BEING SHALLOW IS NOT AS REWARDING AS DIGGING DEEPER - ARCHAEOLOGY CONFIRMS THE BIBLE - FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW - 1C

It won 5 Academy awards and remains one of the highest profit earning movies ever made. Its popularity and success led to 3 additional movies, a television series and at least 15 video games. It is included in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark put archaeology on the local map of people's imaginations as it unfolded on screen the exciting story of an adventurous archaeologist.

ARCHAEOLOGY CONFIRMS BIBLE HISTORY

A hundred years ago there were learned critics who claimed that the Bible was full of historical blunders. Today the situation has changed dramatically. 

The discoveries of archaeology in Bible lands have validated the confidence that many have in the historical accuracy of Holy Scriptures. Much of the culture as well as evidence of the various time frames and actual places where many of the Bible characters traveled and lived are being unearthed.

The ‘Middle East’ was the birth-place of the Bible, and the cradle of the human race. Ancient nations – Egypt, Assyria, Phoenicia, Babylon and Persia were clustered there. The Bible narratives are knitted at a thousand points to the history of these nations.

The Middle East has therefore become a gigantic museum, over stuffed with the relics of ancient eras. This region is also an enormous library. Beneath the sands, and on the stony faces of its weather beaten monuments are preserved chronicles of the nations of the past.

This library, the oldest and biggest in the world, with its clay tablets and cylinders, its rolls of papyrus, its scraps of broken pottery and its slabs of stone, is also a huge treasury, prepared by the hands of men long dead, filled with evidence of the historical accuracy of the sacred Scriptures, and preserved by God and needed for our time.

EARLY WRITING AND THE BIBLE

Cuneiform script is one of the earliest known forms of written expression. The cuneiform writing system was in use for more than 35 centuries, through several stages of development, from the 34th century BC down to the 1st century AD. It was completely replaced by alphabetic writing (in the general sense) during the Roman era and there are no Cuneiform systems in current use. Cuneiform documents were written on clay tablets, by means of a blunt reed for a stylus.

As archaeologists have discovered these clay tablets and inscriptions, more and more of the history recorded in the Bible is being certified as correct.

Here are a few examples of names, places and events in Bible history which have been verified by the cuneiform tablets of archaeology.

1. NOAH AND THE FLOOD - Deluge Tablet – The Epic of Gilgamesh records a Babylonian account of a flood

2. VARIOUS LAWS GOVERNING SOCIETIES INCLUDING THE 10 COMMANDMENTS  - Law tablets – ancient Near East legal tablets: Code of Hammurabi, Laws of Eshnunna, the Code of Ur-Nammu, king of Ur (ca. 2050 BC), the Laws of Eshnunna (ca. 1930 BC) and the codex of Lipit-Ishtar of Isin (ca. 1870 BC). Later codes than Hammurabi's include the Code of the Nesilim. Hittite laws, the Assyrian laws, and Mosaic Law / Ten Commandments. (see Cuneiform law)

3. EXISTENCE OF ISRAEL'S BIBLICAL ENEMIES - Ugaritic religious texts – (14th – 12th century BC?) verifies the account of Philo, preserved by Eusebius, regarding the Canaanite religion.

4. EXISTENCE OF THE PROPHET WHO TALKED WITH THE DONKEY - Balaam inscription (c. 840–760 BC) 9th or 8th century BC inscription about a prophet named Balaam (cf. the Book of Numbers).

5. EXISTENCE OF KING HEZEKIAH - Siloam inscription – Records the construction of Hezekiah's tunnel in the 8th century BC 

6. EXISTENCE OF ONE OF THE PLACES WHERE JESUS HEALED - Pool of Bethesda – in the nineteenth century, archaeologists discovered the remains of a pool exactly matching the description in John’s Gospel.

7. PLAGUES OF EGYPT - Ipuwer Papyrus (c. 13th century BC) – ancient papyrus manuscript describing Egypt as afflicted by natural disasters and in a state of chaos. Statements such as "the River is blood" have been interpreted by some as an Egyptian account of the Plagues of Egypt described in the Book of Exodus in the Bible.

8. ISRAEL THE PEOPLE OF GOD - Merneptah Stele (c. 1209/1208 BC).- one of the earliest known references to Israel or to the Israelites. The Merneptah Stele, dated to about 1206 B.C.E. and now housed at the Cairo Museum, offers the earliest historical evidence of a people called Israel.

9. EXISTENCE OF THE HEBREW PEOPLE - Gezer calendar (10th century BC) – calendar from the Biblical city of Gezer. It is one of the oldest known examples of Hebrew writing.

10. EXISTENCE OF AMMON - ANCIENT ENEMY OF ISRAEL - Amman Citadel Inscription – 9th century BC inscription in the Ammonite language, one of the few surviving written records of Ammon.

11. BOOK OF JEREMIAH - Seal of Jehucal – (9th century BCE ?) Jehucal or Jucal is mentioned in chapters 37 and 38 of the Book of Jeremiah where King Zedekiah sends Jehucal son of Shelemiah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah to the prophet Jeremiah saying `Please pray for us to the Lord our God` (Chapter 38 verse 3).

12. EXISTENCE OF KING AHAB -  Kurkh Monolith (c. 859–824 BC) - British Museum – names King Ahab of Israel, erected by Shalmaneser III to commemorate the Battle of Karkar, which Ahab participated in along with many other regional leaders.

13. EXISTENCE OF KING NEBUDCHADNEZZAR -  Babylonian Chronicles (c. 747–247 BC) – dealing with Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem, etc. (see Siege of Jerusalem (587 BC), Zedekiah and Book of Kings, Book of Jeremiah, Lamentations.)

14. EXISTENCE OF KING AHAZ -  King Ahaz's Seal (732 to 716 BC) – Ahaz was a king of Judah but "did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God, as his ancestor David had done" (2 Kings 16:2; 2 Chronicles 28:1). He worshiped idols and followed pagan practices. "He even made his son pass through fire, according to the abominable practices of the nations" (2 Kings 16:3). Ahaz was the son and successor of Jotham.

15. CAPTIVES OF JUDAH - Lachish relief – portion of the Sennacherib relief, which depicts captives from Judah being led into captivity after the fall of Lachish in 701 BC

16. SIEGE OF JERUSALEM - Taylor Prism – a clay prism inscribed with the annals of the Assyrian king Sennacherib notable for describing his siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC during the reign of king Hezekiah. This event is recorded in several books contained in Bible including Isaiah chapters 33 and 36; 2 Kings 18:17; 2 Chronicles 32:9.

17. OLD TESTAMENT IN THE BIBLE -  Ketef Hinnom priestly blessing – Probably the oldest surviving texts currently known from the Hebrew Bible – Priestly blessing dated to 600 BC. Text from the Book of Numbers in the Old Testament. Described as "one of most significant discoveries ever made" for biblical studies

18. KING CYRUS & BIBLE PROPHECY - Cylinder of Cyrus (c. 559 BC-530 BC) - British Museum – regarding King Cyrus's treatment of religion, which is significant to the books of Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah.

19. KING BELSHAZZAR AND THE JUDGMENT OF GOD - Cylinder of Nabonidus (555–539 BC) - British Museum – proves Belshazzar's existence. See Daniel 5; 7:1; 8:1. Daniel 5 describes Belshazzar's Feast where a hand was seen writing on the wall of the chamber a mysterious sentence mene mene tekel upharsin.

20. NEHEMIAH - RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM AND BIBLE PROPHECY -  Elephantine papyri, ancient Jewish papyri dating to the 5th century BC, name three persons mentioned in Nehemiah: Darius II, Sanballat the Horonite and Johanan the high priest.

21. ISRAEL'S REBELLION AGAINST AND APOSTASY FROM GOD - Proof of Israels apostasy from God -The Bible records the history of Israels frequent apostasy from God to worship the idol gods of nations around them. 

22. THE NEW TESTAMENT - Portions of the New Testament made on papyrus and some of the earliest proof of the original text. More than 120 are known and housed at various institutions around the world.

These examples confirm that the authenticity of the Bible is being established in these last days of earth's history as God continues to make intelligent appeals to the minds and hearts of human beings. Sufficient evidence is given for the honest in heart who sincerely wish to know the truth regarding the great issues of life; origin, purpose, destiny and eternity. 

Where we came from, where we are and where we are going. 

It begins with Jesus Christ.

His love, sacrifice and desire for you are revealed in the Bible.

This study will be continued in the next part of this Bible Study series 

"Facts You Need To Know" 1D.

REFERENCES:

The Holy Bible and-

(1) Israel Museum - http://www.imj.org.il/imagine/galleries/archaeologyE.asp

(2) University of Chicago Oriental Institute - https://oi.uchicago.edu/museum/galleries/

(3) NOVA - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/archeology-hebrew-bible.html

(4) Hecht Museum - http://mushecht.haifa.ac.il/archeology/cronological_eng.aspx

(5) Museums of Florence (Italy) - http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Museum_of_archaeology.html

(6) Houghton Library at Harvard - http://www.hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/houghton/collections/papyrus/bibliographies.cfm

(7) British Archaeology at the Ashmolean Museum - http://britisharchaeology.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/ also see

http://britisharchaeology.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/resources/resources-index.html and 

Museum of Art and Archaeology University of Oxford - http://cdli.ucla.edu/collections/ashmolean/ashmolean.html

(8) University of Oslo Library (Norway) - http://ub-fmserver.uio.no/home.php

(9) Yale University (Babylonian Collection) - http://nelc.yale.edu/babylonian-collection

(10) National Library of Russia - Greek Manuscripts - http://www.nlr.ru/eng/coll/manuscripts/greek.html

© 2012 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

DNA EVIDENCE OF GOD'S EXISTENCE - COMPUTER AND CELL PHONES CANNOT CREATE THEMSELVES - FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW - 1B

THIS LAPTOP COMPUTER CREATED ITSELF AND SELECTED THE NAME DELL FOR ITSELF.

TRUE OR FALSE

There are some people who sincerely believe it possible for computers and complex non-living machines to make themselves. These misguided individuals believe in greater miracles than those recorded in the Bible. Computers would not exist if there were no intelligent mind to invent and design them. Computers could not be programmed without the intelligence of a mind creating the instructions. Accidents and mutations don't make computers. This is a fact that no one needs a college degree to understand. The human body is even more complex than a computer and if accidents and mutations don't make computer chips then they most certainly do not create create human cells. One Bible writer acknowledged the true Creator of life and the Designer of the human body.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Psalms 139:14)

DNA carries the inheritance code in living things. It is like a microscopic computer with a built in memory. DNA stores a tremendous number of “blueprints,” and at the right time and place, it issues orders for distant parts of the body to build its cells and structures. Inside the DNA is the total of all the genetic possibilities for a given species. This is called the gene pool of genetic traits. It is also called the genome. 

The human body has about 100 trillion cells. Inside each cell in your body is a nucleus. In the nucleus of each cell are 46 chromosomes. Inside the chromosomes are genes. Inside the genes is the complicated chemical structure we call DNA. Each gene has a thousand or more such DNA units within it. In the chromosomes of each cell are about 10 billion DNA molecules. Each molecule is a spiral ladder and scientists also call them base pairs.

SEQUENCES AND CODES

It is the sequence of chemicals within these base pairs that provides the instructional code for your body. That instructional code oversees all your heredity and many of your metabolic processes. Without DNA neither you nor anything else on earth could live. Within each DNA molecule is an incredible information file. consisting of only four different building blocks (A, G, C, and T). These are arranged in basic code units of three factors per unit (A-C-C, G-T-A, etc.). This provides 64 basic code units. Each code continues on for millions of “letter” units. Each unit is made of a special chemical. Millions of separate codes can be sequentially constructed with these chemicals. Each code determines one of the many millions of factors in your body, organs, brain, and all their functions. If just one code were missing, we would be in serious trouble.


There are more than 16,000 nucleotides in one human mitochondrial DNA molecule.
A nucleotide is a complex chemical structure composed of a (nucleic acid) purine or pyrimidine, one sugar (usually ribose or deoxyribose), and a phosphoric group. Each one of the thousands of nucleotides within each DNA is aligned sequentially in a very specific order ! Imagine 3 billion complicated chemical links, each of which has to be in a precisely correct sequence !

In order for life to occur, the chemicals of the DNA code must absolutely be in correct sequence AND the following is also required or DNA is useless:

TRANSLATION MACHINERY NEEDED
The DNA code also requires a translation machinery of about 70 components in order for the code to be used by living tissues. Without a translator, the highly complex coding contained within the DNA molecule would be useless to the organism.

MESSENGER RNA REQUIRED
Special “messenger RNA” molecules are needed. Without them, DNA is useless in 

the body. There is a specific s-RNA for each individual amino acid. They pass the message for the code, so that a certain type of amino acid can be made. The code in the gene (which is DNA, of course) is used to construct a messenger RNA molecule in which is encoded the message necessary to determine the specific amino acid sequence of the protein.

BIOLOGICAL COMPILER REQUIRED

The biological compiler changes DNA code language into a different language that the cells can understand—so they can set about producing the right amino acids and proteins.

DNA INDEXING
DNA is a data bank of massive proportions, but indexes are also needed. These are different from the translators. There are non-DNA chemicals, which work as indexes to specifically locate needed information. Without the index, the DNA will not know where to look to find the needed information. The index triggers the production of materials by DNA.
Single cell bacteria display about 3,000,000 nucleotides, aligned in a very specific sequence. Have you ever seen an accident produce complex and precise sequences ?

DO COMPLEX CODES AND PRECISE SEQUENCES HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT ? Do mutations produce detailed instructional codes ? The answer to both questions is no. There are no observable, repeatable, reliable tests proving that accidents or mutations result in complexity and precision. Codes, instructions and information are the products of intelligence. Intelligence is found in a mind. The amount of information in the genetic code is so vast that it would be impossible to put together by chance without intelligence. In the case of DNA we have evidence of an extremely high order of intelligence;  a super mind. As Christians we know and acknowledge Him to be God the Creator.

Putting protein and DNA together will not make them alive; but, on the other hand, there can be no life without BOTH the protein and the DNA. Protein has to be in its proper sequence, just as DNA has to be in its correct sequential pattern.

A medium protein might include about 300 amino acids. The DNA gene controlling this would have about 1000 nucleotides in its chain. Since there are four kinds of nucleotides in a DNA chain, one consisting of 1000 links could exist in 4x10¹⁰⁰⁰ different forms. That is not 4000 (4 followed by 3 zeros), but 4 times itself a thousand times. 

Nineteen of the twenty amino acids (all except glycine) come in two forms: a “D” and an “L” version. The chemicals are the same, but are arranged differently for each. The difference is quite similar to your left hand as compared with your right hand. Both are the same, yet
shaped opposite to each other. The chances of getting accidentally synthesized left amino acids for one small protein molecule is one chance in 10²¹⁰. (Ten with 210 zeros behind it)

There are literally billions of possible combinations. The right combination from among the 20 amino acids has to be brought together in the right sequence  in order to make one useable protein properly. Furthermore, in order for life to occur, the extremely complex DNA strands would have to be formed right along with complex enzymes. 

2000 different and very complex enzymes are required for a living organism to exist. An enzyme system does not work at all until it is complete, or nearly so. Not only that but enzymes cannot appear without pre-existing enzymes to make them.

There is no observable scientific evidence ever recorded in the history of the world showing that accidents, explosions or mutations create brand new enzymes, new proteins or the DNA code. Yet these building blocks of life are present everywhere in living things.

In the human body we find stunning evidences of ingenious design, coordination, adaptation and creative forethought that we see in the earth and in the heavens. Just think of these for instance: the living cell; the heart; the brain; the eye; the ear; the hand; the senses of touch, taste and smell; the nervous system; the digestive system; the prolonged and intricate miracle of reproduction and growth; the glands; and the body's wonderful defense mechanism and healing processes.

What should we do with these numberless evidences of intelligent planning and forethought in the earth, in the heavens and in our bodies ? We cannot ignore them. They demand a rational explanation. They have come into existence either by design, or by accident. They are the product of God or of chance. There is no middle ground.

Did you ever hear the story of the Dell computer that made itself ? We know that such a thing is impossible. But the universe, and our bodies are more complicated and intricate than the mechanism of even modern home computers and since intelligence is required to make and sustain the computer, even more so is it required that even greater intelligence is required to originate and sustain life.

Morse Code = product of intelligence 

Area Code = product of intelligence

Zip Code = product of intelligence

Computer code = product of intelligence 

DNA Code = result of an accident ?

Reason requires a "Manufacturer", the ‘Maker’ who is responsible for the presence of such incredible design which is seen in His created works. For every house is built by someone, but HE WHO BUILT ALL THINGS IS GOD. (Hebrews 3:4)

This is the only rational explanation for the wonders of creation.

This study will be continued in the next part of this Bible Study series "Facts You Need To Know" 1C.

© 2012 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

EVIDENCE - PROOF OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD - FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW - 1A

THIS LIBRARY CREATED ITSELF AND ARRANGED ALL THE SHELVES AND LIGHTING

TRUE OR FALSE

It would be very difficult to prove that the library in the picture created itself and all the books that it contains. To claim that it did so and that it arranged the shelves and chairs and lighting without any planning or intelligence would not be reasonable. Assuming that an accident or mutations put all the books in order would not be logical either. Even without the skill and expertise of a scientist anyone can look at things that are orderly and designed for a purpose and know that those things are evidence of  a designer or creator. We know that it required active and living intelligent minds to write the books, and other intelligent minds to build the library as well as the shelves to hold the books.


In the same way, God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith.

What are some of the evidences of the Creator's creative ability ? Where can we see His design skills on display ?

FINGERPRINTS OF GOD IN THE NATURAL WORLD


Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6:29)

All around us we see abundant evidence of order, precision, beauty, adaptation and intelligent planning. Consider these marvels of creative design: The variety of beautiful flowers and their perfumes; the 6-sided hexagon shape of every snowflake crystal; the sonar abilities of a dolphin; the tensile strength of a spider’s web; the strength and efficiency of the honeybee honeycomb; the physical and chemical properties of water; a hummingbird in flight; the seasonal migration of the monarch butterfly; and the radar system of a bat.

Could these things be the result of a series of accidents or an explosion in the distant past ?

FINGERPRINTS OF GOD IN THE HEAVENS

THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. (Psalms 19:1)


Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: HE calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that HE is strong in power; not one faileth.  (Isaiah 40:26)


The planet Saturn has 17 major moons and none of them ever collide with Saturn's rings. Some of the moons travel clockwise and others travel counterclockwise. The moon that is farthest away revolves in a motion opposite to Saturn and its rings.


If gravity were any stronger then smaller stars could not form. If gravity were weaker then the bigger stars could not form and no heavy elements could exist.


Nuclear force holds atoms together. If nuclear force were larger there would be helium and heavy elements but no hydrogen. If nuclear force were smaller then there would be hydrogen and no heavy elements. Without hydrogen and heavy elements there could be no life. If nuclear force were 1 part in a thousand stronger or weaker than it is now, carbon could not exist and carbon is the basic element of every living thing. 


In the heavens above us there are the same evidences of pattern, order, beauty, accuracy and purpose that we see in our own world – only magnified to an astonishing degree. Consider these wonders of the star studded heavens: The enormous size, weight, speeds, numbers, distances and temperatures of the billions of planets and stars; the precise calculation and co-ordination of their weight, motions, speeds, temperatures and orbits; the fine balancing of attractions and repulsions; the split-second timing; the perfect  synchronization – the clock-like regularity; and all maintained in a state of harmony by constantly-operating laws and controls. Is it possible that all these marvelous wonders brought themselves into existence ? Could all this be the result of a series of accidents or an explosion ?

This study will be continued in the next part of this series "Facts You Need To Know" 1B.

© 2012 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

PRINCIPLES OF VICTORY IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - RIGHT ACTIONS - Part XIII

DOING GOOD
The simplest facts about life and living that were documented in an ancient book long ago are now being validated by modern science. ... our results suggest that “doing good” may be an important avenue by which people create meaningful and satisfying lives.(1)

As we continue studying the way to have victory in the Christian life, we find that the words of Christ as found in the Bible are still light years ahead of 21st century society in promoting mental, moral and physical health. No one has to wait for science to catch up to God in order to experience the benefits of Christlike living.(2) The methods of happiness and the techniques of self-conquest are continued in this article. 

 
GOOD WORKS
Yes...that's right...this is a promotion of good works as another means of obtaining victory over sin and self in the Christian life. Good works inspired and empowered by the grace of God are not only possible but expected of Christians.

Some well-intentioned and very sincere but misguided religious people are emphasizing so passionately salvation without good works that the impression is left on minds that good works are a worse sin than sin itself.

This is unfortunate because not only does Jesus Christ encourage doing good to others but now even scientific studies support the principles that the Savior taught about good words and deeds.

Consider the following 16 victory aids that are not yet fully understood by science and in some cases yet to be discovered:

1. Doing good is an excellent remedy for disease.

2. Nothing will give greater spiritual strength and a greater increase of earnestness and depth of feeling than visiting and ministering to the sick and the desponding, helping them to see the light and to fasten their faith upon Jesus.

3. The pleasure of doing good animates the mind and vibrates through the whole body.

4. Triumph always follows decided effort.

5. Striving to excel in what is excellent is lawful, and promises entire success.

6. When human beings work in union with the Life-giver, who offered up His life for them, happy thoughts fill the mind.

7. Taking hold courageously of the work that needs to be done, and putting the heart into it, makes the work a pleasure, and brings success.

8. The more earnest our own efforts to attain to holiness of heart and life, the more acute will be our perception of sin, and the more decided our disapproval of it.

9. It is beneficence that overcomes selfishness and ennobles and purifies the soul.

10. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right‑‑because right doing is pleasing to God. The righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good works from pure, unselfish motives. It is always best and safe to do right because it is right.

11. As you confess before men and women your confidence in the Lord, additional strength is imparted to you.

12. If we would labor to repress sinful thoughts and feelings, giving them no expression in words or actions, Satan would be defeated...

13. Every good deed is as a seed sown, to bear fruit unto eternal life. Every success gained places us on a higher round of the ladder of progress and gives us spiritual strength for fresh victories.

14. Every right action prepares the way for its repetition.

15. Every unselfish action makes the character more Christlike.

16. Strength to resist evil is best gained by aggressive service.

Right actions, good words and good deeds beautify the character and bring honor to God. It prepares the willing person to live eternally in a place where doing good is just as normal as breathing air. It is only here in this sin filled world and on this planet that consistent, continuous demonstrations of goodness can be considered offensive or can make someone uncomfortable. It doesn't matter. God is good and there is nothing nor anyone that can stop Him from being and doing good. He wants to make the same thing true about human beings. He is waiting to strengthen every sincere and willing soul to reflect His character to the world.

You have just been reading from page 13 of a booklet entitled, "Principles of Victory in the Christian Life" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blog posts...

REFERENCES:

(1)  http://psychfaculty.gmu.edu/kashdan/publications/jrp_beinggood.pdf

(2) http://www.ingentaconnect.com/search/article?option1=tka&value1=%22doing+good%22&pageSize=50&index=34

Proverbs 3:7,8, 16:7,24/Isaiah 58:6-8/Luke 6:27/Matthew 5:44/Acts 10:38/Galatians 6:10/Hebrews 13:16/James 4:17/3 John 1:11/Psalms 16:11/Romans 8:8, 15:2/Job 17:9/Psalms 23:3, 37:9, 55:22, 64:10, 92:12, 106:3/Proverbs 11:30, 21:21/Matthew 5:6, 6:33/Romans 6:16,18/Ephesians 5:9/1 Timothy 6:11/2 Timothy 3:16/ 1 John 3:7,10/James 4:7/Psalms 28:7/Isaiah 12:2, 26:4/Psalms 40:10/Revelation 12:11/2 Corinthians 2:14/Joshua 1:8/Psalms 82:3,4/Proverbs 11:25/Proverbs 16:17/Proverbs 17:27,28/Proverbs 21:21/Proverbs 4:18/2 Peter 1:5-7/Psalms 115:14/Ezekiel 20:43, 36:31/Psalms 119:104,113,128

© 2012 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

THE PURPOSE OF LIFE - HAVE YOU FIGURED OUT WHAT IT IS ? IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK

DO YOU KNOW THE PURPOSE OF LIFE ?

ABC News reported on a study that shows how having a purpose in life reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer's by 52% (1) The Chicago Tribune also published an article linking happiness and health to having a purpose in life.(2) Actually, there are quite a few studies demonstrating a variety of health benefits that come from having a purpose in life. Scientific studies reveal that purposes in life are directly related to the degree of selfishness or unselfishness in a person's life.(3) This would seem to indicate that having just any purpose will not do.

There are a lot of people who don't know or understand what the purpose of life is. They plan their lives and live without giving much thought to the possibility that there is some urgent and important reason for their existence. Years of unnecessary difficulty and stress as a result of trying to deal with the issues of life are the experience that many go through. The origin of life, the purpose of life and the issues of life are all interrelated. What a person believes and understands about how life began will shape his or her understanding about the purpose of life and will affect how he or she relates to the issues of life.

WHY HUMAN BEINGS WERE CREATED/THE PURPOSE OF LIFE

This may come as a shock to masses of people but the purpose of life according to the One who makes life possible is not to make oneself happy at any cost. The purpose of life is not to have all one's desires nor to pursue one's dreams of fortune and success. These may gratify but they cannot satisfy. They may thrill but they will never fulfill. That's because The One who created human beings has a grander purpose in mind for us than granting us just a few fleeting moments of selfish pleasure. In fact, the person who lives for pleasure is already dead, in a sense, in more ways than one.(4) When our lives are not in harmony with God's purpose for our lives, deep joy, peace and contentment elude us.

What is God's purpose for every human being ? Very simply - To be conformed to the image of His Son.(5)

To reflect the character of Jesus Christ is to thereby assure true happiness. Happiness that has the right foundation of an excellent character. What the Bible explains and what many of us don't realize about happiness is that it is conditional upon who we really are as a person. Let this be impressed upon the mind -

Our happiness comes not from what is around us, but from what is within us; 

not from what we have, but from what we are. 

Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. 

(Psalms 144:15)

According to Jesus, those who have come to the age of accountability before God and have lived their lives without determined, consistent efforts to reflect His character and resist sin have the source of their unhappiness within.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7:21-23)

True and abiding happiness cannot come from what's around us so long as what is within us is unChristlike.

The things we have cannot make us happy if we have a miserable character. The incredible mystery of this strange situation is that our own self is the last person we would suspect of making us unhappy. We are for the most part in great measure self-deceived.(6) God understands this and for those who have invited Him into their lives, he helps to bring to our knowledge the hidden, sinful things about ourselves that we would never have known if He had not chosen in our behalf to save us from them.

He often does this through allowing us to encounter difficult circumstances and difficult people. Our words and conduct as we relate to these are revealing what is in our hearts and it is the purpose of God that as we pray and receive His grace, we will be victorious over impatience or any other unChristlike traits of character that are revealed during these times.

It is by close, testing trials that God brings his people near to himself; for in trial and temptation he discovers to them their weakness, and teaches them to lean upon him as their only help and safeguard. When this result is attained, his object is accomplished, and his tried servants are prepared to be used in every emergency, to fill important positions of trust, and to accomplish the grand purposes for which their powers were given them. While under the trial, these seasons are terrible. Hope seems to fail, and despair seizes upon us. But in these dreadful hours we must learn to trust, to depend wholly upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, and cast our souls in their helplessness and unworthiness upon him who is mighty to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by him.

Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. In every affliction God has a purpose to work out for our good. Every blow that destroys an idol, every providence that weakens our hold upon earth and fastens our affections more firmly upon God, is a blessing.

The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us.

So long as we are in the world, we shall meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the Christian graces are developed. If Christ dwells in us, we shall be patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations. Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but it cannot be accomplished without help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer. Each one has a personal battle to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co‑workers with Him.

Through conflict the spiritual life is strengthened. Trials well borne will develop steadfastness of character and precious spiritual graces. The perfect fruit of faith, meekness, and love often matures best amid storm clouds and darkness.(7)

So there you have it; the purpose of life.

To cooperate with God and allow Him to develop within us a Christlike character before we die so that we can be trusted with the gift of immortality; to live eternally in heaven and be made capable of enjoying heaven.

Many misunderstand the object for which they were created. 
It was to bless humanity and glorify God, rather than to enjoy and glorify self.(8)

Is Jesus Christ your deeply personal Lord and Savior from the penalty and power of sin ?

(1) http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AlzheimersNews/purpose-life-stave-off-alzheimers/story?id=9986018
(2) http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-health-life-purpose-happiness,0,660311.story
(3) http://www.tswj.com/2009/913824/abs/
(4) 1 Timothy 5:6
(5) Romans 8:28,29/Philippians 2:5
(6) Jeremiah 17:9
(7) 1 Peter 1:7, 4:12,13/James 1:12/Job 23:10/Romans 5:3,4/Zechariah 13:9/Psalms 66:10/Revelation 3:18
(8) 2 Timothy 1:9,10/Revelation 4:11/Ephesians 2:10, 3:8-11/1 Corinthians 3:16,17

© 2011 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

IT'S TIME TO GET STRONG - PRINCIPLES OF VICTORY IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - Part XII

Physical strength is often easier to measure than mental or spiritual strength. According to the Guinness Book of World records, Derek Boyer of Australia holds the record for the most bench presses in a single minute. He set the record on September 23, 2010 by pressing 251 pounds 5.28 ounces 126 times in one minute.(1) In the Bible, Samson was considered to be the strongest man of his time. If he had had greater spiritual strength, he no doubt would not have revealed the secret of his physical strength nor would he have allowed his hair to be cut by an enemy.(2) Spiritual strength is of great value and is something that every person will need if he or she plans to obtain the victory over sin. In this post we look at two more principles of victory over sin that are often grossly underestimated and are frequently neglected sources of spiritual power.

PRAYER AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Some people consider prayer a useless mental exercise. However, very many people are going to be eternally stunned to realize how by failing to appreciate this simple test of faith they have forfeited the gift of immortality and everlasting companionship with God. Prayer is simple heart communication with God verbally or mentally expressed to Him. The person who does not feel it necessary to communicate with God here on earth, could never be happy in the actual presence of God in heaven. How does prayer and the presence of God bring victory over sin and selfishness you ask ?

Nothing will give such clear views of self as secret prayer. He who bears with him a continual sense of the presence of Christ, cannot indulge self-confidence or self-righteousness.(3)

The more we pray, the nearer will heaven be to us. Prayer, whether offered in the public assembly, at the family altar, or in secret, places man directly in the presence of God.(4)  

As a shield from temptation and an inspiration to purity and truth, no other influence can equal the sense of God's presence.(5)

When it becomes the habit of the soul to converse with God, the power of the evil one is broken; for Satan cannot abide near the soul that draws nigh unto God. The closer we are to God, the safer we are; for Satan hates and fears the presence of God.(6)

Communion with God through prayer develops the mental and moral faculties, and the spiritual powers strengthen as we cultivate thoughts upon spiritual things.(7)

The more a person's heart is in communion with God, and the more his affections are centered in Christ, the less will he be disturbed by the roughness and hardships he meets in this life.(8)

Through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.(9)

READING AND STUDYING THE BIBLE

In the end, it will be understood by every human being that each individual was in the midst of a war for his or her mind. It is not an accident that so many influences compete for our thoughts every moment of every day. There are principles that can be permanently fixed in the thoughts and minds of each of us and these along with the feelings help make the character. A Christlike character is the only kind of character that could ever enjoy heaven and being in God's presence; a Christlike character is the only kind of character that can be trusted in heaven. Character is not changed after death. It is therefore of the utmost importance that the mind be filled with those things that will tend toward the development of a Christlike character; a beautiful, loving, unselfish person. 

Bible reading, the critical examination of Bible subjects, essays written upon topics which would improve the mind and impart knowledge, the study of the prophecies or the precious lessons of Christ--these will have an influence to strengthen the mental powers and increase spirituality. A familiar acquaintance with the Scriptures sharpens the discerning powers and fortifies the soul against the attacks of Satan. The heart that is stored with the precious truths of God's word, is fortified against the temptation of Satan, against impure thoughts and unholy actions.(10) 

Pure healthful reading will be to the mind what healthful food is to the body. You will thus become stronger to resist temptation, to form right habits, and to act upon right principles.(11)

The more closely the Scriptures are studied, the more clearly shall we understand the true character of our thoughts and actions.(12)

As we try to become acquainted with our Heavenly Father through his word, angels will come near, our minds will be strengthened, our character will be elevated and refined, and we shall become more like our Saviour.(13) 

The truth of God never degrades the receiver. The influence of the truth upon him who accepts it will tend constantly to his elevation. Those who are sanctified through the truth are living recommendations of its power and representatives of their risen Lord.(14)

The present deteriorating conditions of our world are warning those who have an ear to hear and a mind to understand. Very difficult times are just ahead. Not only will physical endurance be tested but mental and spiritual strength will be measured as well. If you haven't started already, begin immediately. It's time to get strong. 


You have just been reading from page 11 of a booklet entitled, "Principles of Victory in the Christian Life" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blog posts...


(1) http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/search/Details/Most-bench-presses-of-a-person-in-one-minute/53463.htm
(2) Judges 13:24 - 16
(3) Isaiah 57:15, Psalms 86:1, Matthew 6:6, 1 Corinthians 1:29
(4) Daniel 9:20,21, Jonah 2:7, Psalms 140:13, 145:18
(5) Matthew 26:39, John 17:15
(6) Matthew 4:10,11, Mark 1:34, Luke 4:41, Hebrews 2:14, Revelation 12:9, 1 John 3:8, Psalms 16:11
(7) Jude 1:20, Psalms 109:4
(8) Matthew 26:41,42,44, Luke 6:28
(9) James 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:23,
(10) Psalms 119:11,28,105, John 17:17
(11) 1 Peter 2:2, Jeremiah 15:16, Psalms 51:6
(12) Hebrews 4:12
(13) Daniel 9:22,23
(14) Psalms 119:130,60:4, 1 John 2:5, Proverbs 12:17

© 2011 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

IT'S WHO YOU KNOW NOT WHAT YOU KNOW - TO KNOW GOD IS TO LOVE HIM - PART 3

Have you ever been invited to a royal wedding ? Chances are, if you are like most people, an invitation to a royal wedding being held somewhere on planet earth has never reached your eyes or ears. Usually, those who are invited must know the bride and/or groom or be known by them in some way. The most brilliant mind, the wealthiest businessman may be absent from the guest list because in the case of a royal wedding it is not a matter of what one knows; it is a matter of who you know. It doesn't matter what you know if you don't know or are not known by the hosts of the wedding.

In a spiritual sense, there is a royal wedding to which all are invited. The king gives the invitation in the Bible(1) and an opportunity to become acquainted with Him before the marriage supper of the Lamb is a matter of eternal urgency.

-- "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that gloriet~ glory in this, that he understandeth. and knoweth ME, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness, in the earth..." Jeremiah 9:23,24

THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW GOD

In the Bible, the characters of those who do not know God are vividly portrayed for all to see. The subduing influence of Christ at the center of one's thoughts and feelings is absent from each person who chooses not to gain an experimental knowledge of God. One's knowledge of God or lack thereof is directly related to the measure of Christ-likeness in one's character. To not know God is to grow to become the opposite of Him in character.(2)

"And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey HIS voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go." Exodus 5:2

"For MY people is foolish, they have not known ME..." 

Jeremiah 4:22

"They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth GOD service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the FATHER, nor ME." John 16:2,3

"And even as they did not like to retain GOD in their knowledge, GOD gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient..." Romans 1:28

"Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of GOD: I speak this to your shame." 

1 Corinthians 15:34

"... the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy,. nor knowledge of GOD in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood." Hosea 4: 1,2

The climax of history and the end of the reign of sin occurs when Jesus Christ returns to this earth the second time and to those who do not know Him, He appears as a flame of fire. The principles that have become a part of their character have so changed them that the very appearance of Christ burns the sin within them which they have chosen to cling to rather than Christ. It will be a sad end indeed for these poor misguided souls who have not grown accustomed to the light of His countenance and the sense of His presence(3).

"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from heaven with HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD..." 

2 Thessalonians 1:7,8

This is not God's desire for anyone and He earnestly appeals to every human heart right now to be reconciled with Him while there is still time. What will you do ? Do you have an experimental knowledge of God and Jesus Christ ?

(1) Matthew 22:2-14/Isaiah 55:1,2/Revelation 22:17
(2) 1 John 4:8
(3) 2 Thessalonians 2:8

You have just been reading from a study entitled, "To Know God Is To Love Him." Look for more pages from this study in future blog posts...

© 2011 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com