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With the continued spread of Covid-19, people spend more time online than ever before. It effects us all and grinds down on our faith as we can't meet face to face and can't hold each other for comfort. So a little to help in these regular articles here. We pray they help!
In 1937 an Italian, Carlo Collodi wrote the Adventures of Pinocchio, the story of a puppet carved by the old wood-carver named Geppetto. The puppet is brought to life by the blue fairy, who promised Pinocchio he could become a real boy if he proves himself “brave, truthful and unselfish.” As he meets various characters he lies and his nose grows longer. Through the year the name Pinocchio was become synonymous with lying.
In recent years the media has created an award called the Pinocchio Award. It is awarded through checking the statements made my politicians, scientists, and other disciplines to document the facts as true or false. Based on the perceived seriousness of the words or issues in question, facts are checked for accuracy and truthfulness; then an award ranging from one to four, with four being the most severe is awarded.
In order to continue placing a high and godly value on truth and truth telling –“Buy the truth and do not sell it (Proverbs 23:23)—take a few minutes and honestly respond to the following observations about yourself:
YOU MIGHT BE A CANDIDATE FOR A PINCCHIO AWARED IF . . .
- …you stretch the truth
- …you bend the truth
- …you twist and torture the truth
- …you pervert the truth
- …you deliberately change the truth
- …you refuse to acknowledge the truth (cf. John 8:32)
- …you refuse to stand for the truth (don’t want to be involved, “leave well-enough alone”)
- …you refuse to support the truth (keep silent, argue against it, etc.)
- …you deliberately deceive people (pattern of lifestyle, hypocrite, etc.)
- …you intentionally reject the truth (afraid of the consequences)
- …you hurt others by lying (out of anger, dislike, protect self, etc.)
- …you make dishonest gain or acquire a position by lying
- …you have secret and clandestine behaviors
- …you lie under oath, on contracts, about taxes, etc.
- …you trick people with misinformation (“half-truths”, concealment, lies, etc.)
- …you cannot stop lying—pathological personality issue (need professional help, etc.)
- …you continually make a joke out of the truth (try to dilute the effect of truth)
- …you avoid exposure to truth (don’t want to hear it)
- …you justify telling a falsehood or a lie (“Don’t want to hurt feeling,” “best for them”, etc.)
- …you cannot discern error from truth (cognitive disability)
- …you never, ever admit you are wrong nor made a mistake (a form of narcissism, pride, etc.)
- …you have a secret agenda you are hiding or pushing
- …you are contradicting God’s word—THE TRUTH (John 8:32, 36).
- …you don’t like to be around persons who stand for the truth or tell the truth
- …you keep silent when you should speak up for the truth (may be interpreted as supporting)
- …you pervert God’s word to prove or sustain your position or beliefs
- …you mix truth with error—just enough to get by or pass inspection (know how to play system)
- …you attack a person’s character when he or she tells the truth (“can’t trust them”, “liar”, etc.)
- …you had rather be “liked” than known as a “truth teller and supporter of truth”
- 3…you want to impress others and stay in good with them (“keep friends at all cost”)
DEFINITION:
Webster: “a religion that is considered or held to be false or unorthodox, or it members.”
Theological: “In the context of traditional doctrines and practices of biblical Christianity, a cult is a group that believes and practices beliefs that are contrary to the (1) Divinity, (2) eternal existence (3)incarnation, (4) virgin birth, (4) exclusive saviorhood, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Plus many other teachings and practices that contradict the Bible (e.g. 66 books).
21 CHARACTERISTICS OF A CULT:
A cult associated with “Christianity” may be identified, according to basic definitions, by one or more of the following characteristics:
- Usually identified by a human founder: (1) Joseph Smith, (2) Charles T. Russell, (3) Mary Baker Eddy, (4) Ellen G. White, (5) Sun Myung, (6) Jim Jones, (7) Ron Hubbard, (8) Hare Krishnas, etc.
- Members are taken though a psychological indoctrination (“brain washing”).
- Their belief system is characterized by closemindedness and a superiority complex.
- Members tend to be antagonistic and rejecting of others who don’t share their beliefs.
- A high level of intolerance toward any position, doctrine, or practice not like theirs.
- Most cults were founded by persons—men and women—who claimed to receive divine authority, revelation, and appointment by God or angels. Some claimed to be God or a god.
- Most cults are apocalyptic believing in the future there will be some cataclysmic, Armageddon, or other major event that only faithful members will survive, etc.
- A cult member will usually stop studying with you if you don’t readily accept their teachings or ask questions they cannot or don’t know how to answer. They are always right, you are always wrong.
- Most members accept organizations teaching without questioning. Usually afraid to question.
- There is usually a national headquarters that controls members and practices.
- There is usually a magazine, book, Bible translation, radio and TV programs to propagate teachings.
- Beliefs are propagated by outreach and “evangelism” efforts (door-to-door, street corners, etc.).
- Members are required to participate in various programs—disciplined if don’t.
- Members support with time, money and participation.
- Some cults emphasize a strong ethic and morality; some just the opposite. Some are inconsistent.
- Some practice “anti-government” and “anti-medical” behavior (Reject all holidays, blood transfusion).
- Have a form of discipline, shunning, and shaming of “unfaithful” members.
- They have members, like all groups, who aren’t faithful to teachings and practices.
- Members are isolated and prohibited from marrying or dating a “heathen”, “unbelievers”, etc.
- Bring reproach on the simplicity of the Gospel, worship, and Divinity of God, etc.
- Perpetuate behavior that brings “persecution” proving they are right and approved by God.
READ: Galatians 1:8, 9; 2 Corinthians 11:1-4; Romans 1:14-16.
- Continual growth in knowledge (cf. John 8:32; 2 Timothy 2:1- 3; 2 Peter 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 2:15).
- Continual development of skills needed for a balanced ministry; this includes methodologies to address a changing world.
- Continual development of character (i.e. Integrity, ethics, morals, etc.): "into the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-16).
- Continual passion for the ministry and growth in Christ-"fire in the bones" must continue to glow (Jeremiah 20:9). Passion is the driving force behind acquiring education capital.
- Does it have a solid, well-managed portfolio (curriculum, faculty)?
- Is the plan diverse (requires research, study, participation, etc.)?
- How regularly do you have to invest (study habits, deadlines)?
- Is it affordable (how much does it cost, how may I finance it)?
- Will it pay continuing dividends (in my ongoing ministry)?
- How flexible is the plan (may I enroll at any time)?
- What are the rules (qualifications for enrollment, etc.)?
- May I complete the program in my present ministry?
- Is the program delivered online?
- Are required books and course materials easy to acquire?
Chancellor, World Bible Institute
You hold in your hand a small book that is powerful enough to turn an unhappy marriage into a joyful and re newed adventure. As the title says there are 101 dynamic marriage promises in this book. This is more than just a list of nice promises one may take or leave. These are promises that every married couple or couple thinking about mar riage, need to take seriously.
I have been married to the same woman for more than 50 years. Like most marriages we have had our ups and downs. I wish, however, I had known and applied these 101 promises early in our marriage. The good news is it’s not too late.
Whether you have been married one day or decades, you need to look seriously at these promises. If you are engaged or contemplating marriage in the future you would be wise to begin making some of these promises now; as well as knowing what some of the promises are you need to make once you are married. Knowledge is power only if used properly.
This list of 101 marriage promises has grown out of my own marriage, 48-years of ministry, counseling married couples, pre-marital counseling, earning a master’s and doctorate in counseling, teaching workshops and seminars, and writing several books on marriage, family, and parent ing. I am pleased to share these promises with you I believe if these promises are made and kept every couple can experience Brownings’ promise, Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be.
If you are serious about having a successful and happy marriage, this book is for you. If you are not, please pass it on to someone who is serious.
Growing up I constantly heard that there were two things you didn’t engage persons in conversations about, religion and politics. Why? Most conversations in these two areas, especially politics, gender strife, disagreement, and categorizing.
For the past year, starting in 2015, our nation has been engaged in one of the most heated and contentious discussion and debate about Presidential candidates, in modern times. During this time 20-25 persons, from major parties, were seeking the highest office of the land. That number has dwindled down, as of March 31, 2016 to five. During this time numerous media forums misnamed “debates” have been conducted on TV and in town halls, which were nothing more than question and answer arguments. During these periods of wrangling a new cloud—called ANGER—was formed that hangs heavier and heavier over the heads of politician and the American people.
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