Christ Missing From The Playground
I just saw the Movie "Recess Christmas: Miracle on 3rd Street" and was really tee'd off. I don't know what the directors and writers were trying to do but they messed up. The carton had little to do with Christmas until the end and the only time Christ was mentioned was in the title. The part featuring a Christmas play was to be interfaith but all holiday beliefs were represented but the Christian faith. We got Santa Claus. And Mickey learned that he was only rel if he believed in him in his heart. They could have at least given Christ the same blow-off. The real miracle on 3rd Street would have been the Lord getting far time.
Here is a list of those responsible for the Movie/cartoon. And visit the people at Disney.
Directed By:
Chuck Sheetz
Howy Parkins
Susie Dietter
Written By:
Chuck Sheetz
Holly Huckins
Joe Ansolabehere
Mark Drop
Michael Kramer
Paul Germain
Phil Walsh
Steve Bannos
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
New Post at Christus Emptor: Death of a Bad Bad God
I have posted a new post at http://www.christusemptor.today.com (Christian Life Blog) titled,"Death of a Bad Bad God". I got the title from an atheist who is writing a book titled,"Maleviolet Design: Death of a Good God". read the article and post a comment.
Wayne Brooks
Dothan, Al. 36301
Marketplace Ministry Blog
Christian Life Blog
Epistle To India Blog
Personal Web Page (Out of Date)
Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage.
Wayne Brooks
Dothan, Al. 36301
Marketplace Ministry Blog
Christian Life Blog
Epistle To India Blog
Personal Web Page (Out of Date)
Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Resource Review: Connecting BusinessMen to Christ
From the website:
"We provide tools designed to mentor business and professional men, and the support, reinforcement, and encouragement of being involved with a committed team. In a society that's constantly changing, CBMC offers a variety of innovative personal evangelism strategies that are in-depth, long-term, and relationship-based."
A good site for the business person who wishes to affect their workplace for Christ. Although I am mostly involved with blue collar sites and ministry. I find this site very useful in the "Marketplace Ministry".
"We provide tools designed to mentor business and professional men, and the support, reinforcement, and encouragement of being involved with a committed team. In a society that's constantly changing, CBMC offers a variety of innovative personal evangelism strategies that are in-depth, long-term, and relationship-based."
A good site for the business person who wishes to affect their workplace for Christ. Although I am mostly involved with blue collar sites and ministry. I find this site very useful in the "Marketplace Ministry".
Sunday, October 28, 2007
My Dad's Death
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalms 116:15
Last week my Dad died. Thursday morning Oct. 18, 2007. After being taken to the hospital he had another heart attack. After quite a few flat lines and being revived we decided not to postpone the inevitable.
He had been ready for this event for a long time. He was operating on only 20% of his heart with one artery in and one out. Before when he would have a heart attack, he told me that the doctor would tell him that he did not have much to work with and that next time they my not be able to revive him. He would reply with,"I know were I am going, how about you." His life was full of good fruit, showing what was inside.
The preachers gave a good service but neglected to explain, why my dad was the way he was. Jesus! I believe if my Dad had been there he would have stood up and yelled, "Preach Jesus, Not me!" Instead it was left to the Holy Spirit to reveal to each one there the answer to the question. And maybe that was the best way.
The funeral and burial were the first I had attended of someone really close. It was marked with peace and assurance that He was doing fine. I could not touch his body or even speak to it. I could not see it as him. The old saying kept coming to mind, "Here lies the shell, the real nut is gone."
The comfort that he was with the Lord and that one day we who believed would see him again was very real. I was given my Dad's bible and this passage was marked, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Those who do not believe have no way of knowing this peace that passes their understanding. They know that there is something more. That's why they invade christian web forums and post comments on Christian sites. That's why they spend their energies raving about Christians instead of improving themselves to herald the next evolution of mankind. They know that there is more.
My Dad once was a believer, now he is a knower. We cry no more for him although we miss him. There is a void left in us because of his death. But have peace there is One who can fill the void. His name is Jesus.
After the funeral I realized that I had never said good-bye or that I loved him. The Lord revealed to me that he (my Dad) was plunged into the very Source of our spirituality and when we prayed in the Holy Spirit my Dad would receive the prayer also. What the Lord knew, my Dad knew.
God is so good. How can I ever accept a belief that reduces us to animals with out any real evidence and forsake a God that shows us the truth. In life and death.
In memory of Franklin Morris Brooks husband of Bettie Maxine Duke. Son of Oscar Morris Brooks and Ira Blankinship. Father of Franklin, Curtis, Wayne and Bucky Brooks.
Last week my Dad died. Thursday morning Oct. 18, 2007. After being taken to the hospital he had another heart attack. After quite a few flat lines and being revived we decided not to postpone the inevitable.
He had been ready for this event for a long time. He was operating on only 20% of his heart with one artery in and one out. Before when he would have a heart attack, he told me that the doctor would tell him that he did not have much to work with and that next time they my not be able to revive him. He would reply with,"I know were I am going, how about you." His life was full of good fruit, showing what was inside.
The preachers gave a good service but neglected to explain, why my dad was the way he was. Jesus! I believe if my Dad had been there he would have stood up and yelled, "Preach Jesus, Not me!" Instead it was left to the Holy Spirit to reveal to each one there the answer to the question. And maybe that was the best way.
The funeral and burial were the first I had attended of someone really close. It was marked with peace and assurance that He was doing fine. I could not touch his body or even speak to it. I could not see it as him. The old saying kept coming to mind, "Here lies the shell, the real nut is gone."
The comfort that he was with the Lord and that one day we who believed would see him again was very real. I was given my Dad's bible and this passage was marked, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Those who do not believe have no way of knowing this peace that passes their understanding. They know that there is something more. That's why they invade christian web forums and post comments on Christian sites. That's why they spend their energies raving about Christians instead of improving themselves to herald the next evolution of mankind. They know that there is more.
My Dad once was a believer, now he is a knower. We cry no more for him although we miss him. There is a void left in us because of his death. But have peace there is One who can fill the void. His name is Jesus.
After the funeral I realized that I had never said good-bye or that I loved him. The Lord revealed to me that he (my Dad) was plunged into the very Source of our spirituality and when we prayed in the Holy Spirit my Dad would receive the prayer also. What the Lord knew, my Dad knew.
God is so good. How can I ever accept a belief that reduces us to animals with out any real evidence and forsake a God that shows us the truth. In life and death.
In memory of Franklin Morris Brooks husband of Bettie Maxine Duke. Son of Oscar Morris Brooks and Ira Blankinship. Father of Franklin, Curtis, Wayne and Bucky Brooks.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Reply to an Atheist wether Jesus was a Historical Figure
This post
was written as a reply to an atheist that wanted me to prove that Jesus was a
historical figure. I wanted to share it with you all.
I’ve finished reading Jim Walker’s paper, “Did the Historical Jesus Exist?” from nobeliefs.com/exist.htm. I looked up the references and persons quoted. I reviewed the paper in full. At first I thought you wrote the paper, and then it occurred to me that you did not. Which was not your fault, you never said you did. Just that you believed it. So it is sort of “You’re Bible”. Nowhere did Mr. Walker prove that Jesus never existed. You believe in hear-say evidence. Just as I do. The matter is ‘belief’. If I had realized that you were going by this hear-say, I would never had entered into this conversation with you and wasted so much time. The paper seems to be full of speculations. Like the persons could not have written the Gospels because the life span was only 30 years. If this was true then the Gospels would not have been accepted because of the stories of John the Baptist’s birth to an old couple. People took notice because she was past the age of giving birth not because she and Zeb were beyond the expected life span of a normal person. The story of Simeon the old man in the temple who was waiting for the birth of Christ is indeed possible. And Jesus telling Peter he would live to be an old man with John. How is that for speculation? The only truth between Walker’s and my argument is that the first century people believed them and most chose death instead of denial. And they believed when the truth of Jesus was well past the time of physical proof.
You wanted me to quote proof of His life. Here it is. I submit the names of the pagan and Christian historians listed as proof. It does not matter that they were later in history. I believe they are right and you believe they were wrong. The pagan historians had nothing to gain by speaking of Jesus. Pliny, Suetonius, Cornelius Tacitus (55 AD - 120AD Over 30 years old), Lucian of Samosata, Thallus, Phlegon, Mara Bar-Serapion and the Christian historians like Polycarp who was under the study of the Apostle Matthew. He later was instrumental in pointing out to other church leaders which text was of the disciples along with other leaders who sat under the teachings of other disciples. They in turn gave their lives instead of denying the truth just as their teachers. Knowledge, he gleaned from an eyewitness. You discount historians because they are not eyewitnesses of the events they report. Should we discount all of our other history books or believe the research the historians did. And if one historian was forced to choose death or deny what he has reported and he chose death. Wouldn’t you lean more in the direction of believing him? We should let the jury decide. The jury is in. More people that were aware of Him, even opposite religions and other atheists, believe He existed. Historians as a whole believe He existed.
And speaking of “Fakes, Frauds, and Fictions” Should I go into the Piltdown man and Nebraska Man being faked and one made up from the tooth of a pig. Come on guys.
You and Mr. Walker seem to lack enough knowledge of ancient customs of the time of the Bible or church history to interpret the Bible or Church historical events.
You all seem to push proof. Well, I agree that you cannot prove with archaeology. Although the oldest fragment of the book of Matthew was reported by the “The Times” of London in 1994 to have been found and proven to be written by a contemporary of Jesus. It was dated about 60 A.D. written in the Greek language of that day. Of course it cannot be proven that it is written by the Matthew, but it was written or copied by someone who could have known Jesus. Will we know for sure? No. Will you know for sure that he didn’t? No. So where does that leave us, by my faith that He did or your faith that He didn’t. It is—all faith.
Jesus left His disciples with an expectation that He would return to earth again. Therefore none of them felt a need to record on paper the events until later. We have history books dating, 100 and even 200 years old by people who did not experience what they wrote about but reported what others told them. Sort of what newspaper reporters do. We must choose to believe or not believe the reporter. If a person witnesses an event and waits 30 to 50 years to report it and then give his life before denying it, does that make his witness invalid? Like the fact that a person existed in history. I don’t think so.
I think your problem is how you perceive God or the lack of God.
Say you try to “will” yourself to believe just for a moment that God existed. You may see Him as an old man who creates a world and winds it up to let it run down and creates people with no purpose than to serve as a whipping post when they do badly. OR can you see a God that created a world for people that He loves. Saw how their sin was killing them, came down to live as a man and experience the pain of man, to offer Himself as a sacrifice for man to heal the gap in relationship between them. He had a free will also. He could have chosen not to die on the cross. He asked the Father if there was another way to fulfill the promise, but if not He would choose the Father’s will instead of His own. This is hard to understand by people who do not have Spiritual insight and revelation from God on how God can be a Father, Son and Spirit at the same time.
My point is that God is big enough to make sure the events of His life on earth could make it through time and in one piece. If He could not, then He wasn’t much of a God. I’m sure you will comment on this remark.
The church started small, governed by men locally in small groups. Jesus never intended for it to become some giant organization under the authority of one man that had the power over men’s life or death. Peter was not the first Pope. He had disagreements with Paul and it did not cost Paul his life. It was not until Constantine converted that this misguided church came into power. Jesus never said that a person could make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for forgiveness of sins, which lead to the Crusades. That was never part of God’s plan. He ordained no other works that a person could do to gain forgiveness of sins. All He asked was faith in Him.
Faith, which brings me back to the proof you wished to have. One of the main themes of the Bible is that God will only take faith in Him. Not in the works of men, not in man’s power and not in any evidence of archaeology. He will not allow it. It is faith or nothing.
Also the way you are trying to find proof is wrong. The Bible states, “That God is spirit and those who worship Him must do so in Spirit and in Truth.” God is not made of physical matter and any amateur scientist knows you cannot measure anything that is not matter. Can you prove emotions? Can you prove thought? Since you cannot physically prove these in science does that mean you have no feelings or you do not think?
Of course not, I can read the emotion when you write. And I can tell you think. Can you prove there is wind? You cannot measure it, taste it etc….. You believe in these three because you see the results of them. Also I believe in God/Jesus because I see the results of His work.
He created an atom that is held together by a force that science cannot explain. It is there. Look what happens when you split one. You can win a lottery every year for the rest of your life before an atom puts it’s self together and forms a living organism. Science and engineering says a bumble bee should not be able to fly. But it does.
The greatest evidence of Jesus’ existence is the tidal wave of change that occurred from His life. If He did not exist, who made up His name? Who persuaded people to give their lives as a testimony to His life? Where in history did anyone else have this influence? You speak of other gods and their similarities to Jesus. Who today believes in the Greek gods? God is so big that He could easily insert into other cultures, like the cannibals of New Guina, things that could be used by missionaries to teach about the true God when Jesus chose to reveal Himself to them. As written about in the book,” Eternity in Their Hearts”.
There is a saying, “You can tell a tree by the fruit it bears”. Through the influence of Jesus, all individuals received equal worth. Before Christ, children were deemed worthless until a certain age. It was a common practice to throw babies into the river or leave them for the beast in the woods if a child was not wanted. Not until Constantine did this change. Through the years many graves are filled by the killing of people deemed worthless or less evolved by atheist governments. Planned Parenthood was formed to do away with the black race through abortion. If you do not believe this read the journal of the founder.
Also before Christ the poor were discarded to the wayside to die on their own. Through the influence of Christ, people following His ideas reached out to the poor and lifted them up with dignity. Not in any natural or man-made disaster have I seen the “Atheist Relief Society” rise up to take care of the needy. If there is such an organization I do not know of, please enlighten me if there is such a thing. Also, During the U.S. depression, atheists and evolutionists believed poverty came through heredity, and had poor children, orphans and others put into institutions and forcibly sterilized. This turned out to be wrong and became part of the hidden history of America.
The one good thing that came from the dark ages is that the Bible was preserved for over a thousand years without being altered. When God chose to reveal Himself and the Bible became public, education became important to many. The influence of Christ brought about the rise of colleges and institutions of learning. You seem to enjoy bringing up the “flat earth” teaching and assigning it to only Christians. You must not know that everyone at that time believed in the theory and it was popular all over the world, except where they believed the earth sat on a giant turtles back and other beliefs. The Bible was tucked away from common people and left them to ignorance by the leadership of the perverted church at the time. Otherwise they would have read in Isa. 40:22, “God sits on His throne above the circle or sphere of the earth….” written 2500 years before the discovery of secular philosophers and believed. You seem to use this in the hope that we Christians look stupid and unlearned. How silly is it that the early evolutionist believed maggots on rotten meat proved “spontaneous generation”. We accepted the round earth when proven, but you all seem to stick to the SG myth although you have not been able to produce it in a lab for over a hundred years now. It is interesting that most of your major colleges in the world were started by Christians trying to improve the education of others. Then the atheists took them over and our U.S. education system is going down the tubes, while Christian home schoolers and students of Christian schools continue to score higher on SATs. More times than their secular counter parts. This is provable with just a little research.
So through history we have seen the fruits of the influence of Christ and the influence of atheism and those using religion for the gaining of power.
This Christian believes that no matter what proof we come up with, you all will not believe. But don’t trust me. Open your heart to believe for just a little bit to do a real search if Jesus is real. I agree with what Physicist Robert Morris Page says,” The test of a hypothesis involves the establishment of conditions consistent with the hypothesis to produce results predicted by the hypothesis on the assumption that the hypothesis is true.” In short you must believe in the hypothesis you are testing if only for the sake of the test to have a true answer to the hypothesis. You are like the black smith that did not believe that a ship made of iron would float. Surly, if iron would not float neither would a ship covered with it he argued. And to prove it he tossed a horseshoe into a barrow of water in front of the town folk and it sunk. Seeing the proof of brilliance he grinned pointing to the truth of his hypothesis. A little old lady tried to question his finding and was scorned as an ignorant old lady that does not have the ability to think of such things. She left them but returned with her iron kettle. Tossing it in, it floated. She believed the hypothesis therefore truth was seen.
We have seen what atheism will bring about in the world and we are aware that if they come to power in our county we may be looking at near elimination of Christians and others who do not believe as they do, the under evolved. It happened in other countries, why not the U.S. Although after the fall of Russia’s government there appeared a church that could not be crushed. In China, the Christian church is growing stronger than ever. Africa’s Christians although suffering murder, torture and bondage to slavery have hung to their faith. There must be more to Jesus than physical matter that can be tested in a test tube or found written on a rock.
If atheists come to power and the time comes for me to choose Christ or die you may use this at my trial:
I’ve finished reading Jim Walker’s paper, “Did the Historical Jesus Exist?” from nobeliefs.com/exist.htm. I looked up the references and persons quoted. I reviewed the paper in full. At first I thought you wrote the paper, and then it occurred to me that you did not. Which was not your fault, you never said you did. Just that you believed it. So it is sort of “You’re Bible”. Nowhere did Mr. Walker prove that Jesus never existed. You believe in hear-say evidence. Just as I do. The matter is ‘belief’. If I had realized that you were going by this hear-say, I would never had entered into this conversation with you and wasted so much time. The paper seems to be full of speculations. Like the persons could not have written the Gospels because the life span was only 30 years. If this was true then the Gospels would not have been accepted because of the stories of John the Baptist’s birth to an old couple. People took notice because she was past the age of giving birth not because she and Zeb were beyond the expected life span of a normal person. The story of Simeon the old man in the temple who was waiting for the birth of Christ is indeed possible. And Jesus telling Peter he would live to be an old man with John. How is that for speculation? The only truth between Walker’s and my argument is that the first century people believed them and most chose death instead of denial. And they believed when the truth of Jesus was well past the time of physical proof.
You wanted me to quote proof of His life. Here it is. I submit the names of the pagan and Christian historians listed as proof. It does not matter that they were later in history. I believe they are right and you believe they were wrong. The pagan historians had nothing to gain by speaking of Jesus. Pliny, Suetonius, Cornelius Tacitus (55 AD - 120AD Over 30 years old), Lucian of Samosata, Thallus, Phlegon, Mara Bar-Serapion and the Christian historians like Polycarp who was under the study of the Apostle Matthew. He later was instrumental in pointing out to other church leaders which text was of the disciples along with other leaders who sat under the teachings of other disciples. They in turn gave their lives instead of denying the truth just as their teachers. Knowledge, he gleaned from an eyewitness. You discount historians because they are not eyewitnesses of the events they report. Should we discount all of our other history books or believe the research the historians did. And if one historian was forced to choose death or deny what he has reported and he chose death. Wouldn’t you lean more in the direction of believing him? We should let the jury decide. The jury is in. More people that were aware of Him, even opposite religions and other atheists, believe He existed. Historians as a whole believe He existed.
And speaking of “Fakes, Frauds, and Fictions” Should I go into the Piltdown man and Nebraska Man being faked and one made up from the tooth of a pig. Come on guys.
You and Mr. Walker seem to lack enough knowledge of ancient customs of the time of the Bible or church history to interpret the Bible or Church historical events.
You all seem to push proof. Well, I agree that you cannot prove with archaeology. Although the oldest fragment of the book of Matthew was reported by the “The Times” of London in 1994 to have been found and proven to be written by a contemporary of Jesus. It was dated about 60 A.D. written in the Greek language of that day. Of course it cannot be proven that it is written by the Matthew, but it was written or copied by someone who could have known Jesus. Will we know for sure? No. Will you know for sure that he didn’t? No. So where does that leave us, by my faith that He did or your faith that He didn’t. It is—all faith.
Jesus left His disciples with an expectation that He would return to earth again. Therefore none of them felt a need to record on paper the events until later. We have history books dating, 100 and even 200 years old by people who did not experience what they wrote about but reported what others told them. Sort of what newspaper reporters do. We must choose to believe or not believe the reporter. If a person witnesses an event and waits 30 to 50 years to report it and then give his life before denying it, does that make his witness invalid? Like the fact that a person existed in history. I don’t think so.
I think your problem is how you perceive God or the lack of God.
Say you try to “will” yourself to believe just for a moment that God existed. You may see Him as an old man who creates a world and winds it up to let it run down and creates people with no purpose than to serve as a whipping post when they do badly. OR can you see a God that created a world for people that He loves. Saw how their sin was killing them, came down to live as a man and experience the pain of man, to offer Himself as a sacrifice for man to heal the gap in relationship between them. He had a free will also. He could have chosen not to die on the cross. He asked the Father if there was another way to fulfill the promise, but if not He would choose the Father’s will instead of His own. This is hard to understand by people who do not have Spiritual insight and revelation from God on how God can be a Father, Son and Spirit at the same time.
My point is that God is big enough to make sure the events of His life on earth could make it through time and in one piece. If He could not, then He wasn’t much of a God. I’m sure you will comment on this remark.
The church started small, governed by men locally in small groups. Jesus never intended for it to become some giant organization under the authority of one man that had the power over men’s life or death. Peter was not the first Pope. He had disagreements with Paul and it did not cost Paul his life. It was not until Constantine converted that this misguided church came into power. Jesus never said that a person could make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for forgiveness of sins, which lead to the Crusades. That was never part of God’s plan. He ordained no other works that a person could do to gain forgiveness of sins. All He asked was faith in Him.
Faith, which brings me back to the proof you wished to have. One of the main themes of the Bible is that God will only take faith in Him. Not in the works of men, not in man’s power and not in any evidence of archaeology. He will not allow it. It is faith or nothing.
Also the way you are trying to find proof is wrong. The Bible states, “That God is spirit and those who worship Him must do so in Spirit and in Truth.” God is not made of physical matter and any amateur scientist knows you cannot measure anything that is not matter. Can you prove emotions? Can you prove thought? Since you cannot physically prove these in science does that mean you have no feelings or you do not think?
Of course not, I can read the emotion when you write. And I can tell you think. Can you prove there is wind? You cannot measure it, taste it etc….. You believe in these three because you see the results of them. Also I believe in God/Jesus because I see the results of His work.
He created an atom that is held together by a force that science cannot explain. It is there. Look what happens when you split one. You can win a lottery every year for the rest of your life before an atom puts it’s self together and forms a living organism. Science and engineering says a bumble bee should not be able to fly. But it does.
The greatest evidence of Jesus’ existence is the tidal wave of change that occurred from His life. If He did not exist, who made up His name? Who persuaded people to give their lives as a testimony to His life? Where in history did anyone else have this influence? You speak of other gods and their similarities to Jesus. Who today believes in the Greek gods? God is so big that He could easily insert into other cultures, like the cannibals of New Guina, things that could be used by missionaries to teach about the true God when Jesus chose to reveal Himself to them. As written about in the book,” Eternity in Their Hearts”.
There is a saying, “You can tell a tree by the fruit it bears”. Through the influence of Jesus, all individuals received equal worth. Before Christ, children were deemed worthless until a certain age. It was a common practice to throw babies into the river or leave them for the beast in the woods if a child was not wanted. Not until Constantine did this change. Through the years many graves are filled by the killing of people deemed worthless or less evolved by atheist governments. Planned Parenthood was formed to do away with the black race through abortion. If you do not believe this read the journal of the founder.
Also before Christ the poor were discarded to the wayside to die on their own. Through the influence of Christ, people following His ideas reached out to the poor and lifted them up with dignity. Not in any natural or man-made disaster have I seen the “Atheist Relief Society” rise up to take care of the needy. If there is such an organization I do not know of, please enlighten me if there is such a thing. Also, During the U.S. depression, atheists and evolutionists believed poverty came through heredity, and had poor children, orphans and others put into institutions and forcibly sterilized. This turned out to be wrong and became part of the hidden history of America.
The one good thing that came from the dark ages is that the Bible was preserved for over a thousand years without being altered. When God chose to reveal Himself and the Bible became public, education became important to many. The influence of Christ brought about the rise of colleges and institutions of learning. You seem to enjoy bringing up the “flat earth” teaching and assigning it to only Christians. You must not know that everyone at that time believed in the theory and it was popular all over the world, except where they believed the earth sat on a giant turtles back and other beliefs. The Bible was tucked away from common people and left them to ignorance by the leadership of the perverted church at the time. Otherwise they would have read in Isa. 40:22, “God sits on His throne above the circle or sphere of the earth….” written 2500 years before the discovery of secular philosophers and believed. You seem to use this in the hope that we Christians look stupid and unlearned. How silly is it that the early evolutionist believed maggots on rotten meat proved “spontaneous generation”. We accepted the round earth when proven, but you all seem to stick to the SG myth although you have not been able to produce it in a lab for over a hundred years now. It is interesting that most of your major colleges in the world were started by Christians trying to improve the education of others. Then the atheists took them over and our U.S. education system is going down the tubes, while Christian home schoolers and students of Christian schools continue to score higher on SATs. More times than their secular counter parts. This is provable with just a little research.
So through history we have seen the fruits of the influence of Christ and the influence of atheism and those using religion for the gaining of power.
This Christian believes that no matter what proof we come up with, you all will not believe. But don’t trust me. Open your heart to believe for just a little bit to do a real search if Jesus is real. I agree with what Physicist Robert Morris Page says,” The test of a hypothesis involves the establishment of conditions consistent with the hypothesis to produce results predicted by the hypothesis on the assumption that the hypothesis is true.” In short you must believe in the hypothesis you are testing if only for the sake of the test to have a true answer to the hypothesis. You are like the black smith that did not believe that a ship made of iron would float. Surly, if iron would not float neither would a ship covered with it he argued. And to prove it he tossed a horseshoe into a barrow of water in front of the town folk and it sunk. Seeing the proof of brilliance he grinned pointing to the truth of his hypothesis. A little old lady tried to question his finding and was scorned as an ignorant old lady that does not have the ability to think of such things. She left them but returned with her iron kettle. Tossing it in, it floated. She believed the hypothesis therefore truth was seen.
We have seen what atheism will bring about in the world and we are aware that if they come to power in our county we may be looking at near elimination of Christians and others who do not believe as they do, the under evolved. It happened in other countries, why not the U.S. Although after the fall of Russia’s government there appeared a church that could not be crushed. In China, the Christian church is growing stronger than ever. Africa’s Christians although suffering murder, torture and bondage to slavery have hung to their faith. There must be more to Jesus than physical matter that can be tested in a test tube or found written on a rock.
If atheists come to power and the time comes for me to choose Christ or die you may use this at my trial:
·
I am John Dewayne, aka Wayne Brooks, son of
Frank Brooks from Dothan, Al. USA.
·
I believe in Christ the Savior of Mankind and
God.
·
I believe He came to earth to live among us and
to give His life to redeem us from our sins and save us from the penalty of it.
·
I believe He rose from the dead on the third day
after His crucifixion and ascended into Heaven where He waits for the time when
He will return to defeat the Antichrist and bring all believers to Himself.
Leaving all non-believers to spend eternity without the presence of God.
·
I believe the book known as the Holy Bible to be
the record of all the needed information to believe in Christ and comes from
God.
With this confession I swear to live and not deny.
Your 7 day challenge http://www.myspace.com/7_day_atheist_challenge and statements of Jesus not existing seems to me just an attempt to gather data for your book and a chance to impress your Jesus Seminar buddies. The shameful thing is that Christians are not answering your challenge because they are not afraid or they have no proof. It is because most of them do not care if you believe or not. Well my whole motivation for getting involved with you is to just share the love of Christ with you this last time. It hurts me to think of you spending eternity alone without God with the arguments in your book going through your head over and over again thinking you are right. I know you’ve heard this all before. But I wanted you to hear it from me. I respect your choice and please forgive me if I have offended you in anyway. I do get to be a real smartass sometimes. Thanks for the education you’ve provided me. You’ve strengthened my faith in ways your will never know.
The good news for us is that in the end we both will get what we want, I will get eternity with Christ and you will get eternity without Christ. We both win?
I end with this and bid you fair well.
Notice: If any of this is used in any book out of context and without permission, I will sue you and use all the money to print Bibles for missionaries overseas. If you wish to reprint any of it for your blog, just ask and let me know which part. As long as you print it all in context, no problem.
(c) Wayne Brooks 2007
With this confession I swear to live and not deny.
Your 7 day challenge http://www.myspace.com/7_day_atheist_challenge and statements of Jesus not existing seems to me just an attempt to gather data for your book and a chance to impress your Jesus Seminar buddies. The shameful thing is that Christians are not answering your challenge because they are not afraid or they have no proof. It is because most of them do not care if you believe or not. Well my whole motivation for getting involved with you is to just share the love of Christ with you this last time. It hurts me to think of you spending eternity alone without God with the arguments in your book going through your head over and over again thinking you are right. I know you’ve heard this all before. But I wanted you to hear it from me. I respect your choice and please forgive me if I have offended you in anyway. I do get to be a real smartass sometimes. Thanks for the education you’ve provided me. You’ve strengthened my faith in ways your will never know.
The good news for us is that in the end we both will get what we want, I will get eternity with Christ and you will get eternity without Christ. We both win?
I end with this and bid you fair well.
Notice: If any of this is used in any book out of context and without permission, I will sue you and use all the money to print Bibles for missionaries overseas. If you wish to reprint any of it for your blog, just ask and let me know which part. As long as you print it all in context, no problem.
(c) Wayne Brooks 2007
Posted: Sunday, October 21, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Here is a real good laugher.
Here is a real good laugher. Scientist claim that there is a God-Gene that cause people to be born religious.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/041115/43/2hvns.html
http://in.news.yahoo.com/041115/43/2hvns.html
Resource Review: Contruction Workers For Christ
From the Hard Hats For Christ Website: or Construction Workers For Christ
Mission Statement...
Jesus Christ has commanded his followers to serve Him in reaching others with the message of salvation.
Construction Workers Christian Fellowship was organized to do this within the realm of construction. The three basic purposes are:
1. to tell construction workers about the saving power of Jesus Christ, that they may experience a changed life,
2. to encourage and provide the means for construction men and women, whether they be new Christians or older ones, to have fellowship and Bible studies with the aim of strengthening their faith, and
3. to assist missionary organizations in the dissemination of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through specialized construction help, both in the United States and on foreign soil.
=====================================================================================
I recommend this site for those looking for a practical way to serve others. My be you have a non-physical job and wish to get-physical for Christ. Here is a good solution. Need a good RV vacation. Check them out. Does your church need a little help. Contact them.
These people seem to be right on it. I recommend if you can be involved in anyway to give it a try.
And they are worthy of our support.
Mission Statement...
Jesus Christ has commanded his followers to serve Him in reaching others with the message of salvation.
Construction Workers Christian Fellowship was organized to do this within the realm of construction. The three basic purposes are:
1. to tell construction workers about the saving power of Jesus Christ, that they may experience a changed life,
2. to encourage and provide the means for construction men and women, whether they be new Christians or older ones, to have fellowship and Bible studies with the aim of strengthening their faith, and
3. to assist missionary organizations in the dissemination of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through specialized construction help, both in the United States and on foreign soil.
=====================================================================================
I recommend this site for those looking for a practical way to serve others. My be you have a non-physical job and wish to get-physical for Christ. Here is a good solution. Need a good RV vacation. Check them out. Does your church need a little help. Contact them.
These people seem to be right on it. I recommend if you can be involved in anyway to give it a try.
And they are worthy of our support.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Resource Review: Business As Mission Network
From The Site:
"With a passion to connect more people to the growing movement of Business as Mission this Network was started in early 2006. By providing news and information on various resources and companies we hope to inspire and connect others to opportunities to get involved."
I would say they fulfill there purpose very good. They offer news of Christian companies and ministries that come together to offer help for those in marketplace ministry. You can check here for conference dates and profiles of who is putting them on.
And if you are wanting to know what opportunities there is out there to be a tentmaker, working missionary, bi-vocational, lay missions or whatever you want to call yourself. This is a good place to go.
As far as site presence, they do a good job with their page. It is more like a blog, but does what they intend to do.
Check them out soon.
"With a passion to connect more people to the growing movement of Business as Mission this Network was started in early 2006. By providing news and information on various resources and companies we hope to inspire and connect others to opportunities to get involved."
I would say they fulfill there purpose very good. They offer news of Christian companies and ministries that come together to offer help for those in marketplace ministry. You can check here for conference dates and profiles of who is putting them on.
And if you are wanting to know what opportunities there is out there to be a tentmaker, working missionary, bi-vocational, lay missions or whatever you want to call yourself. This is a good place to go.
As far as site presence, they do a good job with their page. It is more like a blog, but does what they intend to do.
Check them out soon.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Resource Review: Avodah Institute
This is my first post that I will do reviewing the resources that I offer on the links side of my blog. I will try to keep this up and maybe stir some of you to some useful sites that will help you fulfill your call to reach your co-workers.
As stated on their site The Avodah Institute's primary purpose "is to help meet the spiritual needs of people in the marketplace. Our mission is to help leaders integrate the claims of their faith with the demands of their work."
I have found this site informative and helpful. They will gladly sign you up for their newsletter if you will visit their site and sign up. The offer resources and such to those trying to reach their co-workers. I recommend this site. You may visit it via the link on the left side of this blog under Marketplace Ministry Links. Or click on the title of this post.
Please visit them and don't forget to come back.
As stated on their site The Avodah Institute's primary purpose "is to help meet the spiritual needs of people in the marketplace. Our mission is to help leaders integrate the claims of their faith with the demands of their work."
I have found this site informative and helpful. They will gladly sign you up for their newsletter if you will visit their site and sign up. The offer resources and such to those trying to reach their co-workers. I recommend this site. You may visit it via the link on the left side of this blog under Marketplace Ministry Links. Or click on the title of this post.
Please visit them and don't forget to come back.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
VOM News and Prayer Update: September 18, 2007
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another."(Romans 12:10)
SOUTH KOREA
UPDATE: Korean Hostages Told Convert to Islam or Die – British Broadcasting Corporation
On September 12, South Korean Christian aid workers held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan for six weeks, reported being beaten and ordered at gun point to convert to Islam, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). According to the BBC, the former hostages told a press conference they were made to work like slaves while in captivity. Jae Chang-hee told reporters, "We were beaten with a tree branch or kicked around. Some kidnappers threatened us with death at gunpoint to force us to follow them in chanting their Islamic prayer for conversion. I was beaten many times. They pointed a rifle and bayonet at me and tried to force me to convert." Jae Chang-hee added, "We lived like slaves. We had to level the ground for motorbikes, and get water and make a fire." BBC reported that Yu Jung-hwa said she thought she was going to die. "The most difficult moment, when I had a big fear of death, was when the Taliban shot a video. All 23 of us leaned against a wall and armed Taliban aimed their guns at us, and a pit was before me. They said they will save us if we believe in Islam. I almost fainted at the time and I still cannot look at cameras." Recalling how Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu was led away to his death, the BBC said Han Ji-young, in tears, added, "Bae didn't even look at us when he was leaving the room. He only said, 'Overcome with faith.'" Continue praying for God to touch the lives of these believers as they deal with their experience in Afghanistan. Pray God comforts the families of the two that were killed. Pray the testimony of these Christians will draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Deuteronomy 28, Psalm 91
INDIA
Christians Beaten by Militants in India – VOM Sources
* BANGALORE: On September 8, Pastor Angam Haokip was attacked by more than 30 men in the village of Geddalahalli, Bangalore. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts in India, the men forced Pastor Haokip to stop his vehicle. VOM contacts reported, "They asked him if he was a pastor and when he said 'yes,' they pulled him out of his car. The men accused him of 'ruining' the nation and beat him in front of several witnesses. They tried to crush his legs with boulders and also kicked him in the neck." The pastor sustained severe injuries to his back and chest and his car was destroyed. When he tried to file a complaint with local police, it was rejected because the police said a complaint had been registered against him for negligent driving.
* HYDERABAD: On September 9, Pastor Sudhakar and four Christians visiting from Singapore were attacked by members of Hindu militant groups while leading a worship service at Bethel Gospel Church in Amberpet, Hyderabad. According to, a report from the All India Christian Council, approximately 300 believers were gathered when the militants forcibly entered the church building and began to shout obscenities against Christianity. The intruders assaulted Pastor Sudhakar with a rod. Prior to the attack, the militants had filed a complaint with local police alleging the pastor and the Singapore team were involved in forcible conversion.
Pray for healing for those injured in the attacks. Ask God to bless the ministry of these pastors and other Christians who are spreading the gospel in India. Pray God touches the lives of the persecutors and leads them to faith in Christ. Romans 8:11, Isaiah 40:31
CHINA
UPDATE: House Church Leader Released from Prison – China Aid Association
On September 10, prominent Beijing house church leader, Pastor Cai Zhuohua, was released after three years in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, "Cai was in good spirits when he was released. Cai was not allowed to read or have a Bible for the past three years. Since his release, he has been picked by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and taken to their office. He has to report to the PSB office once a month and has been warned not to speak out or attend church services." Praise God that Pastor Cai has been reunited with his family. Pray God gives him and other believers in China courage to continually live for Christ, despite the immense challenges they face. Pray their testimonies will draw non-believers, even PSB officers, into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27:1
SOUTH KOREA
UPDATE: Korean Hostages Told Convert to Islam or Die – British Broadcasting Corporation
On September 12, South Korean Christian aid workers held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan for six weeks, reported being beaten and ordered at gun point to convert to Islam, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). According to the BBC, the former hostages told a press conference they were made to work like slaves while in captivity. Jae Chang-hee told reporters, "We were beaten with a tree branch or kicked around. Some kidnappers threatened us with death at gunpoint to force us to follow them in chanting their Islamic prayer for conversion. I was beaten many times. They pointed a rifle and bayonet at me and tried to force me to convert." Jae Chang-hee added, "We lived like slaves. We had to level the ground for motorbikes, and get water and make a fire." BBC reported that Yu Jung-hwa said she thought she was going to die. "The most difficult moment, when I had a big fear of death, was when the Taliban shot a video. All 23 of us leaned against a wall and armed Taliban aimed their guns at us, and a pit was before me. They said they will save us if we believe in Islam. I almost fainted at the time and I still cannot look at cameras." Recalling how Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu was led away to his death, the BBC said Han Ji-young, in tears, added, "Bae didn't even look at us when he was leaving the room. He only said, 'Overcome with faith.'" Continue praying for God to touch the lives of these believers as they deal with their experience in Afghanistan. Pray God comforts the families of the two that were killed. Pray the testimony of these Christians will draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Deuteronomy 28, Psalm 91
INDIA
Christians Beaten by Militants in India – VOM Sources
* BANGALORE: On September 8, Pastor Angam Haokip was attacked by more than 30 men in the village of Geddalahalli, Bangalore. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts in India, the men forced Pastor Haokip to stop his vehicle. VOM contacts reported, "They asked him if he was a pastor and when he said 'yes,' they pulled him out of his car. The men accused him of 'ruining' the nation and beat him in front of several witnesses. They tried to crush his legs with boulders and also kicked him in the neck." The pastor sustained severe injuries to his back and chest and his car was destroyed. When he tried to file a complaint with local police, it was rejected because the police said a complaint had been registered against him for negligent driving.
* HYDERABAD: On September 9, Pastor Sudhakar and four Christians visiting from Singapore were attacked by members of Hindu militant groups while leading a worship service at Bethel Gospel Church in Amberpet, Hyderabad. According to, a report from the All India Christian Council, approximately 300 believers were gathered when the militants forcibly entered the church building and began to shout obscenities against Christianity. The intruders assaulted Pastor Sudhakar with a rod. Prior to the attack, the militants had filed a complaint with local police alleging the pastor and the Singapore team were involved in forcible conversion.
Pray for healing for those injured in the attacks. Ask God to bless the ministry of these pastors and other Christians who are spreading the gospel in India. Pray God touches the lives of the persecutors and leads them to faith in Christ. Romans 8:11, Isaiah 40:31
CHINA
UPDATE: House Church Leader Released from Prison – China Aid Association
On September 10, prominent Beijing house church leader, Pastor Cai Zhuohua, was released after three years in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, "Cai was in good spirits when he was released. Cai was not allowed to read or have a Bible for the past three years. Since his release, he has been picked by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and taken to their office. He has to report to the PSB office once a month and has been warned not to speak out or attend church services." Praise God that Pastor Cai has been reunited with his family. Pray God gives him and other believers in China courage to continually live for Christ, despite the immense challenges they face. Pray their testimonies will draw non-believers, even PSB officers, into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27:1
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Newsweek Revelations
I was in the doctor's waiting room the other day and picked up an issue of Newsweek.
I started read stories of Hillary and other politicians and came to the stark revelation.
The liberal media does not care who they write negative about. If someone looks bad, they're the target.
They take great pride in bringing up past failures. The article could be going good then all of a sudden they throw in a past failure that has noting at all to do with what is going on now. I can see why Dan Q. did not ever get back into the ring. Who wants to have their accomplishments written about and also have a spelling mistake repeated over and over. Like that would make him a bad president.
I am a Bush supporter because he is believable. He does not hid behind fancy speech writers that know how to say everything just right.
He says what's on his mind and allot of times it gets him in hot water. Beware of candidates that always say the right things at the right time. There is something non-human about them.
Also in this issue (Sept. 17, 2007) I was surprised to see an article (Prayer in Pyongyang by Christian Caryl and B.J. Lee) on Christian persecution in North Korea. The story speaks of Son Jong Nam, son of a high ranking officer in the military, who converted to Christianity and returned to NK to share his faith. He is now in prison on death row. I have heard read many blogs on war being not Christian. But if we don't help the oppressed in other countries, who will? England? No way! France? To busy becoming Muslim. Yes the Bible speaks of not kill our enemies, but that speaks of revenge. Would the Lord want us to stand by while others suffer. The Bible speaks of "religion" that is undefiled is to protect the widows and fatherless. How far does this go? And who decides that we wait until the persecutioners come to our doors. Do we let them extremist go on until we have to make the discussion, convert or be beheaded by a Arabian sword.
Yes, a real revelation from Newsweek.
For more info on the suffering Church, goto:
persecution.org
voiceofthesufferingchurch.org
vom.org
I started read stories of Hillary and other politicians and came to the stark revelation.
The liberal media does not care who they write negative about. If someone looks bad, they're the target.
They take great pride in bringing up past failures. The article could be going good then all of a sudden they throw in a past failure that has noting at all to do with what is going on now. I can see why Dan Q. did not ever get back into the ring. Who wants to have their accomplishments written about and also have a spelling mistake repeated over and over. Like that would make him a bad president.
I am a Bush supporter because he is believable. He does not hid behind fancy speech writers that know how to say everything just right.
He says what's on his mind and allot of times it gets him in hot water. Beware of candidates that always say the right things at the right time. There is something non-human about them.
Also in this issue (Sept. 17, 2007) I was surprised to see an article (Prayer in Pyongyang by Christian Caryl and B.J. Lee) on Christian persecution in North Korea. The story speaks of Son Jong Nam, son of a high ranking officer in the military, who converted to Christianity and returned to NK to share his faith. He is now in prison on death row. I have heard read many blogs on war being not Christian. But if we don't help the oppressed in other countries, who will? England? No way! France? To busy becoming Muslim. Yes the Bible speaks of not kill our enemies, but that speaks of revenge. Would the Lord want us to stand by while others suffer. The Bible speaks of "religion" that is undefiled is to protect the widows and fatherless. How far does this go? And who decides that we wait until the persecutioners come to our doors. Do we let them extremist go on until we have to make the discussion, convert or be beheaded by a Arabian sword.
Yes, a real revelation from Newsweek.
For more info on the suffering Church, goto:
persecution.org
voiceofthesufferingchurch.org
vom.org
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
9/11 Today
It is a war between belief systems. They think our nation is of Satan because of the evil we allow to happen in public view........ Well let me not preach.
Where were you on that day. I was working for a sign company in Dothan Al. I was headed for a meeting when my boss came in and told us what was on TV and that the meeting was canceled. We went up to the room were someone had set up a TV and watched in shock.
The rumble of the buildings rocked even our world. Later as the nation sank into financial limbo, our company when bankrupt and sold out. The economics of our business had changed. People did not need signs like they thought they did. Some businesses went under, leaving us with a yard full of unpaid signage that we could not sell. I was laid of soon after.
I can not compare this to those who lost there lives that day or those who lost love ones. But by the Grace of God our Lord Jesus. Today is brighter than that day. When people can sit and complain about there government and not be arrested, that's a brighter day. It's to bad that we as a people don't want others to have that same freedom. Talk all you want about the war and our government, but remember 9/11.
(Originally posted on 9/11/7)
Friday, September 07, 2007
Gordon Lindsay Quote
My Pastor shared this quote in Church last Sunday. It is great and explains a lot.
"If God has called you to be really like Jesus in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility.
He will demand such obedience of you, that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways, He will seem to let other people do things which He will not let you do.
Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it; and if you attempt it, you will meet such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.
Others can brag on themselves, on their work, on their success, on their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing. If you should begin boasting, He will lead you into some deep mortification which will make you despise yourself and all your good works.
The success of others will be obvious in the great sums of money they make, the legacies they leave, or the luxuries they have; but God may supply you daily, because He wants you to have something far better than gold. This is a helpless dependence on Him - that He may have the privilege of providing your needs day by day out of the unseen treasury.
Others may be honored and put forward, but the Lord will keep you hidden away in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory fruit which can only be produced in the shade.
God will let others be great, But keep you small. He will let others do a work for Him, and get the credit for it, but He will make you labor and toil on without knowing how much you are doing. Then, to make your work still more precious, He will allow others to get the credit for the work which you have done - making your reward ten times greater when Jesus comes. With a jealous love, the Holy Spirit will put a strict watch on you, and will rebuke you for idle words and feelings or for wasting your time - which other Christians never seem distressed over. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own. He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in His dealings with you. God will take you at your word; and if you absolutely sell yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in this jealous love, and permit other people to say and do many things that you cannot say or do. Settle it forever - you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit. and He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue. or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes - disciplining you in ways He does not seem to use on others. When you become so possessed with the living God that, in the secret place of your heart, you are pleased and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, protective guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life. you will have found the
vestibule of heaven."
Christ For The Nations Magazine Aug 2007
by Gordan Lindsay published In Christ For The Nations Magazine September. 1970
"If God has called you to be really like Jesus in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility.
He will demand such obedience of you, that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways, He will seem to let other people do things which He will not let you do.
Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it; and if you attempt it, you will meet such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.
Others can brag on themselves, on their work, on their success, on their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing. If you should begin boasting, He will lead you into some deep mortification which will make you despise yourself and all your good works.
The success of others will be obvious in the great sums of money they make, the legacies they leave, or the luxuries they have; but God may supply you daily, because He wants you to have something far better than gold. This is a helpless dependence on Him - that He may have the privilege of providing your needs day by day out of the unseen treasury.
Others may be honored and put forward, but the Lord will keep you hidden away in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory fruit which can only be produced in the shade.
God will let others be great, But keep you small. He will let others do a work for Him, and get the credit for it, but He will make you labor and toil on without knowing how much you are doing. Then, to make your work still more precious, He will allow others to get the credit for the work which you have done - making your reward ten times greater when Jesus comes. With a jealous love, the Holy Spirit will put a strict watch on you, and will rebuke you for idle words and feelings or for wasting your time - which other Christians never seem distressed over. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own. He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in His dealings with you. God will take you at your word; and if you absolutely sell yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in this jealous love, and permit other people to say and do many things that you cannot say or do. Settle it forever - you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit. and He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue. or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes - disciplining you in ways He does not seem to use on others. When you become so possessed with the living God that, in the secret place of your heart, you are pleased and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, protective guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life. you will have found the
vestibule of heaven."
Christ For The Nations Magazine Aug 2007
by Gordan Lindsay published In Christ For The Nations Magazine September. 1970
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
29 Years Ago, Today, I Received Jesus as Lord
I grew up in Church. Influenced to go up to the front and say the prayer at a real young age. After finding church dull I got into drugs and such.
Aug 28, 1978 I had a bad trip which landed me in the local ER.
There I asked for a preacher to come and when my mother found one (my current pastor at that time was in the process of being voted out because of his extra church activities) he read me John 3:16 and asked me to say a prayer. I had done this twice before without any difference in my life, but I went along with it.
Then he asked me a question, "Was I doing drugs?". I had never been asked that before so I said yes. He then told me I needed to ask my parents to forgive me. To make a long story short I went home and asked myself,"If I need to ask my parents to forgive me, then I also need to ask God." And in that instance I "repented" to Christ and received Him in my life. I fold later that I was never born again and if I had died in that state I would be lost to Hell. No mater how much I went to church. It was nothing I did , but Christ. I could not even have come to Christ unless He called me first. And when He calls, that's the time to receive. Not when the preacher calls, but Christ.
Aug 28, 1978 I had a bad trip which landed me in the local ER.
There I asked for a preacher to come and when my mother found one (my current pastor at that time was in the process of being voted out because of his extra church activities) he read me John 3:16 and asked me to say a prayer. I had done this twice before without any difference in my life, but I went along with it.
Then he asked me a question, "Was I doing drugs?". I had never been asked that before so I said yes. He then told me I needed to ask my parents to forgive me. To make a long story short I went home and asked myself,"If I need to ask my parents to forgive me, then I also need to ask God." And in that instance I "repented" to Christ and received Him in my life. I fold later that I was never born again and if I had died in that state I would be lost to Hell. No mater how much I went to church. It was nothing I did , but Christ. I could not even have come to Christ unless He called me first. And when He calls, that's the time to receive. Not when the preacher calls, but Christ.
Monday, August 27, 2007
A Quest For Answsers: The DaVinci Code
I found a copy of the book "The DaVinci Code: A Quest For Answers" by Josh McDowell at a local thrift store the other day. When I started to read it I could not ;put it down.
Now when the movie came out I did not bother to see it or read the book. I had heard enough on Christian TV to know what it was about and the false statements it contained.
So I did not give it any thought. Also the group that I'm around the most, factory workers, could not care less about it. There was NO talk during break time about the movie much less the book.
But when I read the book I saw that I needed to know more about my faith and how to share it. After seeing the movie on the cable TV guide I decided that I needed to see the movie. I did and I saw what I expected.
But back to the book. Josh has it formated like three college students coming out of the movie with questions and decide to read the book and discuss it. The book is basicly the dialogue that goes on about the claims that the charactors in the book/movie talk about.
I it is real easy to read. I read it in one afternoon. And it is not loaded with boring facts but tie the personalities of the students into the data.
The facts in this book are backed up with source references by Josh.
It is a very good read for those questioning Christ's claims of being God and His resurrection.
For those who do not know Dr. McDowell, he is the author of the book "Evidence That Demands a Verdict", now updated. He was a confirmed atheist in college and on writting his thesis on Jesus never existed, cvame to know Him throught his research.
Now when the movie came out I did not bother to see it or read the book. I had heard enough on Christian TV to know what it was about and the false statements it contained.
So I did not give it any thought. Also the group that I'm around the most, factory workers, could not care less about it. There was NO talk during break time about the movie much less the book.
But when I read the book I saw that I needed to know more about my faith and how to share it. After seeing the movie on the cable TV guide I decided that I needed to see the movie. I did and I saw what I expected.
But back to the book. Josh has it formated like three college students coming out of the movie with questions and decide to read the book and discuss it. The book is basicly the dialogue that goes on about the claims that the charactors in the book/movie talk about.
I it is real easy to read. I read it in one afternoon. And it is not loaded with boring facts but tie the personalities of the students into the data.
The facts in this book are backed up with source references by Josh.
It is a very good read for those questioning Christ's claims of being God and His resurrection.
For those who do not know Dr. McDowell, he is the author of the book "Evidence That Demands a Verdict", now updated. He was a confirmed atheist in college and on writting his thesis on Jesus never existed, cvame to know Him throught his research.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Book Review: The Wounded Spirit by Frank Peretti
Book Review: The Wounded Spirit by Frank Peretti
Off The back Dust-covert: " If you've ever been there. You've never forgotten. The feeling is as haunting and familiar as the smell of a junior high-school locker room.
It's the feeling of being undersized ....or klutzy or less than beautiful. Of being a nerd... or a geek ... or just, somehow, different. It's knowing you are vulnerable - and someone is ready and willing to take full advantage of your weakness by making your life miserable.
It's the fraternity you never wanted to join - the fellowship of the wounded spirit."
This is one book that I almost could not finish reading. Not because it was boring or full of untruths. It was because it hit to close to home. My home.
Just as the author Frank Peretti shared how he was bullied and mistreated as a kid. I to was picked on by those bigger and stronger. It brought back many memories I had tried hard to forget and succeeded. Until now.
Mr. Peretti shares some very good advice on how students, parents and school officials can deal with this problem in a positive way.
This book came to late for the students of Columbine. But it's time has come. I believe that if Christ had not saved me and I to was indoctrinated by the belief of "natural selection", Cottonwood High would have made it to the news first instead of Columbine.
This book is a must for teachers, principals and coaches. Not to mention bullies themselves would benefit greatly.
Off The back Dust-covert: " If you've ever been there. You've never forgotten. The feeling is as haunting and familiar as the smell of a junior high-school locker room.
It's the feeling of being undersized ....or klutzy or less than beautiful. Of being a nerd... or a geek ... or just, somehow, different. It's knowing you are vulnerable - and someone is ready and willing to take full advantage of your weakness by making your life miserable.
It's the fraternity you never wanted to join - the fellowship of the wounded spirit."
This is one book that I almost could not finish reading. Not because it was boring or full of untruths. It was because it hit to close to home. My home.
Just as the author Frank Peretti shared how he was bullied and mistreated as a kid. I to was picked on by those bigger and stronger. It brought back many memories I had tried hard to forget and succeeded. Until now.
Mr. Peretti shares some very good advice on how students, parents and school officials can deal with this problem in a positive way.
This book came to late for the students of Columbine. But it's time has come. I believe that if Christ had not saved me and I to was indoctrinated by the belief of "natural selection", Cottonwood High would have made it to the news first instead of Columbine.
This book is a must for teachers, principals and coaches. Not to mention bullies themselves would benefit greatly.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Out of Print Book: God and the Day's Work
I've found this book at a thrift store and I am trying to find out if I can copy it to the internet.
The book is: God and the Day's Work by Robert L. Calhoun
The back cover reads:
"Robert Calhoun, Yale University Divinity School, revises his God and the Day's Work to make a Reflection Book that speaks honestly, directly, and realistically to the problem and the necessity of Christian vocation in an unchristian world - that God's requirements of faith and willing obedience may be fulfilled in whatever place a person may have been "called". Beginning with God - living mind at work, Dr. Calhoun portrays the distinctive status of man, the worker, in God's plans; defines daily work as a divine calling to have a part in God's perpetual task of making and remaking His world; suggests the deep level of religious living that flows from the socially responsible rhythm of worship and work.God and the Day's Work is not a call to specific Christian vocations; it's a call to transform all work and vocations into Christian vocation."
What a concept and get this. The book was copyrighted in 1957 by the National Board of the YMCA
LCCCN:57-11605
As stated I would like to upload this book to the internet. I've tried to research it but am getting nowhere. Any help would be welcomed.
The book is: God and the Day's Work by Robert L. Calhoun
The back cover reads:
"Robert Calhoun, Yale University Divinity School, revises his God and the Day's Work to make a Reflection Book that speaks honestly, directly, and realistically to the problem and the necessity of Christian vocation in an unchristian world - that God's requirements of faith and willing obedience may be fulfilled in whatever place a person may have been "called". Beginning with God - living mind at work, Dr. Calhoun portrays the distinctive status of man, the worker, in God's plans; defines daily work as a divine calling to have a part in God's perpetual task of making and remaking His world; suggests the deep level of religious living that flows from the socially responsible rhythm of worship and work.God and the Day's Work is not a call to specific Christian vocations; it's a call to transform all work and vocations into Christian vocation."
What a concept and get this. The book was copyrighted in 1957 by the National Board of the YMCA
LCCCN:57-11605
As stated I would like to upload this book to the internet. I've tried to research it but am getting nowhere. Any help would be welcomed.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
The Fourth Frontier
From the flyleaf: "The typical American spends 80,000 to 100,000 of his or her
best hours at work. For many, those hours are spent without a sense of purpose,
meaning or passion. But it doesn't have to be that way."
A book from the people at Life@Work Co., does a good job showing us that our
job is a calling and how we can fulfill this calling. A lot pg good advice on family,
finance and other parts of life that co-exist with our jobs. And how to fulfill
God's will in our daily lives through our work.
Also how the workplace is a mission field for us to serve. As stated in this quote:
"It is the marketplace that carries the traffic of a lost work."
A good book and a standard for those who are taking up the call to the Fourth Frontier.
The Fourth Frontier
Exploring The New World Of Work
by Stephen R. Graves and Thomas G. Addington
C.2000 Graves and Addington
ISBN: 0-8499-1668-2
best hours at work. For many, those hours are spent without a sense of purpose,
meaning or passion. But it doesn't have to be that way."
A book from the people at Life@Work Co., does a good job showing us that our
job is a calling and how we can fulfill this calling. A lot pg good advice on family,
finance and other parts of life that co-exist with our jobs. And how to fulfill
God's will in our daily lives through our work.
Also how the workplace is a mission field for us to serve. As stated in this quote:
"It is the marketplace that carries the traffic of a lost work."
A good book and a standard for those who are taking up the call to the Fourth Frontier.
The Fourth Frontier
Exploring The New World Of Work
by Stephen R. Graves and Thomas G. Addington
C.2000 Graves and Addington
ISBN: 0-8499-1668-2
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Chicken Soup For The Soul At Work
by Canfield, Hansen, Rogerson, Rutte and Clauss
I have been reading this book as a sleeper, just before I pass out for the night. It turned out to be a really good book to relax with and whine-down from the day.
The stories are mildly inspirational with some very good stories of real life from people like Alex Haley and Scott "Dilbert" Adams. And I really liked the story by Dave Thomas.
If your looking for deep spiritual reading to give you something to contemplate, this is not it. The stories are watered down to appeal to all faiths. But it is still a good read. I recommend it.
C. 1996 by the above authors
ISBN: 1-55874-424-x
PUB: Heath Communications, Inc.
LIbary of Congress HD4905.C448 1996
331.25-dc20
I have been reading this book as a sleeper, just before I pass out for the night. It turned out to be a really good book to relax with and whine-down from the day.
The stories are mildly inspirational with some very good stories of real life from people like Alex Haley and Scott "Dilbert" Adams. And I really liked the story by Dave Thomas.
If your looking for deep spiritual reading to give you something to contemplate, this is not it. The stories are watered down to appeal to all faiths. But it is still a good read. I recommend it.
C. 1996 by the above authors
ISBN: 1-55874-424-x
PUB: Heath Communications, Inc.
LIbary of Congress HD4905.C448 1996
331.25-dc20
Monday, July 16, 2007
Book Review: The Monday Connection
The Monday Connection: A Spirituality of Competence, Affirmation, and Support in the Workplace
by William E. Diehl
From the flyleaf: "Work is a part of God's plan for mankind. We are called to continue God's creative process through the work that we do. Our greatest witness to our faith in our places of work is our degree of competency. Unless we are competent, our witness as Christians is not seriously received by the world."
This book came out in 1991 and I've heard of it long ago, but never read it until now. Mr. Biehl does a good job of laying a background to the "Marketplace Ministry". Helping us to change our attitude about work and to see it for what it is. He does spread it on thick about Churches being ignorant of work issues. That may be right in some denominational and indepentant churches with full time pastors. But it is my exsperience that small churches with bi-vocational pastors do have a clue. My pastor since 1981 is a cattleman and peanut farmer. Well familar with the marketplace and in trying to reach those in his path. So all churches are not grouped together in this aspect.
This book does give some very good ways in which the Church can help us to reach those in our workplaces. This is a must read for all who are called to their workplaces.
Book Info:
Title: The Monday Connection
Author: William E. Diehl
Copyright: 1991 by author
Publisher: Harper-Collins
ISBN: 0-06-061925-2
Lof C#: BT738.5.D56 1991
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Evidence of God for Atheist
I've been thinking of all the atheist blogs I have read
through http://www.blogexplosion.com, and how they want proof of God. They want
to sense Him with their five senses. They want Him to come down and reveal
Himself to them. Know Him without faith. Then the other day while running my
machine at work, I realized He had done just that. He came down and people touched
Him. They smelled Him. They heard Him. They saw Him and they tasted Him in a
kiss of betrayal.
It is all recorded in a collection of books written in a span of thousands of years by multiple authors of various backgrounds. All inspired by the Spirit of the God-Man.
Now atheist will explain away the Bible and say that it is not reliable. Although witnesses of the events around the God-man gave their lives to seal their witness that He was who He said He was. They sensed Him with the only sense that God can use to reveal Himself, Faith. No atheist has laid down their life to witness that God does not exist.
Oh Did I mention who the God-man was known as. Jesus.
Now the atheist wants Him to appear again so that they can sense Him for themselves.
I say with love for these persons. He will appear again in all His glory. He will be sensed by all.
Posted: Sunday, June 24, 2007 It is all recorded in a collection of books written in a span of thousands of years by multiple authors of various backgrounds. All inspired by the Spirit of the God-Man.
Now atheist will explain away the Bible and say that it is not reliable. Although witnesses of the events around the God-man gave their lives to seal their witness that He was who He said He was. They sensed Him with the only sense that God can use to reveal Himself, Faith. No atheist has laid down their life to witness that God does not exist.
Oh Did I mention who the God-man was known as. Jesus.
Now the atheist wants Him to appear again so that they can sense Him for themselves.
I say with love for these persons. He will appear again in all His glory. He will be sensed by all.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Work as Prayer by J.H. Oldham
Work as Prayer.
For the Christian everything he does is an offering to God, and this must affect profoundly the Christian attitude to work. It is in relation to God that the apparent conflict between work as ministry and work as individual creative achievement is resolved. For man's creativity in the Christian view is derivative. It is a response to the creative demand of God, an act performed for the love of God and the service of one's fellows.
Those who laid the foundations of western civilization had a doctrine of work which they formulated in the phrase: Laborare est orare. Can that still be the foundation and heart of a Christian doctrine of work in modern society? An English industrialist, Mr. T. M. Heron, raises that question pointedly in an essay in Prospect for Christendom.12 "Can a financier or a machine tender," he asks, "really pray at his work to-day? Can he practise the presence of God as he plans his next deal or struggles against the monotony of his nut-tightening? Can he see in the thing he is making or causing to be made something which is being made for Christ's sake? Let us admit without reservation that unless in each case the Christian can answer these questions with a simple affirmative he must, if he is logical, give up his Christianity or his activity in relation to money or the machine."
In actual fact there can take place in many forms of work-notably in the concentration of the artist upon his task and in the process of scientific discovery, but also in craftsmanship of various kinds, in wrestling successfully with intransigent material and in the organizing task of arranging and re-ordering some part of the natural-world to serve a particu1ar purpose experience that is analogous to the act of prayer. "It is a matter of common experience," to quote Mr. Heron again, "that the labourer sometimes loses himself in his work and that when he does so his load is eased. There is a strong resemblance between this condition of the body absorbed in what we call work and its state in the silence we call prayer; and the reason for the resemblance is that in both cases man is giving himself to God in the one instance to God at work in the natural creation, in the other to God at rest in the spirit."
It will be evident from what has been said in preceding pages what far-reaching changes have to be brought about in modern industry before the assertion laborare est orare can be for many of those engaged in it anything but a mockery. In the conception of work as prayer there is also much room for self-deception. Men may find absorption in activities which a more sensitive Christian conscience would condemn; in work, as in worship, they can serve idols in place of the true and living God. Emotional experiences need always to be submitted to the test of a critical judgement. But in spite of the danger of hypocrisy and illusion, it remains true that work acquires a depth of meaning in proportion as it partakes of the nature of prayer.
From the Book:
Work In Modern Society by J.H. Oldham
C. 1950 Study Dept. World Council of Churches
C. 1961-62 John Knox Press
LCCCN:61-16580
12 Faber and Faber, p. 116.
Wayne Brooks
504 S.Cherry St.
Dothan, Al. 36301
PWP: www.geocities.com/wayneb36301
Blog: www.marketplacechristian.blogspot.com/
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Wednesday, May 09, 2007
"The Saving Life of Christ", by Major Ian Thomas
Just finished reading, "The Saving Life of Christ", by Major Ian Thomas for the second time. It is one of those books that you can read over and over and get something new each time. That's how you can tell if a book is inspired from the Lord. He points out that a lot of christians leave Christ on the cross after they except Him and that's why they do not measure up to the goal God has for them. To be like Jesus. And we can not be made like Him by Him if we leave Him on the cross instead of letting Him live and rule in our hearts.
Good stuff.
There is more to be said about the book, but alas, time forbids.
Good stuff.
There is more to be said about the book, but alas, time forbids.
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