Understanding The Bible part 2

Irvin Baxter, © EndTime Ministries

Understanding The Bible part 1

Irvin Baxter, © EndTime Ministries

The Gospel into Nepal

The world’s former only official Hindu country is now open to the preaching of the Gospel, a Christian missionary working in the country shared this past weekend with joy. Formerly, Christians were reportedly arrested and imprisoned for preaching the Gospel in Nepal. Speaker Narayan Sharma, Gospel for Asia’s Nepal country leader, said at the GFA “Renewing Your Passion” Conference in Dallas, Texas, on Friday. He recounted when he himself was arrested and put into a dungeon-like prison cell because he shared his faith. “In all this darkness, there was no imagination that the country would ever be open,” Sharma said.

But in April, Nepal held its first election for a new legislative assembly, and in May lawmakers legally abolished the monarchy and declared the country a republic. The king was previously considered to be a god. Newly elected officials also promised to allow religious freedom in the government.

The Nexus between Jesus and Lazarus

First, Jesus demonstrated His power over death, by delaying his return to Bethany until Lazarus died and was buried, instead of frantically returning to prevent his death. The unspoken request in the sisters’ appeal was that Jesus would return once He knew of Lazarus’ condition. Indeed, it embodied their sense that Christ’s love for the whole family would prompt His return. Interestingly, when the centurion requested healing for his servant (Matthew 8:5-7) and Jairus brought news of his daughter’s imminent demise (Mark 5:22-24), Jesus immediately went to their homes. Yet, with one of His dearest friends deathly-ill, He deliberately stayed away. Jesus obviously retained absolute control of His ministry. He had a plan, followed its self-imposed timetable and implemented its procedures as He determined-because He had absolute confidence in His death-defying sovereignty.

Second, Jesus demonstrated His power over death by arriving in Bethany four days after Lazarus was buried. According to Jewish legend, the spirit hovered over the corpse three days before departing for Sheol. To everyone in Bethany, all hope of resurrecting Lazarus had vanished by the time Jesus arrived. Lazarus had disappeared beyond recall. Which explains the Lord’s return only after all hope of recovering Lazarus was past. Christ’s power over death couldn’t have been expressed as it was if He had been present even hours or a day after His friend’s departure.

The Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is one of four gospels in the Holy Bible and is the fourth book in chronological order presented in the New Testament. The Gospel of John is a unique perspective of the life of Jesus Christ. It varies from the other three gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke (also known as the synoptic gospels), by focusing more on spiritual themes rather than historical events. The author of this gospel was the disciple John, one of the twelve disciples that followed Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. The author identifies himself in the last chapter of the gospel: “This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:24). John was also known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (see John 13:23, 19:26, and 21:7.). Perhaps this explains the uniqueness of John’s record of the life of Jesus. The book is filled with first hand accounts of experiences with Jesus Christ that occurred during Christ’s 33 years of life on earth. Scholars generally accept that the Gospel of John was written between 50 and 85 A.D.

No Matter What, be still…

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary, Who may live on your holy hill, He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. We live in an evil world. When David wrote the book of Psalm, the world was evil. From the moment Adam and Eve took the first bite of that forbidden fruit, the world has been evil. Sadly, most of us tend to forget that fact, and too often think that the best way to live our lives is to take our guidance from the world. It’s a lot easier to watch TV, read the newspaper and best-selling novels, go to the movies and talk to our friends and co-workers than it is to study the Bible. It’s much simpler to take our cues from the world – and multiple TV talk shows – on how to live, how to handle relationships, how to vote, how to work – than it is to seek what God would have us do.

10 Nutrients for a healthy mind

Second Timothy 1:7 says, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” The Word of God renews our mind in a spiritual sense. Now we have discovered that foods and nutrients from His plant kingdom can have a significant effect on mood, memory and other mental functions. And to live the abundant life we all deserve, it’s important to have a clear and focused mind, as God intended.

Here are 10 very effective nutrients for a healthy mind:

1. Beta-carotene – Adequate amounts of beta-carotene are critical to ensure proper thought processes. Good sources are dark green leafy vegetables, carrots and sweet potatoes.

2. Folic Acid – A deficiency of folic acid (folate) can lead to depression, dementia and even psychiatric problems. Studies show that correcting a folic acid deficiency with as little as 400 micrograms daily can increase brain chemical transmitters (serotonin) and can correct forgetfulness, depression and irritability. Good sources are spinach, lima beans and green leafy vegetables.

Annie Moses Band to release new album

Annie Moses Band’s Fine Arts Summer Academy Was A Huge Success Last Week in Memphis. The world-class musicians that comprise the five-member Annie Moses Band will release This Glorious Christmas on October 7, 2008 (Reunion Records). With the release of This Glorious Christmas, the all-sibling group makes its most stunning statement yet, telling the story of Christ’s birth, with a mix of original tunes and holiday classics, as never heard before. Annie Moses Band is an eclectic blend of classical, jazz and pop music that draws from the family’s three-generation musical journey, all the way from rural Texas to the halls of The Juilliard School. The Annie Moses Band is: Annie (lead vocals, violin), Alex (viola, background vocals), Benjamin (cello), Gretchen (violin, mandolin) and Camille (harp, piano). Jeremiah (guitar), the group’s 10-year-old brother, is currently working towards becoming a full-time member of the band.

The Fire Conference

Subject: The Fire Conference These life-changing conferences feature a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, in-depth teaching from the Word of God and a personal touch for each person in attendance.

Session Schedule: Thursday: 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM

(Doors open approximately 1 1/2 hours prior to service time)

Registration Fee: $35 per person

* Please Note: All children must register and pay the registration fee.

^ World Healing Fellowship Members- Free

Obama Raised $52 Million last month

Democrat Barack Obama raised $52 million last month for his presidential campaign, more than twice as much as Republican rival John McCain in a significant boost to his financial cache for the fall contest. The Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee ended June with a combined total of $92.3 million in the bank. The figure represents a notable fundraising jump, especially for the DNC. Obama reported $72 million cash on hand and the DNC $20.3 million. But the Democrats still lag Republican John McCain’s presidential campaign and the Republican Party. Last week, McCain reported raising more than $22 million in June, which was his best month of the year. Together, the McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee began July with about $95 million in the bank.

The reason for the discrepancy, greater fundraising by Obama and the DNC but less money in the bank than McCain and the GOP, is because until now the DNC had spent much of its money, leaving little cash on hand.