What happens when a Homeless person is given $100,000?

Reversal of Fortune:

What Happens When A Homeless Man Is Given $100,00?

Today I watched a documentary about a certain experiment: what would happen if a homeless man is given $100,000? While I think it was a good and noble thing to give such a substantial amount of money to this man, I firmly believe that money, in and of itself, could never solve problem affecting him, or anyone else for that matter. While money may help for a period - and the film does show this - it will not; indeed it could not, totally assuage the root of the problem. This, after all, is the crux of the matter - the "root issue." Once when asked by Time Magazine "what is wrong with the world," famed writer G.K. Chesterton wrote, in pithy fashion, the following reply: 

"Dear sir, 

In response to your question 'what is wrong with the world,'

I am. Yours Truly,

G.K. Chesterton."

What Chesterton aimed in conveying is simply what Jesus taught when he said, "for from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery" (Mark 7:21). The problem with man isn't homelessness, famine, wars, or any of these things that truly plagues the human race, but rather man himself, who is the cause of all these things. As I watched this documentary, my heart broke for this man. I did not know him, but I didn't need to. I only needed to know myself, and what the bible says of man to accurately guess what would be the outcome of such a generous gift. The outcome? By the end of 6 months, the man who was given such an amazing gift, totally squandered it all. You may ask after reading this, "if money cannot help man in his situation, what will?" I answer in the words of Jesus, "that which is flesh is flesh...you must be born again." What does this mean? It means that we are born sinners; we are weak and prone to do that which is consistent to our fallen nature. We must be born again - i.e., undergo a spiritual birth given by God himself. This new birth will give power to go against the sin that comes so natural to us. 


This is the true cure! It entails a heart and mind change (the born again phenomenon), which goes right to the root of the problem. Money will not cure the problem of greed or laziness or the numerous addictions that the man in the film had, but a change in the very being of the man will. If he is a lover lusting - as the film demonstrated, the cure is to change him from being a lover of lusting, to hating it. This is the power of God in his gospel. This is the truth, and it will set anyone who aims to be free, free indeed

  

For a more detailed synopsis of the film, please visit the following website here. 

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Reign in us - Starfield

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A Song That Speaks To Me: All I Have Is Christ

ALL I HAVE IS CHRIST

I once was lost in darkest night

Yet thought I knew the way

The sin that promised joy and life

Had led me to the grave

I had no hope that You would own

A rebel to Your will

And if You had not loved me first

I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race

Indifferent to the cost

You looked upon my helpless state

And led me to the cross

And I beheld God’s love displayed

You suffered in my place

You bore the wrath reserved for me

Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone

And live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands

Could never come from me

Oh Father, use my ransomed life

In any way You choose

And let my song forever be

My only boast is You

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

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Stop Worshipping And Idolizing Celebrity Preachers by Paul Washer

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Decisional Regeneration: Paul Washer Interview

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Happy New Year 2010

Happy New Year

 



I remember last year. Sort of. It went so fast! I can remember writing my "happy new year 2009 blog," and now its already 2010. Wow. I only desire one thing. Lord, at any cost, please make me more like Jesus. Only give grace to go through the means you choose, so that I would endure.

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Merry Christmas!!!

Joy To The World - The Lord Is Come!!

It is that time of year again, and I could literally cry! Today we celebrate invasion day - the day in which God incarnated into the world. The Savior came into the world to save sinners. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son [the Lord Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him should not die, but have eternal life." Oh thank you God! Make me to thank you more, I desire you!!

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Apathy: Man's True Scapegoat

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! (Luke 13:34)"

What is it about Christ that is so repulsive? Many men would readily admit that he was a good man, and that he did many good things. Yet, when it comes to following him - and I mean really following him, not just doing good deeds and/or going to church to appease guilty consciences - Jesus stands alone weeping over the multitude who would sooner assume ignorance to be bliss, than actually care to know Christ. To quote C.S. Lewis regarding Jesus' question, namely "who do men say that I am?" Lewis wrote..."I feel that in a society such as ours, men must come to terms with the claims of Christ upon their life or else be guilty of evading the question." And so it is: men would rather have apathy, and not the Savior, as their scapegoat.

Now lest I paint the wrong picture and so perpetuate the popular caricature, I will say the following. Jesus Christ is no tame lion (to quote Lewis again). Do not assume as some do, that Jesus is some emotional deity too weak to save the people he loves; but must, by some irrational and unintelligible law, send the ones whom he loves to hell. Christ "WILL save all those whom he intends" (John 17:2, etc). Christ is God. As God, he commands "all people everywhere to repent and trust in Jesus' finish work for the forgiveness of their sins." This is the King's mandate, and it is NOT negotiable! While it is indeed true that God would rather sinners to "repent" because "he finds no pleasure in their sufferings" in hell (Ezk 18:23, etc.), it is equally true that God WILL send sinners to hell if they do not comply to his commands. And his command is this:

Repent from your ways of doing this. You will not earn God's favor by your own deeds and righteousness. You MUST trust in Jesus. It is he that lived a perfect life (having NEVER sinned; whether in thought or action), and died as a sacrifice to both show the justice of God, and to make it possible for a Holy and Good God to justly justify sinners. Moreover, it is Christ who rose from the grave to prove to History that he is no normal man, but God in the flesh. Finally, it is he who sits at the right hand of the Father to offer prayers for all those who trust in Him.

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John Piper - The Protestant Work Ethic

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John Piper - Jesus Satisfies All Your Thirsts

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How A Wondrous Love Was Afforded

"I just plead with you; when you're reading the bible, and you read water toy-text like, 'he loved you and gave himself for you,' you wouldn't go too fast over it. Linger! Linger! Linger! And plead with him that your eyes would be opened." - John Piper

I once read that, "God is admirable because of his many diverse excellencies." I believe that. I mean, who would have ever thought that I'd find God's holiness an admirable thing? Or even better, who would have ever conceived that I'd praise him for his wrath? Even his mercy seemed a small thing before my encounter with Christ. Prior to Christ, I remember singing the song "Amazing Grace." In retrospect, the words, though obviously strong and passion-filled, meant little to me. After my conversion however - and after studying grace via reformed theology - I cried. God's grace is no small thing. And it is this, the topic of grace, that this blog entry will seek to discuss. Before we continue however, a question must be asked. The question will seek to bring clarity to the many caricatures people have about God, and their own presumptions as to why God is obligated to be merciful. Here is the question: How could a sin-hating and holy God, be anything but wrathful to the people deserving of his wrath? Let me pause here and explain the reasoning behind the question. The question has in mind a few things:

1. God is too holy to look upon sin (Hab 1:13)
2. Sin is exceedingly sinful and beyond measure. (Rom 7:13)
3. God hates those who do sin (Psa 5:5)
4. It is an abomination for God to justify the wicked (Pro 17:15)
5. Apart from faith in Christ, all are evil (John 3:18-19)

If indeed the Bible does teach that God is exceedingly and holistically pure, and that sin is of the most contemptible and most heinous acts done in the universe, and that it is right for all those who commit such abominations to suffer wrath - the questioned is again asked, how could God be merciful to such a people? Now that an explanation for the reasoning has been given, let us now seek to answer the question at hand. Consider with me Revelation 13:8.

"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."

In answering the question at hand - namely, how it is possible for God to be anything but wrathful to such a sinful people, we come to see an amazing truth found in Revelation 13 and verse 8. There, we read that Jesus is the "lamb slain before the foundation of the world." But what does that mean; especially considering that Christ went to the Calvary's cross "in God's appointed time (Gal 4:4)," which came about 2000 years ago? Simply put, it means that in the eternal mind of God, he foreknew his plan to remain just while justify the ungodly. Therefore, we read:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved"(Ephesians 1:3-6).

Notice that God's love act in electing certain individuals to salvation is not without God's justice being appeased. Christians are "blessed with all spiritual blessings 'in Christ.'" They are "chosen 'in Christ.'" And again, they are "made excepted in 'the beloved,' or Christ." It is because God "foreknew Christ before the foundations of the world"(1 Peter 1:20), and foreknew that he was going to be reconciling men to himself via Christ' atonement, that God is able to give the least of his common graces. Grace, the unmerited and undeserved favor of God - even the smallest of it - is only given because of Jesus' death. So in closing, the next time you enjoy a day at the beach, or when you smile and experience a caring hug from a loved one, stand in awe of the cost that made such seemingly small glories available for you. The Son of God was crushed in order to award grace on behalf on sinners. Therefore readers, be wise; be warned. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him (Psalms 2:10-12).
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What about Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist, and Jewish people?

Short John Piper Video

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Let Me Yet Tell you of a More Excellent Way: Jesus

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you." - Psalm 51:12-13

I have tired and tasted many things that were so good, that I just couldn't help share. As a child, candy and video games brought me so much fun that I wanted to share it with my friends. As a teen, facts of Michael Jordan and Bruce Lee enthralled me, and I couldn't help share with friends what I benefited from considering these men. As a Christian, I have tasted and come to know the goodness of the Lord Jesus. I cannot help tell sinners of his goodness. They too must see and repent. They too must know the unsurpassed glory of the Lord. They too must see the "this-is-too-good-to-be-trueness" of the realities of Christ.

Come sinner, let me tell you of Jesus!
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From Steve Hartland's Blog

Four Ways to Deal with a Critic

Perry Noble writes (and no, that’s not him pictured on the left!):

“Before I share the four ways let me be VERY clear on who a critic is…

• A critic is NOT someone who approaches you and has a sincere love for you and a genuine concern for the ministry. These people should always be listened to and appreciated.
• A critic is NOT someone who has a question about something and is merely seeking information and/or clarification for the purpose of fully understanding and embracing the vision of the ministry.
• A critic is NOT someone who comes to you one on one with a spirit of humility and grace.

A critic is…

• Someone who does not know you but feels the need to judge everything you say and do…they will criticize where you eat, the clothes you wear, the number of times you fart and anything else they can think of.
• Someone who asks questions…but doesn’t actually want to know the answer…but rather are merely seeking information for the purpose of division.
• Someone who is always pointing out what others are doing wrong…but never acknowledges their own shortcomings. (Jesus said it will not go well for these people…Matthew 7:1-2)

Remember…insanity is actually thinking you can explain yourself to those who don’t know you and don’t like you! So…saying that, here are four ways you can deal with a critic…

#1 – Ignore Them

#2 – Ignore Them

#3 – Ignore Them

#4 – Ignore Them

I once heard a pastor say, “We spend way too much time wrestling with church people and not with God!”

There are some battles that you are NEVER going to win…and to fight with a person who wants to do nothing but accuse you is fruitless! (Just a thought here – the name “satan” means accuser. Now…if someone is obsessed with the “wrongs” that you are doing and always feel the need to throw those wrongs in your face…would that make them more like Jesus or more like satan? Hmmmm)

I learned this lesson a long time ago…I don’t visit their websites (very few people actually do), I don’t respond to them on twitter and I don’t read their anonymous letters…Craig Groeschel once said that the quickest way to forget what God thinks about me is to obsess with what others think about me.

NOW…there are instances where Jesus dealt with these people…but it was never an explanation but rather a barrage of questions and/or a VERY sharp rebuke (Matthew 23) This type of response should always be prayed through and thought out! There will be times that these steps need to be considered, discussed and acted upon…

BUT…99% of the time…just repeat steps 1-4! ”

Visit Steve Hartland's blog site here

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Bible Study pt 14

"I choose Christ' will over my own because I study finance. I have considered all that I may get in this life via my intellect, ability, and wit, versus the eternal glory that comes with giving myself to the work and will of my God. I chose God's will, since he promised that if I store up treasures in Heaven, it will be unlike the treasures of the earth - it will be eternal!"


I have been rocked by Monday night's bible study. Josh spoke on the topic of stewardship; specifically speaking about the preciousness of time, and the importance of handling money with maturity. Expounding on the fact that all things - even our time and money, are given by God, Josh asked some questions that I believe has revolutionized my thinking. The first question is..."how much of God's time will I use for myself?" and the next..."how much of God's money will I keep for myself?" I love the way these questions were asked, as they carry clear connotations and serious reminders of God being the giver of things I have. I look forward to putting these things into practice, and redeeming the time. I have nothing else to add but this pray: "Lord, teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom"(Psa 90:12).
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A Look At God's Gay Children

In a recent Examiner article entitled "Christianity and God's Gay Children," author Angela Boatright-Spencer, an Episcopal Priest, writes that "since the time of both Leviticus and Paul, we have learned a great deal about sexual orientation, chiefly that it is primarily not a choice -- it is one's nature."Read article here: Christianity and God's gay Children. I have to say that Mrs. Spencer does a great deal of assuming, rather than acknowledging what is to be clearly taught in scripture. Before I continue with my thoughts, I want to preface by saying the following: this blog is in no way written to bash homosexuals, nor is it necessarily written as a rebuttal or critique to Mrs. Spencer's article. My aim in this blog is simply to assert what the scriptures teach, and to speak truth in place of what may be well-intended assumptions. Again, the goal is not to have any sort of altercations with the gay community, but only to present truth in the hopes that those who are gay by nature - and this is Mrs. Spencer's own words - may see their need for a new nature, and thereby trust in Jesus as the means to that end. All sinners, whether gay or straight, are in need of Jesus. This article seeks to reiterate why that is so.

Consider again the author's words..."we have learned a great deal about sexual orientation, chiefly that it is primarily not of choice, but of one's nature." A great truth needs to be seen and understood here. However, before we see this truth, we must deal with false assumptions that lead to wrong conclusions. The writer assumes that since one is gay primarily by nature and not of choice, they are fine as they are, so long as they live a moral Christian life viz-a-viz the "love law;" love God, love people, do on to others as you'd have others do on to you, and so on. Who in their right mind would assume that since one is born predisposed to anger, he or she ought to have "the right" to murder? No one in their right mind will draw that conclusion from such an assumption, whether the assumption is right or not. If then it is wrong to murder despite one's predisposition to it, why assume another sin - albeit homosexuality, is right to practice if one is born gay? To assume one sin over the other shows a partiality and a preference for particular offenses. To use the words of Romans 1 and verse 18, it shows that..."men by their unrighteousness suppress the truth."

Earlier I mentioned that we need to acknowledge a great truth. What is this great truth? The great and important truth is seen in Jesus' own words..."unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). We must not assume that since God is our Creator, we are his children, and are therefore in a love relationship with him. It is written..."to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). In all honestly, one is not a child of God by mere fact of being his creation, but by divine right or appointment. God grants the right of being called his children to those who receive Jesus and believe in him. Now that being said, what does it mean to receive and believe in Jesus? Simply put, receiving and believing in Jesus entails much more than mere acknowledgment of certain facts. Believing in Jesus involves trusting in his worth alone for your justification of sins. When a person understands their utter worthlessness before God, and see themselves as an offender and opposer of God in the way they break his laws and fail to rightly love him, they cling solely to Jesus alone. No man but he has lived a life of complete righteousness.

He alone has never sinned - not even in thought or deed. And more than living a sinless life, he was offered as an atoning sacrifice for sin, in order to appease God's holy wrath. Still yet, he was resurrected on the 3rd day to fulfill scripture, validate his claims as God, and to offer justification to all those who trust in him. His perfect life was given on behalf sinners in order that those who trust in him might become the righteousness of God. In other words, those who trust in Him could have his perfect life credited to their account, while their sins be imputed in his body whereby it is punished for God's justice sake. This, incidentally, is why all sinners - whether straight or gay, need to be "born again." Homosexuality, like all sin, occurs as a result of our nature. It is given via our first birth, hence the need for being "born again." As mentioned before, being born a certain way by nature does not give us the right to break our Creator's laws. Therefore God says in his mercy to all who would believe, "repent and believe the gospel that your sins may be forgiven."
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10 Reasons Why Michael Jackson's Life and Death Matters

Perhaps I may not have been so assumptive as the speaker in this video, but I liked it nonetheless. I pray that the truth said in this video may lead to the salvation of many souls.

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Prayer of my Heart

One thing I ask of the Lord, please don't withhold it from me! That I may look at the cross and lose my life for the sake and glory of the Lord Jesus, then I would be happy; then I would have not lived a wasted life!

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Content With Christ

...Yeah, being faithless is that inane!

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What God Showed Me Today

"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ..." (Philippians 3:8-9).

Tonight I had a chance to speak to a friend about what it means to be justified by faith in Jesus, and as we spoke on the subject, God graciously worked on both our hearts. For me, as I began to think about being justified, I was instantly reminded by some scriptures and there implications for me. Here's a small summary of my thoughts:

I have been born again because all my hope and trust is in Jesus (John 1:12). Because I trust in Jesus, I am justified insomuch that "there is now, therefore, no condemnation for me" (Romans 8:1). God loves me just as he loves his Son Jesus, in whom he is well pleased (John 17:23). I exist by God and "for God" (Col 1:16). Presently in my life, I do not want to be married and I have contentment in singleness (though I'd like to get married sometime in the future), therefore I should not waste time thinking about what I do not have; especially considering that the Sovereign God of the universe has given me a sense of contentment. I should aim hard at pleasing God where he has me, and be faithful.

The following scripture also came to mind. It was both convicting and encouraging:

"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions..."(James 4:1-3).




Oh help me in this Father, please!!
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