Wednesday, October 8, 2008

ESPERENZA PARA LA FAMILIA

HOPE FOR THE FAMILY
A Bilingual Program/Una Programa Bilingue

This Seminar will change your family life/Un seminario que cambiara su vida y la de su familia. Un programa bilingue con el Dr. Jorge Ramirez

List of Nightly Topics:

Wed/Mie Oct. 8 - Damaged Emotions/Restaurando heridas emocionales

Thu/Jue Oct. 9 - Guilt, Grace and Debt-Collecting/Restaurados del sentimiento de culpa

Fri/Vie Oct. 10 - The Wounded Healer/Restaurados por el Maravilloso Sanador

Sat/Sab Oct. 11 - Satan's Deadliest Weapon/Restaurados de las armas del enemigo de la familia

Sun/Dom Oct 12 - Healing our Low Self-Esteem (Part 1)/Festival del la familia

Wed/Mie Oct. 15 - Healing our Low Self-Esteem (Part 2)/Sanando neustro baja estima

Thu/Jue Oct. 16 - Symptoms of Perfection/Sanando la estima de la familia

Fri/Vie Oct. 17 - The Process of Healing for Perfectionism/Sanando nuestros sintomas de perfeccion

Sat/Sab Oct. 18 - Myths and Truths about Depression/Sanando heridas do la depresion

Sun/Dom Oct. 19 - Healed Helpers/Sanados para vivir felices

Programa para ninos
Informacion al 301-445-1320


Importante: Se obsequiara la biblia familiar a todos los que asistan puntualmente. No se pierda esta extraordinaria programacion en beneficio de las familia moderna.

Monday, September 22, 2008

CIRCULATED EMAIL CONCERNING CANCER UPDATE FROM JOHNS HOPKINS

The validity of the source of this email is still in question. The facts as they relate to various matters of health are not. As with all information, search out truth for yourself, you'll be sure to find it.

AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY .

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins :

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3.. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

WHAT CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal,Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's Aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14.. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

REKINDLING THE REFORMATION

About REFORMATION REKINDLED

by Professor Walter Veith

A remarkable premier series beginning September 26!

This series is not just a history lesson but a compelling exposé of history during a time of protests and revolution.

The Reformation was one of the greatest revolutions ever accomplished in human affairs and its influence has been felt for centuries. What were the motivating factors that prompted people to give their lives for this cause? The history of the Reformation addresses itself to all Christians, and even to all mankind. The Reformation's history should not just be relegated to history books. Understanding how the Reformation and the counter-reformation have affected our past and our present will allow us to make better decisions for our future. In this series, you will see how the forces that fought against the protestant reformation are returning with demonic power, and hear about the subsequent counter-reformation – Rome's efforts to annul the reformation's momentous blows to imperial Christianity.

Find out about the clandestine goals being pushed in our day by political and spiritual leaders. Religion is still a focal point in political agendas today. Find out how all this affects you. The lessons of history will help us understand the political and economic situation we are facing. If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.

You won't want to miss this series!

http://rekindlingreformation.com/

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

"IN TABLES OF STONE" Series Airing Now

"IN TABLES OF STONE" Series Airing Now

WATCH HERE!!
http://www.itiswritten.com/tvprogram/episode/2008/09/1121

Source : It Is Written - Tuesday, September 9, 2008

In an election year, words like "truth" are often thrown around without much regard. But what is truth? Many years ago, God wrote His truth in tables of stone. Man has tried to put pen to paper to draft his own truth, but that has often deteriorated as fast as the parchment it was written on.

But God's law still stands today. He gave us a code of good moral conduct because He knows what's best for us. He wants us to avoid the suffering that is caused by breaking His law. There is a reason those laws were written in stone by the finger of God Himself—it's because He meant for them to last forever.

Join Shawn Boonstra and It Is Written for a new 11-part television series called "In Tables of Stone." It all begins Sunday, Sept. 14, and throughout this experience, you will learn to see the love of God in those tables of stone, and discover a much better plan for a much better life! Visit www.itiswritten.com/stations to find the It Is Written channel near you!

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Sept. 14

For Thy Good (In Tables of Stone #1)Here’s a question I’ll bet you haven’t asked yourself in a while: What right do you have to get mad when someone does something evil? You might be surprised, but some people might argue that you have no right to feel upset at all, and on this telecast, you’ll find out why. Join Pastor Boonstra for this first program in his “In Tables of Stone” Ten Commandments series.

Sep. 21

Einstein's Brain (In Tables of Stone #2)You know, on paper, sometimes the theory of evolution makes pretty good sense, but don’t you find there’s this nagging doubt in your heart that tells you this place couldn’t possibly have come into existence by accident? How in the world does a cosmic accident develop to the point where we can generate nuclear power? What can we learn from a literal chunk of Einstein’s brain?

Sep. 28

The Idolators (In Tables of Stone #3)I’m guessing that you’ve never been tempted to worship a picture of the Egyptian god Horus or the Babylonian god Ishtar—but is it possible, here in the 21st century, that many of us are doing exactly the same thing without knowing it?

Oct. 5

Thou Shalt Not Be a Religious Hypocrite (In Tables of Stone #4)If there’s one thing that’s becoming evident in the 21st century, it’s that the world is getting just a little tired of religious know-it-alls who love to point their fingers at everybody else—and then wouldn’t you know it, when the cat gets out of the bag, it turns out they were worse than the rest of us. In this program, you’ll learn what the Bible has to say about it.

Oct. 12

A "Place" in Time (In Tables of Stone #5)The speed of life is just getting way too fast, and it is taking a toll on us. And here’s the really strange part—even though we’re moving at speeds our ancestors would have deemed miraculous, most people still complain about the same thing. They just don’t have enough time. But there is hope. Did you realize that thousands of years ago, God gave us a commandment specifically created to protect us from the tyranny of time? Tune in this week to learn more.

Oct. 19

The Most "Natural" Commandment (In Tables of Stone #6)Today on It Is Written, we’re going to look at family relationships and ask some really tough questions: What if your family doesn’t fit the normal mold? If you’ve suffered from family breakdown, is there anything you can do to put a stop to the cycle? What does God expect from you if you have a tough time liking your dad?

Oct. 26

The House That Was Never FinishedIt is one of the strangest homes in the world. Luxuriously located on more than 160 acres, it took 38 years to build, and in reality, it still isn't finished. The only reason it is not still under construction is because the owner is dead. Why did one person need such a large home? And why does it feature some of the strangest construction in the world, including staircases that go nowhere and a window built into the floor? Tune in this week, as the answer might surprise you.

Nov. 2

Christian Dogs: The Commandment Against Murder (In Tables of Stone #7)Dogs can often pick up on the anger and bitterness felt by their owners—even to the point of acting it out. And if that can happen with a bunch of dogs, what do you think happens when our anger and bitterness spill over onto other people? What are the full implications of the sixth commandment?

Nov. 9

Veterans Day: A Christian in UniformVeteran’s Day is a special time of year set aside to honor those who are willing to lay their lives on the line for the good of their country. They are men and women who put on a uniform and take the ultimate risk so that you and I can live in the safety and comfort we take for granted every day of our lives. Today on It Is Written, Pastor Boonstra will interview a special guest who knows what it means to follow Jesus while wearing a uniform.

Nov. 16

The Sad Saga of Jack (In Tables of Stone #8)The marriage relationship adds levels of intimacy passion and love that clearly demonstrate a God who wanted to give us a wonderful gift. However, in some peoples’ experience, it’s a huge source of misery and suffering. If it’s really a gift from God, then why does it turn out wrong so much of the time? (Note: Since this program deals with the issue of adultery, it may not be appropriate for young ears.)

Nov. 23

Victims, Villains and Hardly Any Heroes (In Tables of Stone #9)Here’s a question I’ll bet you haven’t considered: What can the executives from Enron teach you that can make your life a little bit better right now? The answer might surprise you. Join Pastor Boonstra this week as he opens the Bible to explore the eighth commandment.

Nov. 30

Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them (In Tables of Stone #10)Maybe it’s happened to you. A salesperson promises that if you’re not 100% satisfied with their product when you bring it home, they’ll give you all your money back. There’s just one little problem. Sometimes, you later discover that they were exaggerating—and when you try to return it, you find that the return policy isn’t as liberal as they had promised. So why is it that so many people tell one story before they have your money, and another story after they get it? What is it about lying that really makes us mad, and what in the world can you do to stop it? Tune in this week and we’ll look to the Bible to find out!

Dec. 7

Nipping the Bud in the Bud (In Tables of Stone #11)Have you ever been happy with something new—right up until the moment you saw someone who had something newer? Or maybe you have desperately wished you could live like the people down the street—the ones with the gourmet kitchen and the three-car garage. Well, on today’s It Is Written program, you’ll learn how to solve that problem forever.

http://www.itiswritten.com/tvprogram/episode/2008/09/1121






Thursday, September 11, 2008

REMEMBERING 9/11

Seven years ago the world was brought to its knees when the World Trade Centers came down and the Pentagon was attacked. Many people flocked to their own or nearby churches asking, "Where is God?"

Well, in answer to that question? Right there. God is always there.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6). And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Others cursed God and turned even further from Him, convinced that He was and is the author of sin, evil and death.

That's a shame, because Satan was always, and still is, the author of sin, death and evil. He works through the sinful thoughts of men to bring about pain and misery. Since before creation, his purpose has been to cast doubt upon the Sovereignty of God, God's law of love and liberty. When men disobey the law, there are consequences.

Seven years ago, seven days ago, seven hours ago and seven minutes ago, someone experienced the result of sin. Sin in the heart seeks to gratify ones own selfish desires. Whether its for a thousand virgins, oil, revenge, a pair of celebrity sneakers or a piece of bread, people who are not under the influence of the Prince of Peace, will cause harm to get what they want.

God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone. "Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live:" (Ezekiel 33:11) "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) "For the wages of sin is death;... and the often omitted, ...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

The beginning of the parable in John 10:10 tells us who came to kill, steal and to destroy--Satan.
Don't wait until another 9/11 experience to start looking for God. We're in a time of peace right now compared to what is facing our country and the world and for us as individuals regardless of our religious beliefs. The battle has been raging for thousands of years and is about to reach its climax.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6).

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

HALLOWEEN AND THE OCCULT (A True Story)

Witchcraft is very real but greatly misunderstood.
I know because witchcraft goes back on the paternal side of my family for over five generations to Chesterfield, Massachusetts in 1770.My great grandmother became a well-known witch in Wisconsin in the early days of this century. Caroline was a blind witch and used her fingers to read palms and also became adept at putting “the hex” on people.
Many spooky things would happen in our family. Dishes would slide off from shelves, light bulbs would unscrew and fall to the floor, filmy apparitions would appear and vanish, and this sort of thing became a way of life.In one instance, my father was riding with my grandfather in a horse-drawn wagon, when a filmy white apparition appeared in front of the horse, causing the horse to rear up on its hind legs. Surrounded by electrifying fear, my grandfather cracked the whip and the wagon lurched forward and on its way.My father also watched in stunned amazement when, on another occasion, an unhitched wagon loaded with hay went up a steep hill by itself.
Halloween was a special time for me, as I was growing up in Clintonville, Wisconsin. I had given my heart and soul to that day called “Samhain” (pronounced Sow-en). I had learned that the pagan Sabot of Samhain was a time when the barrier between the mundane and astral planes was very thin and departed spirits easily crossed over.’I also learned that the Roman Catholic Church copied and re-named all of the eight sabbots. Not only had Samhain become Halloween, but the Winter Solstice became Christmas, Imbolg became Candlemass, Beltaine became May Day, and Lughnasadh became Lammas.The vernal equinox was celebrated as Easter, which is always the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
Halloween was my special time, when I felt drawn to become like my great grandmother. I wasn’t interested in the silliness of the Catholic Halloween. I wanted real magic. The so-called “Christians” were cursing themselves and their children by copying the craft that their tenets forbade. I knew full well that so-called Christians were copying what my spiritual ancestors had done for many centuries.The powerful witches, known as Grand Druids or men of the oaks, that lived in the ancient British Isles gathered at Stonehedge on October 31st. These ancient witches practiced human sacrifice, hollowed out pumpkins and turnips, carving faces in them, and then used candles made from human tallow to illuminate them.The druids played games such as bobbing for apples, as they floated in a tub of October ale. The druids also practiced ritual sex known as the “Great Rite”, as the fires blazed forth in the darkness of the giant stone monoliths of Stonehenge near Salisbury, England.The apple was thought to be sacred, because when cut in half cross-wise, the core would reveal the Pentacle or five pointed star. The five points of this star represented Earth, Wind, Fire, Water and Spirit.
When I was 13 years old, I began to invite the spirits of my deceased great grandmother into myself. Soon I began to acquire powers and became an adept astrologer and palm reader. I also practiced numerology and was becoming a very powerful witch. Many people followed me — and the advice that I gave them. I had achieved a great measure of success.By the time I was 19, I had reached my first goal. I was a powerful witch. Then, very suddenly, the realization hit me that I was making predictions without looking at my charts. I would blurt out predictions in minute detail, and they would come to pass. I became frightfully aware that I had become a sending station and was dispatching spirits to make my predictions come true. I predicted accidents and tragedies, and suddenly I became filled with overwhelming fear.
I did not know it at the time, but a dear old woman had been praying for me every day for a long time. She had known my grandparents, and God used her to pray me out of darkness. I was completely disabled by fear, which God, in His mercy, allowed to come upon me.A friend that I knew in high school persuaded me to come to church with him. It was a small apostolic church. I soon found myself on my knees repenting, as I had now found a power far greater than all witchcraft. One week later I was baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. The next week I was baptized in the Holy Ghost.I felt fifty pounds lighter, as many evil spirits fled from me as I yielded myself completely to my newfound friend, the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Now I have no fear and am a true minister of the Gospel.
This tract, that you are reading, has been prayed over. Now that you have read it, you will never be the same. You will not be able to get this out of your mind.Most so-called “Christian” churches are phony, but the Lord Jesus is real. Why live in fear and end up in damnation? I can help you! Please write to the address below and we will contact you.With a prayer for you,
David J. Meyer
Last Trumpet Ministries International
PO Box 806
Beaver Dam, WI 53916

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

DO YOU LIKE MYSTERIES?

This is not for the family and friends and people who know and who have made a choice either way. This is for those who do not know, those who have never been taught and those who have never studied for themselves. It is essential for you to study, research and investigate for themselves and then make an informed choice whether to accept or reject what is presented.



"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Corinthians 15:51-54


"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first..." 1 Thessalonians 4:16


Except for the exceptions the bible gives (Moses, Enoch, Elijah, etc.), those who have died in Christ or died believing in Christ and having lived their lives as proof of that belief, do not go straight to Heaven. The bible makes it plain that they sleep until Christ returns to redeem his followers from the earth (see Acts 7:519,60; 1 Corinthians 15:21-23).

So all our loved ones who have died in Christ are asleep. Their spirits returned to God and their remains are in graves, in urns, in water (if they drowned), etc. They are not conscious. There are not in Heaven. They do not return to give you advice or encouragement. They do not go back to their houses (Job 7:9,10). They do not return as another person or animal. They are dead! Asleep or resting as the bible terms it.


These few texts do not convey all that the bible says concerning the death of those who are Christ's. To fully understand the truth about this issue, you have study the Bible believing two things. (1) God does not lie (2) God does not contradict himself, therefore there would be no contradictions* in His Word

*If we find any apparent contradictions, the disparity lies in our understanding, or misunderstanding rather.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

FREE HEALTH SEMINARS


Our free Health Series continues at the Hyattsville Seventh-day Adventist Church each Friday from 7:00-8:30pm. Parking is free and childcare will be provided.

Location: 4807 42nd Place (2 blocks south of the P.G. County Courthouse Bldg.), Hyattsville, MD 20781. FMI contact Leuanna Matheson at 202-437-4867

Financial Health
Friday, September 5, 2008
Jimmy Sanders
Partner
Nationside Mortgage
Perfect Fuel for Perfect Health
Friday, September 12, 2008
Professor Walter J. Veith

Skin: Everybody Loves the Sunshine
Friday, September 19th, 2008
Derwin Phillip, MD
Attending Emergency Physician
Franklin Square Hospital

Physical Therapy (Muscle/Joint Health)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Lovina Brown
Physical Therapist
LivingWell Physical Therapy


Upcoming seminars address Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Autism, Relationship Abuse and more.


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

RELATIONSHIP OR RESTRICTIONS: A Beautiful Comparison for Marriage or Singles

One of the most frequent and mistaken complaints that people make against religion is that it is too restrictive. In this permissive age when all the emphasis seems to be upon "doing your own thing," an unreasonable attitude of self-will has developed. This attitude has even intruded into religion. Church members and non-members seem to be in quest of the same thing: a religion which doesn't interfere with personal rights and freedom. Suspicion is aroused instantly against any doctrine which demands the "giving up" of anything.


As this liberal spirit has grown stronger, many church members have turned more and more critical of the high spiritual standards upheld by the church. Obviously embarrassed by the widening gap between the church and the world, and unwilling to meet the social stigma of being a "peculiar" minority, these members have sought to justify their compromise in the area of Christian standards. They often argue that the church is being narrow and legalistic and that many fine people are being discouraged from joining the church by this "arbitrary imposition of rules."


If these complaints are valid, then some basic changes surely need to be made in the doctrine of the church. If they are not valid, then we desperately need to know how to present the standards of Christian conduct in their true biblical setting. In other words, we must definitely establish whether these rules were made by God or by the church. We must also find out if they are arbitrary prohibitions or God's loving regulations for our own happiness.


In contrast to the popular revolt against any absolute law of individual conduct, we must consider the Bible facts about the Christian life in general and morals in particular. How compatible are these modern demands for personal freedom with the standards of God's Word? Let us suppose that the true biblical position could be presented with all the love and persuasion of an angel from Heaven. Would the truth be easy for anyone to accept?


Let's face it. The path to eternal life is not a soft, flowery way of ease. Jesus laid such emphasis upon this in so many texts that we cannot be blind to it. He said, "Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:14. One of the very first principles of being a Christian is self-denial. Christ said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23. To be a Christian involves complete surrender. Our Lord's parable of the pearl and the merchantman reveals that we must be willing to invest every single thing we have in obtaining that tremendous prize of eternal life. If we allow one thing or one person to come between us and doing the will of Christ, we cannot be saved.


Have we been guilty of discounting the price of discipleship so that people will not feel that the path is too narrow and restrictive? Jesus said, "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:33. The rich young ruler was told by Jesus that he lacked only one thing in his preparation for Heaven, but that one thing he was not willing to do. He would have to surrender his wealth in order to be saved, but he was not willing to give it away. He loved something more than he loved the Lord, and he went away sorrowful and lost. The position of Christ was so strong on this point that He even said, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:37.


Now, I believe that we should search for the kindest, most tactful and loving way to present the claims of Christ to men and women. But I also believe that it will make little difference how it is presented, if individuals have no love for the Lord Jesus. The fault does not lie with the message; some of the fault lies with the preachers in the way they present it, but much of the fault lies in the attitude of the complaining Christian who feels rebellious against the truth because it requires a degree of self-denial.


Let me illustrate how personal feelings and attitude can make all the difference in the world. Marriage is the most restrictive experience that any human being can voluntarily assume in this world, aside from his spiritual commitment to Christ. The man promises to surrender many of his former attachments and practices. He yields up his freedom to date other girls, and solemnly binds himself to that one-and-only for the rest of his life. The bride also makes similar restrictive pledges, and agrees to forsake all others in her devotion to the man at her side. The wedding vows are undoubtedly among the most narrow, rigid commitments any human being can make in his lifetime. If restrictions and rules are the cause of so much misery, then weddings should be the most miserable, unhappy experiences for all concerned. But not so! They are the happiest events. Why? Why is the bride so radiant as she stands up to pledge her very life away to the groom? How can the man be so happy to make the promises which will inhibit his activities for the rest of his life? The answer is simple. They love each other. It is their attitude and feeling toward each other that makes the restrictions a joy to accept.


Have you ever heard a bride complaining after the ceremony? Probably no one has ever heard her say bitterly, "Now I can't date Jim and Andy anymore. It's not fair. The State is forcing me to be faithful to my husband. This marriage business is too restrictive." No, you've not heard that. Neither have you heard a new bridegroom complaining that he is now compelled to give part of his salary to support his wife. True, the law demands that he do it under penalty of imprisonment, but he is not even conscious of the law. State law is ready to convict the bride if she commits adultery, but she doesn't even think of such a law. They are in love, and love changes everything. They are not being faithful because of fear of punishment. They are being faithful because they want to please the person whom they love so deeply.


The most miserable men and women in this world are the ones who are married and no longer love each other. Here is almost literally hell on earth. They chafe and complain about the restrictions and impositions upon them. Similarly, the unhappiest church members in all the world are those who are married to Christ through baptism, and yet do not love Him. They are often bitterly blaming the church and their instructors for imposing upon them their narrow, restrictive religion.


But is it the religion or the pastors who are at fault? The sad fact is that those people have never entered the personal love-relationship which is the cornerstone of all true religion. Many of them have learned the right texts for the Bible study course and are quite able to explain the order of last-day events, but they have had no personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Somewhere, and perhaps everywhere, along the lines of the indoctrination they were not taught, or did not choose to accept, the true basis of heart religion. It is not a set of rules or a list of doctrines, but a deeply personal involvement in a love affair with the man Jesus Christ.


The difficulty with millions of Christians is their motive for being church members. They have a fire-escape religion. They do certain things only because they are afraid of the future, at the end of the road. They serve the Lord fearfully because they tremble at the thought of being cast into the lake of fire. No wonder they are long-faced and miserable! What a perversion of the truth! Christians should be the happiest people in the world--happier even than the newlyweds as they leave the wedding chapel! The Christian should love the Lord even more than husband or wife.


Do you think a home could be happy if the wife prepared her husband's favorite dish each day because she feared he might divorce her? Earthly relationships would collapse under this strain. She prepares that dish because she loves her husband and wants to please him. When his wife's birthday approaches, a loving, Christian husband often watches and listens for an indication of what his wife would like to have. And usually she doesn't have to hit him over the head to let him know! He gladly buys her the gift because he loves her and wants to please her. In the same way the Christian will be searching the Bible daily to discover ways of pleasing the Lord. He will constantly be looking for signs and indications of how to please the One he loves supremely. In the Twentieth Century translation of the Bible we read these words, "Always be trying to find out what best pleases the Lord." Ephesians 5:10. What a motto for every Christian! Indeed this is the supreme desire of those who love the Lord sincerely. No wonder Christ summarized the first table of the law in these words: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." Matthew 22:37, 38.


The real reason some Christians chafe and complain about the rules and the strictness is because they have only enough religion to make them miserable. The scope of their Christian "experience" is based upon a constant struggle to live up to the rules---an effort to keep the law. Now certainly there is nothing wrong with obeying the commandments of God any more than there is with a husband obeying the state law to support his wife. But if the demands of the law are the only reason for obeying it, then something is seriously wrong with the Christian and with the husband. Love lifts the legal load and makes delightful what could be a burden and strain.


A mother of three boys was having a terrible struggle trying to enforce the laws of good grooming and cleanliness. Like most little boys these three resisted the rules about washing ears, combing hair, and shining shoes. It was a daily battle which Mother won only through the long arm of authority and force. But one day the oldest boy, in his early teens, walked out of his room looking the model of impeccable neatness. Every hair seemed to be in exactly the right place, and the shoes below the well-turned cuff were shining to perfection. The mother almost fainted. Hardly able to suppress her surprise and delight, she wisely decided to wait and watch for the answer to this turn of events. The solution to the puzzle was not long in coming. The very next day Mother learned that a new family had moved in down the block, and there was a girl in the family. Perhaps the girl had not seen Johnny, but he had already seen her and it had profoundly affected him. We'll not say that it was love which changed his attitude toward the laws of good grooming, but he definitely wasn't cleaning up from fear of mother's enforcement any longer.


The point is that the Christian life is not composed of just "do's' and dont's." There are restrictions, to be sure, in this spiritual marriage, just as there are in physical marriage. But those restrictions are imposed by love which seeks always and ever to please the object of the affections. Those Christians who are in love with Christ are exuberant, beaming witnesses that this is the way of true happiness. Unfortunately, there is a larger group of church members who are miserably enduring what should be blissfully enjoyed. They are bitter and complaining about not being able to eat what they please or dress as they wish to. They blame the church for their being forced to "give up" so many things. Their religion seems much like the man with a headache. He didn't want to cut off his head but it hurt him to keep it. Their joyless attitude seems to assume that their religion is the product of some committee of gloomy preachers bent on including all the prohibitive rules that could make men, women, and young people unhappy.


But is this true? What about the spiritual principles which make up the doctrine which we call Christian standards? Is it an arbitrary church law that one should not attend the theatre? Is it God's decision or man's decision that dancing is improper for a Christian? And what about the use of colorful cosmetics and jewelry ---- is it pleasing to God or displeasing? The truth is that every point of our faith and doctrine should be based soundly upon the principle of doing God's will as revealed in the Bible. Love for Him will always provoke the question, How can I always be trying to find out what best pleases the Lord?


The answer to that question is found in scores of Bible texts which give indications and clear signals on how to please Him rather than ourselves. This is the only really relevant question concerning any activity or practice. What does God think about it? It doesn't matter what this preacher or that preacher thinks of it, or what this church or that church believes about it. The great, all-important question is this: Is it pleasing or displeasing to the Lord? If we find texts which reveal that God doesn't approve, there should be no further debate with the genuine Christian. We love Him too much to risk displeasing Him. Our delight should be to find and execute those things that please the One we love, and to eliminate from our lives those things that displease Him.


When people are in love they do not need to threaten each other or lay down ultimatums. They constantly search for ways to show their love and to please one another. Those who fulfill the first and great command of Christ will not feel it a burden to obey. God is searching for those who will be sensitive to the slightest indication of His will. He is not pleased by those who must be constantly prodded into line by fear of punishment. God says: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee." Psalm 32:8, 9.


Many Christians are "bit-and-bridle" followers. They respond only to threats, and obey because of fear of punishment. God says, "I want you to be corrected by a look from me." Only those who love Him supremely and are watching for indications of His pleasure will recognize the loving glance of correction. Searching the Bible with one purpose--to discover what pleases Him---they will immediately obey the slightest revelation of His will. This is the essence of true Christianity--ordering every level of life in harmony with His revealed will, because of love.

Excerpt from Joe Crews's book Creeping Compromise

Monday, August 18, 2008

A PLEA FOR HELP FROM ZIMBABWE

PLEASE PASS by John Winter
I reckon that these are the last days of TKM and ZPF. The darkest hour is always before dawn.We are all terrified at what they are going to destroy next........I mean they are actually ploughing down brick and mortar houses and one white family with twin boys of 10 had no chance of salvaging anything when 100 riot police came in with AK47's and bulldozers and demolished their beautiful house - 5 bedrooms and pine ceilings - because it was 'too close to the airport', so we are feeling extremely insecure right now.

You know - I am aware that this does not help you sleep at night, but if you do not know - how can you help? Even if you put us in your own mental ring of light and send your guardian angels to be with us - that is a help - but I feel so cut off from you all knowing I cannot tell you what's going onhere simply becaus e you will feel uncomfortable. There is no ways we can leave here so that is not an option.I ask that you all pray for us in the way that you know how, and let me know that you are thinking of us and sending out positive vibes... that's all. You can't just be in denial and pretend/believe it's not going on.

To be frank with you, it's genocide in the making and if you do not believe me, read the Genocide Report by Amnesty International which says we are - IN level 7 - (level 8 is after it's happened and everyone is in denial).If you don't want me to tell you these things-how bad it is-then it means you have not dealt with your own fear, but it does not help me to think you are turning your back on our situation. We need you, please, to get the news OUT that we are all in a fearfully dangerous situation here. Too many people turn their backs and say - oh well, that's what happens in Africa .

This Government has GONE MAD and you need to help us publicize our plight---or how can we be rescued? It's a reality! The petrol queues are a reality, the pall of smoke all around our city is a reality, the thousands of homeless people sleeping outside in 0 Celsius with no food, water, shelter and bedding are a reality. Today a family approached me, brother of the gardener's wife with two small children. Their home was trashed and they will have to sleep outside. We already support 8 adult people and a child on this property, and electricity is going up next month by 250% as is water. How can I take on another family of 4 -----and yet how can I turn them away to sleep out in the open?

I am not asking you for money or a ticket out of here - I am asking you to FACE the fact that we are in deep and terrible danger and want you please to pass on our news and pictures. So PLEASE don't just press the delete button! Help best in the way that you know how.Do face the reality of what is going on here and help us SEND OUT THE WORD.. The more people who know about it, the more chance we have of the United Nations coming to our aid. Please don't ignore or deny what's happening.

Some would like to be protected from the truth BUT then, if we are eliminated, how would you feel? 'If only we knew how bad it really was we could have helped in some way'.[I know we chose to stay here and that some feel we deserve what's coming to us]For now,--- we ourselves have food, shelter, a little fuel and a bit of money for the next meal - but what is going to happen next? Will they start on our houses? All property is going to belong to the State now. I want to send out my Title Deeds to one of you because if they get a hold of those, I can't fight for my rights.Censorship!----We no longer have SW radio [which told us everything that was happening] because the Government jammed it out of existence - we don't have any reporters, and no one is allowed to photograph. If we had reporters here, they would have an absolute field day.

Even the pro-Government Herald has written that people are shocked, stunned, bewildered an d blown mindless by the wanton destruction of many folks homes, which are supposed to be 'illegal' but for which a huge percentage actually do have licenses.Please! - do have some compassion and HELP by sending out the articles and personal reports so that something can/may be done.'I am one. I cannot do everything, ---but I can do something.. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.'

Edward Everett Hale

We don't get told this on the news in South Africa, we only get told what they want us to hear. We all have a chance to do something, even though the something is by pressing forward to as many people as possible. Let's stop talking and let's start doing! There is power in prayer, there is also power in more people knowing about this than you in my address book. This is going to America, Dubai,Australia, France, South Africans all over South Africa, the UK. By forwarding this to all in my address book I have done something. The world needs to know what is going on.

The preceding email was sent to me today and I wanted to share it with you. Unless you're going through what these people are going through, it 's easy to ignore it and move on with life like it's a movie. It's not a movie, it a reality that will soon be America's reality. Please pray and contintue to study the Word of God for strength and guidance for when your own trials come.

I pray that the Lord will find me and you faithful.


Leuanna

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

BATHING SUIT RELIGION

Last summer my friend and I took our children to the beach. The beach was jam packed with people of all shapes, sized, colors and constitutions. I wore what I had, a one-piece bathing suit that was a hand-me-down from four years ago. Four months had passed since I gave birth, so naturally, my body was getting back to its pre-pregnancy state. In short, nothing was as it should be.

I felt uncomfortable, not only because of the high heat and humidity, but also because the bathing suit did not fit properly. As time went on and I surveyed the crowd of women at the beach, my uneasiness subsided and I summoned the courage to take off my outer garments and reveal the "too-stuffed sausage look." Don't laugh, it wasn't cute. I justified my appearance by saying that there were people who looked just as bad and some who looked worse. Although that was true, what did that have to do with me.

Upon my return home, I uploaded my photos to my computer and to my utter shock and dismay, the image that looked back at me was shameful. What was I thinking? I know! In a crowd, it's easy to justify wrong actions because everyone else is doing it. It takes that one bold and courageous person not to conform to evil for everyone else to acknowledge what should be obvious.

Needless to say, that lesson last summer did not cause an immediate change in my choice of attire. I've had to struggle with my old nature and the new creature I want to become. The two are constantly waring against each other. The flesh against the spirit. I see the same struggle going on with other Christians and am less apt to judge now. Now I know that the outward appearance is truly indicative of what is going on in the heart.

This could be a deeper religious discussion about dress, but that has to be something that the Holy Spirit convicts individual hearts about.

"Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

THE SEED OF ABRAHAM

Laying the Foundation!

1. God made a covenant (promise) with Abraham

  • Genesis 12:1-3 - "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
  • Genesis13:14-16 - "And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered."
  • Genesis 15:1-6 - "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."

Circumcision: Genesis 17:1-4 - "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine,
the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk
before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations."

Abram's name changed: Genesis 17:5 - "Neither shall thy name any more be
called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I
made thee."



Sarai's name changed: Genesis 17:15 - "And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be."

Covenant repeated to Sarah (through Issac): Genesis 17:19 - "And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him."



Each of the following will be expounded upon.

2. God confirmed the covenant (promise) with His people (Abraham becomes Israel)

3. God gave Daniel a Prophecy of the Messiah coming through the tribe of Judah

4. God's people rejected the Messiah and thus no longer become heirs of the promise [by birth]

5. God extended the covenant (promise) to the Gentiles (people of non-Jewish descent)

6. God made a way for the Gentiles to become the seed of Abraham [through faith]

7. God's covenant (promise) is still to the Jews, but now, not by birthright, but by faith in Jesus Christ


Monday, July 14, 2008

NO RULES, NOT RIGHT

What would our world be without rules? What if there were no commandments? Then what would our rules of society be based on?

1. We would be our own Gods or we would make Gods out of anything or anyone.


2. We could worship things made from gold, brass, metal, wood or other materials.

3. We could talk about the Creator anyway and make jokes about Him.

4. We would work ourselves sick or chose a day of man's choosing for rest and refreshing.

5. Children could disrespect and disregard their parents authority.

6. You could kill anyone who made you angry or just because you do not like them.

7. You can take your friend's or neighbor's husband or wife.

8. You can take another person's property if you wanted it.

9. You could lie when it suited your purposes.

10. You could envy or covet the belongings of other people (which would lead to #6,#7 or #8).


Think about it, if the commandments were nailed to the cross, then why are we bothering to live by any of them. We should just be doing what we want, whenever we want and for whatever reason we want. Our society would be a very unhappy place. We would be scared all the time and there would be no peace. Our world would be worst than it is now--like it was in the days before the flood.

The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. (Genesis 6:5,11,12)


Sunday, July 13, 2008

PARENTS JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND

Parents really do understand.

They understand the issues that matter. Parents also experienced peer pressure, feelings of inadequacy, selfishness, joy, lonliness, fear, doubt, pride, anger, relief, etc.


Though they may not be as technologically savvy, that can learned, just like their children are learning. But that does not disqualify them and me, for that matter, from identifying with the human issues children face.


If we had listened to our parents and respected their age and experience more, we would have saved ourselves from many mistakes and enjoyed more of life.

Children always think they are smarter than their parents. Like the Children of Israel, they have to go through many painful experiences unnecessarily before they realize the wisdom that is available to them.


To the mother whose son is rebelling against the family, she should realize that rebellion began in heaven with Lucifer, then with Adam and Eve, then with Cain and has continued through the ages. 2 Timothy 3:2 & Romans 1:30 states that in these last days, disobedience to parents will be one of the major issues to be dealt with. Where can she turn? To God! She has to pray and fast for her child like never before. All day, throughout the day. It's a committment, but God hears the prayers of the surrendered parent.


Lastly, there's a quote that says "more is caught then taught." We model behavior to our children. I may not be able to tell my children what is a podcast or what to do with an ipod (because I really don't), but I can model character to them. In the end, character is what really matters.


Parents, give yourselves a break. You've been a child once and that experience is invaluable to your child. Don't be ashamed to share with your child your successes and mistakes. Let them know that your advice was not just pulled from the air, nor is it being used to beat them over the head. Let them know that you love them and are accountable to God for how you raise them.


Thanks Atiba for giving me something to think about and practice in my own family.


Leuanna
Visit the HEAVEN BOUND Blog
http://www.http//jarsofoil.blogspot.com

This was a response originally published to the comments at
http://atibadesouza.blogspot.com/2008/06/parents-dilema.html

Friday, July 11, 2008

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH THROUGH THE AGES

The Church of the Old Testament

God's church stretches from Eden to Eden. Those who have obeyed God have been called by various names such as "the sons of God,"(see Genesis 6:2 and Romans 8:14) "the seed of Abraham*(see Isaiah 41:8 and Hebrews 2:16)", "the children of Israel,"(see Genesis 46:8 and Acts 10:36) or "Christians."(see Acts 11:26) They all have the same fundamental beliefs.


The Church of the Old Testament accepted the law of God as its rule of life

The Ten-Commandment law is unchangeable because it is an expression of God's character, which is universal, eternal, unchangeable (see Hebrews 13:8). Long before the commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, the people of God were keeping them. God said, "Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws." (Genesis 26:5)


God has had only one method of salvation, one standard of righteousness, all through the ages

We read in Psalm 105:8-11 that He made a covenant with Abraham, Issac and Jacob and the children of Israel for an everlasting covenant. God declares that that covenant was made forever, "the word which He commanded to a thousand generations." It is not correct to say that in Old Testament times people were under law and in New Testament times people were under grace. God has always maintained a harmony of law and grace. We are saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and when we have experienced this salvation and have entered into a saving relationship with Him, we delight to do His will (and keep His commandments).

The members of the Old Testament church showed their faith in the plan of salvation by offering a sacrifice. By faith they accepted God's plan, for the sacrifice was a symbol of the Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world. They became free men and women, new creatures through faith in the coming Messiah. The hope of the ages has always been the coming of the Lord.

God instructed the church members in Old Testiment times through prophets. Moses was the first writer whom God used to record permenent instructions for His church and to preserve the people's experiences for future generations. These inspired writings were read to the congregations on the seventh-day Sabbath and on other special occasions. These writings are known to us as the Old Testament.

Excerps Taken from Church Heritage: A Course in Church History

Bold emphasis and red references added

*more on "the seed of Abraham" in another Blog (http://jarsofoil.blogspot.com/2008/07/seed-of-abraham.html)

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

AMAZING DISCOVERIES

Here's a list of the videos or audios in the Total Onslaught Series that you may view on http://www.amazingdiscoveries.org/. Go to Media, then click on the series you want. There are also series on Healthy Living, Science and Music.

1. Just Another Man? (Jesus, Messiah or Impostor)

2. Where Jesus Walked

3. An advocate for our Time (An explanation of the Sanctuary)

4. The Mists of Time

5. The Man Behind the Mask

6. The Revelation of Jesus Christ

7. Seven Churches

8. Seven Seals

9. When Trumpets Sound

10. The Beast from the Bottomless Pit

11. The Secret Behind Secret Societies

12. Hidden Agenda

13. Battle of the Bibles

14. Changing the Word

15. Revolutions, Tyrants and Wars

16. The Islamic Connection

17. The Crime of All Ages

18. Two Beasts Become Friends

19. The Wine of Babylon

and many more

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

THE WORD OF GOD

Any bible topic must be studied with the Word of God in hand. The Torah or Pentatuch will give only part of the picture. The whole bible (old and new testiment) will give a comprehensive picture. I recommend the King James Version (KJV) along with the New International Version (NIV) to supplement.

For a study on why translation is so important, listen to "Changing the Word" (214B) and "Battle of the Bibles" (213B) by Professor Walter J. Veith on www.amazingdiscoveries.org or watch it on www.video.google.com by conducting a search by title.

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERIES

Beginning August 1st 2008, the Hyattsville Seventh-day Adventist Church will be hosting free weekly health seminars for the community. Programs will be held every Friday from 7:00-8:30pm through December 19, 2008.

Colon Health
Friday, August 1st, 2008
Venetta G. Kalu, ND, MPHA
Founder
Path of Life Wellness Center
www.drkalu.com/


Mental/Emotional Health
Friday, August 8th, 2008
Kim M. Barry, LICSW, LCSW-C
President
Rebound Center, Inc.


Childhood/Adolescent Health
Friday, August 15th, 2008
Joanna Carter
Executive Director
Flexible Family Fitness
www.flexiblefamilyfitness.com/


Physical Health/Everyday Addictions
Friday, August 22, 2008
Aldrenna P. Williams, MS
Health Education and Wellness Consultant


Your Health Your Choice
Friday, August 29, 2008
Professor Walter J. Veith
Amazing Discoveries
http://www.amazingdiscoveries.org/


Other upcoming topics include prostate health, domestic abuse, diabetes, etc. Please join us and bring your neighbors and friends.

Location:

Hyattsville Seventh-Day Adventist Church (Fellowship Hall)
4807 42nd Place (2 blocks south of the P.G. County Courthouse Bldg.)
Hyattsville, MD 20781

For questions, please contact Leuanna Matheson at 202-437-4867.

Monday, June 16, 2008

WHAT BRINGS HAPPINESS

Happy is he...



...whose hope is in the Lord (Psalm 146:5)

...that feareth always (Proverbs 28:14)

...that keepeth the law (Proverbs 29:18)

...that hath mercy on the poor (Proverbs 14:21)

...whom God correcteth (Job 5:17)

...who trusteth in the Lord (Proverbs 16:20)

...condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth [read whole chapter for its full context] (Romans 14:27)

...suffereth for righteousness' sake (1 Peter 3:14)

...hath his quiver full of them [children] (Psalsm 127:5)

...whose God is the Lord (Psalm 144:15)

Friday, June 13, 2008

WHO LIKES REJECTION?

Not me! I'd be willing to say, not you either. Even God doesn't like rejection. When the children of Israel asked Samuel for a King, the Lord said, "...for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." (1 Samuel 7:8)

Recently, I was struck with the thought that my life is spent doing mostly for me. There was nothing that I really did for the Lord. I felt pretty contented with the fact that I'm raising four children so that pretty much makes me exempt from active witnessing. For you it may be the many ministries you're involved in at church or the many charities and events you participate in in your community.

There is a belief that we witness just by existing and that you don't need to go out to witness about Jesus love and salvation--people will just see Christ in you. If that was the case, Jesus would have left it at, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

He did not leave it there, because later on, before His ascension, He said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19,20)

Believe you me, talking to strangers or even friends and acquaintances about Christ is not something I cherish. It's not me. I can't do it. That's not my gift. But did Jesus tell the disciples to go out witnessing if that was their special gift. No! Of the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12, witnessing is not one of them. We're all just asked to do it. Scary thought!

I walk around quoting, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," but then claim "can't" when I don't want to do something He asked me to do. Why?

Rejection! Preservation of Self! Plain and simple. The word of the Lord loses power for me when it comes in conflict with His will versus mine. Whether it's submitting to my husband, speaking kindly to my children, giving the smelly old man some change or saying good morning to the rude girl at the checkout, I'm in constant conflict between God's will and mine.

Let me wrap this up.

We have to tell people about Jesus. We have to look for opportunities to share the gospel with a spiritually dead world. We have to go where the lost are and not wait for them to come to us or ask us. They won't. They're in jeopardy of being lost. They don't know that there is a better way. We have to tell them. We can do it. Why? Becasue we "...can do all things through Christ who strengtens" us. (Philippians 4:13)

If they don't want to repent and be converted, they're not rejecting us, but God. Start with your own family members who don't follow Christ. From now on, every person you meet is someone who will either have eternal life or perish. God help us!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

WILL IT BE FOR NOTHING

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11)


My children are precious gifts to me from God. The more I study, the more this is evident. My responsibility and act of gratitude is to raise them to be fit citizens of a civil society and more importantly, to prepare them to inherit eternal life in Heaven. I spend time reading and researching about food and nutrition so that meals are nutritious and tasty. Countless hours are spent planning their academics so that they are prepared for life in the world around them. Even more time is spent teaching them biblical principles for living, because "what good is it if they gain the world, but lose their soul." More time is spent scheduling interesting educational trips so that what they read in books comes alive. Playdates are secured with their friends and relatives so that they cultivate their own godly relationships.

For all that, one would think that my children would be grateful and thankful. As sin would have it, they don't seem to be. Don't misunderstand me, they say "thank you" for meals that they like, for outings that they enjoy and for individual special time spent together doing something that they want to do.

What I'm talking about are the times that they complain because they don't get to do something they like, when schedules change, when I say "no", etc. And it's not just complaining, it's the attitude that goes along with it or the retaliation that is taken out against another sibling. They don't think about the love that I have for them or remember when things did go their way.

This made me think about our individual relationship with Jesus Christ. We all have one! Either it's a growing relationship or an estranged one.

God wanted so much to give us eternal life and save us from Satan's power over us through sin. God sent His only son, Jesus Christ, as our redeemer. Jesus gave up glory in Heaven to become like mortal man so that He could identify with us, show us how to live and yet purchase our salvation with His own precious blood.

Are we grateful for this gift of salvation like loving children should be? Do we murmur and complain against the Living God when life does not go our way? Are we thankful that He sent His son that we might have eternal life? Do we accept Jesus Christ as our loving saviour and friend or do we reject Him as just another man?

These are or were, just men. Some can even be classified as great.

John the Baptist
Michael Jordan
Jesus 12 Disciples
the Popes of Rome
Martin Luther
Elvis Presley
John Calvin
James White
Walter Cronkite
Tupak Shakur
Barak Obama
Derek Jeter
Gandhi
And the list goes on and includes every male who ever lived and those who died



For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16,17)

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Sinners in the hands of an angry God? NOT SO!!

"Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" (Ezekiel 33:11 - Read the whole chapter)



"But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath 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 hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? "
(Ezekiel 18:21-23, Read the whole chapter)



Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the LORD is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. (Ezekiel 18:27-32, Read the whole chapter)
God has two natures
"And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation." (Exodus 34:6,7)
Once Saved, Always Saved? No!
"But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die." (Ezekiel 18:24)


Tuesday, June 10, 2008

BE A NON-CONFORMIST

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" Romans 12:2

Monday, June 9, 2008

WHY BOTHER TO PRAY

  • Our prayers puts the answer in motion. God deserves the credit, so someone has to pray, otherwise we would think that we created the outcome ourselves or that it just happened by coincidence.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

OSTEOPEROSIS

A major health concern for older women is the degeneration of their bones. Known as Osteoperosis, this disease is caused by a depletion of calcium in your bones. We have been taught to drink milk, lots of it, to help combat this condition. Truth be told, the cow's milk that we've been drinking will not help.

Before I share with you some other "foods" that deplete calcium from your body, let me be honest. If you've been accustomed to believing everything you hear in the news or read in the newspapers or what you've been told, without doing some research and verification of you own, chances are that most of what you think is truth is not. This also pertains to religious matters. That is why the encouragement is given, "study to show thyself approved*." You've got to know why you believe what you believe, whether it's about religion or about health--Materials on this blog included.

Now back to Osteoperosis!

Alcohol
Coffee
Cola (aka soda, pop, aereated drinks, etc) - because of their high phosphoric acid content

These drinks deplete the calcium deposits in your bones. The young people that are consuming a regular diet of these beverages will not see the results until they get older, so it's not just an elderly problem.

Here's what you can do to help your bones.

Exercise - specifically weight bearing exercise like lunges, push ups, strength straining, etc. are very helpful in helping to strengthen your bones. Like I said, investigate for yourself and trust your instinct (aka The Holy Spirit which everyone has a measure of**). Only you know which exercises work for you. If you've never exercised or haven't done so in a while, start off slowly and build up to a good pace as you become stronger. Poor health doesn't happen overnight, nor will you repair the ill effects overnight.

Nutrition - foods like sunflower seeds, spinach, and other unprocessed food that God provides in nature are very benefitial because of their high calcium content.

Healthy Thinking - half of our health battles goes on in the mind. If we've purposed in our hearts to start eating healthy, exercising or refraining from habits that are killing us slowly, we are almost there. On the other hand, if we begin thinking about all the obstacles to our success before we even start, we're already defeated. Don't let the next family dinner two weeks from now or the office party one month from now, be the reason why you can't start now.

Our lives are too precious to lose because of bad food choices. It's time we put a stop to gluttony and sinful gratification of appetite.

*2 Timothy 2:15a
**1 John 3:24; John 1:9

N.B. No medical sources were quoted because you can find all this out for yourselves, if you haven't already.


Thursday, May 29, 2008

TEN COMMANDMENTS WEEKEND

*Note - all times are central

Friday, May 30, 2008
8:00-9:00pm Commandment #1 C.A. Murray
9:00-10:00pm Commandment #2 Jay Gallimore

Saturday, May 31, 2008
9:00-10:00am Commandment #3 Shelley Quinn

10:00-11:00am Music

11:00-12:00am Commandment #4 Stephen Bohr

Break

2:00-3:00pm Commandment #5 Mike Tucker
3:00-4:00pm Commandment #6 Kenneth Cox
4:00-5:00pm Commandment #7 David Asscherick
5:00-6:00pm Commandment #8 David Shin

Break

7:00-8:00pm Commandment #9 Frank Gonzalez
8:00-9:00pm Commandment #10 John Lomacang

"3ABN Camp Meeting and 10-Commandments Weekend will be combined and aired live on http://www.3abn.org/, May 28-31, 2008. Please invite the community and if you're local, join us for a special viewing at Hyattsville Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Friday, May 30 at 8:00pm (1st Commandment) and 9:00pm (2nd Commandment) and again on Sabbath, May 31 from 9:00am - 9pm (3rd through 10th Commandments). Feel free to stay for as many as you like. For more information about the rest of the programming schedule and speakers please visit http://www.3abncampmeeting.org/schedule.html." * all times are central

Church Address

4905 42nd Avenue (Off Rt. 1; 2 Blocks south of the courthouse)

Hyattsville, MD 20781



You may also call the church at 301-927-2080 or Pastor Samuel at 301-318-0133.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

MAY SHOWERS

Another month almost over. Hopefully, life is not continuing as usual. Sometimes it may seem like just another day, but it's not. It's one day closer to the return of Jesus Christ.



This month's blog is for homeschooling Moms and Dads or those thinking about homeschooling.

(1) On June 1st, Chaim Time School will be hosting their closing ceremonies for the school year। All homeschoolers, potential and interested parents are invited to attend. The program will feature the work that the children have accomplished during the past school year. Please come and support.


Place: Mt. Rainer Nature Center
Time: 4:00pm
Free


(2) Each morning at 7:00am there is a wonderful exercise program suitable for pre-schoolers, school-age, adults and the elderly. The background music is peaceful and undistracting and the moves are simple, yet effective.

Title: Body and Spirit

View online at http://www.3abn.org/



(3) At 8:00am and 8:00pm, Monday - Friday, you can listen to The Bible in Living Sound on the computer. These scripturally correct stories are a good addition to your own personal bible study.


Listen online at http://www.3abnradio.org/

Friday, April 18, 2008

CHRIST OUR HOPE

Jesus Christ is truly the hope of our sinful world. The Prophet Isaiah calls him, ..."Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). The name Jesus means, "Yahweh is Savior." Why? Because "...He will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

That's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Belief or unbelief does not change what is true. When the early explorers believed that the Earth was flat, that didn't change the shape of the Earth. As they investigated further, they discovered their error and truth was made known to them and they accepted it.

1 John 1:1-3 states that God manifested his love toward us through his son Jesus Christ. Christ died on the cross to redeem the world from sin (John 3:16). If we turn from sin and accept his salvation, He will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Jesus was resurrected from the grave and conquered the one thing that Satan brought to this Earth--Death (through sin). Christ then ascended into Heaven and is inviting people to Him and interceeding on our behalf. There is salvation in no one else. Luke testified, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus testified of himself, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).

Behold, Jesus will come again. His return is imminent. It will be literal. It will be visible by the whole world. It will be loud.

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come (Matthew 24:42).

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

...WHOM YOU WILL SERVE

The Great Controversy between Christ and His Angels and Satan and his Angels
by Ellen G. White
**1858 Edition

Chapter Titles 21-30

21. The Church and World United
22. William Miller
23. The First Angel's Message
24. The Second Angel's Message
25. Advent Movement Illustrated
26. Another Illustration
27. The Sanctuary
28. The Third's Angel's Message
29. A Firm Platform
30. Spiritualism

Listen to Chapters 21-30 by clicking the following link:http://www.audioverse.org/displayrecording/731/EllenGWhite-GreatControversy1858EditionCh21-30


Chapter Titles 31-41

31. Coveteousness
32. The Shaking
33. The Sins of Babylon
34. The Loud Cry
35. The Third Message Closed
36. The Time of Jacob's Trouble
37. Deliverance of the Saints
38. The Saint's Reward
39. The Earth Desolated
40. The Second Resurrection
41. The Second Death

Listen to Chapters 31-41 by clicking the following link:http://www.audioverse.org/displayrecording/732/EllenGWhite-GreatControversy1858EditionCh31-41