The ‘Hot Topic’ Issue- ABORTION

Its one of the hottest and most frequently fought about issue surrounding our politics. Millions of people, and almost every “Eveangelical” votes pro-life. While some argue that a woman has the right not to be pregnant, most agree that a baby shouldn’t die for her comfort. (Try saying ‘no’ next time.) The information I have gathered here comes mostly from the web site http://abort73.com, which I highly recommend. They have very little commentary and a lot of fact. The facts are brutal, cold and honest. This is purely statistical, so there is really no room for argument here. Still, feel free to comment, whether you support life or not.

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WHAT IS PERSONHOOD?

(From http://abort73.com )

There are essentially two issues which must be resolved concerning unborn embryos and fetuses. The first is, “Are they human beings?” The second is, “Should they be recognized as persons under the law?” We’ve already established that there is no debate on the first question. It is a matter of plain, objective science. Embryos and fetuses are fully and individually human from the moment of fertilization on. If this were not true, if unborn children were not demonstrably human, there would be no need to even talk about rights of personhood. “Removing a fetus” would be the moral equivalent of pulling a tooth. This, however, is not the case, and so the debate must now enter the political arena.

There is a very real sense in which the need to answer this second question is, in itself, an absurdity. If you look up the word “person” in your average dictionary (we’ll use Webster’s), you’ll find something like this:

Person n. A human being.

A person, simply put, is a human being. This fact should be enough. The intrinsic humanity of unborn children, by definition, makes them persons and should, therefore, guarantee their protection under the law. For more than thirty years, however, this has not been the case. The situation we are left with is this. In America today, there is a huge and singular group of living human beings who have no protection under the law and are being killed en masse every day. Is that not astounding?! It is astounding, but not wholly unprecedented.

There have been at least two other instances in American history in which specific groups of human beings were stripped of their rights of personhood as a means of justifying their horrible mistreatment. African-Americans and Native-Americans both felt the brunt of a system which denied their humanity, stripped their personhood and subjected them to horrors beyond measure. While the legal framework that made such injustice possible has now been removed, it remains firmly in place for unborn Americans.

There remains one, and only one, group of human beings in the U.S. today for which being human is not enough. The inconvenience of their existence has resulted in a legal loophole of shameful proportions. What is a person? A person is a human being (unless, of course, you haven’t been born yet, in which case we’ll define personhood in any way possible so as to exclude you, kill you and forget you).

Welcome to America.

 

PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

Since abortion advocates must concede that abortion kills a living human being, many try arguing that embryos and early fetuses aren’t developed enough to be morally significant. The following timeline will help put such claims in better perspective.

FERTILIZATION

At the moment of fertilization, a new and unique human being comes into existence with its own distinct genetic code. Twenty-three chromosomes from the mother and twenty-three chromosomes from the father combine to result in a brand-new and totally unique genetic combination. Whereas the heart, lungs, and hair of a woman all share the same genetic code, her unborn child, from the moment of fertilization, has a separate genetic code that is all its own. There is enough information in this tiny zygote to control human growth and development for the rest of its life.

EIGHT DAYS (from fertilization)

At about eight days after conception, the fertilized ovum (called a blastocyst) implants in the lining of the uterus. It emits chemical substances which weaken the woman’s immune system within the uterus so that this tiny “foreign” body is not rejected by the woman’s body.

THREE WEEKS (from fertilization)

By the third week of pregnancy (approximately 21 days after fertilization), the heart begins to beat, pumping blood throughout the body, and the brain begins dividing into three primary sections (forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain).

 

FOUR WEEKS (from fertilization)

Arms and legs begin taking shape at four weeks, and the embryo is now surrounded and protected by the amniotic sac.

FIVE WEEKS (from fertilization)

Permanent kidneys appear during the fifth week, and the external portions of the ear begin to differentiate. Hands and wrists are also beginning to take shape.

SIX WEEKS (from fertilization)

By the sixth week, the brain emits waves which register on an EEG (electroencephalogram). This is the legal standard for determining if someone is alive after birth. The heartbeat can be heard with an ultrasonic stethoscope, the embryo responds reflexively to stimulus and may be able to feel pain. Bone ossification begins at this point as well.

SEVEN WEEKS (from fertilization)

Startle responses can be observed after 7 weeks, and female ovaries are now identifiable. Fingers and toes are now distinctly separated, and knee joints are present.

EIGHT WEEKS (from fertilization)

By the eighth week of pregnancy, every organ is present and in place. Ninety percent of the structures found in an adult human being can now be found in this tiny embryo which is only about an inch and a half long. The brain, at this point, makes up almost half of the embryo’s total body weight, and 75% of 8-week embryos demonstrate right-hand dominance. Intermittent breathing motions (though there is no air present in the uterus) occur, the kidneys begin producing urine, and male testes are releasing testosterone. As the skin thickens, it loses much of its transparency.

 

NINE WEEKS (from fertilization)

The eyelids close at this point, and fetuses are now capable of sucking their thumb, swallowing amniotic fluid, grasping objects and responding to touch. The uterus can be recognized in female fetuses and external genitalia become more recognizable.

TEN WEEKS (from fertilization)

Fingernails, toenails and unique fingerprints all appear .

TWENTY-ONE WEEKS (from fertilization)

Viability generally begins at 21-weeks (barely 1/2 of full gestation) when a baby has a 15% chance of survival outside the womb.

BIRTH

The fetus initiates labor by stimulating the adrenal cortex to secrete a hormone that induces the mother’s uterus to begin contracting. It is the fetus who determines when it’s time for birth.

 

 

ABORTION TECHNIQUES

Abortion is not a benign procedure. It is the violent and unnatural destruction of a living human being. Listed below you will find information on the various methods used to “terminate a pregnancy”.

Suction Aspiration or Vacuum Aspiration Abortion (See images A-C below):

Suction Aspiration abortion (also called Vacuum Aspiration) is the most common abortion procedure in practice today. About 90% of all abortions happen in the first trimester, and this method accounts for the vast majority of those first trimester abortions. For the procedure to begin, the woman’s cervix must be manually dilated with a series of rods to allow for the insertion of a hollow plastic tube with a sharp cutting-tip. This tube is connected to a suction machine that is able to pull the tiny embryo or fetus apart (killing him or her in the process). The remains are sucked out of the mother and deposited into a collection canister. The placenta must then be cut away from the inner wall of the woman’s uterus before it, too, can be sucked into a collection bottle. Suction Aspiration Abortions are not generally performed before the 7th week or after the 15th.

This is how the procedure is described by a typical abortion provider.

Medical Abortion (like Mifepristone / RU-486):

Recently, non-surgical abortion techniques have increased in frequency, but have not taken hold like many predicted. Medical abortions are a two-step procedure, generally requiring three trips to an abortion facility, and can be performed on embryos in the first six or seven weeks of pregnancy. Patients that smoke, have asthma, high blood pressure or are obese cannot take the necessary drugs for a medical abortion. Those that do qualify begin the process by taking the first pill (RU-486 or mifepristone) to block the hormone (progesterone) that maintains the uterus‘ nutrient lining during pregnancy. Once the uterus is compromised, the embryo starves and dies. Two days later, the woman returns to the abortion facility for a dose of misoprostol to initiate uterine contractions. Most women will expel the dead embryo within four hours of taking the second drug. The final visit must take place two weeks later to ensure that the abortion has taken place. If it hasn’t, which is true in 5-10% of all cases*, a surgical abortion will then be required.

This is how the procedure is described by a typical abortion provider.

This is one abortion provider’s comparison between medical abortion and suction abortion.

* Élisabeth Aubeny and É.É.Baulieu, “Contragestion with Ru 486 and an orally active prostaglandin,” C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris (III), Vol. 312 (1991), pp. 539-545, obtained a 95% completion rate with women 49 days amenorrhea or less. Carolyn McKinley, et al, “The effect of dose of mifepristone and gestation on the efficacy of medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol,” Hum. Reproduc., Vol. 8 (1993), pp. 1502-1503, obtained a completion rate of 89.1% for women 50-63 days amenorrhea.

Dilation & Curettage (D&C) or Sharp Curettage Abortion:

In a Dilation & Curettage abortion, a sharp curette is used to dismember and remove the embryo or fetus from the mother’s uterus (instead of the suction cannula used in the above procedure). The curette is inserted directly into the mother’s uterus and used to scrape, first, the baby and then the placenta out of the uterus and through the cervix. Bleeding is generally profuse. Dilation & Curettage may also be used in non-abortive circumstances to treat abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, etc.

 

Dilation and Evacuation (D and E) Abortion (see A-D images below):

 Dilation and Evacuation is a 2nd trimester abortion procedure. For the procedure to take place, the woman’s cervix must first be dilated, usually with laminaria, over a two or three day period prior to the abortion. Laminaria sticks are made of sterilized and compressed seaweed that can be inserted into a woman’s cervix. Here, they begin expanding from moisture absorption, resulting in an enlarged cervix. When the woman returns for the actual abortion to take place, forceps are inserted through the enlarged cervix into the uterus. The abortion provider then uses the forceps instrument to dismember the fetus by seizing a leg or arm and twisting it until it tears off and can be pulled out of the uterus. This will continue until only the head remains. Finally the skull is crushed and also pulled out. The body parts must then be reassembled to ensure that the entire baby has been removed.

This is how the procedure is described by a typical abortion provider.

Saline Injection Abortion:

Dilation & Evacuation abortions have largely replaced the saline variety). Their extreme risk to the mother has removed them from common practice today. In saline abortions, done after the 16th week, a large needle is inserted through the woman’s abdominal wall and into the baby’s amniotic sac. A concentrated salt solution is injected into the amniotic fluid resulting in acute hypernatremia or acute salt poisoning. The baby breathes in and swallows the solution and is usually dead within a couple hours. Dehydration, hemorrhaging of the brain, organ failure, and burned skin also contribute to the fetus’ demise. The mother generally goes into labor the next day and delivers a dead baby.

Dilation and Extraction (D and X) / Partial Birth Abortion:

Dilation and Extraction (often called partial birth abortion) is used during the 2nd or 3rd trimester and is usually performed on a viable baby. The Ultrasound-guided procedure is essentially the breach delivery of a live baby. Forceps, inserted through the cervical canal, are used to position the fetus so that it can be delivered feet first and face down. The child’s body is then pulled through the birth canal, but the head (too large to pass through the cervix) is left inside. With arms and legs exposed (and likely flailing), the abortion provider then inserts blunt surgical scissors into the base of the fetal skull and spreads the tips apart. A suction catheter is inserted into the skull and the brain is sucked out. The skull collapses until the baby’s head can pass through the cervix.

Degree of Dependency:

One of the favorite rationales abortion advocates have for stripping embryos and fetuses of their rights of personhood is this issue of dependency. “Since a fetus can’t survive on its own,” they argue, “it has no inherent right to life”. What’s the problem with this argument? It could just as easily be extended to cover the whole of humanity. There isn’t a person alive anywhere who is radically independent from this biosphere in which we live. We are all dependent beings. Some of us are less dependent than others, but we are all dependent. The differences in dependencies that separate fetuses from the rest of us are differences of degree, not of kind.
We must never forget that newborn babies, too, are utterly dependent upon their parents for survival. They are helpless and will die if left to themselves. Such dependency doesn’t make them non-persons, and it shouldn’t make unborn children non-persons either. Human beings outside the womb who must rely on kidney machines or pace-makers or insulin shots for their survival do not lose their rights of personhood for such dependency. Neither should human beings inside the womb lose their rights of personhood for being dependent upon an umbilical cord for their survival.
What is most absurd about this whole line of thinking is the fact that dependency should merit more protection under the law, not less! This kind of reasoning is an utter perversion of the natural parental instinct. The younger and more dependent a child is, the more care and compassion we have for them. The U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention expresses it well when they say, “Homicides are always tragic, but our sympathies are heightened when the victim is a young child or adolescent. Thus, the deaths of juveniles raise understandable public concerns.” The nation is far more outraged at violence directed towards children than at violence directed towards other adults. The reason is simple. Children are more helpless, and less capable of defending themselves. And the younger the child is the truer this becomes. How we ever got to the place of using dependency against children rather than for children is a tragedy of staggering proportions.

ABORTION STATISTICS:

Abortion statistics in the U.S. is only available from two sources, privately from The Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) and federally from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Since Alaska, California and New Hampshire do not provide abortion data to the federal government, and since California accounts for more abortions than any other state in the U.S, the CDC numbers are not complete. AGI, on the other hand, is the research arm of Planned Parenthood, the world’s largest abortion provider. While their data is helpful, they certainly have a position and agenda in regard to abortion. The following information has been gleaned from both sources and should give you a better idea of the frequency and distribution of abortion statistics.

ANNUAL ABORTION STATISTICS

• In 2005 (the most recent year for which there is reliable data), approximately 1.21 million abortions took place in the U.S., down from an estimated 1.29 million in 2002, 1.31 million in 2000 and 1.36 million in 1996. From 1973 through 2005, more than 45 million legal abortions have occurred in the U.S. (AGI).
• In 2004, the highest number of reported legal induced abortions occurred in Florida (91,710), NYC (91,673), and Texas (74,801); the fewest occurred in Wyoming (12), South Dakota (814), and Idaho (963) (CDC).
• There are 43 abortions per 1,000 live births in Idaho and 770 abortions for every 1,000 live births in NYC (CDC).
• Overall, the annual number of legal induced abortions in the United States increased gradually from 1973 until it peaked in 1990, and it generally declined thereafter (CDC).
• In 1998, the last year for which estimates were made, more than 23% of legal induced abortions were performed in California (CDC).
• The abortion rate in the United States was higher than recent rates reported for Canada and Western European countries and lower than rates reported for China, Cuba, the majority of Eastern European countries, and certain Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union (CDC).
• The national legal induced abortion ratio increased from 196 abortions per 1,000 live births in 1973 to 358 abortions per 1,000 in 1979 and remained nearly stable through 1981. The ratio peaked at 364 abortions per 1,000 live births in 1984 and since then has demonstrated a generally steady decline. In 2001, the abortion ratio was 246 abortions per 1,000 live births (for the states that reported, a 0.4% increase from 2000 (CDC).
• Nearly half of pregnancies among American women are unintended; about 4 in 10 of these are terminated by abortion. Twenty-two percent of all U.S. pregnancies end in abortion. (AGI).

WHO HAS ABORTIONS?

• 82% of all abortions are performed on unmarried women (CDC).
• The abortion ratio for unmarried women is 572 abortions for every 1,000 live births. For married women it is 65 abortions for every 1,000 live births (CDC).
• Women between the ages of 20-24 obtained 33% of all abortions (CDC).
• 50% of U.S. women obtaining abortions are younger than 25; women aged 20-24 obtain 33% of all U.S. abortions and teenagers obtain 17% (AGI).
• Adolescents under 15 years obtained less than 1% of all abortions, but have the highest abortion ratio, 744 abortions for every 1,000 live births (CDC).
• 47% of women who have abortions had at least one previous abortion (AGI).
• Black women are more than 4.8 times more likely than non-Hispanic white women to have an abortion, and Hispanic women are 2.7 times as likely (AGI).
• 43% of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant, and 27% identify themselves as Catholic (AGI).

WHY ARE ABORTIONS PERFORMED?

• On average, women give at least 3 reasons for choosing abortion: 3/4 say that having a baby would interfere with work, school or other responsibilities; about 3/4 say they cannot afford a child; and 1/2 say they do not want to be a single parent or are having problems with their husband or partner (AGI).

WHEN DO ABORTIONS OCCUR?

• 87% of all abortions happen during the first trimester, prior to the at 13th week (AGI/CDC).

HOW ARE ABORTIONS PERFORMED?

• 95% of abortions were known to have been performed by curettage (which includes dilatation and evacuation [D&E]). Most curettage abortions are suction procedures(CDC).
• Hysterectomy and hysterotomy were used in less than 1% of all abortions (CDC).
• Medical abortions make up approximately 3% of all abortions reported (CDC).

WHO IS PERFORMING ABORTIONS?

• The number of abortion providers declined by 11% between 1996 and 2000 (from 2,042 to 1,819). It declined another 2% between 2000 and 2005 (from 1,819 to 1,787) (AGI).
• Forty percent of providers offer very early abortions (during the first four weeks’ gestation) and 96% offer abortion at eight weeks. Sixty-seven percent of providers offer at least some second-trimester abortion services (13 weeks or later), and 20% offer abortion after 20 weeks. Only 8% of all abortion providers offer abortions at 24 weeks (AGI).

ABORTION FATALITY

• In 2000 (the most recent year for which data are available), 11 women died as a result of complications from known legal induced abortion (CDC).
• The number of deaths attributable to legal induced abortion was highest before the 1980s (CDC).
• In 1972 (the year before abortion was federally legalized), a total of 24 women died from causes known to be associated with legal abortions, and 39 died as a result of known illegal abortions (CDC).

THE COST OF ABORTION

• In 2005, the cost of a nonhospital abortion with local anesthesia at 10 weeks of gestation ranged from $90 to $1,800, and the average amount paid was $413 (AGI).

MEDICAL ABORTION

• In 2005, 57% of abortion providers, or 1,026 facilities, provided one or more types of medical abortions, a 70% increase from the first half of 2001. At least 10% of nonhospital abortion providers offer only medication abortion services (AGI).
• In 2005, an estimated 161,100 early medication abortions were performed in nonhospital facilities (AGI).
• Medication abortion accounted for 13% of all abortions, and 22% of abortions before nine weeks’ gestation, in 2005 (AGI).

ABORTION AND CONTRACEPTION

• Induced abortions usually result from unintended pregnancies, which often occur despite the use of contraception (CDC).
• 54% of women having abortions used a contraceptive method during the month they became pregnant. Amont those women, 76% of pill users and 49% of condom users reported using the methods inconsistently, while 13% of pill users and 14% of condom users reported correct use (AGI).
• 8% of women having abortions have never used a method of birth control (AGI).
• 9 in 10 women at risk of unintended pregnancy are using a contraceptive method (AGI).

ABORTION AND MINORS

• 40% of minors having an abortion report that neither of their parents knew about the abortion (AGI).
• 35 states currently enforce parental consent or notification laws for minors seeking an abortion: AL, AR, AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA,WI, WV, and WY. The Supreme Court ruled that minors must have the alternative of seeking a court order authorizing the procedure (AGI).

ABORTION AND PUBLIC FUNDS

• The U.S. Congress has barred the use of federal Medicaid funds to pay for abortions, except when the woman’s life would be endangered by a full-term pregnancy or in cases of rape or incest (AGI).

·         17 states (AK, AZ, CA, CT, HI, IL, MA, MD, MN, MT, NJ, NM, NY, OR, VT, WA and WV) do use public funds to pay for abortions for some poor women. About 14% of all abortions in the United States are paid for with public funds (virtually all from the state) (AGI).

 

WHY DOES HUMAN LIFE MATTER?

You can only get so far in the abortion debate before you eventually run up against the bigger and overarching question of human existence. This is a good thing. We would do well to think more deeply about what it means to be human and why human life is significant. Virtually every pro-life argument hangs on the notion that the humanity of unborn children qualifies them for recognition and protection. Pro-lifers can argue this way because our country, both in law and practice, places a unique value upon human life, giving us rights that transcend those of all other life forms.

Nevertheless, while our society clearly operates on the premise that there is something special, unique and noble in being human, the philosophical basis for such a conclusion grows increasingly vague. Almost everyone lives on the assumption that human life does matter, but if you press them, very few are able to tell you why. Even the earth-worshippers who decry the destructive environmental influence of the human species rarely put their rhetoric into action and actually kill themselves. People can say (as some have) that human beings are no more valuable than slugs, but nobody really lives like that. We are all born with the innate conviction that our life does matter. It is only the rationale for such persuasion that we need work on.

Ultimately, human life matters because God matters, and God is the author of human life (Genesis 2:7). The unique significance of human existence does not stop here, though. Not only did God create human beings, but Genesis 1:26-27 and James 3:9 tell us that God created us in His own image. This is huge. It is an honor and responsibility bestowed upon no other creature in all the universe. Even the angels, while bearing a moral responsibility similar to human beings (though without the opportunity for redemption) are never said to have been made in the image of God.

Those who argue against the transcendent value of human life often do so on a genetic basis, pointing out that humans, in terms of our physical make up, are roughly 95% identical to Chimpanzees. This misses the point entirely. Humans are not physically or genetically superior to the rest of the planet, we are “spiritually” superior, for the simple fact that God made us in His image. It is not an external likeness (God is Spirit and has no body), but rather an internal, moral, spiritual and relational likeness. The very ability to ponder the essence of existence is itself a manifestation of this reality.

It is not the raw genetic material which gives human beings significance, it is the unique attention given to us by our Creator. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is not valued for the pigment that makes it up but rather for the form given it by a master craftsman. Human value, in the same way, is a combination of the supreme worth of Him who created us and the place we hold in the body of His creative work. We can be assured that any painting Michelangelo ever produced, no matter what the aesthetic merit, would be extremely valuable today for the mere fact that Michelangelo painted it. Likewise, everything that God creates has value simply because God is God, but humans, like the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, stand out as the pinnacle of God’s creation. As such, human beings have a value which goes well beyond the rest of God’s creative work.

For those who refuse to believe that God is the author and creator of human life, they have no basis for assigning to human beings any special significance. The secular, humanist worldview has no answer for why human life matters. The only answer it can give us is that life doesn’t matter. We are all just random accidents whose life is not a result of thought or design, but rather of blind chance. Human existence could have just as easily never happened as happened. This has been taught in most public schools for the last few decades, but despite the massive endorsement it receives from the academic community, evolution is a worldview that people can accept in theory but not in practice. Evolutionists the world over still manage to live their lives on the assumption that life matters, that life is good, and there is a reason for their being. Even animal rights advocates expect of humanity what they do not expect from the animal kingdom at large. When they urge their fellow humans to refrain from eating meat and to refrain from hunting or killing animals, they demand a type of behavior which certainly isn’t kept among the carnivorous “lower” animals. Such expectation reveals something. It reveals that for all their talk of animal equality, they know that humans are qualitatively different.

The reason that so many people reject the plain biblical explanation of human origins and human significance is because of the moral requirement inherent in such acceptance. Anyone who yields to the authority of the Bible must concede that every human being to ever live is morally accountable to a Holy and perfect Judge. Moral culpability, in fact, is one of the major dividing lines between man and beast. Unlike the rest of the world’s creations, humans were created with the freedom to rebel against their Creator, and Genesis tells us that this rebellion began at the very outset of human history. Deep-down, underneath all of the baggage and all of the humanist ideology, all of us, atheists and agnostics alike, know there is a God. Scripture makes it clear.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Romans 1:18-25

The natural man, man left to his own devices, will always suppress the truth about God, so as to pursue his own selfish appetites. Those whom God does not rescue from such pursuits are eventually given over completely to them. They suppress the truth about God until they cease to believe in Him altogether. Ironically, it is not the hedonistic drive, itself, that has led so many souls to damnation. Souls are condemned not for seeking pleasure, but for pursuing it in the sinful wastelands that have no capacity to satisfy the human soul. Christian apologist, C.S. Lewis notes that:

If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the reward promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.¹

In the end, the value of one human soul transcends the value of the whole of the material universe. One human soul is more valuable than the Sistine chapel and all of Michelango’s other work put together. One human soul is more valuable than all the art and the architecture and jewels and precious metals the world has ever known. This is true not because humans are further along the evolutionary chain, but because we were created in the very image of God and will exist for the rest of eternity either in heaven or hell. If you reject this premise, it is unlikely that you will ever be able to find a sufficient basis for condemning the killing of unborn human children. Of course, such rejection also makes it impossible to condemn the killing of human beings in general. Without an absolute moral standard, even the most heinous “evil” in the universe, by definition, ceases to exist. We can’t have it both ways. Either God made us and assigned to us a special value, or God didn’t make us, and human life is utterly meaningless.

Referances:

http://www.wrtl.org/ Wisconsin Right to Life

http://abort73.com Abort73

http://www.abortionthefacts.com/ The facts of abortion are explained at this helpful site. You’ll find photos of fetal development, resources and links all compiled by O’Meara Life Resources.

http://www.aspi.wisc.edu/ The Alliance of State Pain Initiatives (ASPI) is a network of state-based Pain Initiative organizations that work to remove the barriers that impede pain relief through education, advocacy and institutional improvement. Dedicated to improving the care of persons experiencing pain, the ASPI website has several helpful brochures available including, Eight Facts about Cancer Pain and Cancer Pain Can Be Relieved.

http://www.123givelife.com/ Afraid you might be pregnant? 123GiveLife can help you find a pregnancy help center in a Wisconsin city near you.

http://www.christianliferesources.com/ Maintained by Christian Life Resources this helpful website is affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

http://www.lifenews.com/ Pro-life news and headlines collected and displayed daily on their home page and available via free email subscription.

http://www.nursesforlife.org/ NAPN is a not-for-profit organization uniting nurses who seek excellence in nurturing and caring for all, including the unborn, newborn, disabled, mentally and/or physically ill, the aged and the dying.

http://www.nrlc.org/ National Right to Life State Affiliates – To find links to each of the state affiliates of the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC)

http://www.standupgirl.com/ features Becky, who tells how she dealt with her unexpected pregnancy. The site also features an “Inside Scene,” which gives the visitor a beautiful in utero tour of the developing baby.

http://www.teenbreaks.com/ Teen abortion experiences, facts, stats, complications, survivors. Think you might be pregnant? Dating, hooking up? There’s a special section just for guys! Do you have questions about pregnancy, abortion, adoption or cutting? You owe it to yourself to check out TeenBreaks.com!

http://sites.google.com/a/wrtl.org/wisconsin-teens-for-life/ The home page for Wisconsin Teens for Life. Find info, a newsletter, leadership training events, cool stuff and fun for Wisconsin teens.

 

The Right to Vote

Each of us has one vote, but each of us can mobilize hundreds, even thousands of votes. That’s the secret to helping the right people win elections: you simply need to get more people to vote for them. Remember that many people are not paying nearly as much attention to the elections as you are, and even less attention to the candidates and their positions. Many who trust you will accept your guidance about the importance of voting for a particular candidate.
Don’t be afraid to use that influence!

 

As Election Day draws near, focus on the “low-hanging fruit.” Remember, the numbers are what counts. You have a limited amount of time to try to garner as many votes as possible. It’s like going into an orange grove to gather as many oranges as you can in a limited amount of time. It doesn’t make sense to expend time and energy climbing to the top of the trees to get the oranges there when you can get many more that are within arm’s reach with much less time and energy.
Reach for the low-hanging fruit!

 

So it is with elections. Rather than spend hours trying to convince one person to vote the right way, spend that time and energy reminding dozens of people – who are already in agreement with you on the issues – to get out and cast their vote. Don’t go looking for the personal victory of catching the “hard to get” voter.
Go catch the easier ones and bring the candidate to victory!

 

If you can take the day off on Election Day, do so. Spend the day contacting people by phone and email, reminding them to vote. Maybe a friend needs a ride to the polls or someone to watch the children while they go to vote.
If you call a friend in the morning to remind him to vote, call him again later to verify that he did so!

 

And if your state has early voting, and the polls are open now, get people to the polls before Election Day!

 

Voting for the right candidate should be the culmination of a whole list of things you do to help get him or her into office. These things include donating to the campaign, volunteering for the campaign, handing out literature for the candidate, making phone calls and visits on the candidate’s behalf, sending emails, using yard signs and bumper stickers, and praying for the candidate.

 

If you have a website, or a You Tube channel, or are active on MySpace or Facebook, use all those avenues as well to speak up for the candidate of your choice!

 

Elections, after all, are not contests between two candidates. They are contests between two teams. And it is the team that has more active members doing all these things that, in the end, will bring in the most votes.

 

Having done all this, rejoice in a clear conscience, and trust the Lord to bring about the victory for a Culture of Life!

The Mission- What will you do?

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Now, wasn’t that worth Scrolling down here?

The End? Let’s review.

There are a lot of prophecies about the end. Here I have put together just some of them, broken into categories. You decide for yourself if they have come true yet, either in part or in whole. And don’t forget to comment your thoughts below!

 

1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. -2Timothy 3:1-5

9“When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” 25“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.–Luke 21:9-11, 25

21For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 36“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; -Matthew 24:21-22, 36-38

There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. –Daniel 12:1

See, the LORD is going to lay waste the earth and devastate it; he will ruin its face and scatter its inhabitants. The earth will be completely laid waste and totally plundered. The LORD has spoken this word. So will it be on the land among the nations as when an olive tree is beaten, or as when gleanings are left after the grape harvest. -Isaiah 24:1, 3, 13

WARS:

6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains. –Matthew 24:6-8

9 Proclaim this among the nations:
       Prepare for war!
       Rouse the warriors!
       Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.

 10 Beat your plowshares into swords
       and your pruning hooks into spears.
       Let the weakling say,
       “I am strong!” -Joel 3:9-10

9“When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. –Luke 21:9-10

DEPARTURE FROM CHRISTIANITY:

3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. -2 Timothy 4:3-4

10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other. –Matthew 24:10

1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. -1 Timothy 4:1

…be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. -2 Peter 3:17

PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS:

Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. –Matthew 24:9

Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution… -Hebrews 10:33

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. –Matthew 5:10-12

…they will lay hands on you and persecute you. –Luke 21:12

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. –Revelation 2:10

 

ABORTION (SLAUGHTER OF INNOCENT):

…they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. –Romans 1:31

3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God -2 Timothy 3:3-4

Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother’s womb. –Psalm 22:10

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. –Psalm 127:3

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. –Psalm 139:13

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… -Jeremiah 1:5

 

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY:

…smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. –Revelation 9:2

…There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red. –Revelation 6:12

EARTHQUAKES:

At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. -Revelation 11:13

There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven –Luke 21:11

…the foundations of the earth shake. 19 The earth is broken up, the earth is split asunder, the earth is thoroughly shaken. –Isaiah 24:18-19

Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. –Revelation 16:18

FIRES:

8Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.  9“When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 18When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’ –Revelation 18:8-9, 18

The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.  –Revelation 8:7

TROPICAL STORMS/ HURRICANES & FLOODS:

There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. –Luke 21:25

See, the storm of the LORD will burst out in wrath, a driving wind swirling down on the heads of the wicked. –Jeremiah 30:23

The floodgates of the heavens are opened, -Isaiah 24:18

 

INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE AND TRAVEL:

“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” -Daniel 12:4

 

INSTANT COMMUNICATION AROUND THE WORLD:

“And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophecy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.  When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them.  And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.  Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.  And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.” -Revelation 11:3, 7-10

 

 

I also reccomend this site. See: (re: end time and “global warming”. Actually makes sense!) http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.globalwarmingandthebible.com/images/EndOfTheWorld.jpg&imgrefurl=http://globalwarmingandthebible.com/%3Fpage_id%3D2&h=139&w=185&sz=41&hl=en&start=62&sig2=DxQpagFQ6NQ3TZ1SUBs_0w&um=1&usg=__owjdJ9bGJ3iibbVwz6CKDZaaLb4=&tbnid=v8fUhFECf7RE9M:&tbnh=77&tbnw=102&ei=s8fVSPWtDpLIhgKf6L3MDA&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2522smoke%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Babyss%2522%2BRevelation%2Bimage%26start%3D54%26ndsp%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4DKUS_enUS272US272%26sa%3DN

 

Verses Used: Joel 3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 4:1-4; Matthew 24:1-11, 32-38; Genesis 6:1, 11-13; 4:22; Daniel 12:1, 4; Romans 1:31; Revelation 3; 9:1-2, 20-21; 6:2-12; 14:20; 11:13; 16:3, 18, 21; 8:7-9; 18:8-9, 18; Luke 21:25;

“The End?” Bible Study and all images prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com

Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

If you wish to use this for a study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info lines, including the name, email, & web address, above. Also, leave me a comment so I know if its useful to you. Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

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Politics. Stand for someting.

Politics. So many of us are just sick of it. Neither candidate has been telling the whole truth. Neither of them has a perfect voting record. Both of them love to sling mud. Its part of the job. One has to wonder, though, if being in the position of a presidential candidate requires such, let call it cruelty, and a heartlessness that you can publically attack another in front of millions, what else must that person have done to be in that position? Did they have to lie? Cheat? Break IRS tax codes and commit mass corporate deceptions? I’m sure that they did. You can’t get all the way to the top without stepping on a few toes.

 

He taxes too much. If you vote for him you’ll be homeless. If you vote for the other one, your children will starve. But if you vote for the first guy, they’ll lose all their education and become stupid rejects, begging for day-old scraps behind the ghetto bakery. But the other guy will take your job. And the other one will tax your new raise so you actually come home with $5 less every week. One of them will date your mom. The other will shut down her nursing home. One will have dinner with terrorists at Arby’s while the other just sends him a check at Christmas, even though they don’t celebrate Christmas.

 

Here’s what I’m saying: There are bigger issues than whose face is on the front page. Every day 6000 kids are killed by mid-term or later abortion. They refuse to allow Bibles in schools, so Christian parents teach home school, allowing their children to learn math and moral values at the same time. While the schools are taking a massive dump when it comes to value and ethics and crime and teaching self-worth, the state of California just outlawed Christians from their God-given right to teach their own kids. Now they have to send them to the cesspool of a school that will teach anti-creation science, thereby infringing on the rights of students to practice their own religion freely (but don’t worry, they won’t attack Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, agnostics, pagans, wiccans, Scientologists, etc. Just the Christians.)

 

Let’s see, what else? Lets talk about gay marriage. I’m all for gays to have the right to choose their lifestyle- its their choice. (Just like my kids schooling used to be.) But I’m not for the whole gay-marriage thing. Sure, they can practice it, but that doesn’t really make it a marriage. I know, I know, they’ve redefined what “marriage” is, but it used to be a union before God between a man and a woman. Since most homosexuals don’t believe in or care for God, they can’t really have a union before Him that He will honor. But, what they hey, they ignored my right to practice my faith (only if it’s from the Christian Bible) by ignoring the 1^st amendment, why not ignore the other principals too.

 

So who is going to do what to help me out? Am I personally going to benefit from either party being elected? Maybe, but probably not. There aren’t a whole lot of things that are going to actually make a difference in the way I daily live my life. I could be wrong, but here’s how I look at it:

If one side is accused of overtaxing and the other of allowing abortions, I will sacrifice a couple bucks, even a couple hundred, per year to vote for the sanctity of life.

If one side is accused of sending jobs overseas and the other of limiting free speech, I’m probably going to have to go for free speech. There will always be a need for jobs on the US. They may not be the best, but we have too many people not to need a ton of jobs. We also have a lot of politicians going after free speech, even though the ones attacked are the churches and the right. Hmm.

If one side wants to build a thousand mile fence at the borders and the other wants to let gays marry, I will go for the fence. Those guys are great climbers and if they can get in through, over or under a military fence, then they deserve to stay. For those that can’t, they can still come here, but have to go through the legal process. Meanwhile, I stand up for what I believe regarding gay marriage. I’m not anti-gay, but I’m not pro-gay. I’m just ok-gay; they can do their thing, but I don’t want tax dollars going toward something I find immoral.

Bottom line, I can’t do anything about the politicians. But, then again, I will probably never have to answer to them. I will, however, have to answer to God. I will stand before Him and be able to say that I voted for the things and the principles that are on His side, His Law, and His eternal purpose. I will say that I stood up for hundreds of thousands of innocent children and supported their right to life. I will say that I voted against the activity that led to His destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, the activities that He calls an abomination. I will be able to say that I stood up for His Word, His teaching, for the right to exhibit by faith, to speak freely the gospel. I will say, “Jesus, I stood up for you.”

What do you stand for?

Fruit of the Spirit- Part 9- SELF-CONTROL

SELF-CONTROL

 

 

 

 

-Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.

 

The last mentioned of the Fruit of the Spirit, self control is the one most people would probably prefer to leave out. It can often be the hardest to practice, and it encompasses all the preceding Fruit of the Spirit. Perhaps that is why it was mentioned last; to leave it afresh in your mind. We know that a lack of SELF-CONTROL has a detrimental effect on us, but it also affects our relationships; those we come into contact with.

 

~Proverbs 25:28- Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

 

Without self-control in our lives, we become vulnerable to all kinds of problems. Anything out of CONTROL in your life can harm others and cause damage in relationships. Including (but not limited to):

-Uncontrolled anger

-Uncontrolled lust

-Uncontrolled spending (The #1 cause for divorce is financial stress & money problems)

-Uncontrolled drinking

-Uncontrolled ambition (The workaholic who’s never at home with the family)

-Uncontrolled tongue

~How do we obtain self-control? Here are 9 key ways that will help in maintaining your self-control:

1) Master your moods- Keep you attitude in check, do what’s right even when you don’t feel like it; live by commitment, not by emotions

 

2) Watch your words-Put your mind in gear before you talk.

-Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

 

3) Restrain your reaction- How much can you take before you lose your cool?

-Proverbs 19:11 A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

 

4) Stick to the plan- If you don’t determine how your time is spent, others will; Remember though, we are to follow God’s will & His plan 1^st. Have control enough to be in it.

-Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

 

5) Manage your money- learn to live on less than you make; invest the rest. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go, instead of wondering where it went.

-Proverbs 21:20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.

 

6) Maintain your health- (to the best of your ability) Thus, you can accomplish more & enjoy your achievements.

-Psalm 38:3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin.

 

7) Avert your eyes- This one’s tough. You can’t control everything you see, but you can control how much you look at it

-Matthew 5:28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (I’m pretty sure the same standard applies to ladies looking at men; sorry, you’re not off the hook)

 

8.) Don’t allow anger to bring sin- like it plainly says in Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin” God let us know that we will get angry, but we must release the pressure before the top blows, no matter how we’ve been wronged.

-1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

 

9) Know when to “Cork the Bottle”- The Bible doesn’t specifically say that we can never drink, but it’s clear that we are not to get drunk.

-Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

 

~Now, where do you need self-control?

 Discipline today will help you determine success tomorrow. We must realize that we cannot accomplish this on our own, but we need Holy Help.

 

-2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

 

The key to self-control, is giving up control to God. With Him in the driver’s seat, you’re sure to get where you need to be. The more our progression, the further He’ll take us.

 

-Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

 

 There is tremendous potential to be used in positive ways that honor Christ. In reality, we are still subject to sin and death. Although we are not totally evil ourselves, we are still susceptible to weakness & fleshy desires. Our body can be used for good if the flesh is not in control.

 

-Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship..

 

~How can we be living sacrifices?

 

-Self-discipline isn’t in our nature. Spirit-Control, not self-control, makes the difference. The Holy Spirit can control the things I can’t. Ask God to help you, through the Holy Spirit, to help you do right in His eyes.

 

-Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

 

-Open the door to let the Holy Spirit fill you, and close the door of flesh to Satan by confessing sin & claiming Christ’s crucifixion.

 

-Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 

-Renew your mind with God’s word

 

-Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

-Allow the Holy Spirit to help you master your emotions (with the fruit of the Spirit); Present yourself as an instrument of righteousness.

 

  -Romans 6:12-13 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.

 

  -Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, & strength.

 

 -Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

 

-The key to self-control is surrendering control. Surrender your control to God; allow Him to move in your life. Who better to run your life, than the One who made your life?

 

 

 

 

 

“Fruit of the Spirit- Self-Control” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com

Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info lines, including the name, email, & web address, above.

Fruit of the Spirit- Part 8- GENTLENESS

Gentleness

Galations 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such there is no law.

——-

Gentleness is described as: compassionate, delicate, sensitive, merciful.

Exhortations to be gentle-

~2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

~Titus 3:1-2 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men.

~James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity.

~Acts 24:4 But‑‑not to be tedious‑‑I beg you, with your accustomed fairness, to listen to a brief statement of our case.

-Why do you think wisdom is 1^st pure, then peaceable, gentle,…(James 3:17)?

 

-Why might listening to the gospel be “tedious”?

 

-We are to be gentle toward unbelievers, not to force them into an uncomfortable obligation, not to be rude, or too forward, but with sensitivity of the Spirit, discern the need delicately, tactfully, and explain to them that Christ is the Answer.

~1 Thessalonians 2:6-8 …nor did we seek glory from men, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

~2 Corinthians 10:1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ‑‑I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold to you when I am away!–

-Why is it important not to be self-seeking or a “glory-hound” in our evangelism?

-Why might Paul have been more timid in the presence of the Corinthians, and bold when away?

~Galations 6:1 Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.

~1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

-We are also to be gentle toward other believers, as well; our brothers and sisters in Christ. As such we are called to greater peace. (Hebrews12:14 Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord; Romans 12: 18 If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.) If an issue arises, talk about it, carefully, and not too hastily. We are permitted to anger, but it should be “known not shown”. ( Eph 4:26 Be angry but do not sin;..) If the issue is regarding them, how might Jesus Himself talk to the person, knowing the importance of the problem better than we would? (In short, W.W.J.D.?) If we shout “Repent or DIE!!” or “Stop screwing up all the time!”, we will get a poor response more often than not.

 

~Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.

 

~1 Corinthians 4:20-21For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

 

-These verses show us that these are spiritual battles.

-What place should we not leave? (Eccl. 10:4)

-What power is there in the spirit of gentleness?

~James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.

 

~Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

 

Gentleness of the Lord

~2 Samuel 22:36 You have also given me the shield of your salvation; Your gentleness has made me great.

 

~Psalm 18:35 You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand sustains me. Your gentleness has made me great.

 

~Isaiah 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

 

-Is this verse literally talking about sheep? What does it mean by “carry them in his bosom”?

 

~Matthew 11:29-30 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.

 

-What is an easy yolk to you?

 

-What can we learn from Christ about gentleness?

-How can gentleness give us rest?

-What can YOU be gentler with/ about?

 

“Fruit of the Spirit- Gentleness” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com

Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info lines, including the name, email, & web address, above.

 

 

Reporter falsely held due to info on Barack & Odinga ties

The Kenyan government on October 7, 2008, essentially kidnapped a reporter. The reporter is World Net Daily senior staff writer Jerome “Jerry” Corsi. Corsi was scheduled to deliver damning evidence on both US presidential hopeful Barack Obama and his cousin, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

At nearly 10 a.m. Corsi was entering his hotel, the Grand Regency Hotel in Nairobi, Kenyan, where the press conference was to take place, when he was ambushed by immigration officers.

“He was walking in and then some immigration officers who were following him snatched him. It happened so fast, they just vanished with him,” said one hotel employee.

In late December 2007 Kenya held a presidential election, of which the winner was announced as Mwai Kibaki. Immediately following the announcement, Odinga called foul. He accused election fraud and there was soon fighting in the streets and slums of Kenya. Over 1,000 were killed and 500,000 displaced from their homes. Hundreds and hundreds of churches were burned to the ground, destroyed or had to be abandoned. One Assemblies of God pastor reported that over 400 of their churches were affected similarly. Most of those killed were part of Kibaki’s party, Christians, or both. Coincidentally, no reports of any mosque damage were reported from that wave of violence.

Corsi was about to disclose evidence that Barack Hussein Obama had not only remained in close contact with his cousin Odinga, but that the contact was in reference to Obama coaching Odinga on campaign strategy and in raising U.S. funds for Odinga’s race to the presidency.

 

Even worse, Corsi was to reveal evidence that Odinga’s campaign strategy called for the exploitation of Kikuyu tribal settlements, claiming victory and charging voter fraud even if the campaign knew the election had been legitimately lost, and that Obama was aware of it. That is exactly what he ended up doing. Odinga was also willing to encourage the ethnic tribal violence against the Kikuyu, which is Kibaki’s tribe. The plan was to then provoke the Electoral Commission of Kenya to declare him the winner. Currently, there is a power-sharing arrangement between Odinga and Kibaki.

 

Of concern to many is the series of promises that Odinga made to the Kenyan Muslim community. He has yet to fulfill his promises, or to declare a position on Shariah law. Corsi said that Obama remained in active phone contact with his cousin through the New Hampshire Democratic Party primary in January. Obama has continually turned a blind eye to an agreement that Odinga signed with Muslims as well as the post-election violence that was initiated by Odinga’s political party.

 

Some reports that came out of the fighting stated that the price for a home or church to be burned was as little as $8 (USD) and a life could be taken for $16 (USD).

 

It is unclear who is behind the detaining of Corsi, or why. What is known is that many powerful political leaders would not want this information to be made public. Who had immigration capture Corsi and stop the press conference? Who has the most to lose? Obama? Odinga? One can conclude that perhaps it’s all in the family.

 

For more on this, please visit: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=77268

Fruit of the Spirit- Part 7- Faithfulness

 

Faithfulness

-Galatians 5: 22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self‑control; against such there is no law.

-Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

- What do you hope for?

 

-James 1: 5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

 

We see that the essential component of faith is trust. In order to have faith in God, you must first believe that He exists, and that He rewards you when you seek Him. (Heb. 11:6)

- Where do you think your faith would be if you trusted God completely in everything?

There are 3 main acts of faith in this passage from Luke 5:1-11:

      1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

 4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

 5Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

 6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

 8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

   Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

 

-Luke 5: 1-7 -1^st act of faith in this passage- lowering the nets

-Luke 5: 8-10a -2^nd act of faith in this passage- bowing and confessing Jesus as Lord

-Luke 5: 10b-11 -3^rd act of faith in this passage- leaving everything to follow Him, at His Word.

That they would leave their entire lives, careers, families & possessions behind and follow this man would say that they completely dismissed any possibility of the great catch to be a coincidence. Jesus calls us, as He called the apostles then, to follow after Him, not just see a marvelous work and say, “Wow. That was neat.” He has called us into a lifestyle of keeping faith; we are called to faithfulness.

 

-2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

 

- What things have you had to leave behind in order to walk by faith?

 

-Exodus 15: 22-24 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”

- When you face hardship, or painful experiences, how is your attitude toward God affected?

 

-Exodus 15: 25-26 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
      There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them. 26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.”

 

- What does it cost you to be faithful to the people you love and care for?

 -When is it most important to be there for them?

 

- Joshua 1: 1-9 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea ^[a] on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

 6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

Moses is dead, and Joshua is now in charge of a wandering nation. Recall a task you took on that seemed to large to handle.

- How did you feel when you took that task on?

 

 

In verse 5, God promises Joshua, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you”.

- How can it be a comfort just to have someone by your side during challenging times?

 

-Romans 10:17- Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

 

So faith, then, comes from the word of Christ. Scriptural faith must be according to God’s Word. It is also a condition of the heart, not the mind; it is present, not future, and, if we look back to vs 10 of that chapter, “For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved.” Thus, verbalizing our faith in Christ leads to justified salvation.

Even Jesus, faithful to the call of His mission, quoted scripture three times against Satan in the desert.

-Are you strengthened/ supported by scripture?

 

- 1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 

 

We know that one who is saved through faith is sanctified by the sacrifice of Christ’s blood, but what does it mean to “be sanctified”? “sanct-“ comes from the word saint, or holy one. “-ication” means ‘to make’. For example: purification= to make pure; clarification= to make clear; so sanctification means to make saintly, or more literally, to make holy. So, then, one of the outcomes of faith is holiness.

 

In verse 9 of Joshua 1 (above), God commands us to be strong and courageous.

- Why is this command necessary?

 

Simon could’ve said, ”You’re nuts! We won’t catch a thing.” Moses could’ve said, “A piece of wood? That can’t be right.” Joshua could’ve said, “This is too much. I can’t handle it.” They could have, but they didn’t. They were faithful to the call on their lives. In response, fish were caught, water was made pure, and a lost people were shown the way home. However, if they had said these things, they would have been right. Simon didn’t fill the nets, the Lord did. The wood didn’t purify the water, the Lord did. Joshua didn’t deliver the nation, the Lord did. And all that the Lord required was an act of faith.

 

- Habakkuk 2:4- … but the righteous will live by his faith

 

- Romans 14:23- But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

 

- 1 Corinthians 16:13- Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

- What are some of the resources Christ has given you to live faithfully?

-What does Christ expect of you?

 

 

“Fruit of the Spirit- Goodness” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info line, including the name, email, & web address, above.

 

Fruit of the Spirit- Part 6- GOODNESS

Goodness

Discussion-

- Do you consider yourself to be a pretty good person?

 

-Proverbs 14:14 A perverse man will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man with the fruit of his deeds.

-What do you think you would be like if God withdrew goodness from you entirely?

 

 

-Psalm 107 can be divided into 5 illustrations of God’s goodness- verses 4-9, 10-16, 17-22, 23-32 & 33-43

 

 

Psalms 107

 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
       his love endures forever.

 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—
       those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,

 3 those he gathered from the lands,
       from east and west, from north and south.

 

-How do verses 1-3 intro the theme of this Psalm?

 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Psalms 107

 4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
       finding no way to a city where they could settle.

 5 They were hungry and thirsty,
       and their lives ebbed away.

 6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
       and he delivered them from their distress.

 7 He led them by a straight way
       to a city where they could settle.

 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
       and his wonderful deeds for men,

 9 for he satisfies the thirsty
       and fills the hungry with good things.

-How is God’s kindness shown in this section of verses?

 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Psalms 107

 10 Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom,
       prisoners suffering in iron chains,

 11 for they had rebelled against the words of God
       and despised the counsel of the Most High.

 12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
       they stumbled, and there was no one to help.

 13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
       and he saved them from their distress.

 14 He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom
       and broke away their chains.

 15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
       and his wonderful deeds for men,

 16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
       and cuts through bars of iron.

-How is God’s kindness shown in this section of verses?

 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Psalms 107

 17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
       and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.

 18 They loathed all food
       and drew near the gates of death.

 19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
       and he saved them from their distress.

 20 He sent forth his word and healed them;
       he rescued them from the grave.

 21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
       and his wonderful deeds for men.

 22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
       and tell of his works with songs of joy.

-How is God’s kindness shown in this section of verses?

 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Psalms 107

 23 Others went out on the sea in ships;
       they were merchants on the mighty waters.

 24 They saw the works of the LORD,
       his wonderful deeds in the deep.

 25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
       that lifted high the waves.

 26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
       in their peril their courage melted away.

 27 They reeled and staggered like drunken men;
       they were at their wits’ end.

 28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
       and he brought them out of their distress.

 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
       the waves of the sea were hushed.

 30 They were glad when it grew calm,
       and he guided them to their desired haven.

 31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
       and his wonderful deeds for men.

 32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
       and praise him in the council of the elders.

-How is God’s kindness shown in this section of verses?

 

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Psalms 107

 33 He turned rivers into a desert,
       flowing springs into thirsty ground,

 34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,
       because of the wickedness of those who lived there.

 35 He turned the desert into pools of water
       and the parched ground into flowing springs;

 36 there he brought the hungry to live,
       and they founded a city where they could settle.

 37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
       that yielded a fruitful harvest;

 38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
       and he did not let their herds diminish.

 39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
       by oppression, calamity and sorrow;

 40 he who pours contempt on nobles
       made them wander in a trackless waste.

 41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
       and increased their families like flocks.

 42 The upright see and rejoice,
       but all the wicked shut their mouths.

 43 Whoever is wise, let him heed these things
       and consider the great love of the LORD.

-How is God’s kindness shown in this section of verses?

 

 

-What do these illustrations have in common?

-What needs do the people have in each of these sections?

vv. 4-9

10-16

17-22

23-32

33-43

-What needs do you most relate to?

 

-In each situation, the people call to God for help. Is this your first reaction to distress? If not, what is?

 

-Repeatedly, the psalmist tells us to thank the Lord. Why do we need this reminder?

 

-What are some ways we should give thanks to God for His goodness and love? (vs. 21-22 & 31-32)

 

-Verse 43 says to “heed these things”. What things are we to heed?

 

-How does seeing God answer people’s cries for help make the fruit of goodness more real to you?

 

-In what ways can we imitate the goodness of God displayed in this psalm?

 

Mark 10:17-18 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18″Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.

 

-If no one is good but God, how can we be called to be good?

 

 

Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Micah 6: 8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
       And what does the LORD require of you?
       To act justly and to love mercy
       and to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 7:15-20 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

 

-Personal reflection- What kind of fruit are you bearing? What kind of seeds have you sown?

 

Luke 6:27-36 “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32″If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ lend to ’sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

 

 

Here we have a lesson in how to be of good character. What are some of the more difficult commands from this passage to follow?

 

 

“Fruit of the Spirit- Goodness” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info line, including the name, email, & web address, above.

 

Fruit of the Spirit- Part 5- KINDNESS

Kindness

 

Galatians 5:22-23- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control. Against such things there is no law.

      

Kindness is the language that the mute can speak and the deaf understand. Kindness lives in open hearts and opens hearts to live. It’s a message we can all comprehend; the message is timeless.

 

-1 Cor. 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

-Psalm 141:5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers

-Titus 3:3-6 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

 

-What is kindness? How would you define it?

 

 

 

-Why is it a kindness to “let a righteous man strike me”?

 

 

-Proverbs 12:25 An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

-Proverbs 11:16-17 A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. 17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

-How does it benefit us to be kind?

-Proverbs 19:17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

-Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

This serves as a reminder that God is the Maker of all, including the needy, poor and oppressed.

-Ruth 2:19-20 (after Ruth had worked serving a kind Boaz) 19 Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!” Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said. 20 “The LORD bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers.”

 

-Is Ruth & Naomi’s response typical? Should it be?

 

 

-How might the Lord bless/reward us for obeying this command?

 

 

-Proverbs 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

-Titus 2:1-5 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

-Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

 

- What are some things we need to correct about ourselves to be kind?

 

 

-Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

-1Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

-Jeremiah 9:24 “but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.

 

-How can we boast in the Lord’s kindness?

 

 

-Isaiah 63:7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

-Acts 14:17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

-Genesis 39:20-21 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

 

-These are some specifics of God’s kind nature- What are some today?

 

 

-Isaiah54:8 (re: the future glory of Zion) In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer.

-Genesis 32:9-10 (note that God’s kindness isn’t failing, it is everlasting, even though we’ll never deserve it) Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups.

-Ephesians 2:6-9 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

-Notice the similarities between 2 Samuel 22:50-51 & Psalm 18:49-50. Words worth repeating.

-2 Samuel 22:50-51 Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. 51 He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.”

-Psalm 18:49-50 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name. 50 He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.

 

-Psalm 106:7-8 When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. 8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known.

 

Though the kindness of God was forgotten/ ignored, He showed another kindness, by sparing them again and again in the desert place. When we are without kindness, we can be in a spiritual “desert place”, a dry place of emptiness.

 

- What is the difference between kindness and brotherly love?

 

 

 

- What are the similarities between kindness and brotherly love?

 

 

 

- What is the difference between kindness and mercy?

 

 

 

- What are the similarities between kindness and mercy?

 

 

 

-How can/ will YOU practice kindness?

 

 

 

“Fruit of the Spirit- Kindness” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info line, including the name, email, & web address, above.

Fruit of the Spirit- Part 4- Patience

…Patience…

 

*Job 6:11 What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?

*Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

*Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

Are you patient? Here’s one way of knowing: I believe it was Pastor John Hagee who said this of patience: “Do you find yourself in front of the microwave oven screaming, ‘Hurry up!’?”

 

*Romans 8: 24-25 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

 

-What things are we patient for?

 

-How can being patient seem different depending on the situation? For Ex: Lets say you had to wait a week sitting alone in a jail cell.  Seems like a LONG time. You also have a week before school starts after a great summer. Doesn’t seem like long enough. So how can patience be compared to the situations?

 

*Proverbs 16:32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

*Proverbs 19:11 A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

*Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

 

-What does that mean to you, when he says, “a gentle tongue can break a bone”?

 

*Psalm 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

*Psalm 40:1  I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

*Habakkuk 3:16 heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.

*Romans 12:10-12 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

 

-Contrast the difference between momentary and long-term patience. i.e.: waiting for popcorn vs. waiting for the right spouse.

 

*Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

*Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

* 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

* 2Timothy 4: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

 

-Who should we be patient with? Why do we need patience in preaching the Word?

 

 

*Romans 9:22-25 What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25As he says in Hosea:
   ”I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people; and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”

 

-Answer the questions asked in the verses in your own words.

 

 

* 1Timothy 1:15-16 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

* 2Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

* 2Peter 3:15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

 

- What is the ultimate source of patience?

 

 

* 2Timothy 3:10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,

*Hebrews 6: 12-15  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. 13When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

*James 5:7-11 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

 

-Why is it important to have patience during times of suffering?

 

*Revelation 3:10 10Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

*Revelation 14:11-12 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” 12This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

 

-What promises might we inherit with patience? What will we avoid with patience?

-What will YOU practice patience with?

“Fruit of the Spirit- Patience” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info line, including the name, email, & web address, above.

 

Mark of the Beast- Part 2- RFID Chip

Before you read this: Did you read Part 1? See that article at: Mark of the Beast- Part 1- Barcode 666

Also, since writing this page, I have written a brief explanation on the connection and plans to initiate the chips into people in the article  Government to Chip People with 666 Code

Wht is the RFID chip? Its a tiny microchip, the size of a grain of rice (and getting smaller). They cast less than 50¢ apiece, as low as 30¢, depending on who’s reporting. Many stores are already requiring them in product’s shipments. Why is that a big deal? Sounds useful, right? It may be useful for tracking shipments, but there are other applications. This chip is being implanted in pets, snd in some people. There are thousands of imprisoned felons who are tracked with this method. Soon, all people will be required to have one. Without it, you cannot buy or sell, open an account, etc. All aspects of life may soon be controlled by your chip, which will be assigned YOUR own number, based on barcode technology. If you are unfamiliar, please read “Mark of the Beast- Part 1″ first, then this. Following is an article by Scott Granneman, about the basic fundamentals surrounding the use and implications of the RFID chip.

From RFID Chips Are Here by Scott Granneman, 2003-06-26, http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/169

RFID 101

Invented in 1969 and patented in 1973, but only now becoming commercially and technologically viable, RFID tags are essentially microchips, the tinier the better. Some are only 1/3 of a millimeter across. These chips act as transponders (transmitters/responders), always listening for a radio signal sent by transceivers, or RFID readers. When a transponder receives a certain radio query, it responds by transmitting its unique ID code, perhaps a 128-bit number, back to the transceiver. Most RFID tags don’t have batteries (How could they? They’re 1/3 of a millimeter!). Instead, they are powered by the radio signal that wakes them up and requests an answer.

Most of these “broadcasts” are designed to be read between a few inches and several feet away, depending on the size of the antenna and the power driving the RFID tags (some are in fact powered by batteries, but due to the increased size and cost, they are not as common as the passive, non-battery-powered models). However, it is possible to increase that distance if you build a more sensitive RFID receiver.

RFID chips cost up to 50 cents, but prices are dropping. Once they get to 5 cents each, it will be cost-efficient to put RFID tags in almost anything that costs more than a dollar.

Share your comments below!

Who’s using RFID?

RFID is already in use all around us. Ever chipped your pet dog or cat with an ID tag? Or used an EZPass through a toll booth? Or paid for gas using ExxonMobil’s SpeedPass? Then you’ve used RFID.

Some uses, especially those related to security, seem like a great idea. For instance, Delta is testing RFID on some flights, tagging 40,000 customer bags in order to reduce baggage loss and make it easier to route bags if customers change their flight plans.

Three seaport operators – who account for 70% of the world’s port operations – agreed to deploy RFID tags to track the 17,000 containers that arrive each day at US ports. Currently, less than 2% are inspected. RFID tags will be used to track the containers and the employees handling them.

The United States Department of Defense is moving into RFID in order to trace military supply shipments. During the first Gulf War, the DOD made mistakes in its supply allocation. To streamline operations, the U.S. military has placed RFID tags on 270,000 cargo containers and tracks those shipments throughout 40 countries.

On a smaller level, but one that will instantly resonate with security pros, Star City Casino in Sydney, Australia placed RFID tags in 80,000 employee uniforms in order to put a stop to theft. The same idea would work well in corporate PCs, networking equipment, and handhelds.

In all of these cases, RFID use seems reasonable. It is non-intrusive, and it seems to balance security and privacy. Other uses for RFID, however, may be troublesome.

Visa is combining smart cards and RFID chips so people can conduct transactions without having to use cash or coins. These smart cards can also be incorporated into cell phones and other devices. Thus, you could pay for parking, buy a newspaper, or grab a soda from a vending machine without opening your wallet. This is wonderfully convenient, but the specter of targeted personal ads popping up as I walk through the mall, a la Minority Report, does not thrill me.

Michelin, which manufactures 800,000 tires a day, is going to insert RFID tags into its tires. The tag will store a unique number for each tire, a number that will be associated with the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Good for Michelin, and car manufacturers, and fighting crime. Potentially bad for you. Who will assure your privacy? Do you really want your car’s tires broadcasting your every move?

Share your comments below!

The European Central Bank may embed RFID chips in the euro note. Ostensibly to combat counterfeiters and money-launderers, it would also enable banks to count large amounts of cash in seconds. Unfortunately, such a move would also makes it possible for governments to track the passage of cash from individual to individual. Cash is the last truly anonymous way to buy and sell. With RFID tags, that anonymity would be gone. In addition, banks would not be the only ones who could in an instant divine how much cash you were carrying; criminals can also obtain power transceivers.

Several major manufacturers and retailers expect RFID tags to aid in managing the supply chain, from manufacturing to shipping to stocking store shelves, including Gillette (which purchased 500 million RFID tags for its razors), Home Depot, The Gap, Proctor & Gamble, Prada, Target, Tesco (a United Kingdom chain), and Wal-Mart. Especially Wal-Mart.

The retail giant, the largest employer in America, is working with Gillette to create “smart shelves” that can alert managers and stockboys to replenish the supply of razors. More significantly, Wal-Mart intends for its top 100 suppliers to fully support RFID for inventory tracking by 2005. Wal-Mart would love to be able to point an RFID reader at any of the 1 billion sealed boxes of widgets it receives every year and instantly know exactly how many widgets it has. No unpacking, no unnecessary handling, no barcode scanners required.

RFID Issues

Right now, you can buy a hammer, a pair of jeans, or a razor blade with anonymity. With RFID tags, that may be a thing of the past. Some manufacturers are planning to tag just the packaging, but others will also tag their products. There is no law requiring a label indicating that an RFID chip is in a product. Once you buy your RFID-tagged jeans at The Gap with RFID-tagged money, walk out of the store wearing RFID-tagged shoes, and get into your car with its RFID-tagged tires, you could be tracked anywhere you travel. Bar codes are usually scanned at the store, but not after purchase. But RFID transponders are, in many cases, forever part of the product, and designed to respond when they receive a signal. Imagine everything you own is “numbered, identified, catalogued, and tracked.” Anonymity and privacy? Gone in a hailstorm of invisible communication, betrayed by your very property.

But let’s not stop there. Others are talking about placing RFID tags into all sensitive or important documents: “it will be practical to put them not only in paper money, but in drivers’ licenses, passports, stock certificates, manuscripts, university diplomas, medical degrees and licenses, birth certificates, and any other sort of document you can think of where authenticity is paramount.” In other words, those documents you’re required to have, that you can’t live without, will be forever tagged.

Consider the human body as well. Applied Digital Solutions has designed an RFID tag – called the VeriChip – for people. Only 11 mm long, it is designed to go under the skin, where it can be read from four feet away. They sell it as a great way to keep track of children, Alzheimer’s patients in danger of wandering, and anyone else with a medical disability, but it gives me the creeps. The possibilities are scary. In May, delegates to the Chinese Communist Party Congress were required to wear an RFID-equipped badge at all times so their movements could be tracked and recorded. Is there any doubt that, in a few years, those badges will be replaced by VeriChip-like devices?

Surveillance is getting easier, cheaper, smaller, and ubiquitous. Sure, it’s possible to destroy an RFID tag. You can crush it, puncture it, or microwave it (but be careful of fires!). You can’t drown it, however, and you can’t demagnetize it. And washing RFID-tagged clothes won’t remove the chips, since they’re specifically designed to withstand years of wearing, washing, and drying. You could remove the chip from your jeans, but you’d have to find it first.

That’s why Congress should require that consumers be notified about products with embedded RFID tags. We should know when we’re being tagged. We should also be able to disable the chips in our own property. If it’s the property of the company we work for, that’s a different matter. But if it’s ours, we should be able to control whether tracking is enabled.

Share your comments below!

Security professionals need to realize that RFID tags are dumb devices. They listen, and they respond. Currently, they don’t care who sends the signal. Anything your companies’ transceiver can detect, the bad guy’s transceiver can detect. So don’t be lulled into a false sense of security.

With RFID about to arrive in full force, don’t be lulled at all. Major changes are coming, and not all of them will be positive. The law of unintended consequences is about to encounter surveillance devices smaller than the period at the end of this sentence.

 

 

The size of a grain of rice, these take only a couple minutes to implant. Its just like getting a regular shot, except they leave this chip in for life.

Share your comments below!

Please visit:

http://www.oilempire.us/rfid.html & http://www.spychips.com/

 In short, Each RFID Chip is associated with a barcode number. That would be YOUR barcode, if you were to get a chip. Barcodes are broken into sets. Between these sets is a “101″ code, at the beginning and at the end are also “101″ codes. These are the lines that stick out a little further at the bottom of the barcode. There are 2 sets of numbers, 0-9, called “Left Side (Odd Parity) Codes” and “Right Side (Even Parity) Codes”. Out of these 20 codes, only the “Right Side” 6 has this 101 combo. Therefore, those three sets of lines that stick out on a barcode can be read as 666.

The RFID chip, using a barcode, will allow you to buy, sell, get into the places you want, be monitored by whomever, control your car, computer, etc.  Now read this, from the book of Revelation:

 Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.

11And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name. –Revelation 13:14-18; 14:11

 

Share your comments below!

When a Candidate Lies…

In this first video, Barack’s brother says that Barack will be a good Muslim leader and that Jews needn’t worry. There is a picture of Barack Hussein Obama in Muslim dress.

Here in the second video clip, Barack Hussein Obama slips up and, quite comfortably, says, “my Muslim faith.” Only when the guy interviewing Barack corrects him, does Mr. H. Obama try to salvage the slip.

In this third video, it starts off with Barack Hussein Obama’s admition that his Christian church is ok. Then his pastor says “God damn America” There are a lot of YouTube videos about his pastor’s racist & anti-America comments. feel free to search. Then Barack Hussein Obama says he’s been to 57 states, (with 1 to go, Alaska & Hawaii). Theres only 50 US states, but there ARE 57 Islamic states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Hmmm….. There are a lot of pictures that would seem to suggest nothhing but the fact that Barack Hussein Obama has a Muslim background. Whether or not he is now a Muslim is not the issue. The issue is lying to the US people. Also, he lied on the state bar exam in Chicago, saying he’d never been know by any other names, but he was registered at his Indonesian School (as a Muslim) by the name of Barry Soetoro. The lady in the video doesn’t quite read along with the words well, but thats why there’s a pause button.

Fruit of the Spirit- Part 3- PEACE

Peace

 

-Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self‑control; against such there is no law.

 

-Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

 

Peace is not only a fruit of the Spirit, but an important part of the armor of God.

-What’s up with God and all this talk of peace; why not just let us fight it out?

 

-Romans 5:1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;

 

-Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

-John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

 

Peace I leave with you; as my parting gift. The allusion is to the Hebrew form of benediction, which is, “Peace be with you.” My peace; that which resembles his own, and which he alone can give: “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.”

 

 -John 16:33 I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.

 

-Did Jesus leave in a peaceful way, or a violent way?

-Why did He experience such pain, while giving us complete peace; don’t we deserve even a  little punishment for our sin? 

 

-Psalm 85:10-11 Mercy and faith have come together; righteousness and peace have given one another a kiss. Faith comes up from the earth like a plant; righteousness is looking down from heaven.

 

 -Ecclesiastes 11:10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity

 

-What things will accompany peace? Or… What things will peace accompany?

 

                                                                                                               

 

 

 

-Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as rests with you, live peaceably with every one.

 

-2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers  rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

 

-1 Corinthians 14:33  For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the assemblies of the saints…

 

-Who is the job of spreading peace left to?

 

-Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

 

-Phil. 4:6-7 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

 

-Isaiah 11:6-9 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. 7The cow and the bear shall feed; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8The sucking child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. 9They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

 

 My holy mountain; mount Zion, which here represents the kingdom of Christ.

 The gospel has power to subdue the fiercest hearts, and tame the most savage.  When all nations submit themselves to the power of God’s peace, violence will cease, and humanity will live together in harmony and blessedness.

-In what ways do you think the peace of Christ will work its way into humanity?

 

- Ephesians 2:14-16 For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition,

 15 having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace;

 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby.

 

- 1 Thess. 5:12-14 But we beg you, brothers to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, 13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.  14 We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

 

-What good is our example of Christ’s peace if we ourselves are not living in peace?

 

-How can we conduct ourselves better to show the world that the peace of Christ is in us?

 

 

 

  *VARIOUS TRANSLATIONS

“Fruit of the Spirit- Peace” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info line, including the name, email, & web address, above.

 

 

Mark of the Beast- Part 1- Barcode 666

 

 *note: Be sure to check out Part 2 at http://justinlessard.wordpress.com/2008/10/05/mark-of-the-beast-part-2-rfid-chip/ . The barcode theory is only a piece of the puzzle. In part two, I show you how it is going to be, and already starting to be, put into practice. Also, since writing this page, I have written a brief explanation on the connection and plans to initiate the chips into people in the article  Government to Chip People with 666 Code  One more thing- comment on this for me. I like to know what people think about it. Thanks!

666-  Its Here- The Mark. Read this and watch the video and tell me if you don’t agree. (If the videos become disabled by Youtube, please leave a comment, so I can replace them. Thanks.) With this mark and this code, we won’t be able to buy or sell, we will be monitored by our government, and it will only get worse. This page is about barcodes and the hidden 666 in them. I will post a “Mark of the Beast-Part 2″ about the RFID chip and how it is using barcodes. As you read this keep in mind the verses, written 2000 years ago, which state that the number of the beast (or Antichrist) is “man’s number” and is the “number of his name”, or 666. The article below refers to computers not reading the numer as we do, but to man, it is 666. Also, notice the barcode’s creator’s comment, about his own name. One more thing, we cannot buy or sell without the mark, but it will have to be in the right hand or the forehead. That’s where most are getting the chip. More on that in Part 2. So here are a few verses, then my article.  Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.  And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name. –Revelation 13:14-18; 14:11   A single barcode number is actually seven units. A unit is either black or white. A unit that is black would display as a “bar”. A unit that is white would display as a “space”. Another way of writing a barcode unit is “1″ for a single unit “black bar” and “0″ for a single unit “white space”. For instance, the number “1″ is composed of the seven units, “0011001″ or “space-space-bar-bar-space-space-bar”. Remember, a single barcode number requires seven units. Also, on a UPC barcode the same numbers on the left-hand side (the Manufacturer Code) is coded different than the numbers on the right-hand side (Product Code). The left side numbers are actually the “inverted” or “mirrored” codes of the right side numbers, for instance what is a “bar” on the right-side, is a “space” on the left-side. The right-side codes are called “even parity” codes because there is an even number of “black bar” units. For instance the right-side “6″ is “101000″ – 2 even-numbered “black bar” units. The left-side is called “odd-parity” because there is an odd number of “black bar” units. For instance, the left-side “6″ is “0101111″ - 5 odd-numbered “black bar” units. Having different coded numbers for each side allows the barcode to be scanned in either direction. The following tables are the left and right side codes matching the corresponding numbers, separated into the seven single units Notice, a few things about the codes: As previously mentioned, the left and right numbers are “inverted” or “mirrored”. Every barcode number is equal to “four” different marks. A “mark” can be either “black” (bar) or “white” (space). The “marks” vary in width, but there is always four different marks, 2 “bar marks” and 2 “space marks”. For instance, the left code number “one” is “3 spaces (mark 1), 2 bars (mark 2), 1 space (mark 3), 1 bar (mark 4)”. The left side codes always begins with a “space” or “0″ and ends with a “bar” or “1″. The right is just the opposite, it begins with a “bar” or “1″ and ends with a “space” or “0″. Share your comments below!   Note: The computer does not read the numbers underneath the barcode. These Human Readable (HR) numbers are printed so a “human” can easily read the barcode, if necessary. Share your comments below!   Is the number 666 “hidden” in the UPC barcode? One of the most popular and shocking accusations concerning the number “666″ is that the number “666″ is quietly “hidden” in every UPC barcode. Mary Stewart Relfe’s book, “The New Money System 666″, published in 1982, is the “pioneer” of the “666 in the UPC barcode” teaching. Relfe’s book contains over 50 pages of excellant doumentation on the UPC barcodes. Relfe’s discovery is repeated in many publications touching the mark of the beast, within the last fifteen years. Including tracts published by this author. Here’s a few samples: Terry Cook, The Mark of the New World Order, 1996: “. . . the entire system [UPC barcode] is very deceptively designed around the infamous numerical configuration, Biblically known as 666, the mark of the Antichrist or devil (Revelation 13:16-18). . .” (Terry Cook, The Mark of the New World Order, 1996, p. 376) Bob Fraley, The Last Days in America, 1984: “The interpretation of the Universal Product Code marks is most revealing in that the three numbers ‘666′ are the key working numbers for every designed Universal Product Code. Every group of Universal Product Code marks has in it three unidentified numbers. All three of these numbers are 6, making the use of the numbers ‘666′ the key to using this identifying marking system. . . There is no deviation. Every Universal Product Code has three unidentified marks whose number equivalent ‘6′ encoding it with the code number ‘666′. ” (Bob Fraley, The Last Days in America, 1984, p. 225, 228 )   Here’s how to “discover” the “hidden 666 in the UPC barcode”.   Notice the three “guard bars” (colored RED) at the beginning, middle and end. Now, notice the same bar pattern (“bar-space-bar” or “101″) for the number 6 (colored BLUE). By “looking” at the above barcode, the number “666″ clearly, appears to be there. . . But is it? Share your comments below! Is the number 666 TRUTHFULLY “hidden” in the UPC barcode? Technically, no it is not. Here’s the “technical” truth. . . The number 6 and the three guard bars are NOT the same. They do “appear” to be identical, but they are different. GUARD BARS AND THE NUMBER 6 Notice. The beginning and ending guard bars are “bar-space-bar” or “101″ (the B in the above table). The middle guard bar is “space-bar-space-bar-space” or “01010″ (the M in the above table). The number six is “1010000″ (the 6 in the above table). Remember, technically a barcode number consists of seven units. The beginning and ending guard bars are only three units, and middle guard bar is only five units. So, technically, from a computer’s perspective the number “666″ is NOT in the UPC barcode. Share your comments below!   But. . . Look again. . . All three guard bars contain the pattern “bar-space-bar” or “101″. There is only ONE number, in TWENTY numbers (remember right and left numbers have different patterns) that contains the “101″ pattern and that number is the right code SIX. Not the number one, or two, or three, etc. — but ONLY the right code SIX. I do seem to remember something about a mark on the RIGHT hand (Rev. 13:16). Technically, from a computer’s perspective the number “666″ is NOT in the UPC barcode. . . but from a human’s perspective — YES, the “appearance” of 666 is there! What does the inventor of the UPC barcode say about the number “666″ in the UPC barcode? The inventor of the UPC barcode is George J. Laurer. In 1971, while Mr. Laurer was an employee with IBM, he was assigned the task “to design the best code and symbol suitable for the grocery industry”. In 1973, Mr. Laurer’s UPC barcode entered the world, and the rest is history. On Mr. Laurer’s web site, he has a “Questions” page, where he answers various questions about the UPC barcode. On the “Questions” page, Mr. Laurer answers the “666″ question, as follows: Question 8 – Rumor has it that the lines (left, middle, and right) that protrude below the U.P.C. code are the numbers 6,6,6… and that this is the international money code. I typed a code with all sixes and this seems to be true. At least they all resemble sixes. What’s up with that? Answer- Yes, they do RESEMBLE the code for a six. An even parity 6 is: 1 module wide black bar 1 module wide white space 1 module wide black bar 4 module wide white space There is nothing sinister about this nor does it have anything to do with the Bible’s “mark of the beast” (The New Testament, The Revelation, Chapter 13, paragraph 18). It is simply a coincidence like the fact that my first, middle, and last name all have 6 letters. There is no connection with an international money code either. (From website) Even, Mr. Laurer, the inventor of the UPC barcode admits, “Yes, they do RESEMBLE the code for a six.” In fact, as we’ve documented — SIX is the ONLY number they could RESEMBLE. Share your comments below!   How does a computer-scanner reads a barcode?

Summary: Barcodes are broken into sets. Between these sets is a “101″ code, at the beginning and at the end are also “101″ codes. These are the lines that stick out a little further at the bottom of most barcodes. There are 2 sets of numbers, 0-9, called “Left Side (Odd Parity) Codes” and “Right Side (Even Parity) Codes”. Out of these 20 codes, only the “Right Side” 6 has this 101 combo. Therefore, those three sets of lines that stick out on a barcode can be read as 666.

 

The barcode fits the revelation warning in this:

It is man’s number (computers cant read it as 666)

The number is found in the code’s creator’s name

You cannot buy or sell without a code. (getting more and more true, but a few places still sell without them)

It is the “Right Side Parity”, or right hand, although I believe it WILL be ordered to put them into our own hands.

There is quite a bit more, perhaps you’ve picked up some things on your own. More will be uncovered in Part 2, at http://justinlessard.wordpress.com/2008/10/05/mark-of-the-beast-part-2-rfid-chip/!!!  Share your comments below!

Purpose of the Church- A short answer

Question: “What is the purpose of the church?”Acts 2:42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” So, according to this Scripture, the purposes / activities of the church should be: (1) teaching Biblical doctrine, (2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, (3) observing the Lord’s supper, and (4) praying. But there is even more:The church is to teach Biblical doctrine so we can be grounded in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 tells us, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly love one another (1 John 3:11).

The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord’s supper, remembering Christ’s death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The concept of “breaking bread” (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of having meals together. This is another example of the church promoting fellowship. The final purpose of the church according to Acts 2:42 is prayer. The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Answer:

 

 

VERSES TO READ:

Ephesians 4:14; Romans 12:10; Romans 15:14; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 John 3:11; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Acts 2:42; Philippians 4:6-7

Fruit of the Spirit- Part 2- JOY

Joy

*Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

*Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

 

-Joy is defined as “A very glad Feeling; happiness; delight”

 

*Joel 1:12 “The vine is dried up
       and the fig tree is withered;
       the pomegranate, the palm and the apple tree—
       all the trees of the field—are dried up.
       Surely the joy of mankind
       is withered away..”

*Matthew 13:20-21 “The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.”

*Lamentations 5:15-16 “Joy is gone from our hearts;
       our dancing has turned to mourning.

 16 The crown has fallen from our head.
       Woe to us, for we have sinned!”

 

-What are some of the ways we can acquire an absence of joy?

 

*Nehemiah 8:10 “…This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

*Psalm 116:3-5 “The cords of death entangle me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, save me!’ The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.”

-What happens to our trouble when we call on the Lord?

 

*Psalm 6:6-9 “I am worn out from groaning;
       all night long I flood my bed with weeping
       and drench my couch with tears.

 7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
       they fail because of all my foes.

 8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
       for the LORD has heard my weeping.

 9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
       the LORD accepts my prayer.”

 

 

-What are some effects that lack of joy has on us?

 

*Isaiah 60:20 “Your sun will never set again,
       and your moon will wane no more;
       the LORD will be your everlasting light,
       and your days of sorrow will end.”

 

 

*Jeremiah 31:12 “They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;
       they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD—
       the grain, the new wine and the oil,
       the young of the flocks and herds.
       They will be like a well-watered garden,
       and they will sorrow no more.”

-What happens when we give the Lord control, and He takes over?

 

 

*2 Corinthians 7:7-10 “and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

 8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

 

-When does God want us to have sorrow?

 

-What is the difference between godly and worldly sorrow?

 

 

*Luke 10:21 “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.’”

*John 3:29 “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.”

*3 John 3-4 “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

*Acts 14:17 “Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

-Where does joy come from?

 

*1 Thessalonians 1:6 “You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”

*1 Peter 1:8-9 “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

*John 15:9-11 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

-How do we acquire this joy from the Lord?

 

 

*Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Though the fig tree does not bud
       and there are no grapes on the vines,
       though the olive crop fails
       and the fields produce no food,
       though there are no sheep in the pen
       and no cattle in the stalls,

    18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
       I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

-Can we have joy in the midst of our drama?

 

 

*Luke 1:14 “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth”

*Luke 6:23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.”

-How should we react to joy/ What do we do with it?

 

-What do you have joy in?

 

-Testimony time!!! Tell of a sorrowful, sad or depressing time that was washed away by the joy of the Lord.

“Fruit of the Spirit- Joy” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

 

 

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info line, including the name, email, & web address, above.

Fruit of the Spirit- Part 1- LOVE

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Read:

-1 Corinthians 13:4-8

-1 John 4:11

-1 John 3:18

-What are some examples of how we can love one another with action and in truth?

 

Read:

-1 John 4:16-19

-Do we deserve God’s love?

-Why do think He still loves us?

 

Read:

-John 3:16

-Psalm 145:20

God loves us. We love God. God loves others. We love others. All is well in this big circle of love.

-What does it mean to have God watch over us?

 

Read:

-Mark 12 :28-34

-Deuteronomy 6:5-6

-Why do you think this commandment is greater than “Thou shalt not steal” or “…kill”

 

-How can this verse (Mk.12:31) relate to 1 Peter 4:8 (Love covers a multitude of sins)?

 

-Let us compare for discussion-

   -How is physical love (from “sex” to “significant others” love) different from spiritual love (brotherly/sisterly; as Christ loved; as God loved)?

-How can we obtain stronger ability to love others as Christ loves?

 

Read:

-Luke 23:32-43

 (After reading) His love was patient, kind, not envious, boastful, or proud. He was not rude and certainly not self-seeking; nor was He angered and He kept no record of wrongs; He, in fact, erased them. Christ did not delight in evil, yet He rejoiced in truth. He protects us; He’s trustworthy, He is our hope and He perseveres. Jesus Christ never fails.

 

-1 Cor. 13:13 Says, “These three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

-Why is love greater than hope or faith?

 

Read:

-1 Thess. 4:9

-Jn 13:35

-1 Jn 2:10

-1 Jn 4:7-8

 

-The Lord brings us together, makes us into a family, teaching us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are His Church. Yet, we are all different in countless ways. We are rich, poor, man, woman, some are leaders, some are followers, each according to the talents and guidance given to us by God through the Holy Spirit, as well as the needs of the community. In many ways, we are more different than alike, l yet God’s love knows no boundaries. We are family.

At times, we can get caught up with others’ doings and feelings. The only way to love one another wholly is to keep our eyes focused on the One who loves all, unconditionally; regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, history, physical condition, offences, opinions, attitudes, wrongs,…etc. God loves. God is love. To love like God is to be more like Christ.

 

“Fruit of the Spirit- Love” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

 

 

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info line, including the name, email, & web address, above.