tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77460556734552111312024-03-14T08:39:45.772-07:00What's The Good News?Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-62282586954962326562017-09-10T07:22:00.002-07:002017-09-10T07:22:46.935-07:00God works all things, including destructive Hurricane's <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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God "works all things after the counsel of his will" (Ephesians 1:11).</div>
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"This 'all things' includes the fall of sparrows (Matthew 10:29), the rolling of dice (Proverbs 16:33), the slaughter of his people (Psalm 44:11), the decisions of kings (Proverbs 21:1), the failing of sight (Exodus 4:11), the sickness of children (2 Samuel 12:15), the loss and gain of money (1 Samuel 2:7), the suffering of saints (1 Peter 4:19), the completion of travel plans (James 4:15), the persecution<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"> of Christians (Hebrews 12:4-7), the repentance of souls (2 Timothy 2:25), the gift of faith (Philippians 1:29), the pursuit of holiness (Philippians 3:12-13), the growth of believers (Hebrews 6:3), the giving of life and the taking in death (1 Samuel 2:6), and the crucifixion of his Son (Acts 4:27-28)." ~John Piper</span></div>
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Hurricane Fran 1996</div>
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The GOES weather satellites took this image of Hurricane Fran just as it was beginning its disastrous journey north along the East Coast in 1996. The storm slammed into North Carolina's southern coast on September 5 with sustained winds of approximately 115 mph and gusts as high as 125 mph. At one point, 1.7 million customers in North Carolina and 400,000 customers in Virginia lost electricity. The storm caused about $5 billion in damages in North Carolina alone, making Fran the third most costly hurricane in U.S. history.</div>
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Date: August 1, 1996<br /><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fnasacommons%2F16468492330%2F&h=ATNUuYMcp3LeDK03whUVKqw74DkMh3noVtusQ3zmN4XhPq0oOFy9lCYsdNRePMe2l7-7kjE2wuumr7tsKeD0NzjuhJdQs7VU58uFZbge1r7j6Z7wB6iYCMiT12Xsu1P3BLi-YA4GRQV0UsDo5ml1qmBSXvsQKKqor2OrkXCRAnWiHtlzveOoOGzG6NNC8138Sb4WyXjWTPPZdyp_Gy8pPZuW0YEbsdJ8fz0YbmhZKdxJLBBj3y9e81K2xET8qvzWHmaZNg3yJ10AV7qrMciQRoS529QGwApNzqsDH-CjQUG32D1c8gCw" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/16468492330/" rel="noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasacommons/16468492330/</a></div>
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Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-35520253547312277462017-08-17T18:41:00.003-07:002017-08-17T18:41:50.300-07:00A Concise look at Roman Catholicism and the Functional worship of Mary<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px; word-wrap: break-word;">
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Article written by Dr. <a class="_2u0z" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1528692024" href="https://www.facebook.com/proslogos" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Edward Dalcour</a> </div>
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He is Senior Lecturer and Staff member of the Faculty of Theology at North-West University (SA). He also serves as Tutor and Mentor at Greenwich School of Theology in London (UK). Dr Dalcour is the President and Founder of the Department of Christian Defense. Dr. Dalcour holds a Master in Apologetics from Columbia Evangelical Seminary and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Dogmatic Theology from North-West University (Potchefstroom, SA). </div>
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It is fair to say that most Christians, including major Christian leaders and popular TV preachers (esp. those on TBN) see the Roman Catholic Church (hereafter <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">RCC</span>) as merely another *Christian* denomination. Mainly due to <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">(a)</span> a lack of theological understanding of essential biblical doctrines such as justification, <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">(b)</span> a lack of understanding as to what the RCC teaches on essential doctrines, and <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">(c)</span> a false perception of the RCC because of the humanitarian and “good works” preformed by Catholics.<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftn1&h=ATPnw2wUjcLHhksqCxP0SG_w5-3Yo23e1eAZ4a1HEhH-JXMDFFb8S9qlSJri2QR5AyteZwXQHsDYCmE1W8kkB6Ng0It6eMslacRKwHh0-o-FlAoT8zMkSvMsgBI7YHuIJJiuYu-JGUhJjBOUzAFGDgFJOg&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[1]</a> What is seemly clear, unfortunately, is that most Christians have never <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">objectively</span> investigated nor studied the distinctive theology of the RCC (let alone studied the *fundamental* doctrines of their own faith!).</h2>
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I will say at the onset, though, and as others have pointed out, there are really two categories, biblically speaking, that the RCC can fall under:</div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">1 The RCC is a</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">true</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">church with</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">significant errors,</span> or</div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">2. The RCC is a</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">false</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">church with</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">significant truths</span> (e.g., monotheism, the virgin birth, the physical resurrection of Christ, the incarnation, etc.)<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">.</span></div>
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However, anyone who has done even a cursory examination of the “official teachings” (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">ex cathedra</span>)<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftn2&h=ATOee742ltvbBGof5RxKn6r00DppOXiwONv3puncD813kLunCqUyfd5-cKl7vmQWOmg5GWgLzR1a3ikTpyjbkLD8voZBmTy50ymveJ7SCb1yUt1XADecx6P7w7hhB3OCzl8LkAE_sP48O1tCkK74s3pKPw&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[2]</a> of the RCC will see plainly and <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">in fact</span> that the <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">RCC rejects categorically essential biblical doctrines</span> such as justification through faith alone and Christ as the <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">sole means</span> of salvation and mediation (to name a few). And, of course, they reject the sufficiency of Scripture alone. For the Catholic: <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">the teachings of Rome are correct because Rome says they are</span>. As seen, in 1870 (Vatican I) <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Pope Pius IX</span> proclaimed: “I am tradition” and hence, the RCC’s doctrine of the <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">infallibility of the Pope</span> (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">ex cathedra</span>)<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftn3&h=ATO1JKc6GWRgjAKXnl7Dejkjfv7zzAojjocgFbPASULHByD88vNMeXB8ZW1-3fQh05aYcuu4YioJWig7vL1wDXLMcXAZtebMd8BOI6oPAldMuOlKRtQS1XQc5KPRnzlgKzCJBLLJbEKtBXKWBCMDAp84nw&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[3]</a> emerged.</div>
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For the Catholic, only the RCC has the authority to interpret the Bible. As Vatican II affirms, <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">“The task of authentically interpreting the Word of God, whether written or handed on, has been entrusted exclusively to the living teaching office of the Church”</span> (Vatican II, <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Dei Verbum</span>). Catholics are taught, therefore, that only the RCC can “correctly” interpret Scripture and define tradition.<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftn4&h=ATNttikBK_KvfaM4w8NPzbFcGhMb-vRKiBFfewe4TeGkhBKFgyyotjYkzD3N_frhn3vMJ0PHhZbRP24_WeVs-kl9UzAe5q4UBshpztJ68jiiX_4xRL1GTnEpQzhKN2GrB7syAF_upVwGr4TKjHZ6lIruWQ&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[4]</a> Consequently, <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">since the RCC is the *ultimate authority*</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">there can be no higher authority</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">or standard that can test the claims of the RCC since no higher authority can exist.</span></div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Mary of Nazareth</span></div>
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Scripture contains only a limited amount of information about Mary. However, she was, indeed, a very special woman. For God chose her among the women of the earth to bear the Savior, Jesus Christ. Yet, <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">she saw herself as being in the same category with other believers,</span> as she herself expressed, “my spirit has rejoiced in God <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">my Savior”</span> (Luke 1:47). She was a faithful, obedient, godly woman. Regardless of the limited biblical data, the RCC improperly exalts and <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">even worships her,</span> as clearly shown below. Aside from that, other Catholic Marian doctrines should be briefly mentioned (most of which developed throughout the centuries)<a href="http://www.christiandefense.org/Catholic.Mary.htm#_ftn5" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[5]</a> such as the <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Perpetual Virginity,</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Immaculate Conception</span> and Mary’s sinless life, Mary as the <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Mother of God,</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Our Queen of Heaven, Our Salvation,</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Co-Redemptrix, Co-Mediatrix, Our Advocate,</span><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftn6&h=ATNmD__t1Fu06Rj5l25XlXs_PQaecKacM7Eta4yn5t3OQEdhvipJ3RAH3VBCtdSTYw4jSYH7mLkHINbXaBEoOnthzQyujqdS0tbr63lTjjaz_wYLuSodzNHuq4SmQFn4ccF674jSxOV2zjAwZ9zZRwhugQ&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[6]</a> the <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Bodily Assumption</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">of Mary;</span> etc. <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Mary, the object of Catholic Worship.</span> Space precludes here to treat every doctrine of the RCC, however, some of the RCC’s key theological teachings regarding Mary should be revealed.</div>
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Many Protestants accuse Catholics of worshiping Mary, in which Catholics normally respond by saying, “Not at all, worship is to God alone, which we call <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">latria</span> (from the Greek verb <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latreuō,</span> "to worship, honor" )<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">,</span> but to Mary and the saints we give “veneration,” which we call <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">dulia</span>” (from the Greek verb <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">douleuō, "</span>to serve").</div>
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So, to avoid the charge of worshiping Mary (in the same sense as worshiping God), the RCC has developed (again, throughout the years) a doctrinal scheme that distinguishes two kinds of worship: <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">latria</span> (Gk. <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latreia</span>)<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftn7&h=ATNojm2vx5IwOYI6QJIk9iAP6aRJ6GjfeHjMszP3Xp-jSNXPHAA3SUb607MxzCPfw5Ip7vM7zqnGRaDHYAghViPHDttN82aSb13w8_6mWcUq4oZ4_jzqso-SVxe50oJUUonO4dQHT26G7SMJCfolKze-tg&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[7]</a> meaning, “honor,” which is to God alone and <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">dulia</span> (Gk. <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">duleia)</span> meaning, “servitude” (veneration), which is given to the saints; however, Mary is to receive <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">“hyper-dulia,”</span> which is the highest form of <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">dulia.</span> In this way, Catholics can avert the charge of idolatry when they <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">pray to Mary</span> and the saints and <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">bow before statues</span> while reciting the Rosary.</div>
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But is this distinction of between <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">latria</span> and <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">dulia</span> biblically valid? Does Scripture permit and even teach that Christians should give <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">dulia</span> to creatures and <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">hyperdulia</span> to Mary in a <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">religious context</span>? Absolutely not! <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Praying to Mary (and the saints) bowing before statues of her, giving her “hyperdulia” is pure idolatry,</span> hence, creaturely worship<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">. Note the following:</span></div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">1.</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Three forms of the same thing--which is functional "worship:</span> <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latria</span>, which is the highest form of worship—reserved for God alone, <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">dulia</span>, which is given to saints, and <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">hyperdulia</span> (the highest form of <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">dulia</span>), which is given to Mary.</div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">2.</span> But, as John Calvin accurately observed, in Scripture the distinction between <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latria</span> and <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">dulia</span> “is somewhat blurred.” (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Institutes,</span> I:12:2). Although, if this distinction is granted, then, as Calvin stated,</div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">“it is greater to be enslaved</span> [<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">dulia</span>] <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">than to honor</span> [<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latria</span>]. <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">For it would very often be hard for you to be enslaved to one whom you are not unwilling to honor. Thus it would be unequal dealing to assign to the saints what is greater [</span><span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">dulia</span><span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">] and leave to God what is lesser [</span><span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">latria</span><span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">]”</span> (ibid.).</div>
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His point was clear: what is given to the saints and Mary (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">dulia,</span> servitude) is of greater value than what is given to God (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latria,</span> honor).</div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">3.</span> Regarding idols and false gods, God commands in Exodus 20:5: <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">“You shall not</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">worship</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">them or</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">serve</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">them; for I the LORD your God, am a jealous God.”</span> The term translated “serve” is from the Hebrew word <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">abad.</span> The "most frequent English translation of the term is ‘to serve.’”<a href="http://www.christiandefense.org/Catholic.Mary.htm#_ftn8" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[8]</a> In fact, both “to serve” and “worship” are translated from the same word, <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">abad</span> in many places in the OT<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">.</span><a href="http://www.christiandefense.org/Catholic.Mary.htm#_ftn9" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[9]</a> Further, the Septuagint (LXX)<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftn10&h=ATNu-jSq597Z3dINJCSnYGciAjs3y39KvepqBE9duoTRA34Yy-68Jh8U53TevIrVfORt3R1JV1nZfVu-QWlVuAwjzBVPqvfOnXATbvwCOd0BIYxBshxVwSdxIBqJr7JKYWP5b7izB-DyS6EEch-tcFgSUw&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[10]</a>translates <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">abad</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">as both</span> <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">douleuō/duleia</span> and <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latreuō/latreia.</span> Thus, there <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">no distinction made between the terms</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">in the context of religious worship—to give</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">dulia</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">is to give</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">latria.</span> </div>
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In Galatians 4:8, Paul says, “when you did not know God, you <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">were slaves</span> to those which by nature are no gods.” The phrase “were slaves” (or “you served”) is from the verb <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">douleuō.</span><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftn11&h=ATNfhv8OaQ_MLt1noRdnRr5Cj1FRg2yNG9eSvXM9YtuCu0WhO7Jxwjd48d3zfwi7c9VfKCvsgJzkjO9lnW46YSzHrfEdNE3pD4FQLyH6N_FwWBnDMCQwazFezDQc1C9dAsII_tYUTcqW5irYJVO2fOWA3g&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[11]</a> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Paul was clear: "to serve"</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">(i.e., to give</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">dulia</span><span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">)</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">anyone other than God in a religious context</span><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftn12&h=ATMw4WROoYy9PP7a2gGY2wAZJYve_fI57vYcsYepW9xYF77XBS4eRLxQMkpDI0wLVhqRO4y_a65Sw_DpJEZRI-ltkiwhXPs0TrKUfARBlCXX0ejXTJQxqEDpg5He55pINz8iOhZmOChKa6tP5va0cQJ5jA&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[12]</a> i<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">s wrong—it is idolatry.</span></div>
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Hence, when Catholics <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">pray</span> to the Mary (and the saints, which is clearly an act or religious worship), bow before statues, give Mary <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">hyperdulia,</span>etc., they are doing the very thing in which God prohibits. Thus, we must see Catholics as men and women in need of evangelism. <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Aside from rejecting Christ alone as the</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">sole means</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">of salvation, justification</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">through faith alone,</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">and</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Scripture alone</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">as the sole authoritative rule of faith, Catholics engage in creaturely worship.</span></div>
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Although Catholics, <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">in their mind,</span> do not give Mary "worship" reserved to God alone. However, by giving her so-called <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">dulia,</span> that is, <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">hyperdulia</span>(hyper-service/enslavement), they functionally give her religious "worship," which is reserved for God alone and prohibited by God, who commanded His people: </div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">“You shall not</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">worship</span> <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">them or</span> <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">serve</span> [Heb. <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">abad</span>] <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">them; for I the LORD your God, am a jealous God”</span> (Exod. 20:5).</div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">“When you did not know God, you were slaves [</span><span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">douleuō</span><span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">] to those which by nature are no gods”</span> (Gal. 4:8).</div>
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<span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Notes</span></div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref1&h=ATMqwXcqYNZDEZzjzfTSEXfrWR0SHYYGmW-ysvl_T89jS0FGyS5bRGM6dhJNW4YUl-i3H-Llfi_hamod3qQFmI9zQLM4s2Hty-Cl3q5MQ9YNqxymANJ6x49eRPnEdA8aR_daHnUh5pEMVvf7JAHGpg0ZaQ&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[1]</a> There are other issues that influence many Christians to assume <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">automatically</span> that the RCC is a true Christian church. For example, <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Mel Gibson</span> is applaud and thus <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">assumed</span> as *Christian* by many Christians and prolific Christian voices such as <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">James Dobson</span> for his recent movie, <span class="_4yxo _4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Passion.</span> But Gibson is a <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">*traditionalist* Catholic.</span> “Traditionalists” hold strictly to only Vatican I rejecting Vatican II (1962) mainly because of various changes implemented by Vatican II. However, they hold tenaciously to the same heresies as that of the modern RCC (esp. Marian worship, rejection of justification through <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">faith alone,</span> etc.) and affirm the pre-Vatican II RCC’s teaching that <span class="_4yxo" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">“there is no salvation outside the RCC”</span> (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">extra Ecclesia, nullus salus</span>): “There is but one universal Church of the faithful, outside which no one at all is saved” (<span class="_4yxp _4yxr" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; text-decoration-line: underline;">Pope Innocent III, Fourth Lateran Council, 1215</span>); “We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff” (<span class="_4yxp _4yxr" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; text-decoration-line: underline;">Pope Boniface VIII, papal bull, Unam Sanctam, 1302</span>).</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref2&h=ATNB7sB3RanLOHMaBhHJB6WOHIpwNXsVAe4_E8lMSXI2Adrc-BgNWOOWZpXiY7zCWi02hpSUZli2JDVu9JiDk1s6ICcUUR14AY-hD_4VnYIwlObu6CspyqISSp0-L6YsN_55zFjyA_rHWGxGdYVwh_8hMA&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[2]</a> <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Ex Cathedra</span> (lit., “from the chair) was proclaimed as Catholic dogma in 1870. See Pope Boniface’s statement above.</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref3&h=ATPvU4EXH4drr2f6fwrHdIrBVXdE96CRjDg8JE7SC1WJZLf25tA6jkgcT0pSuUJqPPDEwe48-osNRuAoIEMYUyuTMQogw3M98fSCChIyuku_Qp-LIs4vmPUuFt9qJ7VDP_JHNRdCwVVz7zUXPzF6IWx_0Q&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[3]</a> See note 2 above.</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref4&h=ATP5OUXGXzGIVpUMaxU5CcSJ9WjSvYTYaSuk91sdEPV-pWKUySw1Og0wZWnUKbKhS9eSFPaM1NbHJGTrTo6xxto6qizbcJ9FxVrRBrsMdTwR5Ft2PodkPjz29p9rltOGe09JCkcM9oM1csxMIEY3ysEHPQ&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[4]</a> *Tradition* is basically the writings of the early church Fathers. Even though there existed thousands of traditions many upon which were in disagreement among church Fathers (such as the Matt. 16:18 interpretation), Catholics must believe <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">without question</span> (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">fides implicita</span>) how Rome defines tradition. Further, the RCC teaches that “Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence” (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Catechism of the Church,</span> para. 82).</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref5&h=ATPz8EuDOQLwN6Aliz5BoQsA92wAxkZ4qNQWwNzWWM-NxOsfKflWscCVLEt1u5r0je4GYo6mlE7Q2HXnhVp30moDVCAOLOnHR7fs7z_iaynELdvTBymg_RN0cnK-K2zE0bbk6d-dZeyBWAGh7gzTnBSeWg&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[5]</a> Example, the Catholic doctrine of the <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Assumption of Mary</span> was not officially pronounced (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">ex cathedra</span>) until 1950!</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref6&h=ATMglN2uqqVzChXUSmuCQjscjBhiurYItk3Uu6tDmLW5voUbVB9kVF0xuiZtj2uIjhFRDo1s4LmLUfhNmqb18O26oCgrC8xFjmbtz5EyG3oMxJU9SdTWuSZ7y5FtZb4x7zljYs64N9WLKKdL1MTOx9VePw&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[6]</a> Accurately explaining the official Catholic teaching regarding Mary as Our Queen, Our Life, Our Hope, Our Mediatress, Our Advocate, and Our Salvation, etc., St. Alphonsus Ligouri, who was a “canonized saint” designated as a “Doctor of the Church” writes in his renowned book, <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">The Glories of Mary:</span></div>
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for as angels and men . . . are subject to the empire of God, so are they also under the dominion of Mary” (36).</div>
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There can be no doubt . . . Mary was made mediatress of our salvation. . . . St. Bonaventure says that Mary is called “the gate of heaven because no one can enter that kingdom without passing through her . . . . Go to Mary, for she will intercede for thee with the Son. . . .” (160, 201).</div>
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the clients of Mary will be saved. . . . And St. Bonaventure [says]: “He who neglects the service of the blessed Virgin will die in his sins.” Again, “He who does not invoke thee, O Lady, will never get to heaven” (210, 221-22).</div>
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Both Vatican I and II confirm these Marian teachings. For example, a major document that come from the Second Vatican Council (1962), entitled, <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Lumen Gentium,</span> the <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Dogmatic Constitution on the Church,</span> proclaims in unambiguous terms these outrageous Marian doctrines (viz. sections fifty-second—sixty-ninth) such as when Mary was “Taken up to heaven . . . by her manifold intersession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation. . . . Therefore the Blessed Virgin Mary is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix” (sec. 62).</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref7&h=ATPWcFOLJw8QQxpBofR-UNO5SngNT-OVSJmtp9DuU1wTc7V3qXSKL2X9sczHd_US9kBVtJC5FS-lhxsesakZvJgP5WeIZt51VzxihAr74kg3X-4uQgxBQtRYwU11I2WOENmvS80ch8KoMdG0jAlTi6Ef0g&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[7]</a> <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Latreia</span> (<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latreian</span>) is translated as “service of worship” (NASB) in Romans 12:1.</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref8&h=ATMqmTb3EOzmqHvgja7qM3cet5UtAxOrELlUoxBIg6TR0las3s9y7hC8PiZUeNlafxJQFGKidyyg2nIPsHePjDS-e4rQd6sGRDz-eSKy_xv1gk1XlhfKSiEkxU8CNeUM6CxE9BQifwMHAR1KssEg2bekPg&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[8]</a> Cf. James White, <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">The Roman Catholic Controversy,</span> 210).</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref9&h=ATNlfp-aZhoW4UQ_QQgY209AWAKKFIwNa2T-U4td26rCgyHbzhez8ZM0gETeqeiFoK_gBkRgBHVGzIi8jTol1d9-trVBe_Wr37HhhBxHjL372C0pGRXGjDK5HFRmgCyRxjfMAIwZ3uZ3WVOHOVKn4f744g&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[9]</a> The English translators determine whether to translate <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">abad</span> as “to serve” or “worship.” For there is no difficulty understanding the meaning in Hebrew—both “to serve” and “worship” are united under the same term—<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">abad,</span> “you cannot separate the two” (ibid.). In Exodus 20:5 of the LXX (see note below), the term “serve” is from <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latreuō—</span>thus, both <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">latria</span> and <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">dulia</span> mean the same thing (esp. in religious contexts).</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref10&h=ATPYaHEIVHvJDAtBktlEM0-LhmD6HAsy3MRWgezXFA3CCFK6vQ0F4XyZLOlKXjcNL7I0XC4gTESaFtTjpO0-BxiNqkBOQ5h2Hv5Q1GRidYLAI2BVWuBLncFZwgTCdlYVN4zLoYrCMrZaCFhG2rGPXaN3Qg&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[10]</a> The Septuagint (LXX) was the Greek translation of the OT.</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref11&h=ATOq5oS9PqOghguoxzSRKU5GGdKZbmc08Y1-Dovf7CORx7IQ5HpysGLFfkB2wTWRLKk6Wznyo388Q6lCqYU2SAP3mMIIC9pPCcszFsUUmEzeC2IaMU0LyglICIx6f1AKI9v1mR5C21mFi431HQ908l2uZQ&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[11]</a> The noun being <span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">duleia</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.christiandefense.org%2FCatholic.Mary.htm%23_ftnref12&h=ATOr4iTyqvl_AWlFrf0RR8FKqjBXlORrtXnGuXvlnoc8454XRxLHcwd_ONhZ3-9vt3xVya-1a808FVQGSP7N2DIesTz3FU67GtEVP96qaKr5IXFr5Q5BIQ6Lw-FX4bT6qFvcVEv2dUxFDMIH5prY0lCWyA&s=1" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">[12]</a> Of course, there are places in Scripture where men honored and served others, but it was never in a religious context. For when Cornelius bowed before Peter, Peter rightly stopped him saying, “I too am just a man” (Acts 10:25-26).</div>
Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-5166055386032734532017-06-17T12:20:00.001-07:002017-06-17T12:20:18.616-07:003 Short Sermons Preached at a Kid's Camp - Paul Washer<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tQwnF-AIZXM" width="480"></iframe>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-70474862174916223612016-11-24T06:59:00.001-08:002016-11-24T06:59:42.076-08:00Oneness Unitarian Theology - Eddie Dalcour P.h.d<iframe width="459" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HAj7zWGCQLo" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-38295288253216528732016-11-18T05:37:00.001-08:002016-11-18T05:37:44.071-08:00Romans 10:1 - Recap of Chapter 9 - Intro to 10 - Dalcour Bible<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l7mZkbh8D2I" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-65097163355839242222016-11-09T19:56:00.000-08:002016-11-09T19:56:02.728-08:00A Vote Against Corruption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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by <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/109283095184155585757" target="_blank">+Dru Morgan</a> </div>
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<i>I think a big problem is that the left STILL has no idea why they lost. They think that half the country (those hicks in the red states) voted for Trump so they could reestablish the "white man" in his place of power, rounding up brown people, women, and gays and throwing them into concentration camps. <br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" />They have this fundamental straw man built up and lash out by calling all these other Americans, "racist, misogynist, homophobic bigots', yelling it all the louder, and getting more confused why they didn't make a connection. <br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" />This was not a vote against women. This was not a vote against people of color. This was not a vote against sexual orientation. How dare you accuse a whole group of people of such hateful stances.<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" />This was a vote against Democrats AND Republicans and the corruption running rampant in the system, and fiscal and International policies that hurt ALL Americans. <br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;" />You might argue against the specifics of which policy will work and which will not. But, until you get past the ad hominem attacks, claiming that everyone that has a different idea than you do is a sexist, you will always be confused as to why you lost. </i></div>
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Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-31749726793569019162016-10-07T23:57:00.001-07:002016-10-08T00:13:25.158-07:00The media is like a scandal sheet. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">"...a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others." Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">φλύαρος - Gossipy</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />"At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention." 1 Timothy 5:13</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">"He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: arimo, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">gossip." Proverbs 20:19</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, "Century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">"You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness." Exodus 23:1</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: #23221f; font-family: "open sans" , "arial" , "century gothic" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">"Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">French Mayor takes a stand against 7,000 Islamic Muslim Refugees</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">The Calais jungle was once a popular tourist town in France, but over the past year, it has been turned into a third-world ghetto after being taken over by Muslim refugees. Now, violence is rampant in the once ritzy community, and in the wake of the Nice terrorist attack, the local mayor has finally had enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">According to DC Clothesline, thousands of migrants in the Calais ‘Jungle’ will soon lose their makeshift homes after Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart announced that the northern half of the camp is set to be demolished. She added that the remaining half of the camp will soon be destroyed as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">“We can’t wait any longer, we need to know as soon as possible when and how the Jungle will be torn down,” she said. “It is absolutely urgent for this town, its people and its businesses.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Liberals are furious about this of course, but we’re glad to see France finally taking a stand against Muslim refugees. SHARE if you think this camp should be DESTROYED!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">Attention: Facebook is censoring the American Column website. Unable to provide link to article on Facebook or Twitter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a href="http://americancolumn.com/breaking-french-mayor-declares-war-muslims-makes-devastating-move-7000-islamic-refugees/"><span style="font-size: small;">http://americancolumn.com/breaking-french-mayor-declares-war-muslims-makes-devastating-move-7000-islamic-refugees/</span></a></div>
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Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-9397639001063982832016-09-12T06:28:00.000-07:002016-09-12T06:28:08.324-07:00CAN SUFFERING BE GOOD?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otR2N67ennM/V9atMEeK8oI/AAAAAAABw-E/JscVuF5nZ8srU-tXW00Y5TIQ_lVUfBPcwCLcB/s1600/2962487419_a4e5961913_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otR2N67ennM/V9atMEeK8oI/AAAAAAABw-E/JscVuF5nZ8srU-tXW00Y5TIQ_lVUfBPcwCLcB/s320/2962487419_a4e5961913_o.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation." 2 Corinthians 1:3–4</div>
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"We often don’t pause to consider that God can turn the evil of suffering into a lesson for good, a lesson we can use to grow spiritually. Sometimes suffering in the form of persecution comes simply because we do not want to compromise our faithfulness to the Lord. Many other times it is mere<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">ly the common pain, hardship, disease, and conflicts resulting from sin’s corruption of the world."</span></div>
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"Sometimes, however, God does bring suffering as a means to discipline us when we fall into a pattern of sin. That’s what happened to Ananias and Sapphira in the early church (see Acts 5:1–11). </div>
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Similarly, God punished some members of the Corinthian church for their flagrant sins (1 Cor. 11:29–30)."</div>
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"Whatever the case, you do not have to view suffering as bad. It can teach you kindness, sympathy, humility, compassion, patience, and gentleness. Most important, God can use suffering in unique ways to draw you closer to Him."</div>
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MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : a daily touch of God’s grace (p. 277). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman. <a href="http://www.gty.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.gty.org</a></div>
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Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-19618189714737622842016-09-09T02:56:00.003-07:002016-09-10T19:18:00.993-07:00How to have a quiet time.<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">-By Pastor Steve Sanchez of Community Church of the Hills (CCH) Johnson City, Texas (with a lot of help from others).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Lowering the bar for newbies)</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mark 1:35: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is a “Quiet Time”? They are also known as “Daily Devotions”, “Personal Devotions,” or “The Morning Watch.” These terms describe a regular time with God through Bible study, meditation and prayer.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• When do you have yours?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• How important is spending time with God to you?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are too busy to spend some time with God, then you are too busy!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want to know a busy woman? Susanna Wesley (pictured), the mother of John and Charles Wesley. She could have said she was too busy because she had 19 children!</span></div>
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What did she do? It is said that in the middle of the day, she’d sit down in her chair and pull an apron over her head to read the Bible and pray. The kids knew not to disturb mama when she had her quiet time.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">One mother overheard her 3-year-old daughter answer the phone in the next room while doing her devotions: “My mom is having her emotions now. Can she call you back?”</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Someone called the morning quiet time, “turning the dial until we tune in to God’s wavelength—then we get the message.”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Henry <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: normal;">Blackaby</span>, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">founder of Blackaby Ministries International and an influential evangelical pastor said,</span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “Try not to think of the time you spend with God as a duty. The purpose of a quiet time is for you to get to know God. And as you come to know Him, you can walk out of your special times with God enjoying a living relationship with Him that you can cultivate all day long — throughout all your life.”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 46:10—Be still and know that I am God.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spurgeon: “If we are weak in communion with God we are weak everywhere.”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">D.L.Moody said, “We ought to see the face of God every morning before we see the face of man.”</span><br />
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<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China said that your devotions ought to be in the morning because “You don’t tune up the instruments after the concert is over. That’s stupid. It’s logical to tune them up before you start!”</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not only did Jesus have his quiet time in the morning but so did the following:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• Abraham (Genesis 19:27);</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• Job (Job 1:5);</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• Jacob (Genesis 28:18);</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• Moses (Exodus 34:4);</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• Hannah and Elkanah (1Sam 1:19 );</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• David—Psalm 5:3—In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The founder of the Navigators Ministry, Dawson Trotman, actually had two quiet times: morning and evening. Whenever he had a crowd of people over at his house or he was with his wife, and he sensed the conversation was ending he would use this code: H.W.L.W.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">He would say, “All right, H. W. L. W.” Then a passage of Scripture would be quoted without comment and all would go to sleep. </span><span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: roboto, robotodraft, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">H.W.L.W. stood for “His Word the Last Word.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko3oNOlUamQ/V9KJiF892SI/AAAAAAABw4Y/uUZV_asuDFM7RSRjq-dDMc12tBBOgJT0ACLcB/s1600/charles_spurgeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko3oNOlUamQ/V9KJiF892SI/AAAAAAABw4Y/uUZV_asuDFM7RSRjq-dDMc12tBBOgJT0ACLcB/s1600/charles_spurgeon.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spurgeon: “In the morning” is the fittest time for…God. An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening. Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night. Devotion should be both the morning star and the evening star.”</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have a problem getting up in the morning, you can do what one of the Cambridge 7 (pictured) did to make sure he didn’t miss “The Morning Watch.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHuRapMmUgk/V9KFs1hjsvI/AAAAAAABw3Y/MWvWUV0ZX4YW_7IDfILoCGpuJ_hEd17MwCLcB/s1600/14192190_10209491063809562_6218143756500520244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHuRapMmUgk/V9KFs1hjsvI/AAAAAAABw3Y/MWvWUV0ZX4YW_7IDfILoCGpuJ_hEd17MwCLcB/s1600/14192190_10209491063809562_6218143756500520244_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Cambridge 7 were a group of prominent athletes who were wealthy and educated. They gave up everything to be missionaries in China. Their plan was to spend the first minutes of a new day alone with God, praying and reading the Bible.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">One man had trouble getting up in the morning so he invented an automatic, foolproof cure for laziness. It was a contraption set up by his bed: “The vibration of an alarm clock set fishing tackle in motion, and the sheets, clipped to the line, moved swiftly into the air off the sleeper’s body.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2THe7nAJPc/V9KL39kc5xI/AAAAAAABw4k/uF_w3tx9qIcRS9P0ZB6-t9MEvMHx-gomwCLcB/s1600/51%252BB%252BWzM7ML._SL960_AA960_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2THe7nAJPc/V9KL39kc5xI/AAAAAAABw4k/uF_w3tx9qIcRS9P0ZB6-t9MEvMHx-gomwCLcB/s320/51%252BB%252BWzM7ML._SL960_AA960_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.familychristian.com/seven-minutes-with-god-how-to-plan-a-daily-quiet-time.html">http://www.familychristian.com/seven-minutes-with-god-how-to-plan-a-daily-quiet-time.html</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Robert D. Foster recommends “7 Minutes with God”: You could call it a daily “7-Up.” 5 minutes may be too short, and 10 minutes for some is a little too long at first.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you willing to take 7 minutes every morning? Not 5 mornings out of 7, not 6 days out of 7, but 7 days out of 7! Pray this the night before: “Lord, I want to meet You the first thing in the morning for at least seven minutes. Tomorrow when the alarm clock goes off at 6:15 a.m., I have an appointment with You.”</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is how you spend those 7 minutes: After getting out of bed and taking care of your personal needs, find a quiet place and with your Bible enjoy God for 7 minutes.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first 30 seconds: Prepare your heart. Thank Him for the good night of sleep and the opportunities of the day.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next 4 minutes: Read your Bible. Your greatest need is to hear some word from God. Start with Mark. Read for the pure joy of reading and allowing God to speak—perhaps just 20 verses…</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next 2 ½ minutes: He spoke to you; you now speak to him.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another method is….</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The A.C.T.S. METHOD OF PRAYER</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• A: ADORATION: Tell the Lord that you love Him. Reflect on His greatness, His power, His majesty, and sovereignty. (Psalm 145 is wonderful for doing this.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• C: CONFESSION: Having seen Him you now want to be sure every sin is cleansed and forsaken. (Psalms 32 and 51 are great helps.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• T: THANKSGIVING: Thank Him for everything!!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">• S: SUPPLICATION: Everything else.”</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not become devoted to the habit, but to the Savior.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus had his quiet time because he knew his day needed it. And I can guarantee that when you start, you will get interrupted. Jesus was not immune to this fact.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mark 1:36-37—36: "Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: 'Everyone is looking for you!'”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">BOOM! The day started. That was it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Isn't that how yours always starts, too?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #212121; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://msu.edu/user/navs/7minutes.html">https://msu.edu/user/navs/7minutes.html</a></span><br />
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<br />Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-86345515291750260852016-04-14T00:47:00.001-07:002016-04-14T00:47:25.957-07:00AUDACITY: Love Can't Stay Silent<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tbPu2rtmDbY" width="480"></iframe>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-85646238389445458102016-04-14T00:31:00.001-07:002016-04-14T00:32:12.227-07:00It's Too Hard For A Muslim to Pray<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
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<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 19.32px;">The Muslim must pray 5 times a day. As it is written in Vol. 1 - Salat Book VIII. 345. Narrated Abu Dharr.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 19.32px;">50 prayers were reduced to 5 prayers by Mohammeds bargaining with his god. It is because the Muslim can not bear it to pray any more. It is too difficult for him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;">The Christian prays without ceasing. The Christian is able to bear it and rejoice in it.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;">"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1901214279"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 19.32px;"><a href="http://www.gracechurch.org/About/Gospel">www.gracechurch.org/About/Gospel</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qi1kCOXl_E/Vw9GiuWy9bI/AAAAAAABuTo/mj_EVntULqAdeff-ol4_0ZwMTLNppuP2gCLcB/s1600/12938345_10207451894390214_6319755414861149678_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qi1kCOXl_E/Vw9GiuWy9bI/AAAAAAABuTo/mj_EVntULqAdeff-ol4_0ZwMTLNppuP2gCLcB/s320/12938345_10207451894390214_6319755414861149678_n.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 19.32px;">Photo: My friend Jeff leading a Muslim to Christ at NoHo Metro Station.</span></div>
</span>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-66317094718385304202015-12-13T23:58:00.001-08:002015-12-13T23:58:52.378-08:00Presumptuous B.K.S. lyengar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">B. K. S. Iyengar was a presumptuous and proud man. He prophesied false visions, divination, futility and the deception of his own mind. Lyengar sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD. (ref. Jeremiah 14:14)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">lyengar is quoted as saying, "You have not understood the working of your body, yet you want God-realization?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">Realize this, that "bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">Lyengar died at the age of 95 but, the world continues to celebrate the detestable actions of this nasty man.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">He did not speak for God, but, instead he spoke as from the world, and the world continues to listen to him. (ref. 1 John 4:5)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." 1 John 2:16</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">Unfortunately for Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">"...it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment." Hebrews 9:27</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">It suffices to say that B.K.S. lyengar did not believe in the Creator of the Universe and because he did not believe, he has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (ref. John 3:18)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;">And as it is written in John 8:24, Jesus said, "for unless you believe that I AM, you will die in your sins." </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><a class="ot-anchor aaTEdf" dir="ltr" href="http://www.gracechurch.org/About/Gospel" jslog="10929; track:click" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #427fed; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.218s;" target="_blank">www.gracechurch.org/About/Gospel</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;" /><a class="ot-anchor aaTEdf" dir="ltr" href="http://biblehub.com/nasb/genesis/1.htm" jslog="10929; track:click" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #427fed; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.218s;" target="_blank">http://biblehub.com/nasb/genesis/1.htm</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 9.1px;"></span>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-90943857184392222782014-09-18T21:01:00.000-07:002014-09-18T21:10:35.376-07:00True Love - John MacArthur<br />
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Dr. Karl Menninger, the famous psychiatrist and founder of the Menninger Clinic, has written that “Love is the medicine for our sick old world. If people can learn to give and receive love, they will usually recover from their physical or mental illness.”<br />
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The problem, however, is that few people have any idea of what true love is. Most people, including many Christians, seem to think of it only in terms of nice feelings, warm affection, romance, and desire. When we say, “I love you,” we often mean, “I love me and I want you.” That, of course, is the worst sort of selfishness, the very opposite of agapē love.<br />
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Alan Redpath tells the story of a young woman who came to her pastor desperate and despondent. She said, “There is a man who says he loves me so much he will kill himself if I don’t marry him. What should I do?” “Do nothing,” he replied. “That man doesn’t love you; he loves himself. Such a threat isn’t love; it is pure selfishness.”<br />
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Self–giving love, love that demands something of us, love that is more concerned with giving than receiving, is as rare in much of the church today as it was in Corinth. The reason, of course, is that agapē love is so unnatural to human nature. Our world has defined love as “romantic feeling” or “attraction,” which has nothing to do with true love in God’s terms.<br />
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The supreme measure and example of agapē love is God’s love. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). Love is above all sacrificial. It is sacrifice of self for the sake of others, even for others who may care nothing at all for us and who may even hate us. It is not a feeling but a determined act of will, which always results in determined acts of self–giving. Love is the willing, joyful desire to put the welfare of others above our own. It leaves no place for pride, vanity, arrogance, self–seeking, or self–glory. It is an act of choice we are commanded to exercise even in behalf of our enemies: “I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:44–45). If God so loved us that, even “while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Rom. 5:10; Eph. 2:4–7), how much more should we love those who are our enemies.<br />
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With the same love by which the Father sent Jesus into the world, Jesus “loved His own who were in the world” and “He loved them to the end” (John 13:1). A more literal translation would be, “He loved them to perfection,” or “to completion.” Jesus loved to the fullest degree and measure. He loved to the limits of love.<br />
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MacArthur, John. F., Jr. (1984). 1 Corinthians. MacArthur New Testament Commentary (329). Chicago: Moody Press. <a href="http://www.gty.org/" target="_blank">www.gty.org </a>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-34558308728463148452014-05-23T19:37:00.001-07:002014-05-23T19:37:25.383-07:00Deliberate Sin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> Hebrews 10:26</span><br /><u><a href="http://biblehub.com/nasb/hebrews/10.htm">http://biblehub.com/nasb/hebrews/10.htm</a></u><br /><br />10:26 <b>we</b>. The author is speaking rhetorically. In verse 39, he excludes himself and genuine believers from this category. <b>sin willfully</b>. The Greek term carries the idea of deliberate intention that is habitual. The sin is rejecting Christ deliberately. These are not isolated acts. According to the Mosaic legislation, such acts of deliberate, premeditated sin required exclusion from the congregation of Israel (cf. Numbers 15:30, 31) and from its worship (cf. Exodus 21:14). Such sins also excluded the individual from sanctuary in the cities of refuge (cf. Deuteronomy 19:11–13). <b>knowledge</b>. The Greek term denotes specific knowledge, not general spiritual knowledge (cf. Hebrews 6:4; cf. 1 Timothy 2:4). Though the knowledge was not defective or incomplete, the application of the knowledge was certainly flawed. Judas Iscariot is a good example of a disciple who had no lack of knowledge, but lacked faith and became the arch-apostate. <b>no longer</b>. See note on Hebrews 6:6. The apostate is beyond salvation because he has rejected the only sacrifice that can cleanse him from sin and bring him into God’s presence. To turn away from that sacrifice leaves him with no saving alternative. This is parallel to Matthew 12:31 (see note there).<br />
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The MacArthur Study Bible. 1997 (J. MacArthur, Jr., Ed.) (electronic ed.) (1914–1915). Nashville, TN: Word Pub. <a href="http://www.gty.org/">www.gty.org</a>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-36798362476414200492014-04-29T17:43:00.001-07:002014-04-29T17:58:43.953-07:00<span style="font-size: large;">Attack Anxiety! <span style="font-size: small;">by John MacArthur</span></span><br />
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The church is full of problems because it is full of problem people. Everyone in it is a sinner, albeit saved by grace, but nonetheless influenced by unredeemed human flesh. The church grows spiritually in direct proportion to how well we deal with anxiety and other sins in our midst. <br />
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The Apostle Paul identified the problem groups we all will encounter in the church. See whether yourself or others come to mind: “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted [the anxious], help the weak, be patient with all men. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men” (1 Thes. 5:14–15). <br />
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Group number one is “the unruly.” Let’s call them the wayward. They’re never in step. “Get with the program” is a slogan that suits them. When everyone else is moving ahead, they’re going backward. Out of either apathy or rebellion, they’ve gone spiritually AWOL, and they’re not interested in learning or serving. <br />
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Group number two is “the fainthearted” —the worriers. They fear the unknown and have no sense of adventure. Their slogan in the church is “We’ve never done it that way before.” They hate change; they love tradition; they want no risk. All the issues of life seem far more than they can bear. They’re usually sad, perpetually worried, sometimes in despair, and often depressed or discouraged. Consequently, they experience none of the thrill that adventure brings. <br />
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The third group is “the weak.” These believers are spiritually and morally weak. Because of weak self-discipline, they tend to fall into the same sins over and over. You barely get them up on their feet and dust them off when suddenly they’re back in the same hole again. They find it hard to do God’s will consistently. They embarrass themselves, their church, and their Lord. Thus they require a lot of attention. <br />
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The fourth group could be called “the wearisome.” Paul said to “be patient with all men.” Some people we encounter require an extra degree of patience. You can pour your energy into them, and when you look to see how close they might be to the overall goal of Christlikeness (Phil. 3:12–15), they seem further away. Everything distracts them—they are not focused individuals. They’re very exasperating because you make the maximum effort and get the minimum return. They don’t grow at a normal pace. <br />
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Group five is the outright wicked. Even though Paul was addressing Christians, he found it necessary to say, “See that p 77 no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another” (v. 15). There are, sad to say, Christians who commit sins against other Christians. They break up marriages. They defile daughters. They steal. They gossip. They slander. They falsely accuse. <br />
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If a church is to grow, it must minister to all five groups. This applies to you: Going to church is not just showing up on Sunday morning. The Lord would have you understand these groups of people so that—much more than not being numbered among their ranks—you might use your spiritual gifts to help them. Then they, in turn, will be able to help others. Help a worrier not to worry and your own worries disappear in the process. What’s more, there’s less of a climate of worry in the church. That is an effective way to attack anxiety. <br />
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MacArthur, J. (1993). Anxiety Attacked. MacArthur Study Series (75–77). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. <a href="http://www.gty.org/">www.gty.org</a><br />
<br />Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-84579468798207133482013-06-05T19:24:00.001-07:002013-06-05T19:24:56.381-07:00Sye Ten Bruggencate preaches in Columbus OH<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QZGdu35f4qE" width="480"></iframe>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-78824046612529233122013-06-02T11:40:00.000-07:002013-06-02T12:06:23.191-07:00ONE SOURCE AND ONE PURPOSE<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">"But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Some years ago I attended an Olympic decathlon, the grueling contest in which each athlete competes in ten different track and field events. I marveled at how a human body can function with such amazing coordination, endurance, and efficiency. Every muscle, every organ, every blood vessel, every nerve, every cell is harnessed in a completely unified effort to win. How wonderful it would be if we who comprise Christ’s body, the church, would function with such efficiency and harmony! How wonderful if every part of His body would work together in total unity and interdependence. What an impact the church would have on the world if every believer would be as wholly responsive to the mind of Jesus Christ as the bodies of dedicated athletes are responsive to the minds of their owners."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">MacArthur, John. F., Jr. (1984). 1 Corinthians. MacArthur New Testament Commentary (294). Chicago: Moody Press. <a href="http://www.gracechurch.org/">www.gracechurch.org</a></span></span><br />
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Photo note: Arthur Wint recorded an Olympic record for the 400 metres in 1948 and was the first Jamaican to win an Olympic gold. Wint was known as "the Gentle Giant". In 1942 he joined the British Common Wealth Air Training Plan and was sent to Britain for active combat during World War II. He left the RAF in 1947 to attend St Bartholomew's Hospital as a medical student before returning to his homeland as a doctor.</div>
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Daily Herald Archive at the National Media Museum<br />
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Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-70312365301549879002013-06-01T16:06:00.001-07:002013-06-01T16:06:43.370-07:00Mission Abortion Center Evangelism Friday 05/31/13<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yM_bD0M_Al4" width="480"></iframe>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-73998442961887421002013-05-24T01:31:00.002-07:002013-05-24T01:31:47.691-07:00Evangelism at Family De-Planning Center in Mission Hills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some interesting things happened at the Abortion Center where I had brought my new cross, thanks to Vernon Costolo and Tony Miano. I decided to read the entire book of John and during my reading this man who came from the Family De-planning Center and he asked if he could read a paragraph from where I was reading. I let him and he encouraged me and then he was on his way. I think he broke the sound barrier for the first time. <br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>I was able to give out some "Miranda" gospel tracts. Get them here...<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span><a href="http://www.shop.onemilliontracts.com/Miranda-Rights-Gospel-Tract-50ct-25x35-073.htm" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>www.shop.onemilliontracts.c<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>om/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>Miranda-Rights-Gospel-Tract<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>-50ct-25x35-073.htm</a></span><br />
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Also, a couple of ladies who are from Hospice said that I could go in with them any time they are there because they are official and it would be allowed. Maybe there could be a sister in Christ who would take them up on that offer. They encouraged me and I was so blessed to be there.<br />
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Someone may have wanted to hear or perhaps wanted others to hear me read the bible because the window was opened on the second floor above the garage. Normally they are closed. Especially on warm days.<br />
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I over heard a lady telling another person that she could hear me half a block away. I wasn't yelling. I was just reading aloud. There was some mocking but I just ignored it and kept reading.<br />
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Another girl that works in the Family De-Planning Center came out and took her break nearby and listened to me read the book of John.<br />
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It was a very humbling experience. I tried to be respectful of everyone coming in and going out. I'm grateful to God for the opportunity to make myself available for His purpose and Glory. Amen.Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-24087827540213283532013-05-18T13:46:00.003-07:002013-05-18T13:46:57.798-07:00Silent in the Churches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"As in all the churches of the saints. Let the women keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but let them subject themselves, just as the Law also says. And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized." (1 Corinthians 14:33b–38)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The second half of verse 33 seems to fit best with verse 34. The phrase as in all the churches of the saints is not logically related to God’s not being a God of confusion. The phrase does, however, make a logical introduction to Let the women keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak. Paul was emphasizing the fact that the principle of women’s not speaking in church services was not local, geographical, or cultural, but universal, in all the churches of the saints. Though it embraces tongues, the context here refers to prophecy. Women are not to exercise any such ministries.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The women who joined in the chaotic sell–expression which Paul has been condemning not only added to the confusion but should not have been speaking in the first place. In God’s order for the church, women should subject themselves, just as the Law also says. The principle was first taught in the Old Testament and is reaffirmed in the New In reflection of that principle, no women were permitted to speak at the Jewish synagogues.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">One of the designs of creation, as well as one of the primary consequences of the Fall, was the submission of women (Gen. 3:16). Paul reflected that principle explicitly when he said, “Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet” (1 Tim. 2:11–12). Paul’s argument was not based on cultural standards but on two historic and foundational facts: (1) “Adam … was first created, and then Eve” and (2) “it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman” (vv. 13–14). Men are to lead in love; women are to submit in love. That is God’s design.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It is not coincidental that, like Corinth, many of the churches today that practice speaking in tongues and claim gifts of healing also permit women to engage in speaking ministry. Many charismatic groups, in fact, were begun by women, just as many of the cults that have sprung from Christianity were founded by women. When women usurp man’s God–ordained role, they inevitably fall into other unbiblical practices and delusions.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1984). 1 Corinthians. MacArthur New Testament Commentary (391–392). Chicago: Moody Press.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a class="ot-anchor" href="http://www.gty.org/" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.218s; background-color: white; color: #427fed; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.218s;">www.gty.org</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Photo Credit: </span><a class="ot-anchor" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofnsw/2866527135/" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.218s; background-color: white; color: #427fed; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.218s;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofnsw/2866527135/</a>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-37143004422819623042013-05-07T03:50:00.001-07:002013-05-07T03:50:11.404-07:00Diet of Worms<div>
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Worms, Diet of (1521). The most celebrated of the long series of Imperial diets held at Worms, at which M. *Luther defended his doctrines before the Emp. *Charles V. It took place in the Bischofshof from 27 Jan. to 25 May. The Papal legate, *Aleander, who had arrived at Worms on 30 Nov. 1520, having put the case against Luther on 13 Feb. 1521, Luther was then summoned and arrived on 16 Apr. On 18 Apr. he made his final refusal to recant his doctrines, acc. to an early but unreliable tradition concluding his answer with the famous words ‘Hie stehe ich. Ich kan nicht anders. Gott helff mir. Amen.’ Charles V having announced on the following day his resolve to take firmer measures against his doctrines, Luther departed from Worms on 26 Apr. On 26 May his teachings were formally condemned in the Edict of Worms.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">Many of the primary docs. are pr. in P. Balan (ed.), Monumenta Reformationis Lutherana ex Tabulariis S. Sedis Secretis, 1521–1525 (Ratisbon,</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;"> 1883); extracts from these and other collections, with further refs., in Kidd, pp. 79–89 (nos. 39–46). P. Kalkoff, Der Wormser Reichstag von 1521 (1922), with full refs. F. Reuter (ed.), Der Reichstag zu Worms von 1521: Reichspolitik und Luthersache (Worms, 1971). R. Bäumer (ed.), Lutherprozess und Lutherbann (Katholisches Leben und Kirchenreform im Zeitalter der Glaubensspaltung, 32; 1972). [E.] G. Rupp, Luther’s Progress to the Diet of Worms, 1521 (1951). Detailed bibl. in Schottenloher, 3 (1938), pp. 12–14 (nos. 27923–50), with refs. to other lists of specialized items, and on the Edict of Worms, ibid. 4 (1938), pp. 753 f. (nos. 44534–42). See also works cited under aleander; LUTHER, M.; and REFORMATION.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">Cross, F. L., & Livingstone, E. A. (2005). The Oxford dictionary of the Christian Church (3rd ed. rev.) (1778–1779). Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.</span></span><br />
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The warning against wantoning</div>
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Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you. Luke 10:20.</div>
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As Christian workers, worldliness is not our snare, sin is not our snare, but spiritual wantoning is, viz.: taking the pattern and print of the religious age we live in, making eyes at spiritual success. Never court anything other than the approval of God, go “without the camp, bearing His reproach.” Jesus told the disciples not to rejoice in successful service, and yet this seems to be the one thing in which most of us do rejoice. We have the commercial view—so many souls saved and sanctified, thank God, now it is all right. Our work begins where God’s grace has laid the foundation; we are not to save souls, but to disciple them. Salvation and sanctification are the work of God’s sovereign grace; our work as His disciples is to disciple lives until they are wholly yielded to God. One life wholly devoted to God is of more value to God than one hundred lives simply awakened by His Spirit. As workers for God we must reproduce our own kind spiritually, and that will be God’s witness to us as workers. God brings us to a standard of life by His grace, and we are responsible for reproducing that standard in others.</div>
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Unless the worker lives a life hidden with Christ in God, he is apt to become an irritating dictator instead of an indwelling disciple. Many of us are dictators, we dictate to people and to meetings. Jesus never dictates to us in that way. Whenever Our Lord talked about discipleship, He always prefaced it with an ‘IF,’ never with an emphatic assertion—‘You must.’ Discipleship carries an option with it.</div>
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Chambers, O. (1986). My utmost for his highest: Selections for the year. Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering.</div>
Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-19285105432284913242013-04-18T23:03:00.001-07:002013-04-18T23:03:16.213-07:00Dad, I'm Watching You.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fk4IZjuhTHw?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7746055673455211131.post-26084582920574647622013-04-14T03:08:00.001-07:002013-04-14T03:09:50.447-07:00The Benefit of Evangelistic Prayer <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). Excerpt from his book Alone with God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The benefit to praying for the lost is actually quite profound: <b>“in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” </b>(1 Tim. 2:2). Prayer for those in authority will create societal conditions favorable for the church’s evangelistic efforts. First of all, when believers are committed to praying for all their leaders, it removes any thought of rebellion or resistance against them. Instead, the people of Christ are turned into peacemakers, not reactionaries. As Paul wrote to Titus, </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another </b>(Titus 3:1–3). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">There Paul again calls the believers to tranquility and submissiveness to the pagan or apostate governments over them. We can do so because we understand that they are sinners like we used to be, incapable of righteousness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">When believers begin to pray unceasingly for the lost, especially their troublesome leaders, unbelievers begin to see Christians as virtuous, peace loving, compassionate, and transcendent, seeking after their welfare. Once unsaved people realize we pose no threat to society, it is easier for us to be treated as welcome friends. And as more come to saving faith through the prayers of Christians, the favorable conditions for the church could increase. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). Alone with God. MacArthur Study Series (137–138). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. www.gty.org</span>Chris Yarzabhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467813637561486908noreply@blogger.com0