Persecution! Make a stand for your faith and conviction!

Taken from G4C Christian Guitar Forum
SO&S02
Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:08 am Post subject:

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If a person is physically incapable of coming to a church service, as he is bed-ridden, and will be bed-ridden for a long long time. Can this person still grow spiritually? Is this person still a child of God even though he can't attend church service or CG? Is he compromising his faith by not coming to the church service?

I have not been talking about hot or cold attitdue.

Can a Christian be HOT on fire for God, loving God, read the Word daily, commue with God daily, and yet not able to serve in a church ministry, or even attend a church service or cell meeting in his whole life?

Or is everyone reading what I wrote thinks that I am OK with Christian with bad attitudes who wants to compromise their faith? Notice it is "compromising their faith", not "compromising their schedule to do to church service"?

I will reiterate: "Standing firm for your faith" is NOT equal to "Standing firm for your shedule to go church service". I am all for standing up for your faith in Jesus.
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SO&S02
Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:24 am Post subject:

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SO&SO1 wrote:
hey guys, there's now somebody who's looking these posts seriously because they are left with only a choice by their family.... TO LEAVE THE CHURCH OR TO LEAVE THE HOME. ONE CHOICE ONLY.


Let be clear on this:

Leave Church or Leave Faith?

Leave church as in stop attending service and stop serving in church?

If it is "Leave Faith", then only one person can force you to leave the faith and backslide - yourself. There is no compromise. No one can point a gun on my temple and ask me to NOT believe in Jesus.

"Leaving Church" on the other hand, is more flexible. If one has to STOP coming to church service because of HOME, then stop for a while. Instead here's many creative way to continue to grow:

1) Bible Study
2) Fellowship in campus/office/etc
3) Can still have quiet time with God by yourself.
4) CGL to follow-up closely, giving encouragement.

The person can leave church for the time being, as long as church does not leave his heart. That's the WHOLE point I am trying to advocate.

To those who wants to "abuse" and decieve themselves, they will still find ways to deceive themselves even if you tell them "don't come to church=unspiritual". They may oblige and come to church, but I doubt they will grow.

Hope For Those Who Hurt, by Howard and Jeanne Tomlinson

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An Extract from Chapter 23 -
SPECIFIC PRAYER

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God wants His children to pray fervently and specifically: If we are trusting Him as our Saviorand walking in obedience, we can have confidence that He will hear and answer our prayers. Weneed to keep in mind that God is sovereign and knows what is best for us. God may answer ourprayer by saying "No" if what we're asking for will cause harm or drive us away from Him. Hemay say "Wait" if the time is not yet right for our prayer to be answered. Or He may say "Yes"immediately." While answering our prayer, He may even take us through the fires of testing.God wants us to approach the throne: of grace with boldness; brining our petitions before Him."Therefore let us draw near to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find graceto help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16): We should pray specifically so we can see Himworking, but never dictate to Him how to answer our prayer. That is His prerogative, for Healone is Lord!

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Hope For Those Who Hurt, by Howard and Jeanne Tomlinson

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Chapter 24 -
NEVER ALONE

Have you ever felt lonely and vulnerable at a time of great need? We did, until God reminded usin a special way that we are never truly alone.

On Friday, October 24, 1997, Howie and I rushed to Huntington Hospital following a mini-strokewhich affected his left arm and hand. Dr. Beatrice Engstrand, his neurologist, was on vacation,and Howie's folks were in Brazil on a tour. His aunt and uncle were out of town and his brotherCliff were returning from a pastor's conference. Our normal support system was gone, so we hadno choice but to lean on God alone.

God immediately raised up the support we needed. Pastor Steve came to the hospital as soon ashe heard Howie was in the emergency room. The next day, Pastor Rich and several churchfriends came by to visit. Noticing that Howie's left arm and hand were weak, they lifted him upbefore the throne of grace in prayer.

As the paramedics got ready to transfer Howie by ambulance to North Shore University Hospital,our friend Joyce showed up and gave him a Danish roll to eat on the way. As I followed in ourcar, I turned on Christian radio and heard the song "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" by IraStanphill. Tears were streaming down my face as I listened to these words: "Many things abouttomorrow, I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holdsmy hand." God has holding Howie's hand, and I thanked Him for what He had done for us in thepast and what He was going to do now.

As the paramedics brought Howie into his room, several relatives of his hospital roommate werestanding around. One of them, a young man named Elliot, thought to himself as he saw Howie,"This guy is eating a Danish as he's being wheeled in!" Elliot didn't realize it al the time, but hewould soon be playing a vital roll in Howie's recovery.

Over the next couple of days, Howie had several more visitors. Even though his left hand andarm were very weak, he felt calm and peaceful. He lightened the heavy atmosphere in his roomby quoting Scriptures and joking with our friends. Everyone was amazed at his attitude, includingthose who called and heard him say, "Hello, this is Howard. How may I help you?"

I spent the night before his surgery with Howie in his hospital room and we shed many tearstogether. God poured out His grace on us as we had a private prayer and praise time together .Before surgery on Monday morning, I followed along crying softly as Howie was being wheelingto the operating room. He quoted Isaiah 41:10- "Do not fear, for I am with you, do notanxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you,surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." That passage of Scripture gave us boththe courage we needed to face the critical hours ahead.

While Howie was in surgery, I sat in the waiting room with my Bible on my lap. As I had done inhis previous surgeries, I prayed Psalms to the Lord, inserting Howie's name in the verses andasking for the Lord's special touch of healing on his life. While sitting alone in that room; I didn'tfeel lonely for I sensed God's presence in a very real way: Later, our friend Joyce and Howie'sbrother Cliff came by to keep me company. Following surgery, Howie received several calls andvisitors, cards and emails, flowers and fruit baskets. He was still in the hospital on my birthday,so Joyce took me out to breakfast to celebrate and gave me a lovely gift. And four days after thesurgery; Cliff and Vickie brought Howie's folks to the hospital straight from the airport. Theyhad returned early from their trip to Brazil and rejoiced to see their son well on the way torecovery: After Howie returned home from the hospital, several friends from Bible Baptistbrought delicious meals.

We had felt lonely and vulnerable on the way to the emergency room the previous week, but nowwe felt secure and blessed knowing we had God' s presence and help, along with the love andsupport of many friends and relatives: We now have the assurance that we'll never be lonelyagain!

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If you've placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you'll never have to face your burdens alone. TheLord has promised to always be there for you: "I will never desert you nor will I ever forsakeyou" (Hebrews 13:5). And He will put it on the hearts of His children to reach out touch youwhen you when you need them. You can feel great security knowing you'll never be lonely again.

I'LL NEVER BE LONELY AGAIN
(by Audrey Meier)

I'll never be lonely again, never again;
For I have opened my heart's door to Him.
So I'll brush away the tears and forget my foolish fears;
I'll never be lonely again, never again.

FOR THOSE WHO HURT: You may be feeling lonely and vulnerable right now as you're facingthe hardships of life. What you are feeling is a normal human emotion, but it is unnecessary.Look to Jesus and recall His Words: "...Lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the age"(Matthew 28:20). And don't be afraid to call out to others for support. When they know you'rehurting, many will gladly reach out to help and encourage you. You never need to feel lonelyagain as you travel the journey of life with the Lord and fellow believers by your side. That'swhat true fellowship is all about!

Eden Email Inbox Cartoon Strip



Copyright 2004 - http://www.rev-fun.gospelcom.net

A RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS STORY
In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments and a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. They relate the following story in their own words:
"It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear-for the first time-the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger. Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word.
Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city. Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States.
The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat -- he looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger.
Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at his completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately -- until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger.
Then Misha started to ad lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift.
So I asked Jesus, 'If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?' And Jesus told me, 'If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me.' So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him -- for always."
As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him -- FOR ALWAYS...."

Credits : http://r0tring.tripod.com

What is speaking in
tongues?

Speaking
in tongues is the New Testament phenomena where a person or persons
speaks in a language that is unknown to him. This language is
either the language of angels or other earthly languages (1 Cor. 13:1). It occurred in
Acts 2 at Pentecost and also in the Corinthian church as is described in 1 Corinthians 14. This New Testament
gift was given by the Holy Spirit to the Christian church and is for the
purpose of the edification of the Body of Christ as well as for
glorifying the Lord.

There seems to be three divisions in the use of
tongues: First, a private prayer language that is not interpreted;
second, a language that is interpreted - this defines proper usage in
the Christian congregation; and third, missionary context -- that is, it
appears in the context of evangelism where people (in the New Testament)
are presenting the gospel.

Today there is much debate as to the validity of
speaking in tongues, especially since there is so much apart misuse of
it in Christian circles. Nevertheless, some Christian churches
teach that all the charismatic gifts (speaking in tongues, word of
knowledge, prophecy, etc.) have ceased with the completion of the New
Testament (1 Cor. 13:8-12). Others
maintain that the charismatic gifts are still for the church today (1 Cor. 1:7).
It is not the purpose of this paper to take sides on this issue since it
is so divisive and believing or not believing in them does not affect
one's salvation. Nevertheless, there are good arguments on both
sides and the Christian church needs to be as gracious as possible to
those with opposing views on this debatable issue.

But there is an important point worth making here. Some
churches erringly maintain that you must speak in tongues in order to be
saved. This is a grave mistake since not all people speak in
tongues because not all people are gifted by the Holy Spirit this way.

1 Cor. 12:7-11,28-31, "But to each one is given
the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ⁸
For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to
another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; ⁹
to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing
by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ and to another the effecting of
miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing
of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the
interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ But one and the same Spirit
works all these things, distributing to each one individually just
as He wills...²⁸ And God has appointed in the church,
first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then
gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
²⁹ All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets,
are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of
miracles, are they? ³⁰ All do not have gifts of healings,
do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not
interpret, do they? ³¹ But earnestly desire the greater
gifts.

So, the
gifts of the Spirit are varied and they are for the edification of the
body of Christ. Speaking in tongues is not necessary for salvation
and it is not a prerequisite proof of Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
We must remember the words of Paul in 1 Cor. 13:1-2,13

"If I speak with the tongues of
men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong
or a clanging cymbal. ² And if I have the gift of
prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have
all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am
nothing....¹³ But now abide faith, hope, love, these
three; but the greatest of these is love."

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Taken from CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS AND RESEARCH MINISTRY

Could Noah's Ark Hold all the Animals?
One issue that is often raised against Christianity is Noah's Ark and the Flood. Did it really happen? Did the flood really cover the whole world? Is there enough water on earth to cover all the land? Could the ark really hold two of every kind of animal in the world? Though these might be intimidating questions, the answer to each is a resounding, "Yes." God said to Noah in Genesis 6:14-16, "So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks" (NIV). According to God's Word, Noah built the ark. Eight people entered it and all humanity died in the ensuing flood. Did the flood really happen? Yes. Jesus said in Matt. 24:37-39 that the flood happened. If you can't trust Jesus, you can't trust anyone. As far as physical evidence goes there are numerous sedimentary deposits world wide which suggest a universal flood. There are countless fossil deposits world wide (For fossilization to occur organisms must be buried rapidly with sediment.). Every major culture has a flood legend. Of over 200 flood legends, 95% say the flood was universal; 70% say survival depended upon a boat; 66% say the wickedness of man was the cause; 88% say there was a favored family; 66% say the remnant was warned; 67% say animals were also saved; 57% say the survivors ended up on a mountain; 35% say birds were sent out; 9% say eight people were saved; and 7% mention a rainbow. Is there enough water to flood the entire earth? Absolutely! If the earth were perfectly spherical the oceans would cover all the land by more than a mile in depth. The biblical account is that it rained for 40 days and nights in which the floodgates of the heavens were opened up as well as the fountains from the earth (Gen. 7:11;8:2). There is a theory known as the canopy theory that states it had never rained on the earth up to the time of Noah and that a mist watered the plants (Gen. 2:6-6). The theory goes on to state that there may have been a heavy cloud or water vapor layer over the entire earth and that it was this canopy of water that became torrential rains during the flood period. Did the flood cover all the earth? Yes it did. The depth of the flood waters is described in Gen. 7:19 as covering "all the high mountains under the entire heavens." Also, there are many references in the Bible to it being global: Gen. 6:1,4-5,12,13,17,19;7:4,6,10,19;8:3;9:15. There were 40 days of rain (Gen. 7:12), 110 days of flooding (Gen. 7:24) and 221 more days of draining (Gen. 8:1-5,13-14). That is a total of 371 days of flooding that covered the mountains. That could not be a local flood. Could the ark really contain all the animals of the world? Again the answer is "Yes." But let's look at the last question in more detail. The ark took about 120 years to build. Noah was 480 years old when he began the work and he had the help of his wife, three sons, and his son's wives. He probably hired local people to help in the construction. The dimensions of the ark have a ratio of six to one. The Ark was six times longer than it was wide. This is the best ratio for modern ship building. Model stability tests have shown that the design is stable for waves up to 200 feet high and that the ark could have rotated 90 degrees and still righted itself. The volume of the ark would be 450 feet long by 75 feet wide by 45 feet high. This equals 1,518,750 cubic feet and is comparable to 569 modern railroad boxcars. Therefore each boxcar, by comparison, would be 1,518,750 ÷ 569, or 2,669 cubic feet of space. The average size of an animal on the earth is smaller than a cat. But, just to keep it safe let's consider the average size of an animal to be a sheep. The average double deck stock car holds 240 sheep. The Ark capacity would be about 569 x 240 equaling 136,560 animals of that size. However, that still is not accurate for our needs. Since most birds, reptiles, and amphibians are much smaller, let's double the boxcar capacity for them. Therefore, the boxcars could each hold 480 different kinds of birds, reptiles, amphibians. Noah had to take two or seven of every kind of animal on the earth. Though it is not really known exactly what is meant by a biblical kind, it is generally considered to be animals that are fertile within their own groups. Any dog can breed with any dog, therefore, dogs are one kind. It would only be necessary to bring representatives of each kind since the parents could produce offspring that would carry the genetic information for all variations within their kind.
Classification . . . . Number of Species . . . . Number of Kinds on the Ark Mammals . . . . . . . . .3,700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,700 (a few live in water). Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60,200 (seven pairs according to Gen. 7:3) Reptiles. . . . . . . . . . .6,300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,300 Amphibians. . . . . . . .2,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,500 Fishes. . . . . . . . . . . .20,600. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .zero Other marine life . . . 192,605. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .zero Insects . . . . . . . . . . . 850,000 . . . (Since insects are very small, and a great many could be stored in a small area, calculation would be difficult.) Total . . . . . . . . . . . .1,072,305 . . . . . . . . . . . . .72,700 The total number of mammals would be 3,700 times two pair which equals 7,400 animals. 7,400 divided by 240 = 31 boxcars used. Since Gen. 7:3 says to take seven pairs of every bird then the total for birds would be 8,600 times two pair times 7 or 120,400 animals. 120,400 ÷ 480 = 250 boxcars. The reptiles and amphibians would be 6,300 plus 2,500 or 8,800. 8,800 times two pair equals 17,600 animals. 17,600 divided by 480 = 37 boxcars. The total number of boxcars used would be 318 with a total number of animals at 145,400. There would be 251 boxcars left over. That means that only 56% of the ark would be used for storing the animals. Obviously, then, the rest of the space would be used for food for the people and animals and sleeping quarters. In addition, considering that insects are extremely small, it is easily conceivable that they could be housed in part of the remaining space. It should also be considered that many animals can hibernate. Additionally, predators and prey have been known to habitat peacefully together during situations of stress like fire, flood, or earthquake. In the Ark, normal animal behavior would probably have been different from normal. Specialists in animal behavior have noted that animals can sense danger and have often migrated to escape it. Perhaps God used their migratory instincts to get them to the Ark. Though this is only a brief analysis, it should present enough evidence that the Ark account is certainly within the realm of possibility.

Taken from http://www.carm.org/ [CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS AND RESEARCH MINISTRY]

7 Questions Skeptics Ask

7 Questions Skeptics Ask
Rusty Wright

As the flight from Chicago to Dallas climbed in the sky, I became engrossed in conversation with the passenger to my left. "Aimee," a French businesswoman, asked me about my work. On learning I was a Christian communicator, she related that a professing Christian had signed a contract with her, attempted to lead her to Christ, then later deceitfully undercut her. "How could a Christian do such a thing?" she asked.
I told her that Christians weren’t perfect, that some fail miserably, that many are honest and caring, but that it is Jesus we ultimately trust. Aimee asked question on question: "How can you believe the Bible?" "Why do Christians say there is only one way to God?" "How does one become a Christian?"

I tried to answer her concerns tactfully and explained the message of grace as clearly as I could. Stories I told of personal pain seemed to open her up to consider God’s love for her. She did not come to Christ in that encounter, but she seemed to leave it with a new understanding.

Hurting people everywhere need God. Many are open to considering Him, but they often have questions they want answered before they are willing to accept Christ. As we answer them, seeking to blend grace with truth, an increasing number of skeptics may give an ear and become seekers or believers. That’s what happened to me.

After trying as a teenager to live in a way that would be pleasing to people and to God, I was nearly expelled from high school for some problems I helped create. For some time after that, I put on hold any investigation into Christianity. In pain and anger I wondered, "Why would God allow this to happen to me after I had been trying my best to please Him?"

Later, students in the Campus Crusade for Christ group at Duke University my freshman year helped me see God’s forgiveness as a free gift. They lovingly accepted me in spite of my sometimes-relentless questions.

After trusting Christ as Savior, I still had questions. Bob Prall, the local Campus Crusade director, took interest in me. At first his answers irritated me, but as I thought them through, they began to make sense. I followed him around campus for two years, watching him interact with non-Christians. Today, as I am privileged to encounter inquisitive people, much of my approach derives from my mentor.


"BUT WHAT ABOUT..."
How do you deal with questions and objections to faith that your friends may pose?
First, some guidelines. Pray for wisdom, for His love for inquirers (Rom. 9:1-3), and for your questioner’s heart. If appropriate, briefly share the gospel first. The Holy Spirit may draw your friends to Christ. Don’t push, though. It may be best to answer their questions first.

Some questions may be intellectual smokescreens. Once a Georgia Tech philosophy professor peppered me with questions, which I answered as best I could.

Then I asked him, "If I could answer all your questions to your satisfaction, would you put your life in Jesus’ hands?" His reply: "[Expletive] no!"

I don’t have complete answers to every concern you will encounter, but here are some short responses that might be useful.

1. Why is there evil and suffering?
Sigmund Freud called religion an illusion humans invent to satisfy their security needs. To him, a benevolent, all-powerful God seemed incongruent with natural disasters and human evil.

God, though sovereign, gave us freedom to follow Him or to disobey Him. This response does not answer all concerns (because He sometimes does intervene to thwart evil) but suggests that the problem of evil is not as great an intellectual obstacle to belief as some imagine.

Pain’s emotional barrier to belief, however, remains formidable. Jesus understands suffering. He was scorned, beaten, and cruelly executed, carrying the guilt of our rebellion against God (Isa. 53:10).

When I see God, items on my long list of questions for Him will include a painful and unwanted divorce, betrayal by trusted coworkers, and all sorts of disappointing human behavior and natural disasters. Yet in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection I have seen enough to trust Him when He says He "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God" (Rom. 8:28).

2. What about all the contradictions in the Bible?
Ask your questioner for specific examples. Often people have none, but rely on hearsay. If there is a specific example, consider these guidelines as you respond.


Omission does not necessarily create contradiction. Luke, for example, writes of two angels at Jesus’ tomb after the Resurrection (24:1-9). Matthew mentions "an angel" (28:1-8). Is this a contradiction? If Matthew stated that only one angel was present, the accounts would be dissonant. As it stands, they can be harmonized.

Differing accounts aren’t necessarily contradictory. Matthew and Luke, for example, differ in their accounts of Jesus’ birth. Luke records Joseph and Mary starting in Nazareth, traveling to Bethlehem (Jesus’ birthplace), and returning to Nazareth (Luke 1:26-2:40). Matthew starts with Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, relates the family’s journey to Egypt to escape King Herod’s rage, and recounts their travel to Nazareth after Herod’s death (Matt. 1:18-2:23). The Gospels never claim to be exhaustive records. Biographers must be selective. The accounts seem complementary, not contradictory.
Space precludes more complex examples here. But time and again, supposed biblical problems fade in light of logic, history, and archaeology. The Bible’s track record under scrutiny argues for its trustworthiness.

3. What about those who never hear of Jesus?
God’s perfect love and justice far exceed our own. Whatever He decides will be loving and fair. A friend once told me that many asking this question seek a personal loophole, a way so they won’t need to believe in Christ. C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity wrote, "If you are worried about the people outside [of Christianity], the most unreasonable thing you can do is to remain outside yourself." If Christianity is true, the most logical behavior for someone concerned about those without Christ’s message would be to trust Christ and go tell them about Him.

4. How can Jesus be the only way to God?
When I was in high school, a recent alumnus visited, saying he had found Christ at Harvard. I respected his character and tact and listened intently. But I could not stomach Jesus' claim that "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6).

Two years later, my spiritual and intellectual journey had changed my view. The logic that drew me (reluctantly) to his position involves three questions:


If God exists, could there be only one way to reach Him? To be open-minded, I had to admit this possibility.

Why consider Jesus as a candidate for that possible one way? He claimed it. His plan of rescuing humans ("by grace. . .through faith. . . not . . .works," Eph. 2:8-9) was distinct from those requiring works, as many other religions do. These two kinds of systems were mutually exclusive. Both could be false or either could be true, but both could not be true.

Was Jesus’ plan true? Historical evidence for His resurrection, fulfilled prophecy and deity, and for the reliability of the New Testament, convinced me I could trust His words.
5. Isn’t Christianity just a psychological crutch?
Bob Prall has often said, "If Christianity is a psychological crutch, then Jesus Christ came because there was an epidemic of broken legs." Christianity claims to meet real human needs such as those for forgiveness, love, identity, and self-acceptance. We might describe Jesus not as a crutch but an iron lung, essential for life itself.

Christian faith and its benefits can be described in psychological terms, but that does not negate its validity. Evidence supports Christianity’s truthfulness, so we would expect it to work in individual lives, as millions attest.

6. I could never take the blind leap of faith that believing in Christ requires.
We exercise faith every day. Few of us understand everything about electricity or aerodynamics, but we have evidence of their validity. Whenever we use electric lights or airplanes, we exercise faith -- not blind faith, but faith based on evidence. Christians act similarly. The evidence for Jesus is compelling, so one can trust Him on that basis.

7. It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.
After discussing this, a respected psychologist told me, "I guess a person could be sincere in what he believed, but be sincerely wrong." In the 1960s, many women took the drug thalidomide sincerely believing it would ease their pregnancies -- never suspecting it could cause severe birth defects.

Ultimately, faith is only as valid as its object. Jesus demonstrated by His life, death, and resurrection that He is a worthy object for faith.

Your questioners may be turned off because many Christians haven’t acted like Jesus. Maybe they’re angry at God because of personal illness, a broken relationship, a loved one’s death, or personal pain. Ask God for patience and love as you follow Peter’s admonition: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).

This article first appeared in the March/April 2002 issue of Moody Magazine. © 2002 Rusty Wright. Used by permission.

What Does The Bible Say About Masturbation?

What Does The Bible Say About Masturbation?

"What does the Bible say about masturbation?" is one of our most frequently asked questions. Many Christians have found it difficult to answer this question according to the Bible, because the Bible never mentions masturbation specifically. To understand how God feels about this subject, we must examine other verses that deal with issues such as lust, self-control and purity. Also, we must examine its fruit to see if it is from God. We have tried to address this issue by answering some of the most frequently asked questions. Our prayer is that God will use this page to bring freedom and deliverance.

"Does God care about what we do in the privacy of our bedrooms?

Sex is God's invention. He is the mastermind behind it—and His creation is worth far more to Him than it is to us. This beautiful expression of love was created out of His own heart, as a gift to be experienced between a husband and wife. It is only in marriage that this manifestation of intimacy can be fully enjoyed in the depth for which it was created (Hebrews 13:4).

The more beautiful and unique something is (like sexual intercourse), the more power it holds over our lives, either for good or bad influence. That is why it so easy for the devil to corrupt the most precious of God's gifts. When we become more in love with the gifts than the One who endowed them, the things that were designed to bless us begin to destroy us instead. Yes, God cares about what we do with our bodies, in public or in private. He doesn't want us to abuse ourselves in any way.

In fact, an older definition of masturbation is "self-abuse." Although more modern dictionaries may no longer carry this definition, they are still linked together under self-abuse:

Self-abuse noun¹

1. Abuse of oneself or one's abilities.
2. Masturbation.

1 Corinthians 6:18 further confirms this, saying that unlawful sexual relations defile our own bodies. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

"Isn't it still better to masturbate than to commit fornication?"

The easy answer to this question would be, "Yes, it is better to masturbate, because at best it corrupts only one person. It certainly is the lesser of two evils." However, why would a loving, holy, all-powerful God abandon you to a situation in which you have to choose any evil, whether it be "lesser" or "greater?" To really answer this question, we must again go back to God's original plan for sex.

First of all, masturbation will not truly relieve the sexual pressure that one may feel. It may for a short moment, but in the long run it only creates a deeper desire and capacity for sex, which will lead to more masturbation. If you let yourself become enslaved to a sexual high, you will find that you need to go to increasingly extreme acts to maintain the same degree of excitement. There are even ungodly sex therapists who recommend masturbation as a way of increasing sexual desire, not lessening it. This creates a vicious circle, like the junkie who craves a "fix," but is only temporarily satisfied. The more he indulges in his dependency, the more ensnared by addiction he becomes. This is the nature of all sin. That is why Jesus declared that all who sin become a slave to sin (John 8:34).

Furthermore, masturbation usually involves fantasy, visualization, and often pornography. The Bible is very clear as to what God expects of us in these areas of fantasy and lust. It teaches that we must not look lustfully at each other and nor should we behave in such a manner as to entice others to lust after us.

I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a girl. I know full well that the Almighty God sends calamity on those who do (Job 31:1-3, The Living Bible).

You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery." But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:28).

While the above verses refer to men lusting after women, all women know that it can very easily be reversed to apply to themselves as well. Men may be more easily visually stimulated than women, but women can be just as vulnerable to sexual fantasy in the emotional realm. Both are sin in God's eyes, and both can be brought into subjection by controlling our thoughts through Christ's power.

All sexual immorality begins with a thought. A lustful thought not taken captive, will eventually lead to other perversions, because sin reproduces itself in increasingly greater measures. If we do not deal with our evil thoughts, they will take root in our heart.

It is for this reason that God is so concerned with our thought life. Jesus came not only to deliver us from our "outward" sins, but also from wickedness that begins in the heart.

"Isn't God unreasonable to demand sexual purity after giving us sexual drives that seem to overwhelm us at times?"

Our loving God never demands from us what is impossible for us to do. We are so weak within ourselves that it may seem impossible, but He will equip us with His holy power to overcome any sin, if we ask in faith.

Of course, sexual urges in and of themselves are not wicked. They are natural. God created us that way. He desires that we get optimum pleasure out of them by using them the way they were created to be used. However, many desires for physical gratification (whether it be food, sex, etc.) stem from a deeper need that is unfilled deep inside us. Gorging our flesh can never fill a hunger that grows out of our spirit. Only intimacy with God can fill the deepest needs inside of us. No other created thing has that power.

God is no more unreasonable than any caring parent who lovingly disciplines their child. It is only because He knows what is best for us. He sees a mighty potential in each one of us that far supersedes our wildest dreams, and He loves us enough to do all He can to bring it to pass.

"I agree with all the theory, but living it out on a day to day level is another story."

This is the place where we need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. The Holy Spirit is not a vague "force," but the very power of God to comfort you and strengthen you against the sins that used to rule you before you were born again. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the very ability that Jesus had to resist temptation. He depended completely upon the Father and so must we.

Something you must know is that God is not the one who is tempting you in this area to "test" you. God is on your side and wants to set you free from these things, not lead you into them! When tempted, no one should say "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed (James 1:13-14).

God wants us to overcome every sin and temptation in our lives. Please slowly read the following verses and let their message seep deep inside your spirit.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

For though we live in the world we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

In the same way count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master for you are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:11-14).

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16, King James Version).

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

"Can I really be set free?"

In (this) freedom, Christ has made us free—completely liberated us; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery—which you have once put off (Galatians 5:1 Amp).

If you are in a real struggle with any form of sexual sin, we do not believe it was by accident that God led you to this teaching. He wants to set you free, starting right now! We would like to share several things that you can do to break loose from this stronghold:

1. Confess this sin first to God, then go to a committed Christian you trust, such as your pastor. Ask God to lead you to someone that you can be accountable with, who will be faithful to pray with you and for you. This will take humility on your part, but it will lead to life. James 5:16 says: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (You may not feel "righteous" but if you have admitted your sin to God and received His forgiveness, you are! That means your prayers are powerful and effective!)

We found a site that deals with people who have had problems in the past with pornography. Now they hold each other accountable and share what God has done in their lives. If you think such a group may be of help to you, you might want to visit this link. Porn Prayer Support (Christian support group)

2. Flee from and reject anything that aggravates this sin. For example, you may need to get off the Internet for a season or purchase software that blocks out pornography. This may sound too drastic, but it certainly is mild compared to Jesus who said, "If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to go into Hell." (Matthew 5:30). His point was that we must be willing to part with anything that causes us to sin—even if it hurts temporarily.

3. You may need to seek healing and deliverance from qualified Christians who are anointed in this area of ministry. If you have been deeply involved in sexual sins, the devil probably has a stronghold in that area your life. If you can, find some people who can help you stand against the devil, for he is the one who seeks to lead you into temptation, and whispers lies of hopelessness and shame into your ears. If he drops a filthy thought into your mind just when you are trying to pray (he has used this tactic on even the holiest saints of God), tell him to leave in the name of Jesus! Recognize his voice for what it is, and submit yourself to God. As you do this and resist the devil, he will flee from you! He is deathly afraid of those who are submitted to God in brokenness and humility.

4. Don't give up! Deliverance might take time. Self-control takes effort. You may slip occasionally—or even a lot. But remember that God loves you and He will be faithful to perfect His character in you as long you keep submitting to Him. Eventually you will win—and not because of your best efforts, but because of God's mercy (Titus 3:5). Just as salvation is received in faith, so deliverance must be received in faith. This has nothing to do with our character, strength, or failings. The only thing it is dependant upon is you receiving it in humility. If you should fail, recognize it quickly, ask God to forgive you—and then receive His forgiveness! He is faithful to do that which He promised, not just in a select few mighty men and woman of God, but in all who are willing to come humbly before Him. That includes you! We want to encourage you to hold on to this scripture as your anchor:

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

If there is anything else we can do to help you, please let us know. In closing, we would like to pray for you:

"Father, we thank you for bringing this person into our website. We know that it was your Holy Spirit that led them here and we thank you for your faithfulness to them! We lift them up to you now and ask that You fill them with a desire for You that transcends every other desire they have ever known. Let them know your cleansing love and power. We thank you that he whom the Son has set free, is free indeed. We speak this freedom into the life of this one whom the devil has bound in shame. We speak healing and deliverance and we break every tie that has kept them under a spirit of addiction and perversion. We stand against the Evil One and his every plan to bring destruction in this one's life. Father, in faith, and by the power and authority You have given us, we declare that this one is FREE in the name of Jesus! We commit them to Your care and we loose Your Holy Spirit to minister to them at this very instant. We ask these things in the precious name of Your son, Jesus Christ."

This article teaches christians how to tackle with friends who are gay.
Interesting please read on.
http://clubs.wanadoo.co.uk/vault/steff_mp3/If_your_friend_says.doc