Job's friends persecuting.....

Job knew in his own heart that his friends were wrong. Finally, after listening to his friends for so long (20 plus chapters), in Job 21:27, Job said, "Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me." In other words, "You know, I've had it with you guys. All you do is think what I lacked against God." And that their comments just proved that they didn't love him. “Oh, Job. You’ve got a lot of sin in your life. We know, we’ve got a good theology. Our theology is that if you’ve got problems, you’ve got sin.” Job's friends ran through weeks of his personal inventory and they came up with nothing. Job 32:2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. Job 37:14 "Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders.

Image of Christ

For many years, some denominations felt that images of Christ is a violation of the Second Commandment. Simply because in the second commandment it is forbidden to make any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Over the years, the question has been asked whether or not this commandment forbids the use of pictures of Christ. Are we disobeying the Word of God? I don't personally care about pictures of Christ because no one really knows what He really looked like except He came for race which the Jewish family. The heart of the issue is this: It is one thing to have an image of Christ, which is worshiped. It is another thing to have a representation on paper for illustration and examples that are clearly not worshiped. During the Old Testament, we didn't have an image of God in any form. In the New Testament, Christ came down to become man like the rest of us. Everyone who lived and saw Jesus Christ have saw GOD in person. As long as we understand, that it is simply a representation of a man that really did walk on the earth, and really did live on the earth, I think we can make a distinction in our minds. We are not worshiping the picture. Therefore, we are not making an image of God because God Himself came in the form of a man, and we are simply reproducing the form of a man, in which God came. Its a difficult answer for an easy question. When a desire is based on “worship”, there is a danger of idolatry. The seduction of idolatry have been very strong and very successful since the days of the Old Testament books. Throughout the Bible, God have warned people to be careful of idolatry because we could slip into it almost without noticing it. Idolatry is an excessive devotion or reverence to an object or objects. Keep in mind that all personal desires are judged by God’s moral will and wisdom. The heart is the source of our emotions, thoughts and motives. The heart is the part of our being where we desire, deliberate, and decide.

What I have learned about WoF

I have learned from my WoF experiences in my life over the years and I also have learned many of the flaws in their doctrines. One of main concerns is WoF's doctrine of Atonement. It is interesting that in the book of Matthew, there is a passage about "physical healing" (Matt. 8:17) that it has been conjectured by some that disease as well as sin was included in the atoning death of Christ that goes with Isaiah 53:4-6. Isaiah 53 is a chapter that has been talked about, debated, and argued over for years, and perhaps will continue to be for years to come. According to most theologists, that there is a sense in which physical healing took place in the atoning work of Christ. But that healing waits to be realized in the future. The healing of the atonement will bring about our resurrection in glory, where there will be no pain or suffering (Rev. 21:1-4; 22:1-3). Jesus died to save us from our sins is clear both in Isaiah 53 and many other portions of Scripture. As to regard to God's promises from WoF's perspectives: Like in the days of Pharisees, People are now twisting the Bible to promote pride and self-esteem. Pharisees closed their minds to everything that was happening around them so they grieved others by burdensome legalism of Faith doctrines. Pharisee magnifies the faults of others and diminishes their graces, while it diminishes the faults and magnifies the graces of their doctrines. 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 (doctrine)?” This is Christ Promise: Christ is the fulfillment of all Messianic promises, and in Him we are eternally secure. We live today in confidence that Christ cannot fail. He will always accomplish His purposes in His eternal time. My present deliverance sets me free from the penalty and power of sin. Jesus is the Great Deliverer, through whom I have victory over sin, death and Hell. In Christ I have all the power I will ever need. Ephesians 1:19-20 ensures me that the strength of God is within me and is able to raise from the dead. That's healing. Regarding TBN's ethic standards. Their Integrity is a major problem for me even though they are providing "good programs" in their broadcasting. Intergrity means there are no divisions, no difference in the way they make business decisions from ethic situation to another ethic situation. In simple terms, an organization such as TBN from my studies on their business tactics, they are not honest and often they leave impressions that are untrue or misleading. My dictionary defines integrity as 'consistency and sincerity, with no deception or pretense'. Integrity's overriding quality is wholeness. There is no discrepancy between what an organization of integrity appears to be on the outside and what he is on the inside. That's what integrity is. Consistency, the outside and inside being the same; therefore sincerity and transparency. That's what integrity means. It is the wholeness of self; therefore faithfulness and reliability and consistency are words that are related to integrity. Therefore TBN's scores of integrity and ethics are: F . As an accountant and business professional, I don't like TBN's business practices and I never care for their ethic standards. From reading their business reports and ethic reports about them, they are probably one of the worst broadcastors around this nation based on their ethic standards. There are other broadcastors that have better ethic standards than TBN have. Which is why people today do not trust Christians because of some Christians' behaviors such as TBN's. I truly believe that Jesus requires "Christian business people" have higher intergrity and ethics than non-Christians. Many of TBN programs and of cours THE TBN do not have accountability.How many organizations, preachers and etc are willing to allow other to check on their ethics and have their financial records audited by Christians Auditors? For example of accountibility, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is one of the Charter members of the Evangelical Council For Financial Accountability (Since 12/1/1979) ECFA is an accreditation agency dedicated to helping Christian ministries earn the public’s trust through adherence to seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship. Founded in 1979, it is comprised of over 1,100 charitable, religious, missionary, social, and educational tax-exempt, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. What Is ECFA? Which means Billy's organization opened his financial books for the auditors to review and reported that Billy's organization have a very godly and realiable stewardship. If you go to ECFA's website and do a "search" on each of TBN programs' financial information and of course TBN's finanical records, you will find that many of them are not members of ECFA. If they are not opening their books, their are hiding their wealth. I should point out that TBN is being controlled by Word of Faith leaders. I have more and I could go on, but by now you get where I am coming from. I know what Word of Faith teaches and I disagree with majority of their doctrines. Oh by the way, regarding the "Armor"....“Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) (READ your BIBLE and KNOW the Word of God). “I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people. I don’t want you to lose your secure footing. But grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:17-18 (Be Aware and Discerning) There is only ONE Good News Galatians 1:6-10 Grow in the Knowledge of God 2 Peter 1:1-11 Know the Wisdom of God 1 Corin. 1:18- 2: 16 Live and Worship in Spirit Romans 12:1-21 Put on the Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20 Stand Firm to your Faith 2 Thess. 2:13-17 Know false and true teachings 1 Timothy 6:1-21 Promote True teachings Titus 2:1-15 Grow from basic Christian towards MATURE Christian Hebrew 6:1-8 Learn to discern false teachings 1 John 4:1-6

Lordship begins at Salvation.

Romans 10:9 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. 1 Corinthians 12:3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. This is why Jesus talks about discipleship. Remember the story about the rich ruler? Jesus looked after the rich young ruler as he walked away, but Jesus did not follow him or attempt to coerce him. Jesus wants people make their own moral choices; and Christ knew this and permitted rich ruler to go his own chosen way. Jesus is saying that He cannot do our repenting for us. He died for our sins, now it is up to us to pick up the cross. "Salvation is free, ... but discipleship will cost you your life." (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Repent, Forgiveness, Sanctification

Repent is NOT an addition to salvation but PART of salvation along with Grace. This is a CONTINUIOUS sanctification process of repenting throughout your Christian life. This is an "inward" relationship with the Holy Spirit and His conviction in our hearts to repent. Jesus said in John 16:8 "When He (Holy Spirit) comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." Later in the New Testament, 1 Thessalonians 1:5 "because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." The issue is this: After we sinned, did we repent and ask God to help us to change and learn to live in a Holy life? Romans 12:9 (NIV) "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Ephesians 4:24 "and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 2 Peter 3:11 (NIV) Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives. Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Doctrines, Divisions, Unity and Love

I don't mind talking (debating) about doctrines. But I do mind when Christians are seperating other Christians by doctrines which causes division. As I said before, God always unites and the devil always divides. Christians' conclusions are either ignorance or loyalty to a specific denomination, cause or person. Church divisions have been going on since the New Testament days As Paul wrote in1 Corinthians 12-13 "One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided?" We are Christians simply because we have accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. As disciples, our Christian faith should be inward, not outward because the Bible teaches that faith is of the spirit and not of the flesh. Christ dwells in our hearts, and "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) is the burning core of the Christian faith. Jesus didn't say: "Love your Church with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your church members as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Jesus also didn't say: "Love your movement with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your fellow movement followers as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Jesus also didn't say: "Love your doctrines with all your heart, 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 who believes as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." What did Jesus REALLY say? " '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."

Are we still sinners?

We are no longer sinners? Not true, we are still sinners but forgiven sinners when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are Christians, not gods. 1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. God is very holy and very powerful that I am a forgiven sinner. We are to worship God from our hearts because we are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16), that God will search us and try us, and know our thoughts.(Psalm 139:23). God knows who we are by looking in our hearts, minds and souls. Like Paul said in Romans 12:1 "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." We still are sinners while living in this "tent" which means our bodies that are carrying the disease. We were spiritually dead but now spiritually holy and forgiven. The whole drive behind the Christian life is this longing to be conformed to the image of Christ. The more we run toward Christ and the closer we draw to Him, the more we light up this world and become salt in it. This is the way for us to be like Jesus Christ. One day we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). We, who are truly disciples of Jesus Christ today are in the process of transformation into the likeness of our model. That process is quickened as we daily walk by the Holy Spirit. Something I have noticed over the years, especially in the last 5 years.... God's Holiness, Christians' Standards and Sin. If God was in a church meeting today to discuss a moral change within the local church, how would you react? Would God change His holiness in order to change the church's views on various sins? Why people leaving Churches that teaches God's holiness? Why some are moving to another church that don't really teach God's holiness? Some denominations "relaxed" God's holiness without God's permission. Understanding God's Holiness: Romans 7:12 (NIV) So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. Romans 11:16 (NIV) If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches. Romans 12:1 (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. Ephesians 5:3 (NIV) But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (NIV)May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 4:4 (NIV) that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV) For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Hebrews 10:14 (NIV) because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 1 Peter 1:13-16 (New International Version) Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 2 Peter 3:11 (NIV) Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

Healing and Disability

Healing is wonderful and I believe in divine healing. But my main focus is this: There are thousands of ministries out there that are serving those of us who are struggling, we are not alone because we are struggling along with God's energy, which so powerfully works in us. For it is God who is working in us to will and to act according to His good purpose. He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. In Genesis, Joseph said to his family "As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people." The ministry's objective is to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of the afflicted people in practical ways while at the same time, Glorify God. God has a plan. God has a will. His main goal is to save souls. More are being saved through special ministries that are able to reach out to those who needs to hear that God is with them. Ministry is an ideal for all Christians; the image of Christ (Phil. 2:5-7; Mark 10:45) has been extended to the Christian church as a whole. I am having problem with people who judges people like me based on their doctrines. They magnifies the faults of others and diminishes their graces, while it diminishes the faults and magnifies the graces of their doctrines. They closed their minds to everything that was happening around them so they grieved others by their burdensome doctrines which some of us do not agree with. People who live with chronic illness or daily physical pain often feel as though no one understands what they are going through. Chronic illness can become a part of a church's ministry for members. Too often those with invisible and visible disabilities are forgotten or their handicaps are taken too lightly. It would be nice if churches offers ministry for the chronic illness and how to restore faith and hope. You know what is interesting? That people with disabilities make up one of the largest minority group in the country. Disability can bring glory to God. I want my life to reflect an unshakable joy in the Lord that allows me to embrace a life of suffering in disability for His purpose and glory. Some of examples of today's Christians who Glorify God. Disabilities have brought people to Christ. Without disabilities, many of them would NOT know Christ. God uses circumstances to bring people to Christ, not just to heal them. God's main objective in this world is to save as many as possible from eternal death. People focus on healing is the best opportunity for all while God have other plans. No one knows what is God's specific will and plans for each believer. Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. God is causing all things to work together for our good, which means our eternal glory because we love God because He first loved us and purposed to bring us to His Great Glory. Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Proverbs 20:24 How can we understand the road we travel? It is the LORD who directs our steps. When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future. Eccl 7:14. In Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. 1 Corinthians 9:22-24 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel. Physical healing is not God's primary Great Commission. Its spiritual healing, Salvation from eternal death so that people can have eternal life. Even though I am not happy that I have disabilities but I am happy that my disabilities have glorified God. Its a wonderful blessing. God created my inmost being and knitted me together in my mother''s womb. As we do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother''s womb, so we cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. This is what the LORD says— ''He who made you, Who formed you in the womb, and Who will help you and that before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. The LORD said to Moses, ''Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?'' I was born this way so that the work of God might be displayed in my life and I know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. References: Psalm 22:9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. Psalm 22:10 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Isaiah 44:2 This is what the LORD says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. Isaiah 44:24 [ Jerusalem to Be Inhabited ] "This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Isaiah 29:16 You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"? Isaiah 45:9 "Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'He has no hands'? Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Romans 9:21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? John 9:3 but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, Psalm 94:9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? Psalm 103:14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 119:73 [ y Yodh ] Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Isaiah 29:16 You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"? Isaiah 44:2 This is what the LORD says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." John 1:3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. Romans 8:28 [ More Than Conquerors ] 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. 1 Corinthians 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

False Religion

False religion have been around for so long that many know the differences between major religions around the world. The main problem is false teachings being taught within the Christian community. This is an area in which people are highly vulnerable to self-deception, where likenesses and differences are so difficult to distinguish in the "Christian" world. People often do not escape deceptions around the world unless they REALLY know the Word. Half-truths and faith are alike only as a mushroom and a toadstool are alike; one is good nutritious food and the other contains a dangerous poison. Can we trust the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, to reveal Christ, to open our minds to understand spiritual truth? If He doesn't do it, it doesn't get done despite all our efforts. John Wesley’s quote: "a fanatic is one who seeks desired ends while ignoring the constituted means to reach those ends."