12:33 AM
Away with the Silence

It's been very long since I've last posted anything. However, I think I shall revive this blog and start again once more. Just added the music player with my composed songs and songs that I have sung. A Link has been added - Lyrics to Songs - which will link to another blog containing the Lyrics. Yup.

I Thank God for sustaining my life thus far, and Thank God for all his wondrous blessings upon me. Truly Life has been wonderful and God's direction for me in life has been clearly laid out before my eyes. May I be found faithfully serving Him in all areas of my life.

To God be the Glory, Amen.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008


5:31 AM
I'm Curious to know... How well do my friends know me...

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Create your own Friend Test here

Wednesday, May 30, 2007


8:40 AM

The Fundamentals of Friendship.

Proverbs 18:24

Cooper P Abrams III

INTRO: There is a lot said about love. Yet, on examination, most of the love that is talked about would be better called "physical attraction."

    1. The basis of any good relationship is true biblical love. This love is often misunderstood because it is confused with emotion. Love will cause emotion and emotional caring and love is important and we all need to feel it,because God made us that way, . . . but true biblical love is not based on emotion.

    Missionary to Africa, Russell Champlin, said when he was in school he learned this definition:

    “Love is a desire for and a delight in the well being of the one loved; leading to active and a self sacrificing effort of their behalf.”

    Biblical love is based on God's grace. Grace is unmerited favor. In other words, God in His own heart decided to that He wanted the very best of us. He choose to care for us as Rom. 5:8, says "when we were still in our sins." God choose to love us, not based upon some goodness or trait he liked in us, but because he cared for our well being and future. Thus, God's grace is an expression of his will....to love us, because he choose to.

    Any true lasting relationship must be based on grace. A marriage must be based on grace, as well as friendships. No marriage will last unless the couple are friends! Your wife/husband should be your best friend.

    God made us to need one another. When we fail in our relationship and fail to exercise biblical grace and love one to another we become lonely and loneliness is a terrible condition.

    2. Each of us need the others. It is important in our families and in our church.

I. There are two types of loneliness.

    A. First, there is a loneliness that occurs when we are isolated from our husband/wife, families and friends.

    B. Second, and worse there is EMOTIONAL loneliness. This is a loneliness that can occur in the midst of a crowd. This is the most common type of loneliness. It occurs when we feel we have no one to share our deepest concerns, no one who truly understands our struggles or our joys.

      1. The solution to the problem of loneliness is friendship. All human beings both need and crave friendship. We need someone who will rejoice with us or cry with us, someone who will comfort us when we crawl through valleys of despair or laugh with us on the mountaintops of happiness.

      We need someone who is an ever present companion through the ins and outs of the daily grind, someone we can always

      count on. In fact, friendships can be our most valuable possessions. The poet, Emily Dickenson, wrote "My friends are my estate."

      2. Every human being needs friendships on two different levels. Note again our text!

    C. We need HORIZONTAL friendships. We need deep meaningful friendships with other people. The proverb says, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly." (Prov. 18:24)

      In other words, we have to work on building friendships. Do you work on building friendships with others or let it happen?

      True friendship is not one sided. Many are looking for friends who will help them, meet their need, be a friend to them, listen to their problems, be sympathetic and love them. They are seeking a selfish friendship in which they receive friendship....but often this is a one-sided affair.

      Often people do not find the friends they want and remain lonely and wonder why? The KEY is in this verse. To have friends we must show ourselves to be friendly.

      This is not just being friendly, but it means we unselfishly give support and friendship to others. We befriend other people. To find true friends we must UNSELFISHLY give ourselves to others.

      Let me emphasize the that true friendship is not based on getting, but giving. Many people have a hard time finding true friendship because they are looking for what someone can do for them. They want people to love and care for them....and they fail because that is not the basis of true friendship. True friendship is like God’s grace....and His love it is giving unmerited favor to someone and first and fore most wanting to meet their need, to help them, to comfort them.

      In giving friendship it is returned. The satisfaction of friendship...is in being a friend to others. . . .

    D. We need a VERTICAL friendship. The basis of any sound lasting relationship begins with a relationship with our Creator and God. The second part of our verse says, "There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." That friend is Jesus Christ. Unless you have a personal friendship with Jesus, you'll never escape loneliness. Exodus 33:11 says,

      "And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend."

      James 2:23 says, "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."

      Jesus said to His disciples in John 15:15, " Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."</p>

    E. I want to give you the blueprint for a lasting friendship. In fact, let's examine ten characteristics of genuine friendship.

I. Friends Listen. You see that takes effort does it. It is unselfishly listening to others. We want to tell people about our problems, but instead we unselfishly listen to others.

    A. Genuine friends have open ears.

      1. Many people are self-centered. They only want to talk about themselves. They don't listen when you speak because they are too busy thinking of what they will say next.

      2. A true friend will listen when you speak. He wants to understand how you feel and what concerns you. He wants to help.

    B. Because Jesus is our friend, He listens to us.

      1. He said in Psalm 91:15 "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him."

      2. Isaiah 65:24 says of Him, "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. "

      3. He said in Luke 11:9 "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. "

      4. James 5:16 reminds us "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man availteth much."

II. Friends Share Interests. A true friend puts others first and is unselfish in doing so. A true friend will put their interests aside help the one who needs their friendship.

    A. Genuine friends always find common ground with us.

      1. Sometimes God brings special friends into our lives who have much in common with us.

      2. Though you may have friend with whom you have no common interest, your best friends have something in common with you.

    B. Because Jesus is our friend, He sought common ground with us.

      1. Jesus found common ground by becoming one of us. He loved us so much He became one of us. Philippians 2:7 says that He "made Himself of no reputation, took upon himself the form of a servant, made in the likeness of men."

      2. In fact, when He came, He not only limited His power as God, He endured every possible frustration and pain of man.

        Hebrews 4:15, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

      C. Can you see how this would work out in our families and in our church.

      Often we do not concern ourselves with the spouse or family. We let them be a part of what we want to do. This is a selfish relationship.

      In our churches. A pastor friend of mine some months ago told me of a man who had attended the church for many years. He left and went to another church. He told the pastor that his needs were not being met there. Yet, I went to the church myself for many years and He and his wife had only a partly relationship with the church. They did not participate in most of the activities. They were members of the church, but people knew they were not really committed to it.

      I predict they will in time after the newness is worn off, find that their new church did not meet their needs either. Can you see why?

III. Friends Protect. Instead of wanting and seeking protection for ourselves....we freely offer it unselfishly to others. We put their needs first.

    A. Genuine friends always look out for us.

      1. Walter Winchell has said, "A friend is one who walks in when others walk out."

      2. Jonathan was a genuine friend to King David. When Jonathan's father, Saul, planned to kill David, Jonathan warned him and helped him escape.

      3. How do good friends protects us?

      a. They know how to keep private things private.

      Proverbs 17:9 says, "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love, But he who repeateth a matter separateth very friends."

      Proverbs 16:28 says, "A forward (perverse) man soweth

      strife, And a whisperer separateth the best of friends."

      b. They will not allow others to speak badly of us. I

      recently read of a mother who decked another mother because she made fun of her handicapped child. If necessary, they fight for us.

    B. Because Jesus is our friend, He protects us.

      He protects us today. Psalm 125:2 says, "As the mountains round about Jerusalem, So the Lord is around about his people from henceforth and even forever." Psalm 34:7 says, "The angel of the LORD encampeth all around those who fear Him, And delivereth them."

IV. Friends Tell the Truth. That too is an unselfish act. We care enough to be honest and seek to offer true help. Jesus Christ does that for us. He tells us that we are sinners that we might find salvation. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.”
    A. Genuine friends are always honest with us.

      1. Oscar Wilde wrote, "A true friend always stabs you in the front." Proverbs 27:6 says "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."

      2. Sometimes we need to be told the truth. I think that's what Paul had in mind when he admonished the Ephesians to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).
      a. We need to be told when we've offended someone.b. We need to be told when we've made mistakes.c. We need to be told the truth when we are about tomake bad decisions.

      3. A true friend, "speaking the truth in love" will risk being liked in order to help you.

    B. Because Jesus is our friend, He deals with us in loving honesty.

      1. Have you ever noticed how the Word of God cuts. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. "


      2. He speaks to us through the Word, through the Spirit and through counsel.


      3. Sometimes the truth hurts. But the truth of Jesus is like a surgeon's scalpel. It cuts to heal.
V. Friends Overlook Faults. You see true friendship is about others.....not ourselves. How many of us have faults.....? RAISE YOUR HANDS....
    A. Genuine friends accept us, warts and all.

      1. A lady named Dinah Craik wrote a poem about called Friendship:O, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts, nor measure words - but pouring them right out - just as they are - chaff and grain together - Certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them - Keep what is worth keeping - And with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. How many of you would want such a friend.....?

      2. Someone said you can tell a real friend by the fact that when you've made a fool of yourself he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job.


      3. This friendship is rare. Most are looking for what they can get in a friend. We want people who look like us....are a credit to us and certainly would never embarrass us. The rich look for the rich, the well dressed look for those that dress well too and fit into their social circles.
      But...the true is that kind of relationship is built on hypocrisy isn’t it. Do you see how important is friendship in our church? As we seek to reach the lost....it is vital that we offer freely our friendship, without any selfish reasons...

    B. Because Jesus is our friend, He overlooks our faults.

      1. Many people have the false idea that when a person comes to Jesus, he must first clean up his life.


      2. Jesus accepts just where your are. During His personal ministry, He associated with the dregs of society. The religious establishment gave Him the title "friend of sinners." He wore it like a Medal of Honor.


      3. Don't misunderstand. He doesn't condone your sin. He hates your sin. He wants to take your sin away. He's the only one who can clean up your life.
VI. Friends Bear Burdens. A true friend unselfishly takes the burden of others on themselves.
    A. Genuine friends help you carry your load.

      1. Often, life hands us great "burdens": loss of a job, a handicap, poor health, loss of a loved one, etc... A true friend helps your carry that load.

      2. Paul wrote in Galatians 6:2 "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

      3. Solomon said, "A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).

    B. Because Jesus is our friend, He takes our burden upon Himself.

      1. One of my favorite passages is 1 Peter 5:7. Here we are told to "cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."


      2. Remember His great invitation "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My
      burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
VII. Friends Are Loyal.
    A. A friend is someone you can always count on.

      ILLUSTRATION: A farmer was detained for questioning about an election scandal. "Did you sell your vote?" the attorney asked. "No sir, not me," the farmer protested. "I voted for that there fellah 'cause I liked him." "Come, now," threatened the attorney. "I have evidence that he gave you fifty dollars for a vote." "Well, now," the farmer said, "it's plain common sense that when a fellah gives you fifty dollars you like him."

    B. Because Jesus is our friend, we can always count on Him.

      1. He said, He would never leave us or forsake us.


      2. Luke 15 records the story of the prodigal son. When all his friends deserted the boy, His father accepted him.
VIII. Friends Bring out our Best.
    A. Genuine friends always want what is best for us.

      1. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."


      2. A true friend always encourages you to do your best.

    B. Because Jesus is our friend, He brings out our best.

      1. He causes all things to work for our good, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).


      2. Even the trials that we go through make us better. James 1:2-3 says,
      "Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations, (various trials), knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
IX. Friends Build us Spiritually.
    A. Genuine friends want you to become more like Christ.

      1. Someone once said, "A friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where you've been, accepts who you've become and still gently invites you to grow."

      2. Your best friends aren't necessarily those you play with or shop with.
      They are those who pray for you and lovingly guide you spiritually. A true friend is not necessarily the one you play with but the one you pray with.

    B. Because Jesus is our friend, He wants us to grow spiritually.
X. Friends Love.
    A. Genuine friends express their love in word and most clearly in deed.

    B. Jesus' greatest expression of love was His death.
    He Himself said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).
Conclusion:Why is it hard for some people to find a true friend?Most times they reason is they motives are selfish.....They are looking for someone to give them friendship....not much interested in being a friend....

1. Are you the friend of God? What is your relationship with Him, who is your Creator and God.


2. Are you accepting the friendship of God? "While you were still in your sins, Christ died for you."


3. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)


4. If you are saved, what is your relationship with others around you. That includes your wife, husband, children, family, friends, fellow workers, etc. Your relationship with others is a good measuring stick of your relationship with God A friend of God will be a good friend to have....


5. If your attitude is not one of forgiving, of being unselfish, and not thinking about yourself, then you have a spiritual problem.
If your relationship with others is not as it should be, the place to get it right is at the altar of God. It begins with praying and confessing your sins, and then asking God for forgiveness and a change of heart.

To: My Dear Friends

If you have thoroughly read this post, and have personally experienced my Love for you as a friend, You would be pleased to know that there is someone who has an even greater love for you, and is able to Love you so much more than that Love I can give to you. That very person is Jesus. If only you can open up your Heart and accept Him, then will you understand what True Love is. As compared to mine, Mine's peanuts. So don't hesitate any longer. Now is the time to recieve him and invite Jesus into your Life. Don't delay. For we know not when the Lord will come again. God Bless you All.

Luke

Sunday, April 01, 2007


8:39 PM
Wonder how many of us have fallen in Love before.

How can we tell if this is real Love or Lust? Or just some wierd feeling stirring inside?

From the King James Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

4 Charity Suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemingly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth...

Let us take a look at what God says is true love:

A. Biblical Love is Long Suffering (patient)

Biblical love is patient, meaning - we are not quick to anger or take offense. Loving Patience is being able to allow ourselves to be inconvenienced or taken advantage of by a person, over and over again. When steven was being stoned to death, his last words was that of loving forgiveness... He said:" Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. (Acts 7:60) With his dying breath, he begged for the forgiveness of those who stoned him. His main concern was those people stoning him, not his pain or his suffering. This is true biblical Love. Are we able to put others before ourselves, to overlook the wrong people do to us, and pray for them? Forgive them, and Love them that do evil to us?

Jesus told us to turn our cheek, and let those that slap us, slap the other side of our face too. Are we able to follow this teaching, and let people take advantage of us like that? The World would think it is a stupid thing to do. It is illogical, not realistic. But if we know how to love, we can recieve prosecution, hurt and suffering with Love for those who do these things to us. Can we love? and have we started Loving others?

By fighting back, defending ourselves physically, shouting, scolding or quarreling with a person help the person to realise his mistake? To overcome his fault? Does it show that person that we are loving and forgiving? No.

Philippians 2:3-4 says : "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

Lets put others before ourselves, learn to forgive and love everyone, including our enemies. Then only will we be a shining light for God.

B. Biblical Love is Kind.

Kindness is being able to give anything to others, to sacrifice anything, everything for others. To be kind is to be helpful, to serve others and be gracious to others. We should be generous, desirous of other's welfare and work towards it.

C. Biblical Love does not Envy.

Being not envious means not to be jealous over what other people have. We should not keep thinking of having everything else that other people have, and wish we had more good things than others. We make end up resenting what others have. And this is selfish thinking. Jealousy is dangerous and can end up in hatred. So rather than covet what others have, Be content and satisfied with what you have.

James 3:14-18 warns us:

"But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

D. Biblical Love vaunteth not itself and is not puffed up. It does not parade itself in front of others.

This also means that It does not show off, or brag. Bragging is showing off our accomplishments and trying to tell people how good we are, how well off we are, and try to make people jealous of what we have. Love does not remind a person of the great "sacrifices" you have made for them.

Its like trying to show people that we are more spiritual than they are. Just like the pharisees did. We should not be proud, but humble. We should not go around criticising everything else others do and put ourselves out as an exhibit for others to see how good you are.

E. Biblical Love does not behave unseemly (rudely).

True love is not rude. It is not confrontational. It always seeks peace, and is polite. True love is kind, and cares about how people feel. In fact, all aspects of Love is quite similar. If the Love of Christ is in a person's heart, He will be long suffering, will be kind, and not envy others. How often have we acted rudely to people and achieved something in doing so? If we can exercise Love in the way we deal with people, People would react better towards us.

F. Biblical Love does not seek its own.

Do we always want our own way, do we force our opinions on others and demand that people lissten to our requests, and follow our every instruction. We always feel that the World should revolve around us and we should be the main focal point, where everyone in the world should meet our needs. We often accuse others of not be loving towards us and not being kind towards us... But, we do not see ourselves as being utterly selfish in expecting everyone to do good to us before we reciprocate. Most of the time, people who digress into this state will see themselves as right all the time and will not acknowledge any faults of their own. They act as though they were put on this earth to correct everyone else. However, they fail to realise that they are seeking their own interests and are not really interested in others. They feel superior to be able to see the faults of others.

Wouldn't it be so much nicer if we could live our lives for others? Reaching out to help others, to seek 24h a day to fulfill other people's dreams and desires? What great joy we would experience by seeing other people happy and seeing their needs being met.

True Love would be like that. And how often would be practice this type of love for others? And how often have we seen it in the lives of others?

G. Biblical Love is not Provoked.

To provoke means "to arouse anger, a convulsion or sudden outburst".

Biblical Love guards itself against being irritated, or angered by things done against it. We'll be slow to anger and quick to forgive.

Ephesians 4:26 reminds us not to allow the sun to go down on our wrath. How can we say we Love someone and yet get easily provoked and get angry easily with the person? What is the benefit like that? Doesn't it cause more hurt feelings? How can here be reconciliation where there is provocation?

H. Biblical Love thinks no evil.

Biblical Love does not keep accounts of the wrongs people do to us. We do not bear grudges, we do not harbour ill intents on others. We should not be prejudice and cold hearted towards people. We should not seek to fault, seek to criticize, Yet, we should be always ready to Forgive and forget, and not always rake up the past to show how much bad stuff had been done towards you. It does not always harbor the hurt others do to us.

Past Hurts are like stains. a Love based forgiveness is God's stain remover, and it can remove all stains and restore our preace, joy and fellowship with people although they have hurt us time and again. The love of Christ seeks to bring peace to us. To show love and always think the best of others.

I. Biblical Love believes all things.

True Love believes the best of every person. Even if a person is accused of being guilt, You will not consider him/her guilty until the truth is found out. You will stick up for him/her and defend him/her. Even if they are found guilty, We should extend our love to help that person overcome his/her failure and encourage him/her. How wonderful it would be to know when you're accused falsely, criticized or belittled, that a friend/brother stands up for you.

J. Biblical Love endures all things.

It refuse to give up, surrender, stop believing or hoping. No matter how horrible the situation, how long the suffering, how humiliating the attack, The Love of Christ in One's heart will stop the desire to fight back to give up and walk away. We Love - We pray. Love keeps the door of our heart open. And we pray for God's intervention. Yes, the tears will flow, the hurt will swell up inside us until we think we'll die from a broken heart, but Biblical Love will overcome all these in the end. It will endure to the end.

K. Biblical Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Simply put, Love will simply not stop loving. True Love will never die. It will last forever.

Conclusion...

Have we be Loving towards our friends and family members? Have we been able to Love the way Christ did? Are we willing to give up everything we have to love a person?

It is wonderful to love. To be at peace with others. To live for other's benefit.

A person who truly loves will rarely get bitter, will not criticize others, will be quick to forgive, slow to anger... Love hurts, But True love will endure to the end. How much Love do we have for others? Lets ask ourselves this question and Work towards Loving our neighbours as ourselves.

God help us.

Thank God for the friends he has given me. I thank God i've been able to practice biblical Love towards my friends the way it should be. Though it often hurts real bad, "O Lord give me strength to endure and never give up Loving."

Please pray for my friends once again.

Luke

Friday, March 23, 2007


10:57 PM
My Plea to Non-believers

The World is sprinkled by numerous man-made religions, denominations and cults. These numbers are increasing by great numbers annually. Millions of people are decieved, many believe and give their lives for what they believe in.

What is the truth then? What is the real belief? Can we worship so many different Gods, in so many different forms, with different methods, rituals, food offerings, prayers and chants? How many real, true Gods are there? Many people say that all religions are good, and all good things come from God and since all religions teach good things, all religions are from the same God. And all religions lead to God. I remember hearing these words from the very mouth of someone I regarded as my best friend. How heart broken I felt then, when i remembered the verse:

James 1:17 "Every Good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from from the Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

With whom is no variableness. It clearly already states so clearly that there is no variableness in God. So how can he be so varied in his form, in his teaching, in his commandments and instruction in the way to heaven. Does God contradict himself? Is he confused? I certainly think not. My believing or non-believing friends often use bible quotes to tell me what i think is too rigid and wrong, that God is an all-loving God who will save everyone since he died for everyone. However, sometimes they quote part of verses without knowing the full verse. Those that read in parts will only know in parts. They will not get the full picture. How easy it is to misinterpret God's Holy word.

I did not write this post to condemn my friends thinking, or to poke fun at them. But, it is out of sincerity, and Love for you that I want to share with you what is the Truth.

What is the truth I want to share with you? The truth is that, no religion will save anyone. No religion on this earth will bring you to heaven. Not buddhism, not Hinduism, Not Islam, not Roman Catholicism, and not Protestanism (Christianity). No! Not one of them will get you to heaven. Every one of these religions teach good things. They tell us how to live lives that are good, How to stay out of trouble, what to do as a member of this religion. Some tell us, what we can do to get to heaven. What are the steps to take to help us reach heaven. The Criterias, the checklist... Being a christian myself, I tell everyone straight in the face, That no religion saves.

Then you must be wondering. Then why do I call myself a Christian, Why do i go to church, why do i follow some things the church says? I reply you with this. I go to church to learn. Its like school, I listen to the pastor(teacher) preach, I go for sunday school (Tutorial lesson)... Thats how I learn what the bible talks about. But, no matter how much time i spend in church, no matter how many sunday school lessons i attend, No matter how many activities I take part in Church, It will not get me to heaven.

I only call myself a Christian because it identifies me with Christ. The God that i believe in. So I'm follow after Christianity because it teaches me the ways of Christ, but not because It will help me get to heaven by following what it teaches.

You may ask, Don't all religions teach the same things?

But i'll reply you saying that only Christianity teaches that Jesus is the only way to God-and that is one very important difference between it and all other religions. Other religions are just basically philosophies of life. They teach moral values and views of the world around us, and their leaders or founders tell people in their writing what they think is Correct and what is wrong. Its the perspective of man not God. Christianity also gives man a philosophy of life, but it says more than other religions, saying that man is Sinful, and seperated from God, and as long as he dwells in sin, He cannot ever enjoy God's friendship. The only way we can restore this relationship with God, is to have our sins removed by believing in Jesus (God's Son- God himself). No other religion recognises Jesus in this manner.

Now. How do we know that christianity is true but all other religions are false?

We have to either examine the teaching of all other religions to see if they are consistant in their teaching, and whether it is logical and describes reality accurately. Or we can simply examine Christianity to see if it is consistant or not.

Christianity has lots of evidences proving that it is true. If you see these evidences, you'll find that the teachings within Christianity are internally consistent with each other. Then will you know that Christianity is true. Whatever consists of Contradiction is false. Where there are no contradictions, it is true. This is a simple applications of what Aristotle called the Law of Contradiction in Logic : Two statements cannot both be true if one contradicts the other. However, No matter how true christianity is, It is hard for man who are sinful to accept the truth. You can see the truth, but believing is a totally different thing altogether.

You may feel that i'm being intolerant of other religions and am directly insulting other religions saying that they are false. I understand that We have the right to believe in whatever we believe in, and to worship whatever God we want. But, I'm not forcing anyone to believe, because it will never work out. You as an individual will have to come to believe on your own. No amount of talking, preaching, begging, bribing will be able to make a person believe in something he refuses to believe. And If I as a true friend of yours, would like to tell you the truth, and tell you that what you believe in is wrong, or that unbelieving is dangerous, Would you trust me? Or consider me your enemy? I cannot keep quiet and accept it that people are believing in something that is wrong that will harm them, and cause them to lose their salvation. I cannot watch silently as the people i love perish.

But, many people believe in science. Science says this, science says that...

Its not safe and never safe to believe in science totally. Because science is always changing. One moment we have 9 planets, then we have 13 and pluto disappeared. Then we have theories that we evolved from monkeys and like came from a one-celled organism. But theories are theories... Thats why they are a theory. They have not and cannot be proven. Science has always kept changing. And new things are added all the time to science.

But Christ, God never changes. His teachings in the bible never changes. Religion does. So does christianity. The form of worship, the traditions and such stuff keep changing. Many denominations pop up, different sects, will appear. But ultimately, True christianity based on Christ, the Word, never changes. And whatever is taught was applicable in the past, in the present and even in the future. Moreover, the scriptures have survived over 2000+ years, and up till now, after hundreds of years of people trying to pick out mistakes in the bible, they have failed to do so. Seeing something that is so without error, how can someone still deny its authority?

Even if I could prove to you that the bible's history was all true, that the evolution theory is false and that Jesus is God, I will not be able to make you believe unless you first open your heart and mind to accept Jesus.

Now, again, Who is this Jesus I am talking about? And why on earth did he have to die for us?

In the beginning when the earth was formed, God made man, Adam and Eve to serve and worship him. But, they sinned against him by eating of the forbidden fruit that God had warned them not to eat of. Through sin, Man was seperated from God. God cursed man with death., suffering, pain, sickness. Over the years, whenever man sinned, They had to make an offering to God as a way to ask for forgiveness, and to remove their sins. It is said that these people had to lay hands on a clean animal, eg. a lamb or goat, they then symbolically pass their sins from themselves onto the animal. Through the slaughter of the animal and burning it to God, their sins are forgiven. However, man had to do this over and over and over again. Even Mary, Jesus mother had to offer 2 doves as a sin offering. Anyway, God saw that the world was full of people whos heart were far away from God. With their actions they worship God, but their thoughts didn't not reflect any true repentance of sins. So God decided that he would make one final sacrifice, such that all these killing of animals would no long need to be done, as people were just doing the act without true repentance and belief in God. As a final sacrifice, God decided to send his Son Jesus Christ, who was God himself to come down , in the Form of man to live amongst us, set an example for us to follow, and then give himself as the final sacrifice. God then chose Mary, a virgin as the vessel to bear his Son. Implanted in mary by the Holy Ghost, Mary got pregnant and soon gave birth to Jesus. Jesus lived a life of sinless perfection. He never did anything wrong, never thought any evil thought, never acted in an ungodly manner. He was totally perfect. Yet, people sought to kill him. They had him suffer, bleed and die on the cross, just as he had intended. God plan worked out perfectly and Jesus gave his life and blood to wash away our sins and rose again on the 3rd day showing us that death had no power over him, who was God himself. So now, all we need to do is to pray in repentance asking God to remove our sins, and he will.

Many people will still reject Jesus and not believe in him. Just as the bible says that None seek God. Well. the bible says that we do not choose God, but it is God that choses us. John 15.16a. "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you" But when God calls, How do you respond? Do you still reject him?

How many people in the world today are living without a purpose in life? Born to eat, sleep. study, work, retire and Die. What is your purpose? Do you live to die?

Only with God, then there is meaning in life. The purpose driven life. To live a spotless life within a sinful world, To be a shining light, the salt of the world. To keep ourselves pure, holy and acceptable to God. Going all out into the world, preaching the gospel to everyone. Seeking the Lost, helping the weak, being a servant to others.

Only with God will we learn to Love and forgive others. Only with God will you be able to find true happiness, true peace, true comfort.

Are you a non-believer? What is stopping you from believing in Christ? There are so much evidence supporting and proving that the bible is true and reliable and is the Word of God. And there is so much evidence that Jesus is the Son of God and God himself. There is so much proof that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Why are you still hesitating?

As you may realise, the devil will try and do things to stop the spread of the gospel, and to limit the chances for people to know christ. This is so true in the sense that so much prosecution is happening to Christians nowadays, Christian churches are being burned, Christians been killed, getting thrown into jail for sharing the gospel openly.

If you are a non-believer, ask yourself this question now. Is Christianity really such a bad belief? Is believing in Jesus and following his commandments a bad thing? Is it bad to teach people to be loving? Amongst all the other religions and beliefs of the world, is Christianity the worst of the lot? I doubt you would think so either... So, now consider, that Christianity is the most banned religion of the world. The world has great hatred for christianity. All over the world Christian websites are getting banned. Websites telling people about Jesus and sharing the Gospel are getting banned... The devil does not want people to believe in Christ. He is doing all these things to take away the Life-saving Gospel from you. No other religion is facing such harsh treatment. No other religion's websites are getting banned all over the world. Why? Even satanic websites are being accepted. But christian websites are getting banned. Do you find it a little strange? It is either you believe that the Devil is really at work, or you just brush it off as coincidence. Well... If you believe in Christ and you believe that the devil exist, and the existance of Heaven and Hell, You will probably understand that what is happening now in the world is not just coincidence but a real life show unfolding before your very eyes on how the world is slowly turning towards destruction. And we are part of that world.

In Future, we may not be free to worship as christians, and prosecution of Christians may get worse. People will not know Christ. Whos side will you be on then?

We as christians are slowing watching the prophecies in the bible come true one by one... its amazing to have such a book that people of no other belief have. Ours is the true living Word. Which other scripture can match up to the true word of God? As we watch these prophecies unfold one by one, We know the end is near. Soon, the end may come and you know not the day nor the hour. Will you be ready to meet your maker?

Now is the time to accept Jesus and make him your personal Savior. It is my personal plea to you if you're a non-believer to accept him today, and believe what he has done on the cross, shedding his precious blood for you, dying and rising again on the 3rd day. And that someday he'll come again and take you unto himself.

What a great promise of salvation. No other religion or belief can give you such great assurance and comfort. Not even being a Christian can, unless you have truely accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. So, don't hesitate any longer. When God calls, respond in repentance. Come to him today!

I am filled with sadness each day seeing my loved ones reject Jesus and salvation. The pain I go through is so bad that I'm very emotional burdened. If you're heart is still hard after reading this post, I pray hard for you that God will show grace unto you and touch your heart soon.

I truly hope everyone of you will accept Jesus Christ into your heart, and with faith, trust in him wholeheartedly. And give your lives unto him, for his use, that others may be touched by your lives and many others will come to know the saving knowledge of our Lord savior Jesus Christ.

With this I end.
May the Lord be merciful upon all of us,
And Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus.
Amen.

Sunday, February 25, 2007


5:45 PM

WHAT GOSSIP IS

Though the word “gossip” does not appear in the Bible, the concept does.

Gossip is called TALEBEARING (Lev. 19:16; Prov. 11:13; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20-22) and BACKBITING (Psa. 15:3), which is talking to others about the intimate details of people’s lives for injurious purposes.

Gossip is called being a “BUSYBODY IN OTHER MEN’S MATTERS” (1 Pet. 4:5). This means putting one’s nose in other people’s affairs which are none of my business.

Gossip is called “SLANDER” (Num. 14:36, 37; 2 Sam. 19:27; Prov. 10:18; Jer. 9:4-6; Rom. 3:8; 1 Tim. 3:11). This means to say false things about people, especially with the objective of hurting them. For something to be slanderous, it must involve deceit and falsehood and an injurious motive. To spread rumors about someone in an attempt to hurt that person is wicked gossip. We must be extremely careful about passing along things that we hear. If there is any question about the truthfulness of something, it is essential to verify it from someone who is in a position to know the matter.

Gossip is called “TATTLING” (1 Tim. 5:13). This means to prattle on about other people’s lives when it is none of one’s business and when one has no godly motive for such talk, to gossip).

God’s people must guard themselves vigilantly against these sins. Gossip is extremely damaging. In fact, gossip can destroy a preacher’s effectiveness and can ruin an entire church.

WHAT GOSSIP IS NOT

It is very important, though, not to confuse gossip with legitimate Christian endeavors.

SPEAKING TRUTH TO PROPER PARTIES FOR A GODLY PURPOSE IS NOT GOSSIP

It is not wrong to share truthful things with those who have a right to such information.

For example, it was not gossip for the household of Chloe to tell Paul about the problems in the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:11). As the founder of that church, Paul had a right to know about those problems, and the household of Chloe were not telling him these things to hurt the Lord’s work but to help it. It is not gossip to talk to a pastor or Sunday School teacher or deacon about matters in church members’ lives that they should know about. It is not gossip to talk to a father or mother about matters affecting their children.

It was not gossip for Paul to remind Timothy that the Cretians had a poor national character which he described in such harsh-sounding terms as “liars, evil beasts, slow bellies” (Titus 1:12). What Paul said about the Cretians (quoting one of their own poets) was true, and his motive was not to hurt them but to help them (“that they may be sound in the faith” Titus 1:13) and to further the work of Christ in Crete.

It is not wrong for a Christian to warn another person about a serious problem in a church or organization, so long as the information is true and the motive is not to hurt but to help and to warn. Oftentimes I have warned people about serious problems with certain churches that I have known about. That is not gossip and it is not slander.

It is not gossip to speak the truth in love, regardless of how harsh the truth might sound.

QUESTIONING A PREACHER’S TEACHING IS NOT GOSSIP

It is also not wrong to question a pastor in a humble and godly manner and to test his teaching by the Scriptures. In fact, we have a responsibility before God to do that. That is not gossip and it is not wrong. Of course, we always must guard our hearts that we don’t become bitter and that we don’t develop a bad attitude and then try to hurt the pastor or the church by spreading things around the church membership or community.

We must also use wisdom about such matters. For example, it is not usually wise and proper to question a pastor publicly about some perceived error or problem. It is best handled in private, at least at first.

That being said, the bottom line is that it is not wrong to question a pastor’s teaching. Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:21; and 1 Cor. 14:29 settle that. Pastors have much authority, but they are not popes and they are not to be followed blindly. Their authority is the Word of God, and if they veer from that they have no authority and should be corrected. And yet many godly Christians have been branded as gossips and troublemakers when they have attempted to question something the preacher taught. All too many pastors have wrongly defined “gossip” as saying anything negative about him and his preaching, and they create this false definition in order to manipulate the church members and to make them fearful of questioning anything he does. This is not right and does not create a wholesome New Testament church atmosphere. The pastor must remember that he not to lord it over God’s people. “Neither as being lords over Gods heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). According to this passage, the pastor needs to be more concerned about providing a godly example to the flock than lording it over them. This does not mean, of course, that the pastor does not have more authority than others in church. He does have authority (Heb. 13:17). What we are referring to here is the abuse of that authority. Even the Apostle Paul, who had greater authority than any pastor today, said, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand” (2 Cor. 1:24).

WARNING OF SIN AND ERROR IS NOT GOSSIP

Marking false teachers and warning about compromisers is not gossip or slander. Paul warned of false teachers and compromisers by name no less than ten times in 1 and 2 Timothy alone. If a church leader publicly teaches error or commits a serious sin that would disqualify him or otherwise does something that people should be warned about, it is not gossip or slander for men of God to describe the problem publicly. I have often been charged with being a slanderer or a busybody when I have named men such as Billy Graham or Jerry Falwell or James Dobson and have warned about their errors. Actually I have the right and responsibility as a preacher to mark those who depart from the Word of God. I do not have to get their permission to do so, and I do not have to approach them first. If their error is public and persistent, my responsibility is to warn of them publicly, just as Paul did in regard to Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim. 1:20), Phygellus and Hermogenes (2 Tim. 1:15), Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Tim. 2:17), Demas (2 Tim. 4:10), and Alexander the coppersmith (2 Tim. 4:14-15). Slander is spreading ill founded, untrue things about others with the intent to injure them. Warning about error in Christian charity for the sake of protecting God’s people from that error is not slander nor is it gossip.

ADMONISHING ONE ANOTHER IS NOT GOSSIP

Romans 15:14 says, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Christians have an obligation to admonish one another to serve the Lord. This involves watching over one another and exhorting one another about things that would hinder our walk with Christ (Heb. 3:13; 10:24, 25). This ministry should not be confused with gossip. In some churches, though, this is exactly what happens. If a mature church member attempts to admonish and correct other church members, he or she can be labeled as a gossip and a troublemaker and a busybody in other men’s affairs. Admonishing others requires maturity and godliness (Rom. 15:14), but it is a legitimate duty of mature church members. It is not something that is to be left strictly to the pastor. Titus 2:3-5 describes how older women in the church are to teach and admonish younger women. I have known of churches, though, in which older women have gotten into trouble for attempting to exercise this ministry in a godly and scriptural manner. They were told that it was strictly up to the pastor to correct and disciple younger women about their personal lives and homes, but that is certainly not what the Bible says. There is a ministry of correction that is to be exercised by church members. I recall a situation in a church in which a young man was admonished by some mature church members to quit his job at a wicked movie theater for the sake of his own spiritual wellbeing and for the sake of other young people in the church who were watching his example. When he refused to follow this counsel and he quit the church in a huff, those who admonished him from the Word of God were branded as the troublemakers. In fact, they were exercising the legitimate biblical ministry of admonition among church members.

These examples illustrate that it is necessary to make a clear biblical distinction between gossip and legitimate Christian endeavors.


What’s Wrong with Gossip?

Everyone likes a good story, right? Well, not necessarily. What about the person the story is about? Does that person like the story? Probably not. Spreading rumors only hurts others and destroys our credibility. Who is going to trust us with anything when they think we’ll tell everyone else?

Gossip is also a way we judge others, which really isn’t our job. God is in charge of judging people, not us. Gossip really only ends up creating greed, hate, envy, murder.

Gossip is also a sign that we are not really active in our faith and in our lives. If you think about it, the busier we are, the less time we have to gossip. We no longer have the time to get wrapped up in someone else’s life. Gossip is bred out of boredom. It may start as a simple conversation about people, and then escalates quickly. The Bible clearly tells us to do more than discuss other people’s lives.

Leviticus 19:16 – “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.” (NIV)

Proverbs 11:13 – “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” (NIV)

Romans 1:29 – “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips.” (NIV)

1 Timothy 5:13 – “Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” (NIV)

Matthew 7:1 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (NIV)

Proverbs 18:8 – “The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (NIV)

So What Do I Do About Gossip?

First, if you catch yourself falling into gossip – stop. If you don’t passon the gossip there is nowhere for it to go. This includes gossip magazines and television. While it may not seem as “sinful” to read those magazines, you are contributing to gossip.

Also, when you are faced with a statement that may or may not be gossip, check out the facts. For instance, if you hear someone has an eating disorder, go to the person. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the person yourself, and the rumor is something serious, you may want to go to a parent, pastor, or youth leader. Getting someone to help in a serious situation is not gossip as long as the information stays with you and the person you go to for help.

If you want to avoid gossip, focus on creating helpful and encouraging statements. Let the gossip and end with you and remember the Golden Rule – if you don’t want people to gossip about you, then don’t participate in gossip.

Proverbs 26:20 – “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” (NIV)

Deuteronomy 13:14 – “Then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly.” (NIV)

Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (NIV)

Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV)



Taken From http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/whatisgossip.htm and http://christianteens.about.com/od/whatthebiblesaysabout/f/gossip.htm




Friday, February 23, 2007


7:08 PM

Are You Born Again?

by J. C. Ryle

Are you born again? This is one of life's most important questions. Jesus Christ said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

It is not enough to reply, "I belong to the church; I suppose I'm a Christian." Thousands of nominal Christians show none of the signs of being born again which the Scriptures have given us—many listed in the First Epistle of John.

No Habitual Sinning

First of all, John wrote: "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin" (I John 3:9). "Whosoever is born of God sinneth not" (5:18).

A person who has been born again, or regenerated, does not habitually commit sin. He no longer sins with his heart and will and whole inclination. There was probably a time when he did not think about whether his actions were sinful or not, and he did not always feel grieved after doing evil. There was no quarrel between him and sin; they were friends. But the true Christian hates sin, flees from it, fights against it, considers it his greatest plague, resents the burden of its presence, mourns when he falls under its influence, and longs to be completely delivered from it. Sin no longer pleases him, nor is it even a matter of indifference to him; it has become a horrible thing which he hates. However, he cannot eliminate its presence within him.

If he said that he had no sin, he would be lying (I John 1:8). But he can say that he hates sin and that the great desire of his soul is not to commit sin at all. He cannot prevent bad thoughts from entering his mind, or shortcomings, omissions, and defects from appealing in both his words and his actions. He knows that "in many things we offend all" (James 3:2). But he can truly say, in the sight of God, that these things cause him grief and sorrow and that his whole nature does not consent to them. What would the apostle say about you? Are you born again?

Believing in Christ

Second, John wrote: "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God" (I John 5:1).

A man who is born again, or regenerated, believes that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour who can pardon his soul, that He is the divine person appointed by God the Father for this very purpose, and beside Him there is no Saviour at all. In himself he sees nothing but unworthiness. But he has full confidence in Christ, and trusting in Him, he believes that his sins are all forgiven. He believes that, because he has accepted Christ's finished work and death on the cross, he is considered righteous in God's sight, and he may look forward to death and judgment without alarm.

He may have fears and doubts. He may sometimes tell you that he feels as if he had no faith at all. But ask him if he is willing to trust in anything instead of Christ, and see what he will say. Ask him if he will rest his hope of eternal life on his own goodness, his own works, his prayers, his minister, or his church, and listen to his reply. What would the apostle say about you? Are you born again?

Practicing Righteousness

Third, John wrote: "Every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him" (I John 2:29).

The man who is born again, or regenerated, is a holy man. He endeavors to live according to God's will, to do the things that please God and to avoid the things that God hates. He wishes to continually look to Christ as his example as well as his Saviour and to prove himself to be Christ's friend by doing whatever He commands. He knows he is not perfect. He is painfully aware of his indwelling corruption. He finds an evil principle within himself that is constantly warring against grace and trying to draw him away from God. But he does not consent to it, though he cannot prevent its presence.

Though he may sometimes feel so low that he questions whether or not he is a Christian at all, he will be able to say with John Newton, "I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am." What would the apostle say about you? Are you born again?

Loving Other Christians

Fourth, John wrote: "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren" (I John 3:14).

A man who is born again has a special love for all true disciples of Christ. Like his Father in heaven, he loves all men with a great general love, but he has a special love for those who share his faith in Christ. Like his Lord and Saviour, he loves the worst of sinners and could weep over them; but he has a peculiar love for those who are believers. He is never so much at home as when he is in their company.

He feels they are all members of the same family. They are his fellow soldiers, fighting against the same enemy. They are his fellow travelers, journeying along the same road. He understands them, and they understand him. They may be very different from himself in many ways—in rank, in station and in wealth. But that does not matter. They are his Father's sons and daughters and he cannot help loving them. What would the apostle say about you? Are you born again?

Overcoming the World

Fifth, John wrote: "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world" (I John 5:4).

A man who is born again does not use the world's opinion as his standard of right and wrong. He does not mind going against the world's ways, ideas and customs. What men think or say no longer concerns him. He overcomes the love of the world. He finds no pleasure in things which seem to bring happiness to most people. To him they seem foolish and unworthy of an immortal being.

He loves God's praise more than man's praise. He fears offending God more than offending man. It is unimportant to him whether he is blamed or praised; his first aim is to please God. What would the apostle say about you? Are you born again?

Keeping Oneself Pure

Sixth, John wrote: "He that is begotten of God keepeth himself' (I John 5:18).

A man who is born again is careful of his own soul. He tries not only to avoid sin but also to avoid everything which may lead to it. He is careful about the company he keeps. He knows that evil communications corrupt the heart and that evil is more catching than good, just as disease is more infectious than health. He is careful about the use of his time; his chief desire is to spend it profitable.

He desires to live like a soldier in an enemy country—to wear his armor continually and to be prepared for temptation. He is diligent to be watchful, humble, prayerful man. What would the apostle say about you? Are you born again?

The Test

These are the six great marks of a born again Christian.

There is a vast difference in the depth and distinctness of these marks in different people. In some they are faint and hardly noticeable. In others they are bold, plain and unmistakable, so anyone may read them. Some of these marks are more visible than others in each individual. Seldom are all equally evident in any one person.

But still, after every allowance, here we find boldly painted six marks of being born of God.

How should we react to these things? We can logically come to only one conclusion—only those who are born again have these six characteristics, and those who do not have these marks are not born again. This seems to be the conclusion to which the apostle intended us to come. Do you have these characteristics? Are you born again?





Tuesday, February 20, 2007


6:20 PM
To Everything there is a season, and a time

These verses from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 were not new to me. In secondary school, I had joined the school choir, and we had ever sung the song "To everything there is a season" arranged by my conductor. However, this song didn't leave a very strong impression on me.

This arrangement of the biblical verses into song came to me while I was in army camp. I was asking God daily, why after so much consistant and persistant prayer, my prayers were still not answered. I was praying for the salvation of my friends, for my friends to be convicted by God's word and accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. For many years, I had continually witnessed to the people around me, but I think i was showing no fruits. Being discouraged, I was thinking God was ignoring my prayers because i was too sinful or something...

Then one afternoon, as I was doing my quiet time, I stumbled upon these verses from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. As i read through it, a tune was also going through my head... Although some of the Words didn't fit well in the song, but after some alterations here and there, using some words from my ex-conductor's arrangement, I finally managed to piece together my own arrangement of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

It was as though God through a song was giving me an answer to my questions i had been asking him. The question was :"How long O lord, will it take for my friends to accept Christ? Will they ever believe in Jesus? " The answer was "Be Patient - To everything there is a season, and a time, For every purpose under the heaven's, there is a time appointed for all things that happen. In God's own perfect will" ... How better could God have answered than give me a song? I'm thankful to God for his reply because now I have another song to encourage me.

The Lyrics are as follows:

To everything there is a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

To everything there is a season,
To everything there is a time,
To every purpose under heaven,
There is a season; There is a time.

A time to live, a time to die;
A time to plant, a time for harvest;
To kill and heal; To wreck and build;
There is a season; There is a time.

A time to cry, a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, a time to dance;
A time to cast away, to bring together;
To be embraced, and to refrain.

A time to find and lose; To keep and give
To tear apart, to mend together;
To keep silent, and to speak;
To love and hate; For war and peace.

To everything there is a season,
To everything there is a time,
To every purpose under heaven,
There is a season; There is a time.


The Actual verses from the bible are:


  1. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
  2. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
  3. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
  4. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
  5. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
  6. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
  7. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
  8. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

A bit of extra information:

ECCLESIASTES: This, in general, is a pessimistic book -- with statements that history merely repeats itself and nothing is new, and there is no reason to think of what might have been.

Ecclesiastes states that people should enjoy themselves and the fruits of their labors. The pessimism is most pronounced when considering man and animals returning to dust, and not knowing where their spirits go (Ecclesiastes 3:18-21). A few other points:

  1. "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
  2. "... to accept his lot and be happy in his work -- this is a gift of God..." (Ecclesiastes 5:19-20)
  3. "Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite (i.e., dreaming). This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 6:9).
  4. On predestination: "Whatever exists has already been named, and what man is has been known; no man can contend with One who is stronger than he (i.e., can fight with God)." (Ecclesiastes 6:10)
  5. "...the day of death better than the day of birth." (Ecclesiastes 7:1)
  6. "...all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun...man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it." (Ecclesiastes 8:17)
  7. "Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good." (Ecclesiastes 9:18).
  8. "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap (i.e, if you want perfection, you won't do anything.)." (Ecclesiastes 11:4).
  9. "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." (Ecclesiastes 11:5)
  10. "...the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Sunday, February 18, 2007





My Testimonial
Being Christian in a Non-Christian World
My Plea to Non-Believers
Lyrics to Songs
Hymnpod - Traditional Humns Podcast - Christopher Tan


Welcome to my blog, I'm Luke and I started this blog to pen down some of my thoughts regarding what I believe in as a christian. In no way am I attempting to prove that I am superior in terms of knowledge.

For whatever you may disagree upon, or think is unright, please raise it up at my tag-board. I will answer what I can to my utmost best.

To contact me, you can send me sms through this number 93767336, or email me at sqxluke@gmail.com.

Feel free to use any material I have posted on my blog. * Note that not all posts here are mine.*

I hope through this blog may I be able to strengthen believers and bring non-believers to christ. Do pray for me. God bless you all.

Your faithful friend
~Luke