Saturday, December 1, 2018

Video: Headhunters Transformed By Jesus


Warning:  This blog entry may not be for everyone.  

It shares a video about former head-hunters who have become Christians.

It is not presented here to be controversial—but rather to demonstrate the transforming power of the King of kings, and Lord of lords—Jesus the Messiah! 

However—there are images and content in the video that may be disturbing to some.

Please use discretion if you do not want to be exposed to this kind of material.

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Hi!

In 2015, National Geographic posted a fascinating video about the people of Nagaland, a region in northern India.

The Naga people lived a violent warring lifestyle—killing members of other tribes—men, women, and children—and collecting their heads as a gruesome symbol of their victories.

Screen Capture From The Video Below Including Translation Caption

Then Christian missionaries came to them and shared the Good News of Jesus as Lord and the light began to dawn over that people—and as the Holy Spirit worked in their hearts and lives—they ended their warring ways and the practice of head-hunting—and peace came to that land.

: )

Now, according to the video's description, "Nagaland, has a higher percentage of [Christians] than the state of Mississippi!"

The last "surviving Naga headhunters" are featured in the video and describe their lives both before and after the transforming power of Jesus came to their land.

Screen Captures From The Video


Comments found under the video on YouTube testify to the veracity of this transformation of these people!





Additional user comments are posted below

I pray this video will Bless you and fill your heart, soul and mind with the Mercy, Forgiveness, Love, Peace, and Healing found in Jesus the Lord of all!

(Read how to be saved below)





Additional YouTube Comments





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Thanks so much for stopping by! 
 
May God Richly Bless you!

Jesus is LORD!

Time is growing short!

Seek Him! 

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   Romans 10:9-10

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

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If you've made this decision — believed it in your heart and confessed it with your mouth — let God speak to you by reading the Bible — and seek out fellowship with others who also believe.

Pour out your heart to God in Prayer (simply speaking to Him in reverence) — asking Him to reveal Himself to you and to provide for your needs.

Life in Jesus is the best decision you will ever make.

God Bless!





Friday, July 13, 2018

What Did Jesus Mean By "Take This Cup From Me?"



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Hello,

The idea for this blog post about Jesus asking His Father To "Take This Cup From Me" has been in my thoughts a lot recently—and in the last few days I heard two more preachers speak about it in error—and finally decided to write about it here.

While putting this together—I also did a quick Internet search—and found that many authors on various sites—including a lot of those commenting—were struggling with the same misunderstanding. 

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Warner Sallman - Christ in Gethsemane 1941
Warner Sallman - Christ in
Gethsemane 1941

Lets begin with Luke's account about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane—where a lot of this confusion begins for some:

Luke 22:42
 
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

It is from this verse and other Gospel references about it—that many suggest that Jesus was asking His Father if He could be spared from going to the cross—and all the suffering was to come with it.

But a careful reading of scripture will reveal that this is simply not the case > and Jesus is giving a BEAUTIFUL defining statement about His love for us instead!



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When all scripture is considered—it is clear that Jesus was actually praying that His Father allow Him to make it TO the cross!!

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Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane Heinrich Hofmann 1890
Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
Heinrich Hofmann - 1890

 The painting to the left—beautiful as it may be—is the way many picture Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane—serenely praying before His betrayal and crucifixion.

But the Gospel accounts reveal instead—that He was in fact in anguish and near death.

Mark 14:32-34 reports Jesus was "deeply distressed and troubled"—and his soul was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of DEATH."

Mounce Reverse/Interlinear New Testament Bible tells us the word death in verse 34 is θάνατος—or "thanatos" in the original Greek—primarily meaning what the English translations say:

"Death, the extinction of life, and/or in imminent danger of death."



Though "thanatos" is also used to mean spiritual death elsewhere in the New Testament—we can be sure that Jesus was referring to a physical death in this instance because he mentions his soul—(mind-will-emotions)—rather than His spirit.

In addition even secular resources such as Merriam-Webster's Dictionary show the origin and etymology of "thanatos" as: Greek, meaning death.

 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Thanatos

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Detail of the Disciples Sleeping  — "The Agony In The Garden" - Guiseppe Cesari - 1597-1598
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So it becomes very clear that the "cup" Jesus was referring to was an IMMINENT death—RIGHT THERE in the Garden.

Matthew 26:36-39 again reveals this truth:

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”


Luke the physician—writing in Luke 22:39-44 tells us:

An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And (Jesus) being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 

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Jesus on the Mount of Olives - Wolfgang Sauber - 2007 - CC BY-SA 3.0
Jesus on the Mount of Olives  
Wolfgang Sauber - 2007 -
CC BY-SA 3.0
"Sweating blood is a very rare—but known medical condition called hematidrosis—which occurs under conditions of extreme physical or emotional stress."

https://www.healthline.com/health/hematidrosis

"Dermatological research notes the presence of hematidrosis in people awaiting execution."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematidrosis

Evan Minton also discusses hematidrosis on "Cross Examined" and he further elaborates:

Hematidrosis "... can be much more serious than a little bit of blood getting into the sweat. If the rupturing of the capillaries is severe enough, it can result in death by internal bleeding." 

 https://crossexamined.org/cup-jesus-asked-father-take-away/

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So—when we take into account Jesus' own words AND medical descriptions regarding hematidrosis—we can be certain that Jesus—knowing His death on the cross would give Grace, Forgiveness, Healing, and Salvation to those who believed in Him—was asking His Father to allow him to fulfill that plan rather than dying before being able to accomplish it.

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How can we be sure?


Christ the Redeemer Statue - Brazil

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During His public ministry—Jesus often told his twelve disciples about what was to come.

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Luke 18:31-33

Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man <one of the names Jesus identified Himself as] shall be accomplished. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.  

Matthew 16:21-23 tells us that Jesus began teaching his disciples well before His prayer in Gethsemane that he would go to Jerusalem and be killed and then raised to life on the third day.

That scripture also reveals Jesus' strong words to Peter's objection to His words as:

"Get Behind Me, Satan!"

Matthew 16:21-23 - Painting:  Last Supper, by Dagnan-Bouveret, 1896


So—would Jesus then also fall under the influence of Satan in Gethsemane just a short time later—and ask His Father to spare him from the cross—something he had strongly rebuked Peter for?

The answer is a resounding NO!—and Jesus' own claim to divinity and oneness with God are further evidence that this isn't possible.

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Hubble Telescope Image - NASA

John 1:1-18 tells us about Jesus as Eternal—and as the very Word of God: 

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

 

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

This scripture continues in the image below:

John 1:14-18 - Painting:  Philippe de Champaigne, Saint John the Baptist in the Desert, 17th century
John 1:14-18 - Painting:  Philippe de Champaigne, Saint John the Baptist in the Desert, 17th century
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In addition to the Gospel of John's declaration that Jesus is the Eternal God and that all things were created through him—and John the Baptist's words—we have Jesus own testimony that He was in fact God.

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Michelangelo's Moses


Jesus responded to the Pharisees questions about His authority in John 8:48-59—saying: "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

This enraged the Pharisees—who didn't believe in Jesus' Divinity—because they knew that "I Am" was the name that God had given Moses for Himself:

Exodus 3:14

14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 

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If you'd like to learn more—an awesome study called "Jesus' beautiful 'I Am' declarations—and God's Old Testament 'I Am'"—offers many scriptures comparing Old Testament and New Testament uses of "I Am" proclamations made by God and Jesus the Messiah.

https://rj-mccauley.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-i-am-of-old-testament-in-new.html

Another study: "Jesus Echoes the "I AM" statements of Jehovah in the Gospel of John!"—offers additional insight:

http://www.bible.ca/trinity/trinity-i-am.htm

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Painting: Warner Sallman
"Behold, I Stand At
The Door And Knock"
Revelation 3:20

It is clear—throughout the Gospels—that Jesus was making bold declarations about his own Divinity and Oneness with the Father.
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There are many other times where Jesus declared that He and God were One.

In Luke 4:17-21—Jesus reads from the book of Isaiah and declares that He is the fulfillment of its Prophecy.

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In addition — in The Gospel of John, Jesus makes that declaration!

John 10:27-30 

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

30 
I and the Father are one.


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Since we know that Jesus is from the beginning—and IS the very Word of God—it shouldn't surprise us that even as a child he amazed the learned with his understanding of scripture:

Luke 2:41-47

46 After three days they found [Jesus] in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers

Jesus In The Temple - Heinrich Hoffmann

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During His time of public ministry—Jesus often said He came to fulfill scripture

Matthew 5:17

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."

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Jesus often quoted scripture during His earthly ministry—He knew it—He is the Word—He WROTE it!

Since we know many Old Testament Scriptures prophesied a coming Messiah—a spotless Lamb who would be sacrificed for our sins—and even the manner of His death—and the torment that would come with it—is it reasonable to believe that just as Jesus was about to fulfill the very purpose of His time on earth—that He would try to wriggle out of it in the hours before His arrest?

Again—the answer is a resounding NO!

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Nikolai Koshelev - 1840 – 1918
The Head of Christ
In addition—in order for Jesus to fulfill scripture—as the Spotless Lamb Of God—He had to remain sinless.

Romans 14:23 tells us:

But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

So to believe that Jesus was experiencing doubt about going to the cross—would mean that Jesus was sinning.

This also is not possible—for Jesus could not have been the Spotless and Worthy Lamb of God—but experiencing doubt just prior to His death.

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This has turned into the longest blog post I've ever written—and there is much more that could be said on this topic.

As time allows — I may address the MANY Biblical prophecies Jesus fulfilled during his earthly ministry.

Though—for now I'll close this post and pray that it Blesses you—and leads you to a greater understanding of the awesome, incredible gift that our Lord and Savior Jesus WILLINGLY purchased for us on the Cross.

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Thanks so much for stopping by! 
 
May God Richly Bless you!

Jesus is LORD!

Time is growing short!

Seek Him!

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Romans 10:9-10

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.





Monday, May 7, 2018

Not So Subtle Media Bias


The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth. — Romans 1:18


Illustration: The Camera Can LIE


Hi!

I went out this morning for a quick trip to the market — and on the way home turned on the car radio and started listening to a local "conservative" talk station.

At one point — a news announcer began his report by saying "Evacuations in Hawaii and consternation in Ohio...."

He was referring to the volcano currently erupting in our 50th state — and that authorities were moving people from dangerous zones around lava flow — and that Ohio's Governor had just signed a Bill putting strong limits on abortions there.

I thought about his opening words and how he had already "shaded" his report on the abortion Bill by "high-lighting" only the opposition side.

Then when it came time to give the actual details — of course — his focus was only on groups who were outraged at the Ohio Bill and vowing to fight it — without any mention of groups supporting it or the Governor.

"News" Meme: And Now It's Time To Go Over The Carefully Selected Stories That Have Been Chosen To Manipulate Your Emotions And Thinking

Anyone not critically listening to this station would probably not even be aware that they were only getting one-half the the story — and might conclude that Ohio's Governor had signed a Bill into law with most citizens in total opposition to it.
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While this is an example of obvious one sided report — it is also unfortunately just one of many in what has become the norm for "news reporting" in this country.

Could the announcer have also lead his news report with, "Evacuations in Hawaii and CELEBRATIONS in Ohio" — acknowledging that many groups, and individuals support the governor's decision —and then discussed only those supporting the Bill and the governor?

Of course.

So — while many people think they are getting the "news" — they are only getting a biased, one-sided view of things from MOST "journalists" — and sadly even "conservative" stations are not immune.

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In 2017, a Harvard Study revealed the absolutely overwhelming tsunami of negative reporting about our then new President.

https://shorensteincenter.org/news-coverage-donald-trumps-first-100-days/

It exposed EXTREMELY biased coverage of Trump by the "news" media — showing that many outlets spent less than 15% "reporting" on anything positive.

In fact — both CNN and NBC devoted 93% of their broadcasts to unfavorable "news" — and little has changed since then from most in our "Main Stream News."

A Chart From The Harvard Study Showing Overwhelming Negative "News" Coverage During Trump's First 100 Days In Office
A Chart From The Harvard Study Showing Overwhelming Negative
"News" Coverage During Trump's First 100 Days In Office
  
Many reading this are probably already acutely aware of the daily bias encountered when consuming US media.

During the run-up to the 2016 Presidential election  — when the MSM constantly gave Trump almost no chance of of winning — it opened many eyes to the slanted reporting done by "news" outlets.

But for those who still trust the MSM to fairly and accurately report the news — perhaps this post can be the beginning of awareness about the "not so subtle media bias" present in most of our "news" reporting these days.

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Thanks so much for stopping by!

May God Richly Bless you! 

Jesus is LORD!

Time is growing short!

Seek Him!

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9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.








Friday, May 4, 2018

Why Are Unicorns Mentioned In The KJ Bible 9 Times?


Hello!

Have you ever pondered certain scriptures — and wondered how to interpret what it says?

I definitely have!

Maybe you've seen for yourself that the Bible — specifically the King James — mentions UNICORNS 9 times!!

(See Bible references below)

• So what are these supposedly mythical creatures doing in scripture?

• Does this mean Unicorns might have truly existed at one time?
 
• Or — Is it just more proof that the Bible can't be taken literally?
 
• Or worse — is it proof that believing in the God of the Bible is obviously disproven by scriptures like these.


Unicorn — Public Domain Image
Unicorn — Public Domain Image

 Fortunately — there's a simple, easily understood answer to these questions— and today's video (embedded below) reveals what it is!  : )

So please check it out — and marvel at our Wonderful Creator!





• Numbers 23:22 — “God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.”

• Numbers 24:8 — “God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.”

• Job 39:9 — “Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?”

• Job 39:10 — “Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?”

• Psalms 29:6 — “He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.”

• Psalms 92:10 — “But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.”

• Deuteronomy 33:17 — “His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.”

• Psalms 22:21 — “Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.”

• Isaiah 34:7 — “And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.”


Source — http://creationtoday.org/why-does-the-bible-mention-unicorns/

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Thanks so much for stopping by!

May God Richly Bless you! 

Jesus is LORD!

Time is growing short!

Seek Him!

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9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.