Posts
Dear Brother Ron
Can you please give me a brief summary of the 91st Psalm and tell me what you think the meaning of this passage is?
Thanks.
Destiny X
Dear Destiny
We have now (Psalm 91) another most important principle introduced; Messiah's taking His place with Israel, the place of trust in Jehovah, so as to afford the channel for the full blessing of the people. Three names of Elohim (God) come before us in this psalm: one that by which He was in relationship with Abraham, the Almighty; another which Abraham through the testimony of Melchisedec may have known prophetically, the millennial title of Elohim when He takes His full title over the earth (compare Genesis 14:18-20), the Most High.
Both, as all the names of God, have their proper meaning: one complete power; the other absolute supremacy. The question then arises, Who is the God who has this place? Who is this supreme God over all to the earth? Who shall find His secret place to dwell in? He who has found this shall be completely protected by almighty power. Messiah (Jesus) says, I will take the God of Israel as that place, Jehovah. In Verses 3-8 (Psalm 91:3-8) we have the answer. Doubtless it is true of every godly Israelite, and they are in view, but led by the Spirit of Jesus, the one perfect faithful One who took this place indeed.
In Verse 9, I apprehend Israel speaks (that is, the Spirit personifying Israel addressing Messiah): "Because thou hast taken Jehovah, which is my refuge,... as thy habitation," almighty power shall guard thee. This continues to Verse 13. In Verse 14, Jehovah Himself speaks of Him as the One who has set His love upon Him. The form of the psalm is striking. The Spirit of God proposes the problem. He who finds the secret place of the supreme God (of the millennium) will have all the full blessing of Abraham's God, the Almighty. Messiah says, I take Jehovah the God of Israel.
Then the answer; so it was and He would enjoy the fruit of it. In Verse 9, Israel speaks and declares by the Spirit He would have the blessings. In Verse 14, Jehovah sets His seal on all this, and the solver of the great riddle of God will find the full blessing of Jehovah, on whom He had set His love, whose name He had known — even Jehovah the God of Israel.
It is a very interesting psalm in this way. But we have to remark that all is viewed on earth, the character of God in all respects. How Christ, as a present thing, relinquished the title to deliverance flowing from this, for perfect obedience, trusting His Father absolutely, belongs to deeper views of the purposes of God and of the paths of the blessed One Himself. Satan would have just used this to take Him out of the path of obedience, and into that of distrust and His own will: blessed be God, in vain, as we know. The sure mercies of David were to be in an obedient and risen Onethis point is treated in a psalm of unexampled beauty farther on — and thus deeper blessings and higher glories brought out.
But He who went in that perfect path of submission, has not the less made good all the fruit of all that is here, for those who shall walk after Him in the place of this trust in Jehovah upon earth. This principle we see indeed, in various forms, all through the Psalms. Indeed the atonement of Christ was needed, which implied His resigning personally this blessing, in order that others might walk in that path in which He could personally walk, of course, without it. Psalm 21 gives a divine revelation as to the way in which the promise of life was fulfilled to the Lord.
Best always
Brother Ron
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Judges 3:10-11
Dear Brother Ron
I need help figuring out what this bible verse means (Judges 3:10-11)--
"The spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the Lord delivered Cushan-risha-thaim, king of Aram, into his power, so that he made him subject. The land then was at rest for forty years, until Othniel, son of Kenaz, died."
I thought Cushan-risha-thaim was a bad king, so what's this whole thing about being subject about? I'm not very good with uncovering Bible verses, and I need help. Thanks!
Kelley
Dear Kelley
You are right. Chushan-rishathaim was the king of Mesopotamia who oppressed Israel in the generation immediately following Joshua. He was not a nice guy. So when the children of Israel cried out for a deliverer, God inspired Othniel to raise up an army against Chushan-rishathaim and defeat him.
Before going into battle, Othniel assumed the role of judge, reproved the Hebrews for their sins, reformed them from their idolatry and restore among them the pure worship of God. Once this was done, Othniel formed his army and defeated Chushan-rishathaim. Israel then enjoyed forty years of peace until the death of Othniel.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
I need help figuring out what this bible verse means (Judges 3:10-11)--
"The spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the Lord delivered Cushan-risha-thaim, king of Aram, into his power, so that he made him subject. The land then was at rest for forty years, until Othniel, son of Kenaz, died."
I thought Cushan-risha-thaim was a bad king, so what's this whole thing about being subject about? I'm not very good with uncovering Bible verses, and I need help. Thanks!
Kelley
Dear Kelley
You are right. Chushan-rishathaim was the king of Mesopotamia who oppressed Israel in the generation immediately following Joshua. He was not a nice guy. So when the children of Israel cried out for a deliverer, God inspired Othniel to raise up an army against Chushan-rishathaim and defeat him.
Before going into battle, Othniel assumed the role of judge, reproved the Hebrews for their sins, reformed them from their idolatry and restore among them the pure worship of God. Once this was done, Othniel formed his army and defeated Chushan-rishathaim. Israel then enjoyed forty years of peace until the death of Othniel.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
John 13:1-15
Dear Brother Ron
(John 13.1-15). Jesus washes disciples' feet. Can you explain what the passage teaches us (directly or indirectly) about love? I need to understand this passage.
Slayer
Dear Slayer
The answer to your question is found in John 13:16-"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him."
The same sentiment is found in Mark 9:35-"And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."
This is why, even though I am an ordained minister, I do not answer to the title "reverend". A reverend is somebody worthy of reverence. I believe only God is worthy of reverence. I am the bishop of Columbia. I do not use this title because I see it as an opportunity to serve and not a designation of more holy stature.
The best way to show your love for God is to minister to the needs of His children.
Best always
Brother Ron
(John 13.1-15). Jesus washes disciples' feet. Can you explain what the passage teaches us (directly or indirectly) about love? I need to understand this passage.
Slayer
Dear Slayer
The answer to your question is found in John 13:16-"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him."
The same sentiment is found in Mark 9:35-"And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all."
This is why, even though I am an ordained minister, I do not answer to the title "reverend". A reverend is somebody worthy of reverence. I believe only God is worthy of reverence. I am the bishop of Columbia. I do not use this title because I see it as an opportunity to serve and not a designation of more holy stature.
The best way to show your love for God is to minister to the needs of His children.
Best always
Brother Ron
Religion and the War in Iraq
Dear Brother Ron
I've noticed that ever since the War in Iraq, most Christians target Muslims, saying that their faith is false. Why do most of them target Muslims, not other religions that don't believe in their God or another god? I kind of find it mean that some Christians pick on Muslims more than other people who don't believe in their God.
To those who say the Muslims use their faith as an excuse to kill America, please study the history of Christian crusades because Christians made that excuse too. And to those who believe that the Muslims are spies, in World War II, America thought that the Japanese living in America were spies! They rounded them up into the Arizona deserts. After the war, it was proven that NOT A SINGLE ONE WAS A SPY.
And didn't Jesus say to "love your enemy"?
Hope
Dear Hope
This is because certain Muslim groups have turned their religion into a political movement. They attempt to seize political power by using terrorist tactics. They kill innocent people and claim they are doing it in the name of God.
I think God has much too much class to get involved in politics. He wants willing servants, not hostages. In fact, I do not even believe these hoodlums are really Muslims. Every chapter of the Koran begins with the words "In the name of Allah, the benevolent, the merciful". I don't see a lot of benevolence or mercy from these thugs.
I wish the press and the politicians would stop referring to these creeps as Islamic. They are merely political assassins hiding their crimes behind God's back. Personally I would not want to be in their shoes when they are finally reunited with our Father.
Best always
Brother Ron
I've noticed that ever since the War in Iraq, most Christians target Muslims, saying that their faith is false. Why do most of them target Muslims, not other religions that don't believe in their God or another god? I kind of find it mean that some Christians pick on Muslims more than other people who don't believe in their God.
To those who say the Muslims use their faith as an excuse to kill America, please study the history of Christian crusades because Christians made that excuse too. And to those who believe that the Muslims are spies, in World War II, America thought that the Japanese living in America were spies! They rounded them up into the Arizona deserts. After the war, it was proven that NOT A SINGLE ONE WAS A SPY.
And didn't Jesus say to "love your enemy"?
Hope
Dear Hope
This is because certain Muslim groups have turned their religion into a political movement. They attempt to seize political power by using terrorist tactics. They kill innocent people and claim they are doing it in the name of God.
I think God has much too much class to get involved in politics. He wants willing servants, not hostages. In fact, I do not even believe these hoodlums are really Muslims. Every chapter of the Koran begins with the words "In the name of Allah, the benevolent, the merciful". I don't see a lot of benevolence or mercy from these thugs.
I wish the press and the politicians would stop referring to these creeps as Islamic. They are merely political assassins hiding their crimes behind God's back. Personally I would not want to be in their shoes when they are finally reunited with our Father.
Best always
Brother Ron
If You Were God
Dear Brother Ron
If you were god, would you want your creations to continuously praise you? Let's say you created the universe, would you also enjoy people to continuously praise you? In everything that happens to them, may it be your doing or not, they still praise you. Would you want them to kill others in your name? Would you enjoy being reminded of how perfect you are?
If you know how moron your creations are, would you give them unclear and debatable instructions on how to be saved? If you created them to be imperfect, would you punish them for their imperfections? Can you be a better god than any of this gods in the religions today?
Filipino
Dear Filipino
I base my concept of God on three premises:
1. God is not an idiot.
2. God is not a homicidal maniac.
3. God is not bound by the same laws of time and space as we humans are.
So in answer to your questions, God is not an egomaniac. He knows who He is and does not need my pitiful praise to remind Him. On the other hand, we humans need to set aside time to communicate with our Father to remind ourselves what He means to us and to call upon His power and wisdom.
Since God is not a homicidal maniac, He does not delight in the death of His children. If the voice inside your head is telling you to kill others, I suspect you have your spiritual radio tuned to the wrong station.
God does give you clear instructions for your life. You just have to learn how to listen. I spent many years as a professional musician. I can listen to a song and play it back for you perfectly within 30 minutes. There are many people who can not do this because they are tone deaf. Likewise, there are many people who are spiritually tone deaf. That's what the Bible means when it says "Let those who have ears to hear, hear".
One of the things I love about God is that He knows what an imperfect fool I am and He loves me anyway. Since He is not bound by our laws of space and time, He has already seen my future sins and has already forgiven me for them. Since He is not a homicidal maniac, He would not condemn me to eternal damnation for doing what He created me to do.
I am not better than God but I am smart enough not to be taken in by the marketing tactics used by many religious organizations.
Best always
Brother Ron
If you were god, would you want your creations to continuously praise you? Let's say you created the universe, would you also enjoy people to continuously praise you? In everything that happens to them, may it be your doing or not, they still praise you. Would you want them to kill others in your name? Would you enjoy being reminded of how perfect you are?
If you know how moron your creations are, would you give them unclear and debatable instructions on how to be saved? If you created them to be imperfect, would you punish them for their imperfections? Can you be a better god than any of this gods in the religions today?
Filipino
Dear Filipino
I base my concept of God on three premises:
1. God is not an idiot.
2. God is not a homicidal maniac.
3. God is not bound by the same laws of time and space as we humans are.
So in answer to your questions, God is not an egomaniac. He knows who He is and does not need my pitiful praise to remind Him. On the other hand, we humans need to set aside time to communicate with our Father to remind ourselves what He means to us and to call upon His power and wisdom.
Since God is not a homicidal maniac, He does not delight in the death of His children. If the voice inside your head is telling you to kill others, I suspect you have your spiritual radio tuned to the wrong station.
God does give you clear instructions for your life. You just have to learn how to listen. I spent many years as a professional musician. I can listen to a song and play it back for you perfectly within 30 minutes. There are many people who can not do this because they are tone deaf. Likewise, there are many people who are spiritually tone deaf. That's what the Bible means when it says "Let those who have ears to hear, hear".
One of the things I love about God is that He knows what an imperfect fool I am and He loves me anyway. Since He is not bound by our laws of space and time, He has already seen my future sins and has already forgiven me for them. Since He is not a homicidal maniac, He would not condemn me to eternal damnation for doing what He created me to do.
I am not better than God but I am smart enough not to be taken in by the marketing tactics used by many religious organizations.
Best always
Brother Ron
Friday, June 24, 2011
We Are All Going to Hell
Dear Brother Ron
According to some religions, you should belong to THAT religion otherwise you will go to hell. Since a person can only have ONE religion at a time then he is going to hell based on the other religions. So basically, we are all going to hell?
Haseo
Dear Haseo
If you want someone to buy your product, you must first convince him that only your product can meet his needs. This is what these religious organizations are doing. First they create the need-"You are a sinner and you will burn in hell because God can not stand sin". Then they offer a product to meet the need they have created-"If you will join our organization and accept our beliefs, God will forgive your sins and grant you eternal life in Paradise". Good marketing, lousy theology.
This line of thinking assumes God is waiting to see what you will do before He decides what He will do. This means that God has no clue what's going to happen until it happens. It means that God is bound by the same laws of time and space as we are. It also means that, since God bases His actions on my actions, I am controlling God.
I do not worship a clueless God. I do not worship a blind God. I do not worship a God who can be confined in the same cage of time and space as we humans. And I do not worship a God who would do something so foolish as to put an idiot like me in control.
So to answer your question, no you are not going to hell. God saw your sins before you committed them and forgave you before you were born. God has a plan and has already seen the successful completion of that plan. You are part of God's plan and your "salvation" was assured before the beginning of the world.
Don't worry. Be happy.
Best always
Brother Ron
According to some religions, you should belong to THAT religion otherwise you will go to hell. Since a person can only have ONE religion at a time then he is going to hell based on the other religions. So basically, we are all going to hell?
Haseo
Dear Haseo
If you want someone to buy your product, you must first convince him that only your product can meet his needs. This is what these religious organizations are doing. First they create the need-"You are a sinner and you will burn in hell because God can not stand sin". Then they offer a product to meet the need they have created-"If you will join our organization and accept our beliefs, God will forgive your sins and grant you eternal life in Paradise". Good marketing, lousy theology.
This line of thinking assumes God is waiting to see what you will do before He decides what He will do. This means that God has no clue what's going to happen until it happens. It means that God is bound by the same laws of time and space as we are. It also means that, since God bases His actions on my actions, I am controlling God.
I do not worship a clueless God. I do not worship a blind God. I do not worship a God who can be confined in the same cage of time and space as we humans. And I do not worship a God who would do something so foolish as to put an idiot like me in control.
So to answer your question, no you are not going to hell. God saw your sins before you committed them and forgave you before you were born. God has a plan and has already seen the successful completion of that plan. You are part of God's plan and your "salvation" was assured before the beginning of the world.
Don't worry. Be happy.
Best always
Brother Ron
Are All Baptisms Equally Authoritative?
Dear Brother Ron
Are all baptisms equally authoritative or are there two forms of authority? Some ministers claim the authority to baptize through priesthood endowments and ordination. Others claim that ministry and baptismal authority can only be endowed by the laying on of hands. Which priesthood authority is better?
Robert
Dear Robert
The physical act of baptism is merely a public display of an inner commitment to follow the will of God. It really doesn't matter how or by whom you are baptized. By the time the physical act has occurred, the inner commitment should already have occurred. If it has, then the physical baptism is a mere formality. If it hasn't, the physical act is irrelevant.
Best always
Brother Ron
Are all baptisms equally authoritative or are there two forms of authority? Some ministers claim the authority to baptize through priesthood endowments and ordination. Others claim that ministry and baptismal authority can only be endowed by the laying on of hands. Which priesthood authority is better?
Robert
Dear Robert
The physical act of baptism is merely a public display of an inner commitment to follow the will of God. It really doesn't matter how or by whom you are baptized. By the time the physical act has occurred, the inner commitment should already have occurred. If it has, then the physical baptism is a mere formality. If it hasn't, the physical act is irrelevant.
Best always
Brother Ron
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Names of the Three Kings
Dear Brother Ron
Where did the names of the "Three Kings" came from? We all know this from tradition but based on what historical account did they know the names? (Please mention your source) Also, what is the significance of the celebration of the "three kings"? Why did it became (or termed) as "kings" when scripture states that they were magi or wise men? I think the number of magi was not mentioned in scripture because it is of no significance BUT the gifts presented to our Lord were mentioned because of their symbolic meaning.
Reese
Dear Reese
In the conventional version of the Christmas story, the wise men or magi (Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar) started the gift giving custom of Christmas by bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child on Epiphany. Epiphany is the end of the Christmas season, 12 days after Christmas.
The earliest written mention of their names seems to be found in the work of the Venerable Bede (died 8th century). There are other traditions. The earlier tradition of "three kings" comes from the fact that three gifts are mentioned by Matthew and that the gifts were costly.
The wise men were not Jews; scholars tell us they were priests of an Eastern religion that consulted the stars (Zoroastrian priests). One of them may have been a king (there is speculation that one of them was Azes II of Bactria who reigned from 35 BC to 10 AD). Therefore we could say they were followers of some kind of pagan religion. Yet in some miraculous way God inspired them about the birth of Jesus.
Best always
Brother Ron
Where did the names of the "Three Kings" came from? We all know this from tradition but based on what historical account did they know the names? (Please mention your source) Also, what is the significance of the celebration of the "three kings"? Why did it became (or termed) as "kings" when scripture states that they were magi or wise men? I think the number of magi was not mentioned in scripture because it is of no significance BUT the gifts presented to our Lord were mentioned because of their symbolic meaning.
Reese
Dear Reese
In the conventional version of the Christmas story, the wise men or magi (Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar) started the gift giving custom of Christmas by bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child on Epiphany. Epiphany is the end of the Christmas season, 12 days after Christmas.
The earliest written mention of their names seems to be found in the work of the Venerable Bede (died 8th century). There are other traditions. The earlier tradition of "three kings" comes from the fact that three gifts are mentioned by Matthew and that the gifts were costly.
The wise men were not Jews; scholars tell us they were priests of an Eastern religion that consulted the stars (Zoroastrian priests). One of them may have been a king (there is speculation that one of them was Azes II of Bactria who reigned from 35 BC to 10 AD). Therefore we could say they were followers of some kind of pagan religion. Yet in some miraculous way God inspired them about the birth of Jesus.
Best always
Brother Ron
How Do I Walk by Faith?
Dear Brother Ron
How does one walk by faith and not sight. I have been saved 23 years and recently turned my life to god but I feel maybe I am still doing it the old way. How does one let God lead? Do they not act unless they totally know God wants them to? I want to please him but not count on works and I have anger and hatred that hangs on to me despite trying to forgive as relatives have hurt me so deeply; and recently.
Does God understand this is a battle for me that I am trying though not perfect on? Please help me in my christian walk. What things should I be doing? I am headstrong by nature and rarely listen to anyone and I am worried I will be compliant and obedient if I could figure out what He wants me to do. I feel so blind in all this. I was always scared to trust God before as I had a distorted view of Him and can't easily feel His love and closeness. How can I increase my knowledge of who He really is and what He wants of me?
Janie
Dear Janie
Let's take yor questions one at a time. How does one walk by faith and not by sight? First you have to know what you have faith in. I have faith that the part of the living God which dwells within me has a perfect vision of the future and has my best rinterests at heart as He leads me to fulfill His plan for that future. I have faith that God is infinite in wisdom and power and will provide me with the wisdom and power to accomplish what He needs me to accomplish.
As a child, I had to depend on my parents for transportation. I was too small to reach the pedals. I did not have the keys. I did not understand how to work the controls. I had to have faith my parents would steer the car safely and provide the fuel to get us to our destination. Allowing God to take the driver's seat of yor life is a similar experience.
Once you realize that you are under the protection and direction of our Father, you act with the certainty that your actions are in accordance with the wishes of our Father. Removing this doubt from your mind frees up and enormous amount of time and energy.
You say you feel anger and hatred toward family members who have hurt you. God has known you since before you were born. He has seen every step you have taken and every move you have made. He has seen all of your mistakes and failures and loves you anyway. If you are good enough for God to love, you are good enough for people to love. You are also good enough for you to love. If others don't see it that way, that is because of their short-sightedness. Your anger will not change that and merely serves to drain you of energy which you should be spending accomplishing what you want for your life.
You say you would be compliant if you cold figure out what God wants you to do. You have it backwards. In order to learn what God has planned for your life, first you have to convince yourself to listen for His voice and do what He tells you to do. Once you tune in to the voice of God within you, the directions will come naturally.
How can you increase your knowledge of God and His plans for your life? Talk to Him. He is living within the depths of your being and is a great listener and conversationalist. You do not have to do anything special to get His attention. You already have it. Once you realize and accept that, the rest will come naturally.
Best always
Brother Ron
How does one walk by faith and not sight. I have been saved 23 years and recently turned my life to god but I feel maybe I am still doing it the old way. How does one let God lead? Do they not act unless they totally know God wants them to? I want to please him but not count on works and I have anger and hatred that hangs on to me despite trying to forgive as relatives have hurt me so deeply; and recently.
Does God understand this is a battle for me that I am trying though not perfect on? Please help me in my christian walk. What things should I be doing? I am headstrong by nature and rarely listen to anyone and I am worried I will be compliant and obedient if I could figure out what He wants me to do. I feel so blind in all this. I was always scared to trust God before as I had a distorted view of Him and can't easily feel His love and closeness. How can I increase my knowledge of who He really is and what He wants of me?
Janie
Dear Janie
Let's take yor questions one at a time. How does one walk by faith and not by sight? First you have to know what you have faith in. I have faith that the part of the living God which dwells within me has a perfect vision of the future and has my best rinterests at heart as He leads me to fulfill His plan for that future. I have faith that God is infinite in wisdom and power and will provide me with the wisdom and power to accomplish what He needs me to accomplish.
As a child, I had to depend on my parents for transportation. I was too small to reach the pedals. I did not have the keys. I did not understand how to work the controls. I had to have faith my parents would steer the car safely and provide the fuel to get us to our destination. Allowing God to take the driver's seat of yor life is a similar experience.
Once you realize that you are under the protection and direction of our Father, you act with the certainty that your actions are in accordance with the wishes of our Father. Removing this doubt from your mind frees up and enormous amount of time and energy.
You say you feel anger and hatred toward family members who have hurt you. God has known you since before you were born. He has seen every step you have taken and every move you have made. He has seen all of your mistakes and failures and loves you anyway. If you are good enough for God to love, you are good enough for people to love. You are also good enough for you to love. If others don't see it that way, that is because of their short-sightedness. Your anger will not change that and merely serves to drain you of energy which you should be spending accomplishing what you want for your life.
You say you would be compliant if you cold figure out what God wants you to do. You have it backwards. In order to learn what God has planned for your life, first you have to convince yourself to listen for His voice and do what He tells you to do. Once you tune in to the voice of God within you, the directions will come naturally.
How can you increase your knowledge of God and His plans for your life? Talk to Him. He is living within the depths of your being and is a great listener and conversationalist. You do not have to do anything special to get His attention. You already have it. Once you realize and accept that, the rest will come naturally.
Best always
Brother Ron
Satan-Tricky Little Devil or Misunderstood Scapegoat?
Dear Brother Ron
I keep reading things like "the devil's tricky" or "the devil takes many disguises". What about this? Humans are selfish and prone to error and misguided, terrible choices. Is the devil just a highly convenient reason to say (to God), "Don't look at me. I had nothing to do with it."?
Jung Son
Dear Jung Son
I remember many years ago, comedian Flip Wilson played a character called Geraldine who did the most outrageous things. Whenever somebody would ask why she did them, Geraldine would reply, "The devil made me do it". This is why I refer to people who try to blame their misdeeds on supernatural influence as the Geraldine Syndrome.
We have created the devil to be our scapegoat for criminal or antisocial behavior. Even if the devil speaks to you, you have a choice whether to listen or not. If you choose to follow his advice, you must accept the responsibility for making that choice.
Best always
Brother Ron
I keep reading things like "the devil's tricky" or "the devil takes many disguises". What about this? Humans are selfish and prone to error and misguided, terrible choices. Is the devil just a highly convenient reason to say (to God), "Don't look at me. I had nothing to do with it."?
Jung Son
Dear Jung Son
I remember many years ago, comedian Flip Wilson played a character called Geraldine who did the most outrageous things. Whenever somebody would ask why she did them, Geraldine would reply, "The devil made me do it". This is why I refer to people who try to blame their misdeeds on supernatural influence as the Geraldine Syndrome.
We have created the devil to be our scapegoat for criminal or antisocial behavior. Even if the devil speaks to you, you have a choice whether to listen or not. If you choose to follow his advice, you must accept the responsibility for making that choice.
Best always
Brother Ron
Ablution of Males and Females
Dear Brother Ron
Is there a difference between ablution (wadoo) of a male or a female?
Clonehead
Dear Clonehead
Ablution means washing the body. The washing you are referring to is the ritual act of washing before Muslim prayer as called for in the sixth ayat of sura 5 of the Koran. Wudu involves making the intention, washing the face, washing the arms, wiping the head (in the manner of anointment), wiping the feet to the ankles, rubbing thoroughly when washing and not interrupting wudu.
Various denominations of Islam have variations of this ritual but all follow the same basic pattern. Since all phases of wudu involve body parts common to both sexes, there would seem to be no difference between male and female ablution.
Best always
Brother Ron
Is there a difference between ablution (wadoo) of a male or a female?
Clonehead
Dear Clonehead
Ablution means washing the body. The washing you are referring to is the ritual act of washing before Muslim prayer as called for in the sixth ayat of sura 5 of the Koran. Wudu involves making the intention, washing the face, washing the arms, wiping the head (in the manner of anointment), wiping the feet to the ankles, rubbing thoroughly when washing and not interrupting wudu.
Various denominations of Islam have variations of this ritual but all follow the same basic pattern. Since all phases of wudu involve body parts common to both sexes, there would seem to be no difference between male and female ablution.
Best always
Brother Ron
Sanctity of Marriage
Dear Brother Ron
By not allowing gays and lesbian to marry, our government is preserving the 'sanctity of marriage'. So, pretty much, in a nutshell, this is our senators, our governors, our elected officials, putting their sexuality on a pedestal, and think that heterosexuality is superior to homosexuality.
There is no legitimate backing as to why they do this, no solid evidence, just biased religious beliefs. Couldn't you find the least bit of discrimination in this? Even for as religious as you are, do you think our politicians should have the right to deny us rights, based on their beliefs?
Avatar-less
Dear Avatar-less
The issue here is not whether marriage is a holy rite. The issue here is denial of civil rights on the basis of sexual orientation. As a minister, I am allowed by the laws of the State of South Carolina to perform and certify marriages. But even if I was not a minister,, I could still perform marriages because I am also a notary. Depending on state laws, this right is also granted to judges, magistrates, justices of the peace and other civil authorities. Clearly, the state considers marriage a civil issue, not a religious issue.
I choose not to pass judgment on the sexual conduct of others, as long as that conduct has no harmful consequences. I do oppose sexual conduct which can lead to harmful consequences, such as pedophilia, sadism/masochism and other potentially harmful conduct. I find nothing offensive, however, in two people wanting to make a legal commitment to love and care for each other. I also find no valid medical or sociological proof that non-traditional family relationships have a harmful effect on legal dependants of such relationships.
So in the end, it all comes down to politics. The majority of voters have clearly shown their opposition to same-sex marriages where that issue has been placed on the ballot. The politicians know better than to fight the voters on this issue. It has nothing to do with their personal beliefs. We have seen many cases where politicians were exposed engaging in practices they had publicly opposed. It has to do with getting elected. I am afraid this issue, like the issue of racial equality, will have to be settled by the courts.
Given the current practice of appointing judges with conservative agendas, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Best always
Brother Ron
By not allowing gays and lesbian to marry, our government is preserving the 'sanctity of marriage'. So, pretty much, in a nutshell, this is our senators, our governors, our elected officials, putting their sexuality on a pedestal, and think that heterosexuality is superior to homosexuality.
There is no legitimate backing as to why they do this, no solid evidence, just biased religious beliefs. Couldn't you find the least bit of discrimination in this? Even for as religious as you are, do you think our politicians should have the right to deny us rights, based on their beliefs?
Avatar-less
Dear Avatar-less
The issue here is not whether marriage is a holy rite. The issue here is denial of civil rights on the basis of sexual orientation. As a minister, I am allowed by the laws of the State of South Carolina to perform and certify marriages. But even if I was not a minister,, I could still perform marriages because I am also a notary. Depending on state laws, this right is also granted to judges, magistrates, justices of the peace and other civil authorities. Clearly, the state considers marriage a civil issue, not a religious issue.
I choose not to pass judgment on the sexual conduct of others, as long as that conduct has no harmful consequences. I do oppose sexual conduct which can lead to harmful consequences, such as pedophilia, sadism/masochism and other potentially harmful conduct. I find nothing offensive, however, in two people wanting to make a legal commitment to love and care for each other. I also find no valid medical or sociological proof that non-traditional family relationships have a harmful effect on legal dependants of such relationships.
So in the end, it all comes down to politics. The majority of voters have clearly shown their opposition to same-sex marriages where that issue has been placed on the ballot. The politicians know better than to fight the voters on this issue. It has nothing to do with their personal beliefs. We have seen many cases where politicians were exposed engaging in practices they had publicly opposed. It has to do with getting elected. I am afraid this issue, like the issue of racial equality, will have to be settled by the courts.
Given the current practice of appointing judges with conservative agendas, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Best always
Brother Ron
If God Only Helps Those Who Help Themselves
Dear Brother Ron
If God only helps those who help themselves why should you ask for God's help at all?
The Moon
Dear Moon
When our Father sends you help, you must be ready and willing to accept it. You must be seeking God's help and open to opportunities presented to you. Perhaps this story will help you to understand.
A man was trapped by a flash flood and only had time to scramble onto his roof before the water rose to flood levels. As he sat on his roof, the rain continued to fall and the water continued to rise. A few minutes later, a man came by in a rowboat. "Get in", said the man in the boat, "and I will take you to safety."
"No thanks", the man on the roof replied, "I know the Lord is going to save me from this flood."
The man in the rowboat continued downstream, looking for others to rescue. A few minutes later, a National Guard helicopter appeared. While the chopper hovered overhead, one of the crewmen dropped a rope ladder and yelled, "Sir, the water is rising. Climb the ladder and we will fly you out."
"No thanks", the man yelled back, "I have faith the Lord is going to save me."
The helicopter flew on, the water continued to rise and eventually, the man was swept off the roof by the rising water and drowned. He then found himself standing before the Lord. "Lord", he cried, "I had faith in you. I believed in you. Why did you not save me from the flood?"
"What are you talking about?", replied the Lord, "I sent you a rowboat and a helicopter."
You should continue to ask for God's help. But when the Lord sends us an opportunity, we must be ready and willing to act on it.
Best always
Brother Ron
If God only helps those who help themselves why should you ask for God's help at all?
The Moon
Dear Moon
When our Father sends you help, you must be ready and willing to accept it. You must be seeking God's help and open to opportunities presented to you. Perhaps this story will help you to understand.
A man was trapped by a flash flood and only had time to scramble onto his roof before the water rose to flood levels. As he sat on his roof, the rain continued to fall and the water continued to rise. A few minutes later, a man came by in a rowboat. "Get in", said the man in the boat, "and I will take you to safety."
"No thanks", the man on the roof replied, "I know the Lord is going to save me from this flood."
The man in the rowboat continued downstream, looking for others to rescue. A few minutes later, a National Guard helicopter appeared. While the chopper hovered overhead, one of the crewmen dropped a rope ladder and yelled, "Sir, the water is rising. Climb the ladder and we will fly you out."
"No thanks", the man yelled back, "I have faith the Lord is going to save me."
The helicopter flew on, the water continued to rise and eventually, the man was swept off the roof by the rising water and drowned. He then found himself standing before the Lord. "Lord", he cried, "I had faith in you. I believed in you. Why did you not save me from the flood?"
"What are you talking about?", replied the Lord, "I sent you a rowboat and a helicopter."
You should continue to ask for God's help. But when the Lord sends us an opportunity, we must be ready and willing to act on it.
Best always
Brother Ron
Saturday, June 18, 2011
How Can I Feel Equal and Free?
Dear Brother Ron
How can I feel equal and free in a world that places religion on a pedestal yet praises a capitalist society and encourages racism by forcing stereotypes and misrepresentation of racial groups? How do you combat those outside influences and stay steadfast AND not judge others for their racism although it feels like certain racial groups are being singled out?
Benny
Dear Benny
Racism is the result of three human needs:
1. A need for speed and convenience. In today's fast-paced world, we look for the fastest and easiest way to get things done.
2. A need for order. We want a place for everything and everything in its place. This includes people. Have you ever met somebody and walked away saying, "I just can't figure them out"? This made you feel very uncomfortable, didn't it?
3. A need for esteem. Although nobody likes a person who thinks they are better than everybody else, everybody needs to feel like they are better than somebody else. If you thought you were the lowest person on the face of the planet in every way, you probably could not live with yourself.
Now put these together and you understand why we look for the quickest and easiest way to judge others as worse than we are. It's not right, it's not logical and it's not moral but that's the way most humans work.
How do you stay steadfast and maintain your objectivity in such an environment? By recognizing this behavior for what it is-a type of voluntary ignorance and tunnel vision. Most people do not want all the facts. Just give me a 15-second synopsis and let me get on with my life. If you are comfortable with yourself, you will understand that nobody knows enough about you to judge you except you.
Jesus said we should love others as much as we love ourselves. If you are good enough for God to love (and you are), you are good enough for you to love. Once you understand this, you do not need to put others down to build yourself up. And you now have the strength to stay steadfast and nonjudgmental in a judgmental world.
Best always
Brother Ron
How can I feel equal and free in a world that places religion on a pedestal yet praises a capitalist society and encourages racism by forcing stereotypes and misrepresentation of racial groups? How do you combat those outside influences and stay steadfast AND not judge others for their racism although it feels like certain racial groups are being singled out?
Benny
Dear Benny
Racism is the result of three human needs:
1. A need for speed and convenience. In today's fast-paced world, we look for the fastest and easiest way to get things done.
2. A need for order. We want a place for everything and everything in its place. This includes people. Have you ever met somebody and walked away saying, "I just can't figure them out"? This made you feel very uncomfortable, didn't it?
3. A need for esteem. Although nobody likes a person who thinks they are better than everybody else, everybody needs to feel like they are better than somebody else. If you thought you were the lowest person on the face of the planet in every way, you probably could not live with yourself.
Now put these together and you understand why we look for the quickest and easiest way to judge others as worse than we are. It's not right, it's not logical and it's not moral but that's the way most humans work.
How do you stay steadfast and maintain your objectivity in such an environment? By recognizing this behavior for what it is-a type of voluntary ignorance and tunnel vision. Most people do not want all the facts. Just give me a 15-second synopsis and let me get on with my life. If you are comfortable with yourself, you will understand that nobody knows enough about you to judge you except you.
Jesus said we should love others as much as we love ourselves. If you are good enough for God to love (and you are), you are good enough for you to love. Once you understand this, you do not need to put others down to build yourself up. And you now have the strength to stay steadfast and nonjudgmental in a judgmental world.
Best always
Brother Ron
Is Being Ordained Online For Real?
Dear Brother Ron
Is being ordained online for real? What are the rules for allowing people to become an ordained minister? Can anyone be a minister? Do they have to be Christains or can they be of other religions?
Red Rabbit
Dear Red Rabbit
Your ordination as a minister is as real as you are. Ordination is merely the recognition by a religious organization of your right to perform the duties of a minister in the name of that organization. Being ordained is simple. Doing the work of our Father is one of the hardest jobs on earth.
Universal Ministries will ordain anybody at no cost. Your ordination is legal in every state and the UM fights diligently in your behalf to oppose any challenges to your right to perform the duties of a minister. Ordination is free and available to all. Once you are ordained, you have the right to form a church and lead a congregation. You do not have to be a Christian to do so. Once you are ordained, you should take the following steps:
1. Write a vision statement. This is your vision of the world (or your part of it) as you would like to see it. The whole purpose of ministry is to help others love and understand God more and accomplish His plan for us. What is your understanding of God and what changes are needed to accomplish His plan for us?
2. Write a mission statement. Specifically what do you see as your mission within your community? What changes do you see which need to be made in order to accomplish your vision? You are probably not going to change the world but you can change your part of it. What changes need to be made to make your vision a reality?
3. Form a strategy. Your first step here should be to gather others who share your vision and your mission as your Board of Advisors. The Greek word which was translated in the Bible as "church" is "ecclesia", which means a gathering of people. Your Board of Advisors will serve as the core of your congregation and help you devise a strategy to accomplish your mission.
These are just the first steps in a journey which will occupy the rest of your life. Before you take them, you should consider carefully whether you want to commit the time and effort needed to this journey. Along the way, you will encounter financial difficulty and social criticism. Is your commitment to your vision and your mission strong enough to overcome these and many other obstacles?
Only you can answer that question.
Best always
Brother Ron
Is being ordained online for real? What are the rules for allowing people to become an ordained minister? Can anyone be a minister? Do they have to be Christains or can they be of other religions?
Red Rabbit
Dear Red Rabbit
Your ordination as a minister is as real as you are. Ordination is merely the recognition by a religious organization of your right to perform the duties of a minister in the name of that organization. Being ordained is simple. Doing the work of our Father is one of the hardest jobs on earth.
Universal Ministries will ordain anybody at no cost. Your ordination is legal in every state and the UM fights diligently in your behalf to oppose any challenges to your right to perform the duties of a minister. Ordination is free and available to all. Once you are ordained, you have the right to form a church and lead a congregation. You do not have to be a Christian to do so. Once you are ordained, you should take the following steps:
1. Write a vision statement. This is your vision of the world (or your part of it) as you would like to see it. The whole purpose of ministry is to help others love and understand God more and accomplish His plan for us. What is your understanding of God and what changes are needed to accomplish His plan for us?
2. Write a mission statement. Specifically what do you see as your mission within your community? What changes do you see which need to be made in order to accomplish your vision? You are probably not going to change the world but you can change your part of it. What changes need to be made to make your vision a reality?
3. Form a strategy. Your first step here should be to gather others who share your vision and your mission as your Board of Advisors. The Greek word which was translated in the Bible as "church" is "ecclesia", which means a gathering of people. Your Board of Advisors will serve as the core of your congregation and help you devise a strategy to accomplish your mission.
These are just the first steps in a journey which will occupy the rest of your life. Before you take them, you should consider carefully whether you want to commit the time and effort needed to this journey. Along the way, you will encounter financial difficulty and social criticism. Is your commitment to your vision and your mission strong enough to overcome these and many other obstacles?
Only you can answer that question.
Best always
Brother Ron
Parallel Universes
Dear Brother Ron
Do you think that the theory of multi-universe is plausible?
that is parallel universes exist.
If so, then does god exit in these other places? Is he the same god or a completelt separate one? Did god make them and if all the people are the same there are you still a Christian in the other universe?
Ghostly Alice
Dear Ghostly Alice
Our understanding of the universe is based on our understanding of time as a linear concept. In other words, time flows in a single direction like a laser beam. That would mean that there is only one time and only one direction it can go. But what if time is like a light bulb which emits light in all directions? This would mean there are an infinite number of timelines, each leading to an infinite number of possibilities? This is the basis for the theory of parallel universes.
Fortunately God is not confined to our limited understanding of space and time. He is truly infinite. This means that not only does God exist in all of these infinite dimensions of space and time, He is Lord and Creator of them. He is still the same infinite God that he always has been and always will be.
Since an infinite number of timelines implies an infinite number of possibilities, I would doubt that everything is the same in all of them. In fact, I strongly suspect that no two of them are exactly alike. This means that not only is it possible for anything to happen, it already has. It would not surprise me to learn that in some universes I am a world-famous musician. In others, I am governor of the state of Oklahoma. In others, I am in prison. In others, I have been dead for many years.
Would I still be a Christian? Again remember we are talking about an infinite number of realities and possibilities. In some of these realities, I might be the leader of a great Christian church or organization. In others, I might be a Muslim. In still others, I might be a Buddhist or Hindu. Remember we are talking about infinity, which is an incredibly large number. Even if the chances of something are one in ten billion, that's less than a drop in the bucket when compared to infinity.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
Do you think that the theory of multi-universe is plausible?
that is parallel universes exist.
If so, then does god exit in these other places? Is he the same god or a completelt separate one? Did god make them and if all the people are the same there are you still a Christian in the other universe?
Ghostly Alice
Dear Ghostly Alice
Our understanding of the universe is based on our understanding of time as a linear concept. In other words, time flows in a single direction like a laser beam. That would mean that there is only one time and only one direction it can go. But what if time is like a light bulb which emits light in all directions? This would mean there are an infinite number of timelines, each leading to an infinite number of possibilities? This is the basis for the theory of parallel universes.
Fortunately God is not confined to our limited understanding of space and time. He is truly infinite. This means that not only does God exist in all of these infinite dimensions of space and time, He is Lord and Creator of them. He is still the same infinite God that he always has been and always will be.
Since an infinite number of timelines implies an infinite number of possibilities, I would doubt that everything is the same in all of them. In fact, I strongly suspect that no two of them are exactly alike. This means that not only is it possible for anything to happen, it already has. It would not surprise me to learn that in some universes I am a world-famous musician. In others, I am governor of the state of Oklahoma. In others, I am in prison. In others, I have been dead for many years.
Would I still be a Christian? Again remember we are talking about an infinite number of realities and possibilities. In some of these realities, I might be the leader of a great Christian church or organization. In others, I might be a Muslim. In still others, I might be a Buddhist or Hindu. Remember we are talking about infinity, which is an incredibly large number. Even if the chances of something are one in ten billion, that's less than a drop in the bucket when compared to infinity.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
Apostasy
Dear Brother Ron
What do you think of apostasy? As an ex-Catholic, I am curioua.
Brassy
Dear Brassy
Apostasy is a rejection of the teachings of one's religion. The difference between apostasy and heresy is that heretics claim to be still following their religion or to be the true followers of that religion. Apostates reject a certain religion and no longer claim to be followers.
It is important to distinguish between religion and spirituality. Spirituality is the inner communication between the individual and the Living Spirit of God within. Religion is the outward expression of that spirituality. Just because a person rejects the teachings and rituals of a certain religion, that does not mean the person has rejected God. It merely means the person no longer recognizes the teachings and perspectives of a certain religious organization.
Such people usually go in search of other organizations whose teachings and rituals they find more attuned to their personal relationship with God. Naturally, most religious organizations consider such rejections of official doctrine as blasphemy. Personally, I consider it spiritual growth. God is much too big to be codified into one doctrine.
What if we passed a law that people visiting an art museum could only view a statue from the front? You could not view it from the side or any other angle. This would limit your understanding and appreciation for the work. The same is true of God. If you only limit yourself to a certain perspective, you miss out on a full understanding of His power and majesty.
We are God's children. Our Father wants what every father wants for his children. He wants us to grow up. I seriously doubt that our Father approves of any human restrictions which hamper that growth.
Best always
Brother Ron
What do you think of apostasy? As an ex-Catholic, I am curioua.
Brassy
Dear Brassy
Apostasy is a rejection of the teachings of one's religion. The difference between apostasy and heresy is that heretics claim to be still following their religion or to be the true followers of that religion. Apostates reject a certain religion and no longer claim to be followers.
It is important to distinguish between religion and spirituality. Spirituality is the inner communication between the individual and the Living Spirit of God within. Religion is the outward expression of that spirituality. Just because a person rejects the teachings and rituals of a certain religion, that does not mean the person has rejected God. It merely means the person no longer recognizes the teachings and perspectives of a certain religious organization.
Such people usually go in search of other organizations whose teachings and rituals they find more attuned to their personal relationship with God. Naturally, most religious organizations consider such rejections of official doctrine as blasphemy. Personally, I consider it spiritual growth. God is much too big to be codified into one doctrine.
What if we passed a law that people visiting an art museum could only view a statue from the front? You could not view it from the side or any other angle. This would limit your understanding and appreciation for the work. The same is true of God. If you only limit yourself to a certain perspective, you miss out on a full understanding of His power and majesty.
We are God's children. Our Father wants what every father wants for his children. He wants us to grow up. I seriously doubt that our Father approves of any human restrictions which hamper that growth.
Best always
Brother Ron
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Is there any evidence that Jesus existed?
Dear Brother Ron
Is there any evidence that Jesus existed, let alone being the son of an invisible sky wizard?
Augsburg
Dear Augsburg
Perhaps the best evidence coming from a non-Biblical source is Book XVIII of "Antiquities of the Jews" by Flavius Josephus, a Greek historian. The following exerpt is from Chapter 3:
Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, (9) those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; (10) as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.
(9) A.D. 33, April 3
(10) April 5
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
Is there any evidence that Jesus existed, let alone being the son of an invisible sky wizard?
Augsburg
Dear Augsburg
Perhaps the best evidence coming from a non-Biblical source is Book XVIII of "Antiquities of the Jews" by Flavius Josephus, a Greek historian. The following exerpt is from Chapter 3:
Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, (9) those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; (10) as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.
(9) A.D. 33, April 3
(10) April 5
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
Monday, June 13, 2011
Different Types of Prayer
Dear Brother Ron
What are the different types of prayer? There are prayers of thanksgiving and petition. What are the others?
thefinalresult
Dear Finalresult
There are five basic types of prayer. The first type is the prayer of praise (God may like this one best). We praise God when we tell him how wonderful he is. The simplest way of praising him is in the name we call him: Almighty God; Lord Jesus Christ; Lord of Lords; King of Kings. All these names tell God how glorious he is. Many of the psalms in the Book of Psalms are prayers of praise.
The second type is the prayer of thanksgiving, or telling God, "thank you". We thank God for all the wonderful things he does for us. He gives us life; he gives us food, clothing and shelter; he gives us good people in our lives to help us and to take care of us. The simple prayer of giving thanks for our food is called grace.
The third type is the prayer of confession, telling God that we are sorry for what we have done. We tell God we are sorry either when we have hurt one of the people God has created or when we have done some sort of damage to God's beautiful creation. We tell God what we have done and that we are sorry that we did it.
The fourth type is the prayer of supplication, or asking for help. We ask God to keep us safe, to give us courage in tough times, or to give us the things we need to be strong and healthy. God always wants to hear from us when we are afraid or in trouble and need help.
The fifth type of prayer is the intercessory prayer, where we ask God to care for another person or part of his creation. God indeed cares for other people without our prayer, but we build our Christian community by asking for God's special care for one another. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3: 14 - 21 is a beautiful prayer for the people of faith. Moses and Abraham asked God to take special care of his people. The Prayer for the Healing of Children is an intercessory prayer.
There are also four styles of prayer, which depend on our own personalities. The first style is devotional, or scripture-based prayer. Many people like to read a Bible verse or passage that opens a way for them to talk to God. They often begin their prayers by reading a psalm.
The second style is spontaneous prayer. This prayer comes from our hearts almost without thinking, and it is usually a prayer of thanksgiving: "Thank you, God, for the beautiful sunset"; "thank you for the kindness of my friend."
The third style is conversational prayer. Many people have long and involved conversations with God, where they talk things over with him, always sure that he is listening.
The fourth style is the prayer of action. Some people pray best while walking or moving or doing something. Sitting still is hard for them, and they need to add movement to their prayers. For them doing something (an act of kindness, for example) can be praying. Walking the labyrinth while praying can be an extremely deep form of prayer.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
What are the different types of prayer? There are prayers of thanksgiving and petition. What are the others?
thefinalresult
Dear Finalresult
There are five basic types of prayer. The first type is the prayer of praise (God may like this one best). We praise God when we tell him how wonderful he is. The simplest way of praising him is in the name we call him: Almighty God; Lord Jesus Christ; Lord of Lords; King of Kings. All these names tell God how glorious he is. Many of the psalms in the Book of Psalms are prayers of praise.
The second type is the prayer of thanksgiving, or telling God, "thank you". We thank God for all the wonderful things he does for us. He gives us life; he gives us food, clothing and shelter; he gives us good people in our lives to help us and to take care of us. The simple prayer of giving thanks for our food is called grace.
The third type is the prayer of confession, telling God that we are sorry for what we have done. We tell God we are sorry either when we have hurt one of the people God has created or when we have done some sort of damage to God's beautiful creation. We tell God what we have done and that we are sorry that we did it.
The fourth type is the prayer of supplication, or asking for help. We ask God to keep us safe, to give us courage in tough times, or to give us the things we need to be strong and healthy. God always wants to hear from us when we are afraid or in trouble and need help.
The fifth type of prayer is the intercessory prayer, where we ask God to care for another person or part of his creation. God indeed cares for other people without our prayer, but we build our Christian community by asking for God's special care for one another. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3: 14 - 21 is a beautiful prayer for the people of faith. Moses and Abraham asked God to take special care of his people. The Prayer for the Healing of Children is an intercessory prayer.
There are also four styles of prayer, which depend on our own personalities. The first style is devotional, or scripture-based prayer. Many people like to read a Bible verse or passage that opens a way for them to talk to God. They often begin their prayers by reading a psalm.
The second style is spontaneous prayer. This prayer comes from our hearts almost without thinking, and it is usually a prayer of thanksgiving: "Thank you, God, for the beautiful sunset"; "thank you for the kindness of my friend."
The third style is conversational prayer. Many people have long and involved conversations with God, where they talk things over with him, always sure that he is listening.
The fourth style is the prayer of action. Some people pray best while walking or moving or doing something. Sitting still is hard for them, and they need to add movement to their prayers. For them doing something (an act of kindness, for example) can be praying. Walking the labyrinth while praying can be an extremely deep form of prayer.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin
Dear Brother Ron
Do other people hate the saying "Love the sinner, hate the sin" as much as I do? Isn't that just an excuse for Christians to say really hateful things without feeling like they're being hateful? Like telling people they're going to burn in hell (something many people don't believe in) for alleged "sins" like being gay or not believing in God, all the while ignoring their own sins because they prefer to point out other people's sins instead.
If that's love, would you do us a favor and love us a bit less?
lindsey p
Dear Lindsey P
To me, this has always sounded like a controlling mechanism. It sounds like they are saying, "We would love you if only you would ________". These statements are usually followed by some prediction of dire consequences (like burning in a lake of fire for all eternity) if you do not follow their advice. It sounds like a man who walks into a bank and says, "Do what I tell you and nobody gets hurt. Make one false move and I'll blow your brains out."
God wants willing servants, not hostages. The Bible also tells us that living a sinless life does not guarantee you a throne in Heaven.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The implication here is clear. Many will proclaim to be on a mission from God and acting in His name when their true mission is to accomplish a private agenda for personal emotional satisfaction or hope of achieving some exalted status in God's kingdom. Such people are described in I Corinthians 13:1. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal".
When I advise somebody against a certain course of action, I do so because I see how they are hurting themselves or others here in this life. If you choose to deny the power of God within you, you are not hurting God. God does not need your permission to be God. And He does not need our pitiful praise to inflate His ego. He already knows who and what He is.
On the other hand, you are depriving yourself of the power of God within you. It's kind of like going into a boxing match with one hand tied behind your back. I don't think you will burn in hell for it but you significantly reduce your chances of victory. Personally, I will take all the help I can get. As the least of God's servants, I am richer than Bill Gates and more powerful than the President. I simply invite others to share my riches and power.
If you choose to reject the offer, you have the right to do so. God literally has all the time in the world. He knows you will eventually figure it out.
Best always
Brother Ron
Do other people hate the saying "Love the sinner, hate the sin" as much as I do? Isn't that just an excuse for Christians to say really hateful things without feeling like they're being hateful? Like telling people they're going to burn in hell (something many people don't believe in) for alleged "sins" like being gay or not believing in God, all the while ignoring their own sins because they prefer to point out other people's sins instead.
If that's love, would you do us a favor and love us a bit less?
lindsey p
Dear Lindsey P
To me, this has always sounded like a controlling mechanism. It sounds like they are saying, "We would love you if only you would ________". These statements are usually followed by some prediction of dire consequences (like burning in a lake of fire for all eternity) if you do not follow their advice. It sounds like a man who walks into a bank and says, "Do what I tell you and nobody gets hurt. Make one false move and I'll blow your brains out."
God wants willing servants, not hostages. The Bible also tells us that living a sinless life does not guarantee you a throne in Heaven.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The implication here is clear. Many will proclaim to be on a mission from God and acting in His name when their true mission is to accomplish a private agenda for personal emotional satisfaction or hope of achieving some exalted status in God's kingdom. Such people are described in I Corinthians 13:1. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal".
When I advise somebody against a certain course of action, I do so because I see how they are hurting themselves or others here in this life. If you choose to deny the power of God within you, you are not hurting God. God does not need your permission to be God. And He does not need our pitiful praise to inflate His ego. He already knows who and what He is.
On the other hand, you are depriving yourself of the power of God within you. It's kind of like going into a boxing match with one hand tied behind your back. I don't think you will burn in hell for it but you significantly reduce your chances of victory. Personally, I will take all the help I can get. As the least of God's servants, I am richer than Bill Gates and more powerful than the President. I simply invite others to share my riches and power.
If you choose to reject the offer, you have the right to do so. God literally has all the time in the world. He knows you will eventually figure it out.
Best always
Brother Ron
If Humans Were Smarter
Dear Brother Ron
If humans were smarter, would we need to follow a religion? I believe that our current technology will be a lot better in 10 years, but that is because people are constantly and noticably improving it. And we are displaying things that acually exist. That is how life goes.
But religion is based off of ancient stories that have been deemed "official". That's great and all, and people can believe what they want, but do people really need to follow a most likely false belief system? Everytime I hear someone say "Jesus said this" or "God said this" I wonder more and more why people are pursueded by these stories.
Oh and before you quote the bible, realize that you are just repeating what all of the other sheep have been saying for hundreds of years. You are just displaying your religiously fueled ignorance like all of the others.
Ideocracy69
Dear Ideocracy69
No matter how advanced our technology gets, religion will still be an integral part of our society. There are several good reasons for this.
1. Worshiping together strengthens our spiritual energies. Take a radio and tune it to any channel. Now take another radio and set it to exactly the same channel and the same volume. Put it beside the first radio. Keep doing this until you run out of radios. You will notice that every time you add another radio, the sound gets louder even though they are all set to the same volume.
This is known as sympathetic vibration. The radios work together to produce increased energy. Our spiritual energies work in much the same way. When a group of people focuses their spiritual energy together, they produce a much greater effect that any one of them could produce alone. Religion provides a focal point for this combination of energies, ahich has a beneficial effect on both the worshipers and the object of their spiritual energy.
2. Religious organizations are the most efficient means of providing needed goods and services to society. Imagine you and your family need $100 worth of groceries. To give you the food you need, the average church will spend $7.00 on administrative costs. The average United Way agency will spend $20.00 in administrative costs. The average government agency will spend $328.00 in administrative costs to give you the same $100.00 worth of food.
3. Religious organizations have the people, facilities and materials to provide spiritual training for our youth. The trick is to find an organization which will teach your children what you want them to learn. That is why it is important for parents to monitor their child's spiritual growth, just as they should monitor their intellectual growth in the schools. The big difference is the members of a church have much more control over the teaching that goes on in the church than parents do over the teaching in the schools. I believe this is a good thing.
As far as using stories is concerned, a good story is a good story no matter where it comes from. The parables of Jesus have endured through the years because they illustrate universal truths. They would be equally valuable if they came from a movie or a novel. Like most ministers, I do not limit myself to the Bible when searching for inspiration.
You mention the advancement of technology. I use technology constantly to find new ways to share new perspectives of God with my fellow ministers. I believe technology has provided a valuable resource for us to share our knowledge and experiences which will help us form a more complete picture of God and a better relationship with Him. I believe this is what our Father had in mind when He revealed the secrets of this resource to its developers.
Where do you think Bill Gates got his ideas?
Best always
Brother Ron
If humans were smarter, would we need to follow a religion? I believe that our current technology will be a lot better in 10 years, but that is because people are constantly and noticably improving it. And we are displaying things that acually exist. That is how life goes.
But religion is based off of ancient stories that have been deemed "official". That's great and all, and people can believe what they want, but do people really need to follow a most likely false belief system? Everytime I hear someone say "Jesus said this" or "God said this" I wonder more and more why people are pursueded by these stories.
Oh and before you quote the bible, realize that you are just repeating what all of the other sheep have been saying for hundreds of years. You are just displaying your religiously fueled ignorance like all of the others.
Ideocracy69
Dear Ideocracy69
No matter how advanced our technology gets, religion will still be an integral part of our society. There are several good reasons for this.
1. Worshiping together strengthens our spiritual energies. Take a radio and tune it to any channel. Now take another radio and set it to exactly the same channel and the same volume. Put it beside the first radio. Keep doing this until you run out of radios. You will notice that every time you add another radio, the sound gets louder even though they are all set to the same volume.
This is known as sympathetic vibration. The radios work together to produce increased energy. Our spiritual energies work in much the same way. When a group of people focuses their spiritual energy together, they produce a much greater effect that any one of them could produce alone. Religion provides a focal point for this combination of energies, ahich has a beneficial effect on both the worshipers and the object of their spiritual energy.
2. Religious organizations are the most efficient means of providing needed goods and services to society. Imagine you and your family need $100 worth of groceries. To give you the food you need, the average church will spend $7.00 on administrative costs. The average United Way agency will spend $20.00 in administrative costs. The average government agency will spend $328.00 in administrative costs to give you the same $100.00 worth of food.
3. Religious organizations have the people, facilities and materials to provide spiritual training for our youth. The trick is to find an organization which will teach your children what you want them to learn. That is why it is important for parents to monitor their child's spiritual growth, just as they should monitor their intellectual growth in the schools. The big difference is the members of a church have much more control over the teaching that goes on in the church than parents do over the teaching in the schools. I believe this is a good thing.
As far as using stories is concerned, a good story is a good story no matter where it comes from. The parables of Jesus have endured through the years because they illustrate universal truths. They would be equally valuable if they came from a movie or a novel. Like most ministers, I do not limit myself to the Bible when searching for inspiration.
You mention the advancement of technology. I use technology constantly to find new ways to share new perspectives of God with my fellow ministers. I believe technology has provided a valuable resource for us to share our knowledge and experiences which will help us form a more complete picture of God and a better relationship with Him. I believe this is what our Father had in mind when He revealed the secrets of this resource to its developers.
Where do you think Bill Gates got his ideas?
Best always
Brother Ron
Who Created God?
Dear Brother Ron
Who created God? I hate questions challenging beliefs, but I need to know a true believer's rational opinion on this. I want you to speak rationally when you answer my question - real world rationality. Restating your position is not an answer.
And before you say "he just existed", please realize that this is just as bad as an atheist saying, "We just existed from time immemorial...the end", or "The big bang happened and we just came into existence". If you can comprehend this hypocracy, then find a a way around it and give me an unbiased answer.
Noctec
Dear Noctec
Your question assumes that God is confined by the same laws of time and space which define reality for us humans. He's not. You and I can only be in one place at a time. And we are trapped in the flow of time, unable to move forward or backward by even one second. Furthermore, we are confined to a certain reality in which certain things have happened and will happen, producing certain results.
Now imagine a being who can move freely within the dimensions of space, time and possibility. He can be anywhere, any time and anyhow and he can occupy all parts of an infinite number of dimensions simultaneously. Most people find this hard, if not impossible to comprehend. Let me give you a small example.
_0_
..I
./ \
This is Herman. I am God and I just created him. Now Herman is alive but he exists within the limits of your computer screen. Since Herman is a two-dimensional being, he can move from side to side and up and down. But he can not jump off the screen and stand on your desk. This is outside the limits of Herman's reality.
You and I, on the other hand, can move freely about the entire planet and experience a world which Herman can not comprehend, let alone experience. Now take that concept and multiply times infinity. This gives you some idea of why we find the concept of God so hard to understand and keep trying to shrink Him down to our size.
When you understand God as ruler of an infinite number of dimensions, the idea of a God who has always existed makes perfect sense because for Him, the words past, present and future have no meaning. They are all the same to Him. God is watching the world being born NOW and He is watching it end NOW. Jesus told us the same thing.
John 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
This is not a grammatical error. He was trying to explain the timeless nature of God to them. Obviously, the people He was talking to had a problem understanding this concept. We are still having the same problem today.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
Who created God? I hate questions challenging beliefs, but I need to know a true believer's rational opinion on this. I want you to speak rationally when you answer my question - real world rationality. Restating your position is not an answer.
And before you say "he just existed", please realize that this is just as bad as an atheist saying, "We just existed from time immemorial...the end", or "The big bang happened and we just came into existence". If you can comprehend this hypocracy, then find a a way around it and give me an unbiased answer.
Noctec
Dear Noctec
Your question assumes that God is confined by the same laws of time and space which define reality for us humans. He's not. You and I can only be in one place at a time. And we are trapped in the flow of time, unable to move forward or backward by even one second. Furthermore, we are confined to a certain reality in which certain things have happened and will happen, producing certain results.
Now imagine a being who can move freely within the dimensions of space, time and possibility. He can be anywhere, any time and anyhow and he can occupy all parts of an infinite number of dimensions simultaneously. Most people find this hard, if not impossible to comprehend. Let me give you a small example.
_0_
..I
./ \
This is Herman. I am God and I just created him. Now Herman is alive but he exists within the limits of your computer screen. Since Herman is a two-dimensional being, he can move from side to side and up and down. But he can not jump off the screen and stand on your desk. This is outside the limits of Herman's reality.
You and I, on the other hand, can move freely about the entire planet and experience a world which Herman can not comprehend, let alone experience. Now take that concept and multiply times infinity. This gives you some idea of why we find the concept of God so hard to understand and keep trying to shrink Him down to our size.
When you understand God as ruler of an infinite number of dimensions, the idea of a God who has always existed makes perfect sense because for Him, the words past, present and future have no meaning. They are all the same to Him. God is watching the world being born NOW and He is watching it end NOW. Jesus told us the same thing.
John 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
This is not a grammatical error. He was trying to explain the timeless nature of God to them. Obviously, the people He was talking to had a problem understanding this concept. We are still having the same problem today.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Why Does God Create Sinners?
Dear Brother Ron
Why does God create beings He knows will sin and go to hell? What do you believers feel about this? Don't say free will either because I am sure you don't let children play with fire or poison to let them express their free will.
andy e
Dear Andy E
The word sin is (believe it or not) an archaic archery term. It means to miss the target. Your problem is you don't believe in a god who condemns people to eternal torment for making mistakes. You are right. We all make mistakes. It's part of the learning experience. Our Father knows about them before we are born and forgives us before we commit them.
You call yourself an atheist, yet you acknowledge a God who exists beyond our concept of space and time. I feel you just do not accept the limited definition of God advocated by most religious organizations. You are correct. God is much bigger than most churches say He is. Unfortunately, most people are not looking for the whole truth. They simply want a 15-second sound bite. The church, being a good marketing organization, gives them what they want. You are one of those rare individuals who wants a meal, not a snack.
Keep asking questions. It's the only way you are going to grow into the person our Father wants you to be.
Best always
Brother Ron
Why does God create beings He knows will sin and go to hell? What do you believers feel about this? Don't say free will either because I am sure you don't let children play with fire or poison to let them express their free will.
andy e
Dear Andy E
The word sin is (believe it or not) an archaic archery term. It means to miss the target. Your problem is you don't believe in a god who condemns people to eternal torment for making mistakes. You are right. We all make mistakes. It's part of the learning experience. Our Father knows about them before we are born and forgives us before we commit them.
You call yourself an atheist, yet you acknowledge a God who exists beyond our concept of space and time. I feel you just do not accept the limited definition of God advocated by most religious organizations. You are correct. God is much bigger than most churches say He is. Unfortunately, most people are not looking for the whole truth. They simply want a 15-second sound bite. The church, being a good marketing organization, gives them what they want. You are one of those rare individuals who wants a meal, not a snack.
Keep asking questions. It's the only way you are going to grow into the person our Father wants you to be.
Best always
Brother Ron
What Does "Tat Twam Asi" Mean?
Dear Brother Ron
What is your understanding of the phrase "Tat Twam Asi"?
Digilook
Dear Digilook
"TAT TWAM ASI" - "Thou Art You" is the ultimate in human experience - an experience that allows the external truth and fundamental reality to be revealed through human realization.
"Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man", defines Swami Vivekananda. Hence, the primary aim at Vivekananda School Of Post-Graduate Studies (VSPGS) is to help both the students and the faculty to realize the human potential in total. VSPGS has set four clear goals to pervade the students' lives at the School and even beyond. These are:
To Comprehend reality as one whole
To develop value based relationships
To draw out potential from within
To develop passion for excellence
My problem with this is the attempt to bring this realization to students from an external source. The goals set forth by the school are internal goals and must be developed internally by communion with God, not through lectures or materials from external sources.
Your friend is right. This is not a new idea. Jesus told us the same thing two thousand years ago:
Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Once you have fully internalized this truth, accomplishment of the listed goals is easy.
Best always
Brother Ron
What is your understanding of the phrase "Tat Twam Asi"?
Digilook
Dear Digilook
"TAT TWAM ASI" - "Thou Art You" is the ultimate in human experience - an experience that allows the external truth and fundamental reality to be revealed through human realization.
"Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man", defines Swami Vivekananda. Hence, the primary aim at Vivekananda School Of Post-Graduate Studies (VSPGS) is to help both the students and the faculty to realize the human potential in total. VSPGS has set four clear goals to pervade the students' lives at the School and even beyond. These are:
To Comprehend reality as one whole
To develop value based relationships
To draw out potential from within
To develop passion for excellence
My problem with this is the attempt to bring this realization to students from an external source. The goals set forth by the school are internal goals and must be developed internally by communion with God, not through lectures or materials from external sources.
Your friend is right. This is not a new idea. Jesus told us the same thing two thousand years ago:
Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Once you have fully internalized this truth, accomplishment of the listed goals is easy.
Best always
Brother Ron
Do You Believe Jesus Is Coming Back Soon?
Dear Brother Ron
Do you honestly believe that Jesus is coming down to earth on a cloud soon? I've heard many people say that Jesus will return in their lifetime and take all Christians up to heaven.
Matt
Dear Matt
I believe this to be one of the biggest fallacies in Christian theology. This belief is based on John 14:2&3:
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
The fallacy is not that Jesus will return for us. The fallacy is in the teaching that He will return for everybody on the same day. The only time Jesus ever looked at somebody and said, "You are going to heaven" was the thief on the cross beside Him. And He did not say, "You are going to die but don't worry about it. Lay around in the grave for a thousand years or so and when I get around to it, I'll get back to you".
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Have you ever attended a funeral and heard the minister say something like, "I know Grandpa is looking down on us now from heaven"? Was the minister just telling a lie to comfort the survivors? I don't believe he was. I believe that, when our bodies are no longer a suitable host for the Holy Spirit living within, that Spirit returns to God from whom it came. And it doesn't take two thousand years or so for that to happen.
The other part of the fallacy is the belief that we will be bodily raised from the grave. My body is not exactly in perfect condition now. I don't even want to think about the shape it will be in after laying in a casket for awhile. When the body dies, the Spirit emerges free from impurities, disease and disabilities. The thought of having to leave a spiritual body which is free from earthly limitations and climb back into this sack of meat with bad knees, bad eyes and the foot of Frankenstein growing out of my right leg does not exactly thrill me.
So I guess the answer to your question is yes and no. Yes, I believe when this life is over, my Father will come to take me home. No, He won't come for everybody on the same day. But that's a good thing. Patience has never been one of my big virtues.
Best always
Brother Ron
Do you honestly believe that Jesus is coming down to earth on a cloud soon? I've heard many people say that Jesus will return in their lifetime and take all Christians up to heaven.
Matt
Dear Matt
I believe this to be one of the biggest fallacies in Christian theology. This belief is based on John 14:2&3:
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
The fallacy is not that Jesus will return for us. The fallacy is in the teaching that He will return for everybody on the same day. The only time Jesus ever looked at somebody and said, "You are going to heaven" was the thief on the cross beside Him. And He did not say, "You are going to die but don't worry about it. Lay around in the grave for a thousand years or so and when I get around to it, I'll get back to you".
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Have you ever attended a funeral and heard the minister say something like, "I know Grandpa is looking down on us now from heaven"? Was the minister just telling a lie to comfort the survivors? I don't believe he was. I believe that, when our bodies are no longer a suitable host for the Holy Spirit living within, that Spirit returns to God from whom it came. And it doesn't take two thousand years or so for that to happen.
The other part of the fallacy is the belief that we will be bodily raised from the grave. My body is not exactly in perfect condition now. I don't even want to think about the shape it will be in after laying in a casket for awhile. When the body dies, the Spirit emerges free from impurities, disease and disabilities. The thought of having to leave a spiritual body which is free from earthly limitations and climb back into this sack of meat with bad knees, bad eyes and the foot of Frankenstein growing out of my right leg does not exactly thrill me.
So I guess the answer to your question is yes and no. Yes, I believe when this life is over, my Father will come to take me home. No, He won't come for everybody on the same day. But that's a good thing. Patience has never been one of my big virtues.
Best always
Brother Ron
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Walk by Faith
Dear Brother Ron
How can I learn to do what is necessary when I turn my life over to God and feel closer to him? How does one walk by faith and not sight? I have been saved 23 years and recently turned my life to god but I feel maybe I am still doing it the old way. How does one let God lead? Do they not act unless they totally know God wants them to? I want to please him but not count on works and I have anger and hatred that hangs on to me despite trying to forgive as relatives have hurt me so deeply and recently. Does God understand this is a battle for me that I am trying though not perfect on?
Please help me in my christian walk. What things should I be doing? I am headstrong by nature and rarely listen to anyone and worried will not be compliant and obedient if I could figure out what He wants me to do. I feel so blind in all this. I was always scared to trust God before as I had a distorted view of Him and can't easily feel His love and closeness. How can I increase my knowledge of who He really is and what He wants of me.
Jane
Dear Jane
Let's take yor questions one at a time. How does one walk by faith and not by sight? First you have to know what you have faith in. I have faith that the part of the living God which dwells within me has a perfect vision of the future and has my best interests at heart as He leads me to fulfill His plan for that future. I have faith that God is infinite in wisdom and power and will provide me with the wisdom and power to accomplish what He needs me to accomplish.
As a child, I had to depend on my parents for transportation. I was too small to reach the pedals. I did not have the keys. I did not understand how to work the controls. I had to have faith my parents would steer the car safely and provide the fuel to get us to our destination. Allowing God to take the driver's seat of yor life is a similar experience.
Once you realize that you are under the protection and direction of our Father, you act with the certainty that your actions are in accordance with the wishes of our Father. Removing this doubt from your mind frees up and enormous amount of time and energy.
You say you feel anger and hatred toward family members who have hurt you. God has known you since before you were born. He has seen every step you have taken and every move you have made. He has seen all of your mistakes and failures and loves you anyway. If you are good enough for God to love, you are good enough for people to love. You are also good enough for you to love. If others don't see it that way, that is because of their short-sightedness. Your anger will not change that and merely serves to drain you of energy which you should be spending accomplishing what you want for your life.
You say you would be compliant if you cold figure out what God wants you to do. You have it backwards. In order to learn what God has planned for your life, first you have to convince yourself to listen for His voice and do what He tells you to do. Once you tune in to the voice of God within you, the directions will come naturally.
How can you increase your knowledge of God and His plans for your life? Talk to Him. He is living within the depths of your being and is a great listener and conversationalist. You do not have to do anything special to get His attention. You already have it. Once you realize and accept that, the rest will come naturally.
Best always
Brother Ron
How can I learn to do what is necessary when I turn my life over to God and feel closer to him? How does one walk by faith and not sight? I have been saved 23 years and recently turned my life to god but I feel maybe I am still doing it the old way. How does one let God lead? Do they not act unless they totally know God wants them to? I want to please him but not count on works and I have anger and hatred that hangs on to me despite trying to forgive as relatives have hurt me so deeply and recently. Does God understand this is a battle for me that I am trying though not perfect on?
Please help me in my christian walk. What things should I be doing? I am headstrong by nature and rarely listen to anyone and worried will not be compliant and obedient if I could figure out what He wants me to do. I feel so blind in all this. I was always scared to trust God before as I had a distorted view of Him and can't easily feel His love and closeness. How can I increase my knowledge of who He really is and what He wants of me.
Jane
Dear Jane
Let's take yor questions one at a time. How does one walk by faith and not by sight? First you have to know what you have faith in. I have faith that the part of the living God which dwells within me has a perfect vision of the future and has my best interests at heart as He leads me to fulfill His plan for that future. I have faith that God is infinite in wisdom and power and will provide me with the wisdom and power to accomplish what He needs me to accomplish.
As a child, I had to depend on my parents for transportation. I was too small to reach the pedals. I did not have the keys. I did not understand how to work the controls. I had to have faith my parents would steer the car safely and provide the fuel to get us to our destination. Allowing God to take the driver's seat of yor life is a similar experience.
Once you realize that you are under the protection and direction of our Father, you act with the certainty that your actions are in accordance with the wishes of our Father. Removing this doubt from your mind frees up and enormous amount of time and energy.
You say you feel anger and hatred toward family members who have hurt you. God has known you since before you were born. He has seen every step you have taken and every move you have made. He has seen all of your mistakes and failures and loves you anyway. If you are good enough for God to love, you are good enough for people to love. You are also good enough for you to love. If others don't see it that way, that is because of their short-sightedness. Your anger will not change that and merely serves to drain you of energy which you should be spending accomplishing what you want for your life.
You say you would be compliant if you cold figure out what God wants you to do. You have it backwards. In order to learn what God has planned for your life, first you have to convince yourself to listen for His voice and do what He tells you to do. Once you tune in to the voice of God within you, the directions will come naturally.
How can you increase your knowledge of God and His plans for your life? Talk to Him. He is living within the depths of your being and is a great listener and conversationalist. You do not have to do anything special to get His attention. You already have it. Once you realize and accept that, the rest will come naturally.
Best always
Brother Ron
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Equal and Free
Dear Brother Ron
How can I feel equal and free in a world that places religion on a pedestal yet praises a capitalist society and encourages racism by forcing stereotypes and misrepresentation of racial groups? How do you combat those outside influences and stay steadfast AND not judge others for their racism although it feels like certain racial groups are being singled out??
Benny
Dear Benny
Racism is the result of three human needs:
1. A need for speed and convenience. In today's fast-paced world, we look for the fastest and easiest way to get things done.
2. A need for order. We want a place for everything and everything in its place. This includes people. Have you ever met somebody and walked away saying, "I just can't figure them out"? This made you feel very uncomfortable, didn't it?
3. A need for esteem. Although nobody likes a person who thinks they are better than everybody else, everybody needs to feel like they are better than somebody else. If you thought you were the lowest person on the face of the planet in every way, you probably could not live with yourself.
Now put these together and you understand why we look for the quickest and easiest way to judge others as worse than we are. It's not right, it's not logical and it's not moral but that's the way most humans work.
How do you stay steadfast and maintain your objectivity in such an environment? By recognizing this behavior for what it is-a type of voluntary ignorance and tunnel vision. Most people do not want all the facts. Just give me a 15-second synopsis and let me get on with my life. If you are comfortable with yourself, you will understand that nobody knows enough about you to judge you except you.
Jesus said we should love others as much as we love ourselves. If you are good enough for God to love (and you are), you are good enough for you to love. Once you understand this, you do not need to put others down to build yourself up. And you now have the strength to stay steadfast and nonjudgmental in a judgmental world.
Best always
Brother Ron
How can I feel equal and free in a world that places religion on a pedestal yet praises a capitalist society and encourages racism by forcing stereotypes and misrepresentation of racial groups? How do you combat those outside influences and stay steadfast AND not judge others for their racism although it feels like certain racial groups are being singled out??
Benny
Dear Benny
Racism is the result of three human needs:
1. A need for speed and convenience. In today's fast-paced world, we look for the fastest and easiest way to get things done.
2. A need for order. We want a place for everything and everything in its place. This includes people. Have you ever met somebody and walked away saying, "I just can't figure them out"? This made you feel very uncomfortable, didn't it?
3. A need for esteem. Although nobody likes a person who thinks they are better than everybody else, everybody needs to feel like they are better than somebody else. If you thought you were the lowest person on the face of the planet in every way, you probably could not live with yourself.
Now put these together and you understand why we look for the quickest and easiest way to judge others as worse than we are. It's not right, it's not logical and it's not moral but that's the way most humans work.
How do you stay steadfast and maintain your objectivity in such an environment? By recognizing this behavior for what it is-a type of voluntary ignorance and tunnel vision. Most people do not want all the facts. Just give me a 15-second synopsis and let me get on with my life. If you are comfortable with yourself, you will understand that nobody knows enough about you to judge you except you.
Jesus said we should love others as much as we love ourselves. If you are good enough for God to love (and you are), you are good enough for you to love. Once you understand this, you do not need to put others down to build yourself up. And you now have the strength to stay steadfast and nonjudgmental in a judgmental world.
Best always
Brother Ron
Different Kinds of prayer
Dear Brother Ron
What all kinds of prayers are there? There are prayers of Thanksgiving, Petition what else?
Finalanswer
Dear Finalanswer
There are five basic types or sorts of prayer.
The first type is the prayer of praise (God may like this one best). We praise God when we tell him how wonderful he is. The simplest way of praising him is in the name we call him: Almighty God; Lord Jesus Christ; Lord of Lords; King of Kings. All these names tell God how glorious he is. Many of the psalms in the Book of Psalms are prayers of praise.
The second type is the prayer of thanksgiving, or telling God, "thank you". We thank God for all the wonderful things he does for us. He gives us life; he gives us food, clothing and shelter; he gives us good people in our lives to help us and to take care of us. The simple prayer of giving thanks for our food is called grace.
The third type is the prayer of confession, telling God that we are sorry for what we have done. We tell God we are sorry either when we have hurt one of the people God has created or when we have done some sort of damage to God's beautiful creation. We tell God what we have done and that we are sorry that we did it.
The fourth type is the prayer of supplication, or asking for help. We ask God to keep us safe, to give us courage in tough times, or to give us the things we need to be strong and healthy. God always wants to hear from us when we are afraid or in trouble and need help.
The fifth type of prayer is the intercessory prayer, where we ask God to care for another person or part of his creation. God indeed cares for other people without our prayer, but we build our Christian community by asking for God's special care for one another. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3: 14 - 21 is a beautiful prayer for the people of faith. Moses and Abraham asked God to take special care of his people. The Prayer for the Healing of Children is an intercessory prayer.
There are also four styles of prayer, which depend on our own personalities.
The first style is devotional, or scripture-based prayer. Many people like to read a Bible verse or passage that opens a way for them to talk to God. They often begin their prayers by reading a psalm.
The second style is spontaneous prayer. This prayer comes from our hearts almost without thinking, and it is usually a prayer of thanksgiving: "Thank you, God, for the beautiful sunset"; "thank you for the kindness of my friend."
The third style is conversational prayer. Many people have long and involved conversations with God, where they talk things over with him, always sure that he is listening.
The fourth style is the prayer of action. Some people pray best while walking or moving or doing something. Sitting still is hard for them, and they need to add movement to their prayers. For them doing something (an act of kindness, for example) can be praying. Walking the labyrinth while praying can be an extremely deep form of prayer.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
What all kinds of prayers are there? There are prayers of Thanksgiving, Petition what else?
Finalanswer
Dear Finalanswer
There are five basic types or sorts of prayer.
The first type is the prayer of praise (God may like this one best). We praise God when we tell him how wonderful he is. The simplest way of praising him is in the name we call him: Almighty God; Lord Jesus Christ; Lord of Lords; King of Kings. All these names tell God how glorious he is. Many of the psalms in the Book of Psalms are prayers of praise.
The second type is the prayer of thanksgiving, or telling God, "thank you". We thank God for all the wonderful things he does for us. He gives us life; he gives us food, clothing and shelter; he gives us good people in our lives to help us and to take care of us. The simple prayer of giving thanks for our food is called grace.
The third type is the prayer of confession, telling God that we are sorry for what we have done. We tell God we are sorry either when we have hurt one of the people God has created or when we have done some sort of damage to God's beautiful creation. We tell God what we have done and that we are sorry that we did it.
The fourth type is the prayer of supplication, or asking for help. We ask God to keep us safe, to give us courage in tough times, or to give us the things we need to be strong and healthy. God always wants to hear from us when we are afraid or in trouble and need help.
The fifth type of prayer is the intercessory prayer, where we ask God to care for another person or part of his creation. God indeed cares for other people without our prayer, but we build our Christian community by asking for God's special care for one another. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3: 14 - 21 is a beautiful prayer for the people of faith. Moses and Abraham asked God to take special care of his people. The Prayer for the Healing of Children is an intercessory prayer.
There are also four styles of prayer, which depend on our own personalities.
The first style is devotional, or scripture-based prayer. Many people like to read a Bible verse or passage that opens a way for them to talk to God. They often begin their prayers by reading a psalm.
The second style is spontaneous prayer. This prayer comes from our hearts almost without thinking, and it is usually a prayer of thanksgiving: "Thank you, God, for the beautiful sunset"; "thank you for the kindness of my friend."
The third style is conversational prayer. Many people have long and involved conversations with God, where they talk things over with him, always sure that he is listening.
The fourth style is the prayer of action. Some people pray best while walking or moving or doing something. Sitting still is hard for them, and they need to add movement to their prayers. For them doing something (an act of kindness, for example) can be praying. Walking the labyrinth while praying can be an extremely deep form of prayer.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
Who created God?
Dear Brother Ron
I hate questions challenging beliefs, but I need to know your rational opinion on this? I want you to speak rationally when you answer my question - real world rationality. Restating your position is not an answer.
Who created God?
And before you say "he just existed", please realize that this is just as bad as an atheist saying, "We just existed from time immemorial...the end", or "The big bang happened and we just came into existence". If you can comprehend this hipocrisy, then find a a way around it and give me an unbiased answer.
Noctec
Dear Noctec
Your question assumes that God is confined by the same laws of time and space which define reality for us humans. He's not. You and I can only be in one place at a time. And we are trapped in the flow of time, unable to move forward or backward by even one second. Furthermore, we are confined to a certain reality in which certain things have happened and will happen, producing certain results.
Now imagine a being who can move freely within the dimensions of space, time and possibility. He can be anywhere, any time and anyhow and he can occupy all parts of an infinite number of dimensions simultaneously. Most people find this hard, if not impossible to comprehend. Let me give you a small example.
O
/l\
/\
This is Herman. I am God and I just created him. Now Herman is alive but he exists within the limits of your computer screen. Since Herman is a two-dimensional being, he can move from side to side and up and down. But he can not jump off the screen and stand on your desk. This is outside the limits of Herman's reality.
You and I, on the other hand, can move freely about the entire planet and experience a world which Herman can not comprehend, let alone experience. Now take that concept and mutiply times infinity. This gives you some idea of why we find the concept of God so hard to understand and keep trying to shrink Him down to our size.
When you understand God as ruler of an infinite number of dimensions, the idea of a God who has always existed makes perfect sense because for Him, the words past, present and future have no meaning. They are all the same to Him. God is watching the world being born NOW and He is watching it end NOW. Jesus told us the same thing.
John 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
This is not a grammatical error. He was trying to explain the timeless nature of God to them. Obviously, the people He was talking to had a problem understanding this concept. We are still having the same problem today.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
I hate questions challenging beliefs, but I need to know your rational opinion on this? I want you to speak rationally when you answer my question - real world rationality. Restating your position is not an answer.
Who created God?
And before you say "he just existed", please realize that this is just as bad as an atheist saying, "We just existed from time immemorial...the end", or "The big bang happened and we just came into existence". If you can comprehend this hipocrisy, then find a a way around it and give me an unbiased answer.
Noctec
Dear Noctec
Your question assumes that God is confined by the same laws of time and space which define reality for us humans. He's not. You and I can only be in one place at a time. And we are trapped in the flow of time, unable to move forward or backward by even one second. Furthermore, we are confined to a certain reality in which certain things have happened and will happen, producing certain results.
Now imagine a being who can move freely within the dimensions of space, time and possibility. He can be anywhere, any time and anyhow and he can occupy all parts of an infinite number of dimensions simultaneously. Most people find this hard, if not impossible to comprehend. Let me give you a small example.
O
/l\
/\
This is Herman. I am God and I just created him. Now Herman is alive but he exists within the limits of your computer screen. Since Herman is a two-dimensional being, he can move from side to side and up and down. But he can not jump off the screen and stand on your desk. This is outside the limits of Herman's reality.
You and I, on the other hand, can move freely about the entire planet and experience a world which Herman can not comprehend, let alone experience. Now take that concept and mutiply times infinity. This gives you some idea of why we find the concept of God so hard to understand and keep trying to shrink Him down to our size.
When you understand God as ruler of an infinite number of dimensions, the idea of a God who has always existed makes perfect sense because for Him, the words past, present and future have no meaning. They are all the same to Him. God is watching the world being born NOW and He is watching it end NOW. Jesus told us the same thing.
John 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
This is not a grammatical error. He was trying to explain the timeless nature of God to them. Obviously, the people He was talking to had a problem understanding this concept. We are still having the same problem today.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Die in Your Sins
Dear Brother Ron
What does it mean to die in your sins?
John 8:21-24 (New Living Translation)
The Unbelieving People Warned
21 Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”
22 The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”
23 Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. 24 That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I Am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”
Darcie
Dear Darcie
Albert Barnes explains it this way:
All those who reject the Lord Jesus must die unforgiven. There is no way of pardon but by him. There will be a time when sinners will seek for a Saviour but will find none. Often this is done too late, in a dying moment, and in the future world they may seek a deliverer, but not be able to find one. Those who reject the Lord Jesus must perish. Where he is they cannot come. Where he is is heaven. Where he is not, with his favor and mercy, there is hell; and the sinner that has no Savior must be wretched forever.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
What does it mean to die in your sins?
John 8:21-24 (New Living Translation)
The Unbelieving People Warned
21 Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”
22 The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”
23 Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. 24 That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I Am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”
Darcie
Dear Darcie
Albert Barnes explains it this way:
All those who reject the Lord Jesus must die unforgiven. There is no way of pardon but by him. There will be a time when sinners will seek for a Saviour but will find none. Often this is done too late, in a dying moment, and in the future world they may seek a deliverer, but not be able to find one. Those who reject the Lord Jesus must perish. Where he is they cannot come. Where he is is heaven. Where he is not, with his favor and mercy, there is hell; and the sinner that has no Savior must be wretched forever.
Hope this helps.
Best always
Brother Ron
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