Christians Aware

Every springtime tanks, armoured vehicles, military personnel and fighter planes invade the small village of Haworth, West Yorkshire to celebrate 1940’s weekend¹.  Year after year one of the worst periods of our human history is remembered. A time of destruction, death, sadness, fear and uncertainty.  And as we look back we rightfully feel immeasurable thanks towards those who sacrificed so much to acquire our liberty.  Surely God was with us.

BUT, perish the thought, what if the so called ‘good guys’ had lost, what if the other side had won²? Could we conclude that God was therefore against us?  Had God lost control of the situation?  What would have happened to our relatives is almost too unbearable to comprehend.  The reality is that sometimes the so called ‘baddies’³ do win and in a more general sense evil often does prevail not just in War but in many other parts of our day to day lives.  So many questions naturally arise – Why? Why doesn’t God stop wars? Why does God allow evil at all?⁴ Why doesn’t God do something? Is God responsible for it all? Is He powerless?

Unfortunately the bible tells us that we are pointing the finger in the wrong direction. God is not responsible for the evil in the world, we are! Yes, you and me! A broken human race.

James 4:1
¹What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

‘As James (James 4 v 1) reminds us, the ultimate cause of war is lust and desire; this restlessness that is a part of us as the result of sin; this craving for that which is illicit and for that which we cannot obtain. It shows itself in many ways, both in personal, individual life, and also in the life of nations. In precisely the same way it leads to personal quarrels and strife, [it leads] to wars between nations.’ – Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones

Right at the start of the bible we are told that when God created the perfect universe (including humans) it was ‘very good’ (Genesis chapter 1).  Our ancestors, Adam and Eve were created sinless but importantly with a free will to be able to choose to obey God or not (as opposed to being created as robots!). As we go a little further, in Genesis chapter 3 we read how ‘man’ rebelled against God, or put another way, sinned.  Ever since this moment the human race was broken or fallen, and every generation and every individual since has been sinful from birth, in rebellion against a holy God and therefore deserving of punishment.

In Romans 10 verse 9 we are told that ‘All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God’ (emphasis added). Sin is deeply rooted in each human beings heart (would any fair minded person deny that?). To prove it the next few chapters of the book of Genesis go on to describe to us just how bad the world became in such a short period of time, and you only have to look into a history book, or this mornings newspaper to see that it has not improved. 

‘…there is no such person as the innocent. We are all sinful. But furthermore, we clearly have to reap the consequences not only of our own personal sins, but also of the sins of the entire race; and on a smaller scale, the sin of our particular country or group.’ – Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones

At that moment when Adam and Eve first rebelled, or at any moment since then God could have justly and fairly eradicated humanity from the face of the earth but mercifully He did not.  What we find instead is the beginning of a wonderful rescue plan, a plan to save humankind from our sin, from our rightful guilty verdict and from our deserved punishment. We learn that God was going to ‘crush’ (Genesis 3 v 15) evil. BUT NOT YET! God is not powerless, God is in control, God will stop all evil and wars. The plan is in motion, but we still have a little longer to wait, and thankfully there is also a little longer for each of us to be rescued from the judgement to come.

John 3:36
³⁶He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

You see God is patient, the door of heaven is still open wide today welcoming anyone who wants to come in.  But as we see in the bible God tolerates evil for only a brief time; then, with great sorrow, He judges. We see this in The Flood (Genesis 6:5-7), Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25) and The Fall of Babylon (Revelation 18). But importantly we are told that another judgement is coming that involves each of us, and that wars are a sign that the final devastating judgement is expected at any moment (Matthew 24 v 6). God in His kindness is shouting at us to look to his one prescribed route of salvation, His rescue plan, His son Jesus Christ through his atoning death on the cross for our sin, to pay our price of our sin and guilt on our behalf.

No one would respect a judge who turned a blind eye to a guilty person and let them go free. There would be a public outcry and he would be rightly relieved of his position. God is a just and fair judge and every sin ever committed is guaranteed to be either paid for by the individual concerned or by Jesus Christ stepping in to take that individuals place because they have repented and trusted him to do so. However much we might not like the idea, we are all sinners, and before the bar of heaven we are all guilty and that guilt needs to be paid, or atoned for. There are consequences. Justice must be done but if you ask for forgiveness, turn from your sin and trust Jesus, and his death on a cross then he has agreed to be punished on your behalf, taking the judgement that is rightfully yours. What a Saviour!

We will remember those who fought and died for us in wars. However in a much greater and deeper way Jesus Christ won the ultimate victory over evil, sin and death 2,000 years on a hill not far from the city wall of Jerusalem in Israel. Jesus conquered evil on our behalf if we trust in him for salvation, and live for him.  He did it through suffering and death, not through war and brute force.

Wars will cease. Evil will come to an end, Jesus Christ will win the ultimate victory and he invites us to join His side, accept His terms and live for Him.

David Woollin, May 2009
http://www.epbooks.org

Worship and music should usually go hand in hand. It matters little if you worship your music or music helps you worship, everything somewhat converges in a pious circle. Coming back to the purely worshipping concept, there are several sorts of Worship Music DVDs available in today’s market and is available for each faith as well as each religion. Likewise worship music instruction also helps one to meditate and concentrate promptly in his or her religious activities.
These concepts like Worship music instruction as well as worship Music DVDs are all amazing in the sense that they perfectly blend two beautiful worlds of music and religion together. Religion is supposed to be peaceful and there shouldn’t be anything called a ‘violent religion’ and thus these music DVDs simply testify to this simple fact and hold up the concept peace and love. You can take your pick from the large range of religious music DVDs available in today’s music stores.

When talking about a decoration on a floor, nowadays people will look for rugs. It will create a stylish decoration to your floor, thus it also will reflect an appearance of your room. A hand made area rugs is the most popular, instead of other types of rug, such as single Indian durries. Besides, area rugs are also can give a new look of your floor, that can give a positive impression by our guests if we know how to match it with your furniture arrangement.

The size of an area rugs range from 24 inches, up to 10 feet long, depends on the purpose or the sizes of floor that you want to display your rug. Presently, there’s a lot of attractive and decorative creations of area rugs that you can chose from. But, do look for a reputable supplier, in a sense that they can give high quality products, and practicing good customer service etiquette. The most important, try to get from a supplier that can give a huge discounts. A good supplier willing to give cheap rugs, because of its establishment, in addition they also can offer a large selection of area rugs.

Superiorrugs.com is one of the most recommended suppliers, if you’ve planned to buy rugs or area rugs online. The supplier will assist us in choosing area rugs, with their ‘friendly’ website. You can get a lot of discounts and varieties of area rugs in the website. To make your job easy, just click what sizes, colours, shapes and many more factors that were in your mind and you can get listings of all requirements. You also can ask for their recommendation before you make a decision. You also can get tips on how to buy oriental area rugs, by just a simple click.

Even though the road to success is dreary and difficult for a drug addict undergoing rehabilitation, success is not impossible. Drug rehab works; weather you believe it or not. All that is required is faith and the right guidance.
The illicit drug network is growing by the day, all over the world. Each day millions of people are plunging deeper into the dark and shady world of Oxycodone addiction. Drug abuse is a wrecker; it destroys lives and ruins families. The addicts start losing control, and become mere shadows of themselves. Valium addiction also directly results in an increase in the crime rates all over the world. Drug rehab is the only solution to this monstrosity of a problem…
Drug rehab is successful if it fights addiction both at the physical and emotional level. The physical aspect involves Opiate Detox, or cleansing of the patient’s system. The emotional aspect is basically cleansing the victim’s mind, making him believe that sober is the way to be. Self-esteem is instilled in the patients to make them believe in themselves. ‘Drug intervention’ involves helping the addict realise the extent of his problem. Drug intervention is important in making the patient believe in being sober, and understand how out-of-sorts he is. Religion can play a major part in drug rehab, as it is something for the patient to believe in…something to go by.

The Bible is the sole holy Christian text, in which can be found the basic teachings of Christianity, the life and times of Jesus and his ancestors. The bible is divided into the Old and New Testaments.
The Old Testament, also being holy to Islam and Judaism, speaks of Jesus’ ancestors (the Jews), who were promised a messiah by God. Apart from chronological information, it contains many accounts of the people’s belief in God.
The New Testament highlights the life of Jesus and the changes he caused to the lives of the people. Christians believed Jesus to be the messiah spoken of, and wait for his return.
Christianity in the present day is divided into three branches. Roman Catholicism is the original form, which descended from Christ himself. The Eastern Orthodoxy spread through the works of King Constantine. The Protestants split from the Roman Catholics during the Reformation, and certain policies and practices of the Catholics were labelled wrong and eliminated.

Christianity begins in Rome with the birth of Jesus, a Jew who was born to virgin Mary. At around 30 years of age, he had a vision receiving the blessings of God, and since then the miracle began and he spread his teachings. He educated the masses, but 12 special disciples were taught privately. The people believed him to be their saviour and messiah who would bring the ‘Kingdom of God’ to life.
Gradually, though, the Roman opposition against Jesus mounted. The Romans attempted to silence him and his teachings forever…he was crucified. His followers scattered at such an unexpected and drastic event. But when women went to anoint his body 3 days later, the tomb was found empty! Supposedly, an angel had told them that Christ had risen! After initial incredulity, the followers started believing. They claimed that Jesus had attained heaven in front of their eyes! Slowly and steadily, the followers of Jesus grew, and they were now called ‘Christians’.

Veggie tales is a series of computer animated videos about a family of ‘veggies’ who discover and learn about life using Bible Themes such as The Good Samaritan and David & Goliath. Let’s see how ‘Veggie Tales’ shapes up in our Discernment test…

1. What does it teach you?

Veggie tales teaches you about God’s perspective on different issues we all face using Bible stories as the basis. The characters learn about forgiving others, where God is when you’re scared, telling the truth and how rumours can hurt.

2. Does it have anything to do with supernatural power?

The stories all relate to the power of God and his supernatural workings. Each story has a Biblical basis with Scripture references through out the story. Eg in Episode 3 the Scripture is “Love your neighbour as yourself” — Leviticus 19:18.

3. Does it have any symbols or characteristics that link it to New Age or Occult powers?

No, Veggie tales does not contain occultic symbols or New Age themes.

4. Does it teach anything about violence or immorality and their consequences?

No. Veggie tales does not portray violence in a positive way. Moral themes are the basis for each show. Eg. in “Loving your Neighbour” Junior asparagus is trying to decide whether to invite the new boy to his birthday party because he comes from a different country and talks funny. His adventure teaches him that we need to accept others just the way they are.

5. Does it build Godly character?

The characters are friendly and happy. They are easy to relate to because they express human emotions that the viewer can relate to, e.g. remorse, compassion, forgiveness, joy etc. Children are challenged to develop Godly characteristics.

Digimon is a popular Japanese children’s toy similar to Pokemon with digital games, movies, T.V shows and battle cards. Digimon was originally called by several other names including Digital Demon, Digi Demon and Digital Monster www.virtualpet.com/vp/farm/digimon/digimon.htm. Let’s see how Digimon shapes up in our Discernment test….

1. What does it teach you?

Digimon is about “Seven kids at summer camp (who) are unexpectedly transported by ‘digivices’ to a colourful and enigmatic world. Lost and alone, they are befriended by small digital monsters, Digimons. The kids and their Digimon partners quickly become inseparable, and the little creatures who guide their human friends throughout the wondrous Digiworld, protecting them from the hordes of evil Digimons” (Fox Kids TV).

2. Does it have anything to do with supernatural power?

Digimon exposes the user to the concept of other supernatural realms. In the Digimon Movie viewers are told that “There are two worlds - our world and the digital world”. The digital world makes you ’scared at first’ but you get used to the strange looking creatures some of whom become “friends for life”.

3. Does it have any symbols or characteristics that link it to New Age or Occult powers?

Yes. Many Digimon characters are able to transmit supernatural power (psychic powers), some are able to evolve or transform (known as shape-shifting). e.g. Patamon becomes Angemon - a majestic male angel with power to defeat all kinds of vicious enemies. Each ‘Digimon’ is trying to obtain power to defeat an enemy by evolving into a more powerful creature.

4. Does it teach anything about violence or immorality and their consequences?

The Digimon characters ‘battle’ each other to defeat their enemies. “In the show, Digimon can kill. It doesn’t happen a lot but can sometimes be gruesome. In one episode, a Digimon has these giant claws, that twirls around really fast and goes right through a ’sea monster Digimon’ tearing it up. Dead bodies dissolve once they have been hit.” J. Breen, age 13.

5. Does it build Godly character?

No, Digimon does not endeavour to develop Godly character because it encourages children to call on a supernatural strength that is not Godly. Instead of calling on Jesus as their help and strength, they learn to call on Digimon as their defender.

You may wish to use the following questions with your children to help them select toys, games and books. Allowing them to make decisions for themselves is one of the ways we can begin to teach children how to be discerning. On the following pages we put “Digimon” and “Veggie Tales” to ‘the test’. (Questions taken from Berit Kjos www.crossroad.to)

1. What does it teach you?

eg. about power, about magic, about friendship, about God? Look for obvious and subtle messages.

2. Does it have anything to do with supernatural power?

If so, what is the source of that power? Does it agree with or oppose God’s word?

3. Does it have any symbols or characteristics that link it to New Age or Occult powers?

4. Does it teach anything about violence or immorality and their consequences?

5. Does it build Godly character?

eg. Kindness, honesty, forgiveness etc.

In an ever increasing materialistic world, many are struggling to know how to bring up their children in a Godly way. Decisions about the toys, books, games and videos that we select for our children’s entertainment seem to bombard us at every turn. Unfortunately it would seem our lack of time often results in decisions being made on the spur of the moment rather than being prayerfully considered. Many parents could testify to having ‘given in’ to a child begging for a novelty toy or book as you walk the aisles in a Supermarket or Department store. How many of us actually have the time to watch every video the children watch or read the books they read? Many people argue “It’s just a game or fad” or state that “we can’t ban everything, after all EVERYTHING can’t be evil…” Where do we draw the line? How do we know what is okay for our children to play with?

What does God say about bringing up children in this day and age? God has told us to train our children to choose His way. What does this really mean? If our children attend Sunday school and have some Christian friends - that should be enough shouldn’t it? After all, children know the difference between ‘good and evil’ don’t they? I believe we cannot assume that they do. It is our job to not only tell them, but show them “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it” Pr 22:6.

There are certainly mixed opinions about what we should expose our children to. This ranges from extreme views of ‘banning everything with a glimmer of evil’ to an attitude of ‘anything goes.’ However, both extremes do not endeavour to develop a sense of Godliness in our children. Banning everything in the home does not teach children how to make decisions with discernment and exposing children to all forms of evil in our society without properly training them will not encourage them to choose God’s way.

Christian parents need to teach their children to become discerning for themselves - after all we can’t be with them 24 hours a day and sooner or later they need to make decisions for themselves. We can do this by modelling Godly decision-making about the games and toys we buy for our children. Berit Kjos (www.crossroad.to) suggests that as your children grow and develop in the knowledge of the Lord model how you make decisions. Tell your child why you wouldn’t want to buy certain things yourself “Spark awareness in a young child with comments such as, “That monster looks mean!” Teach them a Biblical attitude towards evil before they learn to delight in gross, ugly characters. Make comments such as, “Who would want to play with that evil monster? I don’t even like to look at him. Let’s find something that makes us feel happy inside.” It would seem that many children’s toys are doing just that - encouraging our children to see ugly demonic looking creatures as ‘cute’ and someone you are able to make ‘friends’ with. We should be encouraging our children to find entertainment that is uplifting, positive and wholesome. As the apostle Paul summarised,

“Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - let your mind dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:7-8)

What an excellent measure this is for the choices we make about our entertainment - both adult and child alike! Let us encourage children and teens to make informed decisions about the activities and entertainment they spend hours participating in.