The ultimate test of any civilization is what we do with our children, and our children are not doing very well. From abortion to child pornography, atheistic philosophy is having its way with our children.
Ravi Zacharias
Thursday, 26 February 2009
12-Year-Old Speaks Out on the Issue of Abortion
How to Win a Debate on Ethics
by Paul McDorman
Oprah Winfrey, TV talk show hostess, asked her audience why homosexuals should not be allowed to marry one another. One man said something to the effect that 'it wasn't natural'. A woman then rose and gave her lengthy opinion which boiled down to: 'I just don't think it's right!' Most people, however, gave comments like, 'If they want to, what difference does it make?' or, 'Who's to say that it's wrong?'
Then Oprah came to one man who said (à la Ken Ham), 'If God had wanted man to marry man, He would have created Adam and Steve, not Adam and Eve!' Most people in the audience booed, and Oprah responded incredulously, 'You don't believe that do you?' The man, apparently intimidated, shrugged his shoulders and never carried his reasoning any further. In doing so he missed a great opportunity to promote the creation message on national television.
Actually, the thought underlying this man's statement is the only legitimate reason why homosexual practices are wrong. When there is any question concerning morality, one needs to see who declared something to be wrong in the first place. In effect, this Bible-believer was claiming that the absolute authority on homosexuality was the Bible — in this particular case Genesis. The reasoning goes: If God laid down the rule, then that settles the argument once and for all. But if man made the rule, then man has the prerogative to change it.
LAWS FOR ALL TIME
Most people in the audience, however, were acting on the assumption that the rules on homosexuality were written by people — just like traffic laws are. And to keep up with modern times, these laws sometimes need to be changed. The concept of God making absolute laws for all time tends to go over some people's heads — especially when those laws are disliked.
This mindset is revealed in an Ohio State University-sponsored survey of 323 teenagers. More than 90 per cent of them thought that stealing was wrong, but they weren't sure why. The most common reason given was that they might get caught and be punished. Other reasons included, 'the other person might get even', and 'you might not need the item'.
Psychology professor John Gibbs, who conducted the study, said: 'A more mature perspective would be that stealing is wrong because it hurts other people and society as a whole by damaging the sense of communal trust.' Someone should ask this professor, 'Why is it inherently wrong to hurt other people and society?'
WHOSE RULES?
When Christians get into debates with unbelievers, they sometimes tend to play by the same rules they see their opponents playing by: 'Assume that man makes all the rules.' But when this is done, only popular opinion can be the winner.
Look at the abortion issue. Much of the rhetoric on both sides of the issue appears to be based on the working assumption that man makes the rules, and the winner is determined by the courts. Instead of playing into their hands however, Christians should stick to the absolute nature of these moral issues.
Christians can do well in such debates if they keep in mind the underlying thought patterns of these 'moral relativists': People who want to write their own rules like to think that their rules will be good for all time. They like to think of them as absolute, even though they most likely will be changed before long.
A homosexual doesn't want to concede that he is basing his viewpoint on fickle popular opinion. He wants his 'rights' etched in stone. The abortion advocate thinks that it is an absolute right that a woman has control over her own body, even when this involves taking another person's life. But in actuality they should know that it can't be an absolute right when it is merely people who are 'giving' women these rights in the first place.
Herein lies the weakness of the arguments of people who have no absolute authority for their moral beliefs:
1. Their rejection of God, who does pronounce absolute moral standards, is hypocritical in light of the fact that they want their own moral rules to be absolute.
2. When people secularize biblical laws by basing them on human opinions rather than the Bible, they are in effect setting up those laws to be easily brushed aside if opinion is swayed against them at some later date.
Consider this exchange between a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and a creationist:
PETA member: I think it is wrong to eat meat.
Creationist: Why?
PETA member: Because: 1. Animals have feelings. 2. We shouldn't be cruel. 3. It is inhumane. 4. It isn't healthy. 5. Animals are living creatures. 6. Etc.
Creationist: God, who created all life, set the rules and said that man could eat animals (Genesis 9:3).
PETA member: Oh ... well, I don't think that God would ...
HUMAN OPINION OR GOD'S WORD?
From this point on, it is no longer their opinion against your opinion. It is now their opinion against God's final word on the matter. At this juncture they will usually say something to the effect that it is just your opinion that the Bible is God's Word. Then you reply: 'Since you reject God's authority on this matter, tell me on what basis should People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals decide what is right and wrong?'
'Why was it wrong for Hitler to do what he did? If God made no absolutes, Hitler or anyone else would have the right to set his own rules and his own agenda. He got most of Germany agreeing with his ethics, which he sincerely believed were good and right. Because of this, many people perished. Are you willing to say that he was right? If you think he was wrong, on what basis are you deciding that it is wrong? Why then should people believe your opinions concerning animals?'
Without too many words, you have pointed out the hypocrisy of his 'wannabe absolutist — but can't admit it' position, and the shifting-sand foundation of his ethics.
At this point, most people have to stop and think about the contradiction that exists in their assumptions. This is a step in the right direction. The next step is to introduce them to the foundation that Genesis provides. Hopefully, they will then begin to understand that they have transgressed God's absolutes and are in need of a Saviour.
First published:
Creation 18(3):50–51
June 1996
http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v18/i3/debate.asp
Oprah Winfrey, TV talk show hostess, asked her audience why homosexuals should not be allowed to marry one another. One man said something to the effect that 'it wasn't natural'. A woman then rose and gave her lengthy opinion which boiled down to: 'I just don't think it's right!' Most people, however, gave comments like, 'If they want to, what difference does it make?' or, 'Who's to say that it's wrong?'
Then Oprah came to one man who said (à la Ken Ham), 'If God had wanted man to marry man, He would have created Adam and Steve, not Adam and Eve!' Most people in the audience booed, and Oprah responded incredulously, 'You don't believe that do you?' The man, apparently intimidated, shrugged his shoulders and never carried his reasoning any further. In doing so he missed a great opportunity to promote the creation message on national television.
Actually, the thought underlying this man's statement is the only legitimate reason why homosexual practices are wrong. When there is any question concerning morality, one needs to see who declared something to be wrong in the first place. In effect, this Bible-believer was claiming that the absolute authority on homosexuality was the Bible — in this particular case Genesis. The reasoning goes: If God laid down the rule, then that settles the argument once and for all. But if man made the rule, then man has the prerogative to change it.
LAWS FOR ALL TIME
Most people in the audience, however, were acting on the assumption that the rules on homosexuality were written by people — just like traffic laws are. And to keep up with modern times, these laws sometimes need to be changed. The concept of God making absolute laws for all time tends to go over some people's heads — especially when those laws are disliked.
This mindset is revealed in an Ohio State University-sponsored survey of 323 teenagers. More than 90 per cent of them thought that stealing was wrong, but they weren't sure why. The most common reason given was that they might get caught and be punished. Other reasons included, 'the other person might get even', and 'you might not need the item'.
Psychology professor John Gibbs, who conducted the study, said: 'A more mature perspective would be that stealing is wrong because it hurts other people and society as a whole by damaging the sense of communal trust.' Someone should ask this professor, 'Why is it inherently wrong to hurt other people and society?'
WHOSE RULES?
When Christians get into debates with unbelievers, they sometimes tend to play by the same rules they see their opponents playing by: 'Assume that man makes all the rules.' But when this is done, only popular opinion can be the winner.
Look at the abortion issue. Much of the rhetoric on both sides of the issue appears to be based on the working assumption that man makes the rules, and the winner is determined by the courts. Instead of playing into their hands however, Christians should stick to the absolute nature of these moral issues.
Christians can do well in such debates if they keep in mind the underlying thought patterns of these 'moral relativists': People who want to write their own rules like to think that their rules will be good for all time. They like to think of them as absolute, even though they most likely will be changed before long.
A homosexual doesn't want to concede that he is basing his viewpoint on fickle popular opinion. He wants his 'rights' etched in stone. The abortion advocate thinks that it is an absolute right that a woman has control over her own body, even when this involves taking another person's life. But in actuality they should know that it can't be an absolute right when it is merely people who are 'giving' women these rights in the first place.
Herein lies the weakness of the arguments of people who have no absolute authority for their moral beliefs:
1. Their rejection of God, who does pronounce absolute moral standards, is hypocritical in light of the fact that they want their own moral rules to be absolute.
2. When people secularize biblical laws by basing them on human opinions rather than the Bible, they are in effect setting up those laws to be easily brushed aside if opinion is swayed against them at some later date.
Consider this exchange between a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and a creationist:
PETA member: I think it is wrong to eat meat.
Creationist: Why?
PETA member: Because: 1. Animals have feelings. 2. We shouldn't be cruel. 3. It is inhumane. 4. It isn't healthy. 5. Animals are living creatures. 6. Etc.
Creationist: God, who created all life, set the rules and said that man could eat animals (Genesis 9:3).
PETA member: Oh ... well, I don't think that God would ...
HUMAN OPINION OR GOD'S WORD?
From this point on, it is no longer their opinion against your opinion. It is now their opinion against God's final word on the matter. At this juncture they will usually say something to the effect that it is just your opinion that the Bible is God's Word. Then you reply: 'Since you reject God's authority on this matter, tell me on what basis should People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals decide what is right and wrong?'
'Why was it wrong for Hitler to do what he did? If God made no absolutes, Hitler or anyone else would have the right to set his own rules and his own agenda. He got most of Germany agreeing with his ethics, which he sincerely believed were good and right. Because of this, many people perished. Are you willing to say that he was right? If you think he was wrong, on what basis are you deciding that it is wrong? Why then should people believe your opinions concerning animals?'
Without too many words, you have pointed out the hypocrisy of his 'wannabe absolutist — but can't admit it' position, and the shifting-sand foundation of his ethics.
At this point, most people have to stop and think about the contradiction that exists in their assumptions. This is a step in the right direction. The next step is to introduce them to the foundation that Genesis provides. Hopefully, they will then begin to understand that they have transgressed God's absolutes and are in need of a Saviour.
First published:
Creation 18(3):50–51
June 1996
http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v18/i3/debate.asp
Monday, 23 February 2009
How to Know Your Saved
There are days I feel saved and there are days I feel lost.
Thank God my salvation doesn't depend on either one of those days.
It depends on what Jesus did on the Cross.
The Law of Moses was a curse for the Jewish people. There was no way to keep this law. And God planned this. This is why He said to Isaiah that the Messiah had to come; to abolish the Law and save us. It's not by works. We can't work our way to His mercy. God is not expedient to our aid when we think it's appropriate. It's by the grace of God that saved us on Calvary Cross over 2000 years ago.
All you have to do is repent and acknowledge that God came down in the 'flesh' in the Son Jesus Christ to take the penalty for your transgressions for hours of iniquity on the Cross to die and resurrect three days later to conquer death. Then read the Bible daily and once you understand this, and you have humility in your heart, and you're striving to know the Lord, you are saved.
Ten questions to know if you're saved:
Thank God my salvation doesn't depend on either one of those days.
It depends on what Jesus did on the Cross.
11 So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” 12 This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, “It is through obeying the law that a person has life.”
13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing...
Galatians 3:11-13
The Law of Moses was a curse for the Jewish people. There was no way to keep this law. And God planned this. This is why He said to Isaiah that the Messiah had to come; to abolish the Law and save us. It's not by works. We can't work our way to His mercy. God is not expedient to our aid when we think it's appropriate. It's by the grace of God that saved us on Calvary Cross over 2000 years ago.
All you have to do is repent and acknowledge that God came down in the 'flesh' in the Son Jesus Christ to take the penalty for your transgressions for hours of iniquity on the Cross to die and resurrect three days later to conquer death. Then read the Bible daily and once you understand this, and you have humility in your heart, and you're striving to know the Lord, you are saved.
Ten questions to know if you're saved:
Do you strive to please
yourself or God?
Do you pray for God's Will
instead of your own?
Do you have the passion to spread
the Good News to the lost?
Do you thank God for your freedom
through His Son Jesus Christ?
Do you seek fellowship with other Christians
and love to be around them?
Do you study the Bible every day and yearn to
know more about your Creator?
Do you love God first, and love all of His creation
including Man considering his sinful nature?
Do you acknowledge that you're wretched and not worthy of God's mercy, broke His rules, repent and put full trust in Christ Jesus as your Saviour who took the penalty on the Cross for your sins?
Did you make a decision or
did God open your eyes?
Did you accept Jesus or
did Jesus accept you?
yourself or God?
Do you pray for God's Will
instead of your own?
Do you have the passion to spread
the Good News to the lost?
Do you thank God for your freedom
through His Son Jesus Christ?
Do you seek fellowship with other Christians
and love to be around them?
Do you study the Bible every day and yearn to
know more about your Creator?
Do you love God first, and love all of His creation
including Man considering his sinful nature?
Do you acknowledge that you're wretched and not worthy of God's mercy, broke His rules, repent and put full trust in Christ Jesus as your Saviour who took the penalty on the Cross for your sins?
Did you make a decision or
did God open your eyes?
Did you accept Jesus or
did Jesus accept you?
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or
whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"
1 Corinthians 10:31
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Wise Men Vs. Religion
10 Those who are wise must finally die,
just like the foolish and senseless,
leaving all their wealth behind.
11 The grave is their eternal home,
where they will stay forever.
They may name their estates after themselves,
12 but their fame will not last.
They will die, just like animals.
13 This is the fate of fools,
though they are remembered as being wise.
Psalm 49:10-13
18 Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say,
“He traps the wise
in the snare of their own cleverness.”*
20 And again,
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise;
he knows they are worthless.”*
21 So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you— 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter,* or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, 23 and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
19 After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools!
2 Corinthians 11:19
Sometimes our feelings or the ideas from professing scholars can stray us away from our relationship and just focus on it as a religion. They can profess how wise they are, but in God's eyes they are useless. Just look at the book of Job. Religious works can make us blind in faith. We have to make sure we keep the relationship with God first and foremost.
Guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.
May God’s grace be with you all.
1 Timothy 6:20,21
Friday, 20 February 2009
How to Recognize True Love
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
1 Peter 3:9
Love is not a competition. Love does not think evil things. Love suffers long. Love is kind. Love is not envious. Love is not proud. Love does not behave unseemly. Love is not selfish. Love is not easily provoked.
I wanted to share this with you so that you may take impart from this and benefit from it to prepare for the future. This is the key to a successful marriage.
"True love involves mutual enjoyment of each others company:
The physical expression is not constantly necessary.
And there should be more to share than just a body.
If you would take all the physical expression out of your relationship, what would you have left?"
Don't trust in strong romantic desires to guide you. My advice is to tend toward the intellectual and spiritual before the physical until marriage. A test of true love is to stop everything physical until marriage.
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:9-14
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Israel in a Time of Terror
I'd just like to start this post with a Happy Birthday to baby Jarvinen. Christina and Tuomas gave birth to a healthy 6 lbs, 13 ounce baby boy at 3:44AM today.
My Dream for God's People of Israel:
I have this dream of going to Israel and helping out there. God's people need our help. I'd love to go there some day. It has been a place I'd like to see, but now I have a passion to go there. It would be nice to spend a year there. maybe for a mission trip or study Hebrew. God's people need our help. many of them have received Jesus as their Saviour but many still don't believe the Messiah came to earth in Jesus. This is probably why they are still oppressed by their enemies. Not just over the Palestine, but because God is testing them. Many need emotional support from the terrorist attacks. I want to go do what I can to help. Just the little things matter, buying a lunch at a restaurant. Anything to say, "you're not alone in this world."
We as Christians would not be here if it wasn't for Jesus. I believe that it's our duty to save God's people. We are here to give them the truth. Sure there is danger in Israel with threats of Arab suicide bombers. I am a little afraid to go but it's a risk worth taking to save God's people.
We would never face danger unless we put on our armour and march into battle to save the wicked.
My Dream for God's People of Israel:
I have this dream of going to Israel and helping out there. God's people need our help. I'd love to go there some day. It has been a place I'd like to see, but now I have a passion to go there. It would be nice to spend a year there. maybe for a mission trip or study Hebrew. God's people need our help. many of them have received Jesus as their Saviour but many still don't believe the Messiah came to earth in Jesus. This is probably why they are still oppressed by their enemies. Not just over the Palestine, but because God is testing them. Many need emotional support from the terrorist attacks. I want to go do what I can to help. Just the little things matter, buying a lunch at a restaurant. Anything to say, "you're not alone in this world."
We as Christians would not be here if it wasn't for Jesus. I believe that it's our duty to save God's people. We are here to give them the truth. Sure there is danger in Israel with threats of Arab suicide bombers. I am a little afraid to go but it's a risk worth taking to save God's people.
We would never face danger unless we put on our armour and march into battle to save the wicked.
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