Christians looking down who don't read KJV....

It so is sad to hear people looking down at Christians who don't read KJV. I have been in ministries to those who don't have good education (these are english speaking people who are born in the USA). I once was KJV only but I have HUMBLED and learned that I have to be patience to those who cannot. Even if they have the heart to TRY their best. This is where Christians are in the dark in the Great Commission, who are willing to be "blinded" by personal preference of a particular translation. There is no compassion. There is lack of understanding what is going on in the Christian world. James 4:6 (Also see: Proverbs 3:34) KJV: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. NIV: But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 2 Corinthians 10:11-13 KJV: Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. NIV: Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present. We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. Rather than talking about "rich versus poor", instead, about "who is smarter or not so smart". The bottom line, it is about "favoritism". Read James, Chapter 2. James 2:1-10 KJV: My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. NIV: My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Destroy this Temple.....................

Jesus Christ is God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

During Jesus' ministry, Jesus spoke of His coming death. "Destroy this temple," Jesus said, referring to His body, "and I will raise it again in three days." Jesus also declared that the Father would raise Him up on the third day. In Romans 1 we read that the Spirit of God declared Jesus to be the Son of God with power "by his resurrection from the dead." Hebrews 9:14 tells us that Father, Son and Holy Spirit all had a part. The Father received the offering of the Son through the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, who is God, the blameless and sinless Son, offered as the Lamb of God, without spot and without blemish. The redemptive price was paid by the Son to the Father through the Spirit.

There are two ways looking at the Ten Commandments (in my opinion)

1. For those who are without Christ in our hearts, if we broke ONE law... we broke them all. We all are sinners and we need to be saved. 2. For those who are WITH Christ in our hearts, the Ten Commandments are about LOVE. Christians do not look at the Ten Commandments as laws but Grace of Love. We are to LOVE God first (first 4 commandments) and we are to love one another (last 6 commandments).

Faith and Sufferings....................

James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.

James 1:3 For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

1 Peter 1:7 These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Romans 5:3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure.

Jesus said in Matthew 13: 18-22 (The Message) "Study this story of the farmer planting seed. When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn't take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person's heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road. "The seed cast in the gravel--this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it. "The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it."

Luke 8:13, Jesus said: "The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's trouble it's gone."

I have SEEN those who says they are Christians that when TRIALS came into their lives... they BLAME God and fall from faith. God is "weeding" to reveal who have strong faith. Easy life means weak faith. Hard life means strong faith. Faith builders !!!

Romans 5:2-4 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Be Careful what you ask for, especially in prayer

1. Be careful when you say this around people who DO suffer sickness, disaster or "bad luck". 2. Since you said that, it sounded like a prayer... be careful what you say because God will teach you patiences through trials. Torture? Its not about torture, its more about "trials". Its more about our relationship with God. I was born deaf, I have multiples sclerosis, I have diabetes and much more. I asked.....and have learned...... God taught me through my trials and learned to understand about my own spiritual reality. I have learned that faith is not supposed to be competitive or works to be earned. Trials taught me that faith must be with love. In fact, love must come before faith. To God, LOVE is more important than faith. I asked for love.................God gave me trials so I can learn to love Him and others around me. I asked for strength...........God gave me difficulties which gave me strengths to handle my life. I asked for wisdom...........God gave me problems to learn to solve with Godly wisdom. I asked for prosperity.......God gave me a brain and a talent to work so I can be rich. I asked for courage..........God gave me dangers to learn to overcome my situations. I asked for healing............God gave me disabilities so I can help others with love. I asked for guidance........God gave me opportunities to use to direct my paths. I have learned through my sufferings that I was born a sinner and due to sin, my body is and will always vulnerable to illnesses. Because of sin (even though I am saved by Jesus Christ), my body will face illnesses until the day I die. I have learned that my faith in God through my physical sufferings that God taught me patience. As a Christian, I know that I am not totally "immune" to any physical illnesses & diseases. I know I will die physically someday. I have learned through my own physical sufferings of my life, that God has a purpose (will) for my life. His purpose (will) is to manifest my character to be like Christ. I have learned that I will always have faith in God because He has the power and He control my situations. I have learned that my sufferings are a testimony to others, (2 Tim 2:8-10; 2 Cor. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:13-17). When I handle my sufferings in joyful attitude, this becomes a marvelous testimony to others how Christ blesses my life. With God's love, He gave me the character of Christ in the midst of suffering as a testimony to win others to Christ (2 Cor. 4:8-12; 1 Pet. 3:14-17). I suffer to develop our capacity and sympathy in comforting others (2 Cor. 1:3-5).Through my sufferings, I have learned to keep down my pride (2 Cor. 12:7). I suffered because it is a training tool by God. God used and still using my sufferings to develop my personal righteousness, maturity, and my spiritual walk with Him (Heb. 12:5f; 1 Pet. 1:6; Jam. 1:2-4). I have learned that my sufferings (trials) taught me and understood the true meaning of Psalm 62:1-8 ("wait on the Lord only."). Which means that my sufferings are required for spiritual sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2), personal courage, discipline for edification, and faith in God. My sufferings have taught me that God is LOVE. With His love, He has best interests at heart for me in His will regardless of how my trials might appear to me. I know I will be fully healed when I get into heaven.Finally, my sufferings have taught me that there are God's ministries around the world. People have been suffered to create and broaden God's ministries (cf. Philippians 1:12-14 with 4:5-9). In the process of producing Christian character in them and using their testimonies to others that suffering often opens up doors for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have learned that God used, is using people and will continue to use people who have suffered to reach out to others who are in the same boat.I have learned that God's purpose (will) in redeeming me is not to make my life happy, healthy, and free of trouble. God's purpose is to make me more like Christ. He chose to allow my deafness, multiple sclerosis and other physical trials not only teach me, but also teach others around me, about what it means to become more like Jesus.First Peter 2:21-25 says, "You have been called for this purpose (His will), since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls." Scripture clearly states that Christians will suffer for their faith (Matt. 5:11-12; 10:17; 24:9; Luke 21:12; John 15:20; 16:2; 2 Tim. 3:12). "Suffered" {páscho-} means to suffer (to feel or bear what is painful, disagreeable or distressing, either to the body or mind. We suffer pain of body; we suffer grief of mind). It means to be affected by something from without. It means to undergo an experience, usually difficult, and normally with the implication of physical or psychological suffering.I have learned that my disabilities (sufferings) do not have me. I have the disabilities and I accept them because I know who I am from the inside. Christ is inside me. Everything has its wonders, even silence and pain, and I learn, whatever disabilities and difficulties I may be in, I am happily content. I have hearing loss and multiple sclerosis, and those are the ways of life for me. I take silence and pain as they come and I have learned master them in my life. Life is 10 percent how I master my disabilities, and 90 percent how I am enjoying life regardless my disabilities.

Our "Political Correct Society"

In our culture today that everything must be tolerated since there is no absolute truth. Painful and uncomfortable as it is, we Christians must stand up for Jesus Christ. Christians who tolerates things that are opposed to the will of God, and if the matter is pointed out to its leaders, they will defend its unscriptural practices just to maintain "external" peace. Eternal Peace is often ignored. Jesus Himself left a warning: "I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone dead." (Revelation 3:1b)

Revelation 2:14-17 But why do you indulge that Balaam crowd? Don't you remember that Balaam was an enemy agent, seducing Balak and sabotaging Israel's holy pilgrimage by throwing unholy parties? And why do you put up with the Nicolaitans, who do the same thing? "Enough! Don't give in to them; I'll be with you soon. I'm fed up and about to cut them to pieces with my sword-sharp words. "Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. I'll give the sacred manna to every conqueror; I'll also give a clear, smooth stone inscribed with your new name, your secret new name."

Making One's Calling and Election Sure: Faith produces works.....

2 Peter 1 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The real battle line in the theological is "Religion".

I can see it that the question of theology (Study of God) versus religion (man's view of God). Majority of the threads are talking outside spiritual matters as the inspiration of the Scriptures, the deity of Jesus Christ, salvation through the blood of atonement, death and judgment, heaven and hell. The true battle line is elsewhere in the minds and hearts of Christians. I need to be careful not to be confused because I need to have the right conception of God. This is basic not only to systematic theology but to practical Christian living as well. I need to stick with "theology" rather than "religion". Theology is one truth while religion is many truths. Christ did not say, "I am the truths," but "I am the Truth."

You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! (Acts 7:51)

It is amazing that some people who voiced their "religion" view of God rather than actual theology (God's view of God). Do you noticed that many people play religion as they play trivia games? Hearing the current concepts of Christianity in this world have taught me that there is NO perfect denomination because denominations are being led by Christians who are also sinners. Just forgiven sinners. Many of the "people's opinions" I have heard have considered "Christianity as acceptable religion". I can clearly see that Christians are not misunderstanding the Bible, but their untamed hearts to accept its plain instruction from the Word of God. They are not allowing the Holy Spirit to teach them, convict their attitudes and converting their thoughts about God. How can I tell whether or not people voicing their thoughts about God have true understanding of theology? To answer this question requires me to take courage to follow the facts (Bible) as God reveals to me. With the help from the Holy Ghost as long as I don't habitually sin, the Holy Spirit will guide me. I need to remember that there are no tricks of theology, no demonstrations of supernatural wonders, no evidences of blind devotion can help me decide which: Theology of God or Religion of Man. I must have must be pure of heart with strong determination to study God rather than study religion. one who lives as near like Christ as possible and who knows how to repent in sorrow of heart when he sins against his Lord by any act or word. I want to be the man who honors God with humble attitude with a pure heart, free from the love of sins, eager to promote the Glory of God. Whatever keeps me from the Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to be. Whatever engages my attention when I should be meditating on God and things eternal does injury to my soul. I am 46 years old and I am still learning. I have learned with difficulties, I forget easily and suffered many distractions. I must set my heart to study theology (God's view of Himself), not religion (people's view of God).

Better Hearing-Aids.... before I die........

I am wearing conventional hearing-aids which is "so-so". I still miss out alot at meetings, bible studies and group bible studies. I am in "rock and hard" place because I can't hear enough to socialize "hearing" people but not deaf enough to socialize with deaf people. My wife noticed this in the past year that I truly miss out alot. She is sad about this because in a group setting... when there is good conversations going on, I miss out and felt left out. One of my goals before I die is to BUY BETTER hearing-aids. The ones I want costs about $2,500 a piece. The hearing-aids I am wearing now costs about $600 a piece. I wear two hearing aids because I can hear best with two hearing aids, which is called binaural. There is less ringing in your ears and less distortion or blurring of sounds. Hearing is also easier in noisy, crowded rooms. I can hear better in a full circle around me with two hearing aids. Years ago, I wore with one, I could only hear one side with one aid is on and I felt really "totally deaf". Right now, my hearing aids are "conventional" or "analog" hearing aids that are very limited: * Can only be adjusted within a certain range. * Controls I must move or adjust with my hands. * Usually make all sounds louder. * May need to be replaced more often, because of the limits on fine tuning them. I want High-technology hearing aids because they: * Can be smaller, do more things faster, and automatically. * Can be set for multiple listening programs. This allows hearing aids to adjust to noisy rooms or soft conversations. * Can be programmed. A computer in the audiologist's office can do many changes to your hearing aids. They do not have to be sent back to the factory for adjustments or fine-tuning. The computer also remembers the adjustments, and can recall old settings if needed. * Allow for a T-switch or coil. This allows you to wear your hearing aid while you talk on the telephone. * Allow for multiple frequency bands. There are volume controls on three bands or types of sound areas. Each one can be set for low, medium and high frequencies or sound range that might bother you. It can also be adjusted to increase the volume in range where you have a specific hearing loss. K-amp is a common business name for the 2-band type that works on loud or soft sound ranges. One of the major problems with hearing aids is the cost of a hearing aid. Hearing aids tend to cost a lot of money because they are not mass-produced. The high-tech, programmable ones cost the most (which I want).

Sufferings

God do not cause sufferings. God allows sufferings. Sickness and disability touch so many of us that we cannot avoid the issue Through the rejection, betrayal, enslavement, and wrongful imprisonment of a man named Joseph, we see someone who eventually was able to say to those who had hurt him, "You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good" ( Genesis 50:20). We go through the sufferings of life God has a purpose including illnesses. His purpose is to manifest the character of our spiritual life to everybody around us and to us as well. His purpose is to humble us because of His multitude of blessings poured out upon us and His purpose is to draw us into the intimacy of His glorious presence. The pruning principle. It is true that God can heal any illness or disease! Yet, because this world is full of sin, it is also susceptible to disease, poverty and hardship. To truly have faith is to suffer and still praise His name, to have difficulties and still know God cares, to be in pain and still remember that one day there will be no pain, to experience trials and still know God is listening, to know that God does not always heal and still believe that He is God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

There are thousands of many great men and women of God have glorified Him through their physical infirmities. One example: Christian Hymn writer Fanny Crosby. She was blinded at the age of six weeks, yet was free from bitterness. A preacher once said to her, "I think it is a great pity that the master did not give you sight when He showered so many other gifts upon you." Fanny replied, "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I should be born blind!" "Why?" asked the surprised minister. "Because when I get to heaven, the first face I that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior." Her 8000 gospel songs are enduring, joyful testimonies of God's sustaining grace in her life. The LORD has been glorified through her illness! Many of her songs are sang by many in our Churches for many years and we are still singing TODAY. Another:JONI EARECKSON TADA Founder and President of Joni and Friends Joni and Friends is an international outreach which seeks to bring the gospel to the over 600 million people with disabilities worldwide. A diving accident in 1967 left Mrs. Tada a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands.

Testimony from Joni: I really dove into God's Word with both sleeves rolled up to understand the Lord's perspective on healing and I can say now that I am so grateful for the wisdom of God. ...John 5 talks about where Jesus once visited the Pool of Bethesda, and among all these disabled people He touched and healed a man paralyzed on a straw mat for over 30 years. I remember I was in the dark at night. After my bible was closed I'd picture myself at that same pool. I would imagine me dressed in maybe a rough burlap coat lying on a straw mat, perhaps even near that man that Jesus healed, and I would plead with God in prayer, "Oh, Lord, do not pass me by." I would even sing to Him that hymn, "Jesus, Jesus, hear my humble cry. While on others thou art calling, do not pass me by." I would pray that, and yet I was never healed. Well, as you know, years later, and I began to get my spiritual act together with the Lord Jesus and I realized He was using my affliction, my paralysis to push me up against a spiritual wall with my back, getting me to seriously consider His lordship in my life - years later - in fact, just last year my husband Ken and I had a chance to visit Jerusalem, and we chose to do the old city on a hot, dry, dusty day, midday, when we knew no tour buses would be around and we'd have the place pretty much to ourselves. And Ken was pushing me in my wheelchair down the cobblestone streets and we arrived at the sheepgate, made a lefthand turn, and there, a couple of hundred yards down the path, it opened up into this grand old ruins of - my goodness, it's the pool of Bethesda. Ken, I said, would you look at this. And although you could not make out the colonnades because the ruins were crumbling and tumbling, and there's no water in the pool yet, the place was empty, and as I leaned against the guardrail with my elbow, Ken hopped the guardrail to jog down to the bottom of the pool to see if there was any water in one of the cisterns. And while he was gone and the wind was warm and dry and the sun was hot, tears began cascading down my cheeks as I looked over this pool of Bethesda and I said, "Oh, Lord Jesus, how good of You to wait 30 years, almost as many years as that man laid on his straw mat, You waited this long to bring me to this place, a place where I imagined myself so many years ago, and I'm so grateful that You did not pass me by, because a 'no' answer to a request for healing has meant purged sin from my life, and it strengthened my commitment to you, Lord Jesus. It has forced me to depend on Your grace. It has bound me with other believers. It has produced discernment. It has disciplined my mind. It has taught me to spend my time wisely. It has given me a hope of heaven. Lord Jesus, You were so good in not healing me." And I know there are many people listening now who wish to be free of their circumstances - they are looking for an escape hatch, or maybe a quick fix for their affliction, and they think they might find it in a divorce or they are pondering maybe with the idea of suicide, such as one caller mentioned earlier. Or they're thinking that they'll find it in pills or medication, or a healing service. But the 32 years that I've been in this wheelchair and being at the Pool of Bethesda last year, has taught me that suffering is that good sheepdog, always snapping at my heals and driving me into the arms of the Shepherd. For that, I am so grateful. I am so grateful.

More about FAITH: Faith is a gift from God

"In the Book of Acts faith was for each believer a beginning, not an end; it was a journey, not a bed in which to lie while waiting for the day of our Lord's triumph. Believing was not a once-done act; it was more than an act, it was an attitude of heart and mind which inspired and enabled the believer to take up his cross and follow the Lamb whithersoever He went." Born After Midnight, 16. Faith (A.W. Tozer) "Faith never means gullibility. The man who believes everything is as far from God as the man who refuses to believe anything." The Root of the Righteous, 120. Faith (A.W. Tozer) '...Faith is not a once-done act, but a continuous gaze of the heart at the Triune God. Believing, then, is directing the hearts' attention to Jesus. It is lifting the mind to "behold the Lamb of God," and never ceasing that beholding for the rest of our lives.' The Pursuit of God, 90. Faith (A.W. Tozer) Faith as Paul saw it, was a living flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ. Faith in our day often means no more than a meek assent to a doctrine. Paths to Power, 56-57.Faith (A.W. Tozer)

By A.W. Tozer Remember that faith is not a noble quality found only in superior men. It is not a virtue attainable by a limited few. It is not the ability to persuade ourselves that black is white or that something we desire will come to pass if we only wish hard enough. Faith is simply the bringing of our minds into accord with the truth. It is adjusting our expectations to the promises of God in complete assurance that the God of the whole earth cannot lie. A man looks at a mountain and affirms, "That is a mountain." There is no particular virtue in the affirmation. It is simply accepting the fact that stands before him and bringing his belief into accord with the fact. The man does not create the mountain by believing, nor could he annihilate it by denying. And so with the truth of God. The believing man accepts a promise of God as a fact as solid as a mountain and vastly more enduring. His faith changes nothing except his own personal relation to the word of promise. God's Word is true whether we believe it or not. Human unbelief cannot alter the character of God. Faith is subjective, but it is sound only when it corresponds with objective reality. The man's faith in the mountain is valid only because the mountain is there; otherwise it would be mere imagination and would need to be sharply corrected to rescue the man from harmful delusion. So God is what He is in Himself. He does not become what we believe. "I AM That I AM." We are on safe ground only when we know what kind of God He is and adjust our entire being to the holy concept.

Quotes relating to FAITH I always admired atheists. I think it takes a lot of faith. Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, Northern Exposure, Seoul Mates, 1991 If you think you can win, you can win. Faith is necessary to victory. William Hazlitt (1778 - 1830) Faith is like radar that sees through the fog -- the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see. Corrie Ten Boom (1892-1983)

Verses regarding Missions (missionary)

1 Corinthians 1:27 (The Message) Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses. 1 Peter 2:12 (The Message) Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (Message) Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it:if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything--encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! Quality is measured by the Christlike living of the church members. If Christ is reigning in us, we will be giving joyfully and generously even out of love. Focus attention on missionaries' task these brethren have done a real favor to the cause of Jesus Christ.

Salvation is free through..............................

Salvation is free through Grace (undeserve kindness) of God and His unconditional love. Is God's grace cheap? Becoming a disciple, following Jesus Christ requires personal cost, giving up your selfish "me" and become like Christ. What does it mean to become like Jesus Christ? That is the REAL question. Jesus will not dwell in spiteful and proud and selfish thoughts. Jesus treasures my pure and loving thoughts, my humble and lovely thoughts. I am to think like Jesus. 1 John 4:7-21 (New International Version) Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. Matthew 22:36-38 (New International Version) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment. Luke 14:27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. A disciple is someone who does certain things and things are typically ephasizes discipline and obedience. A disciple who is a follower of Christ by trying to live as Christ lived and by carrying out Jesus' commands. A disciple is ALSO someone who understands certain biblical things which a disciple emphasizes accurate thinking and common sense concerning God, people, salvation, and other doctrines. A disciple must understand that God is both holy and loving; that I am a sinner, are made in the image of God; that Christ's death was the substitute payment for my sin; and that because of Jesus' payment, I am granted access to the heart of God. If I am a disciple, I should love. A disciple of Jesus Christ is to adore and love God, and THAT leads to love for other people. Such a person is other-centered because his or her focus is on God. Love hopes all things (1 Corinth 13). Love refuses to take human failure as final. With Christ in me, my human failures are never final. Love never keeps a record of wrongs. Love forgives and love is unable to think about them anymore. Forget the past and move on. Focus on the future as I focus on Christ at the same time.

Worship style is a preference.

I believe there is "NO" wrong way of worship since worship is spiritual from the heart. That's between God and the believer who worship.

My thoughts on "spiritual authority".

The only authority any pastor or elder or bishop or any church leaders has is the Word of God. When you step beyond the Word of God, you’ve overstepped the bounds of your authority. God reveals Himself primarily through the pages of Scripture; that is why I believe the Bible as my absolute authority. 1 Peter 4:11 instructs me to handle biblical truth: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God." If the Bible is true, then it is also authoritative. As divinely revealed truth, it carries the full weight of God's own authority. A church must understand that Christ is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15) and that He mediates His rule in the church through godly elders (1 Thess. 5:13-14; Heb. 13:7, 17).

My faith is the generator of my works.

My faith is not in my works. My faith is the generator of my works. Faith produces works. Works reveal faith or the lack of it. Being is expressed in doing. We Christians stand together on the basic truth that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. We are saved by faith in Christ, alone; without works and without our merit. Faith is believing and receiving, as in Acts 16:31: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved;" and as in John 1:12: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name." Action without faith is directionless and empty. Faith without action is comatose or dead. What does our action (or lack of it) reveal about your faith and mine? The Bible says, "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved (Romans 10:8b-10). The heart believes and the mouth confesses. Both are necessary to salvation. Works: I am God's letter, written in my heart to be known and read by everybody. I am to show that I am a letter from Christ, the result of His ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of my heart (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). My life as a Christian takes work and requires the commitment of my heart, mind and body. Christ is not outside of me but He is inside me. Since Christ is within me, I must listen to His Word and walk in His steps (2 Corinthians 4:10). No other methods are required. Period. If someone or a denomination tells me that my salvation is not true... Then, they don't know my heart as God knows. God is not impressed by my works (1. Samuel 16:7). The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord don't make decisions the way you do. People judge by outward appearance (i.e. works), but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions (heart)." (NLT)

What is tradition?

What is a tradition? The regular Greek word for “teaching” is didaskalia (the basis for “didactic”), but that is not the word used here. Instead, paradosis (tradition) is used. A tradition is information or custom which is handed down. It is an inherited pattern of thought or action. A popular definition might be, “things people do on regularly.” This same Greek word (in verb from) is used in 1 Corinthians 11:23 in regard to the Lord’s Supper (that it was passed on) . The point of a tradition is that it is something that is passed on, from generation to generation. An interesting paradox can be observed about tradition. The same word (paradosis) used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:2 was also used by Jesus in Matthew 15:1-3. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?”

How important is Old Testament?

The New Testament relies on the Old Testament for people who "examine" the scriptures. The Old Testament made hundreds of references to Christ... (Messiah) including prophecies about the Messiah is about to come. The Old Testament taught me about GOD the Father. The Old Testament taught me God's wisdom through Proverbs. The Old Testament taught me examples of GREAT faiths (See Hall of Faith, Hebrews, Chapter 11 which made references to the Old Testament). When Jesus was on earth, Jesus made references to the Old Testaments. The Apostles, especially Paul, made references to the Old Testament. Our great gospel songs came from the Old Testament (i.e. Psalms). The bottom line... the Old Testament is just as important as the New Testament. When I read the New Testament, I refer back to the Old Testament for more details. It is AMAZING that MANY men wrote the Bible supported one another. The Old Testament should be read as well as studied just like we Christian study the New Testament. The Ten Commandments are still in effect... First 4 are about loving God Last 6 are about loving people The laws of God are to be in our hearts with LOVE.

Matthew 22:35-40 (New International Version) One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

There are two ways looking at the Ten Commandments 1. For those who are without Christ in our hearts, if we broke ONE law... we broke them all. We all are sinners and we need to be saved. 2. For those who are WITH Christ in our hearts, the Ten Commandments are about LOVE. Christians do not look at the Ten Commandments as laws but Grace of Love. We are to LOVE God first (first 4 commandments) and we are to love one another (last 6 commandments). Remember, Christ didn't come to destroy the law but to fulfill.

Matthew 5:17 Jesus said: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Justified by faith

My works may not be acceptable in God's standards. God looks in my heart and I must express my whole heart otherwise, God is not impressed with my outward works—my acts of worship, my spiritual works and my spiritual giving. Reading the Book of Isaiah, Isaiah was saying to the people of Israel, "God grows weary of your sacrifices and offerings when your hearts and minds are not in tune with Him!". This statement also similar to Jesus' complains to the Pharisee. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?”

Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1).

There are Church traditions that teaches why I am not a Chrisitan. The New Testament language is very plain. Christ through His death and resurrection, every legal hindrance has been met and satisfied. There is nothing that can keep me from assurance except my own faith. Its not about thinking our way into salvation or to reason our way into salvation. The only way to get in is to believe Him with my heart which is sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Arminianism vs Calvinistic

From A.W. Tozer "Imagine two men reading the same passage of Scripture, one a Calvinist who has been brought up on Calvinistic theology from his youth, the other reared in the Arminian tradition and thoroughly indoctrinated in Arminianism. The passage they read is Hebrews 6:4-6, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance". The impressions the Calvinist receives from these words will differ radically from those received by the Arminian, yet neither one will be conscious of adding to, subtracting from or otherwise altering the passage in any way. Each will understand the words to mean exactly what he has been taught that they mean. The meaning he sees there will appear to him so natural, so logical and right that he will wonder how anyone can see any other. (And sadly enough each will more than likely think the other a hypocrite who receives his teaching from the devil. But that is not pertinent to this particular argument.)"

Zeal without knowledge

It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way. Proverbs 19:2 Over the years, especially in the last week, one of the problems I encountered is how to discover the will of God in a given situation. I know that I am committed to God with every full intent to obey Him, I expect to be led by Him where He wanted me to go. In order for Him to do that, I need to focus on God with all of my heart, mind and soul. I am not a perfect Christian but I am a forgiven Christian who is still learning. I need to be careful with my zealous behavior. I have learned that a misinformed zeal is a dangerous Christian behavior. I have a lot to learn. A true Christian is zealous but it is also possible to be zealous and not behave like a Christian. If zeal indicates godliness, then Christian virtues should be used. One of the most important virtues is LOVE. To love fellow Christians even though I may not agree with their theology. I still love them for Jesus' sake. Focusing on minor issues and becoming engrossed in debates can lead me to sadness and frustrations. Satan have been tempting me forget the few spiritual essentials and to go wandering off after unimportant things. There are many important issues that are so burdensome but not as important as loving God with all of my heart, mind and soul. I need to look past the multiplicity of issues and find the few that really matter in my spiritual life.

Bible Translations

All translations (i.e. KJV, RSV, NIV and etc) themselves are not inspired. Only the originals are inspired. However, the Holy Spirit have been with the translators while they were translating. Remember, God is control and keep in mind, its good to see 66 books agree with one another. About KJV, I love KJV and I use it when I seriously study. My problem is Churches who prefer KJV only will have problems reaching out the lost who do not understand KJV. The Churches who spread the gospel using only KJV in my opinion are not doing what Jesus Christ expected them to do as He commanded the "Great Commission". In order to have evangelism ministries, we need to use the language people can understand. Those KJV-only do not apply grace to their ministries simply because they are expecting (in legalism term) that every english speaking sinner and born again believers to READ KJV. The purpose to spread the gospel is to spread the Word of God in person's own language level, not the Church tradition's language level. Grace means to help the lost to KNOW Christ and have them understand salvation in their own level of english skills.

Using God for our own interests?

I am having problems with any Christians who are in the unreality and unconscious hyprocrisy when they are using God for their own interests. I cannot hide behind liberalism and say that it is my worst enemy. One of the enemies facing the Church is the dictatorship of the traditions, when traditions becomes "lord" in the life of the church. Another enemy facing the Church is Christians wanted to get important work done more quickly and easily. Those Christians wanted to teach doctrines that Jesus and His Apostles didn't really teach. From the "surface", Christians are looking for any denominations or non-denominational churches who teaches the way people WANT to hear so they could give their time to pursuits more to their liking, such as enjoying the pleasures of the world. It is my opinion that the real battle line in the theological war today is not the line that separates traditionalism from liberalism or any other personal views. All sides have said their say boldly. Everyone can know where they stand on such matters as the inspiration of the Scriptures, the deity of Jesus Christ, salvation through the blood of atonement, death and judgment, heaven and hell. The true battle line is elsewhere. Where? A person's HEART. Please read the Scriptures and research on the topic of the "heart". Even Jesus spoke the issues of a person's heart. One great example is this verse: Matthew 5:28 "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." God is not impressed by my works (1. Samuel 16:7). The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord don't make decisions the way you do. People judge by outward appearance (i.e. works), but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions (heart)." (NLT) In Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (NLT) In Proverbs 21:2, "People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart." (NLT) "David son of Jesse is a man after my own heart, for he will do everything I want him to do." Acts 13:22 & 1 Samuel 13:14 (NLT) Matthew 22:36-38 (New International Version) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment.

I rebelled during my prodigal days.

I was a victim of backsliding. Backsliding is a slippery slope. However, it is a slope and not a cliff. Some say I was probably never saved which is most likely. Others say, I rebelled and back-sliding to my old nature like a prodigal son. Either way, no matter how you look at it, God woke me up. The best thing I know about my Lord and Savior is that He loves the sinner like me. He has always loved the outcast-and for that I should be glad, for I, too, was once an outcast. During my "prodigal days", I lost my personal relationship with God simply because I rebelled and went my selfish ways. My actions brought me to to the bottom. With that, I have learned that being humble and lowly in my own eyes have brought me to understand. I understood my spiritual desire and confessed my guilt, and thirst after Jesus Christ. I mourned but now I am happy because my godly sorrow have brought me true repentance with humble mind, and continual dependence for acceptance on the mercy of Jesus Christ. I understood that I lost my "relationship" with God by playing with "sin"; I blindly stumbled through this dark world. God send the Holy Spirit, who convicted my heart causing me to repent. With the Holy Spirit, I have new life, new hope, new enjoyments, new interests, new purposes, and satisfying spiritual goals. When God first made man in His own image and when man sinned, that image of God disappeared. Now, with Jesus Christ, God is remaking me in His image. As a Christian, I am like the prodigal son who have "accepted" his father's forgiveness. Christ's death for us removes our sins and scrubs clean our consciences. It is time for me to bury my regrets and start serving Lord Jesus Christ! My heart that has been delivered from sin should not feel regreted but accept Christ's wondrous gifts of relief. My attitude of "returned prodigal" honors and submitting to my father more by rejoicing . In Luke 15, I was like this prodigal son which God have placed me where I was that I need to get out. God put me at the bottom which made me humbled that brought me to my senses. Like the prodigal son went back to his father with this attitude: "Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand." The prodigal son's father responded with this attitude: "My son is here--given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!". I truly believed that God have responded the same way when I decided to go back to Him. The parable of the prodigal (backsliding) son shows the nature of repentance, and God's readiness to welcome and bless all who return to Him.

Spiritual debates

Becoming engrossed in spiritual debates which lead spiritual distractions. People's hearts are directing others to forget the few spiritual essentials and to go wandering off after unimportant things. In Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (NLT) In Proverbs 21:2, "People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart." (NLT)

About: KJV

The first Authorized version was written in 1611. Current KJV Bible was written in the language of 1700's. While it is not hard to read but takes LONGER to comprehend what is being said. There are other translations have done a good job making english translation more current to our own english language. King James Version Reading Level: 12.00 Readability: Difficult to read due to 17th-century English vocabulary and word order Reference Support Material: High Number of Translators: 54 Translation Philosophy/Format: Word-for-word Notes: Traditionally loved and accepted by all Christians. Purpose in translation was "to deliver God's book unto God's people in a tongue which they can understand." Published in 1611. Timeless treasure. Source: http://www.zondervanbibles.com/translations.htm I love KJV but I don't use KJV to new Christians who don't excel in English. Those who place KJV as the true translation will often ignored the Great Commission. I have learned how "self-righteous" type of believers or some called them "legalism" that they really expect certain people should be able to read KJV regardless their english level. KJV is personal preference rather than divine preference.

Many of my Blogs came from my drafts

Many of my blogs came from my drafts in another site. My blogs are transferred once I feel comfortable posting.

God's Holy Purpose

Romans 8:28 (New International Version) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

2 Timothy 1:9 (New International Version) who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time

Romans 8:28 is not limited to "all suffering," "all trouble," "all good things," or "all righteousness." No matter what happens to me, it works out for God's purpose. Reading the Scriptures, God tells me that our current circumstances leads to my future that Glorifies God. As a Christian, I am to help whenever our brothers and sisters in Christ are going through trials. Bad things are never good and God never wants bad things to happen, but the Bible clearly repeated reminding me that God uses trials and non-trials to work for my good for His Glory. I have suffered because I have sinned but at the same time, not all suffering is the result of sin. Sometimes God allows me to suffer so He can refine me. Suffering purifies me like fire refines gold (1 Pet. 1:7). I have STRONG faith in God that no matter what happens to me as a Christian, God will ultimately work out for my good and for His Glory. The Bible and the Holy Spirit clearly taught me that God didn't merely promise me that temporal good will come out of difficult situations but did promised that whatever I do during my trials that God will be with me and I will Glorify God. A true Christian praises God's glory: Psalm 18:1-3 A true Christian trusts in God's power: Psalm 31:23 A true Christian seeks communion with God: Ps. 63:1-3; Ps. 84:2-4 A true Christian enjoys God's peace: Psalm 119:165 A true Christian is sensitive to God: Ps. 69:9 A true Christian loves what God loves: Ps. 138:2; Psalm. 119 A true Christian loves whom God loves: First John 5:1-2 A true Christian hates what God hates: Matt. 26:75; 1 John 2:15 A true Christian longs for Christ's return: Second Timothy 4:8 A true Christian obeys God's commands: John 14:21; Rom. 7:22 All things do work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. If a Christianity is known based on temporal miracles, this may well become merely a selfish system of human glorification, and the hope of eternal life became a delusion. Regardless what trials I face, the Bible demands immediate action, faith, surrender, committal. God's purpose is that I am to know Him and that I am to enter into the fullness of the Holy Spirit that, Jesus Christ, may be glorified in us.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Faith=Obedience... go together?

In Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (NLT) In Proverbs 21:2, "People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart." (NLT) "David son of Jesse is a man after my own heart, for he will do everything I want him to do." Acts 13:22 & 1 Samuel 13:14 (NLT) Matthew 22:36-38 (New International Version) "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment. My question is this: Can a Christian be forgiven when he/she do not obey God's commands? Faith itself is not in my works. My faith is the generator of my works which is obedience. Faith produces obedience (works). Faith in God is being is expressed in doing which is obedience. God's letters are written in my heart to be known and read by everybody. Written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of my heart (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). My life as a Christian takes work and requires the commitment of my heart, mind and body. Christ is not outside of me but He is inside me. Since Christ is within me, I must listen to His Word and walk in His steps (2 Corinthians 4:10).

Quote Jesus said: Luke 14:26-27 (NIV) "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

KJV Only: My thoughts

My only hope that those who truly love God’s word will allow whatever the translation they use for their spiritual growth, rather than the personal preferences men and women (also known as legalism). We are to rely on the Holy Spirit when we read our Bibles. God gives us spiritual knowledge with the help from the Holy Spirit. Believing in Christ is not an intellectual exercise though it involves the mind. Believing in Christ is a heart and life commitment to the Savior.

God Directs Me

Sometimes God shouts to me through my circumstances, I am learning from my life's experiences through the Holy Spirit. God's purpose will seem too obvious to me but I (like most Christians), I miss His messages. However, the Bible shows that God leads me in different ways at different times during my life to make His point across my heart and mind. Determining the Lord's will can be difficult at times but I don't worry because God will lead me the way because He is in control. I trust Him. I have Faith in Him. Through my faith, I obey His Word. The more I grow in Christ the more I will understand His Word. The more I undersand in my heart, mind and soul, I am repented and increased knowledge of God the person in my heart more than my mind. Not knowing about God but knowing God in person who is in my life. Perception of truth demands not only continued prayerful exercise of the mind but also full obedience of the heart. Proverbs 2:10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. 2 Corinthians 3:2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. Romans 8:27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. Isaiah 26:8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Hebrews 8:10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Hebrews 10:16 "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds

Apostasy: my thoughts

Apostasy always begins with the heart where a person is turning back which is deliberate and decisive. The heart of apostasy is whether a person was saved in the first place or a Christian was a prodigal. In our hearts, are we in the world or in Christ. Slipping back into unbelief is very highly unlikely since faith begins in the heart which God have given us. Faith is a gift, whether a person actually "recieved" faith as a gift is the question. Anyway... that's just my thoughts. I might be right or I might be wrong. But I will be researching this issue.

Trust God

Trust that the Holy Spirit will teach you in your heart when you read the Word of God regardless what english translation you are reading from. The mind is important to comprehend God's word, but the heart is where God meets us. Where God can see if we are obeying His Word rather than knowing so much about God