deny them the fruit of this one tree; it was to test their obedience and trust in Him and His word. Loving parents likewise warn their children of the harmful consequences of bad behavior. Thus the Bible is filled with good advise as well as prohibitions and warnings. Deny the personal ethically perfect God of the Bible and anything is permitted--anything!!
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God putting our parents out of His garden of Eden was again an act of mercy and love. God didn't want our parents to eat of the tree of life and their descendants be condemned to live in eternal separation from Him and the loving relationship He wants with us. Moral rules are God's principles for our well being. Jesus' Golden Rule of treat others the way you want to be treated would eliminate slavery, theft, deception and general human abuse. Isn't it most reasonable that the Lord who made us knows what's best for us?
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(7) God gave us human government. Government is ordained of God and necessary to keep us from the evil of harming ourselves. We have a selfish evil tendency to hurt one another so  restrictions must be placed on evil doers as with theft and damage to property owners. The purpose of the state is justice and well being for its people. Laws and taxes are necessary but must be limited so not as to put citizens in slavery and poverty. Natural law should reflect God's law. The Bible uses a limited flat tax on Israel to encourage human incentive. Righteousness exalts a nation; sin is a reproach to any people.

(8) God gave us Himself. While we were sinners, Christ died for us. He was made to be sin for us that we might live unto righteousness. There can be no greater demonstration of love. Love doesn't force, it invites and you're invited to trust the living risen Savior for eternal life. No other worldview can compare with that!
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(9) God gives us hope and offers us eternal life. The things mentioned above explain the Christian worldview that enlightens, encourages, ennobles us and provides and secures our well being. Won't you say yes Jesus save me from sin and hell and make me your faithful and fruitful servant. I admit my sin and trust You now and forever to live with me and guide my life. Thank You my Lord. Amen (so be it).
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(10) God gave us a rational and purposeful world. God knows the end from the beginning, the good and the evil. It's all a part of His plan and for His greater glory. He is ever active though His ways are not our ways and often are hidden from us. But all will turn out for the good of those who love Him and seek His will. God progressively reveals His will in every age and set of circumstances to test our love and obedience. What other worldview can compete with biblical Christianity?
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There will only be world peace and fulfillment when King Jesus sets up his eternal kingdom. Things  are unified and make sense only when we start with God at the top, otherwise all is chaos. Won't you join us good news messengers in sharing this information with friends? Perhaps these articles can be accurately translated. God bless you and your ministry.
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Jesus' Resurrection Is Humanity's Only Hope!

                Jesus' Resurrection Is Humanity's Only Hope!
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#Resurrection
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We see life, intelligence, and purpose all around us, and since it's impossible for a nonexistent universe to created itself, all must be the effect of a great intelligence and will we rightfully call God. But once we admit a personal creator of the universe, we have opened the door to everything in the Bible and Christian faith. All this becomes possible--the Trinity, the devil, angels, fulfilled prophecies, miracles, the incarnate Christ, His atonement, Heaven and Hell.
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Further, the incarnate Christ is our authority--our only authority--for absolute truth, human dignity, ethics, rights, equality, justice, love, a rational and purposeful world, and objective science. All fits within the circle of a personal creator God. And it all rests upon the reality of the resurrected Christ. It in turn eliminates all atheistic humanisms and pantheistic religions.
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Jesus "presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3; see also 2:22-39; 17:30-31; Luke 1:1-4; 1 Cor. 15:3-8; 2 Peter 1:16 )." See my other articles for evidence of Jesus resurrection: Is There Life After Death? Did Jesus Arise from the Tomb? Recent Theories to Disprove Jesus' Resurrection.
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Worldviews have a tremendous impact upon our everyday lives. We may not be aware of or understand  secularism, humanism, pantheism, pragmatism, and others, but  their implications drastically decide what we believe and how we behave for happiness or harm, good or evil. So it becomes crucial that we be concerned with them and their consequences. Jesus resurrection is the foundation and major evidence for biblical Christianity. If Jesus arose from the grave, Christianity has consequences for our world and our lives that no other way of thinking possibly could. Please consider its central tenant:
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 Jesus died to save us from the penalty of our sins, arose to make us right with God, and every knee will one day kneel before Him to confess He is Lord. What then in life really matters that we should give it our time, energy and attention? This article attempts to explain the crucial implications of Jesus' resurrection for our world and our personal lives. Consider these five applications. 
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1. Jesus' resurrection declared Him to be the Son of God and the God-man. He was declared to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead (Rom. 1:4). As such all he says and approves becomes authoritative and a must for our lives. There can be no higher authority. And Jesus put his approval on both the books of the Old Testament (Luke 24:27, 44) and the New that he knew were yet to be written (John 14:25-26; 16:13). The church is built upon the foundation of his apostles and eyewitnesses who gave their lives to testify to its truth (Ep2:20).
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 Jesus acknowledged people are made in the image of God (Matt. 19:4; Mark 10:6; Gen. 1:27). This assures that everyone before God has the same dignity, value and deserves equal rights, and freedom to do God's will. There can be no discrimination due to race, color, gender, social status, caste, tribe, location, or otherwise (Acts 17:26; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11).  Now consider some of his teaching.
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When Jesus finished the Sermon of the Mount he declared he alone fulfilled the law and his Word would not pass away (Matt. 5-7). Moreover, as God, he expanded his law to what's most basic--it's  not just the outward evil act, but the inward good attitude to prevent evil whether it be murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, love, good deeds, prayer, fasting, wealth, judging and faith requests. There can be no more practical ethical maxim that his Golden Rule: "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (7:12).
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 And just before his ascent into Heaven, he said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age" (Matt. 7:18-20).  
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2. Jesus' resurrection revealed His power over death and our afterward destiny. He said there were two ways of life--the way to destruction and the way to life which few find. When he ended his saying, the people were astonished because he taught them having authority and not as the scribes" (Matt. 7:13-14). Two vital messages of his authority are (1) Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).  (2) Some persons "will  go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life" (Matt. 25:24).
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3. Jesus' resurrection demonstrated His supremacy over human religions and philosophies. Founders of human religions taught us some important truths. Buddha showed compassion for others in pain. Zoroaster realized there were two great forces good and evil in conflict. Confucius gave us wisdom in how we should be courteous and respectful to each other. Muhammad realized there could be only one God as a great Creator and Lawgiver. But where are all these greats today? They're dead! Only Jesus arose and that makes all the difference in the world.
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We have had great philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Decartes, Kant, and others who made a vital impact upon the world. But they are limited human beings, understand things only partially, often contradict each other and can never agree.  For example, determinism verses freedom, matter verses mind. In the Father and Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col . 2:3).
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4. Jesus' resurrection confirmed God's providence throughout history.  The Bible differs in crucial ways from other sacred books. It presents world history in sequence from creation to recreation. It's not mythical stories of gods dwelling in some inaccessible place, but factual history of real people and events occurring in Israel, Egypt, Iraq, Greece, Italy. God interacts with people in visual physical ways we can see and know such as miracles, predicted events that transpire, God's visitations and conversations with people. Its events are dated, and artifacts found testify to its persons, places, events that are collaborated in secular history. The Bible shows great diversity in 40 writers, their styles, genre, occupations, personalities, locations over 1,500 years, yet it contains a unity of themes, ethics and plan of redemption amidst such great diversity. History is His story. Hebrews sums it up well:
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"God who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." Hebrews 1:1-3.
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5. Jesus' resurrection provides for our redemption, resurrection and reward. If we fail to acknowledge a personal ethical God who holds us accountable for our actions, there is little if anything we can call wrong--the only law in an animal world is survival, it's eat and be eaten. Even the so-called "new atheists" recognize that the liberal's God accommodated to the unbelieving secular world doesn't really matter. The only God who matters is the supernatural personal ethical God who will judge us. Jesus' resurrection is our only sure hope of eternal life.
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John the baptizer's advise is to look to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). And John the apostle warns us that no corrupt thing shall enter the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:27). "He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still, he who is holy, let him be holy still" (Rev. 21:11-12).  Then Jesus says, "behold I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me, to give every one according to his work (Rev. 21:13). "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
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 My dear reader, are you ready for Jesus' return? Do you know Him? There can be no greater love than His giving His life for us unworthy sinners. Won't you say yes! I trust you Lord Jesus to save me now, and forever be my Guide. And I'll tell others about you. You can share these articles with friends and loved ones. Just link them to your computer. God bless you and your ministry. You will help them learn the Bible and learn of the Savior.
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