JESUS CHRIST LIVES FOREVER.

The Blood Libel

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 19:04:59 +0000

The collective accusation that the Jewish people are "Christ-killers" is a baseless, unscriptural, and historically destructive blood libel. To persist in this narrative is to fundamentally misunderstand both the sovereign nature of God and the explicitly stated mission of Jesus Christ.

1. The Voluntary Nature of Christ’s Sacrifice

To argue that any earthly group forced the death of Jesus contradicts Christ’s own words regarding His absolute divine sovereignty. Jesus explicitly declared the voluntary nature of His sacrificial death:

"No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again." (John 10:18)

During His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, He further rebuked physical resistance by reminding His followers of His supreme authority, stating that He could instantly call upon twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:53). If an earthly populace could murder the Son of God against His will, it would render Jesus an imposter and nullify His divine power.

2. The Predetermined Plan of Salvation

The crucifixion was not a historical accident or a structural failure; it was the orchestration of God’s sovereign grace before the foundation of the world. The Apostle Peter explicitly affirmed this during his sermon on the day of Pentecost:

"This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men." (Acts 2:23)

Every historical actor involved—including the Jewish authorities, the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate, the Roman soldiers, and Judas Iscariot—acted within a framework foreknown by God to secure human redemption. Recognizing this divine orchestration, Jesus prayed for those executing Him from the cross, asking for their forgiveness because "they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

3. The Road to Emmaus and Prophetic Necessity

This scriptural necessity was powerfully illustrated on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). When two discouraged disciples recounted how the chief priests and rulers delivered Jesus over to be condemned to death and crucified, Jesus severely rebuked their theological blindness.

He did not validate a narrative of victimization or targeted blame; instead, He declared:

"O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" (Luke 24:25-26)

Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus systematically interpreted the scriptures, demonstrating that His suffering and death were the central, required themes of Hebrew prophecy.

4. The Foundation of Christian Soteriology

Without the substitutionary death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ, the entire framework of Christian theology collapses, leaving humanity permanently estranged from God. As the Apostle Paul observed:

"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." (1 Corinthians 15:17)

Historically, the institutionalized "deicide" charge—the theological claim that the Jewish people bear collective generational guilt for killing God—is a tragic distortion of the Gospel. It ignores the historical reality that Jesus was executed under Roman law, by Roman crucifixion, under the authority of a Roman governor.

Conclusion

As believers, our response to the cross should be profound gratitude for the redemption secured through Christ, rather than the perpetuation of unfounded, unscriptural animosity against the Jewish people—the very lineage through whom God faithfully delivered His covenants, scriptures, and Messiah to the world (Romans 9:4-5).

The Making Of Palestine

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:53:09 +0000

Today’s information environment is flooded with the same inversion the KGB perfected decades ago. Tucker Carlson platforms Elizabeth Lane. Scott Ritter and Dugin-aligned voices recycle the narrative. Russia’s long game against the West and against Israel is not ancient history. It is still running.

The architecture was built in Moscow. The Palestinian identity was one of its most successful products. And the methods have barely changed.

“The Palestinian people do not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people.”

— Zuheir Mohsen, senior PLO leader, 1977.

That single admission should have ended the debate. It did not. Because the identity was never organic. It was engineered.

Most people trace today’s anti-Israel rage to the Nazis and radical Islamists. That partnership was real. But it was not the decisive one.

The Soviet Union ran a longer, colder, more systematic campaign. Its goal was not just the destruction of the Jewish state. It was the destruction of the West, with the Jewish people as the permanent scapegoat and the United States as the ultimate target.

The Russian Revolution supercharged an ancient blood libel: the claim of a secret Jewish cabal controlling governments, banks, and the fate of nations.

The Bolsheviks used it. Stalin used it. The Nazis used it. After 1945 the Soviets refined it into a global weapon of political warfare.

Stalin’s security organs — the Cheka, GPU, OGPU, NKVD, and later the KGB — perfected mass surveillance, purges, and foreign infiltration on a scale the world had never seen.

They flooded Germany with agents. They penetrated Operation Paperclip. They compromised the Gehlen Organization. They placed agents inside the early CIA and British intelligence. By 1945 the Soviets had hundreds of sources inside the American government and nuclear program.

Stalin initially hoped a socialist Israel could become a Soviet foothold in the Middle East. When Israel refused to become a satellite and joined the British and French in the 1956 Suez campaign, Moscow turned permanently hostile.

Support shifted to the Arab dictatorships. Weapons, training, and ideology followed. The goal became clear: turn the entire Islamic world against Israel and the United States by weaponizing hatred of Jews.

The KGB called this work “active measures.” Front groups. Disinformation. Provocations. Fabricated history.

One early campaign, Operation ZARATHUSTRA, staged antisemitic attacks in West Germany so the Soviets could claim a Nazi revival and keep Germany disarmed. Another, Operation SEAT 12, tried to brand Pope Pius XII as “Hitler’s Pope” to undermine the Catholic Church’s moral authority against communism.

The decisive operation was SIG.

SIG is the Russian acronym for “Zionist Governments.” Designed in the late 1950s and fully activated after the 1967 war, it was the KGB’s long-term plan to poison the Islamic world against Jews and against America.

Yuri Andropov, the KGB chief who later ruled the Soviet Union, drove it.

His instruction was explicit: instill a Nazi-style hatred for the Jews throughout the Islamic world and turn that hatred into a terrorist bloodbath against Israel and its main supporter, the United States.

The methods were methodical.

Thousands of agents of influence — doctors, engineers, professors, and technicians — were trained and sent into the Arab world. Arabic translations of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion were mass-distributed.

Propaganda films and books portrayed Zionism as racism, imperialism, and a continuation of Nazism. Holocaust inversion was born: Israelis as the new Nazis.

The PLO itself was a Soviet creation.

The KGB drafted the Palestinian National Charter. It selected the members of the PLO council. It trained Yasser Arafat at its special-operations school in Balashikha outside Moscow. Andropov personally directed that Arafat’s ideology be reshaped into pure anti-Zionism.

Arafat’s “personal hero,” chosen for him by the Soviets, was the Nazi collaborator Grand Mufti Haj Amin al-Husseini.

After Arafat, the KGB cultivated Mahmoud Abbas.

Abbas studied in Moscow. His dissertation claimed a secret relationship between Nazism and Zionism and argued that Jewish behavior, not antisemitism, caused the Holocaust. He has never fully abandoned those positions.

The leadership of the Palestinian national movement was not chosen by the people it claimed to represent. It was selected and shaped in Moscow.

The greatest achievement of Operation SIG was the invention of a new people.

Before the mid-20th century the Arabs of the region largely identified as part of Greater Syria or as Muslims under Ottoman rule. The distinct “Palestinian people” was constructed for tactical reasons: to claim exclusive indigenous rights to the land, to erase Jewish historical and religious connection, and to reframe Jewish self-determination as colonial aggression.

The techniques perfected then remain the standard operating system today.

Repeat the big lie until it becomes common knowledge. Blame the victim for defending himself. Hijack emotion with images of suffering while omitting the context of the attack. Turn every Israeli action into “aggression” and every Palestinian act of violence into “resistance.”

The firehose of falsehood never stopped. It simply changed platforms.

The result is visible everywhere.

United Nations resolutions. NGO reports. Campus chants. Social media storms. The systematic inversion of history in which the only Middle Eastern people with continuous national, linguistic, religious, and cultural ties to the land for three thousand years are cast as foreign settlers, while a 20th-century political construct is treated as eternal and sacred.

Zuheir Mohsen said the quiet part out loud in 1977.

The identity was tactical. The statehood demand was a weapon. The goal was the continuation of the struggle against Israel and, behind it, against the West.

The Soviets built the architecture. The propaganda still runs on the original blueprint.

When institutions refuse to enforce truth against a lie this large and this persistent, the social contract is already broken. Self-preservation becomes the only remaining law.

Jesus Was Never A Muslim

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:02:09 +0000

Jesus of Nazareth (Yeshua) was an observant Judean Jew deeply embedded within the religious, cultural, and legal framework of first-century Second Temple Judaism. This historical identity stands in direct contrast to modern anachronisms that attempt to retroactively label him "Palestinian" or "Muslim."

1. Theological Evidence, Lineage, and Scriptural Framework

The Christian New Testament explicitly confirms Jesus’s Jewish lineage and lifelong adherence to biblical law:Genealogy: He was born into the Tribe of Judah and the royal line of King David (Matthew 1:1; Luke 3:23-38).

Torah Observance: Scriptural records emphasize his compliance with foundational Jewish commandments (mitzvot), including childhood circumcision on the eighth day (Luke 2:21) and his presentation at the Jerusalem Temple according to the Law of Moses (Luke 2:22-24).

Ministry Practices: Throughout his life, Jesus actively participated in major pilgrimage festivals like Passover (Pesach) (John 2:13), wore traditional ritual fringes (tzitzit) (Matthew 9:20), and routinely taught as a Rabbi inside Judean and Galilean synagogues on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16).

2. Secular Historical Sources & Roman Administration

Independent Roman and Jewish historians from the era firmly anchor Jesus within this specific Jewish geopolitical context, utilizing the precise terminology of the Roman Empire. In his late first-century work Antiquities of the Jews, the Romano-Jewish historian Flavius Josephus explicitly chronicles the execution of "the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James." Josephus further identifies Jesus as a wise teacher among the Jews who was condemned to the cross by Pilate.

Similarly, the Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus documented the crucifixion in his early second-century work Annals. In detailing the aftermath of the Great Fire of Rome, Tacitus wrote that the Christians derived their name from Christus, who suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of the procurator Pontius Pilate, noting that this superstition first broke out in Judea, the source of the movement.

Imperial administrative maps from the reigns of Emperor Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD) and Emperor Tiberius (14–37 AD) mirror this exact terminology. Following the deposition of Herod Archelaus in 6 AD, Rome officially annexed the region, establishing the imperial province explicitly mapped as Iudaea (Judea). During Jesus's lifetime, Roman official records, military charts, and geographic surveys never utilized the word "Palestine" to describe this administrative zone.

3. Archaeological & Numismatic Evidence

Physical artifacts recovered from the soil of Israel provide absolute verification of this political timeline:

• Governor Coinage: Excavated bronze prutah coins minted in Jerusalem under early Roman governors like Coponius (6–9 AD) and Valerius Gratus (15–26 AD) bear the names of Augustus and Tiberius. These coins featured local symbols like palm branches and grain ears, intentionally tailored to respect Jewish religious bans on human imagery.

• The Pilate Stone: Discovered in 1961 by archaeologists at Caesarea Maritima, this limestone block features a carved Latin inscription that physically confirms the exact historical existence and political title of Pontius Pilate: "

" ("To the Divine Augusti, this Tiberieum... Pontius Pilate, Prefect of Judea...").

4. The Hadrianic Rebranding & Aelia Capitolina.

The geopolitical term Syria Palaestina was completely absent until 135–136 AD, over a century after Jesus's death. Following the brutal suppression of the Bar Kokhba revolt—the final major Jewish rebellion against Rome—Emperor Hadrian instituted an aggressive campaign of memory erasure (damnatio memoriae):

• The Renaming: To systematically sever the Jewish people's physical and spiritual connection to their ancestral homeland, Hadrian merged the province of Judea with neighboring Galilee and Samaria, renaming the entire region Palaestina—drawing directly from the Philistines, Israel's historical Old Testament enemies.

• Pagan Reconstruction: Hadrian flattened the remaining ruins of Jerusalem and constructed a pagan Roman colony called Colonia Aelia Capitolina. "Aelia" honored his own family name (Aelius), while "Capitolina" honored the Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva).

• The Cardo and City Layout: Modern excavations inside the Old City of Jerusalem have exposed the Cardo Maximus, the massive, colonnaded north-south thoroughfare built by Hadrian that redefined the city's architecture away from its ancient Jewish layout.

• Desecration of Sacred Sites: In an intentional violation of Jewish law, Hadrian built a massive Temple to Jupiter Optimus Maximus directly on top of the ruins of the Jewish Temple Mount. He also built a Temple to Aphrodite over the tomb where Jesus was buried (the site later uncovered by Emperor Constantine to build the Church of the Holy Sepulchre). Jews were banned from entering the newly designed city under penalty of death, save for one day a year (Tisha B'Av) to weep at the ruins.

5. The Linguistic Shift (Hebrew/Aramaic to Arabic)

The linguistic record further exposes the chronological impossibility of attributing an Islamic or Arab identity to first-century Judeans:

• The Era of Jesus: During the 1st century, the primary spoken languages of the indigenous population of Judea and Galilee were Aramaic (the regional lingua franca) and Hebrew (the sacred, liturgical, and literary language), alongside Greek used for administration and commerce. Jesus spoke and taught predominantly in Galilean Aramaic.

• Preservation in the Peshitta: The Peshitta, the ancient Aramaic New Testament, preserves the exact Semitic vocabulary Jesus spoke. For example, when Jesus references God, the text uses the Aramaic word Alaha (cognate to the Hebrew Elohim). When addressing a teacher, it retains Rabboni (John 20:16). His dying words on the cross, recorded phonetically in Greek text, are pure Aramaic: "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" (Mark 15:34). This vocabulary reflects a deeply rooted Jewish-Aramaic cultural milieu, distinct from the classical Arabic that developed later in the Arabian Peninsula.

• The Islamic Conquests: The Arabic language did not become dominant in the Levant until centuries later. Following the Arab-Islamic conquests of the 7th century (starting around 634 AD) under the Rashidun Caliphate, Arabic was introduced as the language of the ruling class. Over subsequent generations, a gradual process of cultural and linguistic "Arabization" forced the local, Aramaic-speaking populations to slowly adopt Arabic, creating the modern Levantine dialects that still carry an Aramaic linguistic substrate today.

Conclusion

Because the geopolitical title of "Palestine" was introduced by a pagan Roman emperor in the 2nd century AD to punish Jewish rebels, and Islam was not founded by the Prophet Muhammad until the early 7th century (circa 610 AD), retroactively applying these modern political and religious identities to a 1st-century Judean Jew remains a severe historical, linguistic, and theological impossibility.

Does The European Union Actually Expect Radical Islamists to Reform Themselves?

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Tue, 06 May 2025 10:07:00 +0000

Does The European Union Actually Expect Radical Islamists to Reform Themselves? The European Union's decision to grant the Palestinian Authority (PA) a sum of $2 billion to assist them to "reform themselves" can only be the result of willful blindness, cognitive dissonance and what by now can only be ascribed to a proud European tradition of Jew-hate.

The PA, despite claiming to be secular, is saturated with an Islamist mentality in support of jihadists. The PA plays the West by displaying a veneer of reasonableness, victimhood and the bogus claim that it would, in an ever-extending future, accept some kind of peace with the Jews. This fiction is supposedly backed by an equally bogus claim that it would be willing -- under conditions which would always be suicidal for the Jews to accept -- to establish a two-state solution in Israel's ancestral homeland.

This romantic fantasy persists in the face of the Palestinian Authority's elaborate, extremely concrete programs with the European Union to appropriate land which, according to the 1993 and 1995 Oslo Accords, must still be negotiated, as well as a continuing jobs program that the PA offers, similar to Murder, Inc. The PA's "Pay for Slay" program lavishly rewards Palestinians who murder Israelis. The more Israelis they murder, the greater the sum. A 2024 report notes that the PA disburses more than $16 million each month to the Palestinian murderers and their families.

The Unspoken Holocaust of King Leopold II Against the Congolese.

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sat, 03 May 2025 12:51:00 +0000

The atrocities committed in the Congo Free State under the rule of King Leopold II of Belgium are often overlooked in discussions of colonial history. This essay examines the historical context of Leopold's reign, the impact of his rule on the Congolese people, key figures who brought attention to these crimes, and the various perspectives surrounding this dark chapter in history. The analysis also considers how the legacy of these events is still relevant today.

King Leopold II’s personal ambitions led to devastating consequences for the people of the Congo. Claiming to bring civilization and progress to the region, Leopold instead exploited its resources and its inhabitants. From the 1880s to 1908, when the Congo was under his private control, a system of forced labor was implemented. Congolese villagers were coerced into harvesting rubber, a commodity in high demand in Europe. Failure to meet quotas often resulted in brutal punishment, including mutilation or execution. This reign of terror left millions dead and disrupted traditional societies.

The impact of Leopold's regime on the Congolese population was catastrophic. Estimates suggest that the population of the Congo diminished by half during his rule, with millions of men, women, and children killed or subjected to violence. Communities were destroyed, and social structures were dismantled. The extraction of rubber and other resources transformed local economies, but not for the benefit of the Congolese people. Instead, wealth was expropriated for the profit of Leopold and his affluent investors in Europe. The psychological trauma endured by those who survived has had lasting effects that resonate to this day.

The plight of the Congolese people did not go unnoticed. Figures such as Edmund Dene Morel, a British journalist and humanitarian, played crucial roles in exposing the atrocities. Morel founded the Congo Reform Association and effectively mobilized public opinion against Leopold’s regime. His tireless advocacy brought international attention to the abuses and compelled the Belgian government to take control from Leopold in 1908. Morel's work illustrates the vital role of grassroots activism and the power of information dissemination in the fight against oppression.

Another notable figure was George Washington Williams, an African American historian, and activist. He was among the first to document the abuses occurring in the Congo. His letters to Leopold II candidly criticized the exploitation and genocide occurring under the guise of “civilizing” the Congolese. Williams sought accountability and transparency, serving as an early voice in what would become a broader humanitarian movement that called for the rights of colonized people.

The perspectives surrounding King Leopold II’s actions vary widely. In Belgium, there remains a complex relationship with this history. Some citizens are proud of their nation’s past, while others are deeply ashamed of Leopold’s brutal legacy. Recent years have seen movements to address this colonial past, including discussions around monuments and their meanings. The ongoing discourse raises questions about accountability, restitution, and how society remembers its history.

Educational institutions increasingly include the study of Leopold II’s atrocities. This is essential for raising awareness and understanding the implications of colonialism and racism today. Additionally, the narrative surrounding Leopold’s actions has gained traction in contemporary social movements, as discussions about the legacies of colonization intersect with calls for civil rights and social justice.

The consequences of Leopold II's brutal regime continue to unfold in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Although the Congo is now a sovereign nation, it is still grappling with the ramifications of colonization. Issues such as poverty, political instability, and inequality can be traced back to the damages inflicted during Leopold’s rule. The extraction of natural resources, often under exploitative conditions, remains a contentious issue. International corporations have often been accused of perpetuating these injustices, evoking comparisons to Leopold’s historical exploitation.

Moreover, awareness of this historical context is becoming increasingly relevant in discussions of reparations. Many scholars advocate for reparative justice as a means to address the enduring scars of colonialism. Some propose financial reparations to the Congolese, while others focus on cultural restoration, such as the return of artifacts taken during the colonial period.

Future developments in this field likely depend on how contemporary societies choose to engage with the legacies of colonialism. A comprehensive re-examination of history can promote healing and reconciliation. This may involve revisiting historical narratives, acknowledging wrongs, and facilitating dialogues that consider the voices of those historically marginalized.

In conclusion, the unspoken holocaust of King Leopold II against the Congolese stands as a significant event requiring thorough examination and understanding. The impact was devastating, leading to the deaths of millions and the destruction of cultures. Key individuals played crucial roles in bringing this dark history to light, prompting an ongoing conversation about justice and remembrance. Acknowledging this history fosters awareness of present inequalities and informs future efforts to create a more equitable society.

References

Hochschild, A. (1998). King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Morel, E. D. (1903). The Black Man's Burden. London: J. B. Lippincott Company.

Williams, G. W. (1890). History of the Negro Race in America from 1619 to 1880. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Nzongola-Ntalaja, Georges. (2002). The Congo: From Leopold to Kabila: A People's History. London: Zed Books.

"The Great Importance And Benefits Of Reading"

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sat, 03 May 2025 11:31:00 +0000

Introduction

Reading is a fundamental skill that can provide numerous benefits both academically and personally. Whether it be reading books, articles, or other literary works, engaging in reading can open doors to new worlds and perspectives. In this essay, we will explore the great importance and benefits of reading.

Body

Reading has been shown to enhance cognitive abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. By exposing oneself to different ideas and perspectives through reading, individuals can broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Furthermore, reading can improve vocabulary, communication skills, and even empathy towards others. It allows individuals to escape reality and immerse themselves in stories that stimulate the imagination.

Moreover, reading plays a crucial role in academic and professional success. Students who read regularly are more likely to excel academically as it enhances comprehension and retention of information. In a professional setting, reading can help individuals stay updated on industry trends, improve analytical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of complex topics.

In addition to the cognitive benefits, reading has been linked to reducing stress levels and improving overall mental health. Losing oneself in a good book can provide a sense of relaxation and escape from the stresses of everyday life. It promotes mindfulness and can be a form of self-care in a busy world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of reading should not be underestimated. The benefits of reading extend far beyond academic success, impacting cognitive abilities, mental health, and personal growth. By cultivating a habit of reading regularly, individuals can unlock a wealth of knowledge and experience the transformative power o

Humility Before Glory.

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sat, 03 May 2025 11:21:00 +0000

Humility is often described as a modest perspective on one’s own importance. It is a quality that can sometimes be overlooked in a world that often celebrates loud achievements and boastful successes. However, humility plays a crucial role in shaping character, fostering relationships, and achieving true success. The concept of "humility before glory" encourages individuals to embrace modesty and gratitude, rather than pride, as they pursue their goals.

In recent years, numerous public figures have exemplified this idea. For instance, professional athletes often face scrutiny for their performances on and off the field. One striking example is basketball star Stephen Curry. Despite his many accolades, including multiple NBA championships and MVP awards, Curry remains grounded. He frequently credits his success to his team and speaks about the importance of hard work and dedication rather than just his talent. His humility resonates with many fans and young athletes, reinforcing the notion that true glory comes not only from individual achievements but also from respect, teamwork, and a modest attitude.

Humility can act as a foundation for personal growth. When individuals remain humble, they are more open to learning and making improvements. This is evident in academic settings, where students who adopt a humble approach are more likely to seek help when needed. For example, a student who struggles with math but is willing to ask a teacher for guidance demonstrates humility. By putting aside their pride, they can achieve greater success in the long run, as they build on their weaknesses. This mindset fosters a supportive environment that encourages teamwork and collective achievement.

Moreover, humility enriches interpersonal relationships. When people are humble, they tend to be more empathetic and understanding. Take the case of Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Prize-winning activist for girls' education. Despite her global recognition, she often emphasizes her mission's collective effort rather than her personal experiences. By doing so, she cultivates a sense of shared purpose and inspires others to contribute to her cause. This selfless approach attracts supporters and fosters collaboration, showing that collaborative glory is far more impactful than individual accolades.

In conclusion, embracing humility before glory is essential for meaningful success. By grounding their achievements in modesty and gratitude, individuals can develop strong relationships, foster teamwork, and unlock personal potential. As society continues to value individual accomplishments, it remains vital to remember that true fulfillment lies in humility and the connections formed along the way.

References

Curry, Stephen. "The Importance of Teamwork." The Players’ Tribune, 2021, www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/stephen-curry-teamwork.

Yousafzai, Malala. "We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced." Nobel Speech, 2014, www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peacer/2014/yousafzai/facts.

The Benefits Of Contentedness.

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sat, 03 May 2025 04:02:00 +0000

Contentedness is often viewed as a state of being happy and satisfied with one's current situation. This concept is important to explore as it encompasses various benefits that influence not only personal well-being but also societal dynamics. This essay will discuss the benefits of contentedness, its implications on mental health, relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life. Through this analysis, we will also consider how contentedness can be cultivated and its potential challenges in modern society.

To comprehend the benefits of contentedness, it is essential to understand its connection to mental health. Numerous studies indicate that contented individuals tend to experience lower levels of stress and anxiety. According to research published by the American Psychological Association, a sense of contentment can lead to increased emotional stability and resilience in facing challenges. The state of being content allows individuals to approach life's pressures with a more balanced mindset. For example, contented people are less likely to engage in negative self-talk or indulge in feelings of inadequacy. This contributes to a decrease in mental health issues like depression, as individuals who appreciate their circumstances are better equipped to handle adversities.

Another significant benefit of contentedness is its positive impact on relationships. Individuals who are content with themselves often foster better connections with others. Positive emotions associated with contentedness can create an environment of warmth and empathy. Research conducted at the University of California shows that contented individuals are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors such as volunteering or helping others. This not only strengthens existing relationships but also nurtures new ones. When people are content, they are often more open to forming and maintaining healthy interactions, as their focus shifts from dissatisfaction to appreciation for what each relationship brings.

Furthermore, contentedness can enhance productivity in both personal and professional contexts. Employees who feel content in their work environment are generally more engaged and motivated. Companies that promote a culture of contentedness see a boost in employee morale, which often translates into improved performance. A survey conducted by Gallup indicates that organizations with a high level of employee engagement report 21 percent higher productivity. When individuals are satisfied with their circumstances, they tend to be more innovative and less likely to disengage from their responsibilities.

The overall quality of life is also markedly improved when individuals embrace contentedness. Contented individuals often have healthier lifestyles. Research has shown that people who practice gratitude and appreciate their lives tend to exercise more and eat healthier. These choices lead to physical well-being. Moreover, contentment opens avenues for enjoying life’s simple pleasures, promoting mindfulness and presence in daily activities. For instance, a person who finds joy in small moments, such as a sunrise or a good meal, experiences an enriched quality of life that promotes longevity and happiness.

Although contentedness has numerous benefits, it is essential to acknowledge potential barriers to achieving this state. In modern society, constant comparisons often hinder people from feeling satisfied. The rise of social media amplifies this issue, as individuals frequently compare their lives to curated versions of others' experiences. The pressure to maintain a certain image can lead to feelings of inadequacy. This is where the importance of cultivating contentedness becomes paramount. Individuals can work towards recognizing their unique journeys and focusing on their own achievements instead of comparing themselves to others.

Incorporating practices that foster contentedness into daily life can lead to profound changes. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and gratitude journaling have gained popularity due to their effectiveness. Engaging in these practices can help individuals develop a deeper appreciation for their lives and promote a positive outlook. Establishing healthy social connections and seeking support from peers can also contribute significantly to cultivating contentment.

In summary, contentedness offers a myriad of benefits, including improved mental health, enhanced relationships, increased productivity, and a higher quality of life. However, achieving this state of being requires a conscious effort to overcome societal pressures. As we move forward, understanding the importance of contentedness can pave the way for creating a more compassionate and supportive community. As individuals embrace contentment, they not only elevate their lives but also positively impact those around them.

With the rise of technologies and shifts in societal values, future developments in promoting contentedness may focus on fostering digital wellness and encouraging authentic connections. Cultivating contentedness in future generations will require a collective commitment to instilling appreciation for the present while reducing the influences of artificial comparisons created by modern media.

Learning From The Echoes Of History

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Fri, 02 May 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Learning from history offers invaluable insights into the past, providing lessons that shape current decisions and future developments. This essay will explore the importance of history as a guiding tool for understanding societal behaviors, decision-making processes, and leadership in various contexts. Key points discussed will include the lessons derived from critical historical events, influential figures who interpreted history, and the relevance of these insights in addressing contemporary challenges.

Understanding the past is essential for personal and collective growth. History serves as a mirror, reflecting both successes and failures. Studying events such as the World Wars provides a clear understanding of the consequences of political decisions and human actions. For instance, the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, is often cited as a flawed agreement that sowed the seeds for World War II. This example illustrates the importance of careful negotiation and the potential ramifications of harsh policies on global stability. By analyzing these historical instances, policymakers today can recognize the need for diplomacy and cooperation in international relations.

Certain individuals have played pivotal roles in interpreting history and offering lessons from it. One such figure is the renowned historian Howard Zinn, who emphasized the importance of viewing history through the lens of marginalized voices. In his work "A People's History of the United States," Zinn highlighted the impact of social movements and the struggles of common individuals in shaping the course of American history. His focus on grassroots movements serves as a reminder that learning from the past requires an inclusive approach that acknowledges diverse perspectives. This idea remains relevant today as society grapples with issues of inequality and social justice, calling for leaders who appreciate the complexities of historical narratives.

Moreover, the influence of technology on historical analysis cannot be overlooked. The digital age has transformed how history is studied and engaged with. Online platforms allow historians and enthusiasts to share knowledge and access vast archives of information. The rise of digital history projects has enabled new interpretations, allowing for a more participatory approach to learning. For example, crowdsourced projects like The Digital Public Library of America offer access to primary documents that educate the public about diverse historical perspectives. This democratization of information encourages engagement and provides a wider array of narratives for contemporary learning.

Considering the lessons of history also plays a crucial role in addressing contemporary challenges. Climate change is one area where history's echoes resonate strongly. Analyzing past environmental policies and their outcomes can inform current strategies. For example, studying the Dust Bowl of the 1930s underscores the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. Understanding the consequences of disregarding ecological balance can guide modern responses to environmental crises. Recent years have seen a surge in awareness surrounding climate action, illustrating how history informs current discussions about sustainability and global cooperation.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has offered a stark reminder of the importance of historical lessons in public health. By examining past pandemics such as the Spanish Flu, historians and health officials can identify effective strategies for managing outbreaks. The swift response to the pandemic in some countries has been informed by historical data and the evaluation of previous responses. This interplay of history and science highlights the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches in tackling global issues.

Additionally, learning from history also fosters resilience in the face of adversity. The narrative of recovery following crises such as the Great Depression illustrates how societies can emerge stronger through collective effort and innovation. Leadership during such times often draws on historical examples to inspire hope and action. For instance, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies were heavily influenced by previous economic crises. This trend can be seen in the contemporary responses to economic challenges posed by disruptions like the pandemic, emphasizing the enduring relevance of historical lessons in guiding effective governance.

Looking ahead, the potential for history to inform future developments remains significant. As society enters an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the challenge will be to incorporate historical understanding into the design and implementation of innovations. For instance, the ethical implications of artificial intelligence must be considered in light of past technological transformations. Analyzing historical examples of technological disruption can provide crucial insights into managing change responsibly.

In conclusion, learning from the echoes of history is vital for ensuring progress and understanding in society. The past offers essential lessons, as seen through significant historical events, influential individuals, and the relevance of historical analysis in contemporary contexts. By recognizing the value of historical narratives, society can better navigate complex challenges and inspire future generations. As we continue to learn from history, it becomes clear that our understanding of the past shapes our pathways forward.

The Dangers Of Occultism.

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Fri, 02 May 2025 12:56:00 +0000

Occultism, defined as the study and practices related to secret knowledge, magic, and supernatural phenomena, has captivated human curiosity for centuries.

This essay will explore the dangers of occultism by examining its psychological, social, and spiritual impacts. It will also highlight the influence of historical figures in the occult, various perspectives on the practice, and consider future developments in this arena.

The psychological dangers of engaging in occult practices can be profound. Individuals may become obsessed with gaining knowledge that is not meant for human understanding. This obsession can lead to cognitive distortions, negative outcomes and devastating consequences, where individuals detach from reality and lose the ability to discern truth from illusion.

Numerous cases have been documented, such as those associated with cults that utilize occult practices to manipulate members’ thoughts and emotions. For instance, Jim Jones’s Peoples Temple relied on a blend of religious and occult ideologies and ultimately led its followers to tragic ends in Jonestown in 1978. Such instances illustrate how easily susceptible individuals can become when they seek to control their lives through esoteric means and can lead to significant emotional distress.

Socially, occultism often leads to isolation, demon possession, oppression, depression, delusion, suicidal thoughts, and detachment from reality.

Individuals diving into the occult may find themselves distancing from family and friends who do not share their beliefs. This disconnection can foster an environment of secrecy and mistrust, where practitioners may feel compelled to keep their practices hidden. Additionally, communities often react negatively to occult practices, leading to discrimination and societal alienation. A recent example includes the backlash against various groups involved in witchcraft or paganism, with incidents of harassment and violence reported against practitioners. As such, occultism does not only affect individuals in their personal lives but can have broader implications for social cohesion and community dynamics.

The spiritual dangers associated with occult practices merit significant attention. Many who engage in occultism report experiences that they interpret as spiritual enlightenment, but are in reality demonic delusion. However, these experiences can lead individuals to spiritual confusion. The line between genuine spiritual insight and deception becomes blurred, fostering an environment ripe for exploitation by charismatic leaders so-called. The rise of self-proclaimed gurus who claim they can unlock the secrets of the universe poses a significant risk. For example, in the past few decades, various movements promoting New Age spirituality have often incorporated elements of occultism. Some followers have reported traumatic experiences stemming from their involvement in these movements, leading to disillusionment and a path away from healthy biblical practices.

Key historical figures have played crucial roles in shaping the landscape of occultism. Aleister Crowley is perhaps the most notorious of these figures, heralded as the "Great Beast" by some and lauded as a beacon of modern occultism by others. His promotion of Thelema, which includes rituals and practices that emphasize individual will, has attracted a following that often disregards ethical considerations. Crowley’s work serves to highlight how charismatic individuals can influence followers toward dangerous ideologies that prioritize personal gain over collective well-being.

Others, such as Helena Blavatsky, co-founder of the Theosophical Society, promoted occult knowledge cloaked in metaphysical concepts. While often considered more philosophical than strictly occult, her teachings influenced various spiritual movements and various groups that blurred the lines between legitimate practices and destructive occultism. This blending of ideologies showcases how difficult it can be to navigate the realm of occultism, as followers may not realize the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly benign teachings.

In examining various perspectives on occultism, it is crucial to recognize that not all practitioners experience harm, because the devil sometimes transforms himself as an angel of light to achieve his purpose. Some argue that engaging with occult practices can lead to empowerment and a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe. They claim that these practices are vital for personal growth and recovery from conventional societal constraints. Yet, these views often overlook the significant risks associated with unregulated and clandestine practices that lack grounding in psychologically safe environments.

To ensure the safety of individuals engaging with occultism, education and open dialogue are necessary. By fostering a better understanding of the potential psychological, social, and spiritual dangers of these practices, societies can promote healthier engagement with spiritual explorations. While some may find value in occult traditions, critical reflection and discernment must remain at the forefront of such explorations to prevent harmful consequences.

Looking to the future, it is likely that occultism will continue to in rease, especially with the rise of technology and social media. Online platforms have allowed for a resurgence of interest in occult practices, where information can be disseminated widely and rapidly. This raises concerns about the accessibility of potentially dangerous practices to a global audience with varying levels of critical thinking and discernment. Education on the dangers associated with these practices should be integrated into discussions on mental health and spirituality.

In conclusion, occultism carries inherent dangers that can affect individuals in psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Through examples from history and the influence of prominent figures in the field, it becomes evident that caution is vital. Societies must engage with these practices critically, fostering an environment where individuals can explore their spirituality safely and responsibly.

Factors That Led To The Fall Of The Roman Empire And What We Can Learn From Its Downfall.

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Fri, 02 May 2025 12:29:00 +0000

The fall of the Roman Empire serves as a poignant historical lesson regarding the vulnerabilities of great civilizations. This essay will explore the myriad factors that contributed to the decline and eventual fall of Rome. Key points discussed will include economic difficulties, political instability, military challenges, and social decay.

Furthermore, lessons drawn from these factors can provide contemporary societies with guidance on sustaining stability and preventing decline.

One of the central elements leading to the fall of the Roman Empire was economic instability. The Empire relied heavily on slave labor, which stunted innovation and reduced the prospective labor force's incentive to work efficiently. Furthermore, Rome faced severe inflation due to excessive minting of money, aiming to solve financial problems. Historians often cite the debasement of currency as a significant economic blunder. As the vast territories of the Empire became more challenging to manage, the cost of maintaining them soared. The loss of productive land during invasions further exacerbated the economic crisis. The reduction in tax revenue led to budget deficits, crippling public services and infrastructure upkeep that was once pivotal to the Empire's strength.

Another contributing factor was political instability. Rome struggled with ineffective leadership and corrupt officials, as the Empire transitioned from a republic to an autocratic form of governance. The division of the Empire into Eastern and Western halves in 285 AD under Emperor Diocletian came with its own challenges. The lack of a strong central authority led to power struggles and civil wars, weakening the Empire's political structure. Emperors became puppets to powerful generals, leading to a crisis in governance. Key figures, like Julius Caesar and later emperors, exemplified how ambitious leadership could both unite and divide. The instability made it difficult to enact consistent policies or to respond adequately to external threats.

Military decline is another crucial factor in the fall of Rome. The Empire once boasted a well-trained and disciplined army that had protected its borders for centuries. However, as Rome expanded, recruitment became problematic. The Roman army began to rely on mercenaries who lacked loyalty and commitment compared to native soldiers. As the Empire faced increasing barbarian invasions from groups such as the Visigoths and Vandals, its weakened military could not protect its considerable borders. The sack of Rome in 410 AD by the Visigoths marked a symbolic end and was an important event highlighting military failure. The instability in the military compounded issues related to governance and economics, creating a perfect storm for the Empire's collapse.

Social decay also played an integral role in the decline. A remarkable change in societal values over time led to increased apathy among citizens regarding civic responsibility. The core values that once fostered unity and purpose, such as loyalty to the Empire and civic participation, eroded. The gap between the rich and poor widened, leading to social strife and a complacent elite. Rise of Christianity shifted societal values but also contributed to the fragmentation of Roman identity. While Christianity provided a moral framework but often ran contrary to the traditional Roman values, creating an identity crisis in the Empire that could not be reconciled.

Examining the fall of Rome reveals vital lessons for contemporary societies. The importance of economic stability cannot be understated. It emphasizes the need for innovative practices and diversification of labor to avoid dependency on any singular source of productivity. Furthermore, societies must recognize the significance of sound governance. Political fragmentation and corruption weaken a nation’s ability to respond to challenges. Leadership integrity plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability and promoting collective interests over individual ambition.

Historical examples provide insight into the relevance of military readiness. Societies must prioritize both civilian safety and military preparedness to ensure defense against external threats. This holds particularly true in an era marked by terrorism and geopolitical tensions. Adequate funding for national defense is essential to preserve sovereignty and stability.

Social cohesion is arguably one of the most critical elements that societies can learn from the fall of Rome. Education and civic engagement must be promoted to create an informed citizenry that understands the importance of participation. Addressing inequality and ensuring that a social safety net exists are vital in preventing societal disintegration. Encouraging unity through shared values while respecting diversity will help create a robust civic identity.

In conclusion, the fall of the Roman Empire exemplifies the multi-faceted challenges that can lead to the decline of even the greatest civilizations. Its historical lessons remind current societies to prioritize economic stability, effective governance, military readiness, and social cohesion. As nations navigate the complexities of modern challenges, the insights from Rome's demise offer timeless guidance on the importance of adaptability and resilience.

References

Beard, M. and North, J. 2015. SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome. London: Profile Books.

Gibbon, E. 1776. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. London: Strahan and Cadell.

Horsley, R. 2007. Re-reading Paul: A New Look at the Apostle's Life and Mission. Trinity Press International.

Saylor, C. 2013. The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians. London: Thomas Dunne Books.

May God Open Your Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 05:25:00 +0000

I pray that God should open your eyes to see the real person you call friend and confidant, to whom you pour out your heart and tell all your plans and secrets.

Seven (7) Types Of People That You Have To Pray That God Should Flush Out Of Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 15:09:00 +0000

Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree! Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war! (Psalms 120:2-7)

There are seven (7) types of people that you have to pray that God should flush out of your life:

1. Friendly enemies-this type of people hate you, but will never show their hatred and bitterness against you, as far as they continue to milk you empty and receive some freebies and bonuses from you. To them, your kind heart means foolishness.

2. Insecure and jealous friends-they are afraid of who you are and what is in you and what you will become; therefore they will do anything to destroy you before the time. They are afraid that people will discover their emptiness and turn away from them.

3. Parasites and leeches-they attach themselves to your life because of what they are getting from you and in return will never contribute to your happiness. When they see that they can’t get any more of you; they will spit on your face and bid you goodbye.

4. Gossipers and flatterers-they will tell you everything that others said about, but they will never tell of what they said about you to others (they are always there to watch your). Even when you are wrong and straying, they will continue to praise you until you meet your doom, and when this happens; they are the very ones who will mock you.

5. The ungrateful and proud-whatever good you do to them, be ready to receive thousands of blows and spitting as your reward. They see themselves as your superiors; therefore you must carry them on your shoulders and respect them as the King of kings and Lord of lords. After all if you are wise and intelligent, why haven’t you succeeded by now?

6. The incorrigible- they are always right, even if they hurt your feelings and offend you at will, they always demand apology from you. And if you protest, you are labelled as an arrogant idiot.

7. The all-sufficient- these one believe and think that without them, you are nothing in life and will never succeed if they don't help you. They see themselves as your source of living and survival; therefore you must always come to them, bow and worship them as God before you can receive their peanuts.

Pray that God should not only remove these types of people from you, but should flush them away from off you.

Satanism: The World Of The Occult

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 12:33:00 +0000

Satanism: The World Of The Occult

Russ Wise

The Growing Problem

The occult is on the rise; many young people are seeking their spiritual identity through Satanism.

Satanism has become an issue of great concern in our society. It is a phenomena that crosses the city limits into the rural areas of our nation. Satanism is not just a big city problem. The news wires carry story after story about young children being kidnapped, only to be found later as victims of some bizarre ritualistic crime. To help us gain a balanced perspective of the subject, C. S. Lewis in his book Screwtape Letters, says this about Satan:

There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and to feel an unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.

As satanic involvement among our youth increases, we begin to see the primary goal of such activity. It has become clear, according to the data thus far analyzed by those who investigate satanic involvement, that the primary goal is to alter people's values and turn them against themselves, their beliefs, family, God, and society.

When we begin to take a close look at the occult, it becomes necessary to define terms. There is a great difference between cults and the occult. The term cult refers to a group of people polarized around one individual who is often a magnetic personality. This individual has his or her own understanding of truth, who God is, man's relationship to God, the existence of heaven and hell, as well as a number of other issues of faith. In most cases such individuals incorporate some degree of biblical truth into their teachings in order to gain a certain amount of credibility and in order to deceive the unwary.

The term occult means "hidden" or those things or teachings that are "unknown" or secret. So, the occult is the seeking after knowledge of unknown information, knowledge that is gained beyond the five senses. Therefore, knowledge is received by some supernatural involvement or connection.

Anton LaVey of the First Church of Satan in San Francisco, California, says that

Satanism is a blatantly selfish, brutal religion. It is based on the belief that man is inherently a selfish, violent creature... that the earth will be ruled by those who fight to win.

Satanism challenges the biblical teaching regarding man's relationship to others. We are to esteem others better than ourselves, and we are to be team players. In 1 Corinthians we read about being a part of the body of Christ, whereas, Satanism esteems the "self" over others.

Young satanists believe that the strong will rule with Satan. Once they are sufficiently involved, they often make a pact with Satan. They commit themselves to a future date when they will take their own lives by suicide. They believe that if they submit themselves to Satan in death, they will come back in another life as a stronger being and rule with him forever. According to recent statistics, fourteen young people a day take their own lives. A major concern for those who uphold a Judeo-Christian world view is that this generation is becoming detached and is losing all sense of morality. Many have lost their mooring. It is imperative for the church, as a corporate body, and we as individuals, to share the message that Jesus Christ is the only possible solution to our emotional and spiritual needs.

The Power that Entices

Power has become an obsession with young satanists. It is sought after on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. According to one former occultist, the greatest lure into the occult is "power" and "knowledge." Not just corporate power but personal power. Gaining knowledge that others do not possess is another aspect of the occult. When individuals have more knowledge it affords them a degree of power over those who do not have access to that knowledge.

Likewise, Satanism offers its lure to the youth in our society. Drugs and sex have become the bait that so often ensnare the unsuspecting.

With the increase of satanic activity, a profile of those involved in Satanism has emerged. They are generally from a white, middle to upper-middle class family. In most cases they are bright and do well in school; however, they are often bored and are not challenged to meet their full potential. They tend to have a low self-worth and are unable to distinguish between right and wrong because of their relative ethical system. They often have problems in the home and in relating to other people around them. They use drugs and are sexually promiscuous. It is a rare occasion when these last two elements are not present in the mix.

Abuse, both physically and emotionally, is another aspect of this mix. Young satanists are often abused children who know no other way to relate to people. Some are a part of a multi- generational family involved in worshiping Satan as savior.

Anton LaVey, Satanist High Priest of the First Church of Satan in San Francisco gives us a glimpse of how Satan is seen in his book The Satanic Bible:

We hold Satan as a symbolic personal saviour, who takes care of mundane, fleshly, carnal things.

Satan has attempted to usurp the place of Christ in redeeming mankind. He has endeavoured to establish himself as a god who is equal to or greater than Jehovah and in a sense render God ineffective. LaVey goes on to say that "God exists as a universal force, a balancing factor in nature, too impersonal to care one whit whether we live or die."

Therefore, the Judeo-Christian God is inaccessible and has no compassion. Thus, Satan becomes the solution to man's deepest needs.

Satanism leads one into bondage through mind control and fear, whereas Christianity allows the individual the freedom of choice. We have the opportunity to either accept God's free gift of life or reject Him and simply exist separate from God's love.

An Agent of Change

Music has always been at the centre of the youth culture. The problem arises when the lyrics promote aberrant behaviour. The Night Stalker, Richard Ramirez of Los Angeles, believed that Satan made him invincible. Police say the style of the brutal rapes and 16 murders Ramirez committed resembled the lyrics of the song "Night Prowler" on AC/DC's LP "Highway to Hell."

Along with Ramirez' fascination with AC/DC, he used cocaine and PCP in conjunction with a deep interest in Satan worship. He believed that Satan would protect him and not allow harm to come to him. According to a People magazine article as long ago as September 1985,

Rock 'n roll is turning too often to sex, Satanism, drugs and violence for its major themes and corrupting the values and views of unwary young people.

The lyrics of the last few years of the 1980s have continued on a downward slope. Rachel Matthews, an artist and repertoire representative for Capitol Records, recruits new groups for her company. Her comments regarding a newly signed band reveal what she, as one individual representing the music industry, is looking for in a band:

I was just going, 'Oh (expletive)! I've never heard anything like this!' I've heard plenty of metal and speed metal, but it was just so intense and out of control, just like this caged psychosis going on. I loved it, because you could actually understand the lyrics. And even if they're morbid and gruesome, it's really cool that you could understand what they're saying. It just makes it twice as evil. I like that." (Dallas Life Magazine, 1 July 1988)

The demo that interested Ms. Matthews in the group contained songs like "Die in Pain" and "Foaming at the Mouth."

The music that causes the greatest concern is the various types of "metal" music. Metal has been classified into three types. First, is party metal, and it represents the most popular style of music. Groups like Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, and Def Leppard are representative of party metal. They tend to glorify sexuality and the party spirit.

The second type is "trash metal" represented by groups like Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth. The primary focus of "trash metal" is violence and death.

The third type is known as "black metal" and is overtly satanic. The lyrics encourage such activities as incest, necrophilia, rape, torture, and human sacrifice. Black metal is represented by groups like Venom and Slayer.

King Diamond is perhaps the most satanic of all "black metal" groups. He openly professes Satan and incorporates a large amount of satanic activity into his performances.

Music has always been an agent of change in our society. It tends to shape the moral attitudes of each generation. As Christians we should be especially concerned about the lyrics in the music of the youth culture. We cannot afford to allow another generation to become polluted with the immoral themes found in today's music. As parents it is imperative that we maintain open communication lines with our young people. Without open communication it becomes improbable that we can affect the listening habits of our children. Second, we cannot be hypocritical in our personal listening habits. Third, we need to become familiar with the type of music our children listen to and be willing to acknowledge the good and be prepared to positively criticize that which is not appropriate within our household.

Last, we as parents need to recognize that if our child is involved in rebellious music, we must attempt to understand what unmet need in his life is being met by his musical diet. Galatians 5:19-21 says that

The deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery . . . those who practice such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Therefore, it is imperative for us as adults and youth to only listen to and think upon those lyrics that would honour God and His principles.

The Games of Destruction

Satan has used a number of tools over the centuries to ensnare the naive. The Ouija Board has proven to be particularly useful. According to the Dictionary of Mysticism the Ouija Board is "an instrument for communication with the spirits of the dead." The Ouija Board is an open door into the world of the occult and demonic activity. Disembodied spirits speak to the living through the medium of the Ouija Board. This information is believed to be truth from the other side and is not recognized for what it is: Lucifer's delusion to gain our allegiance.

Jane Roberts, the author of The Seth Material, relates her story regarding the Ouija Board. She was about to write a book on ESP, and to stimulate her thoughts, she and her husband used a Ouija Board to gain perspective. After a few sessions they were able to receive messages from someone who later identified himself as Seth. The use of the Ouija Board and the gradual, but ever-growing, influence of Seth in Jane's life brought her to the point of possession. Her mind would enter a trance state and a deep male voice would begin to speak, indicating he had a message to get across to our world the wisdom that it was only now ready for. Over a period of ten years Seth produced through Jane over 5000 typewritten records of alleged higher esoteric truth. Then Seth tried to kill her. Though she had not previously believed in demons, this experience changed her mind.

Internationally-known observer of the occult, Kurt Koch, says that by the use of the Ouija Board revelations from the past and predictions about the future are made.

Edmond Gruss tells us in his book, Cults and the Occult in the Age of Aquarius, that there have been "many cases of 'possession' after a period of Ouija Board use." Supernatural contact is commonly made through use of the board and has become a primary tool of Satan in reaching young people.

The Rev. Donald Page of the Christian Spiritualist Church reports that most possession cases he has dealt with are people who have used the Ouija Board. Francoise Strachan's book, A Company of Devils, states that the Ouija Board is "one of the easiest and quickest ways to become possessed."

The greatest danger of the Ouija Board is that an individual begins to place his trust and future hope in the message the board brings. As a Christian our only source of revelation regarding future things is to be God's Word. We are to look to Jesus Christ and His teachings to properly understand our problems and seek a solution. Deuteronomy 18 tells us to beware of mediums and those who practice divination.

First Chronicles 10 tells the story of Saul who was unfaithful to the Lord and consulted a medium, seeking guidance and did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore, the Lord slew him and turned the Kingdom over to David.

Christians can offer several reasons as to why one should not be involved in the use of the Ouija Board. One is simply that the Bible condemns it as being involvement in the occult (Lev. 19:31, 20:6). Another relates to the tragic experiences of those who have been involved with this medium. And then there's the fact that the messages received are often false and misleading. They are often obscene and contrary to biblical teaching.

The following passages in Scripture give us, and those who would seek God's perspective, where to go for truth.

"And when they shall say unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits and into wizards . . . should not a people seek unto their God?" (Isaiah 8:19)

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, . . . and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

The Great Delivery

God is able to deliver those who seek Him. Victory is ours. But first, we must receive God's power.

We have been discussing the problems of satanic involvement. Whether we become deceived by use of the Ouija Board, music, divination or by Dungeons and Dragons, the end result is the same occult bondage.

Mark Bubeck's Moody Press book, The Adversary, gives us a sound basis for applying sound biblical doctrine in resisting the devil as he attempts to infiltrate our lives. Basic to all victory of the believer over Satan is the absolute truth of biblical doctrine. There is no substitute. The greatest key in warfare against Satan is when we recognize that God's truth is our only offense.

Bubeck refers to "doctrinal prayer" as an effective tool to use in spiritual warfare. The sixth chapter of Ephesians tells us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. We cannot effectively engage Satan in warfare on the natural plane; we must enter the spiritual dimension to adequately challenge Satan and defeat him and his host. According to Bubeck, doctrinal prayer

...is the practice of praying or applying the objective, absolute truths of the Word of God as the hope and basis of resolving our prayer burden.

Doctrinal prayer presupposes that we have a deep understanding of the Scriptures. Bible memorization is a must for this type of prayer.

Another aspect of our spiritual warfare is that of resistance. We are called to resist the devil. The term "resist" basically means to stand, to stand invincibly or successfully. We can stand firm and remain invincible because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Jesus was victorious over Satan at the cross. As God's people, we are victorious over Satan because of Jesus. We can successfully resist Satan as we stand in right relationship with Christ. Since we are in Christ, and He has all authority in heaven and earth, we are in the only place of victory.

Ephesians 6 speaks of our spiritual armour. With the exception of the sword, this armour is defensive in nature. We have the victory; it has been won we simply need to stand our ground. Satan has been defeated at the cross (Col. 2:8-15) and made powerless (Heb. 2:14-15). The believer needs to stand in his rightful position in Christ as victor; Jesus has already won the battle.

The Holy Spirit of God shows us the way to righteousness and restoration. Satan attempts to convince us that we are so bad that God wouldn't want anything to do with us. He seeks to convince us that there is no forgiveness for what we have done or that we have committed the unpardonable sin.

The Holy Spirit uses God's Word to give us hope and assurance of God's love and forgiveness, whereas Satan creates despair, doubt, resentment, and anger toward God, His Word, and His people. Satan intends for us to feel as though no one as bad as we are could ever really be saved.

Doctrine and right understanding is important to our spiritual welfare. It is the foundation upon which everything stands. Without it we are subject to every wind that blows, every false teaching that Satan would use to lure us.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have trusted in His blood atonement, we have a vast number of tools to render the enemy ineffective. Power, position, authority, total victory over Satan's world belong to us. All that remains is for us to appropriate God's promises and recognize our position in Christ, focus our attention against the devil's work, and to rest in what our Lord has done for us.

Satanism is a growing concern in our culture. With this growth comes a great deal of confusion and a lack of understanding. The following information is designed to help you understand the problem by clearly defining the different aspects of the occult and giving you concise information that you can use.

Defining the Occult

Cult

A cult is a group of people polarized around an individual with a magnetic personality, who deviates from orthodox Christianity by distorting the central message of the Bible by additional revelation or by introducing their personal understanding of primary biblical doctrines such as the person of Jesus Christ, heaven, hell, salvation, atonement, the virgin birth, etc.

Occult

Secret or hidden knowledge. This knowledge is not discerned by the five senses and is therefore, supernaturally received through the practice of divination.

Witchcraft

The use of scripturally forbidden supernatural powers to manipulate people and events. Commonly known as the "craft of the wise" or "wicca," the worship of nature and feminine energies mother nature. Witchcraft is manifested in two opposing views: white magic, and black magic or witchcraft (see Deut. 18:10)

White Magic

The use of supernatural power to manipulate a person or an event to bring about good. The practice of divination is used to bring about "positive" results such as knowledge, healing, etc.

Black Magic

The use of supernatural power to manipulate a person or an event to bring about evil or destruction. Manipulation is achieved by use of rituals and the casting of spells.

Satanism

Unlike Witchcraft, Satanism is the worship of Satan, formerly known as Lucifer, and the practice of Black Magic. Satanism is a reaction against the Christian church and the Word of God in particular. Satanism promotes a do-what-you-want attitude and is ultimately the worship of oneself.

Categories of Involvement

Individuals involved in satanic activity fall into one of four categories:

Multi-generational international organization

National organizations

Independent self-styled groups

Individual dabblers

The greatest increase in involvement is among the latter group the dabbler. The dabbler is, in most cases, from a middle to upper- middle class, Caucasian home and is a user of drugs and other controlled substances.

The larger concern is not in the number of young people involved in satanic activity but what they are capable of doing when they become absorbed in the worship of Satan.

Satanism centres around involvement in animal sacrifice, blood ritual, sex, the use of drugs and sometimes murder. According to "The Addiction Letter" (1/89),

Most Satanism revolves around a drug and alcohol dependent lifestyle which glorifies violence, hate, lying, stealing, and vandalism. The involved youngster craves a higher power to validate . . . chemical dependence and Satan fills the spiritual void.

The Mental Profile of the Dabbler

Rebellion

Boredom

Low self-worth

Warning Signs of the Dabbler

The dabbler is likely to have difficulty relating to peers and in most cases, they have withdrawn from their family and religious heritage. They tend to become involved in a variety of the following:

A drop in grades

Burglary

Drug use

Physical and sexual abuse

Mind control

Animal mutilation

Increased hatred

Murder

Suicide

Drug abuse is the common denominator in all levels of Satanism. Drugs have become the primary source of mind-altering experiences for the Satanist, thereby, giving him a false sense of power and spiritual potency.

Characteristics that may indicate satanic involvement

Avoiding family members

A change in friends

Becoming secretive about activities

Loss of interest in extra-curricular activities

Personality changes

An unusual interest in books, movies, videos, etc. with an occult theme

Use of drugs and alcohol

Lack of attendance of worship with family

Individuals are recruited into satanic groups by any number or combination of the following:

Free drugs or sex

Companionship

Power

Money

Pornography

Personal choice

Satan's Goal

According to scripture (Matt. 4:9, 2 Cor. 4:4, Rev. 12:9), Satan's goal is to deceive man by blinding him to the truth of the gospel and to receive worship for himself (Isa. 14:12-14). On a more practical level Satan desires to alter an individual's values and turn them against themselves, their beliefs, family, God and society.

The Church of Satan

Anton Szandor LaVey formed the Church of Satan in 1966. LaVey, the author of The Satanic Bible is perhaps the most common source of satanic ritual and understanding available to young people today. It can be found in most large secular bookstores. The Satanic Bible has sold more than 600,000 copies since it was first published by Avon Books in 1969.

Secret things

Another common denominator in satanic groups is secrecy. Individuals keep a journal of activity, rituals, charms, or messages in a notebook, blank book and sometimes even a floppy disc. This information is often written in an alphabet that is not widely known. Alphabets commonly used by occultists are: the witches’ alphabet, the Celtic alphabet used by the Druids, the Enochian alphabet, the Egyptian and others.

Personal Initiation

Initiation plays a major role in group activity. Through initiation an individual is given a chance to declare total allegiance to Satan by participation. Often one will sever a portion of a finger or a toe to indicate their commitment to the unholy one.

Other acts include being a participant in a ritual where mutilation of an animal or human is a part of the activity. These acts are usually video-taped to be used at a later time to keep the individual in line if need be. In some cases a criminal act is perpetrated where the initiate is involved in a key role. An unholy communion of sorts is taken during initiatory rituals where a cup or chalice (usually stolen from a church) is used containing a mixture of wine, blood (human or animal) and urine. Satanism is not for the faint-hearted.

Other methods of initiation include body markings. An inverted cross may be burned into one's forearm or chest, etc.

Body Markings

Commonly used markings include the following (it is important to note that body markings can be used for the preparation of a sacrifice, as well as initiation into a group):

Goathead

Inverted cross

Skull

Pentagram

Baphomet

MENA (amen)

Black rose

Swastika

Does God Rejoice Over The Destruction Of The Wicked?

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 03:51:00 +0000

Introduction

Does God rejoice when bad things happen to those who disobey and reject his offer of salvation, or does it pain his heart to see a soul pass into eternity hopeless and lost forever? Understanding the nature of God, would help in answering this baffling question and knowing the true nature of God, his attributes and feelings towards all of his creatures. The problem with religious dogmatism is that it teaches about a sadistic god who takes pleasure in inflicting damages on those who refuse his gift, just to show and demonstrate to them how powerful and terribly awesome he is if provoked. And that is the reason why religion has failed and enslaved man through the ages, it has not produced a meaningful and well lasting solution to the spiritual needs of man, instead religion has made man into a beast and turned him to hating the God who loves and cares for him and his every need, due to the wrong and erroneous conception of the person of God, religion is full of lies and deceptions.

As you go through this article, you will discover that the god religion teaches is quite different from the biblical God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You will come to know that God’s plan for your life is not the one of destruction, but of peace. The biblical God is not a god who takes pleasure and rejoices over the sufferings and miseries of his creature, but a God who delights in relationship and blessings on all those who love and seek him. He is a God who takes pleasure in the salvation of the wicked and not their destruction as some religionists may falsely claim.

So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14)

It is due the erroneous teachings of religion that our world is in the shape that it is today, because religion teaches man that he has to murder his fellow man to appease an imaginary god who does not exist, a god who does not want to do anything with the man he created, a god to whom men are nothing but slaves and servants, who can be sacrificed at will to gain his favour, a sadistic god who whips man at every whim of his mistakes, a god who wants to send you to an eternal hell, because there are those whom he has predestined to salvation and others to destruction. A god who has chosen only few to be saved and the rest damned forever; that is the god that religion is presenting to man, a god whom we must win his approval; love and favour by killing those who do not want to submit to his religion and abide by his despotic rules. No wonder humanity is in such a mess, due to the fact that the god religion presents is not the same God that the bible presents. The god of religion demands that you sacrifice your sons and daughters for his cause, but the God of the bible gave his only begotten Son for the salvation of humanity (John 3:16). Does that sound strange? The god of religion wants you to do some good deeds to be saved and earn your salvation, while the biblical God wants you to believe in his Son and be saved by faith alone. The biblical God is not interested in your good works, because they are incapable of earning you any salvation. It is a waste of time trying to please and appease God through good deeds (Isaiah 64:6). God is already pleased in the person of Christ Jesus.

1. How Does God See The Wicked?

Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. Because he considered and turned away from all the transgressions that he had committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die…. For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live." (Ezekiel 18:27-28 & 32)

Dear reader! Can you see that God does not take pleasure and rejoices over the destruction of the wicked, that it is his will and good pleasure that the wicked should turn away from his wickedness and live? That is why God hates and abhors religion, but it lies against God and presents the opposite of who he is. Those who are preaching that God wants to destroy the wicked are liars and false teachers. I am not saying that God will not judge and deal with the wicked, but that is not his primary preoccupation, he wants the wicked to repent and live and not die in his wickedness. God does not wish anybody destruction, that would contradict his nature and person. God judges the wicked, but not immediately, he delights in pity:

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy. (Psalms 103:8)

The biblical God is a merciful and compassionate God, who is slow to anger and ready to forgive offenses. He is not a sadistic and embittered being, who does neither forgive nor forgets. The god that religion presents is a miserable and idiotic god, who displays acts of cowardice by commanding his followers to slaughter and terrorise everyone who refuses to go by the dictates of his religion. One may say what of the Old Testament? The truth is the people of that time knew God but chose to live wickedly in abomination and detestable practices, God sent them warning and offer of love and repentance, not only did they refuse it, but they killed the very persons whom God sent to warn them, and when their wickedness became unbearable and intolerable, justice was meted out to them. It was not because of their wickedness that God punished, but their refusal to turn from their wickedness.

And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. (Jonah 3:10)

How come that God did not destroy Nineveh, I thought he would have breathed fire upon them and wiped them out of the surface of the earth for all their wickedness? You see my dear reader, the perfection of lies is always found in religion, because it is through lies and deception that religion thrives and enslaves its adherents.

But God said to Jonah, "Do you do well to be angry for the plant?" And he said, "Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die." And the LORD said, "You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?" (Jonah 4:9-11)

Herein is religion exposed for what it is, the prophet was angry that God did not destroy Nineveh but had pity and forgave their evil deeds, he was also angry that God destroyed a plant that gave him shade which he did not labour to grow. This is exactly the reality of religion and religionists; they care for the material and less concerned for the spiritual. God sees the wicked as one who does not know from his right to the left, he sees him as a person who walks in ignorance, a lost soul that needs salvation. That was why I said that, the biblical God is quite different from the religious and dogmatic god that religionists present to mankind. It is also evident, that God also cares for animals and all livestock. Isn’t he great and compassionate?

2. Will The Wicked Suffer Eternally In Hellfire?

If God loves the wicked, will he be sending them to hell? I think the bible is in the best position to answer this controversial question.

The LORD is known by the judgment which he executes: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalms 9:16-17)

Yes, the wicked who refuses to repent and renounce his wicked ways will suffer eternally in hellfire, it is not a matter of predestination, but it is a matter of choice. It is not God that sends the wicked to hell, it is their choice that does. When a man refuses to renounce his wicked ways, God will not force him to change, but he will reap the sure fruit of his refusal to repent and rebellion against God. There is time for everything, it is true that the mercies of God are eternal, but we are not. We are to make good use of the time and opportunities given to us by our Creator, to mend our ways and do that which is right and virtuous. That was why he sent his Son Jesus to die on our behalf and pay the price for the penalty of our sin and rebellion against God. God is not interested in the destruction of the wicked but their salvation; he is not a despotic being who punishes at any slightest offense.

For while we were still weak, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6 & 8)

To say that God is glorified through our destruction is a lie and deceptive, these are one of the lies of religion and dogmatism. God wants us to have an intimate relationship with him and enjoy the benefits he has made available through his Son Jesus. It will be of a fruitless effort trying to engage God intellectually; it is a battle that you will lose at the end and regret all the opportunities you wasted.

Seek you the LORD while he may be found, call you upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7)

God is not a distanced being that does not want to have anything in dealing with the man he created; he wants his salvation and wishes his felicity. To say otherwise would be a contradiction and blatant lies. God wants that we turn away from our wicked and rebellious ways, which lead to destruction and eternal damnation.

You do not need to travel land and sea to discover God, he is right there beside you, all you need to do is call upon him, and he will answer and reveal himself to you.

Call unto me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not. (Jeremiah 33:3)

God is interested in your personal relationship with him, and not your destruction. He wants you to know him as a Father and not as a despot and sadist. He is not interested in holding grudges against you and looking for a way to pay you back.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Who said that God rejoices over our destruction; religion or God? It is religion that propagates lies against God, in order to hinder man from approaching his Creator who loves and cares for him. It is religion that has made God seem unapproachable, because it is through those avenues of lies and brainwashing, that man remains in the slavery and bondage of religion. It is time you forsake religion and embrace God as your Father through relationship by Christ Jesus. Never allow yourself to be hindered and stopped from approaching God due to the lies of religion. Religion tells you that you are not good enough to approach, but the bible tells you that God wants you to approach him because of the sacrifice of Jesus. God is not rejecting anyone based on their nationality or background; that is a lie from the pit of hell.

All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and he that comes to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37)

Reader! Put away your fears and approach God in humility through Jesus Christ, he is a despotic superman ready to deal blows for offending him; that is not true. The Father’s hands are wide open to welcome any who draws closer to him. He is not after your hurt and but happiness. Jesus himself expressed it in the most sublime tone, he described as a Father who wants to the happiness of his children:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-11)

God’s heart is wide open to receive you, and his ears are attentive to hear your every request, and his hands are ever ready to supply your every need. Don’t allow religion to blindfold you from receiving from your heavenly Father, who loves and wants your blessedness. Don’t you know that you are special in the sight of God?

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)

Some mothers out of hardship and poverty can abandon their children and flee for their lives, but God will never, he is ever faithful to his promises and his eyes are ever watchful on those whose trust is rooted in him. In famine, in hunger, in death, in sickness, in failure, in despair, in times of troubles and anguish; God is forever faithful and will not fail to perform on you that is which is good and righteous.

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. (Psalms 103:13)

Nothing can place the tenderness and concern of God for his creatures in a stronger light than this. What yearnings of bowels does a father feel toward the disobedient child, who, sensible of his ingratitude and disobedience, falls at his parent’s feet, covered with confusion and melted into tears, with, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am not worthy to be called thy son!” The same in kind, but infinitely more exquisite, does God feel when the penitent falls at his feet, and implores his mercy through Christ crucified. (Adam Clarke)

God is waiting for you to make a move and draw closer to him, no matter the ache and life’s disappointments; the Father’s gentle touch can change the story from that of pains, misery and failures to the one of triumph, victory and success.

The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17)

Dear reader, having these wonderful promises before you, what then are you waiting for to grab this wonderful opportunity and enjoy all that God has in store for you?

Are There Biblical Verses That Support Or Uphold Homosexual Love & Marriage?

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 09:11:00 +0000

Introduction

With the emergence of the Internet Technology; the ways in which we see things have forever changed. Today, with a good and well-endowed device on one’s palm, he can navigate the world at a fingertip. But despite the availability of information and resources around us, this generation lacks the calibre to discern the truth from error. In the past our parents had to dig thousands of hours in different libraries just to get particular information, they (our parents did not have the opportunities we enjoy today; yet their ingenuity and wealth of knowledge is rivalled to none.

The problem with this generation is not the lack of information, but it is the laziness and apathy to use their mental faculty. They love the illusional and buy into every lies presented without proper investigation and inquiry. They emulate celebrities whose lives and comportment are a total disappointment to God and disgrace humanity. We have celebrities that promote immoral conducts and portray the opposite of what life is in reality. Their counterfeit lifestyles have pushed our younger generation into the abysmal pandemonium of moral decadence.

The treatise of which I am about to undertake, is a delicate and sensitive one, but that something is delicate and sensitive; does not mean untouchable. When a person gets a deep cut, knowing fully how painful and delicate it is, does not stop the doctor from doing his work, if left untreated, will cause more trouble to the injured patient. Therefore something that is amoral and abnormally out of natural order, considered a delicate and sensitive issue does not mean it should not be touched, regardless of whom gets offended. The truth no matter its pungent strikes does not break the eyes but the heart. As we dig carefully with open hearts and unbiased minds-the truth will illuminate our spirits and guide us into all that is good and virtuous.

1. Were Jonathan And David Homosexual Lovers (Taking The Bible Out Of Context)

And it came to pass, when he had finished speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (1 Samuel 18:1)

Some perverted and vicious minds who are devoid of the truth of the sacred writings; have always used this particular biblical passage to ascertain that homosexuality is something that is condoned and acceptable before God. But this biblical passage is in no way saying that Jonathan and David were homosexual lovers. There are three ancient Hebrew words that are at play in the sacred narrative; (i) knit, (ii) soul and (iii) love. I will to the best of my ability with the accepted periphery of oriental language interpretation, explain each word in detail and what they meant when they were written at the time.

(i) Knit-Hebrew- קשׁר (qâshar); a primitive root: to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league). What the bible is saying in essence is that Jonathan out of respect and benignity became David’s mutual friend and admirer. There is no homosexual love here intended, it is the common human love, feeling and admiration we have towards our fellow man.

(ii) Soul-Hebrew- נפשׁ (nephesh); meaning a living thing that breaths. The person of Jonathan became connected to David, they became best of friends.

(iii) Love-Hebrew- אהב / אהב ('âhab / 'âhêb); it means a person’s love to his fellow being, to God or anything, in the Greek language it is called φιλαδελφία or ἀγάπη (Philadelphia or agapē)- fraternal affection: - brotherly love (kindness), love of the brethren, affection or benevolence.

Therefore the bible is in no way saying that Jonathan and David were male homosexual lovers, if that was the case; the mosaic law of the time demands that they shall be stoned to death. Jonathan and David were mutual friends who naturally loved and respected each other and nothing more; they were never homosexual lovers as some perverted and deluded minds may claim.

Another biblical passage that is totally taken out of context is David’s eulogy to Jonathan; some people interpret it as David’s homosexual relationship with Jonathan. That is another lie from the pit of hell. Let’s see what that place says:

I am grieved for you, my brother Jonathan; you were very lovely to me; your love to me was wonderful beyond the love of women. (2 Samuel 1:26)

Was David saying that he had homosexual love relationship with Jonathan? Absolutely not, if that was the case, the sacred writers would never shy away from exposing David, and he would be immediately executed. David was simply reminiscing the kindness of Jonathan to him when Saul was after his life. Jonathan watched the back of David, defended him before his father and succoured him in the time of need. Such selfless and unattached love is matchless to that of a woman. A woman can abandon and desert a man if the going gets tougher and unpredictable, but a true friend will remain and weather the storm with his friend to the end, such love is greater than the love of a woman, which is romantic and attached. The love that Jonathan had for David was an agape/ Philia (brotherly) love; it is selfless, sacrificial and unattached, which no woman can offer to a man. I repeat; David and Jonathan were not homosexual lovers, they were friends and nothing more. Stop twisting the inerrant word of God for your personal agenda and belief. You are free to believe anything you want to believe, but keep the bible out of it. You are free to live whatever lifestyle you chose, but stop using the bible as a supporting pillar, doing so will only bring about disastrous and destructive consequences.

2. The Bible Stance On Homosexuality.

In order not to beat about the bush and alter the message, I will be forthright; the bible condemns homosexuality with the strongest and severest tone. There is no biblical passage that condones or upholds homosexual practices and tendency. God hates and abhors such detestable practices; they are abominable & repulsive in his eyes.

You shall not lie with a man, as with a woman: it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)

Any carnal knowledge or copulation with a fellowman is confusion and a crime against nature. It was for this reason that God wiped out by fire the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah; they were so addicted to this vile practice that their land cried out to God, and when heaven could no longer tolerate their unnatural practices, justice took its course and their cities and memory were forever obliterated. It was from the people of Sodom, that we got the word sodomy, because they were notorious for that.

If a man also lies with a man, as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)

In the mosaic law, homosexual acts were met with death; but in this dispensation things have changed due to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, such laws are no more applicable to the modern man, except in some strict conservative religious countries where teeth for tat is still practiced. I am not saying that what God said is no more relevant, but what I am saying in essence is that; homosexuality is condemned by God, because it is an attempt to overthrow the natural order and obliterate the human race. Sex should be between the man and his wife, in doing so they are able to procreate and preserve the human race. Those who are supporting homosexuality are enemies to humanity. The anus is not meant for sex but the vagina. Trying to do otherwise is a challenge to God, and such challenge will be met with divine retribution and dire consequences. The story of Sodom & Gomorrah should serve as a great lesson and example to every generation trying to overthrow God’s established natural order. In the New Testament Apostle Paul called them "abusers of themselves with mankind" (1 Corinthians 6:9).

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is shameful, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was fitting. (Romans 1:26-27)

God’s stance on homosexual in the Old Testament, is the same in the New Testament, the only thing is that homosexuals are no more put to death, because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross; even the vilest offender can receive God’s forgiveness.

But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For fornicators, for homosexuals, for slave traders, for liars, for perjurers, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. (1 Timothy 1:8-11)

Paul is not talking about the mosaic ceremonial laws, but God’s moral code of conduct. Those who are supporting and encouraging homosexual union, are completely devoid of God’s knowledge & love, they hate those who have chosen such perverted and confused lifestyle, by withholding the truth from them. It is better you offend a person with the truth, than to delude & flatter him with lies, only for them to discover at the end that you did misled them from the truth unto destruction. The truth is always hurtful & pungent but salvaging at the end.

3. Does God Love Homosexuals?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

God loves homosexuals and desires their salvation, he is not interested in their death and eternal damnation; that was one of the reasons Jesus came and died. God does not dance and rejoice in heaven over the death of a homosexual, those who preach such message are walking in ignorance and barren of God’s love in their hearts. God hates every act of homosexuality, but he is benign to homosexuals, not desiring that any should perish, he wants them to desist from the practice and abandon their confused and deluded lifestyle and embrace his unwavering love. A homosexual is an empty and confused soul that needs to be pitied than hated. If one has the true love of God in their heart, they will never hate a homosexual or rejoice over his demise; such will see the emptiness and confusion in their life and gently reach out to them in love. It is true that we all make mistakes, but we also need someone to help us. True love does not find faults to condemn, but the root cause, and to heal.

There has never been and there will never be a happy and accomplished sodomite, every practicing sodomite is an empty and muddled soul looking for fulfilment. That is why we should not hate them, but on the contrary should pray and reach out to them in love and gentleness. Many of them want to abandon their lifestyle, but they need someone to come to their help and rescue. In the deepest of the heart of every sodomite; there is this emptiness and frustration, hopelessness and despair.

But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he has committed, they shall not be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? says the Lord GOD: and not that he should turn from his ways, and live? (Ezekiel 18:21-23)

God is not interested in the death of anyone, God’s desire for man is his wellbeing, those who preach the wrath and fire gospel are missing the point, I am not saying that God does not judge sin & punish sinners; it is their refusal to change that attracts the divine retribution. No parent disciplines their children without a prior warning, no government deals with an individual without reason. Sinners are punished when they refuse to turn from their wicked ways and continual rebellion against God. God is not interested is meting out wrath & judgement against sinners.

But in this let it not escape your notice, beloved, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord does not delay concerning His promise, as some reckon slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)

It is not slackness, remissness, nor want of due dislike at sin, that induced God to prolong the respite of ungodly men; but his long-suffering, his unwillingness that any should perish: and therefore he spared them, that they might have additional offers of grace, and be led to repentance - to deplore their sins, implore God’s mercy, and find redemption through the blood of the Lamb. As God is not willing that any should perish, and as he is willing that all should come to repentance, consequently he has never devised nor decreed the damnation of any man, nor has he rendered it impossible for any soul to be saved, either by necessitating him to do evil, that he might die for it, or refusing him the means of recovery, without which he could not be saved. (Adam Clarke)

I do not want anyone to die," says the Sovereign LORD. "Turn away from your sins and live." (Ezekiel 18:32, Good News Bible)

Therefore can you see that God is not interested in the death of anyone, whether a homosexual, a lesbian, a pervert, etc.? God is not interested in using natural disasters to get his message across to man, nor does he create diseases to show to man how powerful and terrible he is, that is not God but religion and dogmatism. Yes; God punishes and deals with sin, but he is also loving and longsuffering as we have seen in the scripture. God is not a sadist who obtains pleasure from inflicting pain on others; those who preach that God is happy when humanity suffers are liars & charlatans, they are not presenting the true God but a different one, dead and destitute god, miserable and irrelevant. He is not a God who chides at every mistake.

If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? (Psalms 130:3)

Who can survive God’s rebuke for every error he commits, it is quite impossible.

Let’s imagine this together; here is a mighty and terrible giant before you, he speaks to you in a terrible voice, picks you up and started hitting you against stones and rocks, whipping you with rods, giving you real blows with nice beatings; and after sometimes; he smiles at you and says; I love you my child, I just wanted to teach and show you how powerful and terrible I am when provoked. I love you, have a nice day. Tell me; will you ever wish to approach such a God, even if he has everything to give you, I know you will never have anything to do with such a God-right? That is how religion presents God to man, it makes him to see God as despotic and unapproachable, who is ever breathing wrath and threats to anyone who does not obey his rules and regulations. The biblical God is not so and quite different:

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all that are oppressed. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. (Psalms 103:1-6, 8-14)

So can you see that there is a great gulf difference between the biblical God and the one of religion? The biblical God cares for the man he created, while the god of religiosity is antipathetic and unfriendly. God loves homosexuals, but hates homosexuality and abhors its practices, tendency and the approbation of any kind.

4. How Should Christians Relate And Respond To The Gay Community

A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

Here comes one of the sublimest statements in the bible, on how Christians are to relate and respond, not only to their fellow Christians, but to all men in general. It is transcendent in tone and majestic in style; it is the summation of the law and an epic expression of divinity. This is the central message of the Christian religion.

Your response and attitude towards a confused and hurting soul will determine his approach and hunger for God and respect for your religion. You cannot hate someone and be hostile to them and then expect results, it impossible. Condemn the act, but love and persuade the straying to abandon their lifestyle, make them see the dire consequences of the lifestyle they have chosen, pray for their salvation, and watch the Holy Spirit do the impossible in their life. We do not change a person by avoiding them; doing that will compound their grief and drive them to despair and frustration. You will be presenting an image of a sadistic and unapproachable god.

Should not you also have had compassion on your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you? (Matthew 18:33)

How do we treat matters? We are expected to extend the same love which we have received from God to our fellow man. We do not win a person by bashing them; you will only end up creating enemies against yourself and in turn ruin your message. Fire and brimstone message does not produce results; it only instils fear and produces a religious hypocrite-he will appear righteous to men but very dirty in the inside. Love, compassion, persuasion, gentle and godly rebuke, transforms a man and changes a lion into a lamb. That was why the outcasts of Jesus time felt at peace in his presence and relished his every message with love and admiration. He did not come with the message of fire and brimstone condemning them; he gently appealed to their hearts through love and compassion, he showed them the emptiness of their lifestyle through gentle persuasion, and the people responded to his message in masse with clear and sincere heart. You may ask what of John the Baptist. A careful perusal of the scripture will show that John the Baptist was gentle with the common people, but very hard on the religious dogmatists of the time, because he knew they were presenting a false god to the people through their empty and vain traditions.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. (1 John 4:11-13)

It is God’s love which flows from your heart that transforms a person and makes them receiptive. True healing comes from the emanation of love expressed through words, deeds and actions. Now if you continue to disdain a person for their failures; how do you expect him to get up on their feet? Your indifference and contempt towards them will only paralyze God’s intended purpose and discourage them from making any meaningful attempt; they will feel that God has abandoned them. You are God’s channel by which the expression of his sublime love and compassion emanates and flows into the life of a hurting soul; it matters every day of one’s life.

With all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. (Ephesians 4:2, Amplified Bible)

We express true love (agape) by serving; in serving the hurting you heal the wounds by helping to support them in all the miseries and trials of life. This is our call to duty and action, it is this kind of love that bears fruits and defeats the enemy at face value. God’s love must transcend all our personal interest and preoccupations.

When we relate and respond to the hurting with love and compassion, every resistance, resentment and bitterness in their heart crumbles and gives way to healing and restoration. We are God’s channel through which his love emanates.

Get Over It-Christianity Is Undefeatable

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 15:29:00 +0000

Concerning the genocide against Christians (especially in the Middle East and other parts of the globe), Jesus said that the gates of hell will never prevail against his church; no matter how hard it tries. The persecutors are only obliterating themselves, exposing the errors and falsity of their ideology; that was why I said in one of my comments on a Facebook post that they should be pitied than hated; all of them are walking in ignorance and are headed straight to hell. No matter the centuries of hate, propaganda, persecutions and onslaught against the church of Jesus Christ, she has endured and stood and continues to stand the tests of the time-why? Because her foundation is invisible & untouchable:

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I shall build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on the earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on the earth will have been loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:18-19)

Please pay attention; Jesus is not saying that his church would be built on Peter, what Jesus is saying that; his church would be built on him (Jesus) through the preaching of Peter and the rest of the apostles, and we saw this fulfilled on the day of Pentecost and onward; when by the preaching and persuasion of Peter, three thousand souls came to repentance and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ (see Acts 2), and through these men; the gospel spread like fire all over the then world, no matter the fierce and terrible opposition and persecution that Christians suffered at the time (Acts 8). History is replete with this truth. The more Christianity is persecuted, the more the church increases. How true are the words of the Saviour? Go to the Middle East and see how the church is causing big wreckage to the kingdoms of hell. People are trooping in thousands and giving their lives over the one who truly loves and gave his life for them. No force can withstand Christianity, nor will any power defeat her; it is impossible, just a mere dream.

Remember that there was a time that Catholicism acted in such a manner, until the reformists stood up and challenged their dogmatism, but know that they paid with their blood; today the Catholic Church is but a shadow of yesterday of its military and religious might. The Catholic Church through its bitterness against the reformers defeated and overthrew herself. There was a time the Catholic Church was a feared and formidable force, but gradually with time; the Catholic Church crumbled, everything about her former tyrannical past is nothing but a shadow.

Today; there are men and women who are standing up to Islam and its deadly ideology, they are conquering, not with swords and guns, but with prayers and preaching of the word of God:

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:11)

Here is given the reason why the followers of Christ prevailed at this time against all their adversaries. It was because they fought against the dragon in the armour of God. They overcame him by proclaiming salvation to sinners through Christ crucified, and by their continual intercession at the throne of grace for the conversion of the heathen world.....By constantly testifying against the errors and follies of mankind.....They regarded not their present temporal estate, but even gladly delivered up their lives to the fury of their persecutors, and thus sealed the truth of what they spoke with their blood (Adam Clarke).

Islam will surely crumble (if it has not started already), why am I saying this; because Muslims themselves are beginning to see the truth and are getting sick of the lies that they were being fed every day, believe it or not, they are tired of Muhammadanism and its fabricated myths and fairy tales, they know that they have been deceived, brainwashed and fed with lies and deception. God is moving on the scene to vindicate his people and right their wrong:

"Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, declares the LORD, which destroys the whole earth; I will stretch out my hand against you, and roll you down from the crags, and make you a burnt mountain. (Jeremiah 51:25)

So much for their love of Sharia; that immediately a place is liberated; you see their women putting off & burning their burqas, and their men shaving off their beards and dressing in western style clothing. Who doesn’t like the good life, after all aren’t the west Satan and should be avoided? In fact none of them is willing to go and live in their holy land Mecca or in one of the Arab Islamic dominated nations, every one of them wants to come and live in one of the western lands and enjoy democracy; why don’t they remain in their idealized countries and die and go to paradise and enjoy their seventy black virgins as the strength of one thousand men will be given to each believer to relish each virgin?

The truth is that many of them know that such paradise does not exist and that they are being used to further falsehoods. Do you think that they are not seeing how the children of their sultans and wealthy class live in affluence and lavish lifestyles? Many of them go on holidays in exotic hotels and sleep with beautiful and well-polished western/Asian blonde prostitutes and call girls with endowed rears. Why don’t they wait until they get to paradise to enjoy it, why here if they truthful to themselves? Forget about those outward religionism; they are nothing but show of hypocrisy. It is their poor and ignorant ones that are easily brainwashed & used at will for jihads, terrorism and suicide bombing.

Many of them consume pornography than the west themselves; you can see them masturbating heavily with those pornographic pictures in their front; some of them immediately arriving into one of the western countries will begin to kiss and sex a lifeless mannequin. Oh come-on dear, aren’t they supposed to obey sharia and keep chaste? Except you are a fool, you will be quickly swept off by lies and manipulation. So much for their love of sharia; they don’t want to return back to their countries of origin.

Every Christian murdered in the Middle East is like a seed sown that will bear fruits in its time. There is no force on earth that can defeat and obliterate Christianity. From her inception to this day, she still has survived all kinds of onslaughts. One should also know that we are living in the very end of time, we are living on a borrowed time, and that time will soon be up and this generation will face the reality of rejecting God and his word, they will reap the sure fruit of lawlessness and nonchalant attitude. They will see Lucifer for who he really is and what he has in store for them. Reading this, should strike fear into the hearts of the godless, lawless and wicked; who think that nothing will go unchecked.

Read about Church history and see that what is happening today to Christians in the Middle East and all over the world cannot be compared to what Christianity did underwent in days past, but despite whatever, she still survived and continues to thrive against all odds. Islam will surely defeat and obliterate itself, just watch out; one day you will quote me right. There were fierce and deadly religions that rose up in the past and persecuted Christianity, the world though that they would obliterate her, but to the amazement of all, persecutors became preachers and promoters of the same religion they fought against. They became more fervent and effective more than those whom they persecuted in spreading the gospel. I repeat again, Islam is gradually defeating and obliterating itself to oblivion.

You are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone. In him all the parts of the building fit together and grow into a holy temple in the Lord. (Ephesians 2:20-21)

This house is too solid to be uprooted.

Smiling But Deceitful

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 21:55:00 +0000

And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:6-7)

Here is a clear message that one of the most deceitful things is appearance, a man may be full of disease, poverty & lack, hatred and wickedness; and yet behaves as if all is well. There has never been any art to decipher the contents of a man’s heart; it only takes God who knows everything to expose the wickedness in the hearts of men. But a man’s intentions can be deciphered through his actions and speech. Hitler, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin & Benito Mussolini were all good guys and meant well for their people, but with time-the heart revealed its true intent. Believe it or not, all that glitters is neither gold nor silver. Here is a perfect biblical description of the heart of man:

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

Oftentimes have we been told that we can get along with everyone irrespective of their religious stance, but such a notion has proved abortive with time. A snake remains a snake, no matter how good-looking and adorable it may appear to the eyes. Pets can easily assimilate and integrate into their various adopted environments, but for a brainwashed and radicalized extremist to assimilated and integrate into a western society takes the supernatural:

Can the Ethiopian change the color of his skin? or a leopard take away his spots? Nor can you who are so used to doing evil now start being good (Jeremiah 13:23, The Living Bible)

In the classification of pets, snakes are considered as one of the most dangerous pets to have around, because in a moment they change from being friendly to that of aggressiveness. What I am trying to bring out is that there is no way, you can get along with a person, whose mental faculty has been programmed and imbibed with centuries of hate and bigotry, no matter how innocent and simple he may appear, in his heart; there lies deceit and evil machinations of all kinds. It is just a question if time and opportunity, time & space, he will surely strike at the targets.

For their hearts are full of evil designs; and they are ever making ready causes of war. Their tongues are sharp like the tongue of a snake; the poison of snakes is under their lips. (Psalms 140:2-3)

Take for an example the snake, its wisdom and cunningness is proverbial, in the sense that when a snake enters into a place, it does not at once show its presence, it seeks for a hiding place, positions itself and then strikes the victim with its fangs and injects deadly venom into the body of its victim.

People who live in a snake infested areas do keep the mongoose and cats, because these animals can easily detect snakes and prey on them, some do keep the eagles and other birds of prey as pets in order to combat snakes and other deadly and venomous reptiles that are nuisance to the human habitations. We need to keep our eyes open and alert to know who comes into our countries and their reason for coming; you don’t just welcome people like that, every incoming migrant must be vetted & cross checked for clarity, purpose and security reasons. We are at war with "Radical Ideological Diabolic Mindset Extremism", whether you believe it or not, war and terror has been declared upon you.

Today as we look into the Western Nations, we are witnessing a total eclipse of once the most powerful and promising civilizations by “Radical Extremism Ideology”, whoever that speaks out is labelled a racist and chauvinist, who does not want others to come into their countries and enjoy the free benefits of democracy, but the truth is that those who want to come and live and enjoy the so-called benefits of democracy are nothing but wolves in sheep's clothing and serpents in human form. These people do not have any interest in Western Civilization and education; they have been indoctrinated and poisoned with hate and bigotry through centuries of brainwashing and programming, believing that they will assimilate and integrate into the western cultures and lifestyle society is a sheer dream and wishful thinking.

Take for example France, Belgium, Germany and other European nations who foolishly opened their doors and welcomed these so-called migrants and asylum seekers fleeing war and persecutions are paying the dire price of open borders and reaping the sure fruits of multiculturalism, liberalism, progressivism, socialism, political correctness and collective guilt, thereby causing a great damage to their national security and welfare and committing political suicide with self-inflicted injuries beyond recovery.

How many of these migrants from those "Radical Extremist Ideology nations have been able to integrate and assimilate? We hear of terror attacks, suicide bombings, raping and physical assaults against the indigenes and other related criminal acts being carried out on daily basis. Even though the major government controlled and liberal media try to cover them up, but through the internet and other means of communications, good and dedicated men and women who put their lives on the line of danger through investigative and undercover journalism do bring to light the atrocities committed by these so-called asylum seekers who are fleeing religious persecutions and ethnic cleansing, they are considered by the liberals as victims unforeseen circumstances. The truth is that; these people are not fleeing any religious persecution and ethnic cleansing, they were trained and prepared for invasion and total take over and overthrow of the western democracy, freedom and exercise of the human conscience which has been the restrainer of evil, hate and wickedness. The real ones facing extermination, religious persecutions and ethnic cleansing are being denied asylum, we are seeing how the Yazidis, the Coptic Christians, the Buddhists, the Zoroastrians and other ethnic/religious minorities are being massacred on daily basis for their ethno-religious beliefs, and yet hardly do we hear the government/liberal controlled mass media talk about it, all we hear is how our good "Radical Extremist brothers and sister are suffering and need urgent help, even though it is apparent that majority of them are coming for the sole purpose of hate, crime & terrorist activities and other despicable acts, yet our liberal governments/mass media want us to believe that they are all innocent and fleeing war.

The truth is that, they are not fleeing any war, they were sent to bring down the western civilization and democracy through the acts of terrorism and infiltration. Yes, though they may appear as innocent and harmless, but in reality they are nothing but serpents and scorpions with vicious agenda waiting for the right time to strike their victims & inject the venom. I don’t care who gets offended, but we must expose this masqueraded evil and miscarriage of justice. The free world is under invasion, and there are those who are working and have been working incessantly for its total eclipse into tyranny. If you don’t know, you are monitored and your privacy is gone. Every aspect of your life is under surveillance, that which was once sacred and dear, is no more.

The worst people to be around or govern any country are the liberals, they know the truth but shy away from its responsibilities, and all they care about are their pockets and bellies personal interests, banknotes, business firms, investments and political at the detriment of those who voted them into office. Even if it means destruction to their nations and people, but as far as their interests are not at stake, they are happy with it, that is why they will flood their countries with illegals, give them jobs, free housing, free healthcare, free government funded education and welfare packages at the expense of the taxpayers. Isn't that scary?

Those who know the truth and dare to speak out are immediately silenced and labelled as racists and intolerant, they put in place bizarre and odd policies which do not represent the interest of the people, their security and wellbeing. They appear on the screen and bombard the clueless majority with lies and fibs, and their useful servile idiots swallow every lies without questioning the intent & authenticity of those policies. They would like you to believe that the government is working for you. If they are really working for you as they claim; why the corruption, pollution and societal collapse in every aspect of the government?

Listen up and be wise, no government can give you everything; you have to work to earn it, any government purporting to give you everything is one of tyranny & servitude. The primary work of the government is to provide you with good roads, security, social amenities, standard education, good and fair electricity and protection from internal and external aggressions. But for a government to provide you with all these benefits, you have to work, earn a living and pay taxes. Now if you don’t work, earn a living and pay taxes, how then will the government be able to provide you with all these benefits, where will they get the money to do that for you? In that respect, they will only turn you to their tools and useful servile idiots, they see you as a waste & useless to the society. Do you think they are that stupid? They make those empty promises just to get your attention and votes. Don’t be stupid, is never an insult but a wise and goodly advice.

These liberals are using the past mistakes of some misguided and mistaken individuals to lay a guilt trip on people who were not their when those atrocities were committed. Yes, we know that atrocities were committed in the past, but those were the days of ignorance, bringing back those memories will only achieve one thing-stagnancy, race bait and total destruction. The generations of today weren’t there when those things took place; trying to bring it into today’s issues will not bring any lasting solution. The deeds were done in ignorance by those of the time, and there are those who vehemently fought against it, hardly do we hear about them, all we hear is; those wicked and heartless imperialists. How long shall we continue on this road of madness and guilt trip? Can't you put the past behind you and move on with life and the time trend?

Now let’s take for example the black slavery; there are those who are still bringing up those issues to date, they ascertain that slavery made the Blackman not to achieve his potentials; but the truth is that, it was the Blackman who foolishly sold his children to the whites, go do some careful research and get the truth for yourself, come-on dude; get yourself armed and filthy with the rightful information to avoid misguidance and delusion, ignorance has a price, and the price for ignorance is destructive. The socialists/communists, were able to enslave their people by preying on their ignorance. I am not defending anybody, but to solve a problem, one must return to its root cause, if not you will be beating about the bush and inflicting unnecessary injuries on yourself. Forgive the past, live the present and forge ahead.

Today we have many African-Americans living off in welfare all in the name of reparations; many are living in the ghettos and swamps, is it also because of slavery? The truth is that their ignorance is being exploited by these liberal criminals to keep them still in modern slavery and servitudes. Instead of making them live off on welfare, why not provide jobs and education for them. The truth is this; those using them make millions off them through their quack, shaky and criminal movements purporting to represent the Blackman’s interest. It is time that the Blackman wakes up and face reality, and stop blaming every dick & Harry for his misfortunes. What was done has been done, the times are a past, modern technology has made it possible that knowledge is no more found in the libraries but at your fingertip. Instead of clinging to crime, prostitution, drug/human trafficking and gangsterism as means of livelihood and survival, why not use your faculty to create your paradise. We read the stories of black men whom out of nothing built financial empires and lifted many out of poverty. Why didn’t they wait for the government to come and give them some welfare packages? They took their destiny into their hands and became masters of it. Stop following these crooked and criminal liberals, who sole goal is to use you to make their bucks by false showmanship.

Don't be deceived by those smiling faces, the heart is more deceitful than anything. Buckle up and fight for your right.

The End-Time Hoax-The Sun Will Rise From The West…….Really?

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 08:53:00 +0000

People are not destroyed for the lack of information, but the destruction comes from the rational laziness to meticulously and judiciously exercise their mental faculties; crosscheck things, compare and contrast, and discovering the truth for themselves. It is good to be armed and filthy with knowledge, to avoid being brainswashed, deluded, manipulated and used for non just cause.

There is this particular teaching that has been circulating on the net concerning how the world will end, according to some mad and ignorant religious blind guides who are devoid of common knowledge, spiritually empty, deceiving and being deceived. Deluding their followers with lies and myths; claiming inspirations which are nothing but fairy tales, and speaking of things which are unfounded & idiotic.

According to their claims; they said, that when the sun will begin to rise from the west and the earth will start to move backward, with other nonsensical, unscientific unbiblica & empty rhetorical religious balderdash and unintelligible trivial garbage, the believers should buckle up and know that the end and destruction of the world has begun. And some uninformed and ignorant fanatics are seriously circulating the message all over the social media, disturbing the peace and tranquillity of some well-meaning individuals, troubling the minds of people, as if the world is coming to an end today or tomorrow, putting people into confusion and mental distress. Spreading what they neither defend nor affirm.

1. Will The Sun Ever Rise From The West?

Let the word of God and science answer for themselves:

It is true that the bible did not specifically mention the direction from which the sun rises and sets, but the biblical description is so simple that even the most unlearned person, does not need to crack his brain to understand God’s word.

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised. (Psalms 113:3)

So tell me; where does the sun rise and sets, does not the sun rise from the east and sets in the west? You may ask; why didn’t the bible specify it for clarity? The bible does not need to specify it, because it is a visible and an established fact which is manifest to the human senses. For hundreds of years and generations, when men wake up in the morning, every person sees the sun rises from the east and sets in the west. Therefore expecting the bible to tell you an established fact, is like a healthy and full-fledged adult expecting his mother to feed and bath him. Everybody knows that the sun rises from the east and sets in the west; don’t expect the bible to come telling you about it in order to believe, it is there for you to see and believe. It does not take the supernatural to convince a person that these are the way things have been divinely established. It is a common factor which does not need long scientific explanation.

For from the rising of the sun even to the setting of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered to my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, says the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 1:11)

God does not need to tell you from where the sun rises and sets, he has physically established and ordained it to be so, generations come and go; those things remain the way God has ordained them to be, and they cannot for once be altered. What God is saying in the above biblical verse is that, anywhere a person goes, those heavenly ordinances do not change their course, they function according to the divine order. Therefore every other proposition is mere speculation & conjecture.

The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. (Psalms 50:1)

The heavenly elements and the way by which they have been ordered to function, will neither change nor alter. As God has ordered them, so they will remain.

Having quoted from the bible, we now turn to science for more information

“The Sun appears to move from east to west. That's because the Earth is spinning towards to the east, so we see the Sun first appear there at the start of the day. The Sun 'rises' in the east and 'sets' in the west.” (BBC-Astronomy and space science)

It is simple and scientifically factual, the sun will always rise from the east and sets in the west as God has ordained it. People should arm themselves with pure and accurate information, to avoid being deluded and brainwashed. We are living in a generation where through technology information is at our fingertip, but many are too lazy to exercise their mental faculty, they prefer posting pictures on social media, listening to secular music, watching movies, texting and whiling away their precious time on nothingness.

“The Sun, the Moon, the planets, and the stars all rise in the east and set in the west. And that's because Earth spins -- toward the east. ……… Earth rotates or spins toward the east, and that's why the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars all rise in the east and make their way westward across the sky.” (The StarChild)

True science does not contradict the bible, but affirms it. One does not need to crack his brain and read all the books in the world to know this simple fact. It is good for a soul to acquire knowledge through careful investigation; you should not imbibe everything that your religious instructor tells you as the truth, you must do some systematic research on your own and get the truth first-hand. For example, if your cleric tells you to walk barefoot on hot coals by faith and nothing will happen to you, will you foolishly do that, I believe you will rethink about it? But there are people who would go ahead and do it without questioning, because it is a command from the prophet and therefore ought not to be questioned. Listen to me, you are created with faculty and are expected to make use of it. It is not everything you hear that you just should jump into conclusion and get into the bandwagon without questioning what you heard, the apostle Paul tells us to examine all things.

But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21, NASB)

A person without knowledge is no good. A person in a hurry makes mistakes. (Proverbs 19:2)

You should not jump into the bandwagon based on empty rhetorical eloquence and smmoth charisnatic oratory. Scepticism is a great gift from God if correctly and wisely used. To be sceptic is not a sin, it is up to a person to verify what is before him, before making any conclusion. Don’t believe a preacher, lecturer, etc. based on their eloquence & charisma; at times they can err and mislead many into error and destruction through unwholesome & erroneous informations. It is good to question some things if in doubt, and if discovered that those things are illogical, unwholesome and erroneous, should be discarded and ultimately avoided.

2. When will the world end?

This question has been asked over with time. Many mad and mentally deranged psychopaths have appeared on the stage giving dates and announcing the imminent end of the world, many went and sold their properties and gathered round these madmen waiting for the doomsday to arrive, only to discover that they have been duped. Hungry and quack writers have written extensively on this matter, giving dates and times the end would occur, many in frenzy bought their books and became ardent disciples and harbingers of the coming world destruction. Well the truth is that, nothing happened, those authors made millions through their fabricated tales and became extremely rich. After all who doesn’t want money?

"So stay awake, because you don't know the day or the hour. (Matthew 25:13)

Jesus made it clear that nobody knows the hour; therefore making predictions concerning the time is nothing but another form of religious madness. Only God knows when the time will be, all that is needed of us is to be prepared and ready.

Be watching, then! for you have no knowledge on what day your Lord will come. But be certain of this, that if the master of the house had had knowledge of the time when the thief was coming, he would have been watching, and would not have let his house be broken into. Be ready then; for at a time which you have no thought of the Son of man will come. (Matthew 24:42-44)

No one knows the time when the end would be, our duty is to keep watch and ready. The only thing made known to us are the symptoms of the time, but that does not mean the end, there are things that must precede the end, but for now, we should go on with our normal daily activities and make meaning out of life instead predicting those things which we don’t know. Yes Jesus will come, God will judge the world for its wickedness, but no man knows the exact time. Hear me out; evil must run its course before the end will come, let this truth sink into your person. It is due to the unbalanced teachings in our local churches nowadays that have confused so many and turned them into apocalyptic fanatics, who will not listen to reason and common sense. As for evil running its course, here is what the bible has to say:

Now in regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to meet Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly unsettled or alarmed either by a [so-called prophetic revelation of a] spirit or a message or a letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] come. Let no one in any way deceive or entrap you, for that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first [that is, the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians], and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction [the Antichrist, the one who is destined to be destroyed], who opposes and exalts himself [so proudly and so insolently] above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he [actually enters and] takes his seat in the temple of God, publicly proclaiming that he himself is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now [from being revealed]; it is so that he will be revealed at his own [appointed] time. For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one [the Antichrist] will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by the appearance of His coming. The coming of the [Antichrist, the lawless] one is through the activity of Satan, [attended] with great power [all kinds of counterfeit miracles] and [deceptive] signs and false wonders [all of them lies], and by unlimited seduction to evil and with all the deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth [of the gospel] so as to be saved [they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them]. Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie, in order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe the truth [about their sin, and the need for salvation through Christ], but instead took pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Amplified Bible)

I would have taken my time to comment and elaborate each verse, but the version I used has done the work already, the reader will comprehend the message with all clarity and openness of mind. I want you to make a careful observation on verses 3 & 7; the falling away has begun, and the mystery of iniquity is at work; that is why I said that evil must first run its full course before the end would occur. I will not need to tell you everything, with what is going on today, you need not to be told that the end is near, but please don’t go around speculating about it, we don’t when the time will be, our duty is to warn people and persuade them to be ready, but don’t go around like a lunatic giving dates and times, your primary duty is to warn men and keep alert. Let me tell you this truth; there are three major things that are still at work, and each must be accomplished before the end comes.

a. The Holy Spirit, who is restraining the evil one- 2 Thessalonians 2:7

b. The numbering and gathering in of the elect- Revelation 7:2-3, Ezekiel 9:4

c. The full return of the Jewish people into their own land- Ezekiel 39 & 39

Please I want you take number 3 very serious, before all these will take place, all the Jews will have return to Israel (the land which God promised to their ancestors by oath & covenant), due to severe persecutions and anti-Semitism. The reader should know that all these are part of God’s plan for the grand spiritual restoration of the Jewish people and emergence of the Messianic age. If you look all over the world, except in the land of Israel, the antipathy against the Jews is increasing with high velocity; there is no place that is safe for the Jews any longer (except in the land of Israel). You need not to be flabbergasted about that, it is all part of God’s plan for their restoration and redemption. God has not changed mind nor altered his covenant promises which he made to them through their fathers, Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, which he confirmed with King David by an oath, and all were fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, whether one believes it or not, the scripture cannot be broken.

Those teaching spiritual Israelism and replacement theology are liars and charlatans. It is not true that the church has replaced Israel and that Christians are now the spiritual Jews. What the bible is saying in essence is that; those who believe in Christ Jesus are beneficiaries of Abraham’s blessings through faith by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and are of the commonwealth of Israel. But to say that the church has replaced Israel and that God has forsaken them (the Jewish people), is a blatant falsehood and should be rejected right away as a fabricated doctrine. A gentile Christian remains a gentile; a Jew remains a Jew-period. Gentile Christians through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah are now ingrafted into the commonwealth of Israel, that is to say; all the promises of blessings that God made to Abraham are now available to him, it did not say that he has replaced Israel.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree. “He redeemed us so that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (Galatians 3:13-14)

All the privileges which the Jews enjoyed in the old dispensation, to which the gentiles were excluded, are now available to gentile Christians through faith.

That God has not rejected the Jews is apparent from the scripture:

I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin….. I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins. “Regarding the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are loved on account of the patriarchs. For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. (Romans 11:1, 25-27, Berean Study Bible)

God has not forsaken the Jews as some people may claim; they are the epicentre of God’s prophetic timetable, God has not changed his mind nor altered the contract.

Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and of the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea’s roaring billows or stills the waves when they roar; the LORD of hosts is His name: “If this fixed order departs from before Me,” says the LORD, “Then the descendants of Israel also will cease From being a nation before Me forever.” Thus says the LORD, “If the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out below, then I will also cast off and abandon all the descendants of Israel for all that they have done,” says the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:35-37)

As far as the sun will give light to the day and the moon to the night, so shall the Jews continue to be a distinct people and nation. Every attempt to assimilate them has proved abortive; every type of forced conversion has been unsuccessful. Therefore as a Christian, you are commanded to respect and pray for them, it is a shame for anyone professing to be a Christian and at the same hate the Jews, such a person is devoid of the knowledge of the true God and has made himself an accursed, for Jesus did not command any of his follower to persecute the Jews or hate them, calling them Jesus killers is a gross miscarriage of justice and fairness.

Now [in Haran] the Lord said to Abram, Go for yourself [for your own advantage] away from your country, from your relatives and your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]. And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and ^[a]curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]. (Genesis 12:1-3)

To look with disfavor on the Jews was to invite God’s displeasure; to treat the Jews offensively was to incur His wrath. But to befriend the Jews was to bring down upon one’s head the rewards of a promise that could not be broken. Not on earth which have opened wide her doors to Jewish prople, that did not witness anu nprecedented and historical prosperity, success and security from God himself.

Now, haven known the truth, I believe that next time someone comes to you giving you dates and times concerning the end of the world, you will know what to answer him. Secondly, if one come to you with their anti-Semitic rhetorics, just sideline them with these few words: I am not interested in your madness and falsity.

God bless and shalom.

The World Is Full Of Hypocrisy

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:55:00 +0000

The World Is Full Of Hypocrisy

There are people who think or believe that they have friends who will stand up for them even if they are not there, they for their part sacrifice the most best of their time, energy and intellectual strength trying to please their friends in whatever way necessary for their good and upliftment.

These beautiful people with beautiful hearts always deny themselves of some pleasure and relaxation to see to it that their friends are satisfied and the needs of the time met, in fact they are always sacrificing, trying to please their so called friends, they are at times called “Misters Good Doers”, in time of need and hardship they are sought after, their services are highly needed, but when that puzzle is solved and the tempest abated, they are soon forgotten, they are treated as fools and mentally retarded, they are criticized and gossiped, evil spoken of by those whom they call friends, in their time of needs no one of those their friends will prove supporting, they are abandoned and ridiculed, it is for these people that this piece of advice is penned down.

1. Your Needs Should Be Met First

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds. (Proverbs 27:23)

There is no greater advice than what you have just read, I have heard people say, think much of others and less of yourself, they are right, but I want you to take a look at them, see if there is anyone of them that are poor, they speak from the abundance of their riches, they give because they have, they do not give from what they did not have, Bill Gates gives because he has, many of the world donors give from the abundance of their wealth, a one legged man needs support, he cannot carry a man whose two feet have been amputated, he needs another foot to be able to do so, you should in no way sacrifice your time and strength for others while you have problems facing you, get your needs and problems solved before thinking of helping others, you should not please a friend and then displease yourself when you know that you have problems and needs facing you, don’t do the good that will cost you tomorrow, accept this advice of mine and be happy at the end.

For riches are not forever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? (Proverbs 27:24)

Be careful how you spend for friends even if they meant a lot to you, be careful how you help others, you may at the end be disappointed, man is known for always been ungrateful, don’t be fast in lending help to people whom you know that they will not return it with appreciativeness, many people have regretted while they helped friends, there some people to day, who are in various prison houses all over the world, not because they committed some evils but because they were trying to help a friend out of his quandary, look carefully into a matter before saying yes I will, bear in mind that nothing lasts forever, you have a limited time and vigour, one day your strength will fail you, hardship and trials will come, what you saved up for yourself today will hold you up in those time of evil, friends can disappoint and have proved so with time, it is your yesterday’s preparation will prove worthwhile in the coming days of evil, I will point out more of it later in this article.

When grass is cut short, the tender growth appears, and vegetables are gathered on the hills. (Proverbs 27:25)

In farming, there is what is known as weeding, it is the removal of unwanted plants from an area of ground or the plants cultivated in it, the truth of the matter is that a time comes in the life of a man that he should make a thorough reshuffle and crosschecking of his life, and begins to pick out those friends who do not contribute anything good in or to his life, during farming seasons, farmers take the care and pain to look after their farms and what they have planted in them, immediately they notice a strange grass growing among the plants, they do not waste time in removing it, why, because if allowed, it will destroy the crops and render that farmer’s labour futile. So also, a man should always look out for those friends who are there as parasites and immediately disassociate himself from their company, it is better to stand alone and face the future than to have millions of friends who are deserters and untrustworthy in the time of adversity, because such friends make professions of friendship; but all is hollow and deceitful, and can never be depended upon.

And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens. (Proverbs 27:27)

Taking care of yourself in the first place guarantees your safety, if you think that your sacrificial whatever will earn you help in the time of need, you are a joker and kidder, the bottom-line is; take care of your resources and your resources will take care of you, it is always a proven fact. Listen dear friend and reader, I am not saying you should be stingy and heartless, that will prove ungodly and inhumane, what I am saying is that, do what you can and leave the rest to God, do not go beyond your ability, you cannot change the world, but you can effect a change, stand first before thinking of standing others, get the help first before helping others, crossover first before crossing someone over, get a home first before taking in a homeless man, have some food in the reserve before giving it out to others, have some money in the safe before spending on others, yes there are situations that may demand our most needed attention, but that is not always the case, please I want you to hear this piece of advice from one of the greatest and wisest men that ever walked on the face of this our planet earth:

Consider what God has done! Who can straighten what God has bent? When times are good, be happy. But when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one time as well as the other so that mortals cannot predict their future. I have seen it all in my pointless life: Righteous people die in spite of being righteous. Wicked people go on living in spite of being wicked. Don't be too virtuous, and don't be too wise. Why make yourself miserable? Don't be too wicked, and don't be a fool. Why should you die before your time is up? It's good to hold on to the one and not let go of the other, because the one who fears God will be able to avoid both extremes. Wisdom will help a wise person more than ten rulers can help a city. (Ecclesiastes 7:13-19, Copyright © 1995 by GOD'S WORD to the Nations Bible Society. All rights reserved.)

I have read stories of people who attempted to effect a world change, some of them died miserable, some ended up in debt, others were changed by the world, take for example that Italian girl that dressed like a newly married maiden, she went out from Italy touring the world, hoping to bring the needed peace, only to be raped and brutally murdered at Turkey, there are things we cannot change, we do not need to do good to be good, we do good when the need arises.

2. Avoid The Extreme

We all want to help, but we should help when necessary, and help should be done out of love and conviction, and not out of compulsion and constraint, let’s take for example, you have one dollar in your pocket and it is for a transport fare that will take you 15 miles, now if someone asks you to give it to him, would you do that? Some people out of pity would do so, the truth is one can do so if he sees that the situation demands such, it is such type of giving or help that God honours, we are not expected to give our last, we are commanded to give our best, and it should be done out of love. Now some people will say what of the widow of Zarephath, didn’t she give out her only remaining food to the prophet Elijah, yes, she did but let’s take a careful look at what happened and why it was done, and for what purpose:

And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain you. So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray you, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray you, a morsel of bread in your hand. And she said, As the LORD your God lives, I do not have a cake, but a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a jar: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said to her, Fear not; go and do as you have said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it to me, and afterwards make for you and for your son. For thus says the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not be used up, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal was not used up, neither did the jar of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by Elijah. (1 Kings 17:8-16)

I underlined those sentences in order to point out something, first Elijah went under God’s command; arise go to Zarephath, I have commanded (prepared) a widow to sustain you, it was God who commanded Elijah, it was the same God who prepared the heart of that woman, everything was working under divine providence, the woman gave to the prophet out of love and conviction, Elijah never coerced her into doing what she did, she simply obeyed the voice of God through the prophet when he said; For thus says the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not be used up, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth, when things are done in love and conviction, the result is always immense, the woman hesitated at first, she started her reason, but because God was involved in the whole affair, an excellent result ensued. Some quack and money hungry preachers have used this particular chapter and verse of the bible to dupe thousands of their life savings, promising them gold and diamonds in return, such people have waited for eternity and no gold or diamond is forthcoming, from such (preachers) desist. When God speaks, he accomplishes, but when men speak purporting that God sent them, the result is always negative and fruitlessness, one million lies cannot make up a truth, no matter who smooths them.

When your heart convinces you to do something, don’t hesitate in doing it, that is quite different, what I am saying in essence is, avoid giving help that will cause you distress in time to come, such help does not produce any fruitful result, at times they gender strife, hatred, bitterness and all the human vices coupled together. Some people in the course of them wanting to better humanity have made miserable and irreparable mistakes. You are not born to better humanity, you are born to make a difference and leave behind you an impressing undying legacy, you are born to touch one life at a time when the opportunity strikes, those whom opportunity brings on your way, bless them, do what you can to put a smile on their faces, by so doing you are accomplishing the irrefutable law of love, you are making your world (not the world) a better place, you are helping lives move forward. You are not here to gain man’s approval and applause, doing so will send you to your untimely grave, man in his fallen nature is insatiable, you cannot please everyone, but you can touch many lives if you follow the simple rules and regulations of rendering services when needed. Don’t overburden yourself to win people’s approval and applause, those who want you to go the extra mile cannot even escort you with a foot, they would like you to carry all the burdens and are not ready to help you lift them with a finger, for such friends “… bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” (Matthew 23:4)

3. Preparing While There’s Still Opportunity

Now as I said earlier, I will tell you what to do when the opportunity calls, what I am about to tell you may in one way or the other annoy you, but you should evaluate everything I have said, to see if I am lying. Let’s say you have some thousands or hundreds of dollars in your bank account, instead of using them on charity (though it is a good and noble thing to reach out to humanity), can’t you invest them into something that will be yielding you some money in return, I mean something that will be bringing you some returns, now if you want to do charity then that would be okay, why would you build houses for others, while you do not have a roof to lay your head, while would you buy cars to give out to others while you are trekking on foot, friend, are you stupid or what, are you trying to gain approval and applause from men, or are you here to do the right thing? Someone may say what of Tabitha in the book of Acts 9:36-41, yes, Tabitha was a giver but she was not giving to be praised and applauded, she was acting out of love for God and towards man, there was this divine conviction deep within her innermost heart, Tabitha was not poor, she had before she gave, the bible said she made coats and garments, she did almsgiving and was full of good deeds, everything she does flowed from a virtuous heart, she loved what she was doing, some went out wanting to be acclaimed people of the year, they wanted people to know them, appear on the covers of the magazines with laudable commendations from people all over the globe, have interviews and awards with smiling faces, but in the long run they failed utterly and retire with heartrending regrets. Before you do something, be convinced about it, do not seek for recognition, make sure it is done out of love and conviction, and not because to be seen, commended and praised. Now someone may say; didn’t the apostle Paul say we should do good to all men? That is quoting the bible out of context, let’s read it in viewpoint, “Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant. If you plant in the field of your natural desires, from it you will gather the harvest of death; if you plant in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit you will gather the harvest of eternal life. So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith” (Galatians 6:7-10). There is a great difference between sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit, the latter is done out of love and the former out of pride and conceit.

4. Stop Doing Good And Start Doing The Right Thing

What do you mean? Yes, you heard me right, STOP DOING GOOD and begin doing the right thing. In every field of intellectualism, we should know and understand where words are derived from and what they meant in the first place, the word good is derived from two Greek words meaning two different things altogether, the word is ἀγαθός (pronounced agathos), it simply means good(s), benefit(s) good things, etc., the second is καλός (pronounced kalos), it is of uncertain affinity, meaning good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends, genuine, approved, praiseworthy, noble, beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence creditable, morally good, noble, honourable, conferring honour, affecting the mind agreeably, comforting and confirming. Could you see that there is a great difference between the former and the latter? Whenever a person does the right thing, there is this feeling of joy, contentment and inner peace and settlement, now I am going to scripturally certify what I am saying, this is Jesus Himself speaking and I am happy it is from the mouth of the Saviour, now hear what He said on this subject; “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matthew 7:6). Does that make sense to you; are you beginning to see why you should do the right thing at the right time to the right people who have real needs and not to those who have unending wants? There is a great difference between needs and wants; the former has to do with life’s necessity, while the latter has to do with one’s sensual desires.

Let’s take example, you have a friend who has lost his job, he has children who go to school, he has a family to take care of, yes helping such a friend out of his predicament is a noble thing and something praiseworthy, giving to the destitute, helping the elderly, the sick, the physically challenged, fighting against human trafficking and rescuing their victims, providing homes for the homeless, reorienting drug addicts, helping those who are lost regain a new look, feeding the hungry, putting our money where they are needed is what should occupy our minds. Why should you lavish money on friends buying them cigarettes and boozes, taking them to party and other amusement joints, only to be mocked in the day of adversity, yes you are doing it to be called, my-o-my, my pally, good guy, etc. The truth is none of them will be there for you when trouble strikes; some will even mock and call you foolish-witty (i.e. Wise in folly and foolish in wisdom). Why would you spend your energy trying to please everyone, don’t you have better things to do with your resources? Beware of dogs and swine, look for those of whom your labour would be appreciated, don’t waste your time trying to please ingrates and wretches. Do that which is right and leave the rest to God, don’t weary yourself and be wasted at the end.

In Conclusion

The world is full of hypocrisy, you have your life before you, don’t waste it on frivolities rather use it to mark a difference, you may not have all the money in the world, but with the little you have, you can effect a change when you sow into the lives of those who are in need of it. Do the right thing and reap the enduring reward. Look out for opportunities to do good to the right people when they strike. “He who has pity on the poor gives to the Lord, and the Lord will give him his reward” (Proverbs 19:17). Give to those who cannot repay you back, and you will be blessed. “Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just” (Luc 14:12-14).

Jesus is not telling us not to invite relatives or rich friends when we are doing any festivity, what Jesus is simply is that, do things in the spirit of love to those whom you will not expect anything in return, don’t do things to be accepted, do it and forget you have done something, someday somewhere, the reward will be made manifest. Don’t be discouraged at what I have said, they are for your good, disassociate yourself from friends who cannot contribute anything positive in your life, don’t form the habit of spending on friends, instead you can visit the orphanage homes, the leprous colonies, the blind people’s homes, psychiatric centres, disabled people’s sanatoriums, centres where mentally and physically challenged children are kept, look for such places and invest your money, you will never regret that you did.

Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your lap. For with the same measure that you use it shall be measured to you again. (Luc 6:38)

“Christian charity will make no difficulty in giving that which eternal truth promises to restore. Let us give, neither out of mere human generosity, nor out of vanity, nor from interest, but for the sake of God, if we would have him place it to account. There is no such thing as true unmixed generosity but in God only; because there is none but him who receives no advantage from his gifts, and because he engages himself to pay these debts of his creatures with an excessive interest. So great is the goodness of God, that, when he might have absolutely commanded us to give to our neighbour, he vouchsafes to invite us to this duty by the prospect of a reward, and to impute that to us as a desert which he has a right to exact of us by the title of his sovereignty over our persons and estates.” Men live in such a state of social union as renders mutual help necessary; and, as self-interest, pride, and other corrupt passions mingle themselves ordinarily in their commerce, they cannot fail of offending one another. Adam Clarke

Every good deed done out of godliness and sincerity has an eternal reward, they are not forgotten, they are recorded, kept against the day of evil. “Scatter your bread upon the waters: for you shall find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for you know not what evil shall be upon the earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2)

Never cease giving while thou seest a person in distress, and hast wherewithal to relieve him. Such may be the change of times, that thou mayest yet stand in need of similar help thyself. Do as thou wouldst be done by. Adam Clarke

Yes We Can (But In Reality We cannot)

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Yes We Can (But In Reality We cannot)

When Barack Hussein Obama started his campaign of becoming American president, there was one slogan that he used to sway and to convince the people, “Yes We Can”.
Those phrases quickly caught up like a never ending burning fire in the minds of the people.
Any where you go, you can see people saying the same thing, “Yes We Can”, but after his election as the president of the USA, to the total surprise and amazement of the people, it was quickly discovered that those words were nothing but mere empty political human jargon.

The truth of the whole matter is that in reality there is nothing we as human can do without God’s divine help, all our efforts without him are stupid, nonsense and nonsensical idiocy.
There is no way a people can achieve greater things without the unending support, we human are so limited that we daily need the help of God of, anyone saying that we can, is just like a fool who said he could swim the ocean, one of the greatest problems facing our society is man’s aspiration for self independency and reliance, and this defiance has cost us a lot.
There is no way one could be successful in life without the internal backing of Jehovah.
It is a thing of uselessness to attempt greater things while putting God aside; it would be a futile and fruitless effort trying to climb to the greater heights of life without putting God first.
There is only one source of help, and that is God, as the scripture puts it:

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2)

Yes our help and succour comes from God, it is a big lie to say that we can, "we can’t", because with our human resources and whatever they entail, we are nothing but worm and miserable, we can only go forward when God is in total control, our life, the fullness of our life depends on our total and willing submissive obedience to God, apart from this, we are headed to total failure, those who in the past attempted to change the world while ignoring God paid a painful price and ended up leaving behind them a bitter and horrifying history, serving as an example of man’s idiotic and stupid attempt trying to change what God has in his eternal purpose putting place, just as the wisest man (Solomon) said in his predications:

Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14)

All the days are not equal in references and events, there are sweet days, there are also days of bitter experiences, God has made them like that, to the end that we human should find nothing after him, it is not in our duty to change them, our duty is to submit to the will of God and allow him to run our individual life for us, failure to do this will result in conflict.

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us (Psalm 123:1-2).

A master has authority over his servants, so also does God has authority over us, a servant looks unto the hands of his master, so are we to God, as a master provides for his servants, so God provides for them that trust in him, a servant has no say of his own, he does daily depend on his master for his provisions, so also in like manner should every sensible human being daily and totally depend on God, everything we own and would have all come from God.

Without the help of the LORD it is useless to build a home or to guard a city. It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of his own, even while they sleep, Psalm 127:1-2 (Contemporary English Version)

Who said we can? It is a lie from the pits of hell to turn man away from keeping focus on God; it is nothing but the Devil’s way of contradicting God before man (Genesis 3:1-3).

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13).

Well the truth is clear; our refusal to recognize God and make him the priority of everything we do and own has resulted in miserable and degrading failures in all our human endeavours.
One need ought not to be told that the major problems the nations of the world is facing today is as a result of their total refusal to make God the priority in their national and sociopolitical
and economic affairs, especially in the areas of decision making and moral obligations.

Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) elevate a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people, Proverbs 14:34 (Amplified Bible)

There is no ending to the truth of God’s inspirational word, sin brings disaster and catastrophe to any nation and people whose ways are in defiance to God’s governing moral and righteous authority and principles, we are daily seeing the consequences of such defiance, we saw it in the destruction of the twin tower, the untold sufferings, poverty, diseases, sickness, ethnic cleansing, tribal and national wars, rebellion, hunger, prostitution of all kinds perverse and epidemic in Africa and other parts of the world, who have refused to make God a priority.

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God (Psalm 9:17).

Well those who think that they can do without God are big time jokers, from past to the present there is no nation on earth that ever put aside in the national affairs that ended well.
But unfortunately, man is too lazy to learn and correct his mistakes, we are seeing history repeating itself over and over again, we can see the hand writing on the wall, but we fail to take heed and repent of our disobedience to God, we should expect nothing but the worst.

So are the ways of all who forget God; and the hope of the godless shall perish, Job 8:13 (Amplified Bible).

History is full of remarkable lessons, we read in historical records how nations, kingdoms, empires great and mighty men fail, because of godlessness, when any nation reaches her zenith of evil, her fall becomes imminent and disastrous, such nations should serve as an example to people of this generation, look the Roman empire, one of the most powerful empires that ever existed on the surface of the earth, but when Rome reached the zenith of her evil, she crumbled and failed and disappeared into the thin air, evil never succeeds.

People without God can produce nothing. Fire will destroy the tents of those who take money to do evil, Job 15:34 (New Century Version).

Well said, people without God will produce nothing but disaster, we saw it in the lives of people like Adolph Hitler of Germany, Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini of Italy, Francisco Franco Bahamonde of Spain, and Joseph Stalin of Russia, the list can go on, but these should serve as an example of what godless people can produce, their legacy is nothing but horror.

They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought (Job 8:22).

How did these dictators and self proclaimed reformist ended? Their end was a gory one, in fact they stand as a warning to others saying, please don’t go that way, wickedness has never triumphed, and evil always destroys itself, the truth is that we cannot, anyone saying to you, “Yes We Can”, is just deceiving you, believe that you cannot and help will come from God to you.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock (Psalms 27:4).

Only in God is safety found in the time of trouble, there is a sure refuge in him, those who trust him are never disappointed and put to shame, they triumph in every situation, and they are radiant in afflictions and victorious in the midst of adversities, (Romans 8:37).
We are not confident in ourselves because we do not have confidence in the arms of the flesh, which are incapable in saving those who trust in them in days of trouble and evil, that was why David said:

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies (Psalms 60:11).

One more final word:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me .I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:4-5).

In conclusion, apart from God, we are nothing, so stop believing the lies of, “Yes We Can” jargon from the pit of hell.

God bless you real good.

Evangelist Ilona Henry Afamefuna

Overcoming Your Fears Through God's Promises

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:04:00 +0000

If there is anything else that has plagued the world, it is the fear factor, many people are afraid of one thing or the other, it is impossible to to come across people without seeing uncertainty in their faces, especially when such people are going through difficult situations in their daily lives.

Fear has become one of the world's phenomenal problems that humanity is facing nowadays.

Men, women, children, high functionalities in the society are daily been plagued with fear.

With the world heading towards financial and economical chaos, the hearts of men are easily gripped and overtaken by fear and restlessness, we can daily read in the news how even world experts on some key and important fields are been allayed with fears over the crumbling financial and economical state of things, great men of intellectual and financial statuesque are totally powerless and without solution to the upheavals that are confronting and plaguing humanity, we are bombarded with news of catastrophic and disastrous events that are difficult to explain by human expertise, world religious bodies are speechless and dumbfounded.

Well, to the ordinary man it is a mystery, to the believers in Christ Jesus who are spiritually matured and equipped for every good work, it is nothing but the accomplishment of God's divine prophetic purpose over humanity, therefore that which makes men to fear, only makes God's people to rejoice and triumph in victory, knowing fully well that in everything, God works for the good of them that love and trust in him, it is of no surprise to God's people, we have been warned and equipped before hand (Romans 8:28-39), things that separate people from their beloved ones and things, only unite and bring us much closer to God, we the people of God are a people of faith, we live by biblical standards and are always guarded and preserved by his precious promise, because all of God's promises in Christ Jesus are indisputably yes and amen, been confirmed and sealed by the Holy Spirit of God to the surest end ( 2 Corinthians 1:19-22).

But one of the greatest and unfortunate things that has ever happened to many Christians today is their inability to believe and trust God, this is a sign of immaturity and unperfected love and Character towards God, anyone who loves God does not live in fear, because fear has to do with torments and torturous imaginations from the Devil, the following verses of the bible will help us:

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

There is nothing encouraging than this, for God's people to know that they are been loved of God and God through his love dwells in them, why then should a Christian flood his heart with fearful thoughts and demonic mindset, if God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31).

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world

We are the replicas of Christ Jesus in this world, those who live and walk in the fullness of God's love are as bold as the lion, they do not have need to fear anything, knowing fully well that God's constant and ever abiding presence is with them (Psalm 46:1-11), why say that we are the replicas of Christ Jesus in this world, because Jesus never lived in fear during his stay here on earth, he lived and walked in love, he demonstrated this in all of his ministerial live.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Perfect love is all that God demands from us, cowards are not welcome God's kingdom, those who fear and live in uncertainty, do demonstrate it by their words and action, real men are not easily shaken, and big boys don't cry.

We love him, because he first loved us (1 John 4:16-19).

God is our first person lover, he never doubted or shrinked back in loving us, even though he knows fully well that we would disappoint him him, yet he iniated the love scenario by sending his only begotten Son into world (John 3:16).

There are two particular verses in the bible that believers should memorise and daily mediate on, these verses of the bible are priceless gem, full of help and edifying in times of severe needs:

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever, Amen (Jude 1:24-25).

God bless you real good and have a nice day.

Evangelist Ilona Henry Afamefuna

Understanding Yahweh As Papa

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:11:00 +0000

When we begin to understand that Jehovah God is our Father, we would then begin to understand the full concept of the Christian doctrine, God is our Father not only does the bible said so, but we see the full manifest of God in his Son Christ Jesus, (Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?, John 14:9), there is no other way we can fully comprehend the person of the Father, if we miss the person of Jesus, everything about God was fully manifested in him, in that he demonstrated the Father-Heart-Of -God to us.

When Jesus was here on earth, he demonstrated the love of God to the fullest, there is no way we can approach God, without first understanding his divine Fatherhood, the Fatherhood of God defines our future, in that it is God himself who defines our future, he knows each and everyone of us needs, he designs the road we all must pass to achieve his designs for our lives.

We do often read in the bible that God so much loved this world, that he gave his only begotten son (John 3:16), it takes more than a mere understanding to fully understand what that particular verse of the bible is talking about, God in his infinite love and compassion, gave us his only begotten son, he did this so that we could become sons, that is why the bible said that Jesus came to bring many sons to glory: For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.(Hebrews 2:10), he did this by offering his only life, he confirmed it by shedding his blood, he sealed it with his indisputable resurrection, with this in mind, we can have a full assurance.

How can we frail mortals believe and understand that God is our Papa?

We can believe and understand that by looking towards the cross, if we are able to fully grasp what really took place on the cross, we can easily believe and know that Yahweh is Daddy, a loving Father whose consummating love pierces the darkest of all hearts with a divine touching tender love which goes beyond the wisest of human understanding, making the worst hating sinner, a gentle loving lamb.

Jesus committed no sin, but it was God’s pleasure that he should bore our sins on his body, Jesus being whom he is, gladly accepted it, it was God’s design from origin that Jesus should be our propitiation, if we really believe this, we shouldn’t find it difficult that God is our Daddy in heaven who cares and is concerned about all our every needs, he first loved us before we love him, it was Daddy who initiated the whole love scenario, beginning from Eden immediately after the fall, when he slew a lamb and used the skin to cover the nakedness of our first parents, God was in advance showing how he would lavishly pour out his unimaginable loving saving grace upon falling humanity, it is of this love that has drawn men to the fountain of life-Jesus.

We must understand that our Daddy loves relationship and not religion, the Devil uses religion to demarcate us from the love of Daddy, the greatest tool that the Devil is using to enslave humanity from experiencing Daddy’s love is religion, religion tells you that you are not worthy to be loved of God, and that you are nothing but a miserable slave before God, yes, we all know that we are not worthy of God’s love, and that we are miserable before God, but on the contrary the bible said otherwise, irrespective of our miserable and deplorable state, God still sent his son into the world to die for us, so that through him we could become Daddy’s children, God is interested in each and everyone of us, he loves us as we are, what is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of Adam that you visit him (Psalms 8:4), it should be clear that Daddy loves an cherishes us by making us in his own very image.

It is very sad thing that many Christians still go on with their lives carrying heavy loads of guilt, tormented by the memory of past sins which in reality God has forgiven and forgotten, our Father is not a sadist and an unforgiving tyrant who strikes at anyone who fails his orders, on the contrary he is forgiving, loving, caring and understands our very weaknesses, therefore much grace has been released to us-not to dwell in iniquity, but to live in righteousness in the newness of live in the light of the glory of the Father, for Jesus came to bring many sons unto glory: For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10)

There is a need for that this generation discovers the unselfishness of God, his attributes, his loving and forgiving nature, we often read in the scriptures: If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? (Psalms 130:3)

If Daddy takes all his time to number our sins and put them into record, no flesh would survive, we would all perish in a twinkling of an eye, and we see Sodom & Gomorrah as an example of his divine judgment upon wickedness, how with fire & brimstone he destroyed them, but it was all their fault, because Daddy gave them much time to repent, but they wasted it and made light the longsuffering of the Lord, therefore we must know that though our Father is loving, gentle and forgiving, he will not always tolerate our perfidy if we do not repent.

In conclusion, we must now begin to embrace the loving heart of God; we should see God as a loving and forgiving Father, not as a dictator and a sadist who rejoices at our hurt and suffering.

God wants us to know and understand that he cares for our every need, from the least of them to the greatest, he is ever concerned, Jehovah is not indifferent to our suffering, it is man’s awkward and religious mental retardation that makes him to see God as dictator who does not forgive nor tolerate our weaknesses, if God is like that, what kind of world would we find ourselves? But thank God for whom he is, Jehovah understands us more than we could understand ourselves, he knows all that we are undergoing in life, he is always there as the ever present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1-3), with this in mind, we can rest assured that we are not left alone in this troubled and choked world, full of pains and misery, we’ve been promised victory in advance, that is why we can boldly declare with the Apostle; “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”. (1 John 4:4), if we belong to God, we are victorious in advance, no matter what.

It Is About The Precious Sinless Blood Of Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:57:00 +0000

It Is About The Precious Sinless Blood Of Jesus

While making my research on false teachers and false doctrines, I came across one God-forsaken ministry website, teaching a rather strange & diabolic doctrine called the gospel of the spirit and water, this ministry teaches that it was not the blood of Jesus that saved us, but his baptism, they so much exaggerated & elevated the baptism of Jesus above his dead and shedding of his blood on Calvary’s cross, I will therefore refute these erroneous teaching.

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. (John 6:53)

Here we see Jesus, telling the people that it is through his blood that man would have life.

Anyone teaching otherwise is of the devil, had it been not for the shed blood of Jesus, humanity would have been lost without hope, it is the death and the shedding of the blood of Jesus that redeemed man from the wrath of God, how could anyone in his normal mind say that it was not the blood of Jesus that saves us, but rather his baptism, I think such a one needs deliverance, are we despising the riches of God & trampling underfoot the Son of God?

If anyone rejects the reality of the blood of Jesus, such a person has no life as Jesus has said, we have the life of God through the blood of Jesus, it is his blood that cleanses us from all unrighteousness and sets us apart unto God, it is the blood that makes us God’s children.

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)

You see, the whole pages of the New Testament is full of the attestation of the reality of the blood of the Son of God, there is no way we can come nearer to God without the precious sinless blood of Jesus Christ, God looks at us through the blood, to say that the blood is not important is just like saying that Jesus is not the immaculate only begotten Son of God.

The bible made it clear that we were sometimes God’s enemies & very far away from him, but now through the precious sinless blood of Jesus we are not only God’s children but also his friends and joint heirs with Jesus Christ the Son over God’s house.

We through the shed blood of Jesus have become fellow citizens of God’s kingdom.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (Hebrews 10:19)

Praise the LORD, we now have access to God’s throne through the blood of Jesus, there is no where in the scripture was it said that we access to God through Jesus baptism, the gospel and epistle writers point strongly towards the shed blood of Jesus, to come to God, one must be washed by the blood of Jesus, if anyone refuses to receive cleansing through the blood of Jesus, such a one is God’s ardent enemy & the only thing awaiting him is damnation.

Through the blood, we have the boldness to enter into God’s very presence without fear or trembling, if person does not believe in the blood, he has no place in God’s kingdom.

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

We are made perfect through the sanctifying power in the blood of Jesus, God builds us up in holiness & sanctification through the blood of his Son Jesus Christ, it is the blood that empowers us to do the extra-ordinary, without the blood of Jesus we are powerless & most miserable of all men, if we remove the blood of Jesus from our daily lives and prayers we will end up in total defeat & disaster, the Devil would make a glaring mockery & idiots of us, do you think that the Devil is afraid of you, no not at all, what makes him powerless and fearful before God’s children is the covering that the blood gives us, the blood protects us from his fiery darts, the blood protects us from his daring accusations, the blood protects us from his deadly arrows, the blood does everything for us, if we therefore say that it is not about blood, we are altogether most miserable, our life can only be assured & secured in the blood, apart from the precious sinless blood of Jesus Christ, we are defenceless and mortally dead in our trespass & ignorance.

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:2)

We are or become God’s elect through the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ by the sanctification of the Spirit which leads unto obedience, we who believe should forever be grateful to God, for letting his Son to shed his precious sinless blood for our sake.

Those who are teaching otherwise are of the Devil and it is our duty to keep away from them and alert the unsuspecting about their deadly fallacies which they disseminate everywhere.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

Cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and thus made holy and sanctified, we are fitted for the heavenly communion, there is no way a man can come into communionship with God if not cleansed by the blood, the blood of Jesus Christ makes one fit to come in relationship with God the Father, it is an absurd stupidity for a person to approach God without allowing himself to be immersed and cleansed by the blood of the lamb of God (Jesus the Messiah).

We must understand that it is through the blood of Jesus that we have the right standing with God, the blood of Jesus justifies every born again child of God & makes him or her a heavenly candidate, it is therefore scripturally unapostolic to deny that it is the blood that saves.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).

God has glorified his grace by giving us redemption by the blood of his Son Jesus Christ, and this redemption consists in forgiving and delivering us from our sins; so then Christ’s blood was the redemption price paid down for our salvation: and this was according to the riches of his grace; as his grace is rich or abundant in benevolence, so it was manifested in beneficence to mankind, in their redemption by the sacrifice of Christ, the measure of redeeming grace being the measure of God’s own eternal goodness, in other words the goodness of God was made manifest through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, this is the highest & greatest privilege of a believer, his sins have been washed away in the ocean of the blood, he now therefore enjoys unprecedented uninterrupted fellowship with God the Father, the Holy Spirit dwells in him, bringing him into state of perfect sonship and relationship, he becomes one with Jesus.

If we take away the blood of Jesus from our basic tenets of faith, Christianity would be the most miserable of all religion, in fact it would be useless for you and me believing in Christ Jesus, it means we have no hope and are big time liars and deceivers, but thank God that Jesus was crucified, shed his blood, died and was raised from the dead by God the Father through the authenticating power of the Holy Spirit, therefore our hope is firm and our foundation is sure, the blood is Christianity’s core doctrine.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)

Hallelujah! Our brothers & sisters overcame the dragon (i.e. the devil) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus), it is for this course that they paid with their blood, had it been it was not about the blood as some claim, they would not have risked their lives to preserve the eternal truth.

How do we Christians of today overcome the dragon, by the blood of Jesus? Yes, not only by the blood, but also by the words of our testimony, which we declare everywhere.

Those who are in Christ Jesus need not to fear the future, knowing fully well that the blood has settled it once and for all, by this, we now stand in the blessed hope of the glory of God.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)

Seeing that Jesus has shed his precious sinless blood, we are no more enemies of God but his own very children and joint heirs with his Son Jesus Christ, through the blood we have not only been forgiven, but we have been also justified, we no longer live under the groaning burden of guilt, but with boldness & assurance, we now live in the newness of the heart praising God.

The blood of Jesus is man’s only solution; it is man’s only solution because God in his mercy has provided every necessary provision for man’s reconciliation through the blood of Jesus, if any person be found preaching otherwise, just as the bible declares; let him be accursed.

We are blessed through the sanctifying power of the blood, it is the precious immaculate blood of the Son of God that gave us the full access to the Father, and we can now approach God in full assurance, for whenever we approach God without fear or doubt we show our confidence in the blood, how can a person approach a holy God without the blood of Jesus?

Here is a perfect illustration about the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus:

A woman came to a minister one day carrying a container of wet sand. "Do you see what this is, sir?" she asked. "Yes," was the reply, "it is wet sand." "But do you know what it means?" "I do not know exactly what you mean by it, woman; what is it?" "Well, sir," she said, "that's me; and the multitude of the sins that constantly dirty my heart cannot be numbered." Then she exclaimed, "Oh, wretched creature that I am! How can such a wretch as I ever be saved and keep clean from the influences of the world?" "Where did you get the sand?" asked the minister. "At the beach." "Go back, then, to the beach. Take a spade with you; dig, dig, and raise a great mound; shovel it up as high as you can, then leave it there. Take your stand by the seashore, and watch the effect of the waves upon the heap of the sand." "Sir," she exclaimed, "I see what you mean-the blood, the blood, the blood of Christ, it would wash it all away and would keep washing any new dark stains away."

The blood cleanses us constantly from all impurities and makes us presentable to the Father.

My prayer for anyone reading this article is through it your understanding would be open, that God by his Spirit would grant you revelation knowledge of the impact of the blood of Jesus.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

TRUE PROPHETS

noreply@blogger.com (ilonahenry) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:33:00 +0000

My heart cries out for the American church to stop muddling, Muffling, cheapening, distorting and merchandising the pure Gospel. How we need to return to the simplicity of evangelism that Cuts to the heart, produces repentance and reveals the Son of God.

For several months I’ve been asking the Lord to make me his Trumpet.

In my quest He’s shown me some of the qualities that Shaped biblical prophets into His mouthpieces.

I pray all of us will Adopt these same characteristics.

1. A prophet is bold. True prophets have steel backbones and Foreheads of flint. They do not cower when the majority disagrees With them. Like the apostle Paul, they are compelled to preach Because a holy restlessness churns inside them. They are Possessed by God, and they must release the fire inside. Will you Pray for this boldness and say with Isaiah, “Here am I, send me”(Is. 6:8, NASB)—even when you know you will be opposed?

2. A prophet stays biblical. So much of what is passed off as Prophecy today resembles what you might find in a daily Horoscope. The so-called “prophetic movement” in the contemporary Church has been tainted by silly fads and charismatic witchcraft.

One prophetic e-mail list sent out a word recently saying that Dormant angels were being awakened out of the walls of our Churches. (That’s not remotely scriptural.) Another predicted that God would begin to speak to people through the names of candy Bars and blue jeans.

So much of our prophetic verbiage sounds like warm and fuzzy Fortunetelling. This type of “imitation prophecy” can titillate and Thrill those with itching ears, but it is pablum designed for babies Who don’t want to grow up. What we need is a word we can sink Our teeth into—true meat that is the Word of God.

3. A prophet does not compromise. Nathan was willing to confront King David’s sin, even though the prophet was on the palace Payroll. Yet today, we practice the “you scratch my back, I’ll Scratch yours” rule. We prophesy what people want to hear so we Can get an honorarium and an invitation to return. This has caused Some whole groups of prophets to collectively follow each other Into a ditch.

Beware of the herd mentality! Don’t just swallow and follow! You Cannot go along with something just because everyone else is Doing it or preaching it. Stay close to the Lord, develop keen Discernment and listen to the nagging voice of your conscience.

4. A prophet is compassionate. Some prophets today refuse to Confront because they are too nice. Others speak rashly “like the Thrusts of a sword” (see Prov. 12:18) and their words are delivered With a bitter, vindictive spirit. Neither of these prophets will receive His reward. We must speak the truth, and we must do it in love.

Most people think Jeremiah was angry and judgmental, but Actually he wept when he confronted Israel’s sins. It is not enough To prophesy the Lord’s word—we should aim to speak with His Tone of voice. We must be willing to intercede for and identify with Those we confront.

5. A prophet stays pure. When Moses made the tabernacle, God Told him to make silver trumpets that were “hammered work” (Num. 10:2). If we want to speak for Him, we must be willing to endure The smelting process. (In other words, prepare to be hammered!)

Before Isaiah could be an effective prophet to his nation, his lips Had to touch burning coals from God’s altar (see Is. 6:6-8). We Must be willing to visit the uncomfortable furnace of sanctification.

God is not so much interested in the booming voice, the rousing Delivery, the charisma or the technological savvy that we expect Today from celebrity preachers. What matters most is pure content, And that can only flow through a pure vessel.

6. A prophet faithfully embraces the call. Jonah tried to flee as far As possible from Nineveh, but the God of the second chance used A strange vessel to get the prophet back on course. It involved a Visit to a fish’s stomach, where Jonah spent three days in Darkness, stewing in digestive juices. When the fish vomited him On land, he was better prepared to speak heaven’s words.

~From "Becoming a Trumpet of the Lord" - http://fireinmybone s.com

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