articles

Easter 2006

2006-04-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

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SECURITY: Internet communications are not secure. While reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this communication has not been tampered with, the sender cannot be responsible for alterations made to the contents of this message without his/her express consent. The sender also cannot be responsible for any computer virus/worm/trojan horse or other program(s) accompanying this message which he/she is unaware of.ADVICE: The sender cannot be responsible for the consequences of taking any advice, suggestions, opinions, perspectives, options etc. that may be offered (if at all) in this message. The recipient is encouraged to seek professional advice for their problems and conditions. Thank you.

2006-04-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

2006-03-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

Plastic bags binned as shopping goes green

2006-02-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

Today Online Singapore News // Weekend, February 11, 2006

Plastic bags binned as shopping goes green
To help cut usage, Parkway Parade using reusable bags

Lee U-Wen
u-wen@newstoday.com.sg

IF you happen to drop by Parkway Parade Shopping Centre today, don't be surprised if the cashier puts your purchases into a reusable bag, instead of the usual plastic bag.
.
The manager of the mall in Marine Parade has produced 10,000 reusable bags made of recyclable material and will distribute them to nearly 50 retailers to give out to their customers today.
.
Colourful posters, pamphlets and banners all bearing the "Go Green" message to use such bags have also been prominently displayed in the shopping centre and inside each of its 259 retail outlets.
.
It is all part of a long-term goal to become an environmentally-friendly shopping centre, said Ms Tracy Vi, the centre manager of Lend Lease, which manages the mall.
.
Incidentally, Parkway Parade is also the venue where a new national campaign to discourage the excessive use of plastic bags will be launched on Saturday morning by Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
.
Among the 15 participating retailers are all the leading supermarkets such as Cold Storage, Cheers, NTUC FairPrice and its subsidiaries, as well as furniture giant Ikea.
.
In total, the campaign will boast some 600 stores islandwide.
.
The move comes less than a year after a debate on how to curb Singapore's increasing plastic bag usage was sparked by a Today news comment highlighting the billions of bags being used here.
.
Last year, the National Environment Agency revealed to Today that Singaporeans use 2.5 billion plastic bags each year, or about 2,500 bags per family each year.
.
In total, these bags weigh up to 19,000 tonnes — or 0.8 per cent — of the total waste disposed of in Singapore annually. Such an islandwide effort to curb plastic bag usage was nowhere in sight a year ago.
.
The overriding concern in the past for retailers, especially the smaller businesses, was: If they banned or started charging for plastic bags at their store, customers would be angered and take their business elsewhere.
.
This argument led environmentalists to comment that an initiative to discourage plastic bags could work only if major supermarket chains such as NTUC FairPrice and Cold Storage came forward to show their support.
.
Indeed, Lend Lease's marketing manager Jenny Khoo said that convincing each of its retailers to support the cause is proving a difficult task.
.
"We can't enforce it as this has to be voluntary on their part too. They have to see it as part of their overall business objective and social responsibility," she said.
.
But cutting down on plastic bag usage is not the only way Parkway Parade is going green. Last June, it brought in a waste composter that collects food waste generated in the shopping centre and converts it into soil conditioner, a useful organic material for farming.
.
The composter manages about 30 per cent of the centre's total waste and has so far resulted in a 4 per cent cost saving in waste disposal.
To help cut usage, Parkway Parade using reusable bags

Lee U-Wen
u-wen@newstoday.com.sg

IF you happen to drop by Parkway Parade Shopping Centre today, don't be surprised if the cashier puts your purchases into a reusable bag, instead of the usual plastic bag.
.
The manager of the mall in Marine Parade has produced 10,000 reusable bags made of recyclable material and will distribute them to nearly 50 retailers to give out to their customers today.
.
Colourful posters, pamphlets and banners all bearing the "Go Green" message to use such bags have also been prominently displayed in the shopping centre and inside each of its 259 retail outlets.
.
It is all part of a long-term goal to become an environmentally-friendly shopping centre, said Ms Tracy Vi, the centre manager of Lend Lease, which manages the mall.
.
Incidentally, Parkway Parade is also the venue where a new national campaign to discourage the excessive use of plastic bags will be launched on Saturday morning by Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
.
Among the 15 participating retailers are all the leading supermarkets such as Cold Storage, Cheers, NTUC FairPrice and its subsidiaries, as well as furniture giant Ikea.
.
In total, the campaign will boast some 600 stores islandwide.
.
The move comes less than a year after a debate on how to curb Singapore's increasing plastic bag usage was sparked by a Today news comment highlighting the billions of bags being used here.
.
Last year, the National Environment Agency revealed to Today that Singaporeans use 2.5 billion plastic bags each year, or about 2,500 bags per family each year.
.
In total, these bags weigh up to 19,000 tonnes — or 0.8 per cent — of the total waste disposed of in Singapore annually. Such an islandwide effort to curb plastic bag usage was nowhere in sight a year ago.
.
The overriding concern in the past for retailers, especially the smaller businesses, was: If they banned or started charging for plastic bags at their store, customers would be angered and take their business elsewhere.
.
This argument led environmentalists to comment that an initiative to discourage plastic bags could work only if major supermarket chains such as NTUC FairPrice and Cold Storage came forward to show their support.
.
Indeed, Lend Lease's marketing manager Jenny Khoo said that convincing each of its retailers to support the cause is proving a difficult task.
.
"We can't enforce it as this has to be voluntary on their part too. They have to see it as part of their overall business objective and social responsibility," she said.
.
But cutting down on plastic bag usage is not the only way Parkway Parade is going green. Last June, it brought in a waste composter that collects food waste generated in the shopping centre and converts it into soil conditioner, a useful organic material for farming.
.
The composter manages about 30 per cent of the centre's total waste and has so far resulted in a 4 per cent cost saving in waste disposal. To help cut usage, Parkway Parade using reusable bags

Lee U-Wen
u-wen@newstoday.com.sg

IF you happen to drop by Parkway Parade Shopping Centre today, don't be surprised if the cashier puts your purchases into a reusable bag, instead of the usual plastic bag.
.
The manager of the mall in Marine Parade has produced 10,000 reusable bags made of recyclable material and will distribute them to nearly 50 retailers to give out to their customers today.
.
Colourful posters, pamphlets and banners all bearing the "Go Green" message to use such bags have also been prominently displayed in the shopping centre and inside each of its 259 retail outlets.
.
It is all part of a long-term goal to become an environmentally-friendly shopping centre, said Ms Tracy Vi, the centre manager of Lend Lease, which manages the mall.
.
Incidentally, Parkway Parade is also the venue where a new national campaign to discourage the excessive use of plastic bags will be launched on Saturday morning by Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
.
Among the 15 participating retailers are all the leading supermarkets such as Cold Storage, Cheers, NTUC FairPrice and its subsidiaries, as well as furniture giant Ikea.
.
In total, the campaign will boast some 600 stores islandwide.
.
The move comes less than a year after a debate on how to curb Singapore's increasing plastic bag usage was sparked by a Today news comment highlighting the billions of bags being used here.
.
Last year, the National Environment Agency revealed to Today that Singaporeans use 2.5 billion plastic bags each year, or about 2,500 bags per family each year.
.
In total, these bags weigh up to 19,000 tonnes — or 0.8 per cent — of the total waste disposed of in Singapore annually. Such an islandwide effort to curb plastic bag usage was nowhere in sight a year ago.
.
The overriding concern in the past for retailers, especially the smaller businesses, was: If they banned or started charging for plastic bags at their store, customers would be angered and take their business elsewhere.
.
This argument led environmentalists to comment that an initiative to discourage plastic bags could work only if major supermarket chains such as NTUC FairPrice and Cold Storage came forward to show their support.
.
Indeed, Lend Lease's marketing manager Jenny Khoo said that convincing each of its retailers to support the cause is proving a difficult task.
.
"We can't enforce it as this has to be voluntary on their part too. They have to see it as part of their overall business objective and social responsibility," she said.
.
But cutting down on plastic bag usage is not the only way Parkway Parade is going green. Last June, it brought in a waste composter that collects food waste generated in the shopping centre and converts it into soil conditioner, a useful organic material for farming.
.
The composter manages about 30 per cent of the centre's total waste and has so far resulted in a 4 per cent cost saving in waste disposal. To help cut usage, Parkway Parade using reusable bags

Lee U-Wen
u-wen@newstoday.com.sg

IF you happen to drop by Parkway Parade Shopping Centre today, don't be surprised if the cashier puts your purchases into a reusable bag, instead of the usual plastic bag.
.
The manager of the mall in Marine Parade has produced 10,000 reusable bags made of recyclable material and will distribute them to nearly 50 retailers to give out to their customers today.
.
Colourful posters, pamphlets and banners all bearing the "Go Green" message to use such bags have also been prominently displayed in the shopping centre and inside each of its 259 retail outlets.
.
It is all part of a long-term goal to become an environmentally-friendly shopping centre, said Ms Tracy Vi, the centre manager of Lend Lease, which manages the mall.
.
Incidentally, Parkway Parade is also the venue where a new national campaign to discourage the excessive use of plastic bags will be launched on Saturday morning by Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.
.
Among the 15 participating retailers are all the leading supermarkets such as Cold Storage, Cheers, NTUC FairPrice and its subsidiaries, as well as furniture giant Ikea.
.
In total, the campaign will boast some 600 stores islandwide.
.
The move comes less than a year after a debate on how to curb Singapore's increasing plastic bag usage was sparked by a Today news comment highlighting the billions of bags being used here.
.
Last year, the National Environment Agency revealed to Today that Singaporeans use 2.5 billion plastic bags each year, or about 2,500 bags per family each year.
.
In total, these bags weigh up to 19,000 tonnes — or 0.8 per cent — of the total waste disposed of in Singapore annually. Such an islandwide effort to curb plastic bag usage was nowhere in sight a year ago.
.
The overriding concern in the past for retailers, especially the smaller businesses, was: If they banned or started charging for plastic bags at their store, customers would be angered and take their business elsewhere.
.
This argument led environmentalists to comment that an initiative to discourage plastic bags could work only if major supermarket chains such as NTUC FairPrice and Cold Storage came forward to show their support.
.
Indeed, Lend Lease's marketing manager Jenny Khoo said that convincing each of its retailers to support the cause is proving a difficult task.
.
"We can't enforce it as this has to be voluntary on their part too. They have to see it as part of their overall business objective and social responsibility," she said.
.
But cutting down on plastic bag usage is not the only way Parkway Parade is going green. Last June, it brought in a waste composter that collects food waste generated in the shopping centre and converts it into soil conditioner, a useful organic material for farming.
.
The composter manages about 30 per cent of the centre's total waste and has so far resulted in a 4 per cent cost saving in waste disposal.

What to do when you sin?

2006-02-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

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!)
2. You must cut off all sources and relationships that would lead you back into sin. The Bible tells us to flee fornication (sexual sins). You must get out of any corrupt entanglements, or areas that you know will be a temptation to you. If you have been hooked on internet pornography subscribe to an Internet Service Provider that will filter out the pornography for you. Destroy all evil books and videos.
3. You must pray for and seek out a strong Bible believing group of Holy Spirit filled people. You will need their help and fellowship. As you humble yourself and seek help, the Lord will deliver you. Ask God to lead you to someone that can pray the prayer of deliverance for you, as you probably will need to be set free from a demon. You should also seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit as you will need His power to get free and to remain free.
4. Should you slip or fall back occasionally, repent and get right back up and go on with God. Do not allow the devil to condemn you once you have repented. Put your sin under the blood of Jesus. He will strengthen you and you will win this battle because of the Lord's promise to you. Remember, He loves you and is there to help you. Run to Him when you get in trouble, never run from Him. He will not ever give up on you! We too, will be standing with you for your total healing and deliverance. Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Happy Valentines Day

2006-01-30T01:20:00.000-08:00

CNY

2006-01-13T21:15:00.000-08:00

Lunar New Year

2006-01-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

Star Wars: Where Hope lies.

2005-06-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Where the Hope Lies
by Roberto Rivera y Carlo

Six years ago, one of the first pieces I ever wrote for Boundless was about the excitement surrounding the new Star Wars trilogy. People were lining up weeks before opening day and others were looking twice before crossing the street less they die before seeing the movie. Why? The power of a memorable story.
Six years and some (to put it mildly) mixed reviews later, this part of the Star Wars story comes to a close with Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. And it seems to be going out on a high note, at least if box office receipts and critics' opinions are the measures you employ. The story? It works but only because of what both the audience and Lucas bring to the theater: an imagination shaped by the Christian story.
Episode III begins near the end of the 'Clone Wars' referenced in Episodes II and IV. Anakin and Obi-Wan rescue Chancellor Palpatine who has been kidnapped by the rebels. I won't spoil what happens next except to say that Anakin faces a choice that will define his destiny.
At least that's what the audience is meant to believe. The truly pivotal moment comes after Anakin returns to Coruscant and Padme, whom he married in secret at the end of Episode II. Keeping the secret is tough enough, especially since Obi-Wan seems to know that if he needs to find Anakin all he has to do is go to Padme's place. Now, Mrs. Skywalker tells Anakin something that not only rocks his world but an entire galaxy as well: she's pregnant.
Anakin, who, many years from then in a galaxy far, far, away would be said to have "abandonment issues," doesn't take the news well (if by "well" you mean not dreaming that the woman you've loved since you were 10 will die in childbirth). Like any good Jedi, Anakin goes to Yoda with his concerns, albeit in a way that is careful not to reveal that he's violated the whole 'a Jedi Shall not Know Anger. Nor Hatred. Nor Love' thingy.
That's when this pivotal moment in the trilogy takes place. Yoda tells Anakin that instead of mourning for those who have died and missing them, he should instead "rejoice for those around you who transform into The Force." If he stopped there, maybe, just maybe, Anakin might have walked away thinking, I don't know if I can do that or what does he know? He's short, green and has a problem with syntax and looked for a second opinion. But Yoda goes on to tell Anakin that "attachment leads to jealousy" and "the fear of loss is a path to the dark side." That being the case, the proper response is to "train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."
At this point I thought if this is the best the Jedi can do, they deserve to go extinct and have their light go out of the universe. Add what science fiction writer Orson Scott Card calls the Jedi's "elitism" and "self-righteousness" and little wonder that Anakin turns to the one person who, however opaque his motives, seems to understand him: the chancellor, a.k.a. Darth Sidious. Sidious promises Anakin that there is a way to defeat death but that such knowledge lies beyond what the Jedi can, or at least will, teach him.
Even if you haven't seen Sith, you know what happens. What reviewers call the film's "dark" quality is Anakin's fall from grace: his helping to exterminate the Jedi, his penultimate confrontation with Obi Wan and his becoming the Darth Vader we all know, the one whom Obi Wan describers as "more machine than man, twisted and evil."
In all of this, we're supposed to draw parallels between Anakin's embrace of the "Dark Side" and "Faust," the legend about a man who sold his soul to the devil in exchange for power, pleasure and forbidden knowledge. But Anakin's desperate turn is driven by love, not a lust for power. He's not out to prove that "that mortals ... have as much dignity as any god." All he wants to do is save his wife. It doesn't justify his choices and actions but it does make them understandable. Who among us wouldn't be similarly tempted if we were told that our response to the death and suffering of those we love should be to "let go"?
If the story had ended here it would be a complete downer. But of course it didn't. The audience enjoys Episode III because it brings the knowledge of what happens in Episodes IV, V and VI to the theater. They know why the next installment is entitled A New Hope. But what makes that hope possible and what makes it new is that the central character in the remainder of the trilogy discards the Jedi code with its emphasis on detachment and replaces it with something more, well, Christian.
When we first meet Luke, all he wants is to get off "this rock," as he calls Tatooine, and live a life of adventure. Then, as he learns about his abilities, he puts them to use against the Empire. But his path only becomes clear when he learns that Vader is his father. Whereas Yoda and Ben have given up on Anakin/Vader, his son refuses to and instead insists on going after the one lost sheep. What ultimately restores the sought-after "balance" to the Force isn't power and it certainly isn't detachment; it's love. The Jedi who "returns" is very different from the ones exterminated at the end of Episode III.
Thus what's "new" in A New Hope. Detachment and fatalism have been set aside for a kind of love that sees things clearly but nevertheless insists on the possibility of transformation and even redemption. Love that is willing to risk everything for the sake of the loved one is what ultimately brings down the Empire. It's the one thing that neither the Sith, with their lust for power, nor the Jedi, with their forswearing of attachment, saw coming.
It's an idea that doesn't belong to the Eastern thought that permeates the Star Wars saga. It's a Christian idea. The late John Paul II in Crossing The Threshold of Hope, spoke about Buddhism's "negative attitude toward the world." In this view, the world is "only a source of suffering for man" and man's best course of action is to "break away from it ..." In contrast, Christian belief in "God the Creator of the world and about Christ the Redeemer" provides "a constant impetus to strive for its transformation and perfection" of that which is wrong. This belief in the possibility of transformation finds its way into the West's stories, even those stories that aren't religious. It could hardly be otherwise since this belief forms the basis of western hope.
(Every time I point out the differences and incompatibilities in the ways that Buddhism and Christianity view suffering and attachment, I get emails saying that I neither understand nor respect Eastern thought. On the contrary, I understand Buddhism pretty well for a non-Buddhist and I respect it a lot. What I don't respect is westerners trying to have it both ways by creating a fusion of the two. Religion as it's actually practiced by real people in the real world isn't an a la carte affair. It answers life's big questions in specific ways and these answers shape the perspectives, feelings and aspirations of its adherents and the cultures created by those adherents.)
What I wrote in my piece about Attack of the Clones, is even more true now that I've seen Revenge of the Sith: The Star Wars saga "works because Lucas, with the audience's connivance, injects ideas and images from the story that Christians believe was written before the beginning of time and is woven into the fabric of universe." Thus, the story ends in a way that an audience shaped by the Christian story expects it to. The result is what we, and Lucas, call hope.

Copyright (c) 2005 Roberto Rivera y Carlo. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

Most Singaporeans not surprised by casino go-ahead

2005-04-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia
Posted: 18 April 2005 2318 hrs

SINGAPORE: Most Singaporeans were not surprised by the Government's green light for the integrated resorts-cum-casinos.

But many opponents also expressed their disappointment.

50-year-old Fong Hoe Fang was one of them.

Mr Fong is one of the co-founders of the Family Against the Casino Threat in Singapore (FACTS), set up in December for Singaporeans to air their views on the casino issue.

While he was disappointed with the decision, Mr Fong acknowledged that the government's consultation exercise had been useful, and life would go on.

He said: "This is an issue where they have really listened. I don't think you can throw away 40 years of fighting against a casino being established in Singapore. Most Singaporeans would close ranks, that's in our nature. But there would still be some reactions or response over the next two to three weeks. But these would die off."

Religious groups opposed to the casinos also made their stand.

Bishop Robert Solomon, vice president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said: "We are disappointed we are going in this direction. On our own part, we need to educate members on the casinos, the dangers of gambling, and perhaps develop services and help train members to help those with gambling addiction, and promote family values."

The Hindu Endowments Board expressed its confidence that proper checks would be built into the system to prevent abuse and preserve social values.

Ordinary Singaporeans that Channel NewsAsia spoke to said they had expected the government's move.

"I am not surprised at all, already expected it! Whether casino or not, there's already 4D, Toto. In fact, if it can help Singapore's economy, go ahead!" said a member of the public.

"It's quite expected, but two casinos, I'm surprised! Anyway, build two casinos, got even more revenue and more jobs created. There are many unemployed people," said another.

"It's a great idea, actually, to have both investments. With a billion dollars each casino, it'll provide double the impact for the economy. We should have some maturity, going forward. As Singaporeans, we should take some responsibilities for ourselves rather than relying on the government on what to do," said a third.

"If it has to be done, let's do a good job! Once the decision has been made, we have to take whatever steps to minimise the social impact (of casinos)," said a fourth.

Most Singaporeans agreed with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that there's a need to move forward now that the decision has been made, but not to forget the risks associated with gambling at the same time. - CNA/ir

Singapore gives nod to two casinos

2005-04-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

By Joanne Leow/Hwee Goh, Channel NewsAsia
Posted: 18 April 2005 1749 hrs

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said Singapore will have two integrated resorts with casinos.

One will be built at Marina Bayfront and the other on Sentosa island.

They will be ready and operational around 2009, after a proposal is chosen by the end of this year.

With the two integrated resorts, Singapore will attract investments in the order of $5b.

And the economy is expected to create some 35,000 jobs, including 10,000 positions within the integrated resorts themselves.

Speaking in Parliament, PM Lee said that when the casino idea was first mooted, he was personally against it.

But the environment has changed, particularly in the tourism industry.

While Singapore's tourism numbers have been increasing, its market share in the Asia Pacific region has been falling from 13.1% in 1993 to 6% in 2002.

The tourism sector in Singapore has also not kept up with the growth in the rest of the economy, with its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reduced by half -- from 6.1% in 1993 to 3% in 2002.

The Prime Minister said that realising the ideas to make Singapore a place that has buzz 'is not so easy' and that Singapore could not stand still.

He also said that Singapore could not afford to lose out in the tourism game as many jobs are at stake, even Singapore's position as an air hub.

Many cities around the world have been reinventing themselves, including New York, London and Paris, and Singapore could not stay still, noted Mr Lee.

Besides tourism and jobs, another key consideration for giving the go-ahead to the integrated casinos is the quality of the proposals received.

Those who put in the proposals have said that the resorts will be their flagship projects for Asia.

Some even preferred two projects, because this would create critical mass and attract more visitors.

This showed they were not competing for a finite local market.

They intend to grow the market by bringing in new visitors to fill their integrated resorts.

In giving the go-ahead, PM Lee also gave the assurance that the casinos would only be a small part of the integrated resorts.

"We are not aiming to become like Las Vegas or Macau, where gambling is the main industry. We will not allow casinos to sport garish displays on the facades and have jackpot machines everywhere from the lobby to the toilets. An integrated resort will be as decent and wholesome as a SAFRA resort or an NTUC Club. The gaming area will be separate," said Mr Lee.

The gaming component is expected to occupy no more than 3% or 5% of the total area of the integrated resort developments, which will also have a wide range of world-class leisure and entertainment choices.

Though gaming will be a small component, it will be an essential part of the integrated resort projects, thus making them feasible.

And because of this, there is no need for the government to give grants or subsidies to the resort operators.

Safeguards will also be put in place to 'protect' Singaporeans, like a high entrance fee for locals and no extension of credit to them.

Coming back to the integrated resorts, the one at Marina Bayfront will be at the new downtown being built in the city called Marina Bay.

The casino at this resort will be restricted to less than 3 percent of total floor area.

This resort will target those taking part in meetings, incentive tours, conventions and exhibitions market - dubbed "MICE" - and are likely to be big spenders.

The resort will be larger than Suntec City and with more retail space than Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road.

The integrated resort on Sentosa island will cater to families and be large enough even to have a whale swim around.

It will be the size of the Singapore zoo and Bird Park combined.

Gaming activities at the Sentosa integrated resort will be less than 5 percent of the development.

In announcing the decision to have the two resorts in an hour-long speech in Parliament, Mr Lee painstakingly explained how the Cabinet changed its long-standing policy against having a casino.

He said: "We cannot stand still. The whole region is on the move. If we do not change, where will we be in 20 years' time? Losing our appeal to tourists is the lesser problem. But if we become a backwater, just one of many ordinary cities in Asia, instead of being a cosmopolitan hub of the region, then many good jobs will be lost and all Singaporeans will suffer. We cannot afford that."

"After I took over as Prime Minister, the Cabinet discussed how to proceed. The public feedback showed clearly that some Singaporeans had strong views against the proposal. The Ministers themselves were evenly split. Some accepted the arguments for the integrated resorts. Others thought it sounded too good to be true. They also shared the qualms of the public about the social impact," Mr Lee added.

"They asked: are the promised spin-offs real or fluff? Are the economic benefits worth the social and law and order fallout? What safeguards can we put in to discourage Singaporeans from gambling? If we discourage Singaporean gamblers, will investors still find the project viable?"

PM Lee was skeptical too.

To get a better idea of what they were dealing with, the Cabinet asked for the full concept proposals, and the quality of the plans swayed the Cabinet.

Even so, when the Cabinet met and decided on April 9, the decision was not unanimous.

It became obvious when other Ministers spoke during Monday's parliament sitting that they had struggled with their personal convictions on the casino issue, but set these aside in the interests of Singapore.

Mr Lee said the Cabinet's split views reflected the sentiments of Singaporeans.

He acknowledged the social fallouts from having casinos and promised safeguards.

For instance, there will be a high entrance fee for locals - $100 a day or $2,000 a year.

The money will go to the Totalisator Board to be used for charity.

A system will also be set up to prevent those in financial distress or on social assistance from entering the casinos.

A National Council on Gambling will also be set up to address addiction problem and there will be programmes to treat pathological gamblers.

The government has also made clear that it will support and fund programmes to increase public education against gambling.

It will also continue to work with religious groups to help those who could be adversely affected.

Now that the decision has been made, PM Lee urged Singaporeans to move on to help make the integrated resorts a success.

Indeed, some who argued vociferously against the casinos seem likely to close ranks and accept them.

Said Fong Hoe Fang from the Family Against The Casino Threat In Singapore: "They have listened and considered the issue, yes. But it is still a shame and a pity that for 40 years we said 'no' and now we blinked. Most Singaporeans would close ranks now, it's in their nature. Still, I would expect some reactions for the next few weeks."

Bishop Robert Solomon, vice president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, said: "We are disappointed we are going in this direction. On our own part, we need to educate members on the casinos, the dangers of gambling, and perhaps develop services and help train members to help those with gambling addiction, and promote family values." - CNA/ir

Over 160 Singaporean relief workers now working round the clock in Nias

2005-03-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: Over 40 Singaporeans from the medical teams from the Singapore Armed Forces, Red Cross, Mercy Relief and City Harvest helping the earthquake victims in Nias.

Joining them in rescue efforts are 40 Singapore Civil Defence Force officers and 79 SAF personnel.

Over 90 patients have been treated by the SAF medical teams at the medical relief centre.

45 casualties have also been airlifted from Nias to Medan for further medical treatment on 3 Chinook helicopters, while another 3 SAF C-130 transport planes have arrived in Medan with much needed emergency supplies.

The Civil defence teams working in the rubble have rescued a 50 year old and extricated 7 bodies.

28 Singaporean relief workers from Mercy Relief, Red Cross and City Harvest also arrived with another 8 medical officers from the Asian Medical Foundation going in on Friday.

The chairman of Mercy Relief, Zulkifli Baharudin said, "Our liason officer in Medan is frantically working with United Nations and World Health Organization in Medan for relief operations into Nias. Mercy's first relief team into Nias consisting of 2 doctors, 2 nurses and a number of volunteer workers have arrived in Nias and they will give us a ground assessment of what is needed."

1500 tonnes of medical supplies, food and water will depart Singapore for Nias on Monday.

Mercy Relief is also thinking of long term plans to rebuild the lives of the quake victims - 2 modern vessels each costing US$150 000, have been commissioned to be built for Nias fishermen.

Other local organizations are also looking at how they can help.

The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre is holding a meeting with the various NGOs on friday to assess the needs of the quake victims and coordinate relief efforts.

The Indonesian embassy is accepting collections for the people of Nias and Simuelue.

"I know the government already sent some medical teams. We really appreciate and thank you for that. Also, we welcome any Singaporeans who want to donate or help the Nias people. Learning from the tsunami, we prefer to receive any donations in cash or cheque rather than donation in kind," said Widya Rahmanto, spokesperson for the Indonesian Embassy.

Officials say the death toll from the quake could reach 2000. - CNA

ITE retail course students get hands-on experience in running a store

2005-03-30T23:02:00.000-08:00

By Yvonne Ang, Channel NewsAsia
30 March 2005 2302 hrs

Students at ITE's East Coast Campus will not have to travel far to shop for the latest fashion wear.

77th Street, a store popular with teenagers, has opened its 12th outlet right within the school premises!

The store will also be run entirely by students from the school's retail course.

77th Street@ITE opened its doors to the excited cheers of hundreds of ITE students.

This venture is the first of its kind in Singapore, and according to 77th Street founder Elim Chew, certainly will not be the last.

If it works, she hopes to extend it to other areas, even developing an internship programme to give students a taste of retail work.

Elim Chew, Founder, 77th Street, said: "I believe very much in this collaboration because 77th street is all about the youths. It's all about giving them a platform to be able to excel in what they want to do."

As for the students, they are looking forward to the chance to put their classroom knowledge to the test.

"It's really attracting people, it's wonderful!" said one student.

Many also felt the experience of running the store would prepare them for their future careers.

Yoong Han, Retail Course Student, said: "I actually hope to learn some hands-on skills about running a business because I actually have plans to open a business myself somewhere down the future. I hope to learn stock taking, managing a store, handling customers, everything, stock ordering, housekeeping. I'm more than proud to have this in my school."

Apart from sales techniques, students will also be taught how to set and meet sales targets and deal with customers, all part of the retail operations segment of their course. - CNA

Taken from: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

The Traditions of Easter

2005-03-25T00:16:00.000-08:00

As with almost all "Christian" holidays, Easter has been secularized and commercialized. The dichotomous nature of Easter and its symbols, however, is not necessarily a modern fabrication.

Since its conception as a holy celebration in the second century, Easter has had its non-religious side. In fact, Easter was originally a pagan festival.

The ancient Saxons celebrated the return of spring with an uproarious festival commemorating their goddess of offspring and of springtime, Eastre. When the second-century Christian missionaries encountered the tribes of the north with their pagan celebrations, they attempted to convert them to Christianity. They did so, however, in a clandestine manner.

The Date of Easter

Prior to A.D. 325, Easter was variously celebrated on different days of the week, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In that year, the Council of Nicaea was convened by emperor Constantine. It issued the Easter Rule which states that Easter shall be celebrated on the first Sunday that occurs after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox. However, a caveat must be introduced here. The "full moon" in the rule is the ecclesiastical full moon, which is defined as the fourteenth day of a tabular lunation, where day 1 corresponds to the ecclesiastical New Moon. It does not always occur on the same date as the astronomical full moon. The ecclesiastical "vernal equinox" is always on March 21. Therefore, Easter must be celebrated on a Sunday between the dates of March 22 and April 25.

The Lenten Season

Lent is the forty-six day period just prior to Easter Sunday. It begins on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is a celebration, sometimes called "Carnival," practiced around the world, on the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. It was designed as a way to "get it all out" before the sacrifices of Lent began. New Orleans is the focal point of Mardi Gras celebrations in the U.S. Read about the religious meanings of the Lenten Season.

It would have been suicide for the very early Christian converts to celebrate their holy days with observances that did not coincide with celebrations that already existed. To save lives, the missionaries cleverly decided to spread their religious message slowly throughout the populations by allowing them to continue to celebrate pagan feasts, but to do so in a Christian manner.

As it happened, the pagan festival of Eastre occurred at the same time of year as the Christian observance of the Resurrection of Christ. It made sense, therefore, to alter the festival itself, to make it a Christian celebration as converts were slowly won over. The early name, Eastre, was eventually changed to its modern spelling, Easter.

The Cross

The Cross is the symbol of the Crucifixion, as opposed to the Resurrection. However, at the Council of Nicaea, in A.D. 325, Constantine decreed that the Cross was the official symbol of Christianity. The Cross is not only a symbol of Easter, but it is more widely used, especially by the Catholic Church, as a year-round symbol of their faith.

The Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is not a modern invention. The symbol originated with the pagan festival of Eastre. The goddess, Eastre, was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit.

The Germans brought the symbol of the Easter rabbit to America. It was widely ignored by other Christians until shortly after the Civil War. In fact, Easter itself was not widely celebrated in America until after that time.

The Easter Egg

As with the Easter Bunny and the holiday itself, the Easter Egg predates the Christian holiday of Easter. The exchange of eggs in the springtime is a custom that was centuries old when Easter was first celebrated by Christians.

From the earliest times, the egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colored brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers.

Today, children hunt colored eggs and place them in Easter baskets along with the modern version of real Easter eggs -- those made of plastic or chocolate candy.

Thanks to: http://wilstar.com/holidays/easter.htm

Holy Hip Hop

2005-03-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Using Holy Hip Hop To Reach the Children, Youth and Adults:
A Practical Guide Grounded in Scripture From the Holy Hip Hop Music Alliance
Author: The Seventh Knight Edited By: Da Preachin Puerto Rican

Man created Hip Hop, true. But, just like paper was invented by man to put the Word of God on it and made "Holy" to be used for His Purpose, Hip Hop can also be Holy" and be used for God's Purpose also (1 Cor 10:31). The Ark of The Covenant, though made by man, was just an ark until God made it "Holy". It was so "Holy" that anyone who touched it without permission was struck dead by God; please see 1 Chronicles 13:5-13. Verse 7 within that text throws out "the beat of a drum is evil" theory.

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus Christ gives His disciples The Great Commission to Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. As disciples of Christ, we are to share the gospel and make disciples of men. God has also given us guidance that we are to share the gospel message regardless of race, culture, or gender, according to Romans 3:29, Rom 1:16. The Apostle Paul gives us the prime example of how he became all things to all men that by all means he might win some, according to 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. In Acts 17:16-34, Paul shows how he used the existing culture of the people to preach to them Christ.

If it's for God's Purpose then God makes it "Holy". Starting in the late 70’s, in the Bronx New York, some of Hip Hop’s pioneers include DJ Cool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Cold Crush brothers, Sugar Hill Gang, Funky Four Plus One, and many more. Even these pioneers, were influenced by the likes of Gil Scott-Heron, Marvin Gaye, and more. Hip Hop came about as a means of revolting against what was popular music at the time. Even Cab Calloway was doing "hip-hop" back in the 1930's in the form of Jazz and BeBop! It was intended to voice our feelings whether spiritual or otherwise in a way that was, shall we say, was "unconventional" at the time. Certain traditionalists believed that it would never last because it lacked substance and marketability.

Rap music from its inception has always had lyrics that were encoded to reach those who were in the streets of urban America. Even the slave songs, which by the way had God (Holy) and "rap" in them), expressed spiritual and physical themes. No different than those who were in slavery cried out to GOD from their hearts in a musical form that was relative to their culture, so too does the Hip Hop Culture cry out. Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.” Ephesians 4:29 says, Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Let’s look at a passage of scripture from 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for who Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. What does this mean? It means that the "food itself" is not considered unholy. It's only unholy, when the idol worshippers who specifically prepare the food to worship their false gods influence you! The same goes for music.

Again, we ask you. Can GOD take something that was unholy and make it holy? This time, let's use a "someone" instead of a "something”: Saul witnessed and approved of the stoning of "Stephen" a man full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:54-60). That same "Saul" became "Paul" and wrote two thirds of the New Testament. How could this be possible, if the power of God to transform is not supreme? God can be worshipped in many ways to include using "Hip Hop" to do so (1 Cor 10:31, Col 3:17), just as God used Paul to preach and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

You know the verse "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tim 6:10) well nothing is wrong with the money itself, is it? Money in itself is not evil but it can be used for evil purposes. Just look at how some people operate with it. Money can also be used for "holy" purposes like building the church, giving to those that need it from the "benevolence fund" amongst other things. The same can be said for "Hip Hop." It can be used for evil or it can be used for righteousness. Jesus said that himself earlier in Matthew 12:34-37: For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good person brings good things out of a treasure of good things; a bad person brings bad things out of a treasure of bad things. "You can be sure that on the Judgment Day you will have to give account of every useless word you have ever spoken. Your words will be used to judge you-to declare you either innocent or guilty."

Then later in Matthew 15:10-20 Then Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, "Listen and understand! It is not what goes into your mouth that makes you ritually unclean; rather, what comes out of it makes you unclean." Then the disciples came to him and said, "Do you know that the Pharisees had their feelings hurt by what you said?" "Every plant which my Father in heaven did not plant will be pulled up," answered Jesus. "Don't worry about them! They are blind leaders of the blind; and when one blind man leads another, both fall into a ditch." Peter spoke up, "Explain this saying to us." Jesus said to them, "You are still no more intelligent than the others. Don't you understand? Anything that goes into your mouth goes into your stomach and then on out of your body. But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these are the things that make you ritually unclean. For from your heart come the evil ideas which lead you to kill, commit adultery, and do other immoral things; to rob, lie, and slander others. These are the things that make you unclean. But to eat without washing your hands as they say you should-this doesn't make you unclean."

In Genesis 3:14-19 So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

In Exodus 3:1-10 One day while Moses was taking care of the sheep and goats of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, he led the flock across the desert and came to Sinai, the holy mountain. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him as a flame coming from the middle of a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire but that it was not burning up. "This is strange," he thought. "Why isn't the bush burning up? I will go closer and see." When the Lord saw that Moses was coming closer, he called to him from the middle of the bush and said, "Moses! Moses!" He answered, "Yes, here I am." God said, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, because you are standing on "holy ground." I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." So Moses covered his face, because he was afraid to look at God. Then the Lord said, "I have seen how cruelly my people are being treated in Egypt; I have heard them cry out to be rescued from their slave drivers. I know all about their sufferings, and so I have come down to rescue them from the Egyptians and to bring them out of Egypt to a spacious land, one which is rich and fertile and in which the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites now live. I have indeed heard the cry of my people, and I see how the Egyptians are oppressing them. Now I am sending you to the king of Egypt so that you can lead my people out of his country."

What can we conclude from this? THE EARTH WAS CURSED BY GOD AS RESULT OF SATAN'S ACTION AND ADAM'S SIN, AND YET GOD MADE A PART OF THE EARTH "HOLY" TO CALL MOSES!! He told Moses to "take the sandals off your feet for the place in which you stand is HOLY GROUND!" (Exodus 3:5) If God can make a "part" of the "Cursed Earth" "Holy," then are we, as Christians, doubting what our "Father" can do?" Would we dare to say that God can speak through a donkey, but not through Hip Hop? Of Course Not! Just like with any information, we have to be careful of how we interpret it (2 Tim 2:15). Remember, Satan can make what seems "right" wrong and what seems "wrong" hidden.

Hip Hop can be Holy to serve Our Master, Jesus Christ. Music is neither good nor bad in itself but it depends on what the purpose of it is for by the individual. How it's used determines it's value; whether it's used for God or whether it's use for Satan. The word "Holy" in the Bible means to "separate or set apart for God's use or for special use." Hip Hop is a music genre. It has no "intrinsic" qualities of good or bad. You and I both know that the words to songs carry the major part of their value. I say major because the music also make a contribution to the message of the song. The basic formula for music is Lyrics + Melody = A Song.

The Bible says in John 6:63, The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. The spirit that is influencing a person when he/she creates the lyrics or music is the key to being holy. Then, the spirit that is influencing the person doing the song determines the power that is released in the selection. So the music genre is not as much the issue as the spirit that influences the creation of the material.

What is most important is that one seek The Father and find out what HIS will is according to scripture (Acts 17:11). Find a quiet place with no distractions and read the word, and meditate on it until you get understanding, and seek spiritual counsel from mature believers who are knowledgeable in GOD’s word (Proverbs 4:7, 11:14). This synopsis is presented with scripture as the guidance and the Holy Spirit as the counsel (Heb 4:12, John 16:13). Just because it's not the “traditional method” doesn't mean that Ministers of the Gospel can't use this method to spread the Word of God (Mat 28:18-20).

It's not the music that's the enemy. It's the presentation of the fruit. If the masses are continually fed "sour lemons" then the demand for lemons will continue because it's what they are "used" to and have become dependent on. If you turn those same sour lemons into "lemonade” (pressed and sweetened by the Word of GOD), then the masses will gain a new taste and this is what the enemy fears.

GOD has made Hip Hop Holy! Now use it to establish His Kingdom in the Earth and win them back one at a time – James 5:20 – Amen.

Thanks to:http://www.holyhiphop.com/

Mel Gibson launches 'low-violence' Passion

2005-02-11T22:58:00.000-08:00

Feb 11, 2005

LOS ANGELES - Hollywood mogul Mel Gibson, will release a new, low-violence version of his 2004 surprise mega-hit The Passion of Christ next month, Daily Variety reported on Thursday.
The star, dubbed Hollywood's most powerful figure since the huge success of the low-budget, graphically gory film, is trimming five to six minutes of violent scenes ahead of the film's March 11 reappearance on US screens.

The original film raked in US$370.2 million in its North American run that began on Ash Wednesday one year ago, but Gibson noted that many people had avoided the film because of its grisly portrayal of Jesus Christ being tortured by Roman troops.

'There has been quite a demand by the religious community to bring (the film) back for Easter,' Mr Bruce Davey, Gibson's partner at Icon Productions, told Variety.
'And there has been a lot of discussion about the violence. Mel wanted to try and accommodate those people by making a version that is softer and gentler,' he said.

The Passion Recut, will be beamed onto 500 to 750 screens by distributor Newmarket Films, Variety said, adding that the new versions would not be lumbered with an audience age restriction.

The new less violent version of the film goes easier on the brutal details of the last days of Christ.

'There are no new scenes, and the cuts are limited to the more violent aspects of the film, if that's the right term. The scourging scene in particular has been substantially adjusted.'

The film caused huge controversy in the United States, with Jewish leaders accusing the devoutly-Catholic Gibson of anti-Semitism by portraying Jews as responsible for Christ's death, a charge he denied.

But instead of keeping audiences away, the controversy at the bloody religious epic helped draw people into theatres, despite a mimimum of traditional publicity. -- AFP

Taken from: http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/sub/latest/story/0,5562,300289,00.html?

SUBstandard tees? Definitely not.

2005-02-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

If
you are a vain and broke shopaholic, where can you shop?
I found this shop located on the second floor of Queensway
Shopping Centre called "Sub". It sells cool T-shirts
at below $30 and they all looked awesome.

The best thing
is that the owner imports only about 10 T-shirts of
different sizes per design. So, you probably will never
bump into somebody wearing the same T-shirt. Not unless
it's somebody as stylish.

Shopping Agent 1943 hates school
kids that dress like Ah Peks!

Taken From: http://sin.asia1.com.sg/apparel/apparel_agent.php

Idol dreams

2005-02-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

Feb 6, 2005
Idol dreams

Teenagers hoping to be the next singing sensation are flocking to a studio to record their very own album
By Serene Luo

SINGAPORE Idol may be over for now, but many people are keeping their singing dreams alive by immortalising their voices in a cover track from their favourite singers.A steady stream of teenagers has been going to a shop in the Century Square mall in Tampines, hoping to be the next Stefanie Sun or Jay Chou.

Discovery Studios opened less than three weeks ago, but already more than 120 people have come in for a free trial to record and listen to their own voices.

Of these, about half have signed up for packages to record a cover of an existing pop hit, which will be edited and made into a CD.

The other half say they will be back after the Chinese New Year, said the 32-year-old manager, Mr Lye Ray Sen.

'They're the younger crowd, who say they are waiting for pay day or their hongbao money. But so far, the most impressive thing I've heard is that they want to go home and practise singing before they record their voices.'
Apple Wong, 14, is one of those who tried a variety of songs in the recording studio before deciding to plonk down her pocket money to record a track.

'It's my dream to be a star,' said the Secondary 2 student, who idolises Taiwanese singer-composer Jay Chou. 'I'm quite emotive in my singing but the first time I went, I was having the flu so I sounded bad. I'm trying to learn more and practise before coming back to record.'

The no-frills basic package costs $38 until the end of this month, and will cost $68 after that. Customers can pick one of more than 100 tracks from both English and Mandarin artistes, the most popular being Jay Chou and Malaysia-born Fish Leong.

They record the song with instrumental backing and can pick up the CD about half an hour later. Usually, professional recording studios charge hourly rates starting at about $60.

The most expensive package at Discovery Studios costs $1,888, which buys you 10 professionally edited tracks, vocal training to polish your voice, a makeover, a professional photo shoot, a customised cover and 50 duplicate discs to give your family and friends or even prospective artiste management agencies and record labels.

Discovery Studios pays music rights and royalties on all the songs it offers. Mr Lye, who set up the business with sound engineer Gabriel Yeo and a silent partner, says there are another 24,000 songs on the way, pending copyright clearance.

And these youngsters' dreams of hitting the big time may not be just stardust.

At the end of each month, vocal trainers listen to all the tracks customers have recorded and pick the best. Discovery Studios will then pitch the selected demos to big music publishers and record labels. The company also intends to expand into talent management in the future.

Mr Lim Sek, the chief executive of artiste management company Music & Movement, said many more young people are encouraged to give stardom a shot 'compared to pre-Stefanie Sun days many years ago'.

'In the past, if you wanted to be a singer, there was a social stigma of being perceived as a dreamer,' he said.

'But after Stefanie Sun became a big hit, people realise it's not impossible. There are also more music schools and the technology has improved, so it becomes easier to get a decent demo done.

'We might have a lot of hidden talent in Singapore and because of all these factors, we may discover them now.'

Not everyone is recording a CD for fame. ITE student John Yang, 20, thinks a $200 recording will make a terrific gift for his girlfriend of over a year on Valentine's Day.

'She's mentioned that she enjoys listening to me sing, so I'm going to record two songs and get a makeover for the CD cover.'

He has picked two Mandopop numbers, The Edge Of Loneliness by Zhang Dong Liang and Forever Love by Lee Hom.

It has not been easy. When he recorded one song last week, he was very nervous because he had never stepped into a recording studio before.

'But for my girlfriend's sake, I will overcome my awkwardness,' he said.

Besides the initial embarrassment, Sheryl Tang, 14, recounted the time she and Apple tried singing a duet but were not familiar with the music.

'We both started singing at the wrong time and just burst into laughter in the studio,' she said.

'Luckily, only Gabriel the sound engineer heard us, not everyone in the shop.'

Undergraduate Cindy Chan, 24, said she was so caught up in her song that she 'kept on singing and singing without realising the song was over'.

But all the people interviewed agreed that recording their own CD is 'a terrific experience'.

Said Ms Felicia Ang, 18, who is waiting for her O-level results: 'When you're recording, people walk by and look at you perform.

'You feel like a real star.'

Taken from:Straits Times,GEN Y, 06/02/2005
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/sub/geny/story/0,5562,299609,00.html

Decision Process

2005-02-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

"What Makes Me Tick?" is another way of asking why and how do I make the decisions I make. Several factors come into play including my spiritual condition, the design of my soul (personality) and my circumstantial environment.

Ready to start?

Take the quiz

More about personality

Related resources

Right click and open the links in new window for better view! http://www.lifetime.org/local/equipped/wmmt

Is God Big Enough?

2005-02-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Is God Big Enough?
By Preston Gillham

For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me (Isaiah 46:9b-10).

I was on my way to the Exxon station to get a cup of coffee and realized my God was too small. In the general scheme of life, this is a problem on the large end of the spectrum.

My fairly normal routine is to arrive at the office after my morning bicycle ride, turn the computer on, and make my rounds through the hallways saying hello to the staff. I return to my office, launch Outlook, grab my coffee cup, and exit by the back door for the gas station.

As I walked across the parking lot, I began to consider God’s identity according to the file folder in my office labeled, “God’s Character.” The study was a thorough one and contains numerous qualities, with large words and concepts describing God: omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, holy, just, merciful, righteous, King of kings, Lord of lords, magnificent, etc. It is a thick folder! However, in spite of all the pages in the file, God was still not big enough, although I couldn’t articulate why. I just felt it!

In a candid moment of frustration I said out loud, “I have three-quarters of an inch of information about who God is stored in my file cabinet and I still don’t have a concept of His character that is big enough for my condition. I think I better start over.”

I know what the theologians say about God, but what do I know about Him from the Bible?

It says His eyes roam to and fro, which means He looks around.

He collects my tears in a bottle. Evidently He is sentimental.

On a number of occasions His anger burned. That’s plain enough: He gets ticked.

He decided to forgive, Isaiah writes, for His own sake. It seems He chooses to forgive because it is in His best interest to do so.

He sought solitude to think, pray, and ponder.

He cried when Lazarus died, so He obviously let His emotions show.

He gathers His people like a mother hen does her brood. He feels a protective obligation.

Earth is His footstool. Apparently He kicks back and takes it easy.

Revelation says He is going to return to Earth riding a white horse. He must like animals and have them in heaven.

He leads us in His triumph. Sounds like He enjoys a big parade .

A sparrow does not die without His notice. Watching birds is a pastime of His I suppose.

He taught with parables. Obviously, a great story is something He appreciates.

He came to the disciples walking on the water. What a great joke! No one could pull this off except Him. I’ll bet He was laughing almost uncontrollably.

(Ref. 2 Chron. 16:9; Ps. 56:8; Deut. 29:27; Is. 43:25; Mk. 1:35; Jn. 11:35; Lk. 13:34; Is. 66:1; Rev. 19:11; 2 Cor. 2:14; Mk. 10:29; Mt. 22:1; Mt. 14:25)

At first I was thinking to myself, then mumbling, then speaking out loud as my enthusiasm grew with the vision unfolding before me. I cannot comprehend omniscient and omnipotent. I can’t really grasp merciful and just, but I can relate to forgiveness, sentimentality, compassion, relaxation, birds, stories, and parades.

God leaped out of the theology of my file folder and painted a new vision of who He is and what makes Him tick. He became large. Larger than life. Larger than theology. Larger than the characteristics attributed to Him in my study. Larger than my concept. Said another way: God became large enough for me to see myself in Him by making Himself simple enough for me to understand Him. In this is the true genius of Someone omniscient and perpetual.

Instead of another unsuccessful attempt to squeeze myself into the insecure smallness of what I could not comprehend in the file folder, God introduced me to a vision of Himself as broad as the horizon, opened His arms and said, “Get your nose out of the file. Lift your head toward the light. Run to me, Pres. Run from any direction. I’m large enough for you, your dreams, your failures, your successes, your miscues, your passions, and your stutters. Run! And I will run with you.”

I thought I had lost the joy of running. But I have found it again!

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Antinomianism

2005-01-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

Antinomianism is not only dangerous in robbing Christians of holiness; it also robs them of their rewards in heaven. It robs them of the fulfillment that comes from living a godly life in Christ. What can we do to help people whom we know have been ensnared by the doctrine of cheap grace?

1. The power of prayer. Antinomianism is spiritual deception. Antinomians are deeply deceived. We have to intercede for them to be freed from the spirit of error and come into the truth of God’s Word.

2. The power of love. Antinomians may be some of the most arrogant and obnoxious people you will get to meet in religious circles. They can worship God like Christians inside a church and live like sinners outside the church. Nonetheless, you have to be patient with them and keep on loving them. Love has the power to break down every barrier built around their hearts and minds.

3. The power of truth. God’s truth is absolute—it’s true for all people, at all times and in all situations. Relativism is cheap grace. God’s grace is rooted in His absolute truth. When you have prayed for them and loved them, at some point you need to take up the courage to tell them the truth. Jude spoke boldly against those who use “God’s forgiveness to allow themselves to live immoral lives” (Jude 4, NLT). Yet, by the end of his letter, Jude exhorts us to “rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins” (Jude 23, NLT).

4. The power of repentance. The Bible tells us both to confess sin and to repent. Confession agrees with God that we have sinned. Cheap grace hates confession. Cheap grace wants relief from the consequences

of sin without completely turning away from sin and to Christ in holiness. Repentance
(Gr. metanoeo) means to completely turn away from sin (i.e. to quit doing what is
wrong) and to turn toward righteousness and holiness (i.e. to do what is right). Encourage those in antinomianism to experience the

cleansing, refreshing and renewing power of repentance that opens the floodgates of God’s wonderful cleansing power into their lives (read 2 Cor. 7:10).

5. The power of the Holy Spirit. Antinomians protest that it’s impossible to keep God’s ways if we abide in the moral law. Yes, in our own strength, we are weak. But by His Spirit, we have all the power and strength we need, not only to agree with what righteousness is, but to do it (read Rom. 14:17). The law convicts us of our sinful way; but God has given us the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin, to empower us to repent and change, and to renew our minds so that we will resist temptation and sin in the future. The gospel given to us is indeed a
gospel of grace. But we must never lose sight of the fact that it is also a gospel of holiness and purity. Let us remember that we ourselves have to live responsibly before God. Don’t just be hearers of the Word, but be doers of the Word. Although we are no longer bound by the legalism of ceremonial circumcision, yet God’s desire is that we may have circumcised hearts that are pure and fully devoted to Him. Decide to follow in “The Way” of holiness and become an example and witness of Christ Jesus to everyone you meet in life! HT

http://www.chc.org.sg/version3/harvesttimes/ht_24/ht_24_02d.htm

Worship what?

2005-01-11T01:30:00.000-08:00

There was once someone who shared this:

I had problem listening to this person singing out loud and she always sits in front. Her voice is so awlful and she sings so loud. One day as I prayed to God to make her softer, the Lord rebuked me. You can worship me in your way, let her worship in her way. I enjoy her worship. The person immediately repented and bowed down.

Do we worship the song or God?

Very often when we listen to nice music, we sing well, we think we are worshipping God and He is please. Why can't we sing well when the music is not a good piece? Are we worshipping God, or the music or worst, ourselves (because we are the one who feel good)?

Taken form forum: www.guitar4Christ.com

Starbucks:Iced Caffè Mocha Espresso

2005-01-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

Iced Caffè Mocha Espresso, milk, mocha syrup and iceRich, full-bodied Starbucks® espresso combined with our proprietary bittersweet mocha syrup, milk and ice. Topped with a cloud of whipped cream.

Try something new
Iced White Chocolate Mocha

Whipped Cream = YES Milk = WHOLE Size = Grande
Serving Size 16 fl. oz.
Amt Per Serving
Calories 350
Fat Calories 180
Total Fat (g) 20
Saturated Fat (g) 12
Cholesterol (mg) 75
Sodium (mg) 105
Total Carbohydrates (g) 37
Fiber (g) 2
Sugars (g) 27
Protein (g) 9
Vitamin A 4%
Vitamin C 2%
Calcium 25%
Iron 20%

* The nutrition information for beverages is based on Starbucks® beverage recipes. Because beverages are handcrafted, exact information may vary. Data is calculated using esha Research’s Genesis® R&D software, and rounded to meet FDA regulations. Data for vitamins and minerals refers to percentage of US recommended daily intake values.
Taken from http://www.starbucks.com/

Plans Laid for 'Country Club' Church

2005-01-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

Reprinted with permission from Ministries Today, [ Novemer/December, 2004 ].

Copyright Strang Communications Co., USA. All rights reserved. http://www.ministriestoday.com

Plans Laid for 'Country Club' Church

An Ohio congregation purchases an operational nine-hole golf course is the site for its new facility.

Many pastors find it difficult to get golfers into church. The elders at First Christian Church (FCC) in Canton, Ohio, decided to take church to the golf course.

In September, FCC broke ground on a new 127,760-square-foot sanctuary, which will be completed in December 2006 at its new location on the Edgewood Golf Club.

So why would the 2,500-strong congregation buy a golf course?

"After walking 18 different parcels of land over many months, God continued to lead the elders of First Christian back to this property," FCC pastor John Hampton told Ministries Today.

"Growing churches seeking to expand their ministries have purchased shopping malls, industrial parks, farms, cinemas and even abandoned strip clubs. In the final analysis, God was saving, 'Why not a golf course?"'

First Christian bought the nine-hole golf course, which covers 114 acres, for $5.1 million in 2002.

"The reason we bought a lot of land is because we want to minister to a lot of people," says Hampton, 42, noting that the church currently owes less than $3 million. The church has agreed to sell its current facility to a local college.

The church's new mega-complex will consist of two buildings and include a 2,000-seat sanctuary, a 1,712-square-foot activity center, a children's worship and indoor play area, bookstore, cafe and a full commercial kitchen with a banquet seating capacity of 375.

Plans also call for a new clubhouse, an upscale driving range, practice greens and a practice bunker.

FCC is leasing the golf course to a separate entity that will oversee golf operations, although the manager of that business is a First Christian member.

Hampton, who has pastored the church for seven years, believes God can use the golf course.

"If God can use a burning bush, a donkey, a floating ax head, a jug of oil and a jar of flour, and five loaves and two fish, which all brought Him glory, then He can use a golf course," he explains.

First Christian is part of a nondenominational network of churches.

Persecution! Make a stand for your faith and conviction!

2004-12-30T01:39:00.000-08:00

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
_________________
SO&S02
Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:24 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

2004-12-30T01:17:00.000-08:00

Hope For Those Who Hurt, by Howard and Jeanne Tomlinson

An Extract from Chapter 23 -
SPECIFIC PRAYER

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!

2004-12-30T01:06:00.000-08:00

Hope For Those Who Hurt, by Howard and Jeanne Tomlinson

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!

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!

2004-12-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

Eden Email Inbox Cartoon Strip

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

2004-12-09T03:21:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

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, ¹⁰and 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."

Taken from CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS AND RESEARCH MINISTRY

2004-12-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

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

2004-12-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

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?

2004-12-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

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."

2004-12-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

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