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Thursday, January 14, 2010
Joyce Meyer Ministries Aids in Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
The Water Vapor Canopy
The Water Vapor Canopy
Q. I know you believe there was a water vapor canopy surrounding the Earth before the flood, but I just read an article claiming that both the Bible and science agree that couldn’t have been so. The author’s conclusions are based on two Hebrew words in Genesis 1:6-7 and the fact that our atmosphere couldn’t support the amount of water it would take. What do you think? Did God change the atmosphere so He could put the water vapor canopy in place?
A. I’ve done my own research on the Hebrew of Genesis 1:6-7 and disagree with the author’s conclusions. I think the most straight forward interpretation of the passage describes what we could call a water vapor canopy that encircled the Earth before the Great Flood. Rather than wondering if God changed atmospheric conditions to make a water vapor canopy possible, wouldn’t it make more sense to wonder if the collapse of the canopy caused the Earth’s atmosphere to change? After all the Bible says there was one, and no man can measure atmospheric conditions before the collapse.
For reasons I fail to understand, we seem much more willing to accept fallen man’s objections to what the Bible says than we are to take God’s word for things. I always suspect that people who write articles like the one you referred to begin with the conclusion that the Bible is wrong, and then set about to prove it. What do people gain by disputing God’s word? Are they trying to prove they’re smarter than He is? Or that His word isn’t reliable?
Tags: Bible Accuracy, Creation
Related Posts:
o No More Sea. Before Or After The Millennium?
o Did Elijah Go To Heaven before Jesus?
This material was brought to you by Christian Issues Digest, a ministry of Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, Michael James Stone, Volunteers, and people dedicated to the Love of God and Salvation of Souls. We hope it helps you to face your personal issues daily as a Christian, as well as prepare you for the return of Jesus Christ, He is Coming Very Soon.
Only God can heal hurts often caused by unintentional consequences of actions done by those who don’t know any better, and those who do. We all can only pray the same thing Jesus did when He said. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” I pray you forgive as He did and we all learn better how to forgive. -Michael James Stone
Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, operates by you, for you and about you. You can make a difference in someone’s life. “Freely you have received, freely give” Pass this on, everywhere you can, anytime you can, anyway you can. You will be blessed if you do.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work herein is archived under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in reviewing the included information for personal use, non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Christian Issues Digest: Why Does God Allow This? -Grace thru Faith
Why Does God Allow This?
Q. I would like to know your thoughts on natural disasters. If God is omnipotent and omni-benevolent, why would he allow people, including children, to perish in natural disasters? I know we live in an imperfect world, but surely an all powerful God could stop these things from happening.
A. Before the Great Flood there was no hostile weather. It’s one of the effects of sin entering into the world. Therefore the destruction and death these weather related disasters cause should be charged to Satan’s account. For the time being, he is the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4). As long as there’s sin in the world there will be consequences of this sort. And even though God is all-powerful His righteousness will not allow Him to relieve the world of them. This will change at the 2nd Coming when the Lord becomes King of the whole Earth. (Zech. 14:9) In the meantime adult believers and all children who die in these disasters are taken directly to the Throne to begin their eternity with God.
Tags: Second Coming, Sin
Related Posts:
o Does The Devil Cause Bad Weather?
o Punished For Our Government’s Policies?
o Questions About The Millennium
o Psalm 98
This material was brought to you by Christian Issues Digest, a ministry of Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, Michael James Stone, Volunteers, and people dedicated to the Love of God and Salvation of Souls. We hope it helps you to face your personal issues daily as a Christian, as well as prepare you for the return of Jesus Christ, He is Coming Very Soon.
Only God can heal hurts often caused by unintentional consequences of actions done by those who don’t know any better, and those who do. We all can only pray the same thing Jesus did when He said. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” I pray you forgive as He did and we all learn better how to forgive. -Michael James Stone
Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, operates by you, for you and about you. You can make a difference in someone’s life. “Freely you have received, freely give” Pass this on, everywhere you can, anytime you can, anyway you can. You will be blessed if you do.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work herein is archived under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in reviewing the included information for personal use, non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Christian Issues Digest:The one true church? -GQ
The one true church?
Why do some churches/denominations make the claim that they are the “one true church,” that all other churches/denominations are false, and that anyone who attends any other church/denomination is unsaved? Is such a claim of “exclusive salvation” the mark of a cult, or just tragic deception?
22 Comments »
1. Comment by Roland C.
One church that comes to mind that has been making this bogus claim is the Catholic Church. they use the false assumption the since catholic means “universal” that they are they “universal church”. What they fail to understand is that, yes, everyone who confesses Christ as Savior is part of the catholic/universal church, however, the Catholic religion is not the universal church. Catholicism is not far from cult teaching. IE, salvation by works, idol worship, papal infallibility, etc. The Catholic church then goes on to say that anyone who questions these practices is deemed a heretic. I am a pastor who was a former Catholic now saved by the grace of Christ.
2. Comment by John Mark Harris
It’s just ignorance of the Scriptures and the language with which it was written
3. Comment by devon
There is only one ekklesia. The word church is legally not in the bible except for one place in the plural in the book of acts which refers to pagan temples.
Only ONE body of Christ. All the divisions are what the word condemned.’Let there be no divisions among you’. All who have been ‘born from above’[born again], make up this body. I’ll take one more fighty words step. There is only ONE HEAD over the body…Jesus.
All ‘pastors’, ‘reverands’, etc., etc. are not scriptural. ‘Lord it not OVER My heritage’. One body, ONE HEAD. When will the body recognize and demand this truth?
4. Comment by Hank McClenning
As hard as the self-deceptive deominations try they can not find any
person or scripture that is the grounds for any denomination in the
Word of God. As a minister of the Word there is are no grounds for
division and denominationalism, that is the work of Satan. I claim
only to be a Bible Christian and not assodiated with any denomination.
Good answers so far. Hank
5. Comment by Debbie
I would have to agree with Hank’s statement. As far as I have studied and seen, most denonminations are based on some sort of cultic practice or legalism. Nobody can claim who is saved and who is not. The work of condemnation is God’s alone. Judging each others actions is condoned among Christians (not unbeliever’s actions) but judging the brethren’s motives is not condoned.
I believe in the body of Christ, but that there are local church ministries documented in Scripture and that they are necessary for the “edification of the saints.” Although I believe that Christ is the head of every church body, Scripture clearly states there are those who are called to pastor and teach and that there are requirements for these men in 1TIM 3 and TITUS 1. I do believe there is authority in the church body just as in any military unit engaged in warfare; pastor with sheep, husbands with wives, parents with children. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.” (HEB 13:7)
MARANATHA
6. Comment by 'Guerite ~ BoldLion
There isn’t going to be a perfect church on this earth until we meet Jesus at His Feet. That will be a True Church.
Hungry to eat His Word,
‘Guerite ~ BoldLion
7. Comment by matthew, mark, luke or john?
The catholic garbage is essential to Gods end motive. All system crucifixions of Christians rely on two things, muslims and catholics rising up with the lie to declare Christians insane and not of Faith!
There is nothing like catholism for anyone to recover from and find their way back to the God that is. It is worse than aethism!
We are way too tolerant when we say it is that they mislead or have been decieved by such Churches – it is the outright nature of a cult!
WE must hate religions and love our Father through Jesus Christ our Saviour and learn who our Father is, not what some preacher on a pulpit tells us who our Father is and how we get to know him! God has no denomination, this was the downfall and lesson learned from where our salvation comes from in the first place – BEFORE ABRAHAM – I AM!
The one True Church is the Body of our Brother, the perfect Bridegroom, the perfect architect, who build all rooms for us to roam in and enter into to know our Father in full. No man or no religion can surplant that – and religions seek to close our Fathers open doors.
I have a Church i am at home in now – the closest to scripture i can find and filled with congregation with indwelling spirit, but they know and i know, i am never that at home with them i will ever bear their denominational name, but our Family, they most Truly are – and i love them all the more for that.
There are many Churches i would never attend again, but its not the Church we attend that counts, but what we take in with us and leave with that counts! If we walk in off and with the spirit, that is what we will walk out with again, if we walk in without that, we are vulnerable pray to becoming yet another lost to a cult – and i have been lost to many a cult in my time from the beginning, and dragged many more out of them (by power of spirit not my own steam) and we cant knock this question down to denomination at all!
We are all born into a cult! There is only ONE cult. That cult comes with a myriad of labels, the family of sin, the false religions, religion itself, aethism, agnostic, satanism, you name it, they are all one and the same and the devil uses these confusing labels so neatly to fool the myriads into thinking they have so many choices bar God and Christianity itself.
Anything and everthing that disputes we are not saved by Salvation alone, through Christ IS a cult! Religion cannot save us, only Christ as God the Father spells out so clearly in the only book that can save our lives! The Word was first! Our Brother the Word that takes us home to our Father – no middle man required! All middlemen to be excluded!
Let us remember though that God intentionally blinds these people – and he does so, so the Truth shall always win out and none of his own will be shamed or suffer more than Christ – and he applies that, succinctly!
8. Comment by Anonymous
I am Catholic and the Lord personsally lead me to my faith. But I love all of my sisters & brothers of faith and I care not to judge or divide. satan wants seperation among those that believe, it weakens the body of Christ. I look for those things we have in common. My journey has had very trying moments. I was Jewish, became Born Again and that isn’t where I suffered my persecution, it is when I became Catholic, that I have suffered. But that is what the Lord showed me and that is what I have chosen to obey. I am back home and the Lord is here with me as He is with you where ever you find HIM. God Bless and may his mercy and compassion be a guide to all of your ways.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen.
9. Comment by Mimi
Comment #8 was written by me (Mimi), I did not realize my name was not entered.
10. Comment by Mimi
Gareth & Rachael,
Thank you for your examples a few Blogs Back. I really was honored to have had an opportunity to of learned from the both of you. Gareth, I hope you make sure to comment here whenever you can, you showed me how to calmly address others with compassion and how to do it with wonderful usage of the English Language. I want to be like you. Rachael, I look forward to the times you can write.
Ceseeley, I miss you!
Thanks to all of you.
11. Comment by Anonymous
Mimi I personally do not agree with Catholic theology but I know that many, many, many Catholics are truly saved. I know many a Catholic person who is truly in love with the Lord and who know His grace. Being Catholic does not make one a Christian, just like being in church does not make one a Christian. In the same sense, being Protestant does not make one a Christian, either. Being saved by the Grace of God and living wholely for Christ is what makes one a Christian. And you are one of the most godly Christians that I know. I’m blessed to have you in my life.
Leslie G
12. Comment by Leslie G
By the way, nice to see you back Shona, aka M, M, L, or J. Hope things are going well for you 
.
13. Comment by ron
I think the following describes exactly what is needed by myself or any other person searching for the true
church. The true Church holds to the core beliefs of Christianity without subtracting or adding to them. Christ is the eternal God come in the flesh, there is one God and 3 distinct identities (persons) who exist simultaneously as the One God. The virgin conception, the sinfulness of man and the need of a savior, the new birth, the Gospel which is the death burial and physical resurrection, the 2nd coming, baptism, eternal mediator and priesthood of Christ, the priesthood of all believers, the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture, judgment and rewards to the believers. These are the essentials that are clarified in the Scriptures.
If the Church one attends does not hold to these essential beliefs, they are not Christ’s Church no matter what name they have on their outside or on paper. This is not my opinion, but the Bibles explanation what the apostles taught through the Gospels, the book of Acts, and in the Epistles.
That’s it for me, when it comes to a true Church. Those who claim you must join their group or Church to be right with God, only prove they do not understand what the word Church or body of Christ means. It is not exclusive but inclusive, as it is found in the heart of all those who have accepted the true Jesus, and have come to God the way He has provided (through His son on the cross), and hold to the essentials of the faith. Whether one is Lutheran, Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Charismatic, or Pentecostal, etc. The Church transcends denominational barriers, it exists within denominations, as well as outside of them. This is the Universal Church that has continued from the beginning of Pentecost. While denominations may have differences on peripheral issues, they do hold to the core beliefs that make them all part of the body of Christ, the Chruch. Ron
14. Comment by matthew, mark, luke or john?
Mimi,
What a wonderful story of your conversion to Christianity! Please take another read of my post. It is saying nothing against ‘catholics’ but speaks out against ‘catholism’ – there is a big difference between the two:-)
I certainly love catholics like others, and id hope so too, my partner and 3 of my children are catholics:-) It was my children helped to wake me up on this count. I was not catholic, but it was the Church id attended when younger for some time, and almost became catholic. Then my children at 4, and 6 years old started constantly coming home from, school complaining about what they were being told and questioning me and saying to me, but mum, all they say is opposite of scripture. The mouthes of babes, knowing Truth! They were right – and they were voicing heavily they did not want to be part of this brand of ‘faith’ or practising it.
Over several years, I had to root out of myself how deeply these false beliefs were instilled in me. Every bit of catholism that had entered into me was keeping me separated from knowing God and Christianity. I’m glad my children spoke out with rebuke and opened my eyes. I also repented for allowing my children to be initially, made vulnerable to false teachings, and myself for having believed much of it too.
God Bless & Take Care
15. Comment by Douglas Summers
Hi,
Before the Church was formed, Christ had already warned us that there would be many wolves….in sheep’s clothing among us. So there is nothing new about a mixed multitude in the Church.
I will say this with assurance of the Scripture’s…..there will be no Catholic’s, Baptist, LDS, SDA’s or any other denominational priders in Heaven. Only the body of Christ will stand!
Ever since God has had a people of His own upon this earth, they have been sorely troubled by the presence of those who professed to be….but were not, of them. Beginning at the very gate of Eden, this state of things will continue until, “the Son of man shall send forth His angles, and they shall gather out of His Kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity……Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father”. (Matt.13:41-43)
Matthew Chapter 13 is not about the growth of the Church and the Gospel….but it is about the corruption that enters the Church as it grows wild and is puffed up….Readers understand!
It is not us who have found God…It is God who has found us, We were lost….Not God. He has been looking and calling His lost for a long time…some people just will not listen or hearken to His calling.
In Christ
Doug
16. Comment by matthew, mark, luke or john?
Amen Doug!
17. Comment by Alex Hernandez
My Church believes that all that follow the will of God are tru
18. Comment by matthew, mark, luke or john?
Hi Alex,
What is Gods Will?
19. Comment by Debbie
Doctrine of the Will of God
1. There are three types; directive will: the sovereign choice of God. God’s plan for me. The permissive will: man’s negative volition is allowed to operate negative to the directive will. God’s justice demands that God discipline a believer in this course. The overruling will: this supercedes the directive and persmissive will. He will frustrate Satan to make things work for His purposes. (ROM 8:28)
Directive Will of God; 2COR 6:14; 1JOHN 3:23; EPH 5:17-18;
a. Guidance of Will through ACTS 11:1-16
1. ACTS 11:1-5: prayer [see HEB 4:16]
2. ACTS 11:6: mentality, our focus on the Lord
3. ACTS 11:7-10: word of God
4. ACTS 11:11: through circumstances
5. ACTS 11:12: through the Holy Spirit
6. ACTS 11:13-15: through our frame of reference
7. ACTS 11:16: through memory of Scripture
Elements of Divine Will
a. Operational element: what does God want me to do? Be filled with the Spirit and build maturity in my soul
b. Viewpoint element in relation to the will of God: What does God want me to think? Divine viewpoint of Bible doctrine
c. Geographical element: Where does God want me to go? There is a specific area on the earth in which God wants me to grow spiritually
It is God’s will for the believer that his/her natural human viewpoint be replaced by God’s divine viewpoint
a. The knowledge of the recorded Will of God. In order to live in the perfect Will of God, we must know what that is. (ROM 12:2)
b. It is in the directive Will of God that every human being should come into the possession of eternal life. (2PET 3:9; 1JOHN 2:17; 3:23)
c. It is in the directive Will of God that all believers are to be sanctified. (1THESS 4:3)
d. It is in the directive Will of God that every Christian should be filled with the Holy Spirit, under the control of the Spirit. (EPH 5:18)
e. Christians should give thanks. (1THESS 5:18; ROM 8:28)
f. Believers should suffer for well-doing only. (1PET 3:17; 4:19)
g. Christians should trust in the Lord (PROV 3:5-6)
h. All believers should be productive of divine good works (1PET 2:15)
i. Quality of yieldedness (ROM 6:13; 12:1)
j. Growth in spiritual maturity. (2PET 3:18
MARANATHA
20. Comment by matthew, mark, luke or john?
Oh, i just used peter 3.18 myself today as it happens debbie helping another, but i wasnt asking for a vacant scripture quote session devoid of spirit and filled with religiosity as ever, but asking the poster, Alex, what they felt was God’s will. I hope they still respond. God Bless.
21. Comment by Debbie
Whoa! Since when is God’s Scripture vacant and devoid of Spirit? These are all examples in Scripture of God’s Will. There is absolutely nothing edifying in your post. I do not profess allegience to any religion but the Word of God, so your assessment of my relationship to the creator and savior is incorrect. I “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Obviously you have a personal problem with me and it is evident from your post. Better get over it because we are going to spend an eternity together. Alex, you go ahead and answer the lady…sorry God’s Word was so offensive to you. I was recently warned by a bulletin board for posting HOSEA 4:6, so it will take more than your opinion to stop me. God bless? Yes, I do have spiritual prosperity and I am
thankful for it.
MARANATHA
22. Comment by windyblue
Oh, has this gone on for years. The mine church is better than your church. What your church teaches is wrong and mine is right.
It sounds like a broken record. As long as the Church is teaching the word of God according to The Lords word, and teaches about God, Jesus, and the Holy spirit. The way to heaven is by accepting Jesus as Lord and savior its right. Yes there are cults, in the world, and its sad.
This material was brought to you by Christian Issues Digest, a ministry of Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, Michael James Stone, Volunteers, and people dedicated to the Love of God and Salvation of Souls. We hope it helps you to face your personal issues daily as a Christian, as well as prepare you for the return of Jesus Christ, He is Coming Very Soon.
Only God can heal hurts often caused by unintentional consequences of actions done by those who don’t know any better, and those who do. We all can only pray the same thing Jesus did when He said. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” I pray you forgive as He did and we all learn better how to forgive. -Michael James Stone
Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, operates by you, for you and about you. You can make a difference in someone’s life. “Freely you have received, freely give” Pass this on, everywhere you can, anytime you can, anyway you can. You will be blessed if you do.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work herein is archived under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in reviewing the included information for personal use, non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Christian Issues Digest: CBN celebrates 50 Years in Ministry
Pat Robertson
The 700 Club
Founder and Chairman, The Christian Broadcasting Network
CBN.com - M. G. "Pat" Robertson has achieved national and international recognition as a religious broadcaster, philanthropist, educator, religious leader, businessman, and author. He is the founder and chairman of The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) Inc., and founder of International Family Entertainment Inc., Regent University,Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation,American Center for Law and Justice, The Flying Hospital, Inc. and several other organizations and broadcast entities.
Founded in 1960, CBN was the first Christian television network established in the United States. Today CBN is one of the world's largest television ministries and produces programming seen in 200 nations and heard in 70 languages including Russian, Arabic, Spanish, French and Chinese. CBN's flagship program, The 700 Club, which Mr. Robertson hosts, can be seen in 97 percent of television markets across the United States and is one of the longest running religious television shows that reaches an average of one million American viewers daily.
Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation, founded by Mr. Robertson in 1978, is a non-profit relief and development organization with a mission statement “to demonstrate God’s love by alleviating human need and suffering in the United States and around the world.” OBI has touched the lives of more than 193.1 million people in 96 countries and all 50 U.S. states, distributing more than $1.2 billion in goods. To help break the cycle of suffering, OBI implements programs that focus on the primary goals of providing hunger relief, medical aid, disaster relief, and community development that will make a significant, long-term impact on those in need.
Robertson was the founder and co-chairman of International Family Entertainment Inc. (IFE). Formed in 1990, IFE produced and distributed family entertainment and information programming worldwide. IFE's principal business was The Family Channel, a satellite delivered cable-television network with 63 million U.S. subscribers. IFE, a publicly held company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, was sold in 1997 to Fox Kids Worldwide, Inc. for $1.9 billion. Disney acquired the Fox Family Channel in 2001 and named it ABC Family.
Located in Virginia Beach, Va., Regent University was founded in 1977 by Robertson, who serves as its president and chancellor. Regent is a fully accredited graduate university that offers degrees in business, communication & the arts, divinity, education, government, law, organizational leadership and psychology & counseling. In addition, Regent Undergrad offers a bachelor's degree completion program. Regent University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees, and has enrollment of over 4,000 students. In addition to the main campus in Virginia Beach, Regent offers programs online via their Worldwide Campus.
Robertson is founder and president of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), a public interest law firm and education group that defends the First Amendment rights of people of faith. The law firm focuses on pro-family, pro-liberty and pro-life cases nationwide.
Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson was born on March 22, 1930, in Lexington, Virginia, to A. Willis Robertson and Gladys Churchill Robertson. His father served for 34 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Robertson's ancestry includes Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor of Virginia, and two United States presidents, William Henry Harrison and Benjamin Harrison, the great-grandson of the signer of the Declaration of Independence. Robertson also shares ancestry with Winston Churchill.
After graduating with honors from McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a military prep school, Robertson entered Washington and Lee University in 1946, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In 1948 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. After graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Lee in 1950, Robertson served as the assistant adjutant of the First Marine Division in combat in Korea. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 1952 upon his return to the United States. Robertson received a juris doctor degree from Yale University Law School in 1955 and a master of divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary in 1959.
In November 1959 Robertson left New York with his wife, Dede, and their three children and drove to Tidewater, Virginia, where he planned to buy a bankrupt UHF television station in Portsmouth. Arriving with only seventy dollars in his pocket, Robertson proceeded to raise the finances to purchase the station. CBN was formed January 11, 1960, and on October 1, 1961, CBN went on the air for the first time.
Robertson is the author of eighteen books including “The Greatest Virtue,” “Miracles Can Be Yours Today,” “Courting Disaster,” “The Ten Offenses,” “Bring It On,” “Six Steps To Revival,” “The Turning Tide,” “The New Millennium,” “The New World Order,” “Shout It From The Housetops,” and his first fiction, “The End of the Age.” “The Secret Kingdom” was number three on Time magazine’s national non-fiction list. “The New World Order” was number four on the New York Times’ non-fiction list of America’s best selling books. “The Secret Kingdom,” “Answers to 100 of Life’s Most Probing Questions,” and “The New World Order” were each in their respective year of publication the number one religious book in America.
Numerous governors, state legislators and mayors have recognized Robertson's humanitarian efforts with citations. The Virginia Association of Broadcasters presented Dr. Robertson with the 2002 Distinguished Virginian Award. In 1982, he was named Humanitarian of the Year by Food for the Hungry. In 1988 Robertson was named Man of the Year by Students for America. Robertson was named Christian Broadcaster of the Year by National Religious Broadcasters in 1989, and in 2008 was inducted into the Virginia Cable Hall of Fame. In 1992, Robertson was selected by Newsweek magazine as one of America's 100 Cultural Elite. In recognition of his steadfast support for the nation of Israel, Robertson received the Defender of Israel Award in January 1994 from the Christians' Israel Public Action Campaign. In March 2000, Robertson received the prestigious Cross of Nails award for his vision, inspiration and humanitarian work with the Flying Hospital. The award was presented for the first time in the United States in more than 25 years. In July 2002, Robertson was presented with The State of Israel Friendship Award by the Chicago chapter of the Zionist Organization of America.
Robertson is past president of the prestigious Council on National Policy. In 1982 he served on President Ronald Reagan's Task Force on Victims of Crime. He previously served on the Board of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and on the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors in the State of Virginia.
Pat and Dede Robertson have four children and fourteen grandchildren and reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
This material was brought to you by Christian Issues Digest, a ministry of Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, Michael James Stone, Volunteers, and people dedicated to the Love of God and Salvation of Souls. We hope it helps you to face your personal issues daily as a Christian, as well as prepare you for the return of Jesus Christ, He is Coming Very Soon.
Only God can heal hurts often caused by unintentional consequences of actions done by those who don’t know any better, and those who do. We all can only pray the same thing Jesus did when He said. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” I pray you forgive as He did and we all learn better how to forgive. -Michael James Stone
Broadcast(B.C.)Christianity, operates by you, for you and about you. You can make a difference in someone’s life. “Freely you have received, freely give” Pass this on, everywhere you can, anytime you can, anyway you can. You will be blessed if you do.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work herein is archived under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in reviewing the included information for personal use, non-profit research and educational purposes only.
Christian Issues Digest: No matter how many people are offended? -GQ
Public faith?
Our culture is slowly becoming strongly opposed to public proclamations of faith in Christ. How can we, as Christians, share our faith in such an environment? Do our evangelism methods need to be adjusted in any way, or do we just keep declaring the Gospel no matter how many people are offended?
17 Comments »
1. Comment by Douglas Summers
Hi,
Anyone who has been born again knows that we do not change the Gospel message with the changing of the attitudes of this world.
To one, we are are the smell of death…to the others, it is the sweet smell of a clean rainy Spring day…life….in Jesus Christ.
There is a peace in us from the work of God in Jesus Christ that the world can not know or understand.
Pray for all….contend for the Faith.
In Christ
Doug
2. Comment by Hank McClenning
Good Comment Doug.
We are told in the Bible the conditions under which a born again believer will face as a Christian. How does the world feel and will
treat a true Christian?
1. Jesus said “I send you out as lambs among the wolves”
2. “If they hated me they will also hate you.”
3. Because Christ suffered we will also suffer in this work.
4. Cor. – The natural man does not understand and thinks this is
foolishness to him.
5. Jesus warned his disciples of all the horrible things that will
be done to them for their faith and belief.
6. The Gospel Message stays the same no matter the the time period,
country, or audience. It does not change no matter what.
The message stays the same, it is up to the listener if they want o
believe or not.
Hank
3. Comment by Curtis Newman
I respectfully say that Jesus went out, sent out, and Met people doing what they do best,being themselves in their inviorment. I don’t mean to be judgemental but we seem to be spending more time argueing among ourselves. building Great Big Building, paying very high salaries, and wanting the people to come to our House rather than us doing what I think and believe Jesus and His tranees did. Also we could do better again I think if we met met where they are daily rather than judging, condeming, and on and on. We would do well to really get back to the Fathers Business. this is not our home and we need to let people know that this is temporary, we have better and longer awaiting for us. We need to act like Christ Followers. By the way STARTING WITH ME.
4. Comment by BiblosLXX
We are not to deliberately spread the Gospel so that people will get offended and never saved. But if God wants you to preach to a bunch of hardened sinners as a testimony against them, like Jesus did several times to the pharisees, then that is what you should do. The will of God always should be accomplished, but I caution you to test the spirits if you believe that God is telling you to deliberately piss people off. It is a possibility, but knowing that we are in an era of mercy and grace, one in which we are to love even our enemies, I caution you to double check before proceeding. There were times when Jesus did it because it was His Father’s will (Matthew 13:14-15), so, if it God has called you to do it, then do it. If not, then do it the way you believe God has called you to do it. In either circumstance, test the spirits and know that you are following God.
5. Comment by Susan
I don’t think people are so much upset by the sharing of faith and testimony as much as HOW we share. If it’s shared as judgmental and a proclamation that OUR way of worship and belief is the only way then that IS wrong, tactless and does no good. I have a friend who was told by his brother that he is NOT saved because he doesn’t worship in a Church. I believe a Church by the definition in the Bible is any place where people gather to worship, NOT a designated and acceptable building. I’ve read the same passages many times over the years and can get a different meaning each time based on where I am now. I have people tell me I’m NOT a Christian because I do NOT believe the same as they, a different political view, voted one way, dressed a certain way, etc. We are all sinners but strive to do good so the delivery to anyone is the key to successful sharing. There are many sects with in the Christian faith, some take the messages literally while others interpret as they wish. GOD is the only judge and as Christians we need to follow HIS word, not our personal beliefs that are made in order to justify our lives. Only God can say who is correct as man HAS changed the wording and incorrectly translated many religious documents. There are many other religious documents that are not being used because man has decided they don’t fit our personal convictions. From what I understand the Torah is the only religious Bible that has been consistently copied over the ages so who is right and who is wrong?
6. Comment by Scott Larrison
While we must never compromise the central message of the gospel, our methods of presentation may change. Our job is to be ready to share the message, be gentle and reverent while sharing and above all be guided by and filled with the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Peter also wrote, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15)
7. Comment by Bruce
2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: (KJV WEY WBS YLT NIV)
There are more in romans and through out the new testament. # 2 by Hank covers a lot of them. by his blood…Bruce
8. Comment by Debbie
I am having a hard time with the question as it is punctuated with “we” and “our.” WE don’t do anything. God provides the opportunity as evidenced by the grammar in MATT 28:19. We respond to the Spirit of calling when we are called. Therefore, there is not any acceptable methond only an acceptable message. “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.” (2COR 4:1-2)
Some folks are gifted with evangelist gifting and I have noticed they are able to preach Jesus at every turn, in every conversation without offense even in simple exchanges with a waitress over how good the food is, the gospel is preached. I do not have this calling and I have learned not to exhort people to witness. Their priesthood is their own and Jesus is their high priest. Let each man testify as he is led by the Holy Spirit, then, there is no “I” or “we,” but “Him.”
Curtis, I see you have been schooled in the five fold ministry. While it might be OK to preach the gospel to people in their own evironment, it is impossible in many cases to disciple them there. Teaching Scripture while people are ordering drinks in the bar is never going to lead to sanctification. How are you going to be set apart from the world and its evil activities? I go to church in a home with an unpaid pastor-teacher and it works quite well. There does not have to be an expensive building and salary involved, but were I to continue in the places I frequented before salvation, I would never grow Spiritually.
MARANATHA
9. Comment by Curtis Newman
comment back to Debbie. Not to argue the point but I see Jesus going out to the fields, towns, yes bars, to the woman at the well. Just for the point of it,,,,,not to argue the point I see no where in the Bible it says that drinking a beer is wrong, I am in no way asking you to agree or disagree, I just believe we have strayed away from the reason Jesus came to earth,,,,it wasn’t to build building, pay high salaries, gyms, etc, I in no way expect others to agree with me,,,I believe Jesus hung out and selected people that we today would not even speak to or associate with…Jesus did and He even selected them to help Him teach. No matter that is what this web site is for, I thought to agree and disagee, but to still Love Everyone,,,especially the ones still in darkness.
10. Comment by ceseeley
It doesn’t make any difference. When we are “Walking in the Spirit” we are obedient through Faith doing what God guides us to do in whatever, whenever, however way He Guides!
11. Comment by Debbie
Curtis,
I agree charity is always the key. If that is what you are called to do, you should do it. Just don’t forget to “disciple” the people you are converting. Save ‘em and leave ‘em to their own devices is not what Jesus advocated. Scripture does not condemn drinking a beer unless one is in leadership, (PROV 31:4) but if you are honest, most people in a bar are not there to drink ONE beer…I speak from the voice of knowledge; one will not do. There is a definite reason and place for the pastor-teacher gift and most people I have met involved in the five fold ministry do not believe in leadership, just conversion. Nowhere does Scripture advocate a lack of authority and submission to authority. It is evidenced in the very nature of the Trinity. I totally agree with your theory of buildings, salaries and programs and I reject those things. Jesus was schooled and versed in the Torah and that is what He taught. We should do the same with the canon of Scripture. As you said, it is definitely OK to agree to disagree. May God bless you as you move through the fields, towns and bars to keep you safe and that you might witness per 1THESSOLONIANS 2:1-20.
MARANATHA
12. Comment by Douglas Summers
Comment #8.
Amen, Debbie. Just one thing about Comment #11. Christ was not schooled in the Torah, He was the author of it…..as in all of the Scripture’s 
)
In Christ
Doug
13. Comment by Curtis Newman
I in no way wanted you to get that find them and leave them, I did not mean this in the slightest. I believe in finding, getting to know them, and loving them as they are, and then teaching them. I am truely sorry about the five fold minestry you keep referring to, I aggain believe like I believe Our Savior done, go out, find them , befriend them, and love them , and teach as much as they are willing to hear,, you stay with them, it is ot my thinking of finding, covert, and leave them. But I agree to disagree with you about the bars and others places that some believers seem to overlook. By the way I don’t read anywher abut the number of beers one can drink, I just can’t find it is Wrong to dink a wine, beer. but God will Judge me for my actions, oh by the way I don’t go to bars, I go to where people believe differently than me and try to meet them where they are and love them and teach them….but I hold firm to the Big Building, Big Salaries, and spending too much money on the comfort of us who already Know and Follow Him. We find the lost, not in our comfort building on Sunday but in the highways and by ways of life. I am not the enemy, I just have the courage to say what a lot of unsaved people already are saving about us. If I listen I might learn, and even sometimes agree. In All Christian love , I hope you will receive this in the spirit it was written. Curtis Newman
14. Comment by 'Guerite ~ BoldLion
We all need to be Bold as a Lion to witness to others. Yet there will be a time when they will hate you for speaking the truth to them.
There are time that we don’t know how to deal with them and trying to witness to them. We can’t do the trying. We all need the Holy Spirit to direct us to them and work with them.
We can’t make them saved. Only God alone will draw them to Him. We can share the gospel to them.
Hungry to eat His Word,
‘Guerite ~ BoldLion
15. Comment by matthew, mark, luke or john?
Rev. 13:7-10
We are commisioned by Christ to evangelise and speak the Gospel and we are not concerned with the opinion of mere man about us.
16. Comment by Debbie
Curtis,
AMEN…
17. Comment by matthew, mark, luke or john?
That is the way Corey because when we ‘example’ the love, courage, tenacity and devotion which God has in much bigger measures than us to others, it pulls them through all their separations from God. It can be a very long haul with some, many years of endless time spend with and on people, but it never fails, God always shows his amazing irresistable Grace in the end and they come to Him!
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