ISSUES OF LIFE: 08/01/2009

Thursday, August 27, 2009

DEADLY SUBSTANCES - Natural Remedies - Specific Herb Uses - Part V

For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. Revelation 18:23

In the book of Revelation in the Bible, the word sorceries comes from the greek word - pharmakeia

The word pharmakeia is where we get our word pharmacy from. Here is the entry in the Strong's Bible concordance.

Strong's number 5331 // farmakeia // pharmakeia // far-mak-i'-ah //

from 5332 ; n f

AV - sorcery 2, witchcraft 1; 3

1) the use or the administering of drugs
2) poisoning

According to the Bible, in the last days, many people will be deceived and poisoned by a modern form of sorcery called drug medication.

It is more than likely true that most people do not realize how detrimental to health is the introduction of poisonous substances into the bloodstream. Not really understanding the impact upon the liver, the kidneys and other vital organs of the body, people on long term medication seal their own fate through the continued use of pharmaceuticals.

Of late, vaccinations and the possibility of mass innoculation has been in the news because of a "perceived" (or possibly conceived) potential swine flu epidimic. More poisons for the blood streams of the citizens of America.

Here are some interesting thoughts concerning vaccinations from Dr. Carley - http://www.icnr.com/articles/vids.html

and here are a few others of interest...

A 60 Minutes segment on what happened in the 70’s with the "Swine Flu" hoax. (This 60 minutes was only aired once never to be seen again by the public):

Swine Flu 1976 Hoax – PART I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro1WL5ketWg

Swine Flu 1976 Hoax – PART II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0aIoa97X5k

Here is the Propaganda put out to the public in 1976 by the Federal Government:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASibLqwVbsk

Here is a message from congressman Ron Paul recently referring to the Swine Flu (hysteria) in the 1970’s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB5-Y08qbjo
Flu Vaccines have been directly linked to Autism from the Mercury content contained in the preservative Thimerosal.

These first 2 videos were first reported on local news channels but not any more.

ABC, NBC Clips Part 1 – Vaccines and Autism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv35sXZLtj8

ABC, NBC Clips Part 2 – Vaccines and Autism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgeHbfIVn70

“Due to the use of thimerosal in vaccines given to kids, the number of cases of autism has increased by 1500 percent since 1991….”

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Will Contain Mercury
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2008884/h1n1_flu_vaccine_will_contain_mercury.html

Swine Flu Vaccine Should Not Be Given to Children in Schools
http://www.nvic.org/NVIC-Vaccine-News/July-2009/Swine-Flu-Vaccine-Should-Not-Be-Given-to-Children.aspx

Drugs never cure. They only change the form and the location of the disease. Herbs when used with understanding, provide a safe and powerful alternative to poisonous drug therapy. Here is a continuation of a descriptive list of herbal properties in alphabetical order.

ANTI-ZYMOTICS - Herbs used to destroy or arrest the action of bacterial organisms

Blackberry, Black walnut, Cloves, Elecampane, Garlic, Gentian, Lobelia, Mullein, Peppermint,

APERIENTS OR LAXATIVES - Herbs used as mild evacuants or laxatives to the bowels

Agar, Almonds, Apples (stewed), Apricot, Asparagus, Balm of Gilead, Balmony, Blue cohosh, Blue violet, Boneset, Buckthorn bark, Burdock root, Butcher’s broom, Carob, Cascara sagrada, Cocnut milk, Chicory, Cleavers, Endive, Fennel, Feverfew, Figs, Flaxseed, Golden seal, Hickory, Honeysuckle, Hops, Horehound, Hyssop, Licorice, Marshmallow, Motherwort, Mustard, Oats, Olive oil, Oregon grape, Parsley, Peach, Prickly ash berries, Prunes, Raspberries, Safflower, Sesame, Spinach, Strawberry, Turkey rhubarb, Wahoo, Watermelon, Wood betony

AROMATICS - Herbs that are odoriferous, having a fragrant, pungent and spicy taste, and which stimulate the gastrointestinal mucous membrane.

Angelica, Anise, Balm of Gilead, Basil, bayberry leaves, Buchu, Burdock leaves, Caraway, Cardamon, Catnip, Celery, Cloves, Fennel, Goldenrod, Horehound, Hyssop, Jamaica ginger, Lemon peel, Mountain balm, Myrrh, Orange peel, Parsley, Peach, Peppermint, Pimento, Red clover, Rosemary, Sassafras, Spearmint, Sweet flag, Tumeric, Valerian, vanilla, Wild cherry, Wild marjoram, Wood betony, Wormwood

ASTRINGENTS - Herbs that influence the vital contractility of cell walls, condense the tissues, make them denser and firmer, and arrest improper discharges.

Acacia, African ginger, Agrimony, Amaranth, Apple bark and root (powerful), Barberry, Bayberry (powerful), Beech bark and leaves, Bilberry, Bistort (powerful), Blackberry (powerful), Black cohosh, Black walnut leaves, Buchu, Bugleweed, Butternut, Cayenne, Chaparral, Cherry, Chestnut leaves, Cloves, Comfrey root, Cramp bark, Culver’s root, Echinacea, Elecampane, Evening primrose, Eyebright, Figwort, Goldenrod, Grape leaves, Hawthorne, Hickory bark, Honeysuckle, Hops, Horse tail, Hydrangea, Lobelia, Lungwort, Magnolia, Male fern, Mandrake, Mountain laurel, Mullein, Myrrh, Periwinkle, Persimmon, Plantain, Pleurisy root, Pomegranate, Purple loose strife, Red maple, Red oak, Red raspberry, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Sanicle, Scullcap, Shavegrass, Sorrel, Squaw vine, St. John’s wort, Stinging nettle, Strawberry, Sycamore, Turkey rhubarb, Uva Ursa (powerful), Wahoo, White oak (strong), White willow, Wild cherry, Witch hazel, Wood betony, Yarrow, Yellow dock,

APHRODISIACS - herbs used to correct conditions of impotence and strengthen sexual power

Black cohosh, Damiana, Echinacea, False unicorn, Ginseng, Jamaica ginger, Saw palmetto berries, Vanilla pods, Yohimbe

BALSAMIC - Herbs that mitigate, soothe and heal inflamed parts

Avocado leaves, Balm of Gilead buds, Spikenard
To be continued...

You should not use herbs as a means to treat disease or illness unless and only if you have followed these steps first in dealing with disease symptoms.

1. Ascertain the cause

2. Correct the wrong habits and change the unhealthful conditions and

then...

3. Assist the body to heal itself

The use of herbs should complement obedience to the 8 laws of health. More information about this at www.issues-of-life.com under health issues.

By attempting to put into practice anything that you have read in this article you release Tyrone Keels from any responsibility for the results if you are dissatisfied with the outcome. Read the full disclaimer for health issues at www.issues-of-life.com

Friday, August 21, 2009

CHANGE YOU CAN COUNT ON: Principles Of Victory In The Christian Life - Part III

Do you want change ? Real change ? Check this out...
Repentance is born in the heart by beholding the love of Christ, who gave his life to save the sinner. It is the goodness of God, manifested in Christ, that softens the heart. It is the virtue that goes forth from Jesus that inspires the purpose of the soul to turn away from sin. We do not repent in order that God may love us, but God reveals his love to us that we may repent. (Romans 2:4/2 Corinthians 7:10/2 Peter 3:9/Acts 17:30)

It is in beholding the love of God that repentance is awakened in the sinner's heart, and an earnest desire is created to become reconciled to God. When the transgressor becomes acquainted with God, and experiences his love, it produces in his heart a hatred for sin and a love for holiness. (Job 42:6/Psalms 97:10) We can no more repent without the Spirit of Christ to awaken the conscience, than we can be pardoned without Christ. Christ draws the sinner by the exhibition of his love upon the cross, and this softens the heart, impresses the mind, and inspires contrition and repentance in the soul. (Luke 5:32/Mark 2:17) The degree of our love for God depends upon the clearness and fulness of our conviction of sin. (Luke 7:47/Psalms 51:1-4/Revelation 1:5,6)

There is no undecided work about true conversion. It is the work of the Holy Spirit upon human character. A Christian is one whose heart is controlled by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:9,14,16/Galatians 5:22,23/Philippians 2:13) The Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures and always leads to the Scriptures. The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation of character. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

To follow Jesus requires wholehearted conversion at the start, and a repetition of this conversion every day. Genuine conversion is needed, not once in years, but daily. (1 Corinthians 15:31/Luke 9:23/Psalms 61:8,68:19) This conversion brings man into a new relation with God. Old things, his natural passions and hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong, pass away, and he is renewed and sanctified. But this work must be continual; for as long as Satan exists, he will make an effort to carry on his work. (1 Peter 5:8) He who strives to serve God will encounter a strong undercurrent of wrong. His heart needs to be barricaded by constant watchfulness and prayer, or else the embankment will give way; and like a mill‑stream, the undercurrent of wrong will sweep away the safeguard. (Mark 14:38) No renewed heart can be kept in a condition of sweetness without the daily application of the salt of the word. (Psalms 119:11) Divine grace must be received daily, or no man will stay converted. As the mind is enlightened in regard to what is purity and sanctification, and the heart responds to the strivings of the Holy Spirit, a daily conversion will be the result. (2 Peter 1:2-4/Ephesians 4:7/)

To remove the stains of sin requires the work of a lifetime. Every day renewed efforts in restraining and denying self are needed. Every day there are new battles to fight and victories to be gained. Every day the soul should be called out in earnest pleading with God for the mighty victories of the cross. (1 Timothy 6:12/Psalms 119:12,50:15/

However complete may have been our consecration at conversion, it will avail us nothing unless it be renewed daily; but a consecration that embraces the actual present is fresh, genuine, and acceptable to God. Every living Christian will advance daily in the divine life. (John 14:23) As he advances toward perfection, he experiences a conversion to God every day; and this conversion is not completed until he attains to perfection of Christian character, a full preparation for the finishing touch of immortality. (2 Timothy 4:7,8/Romans 2:7/1 Corihtians 15:52,53/Philippians 3:13,14/Matthew 24:13/Hebrews 3:14,6:11/Acts 15:11/Revelation 2:26)

To be continued...

It is not the will of our heavenly Father that so many would be deceived concerning salvation and eternal life in these last days. While GOD loves everyone and will forgive anyone HE does not change our character against our will or without our cooperation.

A Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could enjoy heaven and a Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could be trusted in heaven.

We are given a life-time, (be it long or short) to cooperate with God in developing a Christ-like character for eternal life in heaven. It begins with the new birth experience.

Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today and to begin the work of changing you for heaven. Confess your sins and acknowledge your need of Him. He loves you and wants the privilege of enjoying friendship with you forever.

Have a great weekend and may the Lord keep and bless you.

T.K.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

ILLUSTRATION OF THE PLANT - How To Recognize Love - Part VIII

ILLUSTRATION OF THE PLANT

Illustrations can sometimes help us to better understand truth. Just as Jesus has been called the "lily of the valley" so also is love often compared to a tender plant. It must be cultivated and cherished, and the roots of bitterness all have to be plucked up around it in order for it to have room to circulate, and then it will bring in under its influence all the powers of the mind, all the heart, so that we shall love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. (Ephesians 3:17-19/Colossians 2:6,7)

What causes roots of bitterness to spring up ? The absence of the grace of God working in the life prepares the way for this to happen. An act, a word, a thought, cast into the minds of the great concourse of humanity, if it bears the heavenly endorsement, will yield a harvest of precious fruit; but if it is inspired by Satan, it will cause the root of bitterness to spring up, whereby many will be defiled. (Hebrews 12:5/Jeremiah 2:19, 4:18)

Every deed of thoughtful kindness, of obedience, or of self‑denial, will reproduce itself in others, and through them in still others. So every act of envy, malice, or dissension, is a seed that will spring up as a "root of bitterness," whereby many shall be defiled. (Matthew 7:17,18/Galatians 6:7/Proverbs 22:8) This root of bitterness can only be plucked up by GOD who then sows the soil of the heart (which is the mind) with the incorruptible seed of the woman, JESUS CHRIST, the WORD of GOD. Our heavenly FATHER watches over the heavenly SEED as it grows in the heart (mind) and the Bible says regarding that Seed that “he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground...” (Isaiah 53:2)

Christ should never be out of the mind. because as Christ the Pattern is constantly kept before the mind's eye, new habits will be formed, powerful hereditary and cultivated tendencies will be subdued and overcome ,self‑esteem will be laid in the dust, old habits of thought will be constantly resisted, love for the supremacy will be seen in its real, despicable character, and will be overcome. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

JESUS said,“Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” (MATTHEW 15:13)

Love is a plant of heavenly origin. It is not unreasonable; it is not blind. It is pure and holy. But the passion of the natural (unconverted) heart is another thing altogether, While pure love will take God into all its plans, and will be in perfect harmony with the Spirit of God, passion will be headstrong, rash, unreasonable, defiant of all restraint, and will make the object of its choice an idol. Infatuation and human passion are often mistaken for love.

Passion may feel like the love that many human beings understand but pure love originates from only one source. This heavenly plant only flourishes where Christ reigns supreme. Where love exists, there is power and truth in the life. (Psalms 138:2,26:3/2 Timothy 1:7)

CHRIST and the love of CHRIST can only reign supreme in a converted heart; in the heart of someone who has had the experience of “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 PETER 1:23) Just as the planted seed after being submerged in the earth will eventually spring forth and bear fruit, so likewise... When self is submerged in Christ, true love springs forth spontaneously. (John 15:5,12:24)

By the grace of God, we will continue to study these things in another post.

T.K.

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from page 7 of a booklet entitled, "How To Recognize Love" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blogs... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

LAWS OF THE MIND - What Are You Thinking About ?

Think right thoughts, and you will perform right actions. Principles like these and many more which govern the mind and its functions are found throughout the Bible. Understanding how the mind works and appreciating the laws that govern it could be very useful in controlling stress, anxiety and depression and even totally transforming a person's life. (Romans 12:2/Proverbs 16:3/Isaiah 26:3) I will list a few here for anyone interested . More about this can be found at www.issues-of-life.com.

If the mind is habitually given difficult tasks, it acquires efficiency and power.

The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell.

The thoughts will be of the same character as the food provided for the mind.

Proverbs 1:5,24:5/Romans 8:5/Psalms 1:2/1 Timothy 4:15

If our thoughts and feelings are not brought into harmony with heaven while we are alive upon this earth, we could never be happy there nor could we be trusted there.

Let us cooperate with our heavenly Father to the end that others may be attracted to Christ and heaven too as they behold His character reflected through us.

T.K.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

NATURAL REMEDIES - Specific Herb Uses - Part IV

For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. Revelation 18:23

In the book of Revelation in the Bible, the word sorceries comes from the greek word - pharmakeia

The word pharmakeia is where we get our word pharmacy from. Here is the entry in the Strong's Bible concordance.

Strong's number 5331 // farmakeia // pharmakeia // far-mak-i'-ah //

from 5332 ; n f

AV - sorcery 2, witchcraft 1; 3

1) the use or the administering of drugs
2) poisoning

According to the Bible, in the last days, many people will be deceived and poisoned by a modern form of sorcery called drug medication.

I don't know about you but I found the statistics regarding the amount of Americans using drug medication startling. From the American Heart Association, check this out...

Almost two-thirds of Americans currently use medicines: 49 percent use prescription drugs and 30 percent use nonprescription medications.

32 million Americans are taking three or more medications daily.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=107

More than half of Americans are on medication...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-05-14-medication-nation_N.htm

Drugs never cure. They only change the form and the location of the disease. Herbs when used with understanding, provide a safe and powerful alternative to poisonous drug therapy. Here is a continuation of a descriptive list of herbal properties in alphabetical order.

ANTI-SCORBUTICS - Herbs used to prevent and cure scurvy (bleeding gums)

Black berries, Black currant, Bladderwrack, Blueberries, Burdock root, Chickweed, Cleavers, Cranberries, Dandelion, Elecampane, Flaxseed, Hydrangea, Lemon juice, Mandarin orange, Marjoram, Oregon grape, Origanum, Pineapples, Radishes, Sanicle, Sarsaparilla, Sheep sorrel, Shepherd’s purse, Sorrel, Spinach, Strawberry, Stinging nettle, Tomatoes, Water dock, Wild apple, Wood betony, Yellow dock

ANTI-SCROFULOUS - Herbs used to heal scrofula (lymphatic system diseases)

Agrimony, Barberry, Bayberry, Bittersweet, Black cohosh, Black walnut, Bladderwrack, Blue flag, Burdock root, Camomile, Chaparral, Cleavers, Coltsfoot, Comfrey root, Dandelion, Echinacea, Figwort, Gentian, Hyssop, Lavender, Mandrake, Oregon grape, Plantain, Pleurisy root, Red clover, Rosemary, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras, Sorrel, Stillingia, Stinging nettle, Turkey rhubarb, Valerian, Vervain, Wild carrot, Wood betony, Wormwood, Yellow dock

ANTISEPTICS - Herbs used to prevent, resist and counteract the decay of cells and the formation of pus (putrefaction)

Amaranth, Anise oil, Arrowroot, Beech, Blackberry, Blue violet, Buchu, Bugleweed, Burdock, Camomile, Caraway oil (powerful), Cayenne, Cinnamon oil, Cloves and oil, Echinacea (powerful), Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Fennel oil, Figwort, Gentian, Golden seal, Hydrangea, Lemon, Marigold, Marshmallow, Mullein, Myrhh (powerful), Plantain, Pleurisy root, Sandalwood, Sanicle, Saw Palmetto, Smartweed, Stinging Nettle, Uva Ursa, Vervain, White oak, Wormwood

ANTISPASMODICS - Herbs used to relieve nervous irritability and reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions (spasms)

Apricot seed, Balm, Blue cohosh, Boneset, Bugleweed, Camomile, Catnip, Cayenne, Cedron, Chaparral, Cloves, Coltsfoot, Cramp bark, Cumin, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Evening primrose, Rennel, Garlic, Gentian, Jamaica ginger, Lady’s slipper, Lobelia, Marigold, Mullein, Oats, Parsley, Passion flower, Peppermint, Pleurisy root, Pomegranate, Prickly ash berries, Primrose, Red clover, Rosemary, Sassafras, Scullcap, Skunk cabbage, Spearmint, Valerian, Vervain, Wild ginger, Wild yam

ANTI-SYPHILITICS - Herbs used to relieve and cure syphilis or other ventral diseases

Barberry, Bayberry, Bittersweet, Black walnut, Bladderwrack, Blue flag, Blue violet, Burdock, Chaparral, Cleavers, Corn Silk, Culver’s root, Echinacea, Golden seal, Hydrangea, Hyssop, Kava kava, Mandrake, Marshmallow, Mountain laurel, Oregon grape, Parsley, Plantain, Red clover, Red raspberry, Sandalwood, Sanicle, Sarsaparilla, Shavegrass (horsetail), Spikenard, Stillingia, Uva Ursa, Yellow dock

ANTI-VENOMOUS - Herbs used as antidotes to animal, vegetable and mineral poisons.

Agrimony, Balm, Bistort, Black cohosh, Black mustard (narcotic poisoning), Cedron, Chaparral, Coca (narcotic poisoning), Echinacea, Elecampane, Fennel, Garlic, Gentian, Hyssop, Life everlasting, Lobelia, Marigold, Marjoram, Mustard (narcotic poisoning), Olive oil, Plantain (powerful), Sassafras, Scullcap, Slippery elm, Solomon’s seal, White oak, Wormwood
To be continued...

You should not use herbs as a means to treat disease or illness unless and only if you have followed these steps first in dealing with disease symptoms.

1. Ascertain the cause

2. Correct the wrong habits and change the unhealthful conditions and

then...

3. Assist the body to heal itself

The use of herbs should complement obedience to the 8 laws of health. More information about this at www.issues-of-life.com under health issues.

By attempting to put into practice anything that you have read in this article you release Tyrone Keels from any responsibility for the results if you are dissatisfied with the outcome. Read the full disclaimer for health issues at www.issues-of-life.com

Monday, August 17, 2009

TRUE CONVERSION + CONTINUAL GROWTH = A CHRISTIAN

This is just a quick follow-up to Thursday's post. Conversion and Christian growth are often mistaken to mean the same thing. The Bible makes a distinction between the 2 experiences. There is an initial conversion and a daily conversion that continues after. The clearest and plainest demonstration of what conversion is may be understood by considering the experience of Saul of Tarsus who was converted and became Paul. Read Acts 9:1-20 to see what happens in conversion. Take special note - this is at the BEGINNING of Christian experience. Paul's growth in Christ began after he was converted. The true conversion that occurs when a person confesses and repents of his or her sins for the first time includes such a radical change in the person's attitude toward sin and Christ that many mistakenly believe that it could only happen gradually. The thoughts and feelings of a truly converted individual are changed with his or her permission by the grace of God at the moment of initial conversion.

Many have never truly been converted and this is made evident in their disposition towards sin and Christ. Sin and selfishness is not avoided at all costs and Christ is not the center and joy of their lives. They may wear the name of Christian but their thoughts and feelings and affections are not in heaven or upon heavenly things. They are of the earth..earthy..

The conversion of Saul was marked with heartfelt repentance, thorough confession, and an earnest longing for pardon of sin. Prior to his conversion, Saul had been proud and self-confident; now he was bowed down with sorrow and shame; he abhorred himself because of the suffering he had brought upon the disciples of Jesus. In the light of the revelation that had come to him, he began to see himself as the chief of sinners.

Saul yielded himself fully to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. With eyes anointed by the grace of God, he saw the mistakes of his life, and recognized the far-reaching claims of the law of God. He who had been a proud Pharisee, confident that he was justified by his good works, now bowed before God with the humility and simplicity of a little child, confessing his own unworthiness, and pleading the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Saul longed to come into full harmony and communion with the Father and the Son; and in the intensity of his desire for pardon, he offered up fervent supplications to the throne of grace.

A Brief Review

When a person accepts Christ for the 1st time and is truly converted

1. His or her views about Christ change and they are ready to do what He tells them to do (Acts 9:6)

2. His or her views about other human beings change and they are interested in the salvation of others. (Acts 9:20)

3. He or she exalts Christ as God and no longer exalts and worships self as god. (Acts 9:20)

May the Lord bless us with His love and give you and I an increasing understanding.

T.K.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

AM I REALLY A CHRISTIAN ? - Principles of Victory In The Christian Life - Part II

TRUE CONVERSION

= Real Christians

Today it is quite fashionable in our modern American society for many to profess Christianity. This has contributed to a wide variety of opinions about what it means to be a Christian as well as significant confusion for the sincere hearted searcher for truth. Even people who pretend to kill other people in movies claim to be Christian.

This is not really the way Jesus Christ intended to be remembered. Many have never really been converted. Much of what claims association with Christianity is a misrepresentation of the character of Christ and God. The Lord Himself said that we would be able to recognize a Christian by the "fruit" or character traits manifest in the person's life. That includes each one of us. Let's continue examining the beginning of a true Christian experience.

When true conversion takes place in the heart, it is made manifest in a transformation of character, for those who are converted become Christlike. (Matthew 18:3/ John 15:5/ Galatians 5:24)

Pride no longer lives in the heart, sin seems abominable. The converted soul hates the thing that depraves his moral sensibilities. He hates that which crucified the Lord of life and glory. (Romans 6:6/ Matthew 5:5,18:4,16:24/ Ezekiel 36:31)

Those who are truly converted grow in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and as knowledge of Christ increases, they see more clearly where their own weakness lies; they realize the deep depravity of their natures. (Job 42:6/ John 5:31/ Matthew 13:3/ Psalms 92:12)

They understand the strength of sin, and know the power of their old habits.No deep‑seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not see and realize its own sinfulness. (Romans 7:14-20/ Galatians 5:17/ Ezekiel 20:43)

The Spirit of God does not create new faculties in the converted man but works a decided change in the employment of those faculties. When mind and heart and soul are changed, man is not given a new conscience, but his will is submitted to a conscience renewed, a conscience whose dormant sensibilities are aroused by the working of the Holy Spirit. (Hebrews 9:14)

Repentance for sin is the first step in conversion. Repentance is an intense hatred of sin in all its forms. Repentance includes sorrow for sin, and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life. (Ezekiel 14:6/ Jeremiah 18:30)

It is one of the saddest evidences of the blinding influence of sin that months and years roll on and there is no awaking to repentance.

True repentance will lead a man to bear his guilt himself and acknowledge it without deception or hypocrisy. Repentance is genuine when reformation takes place. (Psalms 38:18)

He who is truly repentant, he who is regenerated, hates sin. All manner of selfishness is distressing to him. Indifference to God on the part of those around him grieves him.

Without true repentance, there can be no true conversion. Many are deceived here, and too often their entire experience proves to be a deception. This is why so many who are joined to the church have never been joined to Christ.Baptism may be repeated over and over again, but of itself it has no power to change the human heart.

All who profess the truth are not converted, although they may think they are. Some mistake transient emotions, ideas, and fancies, or resolutions formed in their own strength, for conversion. But faith is a living, abiding principle. Its object is truth,‑‑divine, eternal, changeless truth. Genuine, saving faith is inseparable from repentance and conversion, and will manifest the fruits of the Spirit. It is a continual, conscious trust in Jesus. (Matthew 7:20-23)

Many are received into the church who are not converted. All who are baptized are to give evidence that they have been converted.

^{While the Lord brings into the church those who are truly converted, Satan at the same time brings persons who are not converted into its fellowship. While Christ is sowing the good seed, Satan is sowing the tares. There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the church. One influence is working for the purification of the church, and the other for the corrupting of the people of God. (Matthew 13:24-30, 25:1-13, 26:21)}

To be continued...

A Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could enjoy heaven and a Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could be trusted in heaven.

We are given a life-time, (be it long or short) to cooperate with God in developing a Christ-like character for eternal life in heaven. It begins with the new birth experience.

T.K.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

DEADLY MISTAKES versus Principles of VICTORY in the Christian Life - Part I

This post is for the benefit of so many who don't understand how to become a Christian and stay one. One of the greatest deceptions misleading many in these last days is that since Jesus died for everyone, just believing in Him will save them. No good works are required in order to go to heaven.

This is what was told to George Sodini - the 48 year old man who went into a health club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 4, 2009 and killed 3 women, wounded several others and then killed himself. Story here - http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=8258525&page=1

Here is an excerpt from his online diary entry the day before he committed the murders:

"Maybe soon, I will see God and Jesus. At least that is what I was told. Eternal life does NOT depend on works. If it did, we will all be in hell. Christ paid for EVERY sin, so how can I or you be judged BY GOD for a sin when the penalty was ALREADY paid."

This poor soul was deceived about eternity, Christ and salvation. To the end that others may be saved from such tragic misunderstanding, this series of posts are being made available.

BEGINNING OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

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.

(Proverbs 3: 13, Luke 12:15)

The very first requirement for victory in the Christian life is that the person be a Christian indeed. The doorway into the Christian experience, the first step on the path to complete victory is conversion sometimes referred to as being born again. This takes place when a person allows his or her heart to be softened by God’s love and the impressions that God makes on the conscience. When the power of the will is not used to resist this experience, the thoughts and feelings about God will change and the process of character development begins. It is only God, who can, in answer to prayer, cause a person to be born again and thus begin a Christian life. (John 3:3-6, 1:12,13/ Hebrews 3:7/ Romans 2:4)

Beginning in the morning of life, controlled by the laws of nature and of God, the Christian moves steadily onward and upward, daily drawing nearer his heavenly home, where await for him a crown of life, and a new name, "which no man knoweth saving him that receiveth it." Constantly he grows in happiness, in holiness, in usefulness. The progress of each year exceeds that of the past year. (Philippians 3:13,14/ 2 Peter 1:3-11)

For the benefit of any reader who has not yet commenced a Christian life and does not know how to begin or what conversion is, an explanation follows...

In his conversation with Nicodemus, Christ explained the nature and importance of true conversion. He solemnly declared, "Except a man be born again,"--unless he receive a new heart, new desires, purposes, and motives, leading to a new life,--"he cannot see the kingdom of God." He is no longer to be a willing subject to the enemy of Christ, to remain in subjection to the power of sin. (2 Corinthians 5:17/ Ezekiel 36:26)

True conversion = new desires + new purposes + new motives from God

Conversion is a change of heart, a turning from unrighteousness to righteousness. Relying upon the merits of Christ, exercising true faith in him, the repentant sinner receives pardon for sin. As he ceases to do evil, and learns to do well, he grows in grace and in the knowledge of God. He sees that in order to follow Jesus he must separate from the world, and, after counting the cost, he looks upon all as loss if he may but win Christ. He enlists in his army, and bravely and cheerfully engages in the warfare, fighting against natural inclinations and selfish desires, and bringing the will into subjection to the will of Christ. Daily he seeks the Lord for grace, and he is strengthened and helped. Self once reigned in his heart, and worldly pleasure was his delight. Now self is dethroned, and God reigns supreme. His life reveals the fruit of righteousness. The sins he once loved he now hates. Firmly and resolutely he follows in the path of holiness. This is genuine conversion. (Romans 6:6,11,12,18/ Matthew 16:24/ 2 Peter 3:18)

In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin, and a disposition to cherish and excuse it. In the renewed heart there is hatred of sin, and determined resistance against it. In the renewed heart there will be a fixed principle to obey the will of God, because there is a love for what is just, and good, and holy. There will be no hesitating, conferring with the taste, or studying of convenience, or moving in a certain course because others do so. (Romans 8:1,2,5,7,12, 13)

A Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could enjoy heaven and a Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could be trusted in heaven.

We are given a life-time, (be it long or short) to cooperate with God in developing a Christ-like character for eternal life in heaven. It begins with the new birth experience.

T.K.

Monday, August 3, 2009

LAST DAY EVENTS: Manufactured Crisis With Predetermined Solutions - True Health Reform Is In The First Angel's Message

It is interesting to note that the Bible has a last warning message to the world and it is found in the three angel's message of Revelation 14:6-11. In the three angel's messages is included a message of health reform.

Coincidentally, the plan for transforming the entire health care insurance industry and placing it under government control is called, "health reform." You can check it out for yourself at http://www.healthreform.gov/

What is true health reform ? If we look at the first angel's message we notice that he is flying in the midst of heaven with the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell upon the earth...The message is to be communicated worldwide across the globe...(Revelation 14:6)

Notice what the first angel's message tells us...

That he was.."Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:7

In this first angel's message our heavenly Father is communicating much to the people of earth..

Let's take a brief look at the call to health reform in the first angel's message.

The first angel's message starts - "Fear God and give glory to Him"

We will consider the significance of "Fear God" in another post. Our challenge today; How does one give glory to God ? The Bible gives that answer in several places...

GIVING GLORY TO GOD INVOLVES WHAT WE DO WITH OUR BODIES AND THE STEWARDSHIP OF OUR PHYSICAL BEING

1. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own ? 1 Corinthians 6:19

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20

2. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God . 1 Corinthians 10: 31

Are most people eating and drinking to the glory of God ? Is God being glorified and honored by the way we take care of our bodies ? When we can begin to answer yes to these questions we will be experiencing the benefits of TRUE HEALTH REFORM. Check out the 8 Laws of Health at www.issues-of-life.com

Whatever we plan to do for God and in Christ we better do it fast...

There will be more and more apparent unity even among religious leaders upon platforms of error...

Because of widespread and general ignorance concerning the true principles of health, education, the laws of God, and many other life matters, trouble is definitely coming from one direction and will soon be coming from other directions too...

SERIOUS HEALTH MATTERS

The Truth About Flu Shots - http://proliberty.com/observer/20090602.htm

Martial Law and the Militarization of Public Health - http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=14543

Swine Flu Fraud of 1976 Being Repeated (CBS Video) - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9mh9f_swine-flu-1976-propaganda_webcam

Homeless People Die After Vaccine Trials - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/poland/2235676/Homeless-people-die-after-bird-flu-vaccine-trial-in-Poland.html

Religious Leaders Unite on Health Care Reform - http://www.ncccusa.org/news/090707healthcarestatement.html

POLICE CUTS

Oklahoma - http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspxsubjectid=62&articleid=20090630_62_A12_Ijustr143202

California - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122540831980086085.html

Nationwide

http://www.policeone.com/patrol-issues/articles/1834282-Recession-continues-to-limit-cut-police-services/

New Jersey - http://www.camdencountydems.com/content/cherry-hill-set-cut-police-costs-100k

Oregon

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf/base/news/1240536315279940.xml&coll=7

United Kingdom - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article5793087.ece

New York

http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/nypd_to_cut_number_of_recruits.html

Missouri

http://www.kmbc.com/news/19311922/detail.html

http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2009/07/04/south/news//0701ssj-polbud0.txt

Michigan - http://www.wnem.com/news/19630663/detail.html

Delaware

http://www.doverpost.com/homepage/x488809195/Furloughs-stay-in-approved-city-budget-as-police-protest

Texas

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/crime/stories/062209dnmetpolicecuts.3ba969d.html

Ohio- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31452488/ns/local_news-cincinnati_oh/

EARLY RELEASE OF PRISONERS

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/article_1f62ac6c-6b15-11de-ba86-001cc4c002e0.html

http://www.galesburg.com/news/news_state/x737360333/Corrections-mulls-early-release-as-part-of-budget-cuts

Ohio

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf/base/news/1245313970298230.xml&coll=2

Michigan - http://www.countypress.com/stories/062809/loc_20090628090.shtml

California

http://pasadenanow.com/main/2009/06/21/large-scale-prisoner-releases-possible-police-chief-concerned

Illinois- http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/50184582.html

There is a whole lot more taking place right now that points to the nearness of our Lord's return. Too much to cover in one blog post...

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, 2 Thessalonians 2:1

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Before Jesus returns however, the man of sin, (also referred to as antichrist) will be revealed. The Lord wanted to be sure we would not be deceived on this point. The man of sin is revealed BEFORE Christ returns not AFTER. There will be a falling away BEFORE Christ returns.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Let's pray..

Heavenly Father, please help us to surrender our lives to you and stop trifling with the things of this world. Please help us to come out of Babylon and Egypt. Thank you Jesus for sending the everlasting gospel to us in the three angel's messages for these last days. Please open our eyes to behold Christ upon the cross and cause us by beholding to become changed.

Forgive us for the worldliness and backsliding from principle that breaks your heart, crucifies Christ afresh and lessens our consecration to Christ while dimming the reflection of His character.

Please bless us with your presence and prevail upon our thoughts and feelings and affections that they may be centered in Christ. Strengthen our wills to resist sin and selfishness. Bless every reader who needs to experience a genuine conversion to Christ today with new motives, new desires and new purposes in harmony with the commandments of God. Soften each heart that we may be led to genuine repentance. In Jesus' name. Amen.

T.K.

CHRISTIANITY FOR THE LAST DAYS

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Monday, August 17, 2009

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Monday, August 3, 2009