Lesson 26 of 26 in a series on Old Testament Vistas. This sermon on the book of Lamentations was presented June 26, 2011, at Palm Desert Church of Christ, by Dale Wells.
Why is forgiving others difficult? List some of the affects and consequences of bitterness. List some of the characteristics of being a forgiving person. (Eph. 4:26-32; Heb. 12:11-17) How is it possible for me to forgive others as God has forgiven me? These and other questions are addressed in this study.
The document provides an in-depth analysis of the biblical story of Jonah and its lessons. It examines Jonah's disobedience in refusing God's call to preach to Nineveh and his anger when God spared the city. God used storms, a great fish and a dying plant to reprove Jonah and turn his heart fully to obedience and acceptance of God's mercy for all people. The story conveys important messages about faith over feelings, accepting God's calls, and surrendering one's will to God's.
The document provides an in-depth analysis of the biblical story of Jonah and its lessons. It examines Jonah's disobedience in refusing God's call to preach to Nineveh and the consequences it led to, including a great storm at sea, being thrown overboard, and being swallowed by a large fish. Eventually, Jonah complied with God's command and preached to Nineveh, leading to the city repenting from their wicked ways, much to Jonah's dismay. The story highlights the themes of obedience to God, God's mercy and forgiveness, and not judging others.
The document summarizes Ezekiel's visions and symbolic actions. It describes Ezekiel receiving visions of God's glory that overwhelm him and are followed by instructions. The visions predict coming judgment on Israel for their idolatry and wickedness. Ezekiel performs symbolic actions, like acting out the siege of Jerusalem, to represent God's coming punishment of exile and the removal of His glory from the temple. The document examines Ezekiel's message of warning the people and holding religious and political authorities accountable.
This document appears to be a collection of loosely related quotes and figures from the Bible and history. It includes a quote from Romans about civil authorities bearing the sword as God's ministers to execute wrath on evildoers. It then lists some famous law enforcement figures like J. Edgar Hoover and criminals they pursued. It draws a parallel between Abraham Lincoln and the biblical figure Jephthah, noting ways they were similar. It also includes information about General Daniel Sickles. The document does not provide much context or connection between these various pieces of information.
The document provides guidance on avoiding and overcoming temptation by predetermining your vulnerabilities, protecting your heart through prayer, pointing your attention elsewhere when tempted, and participating in a support group. Key advice includes knowing when and where you are most vulnerable, praying to God for help in times of trouble, focusing on good thoughts and deeds instead of evil ones, and finding freedom and healing through admitting faults to others and praying for each other.
The document discusses the origin and effects of the feeling of guilt according to scripture. It began with Adam and Eve's sin and resulted in shame, fear, and hiding from God. Reactions to guilt include blaming others, justification, and lasting regret like Joseph's brothers felt. Rejecting God's call to repentance can lead to adverse reactions like Judas' despair and suicide. Peter initially denied Christ but later repented through Jesus' forgiving love. The only remedy for guilt is forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's call to repentance.
Lesson 26 of 26 in a series on Old Testament Vistas. This sermon on the book of Lamentations was presented June 26, 2011, at Palm Desert Church of Christ, by Dale Wells.
Why is forgiving others difficult? List some of the affects and consequences of bitterness. List some of the characteristics of being a forgiving person. (Eph. 4:26-32; Heb. 12:11-17) How is it possible for me to forgive others as God has forgiven me? These and other questions are addressed in this study.
The document provides an in-depth analysis of the biblical story of Jonah and its lessons. It examines Jonah's disobedience in refusing God's call to preach to Nineveh and his anger when God spared the city. God used storms, a great fish and a dying plant to reprove Jonah and turn his heart fully to obedience and acceptance of God's mercy for all people. The story conveys important messages about faith over feelings, accepting God's calls, and surrendering one's will to God's.
The document provides an in-depth analysis of the biblical story of Jonah and its lessons. It examines Jonah's disobedience in refusing God's call to preach to Nineveh and the consequences it led to, including a great storm at sea, being thrown overboard, and being swallowed by a large fish. Eventually, Jonah complied with God's command and preached to Nineveh, leading to the city repenting from their wicked ways, much to Jonah's dismay. The story highlights the themes of obedience to God, God's mercy and forgiveness, and not judging others.
The document summarizes Ezekiel's visions and symbolic actions. It describes Ezekiel receiving visions of God's glory that overwhelm him and are followed by instructions. The visions predict coming judgment on Israel for their idolatry and wickedness. Ezekiel performs symbolic actions, like acting out the siege of Jerusalem, to represent God's coming punishment of exile and the removal of His glory from the temple. The document examines Ezekiel's message of warning the people and holding religious and political authorities accountable.
This document appears to be a collection of loosely related quotes and figures from the Bible and history. It includes a quote from Romans about civil authorities bearing the sword as God's ministers to execute wrath on evildoers. It then lists some famous law enforcement figures like J. Edgar Hoover and criminals they pursued. It draws a parallel between Abraham Lincoln and the biblical figure Jephthah, noting ways they were similar. It also includes information about General Daniel Sickles. The document does not provide much context or connection between these various pieces of information.
The document provides guidance on avoiding and overcoming temptation by predetermining your vulnerabilities, protecting your heart through prayer, pointing your attention elsewhere when tempted, and participating in a support group. Key advice includes knowing when and where you are most vulnerable, praying to God for help in times of trouble, focusing on good thoughts and deeds instead of evil ones, and finding freedom and healing through admitting faults to others and praying for each other.
The document discusses the origin and effects of the feeling of guilt according to scripture. It began with Adam and Eve's sin and resulted in shame, fear, and hiding from God. Reactions to guilt include blaming others, justification, and lasting regret like Joseph's brothers felt. Rejecting God's call to repentance can lead to adverse reactions like Judas' despair and suicide. Peter initially denied Christ but later repented through Jesus' forgiving love. The only remedy for guilt is forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's call to repentance.
This document discusses various acts of violence, oppression, and death throughout history including genocides, wars, and abortions. It provides statistics on the number of people killed during the Inquisition, Reign of Terror, Armenian Genocide, Bolshevik rule under Stalin, the Holocaust, Khmer Rouge regime, Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union, by ISIS, and estimated annual abortions worldwide and in the US. It then quotes passages from the book of Revelation about the sounding of the fifth trumpet and the release of locusts from the abyss, and passages from Jude warning about angels abandoning their posts and facing judgment. Finally, it quotes passages from Romans and Miroslav Volf about God judging refusal to receive grace
0514 2 corinthians 710 leaves no regret but worldly sorrow power point church...PowerPoint_Sermons
The document discusses 2 Corinthians 7:10 and how it differentiates between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, while worldly sorrow brings death. Godly grief produces repentance and delivers salvation, without regret, whereas worldly grief is characteristic of non-believers and ends in death.
2 corinthians 7 10 leaves no regret but worldly sorrow power point church sermonPowerPoint_Sermons
The document discusses 2 Corinthians 7:10 and how it differentiates between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, while worldly sorrow brings death. Godly grief produces repentance and contributes to salvation by delivering people from evil without regret, whereas worldly grief is characteristic of non-believers and ends in death.
Judge NOT: What I Must Do Instead of JudgingDave Stewart
Matthew 7:1-6: In this lesson we’ll learn about what we must do instead of judging by looking at the instruction from various passages. Three areas are examined: those in the world, a brother in sin, and a weak brother. Above all, we must show mercy!
The document discusses how positive change and peace in Syria will not occur unless individuals reform themselves first according to God's teachings. It encourages people who love Syria to open the door for peace by making knowledgeable choices and investing in the truth, with half the proceeds going to help Syrian children and refugees. Reform of the self is key to achieving destiny and enjoying freedom, blessing, happiness, success, and triumph by God's promise.
Based on Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges, this lesson focuses on temperance, which is much more than just self-control. Specifically, the issues of food and drink, temper, personal finances, and television, hobbies, and impulse buying are all addressed.
This document discusses the importance of spending time with God in prayer, especially when feeling hurt, worn out, tired, worried, or anxious. It references several Bible passages where Jesus withdrew to solitary places to pray, even when in anguish. The document encourages readers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that they may receive mercy and find grace to help them in their time of need. The overall message is about finding freedom through intentionally connecting with God in prayer.
This document discusses the need for more "heroes" in the world who want to make positive change. It contrasts heroes with victims, who see the world as antagonistic, and scavengers, who prey on victims. It provides biblical passages encouraging compassion for others and seeing the world through the eyes of a savior rather than a victim. It argues that changing one's mindset and outlook can transform a person from a victim to a hero and calls the reader to "reboot" by shutting down old patterns, updating their mind with new perspectives, and restarting with a new life focused on helping others.
The document summarizes the stages in Joseph's life where God worked through difficult circumstances for his good. It describes Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, becoming a servant to Potiphar, being falsely imprisoned, and then being appointed second-in-command over Egypt by Pharaoh after interpreting his dreams. Throughout these hardships, the document asserts that God was with Joseph, prospered him, revealed his plans through dreams, and turned the evil plots against him for good so that he could save many people.
130707 eng supremacy of jesus by ps. peter calvineaglepointcf
This document summarizes a sermon given at Eaglepoint Church on July 7, 2013 about Jesus' supremacy over John the Baptist. The sermon discusses John 3:22-30, where some of John's disciples argue with Jews about purification. When they ask John about Jesus, he responds that Jesus must become greater while he becomes less. The sermon contrasts the views of John's disciples, who see Jesus as a rival, with John's view that Jesus' increasing importance is divinely ordained. It emphasizes that glorifying God, not oneself, is most important.
This document discusses God's wrath and the consequences faced by nations and individuals when they abandon their faith in God. It asserts that God has established spiritual, moral and ethical standards that humanity is expected to obey. If these laws are not followed, God will judge sinful behavior and people will experience his wrath. The document warns that signs of a nation being abandoned by God include immorality, worshipping false gods, believing lies like life having no purpose, and people having depraved minds without conscience. The only hope mentioned is for people to accept God as creator, stop following their own ways, find power to obey God through the Holy Spirit, commit to biblical truth, and be willing to repent from wickedness.
David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed. He tried to conceal his sins but was confronted by Nathan. David repented and confessed his sins. Though forgiven, David still faced consequences for his actions, including the death of his child with Bathsheba. However, through repentance, David was able to find joy in God's salvation again. True repentance requires a changed heart and relying on God rather than oneself to avoid future sins. David's story shows that no matter how serious the sin, God is willing to forgive those who repent.
The document discusses decision making from both biblical and practical perspectives. It notes that our lives are shaped by the decisions we make and that we need to have hearts aligned with God to make right decisions. Both good and bad decisions are examined through the biblical story of Esau and Jacob's different approaches. Key factors in quality decision making are identified as wise counsel, accurate information processing, and including God through prayer.
The document discusses decision making from both biblical and practical perspectives. It notes that our lives are shaped by the decisions we make and that we need to have hearts aligned with God to make right decisions. Both good and bad decisions are examined through the biblical story of Esau and Jacob's different approaches. Key factors in quality decision making are identified as wise counsel, accurate information processing, and including God through prayer.
The parable tells the story of an unjust judge who refuses to grant justice to a widow. Though he does not fear God or care about people, the widow keeps bothering him with her pleas. Eventually, the judge relents just to get rid of her. The lessons are to always pray and not give up, that believers have greater access to God than the widow did to the judge, and that God is righteous unlike the unjust judge.
James Van Praagh, an internationally renowned #1 New York Times Best Selling author and pioneer in mediumship, will be giving a talk titled "An Evening of Spirit" on August 15th from 7pm-10pm at the Unity Church in Chicago. Van Praagh has brought solace and spiritual insights to millions through his accurate mediumship and has appeared on many national radio and television shows. Tickets are available at three price tiers: $52.50 for premium seating, $42.50 for standard seating, and $32.50 for restricted view seating.
Karena shares insights, stories, and scriptures meant to stir us up to make plans, take risks, and step forward into the great dreams and passions we share with God. Along the way, we'll almost surely experience intimidation and fears. From a talk given August 19, 2017 at Blazing Fire church blazingfire.org
A customer in a barber shop gets into a discussion with the barber about God's existence. The barber argues that God does not exist because of all the suffering in the world, like sick people and abandoned children. The customer later sees a disheveled man outside and uses it as an analogy to explain to the barber that just as barbers exist even if some people do not get haircuts, God exists even if people experience suffering because not all seek God for help.
explore and embrace your individuality. It is your strength. Your career and your life are too short. Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks about you, and worry about what you think about you.
Physical, Psychological and Spiritual Suffering and Your CareerEmployment Crossing
Suffering is a fact of life and cannot be ignored. There are three types of suffering: physical, psychological and spiritual. Harrison advises a balance among these three forms of suffering so that we do not experience any one of them in too great a proportion to the others. It is by balancing the suffering we are experiencing in the world that we are able to live lives of fulfillment.
Dr Tim Harlow, Hospiscare Consultant
Spiritual causes of physical pain, presented at the Holy Living, Holy Dying conference held in Exeter on 2 November 2009
This document discusses various acts of violence, oppression, and death throughout history including genocides, wars, and abortions. It provides statistics on the number of people killed during the Inquisition, Reign of Terror, Armenian Genocide, Bolshevik rule under Stalin, the Holocaust, Khmer Rouge regime, Stalin's rule in the Soviet Union, by ISIS, and estimated annual abortions worldwide and in the US. It then quotes passages from the book of Revelation about the sounding of the fifth trumpet and the release of locusts from the abyss, and passages from Jude warning about angels abandoning their posts and facing judgment. Finally, it quotes passages from Romans and Miroslav Volf about God judging refusal to receive grace
0514 2 corinthians 710 leaves no regret but worldly sorrow power point church...PowerPoint_Sermons
The document discusses 2 Corinthians 7:10 and how it differentiates between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, while worldly sorrow brings death. Godly grief produces repentance and delivers salvation, without regret, whereas worldly grief is characteristic of non-believers and ends in death.
2 corinthians 7 10 leaves no regret but worldly sorrow power point church sermonPowerPoint_Sermons
The document discusses 2 Corinthians 7:10 and how it differentiates between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, while worldly sorrow brings death. Godly grief produces repentance and contributes to salvation by delivering people from evil without regret, whereas worldly grief is characteristic of non-believers and ends in death.
Judge NOT: What I Must Do Instead of JudgingDave Stewart
Matthew 7:1-6: In this lesson we’ll learn about what we must do instead of judging by looking at the instruction from various passages. Three areas are examined: those in the world, a brother in sin, and a weak brother. Above all, we must show mercy!
The document discusses how positive change and peace in Syria will not occur unless individuals reform themselves first according to God's teachings. It encourages people who love Syria to open the door for peace by making knowledgeable choices and investing in the truth, with half the proceeds going to help Syrian children and refugees. Reform of the self is key to achieving destiny and enjoying freedom, blessing, happiness, success, and triumph by God's promise.
Based on Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges, this lesson focuses on temperance, which is much more than just self-control. Specifically, the issues of food and drink, temper, personal finances, and television, hobbies, and impulse buying are all addressed.
This document discusses the importance of spending time with God in prayer, especially when feeling hurt, worn out, tired, worried, or anxious. It references several Bible passages where Jesus withdrew to solitary places to pray, even when in anguish. The document encourages readers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that they may receive mercy and find grace to help them in their time of need. The overall message is about finding freedom through intentionally connecting with God in prayer.
This document discusses the need for more "heroes" in the world who want to make positive change. It contrasts heroes with victims, who see the world as antagonistic, and scavengers, who prey on victims. It provides biblical passages encouraging compassion for others and seeing the world through the eyes of a savior rather than a victim. It argues that changing one's mindset and outlook can transform a person from a victim to a hero and calls the reader to "reboot" by shutting down old patterns, updating their mind with new perspectives, and restarting with a new life focused on helping others.
The document summarizes the stages in Joseph's life where God worked through difficult circumstances for his good. It describes Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, becoming a servant to Potiphar, being falsely imprisoned, and then being appointed second-in-command over Egypt by Pharaoh after interpreting his dreams. Throughout these hardships, the document asserts that God was with Joseph, prospered him, revealed his plans through dreams, and turned the evil plots against him for good so that he could save many people.
130707 eng supremacy of jesus by ps. peter calvineaglepointcf
This document summarizes a sermon given at Eaglepoint Church on July 7, 2013 about Jesus' supremacy over John the Baptist. The sermon discusses John 3:22-30, where some of John's disciples argue with Jews about purification. When they ask John about Jesus, he responds that Jesus must become greater while he becomes less. The sermon contrasts the views of John's disciples, who see Jesus as a rival, with John's view that Jesus' increasing importance is divinely ordained. It emphasizes that glorifying God, not oneself, is most important.
This document discusses God's wrath and the consequences faced by nations and individuals when they abandon their faith in God. It asserts that God has established spiritual, moral and ethical standards that humanity is expected to obey. If these laws are not followed, God will judge sinful behavior and people will experience his wrath. The document warns that signs of a nation being abandoned by God include immorality, worshipping false gods, believing lies like life having no purpose, and people having depraved minds without conscience. The only hope mentioned is for people to accept God as creator, stop following their own ways, find power to obey God through the Holy Spirit, commit to biblical truth, and be willing to repent from wickedness.
David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed. He tried to conceal his sins but was confronted by Nathan. David repented and confessed his sins. Though forgiven, David still faced consequences for his actions, including the death of his child with Bathsheba. However, through repentance, David was able to find joy in God's salvation again. True repentance requires a changed heart and relying on God rather than oneself to avoid future sins. David's story shows that no matter how serious the sin, God is willing to forgive those who repent.
The document discusses decision making from both biblical and practical perspectives. It notes that our lives are shaped by the decisions we make and that we need to have hearts aligned with God to make right decisions. Both good and bad decisions are examined through the biblical story of Esau and Jacob's different approaches. Key factors in quality decision making are identified as wise counsel, accurate information processing, and including God through prayer.
The document discusses decision making from both biblical and practical perspectives. It notes that our lives are shaped by the decisions we make and that we need to have hearts aligned with God to make right decisions. Both good and bad decisions are examined through the biblical story of Esau and Jacob's different approaches. Key factors in quality decision making are identified as wise counsel, accurate information processing, and including God through prayer.
The parable tells the story of an unjust judge who refuses to grant justice to a widow. Though he does not fear God or care about people, the widow keeps bothering him with her pleas. Eventually, the judge relents just to get rid of her. The lessons are to always pray and not give up, that believers have greater access to God than the widow did to the judge, and that God is righteous unlike the unjust judge.
James Van Praagh, an internationally renowned #1 New York Times Best Selling author and pioneer in mediumship, will be giving a talk titled "An Evening of Spirit" on August 15th from 7pm-10pm at the Unity Church in Chicago. Van Praagh has brought solace and spiritual insights to millions through his accurate mediumship and has appeared on many national radio and television shows. Tickets are available at three price tiers: $52.50 for premium seating, $42.50 for standard seating, and $32.50 for restricted view seating.
Karena shares insights, stories, and scriptures meant to stir us up to make plans, take risks, and step forward into the great dreams and passions we share with God. Along the way, we'll almost surely experience intimidation and fears. From a talk given August 19, 2017 at Blazing Fire church blazingfire.org
A customer in a barber shop gets into a discussion with the barber about God's existence. The barber argues that God does not exist because of all the suffering in the world, like sick people and abandoned children. The customer later sees a disheveled man outside and uses it as an analogy to explain to the barber that just as barbers exist even if some people do not get haircuts, God exists even if people experience suffering because not all seek God for help.
explore and embrace your individuality. It is your strength. Your career and your life are too short. Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks about you, and worry about what you think about you.
Physical, Psychological and Spiritual Suffering and Your CareerEmployment Crossing
Suffering is a fact of life and cannot be ignored. There are three types of suffering: physical, psychological and spiritual. Harrison advises a balance among these three forms of suffering so that we do not experience any one of them in too great a proportion to the others. It is by balancing the suffering we are experiencing in the world that we are able to live lives of fulfillment.
Dr Tim Harlow, Hospiscare Consultant
Spiritual causes of physical pain, presented at the Holy Living, Holy Dying conference held in Exeter on 2 November 2009
The document describes various feelings and emotional states that people can experience, including astonishment, confusion, delight, desperation, devastation, disappointment, exhaustion, being fed up, fury, gratitude, homesickness, loneliness, misery, nervousness, offense, relief, shock, stun, terror, thrill, and upset.
Ephesians Revisited | Paul's letter to the Churches surrounding EphesusSteve Thomason
This letter is attributed to the Apostle Paul and contains a beautiful picture of a unified church that is structured around mutual submission and edification. Many scholars believe that this letter was written by students of Paul's teachings in another generation after Paul's death. Either way, there is much to learn from this letter about how to be the church in a hostile world.
A Visual Guide to 1 Samuel | A Tale of Two HeartsSteve Thomason
These slides walk through the story of 1 Samuel. Samuel is the last judge of Israel. The people reject God and want a king. Saul is anointed as the first king, but he is not a good king. David, the shepherd boy is anointed and Saul is envious of him. David shows honor while Saul continues to self destruct.
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
What is the purpose of the Sabbath Law in the Torah. It is interesting to compare how the context of the law shifts from Exodus to Deuteronomy. Who gets to rest, and why?
Jars of Clay | 2 Corinthians 4 | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
The Apostle Paul reminds his friends in the church of Corinth in 2 Corinthians 4, that we hold this treasure of God's grace in jars of clay. No matter what our circumstances, we can persevere.
The Apostle Paul offers his friends in Corinth a description of God's love that offers hope for reconciliation to a divided group. This most excellent way found in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 is what our world needs today.
view commentary at https://cartoonistbible.com/visuals/1-corinthians-131-8-what-is-love/
A Cartoonist's Guide to Holy Week in the Four GospelsSteve Thomason
This presentation contains a graphic novel style illustration of the story of Holy Week from all four Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Visit cartoonistbible.com/holyweek to explore these amazing stories.
This presentation walks through Mark 1:1-20 and highlights Jesus' message of the Kingdom of God. What does it mean to "repent and believe the Good News?"
The document discusses Trinitarian theology and its implications for understanding God and human relationships. It explores how the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit living in community can inform how humans live in society. The Trinity is presented as a model of self-giving love between persons that Christians aim to emulate in their own relationships and communities.
What is the Bible and why does it matter? This presentation offers a visual introduction to the Bible as a bookshelf, a shared story, a window to Jesus, and meditation literature. Walk through the books, timeline, and maps of the Bible.
This presentation is designed to help high school students prepare for the inevitable moment of deconstruction that will happen in their lives and various ways that people process the experience.
This image was inspired by a lecture given by Dr. Aaron Simmons, a professor of Philosophy at Furnam University, at Theology Beer Camp on October 21, 2023. He was talking about Ethics after Deconstruction, drawing from Kierkegaard and existentialist philosophy.
The End of Theological Education Presentation.pptxSteve Thomason
My visual book review of The End of Theological Education by Ted Smith. This was presented to the faculty of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN on October 25, 2023.
A Cartoonist's Guide to Acts is a full-color graphic novel and image pack telling the story of how Jesus' first disciples took the good news across cultural barriers. Use these images to enhance your preaching and teaching by engaging your audience in a fresh way.
Jesus Feeds 4,000 | A Cartoonist's Guide to Matthew 15:1-16:12Steve Thomason
Matthew 15:1-16:12 tells the story of Jesus in Genessarat where he speaks with the Syro-Phoenician woman, feeds 4,000+ people with seven loaves and some fish, and is confronted by the religious leaders.
This PowerPoint presentation walks through the Cartoonist's Guide to Matthew Graphic Novel panel-by-panel. You might use some of these images to illustrate a sermon, teach a class, or to help you study.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms for those who already suffer from conditions like anxiety and depression.
Does the American Dream of independence reflect Jesus' dream of the Kingdom of God? In this post we reflect on dependence, independence, and interdependence. read post at https://www.stevethomason.net/2023/06/28/a-declaration-of-interdependence-reflections-on-independence-day/
The Trinity: A Cartoonist's Guide to the Triune GodSteve Thomason
Let's face it. Talking about God is difficult. How can finite human beings comprehend the infinite, ultimate reality. One of the ways that Christians have attempted to describe the nature of God is with the language of trinity. God is three in one. This PowerPoint offers some visuals to help you study and teach on the Trinity. Enjoy!
Astronism, Cosmism and Cosmodeism: the space religions espousing the doctrine...Cometan
This lecture created by Brandon Taylorian (aka Cometan) specially for the CESNUR Conference held Bordeaux in June 2024 provides a brief introduction to the legacy of religious and philosophical thought that Astronism emerges from, namely the discourse on transcension started assuredly by the Cosmists in Russia in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and then carried on and developed by Mordecai Nessyahu in Cosmodeism in the twentieth century. Cometan also then provides some detail on his story in founding Astronism in the early twenty-first century from 2013 along with details on the central Astronist doctrine of transcension. Finally, the lecture concludes with some contributions made by space religions and space philosophy and their influences on various cultural facets in art, literature and film.
The Book of Revelation, filled with symbolic and apocalyptic imagery, presents one of its most striking visions in Revelation 9:3-12—the locust army. Understanding the significance of this locust army provides insight into the broader themes of divine judgment, protection, and the ultimate triumph of God’s will as depicted in Revelation.
Unleash your spiritual growth journey as a truth-seeker!
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
Tracking "The Blessing" - Christianity · Spiritual Growth · Success
Do you ever feel like your Bible highlighting isn't quite enough to ignite lasting spiritual growth? Have you struggled to retain key takeaways from your Bible study sessions?
Discover how living in 4D can transform your highlighting into a strategic tool for spiritual development.
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
In this video, you'll gain insights on:
How highlighting key verses and themes can enhance memory and retention of Scripture (we see a few key ones, here!)
Studies have shown that highlighting can significantly improve information recall. Highlighting key points visually reinforces them in your mind, leading to better long-term memory.
How to personalize your Bible study through strategic highlighting. Don't just highlight everything!
This video will teach you how to strategically highlight based on what resonates with you, focusing on central themes, recurring ideas, or connections between different passages.
Watch More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
How connecting highlighted passages can reveal deeper biblical truths. By highlighting these connections, you can see the bigger picture and uncover the underlying messages within Scripture.
By the end of this video, you'll be equipped to unlock the hidden potential within your highlighted Bible and embark on a transformative spiritual growth journey! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more inspiring content on deepening your faith.
Note: For Christians seeking to enrich their Bible study and deepen their faith, as well as any other spiritual seeker of truth and growth.
Learn More:
👉https://tkg.tf/4D
taittreya upanishad - tradition of yoga and Upanishads, this concept of panch...Karuna Yoga Vidya Peetham
In his search towards reality or the unchanging fundamental unit of this universe, a scientist started with the external gross world of solid matter which is simple and easy to see, divide, and do experiments with.
This search led him through steps of understanding of this entire world of matter starting from elements, molecules, atoms, protons, neutrons and electrons;
He further understood that it is all packets of energy.
The atoms conglomerate together to form various chemicals; our body is therefore a permutation and combination of various chemicals. (Packets of energy in various configurations) When they join together they form molecules, cells, tissues organs, etc.
These follow certain well defined laws of nature and are controlled by nervous (electrical) and chemical (hormones) mechanisms to bring about movement and action in each and every cell.
Thus annamaya kosha is the physical frame which the grossest of the five Koshas.
The Power of Actions Slideshow by: Kal-elKal-el Shows
This message, “The Power of Actions”, emphasizes just how powerful moving actions are and gives us strong actions of advice as to how we use to do with actions.
ACTIONS is EVERYTHING! They bless or they curse, lift up or known down,
embrace it or unbrace it!
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FAITHFULNESS
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LOVE CHARMS
I DO ALL THE FOLLOWING SPELLS
*Binding Your
PHASE-IV
The very deep experience of silence helps to expand from the 3 - dimensional awareness of the body to all pervasive awareness. The bed of silence becomes deeper and more expansive - an ocean of silence with waves on it merge into complete silence called Ajapa state of the mind. This silence is the source of Creativity, Power, Knowledge and Bliss.
PHASE V
From this deep ocean of silence in the heart region, let one OM emerge as an audible sound which diffuses into the entire body and the space all around. Enjoy the beautiful vibrations.
Blink the eyes slowly, gently open the eyes and come out of meditation.
Lição 12: João 15 a 17 – O Espírito Santo e a Oração Sacerdotal | 2° Trimestr...OmarBarrezueta1
Esta lição é uma oportunidade para discutirmos um assunto multo mal interpretado no contexto cristão, que é o fato de algumas pessoas pensarem que o conhecer Jesus é ter a nossa vida mudada em todas as áreas, como se Deus tivesse o dever de transportar-nos deste mundo para um outro mundo onde muitas coisas maravilhosas que desejamos seriam reais. No entanto, a nossa fé não nos tira do mundo após nos convertermos; ao invés disso, permanecemos vivendo sob as mesmas circunstâncias. O propósito de Deus não é nos tirar do mundo, mas nos livrar das ações do maligno (Jo 17.15), Sendo assim, a vida eterna não significa estar fora da realidade deste mundo, mas conhecer o único Deus verdadeiro (Jo 17.3).
chakra yoga
Number of petals: 4 Location: Base of the spine Name: Foundation
Plane: Physical plane Sense Organ: Nose Work Organ: Anus Sense: Smell Element: Earth Shape: Square Sound: Lang
Muladhara is the root centre of physical experience, located at the base of the spine, the sacral plexus. The square represents the earth itself, the four dimensions and the four directions. Four allows for completion, and earth embodies the elements and conditions for human completion on all levels.
Muladhara Chakra is the meeting place of the three main nadis: Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. The downward-pointing triangle indicates the downward movement of energy and the three main nadis.
The seed mantra is Lam, the yellow square represents the earth element. The Muladhara chakra governs the vital breath Apana. An inverted triangle in the centre of the square encloses the unmanifest Kundalini, represented as a snake wrapped in three and a half coils around the svayambhu (self born) linga. Because her mouth faces downward, the flow of energy is downward.
The opening at the entrance of the sushumna is called brahma-dvara, the door of Brahma, which is closed by the coils of the sleeping Kundalini. As soon as one begins working with Muladhara chakra, this dormant energy awakens, raises its head and flows freely into the channel of Sushumna, the central nerve canal that runs along the spine. These two aspects of the kundalini: sleeping and waking, are identified as her “poison” and her “nectar.” The kundalini is poison when she remains asleep in the lower abdomen; she is nectar when she rises up through Sushumna, the medial channel, to reunite with Siva, the Absolute, in the yogin’s cranial vault.
In the pericarp is found the presiding deity Brahma, the lord of creation. His skin is the color of wheat, he wears a yellow dhoti and a green scarf. Brahma is four-faced, four-armed, holding in his upper left hand a lotus flower, the symbol of purity.
2nd issue of Volume 15. A magazine in urdu language mainly based on spiritual treatment and learning. Many topics on ISLAM, SUFISM, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SELF HELP, PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, SPIRITUAL TREATMENT, Ruqya etc.A very useful magazine for everyone.
7. • fornication,
• impurity,
• licentiousness,
• idolatry,
• sorcery,
• enmities,
• strife,
• jealousy,
• anger,
• quarrels,
• dissensions,
• factions,
• envy,
• drunkenness,
• carousing,
• and things like these.
The Works of
the Flesh
Galatians 5:19-21
They enslave us,
Put us to sleep,
And lead to
pain and suffering
8. “God whispers to us in
our pleasures, speaks in
our conscience,
but shouts in our pains:
it is his megaphone
to rouse a deaf world.”
9.
10. Three Perspectives on Wisdom
Do good = the good life
Do evil = pain and suffering
The contract
with God
(see also Deuteronomy 30:11-20)
Proverbs
13. “You never know how much
you really believe anything
until its truth of falsehood
becomes a matter of life and
death to you. It is easy to say
you believe a rope to be
strong and sound as long as
you are merely using it to cord
a box. But suppose you had to
hang by that rope over a
precipice. Wouldn't you then
first discover how much you
really trusted it?”
14. “Aren't all these notes the
senseless writings of a man
who won't accept the fact
that there is nothing we can
do with suffering except to
suffer it?”
“This is one of the miracles of
love: It gives a power of
seeing through its own
enchantments and yet not
being disenchanted.”
Editor's Notes
Today, in this third week of our series on Job, we stand here, in the Dark Night of the Soul.
There is a fourth phase of spiritual growth.
It is called UNION.
It is that place in which we realize that all the striving and struggling that we went through isn’t actually the point of life. It is a place when we come to a deep sense of relationship with God that can sit with the unknowing.
That is what Pastor Mark is going to teach us about next week.
So today, here is my challenge for you.
Where are you in this process?
Is God giving you a wake up call? Do you need to confess and purge and taste the freedom of life in the Spirit? If so, talk to us.
Or, are you in this space with Job.
If so, know that the Hollywood ending is true for us. We, as followers of Jesus, can know that our redeemer does live. We know that God is with us every step of the way. Pain and all.
Amen.
Do any of you remember the 1985 Movie called Brazil, by Terry Gilliam?
It’s a classic dystopian future movie with a quirky twist. What’s interesting about this movie is that the original version that was released in Europe had a really depressing ending. The hero loses, because that’s the point of the movie.
When Universal pictures agreed to release it in the U.S. they forced Gilliam to change it to a happy, Hollywood ending, because depressing doesn’t sell in our country.
This week, I was faced with a similar dilemma as we come to this third week in our series on Job.
Let’s be honest. Job is a depressing book and do we really want to talk about suffering for five weeks?
Way back, a few months ago, when I was doing a quick overview of the series I saw the focal text for this week and thought, “Whew! At least we can have a little glimmer of hope in the midst of all this darkness.”
Look at Job 19:25. Job says,
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth.”
When we look at that verse through our 21st century, Christian lenses, we automatically think, “Our Redeemer is Jesus and, no matter how bad life gets, we always know that Jesus’ resurrection has conquered Sin and Death and God will make it all right in the end.”
That is true. Here me. That is true. Jesus is our redeemer and God has promised to be with us through the dark times. We talked about that last week.
But, here’s the problem.
That is NOT what Job is saying here.
If we took the time and really read closely in the context, Job is actually in a dark pit of despair when he says these words.
Let me explain.
Remember that the big chunk of Job that runs from chapters 3-31 is a series of conversations between Job and his three so-called friends. All four of them believe that the only reason a person suffers is because of sin.
The friends accuse him of sin. Job defends his innocence.
Job 19 is right in the midst of this dialogue.
Job hasn’t learned the lesson yet. He is still stuck in his dilemma.
“He’s saying,
I know I am innocent. God is torturing me. I don’t understand why. Someday, someone will Vindicate me, be my redeemer, and stand up for me to prove that I’m innocent, but I’ll probably be dead and gone by then. Woe is me.”
That’s a depressing and dark passage.
So, do I give you the Happy Hollywood, Sunday message, or do I speak the depressing truth about this passage.
Since Job is still stuck in his big questions about suffering and pain, I decided to take this week as an opportunity to talk about the bigger topic of pain and how it fits into the process of spiritual growth.
There are lots of different kinds of pain and some pain actually does have a purpose.
You can see that I have four tables set up here. I want to use them to walk through the process of how we grow spiritually and show how pain plays a part along the way.
There are four basic moments, or phases in our spiritual development.
The first one is the Wake Up call.
I want you to look at this list. It comes from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia. He calls these the work of the flesh. These are the things that plague us.
Fornication. The Greek word is pornea. This is any kind of sexual immorality.
Impurity of all kinds
Licentiousness, the idea that you can do whatever you want and no body better judge you
Idolatry
Sorcery, the manipulation of elemental forces to get your own way
Enmities and strife, just liking to cause trouble
Jealousy
Anger
Quarrels
Dissension
Factions
Envy
Drunkenness
Carousing
Just to name a few.
Every single one of us wrestles with at least two of these, I guarantee it.
When these things go unchecked in our lives, they enslave us and put us to sleep, and neutralize us for being able to live into the life of the Kingdom that Jesus invites us to live.
The first step of spiritual growth is the WAKE UP phase.
99% of the time it requires some form of pain to wake us up.
C.S. Lewis said, in The Problem of Pain,
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
When you cheat on your spouse, you leave a trail of pain and suffering.
When you gossip and back bite and stir up trouble, you cause pain and suffering.
When you betray your family and friends to get your next fix, you cause pain and suffering.
And eventually the world comes crashing down on your head.
At that point we have a choice.
Do we listen to God, or keep doing what we’re doing?
It requires confession, repentance, and reconciliation.
When we respond to God’s Wake Up Call, then we enter into the next phase of the process.
This is The PURGE.
God takes the bleach, the sand paper, and the chisel and scrapes and grinds away the junk in our lives that is keeping us in chains. We must take on a warfare mentality in this phase and battle against the demons that rage around us.
This is hard, painful work.
But, eventually, we find victory.
By God’s grace and mercy we realize that we have been forgiven, that God has always loved us and actually wants us to live in freedom. The freedom we have is not to live to gratify the works of the flesh, but it is the freedom to let the Spirit of God flow through us and produce fruit.
This is the way of LIGHT.
It is what Jesus talked about when he said in John 15,
“if you remain in me you will bear much fruit.”
This is a wonderful way to live.
I bring this up because I want to make something very clear.
The painful process of these first three phases is the wisdom of Proverbs and it is right and good.
I don’t want anyone to misunderstand what I’ve been saying during this series on Job. I am not trying to devalue the book of Proverbs. God has created the universe with wisdom. The works of the flesh are foolish and stupid, and they do lead to destruction.
The works of the flesh are not the ways of Jesus.
They are not compatible with the Kingdom of God. And we must be careful as followers of Jesus to think, Oh, God’s all about Grace and Forgiveness, so I can party as much as I want.
NO!
God loves you so much that he will beat the Hell out of you. He will allow the consequences of your foolishness to crash in on you. And he will love you through all of it.
OK? Proverbs is good and true. And sometimes, pain is God’s correction for a foolish child.
But, what happens when the light goes out?
What happens when we have passed through the PURGE and we have been experiencing this amazing season of fruitfulness and spiritual excitement, and then the bottom drops out,
The child dies,
We lose our job,
Cancer withers our bodies,
And we haven’t been fostering the works of the flesh?
This is what St. John of the Cross called the Dark Night of the Soul.
This is the suffering of Job.
I quoted C.S. Lewis’ book The Problem of Pain earlier.
He wrote that book when he was a single man. He was an academic and he thought very logically.
But then he got married to a woman named Joy, and they were very much in love. Then Joy died of cancer and Lewis experienced a pain that he had never known.
It is fascinating to listen to the ways he discusses pain and God after he had experienced it. That’s what this book called A Grief Observed is all about.
Here are some quotes.
“You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth of falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong and sound as long as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice. Wouldn't you then first discover how much you really trusted it?”
“Aren't all these notes the senseless writings of a man who won't accept the fact that there is nothing we can do with suffering except to suffer it?”
“This is one of the miracles of love: It gives a power of seeing through its own enchantments and yet not being disenchanted.”
Today, in this third week of our series on Job, we stand here, in the Dark Night of the Soul.
There is a fourth phase of spiritual growth.
It is called UNION.
It is that place in which we realize that all the striving and struggling that we went through isn’t actually the point of life. It is a place when we come to a deep sense of relationship with God that can sit with the unknowing.
That is what Pastor Mark is going to teach us about next week.
So today, here is my challenge for you.
Where are you in this process?
Is God giving you a wake up call? Do you need to confess and purge and taste the freedom of life in the Spirit? If so, talk to us.
Or, are you in this space with Job.
If so, know that the Hollywood ending is true for us. We, as followers of Jesus, can know that our redeemer does live. We know that God is with us every step of the way. Pain and all.
Amen.