Will there be pets in Heaven?

This is a very interesting debate for sure. There are some that say that animals do not have souls, so cannot go to heaven. There are some to say that animals do have souls, but they do not have an accountability of sin so they will. Wherever you would fall in this issue, its an interesting debate nonetheless!

Links:

http://my.opera.com/SavedNotFried/blog/index.dml/tag/Heaven

http://gotquestions.org/pets-heaven.html

Teaching of the New Testament

The teaching of the New Testament is that now, at this very moment, there is a Man in heaven appearing in the presence of God for us. He is as certainly a man as was Adam or Moses or Paul; he is a man glorified, but his glorification did not de-humanize him. Today he is a real man, of the race of mankind, bearing our lineaments and dimensions, a visible and audible man, whom any other man would recognize instantly as one of us. But more than this, he is the heir of all things, Lord of all lords, head of the church, firstborn of the new creation. He is the way to God, the life of the believer, the hope of Israel, and the high priest of every true worshiper. He holds the keys of death and hell, and stands as advocate and surety for everyone who believes on him in truth. Salvation comes not by accepting the finished work, or deciding for Christ; it comes by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, the whole, living, victorious Lord who, as God and man, fought our fight and won it, accepted our debt as his own and paid it, took our sins and died under them, and rose again to set us free. This is the true Christ; nothing less will do. (from the pen of A. W. Tozer)

Powerful Movie

To Save a Life

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The movie To Save a Life is all about the tough subject of teen suicide, and is a powerful movie. The movie begins when the film's protagonist, star basketball player Jake Taylor, decides to reevaluate his life after the loss of his once-childhood friend, a kid named Roger, to suicide. Jake literally reevalutes everything, including his relationships, life choices, and future dreams. The movie touches on a variety of teenage issues, including self-mutilation, divorce of parents, teenage drinking, and a variety of other subjects including of course suicide. The movie is also very effective in touching on the positive influence that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can have on teenagers as well.

Have you "arrived" yet?

I was asked about a week ago by a friend of mine if I thought I had "arrived yet", because there are a lot of things in my life that are beginning to fall into place. As I reflect on his words, I really wonder about life and how we as humans always make it about a destination. If you are one of my five readers or even if you were just scrolling blogs, seriously, think about it for a minute...we humans are always looking forward to something in some stage of our lives. "Oh I can't wait until I'm in Junior High" we might say, or "Oh I can't wait until I graduate high school and can be on my own", "I can't wait until I get married!", "I can't wait until I start that new job!", "I can't wait until my baby is born!", "I can't wait until I get a promotion!", "I can't wait until I retire!", and we could go on and on for eternity if we wanted.

When we reach that seemingly impossible goal---that is usually when our human nature tells us that yes, we have arrived. We have arrived if we graduate high school. We have arrived if we get married. We have arrived if we get a promotion. We have arrived if we, after a long hard-working career, are able to retire. But....what if our arrival is only a dead end? Then what? What if our marriage, despite all of our best efforts, ends in divorce? What if that promotion places us in a position that brings too much added stress? What if our retirement is marred by a cancer diagnosis? What do we do?

While there are no simple answers, I do understand what it's like when someone's "arrival" is only a "dead end". When we arrive and find out its just a dead end, God is there! God is not just some ethereal tyrant up in the sky, some disengaged clock-maker, or just an imaginary being made up for comfort. When you have reached a dead end in your life, God is there! And for all those who call on the name of Jesus and are Christians, the final destination where one will actually truly "arrive" is Heaven, which Jesus said in his word: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)

Mosque at Ground Zero...

I don't usually weigh in on controversial topics, as I prefer to usually keep this blog inspirational and about love, but I have to say I am not in support of the Muslim desire to build so close to Ground Zero in New York City. Do they have a constitutional right to build it? Yes they do. Should they? I don't think so. I think the best analogy is one of the following:

Consider the following scenario. Let's say that there is an individual who moves into a given community, and one day he decides to kidnap a young child walking home from school. He does many horrible things to her, but ultimately the man is caught before he can do any fatal harm to the girl. The girl is, however, severely traumatized, as is the community. The man ultimately receives a 25-year prison sentence, but is paroled after seven. He is now considered a Sexually Violent Predator and must register as such for the rest of his life. He sincerely believes he is reformed, however, and wants to move back to the same community where this terrible offense occurred. How would you, as a hypothetical person living in this community, feel about this situation? Would you support him taking up residence in the same area where he committed his crime? I think not. There is no doubt there are peace-loving moderate Muslims, but because we were violated and lost our innocence in the destruction of the twin towers on 9/11 it is NOT a popular decision at all, much like the above hypothetical situation I mention. Have a good day everyone.

Hero Grandmother

Sharrel Blankenbaker was an ordinary everyday person. She was a grandmother, mother and wife. Last Tuesday she became an extraordinary person when she was shot and killed saving the life of her granddaughter Cassidy from a kidnapper at a Love's convenience store near Amarillo, Texas. She also was a strong Christian, who for 12 years was involved in the Kiros prison ministry. Says Cassidy: "She would do anything for anyone.. She prayed with us when we were going thru something hard...she was so great." Yes, Mrs. Blankenbaker exemplifies John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Or, in this case, granddaughters.

Quote of the Week

"If Jesus can change Duch, he can change anyone." ---Christopher LaPel

The reason that the pastor above would say this would be because of the following:

Are some acts of evil simply too heinous to be forgiven? Not according to Cambodian-born pastor Christopher LaPel. Three years ago, he baptized a man he believed to be a teacher in the muddy waters of the River Sangke in western Cambodia's Battambang province. After more than 20 years of hiding the truth, that same man recently revealed his true identity: Kang Khek Ieu, better known by his revolutionary name Duch, head of the Khmer Rouge's secret police. The man also confessed responsibility for the deaths of at least 12,000 people. "I was shocked when I found out who he really was, because what he did was so evil," says LaPel, whose parents, brother and sister died during the Khmer Rouge reign of terror from 1975 to '79, along with nearly 2 million others. "Then I reflected: it's amazing; it's a miracle. Christianity changes people's lives. If Jesus can change Duch, he can change anyone." Few other Cambodians are likely to share this view or forgive the man who presided over the Khmer Rouge's security network. Many have reacted to news of his conversion to Christianity with skepticism. Duch, who was arrested by Cambodian authorities in May following his confession, is awaiting trial at a military detention center just a few blocks from S-21 (or Tuol Sleng), the top security prison he once commanded. Thousands of men, women and children were interrogated and tortured there before being executed. Clad in a baseball cap, T shirt and flipflops, LaPel is an unlikely looking pastor. Though he makes his home in Los Angeles, he returned to Cambodia last week to conduct baptisms and training sessions so Cambodians can carry out missionary work in their communities. LaPel first met Duch (pronounced dook) in late 1995. Calling himself Hang Pin, Duch arrived with a colleague to take part in a two-week Christian leadership training course in the village of Chamkar Samrong in Battambang province, a former resettlement area for Cambodian refugees. According to LaPel, Duch initially was quiet and withdrawn. He said he was not a believer but had come at the urging of his friend. After listening to LaPel's sermons and teachings, however, Duch asked to be baptized. "He changed totally after receiving Christ--180 degrees," says LaPel with a smile. "He turned from hatred to love. He said he had never felt love in his childhood or when he grew up. So when he turned to Christ, love filled his heart." LaPel says Duch's transformation took on physical dimensions. The gaunt, withdrawn man began to appear more relaxed, teasing his fellow students. He even began dressing better, tucking his shirt tails into his long pants. A group photograph taken in 1995 shows a smartly dressed Duch in a pressed white shirt and dark trousers. He is standing next to Pastor Christopher, whose hand rests protectively on Duch's shoulder. LaPel remembers Duch well. Then 54, Duch was older than the others but also one of the brightest. After his baptism, he began sitting in the front row of the sessions, taking meticulous notes and asking questions. Duch, the pastor recalls, was full of enthusiasm and said he couldn't wait to return to his village in Svay Chek district to start a church. He later went on to establish a "house church" with 14 families. In retrospect, LaPel says there were signs pointing to Duch's real identity. "Before he received Christ," LaPel recalls, "he said he did a lot of bad things in his life. He said: 'Pastor Christopher, I don't know if my brothers and sisters can forgive the sins I've committed against the people.' He said he felt remorse for what he had done to innocent people, adding: 'Thank God that the Lord forgives me.'" LaPel did not probe further. When he leads people to Christ, he says, he doesn't inquire deeply into their past; instead he focuses on their present beliefs. "If they are willing to repent and accept Jesus as their Lord and saviour, I will lead them to the Lord, no matter what they've done wrong in the past." LaPel still wasn't aware of the notorious Khmer Rouge security chief's true identity when they met a year later, during a second Christian leadership course. But if he had looked closely at a photograph that's now displayed in Tuol Sleng prison, he would have known straight away. LaPel has visited the jail several times: a close cousin, a former science professor, was tortured there and later killed; her photograph also hangs on the wall. Still LaPel says he doesn't feel personal hatred for the only member of the Khmer Rouge to have confessed a role in the movement's killing machine. He sees Duch's willingness to admit his guilt, stand trial and testify against others as positive--and proof that his conversion to Christianity is genuine. As LaPel wades into the murky waters of a small village in Banteay Meanchey province to baptize more than 100 people, he is convinced that Duch's conversion can only help the cause of Christianity in Cambodia, a predominantly Buddhist country where Christians make up less than 0.5% of the population. "This is a story of hope for the Cambodian people. They've been going through darkness for years. Accepting Jesus Christ brings light to their lives. It's time for Cambodians to turn from hatred to love."


*Originally written by Caroline Gluck for TIMEasia.com.

We Could Learn a Lot From...

Kristen Jane Anderson
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Kristen Jan Anderson has an infectious smile, and she has an inspiring story to tell. Behind that inspiring smile lies a past where she battled severe depression because of personal issues in her life. Because she had a rough home life, and because she was the victim of a sexual assault by an individual she thought was her friend, she decided at the age of seventeen to try to commit suicide. She decided to lay down in front of the train tracks when the train passed by, and she was looking forward to a release from her pain. However, God had other plans. She did not die as she had expected, but the train ran over her legs. She was able to dial 911 and the doctors saved her life before she bled to death.

As someone who realizes how depressed someone can get, today she is a public speaker who has written a book about her personal life story. In this book, entitled Life, in Spite of Me, she chronicles how she arrived at the drastic and terrible point of attempting suicide and how to minister to someone who is suicidal. I would recommend this book to anyone, and she has an awesome testimony. She is someone we could truly learn a lot from.

Petals off of a rose

Your life is like petals being taken from a rose. Consider this analogy:

There is a person named Sam, and he is a preacher's kid. He first hears the gospel at the age of six when he and his father are on a camping trip. Although he fully understood, he told he dad he would think about it and maybe do it later. There is one petal off the rose. At 15 years old he is still unsaved, but goes to a Bible camp. He hears a message that stirs his heart and he feels led to get saved, but he thinks, "oh, I'm young, I've got plenty of time to make a commitment." He loses another petal off the rose.

Later on, he goes to college and gets involved in sororities and dorm life. He goes to a lot of parties, sometimes has a little bit too much to drink, and generally has a good "worldly" time, but every now and then the tug on his heart about what he needs to do with Jesus is still there. He loses another petal off of the rose.

Sam graduates college and goes to law school. He is now not a partier, but a hard-working student. He works long hours day and night. He sometimes listens to a television evangelist and the pull on his heart is still there, but between his classes and studying for the Bar Exam he does not have the time to consider the claims of Christ. Another petal falls of his rose.

Sam graduates law school and immediately lands a position at a lucrative law firm. He once again works long hours, but finds a girlfriend and eventually gets married. He settles down, they buy a two story Colonial, and start a family. His wife is a Christian, and every now and then tells him he needs to get right with God. He tells her he is too busy. He loses another petal off his rose.

Years go by, and Sam continues to work hard at the law firm and he eventually makes partner. They sell the old colonial and buy an even bigger house, and things are going well. Then one day his wife is killed in a car accident. Instead of drawing closer to God, he grows bitter. He loses another petal off of his rose.

Years go by, and his son eventually moves away and starts a family of his own. Sam retires and decides to go live by his son and grandchildren. His son is also a Christian and takes his family to church, and Sam agrees to go as well. As he listens to the preacher, he felts that old tug on his heart again, but he still puts it off. After a while, he goes to the doctor, and finds out the terrible news....Cancer! He starts treatment, but his heart grows bitter again toward God. He loses another petal off his rose, and only has one solitary petal left.

After several months, his condition worsens, and he is left in the hospital bed hanging by a thread. The time is drawing short, and his life is almost over. The tug on his heart is still there, and the rose petal is hanging by a thread....he calls his son's pastor and finally gets saved on his deathbed. He is overjoyed and finally has peace for the first time. But he wondered, what would his life have been like if he would have responded to God when he was the child?

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?" ---Mark 8:36

We Could Learn a Lot From...

"Major Candy"

Major Ron Brooks was stationed overseas with the U.S. Army during a recent war in the 20th century, he would often visit the villages near his base. Being a fervent Christian, he wished to share the gospel with the children he would come across, looking at them and thinking I wish I could tell you about Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, that was impossible because he did not speak their language and they did not speak his. After prayerfully considering some way to do this, he decided to start sharing some of the candy that his wife would give him with the children of the villagers. It wasn't long before every time he went to the village the children would crowd around him, stick out their hands, and cry "Candy!" The major would give them the candy, and try with all his effort to share with them the gospel by drawing pictures of a cross and Jesus in the dirt. Unfortunately, there was too much of a language barrier for this to occur effectively. After writing home to his wife, his sons, Ronnie and Jeffrey, told the school about their father's activities and desire to share the Christian gospel, and the teacher told the principal (and although nowadays there would be an ACLU lawsuit) and the principal, a Christian himself, donated several boxes full of candy for Major Ron to share with the children. Major Ron then suggested that his wife helped him find some Gospel Tracts for these people in their own language. With the aid of a pastor, his wife was able to send him two boxes of equipment, gospel recordings, Bibles, and preaching of the word. The next time Ron gave out the candy, he began playing some of the songs. The eager school children began singing along with the recordings. After putting on the gospel recording in their language, he was thrilled to see that several individuals (three adults and one child) bowed their heads to receive Christ as Savior. "Major Candy" referred them to local pastors for discipleship. Many many more decisions followed, and many seeds were planted. There were so many seeds planted, that a church was even started in the area. Only the God of the Bible could use something so seemingly insignificant as pieces of Candy to bring people to Himself!

Quote of the Week...

"Your Life is a Sermon!"

I read this some time ago in a book that was given to me by my mother:

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day,

I'd rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.

The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear;

Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;

and the best of all the preachers are men who live by their creeds,

For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done.

I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And lectures you deliver may be very wise and true;

But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

but there's no misunderstanding how you live.

---Edgar Guest

Interesting poem

I came across this poem in one of the devotionals that I subscribe to through e-mail.

Assurance in Jesus
May Jesus assure you that as you follow Him

you will never meet a fear He cannot conquer,

you will never face an enemy He cannot defeat,

you will never enter a battle He cannot win,

you will never have a need He cannot meet,

you will never face a temptation He cannot overcome,

you will never have a burden He cannot lift,

you will never face a problem He cannot solve,

you will never have a bondage He cannot break,

you will never have a moment when He does not care,

you will never have a time when He is not there.

What does the Bible say about Illegal Immigration?

While the Bible doesn't say much about illegal immigration specifically, it does say a great deal about whether we should obey governments, and the answer is that we should always obey government except when they disobey God's law. The Question of the Week forum at www.gotquestions.org provides a good response to the how the Bible would probably treat the illegal immigration debate:

Romans 13:1-7 makes it abundantly clear that God expects us to obey the laws of the government. The only exception to this is when a law of the government forces you to disobey a command of God (Acts 5:29). Illegal immigration is the breaking of a governmental law. There is nothing in Scripture that contradicts a nation having immigration laws. Therefore, it is a sin, rebellion against God, to illegally enter into another country.

Illegal immigration is definitely a controversial issue in the United States (and some other countries) today. Some argue that the immigration laws are unfair, unjust, and even discriminatory -- giving individuals justification to immigrate illegally. However, Romans 13:1-7 does not give any permission to violate a law just because it is unjust. Again, the issue is not the fairness of a law. The only biblical reason to violate a governmental law is if that law violates God's Word. When Paul wrote the Book of Romans, he was under the authority of the Roman Empire, led by perhaps the most evil of all the Roman emperors, Nero. Under that reign, there were many laws that were unfair, unjust, and/or blatantly evil. Still, Paul instructed Christians to submit to the government.

Are the immigration laws of the United States unfair or unjust? Some think so, but that is not the issue. All developed countries in the world have immigration laws, some more strict that the USA and some less strict than the USA. There is nothing in the Bible to prohibit a country from having completely open borders, or to have completely closed borders. Romans 13:1-7 also gives the government the authority to punish lawbreakers. Whether the punishment is imprisonment and/or deportation, or even something more severe, it is within the rights of the government to determine.

The vast majority of illegal immigrants in the United States have come for the purpose of having a better life, providing for their families, and escaping from poverty. These are good goals and motivations. However, it is not biblical to violate a law to achieve something "good." Caring for the poor, orphans, and widows is something the Bible commands us to do (Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; 2:2-15). However, the biblical fact that we are to care for the misfortunate does not mean we should violate the law in doing so. Supporting, enabling, and/or encouraging illegal immigration is, therefore, also a violation of God's Word. Those seeking to immigrate to another country should always obey the immigration laws of that country. While this may cause delays and frustrations, these reasons do not give a person the right to violate a law.

What is the biblical solution to illegal immigration? Simple...don't do it; obey the laws. If disobedience is not a biblical option, what can be done in regards to an unjust immgration law? It is completely within the rights of citizens to seek to change immigration laws. If it is your conviction that an immigration law is unjust, do everything that is legally within your power to get the law changed: pray, petition, vote, peacefully protest, etc. As Christians, we should be the first to seek to change any law that is unjust. At the same time, we are also to demonstrate our submission to God by obeying the government He has placed in authority over us.

While we as Christians hearts go out to people who are only seeking a better life, the sad reality of the situation is that the borders are also used by drug traffickers as well. Those in Mexico who want a better life really, in all honesty, would do better to go through the years of red tape necessary to become a legal citizen of this country. 

We Could Learn a Lot From....

* Ruins in the city of Tangier in Morocco


Marcellus and Casian (circa A.D. 298)

In A.D. 298 in the city of Tigis (now called Tangier) there was a Roman Centurion by the name of Marcellus, who was a Christian. The Centurion was observing a banquet where there were sacrifices being offered to the Roman gods. Marcellus declared in a loud voice: "I serve Jesus Christ the eternal king." He proceeded to throw down his arms and added that "hence forward I cease to serve your Emporers, and I scorn to worship your gods of wood and stone, which are deaf and dumb idols. If such be the terms of service...then I refuse to serve." Marcellus was sentenced to death at his trial. A court clerk by the name of Cassian was busy recording the testimony of Marcellus when he angrily threw down his pen and notebook. When asked why, he came to the defense of Marcellus and declared that the sentence was unjust. He too was cast into prison, and he too was sentenced to death that same year in the same court where he had worked. He testified of the Christ as well. The two men were executed, but received their just reward in Christ's kingdom as martyrs for His cause.

Most people don't...

* Spend a little extra time outside of their schedule to listen to a stranger in the supermarket who is having a hard day.

* Wear themselves out in a kitchen because they believe that good food feeds hearts and warms bellies.

* Help their enemies.

* Serve overseas caring for lepers.

And yes, most people don't.....

* Build an Ark like Noah.

* Go up against a giant like Goliath who is three times your size and trust in God for their protection like David.

* Wash others dirty feet as Jesus did.

Finally, absolutely no one would be willing to.....

* Send their Son to be in harm's way for strangers.

* See that Son later have to endure a painful, humiliating public execution to die for the world's sins.

*****Except for God, that is****** He would be willing to, and He did.

If You Continue to Serve Yourself....(Quote of the Week)

I have not posted a Quote of the Week to this blog in quite some time so I thought I should. I came across this little gem in a teaching series by Pastor Andy Stanley, who is the son of Pastor Charles Stanley, who was posted about here: http://ordinary80.blogspot.com/2009/08/we-could-learn-lot-from.html However, his son Andy Stanley has an effective ministry in his own right. In one of his teaching series, he made the following quote: If you continue to serve yourself, it won't be long before you are, in fact all by yourself. In other words, if you continue to do things for your own goals, only think of yourself, and only care about people for what you can get out of them, then yes, you will alienate them. This message of Mr. Stanley's is quite contrary to the "me-first" culture that we are all experiencing and are in.

One more easter thought...

Just wait three days

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Sitting in her usual place inside a small archway was the old flower lady. At her feet corsages and boutonnieres were parading on top of a spread-open newspaper. The flower lady was smiling, her wrinkled old face alive with some inner joy. I started down the stairs—then, on an impulse, turned and picked out a flower. As I put it in my lapel, I said, “You look happy this morning.” “Why not? Everything is good.” She was dressed so shabbily and seemed so very old that her reply startled me. “You’ve been sitting here for many years now, haven’t you? And always smiling. You wear your troubles well.” “You can’t reach my age and not have troubles,” she replied. “Only it’s like Jesus and Good Friday . . . ” She paused for a moment. “Yes?” I prompted. “Well, when Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, that was the worst day for the whole world. And when I get troubles I remember that, and then I think of what happened only three days later—Easter and our Lord arising. So when I get troubles, I’ve learned to wait three days . . . somehow everything gets all right again.” And she smiled good-bye. Her words still follow me whenever I think I have troubles. Give God a chance to help . . . wait three days.

NOTE: originally posted at http://www.ourprayer.org/three-days

A little belated but...

Happy Easter Everybody!

What makes a Christian education Christian?

I had this rather interesting question posed to me during one of my required discussion forums for my online seminary classes at Liberty University. Here was my response:

To sum up, the purpose of Christian education is basically to produce, both individually and collectively, better followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. I agree with one of the previous posters that "what makes education Christian" really does, indeed, lie in ensuring that Christ is the key ingredient.

Of course, one can be "educated" in a variety of areas, and just to be does not necessarily make the education Christian. One example is that I can be educated constantly that we are all just the product of billions of years of random chemical reactions, but that education would be secular and, I believe, untrue. Thus, for education to be Christian, it must have the right content.

Christian education, for it to be Christian, must be, as mentioned in lengthier terms above, Christ-centered. It also must be Bible-based, and it should uphold the Judeo-Christian ideals and promote the sacrificial death of our Savior on the Cross and help believers to have a continued walk with Him and point those who are yet to believe to Him as well. It should also, in my humble opinion, uphold the virtues of Christian service as well. We would all do well to remember that the "Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28) In that regard, a true Christian education will always strive to produce individuals who wish to imitate Christ, the supreme example for us all.

We Could Learn a Lot From....

Tite Sufra and Stephen Ocean
-----------------------------

Tite Sufra and Stephen Ocean were two individuals who, on the seemingly ordinary day of February 7, 2010 were gunned down in Boynton Beach, Florida. Unfortunately, this murder wasn't the result of random gun violence or a drug deal gone bad, but was the result of the fact that these two were sharing the Gospel with the individual who ended up shooting them. Jeriah Woody, who was the recipient of the witnessing, shot and killed the two men for doing so. Praise be to God that we have individuals who are willing to share the Gospel and if you who stumble upon this blog happens to be Christian please pray for the individual who killed these two men.