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The AIDS crisis has brought to the fore how various religious
denominations are responding to patients with AIDS, particularly
homosexuals. On occasion, Catholic leaders have mistakenly
joined ranks with conservative Christians and evangelicals who
believe AIDS is God’s punishment for some people who engaged in
sinful behavior. But such thinking should be ethically repugnant
to anyone acquainted with the words of Jesus Christ. God is not
punishing homosexuals with AIDS any more than He is punishing
smokers by inflicting them with lung cancer.

As a Roman Catholic, I feel at times that the bishops and other
hierarchy have hijacked our church and taken it in a direction
that departs from the authentic teachings of Christ. The example
of Christ differs markedly from these modern-day scribes and
pharisees. My sentiments are reflected in comments by George
Anderson in the best seller WE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN (pp.204-205):
“Parents want to know, ‘After my son suffered with AIDS, is he
in Hell now because he was gay?’ To me, if that came through (in
a reading for a bereaved relative), it would not be from God. If
you read the Bible carefully, it’s obvious that Jesus found the
company of society’s so-called outcasts preferable to the
self-righteous. It’s my feeling that the ‘outcasts’ who are good
people are going to go to Heaven faster than the self-righteous.
We know that Jesus Christ embraced the lepers. If He were here
on earth today, does anyone truly believe He would turn away
people with AIDS? Do you think he would make a judgment on them
at all? Christ knew the so-called outcasts were also God’s
children. He also knew that they would probably be more open to
His teachings and beliefs.”

The notion that people have a right to judge others and condemn
them to Hell, because of their sexual orientation is such a
perversion of the New Testament as to deserve the harshest
rebuke by my church. But instead, the Roman Catholic Church
seems to give aid and comfort to conservative Protestants and
Evangelicals who look upon homosexuals with condescension, and
worse, with a desire for persecution. The Gospel of St. Matthew
could not more clear on what would be the fate of the
self-righteous persecutors of Christ’s time: the scribes and
pharisees. Only a fool would believe the self-righteous
preachers of our time speak the word of the Lord.

The Catholic Church correctly rejects and condemns promiscuity
(whether heterosexual or homosexual), because it represents
licentious behavior in which the flesh is glorified over the
spirit. People who are spiritual, and thus necessarily concerned
with the spiritual well-being of others, would not engage in
promiscuous behavior. However, the Catholic Church has failed to
welcome into its fold those gay and lesbian brethren who have
adopted stable, loving relationships and only want to continue
on their journey of faith with the rest of us. Conservative
clerics like the former Cardinal John O’Connor have repeatedly
made pronouncements that the Church has no use for homosexuals,
and they were not welcome. But O’Connor on occasion displayed
narrow-minded bigotry and failed to grasp some of the most
fundamental teachings of Christ, e.g., the Beatitudes and His
inclusion into His church of society’s outcasts: the prostitute,
the leper, the tax collector, etc.

Fortunately, there also exists within a church as large as the
Roman Catholic Church some examples of religious leaders who
carried out the true teaching of Christ with their actions as
well as their words. “[Saint] Mother Theresa was one of the very
first in the Catholic Church to step forward and say that people
with AIDS are Christ’s children too, and that we have to take
care of them. She started one of the first AIDS hospices. She
didn’t make judgments. I read a controversial comment from one
priest who has a ministry for AIDS patients. He said, ‘The
Church doesn’t always speak for Christ.’ That’s sad to hear.”
(Ibid., p.205).

As a Catholic, I believe that when souls are born to eternal
life, after the body has died here on earth, these souls come to
perceive God as He truly is - total love, mercy, and compassion.
Who would not be attracted to that kind of a being? Then the
souls of homosexuals realize they have not been condemned to
Hell, and that there are no self-righteous hypocrites in Heaven
condemning them for the decisions they made on earth. I
seriously doubt any homosexual with a good heart, who was kind
and merciful here on earth, would be rejected or judged harshly
by his Heavenly Father. These souls have just as much of a
chance as anyone else to grow spiritually and to lose the
reminders (such as sexual labels) that tied them to their
earthly bodies.

In a sense, the souls of homosexuals realize they have been
duped by various churches preaching a message of guilt and
abandonment, and attempts to bully them into a way of life that
modern-day scribes and pharisees would regard as appropriate.
“That’s when they realize that they are truly at peace and one
with God, because they know that God would never reject them
under any circumstance. Frankly, neither should we.” (Ibid.)

Amen. It is a shame that the Catholic Church has not reached out
with an inclusive message to all people, regardless of their
sexual orientation, who possess a good heart and strive to grow
spiritually. There is some segment of the homosexual population
that was raised Catholic and that would welcome continued
participation in the church. As one Catholic to another, “Peace
be with you, and welcome along this journey of faith.”

http://michaelguth.com/briefii.htm

A T T E N T I O N P A S T O R S W I V E S!

“No More Bags”

by Kathy Pedeaux

Wouldn’t you agree that life is too short to live with bags
over our heads? Pastor’s wives and women in full-time ministry
have for too long been deceived into thinking that they must
perform roles that have been dictated by church politics, and
stereotyping of the functions of the Pastor’s wife. This is when
we feel like putting a bag over our heads, pretend to be someone
else or just to hide from people and responsibilities that were
never meant to be ours. It is destructive for the church as well
as the precious women that fall into this trap. It is
destructive for the church because it directly affects the
pastor through the unhappiness, fear, and frustration of the
wife. Secondly it is destructive to the wife because it promotes
fear, insecurtiy, anxiety, depression, and other negative
emotions. One of the saddest and most damaging things in the
Kingdom of God is an unhappy Pastors wife. Read next months
article to find out more about “Freedom from Anxiety in
Ministry.”

Anyway, I have great news for you ladies! John 8:36 says, “So
if the Son has set you free, you will be free indeed.” God has
created all of us in so many unique ways. How boring it would be
if all Pastor’s and their wives looked alike, acted alike, and
did everthing alike? Let me tell you a little story. In the
beginning of my husband and I’s journey into full-time ministry,
we were invited to a regional meeting of the officers of a
certain denomination. It was a dinner engagement with a small
agenda. All the wives were invited to attend. I was so excited
because I was going to be able to meet other pastors wives and
glean from their experience and have the opportunity to rub
elbows with some higher-ups in the organization. I sat down so
proud next to my husband and thought, “Let the party begin.” I
began to realize just after a short time that these women around
the banquet table were miserable, did not want to be there, and
had no interest in talking to me at all. Their faces seemed to
tell a horrible story of years of being something that they were
not. Since I wasn’t a member of their church, they had nothing
to loose by not being the affectionate, loving, outgoing,
articulate, confident, women they were suppose to be. My heart
began to become grieved for them and I began to pray and ask God
to help me never to come to that place. I talked about this with
my husband and I made a decision that night to always try to be
myself. I didn’t want to be in ministry if it was like that.
There were so many other things that I could do to glorify God
in the workplace, and in ministry. Today my life’s goal is
helping people realize their dreams in Him, and especially
Pastors and their wives. I have never had so much fun, been so
fulfilled and been so in love with my husband! You can have your
cake and eat it too! Jesus has come to give us life and give it
more abundantly! God has called each of us to be what He has
called us to be, not what others expect. The Kingdom of God is
righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost! Let’s live in
that!

Does this mean we don’t do anything we don’t feel like doing? As
Paul would say, “God forbid!” As Christians, no matter what our
title is, we choose to serve, we educate ourselves, we
discipline ourselves, we strive to be better than we are, we
allow God to stretch us and we give our lives away to others! It
is who we are. It is the definition of love that we lay down our
lives! But……………………….God intended for us to
reach our potential, to be happy along the way, and to enjoy the
freedom to do so through His precious blood that was shed.

7 Steps to Going Bagless!

1. Self-Educate - Find out more about your gifting and
personality to frame some personal goals.

2. Make a list of your dreams.

3. Make a list of what makes you feel trapped or anxious as a
Pastor’s wife.

4. Seek God about 2 & 3

5. Communicate with Husband, trusted friend, or counselor

6. Make a decision to be happy

7. Make a decision to work toward goals and dreams

If you enjoyed this article and are interested in more articles
by this author and other free resources please visit our website
www.murphytoerner.com.

Counseling & Coaching Available: Call our offices @ 225.753.7773!

*If you desire further information on this subject, we offer
life-coaching, personality testing, career assessment testing,
gifting testing, and mentoring programs for Pastor’s wives and
women in ministry. Call the office for a consultation at your
earliest convenience.

The chapter of Matthew 24 is one of the most misunderstood chapters in the Bible. Most believe that this chapter has to do with our wars, day and age however this is not the case. In fact Billy Graham use to say, “Matthew 24 is knocking at your door.” When trying to understand scripture you must be careful how you apply the message. Trying to make everything in the Bible to fit to these days and times will surely get you into trouble. In this article we will be discussing the first part of the chapter which deals with the destruction of Jerusalem that happened around 70 AD; several years before the United States was a country. It was written by Matthew about the events that would happen in the apostles’ future. It would be helpful for you to read the first part of the chapter in Matthew 24 to understand the article.

The ministry of Christ was in full force. Some Jews believed and began following Jesus however most didn’t. Even the ones that thought it might be possible that Christ was their expected Messiah still went against him. Christ forewarned the apostles and all those present, when you see the abomination of desolation as spoken by the prophet Daniel, meant it was time for them to get out. See Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. The abomination that causes desolation. (cf. Lk 21:20.). The abomination would be the order that came from the Emperor to place statues in the temples of themselves to be worshipped. The temple would be desolate, as there will be no more worship in it. It would be the end of the Jewish state.

Fleeing to the mountains would be a great place to hide but if it’s a nuclear attack in the United States it wouldn’t matter if you hid in the mountains. The rooftops were flat in those days and often traveled on by foot making escaping easier. There was not time to come down from the roof top to get your things. Some also slept on the rooftops in those days and if they did it would be easier to get up and flee. Do not go back and get your clothes. Get out of dodge. Mothers with children would make it even harder to leave. It would be better for the war not to take place in the winter as the rivers would be frozen and impassible. With modern day transportation we can get anywhere in the winter so what would it matter if the attack happened in the winter? So then it doesn’t make any sense when you apply it to the 21st century. Hopefully the Romans didn’t make their attack on a Sabbath because the city gates of Jerusalem would be closed as always on a Sabbath. Neh. 13:19. The darkened moon and falling stars are signs that a nation has fallen or great political change. This figurative language is used in the same way with the fall of other nations. Is. 13:10; 34:4-6; 51:5-6 Jer. 4:1-6; 23-28; Ezek. 32:7-8; Joel 3:15-16; Nin. 1:1-5; Amos 8:1-2, 9. The destruction of Jerusalem was predicted by the Old Testament prophets. Micah 3:12; Zech. 14:4. There was about to be a great change in the law that would change their lives and the lives of the Jews forever. Why the war?

First off we cannot forget the mighty hand of God. The Jews for years had been going against God. They wouldn’t listen to God anymore and many Jews were committing murders, persecutions and idolatry. Any nation that forgets about God will be its demise. Prov. 14:34; Ps 9:17. Because of the Jews defiance and rejection of their own Messiah, the war happened just as the prophets predicted it would. Is. 53:3.

The Jews hated the Roman Empire and this is the reason they started the war. As far as they knew they weren’t thinking about the hand of God. The Jews wanted political and religious liberty. Rome wanted to have control over everything. Rome wanted to oversee the day to day life of the Jews. The Romans would come in and steal from the temple as well as the procurators who would collect all the taxes for the entire empire. In collecting the tax whatever they collected over the amount due and would line their pockets with the rest. The political tension and religious expectations grew. Finally in 70 AD Titus led the revolt to siege Jerusalem and later became emperor. Some were killing themselves in a suicide battle as it would be better to be dead then to be taken and sold into slavery. What happened to the Christians?

Eusebius and his book Ecclesiastical History, wrote that the Christians fled to Pella. Pella is located in the modern day Jordan, which is about two and a half miles east of the Jordan River. He also said they fled because of divine revelation in which they received. This would mean the warning that is recorded by Matthew in chapter twenty-four as well as the other gospels. Jesus did say that some would be put to death, (Lk 21:16) but this he says would happen before the siege of Jerusalem. It is possible that not many perished because they remembered and heeded the warnings given by the Lord.

The is an excerpt from the book titled End Time Secrets written by Christine Bettridge and she also is the editor of the article directory, Above All Content Visit her blog at: The Bible Sound Blog

We are all familiar with gold and silver. Some even value one goodness with the amount of silver and gold they have. People have stolen and killed for the likes of it. This brings me to the question of what is more important, life, good health and peace of mind or precious stones and jewelry (silver & gold.) Let’s see what the Bible says about silver and gold. Look at the book of Deuteronomy 17:17 it says He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.

Now look at Judges 8: 23 But Gideon told them, I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you. And he said, I do have one request, that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder.(it was the custom of the Ishmaelites to wear gold earrings.) They answered, We’ll be glad to give them. So they spread out a garment, and each man threw a ring from his plunder onto it. The weight of the gold rings he asked for came to seventeen hundred shekels, not counting the ornaments, the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian or the chains that were on the camels neck. Gideon made the gold into an ephod( an article of clothing), which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.

(Note) Gideon’s Ephod: After the Midianite war, the people gave a share of their plunder to Gideon; one gold earring each. Gideon takes the gold and forms it into an ephod, an article of clothing connected with worshiping God (Ex 28:6). Unfortunately, Gideon’s ephod has no such high purpose. Soon after he makes it, the Israelites begin to worship it. So quickly they forget their miraculous deliverance from the Midianites, so quickly they turn from God to go their own way-a story repeated time after time throughout Judges and throughout the history of the church as well. God forgives, God delivers. We’re thankful and close to him for a time, but then we soon forget and go our own way a cycle that God will continue to work to break).

Now look at Psalm 106:39 it says They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves. Therefore the Lord was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. He handed them over to the nations, and their foes ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.

Look at Psalm 19:8 it says The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinance of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.

Now look at Psalms 119:9 it says How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your words in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decress. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoice in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

In closing look at Proverbs 22:1 it says A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common; The Lord is maker of them all. A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Humility and fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.

Love Always,
Your Sister in Christ,
Mellody Davis

Enjoy more reading at: http://www.hostinghelps.com/allaboutjesus

Why do we do the things we do? Who hasn’t asked themselves that question at one time or another? Must we remain creatures of habit? Is there “No Way Out?” Even the apostle Paul wrestled with this problem, but he came to the happy conclusion that we can overcome all in Christ (Rom. 7:14-25; Philip. 4:13). But Christ Himself said it wouldn’t be easy, and Paul basically admitted that we’d have to go through hell before Heaven would be established on earth (Acts 14:22). Yet as Thomas Paine declared: “The harder the conflict the more glorious the Triumph.” And indeed there is a war within, a dueling conflict of interests, a dual nature that demands constant attention (1 Pet. 2:11; Ga. 5:17). True Christians are even compared to soldiers that must learn how to effectively fight and become toughened in the process (2 Tim. 2:3; 1 Tim. 6:12). We’re commanded to kill carnality, subdue sin, and force ourselves into line (Col. 3:5; Mat. 11:12). Of course, it’s only through the power and Spirit of God that we’re able to overcome, grow, and conquer all of those things that would love to tear us down (Ps. 60:12; Ephes. 6:10-17).

What is one man’s strength is another man’s weakness, but we must all struggle to attain God’s Image through the process of conversion (Philip. 3:12). We’re to become spiritually stronger by carrying our cross and bearing our burden; they’re to make us and not break us. Although we’re presently only too human, we’re offered the opportunity to increasingly partake of the divine nature and holiness (2 Pet. 1:4), experiencing in advance the glory of the Kingdom of God (Heb. 6:5); all contingent upon our response to God’s lead, submission to His Will, and the exercising of His Spirit (Rom. 8:14).

Considering how transcendent true spirituality can be, why do we allow ourselves to lower our sights and settle for less (Rom. 8:6)? How damnable are such distractions that would disrupt our clear concepts of Christ and His Kingdom! Satan attempts to short-circuit God’s Spirit, cause static on our wavelength to Heaven, and overload our minds to jam God’s message (Ephes. 2:2).

We’re to keep life’s purpose uppermost in mind, putting all things in perspective, enjoying the light of this Vision (2 Tim.1:7; Ephes.1:17-19). Yet the god of this present world’s system has blinded his subjects to their glorious potential (2 Cor. 4:4), led them astray by tinsel temptations, and enslaved them through deceitful sin.

Adrenalin and Ego

The Bible reveals that two of men’s biggest problems are LUST and PRIDE (1 John 2:16). They go hand in hand, and are like a dog chasing its tail: a vicious cycle. Why do we keep going out to the bars? Because it’s an addiction. When you’re all dressed up, and want to strut your stuff, where else is there to go? It’s adrenalin and ego. They’re partners for life - or death. They artificially energize us and bring us back for more.

Who doesn’t like to cruise and be cruised? There’s always that challenge of the chase, that anticipation of the evening. But what if the next time your catch includes some sexual disease? Are you ready and willing to exchange the cool clothes and hot look for a hospital robe? Those boots that are made for walkin’ for slippers? That well-groomed hair for baldness? Go from Mr. Popular to poor pariah? It is a possibility. It is reality. But then we don’t like to think about such disturbing thoughts, and besides, it always happens to someone else, “the other guy.” At least so far. Well? Another notch on the bedpost might be another foot in the grave. This is a serious subject and an uncomfortable one, but as far as promiscuity goes - you’ve got to stop it, before it stops you!

We’re told that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (Rom. 6:23). Ultimately, the penalty for every sin unrepented of is death (Rev. 21:8), but some sins exact their penalty quicker than others. Is AIDS a plague sent from some angry God? Could He be upset with our stubborn ways (Mark 3:5)? Is it possible God’s simply taken away His protective shield (Isa.5:5), and left us at the mercy of cause and effect (Jer. 2:19; 4:18)? God reveals that same-sex practices are self-destructive and contrary to what’s natural (Rom. 1:26-28). He also explodes the myth that it’s harmless and declares both minds and bodies become abused (Ps. 107:17). Does this stark fact justify “gay-bashing?” NO! We need to pray for those entangled in sin’s web.

Nothing’s so hypocritical as a straight couple (living together with children out of wedlock) getting interviewed as they watch the spectacle of a “Gay Pride” parade. Shaking their heads, they say: “We just think it’s disgusting. Besides, the Bible says it wrong.” Since when did they ever care about what the Bible has to say? It probably has a few things to say to them also! Everybody needs to get their act together and straighten up (Isa. 40:3). We could all use some “home-improvement” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Whereas there are many sins - and sin is simply breaking God’s code of conduct (1 John 3:4) - this booklet’s specifically dealing with homosexuality, although the principles contained within these pages pertain to all.

Offensive Stereotypes

What’s so difficult for heterosexuals to comprehend is that being gay is as normal for homosexuals as being straight is for them. And that many homosexuals also can’t understand the sexual attraction of straights. Both “sexes” are a mystery to each other! Gays are quite capable of appreciating a woman’s mind, beauty or charm - but are generally repulsed at the thought of having sex with one! Many women adore their unique relationships with homosexuals because they know they’re accepted for who they are without any ulterior motives. It’s refreshing to be free of sexual harassment or pressure. Although there are other women who consider gay men a tremendous turn on, and are titillated by the challenge to be their first and “convert” them.

It’s offensive to be thoughtlessly thrown in together, as if we all shared the same sexual desires or fantasies, or to be stereotyped as drag-queens or pinko sissies! Homosexuals are individuals and as different from one another as heterosexuals are. We have our “Marlboro Men” as well as a “Minnie Mouse” or two, some who are promiscuous and others who remain monogamous or celebrate celibacy. And the idiotic idea that homosexuals will jump for anything that happens to be male is an insult. Don’t flatter yourself. Homosexuals have their own tastes, preferences and standards (or lack of them) like everybody else. Should that be so surprising?

Homosexuals shouldn’t be equated with rapists. Rarely would they force themselves upon anyone who wasn’t a willing person or a consenting adult. However, as in the “straight” world, there are those ugly exceptions to the rule who don’t know how to take no for an answer or keep their hands to themselves.This isn’t an attempt to promote homosexuality (it doesn’t need any) or enlist hungry recruits. It’s an honest effort to dispel myths and help rid people of dangerous misconceptions. Only the truth can liberate us from lies and deliver us from deception. A new and improved understanding is essential for everybody’s growth.

As for those who might forget that homosexuals are human - whom Christ also died for and seeks to save - they’d do well to remember that immature name-calling falls into the same category of those who could be held in contempt of court (Mat. 5:22).

Hate-words such as nigger, spic, kike or faggot aren’t representative of God’s Kingdom. But then again, neither is yelling bigot or such brand names as sexist, homophobe, and racist (1 John 2:9). Condemning all Christians because of the words or actions of a few is foolish.

Sometimes we need to forcibly remind ourselves that everyone is potentially in God’s image. We must hate the sin, but never the sinner. And we should hate the sin - not just because it upsets up or disturbs us personally - but because it’s harming the sinner (whom we should love). This goes against the flow and demands that we rise above ourselves and our petty prejudices, but it’s prayerfully possible (Mat. 5:45). And again, there are degrees of homosexuality. Some are “gay all the way” or bisexual (double trouble!), while others only experiment with it and decide it’s not for them. There are also those who wish to God they were straight and could marry and have a family (often due to unbearable pressure or religious convictions).

Few homosexuals are mass murderers or child-molesters, contrary to exaggerated fears and bizarre movies or twisted individuals. Any “sex-offender” will be denied entrance into God’s Kingdom (Rev. 21:27). Perverts will find themselves prevented from spoiling Paradise. It’s not just because of their physical acts, but because of their mind’s spiritual miscarriage. It’s their attitude, not just their selfish actions, that abort their royal birth.

Active homosexuals and practicing heterosexuals, must repent of their sexual sins and become practicing - not just professing - Christians! It’s something that will have to be kept under control daily, even though it can be frustrating and frightening to forego such a personal part of our lives, but it’s for a good cause: God’s Kingdom (Isa. 56:4-5).

Remember, as stated before, God forbids any premarital or extramarital sex. He hasn’t made an exception for homosexuals. There’s no preferential treatment. Even if God did allow homosexuality - which He doesn’t - that wouldn’t excuse continued careless sex, but would require of homosexuals the same as heterosexuals: no illicit sex, a strictly monogamous relationship, and a sure commitment. God doesn’t have a double-standard.

We have to overcome lust or it will overcome us. Without a doubt, sex is one of the greatest physical sensations. No wonder it’s so popular - but it comes and it goes. Since we’re here today and gone tomorrow - is sex (or a relationship) really worth giving up eternal life for? If we could only begin to grasp how transcendent, pure and glorious our spiritual experiences are destined to be - the rotting flesh can’t compare! The divine delights are so far superior, utterly indescribable to mortal man, that it’s mind-boggling! God is the joyous Fountain of Life with flowing Rivers of endless Pleasures (Ps. 16:11; 36:8)!

The Fire Within

Everyone - gay or straight - has the “fire” within (1 Cor. 7:9). Some burn more than others, but it’s still there. God understands proper sexual desire and simply commands that we develop His character to control and channel it. He knows our human need to love and be loved, to touch and feel, to give of ourselves totally in a reciprocal relationship. However, God requires that we find such fulfillment within the safe and secure boundaries of marriage, lest we careen out of control with unwanted children, abortion, devastating disease, scarred minds and abused bodies (Heb. 13:4). But it can be traumatic if you’re NOT straight and marriage isn’t an option! It’s heartbreaking and gut-wrenching, initially, to realize God might want you to remain single, without a significant other ( 1 Cor. 7:24; Matt. 11:6). Although just being straight doesn’t guarantee you’ll ever marry, there’s always that hope. Everything must be kept in Biblical focus or you’ll lose your mind and salvation! God PURPOSELY calls some who aren’t attached (1 Cor. 12:18). Why? It’s easier for them to be wedded to God’s Work and married to Christ’s Mission (1 Cor. 7:32,35; Matt. 19:12).

Therefore, if someone can see through the smokescreen of exploited emotions and desires, and decides to love and obey Christ through it all - rejecting sin’s advances and turning down its many propositions - God will highly honor and respect their efforts. He promises to love and comfort them, and graciously grant them an even greater strength and peace of mind (John 14:15-16, 27).

Dare to be different. Don’t just follow the crowd - especially when they don’t even know where they’re going! The sooner you recognize the seriousness of sin, and act accordingly, the better (Ecc. 12:1). Youth is transient and one-night stands are vain. Wake up and smell the coffee!

Sin must become unthinkable (Jas. 1:14-15)! We can’t afford to entertain any thoughts that would drag us both down and under, sweeping us away again (Mat. 5:28). We shouldn’t risk going past the point of rescue. We should’ve learned our lesson by now and feel enough is enough! Haven’t we graduated from the school of hard knocks? Therefore, we’re sufficiently educated to reject the trial and error approach (1 Pet. 4:3). We know which “school of thought” is worthwhile and offers any sort of a future.

Understanding that we’re living on borrowed time, that we’ve been given a new lease on life, and that we had been on death row (and yet received an unbelievable pardon from our Governor) - we must let go of the past and its corrosive influence (Philip. 3:13). We’re to be dead to our old way of life and thinking (Ps. 146:4), and accept the resurrection that is in Christ (Rom. 6).

We’re no longer to imbibe of alcohol excessively, but instead be embued with God’s Holy Spirit (Ephes. 5:18). Our new moderation is intended to magnify God’s glory, revealing His influence in our lives (Philip. 4:5). And we’re not to be surprised when our old friends and former acquaintances express shock or challenge our change (1 Pet. 4:4). It doesn’t compute with their old way of thinking. They’re relying on out-dated information and really don’t know the new you!

Knowing how grave and deceitful sin can be (Heb. 3:13), we’re not to offer it any occasion to oppress us (Ephes. 4:27), nor ever attempt to compromise or participate in the charade of a “peaceful coexistence” (Deut. 7:2). Therefore, aware of the inherent dangers, we’re to avoid those people, places or things that would throw fuel on our fire (Prov. 1:10; 4:14-15; 2 Tim. 2:22). Don’t set yourself up for a fall, or be fooled by selfish flattery (Prov. 7:21), or seduced by lying eyes (Prov. 6:25). In short, beware the “devil in blue jeans!”

God can break the grip and release us from whatever hold vice might have on us (Isa. 45:2; Ps. 107:16). We don’t have to remain creatures of habit. We can become God’s Sons and Daughters. There is a Way out: God has provided us with a marvelous Door of opportunity - but we must walk through it (John 10:9). Instead of suffering paralysis (like prisoners of the past), let’s look forward and go ahead, confident of our bright future (Mat. 13:43; Philip. 1:6).

Letter written in April 2006, to Pastor Barron Miller of Cornwall Church at the Club in Bellingham, Washington.

Thanks Pastor Barron for lending me this book Divided By Faith. I’m sure this has also sparked your writing creativity as it did mine. Sorry I kept it so long.

My Opinion on Reconciliation

Reconciliation - Returning to harmony; making compatible.

In the sense of this racial/cultural meaning, bringing a balance to the top-sided states of power is everyone’s responsibility.

Where there are inequities, I believe, they must be honestly and openly addressed by each of us. Will all people accept reconciliation? No. Yet, the subject cannot be put aside.

John Perkins states, “Reconciliation is linked with two components: Relocation (moving to places of need), and redistribution (of talents, hopes, dreams, and materials). No one can relocate the talents and dreams of a people, but as a society we can acknowledge and make equal the materials, teachers and finances to see the growth of dreams and talents become reality.

One of the major areas I see a need to be reconciled is in the governments stance, society’s responsibility, and the peoples dependence on the welfare system (another long paper).

I cannot make right slavery from yesterday, but I can make sure I have no support for any type of slavery today. I cannot make up for the monetary poverty that is formatted by the powerful to keep poor folks poor, no matter what color they are. But, I can speak up about the way systems such as welfare are set to keep people in bondage today.

Keeping people in bondage to a system of separation is a breeding ground for suspicion, hate and corruption. This happens not only in our governmental structure but also in our homes and churches.

I agree with Otis regarding our fallen nature, and that “the race problem” is a sin problem. The laws of this society are based on individuals coming together and bringing their own biases with them, and the majority is then able to put them into action or law. Though many of the founders of this country wrote and talked about equality, they were slave owners. No matter how good they were to their slaves, they still kept them in bondage, separated the family when it suited their business needs, and slept with the female children that captured their fancy.

The ‘race problem’ is as large today as it was yesterday and the day before. Will it ever end? I don’t think so, not until Jesus comes to collect His multi-colored, multi-cultural church. Will the race problem get worse? Probably.

But, I have a responsibility to love God enough to love the people He created. It is my responsibility to teach my children to love their neighbors as themselves. That means I have to encourage, teach and raise up my kids in the knowledge and love of God. I have the responsibility to teach my kids how to love and value themselves so they can love others. I have a responsibility to perform daily fruit checks on my life as in Galatians 5:22.

In what ways have I shown love today for and to God, myself and others?

Have I hurt anyone in word or deed? If so, I must make amends, then ask God for forgiveness.

Have my thoughts been evil, selfish, or full of jealousies? I must ask God for forgiveness. Sometimes if I admit theses thoughts that have not grown to action, I can make a situation worse that it needed to be. God can correct and heal my mind, and keep my heart teachable.

Have I lived in peace today in my mind and relationships with others?

Have I been long-suffering and tolerant, or have I been judgmental?

Have I been gentle and meek, or have I been crude and rude?

Have I been faithful today to: myself; my commitments; my relationships, and to my job?

I am convinced that the church setting is one of the most powerful tools we have available to get God’s message of love for each other to the masses. I believe, that as we are taught in our churches and see the actions of our spiritual leaders, the love of God for all His creations, that will be in turn taught in our families (1st learned community), then in our schools, workplaces, clubs and organizations and brought into our government.

I do believe we, today, can begin to live what God intended through Jesus coming to earth – Glory to God in the highest, peace and goodwill to man. When we accept and value each other’s ethnic and cultural differences we glorify God. I’m thankful He didn’t make any clones.

As a Black woman I will always be drawn to the beat of the drums, a shout when I’m happy, the soul stirrin’ rhythm of gospel and blues, cornbread, chittlins’ and collard greens, a lap full of babies, loud all nighters when the family gets together, getting’ funky dancing to the Electric slide, and dressing up on Sunday morning in my finest because I have an appointment, an audience with the King of Kings.

I thank God that He gave us all differences that we can learn to appreciate, like sauerkraut, and cucumber sandwiches, contemporary music and country too; skin-tones that vary from the lightest of creams to the darkest of chocolates; personalities from the quietest to loud and blustery. God loves variety.

Everyday I have a responsibility to walk as a child of God. In doing this I respect myself, others and honor Jesus Christ. If my voice can influence one or many to the love that God has for all people, I will never shut my mouth. But, I cannot go back into history and make the innocent descendants continue to repent for the sins of their ancestors. Though we can never forget the lessons of history, lest we return.

The Bible says in Ezekiel 18:18-20, ” … the soul that sins, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither the father for the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked on him.” That’s for me is good enough.

The question for me is: Am I doing my part in not sinning against by neighbor? Am I living to honor and glorify God in honoring His creation? I have forgiven so I can also be forgiven.

Jonita (Jay) lives in Bellingham, Washington, where she is a Group Life Counselor to teens addicted to chemicals. She’s a mom and grandma, who is active in church and community. Jay’s heart work is street ministry, writing, singing, and speaking about God’s Word to us today. She is the author of “Meet Me At the Cross, One Woman’s Testimony,” and is currently finishing a novel, “Mene’s Story: Lord Take Me Back.” Jay has written numerous Christian articles and poetry. Her recent article Fighting Fear and Depression Through Praise has been accepted by the magazine, Just Between Us, for women with a heart for ministry. Through her business, Jay’s GoodNews Crafts & Things, she makes jewelry, blankets, and three flavors of hot & spicy BBQ Sauce.

THE ARROGANCE OF SATAN:

The Biblical passages of Isaiah 14:12-14 delve into the very thoughts which led to the downfall of Lucifer in Heaven. “How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, IN THE SIDES OF THE NORTH: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”

These scriptures are worthy of the most careful study. In fact, these verses prophetically reveal a present-day deception that is flooding our very churches! Would you believe many sincere bible believing christians are being subconsciously programmed by the very voice of satan? In this issue we will unveil the arrogance of Satan & the current prophetic fulfillment of the statement in Isaiah 14:13 which reads: “I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the SIDES OF THE NORTH:”

SATAN EXALTS HIMSELF & CREATES A FALSE SYSTEM:

Isaiah 14:12-14 gives the sad account of the self-exalted thoughts that led to lucifers expulsion from heaven. Here are some highlights:

1)”For thou has said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God:” According to Revelation 1:20 (”These seven stars are the angels”) stars are representative of angels. SATAN WANTED TO SET UP HIS THRONE ABOVE THE ANGELS.

2) “I will sit also upon the MOUNT OF THE CONGREGATION,” In the original Hebrew language, “mount of the congregation” translates, an appointed sign or sacred season. The Sabbath is Gods appointed sign & season where he comes to tabernacle with us. During the creation week, the Sabbath was set aside as a memorial of Christ creative power demonstrated the previous six days. Thus, God made the seventh-day Holy forever. “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it:” (Gen.2:2,3) Sanctified means Holy. Those who observe the seventh-day Sabbath proclaim, “It is God’s creative power through Christ that makes my heart holy” (or sanctified)! Therefore, we must cease from our own works and the cares of this life. As the apostle states, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”-Galatians 2:20
THE NEW TESTAMENT SABBATH

For those who are curious about the particular day of the Sabbath, you must read a certain new testament scripture which was recorded after Christ was nailed to the cross. We all know that Christ was crucified on what we call,” Good Friday”. Well after he gave up the ghost on Friday, he laid in the grave the following day. That Saturday Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses viewed where he laid. For the Bible reads in Mark 15:47-16:1-2, “And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid. AND WHEN THE SABBATH WAS PAST, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.(Pause-The Bible is calling the day after friday the Sabbath). And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

The Sabbath is a symbol of an entire lifestyle of dependence upon God. “Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.” Ezekiel 20:12. In contrast, satan wanted to divert power from God by establishing a false sabbath!

The word, “sit”, in Isaiah 14:13 is from the Hebrew word yaw-shaw which means to establish. Therefore, the last portion of Isaiah 14:13 can be read, “I will establish a sabbath in the sides of the North”. Why the sides of the North?

SATANS NEW HIDING PLACE: WHO WOULD HAVE EVER KNOWN?

The earthly sanctuary built by Moses was a pattern of the temple in heaven where God dwells. When God instructed Moses to, “make me a sanctuary: that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8), he clarified, “And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount (Exodus 25:40). It was upon the mount where God flashed images of his sanctuary through the mind of Moses. Thus, everything in the earthly sanctuary was specifically after the order of the heavenly temple. The SIDES OF THE NORTH is the location for the TABLE OF SHEWBREAD in the earthly sanctuary. The bible declares: “And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle NORTHWARD, without the vail. And he set the BREAD in order upon it before the Lord; as the Lord has commanded Moses. Thus we conclude tht the Shewbread in heaven is located on the NORTH side of God’s temple. What does the shewbread symbolize? This answer requires us to examine direct quotes from Christ himself:

“I am that BREAD OF LIFE. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I AM THE LIVING BREAD which came down from heaven: if any man eat of THIS BREAD, he shall live for ever: and THE BREAD that I will give is MY FLESH”, PAUSE- What is his flesh? “In the beginning was THE WORD, and THE WORD was with God, and THE WORD was God.” (John 1:1) Consequently, Christ offered the spiritual advice, “THE BREAD that I will give IS MY FLESH” (John 6:51). The jews replied, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat? In reality, Christ was telling them they could only have eternal life by eating the WORD OF GOD. Satan is well aware of the power in God’s authentic Word coupled with the Holy Spirit.

SATANS HIDING PLACE EXPOSED:
It is satan’s studied aim to set up a kingdom in THE SIDES OF THE NORTH. This is where the WORD OF GOD is. This is why satan has flooded the market with watered down bibles, Amen! Perhaps, some may think it trivial to discredit the various new translations of the Bible. Do these various translations establish a false sabbath in the bible? Have you ever studied the sabbath doctrine in some of the modern translations? Allow me to be frank for the sake of truth. Next edition, we will hit the axe at the root and unveil how and why these fake translations gained popularity. Until then, God bless.

Sincerely,

Lance Ryan
www.greatprophecy.com

Lance Ryan is a retired teacher and volunteer bible prophecy instructor.

Sometimes during my studies in college and graduate school I felt as though I were some sort of mythological beast like the fabled Yeti or — to take something from part of the country — a Jackalope. I am a faithful, believing, run of the mill Mormon. I am also a student at a major university studying history. In a sea of doubt, pessimism, and agnosticism my colleagues find my faith both baffling and strange and have sometimes remarked in passing how sad that such a capable person should be under the sway of such delusions. My native shyness often led me to avoid confrontation and debate, but here I wish to reply to those people to all the others who have made similar comments over the years. Most of the discourse I see relating to Mormon missionaries on the internet and in the media is cynical and critical. The authors highlight the minority of cases where a missionary hated his mission experience or where missionaries clashed with ministers of religion or seers of secularism. I want say the seemingly unsayable: I enjoyed my mission.

Like the majority of young Mormon men, I served as a Mormon missionary when I turned 19. Since my sixteenth birthday, I had been saving money for this foreseen event. My meditations and my prayers over this future were generally one and the same, or at least they flowed so naturally one from another that I was never quite sure which I was undertaking. I determined that I would not go unless I felt and knew in my heart that is was the right thing. The Prophet Joseph Smith said once,

[T]he things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity-thou must commune with God. How much more dignified and noble are the thoughts of God, than the vain imaginations of the human heart! None but fools will trifle with the souls of men. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 Vols. 3:295)

In Mormonism, God is not to be found simply through mere musings as in Natural Theology, but through experiences with Him and those experiences come from service to God and to mankind. As Joseph Smith said, what are needed are time, experience, and ponderous thought. The truth of a thing is to be found in the doing of it. So, I studied and lived what I read and in time, there came a conviction that God lives and that the Book of Mormon was true. As a Mormon missionary I spent two years teaching that to everyone I met. Another essay at another time will perhaps deal more fully with my basis for theism, but here let me say that faith is not irrational. It is not illogical. It arises from a spiritually yearning and understands that sometimes, to be understand, a fact must first be accepted and placed in the best light or in the most charitable regard. Logic, as my professor of philosophy at college said repeatedly, is merely a tool that constructs a priori assumptions and like a machine computes the necessary conclusions. It is not knowledge in and of itself, but a framework for organizing knowledge. A person of faith is just as capable of reason and inquiry as the most ardent adept of Positivism.

What does a Mormon missionary do? This question no doubt bewilders some. Some, whose own lack of strongly held values so distorts their perception of the world, refuse to believe that someone would truly devote two years of his own time; delay school, career, dating, and friendships; and at his (or her) own expense spend day after day sharing a message he knows most will reject. It seems a quixotic errand and perhaps it is. But, let me place myself on the witness stand as one who did it and does not regret it. For two years I wore out shoes and grew calluses from daily walking and labor. I was rejected, spat at, pelted with rocks (and once with ketchup packages), insulted, harassed, nearly arrested twice, and once threatened at gun point.

I will not try to claim that I enjoyed this negative treatment. Sometimes, though, I could understand the person’s frustrations and anger. It can be irritating to have someone approach you and try to steer you into a conversation about something as deeply personal as religion. However, my experience has taught me that most people, once my fellow missionary and I could sit down with them and discuss frankly one another’s beliefs enjoyed the conversations even if they chose not to believe in what we taught. Some were devotedly antithetical to our beliefs or practices and would likely have been upset my mere presence in their vicinity. To all who were willing to listen I taught my beliefs and bore somber testimony to the influence God and my commitment to Him have had in my life. In those two years I learned more about myself, my God, and my fellow men than in any other comparable period and it is not unlikely that I will be mining these experiences for the rest of my life.

Among my most cherished memories were many pleasant discussions with people of every walk of life from the educated to the ignorant, from the deep-rooted American to the most recent immigrant. I learned quickly that debate and disputing were worthless ventures. I am convinced, and my subsequent life has convinced more of this, that truth and understanding are the greatest victims of forensics. The result is usually the same: both sides become more convinced of the truthfulness of their own position and the issue becomes more polarized than before. In confessing that insight, I feel as I am committing a sin against modern society where debate has become per se a value. Let me clarify that I am not referring to disagreement or discussion, but rather to that puerile variety of parallel argumentation that so dominates our public discourse where speakers, who cannot truly be called interlocutors, speak so singly and disconnectedly that there is no exchange of ideas or even a recognition of the other’s point of view. It is rather the solipsistic pontificating of pundits and spokesman.

As Mormon missionaries , we were taught — and I aimed — to share our message, invite others to consider it, pray about it, and live it, but nothing more. True, we were sometimes goaded into debate and I succumbed to too many such baitings, but more often than not I and my fellow missionaries testified and warned and invited others to hear our message without ill feelings. Some have tried to argue that our reticence to debate evinces some deeply harbored fears on our parts about the veracity of our message; but such criticism is misguided. We merely recognize that rarely does any good come from such debate and the casualty of such battles is usually the good relations among people. Most of those who wished to debate us were so lacking in the ability to listen and grasp another’s point of view, that debate would have been merely a battle of wills and egos.

So, you might ask, why do we do it? Why do we risk stirring up such controversy and rancor? I am convinced after much experience that it the missionary work of this Church that inspires such vehement diatribes against us more than any peculiarity of practice or principle. Many groups similarly have divergent beliefs about God and salvation, but no other group makes such an effort to ensure that everyone else knows about them. I can only answer by saying that our belief compels us to do so and were we to ignore the imperative to share this message we would wallow in enervating hypocrisy. We believe that our message can soothe hearts, strengthen relationships, and enable all people to understand and worship God. This belief will cause controversy and earn us the ill assessment of many who hold that truth and values are relative, but to cease to share our message would be as good as denying that we believe it and that we cannot do; I cannot do that, for I have had too many experiences which have confirmed to me the truthfulness of this message and the necessity of sharing it with others. I have seen faith, both in God and in self, work too many miracles for me to step aside now and say I will not work to help others because I might offend some. Life has taught me this: someone will be offended no matter what I do, so I will live so as not to offend my conscience for that will be my constant and eternal companion.

My plea is for this: that people take more time to understand one another in our public discourse, particularly with regard to religion. This appeal has been made before and will be made again. I suffer no delusions that this little essay will have some grand effect on society, but hopefully someone will listen. True discussion and true communication about ideas and values requires that first we understand our interlocutors views and beliefs. Too many people assume all too quickly that they know what someone else believes about this or that. Such intellectual mondegreens stifle our ability to communicate for language and discourse is fluid and highly dependent on socioeconomic conditions. It is not enough to know what God and grace and values mean to us, we must understand what they mean to others. If not, we will blithely and arrogantly attack straw men of our own creation because, as Cervantes said, “they might be giants.” Then when we have bested our chimerical adversary, we will proclaim unilaterally and pointlessly our hollow victory.

Go to the source and ask a Mormon what a Mormon believes. Those who devote their energies to tilting at Mormon windmills and slaying Mormon chimeras will no doubt continue to claim that all Mormons lie about their own beliefs or hide the truth about what Mormons really believe. No doubt they will continue asserting that Mormon missionaries are highly skilled propagandists and purveyors of misinformation (nothing could be farther from the truth), but such claims are circular and rely on the assertions of prejudiced and blind eyes. As a former Mormon missionary who was proud to serve his faith and still follows that tenets of his religion, let me say that while we in America and the West will most likely continue to disagree, the first step toward improving our discourse, is by improving our listening.

Unless we first seek to understand, we can never be understood. I have grown weary of the prejudices, the casual slights, the quick dismissals and the self-righteous indignation of those who attack not just my faith, but all faiths and beliefs systems. These willfully ignorant and prejudiced attacks come not only from other religious leaders, but also from secularists who are so isolated in their own belief systems that they believe anything else must be irrational. Such dismissal of even the ability of others rationally to disagree with you and rationally to believe something you find fantastic will only serve to divide and exacerbate our public discourse. Let me end as I began by saying the unbelievable: I believe in God and in the message of Mormonism and I do so with full understanding and with every faculty of my mind. I do not ask any readers to suddenly convert to my faith, but rather I hope they will with an open and inquisitive mind seek to understand those of us who still believe in faith and hope through a living God.

Jonathan F. Barney was born and raised in Mapleton, Utah, and served as a volunteer missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) in Ohio from 1999 to 2001. He graduated from Utah State University in 2004 and began graduate school at Princeton University in that fall of that year where he is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Near Eastern Studies.

Excellent articles on Mormon Missionaries:
Mormon Missionaries - on the BBC Religion and Ethics site.

God’s Army: Mormon Missionaries - from a PBS story.

Manhattan Mormon missionaries - from the Columbia News Service.

If you walk up to a stranger in the grocery store and ask them to define “simple,” as in “simple life,” they’ll probably say something like “having less stuff.” Or they might hit you with a frozen turkey. But probably they’ll associate simple with stuff.

The thing is that simple is not about how much or how little you have. You can have all the stuff you want and have a simple life. That’s the key, though—the stuff you want. Simple is about having more of what you want and less of the things that get in your way and trip you up.

If you continue questioning the guy with the turkey, he may hit you with it again, or he may spit out some more associations with the word “simple.” Those words might include “nature,” “inexpensive,” “boring,” “organized,” “miserly.” Those are words we think of when we think of simple living, but none of them has to be associated with simplicity—certainly not boring and miserly. Sure, if you want to live your simple life with nature, you can. If you want to get rid of most of your life and live on a shoestring, you can.

The key to simple living is to have, as much as possible, only what you want. Naturally you have to have things in your life that you don’t want, like traffic and Monday mornings. But your goal in reaching simplicity is to have more of the things you do want, like good books and doughnuts on Sunday morning, and maybe a good CD to listen to in the car while you’re in traffic on Monday morning.

Simple is really simple. It’s what you want, not what you don’t.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angie Dixon helps small business owners get their acts together. She is a personal development coach specializing in helping people integrate their home and work lives so they feel less stretched and more balanced. Get her FREE EBOOK on balance at http://www.discoveringtruenorth.com. For questions or to discover how coaching can change your life, contact Angie at mailto:angie@discoveringtruenorth.com.

The textbook I’m using is Edward Chumney’s book entitled, The
Seven Festivals of the Messiah (Treasure House, Sixth Printing
2003). We begin now with a brief introduction. Introduction: The
15th of Nisan begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is a
high Sabbath. It is a seven-day feast to the Lord. The day
following the Sabbath during Passover is called the Feast of
First Fruits (Leviticus 23:10-11). Understanding the Festival
Ceremony: When the standing ripe harvest of barley and wheat was
ready to be reaped, the celebrant would take one sheaf from the
standing harvest and bring it to the priest. The lone sheaf was
called “the sheaf of the first fruits.” The priest was then to
take this one sheaf and wave it before the Lord in His house.
This was to be done “the day after the Sabbath.” Prescribed
offerings were also to be presented along with the sheaf. The
Sheaf of First Fruits in the Bible God commanded the people to
bring a sheaf of the harvest. The Hebrew word for “sheaf” is
omer. An omer is defined as “a measure of dry things, containing
a tenth part of an ephah.” The definition of an omer being a
tenth part of an ephah is found in Exodus 16:36. An ephah
contains 10 omers of grain. Remember three times a year God
commanded the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the
festivals of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. All three of
these festivals are agricultural harvest festivals. Passover is
the barley harvest. Pentecost is the wheat harvest. Both of
these festivals are first fruits harvests before the final
harvest that was to come at the end of the year during the
festival of Tabernacles, which is the fruit harvest. The harvest
represents all who would put their faith, trust, and confidence
in the Messiah. So, the sheaf is the first of the first fruits.
Since a sheaf in the Bible is used to typify a person or persons
(Genesis 37:5-11), a sheaf spiritually represents people who
accept the Messiah into their hearts. The nation of Israel was
familiar with the concept of first fruits or the firstborn. The
first fruits were always the choicest, the foremost, the first,
the best of all that was to follow. They were holy to the Lord.
The concept of first fruits or firstborn is a major theme in the
Bible. Everything on the earth, both man and beasts, was to be
presented before the Lord as first fruits to Him. 1. The
firstborn of both man and beast were sanctifies and presented to
the Lord (Exodus 13:2). 2. The first fruits of all the earth
were presented to the Lord at His altar in praise and
thanksgiving (Deuteronomy 26:1-11). The 17th of
Nisan–Resurrection and Salvation The theme of the festival of
First Fruits is resurrection and salvation. There are several
important events that happened on this day in the Bible. 1.
Noah’s ark rests on Mount Ararat (Genesis 8:4). 2. Israel
crosses the Red Sea (Exodus 3:18). 3. Israel eats the first
fruits of the Promised Land (Joshua 5:10-12). 4. Haman is
defeated (Esther 3:1-6). 5. The resurrection of Jesus or Yeshua,
the Messiah (Jon 12:24). Jesus celebrated the festival of First
Fruits by offering Himself as the first fruits to all future
generations (Matthew 27:52-53). Yesuah is the first fruits of
the Barley Harvest He is the firstborn of Mary. He is the
first-begotten of God the Father. He is the firstborn of every
creature. He is the first-begotten from the dead. He is the
firstborn of many brethren. He is the first fruits of the
resurrected ones. He is the beginning of the creation of God. He
is the preeminent One. Jesus is indeed the Most Holy One of God
and is sanctified by the Father. He is the first, the choicest,
the preeminent One. He is both the firstborn of God and the
first fruits unto God. Jesus is the sheaf of the first fruits.
Since Jesus was slain on the tree on the day of Passover, the
14th of Nisan, and He arose from the grave three days and nights
after He was slain, Jesus arose from the grave on the 17th of
Nisan, the day of the festival of First Fruits. In fact, Jesus
is called the first fruits of those who rise from the dead. Tid
bits of info Isaiah 53:9–Jesus would be buried in the tomb of
the rich. Why was Jesus placed in the tomb of Joseph of
Arimathaea? Arimathaea was another name for Ramah, the city of
Samuel–prophet priest and judge of Israel. Ramah is FIVE miles
N of Jerusalem. It’s still called Ramah to this present day. In
ancient times it was customary for Jews to be buried in
Jerusalem. In fact, this practice is still done today because it
is a traditional belief in Judaism that the resurrection of the
dead will take place in Jerusalem first. In the book of Genesis,
Joseph the son of Jacob, made the children of Israel take a vow
that when they went to the Promised Land, they would carry his
bones with them. Ramah was term that represented idolatry. Two
countries were called the seat of idolatry in the ancient world:
Babylon and Egypt. Joseph, the son of Jacob, was also known as
Joseph of Ramah. Moses took the bones of Joseph with him when he
and the children of Israel journeyed to Succoth. Therefore,
Joseph’s tomb in Egypt was empty. The empty tomb of Joseph of
Arimathaea (Ramah), which stood for wickedness, was a
fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9.

Keep the faith. Stay the course, dear saint. Jesus, the spotless
Lamb of God, is coming a second time, not as a Lamb but as the
Lion of the tribe of Judah. For Jesus is King of Kings and Lord
of Lords! Pastor T.