Friday, 29 November 2013

The Book is the Mind of God

Posted by Admin GoodNews2Us | Posts under : Perkongsian

The Book is the Mind of God

Posted: 28 Nov 2013 08:12 AM PST

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT).

The Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's character.

Paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.

This is what the Word of God – the Bible – contains. "In regard to this great book," Abraham Lincoln said, "I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to men. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it."

Question: If this is so, if you agree with all of the above,

Would you spend some or more time

in reading and listening to the Word of God every day?

Blessed are you if you do so.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

How Christianity Differed in Its Moral Rules from the Traditions

Posted: 27 Nov 2013 05:45 PM PST

the Batak tribe children.
picture taken from: survivalinternational.org

When pioneer missionary Ludwig Nommensen began his work among the Batak tribes of Southeast Asia, a village chief gave him two years to learn the customs and to convince them that he had a message worth hearing. At the end of that time he was asked how Christianity differed in its moral rules from the traditions of the Batak.

"We know what is right," said the tribal leader, "for we too have laws that say we must not steal, or take our neighbor's wives, or tell lies."

"That's true," the missionary answered, "but my Master supplies the power needed to keep these laws,"

The chief startled. "Can you really teach my people to live better?" he inquired.

"No, I can't, but if they receive Jesus Christ, God will give them the strength to do what's right."

Being permitted to remain another six months, Nommensen preached the gospel and taught the villagers how the Holy Spirit works in the believer's life. At the end of that time the chief said, "You may stay longer. Your religion is better than ours, for your God walks with men and gives them strength to do the good things He requires."

This is true! The Holy Spirit works in the believer's life. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, empowers obedience for us to live right and to do what's right according to His eternal Word. This is what God means when He said that: "I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations" (Ezekiel 36:27, NLT). Through His Spirit in us, God walks with us and gives us strength to do the good things He requires – mainly – His holy commandments. This unique abiding-Spirit-in-us is what makes Christianity differ in its moral rules from all the traditions of the world.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.