shodan

National Press Club briefing by Bishop Jackson

The really sad part is that most Christians have "removed" the Ten Commandments from memory. The head of a denomination spoke at a church and offered a ten dollar bill to any child who knew them in any order. When he put it back in his wallet, he stated that he had never been able to give it away in any church where he had spoken. http://textsincontext.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/teaching-children-the-ten-commandments/

Concerning the Lord's Prayer "forgive us....as we forgive" Now, let us continue in our survey of Luke. In chapter 6, we come to those familiar words, “forgive and you will be forgiven” (v. 37). We also remember those similar words in the Lord’s Prayer, “forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” (11:4). In Matthew, we read Jesus’ exhortation and warning that follows this model prayer: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:14, 15).... . Biblical commentators take pains to clearly explain that the thrust of these verses is not an assertion that we can merit forgiveness by forgiving others, "rather it is evidence that the grace of God is at work in the forgiving person . . . to fail to forgive others is to demonstrate that one has not felt the saving touch of God.”10 But for those of us who have experienced that saving touch, it happened when we obeyed while hearing our Savior say, “Repent, and believe the good news.” That is the condition, which Messiah Jesus sets before us if we will enter his kingdom. Scripture gives us no reason whatsoever to believe that God forgives us who partake of eternal salvation without our repentance. If we receive his Word (“as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God. . . . ” [John 1:12]), that includes receiving, accepting, his call to repentance. Scripture exhorts us to imitate our Father (Matt 5:48; Eph. 5:1) who is merciful, who is ready, willing and able to forgive us. He desires to forgive, “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9c), but here again is that condition—repentance. ibid.

In today's Christian world, much confusion surrounds the topic of forgiveness: ‘I’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’—we learn this simple spelling rule as young students. Then, we must learn the exceptions, like “rein.” But no teacher ever instructs us that the exception is the rule. Rather, so the neglected saying goes, the fact that we find an exception proves the rule. Also, we must keep this clearly in mind: Because something is an exception, does not mean that it is not true. We have rules and we have exceptions—each has its proper place. Today, however, when the topic is forgiveness, we hear many Christians thoughtlessly citing the exception just as if it were the rule; it appears as if they have never heard and applied the true rule. (Shades of Murphy’s Law!) We hear the exception from Jesus on the cross (an exceptional circumstance indeed!) with reference to his executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). But Jesus also teaches us the clear rule that forgiveness is conditional based upon the repentance of the sinner: “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3). Here, we note that Jesus’ exhortation to forgive rests upon the conditional phrase, “if he repents.” The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia states, “Jesus recognized that there are conditions to be fulfilled before forgiveness can be granted. Forgiveness is part of a mutual relationship; the other part is the repentance of the offender. God does not forgive without repentance, nor is it required of mankind.”1 (This aspect of a mutual relationship has been banned from today’s self-centered, therapeutic notions about forgiveness.) In expositing Peter’s preaching on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47), F. F. Bruce states, “It would be a mistake to link the words ‘for the forgiveness of sins’ with the command ‘be baptized’ to the exclusion of the prior command to repent. . . . blotting out of the people’s sins is a direct consequence of their repenting and turning to God.”2 Regarding persons who harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit (a group very different from those unwitting soldiers who carried out their civic duty in executing Jesus), that faithful theologian, J. I. Packer, states that the “nonexistence of repentance makes forgiveness impossible.”3 These preceding few lines set forth the thesis of this chapter... --from http://www.amazon.com/Love-Prayer-Forgiveness-Basics-Heresies/dp/159467664X/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_1

The major reason is not the circumstances or the problems. It is that Christians think nothing of breaking a sacred covenant. Years ago, I heard a Christian leader quote Bonhoeffer: "Love does not keep the marriage. The marriage keeps the love." We have abandoned the Biblical view of love for a utilitarian, worldly view. This book uses divorce as one of the main examples of where 'love becomes heresy.' http://www.amazon.com/Love-Prayer-Forgiveness-Basics-Heresies/dp/159467664X/ref=la_B001KMODGY_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1346947804&sr=1-3

Closing band was Tenth Avenue North

Something as important as salvation, why send anyone to a site that seeks donations? Is it not your responsibility as a child of God to offer this information freely? Your display name indicates that you are responsible to ensure things are done right ... how about doing the right thing by providing the readers with the other 6 steps ... Or tell the truth about the english translation "born again". The Greek text says "born from above", Christ taught this (and more) to Nicodemus in: John chapter 3. My essay here on Born Again or Born from Above? http://textsincontext.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/born-again-or-born-from-above/

What a powerful example these fellow Christians are in a hate torn world. May we give thanks for them and pray for them. http://allafrica.com/stories/201208230552.html Nigeria: Christians Will Not Retaliate Church Attacks - CAN Tagged: Conflict, Nigeria, Religion, West Africa By Adewale Giwa, 23 August 2012 Comment (1) Akure — National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor yesterday said Christians will not retaliate despite killing of their members and attack on churches in some parts of the north. Oritsejafor said at CAN's extra-ordinary council meeting of in Akure that the association will continue to pray for the peaceful co-existence of the country. "We will not encourage our people to carry arms against anybody whatsoever the situation may be. For those that are behind Boko Haram, you come to us with AK47, bombs, charms and other dangerous weapons, but we come to you in the name of God. "I want to assure Christians in Nigeria that Christ has always been with his people. He will never give victory to those persecuting Christians and the Church. Whoever is trying to exterminate Christians and Christianity from Nigeria is neither pleasing God nor his people"

In our country of 300 million where tens of millions claim to be 'born again' just over half a million Christians have signed this major document which was started by the late Chuck Colson and other Christian leaders. http://www.manhattan...n.org/home.aspx

God bless them. Wish they were in my area.

How incredibly sad that one of the oldest Christian populations in the world may become extinct. As bad as the government of Iraq was, it restrained chaos which was unleashed by our invasion of that country. We would do well to remember that many evangelical church leaders supported the vanity of that season of war. See: Iraqi Christian Exodus from Mosul Continues Due to Unabated Violence http://www.religiontoday.com/blog/iraqi-christian-exodus-mosul-unabated-violence.html#13457714972412&0|3/20/2013 5:23:54 AM|visibility:hidden; height:1px; width:1px;|nlst

Don't know if I had it, but a couple summers ago had a fever for 3 days and a month to get strength back after horrible day on the tractor with mosquitoes after a rain.

Pray for the peace of S. Africa and for light in the darkness

Wow. Not as 'wow' but there are some nice photos in the "Hobbies" forum.

And I have never heard anyone deny that David was loved by God no matter what he had done.

Pacifism is a recent term [19th Century, I think] and there are non-Christian philosophies behind different forms of it. The Biblical concept is non-retaliation which is how Mennonites have traditionally phrased it. But in its basic meaning of refusal to bear arms in war, it describes the Christianity of the first three centuries. . http://facultyblog.eternitybiblecollege.com/2012/05/15/christians-violence-part-2/ 30th Anniversary Edition http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Pacifism-Fruit-Narrow-ebook/dp/B005RIKH62/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_2 Classic work: Early Christian Attitude to War http://www.compassionatespirit.com/Cadoux/Cadoux-home.htm Statement on pacifism by Russian Baptists: http://rusbaptist.stunda.org/engl/pacific.htm Defining Pacifism: http://thinkingpacifism.net/2011/12/04/how-does-pacifism-properly-understood-work-as-a-core-christian-conviction/ Notes on Church History by noted scholar: http://www.bibleviews.com/Biblicalnonresist.html#Author

Here is one reason that discussions like this are so difficult...taking a verse out of context without the slightest idea of what it is about. Jesus said did not say protecting themselves was Ok. The main clue that we have here that Jesus did not meant to be taken literally, i.e. everyone should by a sword, is when two swords are shown and Jesus says, "Enough." The context is the fulfillment of Scripture that he would be reckoned as a criminal. The 'enough' can be taken one of two ways. Two swords are sufficient for him to be charged as a criminal or as the NIGTC and others point out, it may be a rebuke. "enough of this" to his disciples for again not understanding him. "... The command to buy a sword leads directly into Jesus’ concern with the fulfillment of the Scripture saying that he would be considered a dangerous criminal – the charge brought against him which led to the Roman crucifixion. This “pro-sword” argument’s absurdity displays itself in the incident’s conclusion. The disciples produce two swords and Jesus replies, “it is enough!” This reply’s wording, especially in the New English Bible, implies this “enough” may have been wholly or partially a rebuke to his disciples for again not understanding his meaning. [so also the New International Greek Testament Commentary] obviously they did not understand when later in the garden the probability arises that it was one of these swords which was defensively raised. This instrument draws blood. The wielder incurs Jesus’ rebuke. Looking at the life of this swordsman, you will never find any indication he ever desired to pick up his weapon again. As for the sufficiency of two swords, this makes it obvious that Jesus really did not mean that all who had no sword should purchase one. From whichever angle we approach this passage, no support for a militaristic position..." from http://www.amazon.co...pd_rhf_dp_p_t_1 The faculty blog of Eternity Bible College just did an excellent 8 part series on Christians and Violence. It is a model for all of us to follow when discussing hard subjects. http://facultyblog.eternitybiblecollege.com/2012/05/25/the-end-of-christians-and-violence/

Have you ever read the reason that God gave David as to why he would not be allowed to build the Temple? 1 Chron 22 I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the Lord my God. 8 But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth.

Here is a short essay that I did on "born again" which is really not the translation but an interpolation. http://textsincontext.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/born-again-or-born-from-above/

Here is a letter I received after Easter re: Col. Don B. USMC, Retired Dear Family and Friends, How appropriate that as we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and victory over death, Christ has decided to call our Don home for the celebration! He is now in the midst of something so glorious, it is beyond our comprehension! As our heart's are breaking,they are also rejoicing at the thought of Don sitting down at the banquet table with Christ Himself, in awe of his surroundings, with a very large smile on his handsome face! That is how we choose to remember him, always positive, always caring, and always a loving husband, father, uncle, brother, and friend. We thank all of you for your support and prayers. Here is a book that grew out the time when we served together and my own Christian experience on the road of faith. You can read about that time with the "Look Inside" feature here: http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Pacifism-Fruit-Narrow-ebook/dp/B005RIKH62/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1 And if you want to learn more: here is a good place to begin, The Early Christian Attitude to War, free online: http://www.compassionatespirit.com/Cadoux/TOC.htm

Another one that comes from people with an agenda setting the standards and defintions: "More people have been diagnosed with mental disorders in the United States than in any other nation on earth.".....like millions of kids on Ridilin so the drug companies get rich and parents don't have to take responsibility.

No shocker about Alaska and R.I. But this one shows you what happens when politicians define the word 'poverty': "Approximately 48 percent of all Americans are currently either considered to be “low income” or are living in poverty" In the past our family has qualified as 'low income' meaning we qualified for school lunch subsidy. But we were in no way in need of it and in our state our income was pretty normal. But the cost of living was much lower than other places. But, all in all, a neat list...especially this one "Jimmy Carter was the first U.S. president to have been born in a hospital." My dad was born in a log cabin [that had been sided over] where we lived until I was 7.

Wow, very sad to hear this and only 54.

As mentioned, A.W. Tozer is outstanding and time tested. F.F. Bruce has written many excellent commentaries and books. A key area where Christians need to be clear about the Bible's teaching on basics and the wordl's distortions of them is dealt with here: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Prayer-Forgiveness-Michael-Snow/dp/159467664X/ref=lp_B001KMODGY_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1334440123&sr=1-4

A reflection on Palm Sunday http://textsincontext.wordpress.com/