Posts Tagged “Idolatry”

This is a Miracle! THANK YOU JESUS! Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!What joy!

11799Remember this story broke in August , of this year, it was even posted on this site and Christians, World over have been Praying for this two ladies since then… to God be the Glory! They have been released from prison today, something that seemed impossible in the eyes of man, am sure many would have given up hope on their release but we know that there is nothing too hard for God to do, and today our God has done it again for His Children. I thank the Lord on their behalf and all that Prayed for them.

 Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad    

No bail required; charges of ‘proselytizing’ and ‘apostasy’ remain.
ISTANBUL, November 18 (CDN) — Two Christian Iranian women, Maryam Rostampour, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, 30, were released from prison this afternoon with no bail amid an international campaign calling for their freedom since their arrest on March 5.
The two women, whose health deteriorated while in detention at the notorious Evin prison in Tehran, are at their homes recovering from their nine-month ordeal, an Iranian source told Compass. They still could face charges of proselytizing and “apostasy,” or leaving Islam.

The women were released at 3:30 p.m.

“Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the Lord and to His people who have prayed and worked for our release,” the two women said in a statement from United Kingdom-based Elam Ministries.

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POPE-AUSTRALIA/

Pope Benedict XVI recently wrapped up his visit to the Holy Land, reports the Catholic News Agency.

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Article on CNN May 15, 2009 — Updated 1407 GMT (2207 HKT)By John Blake, CNN — Just so you know, Bart Ehrman says he’s not the anti-Christ.

Bart Ehrman says most of the New Testament is a forgery but it's still an important body of work.

Bart Ehrman says most of the New Testament is a forgery but it’s still an important body of work. He says he’s not trying to destroy your faith. He’s not trying to bash the Bible. And, though his mother no longer talks to him about religion, Ehrman says some of his best friends are Christian. Read the rest of this entry »

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WHICH JESUS Do YOU SERVE? -Posted by Brendon Powell.

There seems to be more than one Jesus to choose from these days. Which one is the  true Jesus and who am I following?

·    There’s a ‘seeker friendly’ Jesus, he’s the one who will not offend anyone in anyway. He loves everyone no mater what they do.
·    There’s a ‘sow and reap’ Jesus, he made a covenant with man so that man could sow his seed and reap wealth and happiness on  earth and then go to heaven when he dies.
·    There’s a ‘blend in with the world’ Jesus, he wants us to look like, act like, and be like the world in order to reach the lost.
·    There’s a ‘never-ending grace’ Jesus, his ‘grace’ covers us no matter what we do or how we live.
·    There’s a ‘just believe’ Jesus.  As long as you truly believe in your heart, you’re saved.
·    There’s a ‘name it claim it’ Jesus.  You name it; anything and it’s yours!  If you don’t get it, it’s because you lack faith. It’s your fault.
·    There’s a ‘carnal’ Jesus.  He doesn’t expect you to overcome sin, he understands you’re just carnal.
·     There’s a ‘heart dwelling’ Jesus.  All you have to do is ask him into your heart and voilà, he’s there.  You’re going to heaven!

Truth: Read the rest of this entry »

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Joshua   By David J. Stewart

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, WHEN THEY KNEW GOD, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1: 16-25).

Everyone at Some Point in Life Recognizes God

Romans chapter one gives us the “progression” of people who have decided to travel the highway of destruction (to ultimate misery and judgment) in hell. Surely, God doesn’t want anyone to perish. The Bible declares that we are responsible for ourselves—we must decide our own fate! Why would a person reject God? Why would any man or woman despise their Creator? It all begins in Romans one with the easily overlooked little phrase, …WHEN THEY KNEW GOD…” (Romans 1:21). Every man and woman at some point in life “knew God”. The Greek word for “knew” here means “to be aware of” or “to perceive.” Thus, we have all perceived God’s presence at some point in our life. Everyone has had the chance to do what’s right and seek after God. King Josiah in the Old Testament grew up in the worst of sinful conditions with ungodly parents and yet he served the Lord and did what was right. Anyone can do right! “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men” (Titus 2:11). God’s “grace” is sufficient for ALL our needs. God is fair! “For the INVISIBLE THINGS of Him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN…” (Romans 1:20). Wow!, The Scriptures teach that we can indeed see invisible things! How? “…being understood BY THE THINGS THAT ARE MADE…” (Romans 1:20). We read in Psalm 19:1-3 that “The heavens declare the glory (goodness) of God; and the firmament SHOWETH His handiwork. Day unto day UTTERETH speech, and night unto night SHOWETH knowledge. There is NO SPEECH NOR LANGUAGE, WHERE THEIR VOICE IS NOT HEARD.” Just as with music, nature needs no interpreter. The Scriptures plainly teach that God has provided enough light (through the things that are made) for anyone to clearly see the things (which are invisible). “…even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE: Because that, WHEN THEY KNEW GOD, they glorified (to esteem glorious-honor, magnify) Him not as God, neither were thankful” (Romans 1:20,21). Christ-rejecters are without excuse! Those who will someday die and plunder into hell fire will be without excuse! Anyone can come to the knowledge of the truth if they so desire. We all perceive and become aware of God’s presence at some point in our life. We all must decide to go down one of two possible paths: God’s or our own.

Most People Turn Away from God, Refusing to Acknowledge Him

Romans chapter one gives us the step-by-step downfall of those who choose the wrong path by deciding they don’t need God. “…they did not like to RETAIN GOD in their knowledge…” (Romans 1:28). What a sad statement! They simply didn’t want God in their life, not even in their mind.

It all begins with being unthankful and not honoring God. The word “honor” means “to value.” How can anyone not value and want God? When the Scriptures speak of honoring your parents, it means to value them and treat them as such. Jesus, even while dying on the cross, expressed concern for His mother’s well being after He was gone (John 19:26). Do you value (honor) your parents and God? Can you live just as well without Jesus? No, you can’t! Many today are arrogant and self-righteous and don’t want a Savior. They don’t like God and don’t want to think about Him! They mistreat God.

They Become Unthankful Towards God

These people, being unthankful and reluctant to honor God Almighty—became vain and foolish. “…but became vain (empty, silly) in their imaginations, and their FOOLISH HEART WAS DARKENED. Professing themselves to be wise, THEY BECAME FOOLS,” (Romans 1:21,22). So many are foolish today! This lost and wicked world that we are living in today—worships sports and sex; glorifies sin and rebellion; thrives on greed and corruption; practices covetousness and maliciousness; diminishes the sacredness of the family, marriage and God; honors the immoral and heathen; Rejects Christ and has no place or purpose for the Word of God. God says; “…they are WITHOUT EXCUSE” (Romans 1:20); “…Who KNOWING the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM THAT DO THEM” (Romans 1:32). This sounds like TV doesn’t it? People have pleasure in watching others commit sin! Adulterers and homosexuals who would never be allowed into your home to commit their evil deeds are welcomed right into your home through the TV set to do the same. No wonder some have called the TV—Hellivision. Is the TV your idol? Don’t be too quick to say “no”! Read your Bible lately? How much time do you spend watching the box? Idolatry is anything that means more to you than God.

They Become Fools in Their Sinful Pride

By nature man is full of pride, arrogance and self-righteousness. For those who avoid God, live in sin and “do-their-own-thing”—they must redefine God and His truth to maintain self-respect. So they change, discredit and misquote God’s Word. They have a distorted view of God. “And CHANGED the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image…” (Romans 1:23). “Who CHANGED the truth of God into a lie…” (Romans 1:25). So they explain away God and His Holy Word with silly thinking and worldly philosophy.PROFESSING THEMSELVES TO BE WISE, they became fools” (Romans 1:22). Are you a fool? Did you travel down the wrong path in life after the time “when you knew God?” What a statement—–“WHEN THEY KNEW GOD!” (Romans 1:21). Some people deny God’s Word. Scriptures say that the “invisible” things of God are “clearly seen”. The rich man in hell begged Abraham to send Lazarus from the dead to warn his five brothers “lest they also come into this place of torment”. Abraham said, “If they will not hear Moses and the prophets, NEITHER WILL THEY BE PERSUADED, THOUGH ONE ROSE FROM THE DEAD” (Luke 16:27-31).

There are No Excuses Not to Get Saved!

No excuses! If you go to hell, it will be no one’s fault but YOUR OWN. People are great blame-shifters. Adam and Eve both sinned; Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent. This is typical of humans, to shift the blame elsewhere. If we cannot shift the blame, then we try to cover our sins as Cain did. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Cain killed Able and then pretended he was ignorant concerning Abel’s death. On and on we could go. Everyone wants to shift the blame. No my friend, you CANNOT blame anyone else for your wrong doing and mistakes. Anytime you point your finger at someone else, there are three of your own fingers pointing back at you. We are all losers without God. Accept who you are and turn to God in faith for salvation. Let me also say, “there are no losers with God.” Admit to God you’re a sinner and ask Him to forgive your sins, realizing that Christ paid for them. Decide to rely upon Jesus Christ as your Savior because of all that He did to pay for your sins. Make that decision now! Being saved is the easiest thing in the world but people make it difficult. It’s so simple to be saved. You are a sinner my friend. Because of your sins, you deserve to go to hell. Jesus died on the cross, was buried and rose again to pay for your sins. If you’ll simply trust in Christ as your door into heaven, you can be saved. “I AM THE DOOR: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9). You must simply go to the Lord and believe on Him in faith. Call on Jesus Christ in prayer and ask Him to forgive your sins and take you to heaven when you die. Decide that from this day forward you are going to rely upon Christ and nothing else to save you. Not baptism, NOT the pope, NOT good works, NOT religion, NOT merit, NOT sacraments, NOT turning over a new leaf—But trusting Jesus alone for salvation. Becoming a Christian is a win-win situation. There are no losers in God’s family, only winners! Become a Child of God right now, Call on Jesus the best you know how to save you. God bless.

 

Hope you have been blessed by this message  brought to you today by the Special Grace of God

God bless you mightily in Jesus Name Amen

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I first wrote about this here earlier this year and  am still standing by what I wrote then, as per Obama Worship craze, you can read it for yourself. This is really getting out of hand , I wonder how much of this Idolatry our Heavenly Father will take from us before He sends His wrath upon us. I think it’s time we as Christians should cry and wail to God in repentance for our nations and ask God to heal our land .This is not the time for fund raising by the Church,hosting tea parties,Preaching on how God wants us to be rich and happy or even how to have great sex in marriage and other mundane issues but, a time for the Church to humble herself in penitence. We (the Church) have been so involved with so much Worldly activities that we didn’t know when the enemy snuck in  at night and sowed tares amongst our wheat and now we have to live with the bushy situation… metaphorically speaking. In all I I believe that the prophecies are being fulfilled just as our Lord Jesus spoke of and promised us, so Christians should not freak out but rather become aware of the what the Bible says about the End time events.

    
"The Truth" by Michael D’Antuono

By Drew Zahn© 2009 WorldNetDaily Sunday, April 26, 2009 Today’s Edition . 100 days in office,Obama coronated Messiah Arms outstretched, he wears crown of thorns on his brow–WND

On his 100th day in office, President Obama will be "crowned" in messianic imagery at New York City’s Union Square.

Artist Michael D’Antuono’s painting "The Truth" – featuring Obama with his arms outstretched and wearing a crown of thorns upon his head – will be unveiled on April 29 at the Square’s South Plaza.

According to a statement released about the portrait, "The 30" x 54" acrylic painting on canvas depicts President Obama appearing much like Jesus Christ on the Cross: atop his head, a crown of thorns; behind him, the dark veil being lifted (or lowered) on the Presidential Seal. But is he revealing or concealing, and is he being crucified or glorified?"

Even the title of the piece, "The Truth," suggests a play on biblical themes, as Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

"More than a presidential portrait," writes D’Antuono on a website touting the painting, "’The Truth’ is a politically, religiously and socially-charged statement on our nation’s current political climate and deep partisan divide that is sure to create a dialogue."

Like others in the news who have depicted Obama in Christ-like imagery, D’Antuono insists he isn’t claiming the man is Messiah, but only inviting "individual interpretations."

"’The Truth,’ like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder," claims the exhibit’s press release.

D’Antuono even invites the public to email him with reactions to the piece, answering his posed question, "What’s your

As WND has reported, D’Antuono follows others who have cast Obama in messianic imagery.


Clark’s Obama sculpture, riding a donkey at the Iowa Capitol

In January, artist Matthew J. Clark paraded a sculpture of Obama riding a donkey and preceded by waving palm fronds, reminiscent of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem in the 21st chapter of Matthew as foretold by the prophet Zechariah: "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass."

Like D’Antuono, Clark was also unclear about whether his piece was proclaiming Obama to be the Christ or making some social commentary. Clark’s website described the sculpture in vague terms:

"This project was inspired by my thoughts about ‘icons’ and religious symbols and whether they represent truth or merely represent," Clark’s website reads. "The sculpture poses a question that relates to social conventions, metaphysics, and the collective response of society in reaction to fearful and uncertain times, but doesn’t impose an answer. For me, it has much more to do with the general public as followers than any leader granted power."

Others, such as Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, have been far clearer in their nearly religious adoration of Obama. As WND reported, Farrakhan declared last year that when Obama talks, "the Messiah is absolutely speaking."

Addressing a large crowd behind a podium with a Nation of Islam Saviour’s Day 2008 sign, Farrakhan proclaimed, "You are the instruments that God is going to use to bring about universal change, and that is why Barack has captured the youth. And he has involved young people in a political process that they didn’t care anything about. That’s a sign. When the Messiah speaks, the youth will hear, and the Messiah is absolutely speaking."

Farrakhan pointed out that the man Nation of Islam followers refer to as "the Savior," Fard Muhammad, had a black father and a white mother, just as Obama did.

"A black man with a white mother became a savior to us," he said. "A black man with a white mother could turn out to be one who can lift America from her fall."

WND previously reported a website called "Is Barack Obama the Messiah?" capturing the wave of euphoria that followed the Democratic senator’s remarkable rise.

The site is topped by an Obama quote strategically ripped from a Jan. 7 speech at Dartmouth College just before the New Hampshire Primary in which he told students, "… a light will shine through that window, a beam of light will come down upon you, you will experience an epiphany, and you will suddenly realize that you must go to the polls and vote" for Obama.

WND also reported on near-religious experiences surrounding Obama on the campaign trail, as supporters who came to hear him speak on several occasions fainted in the middle of the candidate’s speeches. As WND reported, some compared the fainting to fanatical swooning in the midst of a mesmerizing preacher; others, like radio host Michael Medved, thought the collapses were staged moments; and still others believed it was simply a matter of people standing in the crowds too long and growing dehydrated.

P.J. Gladnick of NewsBusters, in an article about D’Antuono’s painting on the eve of the Obama administration’s 100-day-mark, notes that the messianic parallels begun early in the presidential campaign don’t seem to be stopping:

"The artist quite clearly portrays Obama as a latter day Christ-like figure, considering the outstretched arms and the crown of thorns. Obama worship, complete with halo images, has been noted before," writes Gladnick, "but it was nothing compared to current expressions in awe of ‘The One’ as we approach his hundredth day in office on Wednesday."

 

Further Reading:

Obama’s triumphal entry: Gentle, riding on donkey

Hail King Obama: President for life

Farrakhan on Obama: ‘The Messiah is absolutely speaking’

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