Cross

I carry a cross as a simple reminder
to me. Of the fact that I am a Christian
no matter where I may be.

This little cross is not magic. Nor is it a good luck
charm. It isn't meant to protect me.
From every physical harm.

It's not for identification for all the world to see
It's simply an understanding
Between my Saviour and me.

When I look at the cross, it is there to remind me
Of the price Jesus paid for me.

It reminds me, too, to be thankful. For my blessings
day by day. And to strive to serve the Lord better
In all that I do and say

It's also a daily reminder of the peace and comfort
i share. With all who know my Master
and give themselves to His care.

So I carry a cross
Reminding no one but me
That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life

Many people carry a cross, but i have this slip of paper that tells me why. Let's remind ourselves everyday that we as servant to our Lord Jesus Christ are to carry the cross in our lives in order to be a great testimony to what our status commands and demands of us. Let's rejoice in the hope we share the moment we are saved. Let's put all our worries with our Lord and rest in Him.

Mat 21:22 "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
That's how Great a Father we have in Heaven
Be Happy!

An Encouragement

主内亲爱的国维弟兄

感谢神让我们认识了你，
并且有机会和你一起学习他的话。
愿你在未来的日子里更加认识就主耶稣基督的爱！
盼望以下的经文能成为我们一同追求属灵成长的提醒和勉励！

不要为那必坏的食物劳力，要为那存到永生的食物劳力，就是人子要赐给你们的，
因为人子是父神所印证的。（约翰福音6：27）

因为你的财宝在哪里，你的心也在哪里。（马太福音6：21）

那美好的仗我已经打过了，当跑的路我已经跑尽了，所信的道我已经守住了。
从此以后，有父义的冠冕为我存留，就是按着父义审判的主到了那日要赐给我的；不但赐给我，也赐给凡爱慕他显现的人。（提摩太后书4：7-8）

31/08/2008
基督渔人团契慕道班

:)

Psalm 103

Of David.

¹ Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

² Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

³ who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

⁶ The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

⁸ The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.

⁹ He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;

¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;

¹² as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

¹⁵ As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;

¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.

¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-

¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

¹⁹ The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

²⁰ Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.

²¹ Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.

²² Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.

“Christian’s Duty To Earthly Leaders”

Article from
http://www.mariettarenochurchofchrist.org/?page_id=337

Introduction

Having just elected new leaders in this country, it is proper for each of us to be reminded of our responsibility, as Christians, to our nation’s leaders. These responsibilities, as outlined in God’s word, are not contingent upon our approval of the leaders, but upon being citizens of a nation. These responsibilities are not to be neglected, as we will be judged according to whether or not we have obeyed the whole counsel of God.

Recognize Their Authority
Whenever we debate within ourselves whether or not to recognize those who have been elected as our nation’s leaders, consider that God has designed and established government. This fact can easily be seen in John 19:10-11: “Then Pilate said to Him, ’Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?’ Jesus answered, ’You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.’” God has not specified which type of government a nation must have, nor does He approve of all the worldly leaders. He has, however, established government as an important aspect in the world He created.

Submit To Their Authority
God’s people are not to be a rebellious, problem causing bunch. Christians, according to the inspired apostle Paul, and “every soul” are to “be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Rom. 13:1). God desires for His followers to be individuals who are “model citizens” in our earthly nation. Christians are expected, and commanded, to be submissive to the leaders’ decisions and the scope of their authority. Notice Peter’s instruction on this point, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:13-17).
Are there limitations to this submission? Yes. Notice Peter’s instruction again in v.17, “Fear God. Honor the king.” Christians are first and foremost to “fear God and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13). There may be times when the path of fearing God and the path of submitting to the “king’s” authority are not the same. In which case we must conclude, “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Some practical applications of this submission. Submission is not achieved by simply refusing to join in a protest against a decision made by the “king.” Submission is achieved when we effectively submit our own desires to the laws of the land (when they are in agreement with God’s will). Oftentimes we might view such things as: illegally downloading/coping music (or other items containing copyrights), fastening seat belts, speeding, etc., as unimportant (so long as we don’t get caught). However, failing to obey the laws of the land in these areas (and all others) is sin in God’s sight.

Pray For The Rulers
While prayer may often be considered something that is done on behalf of ourselves, family, friends, neighbors, the sick, and all who are “near and dear” to us, we also have a responsibility to pray for the rulers in the world. Paul told Timothy, “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Yes, we are to pray for all those working in positions of authority in Washington, D.C., and the world-over!
What might we pray for? Let’s make an effort to pray that those in positions of authority may be seeking the good of the nation. But, not just according to any standard of “goodness;” rather, only according to God’s perfect standard. Let’s pray that they might enact laws that enable us to lead “a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (v.2) Let’s be thankful (v.1) that God has put government in its place, according to the purpose found in Romans 13:1-7, and that we might have folks who work in such areas. Yet, let’s not stop there! Let’s also pray for their physical and spiritual well-being. Let’s pray that they too can become members of Christ’s church!

Conclusion
The Christian is not free from responsibility to his/her government. God has intended and created government in this world. Therefore, to resist such, is to resist the will of God! Still we must remember, “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

- Eric Krieg -

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Faith without Works is Dead

Faith without Works is Dead

January 25, 2006 — Mike Ratliff

by Mike Ratliff

http://mikeratliff.wordpress.com/2006/01/25/faith-without-works-is-dead/

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:14-18 ESV)

Having dead faith means what? Does this mean that they are not believers? I believe that is what James is saying. The works are proof of the Holy Spirit working in the life of the believer. Let’s look at John 15.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” (John 15:1-10 ESV)

What is the fruit that the branches bear? This is being fruitful in the Kingdom of God. Part of that is the Fruit of the Spirit and part is the result of that fruit being manifested in the heart of the believer resulting in good works. What empowers believers to do good works? It is by abiding in Christ and submitting to His Lordship. As a result of that we are pruned by the Father so we will bear more fruit. Just as in James, we see that there is a dichotomy. True believers abide in Christ and submit to His Lordship. By their good works they are proved authentic. The professing believers who do not abide in Christ and have never submitted to His Lordship cannot do good works and are thereby proven disingenuous. The Father takes them away and they are cast into the fire.

Some may say that I am teaching that submission to Christ’s Lordship is “works” and that is how we do the good works so I am teaching works based salvation as well. No, what I am teaching is that the truly regenerated believer WILL do these things, while the unregenerate professing believers can’t. Faith without works is dead. Faith is proved genuine by good works coming forth as fruit in the Kingdom of God. The false teachings that James 2:14-18 speaks of works based salvation become unsupportable if we utilize proper Biblical exegesis. There is simply no echoing teachings in the Bible to exegete back to so that scripture interpreting scripture will come up with that teaching. I pray for your forgiveness for such a long post, but I believe these truths will be helpful in our warfare against the false teachings permeating the Church.

The Wisdom That Founded The Earth

Saw a book on a table and picked it up to read...
Titled The Wisdom That Founded The Earth...
A good read of sound theology
by Alan Catchpole

Ultimate Reality
1) Man Lives in God's World

God can only be known by man if He chooses to reveal Himself. He is beyond the reach of human research. Therefore, man's philosophy and science with all its undoubted genius will never be able to prove or disprove God's existence or make any definitive statement about His character. We must turn to the Bible if we would know Him.

To find the true quality of human life, we must recognise that God is spirit. For man to worship such a God as this- the God as written in the Bible- is not to cheapen physical life, but to enrich it. The body comes into its own only when it is used for the glory of the Creator.

Were God's purposes not eternal and immutable there would be no certainty about anything at all! Biblical prophecy for example, would be at best only a prediction of probability. And what would happen to God's guarantee of final salvation for His people if He were not in complete control of His creation?

2) Man and His Problem
It is worth repeating that eternal death is the price man must pay for intellectual and moral independence! We were created to live obediently, trusting completely in our Creator. The tragic significance of the temptation in the Garden of Eden is that man was tricked into thinking that he is a self-sufficient being who can be as wise as God is.

All this sheds much light on the biblical assertion that "there is none that understands...that seeks after God.. that does good, not so much as one" (Romans 3:10-12). Even we as Christians "deceive ourselves" when "we say that we have no sin" or "that we have not sinned" (I John 1:8,10). Understanding this, we are even more thankful that Jesus has become for us "the surety of a better covenant" (Hebrews 7:22)

3)History's Most Significant Moment
Paul encourages us to be imitators of him, "even as." he wrote, "I also am of Christ" (Corinthians 11:1). Jesus is to be our exemplar! We must humbly admit that we are hindered in living by our fallen condition. Nevertheless, through the grace of God, we should seek to overcome this problem and grow more like Him. However, we must also realise that because He is the God-Man it is impossible for us to do all that He did.

Christian salvation depends upon the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ. This in turn depends upon both His humanity and His deity. To protect the gospel from those who would lessen or destroy it, we must make it clear as we can that our Lord is both perfect man and perfect God.

4)Faith
Both our salvation in the first place and our perseverance until the end are rooted in the fact that we are given by the Father to the Son. How thankful we ought to be!

The righteous life and sacrificial death of Christ are the essential prerequisites upon which God established an eternal and saving agreement with His people. This is all the gift of His grace. Christian salvation must be understood in these terms.

It is this free justification, secured by Christ on behalf of His people and graciously given to them, that makes the Christian gospel absolutely unique. It requires nothing on man's part- neither good works, sacrifice or religious observances- and once received can never be taken away or lost. Therefore, our faith offers men and women in this world a salvation that anyone can receive and that guarantees them eternal security. There is nothing like it in any other religion!

6) Power and Progress
As we believe in God as both Creator and Redeemer, we must distinguish between His creative and His redemptive power. Being reconciled to Him by the life and death of His Son, Christians are guaranteed all the blessings that come from the latter. We ought, then, to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). The effects of redemption should become evident in our extraordinary, moral behaviour. But this does not mean that we will be able to do extraordinary things in the creative order- and work miracles!

We believe it is impossible to overemphasise how important it is for Christians to know the Bible. it is God's word and to know His word is to know God! It is the scriptures which are able to make us "wise unto salvation" and "equipped for every good work" (Timothy 3:15-17). To be careless in this matter is to impoverish our souls, misdirect our lives and retard our Christian growth.

People in this world "do those things which are not fitting, being filled with all unrighteousness," because "God gave them up to a worthless mind" (Roman 1:28-29) in His judgement against them. This being so, it cannot be expected that behaviour will improve unless something is done about fallen man;s distorted mind. To give them "power" or "gifts" without restoring them to knowledge and wisdom would only exacerbate the human condition! For this reason the grace that provides us with "redemption through His blood" also "abounds towards us in all wisdom and prudence" (Ephesians 1:6-8). In other words, forgiveness through the Cross and the restoration of the right use of the mind are two aspects of the one work of salvation.

We believe it is important to emphasise that every true Christian has received the Holy Spirit and has been indwelt by Him from the very moment he was justified and reconciled to God. This is from the beginning the source of his understanding, newness of life, sanctification and ability to serve God effectively. There is no secondary "receiving" or "empowering" that follows this in Christian experience. It is part and parcel of being "complete" or "made full" in Christ (Colossians 2:10). Everything God's saving grace has to give is received by faith in Christ. If it were not so, we would have to abnadon the notion of "salvation by faith alone" and adopt some system of "salvation by works".

In principle, then, this "crucifying of the flesh" is a completed and past event as far as the Christian is concerned. If he has not done this, then he does not belong to Christ! However, it is only as, and to the extent that a man remains true to the principle involved in it and to which he has committed himself at his conversion that he will grow and progress in his Christian life. Even as a man once and for all commits himself to be faithful to his wife at their wedding, their relationship will only be the enriching thing that it was intended to be as he remains true to the principle of his commitment. We might suggest that the depth of our resolve to crucify the flesh and its lusts will determine the rate and extent of our growth in godliness.

Remember...

Faith without Works is Dead

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:14-18 ESV)

A Magical World!

Avatar is a nice movie and many who watched it raved about the special effects. Beyond doubt, it was a nice movie that also took a dig at George Bush's pre-emptive war and "shock and awe" war strategy. James Cameroon reportedly took a decade to bring his second epic, after Titanic, to the screen.

Yet I wonder... today, people are constantly looking/desiring for a magical and fantasy world which they envisioned themselves to be in. However, don't we live in a magical world?
This is the problem today. We are so used to this magical world that it no longer commands the awe of yesteryears...
Everything is now taken for granted:
The stars, The sunsets and sunrise, the tides, the seasons, the wind....etc..
All these were magical at some point of time... but we have hardened our hearts to
God's Creation
God created this magical world just like this. Certainly not a decade and yet His Creation is so amazing!
Fortunately,

Despite Man's mindless destruction of nature, there are still some magical things around for us to savour!

Turn off the lights in your heart and you will be able to better appreciate
God's Creation!

"Seek his face!"

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Psalms 27:8