Wednesday, September 29, 2010
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Obama: 'Christian by choice'
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – President Barack Obama, in a rare discussion about his religious beliefs, described himself on Tuesday as a "Christian by choice" who arrived at his faith in adulthood because "the precepts of Jesus Christ" helped him envision the kind of life he wanted to lead. (Read reaction: "A muddled Christian testimony?")
Obama talked about his beliefs when he was asked, "Why are you a Christian." The question was posed by a woman at a backyard conversation here, part of a series of meetings Obama is holding to talk informally with Americans.
Some conservatives and political opponents have questioned Obama's Christian faith. In fact, a Pew Research Center poll in August found that 18 percent of people wrongly believe Obama is Muslim - up from 11 percent who said so in March 2009. Just 34 percent said they thought Obama is Christian.
"I'm a Christian by choice," Obama told his audience here. "My family didn't - frankly, they weren't folks who went to church every week. And my mother was one of the most spiritual people I knew, but she didn't raise me in the church.
"So I came to my Christian faith later in life, and it was because the precepts of Jesus Christ spoke to me in terms of the kind of life that I would want to lead - being my brothers' and sisters' keeper, treating others as they would treat me," he continued.
"And I think also understanding that Jesus Christ dying for my sins spoke to the humility we all have to have as human beings, that we're sinful and we're flawed and we make mistakes, and that we achieve salvation through the grace of God," Obama said. "But what we can do, as flawed as we are, is still see God in other people and do our best to help them find their own grace."
Obama said he seeks to do that through daily prayer and public service. "That's what I strive to do. That's what I pray to do every day," he said. "I think my public service is part of that effort to express my Christian faith."
Story continues below ...
What troubles you the most about President Obama's views about Christianity?
Obama is the son of a Muslim father from Kenya. His mother was from Kansas. As a boy, he lived for several years in predominantly Muslim Indonesia with his mother and Indonesian stepfather. Some think his full name, Barack Hussein Obama, sounds Muslim.
Obama turned his extended reply to the question about his faith into a subtle call for religious tolerance.
"One thing I want to emphasize, having spoken about something that obviously relates to me very personally, as president of the United States I'm also somebody who deeply believes that part of the bedrock strength of this country is that it embraces people of many faiths and no faith," he said. "That this is a country that is still predominantly Christian, but we have Jews, Muslims, Hindus, atheists, agnostics, Buddhists, and that their own path to grace is one that we have to revere and respect as much as our own."
"That's part of what makes this country what it is," Obama said.
Obama was a longtime member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. But during the 2008 presidential campaign he resigned from the church and cut ties with its pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, after videotapes surfaced of sermons in which Wright shouted "God damn America" and accused the government of creating AIDS.
Wright had helped Obama embrace Christianity, officiated at his wedding and baptized Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha.
Obama and his family have worshipped at several churches in Washington, and aides say the president enjoys attending services at the chapel at the Camp David presidential retreat. But he has yet to join a congregation in the nation's capital.
Obama's questioner said she had three "hot topic" questions for him. Her other questions were about abortion and whether he'd take home some of her husband's chili peppers.
Obama said abortion should be "safe, legal and rare" and that such a decision should be made by the woman involved, not the government. And, he said, he'd take some of the peppers to go.
"I like spicy food to go with your spicy questions," Obama said.
Pastors as leftist shills?
Posted: September 25, 2010
1:00 am Eastern
© 2010
1:00 am Eastern
© 2010
Once again the Texas State Board of Education has erupted into the national news scene, this time by considering a resolution shedding light on anti-Christian bias in some history textbooks. Such bias is old news to anyone following the direction of the government education complex over the past 40 years. However, once again Texas can serve as a counterbalance simply due to the volume of its textbook purchases.
Compared to its peers of California and New York, it is also the only large state with any remaining conservative philosophy present at the decision-making level. Hence, the only reason for the attention to the battles in Texas is because a battle is present at all.
The conservative members of the SBOE are essentially serving as the Alamo for the nation's children in government schools. As usual, the Texas Freedom Network (founded by Planned Parenthood of America Federation president Cecile Richards), Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the ACLU were present and protesting loudly that the resolution and its claims are "political." It's always political when you disagree with the left.
They say the board should stick to education because, of course, these liberal, anti-Christian organizations are truly interested in quality, accurate and excellent education for our children, right? Right. However, I expect this of these groups because I know who they are.
Once again, my guns are aimed at the pathetic preachers, pitiful pastors and compromised clergy that TFN, AU, ACLU and their ilk trot out as props for their leftist agendas. They disgust me. Their list of "nearly 100 religious leaders from Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths" who signed a letter opposing the resolution represents a tiny cadre of liberals who have all rejected the fundamentals of their own faiths.
Among them are "Rev. Larry Bethune, senior pastor at University Baptist Church in Austin; Rev. Bobbi Kaye Jones, district superintendent of the Austin District of the United Methodist Church; and Rabbi Neil Blumofe of the Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin." Liberal, liberal and liberal.
These same clergy are used by these groups to support abortion on demand, sexual diversity, same-sex marriage, secularized education, cleansing the public square of biblical Christianity, etc. What we have to realize is that if conservative, Bible-believing pastors do not engage and contend with them, they are left as the de facto voice of the church.
Not on my watch, and fortunately we have increasing numbers of pastors who are stepping into the fray. With that said, we are not enough and there are still too many sitting safely in their pastor's study letting others take the bullets for them. Others like Terri Leo, David Bradley, Don McLeroy, Ken Mercer, Gail Lowe, Barbara Cargill and Cynthia Dunbar – the "Magnificent Seven" who voted to adopt this resolution (on a seven-to-six margin) and who will certainly again be vilified by the media, education elites and the sorry excuse for clergy mentioned above.
It was my joy to testify at the hearing and represent the hundreds of "real" pastors around this state we speak for as well as all those who share our values but have not yet suited up for the game. What I am reminded every time I attend a meeting of an elected body is the significant influence that comes just with showing up. Far too often, it is not those with an interest of putting government back in its biblical and constitutional restraints who do so.
My challenge to you every pastor today is to not let one more battle go by and wish you had done something. Don't let one more baby be murdered through abortion, one more attack against God's design of marriage, one more assault on religious freedom and free speech, one more grievance against private property and freedom pass without your voice.
The wave of national course correction that is rising through the tea parties will have its impact – but let the church arise with boldness, courage, humility and determination so it will no longer be said of us:
Woe, shepherds of Israel … You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered. (Ezekiel 34:1-6)
This victory in Texas was again a victory for the nation. However, the government still controls the education of most of the nation's children, and the religious and anti-religious secularists are not going away.
Friday, September 17, 2010
How to Be Happy in Life Today February 12, 2010 by Robert Filed under Christian Articles
Happiness is a choice. Everyone is in the pursuit of happiness. Entire sections of bookstores are devoted to finding it. Women’s magazines feature quizzes with titles like, “How Do You Rate on the Happiness Scale?” People climb mountains, take Pilates, and run marathons. People drink, take drugs, and take unsafe risks. All in the quest for happiness.
Obviously, happiness is not easily obtained. Some people believe it is a myth. Yet some people claim that they are truly happy. People have been claiming this for centuries. The truth is, happiness can be found in a life with Jesus Christ.
Bad things still happen. Happy people still get sad, still get angry, but they have somewhere to take these feelings. They have a personal relationship with a personal God, a God who knows all their wants, all their needs, before they even ask. When they feel unhappy, they are able to go to God. This brings peace. This brings joy. This makes them happy.
In the Book of John, Chapter 15, Christ tells us that He is the vine, and that God is the gardener. We, the believers, are the vine’s branches, and we bear fruit. This is an apt metaphor, because it shows us that God wants us to be fruitful. Verse 8 says, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” By living well, by bearing fruit, we glorify God. God wants us to be happy. Our happiness glorifies Him. Our happiness makes God happy. In this same chapter, Jesus tells us that we cannot bear fruit unless we remain in the vine. Is it possible that true happiness is actually impossible, unless we try it via the vine, via Jesus Christ? In Verse 7, Christ says, “If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you.” This sounds too simple, doesn’t it? If we remain in Christ, if we meditate on His Word, keep His Word in our hearts, we can ask for anything our hearts desire. And according to this verse, it is God’s true desire to grant us our desires. In Verse 11, Jesus says, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Sometimes it is not easy to believe in these promises. No, faith is not supposed to be easy. If it were, then everybody would be faithful. Faith requires a willful submission to beliefs that sometimes won’t make sense to us. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It’s not supposed to be easy. But we are called to do it anyway. In Matthew 17, Christ says, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” If faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, if with faith in God, nothing is impossible, doesn’t that make our individual happiness seem like a fairly simple task? Not only does God want us to be happy, but it is a simple undertaking for Him. He’s the God of the universe, of all that has been and will be. Surely He can make me happy. But I have to have faith.
Even when things go wrong, we need to have faith. The Bible says, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Belief in God does not create a protective bubble around us. We see crime. We see cancer. We see war. We see these things, and we ask ourselves, why? We ask God, why? We wonder, how we can ever be happy in a world so torn? But Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” All these things happening in the world, all these things that hurt us and confuse us, all these things are somehow going to work for good. How do we know? We have to have faith. We’re back to the mustard seed. When something bad happens, we have to believe that it is for a greater good, that it is all part of God’s plan.
Sometimes, we even feel guilty for our happiness. This is the world talking, not the Holy Spirit. We should never feel guilty for our joy. Our joy is a gift from God, and by letting the world see our joy, even in the midst of so much pain, we let the world see our faith. By showing the world our faith, we show them our God. Our happiness glorifies Him. Our happiness is a gift from Him. All we have to do is reach out and accept it.
Sometimes, we even feel guilty for our happiness. This is the world talking, not the Holy Spirit. We should never feel guilty for our joy. Our joy is a gift from God, and by letting the world see our joy, even in the midst of so much pain, we let the world see our faith. By showing the world our faith, we show them our God. Our happiness glorifies Him. Our happiness is a gift from Him. All we have to do is reach out and accept it.
Robert Moment is an innovative forward-thinking “throw the box away” inspirational life coach, marketing expert, speaker and author of God Will Always Be There For You. Robert is passionate about empowering individuals on how to experience God’s love, peace, power and prosperity in their lives. Visit http://www.ChristianInspirational.org and sign-up for the FREE online bible study titled, Christian Living. Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/ChristiansFaith.
Faithful Young Woman
Faithful Young Woman...
One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at herheart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord andSavior.
The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs,and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident. As time went on shebecame a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved inthe ministry, teaching young children.
It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. Therelationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when theproblems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that awoman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son.
The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decidedto have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensionsincreased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand.
The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear thepain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement wasthis: "My fiancee's past is not what is on trial here. What you arequestioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin."
"Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash awaysin or not?" The whole church began to weep as they realized that they hadbeen slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothersand sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of ourLord Jesus Christ.
If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins?... Nothing butthe blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!
Click here to read more faithful stories.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Quiz: How High Is Your Self Esteem?
Patricia Spadaro
Are you your own cheerleader or your worst enemy? Your sense of self-worth and what you think about yourself determines a great many things. It shapes how you act and react, how others treat you, and what kind of people show up in your life. What’s your self-esteem quotient? Take this quiz and find out.
Patricia Spadaro is the author of Honor Yourself: The Inner Art of Giving and Receiving, which explores how to get unstuck and create more balanced, authentic living. For more inspiration on how to create your life with power, purpose, and passion, visit her at www.HowToHonorYourself.com.
21 Simple Ways to Be Happy
Tips to Help You Find Happiness
If you are looking for happiness, you've come to the right place! Happiness is a state of being that only you can create. Happiness is a choice that you make. Using what I've learned as a life and wellness coach, this gallery will share with you the best tips on happiness that can help you to create happiness in your life! Get ready to smile, chant, eat dark chocolate and dream... big!
Janice Taylor is the author of the Our Lady of Weight Loss blog on Beliefnet, and the book, All is Forgiven, Move On.
21 Ways to Make Meaningful Connections
Forge Vital Relationships with Others in Everyday Life
Find out how to open new doors by connecting more deeply with the people in your world.
By Melinda Blau
An African proverb tells us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
The need to belong–to feel that you have people to turn to–is so basic and so critical to mental and physical health that some scientists put it right up there with thirst and hunger. And just as we drink to quench our thirst or eat to soothe a growling stomach, we also can stave off social isolation. Here are 21 ways to forge vital connections in everyday life.
Journalist Melinda Blau, is the author of 13 books and more than 80 magazine pieces. The tips were inspired by her most recent book, "Consequential Strangers: The Power of People Who Don’t Seem to Matter...But Really Do." For more information, visit: www.consequentialstrangers.com.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Jesus and Mary Magdalene: Did they have a secret marriage?
Mrs. Jesus
Has history been wrong for 2000 years---was there a Mrs. Jesus Christ? In, “The Jesus Family Tomb,” (The Discovery Channel’s TV documentary) director Simcha Jacobovici claims there is “evidence” that Jesus and Mary Magdalene indeed were married and had a son named Judah.
(To see what scholars say about Jacobovici’s “evidence” see, "The Jesus Family Tomb)" article .
Jacobovici is not the first to postulate a possible romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary. The movie, The Last Temptation of Christ, and books such as Holy Blood, Holy Grail, and The Da Vinci Code, made a secret relationship between Jesus and Mary central to their themes.
The Da Vinci Code begins with a page of facts that makes the fictional novel appear to be true in all its assertions. The book has broken all records on the New York Times best-sellers list, and has been followed by a blockbuster movie. Author Dan Brown’s clever weaving of fact with fiction has convinced many readers that Jesus and Mary Magdalene really were married and had a child (See “Mona Lisa’s Smirk”). But is this romantic assertion just hype to sell books and movies, or is it supported by historical evidence.
Mysterious Mary
Before we examine the evidence for any possible romance between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, let’s look into this person of Mary from the little Galilean town of Magdala. To begin we ask the question, what ancient documents shed light upon her character and her relationship with Jesus of Nazareth?
The New Testament gospels are the oldest written records of Mary of Magdala. In the gospels Mary is depicted as a woman who Jesus healed of demon possession. The gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John) present Mary as a follower of Jesus who listened to his teaching, provided for his financial needs, witnessed his crucifixion, and three days later was first to see him alive.
Some have said Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, but neither the apostles nor the early church speak of her as more than one of Jesus’ close disciples. The idea that she was a prostitute originated in the sixth century, when Pope Gregory I identified her as both the woman spoken of in Luke 7:37, and the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair.
Although the pope’s view was probably influenced by the fact that Jesus had cast seven demons out of her, no biblical scholar is able to make the connection of Mary Magdalene with the woman in Luke’s passage. Additionally, the New Testament gospels don’t even hint of anything romantic or sexual between Jesus and Mary.
So where do conspiracy theorists get the idea? Why all the speculation? For that we turn to documents written 100-200 years after the New Testament gospels by a non-Christian cult called the Gnostics (See "Gnostic Gospels)". These writings are not part of the New Testament, and were rejected by early Christians as heretical. Those who write of a romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary cite a few passages from two of those writings, the Gospel of Mary and the Gospel of Philip. Let’s look at those passages.
Are the Gospels true?
Are the New Testament gospels the true eyewitness history of Jesus Christ, or could the story have been changed through the years? Must we simply take the New Testament accounts of Jesus by faith, or is there evidence for their reliability?
The late ABC News anchor Peter Jennings was in Israel broadcasting a television special on Jesus Christ. His program, “The Search for Jesus,” explored the question of whether the Jesus of the New Testament was historically accurate.
Jennings featured opinions on the Gospel accounts from DePaul professor John Dominic Crossan, three of Crossan’s colleagues from the Jesus Seminar, and two other Bible scholars. (The Jesus Seminar is a group of scholars who debate Jesus’ recorded words and actions and then use red, pink, gray, or black beads to cast votes indicating how trustworthy they believe statements in the Gospels are.)1
Some of the comments were stunning. There on national TV Dr. Crossan not only cast doubt on more than 80 percent of Jesus’ sayings but also denied Jesus’ claims to divinity, his miracles, and his resurrection. Jennings clearly was intrigued by the image of Jesus presented by Crossan.
Searching for true Bible history is always news, which is why every year Time and Newsweek go on a cover story quest for Mary, Jesus, Moses, or Abraham. Or—who knows?—maybe this year it will be “Bob: The Untold Story of the Missing 13th Disciple.”
This is entertainment, and so the investigation will never end nor yield answers, as that would eliminate future programming. Instead, those with radically different views are thrown together like an episode of Survivor, hopelessly convoluting the issue rather than bringing clarity.
But Jennings’s report did focus on one issue that ought to be given some serious thought. Crossan implied that the original accounts of Jesus were embellished by oral tradition and were not written down until after the apostles were dead. Thus they are largely unreliable and fail to give us an accurate picture of the real Jesus. How are we to know if this is really true?
Click here to read page 2 of 10 about "Is the New Testament reliable?"
Did Jesus rise from the dead?
We all wonder what will happen to us after we die. When a loved one dies, we long to see him or her again after our turn comes. Will we have a glorious reunion with those we love or is death the end of all consciousness?
Jesus taught that life does not end after our bodies die. He made this startling claim: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again.” According to the eyewitnesses closest to him, Jesus then demonstrated his power over death by rising from the dead after being crucified and buried for three days. It is this belief that has given hope to Christians for nearly 2000 years.
But some people have no hope of life after death. The atheistic philosopher Bertrand Russell wrote, “I believe that when I die I shall rot, and nothing of my own ego will survive.”1 Russell obviously didn’t believe Jesus’ words.
Jesus’ followers wrote that he appeared alive to them after his crucifixion and burial. They claim not only to have seen him but also to have eaten with him, touched him, and spent 40 days with him.
So could this have been simply a story that grew over time, or is it based upon solid evidence? The answer to this question is foundational to Christianity. For if Jesus did rise from the dead, it would validate everything he said about himself, about the meaning of life, and about our destiny after death.
If Jesus did rise from the dead then he alone would have the answers to what life is about and what is facing us after we die. On the other hand, if the resurrection account of Jesus is not true, then Christianity would be founded upon a lie. Theologian R. C. Sproul puts it this way:
“The claim of resurrection is vital to Christianity. If Christ has been raised from the dead by God, then He has the credentials and certification that no other religious leader possesses. Buddha is dead. Mohammad is dead. Moses is dead. Confucius is dead. But, according to…Christianity, Christ is alive.”2
Many skeptics have attempted to disprove the resurrection. Josh McDowell was one such skeptic who spent more than seven hundred hours researching the evidence for the resurrection. McDowell stated this regarding the importance of the resurrection:
“I have come to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted upon the minds of men, OR it is the most fantastic fact of history.”3
So, is Jesus' resurrection a fantastic fact or a vicious myth? To find out, we need to look at the evidence of history and draw our own conclusions. Let’s see what skeptics who investigated the resurrection discovered for themselves.
Click here to continue reading "Did Jesus rise from the dead?"
12-Hour Prayer, Fasting Rally Hits SacramentoWith eyes closed and bodies swaying to the sound of Christian rock music, the crowd gathered at the Calif
With eyes closed and bodies swaying to the sound of Christian rock music, the crowd gathered at the California State Capitol building Saturday appeared entranced in another world as they invoked the name of God to save the state and the nation.
Attendees of TheCall Sacramento gathered in front of California's State Capitol building for a 12-hour fasting and prayer event on Saturday, September 4, 2010.
Christian leaders who took the stage at TheCall Sacramento event repeatedly sounded the alarm on the destructive path that they say America is heading down and highlighted the need for Christians to rise up and pray for God to turn the country back to Him.
The problems of abortion, the ruling on California’s voter-approved marriage definition, and addictions cannot be solely blamed on the government, said the speakers. But individual Christians should repent and pray God will change the hearts of men and women.
“The government is the people. And the people is a reflection of the Church,” said Lou Engle, founder of TheCall, during the rally. “The problem is not the government; it is the church.
“If my people would humble themselves and pray, [then] the church gains authority and begins to win the battle,” he said, alluding to 2 Chronicles 7:14 in the Bible.
For 12 hours on Saturday, participants of TheCall Sacramento fasted and prayed in front of California’s state capitol building in repentance and for a national revival.
Bishop Harry Jackson, who led the opposition against D.C.’s gay marriage law, prayed for President Obama to have a “Damascus” experience, referring to the conversion Apostle Paul experienced on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians.
Engle called on the rally participants to pray for members of Congress and for God to raise up righteous leaders who are humble, care for the poor, defend the life of the unborn, and traditional marriage.
“The ‘60s is termed the generation gap. We are 40 years into a great separation, really a rebellion from the heart and foundation of our forefathers,” said Engle. “We are right now at the end of that 40-year cycle and today we want to believe that God can do something and the rebellion can end.”
TheCall events are inspired by the story in Joel 2, which prescribes for people to gather to fast and pray in times of crisis.
The first such event occurred during the election year of 2000, when George W. Bush was elected president. Engle said he felt compelled to hold the prayer and fasting event because of the impact that the elected president will have on the issues of abortion, marriage, and other foundational moral principle.
Some 400,000 people, mostly young adults, participated in the first TheCall event at The National Mall in Washington, D.C. in 2000.
Other similar events have been held across the country and around the world.
Now ten years later, “the stakes couldn’t be higher,” commented leaders of The Call on the movement’s website.
“This is the time for a great spiritual outpouring to be unleashed to meet the demand of these times,” they added for the Sacramento event. “Can California be changed? Can a nation be changed? Yes, but only if they are altar-ed!”
Other prominent speakers on Saturday included Brad Bright, the son of Campus Crusade for Christ founder Bill Bright, and Samuel Rodriguez, president of the evangelical National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
Churches not exempt from nation’s foreclosure problems
By Lawrence Budd, Staff Writer Updated 7:22 PM Saturday, September 4, 2010
CLEARCREEK TWP., Warren County — Pekin Road Baptist Church and the former Ridgeville Community Church are local examples of a negative national trend in the American mortgage industry.
Since December 2007, the number of foreclosure proceedings brought against churches has tripled compared with the previous seven years, according to a review of the Thomson Reuters Westlaw legal database which tracks foreclosures.
After 43 years without a single one, the Evangelical Christian Credit Union saw its foreclosure rate more than double to 7.7 percent in July 2010 from 3.7 percent at the end of 2008, spokesman Jac La Tour said.
The trend suggests churches, like other nonprofits, are under extreme financial duress, La Tour said.
“The last place any of them is going to look (to cut spending) is their mortgage,” he said, adding the rate of foreclosure among the roughly 1,000 evangelical ministries with mortgages under management by his credit union had dipped from 8.2 percent at the end of June.
While linked to today’s tough economic times and the national mortgage crisis, religious leaders and experts said the quickening rate of foreclosure by churches could also be traced to competition from new churches and changes in where, how often, and if people go to church in America.
“All churches in this country, at least Protestant churches, depend on voluntary contributions of members. If people are hurting, they are going to have less discretionary income. Churches might be the last place they would cut,” said Ava Chamberlain, a professor of American religious history at Wright State University.
“As different sorts of religious expression become more attractive and more popular, those churches become more popular, and they grow and get more members,” she said. “It’s been going on since the early 19th century (since religious freedom, and separation of church and state were ratified in the U.S. Constitution).”
People “shopping” for a new church consider issues like dress code and political stances on issues, such as gay clergy.
“They might not go to church or they might find another church,” Chamberlain said. “They’ll take their money with them.”
More traditional Protestant churches, especially the moderate to liberal churches, are struggling more with membership. Chamberlain said.
Methodist churches have closed, and Catholic dioceses have merged or closed churches.
In the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati, which includes Dayton, there have been 12 mergers since 2005, including five this year.
In the Cleveland, 17 new Catholic parishes, involving 39 churches, have been created as a result of mergers since last year.
Local synagogues to merge?
After more than a century on their own, the Dayton area’s Beth Abraham and Beth Jacob synagogues are studying a merger to offset operating deficits and declining memberships. A vote is expected in October.
While responding to shifts in population and the loss of younger generations who move out of the Miami Valley, synagogues are trying to find ways to attract families unaffiliated with orthodox, conservative or reformed synagogues, said David Fuchsman, Beth Abraham’s president.
“If they are going, they are just going on the holidays,” Fuchsman said. “It’s one of the challenges for all the synagogues.”
Beth Abraham in Oakwood is also trying to find ways to connect with Jews in interfaith marriages, Fuchsman said. “I know that we are trying to do things to be more welcoming than decades ago.”
At the same time, the merger exploration committee recommended: “partial financial support for specified period of time to an Orthodox Congregation in physical proximity to the current Beth Jacob building if there is a sufficient community who commit to form, support and attend this type of Congregation.”
Rise and fall in Ridgeville
In May, remaining members of the Ridgeville Community Church decided to change their name to Faith Alive Church. The name change was done in part to separate the church from confusion over their existence due to “For Sale” signs posted on the property.
“That became a real distraction,” said Pastor Mike Rhodehamel, who said he was saved here as a teen and returned as pastor in October 2008.
The name was the latest major change for a church that once boasted almost 400 members and a successful K-12 Christian school at Lower Springboro Road and Ohio 48.
Started by the Ridgeville community in 1845, the church grew into a complex of buildings. The congregation burned at least one paid-off mortgage at a party.
“It was just a real celebration for the entire body,” Rhodehamel said.
The church’s financial downfall came after construction of a $2.2 million expansion for the high school. Church officials took from church coffers to keep up with the mortgage and other school expenses, while enrollment began dwindling, Rhodehamel said.
“We were robbing from Peter to pay Paul,” he said. “We never got out of the hole we dug.”
Dissension over the school problems shrank the church’s congregation and thus contributions, sapping church accounts. After several rescue attempts failed, the entire complex was lost in foreclosure to Lebanon Citizens National Bank.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Adakah Tuhan wujud? Terdapatkah bukti kewujudan Tuhan?
Soalan: Adakah Tuhan wujud? Terdapatkah bukti kewujudan Tuhan?
Jawapan: Adakah Tuhan wujud? Sungguh menarik apabila mendapati bahawa banyak perhatian telah diberi pada soalan ini. Tinjauan yang paling terkini menunjukkan bahawa 90% orang di dunia ini percaya bahawa Tuhan wujud. Tetapi masih merupakan tanggungjawab orang yang percaya kepada Tuhan untuk membuktikan bahawa Tuhan sebenarnya wujud. Bagi saya, saya merasakan cara yang sebaliknya lebih sesuai.
Walau bagaimanapun, kewujudan Tuhan tidak boleh dibuktikan atau dinafikan. Kitab Injil mengatakan bahawa kita mesti menerima dengan iman bahawa Tuhan wujud. “Tanpa iman, tidak seorang pun dapat menyenangkan hati Allah. Orang yang datang kepada Allah mesti percaya bahawa Allah wujud, dan bahawa Allah menganugerahi orang yang mencari-Nya.” (Ibrani 11:6). Jika Tuhan ingin, Dia boleh menunjukkan diri kepada dunia untuk membuktikan kewujudannya. Tetapi jika Tuhan berbuat begitu, maka tidak perlulah iman. “Yesus berkata kepadanya, “Adakah kamu percaya kerana kamu sudah melihat Aku? Berbahagialah orang yang percaya meskipun tidak melihat Aku!” (Yohanes 20:29).
Tetapi hal ini tidak bermakna bahawa tiada bukti mengenai kewujudan Tuhan. Kitab Injil mengatakan bahawa, “Betapa terangnya langit menyatakan kemuliaan Allah! Betapa jelasnya cakerawala menunjukkan perbuatan-Nya; Hari yang satu menyampaikannya kepada hari yang berikut, dan malam yang satu mengulanginya kepada malam yang kemudian. Ucapan atau perkataan tidak digunakan; suara tidak kedengaran.” (Mazmur 19:1-4). Dengan melihat bintang, memahami betapa besarnya angkasa lepas, meninjau kekaguman alam semulajadi, menikmati kecantikan matahari pada waktu senja – semua ini menunjukkan kewujudan Tuhan. Kalau semua ini masih tidak cukup, terdapat lagi bukti dalam hati kita. Pengkhutbah 3:11 mengatakan, “Dia telah menentukan waktu yang tepat bagi tiap-tiap perkara. Dia telah memberi kita keinginan untuk mengetahui masa depan, tetapi tidak memberi kita pemahaman tentang segala perbuatan-Nya dari awal sampai akhir.” Terdapat sesuatu dalam hati kita yang memberitahu kita bahawa dunia dan hidup ini belum muktamad, terdapat sesuatu yang melebihi segala yang kita nampak dan ketahui. Kita boleh menafikannya secara intelek, tetapi kehadiran konsep Tuhan dalam hati kita tidak boleh dinafikan. Selain daripada ini, Kitab Injil memberi amaran bahawa masih ada orang yang menafikan Tuhan. Orang bodoh berkata dalam hati, “Tidak ada Tuhan” (Mazmur 14:1). Kerana terdapat 98% orang dalam sejarah di seluruh dunia yang percaya bahawa ada Tuhan, mesti ada sesuatu atau seseorang yang menyebabkan kepercayaan ini.
Selain daripada alasan yang diberikan oleh Kitab Injil, terdapat juga perbalahan logik mengenai kewujudan Tuhan. Pertama kali, perbalahan ontologikal. Hal ini menggunakan konsep Tuhan membuktikan Tuhan. Konsep ini mengatakan definasi Tuhan ialah “sesuatu yang tidak boleh diatasi dalam fikiran kita”. Katanya, kewujudan adalah lebih tinggi daripada tidak wujud. Oleh itu, kewujudan yang paling tinggi mesti wujud. Kalau Tuhan tidak wujud, maka Tuhan tidak akan wujud dalam fikiran kita. Tetapi hal ini bercanggah dengan definasi Tuhan. Alasan kedua ialah perbalahan teleologikal. Perbalahan teleologikal mengatakan bahawa alam ini menunjukkan reka bentuk yang mengagumkan, maka mesti terdapat seorang pencipta yang maha besar. Sebagai contoh, jika bumi lebih dekat atau jauh sebanyak beratus batu daripada matahari, maka kehidupan tidak akan wujud di bumi ini seperti sekarang. Jika peratusan bahan kimia dalam udara berbeza daripada segala yang terdapat sekarang, semua kehidupan di bumi ini akan mati. Kebarangkalian untuk wujudnya molekul protein secara sendiri adalah 1 dibahagi oleh 10234. Satu sel asalnya terdiri daripada berjuta-juta molekul protein.
Perbalahan ketiga ialah perbalahan kosmologi. Setiap akibat mesti terdapat sebab. Alam ini dan semua benda dalamnya adalah satu akibat. Jadi mesti terdapat sebab yang mewujudkan mereka. Akhirnya, mesti terdapat sesuatu yang bukan akibat yang menyebabkan benda-benda lain maka mesti merupakan sebabnya. Benda yang bukan akibat itu ialah Tuhan. Perbalahan keempat ialah perbalahan moral. Setiap tamadun dalam sejarah mempunyai undang-undang moral. Semua orang mempunyai pengetahuan mengenai betul dan salah. Pembunuhan, penipuan, pencurian dan kerosakan moral ditolak oleh semua orang. Jika bukan disebabkan oleh adanya Tuhan yang suci, bagaimana boleh wujud konsep moral ini?
Walaupun bukti kewujudan Tuhan ketara, tetapi Kitab Injil mengatakan bahawa masih terdapat orang yang tidak ingin percaya kepada Tuhan dan lebih suka pembohongan. Roma 1:25 mengatakan bahawa, “Mereka menukar ajaran benar daripada Allah dengan dusta. Mereka lebih suka menyembah dan mentaati apa yang diciptakan oleh Allah, daripada menyembah dan mentaati Allah yang menciptakan semuanya. Dialah yang seharusnya dipuji selama-lamanya! Amin.” Kitab Injil juga menyatakan bahawa kita tidak ada alasan yang betul untuk menafikan Tuhan, “Sejak Allah menciptakan dunia, sifat-sifat Allah yang tidak kelihatan, baik kuasa-Nya yang kekal mahupun keadaan-Nya sebagai Allah, dapat difahami oleh manusia melalui segala yang sudah diciptakan-Nya. Oleh itu manusia sama sekali tidak mempunyai dalih untuk membela diri.” (Roma 1:20).
Mereka yang tidak mahu percaya kepada Tuhan memberi alasan bahawa “tidak saintifik” atau “tiada bukti”. Alasan yang sebenar ialah jika mereka mengaku Tuhan, maka mereka terpaksa bertanggungjawab kepada Tuhan dan perlukan pengampunan dosa (Roma 3:23, 6:23). Jika Tuhan wujud, maka kita mesti menanggung akibat perbuatan kita dan mematuhi hukum Tuhan. Jika Tuhan tidak wujud, maka kita boleh berbuat sesuka hati dan tidak perlu risau tentang keadilan Tuhan. Saya percaya inilah sebabnya teori evolusi diterima oleh ramai orang dalam masyarakat kita. Tuhan wujud dan semua orang akan tahu kewujudannya satu hari nanti. Mereka yang cuba menafikan Tuhan sebaliknya melakukan sesuatu yang membuktikan kewujudan Tuhan.
Satu lagi perbalahan mengenai kewujudan Tuhan. Bagaimana saya tahu Tuhan wujud? Saya tahu kerana saya berbual dengan Tuhan setiap hari. Saya tidak mendengar suaranya dengan telinga, tetapi saya merasai kehadirannya. Saya nampak pimpinan-Nya, saya tahu kasih sayang-Nya, saya nikmati rahmat-Nya. Banyak perkara berlaku dalam hidup saya yang hanya boleh dijelaskan dengan konsep kewujudan Tuhan. Tuhan telah mengubah kehidupan saya dan menyelamatkan saya daripada keruntuhan moral, oleh itu saya mesti memuji dan mengakui kewujudan Tuhan. Tidak ada perbalahan yang boleh menyakinkan semua orang tentang kewujudan Tuhan jika mereka memang degil dengan kepercayaan sendiri. Akhirnya, kewujudan Tuhan mesti diterima dengan iman (Ibrani 11:6). Iman dan kepercayaan pada Tuhan bukan satu lompatan buta dalam kegelapan, tetapi merupakan satu langkah selamat ke dalam satu bilik yang terang dengan bercahaya di mana 90% orang sudah berada di sana.
Jawapan: Adakah Tuhan wujud? Sungguh menarik apabila mendapati bahawa banyak perhatian telah diberi pada soalan ini. Tinjauan yang paling terkini menunjukkan bahawa 90% orang di dunia ini percaya bahawa Tuhan wujud. Tetapi masih merupakan tanggungjawab orang yang percaya kepada Tuhan untuk membuktikan bahawa Tuhan sebenarnya wujud. Bagi saya, saya merasakan cara yang sebaliknya lebih sesuai.
Walau bagaimanapun, kewujudan Tuhan tidak boleh dibuktikan atau dinafikan. Kitab Injil mengatakan bahawa kita mesti menerima dengan iman bahawa Tuhan wujud. “Tanpa iman, tidak seorang pun dapat menyenangkan hati Allah. Orang yang datang kepada Allah mesti percaya bahawa Allah wujud, dan bahawa Allah menganugerahi orang yang mencari-Nya.” (Ibrani 11:6). Jika Tuhan ingin, Dia boleh menunjukkan diri kepada dunia untuk membuktikan kewujudannya. Tetapi jika Tuhan berbuat begitu, maka tidak perlulah iman. “Yesus berkata kepadanya, “Adakah kamu percaya kerana kamu sudah melihat Aku? Berbahagialah orang yang percaya meskipun tidak melihat Aku!” (Yohanes 20:29).
Tetapi hal ini tidak bermakna bahawa tiada bukti mengenai kewujudan Tuhan. Kitab Injil mengatakan bahawa, “Betapa terangnya langit menyatakan kemuliaan Allah! Betapa jelasnya cakerawala menunjukkan perbuatan-Nya; Hari yang satu menyampaikannya kepada hari yang berikut, dan malam yang satu mengulanginya kepada malam yang kemudian. Ucapan atau perkataan tidak digunakan; suara tidak kedengaran.” (Mazmur 19:1-4). Dengan melihat bintang, memahami betapa besarnya angkasa lepas, meninjau kekaguman alam semulajadi, menikmati kecantikan matahari pada waktu senja – semua ini menunjukkan kewujudan Tuhan. Kalau semua ini masih tidak cukup, terdapat lagi bukti dalam hati kita. Pengkhutbah 3:11 mengatakan, “Dia telah menentukan waktu yang tepat bagi tiap-tiap perkara. Dia telah memberi kita keinginan untuk mengetahui masa depan, tetapi tidak memberi kita pemahaman tentang segala perbuatan-Nya dari awal sampai akhir.” Terdapat sesuatu dalam hati kita yang memberitahu kita bahawa dunia dan hidup ini belum muktamad, terdapat sesuatu yang melebihi segala yang kita nampak dan ketahui. Kita boleh menafikannya secara intelek, tetapi kehadiran konsep Tuhan dalam hati kita tidak boleh dinafikan. Selain daripada ini, Kitab Injil memberi amaran bahawa masih ada orang yang menafikan Tuhan. Orang bodoh berkata dalam hati, “Tidak ada Tuhan” (Mazmur 14:1). Kerana terdapat 98% orang dalam sejarah di seluruh dunia yang percaya bahawa ada Tuhan, mesti ada sesuatu atau seseorang yang menyebabkan kepercayaan ini.
Selain daripada alasan yang diberikan oleh Kitab Injil, terdapat juga perbalahan logik mengenai kewujudan Tuhan. Pertama kali, perbalahan ontologikal. Hal ini menggunakan konsep Tuhan membuktikan Tuhan. Konsep ini mengatakan definasi Tuhan ialah “sesuatu yang tidak boleh diatasi dalam fikiran kita”. Katanya, kewujudan adalah lebih tinggi daripada tidak wujud. Oleh itu, kewujudan yang paling tinggi mesti wujud. Kalau Tuhan tidak wujud, maka Tuhan tidak akan wujud dalam fikiran kita. Tetapi hal ini bercanggah dengan definasi Tuhan. Alasan kedua ialah perbalahan teleologikal. Perbalahan teleologikal mengatakan bahawa alam ini menunjukkan reka bentuk yang mengagumkan, maka mesti terdapat seorang pencipta yang maha besar. Sebagai contoh, jika bumi lebih dekat atau jauh sebanyak beratus batu daripada matahari, maka kehidupan tidak akan wujud di bumi ini seperti sekarang. Jika peratusan bahan kimia dalam udara berbeza daripada segala yang terdapat sekarang, semua kehidupan di bumi ini akan mati. Kebarangkalian untuk wujudnya molekul protein secara sendiri adalah 1 dibahagi oleh 10234. Satu sel asalnya terdiri daripada berjuta-juta molekul protein.
Perbalahan ketiga ialah perbalahan kosmologi. Setiap akibat mesti terdapat sebab. Alam ini dan semua benda dalamnya adalah satu akibat. Jadi mesti terdapat sebab yang mewujudkan mereka. Akhirnya, mesti terdapat sesuatu yang bukan akibat yang menyebabkan benda-benda lain maka mesti merupakan sebabnya. Benda yang bukan akibat itu ialah Tuhan. Perbalahan keempat ialah perbalahan moral. Setiap tamadun dalam sejarah mempunyai undang-undang moral. Semua orang mempunyai pengetahuan mengenai betul dan salah. Pembunuhan, penipuan, pencurian dan kerosakan moral ditolak oleh semua orang. Jika bukan disebabkan oleh adanya Tuhan yang suci, bagaimana boleh wujud konsep moral ini?
Walaupun bukti kewujudan Tuhan ketara, tetapi Kitab Injil mengatakan bahawa masih terdapat orang yang tidak ingin percaya kepada Tuhan dan lebih suka pembohongan. Roma 1:25 mengatakan bahawa, “Mereka menukar ajaran benar daripada Allah dengan dusta. Mereka lebih suka menyembah dan mentaati apa yang diciptakan oleh Allah, daripada menyembah dan mentaati Allah yang menciptakan semuanya. Dialah yang seharusnya dipuji selama-lamanya! Amin.” Kitab Injil juga menyatakan bahawa kita tidak ada alasan yang betul untuk menafikan Tuhan, “Sejak Allah menciptakan dunia, sifat-sifat Allah yang tidak kelihatan, baik kuasa-Nya yang kekal mahupun keadaan-Nya sebagai Allah, dapat difahami oleh manusia melalui segala yang sudah diciptakan-Nya. Oleh itu manusia sama sekali tidak mempunyai dalih untuk membela diri.” (Roma 1:20).
Mereka yang tidak mahu percaya kepada Tuhan memberi alasan bahawa “tidak saintifik” atau “tiada bukti”. Alasan yang sebenar ialah jika mereka mengaku Tuhan, maka mereka terpaksa bertanggungjawab kepada Tuhan dan perlukan pengampunan dosa (Roma 3:23, 6:23). Jika Tuhan wujud, maka kita mesti menanggung akibat perbuatan kita dan mematuhi hukum Tuhan. Jika Tuhan tidak wujud, maka kita boleh berbuat sesuka hati dan tidak perlu risau tentang keadilan Tuhan. Saya percaya inilah sebabnya teori evolusi diterima oleh ramai orang dalam masyarakat kita. Tuhan wujud dan semua orang akan tahu kewujudannya satu hari nanti. Mereka yang cuba menafikan Tuhan sebaliknya melakukan sesuatu yang membuktikan kewujudan Tuhan.
Satu lagi perbalahan mengenai kewujudan Tuhan. Bagaimana saya tahu Tuhan wujud? Saya tahu kerana saya berbual dengan Tuhan setiap hari. Saya tidak mendengar suaranya dengan telinga, tetapi saya merasai kehadirannya. Saya nampak pimpinan-Nya, saya tahu kasih sayang-Nya, saya nikmati rahmat-Nya. Banyak perkara berlaku dalam hidup saya yang hanya boleh dijelaskan dengan konsep kewujudan Tuhan. Tuhan telah mengubah kehidupan saya dan menyelamatkan saya daripada keruntuhan moral, oleh itu saya mesti memuji dan mengakui kewujudan Tuhan. Tidak ada perbalahan yang boleh menyakinkan semua orang tentang kewujudan Tuhan jika mereka memang degil dengan kepercayaan sendiri. Akhirnya, kewujudan Tuhan mesti diterima dengan iman (Ibrani 11:6). Iman dan kepercayaan pada Tuhan bukan satu lompatan buta dalam kegelapan, tetapi merupakan satu langkah selamat ke dalam satu bilik yang terang dengan bercahaya di mana 90% orang sudah berada di sana.
Siapakah Yesus Kristus?
Soalan: Siapakah Yesus Kristus?
Jawapan: Siapakah Yesus Kristus? Berbanding dengan soalan, “Adakah Tuhan wujud?”, kurang orang mempertikaikan kewujudan Yesus Kristus. Orang ramai menerima kenyataan bahawa Yesus ialah manusia benar yang wujud di Israel 2000 tahun dahulu. Perbahasan berlaku apabila keperibadian Yesus dipersoal. Hampir semua agama menyatakan bahawa Yesus ialah seorang Nabi, seorang guru yang baik, atau seorang yang suci. Masalahnya ialah Kitab Injil menyatakan bahawa Yesus adalah lebih daripada seorang Nabi, guru yang baik dan orang yang suci.
CS Lewis menulis di dalam bukunya Hanya Agama Kristian: “Saya cuba menghalang orang daripada berkata sesuatu yang bodoh mengenai Yesus: ‘Saya bersedia menerima Yesus sebagai seorang guru moral yang baik, tetapi saya tidak menerimanya sebagai Tuhan.’ Kata-kata ini adalah sesuatu yang tidak patut kita ucapkan. Seorang manusia biasa jika dapat menyatakan segala yang Yesus katakan tidak akan dianggap sebagai guru moral yang baik. Sebaliknya, dia akan dianggap gila atau Syaitan dari neraka. Kamu perlu membuat satu pilihan. Yesus jika bukan Anak Tuhan, maka dia adalah seorang yang gila atau lebih buruk lagi. Kamu boleh menganggap dia orang bodoh, kamu boleh meludah pada dia dan membunuh dia; atau kamu boleh melutut di hadapan-Nya dan memanggil-Nya Tuan dan Tuhan. Tetapi jangan buat tanggapan yang tidak bererti bahawa Yesus hanya seorang guru yang baik. Dia tidak memberi peluang kepada kita untuk menentukan identiti-Nya.”
Jadi, apa yang Yesus katakan mengenai dirinya sendiri? Menurut Kitab Injil, siapakah Yesus? Pertama, biar kita lihat pada Yohanes 10:30, “Bapa dan Aku SATU.” Sekali imbas, firman ini tidak menunjukkan tuntutan sebagai Tuhan. Tetapi, apabila kita melihat reaksi orang Yahudi terhadap kata-kata-Nya, "Kami mahu merejam kamu bukan kerana perbuatanmu yang baik, tetapi kerana kamu mengkufuri Allah! Kamu hanya manusia, tetapi kamu mahu menjadikan dirimu Allah!" Orang Yahudi faham bahawa Yesus menyamakan diri-Nya dengan Tuhan. Di dalam ayat berikutnya, Yesus tidak membetulkan fahaman mereka dengan berkata,“Saya bukan Tuhan .” Hal ini menunjukkan bahawa Yesus sememangnya menyatakan bahawa Dia ialah Tuhan, “Bapa dan Aku SATU.”(Yohanes 10:30) Yohanes 8:58 ialah satu contoh lain. Yesus menjawab, “Apa yang Aku katakan ini benar: Sebelum Abraham dilahirkan, Aku sudah ada.” Lagipun, apabila orang Yahudi mendengar kata-kata Yesus, mereka mengambil batu untuk melontarnya (Yohanes 8:59). Yesus mengumumkan identiti-Nya “Saya abadi” adalah merujuk kepada nama Tuhan di Kitab Zabur (Keluaran 3:14). Mengapa orang Yahudi hendak membaling batu pada Yesus jika dia tidak menyatakan sesuatu yang dianggap kata-kata kufur, iaitu, penyamaan dengan Tuhan?
Yohanes 1:1 menyatakan bahawa “Logos ialah Tuhan.” Yohanes 1:14 menyatakan bahawa “Logos menjadi manusia.” Hal ini menunjukkan bahawa Yesus ialah Tuhan dalam bentuk manusia. Tomas menyebut Yesus, “Tuan dan Tuhan saya.”(Yohanes 20:28). Yesus tidak membetulkan dia. Paulus menghuraikan Yesus sebagai “… Tuhan dan Penyelamat, Yesus Kristus” (Titus 2:13). Petrus juga menyatakan perkara yang sama, “… Tuhan dan Penyelamat kita” (2 Petrus 1:1). Tuhan ialah saksi identiti Yesus juga, “Takhta kamu, Tuhan, kekal selama-lamanya, dan kebaikan kamu ialah kuasa Pemerintahan kamu.” Kitab Zabur meramalkan kesucian Yesus, “Sebab seorang anak telah dilahirkan untuk kita, seorang putera telah diberikan kepada kita; lambang pemerintahan berada di atas bahunya, dan namanya disebut orang: Penasihat Ajaib, Allah yang Perkasa, Bapa yang Kekal, Raja Damai.” (Yesaya 9:6).
Jadi, CS Lewis berdebat dan percaya bahawa Yesus ialah seorang guru yang baik bukan salah satu pilihan. Yesus menyamakan dirinya dengan Tuhan. Jika dia bukan Tuhan, maka dia ialah penipu, maka bukanlah Nabi, guru yang baik atau orang suci. Untuk menafikan Yesus, cendekiawan moden berkata bahawa Yesus dalam sejarah tidak seperti yang dikatakan oleh kitab Injil. Dapatkah kita berdebat dengan Tuhan mengenai Yesus? Bagaimana cendekiawan menafikan catatan dalam Kitab Injil (Yohanes 14:26)?
Mengapa identiti Yesus adalah penting? Mengapa penting mengetahui Yesus ialah Tuhan? Alasan yang paling utama bagi ‘Yesus mesti merupakan Tuhan’ ialah, jika dia bukan Tuhan, maka kematian-Nya tidak dapat membayar denda dosa kita (1 Yohanes 2:2). Hanya Tuhan boleh membayar denda yang besar ini (Roma 5:8, 2 Korintus 5:21). Yesus mesti ialah Tuhan supaya dia dapat membayar hutang kita. Yesus mesti ialah manusia supaya dia boleh mati. Penyelamatan hanya boleh diperolehi melalui kepercayaan kepada Yesus! Ketuhanan Yesus ialah faktor penting penyelamatan. Ketuhanan Yesus terbukti melalui segala yang dia katakan, “Akulah jalan untuk mengenal Allah dan untuk mendapat hidup. Tidak seorang pun dapat datang kepada Bapa kecuali melalui Aku.” (Yohanes 14:6).
Jawapan: Siapakah Yesus Kristus? Berbanding dengan soalan, “Adakah Tuhan wujud?”, kurang orang mempertikaikan kewujudan Yesus Kristus. Orang ramai menerima kenyataan bahawa Yesus ialah manusia benar yang wujud di Israel 2000 tahun dahulu. Perbahasan berlaku apabila keperibadian Yesus dipersoal. Hampir semua agama menyatakan bahawa Yesus ialah seorang Nabi, seorang guru yang baik, atau seorang yang suci. Masalahnya ialah Kitab Injil menyatakan bahawa Yesus adalah lebih daripada seorang Nabi, guru yang baik dan orang yang suci.
CS Lewis menulis di dalam bukunya Hanya Agama Kristian: “Saya cuba menghalang orang daripada berkata sesuatu yang bodoh mengenai Yesus: ‘Saya bersedia menerima Yesus sebagai seorang guru moral yang baik, tetapi saya tidak menerimanya sebagai Tuhan.’ Kata-kata ini adalah sesuatu yang tidak patut kita ucapkan. Seorang manusia biasa jika dapat menyatakan segala yang Yesus katakan tidak akan dianggap sebagai guru moral yang baik. Sebaliknya, dia akan dianggap gila atau Syaitan dari neraka. Kamu perlu membuat satu pilihan. Yesus jika bukan Anak Tuhan, maka dia adalah seorang yang gila atau lebih buruk lagi. Kamu boleh menganggap dia orang bodoh, kamu boleh meludah pada dia dan membunuh dia; atau kamu boleh melutut di hadapan-Nya dan memanggil-Nya Tuan dan Tuhan. Tetapi jangan buat tanggapan yang tidak bererti bahawa Yesus hanya seorang guru yang baik. Dia tidak memberi peluang kepada kita untuk menentukan identiti-Nya.”
Jadi, apa yang Yesus katakan mengenai dirinya sendiri? Menurut Kitab Injil, siapakah Yesus? Pertama, biar kita lihat pada Yohanes 10:30, “Bapa dan Aku SATU.” Sekali imbas, firman ini tidak menunjukkan tuntutan sebagai Tuhan. Tetapi, apabila kita melihat reaksi orang Yahudi terhadap kata-kata-Nya, "Kami mahu merejam kamu bukan kerana perbuatanmu yang baik, tetapi kerana kamu mengkufuri Allah! Kamu hanya manusia, tetapi kamu mahu menjadikan dirimu Allah!" Orang Yahudi faham bahawa Yesus menyamakan diri-Nya dengan Tuhan. Di dalam ayat berikutnya, Yesus tidak membetulkan fahaman mereka dengan berkata,“Saya bukan Tuhan .” Hal ini menunjukkan bahawa Yesus sememangnya menyatakan bahawa Dia ialah Tuhan, “Bapa dan Aku SATU.”(Yohanes 10:30) Yohanes 8:58 ialah satu contoh lain. Yesus menjawab, “Apa yang Aku katakan ini benar: Sebelum Abraham dilahirkan, Aku sudah ada.” Lagipun, apabila orang Yahudi mendengar kata-kata Yesus, mereka mengambil batu untuk melontarnya (Yohanes 8:59). Yesus mengumumkan identiti-Nya “Saya abadi” adalah merujuk kepada nama Tuhan di Kitab Zabur (Keluaran 3:14). Mengapa orang Yahudi hendak membaling batu pada Yesus jika dia tidak menyatakan sesuatu yang dianggap kata-kata kufur, iaitu, penyamaan dengan Tuhan?
Yohanes 1:1 menyatakan bahawa “Logos ialah Tuhan.” Yohanes 1:14 menyatakan bahawa “Logos menjadi manusia.” Hal ini menunjukkan bahawa Yesus ialah Tuhan dalam bentuk manusia. Tomas menyebut Yesus, “Tuan dan Tuhan saya.”(Yohanes 20:28). Yesus tidak membetulkan dia. Paulus menghuraikan Yesus sebagai “… Tuhan dan Penyelamat, Yesus Kristus” (Titus 2:13). Petrus juga menyatakan perkara yang sama, “… Tuhan dan Penyelamat kita” (2 Petrus 1:1). Tuhan ialah saksi identiti Yesus juga, “Takhta kamu, Tuhan, kekal selama-lamanya, dan kebaikan kamu ialah kuasa Pemerintahan kamu.” Kitab Zabur meramalkan kesucian Yesus, “Sebab seorang anak telah dilahirkan untuk kita, seorang putera telah diberikan kepada kita; lambang pemerintahan berada di atas bahunya, dan namanya disebut orang: Penasihat Ajaib, Allah yang Perkasa, Bapa yang Kekal, Raja Damai.” (Yesaya 9:6).
Jadi, CS Lewis berdebat dan percaya bahawa Yesus ialah seorang guru yang baik bukan salah satu pilihan. Yesus menyamakan dirinya dengan Tuhan. Jika dia bukan Tuhan, maka dia ialah penipu, maka bukanlah Nabi, guru yang baik atau orang suci. Untuk menafikan Yesus, cendekiawan moden berkata bahawa Yesus dalam sejarah tidak seperti yang dikatakan oleh kitab Injil. Dapatkah kita berdebat dengan Tuhan mengenai Yesus? Bagaimana cendekiawan menafikan catatan dalam Kitab Injil (Yohanes 14:26)?
Mengapa identiti Yesus adalah penting? Mengapa penting mengetahui Yesus ialah Tuhan? Alasan yang paling utama bagi ‘Yesus mesti merupakan Tuhan’ ialah, jika dia bukan Tuhan, maka kematian-Nya tidak dapat membayar denda dosa kita (1 Yohanes 2:2). Hanya Tuhan boleh membayar denda yang besar ini (Roma 5:8, 2 Korintus 5:21). Yesus mesti ialah Tuhan supaya dia dapat membayar hutang kita. Yesus mesti ialah manusia supaya dia boleh mati. Penyelamatan hanya boleh diperolehi melalui kepercayaan kepada Yesus! Ketuhanan Yesus ialah faktor penting penyelamatan. Ketuhanan Yesus terbukti melalui segala yang dia katakan, “Akulah jalan untuk mengenal Allah dan untuk mendapat hidup. Tidak seorang pun dapat datang kepada Bapa kecuali melalui Aku.” (Yohanes 14:6).
MENJADI MURID KRISTUS ( Ev. Dr. Eddy Fances)
Karakter Murid Kristus:
1. “Miskin di hadapan Allah” (Mat.5:3)
2. “Berdukacita” (Mat.5:4)
3. “Lemah lembut” (Mat.5:5)
4. “Lapar dan haus akan kebenaran” (Mat.5:6)
5. “Murah Hati” (Mat.5:7)
6. “Suci Hati” (Mat.5:8)
7. “Membawa Damai” (Mat.5:9)
8. “Dianiaya oleh sebab Kebenaran” (Mat.5:10-12)
1. “Miskin di hadapan Allah” (Mat.5:3)
2. “Berdukacita” (Mat.5:4)
3. “Lemah lembut” (Mat.5:5)
4. “Lapar dan haus akan kebenaran” (Mat.5:6)
5. “Murah Hati” (Mat.5:7)
6. “Suci Hati” (Mat.5:8)
7. “Membawa Damai” (Mat.5:9)
8. “Dianiaya oleh sebab Kebenaran” (Mat.5:10-12)
Why So Many Divorced Christians
Why is it that so many people that claim Jesus as Savior are divorced?
Moderator - Because many of them got divorced and then later in life found Christ.
Barna report: Variation in divorce rates among Christian faith groups:
Denomination (in order of decreasing divorce rate)
% who have been divorced
Non-denominational ** 34%
Baptists 29%
Mainline Protestants 25%
Mormons 24%
Catholics 21%
Lutherans 21%
** Barna uses the term "non-denominational" to refer to Evangelical Christian congregations that are not affiliated with a specific denomination. The vast majority are fundamentalist in their theological beliefs.
I don't want to be sound judgmental of others who have been though divorce. It is worse than dying.
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