tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40058058425982232512024-03-12T16:00:36.164-07:00TRACTSPersonal developnent , leadership and spiritual reformationKasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-3174187356961336762021-06-11T17:43:00.000-07:002021-06-11T17:43:38.236-07:00Let's Go Planting 5 million Trees In 1 Day<p><i><b> "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor" (I Cor 3:6-8)</b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLOuNB7LtbWbrA_UPdVqkAUhZjzU4BreRCaPkZ9eY1nCUEtCXoZXA0Is0aRzi8GZYICwY8Cc0wtY_LAGuz6EkMivUMuMpHVxJ7GVC7RfJFiZxHNk5ARwM4e5tyI7UFfon5DG5WNHoGmI/s1920/kafera-danunase-planting-a-tree-on-our-grow-hope-project-min.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1920" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLOuNB7LtbWbrA_UPdVqkAUhZjzU4BreRCaPkZ9eY1nCUEtCXoZXA0Is0aRzi8GZYICwY8Cc0wtY_LAGuz6EkMivUMuMpHVxJ7GVC7RfJFiZxHNk5ARwM4e5tyI7UFfon5DG5WNHoGmI/w543-h236/kafera-danunase-planting-a-tree-on-our-grow-hope-project-min.jpg" width="543" /></a></div><p>The "Green Ghana Project" which was officially launched some weeks ago, took of today, with many traditional, political, religious leaders, and ordinary Ghanaians taking part in it. Also, whilst agencies such as Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Environment and Government driving the initiative, NGOs, Schools, Civil Society Groups, Churches of Christ, Church of Pentecost, Anglican etc are solidly supporting this project. Many have seen the importance of this project and hence it was widely preached to many others to the extent that all political parties are unanimously involved.The initial target was 5 million trees across the country however due to massive support, the target has been raised to 10 million. Wow.This is wonderful.</p><p><b>What is the point here?</b></p><p>As I listen to news updates on this Green Ghana Project today, I cannot stop reminiscing the interesting times I joined my zealous brethren at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)- Church of Christ and University of Ghana (UG)-Church of Christ at various parts of the Country for a spiritual tree planting project- <b>EVANGELISM</b>. There were times that some brethren did not even intend to go on such gospel campaigns but then, the excitement and infectious energy of other brethren get them come along.</p><p>And eventually they come to understand the importance of winning souls for Christ and get involve with all their heart. Sometimes the number of students set out to carry out this God-given task increase and become huge and leaders will have to now book extra vehicles. Personally, I liked these evangelism projects so much that, on many occasions, I had to join brethren and risk the consequences of having less time to prepare for exams. I say to God's glory that, it was a risk that paid off- it's not for everyone to do same though. I hope brethren would work hard and bring those gospel campaigns back post Covid-19 and it restrictions.</p><p><b><i>The Challenge</i></b></p><p>Now as many spoke about the necessity of this Green Ghana Project and the benefits we are going to reap in future as a country the most repeated concern was the nurturing of those trees i.e watering, clearing, pruning, etc and also the sustainability of this project. The President, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and many others talked about the need for continuous care for these trees so that they don't end up dying, rendering this wonderful initiative useless. Thus, I will even suggest that records should be kept so that 5-10 years from today, those who would have their trees still alive and flourishing, should be rewarded.</p><p><b><i>Question</i></b>: And is it not true that souls that are won for Christ must be nurtured to a point where they are able to stand alone and grow?. One of the challenges I have seen which I believe you have also noticed is the lack of following up on new converts and prospects in our campus churches and local congregations. I am not saying it is not done at all but rather, it is not enough. As a result of this challenge, many new converts backslide into their past life and pseudo religions. Very painful!! </p><p>Moreover, have we not read about Paul and Barnabas saying <b>“Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” ?(Acts 15:36)</b></p><p>Brethren let us encourage the habit of following up on new converts and responsive prospects. For by so doing we will be watering what we have planted, the seed-the word of God (Luke 8:11) and God will give His increase (I Cor 3:7)</p><p><br /></p><p>Apart from our laziness and unwillingness to follow up, our lifestyles even sometimes discourage and dampens the spirit of the new brethren (converts). This is real. Have you not read about Jesus proclaiming " “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves"? (Matt 23:15). Oh brother, sister in the Lord, may it not be said to you; “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! (Matt 18:6-7)</p><p> “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea" (Mark 9:42) </p><p><b>This is interesting</b></p><p>Today, many people including you (if only you did) , planted trees with prominent people of this country such as the President, the ministers, political and religious leaders. You labored with such great people today. </p><p><b><i>Question: </i></b>But have you considered that any time you participate in spiritual tree planting such as public preaching, personal work, distributing gospel tracts, reaching to people through social media with the gospel, inviting others to the true worship service etc, you are laboring with God, "For we are God’s fellow workers;" (I Cor 3:9). Can you imagine being God's fellow worker?</p><p><b>Importance</b></p><p>We know of the importance of this tree planting done today. <b>How our depleting forest is going to be restored if this project is sustained. The shade they will provide, how the trees will hold the soil together and prevent erosion. Some of the trees to may bear edible fruits, some too may be cash crops, the trees will also give us fresh air</b>. There are so many importance that we can obtain from these trees planted</p><p><br /></p><p>Now similarly, let's consider the merits of spiritual tree planting <b>(EVANGELISM)</b>. The world will get to know the truth and be set free (John 8:32). Many will be turned towards God (Acts 26:20) and be spiritually minded (Rom 8:6). Many people will be saved (I Tim 2:4), the Kingdom will spread (Luke 4:43), effects of sin will be mitigated. In fact the benefits of evangelism surpass all I can think about and mention in this article. As we plant the fruitful word of God in honest hearts, let us continue to nurture them for the Lord urged us to continue "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;" (Matt 28:20).</p><p><b>Rewards!</b></p><p>I don't know if ordinary Ghanaians who partook in this tree planting exercise have been given any rewards. Obviously not. But for all of us who engage in this spiritual tree planting exercise (Evangelism), each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor"(I Cor 3:8).</p><p><b>Finally</b>, if we plant and nurture spiritually, our trees <b><i>"shall be like a tree</i></b></p><p><b><i> Planted by the rivers of water,</i></b></p><p><b><i> That brings forth its fruit in its season,</i></b></p><p><b><i> Whose leaf also shall not wither;</i></b></p><p><b><i>And whatever he does shall prosper" (Psa 1:3).</i></b></p><p><b>Let's go planting 'world billion' trees. Rescue the perishing.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><i>#The Churches of Christ salute you.</i></p><p></p><p><i>#spotlightontheword.com</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><br /></p><p>#The Churches of Christ salute you.</p><p>#spotlightontheword.com</p><p><br /></p><p>You can also find this on Kasukose blog.com</p><p><br /></p>Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-56196367783703585772020-12-22T02:41:00.001-08:002020-12-22T02:46:32.740-08:00IT GOT LOST IN THE TEMPLE: THE STORY OF THE BIBLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OSJ0NwT1Z3HMjAFXrcxO4tC2H6X0I0LK7cyIpkafjYSnjx4umiT2tEQk7KypmmrE2WSBdm26Wbghwks26w2EC5PeD8a7IfPIU3lSguCUxfemd7Y_cplU9669UqCkAO3rSOhfoybrZV8/s2048/IMG_20201215_165111_776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OSJ0NwT1Z3HMjAFXrcxO4tC2H6X0I0LK7cyIpkafjYSnjx4umiT2tEQk7KypmmrE2WSBdm26Wbghwks26w2EC5PeD8a7IfPIU3lSguCUxfemd7Y_cplU9669UqCkAO3rSOhfoybrZV8/s320/IMG_20201215_165111_776.jpg" /></a></div><p>There is always an increasing desire among people, especially the youth, to satisfy their curiosities about some lost books of the Bible. Many videos and articles have been written about some lost books of the Bible. Sorry to disappoint you if you are one of such people. There no lost books of the Bible which we must now hunt for but that which we have now as scriptures is from the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17). This topic is not about lost books of the Bible but a very dynamic lesson which I have dubbed: It got lost in the temple: the story of the Bible.</p><p>Now, something happened during the reign of Josiah 2 Chron 34. Josiah became king at the age of eight. At age 20 he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of idolatry. In the course of this restoration, Hilkiah the high priest found the book of the law written by Moses (14).</p><p>On the recovery of this book,"some think this “book of the law” was only the book of Deuteronomy, and some say it is only some part of the Torah; However, many others think it is the whole Pentateuch, and that not a copy of it, but the very autograph of Moses, written with his own hand, as it seems from 2 Chronicles 34:14".</p><p>I believe also that it is the entire law of Moses. Again, some Bible students think that a godly high priest hid the book of the law during the reign of Ahaz or Manasseh, to prevent the book from being destroyed . Some people also think this book of the law was lost and missing; misplaced and abandoned, as some throw their Bibles into their rooms and do not keep it well . It was no marvel that the people were so corrupt, when the book of the law was so scarce. Whiles renovating the temple, the book of the law was found, and brought to the king. This was yet another evidence of God's providential care for the Bible, protecting it and handing it down to generations.</p><p>. "It was the temple copy, which had been laid (De 31:25, 26) beside the ark in the most holy place. During the ungodly reigns of Manasseh and Amon—or perhaps under Ahaz, when the temple itself had been profaned by idols, and the ark also (2Ch 35:3) removed from its site; it was somehow lost, and was now found again during the repair of the temple" another commentator observed.</p><p>But, the inscrutable question is how the book of the law got missing in the temple. I think the temple should have been where the book of the law can commonly be found.</p><p>The only answer i found which best fits our puzzling question is the the apostasy enjoyed by the nation of Israel about seventy years after Hezekiah's restoration. When they went into apostasy, they lost the word of God.</p><p>Though we have plentitude of Bibles, yet the Bible is as lost to us, just as it was to them.</p><p>Yes! The Bible is missing. </p><p>How else would you have me convince you, when a nation that was founded on Christian values (such as the United States of America) would now be forced to permit wicked acts like abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism etc?(Rom 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools).How come the Bible cannot be taught freely in public schools without infringing on another person's right? ( The message is offensive to them Gal 5:11).</p><p>If the Bible were not missing, how come a country like Ghana which we claim is a Christian nation would be full of murdering of innocent people by some evil workers, cutting corners, sexual assault, violation of authority and other people's rights, manipulation, secret and daylight robbery, corruption; abnormal profits, hatred, profane talk, obscene videos on social media, hypocrisy, partisan politics, unfair treatment of others, acts which fuel factions, drunkenness, culture of insults, indecent dressing, promiscuity, gossip and among others? </p><p>Remember! righteousness exalts a nation,</p><p>But sin is a reproach to any people (Prov 14:34).</p><p>During the reign of king Manasseh when the Book of the Law got missing, this was what happened: "But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. 3 For he rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; he raised up altars for the Baals, and made wooden images; and he worshiped all the host of heaven and served them. 4 He also built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem shall My name be forever.” 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 6 Also he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger. 7 He even set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God" ( 2 Chron 33:2-7).</p><p>Thus, it is clear that just as the Book of the Law was lost to the nation Israel, so the Bible is missing in countries like Ghana and others who are deemed 'Christian nations'. </p><p>Let's now turn to the denominational world where most believe they are the more 'spiritual' as far as Christianity is concerned- which is not true anyway. Let me repeat my question: how come the book of the Law got misplaced in the temple? </p><p>In most of these denominations, the sale of anointing oils and other items is a way of making money. Yet, followers are often deceived that such practices are communicated to the 'pastor' or man of God by God. Rom 16:17-18</p><p>Worship is no more based on a " thus sayeth the lord" rather based on what members and church leadership think. Things are done in a way to keep members. And that's why most cannot speak against immodest dressing of youth that throng their auditoriums every Sunday. Church growth is no more about effective preaching of the gospel but some quick fixes that would help the church do what will please members.</p><p>The rest who claim to hold on to the scriptures also mishandle them, and only practise parts of scriptures that are favourable to them and reject the rest( meanwhile all His commandments are truth and righteousness Psa 119:151,172.</p><p>If all the points highlighted above do not give you the reason to believe that the Bible is missing, then what else would? </p><p>Now to you my brethren in the lord's Church, you all together are the temple of God and your bodies individually are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:17, 6:19, 2 Cor 6:16). Nonetheless, the Bible is missing in you, the temple of God. Why is it that we are less enthusiastic about Bible studies and discussions now than before. ?Why is that most of us could no more memorize verses of scriptures than before? Why is it that daily Bible reading and devotions are not ongoing in our houses ?</p><p>What could this be if not the missing of the Book of the Law in the temple of God, which we are.</p><p>"For great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do according to all that is written in this book.”(2 Chron 34:21)</p><p>We are are not different from the people of Israel now. Unless we change our ways and restore the book of the law back into our temples. For a genuine restoration to take place we need to first turn to what the Book says. Josiah did so by inquiring of the Lord from the prophetess Huldah (2 Chron 34:21). Let us allow the effect which the reading of the book of the law had on the heart of Josiah so that we may humble ourselves and go before God.</p><p>As we strive to repair the temples and seek and restore the missing 'Word' in our hearts, our churches, our communities and in our country, let us remember this:</p><p>“For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it (Deut 30:11-14). May God bless you as you do so. Amen.</p><p><br /></p>Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-72910881853252600242020-10-07T08:55:00.001-07:002020-10-07T09:10:37.120-07:00"Let Us Make God in Our Image, According to Our Likeness"- Episode 2<h4 style="text-align: left;"><i><b>"Men create gods after their own image, not only with regard to their form but with regard to their mode of life" - </b></i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aristotle</span></h4><p>The last episode of this article focused on false philosophies such as atheism, agnosticism etc. I hinted on wrong ideas on sexual orientation, homosexuality, marriage and divorce. This second episode will tackle issues such as denominationalism, interpersonal relationship, and adverse societal changes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIwIyWqX5quPJ47e573UqEzVnVsLMmJgb9r-GrWk64bkbrkOPwm_FayAh37oAsKhyphenhyphen4fsYtjp98PArnquJAsEB3vCl-KMtas1ivOPITy1Bc2C2yqtETUDg0hqs4CKfmQitRHk8-xrNOao/s320/hobby.jpg" width="320" /></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> Whilst we are still considering how man projects himself unto God, let us consider worship and denominationalism. </p><p>The God who said let us make man in our likeness, by virtue of His nature and what He has done, is to be the centre of our worship ( Psa 45:11). However, since we have created God in our likeness, we determine the type of worship we would like to give to God.</p><p> a) Many look for churches, organisations, groups , fellowships etc that organise worship that suite them.</p><p> b) The focus of worship is either it's convenient to them or it's acceptable to them based on their personal standards. </p><p>c) Worship services have turned to entertainment concert settings.<i><b> "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”</b></i>(John 4:24). </p><p>The situation is not different with the issue of denominationalism. We have recreated the God who is not the God of disorder nor the author of confusion ( I Cor 14:33), in our likeness. Thus, we don't see anything wrong with the thousands of denominations who claim to worship the same God, with the Bible as their standard and yet teaching various conflicting doctrines. They say unity in diversity, since they have created God in their likeness. The true teaching that the apostle Paul taught saying : <b><i>"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."</i></b> </p><p>Many who don't see the need to abide by the teaching of the Bible about the One True New Testament (Churches of Christ, Tom 16:16) which Christ purchased with His own blood(Acts 20:28) have been well described this way: "<i><b>For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple" </b></i>(Rom 16:18). </p><p><span style="color: red;">To many in Christendom today, baptism is not essential to salvation, it doesn't matter the church you attend, doctrine is not important but love, eternal hell is a thing of the past, heaven is no more the focus of the Christian life, but materialistic gains etc.</span></p><p>As if the above is not enough, it's even more discouraging when we look at how we treat our fellow man. The sanctity of human life is nothing to ride home about. Even the God who created man in His likeness, we have managed to create him in our likeness how much less our fellow human? We don't believe this anymore:<i><b> "For there is no partiality with God." “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him"</b></i>(Acts 10:34). Thusly, we can think of some people as less of humans and hate them. Meanwhile, <i><b>"Love does no harm to a neighbor;" (Rom 13:9-10). “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”</b></i></p><p>The apostle Paul rightly forewarned: <b><i>“First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts” </i></b>(2 Pet. 3:3, NRSV). There's a recalibration of all lifestyles the Scriptures explicitly condemn. That has made it possible for us to indulge in our ways and still believe God is okay with us. </p><p>Some of our ways include<i><b> "being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful" </b></i>(Rom 1:29-31)</p><p>Unfortunately, the same message word received, is the same word to us: ‘<b><i>An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land.</i></b></p><p><b><i>3 Now the end has come upon you,</i></b></p><p><b><i>And I will send My anger against you;</i></b></p><p><b><i>I will judge you according to your ways,</i></b></p><p><b><i>And I will repay you for all your abominations </i></b>(Ezek 7:2-3).</p><p><i><b>"But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”</b></i>(I Pet 3:12).</p><p><br /></p><p>In fact our societies together with the religious bodies are equally confused, <i><b>"In that you say,</b></i></p><p><i><b>“Everyone who does evil</b></i></p><p><i><b>Is good in the sight of the Lord,</b></i></p><p><i><b>And He delights in them,”</b></i>(Mal 2;17).</p><p><i><b>"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;</b></i></p><p><i><b>Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;</b></i></p><p><i><b>Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"</b></i> (Isa 5:20).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Conclusion</u></b></p><p>Our societies and those of us who claim we are Christians will continue to waddle in our own iniquities and degeneracies because we have created God in our image, in our own likeness. Consequently, we cannot speak of objective truth, we cannot condemn sinful acts, we cannot rebuke, reproof, correct. A thing is right or wrong base on how you see it or feel about it. This is far from the nature revealed in scripture to us about God. Whilst we have done our best in shifting the goal posts and re-establishing foundations God has laid already to suit our appetites, God still speaks through the Prophet Malachi saying<b><i>: "For I am the Lord, I do not change;" </i></b>(Mal 3:6)</p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>"Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;"</b></i></p><p>Let's uphold this eternal truth instead of acting and saying<i><b> "Let us make God in our image, according to our likeness"</b></i></p><p>Dear reader be made in the image and likeness of God by <b>believing on Christ</b> who died to save you and I (John 5:24); <b>repent of your sinful lifestyle</b> (Act 17:30); <b>confess Christ as the Son of the living God both by mouth and life </b>(Rom 10:9-10, Matt 10:32); <b>be baptized in the name Christ Jesus and into His church </b>(Acts 2:38, Gal 3:27); and <b>continue to live faithfully</b> (I Cor 4:2).</p><p><br /></p><p>Reference</p><p><i>NKJV/ NRSV of the Bible</i></p><p><i>https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1225-straight-talk-about-homosexuality</i></p>Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-13559310331730408332020-09-12T19:01:00.000-07:002020-09-12T19:01:12.906-07:00 "Let us make God in our image, according to our likeness" Episode 1<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><h1 style="text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jLmKNgrZxql336BM9_bz0f4BAGhO-wraxOd789FsMmhMZXEdW7To5ZpR-frzr-_rVwfOSpfsDOzJh66KY8MuN93WlYG_kGLWaCkdioJGvuCb8qEm-HbhqwEvGfMJZbsT7Ueg-WbYXys/s320/pottery1.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="320" /></h1></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><h1 style="text-align: justify;">"Let us make God in our image, according to our likeness"</h1></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Jer 9:23 Thus says the Lord:</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Let not the mighty man glory in his might,</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>24 But let him who glories glory in this,</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>That he understands and knows Me,</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>For in these I delight,” says the Lord</i>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The prophet Jeremiah speaking to these different classes of people: wise, mighty, rich, and all who glory, in essence was emphasizing the need to understand the nature of the God of the Bible by all and sundry.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, from the Athiest to the Zoroastrian many has not made this their goal in life. However, we have rather <b>"sought out many schemes”</b> including creating God in our own image. Pathetically, even those who claim to be Christians can best be described in the voice of the prophet Zephaniah as: <i>"Those who have turned back from following the Lord, </i><i>And have not sought the Lord, nor inquired of Him.” (1:6)</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In ages past, the Almighty declared: <i>“Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;.."</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">But today, mankind says "Let us make God in our image, according to our likeness"</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>How did man create God in his likeness? When did that happen? Why did man create God in his likeness? </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Let me walk you down the rest of this article, to get you the answers to the above questions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To begin with, we are living in the age of Atheism, Agnosticism, Skepticism and all the 'isms' one can possibly think about. Now all of these arose from a core problem of man trying to create God in his own image so that he can get away from being accountable to the Almighty God. It is not for nothing that the apostle to the gentiles rightly warned that:<i> “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ”</i> (Col. 2:8, NRSV).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Thus, the apostle Paul cautions his hearers to be wary of the toxic and menacing effect of philosophy and empty deceit which are according to human traditions. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Furthermore, Wayne Jackson wrote: <b>"Homosexuality is now an equal rights issue. Political advocacy groups, legislators, activist judges, the media, Hollywood, and some public schools, press to legitimize the behavior. “Gays” can’t help who they are, they say. Supposedly, we must respect their “sexual orientation” as a matter of nature".</b><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: justify;">Now people who would speak against such a perverse lifestyle would be labelled as politically incorrect, intolerant, ignorant etc. I was surprised to hear an argument on radio station in Ghana here, where the panelists were clearly justifying a homosexual by saying: "well, that's his sexual orientation" Really? Have they forgotten I Cor 6:9-10:<i> "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God"</i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: justify;">Have they forgotten Sodom and Gomorrah? (Gen 19)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Also, Rom 1:26<i> "For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due." </i>The problem is:<b> we have created God in our image</b>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Incredibly, some so called sexuality educationist are teaching teens that, and I qoute from one site: <b>"However, gender isn’t about someone’s anatomy, it is about who they know them self to be. There are many different gender identities, including male, female, transgender, gender neutral, non-binary, agender, pangender, genderqueer, two-spirit, third gender, and all, none or a combination of these".</b><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: justify;">When was the Genesis account revised by God or repealed? <i>"...in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" </i>(Gen 1:27). The world is now confused about gender identity whereas the above text stated it black and white. We tried and are still trying to become wiser than God<i> "but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,"</i>(Rom 1:21-22)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Moreover, in the area of marriage, divorce and remarriage, we would better have God listen to us than we listen to Him. Many run away from the responsibilities attached to marriage, divorce and remarriage. We would like to create our own god and then give him the rules we want. And when we wake up one day to realise we are not interested in those rules anymore, we can put that God away and look for a new one. Nevertheless, God's truth still stands that: "<i>‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”</i>( Matt 19:5-7)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Marriage is seen more of a social contract than an institution established by God. You can divorce your partner when you have<b> "fallen out of love"</b> and for many other absurd reasons, re-enacting the Pharisees' problem: “<i>Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” </i>Matt 19:3</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We have difficulty accepting the plain teachings of the scriptures on such undebatable topic <b>because we have created God in our likeness</b>. Therefore, we think God will accept how we treat such issues. After all, He is like us.</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><i><b> To be continued.......</b></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-38796426574113217682020-07-25T03:53:00.001-07:002020-07-25T04:23:58.368-07:00WHAT PRAYER IS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5afyR4vFLBx6QVmEbgJXCAPk3-yEaQW-pzNxYrohEYezMtdOx-UMnuBQdW9GVFEoFXxkiFCEI4cNJooOfipjukOhe8HUygJ4A0hrSe4S750rt-hLB9q_eGcb-qJnULoZI7WZwwcIYR5c/s690/Screenshot_20200725-111945.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="690" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5afyR4vFLBx6QVmEbgJXCAPk3-yEaQW-pzNxYrohEYezMtdOx-UMnuBQdW9GVFEoFXxkiFCEI4cNJooOfipjukOhe8HUygJ4A0hrSe4S750rt-hLB9q_eGcb-qJnULoZI7WZwwcIYR5c/w500-h431/Screenshot_20200725-111945.png" width="500" /></a></div><font face="times"><br />
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<b><u><font face="times">PRAYER</font></u></b></h2>
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Historically, God has spoken to man in diverse ways [Hebrews 1] and man, in turn, has uttered not a few words back to his Maker. Today, contrary to the phony claims of so-called prophets, God has spoken [and continues to speak] to us through the inspired record, the Bible, and man has the privilege to speak back through prayer, either privately or publicly, to God.</font></div>
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Meaning of Prayer</font></h3>
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One dictionary defines Prayer as communication with God [where one addresses God directly] and may include petition, entreaty, supplication, thanksgiving, praise, hymns, and lament.</font></div>
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The English word Prayer derives from the Latin <b><i>prex</i></b> meaning petition, entreaty, or request. Two examples in the Bible can be used to demonstrate this.</font></div>
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<font face="times"><i><b>First</b></i>, Paul wrote, <i>“Brethren, my <b>heart’s desire</b> and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.”-</i> Rom 10:1. </font></div>
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<font face="times"><b><i>Second</i></b>, childless Hannah petitioned Jehovah in Shiloh for a son: <i>“Now it happened, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli watched her mouth. Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but <b>her voice was not heard</b> </i>[...]”- 1 Sam 1:12-13</font></div>
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Prayer, therefore, can be summarized as the sincere desire of the heart expressed in intelligible words <b>[either audible or inaudible]</b> and directed to God. The point must quickly be made to exclude from this definition the modernist’s view of <i>“praying in tongues”</i>, which is nothing more than the ecstatic expression of streams of unintelligible words.</font></div>
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Importance of Prayer</font></h3>
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James penned, <i>“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”</i> Perhaps, the power of prayer can physically be likened to the strong and powerful front limbs of the <i>Mantis religiosa,</i> commonly called the praying mantis <b>[front limbs are held together at an angle that suggests the prayer position].</b></font></div>
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Twentieth century gospel preacher, B. C. Goodpasture, once stated,</font></div>
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_<i>“It would be just as possible to live physical life without breathing as it is to live spiritual life without prayer.”</i>_</font></div>
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The essentiality of prayer in the Christian faith is seen just prior to the establishment of the church [Acts 1:23-26], immediately after her establishment [Acts 2:42] and during crisis [Acts 4:23-31]. To the Thessalonian Christians Paul admonished, <i>“pray without ceasing” </i>-1 Thes 5:17.</font></div>
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The founder of the Christian faith, Jesus Christ, was a man of prayer. Mark is careful to note, <i>“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” </i>–Mk 1:35. The importance of prayer can never be overly stated.</font></div>
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<b><font face="times">Who Can Pray</font></b></h3>
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Every saint, either male or female, has the right to pray privately to God. In the congregation, however, only the male saints are to lead in prayers. - 1Tim 2:8</font></div>
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How to Pray</font></h3>
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Regardless of who prays, it must proceed from a righteous heart [<i>See</i> James 5:17]. A righteous heart eschews evil and seeks to please God by doing what is right in His sight. When a penitent sinner, for example, comes before the LORD in prayer pleading for pardon, he displays a righteous disposition of the heart and is, therefore, heard.</font></div>
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Prayer must be carried out with <b><i>great respect and reverence towards</i></b> Jehovah. The Psalmist declared,<i> “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him”</i>- Psa 89:7</font></div>
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Matthew chapter 6 is a guide post to every saint on the proper disposition of character to assume when approaching God through prayer. The faithful Christian will seek to study and apply these principles during prayer times.</font></div>
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Prayer must, however, be offered to God through Christ our Mediator - Heb 7:25</font></div>
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Components of Prayer</font></h3>
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<li><font face="times"><u>Praise</u>: <span style="font-weight: normal;">means to shine forth light on something. We must declare the absolute goodness and perfect attributes of Jehovah when we pray. The Psalmist declared, <i>“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD”-</i> Psa 150:6</span></font></li>
<li><font face="times"><u>Thanksgiving</u>: <span style="font-weight: normal;">A grateful heart will always be filled with thanksgiving to God. Paul wrote,<i> “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”</i>-1 Thes 5:18; cf Eph 5:20</span></font></li>
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The Psalmist reminds us to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving to Jehovah for His deliverances- Psa 116:17. Ungratefulness is the attitude of the unbeliever and unrepentant in heart! cf Luk 17:17</font></div>
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<font face="times"><b>3. <u> Petition</u></b>: means to <i>“turn to” or “to appeal to”</i>. Petition and thanksgiving are two sides of the same coin. Philippians 4:6 states succinctly, <i>“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”</i></font></div>
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<font face="times"><b>4.<u>Confession</u></b>: admission and confession of sins [both omission and commission] to God precede forgiveness. The faithful Christian will remember to confess when on the knees. - 1 John 1:8-9; cf Luk 18:13</font></div>
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Hindrances to Prayer</font></h3>
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Apart from neglecting the aforementioned specifications on prayer, the following inhibit prayers:</font></div>
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<li><font face="times"><b>Selfishness</b>: a materialistic approach to prayer petitions will never be answered. – Jam 4:3</font></li>
<li><font face="times"><b>Faithlessness</b>: seeds of doubt sown before, during or after prayer will yield fruits of nothingness and render the prayer forlorn. Cf Mat 21:22; Jam 1:5-8</font></li>
<li><font face="times"><b>Broken Relationship</b>: a sinful way of life is a great hindrance to prayer, for God does not hear sinners! Isaiah cried out to sinful Israel, <i>“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”</i> – Isa 59:2; cf John 9: th31. To the married, humility and honour must be accorded each spouse in order to avoid barriers to prayer. -1 Pet 3:1-7</font></li>
<li><font face="times"><b>Arrogance</b>: pride always goes before destruction [Prov 16:18]. A humility-deficient-prayer is already doomed! –cf Luk 18:11-12</font></li>
<li><font face="times"><b>Profane Prayers</b>: Let us now briefly discuss two very common, but detestable, forms of prayer.</font></li>
<li><font face="times"><b>A Sinner Praying</b>: the prayer of an unrepentant sinner is an abomination –Prov 28:9; John 9:31</font></li>
<li><font face="times"><b>Th</b><b>e Sinner’s Prayer</b>: this widely accepted and practised prayer, despite its human origin, promises the naïve sinner of salvation in Christ. This is a first-class salvation scam and lacks Biblical proof.</font></li>
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<i><b><font face="times">To be saved one must Hear the gospel [Rom 10:17], Believe it [John 8:24], Repent [Acts 2:38], Confess faith in Christ [Acts 8:37], be Baptized [Acts 22:16], and be Faithful [Rev 2:10].</font></b></i></div>
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Practical Suggestions for Prayer</font></h3>
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1. Make a prayer list</font></div>
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2. Organize your list</font></div>
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3. Have a proper schedule</font></div>
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4. Pray as a family</font></div>
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5. Pray fervently</font></div>
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6. Pray when discouraged and when happy</font></div>
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7. Pray persistently</font></div>
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<font face="times"><i>Author</i>: Obed Mortey</font></div>
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<i><b><font face="times">References</font></b></i></div>
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<i><font face="times">1. <a href="https://video.wvbs.org/video/the-truth-about-prayer">https://video.wvbs.org/video/the-truth-about-prayer</a>/ Accessed on July 2, 2020 at 09:00GMT</font></i></div>
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<i><font face="times">2. Lexham Bible Dictionary</font></i></div>
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Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-91824186167058807252019-12-31T13:31:00.002-08:002020-07-25T03:54:55.966-07:00THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US.<b>THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQLX1t8KfhGd_7i2zZFPMEE2dNNn35NLxcNcRMYeGwQ_f7EyJaFoSL5UPLXGco85A-6-qUscHKqucqu8QtjE5wXX1rz2zDUFaD0G7C0BMmb4nuVXf9mkHExaVAcGeFzJiRVUw3UU4J0U/s1600/IMG_20191231_203234_283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQLX1t8KfhGd_7i2zZFPMEE2dNNn35NLxcNcRMYeGwQ_f7EyJaFoSL5UPLXGco85A-6-qUscHKqucqu8QtjE5wXX1rz2zDUFaD0G7C0BMmb4nuVXf9mkHExaVAcGeFzJiRVUw3UU4J0U/s400/IMG_20191231_203234_283.JPG" width="361" /></a></div>
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On last Sunday, while on my way to Kumasi I found myself sitting close to two children (very young girls). As innocent and friendly children generally are, they became my friends after we recited a few rhymes they learned at school; we ate fruits together, we laughed and cracked jokes. These little new friends became so happy that now when I got to my destination, they did not want to let go of me. I had to take time assure them I would come and look for them though I did not know which part of Kumasi they were going. I finally dropped my contact with them and alighted at my destination. I realized how badly these young girls did want us to part ways, even for this short time we became friends. I believe some us might have had such experience before; where we met people just within a period of a day or less and we became friends and we did not want them to leave us or we did not want to leave or lose them.<br />
As we reflect on these experience, <b><i>how much more do we feel leaving or losing people we have known and friended all of our lives? </i>Some: our parents, spouses, grandparents, aunties, uncles, siblings, cousins, classmates, very good friends etc.</b><br />
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For many people these holidays (from Xmas to new year) are <b>a time of joy, a time of family and friends and food but for others, a time of sadness-due to the loss of a loved one through illnesses or diseases, accidents of various forms, natural disasters etc. Others also lost loved ones through divorce, conflicts etc.</b><br />
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These holydays become very difficult and <i>especially so for people who have lost their spouses, children who have lost one or both parents, friends who have lost best friends because they are directly impacted by those who they have lost</i>. Some passed unnoticed by those not directly impacted. The grief increases or is revived and memories resurrect during these times because usually these are times of celebration, joy and family fellowships.<br />
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For some, it is their first time of losing a loved one hence the loneliness alone <i>(Psalms 102:1-11) </i>could lead to <b>depression, despair and despondence. </b>For the above reason, I chose not write about how to end the year and how to make new year resolutions<b><i> but to remember our loved ones who have gone before us.</i></b><br />
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The idea is not to pray in any special way for those who have died in the last two years<i> (2018)</i> or this year that is just ending<i> (2019) </i>or for their souls as some religious organisations do.<br />
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<b><i>However, to remember who they were, the values they lived for, the impact the made on our lives, the duties or dreams they left unfinished and most especially their families and friends they have left behind</i></b>.<br />
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As we receive this new year<i> (2020) </i>with joy and resolve, <i><b>let us not forget to bear one another’s burden and so fulfil the law of Christ. Gal 6:2, Rom 12:15.</b></i> Let us do these simple acts for the families and friends of our colleagues that have gone before us;<br />
<b>Let us visit those we know have lost a loved one. Our presence alone may give them some comfort.</b><br />
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<b>Let us ask them specific questions to know what help they need from us.</b><br />
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<b>Let us talk to the person about the loved one they lost. This will bring some good memories and relief.</b><br />
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<b>Let us ask them to keep to prayer in such times. <i>James 5:13</i> and the Lord will hear their prayers <i>Psalms 102:17 </i>and strengthen them <i>Psalms 27:14</i></b><br />
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<b>Let us encourage them to fellowship with brethren.</b><br />
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<b>Let us encourage and direct them to the Scriptures that through patience and comfort of Scriptures they might have hope. <i>Rom 15:4</i>. Usually, the Psalms are identified with our emotions and griefs. <i>Psalms 102:18.</i></b><br />
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<b>Let us encourage them to sing our hymns; it is well with my soul, farther along, what a friend we in Jesus, sweet by and by, in a little while we’re going home, this world is not my home etc. <i>Act 16:25,</i> <i>Col 3:15-16. Eph 5:19-20.</i></b><br />
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Dear reader, if you are going through some pain due to the loss of a loved one, as we enter a new year, I would like to assure you that it is better to choose to go on with life than to burry your heart in sorrow or grief. May the God of all mercies and comforts comfort you in such times. <i>2Cor 1:3-4</i><u> </u>knowing this<i> 1Thess 4:13-14</i><u>.</u><br />
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My exhortation is; let us make life altering decisions which have eternal consequences this new year.<br />
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<b>Hear the gospel…………….<i> Jn 6:44-46; 12:48</i></b><br />
<b>Believe the gospel…………<i>Act 16:31, Heb 11:6</i></b><br />
<b>Repent from a life of sin and turn to the lord………. <i>Acts 17:27-30, Lk 13:3</i></b><br />
<b>Confess Christ………………………. <i>Rom 10:9-10, Acts 8:29-39</i></b><br />
<b>Be baptised into Christ (his body –the church) ……………. <i>Acts 2:36-42; 22:16</i></b><br />
<b>Be faithful until death…………. <i>Rev 2:10</i></b><br />
In remembrance of Stella Quayson, Bro. Kofi Tawiah, Bernard Amponsah, Akosua Oparebea, Oswald Affum and all my loved ones who have gone before us.<br />
<i><b>Visit any church of Christ in your neighbourhood for worship and further studies. God bless you.</b></i>Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-18399348049905196162019-02-17T06:04:00.001-08:002020-07-25T03:56:03.971-07:00SELF-DISCIPLINE AND PERSISTENCE EPISODE SEVEN <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>SELF-DISCIPLINE AND PERSISTENCE</u></b></div>
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<b><u>EPISODE SEVEN</u></b> </div>
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<i><b>Beware of endeavoring to become a great man in a hurry. One such attempt in 10,000 may succeed. These are fearful odds. </b></i><b>-BENJAMIN DISRAELI</b></div>
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Persistence is self-discipline in action. Remember we learned from the previous episode that courage is the strength of mind to carry on in spite of all challenges.</div>
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Persistence is pretty different from courage. Persistence is the application of that self-discipline courage. Putting that determination into action.</div>
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When you discipline yourself to do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not, your self-esteem increases and it will eventually affect your success positively. The opposite of the above statement is also true.</div>
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<b>Definition of persistence:</b></div>
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To be persistent means to continue to do something with determination in spite of opposition. Persistence is seen in what you do(action) and not what you say(words).</div>
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As you have seen earlier on, whenever you force yourself to persist on a task, whether it is large or small, you feel happier and better about yourself at long round-(that is the reward of persistence).</div>
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The author, Brian Tracy in his book<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>"The Power Of Self-Discipline" wrote;'<i style="font-weight: bold;">your ability to respond effectively to setbacks-your level of "response-ability" - is the measure of your readiness to succeed".</i> He continued to explain that when you experience a major setback or problem, you will feel temporarily discouraged. But you cannot continue in that disappointment, for that is not the sign of persistence. Rather you have to rise and be on your feet. You need <b>resilience</b>.</div>
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<i>Resilient means being strong enough to recover from a bad situation or event.</i></div>
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<i>Developing resilience does not come automatically.</i></div>
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<b>Optimism</b> cannot be left out in a discussion on Success and Persistence.</div>
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<b><i>Being optimistic is having unlimiting confidence in yourself and your ability to ultimately succeed.</i></b></div>
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<i>Do you remain optimistic when things go wrong?</i></div>
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<i>Do you feel sorry for yourself and becomes vulnerable and you see yourself as a victim?</i></div>
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<i>Do you criticize, blame others, or give excuses?</i></div>
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These questions will help you know whether you are optimistic or not.</div>
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<b>Be proactive not reactive. </b>Focus on the solution and not the problem. Look for the good in every situation.<br />
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<b>Learn valuable lessons in every problem or difficulty.</b></div>
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<b><i>"Within every problem or obstacle lays the seed of an equal or greater opportunity or benefit. Your job is to find it."- </i>Napoleon Hill<i> </i></b></div>
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And also resolve in advance that you will never give up and your success is almost guaranteed. Nothing can stop you but yourself. Discipline yourself to persist on the face of adversity and your self-esteem and self-confidence will increase.</div>
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<i><u>JESUS TELLS THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW</u></i></div>
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<b>Read Luke 18:1-8</b></div>
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He(Jesus) told them (his disciples) a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.</div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">.......the widow kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary'</span></i></div>
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The import of this parable is the widow's persistence and how she didn't give up. So as a Christian you must be persistent in prayers to God, and don't give up on asking him for your needs. Sometimes the answer may delay but you still need to keep trusting and hoping in him i.e persistent in faith.</div>
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The obvious principle of this parable can be applied in all walks of life .</div>
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<i><b>Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold.....................Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize........ Phil 3:1</b></i></div>
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<u><b>Conclusion</b></u>:</div>
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<em class="markup--em markup--p-em" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: medium-content-serif-font, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: "liga", "salt"; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -0.072px; text-indent: -7.2px;"><b><br /></b></em></div>
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<em class="markup--em markup--p-em" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: medium-content-serif-font, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-feature-settings: "liga", "salt"; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -0.072px; text-indent: -7.2px;"><b>“I will persist until I succeed. Always will I take another step. If that is of no avail I will take another, and yet another. In truth, one step at a time is not too difficult. I know that small attempts, repeated, will complete any undertaking.” </b>— </em><span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.84); font-family: , "georgia" , "cambria" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.072px; text-indent: -7.2px;"><em class="markup--em markup--p-em" style="font-feature-settings: "liga", "salt";">Og Mandino</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35J5x5GsFh1oUIlJpO67lTPfs8gqfCwrcYvF-aMvcxFbG4VYIJo957_v-7lTEaW-i1prRFbouwADfDn0hJGKkItQY8_4CqlsdNaNdfoFUdU2pmUe5BLMAe_bCCalIXWkZyhDaO9Jk-qg/s1600/IMG_20190217_134536_503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35J5x5GsFh1oUIlJpO67lTPfs8gqfCwrcYvF-aMvcxFbG4VYIJo957_v-7lTEaW-i1prRFbouwADfDn0hJGKkItQY8_4CqlsdNaNdfoFUdU2pmUe5BLMAe_bCCalIXWkZyhDaO9Jk-qg/s640/IMG_20190217_134536_503.JPG" width="416" /></a></div>
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Read Episode 6. </div>
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(https://kasukose.blogspot.com/2018/06/episode-six-on-and-courage.html?m=1)</div>
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and all previous episodes on kasukose.blogspot.com<br />
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Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-22605424703823514052019-01-11T10:22:00.001-08:002020-07-25T03:56:27.443-07:00AN OBJECTIVE LESSON<br />
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<b><u>AN OBJECTIVE LESSON</u></b></div>
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<b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIwn7qGJ6ubYJn1cLrntGjJNAAGJ2Cm0wuSFQyxeJf6nHiZriN_y_UvHBHcWhyxk8bYNW6d751xCuN5TMXKvbkxKTgqYK6cJknnVCHeSkq7wW8GwIJaqUksh9g2zsay3zVhG8TARzGJY/s1600/IMG_20190111_181742_506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="720" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIwn7qGJ6ubYJn1cLrntGjJNAAGJ2Cm0wuSFQyxeJf6nHiZriN_y_UvHBHcWhyxk8bYNW6d751xCuN5TMXKvbkxKTgqYK6cJknnVCHeSkq7wW8GwIJaqUksh9g2zsay3zVhG8TARzGJY/s320/IMG_20190111_181742_506.JPG" width="320" /></a></u></b></div>
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<b>M</b>oses, as was confronted by God to lead His people -Israel ,was probably belittling himself. Both parents were in bondage in Egypt, though a prince yet a slave. He had killed an Egyptian; and that matter may come up one day since his fellow, a Hebrew knew what he has done. Perhaps he saw himself a coward that's why he fled to Midian for the fear of Pharaoh. He was a poor Shepherd. Besides he was fully aware of his personal deficiencies.... With Moses' dialogue with God, he gave more excuses why he can't do what God was asking him to do or be. Exo 3-4:178</div>
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1. <b>GOD</b>: <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring forth my people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt "</span></i></div>
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<b>Moses</b>: <i>"Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?"</i></div>
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2. <b>GOD:</b><i><span style="color: red;"> "but I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you,that I have sent you:............"</span></i></div>
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<b>Moses: </b><i>"If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you' and they ask me, 'what is his name?' what shall I say to them?" (another excuse)</i></div>
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3. <b>GOD:</b> <i><span style="color: red;">"I AM WHO I AM"</span></i></div>
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(God promised Moses that the people will listen to him. He said the elders of Israel also would go with him to Pharaoh. God told him of his might and the wonders he was going to do in Egypt through him- he gave him more assurance.)</div>
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<b>Moses:<i> "</i></b><i>But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, 'The Lord did not appear to you</i>.' "</div>
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4. <b>GOD: </b><span style="color: red;"><i>"What is in your hand? "</i></span></div>
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<b>Moses:</b><i><b> </b>"A rod."</i></div>
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5. <b>GOD: </b><i><span style="color: red;">"Cast it on the ground "</span></i></div>
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(God demonstrated His might to Moses by the 'serpent-rod'; the 'leprous hand' and 'the blood water from the Nile' on a dry ground)</div>
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6. <b>Moses:</b> <i>"Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either heretofore or since thou hast spoken to thy servant; but I am slow of speech and of tongue."</i></div>
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<b>GOD: </b><i><span style="color: red;">"Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak"</span></i></div>
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7. <b>Moses:<i> </i></b><i>"Oh, my Lord, send, I pray, some other person."</i></div>
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Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said:</div>
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<i><span style="color: red;"> "Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? " I know that he can speak well;..............</span></i>Exo 4:17 The dialogue ends.</div>
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<u><u><b>W</b>hile Moses was busily looking for reasons why he can't do God's assignment, God on the other hand, was patiently giving Moses so many solid, good reasons why he was capable of doing the work.</u> Moses finally had a change of mind. He rejected all the excuses he gave and accepted God's task. He tried almost in all circumstances to obey God, until once he disobeyed God outright and that disqualified him from entering the promised land.</u></div>
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His accomplishments were; the greatest Jewish leader, he set the Exodus into motion and was used by God to lead Israel to defeat their enemies, he was a prophet and a lawgiver, he recorded the ten commandments, he was the author of the Pentateuch.......and so on and so forth.</div>
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<b><i><u>Now at the end of Moses' life, it was recorded of him in Deut 34:10-12; And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and the wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt............. </u></i></b>Wow, what a great legacy!!!</div>
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<b>H</b>old on for a second, let's go to the dialogue and read Moses' responses: Was he the same person who said 'who am I?'; Was he the one who said Israel won't believe him?; Was he the one who was not eloquent?; Was he the one who said 'behold, Lord send some other person?'</div>
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<b><u>CONCLUSION</u></b></div>
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<b>J</b>ust like Moses, most of us also have more excuses why we can't do what God demands us to do even though he has assured us that he would be with us.</div>
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Probably we are asking the same questions Moses asked;</div>
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<i>Who am I?</i></div>
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- my parents are poor, I don't have good educational background, people don't respect where I'm hailing from etc. But don't look at who you are. Look at who is sending you, the one who has called you. Rather look at God's background, how mighty, awesome, miraculous, all-knowing He is. etc.</div>
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Perhaps, you are asking the same question like Moses: <i>what shall I say to them?. </i>You don't even know what you have in you. You don't even know what it is that you are capable of. Moses had a rod in his hand and least did he expect that that rod could turn into a serpent with God's command. We have so many potentials and least do we expect to be that successful person we dream about each day.</div>
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If you don't know what to say (what you have), asked The 'I AM WHO I AM'</div>
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However, if you know what are your abilities, then trust in the One who gave you those potentials(God), that with your trust in him and obedience to his Word, you can achieve everything (Phil 4:13). <u><i><b>God does his greatest work through frail people.</b></i></u></div>
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Maybe you are saying I'm not this, I'm not that. I'm not good enough, I'm not smart enough for that job. 'You are not eloquent' This person is better than me. Ask yourself; who created me.Who made me who I am? Remember what God asked Moses: <i>who has created man's mouth?, who makes him deaf, dumb, seeing, or blind ?</i></div>
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<b>Instead of looking at how weak you are, rather focus on the one who gave you that ability you even call 'weak'. He is able to complement your abilities with whoever he desires for you to achieve the impossible. It is Him you should be focusing on.</b></div>
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Finally, you are actually saying<i>: "oh no, it cannot be me. I cannot fix that mess. How difficult it is. How unpleasant this job is. Oh no it cannot be me. Lord send some other person.</i></div>
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<b>W</b>ait a minute, think about what was written about Moses after all those excuses -there was none like him in Israel .</div>
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God will not change whatever abilities you already have -He can mold them into something better to achieve greater things .</div>
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Learn the lesson; don't let the past compell you to give excuses when God is offering you lots of opportunities. Don't let the present also scare you of taking steps into the future.</div>
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There maybe hardships beginning this year, but with faith in God He will bring us to a successful end.</div>
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Most importantly whatever your life is now, God can still accept if only you are ready to accept His terms of condition:</div>
<b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Hearing His Gospel</i></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">............</span><span style="color: purple; text-align: justify;">Rom 10:14-17</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"> Acts 2:37</span></div>
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<b><i>Believing in Christ through the gospel....................................</i></b><span style="color: purple;">Mark 16:15-16</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> John 6:40,48</span></div>
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<i><b>Repent from sin...................</b></i><span style="color: purple;">Luke 13:3</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> Acts 3:19</span></div>
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<b><i>Confess faith in Christ........</i></b><span style="color: purple;">Rom 10:9-10</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> Acts 8:26-39</span></div>
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<b><i>Be baptized............................</i></b><span style="color: purple;">Acts 2:37-38</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> Matt 28:18-20</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Mark 16:15-16</span></div>
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<b><i>God adds you to the Church(the Body) of Christ........................................</i></b><span style="color: purple;">Acts 2:47</span></div>
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<b><i>Continue to abide in him.....</i></b><span style="color: purple;">I John 3:28-29</span></div>
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Please keep visiting this blog and share with friends. Read and comment, or ask questions and I will be ready to welcome any of those. Thanks for reading and sharing. God bless you. </div>
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Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-4634977210380225062018-12-30T22:07:00.001-08:002020-07-25T04:51:19.472-07:00LET'S END IT THIS WAY <u><b>LET'S </b></u><b><u>END IT THIS WAY </u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RAgT4YKCv6MK352NWiHbubZaFObvdnZJhyphenhyphenumjGGAp7JRjU8u7ZgHMYvhdkYxL2ZH38uUf5WCCroaYx0spOrBqnbOLz8Bg6vxnKbsUQIAIirPncCVtR289SFXbzBkgKUHjp64od1-LsU/s1600/IMG_20181229_053042_751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="720" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RAgT4YKCv6MK352NWiHbubZaFObvdnZJhyphenhyphenumjGGAp7JRjU8u7ZgHMYvhdkYxL2ZH38uUf5WCCroaYx0spOrBqnbOLz8Bg6vxnKbsUQIAIirPncCVtR289SFXbzBkgKUHjp64od1-LsU/s400/IMG_20181229_053042_751.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>INTRODUCTION</u></b> </div>
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As I was under the impression that the year 2018, all too soon has ended, the meaning of the word 'END' came across.</div>
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This three-letter word has a very strong implications. The feeling behind the word END is very diverse yet very strong.</div>
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For instance watching movies; the end of some movies leave us with sad feelings, and others leave us with joy or happiness.</div>
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Now think about the word again:</div>
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Think about an interesting game coming to an end.</div>
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Think about the life of a person(especially a loved one ) coming to an end.</div>
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Think about a good business coming to end.</div>
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Or think about a tough semester coming to an end.</div>
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What about a difficult year coming to an end.</div>
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Think about anything at all coming to an end and assess how you feel about that.</div>
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The final part of a period of time, an event, an activity, or a story (end) is very important. In fact I can't say more than what the Holy Spirit has already recorded in <span style="color: purple;">Eccl 7:8</span></div>
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<b><i>Better is the end of a thing than its beginning</i></b></div>
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<b><i>And the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Why the end is important</i></b></div>
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Because it's very easy for everyone to kick start the new year with a lot of energy or enthusiasm. But as to whether that will last to the end or not, no one can guarantee.<br />
The end is when we see the conclusion of everything.</div>
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The end is when we reap the fruit of all that we have sown. We see the results of the decisions we have made. </div>
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The end is when we see all we have achieved from all the objectives we have set for ourselves.</div>
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The end is when we are judged and give account of everything given to us from the beginning.</div>
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At the end we get to know whether we have succeeded or failed.</div>
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Now, this is the end of 2018. </div>
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Not long ago in the first day of the month of January that I published a tract on new year resolutions. The question is; all that have we set for ourselves, have we been able to achieve those goals or objectives?</div>
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All that you said you would do, did you do them?</div>
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The changes you made, did you keep to this end?</div>
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If you have achieved all that you set for yourself, well done and glory be to God. If you have not achieved anything then you have a problem which needs to be addressed urgently as we move into yet another new year. Stick to your plans‼️‼️</div>
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If you have achieved some and remaining with some too, don't worry, this is not the end of everything. So far as we have life, there is still hope.<br />
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All I'm saying is that we should not only be happy about entering into a 'new year' but we should also consider how we would want the end of the year to be. We should consider that there will surely be difficult times, yet with God on our side we will succeed. <b><i>The end will be better when we are patient in spirit and wait on the Lord</i></b>. We should intentionally plan how we will want the year 2019 to end(i.e on our part/responsiblity). <b>For the end of a year is more important than the beginning.</b></div>
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<b><u>INVITATION</u></b> </div>
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Lest I forget, there's one more 'end' which is most important -the end of our lives (whether God calls us home at his purposed time and or Christ comes a second time).</div>
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To have a joyous end let us rely on the one who <b><i>knows the end from the beginning</i></b> <span style="color: purple;">Isaiah 46:10</span></div>
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Let's surrender our will to Him in this new year by</div>
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<b><i>Hearing His Gospel</i></b> ............<span style="color: purple;">Rom 10:14-17</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> Acts 2:37</span></div>
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<b><i>Believing in Christ through the gospel....................................</i></b><span style="color: purple;">Mark 16:15-16</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> John 6:40,48</span></div>
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<i><b>Repent from sin...................</b></i><span style="color: purple;">Luke 13:3</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> Acts 3:19</span></div>
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<b><i>Confess faith in Christ........</i></b><span style="color: purple;">Rom 10:9-10</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> Acts 8:26-39</span></div>
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<b><i>Be baptized............................</i></b><span style="color: purple;">Acts 2:37-38</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> Matt 28:18-20</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Mark 16:15-16</span></div>
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<b><i>God adds you to the Church(the Body) of Christ........................................</i></b><span style="color: purple;">Acts 2:47</span></div>
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<b><i>Continue to abide in him.....</i></b><span style="color: purple;">I John 3:28-29</span></div>
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Please keep visiting this blog and share with friends. Read and comment, or ask questions and I will be ready to welcome any of those. Thanks for reading and sharing. God bless you. </div>
Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-6182419868986017542018-09-15T15:11:00.001-07:002020-07-25T04:51:44.008-07:00BLAMING GOD? III<b>BLAMING GOD? III</b><br />
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<b>THE HOLY SPIRIT AND INTERPRETATION</b><br />
<b>I </b>have a friend who never yielded to anything I explained to him about usually beliefs on which we differ. I tried to find out why he does not agree with anything I say even though the explanation is clear. His reply always is; you see, you just read the Bible to me. But I have to pray so that the Holy Spirit would reveal the meaning of it to me.<br />
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<b>T</b>he seriousness of what I'm saying is that there are thousands of people who have similar mindsets to that of my friend's. One may ask but what is wrong with this mindset. Let me make it more clear to you.<br />
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<b>T</b>here are some people who hold the view that without the Holy Spirit, one can't understand the scriptures and for that matter cannot interpret. They further attest that the Spirit reveals the meaning of the passage to you.<br />
<b>T</b>he purpose of this episode of the entire series of 'Blaming God?', is to propound such a view with regard to it genuity as far us the Bible is concerned.<br />
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<b>L</b>et me quick to raise the flag on this that nothing in this tract is of the intent to blaspheme the Holy Spirit<b> (Matt 12:31,32);</b><br />
To lie to<b> (Acts5:3a)</b>; To resist<b> (Acts7:51a); </b>To grieve<b> (Eph 4:30)</b>; To insult or despise<b> (Heb 10:29)</b>; To quench<b> (I Thess 5:19) </b>the Holy Spirit.<br />
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<b>B</b>ut to bring up the misrepresentation of the Holy Spirit in Bible interpretation and present Him rightly. Now let us approach the heart of the aforementioned matter. One must keep these facts in mind:<br />
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1. <b>T</b>he Holy Spirit and the Word of God is clearly seen as cooperating in many cases of conversion recorded in the New Testament <b>( Acts 2; 4; 5:14;8:5-12;9;10;13:43-48;16) </b>etc.<br />
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2. <b>A</b>lso, the Holy Spirit is the mastermind behind the production of God's Word<b> (I Thess 5:21)</b>, as well as preserving it for us.<br />
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3. <b>T</b>hough the above is true, does it then mean that the Holy Spirit reveal some interpretation or 'new truth' to us apart from what can be known or understood by correctly studying and applying good hermeneutical principles to that particular passage?<br />
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<b>4.</b> <b>A</b>nd does it follows that without the Holy Spirit, one cannot understand what he reads and therefore cannot interpret what he or she reads?<br />
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<b><u>Answer</u></b>:<br />
<b>5.</b> <b>G</b>od in His divine wisdom has decided to use words (instrument) to communicate His will to us, which makes the Bible a normal and logical communication. Thus, when we read we are able to understand. <b>(Eph 3:4-6). T</b>he Apostle earlier stated in this chapter that the mystery of the stewardship of God's grace was revealed to him which he wrote down for his audience. He further stated that the mystery of Christ was revealed to the apostles and prophets by the Spirit and they penned it down for us. What more could one make of this passage than the resounding fact that the Spirit operates by the revealed truth? All truth has be revealed to them as promised by Christ <b>John 16:13 </b>and they manifested it<b> II Cor 4:2</b> and so that's is why we are admonished to study this word of truth to be able to handle it, teach it, apply it correctly, accurately, with precision.<b> (II Tim 2:15)</b>.<br />
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<u><b>What is the point here?</b></u><br />
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<b>T</b>he point I'm making is that the Spirit does not reveal any new truth apart from what has been written down. And so it follows that the Holy Spirit is not in the life of the Christian to cure his poor interpretation of the Scriptures. He does not perfunctorily reverse repercussions of breaching hermeneutical principles. The Holy Spirit works within the proper form of communication but not independent of it. You can not disregard, context, grammar, literary form etc and still think that some way some how, the Holy Spirit will give you right interpretation. The Holy Spirit desires to use the believer's mind in Bible study. God expects to carefully study and use our minds to reason and apply principles of interpretation. So, many times the Bible asked us to think<b> (Phil 4:8; II Tim 2:7</b>). The Spirit has already revealed the truth and sound interpretive principles will get us to the understanding.<br />
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<b><i>Contrast</i></b>, those who read and still expect the Holy Spirit to speak verbally ,through vision, dream or some inner light are bound to twist the scriptures to their own destruction<b> (II Pet 3:16)</b>. The Spirit has spoken already. He has spoken in His word and continues to speak through the Word.<br />
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<b>6.</b> <b>U</b>nbelievers are without the Holy Spirit. Could they understand the Scriptures or not?<br />
<b>M</b>ost people would agree that they could not and would usually defend it by <b>I Cor 2:14</b> . But unfortunately that would be erroneous. As stated earlier on that, the Scriptures are made of normal and logical communication. I need not to list the many unbelievers who have good understanding of the Scriptures. It is a fact that the Spirit has revealed to us the truth already and whoever study it will understand. The unbeliever still in his unbelief may not appreciate or see the significance of the message in God's plan of salvation and in his or her life.<br />
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<u><b>Considering 1 Cor 2:14</b></u><br />
<b>T</b>he larger context of the passage should be considered carefully. I.e the first 3 chapters of the book of I Corinthians. Specifically chapter <b>1:18-3:23.</b> In it proper context, the Apostle was not discussing the unbeliever and the Holy Spirit. He stressed more on wisdom; worldly wisdom and God's wisdom, wisdom of the flesh and that of the Spirit. History bear witness that the Greeks had the reputation of "pursuing every kind of knowledge " as reported by Herodotus( History IV.77). The Bible also does; as we clearly see that being portrayed by the Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers and their brethren Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.cf <b>Act 17:17, 21</b>. Paul argued that true wisdom is not the wisdom of the wise, wisdom of the world, wisdom of men or wisdom according to world's standards. <b>I Cor 1:19,20;3:19; 2:5</b> and <b>II Cor1:12</b>. So the Greeks boasted of such wisdom whilst Paul said true wisdom exist in the revelation of the gospel embracing the message and mission of Jesus Christ.<br />
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<i><b>What am I saying ?</b></i><br />
<b>T</b>hat the Greek who taught has wisdom of his own would see the the gospel message as folly and he cannot understand it as wisdom because he relies on worldly wisdom but Paul, whose wisdom is not from men but from God sees it as true wisdom. It is just as to the Hebrew too Christ's crucifixion is a stumbling block. So in effect, the arrogant man who relies on his worldly wisdom does not understand the things of the one who is spiritually endowed with true wisdom.(inspiration, he was inspired)<br />
Paul is seen as the spiritual man and the natural man is is the one without inspiration( who relies on worldly wisdom).<br />
So the<b> I Cor 2:14</b> does not say unbelievers cannot understand the Scriptures. Then why would Christ command us to preach and teach the lost world the gospel message if they cannot understand. Cf <b>Matt 28:18-20</b>.<br />
And does it also mean that,the Spirit is to be blamed for difference in interpretation of all who call themselves Christians? Certainly not. I Cor 14:33<br />
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<b>N</b>ow that these two questions of numerous misconceptions are answered, let ask ourselves the actual role of the Holy Spirit<br />
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<b>T</b>he "modus operandi" of the Spirit is through the word He authored.<br />
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1. <b>H</b>e reminds us to study the word diligently. II Tim 2:15.<br />
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2. <b>H</b>e reminds us to prove all things I Thesis 5:21.<br />
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3. <b>W</b>e are to humble ourselves and realize that the Scriptures is from the Spirit, hence what we see in the Scriptures should be consistent with the work of the Spirit.<br />
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4. <b>T</b>he other aspect is that with prepared hearts, the Spirit gives us understanding through His word. Ezra 7:10. He helps us to appreciate and apply Scriptures in our lives.<br />
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<b>EMPHASIS ON DILIGENT STUDY</b><br />
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<b>1. Jesus emphasized on diligent study</b><br />
.....John 5:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l39" style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">39 </a><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> </span><span class="red" style="color: #990000; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Search</span> the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.</i></span><br />
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<b>2. Peter emphasized on diligent study</b><br />
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<b>2 Pet 3:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l16" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> 16</a></b><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l16" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"> </a><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> As also in all </span><span class="add" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">his</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as </span><span class="add" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">they do</span></span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><i><span style="color: red;"> also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction</span></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">3. Paul emphasized on diligent study</span></b><br />
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2 Tim 2:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l15" style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> 15</a></b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l15" style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"> </a><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> <i><span style="color: #990000;">Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.</span></i></span></span><br />
Paul himself didn't only urge us to study, he practiced it...<br />
<b>2Tim 4:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l13" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">13 </a></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><b> </b><i><span style="color: #990000;">The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring </span></i></span><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="add" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">with thee</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">, and the books, </span><span class="add" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">but</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> especially the parchments.(implied).</span></span></i><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">4. Luke emphasized on diligent study</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Acts 17:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l11" style="color: black;">11</a></b><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l11" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-weight: bold;"> </a><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"> <i><span style="color: #990000;">These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were </span></i></span></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">so.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">5. </span>The</span> Old Testament Prophets also studied</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRPl7ToN0An5meIlzhE0T4IzO3a18dTp2Ef7cJ4n9PgrW0jhn_W5l_UqlsEWzsIg-u4QRWs-jfkwMyq1jI0ydsZP2TixuQ8erQDcuG6rv_f7QW6VzKXTVUjjiv0bS023UMUnOUm1uaiM/s1600/IMG_20180915_211110_950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="658" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRPl7ToN0An5meIlzhE0T4IzO3a18dTp2Ef7cJ4n9PgrW0jhn_W5l_UqlsEWzsIg-u4QRWs-jfkwMyq1jI0ydsZP2TixuQ8erQDcuG6rv_f7QW6VzKXTVUjjiv0bS023UMUnOUm1uaiM/s640/IMG_20180915_211110_950.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<b>1 Pet 1:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l10" style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">10</a></b><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l10" style="color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"> </a><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> <i><span style="color: #990000;">Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace </span></i></span><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="add" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">that should come</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> unto you:</span></span></i></span><br />
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You see, if the prophets who were inspired still searched diligently, then how much more you who do not receive direct inspiration as they did. Proper understanding and interpretation of Scriptures has to do with studying the Scriptures diligently; Studying by applying good hermeneutical principles, considering the context, and gathering all the information that the Scriptures have to say about the topic. The Spirit has already made the truth revealed. And you shall know it and by knowing, it shall set you free. <b>John 8:32.</b><br />
God indeed cannot be blamed.<br />
Look for the last episode of <b>"BLAMING GOD? "</b>, which will cover the topic: '<b>Authority of the Bible'</b><br />
<i><b>God bless you.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Notes: shutterstock. Images.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Bibliosapologia.com</b></i><br />
<i><b>Christian courier.com</b></i><br />
<i><b>Biblestudy tools.com</b></i>Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-2245964023138149222018-07-31T11:56:00.002-07:002020-07-25T04:52:03.630-07:00BLAMING GOD? II <b><u>BLAMING GOD? II</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pVZHgiAgUkSAR6WToAFYyNhE3Apqo1IEHHg8D30LlWfF0WdK2aY7wquqs2nZya7875EmtWtEZIOL5S7mKfb9Qe6VXfViBNHQYKkd8PZQX25fgoP1gGbe93YObJeb0QVZ98wSLpPGeG4/s1600/IMG_20180729_082928_611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="625" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pVZHgiAgUkSAR6WToAFYyNhE3Apqo1IEHHg8D30LlWfF0WdK2aY7wquqs2nZya7875EmtWtEZIOL5S7mKfb9Qe6VXfViBNHQYKkd8PZQX25fgoP1gGbe93YObJeb0QVZ98wSLpPGeG4/s640/IMG_20180729_082928_611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"> </span><b><u>THE DISEASE OF RELATIVISM</u></b><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">Judges 17:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l6" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"> <span style="color: red;">6 </span></a></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><span style="color: red;"> </span><i><b>Back in those days, Israel didn’t yet have a king, so each person did whatever seemed right in his own opinion.</b><span style="color: red;">(International Standard Version, ISV)</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">The above verse from the book of Judges tells of what transpired during the period of the Judges in Israel. This verse is employed for the purpose of this discussion. Reading this verse usually does not only inform me on the history of the Israel nation but also makes me imagine the kind of community they lived in then.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Considering this verse, it will not take one far to identify a striking similitude between what happened in Israel in those days and what is going on in Christendom today; where everybody practice what he thinks the Bible is saying. And obviously, the result is not different from what it was then in the case of the Israelites i.e False Religion.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNGu0qnv9sC1_1SUoWrSKcrW2PcUfxcGxs3BGhML1jHicobjDMQhATkhyphenhyphenRKUA5i5FhzB1pXY0DXzkUlYx8Moi8S3_nlRAsntK1_Cox_1GUkOI1b9CTSdeqPc-hbvOVdDKECrf_Ph0-7I/s1600/IMG_20180729_083009_418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="681" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNGu0qnv9sC1_1SUoWrSKcrW2PcUfxcGxs3BGhML1jHicobjDMQhATkhyphenhyphenRKUA5i5FhzB1pXY0DXzkUlYx8Moi8S3_nlRAsntK1_Cox_1GUkOI1b9CTSdeqPc-hbvOVdDKECrf_Ph0-7I/s400/IMG_20180729_083009_418.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> It is sad how people often come to conclusions like" it's okay for you to believe what you believe, so allow me to believe what I also believe " when some of their practices are questioned. This is a clear indication of the level to which relativism has permeated Christianity. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><b><i>What then is this disease of relativism?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Relativism is the belief that there is no absolute truth. Relativists think that people can have different views about what is moral or immoral. Supposing, a question is asked;<i> "is it okay to commit suicide?"</i><span style="color: red;">[a]</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">To the relativists, the answer could be<b> 'yes' </b>or<b> 'no' </b>in relation to an individual's <span style="color: #0b5394;">opinion</span> or <span style="color: #0b5394;">belief</span>, or <span style="color: #0b5394;">culture</span>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><i><b>Relativity states that even time and space are relative concepts depending on where an observer happens to be</b></i>........<span style="color: #073763;">Einstein's Theory of Relativity.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Isn't it true </span>what Paul told Timothy? <i><span style="color: red;">ITim 6:20; </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><b><i>O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Relativism has been sold to us under several guises.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxOVpY4_WrkBt7ASis-oDG0usgkJdBj7F4HYBnjYyJSlzT37nvYQQtRTVWU5JO571TIceArw1Ccgb9kGzuWjFUuZFc0cLt0UCofxX_uRobn53nd1Hh-8WkpKY47xvDSJp39TbNb2-ox8/s1600/IMG_20180729_083111_106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="720" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxOVpY4_WrkBt7ASis-oDG0usgkJdBj7F4HYBnjYyJSlzT37nvYQQtRTVWU5JO571TIceArw1Ccgb9kGzuWjFUuZFc0cLt0UCofxX_uRobn53nd1Hh-8WkpKY47xvDSJp39TbNb2-ox8/s400/IMG_20180729_083111_106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">For instance moral relativism which asserts that there is no universal or absolute set of moral principles. That is to mean bribery is okay in some cultures or societies.<span style="color: red;">[b]</span> There are so many facets of relativism including global relativism which states that all things are relative.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">One would consider the above given examples;<span style="color: red;"> (a) </span>and <span style="color: red;">(b)</span> as extremes but that's what it is in reality. How many times haven't we heard the question<i><b> "who am I to judge?",</b></i> when discussing issues concerning <b>salvation</b>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXJsdSMlQjTIsRBGCL0KYAfV1JRVntUtp3eOsEAepZhkvNT754lnkEgF2PM_F3oGG49RBT08WbUknMCj52de0-ITcE-4OtRkI8LxtLvgmLKPQR7dLoKUZSBbELdfxBioDbp1odA63lGo/s1600/IMG_20180729_083619_064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="720" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXJsdSMlQjTIsRBGCL0KYAfV1JRVntUtp3eOsEAepZhkvNT754lnkEgF2PM_F3oGG49RBT08WbUknMCj52de0-ITcE-4OtRkI8LxtLvgmLKPQR7dLoKUZSBbELdfxBioDbp1odA63lGo/s400/IMG_20180729_083619_064.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
A similar one which is also often asked is;<br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><b><i>Who are you to condemn me? </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">The lack of understanding of certain verses in scriptures coupled with relativistic mindset has made it difficult to speak about the one objective truth presented to us in the scriptures. <i><span style="color: red;">cf Eph 4:4-5.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Defenders of relativism would suggest to you that relativism helps to tolerate others and also allow for diversity. Which is not true at all. What if an individual also thinks that intolerance is good based on his relative views?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Also,diversity does not erase the fact that there is an independent and absolute truth. Well, if it will only be applied outside the Bible, I have no problem. But if we are going to apply relativism to the Bible, then we would be in trouble. This is because for relativism; every sort of interpretation is true depending on the angle where the interpreter is reasoning from. Likewise, the true interpretation could be false to one, depending on where one is observing the particular subject understudy from.</span></span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: sans-serif;"></span></span><br /></u></b>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><b><u>What is the point? </u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">The point is, it is because we think every denomination is right with whichever interpretation of the scriptures, that is why we don't have one interpretation and for that matter one truth.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">But let me state it emphatically that the Bible present only one absolute truth and it interpretation is one. <b><i><span style="color: red;">For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints I Cor 14:33</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><b>So</b>, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><i>which denomination's interpretation is the absolute truth?</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a8KvQkQu3pva_QlxLWRKzB3bH1ehr51MHLx5-436jGDsp-xVS_nqFGf3yRGPhrP-R3QGiLmm3nTRBjYidmZ3nUWU4N4uv22HyEYtboR7IMHeL2YiRl061-ulf2uGwLbPIh2v5DmQsdM/s1600/IMG_20180729_083046_526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5a8KvQkQu3pva_QlxLWRKzB3bH1ehr51MHLx5-436jGDsp-xVS_nqFGf3yRGPhrP-R3QGiLmm3nTRBjYidmZ3nUWU4N4uv22HyEYtboR7IMHeL2YiRl061-ulf2uGwLbPIh2v5DmQsdM/s400/IMG_20180729_083046_526.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">The answer is easy to find if we do not have names of denominations in our minds, for no denomination is better than the other. For every denomination is trying to keep some part of the truth. The question is why not all the truth? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">One has to disentangle himself from denominations and seek to be a Christian and Christian only in Christ's Church.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Then with diligent study of Gods word <span style="color: red;"><i>2Tim 2:15,</i></span> one will finally come to the truth. <span style="color: red;"><i>John 8:32</i> .</span>The truth can be known. Being in search for Truth is not a an hour or a day's job. It is a lifetime duty of the Christian who seeks the crown above. We must study and apply good hermeneutical principles.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Let us give up the relativistic mindset otherwise we will never come to know that one objective truth.</span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Let me also make it clear that I'm not however, an espouser for those who claim that their denomination has the authority to establish what the truth is. Neither do I speak of any magisterium, or any one single person who claims to have the truth.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">I believe that with non denominational, non relativistic and sincere and obedient hearts we can come to knowledge of the truth of every topic pertaining to our salvation. <span style="color: red;"><i>Acts 2:44; And all that believed were together, and had all things in common;</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><span style="color: red;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Note that, it is not the problem of not understanding the scriptures but the unwillingness to accept objective truth is the problem. <b><i><u>And so yet again, we cannot blame God.</u></i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><i><b>To be continued........</b></i></span></span><br />
The Holy Spirit and interpretationKasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-27851596046442719382018-07-23T14:10:00.001-07:002020-07-25T04:53:00.552-07:00Sense of Responsibility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Jewish story was told of a young man called Elazar who was so immoral. He would move from the doorstep of one prostitute to the other. One day he went into the chambers of one prostitute who told him;"Elazar, <i>you're beyond salvation and will not enter the world to come"</i><br />
The statement pricked his heart and he became remorseful. He prayed to the mountains and hills to ask God to forgive him his sinful deeds. But they replied that they cannot help him. He turned to heaven and earth to ask God's pardon for him. But they also replied in like manner. He again turned to the sun and Moon to ask God's forgiveness for him. They replied "<i>we are sorry, we cannot do that for you. You have to do it yourself"</i><br />
Finally, he turned to the stars and the sky, hoping to receive a better response but it was the same story. They too could not offer him any help.<br />
Elazar was disappointed but soon came to himself and said " <i>I'm responsible for all that I did, it is all my fault." </i>Suddenly Elazar heard a voice from above, saying "you shall come into the world to come because you have repented"<br />
Lessons from this short story<br />
The reason behind Elazar asking the mountains and hills to intervene for him is that he felt they are responsible for his immoral upbringing. The mountains and hills in the story represent parents. He was really thinking <i><b>"it was my parents' fault that I turned out like this. They didn't discipline me enough, they didn't have time to invest in me, they spoiled me"</b></i> But his plea was rejected by the heavenly court.<br />
To further defend his wrongful actions, he turned to heaven and earth, both symbolizing the society in which he was raised. <i><b>"It was the society I grew up in, my friends, my school, everybody was doing it and that is why I behaved the way I did. It is not my fault." </b></i>This defense was also rejected.<br />
He tried again and turned to the sun and Moon both symbols of affluence.<i><b>" It was the glitz and glam of how I grew up. There was so much emphasis on the material world, I could not escape it. But it's not my fault we were rich.....rich kids are raised with a different value system." </b></i>This excuse was also not accepted.<br />
His last defense was to blame the cosmos, <b><i>"it was my destiny to be how I am. If I had been born under a different astrological sign, I would have had a </i></b>chance. But the heavenly court did not accept this defense either.<br />
After crying so deeply about his helpless situation, he managed to find little strength to look inward to himself. He realized that he couldn't shift the blame to anyone else. " it's all my fault<b><i> " he admitted. "I'm the only one truly responsible for my behavior" </i></b>And in that moment he gained the chance to enter the world to come. ( <span style="color: #cc0000;">TheJewishWoman.org)</span><br />
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This is the behavior of many of us. We always find people to be responsible for our mistakes and troubles. We always blame other people for our failures. It is never our fault but someone else's. Until we find the courage to accept our fault and take responsibility, we are going to remain in our deplorable state eternally. But let's learn from Elazar; look within ourselves and accept our shortcomings and make amends.<br />
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Continue reading on self-discipline and responsibility<br />
https://kasukose.blogspot.com/2017/09/self-discipline-and-responsibility.html?m=1<br />
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Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-47220195992310222042018-07-19T15:15:00.002-07:002020-07-25T04:53:22.185-07:00BLAMING GOD? <b><u>BLAMING GOD?</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2kmv2zoznt7aGBtBC9UhPRJtO9PTlhxZ3juzSPrHnBydRwxhyphenhyphenFcg9RDDMJuFR-e6bB3rA0DkSP3443qp-WpUt1rUeHhpUzXzBEif2XGf0xbbMOORqLrKhEoCM6xYtVL_9VJH3KSdij4/s1600/IMG_20180719_171549_162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="701" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2kmv2zoznt7aGBtBC9UhPRJtO9PTlhxZ3juzSPrHnBydRwxhyphenhyphenFcg9RDDMJuFR-e6bB3rA0DkSP3443qp-WpUt1rUeHhpUzXzBEif2XGf0xbbMOORqLrKhEoCM6xYtVL_9VJH3KSdij4/s400/IMG_20180719_171549_162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A program that was recently aired on Joynews TV channel dubbed <b>"your belief, my doubts"</b> caught my attention. The program which highlighted on some teachings in Scripture which are understood or applied if not oppositely, perhaps differently in different churches, got me thinking about why we have same Scriptures with a unified theme, which we all claim to use, yet arrived at such dichotomy of doctrines. These teachings which include <b>baptism, tithing, miracles, salvation, day of worship </b>are strongly debated due to the fact that different individuals and churches have interpreted some part of scriptures erroneously. Meanwhile, our salvation depends on our understanding of the Bible. <span style="color: red;">Cf Acts 8:30, 31-38</span><br />
If the Bible were any ordinary book, novel, or biography, I would not have taken pains to write this extract since this differences in understanding appears to be a common thing among people. However, the Bible is a <span style="color: blue;">DIVINE BOOK, A HOLY BOOK </span>which claims inspiration<span style="color: red;"> (2Pet 1:20, 2Tim 3:16)</span> and does not contradict itself. The Bible declared in; <span style="color: blue;">Eph 4:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l4" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">4 </a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> </span><em class="add" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">There is</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l5" style="font-weight: bold;"> 5 </a> One Lord, one faith, one baptism,</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l6" style="font-weight: bold;"> 6 </a> One God and Father of all, who <em class="add">is </em>above all, and through all, and in you all.</span></div>
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Yet unfortunately, many do not recognize this truth but have managed to accept and influence others that it is okay to have these dichotomies. Only a few sincere people appreciate the fact that we must belong to the one Church, have the same teachings, practice the same teachings, and be called by the same name.</div>
<span style="background-color: white;">.......... </span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #990000;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">and there shall be one fold, </span><em class="add" style="color: #990000;">and</em><span style="color: #990000;"> one shepherd. John 10:16</span></span></div>
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And; </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">I Cor1:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l10" style="font-weight: bold;">10 </a> Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and <em class="add">that</em> there be no divisions among you; but <em class="add">that</em> ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It is certain that the result of different interpretations of some parts of the scriptures is the existence of many different denominations. And the very existence of these sects will continue to breed all kinds of false and heterogeneous doctrines. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMvOGba3GdHACMc-9YHxDA253066X7OmjdV3Ee_UkoWbBWLc1SkmibwB4X9ojsPbqkZ49ymxmmkXiVpg9GC_RSA62eaDyYVjU_rNBMl-k6IlJGDjD2yq-8DZ1clLbfNbgA4_JQ3QMNJk/s1600/IMG_20180719_171241_643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="634" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMvOGba3GdHACMc-9YHxDA253066X7OmjdV3Ee_UkoWbBWLc1SkmibwB4X9ojsPbqkZ49ymxmmkXiVpg9GC_RSA62eaDyYVjU_rNBMl-k6IlJGDjD2yq-8DZ1clLbfNbgA4_JQ3QMNJk/s400/IMG_20180719_171241_643.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">These discrepancies produce in the minds of people the convictions that the Bible does not speak clearly and that one person's interpretation is just as good as as someone else's. There are three causes of this doctrinal confusion which I suggest;</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>1. The disease of denominationalism</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>2. The disease of relativism</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>3. The misunderstanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>4. Missing the lesson on the authority of the Bible; Which is authoritative in this Christian dispensation, <i>Old Testament or New Testament?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Let us examine these causes one after the other:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>THE DISEASE OF DENOMINATIONALISM</u></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">The Bible teaches that Christ purchased the Church with his own blood<span style="color: red;">(Acts 20:28)</span>, He is the Savior of his church<span style="color: red;">(Eph 5:23) </span>and all who are saved are in His church<span style="color: red;">(Act 2:41,47) </span>Contrary to that we have taken upon ourselves various names to distinct us from others; charismatic churches, Pentecostal churches, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodist, Presbyterians, Adventist etc. The very thing Paul condemned saying </span><i><span style="color: blue;"><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l12" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>12 </a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l13" style="font-weight: bold;"> 13 </a> Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?</span></i> <span style="color: red;">1st cor 1:12-13</span>. Multiplying denominational churches is never expansion of the Kingdom of Christ. To expand the Kingdom is to preach Christ and to make disciples into his church. Matt 28:18-20</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Some people hide behind verses like this to </span><span style="background-color: white;">teach that denominations are biblical. <i><span style="color: blue;"><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l5" style="font-weight: bold;">5 </a> So we, <span class="add">being</span></span></i><span style="color: blue;"><i> many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another</i>.</span> <span style="color: red;">ROM 12:5</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Taking into account the background and context of this verse reveals that Paul was not speaking of denominations but members(individuals, persons) of the same first century Church of the Christ. Pride and covetousness has turned many people into CEOs of churches. Here we are, with different interpretations which in many cases are false. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozNB9Q0pZr-fUO5dUm0qTjsjYmLrBc7Ln02oSwvvDSXeA_xeKPT85JVBWg9d9ig433eeXTu8xd83G4TwfUlnXpy0dEttmfNaftoAJIDydrWv8XiC2lSspy8JGvtMZPT81CEWqACHzjfw/s1600/IMG_20180719_170731_690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="347" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozNB9Q0pZr-fUO5dUm0qTjsjYmLrBc7Ln02oSwvvDSXeA_xeKPT85JVBWg9d9ig433eeXTu8xd83G4TwfUlnXpy0dEttmfNaftoAJIDydrWv8XiC2lSspy8JGvtMZPT81CEWqACHzjfw/s320/IMG_20180719_170731_690.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>But who are you to say another persons interpretation of a text is false since we all hail from different master's: "Apollos, Paul, Cephas, a</b>nd Christ" Let not the denomination in which you are deceive you into thinking that every interpretation whatever be it is truth. Just as we have the broad way which leads to destruction and the narrow way which leads to life. <span style="color: red;">Mat 7:13-14</span>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0rggdTtHE-IKHrKYsWkN7a-dpBtJb1gceI3AVyuo1KX6mktek1p89JOdEv4oM4gGCs-xVnWBCEJEjfmXiitqmcBXlTSQhcssC6KdVzFlDwDYnlYQ313owa3BcudDjxtGvqlKi8EqWl0/s1600/IMG_20180719_170632_413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="386" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0rggdTtHE-IKHrKYsWkN7a-dpBtJb1gceI3AVyuo1KX6mktek1p89JOdEv4oM4gGCs-xVnWBCEJEjfmXiitqmcBXlTSQhcssC6KdVzFlDwDYnlYQ313owa3BcudDjxtGvqlKi8EqWl0/s320/IMG_20180719_170632_413.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"> <b>Likewise, we have true interpretation and a false one.</b> <b>Depending which ever interpretation one has, will show if he is giving true worship or false worship.</b> <span style="color: red;">(John 4:24)</span> And if your worship is false you will suffer loss.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;">I Cor 3:<a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l14" style="font-weight: bold;">14 </a> If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><a class="verno" href="https://www.blogger.com/l15" style="font-weight: bold;"> 15 </a> If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.</span></i></div>
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<b>And who is to be blamed, God?</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-jS2lQhY0Ou6l6zOZ4h93oh6SJcNkk1aJ_zcJDdmcJu_E9HW8slGXV5UHIsPqLulAekmW7r66-F63su15-NId2K68ZXUYcYgRRvtVMv10pCDiMiAiN_VNF9vcnJHL5AgMECNdC0pw6Y/s1600/IMG_20180719_171500_872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="652" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-jS2lQhY0Ou6l6zOZ4h93oh6SJcNkk1aJ_zcJDdmcJu_E9HW8slGXV5UHIsPqLulAekmW7r66-F63su15-NId2K68ZXUYcYgRRvtVMv10pCDiMiAiN_VNF9vcnJHL5AgMECNdC0pw6Y/s320/IMG_20180719_171500_872.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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To be continued with the disease of <b><u>RELATIVISM</u></b></div>
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Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-36982315435278735022018-06-25T15:55:00.001-07:002020-07-25T04:54:11.593-07:00EPISODE SIX ,ON : SELF-DISCIPLINE AND COURAGE<b><u><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">EPISODE SIX ,ON :</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u> SELF-DISCIPLINE AND COURAGE.</u></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUj7FcOq0syLuOTZLJ0BxINJlPYuTOUMKZ67ak8rPaTH3w3bK58y_rpIY9SS9_1DWSEBSPxuWq7MJeKpPchyi0u2KmQqdM1EdfQZaTGXPM0R7iAUhP63Caon6Ze_CFFedReHLPipJ3wU/s1600/IMG_20180625_205928_116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="664" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUj7FcOq0syLuOTZLJ0BxINJlPYuTOUMKZ67ak8rPaTH3w3bK58y_rpIY9SS9_1DWSEBSPxuWq7MJeKpPchyi0u2KmQqdM1EdfQZaTGXPM0R7iAUhP63Caon6Ze_CFFedReHLPipJ3wU/s640/IMG_20180625_205928_116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When do we need courage?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If I may put it in another way; what have you always wanted to do but been afraid to attempt? What would you do differently if you were guaranteed success?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Identify your three biggest fears in life, right now. What are they?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I believe that in an attempt to answer these few questions, will make courage meaningful to you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you should just search <b>'courage' </b>on the internet, then would you realize how extensively people (famous or not), have written about it. And so you cannot miss it's importance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<u><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What is courage?</span></i></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #f1c232;">It is the strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger </span>- <i>Merriam - Webster Thesaurus</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">To do something dangerous when no one else will. <b>Note;</b>I am not talking about any unproductive adventure. But for instance, speaking against injustice when no one will, is courage. Bravery is synonymous to courage when it is invested in a profitable venture. But<i><b> "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow"</b></i>-<b>Mary Anne</b> <b>Radmacher</b>. Yes, physical strength alone is not a sign of courage. Remember the definition of courage....'the strength of mind'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<i><u><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Why (when) do you need courage?</span></u></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The truth is everyone is afraid of one thing or the other- and usually many things. Fear however, is not bad, but necessary to preserve live, prevent injury and guard against financial mistakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">**..............<b>So if everyone is afraid, what is the difference between the brave person and the coward? The only difference is that the brave person disciplines himself to confront, deal with, and act in spite of fear.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Simply put" courage is not absence of fear; it is control of fear, mastery of fear "</b> -<i>Mark Twain</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Life is saturated with moments of sorrow, pain, disappointments, so many difficulties, name them. Courage is demanded in such trying times. Yet still when life seems good, courage is still needed.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Maya Angelou noted,</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Without courage,we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, honest</b></i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">You need courage because, you need to keep going. Hence, in all things we need courage. We need it to keep going even when there is no strength.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<u><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">How do you get courage</span></i></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One word that is directly antonymous to courage is fear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fear paralyzes action. Eliminating your fears increases your courage. In cultivating courage, one must confront his fears and deal with them by putting them behind. For instance, the fear of rejection leads to fear of public speaking. However, being not afraid to be rejected, increases your confidence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In dealing with a situation you are worried about or fear;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>1. </b>You must define the worry situation clearly. Know that which you really fear or worried.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>2. </b>Identify the worst possible thing that could possibly happen. You will be amazed to know that in most worst case scenarios, after all, you still have a chance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>3. </b>Resolve to accept the worst possible outcome should it occur. Once you are prepared to face the outcome, all the worry and stress will disappear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>4. </b>Begin immediately to improve on the worst. Take the possible steps to ensure the worst does not happen. Whilst you are busily working to ensure that the worst does not happen you will not have time to worry.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Just because you fail once doesn't mean you are going to fail at everything "</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <i> -Marilyn Monroe</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ultimately, self - discipline is what will help one to develop courage. Discipline yourself to carry on no matter what is ahead, to hang on a bit longer, no matter how difficult it is. Self-discipline with courage will definitely take you far to achieving your goals.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <u> **ADDENDUM**</u></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is one place where I see courage so great and real.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was a man called Joshua who picked up the mantle after Moses. I believe this man had a great deal of hearing the word 'courage'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Right from Debut_31:6-7 throughout the book of Joshua, God, and Moses have admonished Joshua to be strong and courageous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few examples :</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a class="searchlink" href="https://www.blogger.com/l10" style="color: black; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Deu 31:6</a><span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-size: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Be strong and </span><strong class="searchkey" style="font-size: 20px;">courage</strong><span style="font-size: 20px;">ous. Don’t fear or tremble before them, because the LORD your God will be the one who keeps on walking with you—he won’t leave you or abandon you.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a class="searchlink" href="https://www.blogger.com/l11" style="color: black; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">7</a><span style="font-size: 20px;"> Then Moses called on Joshua and told him in the presence of everyone in Israel, “Be strong and </span><strong class="searchkey" style="font-size: 20px;">courage</strong><span style="font-size: 20px;">ous, because you’ll bring this people to the land that the LORD your God had promised to give your ancestors. You will be the one who causes them to possess it.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 20px;"><b><i>Again,</i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a class="searchlink" href="https://www.blogger.com/l12" style="color: black; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Deu 31:23</a><span style="font-size: 20px;"> Then the LORD charged Nun’s son Joshua, “Be strong and </span><strong class="searchkey" style="font-size: 20px;">courage</strong><span style="font-size: 20px;">ous, because you’ll bring the Israelis to the land that I promised to them by an oath. I’ll be with you.” </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>
</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a class="searchlink" href="https://www.blogger.com/l15" style="color: black; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Jos 1:9</a><span style="font-size: 20px;"> I’ve commanded you, haven’t I? Be strong and </span><strong class="searchkey" style="font-size: 20px;">courage</strong><span style="font-size: 20px;">ous. Don’t be fearful or dis</span><strong class="searchkey" style="font-size: 20px;">courage</strong><span style="font-size: 20px;">d, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 20px;">These few examples shows how Joshua has been treated with the word courage.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20px;">True to the fact, Joshua was one of the great leaders of Israel who has accomplished much more victory for Israel. He listened and applied the courage to his cause of leadership.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">What made his(Joshua's) courage special?</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20px;">If the God of the Universe, the Creator of all things promise you victory, then what else is your worry.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20px;">God owns the earth and everything in it. He is sovereign over all nations. Do you see why Joshua needed not to fear? So as every Child of God. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a class="searchlink" href="https://www.blogger.com/l22" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">2Co 1:20</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;"> For all God’s </span><strong class="searchkey" style="background-color: #ffff55; font-size: 20px;">promises</strong><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;"> are “Yes” in him. And so through him we can say “Amen,” to the glory of God. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20px;">None of His promises concerning Israel has failed Joshua 21:45</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;">Knowing that the one with you is greater than your adversary-2chron 32:7-8</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;">Sovereign over the battles- 2Samuel10:12</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;">Through prayer. He answers prayer -Psalm 138:3</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Christ is our assurance - Phil 3:14</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">With the assurance we receive from God's word, we are guaranteed a better courage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__q6yOyFXT7l34samusgufe0cv1NoN_ZYBP_xFdaBEeK1JPsc1RP6anhOGOUyLR3U18nHKpkju6zD6nkfpQDBGnCiGTcPrX3ujkgMPmWqlUUrjtN2AoxKlnXug_Vt_zdSp8Cet5xPl-s/s1600/IMG-20160302-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__q6yOyFXT7l34samusgufe0cv1NoN_ZYBP_xFdaBEeK1JPsc1RP6anhOGOUyLR3U18nHKpkju6zD6nkfpQDBGnCiGTcPrX3ujkgMPmWqlUUrjtN2AoxKlnXug_Vt_zdSp8Cet5xPl-s/s1600/IMG-20160302-WA0002.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Courage is of the greatest importance if one has a personal relationship with God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And so for that matter, I invite you reading this post to submit your life to Christ as you:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hear and believe the gospel... John 3:16</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Repent from your sins......Luke 13:3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Confess Christ ..........John 11:27,Acts 8:37</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be immersed for the remission of your sins...Acts2:38.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you for reading.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Reference:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">**....... Brian Tracy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Merriam-Webster Thesaurus</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: green; font-size: 14px;">https://www.</span><b style="color: green; font-size: 14px;">merriam</b><span style="color: green; font-size: 14px;">-</span><b style="color: green; font-size: 14px;">webster</b><span style="color: green; font-size: 14px;">.com/</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mary Anne Radmacher</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mark Twain</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Maya Angelou</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Marilyn Monroe</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Success.com</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shutterstock.com</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Holy Bible ISV</span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span>Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-41691298088368921762018-02-23T13:28:00.001-08:002020-07-25T04:54:39.098-07:00TRUTH! TRUTH!! TRUTH!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUfR1qroECZLGP1PF2IFolPWb2fpz_8vHnYNOubce6PjvdC_6e6ToJgGtr02I8cmpl0ol1DJgmUdhU1lnDwlxWSkC-pwH4EYj2yn3Tby7-CQ7HiY1DaEWuy6S6ygFukxDLAZ3f0-qWms/s1600/IMG_20180208_174546_260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="720" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUfR1qroECZLGP1PF2IFolPWb2fpz_8vHnYNOubce6PjvdC_6e6ToJgGtr02I8cmpl0ol1DJgmUdhU1lnDwlxWSkC-pwH4EYj2yn3Tby7-CQ7HiY1DaEWuy6S6ygFukxDLAZ3f0-qWms/s640/IMG_20180208_174546_260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><b>TRUTH! TRUTH!! TRUTH!!!</b></u></div>
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Many people often argue that there is no absolute TRUTH just as there is no absolute right way of doing things.</div>
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These people asserts that what might be right for you may not be right for another(relativistic view). This idea has gained grounds in our political and acadamic institutions and has finally crept into Christanity and produced disorder or confusion.</div>
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The common example about truth and confusion is what is observed in Christendom. So many churches with different doctrines and names. I am very sure anyone from another religion who decides to become a christian will pretty be confused about the divisions and confusion in christianity; why so many churches?</div>
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Also one can turn to our political organisations; where each one blames the other. It will be very difficult to detect what the truth is</div>
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It is so with all other instituitions like marriage, business, government, etc.</div>
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My concern in this article is directed toward, Truth among Christians. Not only to speak of truth but How truth was spoken in time past and how Christians should speak the truth.</div>
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<u><b>Speaking of truth</b></u></div>
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God Himself is a God of truth Isa 65:16</div>
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<b><i>He who has received his(Jesus') testimony has certified that God is true</i></b></div>
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These and other verses tell us countless times that God is true. He is of truth.</div>
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Jesus said to him, </div>
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I am the way, <b><i>the truth, </i></b>and the life. John 14:6</div>
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<b><i>However, when He, the Spirit of truth... </i></b></div>
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John 16:13</div>
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Psalm 119:160; <b><i>the entirety(sum) of your word is truth....</i></b></div>
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All these are verses that tells us the relationship between God and truth.</div>
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No wonder Jesus said that:<b><i>John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.</i></b></div>
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Jehovah, requires truth, because He is true. But the truth of God is absolute. By absolute, i mean there is one objective truth.</div>
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Now if the above statement is true, and of course it is the case. Then how would one perceive God's truth in light of these different churches with different doctrines(not just different but conflicting teachings) and names?</div>
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God is indeed true</div>
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There is one true teachings(doctrines)</div>
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And there is indeed one true body(church) of Christ. </div>
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Let us seek truth, like the noble Bereans and defend it like Paul, the apostle to the gentiles.</div>
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<u><b>How was truth spoken in time past by God's people?</b></u></div>
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So many people in history spoke the truth without fear or doubt. In the Bible, talk of non-writing prophets like Elijah, Elisha,Noah, Nathan, etc and writing prophets like, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah etc. They spoke truth publicly and privately. They spoke it as it was</div>
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Jeremiah 7:28 <b><i>But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Isaiah 30:1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Hosea 4:1, 6 Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for 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.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. </i></b></div>
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What about Ezekiel, Daniel, Amos...etc</div>
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My point is that, do we think it was pleasant for the prophets to say to their own people 'woe to you'?</div>
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Was it easy for those prophets to say Israel was disobedient? Was it easy for them to say 'you are doomed' or 'God'sjudgement would come upon you'?</div>
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It is clear that it was not easy at all. Considering how they were reviled, persecuted, and became dejected.</div>
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<u><b>What about the early Christians</b>, </u></div>
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Acts 2:36 <b><i>Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.</i></b></div>
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Huh? Peter is accusing those Jews gathered on this pentecost occassion of killing Jesus.</div>
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This a very great occasion, where Peter was blaming them publicly.</div>
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<u><b>What about Stephen?</b></u></div>
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Acts 7:51-53 <b><i>Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it</i></b>.</div>
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Stephen said this in the presence of the council. Was it easy?</div>
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<u><b>And Paul?</b></u></div>
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Speaking to the mob at Jerusalem, defending the truth in the presence of the Sanhedrin, telling to Peter's faith the truth...</div>
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<u><b>What about the master defender of truth himself?</b></u></div>
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Yea, i am talking about Jesus.</div>
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He said He is the truth, ... John 14:6 can you imagine how the leaders of the Jewish community would take this?</div>
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<b><i>"I am the bread which came down from heaven"</i></b></div>
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<u>Matthew 12:34</u><br />
<b><i>O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.</i></b></div>
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The point is that all these people spoke truth relentlessly. Of course they were persecuted here and there. But yet that did not prevent them from speaking the truth. The spoke the truth forcefully.</div>
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<u><b>What about their audience?</b></u></div>
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In most cases these audience did not take time to accept these messages of truth. They reacted with anger and hatred for those speakers of truth.</div>
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On other occassions too, they were pricked by these truthful word yet they accepted and obeyed. A typical example is how Peter's audience accepted his message.</div>
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Acts 2:37-38 <b><i>Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.</i></b></div>
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They accepted their error and asked for a solution to the problem. This should be the attitude of every Christian.</div>
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<u><b>What do we see today?</b></u></div>
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Those who are supposed to speak the truth forcefully, are afraid to do so. They are afraid because they would be described as <span style="color: #0b5394;">narrow minded, politically incorrect, arrogant, offensive, legalistic, intolerant etc</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Some afraid because:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> they will lose their jobs, they will lose friends, they will infringe the rights of others etc.</span></div>
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Notwithstanding all these conditions,</div>
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The Bible commands us to speak the truth. The Bible spoke about truth so many times. The Bible itself represent truth.</div>
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Let us consider this:</div>
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<i><b>Zechariah 8:16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:</b></i></div>
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And what about;</div>
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<b><i><span cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:78px;wocalc:78px;hcalc:44px;rend_px_area:0;" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Ephesians 4:25</span><span cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:1px;wocalc:1px;hcalc:0px;rend_px_area:0;" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:1px;wocalc:1px;hcalc:0px;rend_px_area:0;" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span><span cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:73px;wocalc:73px;hcalc:308px;rend_px_area:0;" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.</span></i></b></div>
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Also,</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "verdana"; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ</i>.</b></span></div>
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<b><a href="https://dailyverses.net/ephesians/4/15" style="color: #336699;">Ephesians 4:15</a> | <a href="https://dailyverses.net/bible-translations/niv" style="color: #336699;">NIV</a></b></div>
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<b><span cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:48px;wocalc:48px;hcalc:44px;rend_px_area:0;" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">James 1:18</span><span cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:1px;wocalc:1px;hcalc:0px;rend_px_area:0;" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><em cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:1px;wocalc:1px;hcalc:0px;rend_px_area:0;" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px;"> </em></span><em cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:71px;wocalc:71px;hcalc:308px;rend_px_area:0;" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.</em></b></div>
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<em cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:71px;wocalc:71px;hcalc:308px;rend_px_area:0;" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:38px;wocalc:38px;hcalc:66px;rend_px_area:0;" style="font-style: normal; margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px;">1 John 3:18</span><span cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:1px;wocalc:1px;hcalc:0px;rend_px_area:0;" style="font-style: normal; margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px;"><em cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:1px;wocalc:1px;hcalc:0px;rend_px_area:0;" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px;"> </em></span><em cwidth="0" eza="cwidth:0px;;cheight:0px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:62px;wocalc:62px;hcalc:220px;rend_px_area:0;" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 360px; padding: 0px;">Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.</em></b></em></div>
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Let us love truth and seek diligently for it(Heb 11:6).</div>
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2nd Timothy 3:16-17</div>
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And when we find the truth, let us defend it also.</div>
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Proverbs 23:23 <b><i>Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.</i></b></div>
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And do not forget:<b> <span style="color: red;">"better to be slapped with the truth than kissed with a lie"</span></b></div>
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I believe not everything on this subject of truth was tackled and so if you have any question or comment, you can send it to </div>
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<span style="color: lime;">http://kasukose.blogspot.com</span></div>
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Also read</div>
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<span style="color: lime;">https://kasukose.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-truth-that-makes-men-free-is-for.html?m=1</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime;">https://kasukose.blogspot.com/2017/08/legend-of-seeker-of-truth-long-long-ago.html?m=1</span></div>
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Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-80459949770099028762018-01-01T03:53:00.014-08:002021-01-04T23:41:06.360-08:00It's a "newborn" year <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><u>It's a "newborn" year</u></i></b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO67cdaSaQAAzSSzdf7qFdL_EFBVJXC1Hht0DnQnn8WCCqmlBXGGSHoAxgynka62ZM86NVra3InugxxjMNtYOPSNxIYWYqK0Z0JG5rP0ANxAd8JAfXdsBSTVj-N02RsEGoPj_jtR2vV2s/s1600/IMG_20171231_235121_718.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1500" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO67cdaSaQAAzSSzdf7qFdL_EFBVJXC1Hht0DnQnn8WCCqmlBXGGSHoAxgynka62ZM86NVra3InugxxjMNtYOPSNxIYWYqK0Z0JG5rP0ANxAd8JAfXdsBSTVj-N02RsEGoPj_jtR2vV2s/s640/IMG_20171231_235121_718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's kind of amusing to me when I hear people recite all they have planned to do this new year.</div>
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Whilst pondering over some of the reasons why majority of people who make resolutions fail to keep them, it just came to mind a lesson I learned during a Bible Studies class at high school. Now this was about the cycle of sin during the period of the judges in Israel: the children of Israel fall into sin and idolatry- israel is enslaved -israel cries to the Lord -God raises a judge (deliverer) -Israel is delivered -Israel serves the Lord -then Israel fall into sin and idolatry again. In fact it went on and on as many times as the number of judges they had.</div>
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<i><b>The lesson is this</b></i>: it seems like the majority of people who cannot keep resolutions behave similarly. Last two years or last year, they made resolutions and couldn't keep them. This year too the have their resolution goals and will not be able to achieve or follow through with them. Next year God willing, they will make resolutions. They will actually follow for a very short time and get back to their former situation.It becomes like a cycle. It should not be so.</div>
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<u><b>NEW YEAR RESOLUTION (GOALS).</b></u></div>
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New year resolution is all about a person resolving a firm decision to continue in positive lifestyles, to accomplish a personal goal or improve their lives.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Or to change certain undesirable ,negative habits, behaviors or practices</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Several surveys have proven time and again that more than half of a percent of people do not make new year resolutions.</div>
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And then also, the less number of people who make new year resolutions, more than half of them do not keep their resolutions. They fail to keep them even before the year comes to end. A survey carried out in 2007 by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people showed that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions failed, despite the fact that 52% of the study’s participants were confident of success at the beginning. At the end of the year, only 12% actually achieved their goal (Richard Wiseman, 2007)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, "Palatino Linotype", "Book Antiqua", Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -0.1px; text-align: start;">According to a </span><a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/953562/share-of-americans-who-stuck-to-their-new-year-s-resolutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #fb0322; font-family: Georgia, "Palatino Linotype", "Book Antiqua", Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -0.1px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">survey by Statista</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Georgia, "Palatino Linotype", "Book Antiqua", Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -0.1px; text-align: start;">, only four percent of people who made New Year's resolutions in 2018 said they kept them.l</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many people will readily admit that they have good reasons for not making new year resolutions, including their inability to keep them. Not making resolutions at all will definitely not solve the problems.</div>
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But rather making resolutions is a good way to begin the new year. It's just like the habit of goal setting;<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">https://kasukose.blogspot.com/2017/11/self-discipline-and-goalssetting.html?m=1 </span></div>
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<b><i>Note:</i></b> Resolutions are not made with mouth only unless they are only wishes. Don’t make a fervent wish on new year's eve (Dec. 31st night). <span>Resolutions are to be written down and reviewed as many times as possible to keep one focused.</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">The most common resolutions are: losing weight, doing more exercise, quitting smoking and saving money, get more serious about establishing a career,pay off debts, eat healthy, save for retirement, or visit parents at home often. All these are good. However, I suggest in order not to have too many things to be written down, one could classify his or her resolutions in terms of;</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Academic</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Health</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Work /career</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Relationships</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Spiritual</li></ul>
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The main reasons why people don't stick to their new year resolutions are;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"> that they set too many goals that are unrealistic to achieve. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">that there are false hopes about how fast and easy the consequences of the change in behavior will be. <i><span>Real change in behavior is hard.</span></i></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">These few steps I suggest will help :</li>
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1. <b>Set practical goals</b>. It should be real resolutions that you can keep. You know certainly that you can't just stop that attitude at a sudden or you can achieve that goal overnight. So you begin gradual and not in a haste.</div>
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2. <b>Do one thing at a time.</b> It's not the best to<b><i> 'have too many irons in fire'. </i></b>Get one resolution under your control before moving to another one. Develop interest in getting them done one after the other.</div>
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3. <b>Change your company.</b> I mean your friendly relationships if they are not going to help keep your resolutions. In essence, the behavior should be changed with others. You cannot change a behavior when the close friend you walk with is still in that old habit. The Bible warns,<i><span style="color: red;"> '<sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; line-height: 0; text-align: justify;">33 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-size: 17.3333px; text-align: justify;">Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good </span></span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-size: 17.3333px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: red;">habits.”</span></i>-</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-size: 17.3333px; text-align: justify;"> (1st Cor 15:33).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-size: 17.3333px; text-align: justify;">4. <b>Be determined. </b>Do not give up on especially undesired behaviors you have resolved to end. No matter what, do not compromise today and stand your grounds tomorrow. Be consistent and persistent. Some people require radical conditions to help them change. Be careful it is not radical enough to affect your health or peace. Do not limit yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-size: 17.3333px; text-align: justify;">5.<b>Be self-disciplined</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-size: 17.3333px; text-align: justify;">6. <b>Change in your environment. </b>If it's possible then change your environment. It provides fresh energy and training grounds. Change in your environment reduces your 'stumbling blocks'.</span><br />
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Finally, learn to accept lapses.</b> Meaning sometimes you may do well other times too you may fail. When you fail to keep a resolution, accept it, forgive yourself and plan again to conquer it. This is especially to those who want to stop habits like, (binge) drinking, smoking, lateness, procrastination. Do not be too guilty that you are even discouraged to continue. Accept that it's part of the learning process. </li>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">If you have difficulty knowing where to start your resolutions from, you may ask yourself the following questions:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>What did I do that I shouldn’t have done?</li><li>What did I spend a lot of time on? Was it a priority? </li><li>What didn’t I do that I should have done?</li><li>What is the most important thing I did this immediate past year to help someone else?</li><li>What did I do this year that helped me grow more than anything else?</li><li>Where do I need to be more intentional?</li><li>How can I take things to the next level?</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If the idea of new year resolutions scares you, start with daily resolutions:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Make daily goals</li><li>Get daily goals</li><li>Make daily continuous improvement</li><li>Be accountable daily</li><li>Reward yourself daily</li><li>Audit your relationships daily</li><li>Make personal development a daily affair</li><li>Set daily boundaries</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Spiritual Goals as part of your new year resolutions:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Your relationship with the source that sustains you, God. If we first think of resolving to have a better relationship with God and to render ourselves as instruments for accomplishing His task, the change we seek towards other aspects of our lives will follow easily.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2Cor 13:5</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified*</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lamentations 3:40</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let us examine and probe our ways,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And let us return to the Lord.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 Thessalonians 5:21</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Galatians 6:4</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. No wonder, Paul wrote all but expect one of the above verses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Paul taught us the importance of spiritual goal setting: "Not<span class="text Phil-3-12" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"></span><span class="text Phil-3-13" id="en-NKJV-29435" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><sup class="versenum" style="line-height: 0;">13 </sup>Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing <i>I do,</i> forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"></span><span class="text Phil-3-14" id="en-NKJV-29436" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><sup class="versenum" style="line-height: 0;">14 </sup>I press toward the <span class="selected" style="background: rgba(0, 150, 136, 0.4);">goal</span> for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus".</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Phil-3-14" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="text Phil-3-14" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Paul achieved his goal: 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-size: 17.3333px; text-align: justify;">And I quote from one writer<b style="font-style: italic;"> "</b></span><span style="font-family: serif;"><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;"><i><b>If you think this all sounds like too much hard work and that it’s not worth making resolutions to begin with, bear in mind that people who make New Year’s resolutions are ten times more likely to achieve their goals than those who don’t"</b></i> People really can succeed with their New year's resolution. It's possible. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: serif;"><i><span style="color: yellow;">Wishing you a happy, commemoratory and promising new year.</span></i><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: serif;"><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">Continue to visit: <span style="color: #3d85c6;">kasukose.blogspot.com</span></span></span></div>
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Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-85846702399797637302017-12-04T08:54:00.003-08:002020-07-25T04:58:40.537-07:00EPISODE FIVE, SELF-DISCIPLINE AND PERSONAL EXCELLENCE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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EPISODE FIVE,</div>
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SELF-DISCIPLINE AND PERSONAL EXCELLENCE.</div>
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<b><i>"we are what we repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act but a habit"</i></b>--Aristotle-</div>
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Personal excellence involves one's motives, core values and standards.</div>
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From (European Academy for Executive Education,eurac, 2012-2014), personal excellence is the ability to create solutions in difficult situations to enable you overcome these challenges successfully. And now, it takes self-discipline to achieve personal excellence and so is the reason for today's topic: <b>self-discipline and personal excellence.</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Your life, your potential, and your possibilities are your most valuable asset. Therefore, your great goal in life should be to fulfill that potential and become everything you are capable of becoming. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Excellence comes by continuous practice and working. One needs to protect his or her "working or earning ability" .In other words, your ability to work and earn some income must be appreciating and not depreciating. </li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">This means, whichever knowledge and skills which helped you to achieve 'A 'today, may not necessarily help you to achieve 'B' tomorrow. This is due to the fact that the knowledge and skills you have may become obsolete. Therefore, for continues success to personal excellence, one needs to grow continually. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Your potential has NO LIMITS. Excellence is not by accident but requires a definite decision and longlife commitment. You must stay focused. </li>
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Note : extraordinary achievements were attained by ordinary men. It's all about making the decision for excellence , continue to learn and grow. Learn from the best people in your field, and do what they do and</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_pdHzaqcnW1IVfl-Jhqi9FyVfEZd4OjyvFzteaHxiM-3CNGRm84Kr8I5OCNXc2jX9RsW8SQCoMYyhuzSdlKX0e0xa2He5G-KaFRxoU10WRg1E2MLIvM0SD8_reiQydkSWkRZ7nPfmic/s1600/IMG_20171202_065103_174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="720" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_pdHzaqcnW1IVfl-Jhqi9FyVfEZd4OjyvFzteaHxiM-3CNGRm84Kr8I5OCNXc2jX9RsW8SQCoMYyhuzSdlKX0e0xa2He5G-KaFRxoU10WRg1E2MLIvM0SD8_reiQydkSWkRZ7nPfmic/s400/IMG_20171202_065103_174.JPG" width="400" /></a> https://www.shutterstock.com/search/go+the+extra+mile.</div>
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Go the extra mile. </div>
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<b><u>The Seven Proposed Steps To The Top.</u></b> </div>
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1. <b><i>Arise two hours before your first appointment. </i></b></div>
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This simply means that if your day begins at 7:00am, you need to arise from sleep 5:00am.</div>
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Invest the first hour in yourself by reading something educational, motivational, or spiritual. I recommend devotion and reading of the Bible- it contains all knowledge for life on earth and beyond (2Pet 1:3,8). This habit will always help you to be more positive, creative, alert and productive. Especially reading in your field will expose you to many things in your field thereby increase your knowledge in your field. </div>
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2. <b><i>Rewrite your goals everyday. </i></b></div>
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Rewrite your major goals in present tense every morning before you start out, without looking back at what you wrote the previous day. This is the means of programming instructions into the guidance mechanism of your mind. The more you keep rewriting your goals each day, it will remind you to be focused and making you look for ways and opportunities to achieve them. </div>
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3. <b><i>Plan your day in advance.</i></b></div>
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Make a to-do- list and set priorities on your work before you start off. Your ability to choose what do first according to the order of importance will help you to be organized and to be able to manage your time.This will in turn increase your productivity. </div>
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4. <b><i>Discipline yourself to concentrate single-mindedly on one thing.</i></b></div>
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Being able to focus on one thing at a time and working to achieve 100% of it is the best. You don't need to be doing two or three things when you know you can't finish them. </div>
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5. <b><i>Listen to educational audio programmes. </i></b></div>
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Since one does not necessary have to go to class to get such information, listening to them in your car, office, at your free time is helpful. According to Brian Tracy, when you do it so well, 'you will get equivalent of two full -time university semesters.'</div>
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6. <b><i>Ask at least two self-analysis questions after every event or activity.</i></b> Ask yourself, what did I do right? What would I do differently? You are reviewing your performance by thinking about what you did right and what you would do differently, and you psyche yourself to do better next time. </div>
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7. <b><i>Treat every person you meet like a very important person. </i></b></div>
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The one you work with at home, office or school, treat him or her as though she or he is the most important person in the world. They would like to be associated with you. Never miss an opportunity to treat people well. </div>
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These seven steps if taken into action will bring astonishing improvements that can carry you onward and upward for the rest of your life. </div>
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<b> <span style="background-color: #f0edd3; color: #0a3f64; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">I’m pressing on the upward way,</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f0edd3; color: #0a3f64; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b>New heights I’m gaining every day.......it's the language of one disciplining himself for personal excellence. </b></span></div>
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<b><i><u>The End. </u></i></b></div>
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References :</div>
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1.The Power of Self -Discipline by Brian Trac(2014). Chap. 5, p. 79-104.</div>
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2.https://www.shutterstock.com.</div>
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3.http://www.eurac.com/en/Unsere_Ausbildungsprogramme.aspx?id=194</div>
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Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-74519740128483514712017-11-17T01:36:00.001-08:002020-07-25T04:58:21.729-07:00SELF-DISCIPLINE AND GOALS(SETTING) EPISODE FOUR <u><b>SELF-DISCIPLINE AND GOALS(SETTING)</b></u><br />
<u><b>EPISODE FOUR </b></u><br />
"you can't hit a target that you can't see"<br />
"if you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there. "<br />
You have probably heard these statements above, but to what do you relate them, if not setting of goals?<br />
Your ability to discipline yourself to set clear goals for yourself and then to work toward them every day will do more to guarantee your success than other single factor........... Said by Brian Tracy<br />
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From countless of researches, it is concluded that people who set goals are more successful than those who do not.<br />
For instance, the 3% percent adults who have written goals and plans perform more than the 97% (who do not) put together.<br />
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But the bad news is that, most of us think we already have goals but they are just hopes and wishes.<br />
Goals that are not written down usually are just like wishes or hopes.<br />
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On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced a goal: America would put a<br />
person safely on the Moon before the end of the decade. Many thought this was<br />
impossible. To people’s amazement, Kennedy’s ambitious goal was achieved on July 20,<br />
1969, when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon's surface. In this context, JFK’s initial<br />
goal setting guided and motivated Neil Armstrong’s giant step for mankind. Goals are not<br />
only in the domain of leaders, though. They are part of our everyday lives.<br />
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<b>WHAT AT ALL IS GOAL SETTING?</b><br />
Goal setting is the process of establishing an outcome to serve as the aim of one's actions.<br />
<b>SOME IMPORTANCE OF GOALS SETTING</b><br />
1. Goal setting increases achievement : in that those have the habit of setting goals usually have laid down plans or strategies which guide them as to how to go about that particular thing they want to achieve.<br />
2. It increases motivation : if one has a goal, he or she is naturally motivated to achieve that goal. Motivation and goals are closely linked.<br />
3. Goals multiply your chances of success. And counting...<br />
The first step is to attain;<br />
<b>THE DISCIPLINE OF WRITING</b><br />
From the experience of many notable successful people in the past, the disciplined act of writing out goals, making plans for accomplishing them, and then working on those goals daily increases the likelihood of achieving your goals by ten times.<br />
Meaning if you are community where writing is a even problem for many people, it tells you that there would be lack of reasonable goal setting skills.<br />
<i><b>However, this does not mean that writing out your goals guarantees success a, but rather that it increases the probability of success. </b></i><br />
<b>TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE</b><br />
We as humans are purpose driven as Aristotle put it that we are teleological organisms.<br />
You actually see yourself as the purpose driven person, when you have clear goals and working on them.<br />
........you may not need to know how to get there, but you just need to know and be clear about what you want to accomplish.There is a goal-striving mechanism in your brain which will guide you to your destination.<br />
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<b>SELF EXPLANATORY SEVEN -STEP METHOD TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS</b><br />
1. Decide exactly what you want. Be specific.<br />
2. Write it down. If it's written down, you can see, touch, read, and modify.<br />
3. Set a deadline for your goal. Pick a reasonable time period and write down the date when you want to achieve it. You can also St subdeadlines. This a forcing system in your brain that helps you to get the work more done just as when you are under pressure.<br />
When you don't achieve the goal before the deadline, set a new deadline. This is due to some external circumstances that may interfere with the time you need to accomplish that goal.<br />
4. Make a list of everything you can think of that you could possibly do to achieve your goal. Including obstacles and difficulties, and knowledge, skills and people.<br />
5. Organize the list by sequence and priority. It will help you to know what is to be done first, second or later.<br />
6. Take action on your plan immediately. Don't delay, get going.<br />
Remember procrastination is not only the thief of time; it is the thief of life.<br />
7.Do something everyday that moves you in the direction of your major goal.<br />
Apply all these steps to a single goal and make plans and achieve it. Then another.<br />
One at a time method.<br />
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EVERYONE AS WELL AS STUDENTS,<br />
need to learn how to set goals.<br />
While instructors can set courselevel learning goals to help structure their content, you<br />
can also set your own goals. It will improve your learning and motivation.<br />
Goal setting will make you take responsibility and ownership of your own goals, giving some internal motivation and make you take proactive actions.<br />
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It's specially helpful to students with low achievement motivation.<br />
Also, Students who invest in their goals also demonstrate greater persistence, creativity, and<br />
risktaking in their achievement of those goals. (Dewett, 2007; Lepper, Greene, & Nisbett,1973)<br />
It will also help the student to self-regulated.<br />
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<b>IN CONCLUSION, </b>goal setting ability is not limited to only some people everyone can learn it and make good use of it. If you don't like writing your goals down it is easy to forget. Write it down.<br />
And whatever you think about your goal is definitely what you will achieve.Napoleon Hill, author of 'think and grow rich'(1939) put it this way "whatever the mind of man can conceive, and believe, it can achieve "<br />
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You can't leave God out of the equation.<br />
<b><i>Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established</i></b>. Prov16:3<br />
At the conception of a goal, thank God and commit it to Him.<br />
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References<br />
1.The power of self -discipline, by Brian Tracy, Chap 4.pages 64-78<br />
2.http://vpal.harvard.edu/publications/setting-goals-who-why-how<br />
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<br />Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-76415268821650644722017-10-03T23:48:00.001-07:002020-07-25T03:58:10.893-07:00FOR CHRIST AND THE CHURCH, LET OUR VOICES RING (PART ONE)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u>FOR CHRIST AND THE CHURCH, LET OUR VOICES RING (PART ONE)</u></b><br />
'Weeping may endured for night,<br />
But joy comes in the morning.' Psalm 30:5<br />
The joy of the gift of life to do a Golden deed.<br />
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My reflection:<br />
Materialism is driving our ambitious minds, denominational doctrines are finding their feet through our doors, Satan is using persecution from within the church strategy now and so we are blind to many of the adulterations in the pure teaching (sound doctrine of the Church) 1st Tim 6:3<br />
One of the things I heard recently is about organisational structure issue of the Church.<br />
Let me state <i style="font-weight: bold;">emphatically </i> that,<b> NO AUTHORITY HAS BEEN HAS GIVEN TO ANY MAN, BODY OF MEN, OR ECCLESIASTICAL BODY TO CHANGE ANY OF THE FEATURES OF THE CHURCH WHICH INCLUDES THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE.</b> Have we forgotten so soon, To Whom has all Authority been given? Matt 28:18, JESUS both in heaven and on earth.<br />
Every congregation is free from ecclesiastical council or body which the denominational world refer to in different ways like parish, diocese, district, headquarters etc<br />
So the moment you try creating such, then you should know that you have tempered with the organisational structure. For anyone who would like to speak as the Oracles of God 1st Pet 4:11 knows that there is no such in the New Testament regarding God's Church. The local Church has the right to follow the organisational structure which the Lord gave:Titus 1:5, Phil 1:1, 1st Pet 5:1-2, Acts 14:23, 15:4, this leads us to what is biblically implied as '<b><i><u>autonomy' </u></i></b><br />
The authority of the local Church is rested in the plurality of elders. <b>No district church organisations </b>. Each Church was self governing...... Autonomy. God made it so. If you do not agree to the teaching on the authonomy of the Church, please question God. But do not change it. Rev 22:18-19<br />
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So now to the issue of<b> 'Church cooperation'</b> among certain churches of Christ which i am aware of, which is in its incubation period must be examined to see<b> whether it is Biblical or not</b><br />
You will realise that brethren are using the word ' cooperation' to mean 'help' or maybe unity' forgetting the word cooperation goes beyond what they think. Brethren with the cooperation idea see it as working together for one purpose, evangelism, helping of weaker congregations etc.<br />
From Median Webster dictionary, cooperation is defined;<br />
1. as the action of someone who is being helpful by doing what is wanted or asked for.<br />
2. Association of persons for a common benefit. Compared to other dictionary is the same definition. There cannot be such a cooperation without<br />
1.A certain controlling office (head office)<br />
2. A set of clearly defined rules guarding the cooperation(constitution)<br />
3.The individuals of that cooperation do not have full rights or independence for the must agree to what the board of the cooperation says.<br />
4.There must be a common fund.<br />
In fact I cannot spell it all out here. This alone is enough for you to know that it is against the teaching of the apostles who are the foundation of the Church. Eph 2:20<br />
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Be reminded that this cooperation thing is of maybe good intensions but it doesn't warrant it Biblical acceptance. There is a way that seem right to man...... Prov 14:12, 16:25<br />
So as many mistakes came by good intensions so apostasy of the church once came by good intensions: trying to unite christians under the Roman empire, bringing in the state and the emperor, setting up ecumenical councils, synods, making one elder a bishop etc.<br />
All these were not biblical, so it sent the Church into apostasy.<br />
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Note we can still do evangelism and help weaker congregations without this church cooperation thing.It happened in the Bible, where individuals or brethren received help from different congregations aside their local congregations, however there was no separate organisations, councils and districts. It was also just a temporary help.2Cor8:16-24, 1Cor16:1, Acts 11:22-26<br />
* The headquarters of the Church is in heaven, that is where the head is. Who is the head col 1:18<br />
* There is no any other constitution. Which is our constitution? 2 Tim3:16<br />
* Do not compromise autonomy, the church locally is autonomous-self governed. There is no regional or district office anywhere. Titus1:5 Acts 15:4<br />
* And since the Church locally is autonomous, your giving (offering/collection) is managed by you locally. It is not sent into any common fund or whatsoever.<br />
If a congregation is blessed by God ,they should give weaker congregations, for God loves a cheerful giver.<br />
Leaders do not be deceived with your so much comparison with denominations, do not think of carnal things , let us not try to be like any other Church. The truth is simple. In fact it will make you free John 8:32. Brethren, do not allow the mistake of <b>blind leading the blind </b><br />
Matt 15:14<br />
Otherwise you will stand on Jordan's stormy banks and cast a wishful eye to Canaan's fair and happy land...<br />
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CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED TO YOU... Jude1:3 so that we will rest in the fair and happy land by and by just across the evergreen shore, singing the song of the lamb by and by and dwell with Jesus evermore.<br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-57345602037685377712017-09-16T09:12:00.001-07:002020-07-25T04:57:58.419-07:00SELF-DISCIPLINE AND RESPONSIBILITY EPISODE THREE<b><u>SELF-DISCIPLINE AND RESPONSIBILITY</u></b><br />
<b><u>EPISODE THREE</u></b><br />
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<b><i>Introduction: </i></b>Your ability and willingness to discipline yourself to accept personal <b>RESPONSIBILITY</b> for your life is essential to happiness, health, success, achievement, and personal leadership. Accepting responsibility is one of the hardest of all disciplines, but without it, no success is possible.<br />
Respinsibility is simply defined as your<span style="color: #660000;"> Response' ability</span>.In other words, your ability to respond to what happens to you. <i><b>You may not be responsible for all the things that happen to you; but you are responsible for the way you act when they do happen.</b></i><br />
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<b><u>FROM CHILDHOOD TO MATURITY CONDITIONING.</u></b><br />
When you are growing up, from an early age you become conditioned to see yourself as not responsible for your life. <b>Your parents are in charge when you are a child</b>. They make all your decisions.They decide what food you will eat, what clothes you will wear, what toys you will play with, what home you will live in, what school you will attend, and what activities you will engage in during your free time. Because you are young, innocent, and unknowing, you do what they want you to do.<br />
You have little choice or control.As you grow up, however, you begin to make more and more of your own decisions in each of these areas. <b>BUT BECAUSE OF YOUR EARLY PROGRAMMING, </b><span style="color: red;">you're conditioned unconsciously to feel that someone else is still responsible for your life, that there is still someone else out there can or should take care of you. Most people grow up believing that if something goes wrong, someone else is responsible. Someone else is to blame. </span>As a result, most people make more excuses for the things in their lives, past and present, that make them unhappy.<br />
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<i><b>Get over the Mistakes your parents made</b></i><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">The criticism, and being beaten out of anger, punishing you emotionally and physically, or withholding punishment from you making you feel guilty. </span>All these negative feelings could then intersect to make you feel like a victim, inferior. And the next thing is to ask who is to blame?.<br />
<b><u>AN ATTITUDE OF IRRESPONSIBILITY</u></b><br />
Courts today are full of people demanding redress and payment for something that went wrong in their lives being backed by ambitious plaintiff lawyers, people go to court demanding compensation. <b>PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. </b>People are attempting to escape responsibility for their own behaviours by blaming someone else, making excuses, and then demanding compensation.<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Eliminate negative emotions, like envy, jealousy, anger, fear, resentment, which leads to blaming others. You develop the attitude of irresponsibility when you always blame others for such negative emotions.</span><br />
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<b><u>AN ANTIDOTE TO IRRESPONSIBILITY</u></b><br />
1.Learn to say and accept the statement, <i><b>I am responsible</b></i><br />
After saying you are responsible, then look into the situation to find the reasons why you are responsible for what has happened or what is going on. Your car may be damaged in the parking lot while you are at work, you may not be legally at fault for the accident. But you are still responsible for your responses, for how behave as a result of what happened.<br />
2. <b><i>Never complain.</i></b><br />
3. <b><i>Never explain</i></b>.<br />
The moment you begin to complain or to explain, then know that you are on the road to refusing to accept complete responsibility for the situation.<br />
4. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Do not allow your emotions to control you; control your emotions.</i> You take charge if your emotions by accepting 100% responsibility for yourself and your responses to everything that happens to you. Refuse to make excuses, complain, criticize, or blame other people for anything.<br />
<span style="color: red;">Take action!</span> Work on accepting personal responsibility for your life, taking complete control of your thoughts and feelings. By so doing, you become a much more effective, happy, and positive person in everything you do.<br />
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<b><u>ADDENDUM:</u></b><br />
It is the lack of the<i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"> 'sense of responsibility' </span> </i>that is killing us as Africans and as Ghanaians. Thus, in every situation, we keep blaming the witches and wizards in our family and hometown. We are not responsible enough for our finances, we are not responsible enough towards our work and acadamics, marriages, family relationships, etc, and when things go wrong we are even more irresponsible towards accepting our failure. We are always quick to point fingers at people that they are responsible for our mistakes, suffering and unhappiness.<br />
Interestingly, some cunning individuals have identified our problem of irresponsibility and decided to make money out of it. They are not helping us to solve it. Never!<br />
These people call themselves pastors, prophets, prophetess, bishops, angels and so on . They always make us understand that the headache we have is a message from our hometown witches; The financial crisis is not a matter of management but the work of the devil; The marriage that is not working is the doing of your wizard grandpa. In fact every problem in our life is caused by someone, and not us. We do not sit down to analyse our lives to see the mistakes we are making ,or the progress we are making in order to take full control of our lives.<br />
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Citizens blame government for not doing certain things for them. The Government is to be blamed all the time(which is not true anyway). Government also blames the political party in opposition for not doing A or B. The opposition party also blames the party in power....and that is the climax of the blame game.<br />
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It is very natural and part of humans to play the blame game like did Adam and Eve, the first of the human race as recorded on the pages of the Holy writ.Gen 3:12-13. However, it is not cool to do that. Our maker accepts responsibility.<br />
Take responsibility, and stop giving excuses.<br />
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<br />Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-60604652516666662402017-09-12T11:35:00.002-07:002020-07-25T04:57:40.068-07:00MORE ABOUT JESUSMORE ABOUT JESUSJESUS<br />
It is the most abused name on earth. It is abused in both when and how it is mentioned, yet it is the sweetest name on earth. I will not talk about how the name is being abused now but the need to know more about that name. The name is JESUS. For, "neither is there salvation in any other; for there's none other name under heaven given among men whereby, we must be saved.Acts 4:12. Phil2:9-11.<br />
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At these times that every thing is becoming too personal. We are always thinking how to win that business contract, how to make that great amount,how to buy that expensive car, how to get that promotion, how to win that lady's heart, how to get that and that, the list goes on. But i wonder how many of us are eager to know about Jesus? I would be happy to meet that disciple who will say:<br />
<b>More about Jesus would i know,More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love who died for me. </b><br />
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At these times that all we think is more of material things. More of money, more of food, more of customers, more of businesses, more of children, more of followers, more of healings, more of power, more of miracles, and more of every good thing.But there is nothing better than knowing more about Jesus. Let's say:<br />
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<b>More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God, my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me.</b><br />
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At these times that we only want go wherewhere our itching ears will be tickled, to hear what we want to, Turning our ears away from TRUTH, and turn aside to myths. We are only interested in; you will buy that, you will get that visa, your bank account will be full, you are free to do whatever you feel like doing, etc, let's remember to desire;<br />
<b>More about Jesus in His Word, Holding communion with my Lord;Hearing His voice in every line, Making each faithful saying mine.</b><br />
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Am I saying at these times, it is wrong to ask for physical needs. Of course not. I am saying"But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matt 6:33 For the pagan world run after all such things,.....Luke 12:14, 29-34<br />
Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.<br />
Do not seem to worship God yet chasing after the wind. Think about it today. Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power ,are you washed in the blood of the lamb?<br />
Then know that Christ died for the sins of you and i,he was buried and on the third day, he resurrected according to the scriptures, believe this and believe on Him as the only begotten son of God, our Saviour, repent of your sinful life, confess him as Christ and give yourself to him through baptism for the remission of your sins and be added by God to His Church which he purchased with his own blood: Rom 10:17, Mark 16:15-16,John3:16, Matt 28:18-20,Acts 17:30,31 Rom10:9, Acts 2:38 1st Pet 3:21<br />
Then join me sing:<br />
<b>More about Jesus on His throne, Riches in glory all His own; More of His Kingdom's sure increase; More of His coming, Prince of Peace.</b><br />
<b><i>More, more about Jesus,</i></b><br />
<b><i>more, more about Jesus</i></b><br />
<b><i>More of His saving fullness see,</i></b><br />
<b><i>More of His love who died for me.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-10232400747674045102017-09-03T16:43:00.002-07:002020-07-25T04:56:34.753-07:00RAPTURE? WILL THERE BE RAPTURE? WHEN?RAPTURE? RAPTURE? WILL THERE BE RAPTURE? WHEN?<br />
Some folks say," I believe in Jesus so what does it really matter what I think about the Bible?"But it does matter says the Bible 2nd Tim3:16. It matters greatly what you believe about the Bible! Jesus himself will not let you make false distinction between his person and his word. He often quoted the Scriptures as originating with God the Father (Matt 19:4-5). When the Pharisees tried to replace God's commandment in the Law of Moses with their own tradition, he accused them of making void the word of God (Mark 7:13)<br />
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Now listen to Jesus' strongest statement about the complete trustworthiness of the Bible"THE SCRIPTURE CANNOT BE BROKEN" John 10:35. Since Scripture cannot be broken, an appeal to Scriptures is final; it cannot be challenged or disproved or denied.<br />
So what does the Scripture says about RAPTURE?<br />
AIM OF STUDY:To refute the false teachings on Rapture.<br />
INTRODUCTION: Some religious groups have many false propositions on these concept, but Biblical teachings on Eschatology differ from their teachings.<br />
What is rapture?<br />
Rapture is defined as the secret taking of the saints before the second coming of Christ.<br />
Many believe that the saints will be taken up in to heaven SECRETLY, and come back with Christ and rule on earth with Christ for thousand years (1,000).<br />
During this period the battle of Armageddon would be fought, a second repentance would be given. Actually, there are so many extensions of this concept of rapture among it teachers and believers<br />
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Rapture did not occur at all in the Bible;KJV,NKJV,NIV and other modern translation of the Bible.Historically, it was not in existence until 1500A.D ,came to stand for the SECRET snatching up to heaven. Many have been too foolish to set dates and time for it occurrence and were found liars. Prov 30:6<br />
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The teaching on rapture comes from the misunderstanding of 1st Thess 4:13-18,(which talks about the second coming of the lord Jesus), Matthew 24, Mark 13,Luke 21(which discuss the destruction of Jerusalem).The latter point will be discussed into details in another article. However, you should know that the prophecy on the destruction of Jerusalem does not endorse rapture.<br />
BIBLICAL TEACHINGS ON THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.<br />
know that all the events regarding the second coming of Christ will be fulfilled in one Day<br />
1.According to 1 Thess 4:13-18, there will be no rapture or secret taking of the saints.<br />
2.Christ second coming will be audible 1 Thess 4:16.<br />
The resurrection and the judgement will take place simultaneously John 5:28-29.<br />
3. There will be no second chance Heb 9:27<br />
4.It is not now that some special Antichrist will be coming but Antichrist has been the world since the time John wrote.1John2:18-20, 4:1-3<br />
5. The battle of Armageddon is not physical or nuclear war Rev 16:16-22<br />
6.Christ's kingdom has existed since A.D 33 (col1:13)<br />
7.The earth will melt with fervent heat 1 pet 3:9-12<br />
8.Christ will not set His foot on this earth again not to talk of coming to rule on this earth for 1'000 years.1Thess 4:17.<br />
On this note I urge you to resolve from this error and be free John 8:32.<br />
God is not the author of confusion 1 cor14:33<br />
You can be simply a Christian. Of such blessed fellowship of the Lord's Church is the reason why I will not hesitate to invite you to give yourself to Christ through baptism after you have heard ,believed the gospel of Christ, repented and confessing Jesus, calling up the name of the Lord in the Church. The Churches of Christ salute you.ROM 16:16.<br />
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<br />Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-36159482748601299952017-09-02T05:35:00.001-07:002020-07-25T04:56:53.289-07:00SELF-DISCIPLINE AND CHARACTER EPISODE TWOSELF-DISCIPLINE AND CHARACTER<br />
EPISODE TWO<br />
"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Never pity your self. Be a hard master to yourself and be lenient to everyone else"-Henry Ward Beecher,nineteenth-century clergyman.<br />
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The development of character is a great task of life. Your ability to establish a reputation as a person of character and honour is the highest achievement of social and business life.<br />
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote,"What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear a word that you say."<br />
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The person you are today, your innermost character, is the sum total of all your choices and decisions in life up to this date. Each time you have chosen rightly and acted consistently with the very best that you know, you have strengthened your character and become a better person. The reverse is also character<br />
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To be a person of character you have to possess these virtues or values;<br />
1.courage<br />
2.compassion<br />
3.generosity<br />
4.temperance<br />
5.persistence<br />
6,friendliness and among others<br />
Truth is the core of your character.<br />
But INTEGRITY guarantees all these virtues.<br />
When your character is being tested,or when you are under pressure, make sure you do not compromise-for that is when you demonstrate your true character. Guard your integrity.<br />
In development of character,<br />
1.study the values you admire<br />
2.emulate the people you most admire<br />
3.practice the values you respect.<br />
It also involves the orderly coordination among;<br />
1Your self-ideal- the values you aspire to possess in yourself.<br />
2.Your self-image: your inner mirror. This the way we see and think of ourselves<br />
When you see yourself as calm, positive, truthful, and possessed of high character, you behave with greater strength and personal power.<br />
3. Your self-esteem: how much you like yourself. How you feel about yourself. Your emotional core.<br />
Note<br />
Whenever you act in a way that is consistent with your values, you feel good about yourself. And whenever you compromise your values for any reason you feel bad about yourself. It means when you compromise your values your self-confidence and self-esteem go down.ALWAYS BEHAVE CONSISTENTLY(POSITIVE)<br />
Do the right thing.What you dwell upon grows. The good values you admire will be placed deep in your subconscious until they begin to operate automatically only if you concentrate on them.<br />
To be continuedKasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-47606492303268027382017-09-01T08:11:00.000-07:002017-11-28T14:59:22.836-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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WILL ONLY THE 144,000 GO TO HEAVEN?<br />
Aim Of Study :To refute the false teachings of the teachers of this concept, especially the Jehovah Witnesses and any other religious group on this FIGURATIVE NUMBER, 144,000.<br />
INTRODUCTION:<br />
Isn't it a heartrending story, to hear that all that the faithful child of God has been promised concerning heaven is a fairytale, but a renovated earth awaits him in eternity? In other words heaven is not for everyone but for some special people and for that matter the saved will not received anything more than a renovated earth. The Jehovah Witnesses predominantly teach that only 144,000 saints will go to heaven and the great multitude will live on a renovated earth. They falsely use Rev 7:1-17 and 14:1-ff<br />
But what does the Bible say about this topic.<br />
THE BIBLICAL EXPOSITION ON THE TWO PASSAGES.<br />
1.According to the context, an angel was restrained to stop destruction, until the sealing of the servants of God. Rev7:3. So the angel sealed 144,000 from the tribe of Israel.<br />
2.The great multitude that was shown to John was from all nations and was before the throne of God or in heaven. (Rev 7:14-17) ACCORDING TO CHRIST, THE THRONE OF GOD IS HEAVEN (Matt 5:33-34)<br />
3.Later in the vision, John sees them standing with the lamb on Mount Zion, having been redeemed from the earth. Rev14:3 According to the Hebrew writer Mount Zion also refers to heaven (Heb 12:22-24) We can therefore conclude that both the 144,000 and the great multitude were in heaven.<br />
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In a comparative study of the qualifications of the 144,000, the great multitude and that of Christians, you will without doubt acknowledge that all have the same yen qualifications. In summation, we can establish the fact that the number 144,000 is figuratively representing the redeemed who shall be in heaven with God, Christ and the angels.<br />
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE 144,000 TO CHRISTIANS<br />
BIBLICAL REFERENCE. 144,000. CHRISTIANS<br />
1.Rev 7:4 They were sealed. Christians are sealed(Eph 1:13)<br />
2.Rev 7:9. From all nations Christians are from all nations (mark16:15)<br />
3.Rev 7:10 They were saved. Christians are saved (Acts2:47)<br />
4. Rev 7:14. Came out of great tribulations. Christians came out of same (Acts 14:22)<br />
5.Rev 7:15. They were before God's throne. We are one before God's throne heb12:22-24<br />
6.Rev 7:17. Christ is in their midst. He's in our midst (matt 18:20)<br />
7.Rev 7:17. God shall wipe away their tears God will do same for Christians Rev21:4-<br />
8.Rev 14:3 They were redeemed. We are redeemed (1Pet 1:18)<br />
9.Rev 14:4 They were undefiled and virgins. Christians are undefiled and virgins 2cor11:2<br />
10.Rev14:4. They follow the lamb. We follow Christ,the lamb of God Jn10:27,1:29<br />
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According to the comparative study, the 144,000 are not the only LITERAL occupants of heaven but it's a figurative number represents the total number of saints.<br />
Note.that the number 144,000 is from 12*12*1000<br />
12-standing for God's religious number<br />
1000-standing ultimate completeness<br />
144,000 and the great multitude refers to the same group of people spoken of in different instances.refers to the redeemed or Christians that would be saved.<br />
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If that is the case ,why were they spoken of as if already saved?<br />
The writer employed a literary device called prolepsis which speaks of future event as if were already existing or achieved.<br />
Let us be assured that if we are faithful to the end we will receive the crown of glory Rev 2:10.<br />
Are you in Christ's sheepfold? The Church he purchased with His blood?<br />
ROM 16:16The Churches of Christ salute you.<br />
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Reference: Bro.Daniel Kyereh-Mensah,preacher<br />
Annual Youth Camp ,Sunyani Technical University.<br />
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<br />Kasukose. blogspot. comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17214677666908394098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4005805842598223251.post-56345097365168101022017-08-31T01:28:00.000-07:002018-01-18T01:01:27.036-08:00 <br />
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<b>MY SUMMARY </b><br />
<b>THE POWER OF SELF- DISCIPLINE </b>(NO EXCUSES) ....BY BRIAN TRACY<br />
EPISODE ONE<br />
.shutterstock.com<br />
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Discipline (training+behaving in a controlled way) is one of the core values every individual needs to be truly successful.<br />
It is usually easy to discipline anyone at all but it is more difficult to discipline oneself. While discipline is good for every person,SELF-DISCIPLINE is inseparable from the things that lead to success.<br />
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<i>Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do things you know you should do even when you do not want to..</i>...... Cambridge dict.<br />
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Self-discipline is what makes the difference between successful people and failures<br />
Mastering others is great but mastering yourself is power.<br />
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Bigstock blog.<br />
He wants to be the best singer in the world, yet he has no discipline to practice often and long<br />
She usually makes new year resolutions....... Saying I will never do this thing again,........and it will not take much long to find her doing that same thing<br />
Or<br />
I will always do this and that,......and it will not take years or even months to find her discontinuing with what she has begun<br />
The solution is SELF-DISCIPLINE and that will take away all excuses. No excuses.<br />
"The first and best victory is to conquer yourself"<br />
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1.Know what you want(your ideal life)<br />
And do your own thing. Do not do something because others are doing it.<br />
2.Strive to be in the top 20% in your chosen career.<br />
3.Accept the fact that you are starting with nothing and almost everyone starts out the same in life-with little or nothing.<br />
You just need to work harder.<br />
4.Hard work is the key<br />
Overcome the natural tendency to cut corners and take easy way.<br />
5.Appreciate and apply the great law of cause and effect.<br />
If you do what other successful people do,over and over again, nothing can stop you from eventually enjoying the same rewards they do. Nature does not take sides.It is about the law of cause and effects.<br />
To be continued.......<br />
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