| The 'Allah' debacle and the decision by the High Court to grant Christian usage of 'Allah' has sparked protests and outrage among several Muslim NGOs. The issue has been a front page subject on online news portals for several days, an unusual situation in Malaysia.
Yesterday, there was some debate about the Federal government's decision to allow these groups to organize protests nationwide. Today, two churches have been arsoned.
The Metro Tabernacle Church, an Assemblies of God church in the suburb of Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, was torched last night at midnight. Here is the news report.
This morning, the Assumption Church in the suburb of Petaling Jaya, a Catholic church, was firebombed. No damage happened because the bombs did not explode. Here is the news report.
Edit: Several days ago, the judiciary website was defaced by a hacker threatening Christians in the country. This morning, very shortly after news of the arsons, the Vice-President of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party publicly condemned the attacks.
( Some local political perspective )
Please continue praying for us. Please pray that the violence is contained, and that Christians in Malaysia do not act rashly. | comments: 7 comments or Leave a comment   |
| John 9:4
How fast Time Flies. January , comes from the word Janus, a Roman pagan God. He is the god of gates, god of doors, and god of new beginnings for therm. They have this term, a Latin term “ Tempus Fugit”, which means, time flies. Talk of Christmas is gone, talk of summer is gone, talk of all the other holidays is gone, you usher in a new year. ( Read more... ) | | comments: Leave a comment |
| Has anyone of you ever tried to practice constant prayer like St. Paul adviced?
As for now, I'm not even quite sure how he means his advice. Does he mean perpetual prayer?
The thought I'm having is that I should pray anytime I come to think of God, anytime I come to think of prayer. It's often just something short, and usually I just thank for something or praise God. Sometimes the words seem a bit too simple and I'm not sure I'm composing great prayers, but I have a good feeling about it and it seems to give me a strange, slight sense of strength in me which requires some getting used to but really is dependable. It helps me with the schizophrenia as well as it increases my trust in God and sort of keeps me safe from wandering off in my mind. And it's bringing me a sense of joy. | | comments: 8 comments or Leave a comment |
| I just wanted to tell a bit of my story.
My father died when I was ten from AIDS/HIV. He contracted it the year I was born so my whole life I was taught my father could die at any moment. He lived ten years without before passing on. Myself as a child, was sickly (asthma and what was thought to be arthritis) plagued my teenage years. I was depressed, sometimes bed ridden, and destroyed. I thought God hated me and for that I hated him.
I often saw things, demons, angels and had horrible nightmares that left me with years of insomnia. I SUFFERED.
Three times I tried to kill myself. Pills, slit wrists, and walking into traffic.
Pills--I downed a bottle of pills only to throw it back up one minute later.
Slit Wrists--The pain of the cut snapped my out of it.
Walking Into traffic--was the closet I can to succeeding but amazingly-on a busy street all cars missed me.
i tell you this because lately I've read A LOT of journals on my F-List and many have mentioned suicide as a way to end the suffering. I can't tell you how much I needed my pain to stop.
Believe it or not-- It gets better. You have to push through. Lean on God. There is a purpose to every life and I almost gave it up.
After my mother died things got rough for me as many of you know. One Saturday I sat here alone playing computer games when thoughts of suicide entered my mind again. I was in pain and feeling sorry for myself. But this time I made a choice-- I WOULD NOT FALL INTO THIS TRAP AGAIN
Sometimes happiness is a choice you make. Sometimes it takes everything I have to get out of bed in the morning but there isn't a night that I've regretted my life. I still have asthma and now I know the arthritis was misdiagnosed and was actually Fibromyalgia. I'm often sore and tired and just recently was sent to the hospital for an attack. The only thing that really changed in my life was that I stopped hating God and asked for his help.He hasn't left me since then.
I'm not trying to convert anyone. I'm telling my story because I want all those suffering to know if you can't live with this anymore YOU HAVE TO CHANGE IT. It's so hard to and I know it. Just hold on please! If you think you need it call the suicide hot lines--seek help somewhere--don't suffer alone. | | comments: 16 comments or Leave a comment |
| 1.) Why did God bring sin onto earth in the first place? (A reason other than Eve eating an apple from the tree of knowledge.)
2.) If God loves everyone no matter what, then why are some condemned to eternal hell for not believing?
3.) Are things such as being gay or committing suicide sins?
(Note: this is all just out of curiosity.) | | comments: 47 comments or Leave a comment |
|
[20]
THE PASSOVER
Read Exodus 11:1–12:42
"I am the LORD … when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Exodus 12:12b–13 NIV
* * *
After nine plagues and refusals by Pharaoh to let the people go, in the tenth and final judgment, God sent His angel to strike the firstborn male of every family in Egypt. Only those who put the blood of a lamb on the two doorposts and the lintel would be spared. The Lord promised them, "… when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." (12:13b) This event came to be known as the Passover. God commanded, "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD—a lasting ordinance."(12:14)
Over fourteen hundred years later, Jesus sat down to the Passover meal with His disciples and said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." That very night in the Garden of Gethsemane, being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22: 20b,44 NKJV)
* * *
Thank You Lord, for giving Your Son for us, that we might enjoy eternal life in Your presence. Help us to tell the story of the cross to our children, just as the Israelites taught their children through this annual feast. May our lives radiate the message of Jesus the Passover Lamb.
* * *
"In days to come, when your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' say to him, 'With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out … out of the land of slavery.' " Exodus 13:14 NIV
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| Recently someone posted about Catholic volunteer service organizations. So here I am plugging the Augustinian Volunteer program. Their web site can be found here. Here is a video promoting the Volunteer program. Obviously I'm biased, but I've had a lot of experience with our volunteers over the years, and I've yet to encounter one whose life has not been positively transformed as a result of the year of service. Many of the volunteers ended up volunteering for a second year, and quite a few continue to work for the program to this day. Here's the video:
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| | Please pray for my roommate Suzanne. We found out some really bad news today that may keep her from going to school, and if her appeal isn't approved, she'll be homeless. Please, please pray that God will help us find a way through this. | | comments: 7 comments or Leave a comment |
| I just found this community so I wanted to hi.
I thought I'd post two fun facts about the Bible today.
1) Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines! Can you imagine!
2) In Genesis 16:12 An angel called Ishmael a "wild monkey of a man." I thought that was funny.
Anyway have a great day everyone! | | comments: 36 comments or Leave a comment |
| | What do you think of the system of criminal justice that the Israelites practiced? Do you think that the law that prescribed their methods and punishments was a *perfect* law? I mean, allegedly it was instituted by God, and allegedly God is perfect - so how could He have installed an imperfect law? Yet most people I know would say that in our day we have better laws, methods of justice and more effective punishments than the Israelites had. What do you think is really good in the Israelite laws, and what is really bad? Is there something about their system of criminal justice we could still use today? | | comments: 66 comments or Leave a comment |
| [42]Read Hebrews 11-12 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:1, 3 NKJV* * *
This is the inspiration section of Hebrews. Some call it the “Hall of Faith.” These Old Testament believers didn’t have the clear picture of redemption that we have in the completed Scriptures. They saw it by faith from afar off, believing in God’s promise of a Messiah. They obeyed what God told them to do, even when they didn’t fully understand. For them, and for us, the requirement for pleasing God was believing Him. For ...without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (11:6)
* * *
Lord, reading about these heroes of the faith, we are put to shame. Help us to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1b-2 NKJV
* * *
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth....But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13, 16 NKJV
| | comments: 3 comments or Leave a comment |
| Hi there--I wasn't sure if this was allowed, and if it was already too late in the year, but I saw a few others do it, so I decided to post this anyway: ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif) biblereaders . I hope to post roughly once a week, around the end of the week.
The basic point is to talk over what we've read, and try to keep going. It's a non-denominational group, and we don't really care about how well versed you are in any particular creed, or your age, gender or nationality. (Though discussions are to be held in English).
I hope that all of you have a good new year. I enjoy many of the discussions here, and look forward to another year of reading,--or joining in--the various chats.
Note: If this is violating certain rules after all, feel free to delete it! | | comments: Leave a comment |
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O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of Him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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| I came across this list on one of the blogs I read and, as an ex-Christian, I could relate to some of the points he makes about the bad experiences people have had with churches.
I was wondering what folks here thought about it. Do you think that his points are fair? Do you think that there are things that shouldn't be on this list, or things that he has left off? | | comments: 77 comments or Leave a comment |
| So I'm a little bit conflicted. The drinking question seems pretty straightforward until I consider a few things. I looked up a couple of verses for some guidance:
"Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don't let the sparkle and the smooth taste of wine deceive you. For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent ..." Proverbs 23:29-32
"Liquor is for the dying, and wine for those in deep depression. Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more." Proverbs 31:6-7
I'm not dying or depressed or trying to drown a sorrow. I am of age. I'm never drunk or am around drunk people and don't do stupid things, nor am I addicted in any way. I have a beer ... one beer ... with friends. Is this wrong? I know being drunk and looking to alcohol to cover a problem that should be fixed through Christ is wrong, but is what I am doing wrong? I can't find anything in the Bible that doesn't talk about being wasted. I know a lot of regular churchgoers -- and even a pastor -- who drink occasionally in the way that I do, but I've also heard conflicting opinions.
Really, I'm open to anything. I need alcohol about as much as I need soda or candy (not al all), so I would gladly quit if this is really wrong or if it ever interfered with my beliefs. I'm wondering about it. Any input, guidance? What are your personal habits (if you don't mind sharing)?
| | comments: 33 comments or Leave a comment |
| So I'm a little bit conflicted. The drinking question seems pretty straightforward until I consider a few things. I looked up a couple of verses for some guidance:
"Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don't let the sparkle and the smooth taste of wine deceive you. For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent ..." Proverbs 23:29-32
"Liquor is for the dying, and wine for those in deep depression. Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more." Proverbs 31:6-7
I'm not dying or depressed or trying to drown a sorrow. I am of age. I'm never drunk or am around drunk people and don't do stupid things, nor am I addicted in any way. I have a beer ... one beer ... with friends. Is this wrong? I know being drunk and looking to alcohol to cover a problem that should be fixed through Christ is wrong, but is what I am doing wrong? I can't find anything in the Bible that doesn't talk about being wasted. I know a lot of regular churchgoers -- and even a pastor -- who drink occasionally in the way that I do, but I've also heard conflicting opinions.
Really, I'm open to anything. I need alcohol about as much as I need soda or candy (not al all), so I would gladly quit if this is really wrong or if it ever interfered with my beliefs. I'm wondering about it. Any input, guidance? What are your personal habits (if you don't mind sharing)? | | comments: 15 comments or Leave a comment |
|
Some thoughts I've had and a conclusion I've reached about the recent development in the discussion about the Danish church. All views expressed in this essay are my own and not necessarily shared by other theologians or attendants in my church.
( Matthew 27.46 )
X-posted to my private journal.
| | comments: 2 comments or Leave a comment |
| | Join the new community bible365 to read the Bible through with others this year. Join in discussion, prayer and grow in Jesus our Lord. | | comments: 7 comments or Leave a comment |
| Rev. Charles Lehmann + Christmas 2 + Matthew 2:13-23 In the Name of + Jesus. Amen. In Luke's Gospel, our Lord's birth is marked with an idyllic country scene. The heavens are filled with the songs of angels. A baby is wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger. The shepherds come and marvel at all that they have heard and seen. Luke could not possibly tell the story in a way that is more filled with peace and joy. But where Luke's Gospel is filled with sugar, and spice, and all things nice, in Matthew's account we find only slugs and snails and puppy dogs' tails. In Matthew, our Lord's birth is announced by the appearance of a star. Upon seeing and interpreting the star, wise men from the east make the long journey to see the one who is born king of the Jews. That seems nice enough, but the niceness all ends when the wise men arrive in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, Herod is king of the Jews. He has been given that title by the Roman Senate and he doesn't want to share it with anyone. If an heir to David's throne has been born, He is not just an heir, but a threat. Herod is an evil, paranoid man with no faith in or respect for the true God. He is motivated only by his psychotic desire to maintain and increase his earthly power and influence. Herod has already murdered wives, sons, and even close friends whom he saw as rivals for the throne. No one, however close to him, could ever feel safe or secure in Herod's presence or under his rule. The news brought by the wise men awakens Herod's murderous paranoia. He sends his army to Bethlehem and murders every boy under the age of two years. Every bit of peace and joy in Luke is answered by blood and death in Matthew. ( Read more... ) | | comments: 1 comment or Leave a comment |
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