C. H. Mason

Charles H. Mason was born outside Memphis near the end of the Civil War to Jerry and Eliza Mason, freed slaves. Eliza prayed earnestly that her son would be dedicated to God. The child soaked up those prayers and was soon joining his mother at the throne of grace, asking for faith like that of the old slaves and of his parents.

When Charles was 12, yellow fever broke out in the area. The Masons packed their scant belongings and quickly moved to Plumersville, Arkansas, where they became tenant farmers on a swampy plantation. The plague followed them, took Jerry’s life, and, wrapping its deadly tentacles around young Charles, laid him low with chills and fever. His death seemed certain. But early one Sunday morning “the glory of God appeared to Charles as never before,” as his wife later put it. “Being instantly healed by the divine presence, (he) got out of bed and walked outside all by himself. There under the morning skies, he prayed and praised God for his healing. During these moments, (he) renewed his commitment to God.” Meanwhile his mother, who had risen to check on him, was astonished to find his bed empty. She discovered him outdoors, trotting and skipping and shouting, “Glory to God! Hallelujah! Praise his holy name!”

Not surprisingly, C. H. Mason grew up to become a preacher, but his holiness message rankled fellow Baptists. One day while walking down a street in Little Rock pondering 1 Thessalonians 2:14, a name came to mind: The Church of God in Christ. Mason and the Baptists parted company, and he began organizing his like-minded brethren into a new group. Between 1897 and 1906, the fledgling organization grew in fits and starts. Then in 1907, at the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, Mason received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He returned home with dramatic zeal, and the young denomination was reorganized and enflamed.

The Church of God in Christ was the first major denomination to emerge from the ardor of Azusa Street, and by Mason’s death on November 17, 1961, it was among America’s largest Pentecostal denominations.

We always thank God that you believed the message we preached. It came from him, and it isn’t something made up by humans. You accepted it as God’s message, and now he is working in you. My friends, you did just like God’s churches in Judea and like the other followers of Christ Jesus there. 1 Thessalonians 2:13,14a

The Synod of Dort

One of the things Christians disagree about is the importance of their disagreements, observed C. S. Lewis. Today many “Calvinists” and “Arminians” work hand in hand, but for hundreds of years they battled one another as bitterest foes.

The Arminians derive their name from Jacobus Arminius, who was born in the Dutch village of Oudewater in 1559 or 1560. He received a good education, but his studies at the University of Marburg were interrupted by tragedy. Spanish troops attacked his hometown of Oudewater, and Jacob, hearing the news, immediately returned home to find his family massacred.

He spent the next several years wandering through Europe, going from university to university, soaking up knowledge like a sponge. In 1587 he finally settled in Amsterdam, having been appointed a pastor there by city fathers. Arminius, who understood suffering better than most, made a good pastor. He visited the sick even during outbreaks of the plague, admonished the wayward, and counseled tolerance in theological matters. His sermons were powerful and popular.

After several years Jacob moved to Leiden to teach at the university, and there his six remaining years became embroiled in conflict with the prevailing interpretation given to Calvinism by Theodore Beza, Calvin’s successor at Geneva. Beza hardened Calvin’s belief that God decrees to save and damn certain individuals by his own sovereign pleasure. Arminius, worrying that Beza’s position made God the author of sin, insisted that election to salvation is conditioned by faith. The controversy became so acute that the Dutch national assembly asked both sides to submit their positions in writing.

Arminius died before responding, but the controversy was just beginning. A war of pamphlets, books, and sermons so divided Holland that the national assembly convened the Synod of Dort, which began November 13, 1618. From the beginning the synod regarded the followers of Arminius as heretics, and on January 14, 1619 the Arminians were condemned. All two hundred Arminian pastors in Holland were thrown from office, and any who would not be silent were banished from the country. But the issue wasn’t settled. Christians have been arguing these doctrines—and about their importance—ever since.

Peter said, “Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live.” Acts 2:38,39

Morgan, Robert J.: On This Day : 265 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs & Heroes. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000, c1997, S. November 13

I find it interesting that after all these years we are still arguing over these things.

Certain denominations claim that God predetines who will be saved.  Some even set a number of how many there will be.  Some claim thay once you are saved then it doesn't matter what you do because you are saved and nothing can change that.  Some claim we are saved by faith alone while others say that there are certain things that must be done by us.

You know the Bible lays it out clearly for us.

To be saved we must repent, accept Jesus Christ as lord and strive to be as much like him as possible in life.  He makes this offer to all.

Yet wars are faught and innocents killed over the details.

No matter what anyone tells you read your Bible.  If what they say is not there then its' not true.

Its' as simple as that.

Walk with Christ and be blessed in this life and the next;

Pastor Tom

Facts of the Matter

The Flood

(GENESIS 7-8:15)

THERE is a grandeur and majestic simplicity about the scriptural account of "The Flood" which equally challenges and defies comparison. Twice only throughout the Old Testament is the event again referred to—each time in the grave, brief language befitting its solemnity. In Psalm 29:10 we read: "Jehovah sitteth upon the flood; yea, Jehovah sitteth King for ever,"—a sort of Old Testament version of "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." Then, if we may carry out the figure, there is an evangelical application of this Old Testament history in Isaiah 54:9, 10: "For this is as the waters of Noah unto Me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee."

The first point in the narrative of "The Flood" which claims our attention is an emphatic mention, twice repeated, of Noah's absolute obedience, "according unto all that Jehovah commanded him." (Genesis 6:22; 7:5) Next, we mark a "solemn pause of seven days" before the flood actually commenced, when "all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened;" in other words, the floodgates alike of earth and heaven thrown wide open. The event happened "in the sixth hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month;" that is, if we calculate the season according to the beginning of the Hebrew civil year, about the middle or end of our month of November.  Then Noah and his wife, his three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their wives, and all the animals, having come into the ark, "Jehovah shut him in," and for forty days and forty nights "the rain was upon the earth," while, at the same time, the fountains of the great deep were broken up. The flood continued for one hundred and fifty days, when it began to subside.  The terrible catastrophe is thus described: "And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: all in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark."

The remarks of a recent writer on this subject are every way so appropriate that we here reproduce them: "The narrative is vivid and forcible, though entirely wanting in that sort of description which in a modern historian or poet would have occupied the largest space. We see nothing of the death-struggle; we hear not the cry of despair; we are not called upon to witness the frantic agony of husband and wife, and parent and child, as they fled in terror before the rising waters. Nor is a word said of the sadness of the one righteous man who, safe himself, looked upon the destruction which he could not avert. But an impression is left upon the mind with peculiar vividness from the very simplicity of the narrative, and it is that of utter desolation. This is heightened by the repetition and contrast of two ideas. On the one hand, we are reminded no less than six times in the narrative (Genesis 6, 7, 8) who the tenants of the ark were, the favored and rescued few; and, on the other hand, the total and absolute blotting out of everything else is not less emphatically dwelt upon" (Genesis 6:13, 17; 7:4, 21-23).

We will not take from the solemnity of the impressive stillness, amid which Scripture shows us the lonely ark floating on the desolate waters that have buried earth and all that belonged to it, by attempting to describe the scenes that must have ensued. Only the impression is left on our minds that the words "Jehovah shut him in," may be intended to show that Noah, even if he would, could not have given help to his perishing contemporaries.  At the end of the one hundred and fifty days it is said, in the peculiarly touching language of Scripture, "God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark." A drying wind was made to pass over the earth, the flood "was restrained," "and the waters returned from the earth continually." On the seventeenth day of the seventh month, that is, exactly five months after Noah had entered it, the ark was found to be resting "upon the mountains of Ararat,"—not necessarily upon either the highest peak, which measures seventeen thousand two hundred and fifty feet, nor yet, perhaps, upon the second highest, which rises to about twelve thousand feet, but upon that mountain range. Still the waters decreased; and seventy-three days later, or on the first day of the tenth month, the mountain-tops all around became visible.  Forty days more, and Noah "sent forth a raven," which, finding shelter on the mountain-tops, and food from the floating carcasses, did not return into the ark. At the end of seven days more "he sent forth a dove from him to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground," that is, from the low ground in the valleys. "But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark." Yet another week, and he sent her forth a second time, when she returned again in the evening, bearing in her mouth an olive-leaf. It is a remarkable fact, as bearing indirect testimony to this narrative, that the olive has been ascertained to bear leaves under water. A third time Noah put forth the messenger of peace, at the end of another week, and she "returned not again unto him any more."  "No picture in natural history," says the writer already quoted, "was ever drawn with more exquisite beauty and fidelity than this. It is admirable alike for its poetry and its truth." On the first day of the first month, in the sixth hundredth and first year, "the waters were dried up from off the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry. And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, was the earth dried,"—just one year and ten days after Noah had entered the ark.

Thus far the scriptural narrative. It has so often been explained that the object of the Bible is to give us the history of the kingdom of God, not to treat of curious or even scientific questions, that we can dismiss a matter too often discussed of late in an entirely unbecoming spirit, in these words of a recent writer: "It is a question among theologians and men of science whether the flood was absolutely universal, or whether it was universal only in the sense of extending over all the part of the world then inhabited. We do not here enter into this controversy; but we may notice the remarkable fact that the district lying to the east of Ararat, where the ark rested, bears traces of having at one time been under water. It is a peculiarly depressed region, lying lower than the districts around, and thus affording peculiar facilities for such a submersion."

But there is another matter connected with the flood so marked and striking as to claim our special attention. It is that the remembrance of the flood has been preserved in the traditions of so many nations, so widely separated and so independent of each other, that it is impossible to doubt that they have all been derived from one and the same original source. As might be expected, they contain many legendary details, and they generally fix the locality of the flood in their own lands; but these very particulars mark them as corruptions of the real history recorded in the Bible, and carried by the different nations into the various countries where they settled. Mr. Perowne has grouped these traditions into those of Western Asia, including the Chaldean, the Phenician, that of the so-called "Sibylline Oracles," the Phrygian, the Syrian, and the Armenian stories; then those of Eastern Asia, including the Persian, Indian, and Chinese; and, thirdly, those of the American nations—the Cherokee, and the various tribes of Mexican Indians, with which—strange though it may seem—he groups those of the Fiji Islands. To these he adds, as a fourth cycle, the similar traditions of the Greek nations. But the most interesting of all these traditions is the Chaldean or Babylonian, which deserves more than merely passing notice.

Though it needs not such indirect confirmations to convince us of the truth of the narratives in the Bible, it is very remarkable how all historical investigations, when really completed and rightly applied, confirm the exactness of what is recorded in the Holy Scriptures. But their chief value to us must always be this, that they tell us of that Ark which alone rides on the waters of the deluge, and preserves for ever safe them who are "shut in" there by the hand of Jehovah.

CHALDEAN NARRATIVE OF THE DELUGE

In general we may say that we have two Chaldean accounts of the flood. The one comes to us through Greek sources, from Berosus, a Chaldean priest in the third century before Christ, who translated into Greek the records of Babylon. This, as the less clear, we need not here notice more particularly. But a great interest attaches to the far earlier cuneiform inscriptions, first discovered and deciphered in 1872 by Mr. G. Smith, of the British Museum, and since further investigated by the same scholar. These inscriptions cover twelve tablets, of which as yet only part has been made available. They may broadly be described as embodying the Babylonian account of the flood, which, as the event took place in that locality, has a special value. The narrative is supposed to date from two thousand to two thousand five hundred years before Christ. The history of the flood is related by a hero, preserved through it, to a monarch whom Mr. Smith calls Izdubar, but whom he supposes to have been the Nimrod of Scripture. There are, as one might have expected, frequent differences between the Babylonian and the Biblical account of the flood. On the other hand, there are striking points of agreement between them, which all the more confirm the scriptural account, as showing that the event had become a distinct part of the history of the district in which it had taken place. There are frequent references to Erech, the city mentioned in Genesis 10:10; allusions to a race of giants, who are described in fabulous terms; a mention of Lamech, the father of Noah, though under a different name, and of the patriarch himself as a sage, reverent and devout, who, when the Deity resolved to destroy by a flood the world for its sin, built the ark. Sometimes the language comes so close to that of the Bible that one almost seems to read disjointed or distorted quotations from Scripture. We mention, as instances, the scorn which the building of the ark is said to have called forth on the part of contemporaries; the pitching of the ark without and within with pitch; the shutting of the door behind the saved ones, the opening of the window, when the waters had abated; the going and returning of the dove since "a resting-place it did not find," the sending of the raven, which, feeding on corpses in the water, "did not return;" and, finally, the building of an altar by Noah. We sum up the results of this discovery in the words of Mr. Smith:

"Not to pursue this parallel further, it will be perceived that when the Chaldean account is compared with the Biblical narrative, in their main features the two stories fairly agree; as to the wickedness of the antediluvian world, the Divine anger and command to build the ark, its stocking with birds and beasts, the coming of the deluge, the rain and storm, the ark resting on a mountain, trial being made by birds sent out to see if the waters had subsided, and the building of an altar after the flood. All these main facts occur in the same order in both narratives, but when we come to examine the details of these stages in the two accounts, there appear numerous points of difference; as to the number of people who were saved, the duration of the deluge, the place where the ark rested, the order of sending out the birds, and other similar matters."

We conclude with another quotation from the same work, which will show how much of the primitive knowledge of Divine things, though mixed with terrible corruptions, was preserved among men at this early period: 

"It appears that at that remote age the Babylonians had a tradition of a flood which was a Divine punishment for the wickedness of the world; and of a holy man, who built an ark, and escaped the destruction; who was afterwards translated and dwelt with the gods. They believed in hell, a place of torment under the earth, and heaven, a place of glory in the sky; and their description of the two has, in several points, a striking likeness to those in the Bible. They believed in a spirit or soul distinct from the body, which was not destroyed on the death of the mortal frame; and they represent this ghost as rising from the earth at the bidding of one of the gods, and winging its way to heaven."

"Some guys are just lucky, I guess."

Not according to Solomon:

"He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall." (Proverbs 28:18)

Bill is a sincere, and plodding hard worker, who in his school days never made an athletic team or served on student government. Today, he heads the second largest accounting firm in town and is known for his integrity and godliness.

Richard exploded onto the business scene some years ago, highly leveraging other people's money in the volatile property development business. "It's God's blessing," I was informed. Today, he faces 42 lawsuits, the bank has foreclosed on his upscale estate, and he and his wife split a duplex with relatives.

"He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty." (Proverbs 28:19)

Dan is a high school graduate, who met Christ while in the military. Upon discharge, he went to work as a farm hand for a widowed woman. After years of diligent service, the lady bequeathed her sizable holdings to Dan. Over these many years he and his wife have substantially impacted scores of students for Christ at a nearby private university for the rich and famous, while faithfully tilling their land.

Gene inherited a sizable business from his father, and within a decade managed to reduce it to red ink. Recently over lunch, he excitedly spoke of an enterprise half way around the world that would soon make him rich. "It is God's will," he disclosed to me. Meanwhile, his wife struggles to feed and clothe their children.

"A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 28:20)

Sheldon grew up in foster homes, too poor to attend college. At age 21 he met Christ and taught himself the machine repair business. Successful in business, Sheldon and his wife choose to live on a portion of his income, giving the remainder to missions. On the side, he raises millions for the Gospel.

Forrest is actively involved in his church, while chronically struggling to meet his financial obligations. Every bit the executive — if appearances were the determinant — Forrest maintains a posh office, waiting for "The Break". Meanwhile he declines employment opportunities that offer modest, but steady income.

QUESTION: In dealing with our own, or others' rationalizations, are we willing to get down to gut issues, calling a spade a spade? If not, what do you think are the long term consequences?

"Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness because of mine enemies." Psalms 5:8

Very bitter is the enmity of the world against the people of Christ. Men will forgive a thousand faults in others, but they will magnify the most trivial offence in the followers of Jesus. Instead of vainly regretting this, let us turn it to account, and since so many are watching for our halting, let this be a special motive for walking very carefully before God. If we live carelessly, the lynx-eyed world will soon see it, and with its hundred tongues, it will spread the story, exaggerated and emblazoned by the zeal of slander. They will shout triumphantly. "Aha! So would we have it! See how these Christians act! They are hypocrites to a man." Thus will much damage be done to the cause of Christ, and much insult offered to His name. The cross of Christ is in itself an offence to the world; let us take heed that we add no offence of our own. It is "to the Jews a stumbling block" let us mind that we put no stumbling blocks where there are enough already. "To the Greeks it is foolishness": let us not add our folly to give point to the scorn with which the worldly-wise deride the gospel. How jealous should we be of ourselves! How rigid with our consciences! In the presence of adversaries who will misrepresent our best deeds, and impugn our motives where they cannot censure our actions, how circumspect should we be! Pilgrims travel as suspected persons through Vanity Fair. Not only are we under surveillance, but there are more spies than we reck of. The espionage is everywhere, at home and abroad. If we fall into the enemies' hands we may sooner expect generosity from a wolf, or mercy from a fiend, than anything like patience with our infirmities from men who spice their infidelity towards God with scandals against His people. O Lord, lead us ever, lest our enemies trip us up!

"The exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead." Ephesians 1:19,20

In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forth nothing short of a divine power. What shall we say of those who think that conversion is wrought by the free will of man, and is due to his own betterness of disposition? When we shall see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may we expect to see ungodly sinners of their own free will turning to Christ. It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. This power was irresistible. All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; Death himself could not hold Jesus in his bonds: even thus irresistible is the power put forth in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners upon earth, can stay the hand of God's grace when it intends to convert a man. If God omnipotently says, "Thou shalt," man shall not say, "I will not." Observe that the power which raised Christ from the dead was glorious. It reflected honour upon God and wrought dismay in the hosts of evil. So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. It was everlasting power. "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him." So we, being raised from the dead, go not back to our dead works nor to our old corruptions, but we live unto God. "Because He lives we live also." "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. The same power which raised the Head works life in the members. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ!

Jusr a little much needed humor

As you know, kids say the darnedest things.

Yesterday, a sweet little nugget said, “Mrs. Hall, your eyes sparkle like glitter.” And I thought, well, this boy already knows his way to a women’s heart.

Today, as I was giving directions to the class about a quiz we were about to take and where to turn it in, I asked if there were any questions. A different little nugget raised his hand. Of course I asked him what his question was. Any ideas on his question………

“Mrs. Hall, did you know that your arm jiggled when you moved it like that?”

Obviously, this little boy will be alone forever.

A young man looking to get married asked his friend. "Every woman I bring home to meet my parents, my mother doesn't like."

"Oh, that's easy," his pal replied. "All you have to do is find someone who is just like your mother."

"I did that already," he said, "and that one my father didn't like."

A lady was taking her time browsing through everything at a yard sale and said to the homeowner, "My husband is going to be very angry when he finds out I stopped at a yard sale." 

"I'm sure he'll understand when you tell him about all the bargains," the homeowner replied. 

"Normally, yes," the lady said. "But he just broke his leg, and he's waiting for me to take him to the hospital to have it set." 

Why Me Lord??? Psalm 103:2

Psalm 103:2
     I said, O my God, take me not away in the mids t of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.

     Everyone said it was such a tragedy. Mark was a funny, bright young man, and he had so much to look forward to. He wasn't even 25 yet. The robbery had been senseless, and so had his death. Why would God allow such a thing to happen?

     We ask ourselves that question a lot. Why does God allow some things to happen? We always look at the question from our own, earthly, human perspective. We forget that death is a part of life and that it is a necessary passage in existence. To God, death is not a bad thing, but merely a part of the way things are. Death isn't a cruelty or a punishment. Our days on earth are a gift, and we should live them as fully as we can. If we die, we are in the Lord's hands, and everything will work out just fine. Faith is the key. We must learn to know that God has everything under control, and that He will turn all situations to good. Even death is a wonderful thing in the hands of God.

     Lord, I do not understand the way things work sometimes, and I do not like to experience pain and suffering. Help me to see Your hand in all things. Grant me understanding.  I ask you these things and offer you all of my thanks in the precious name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.

Are you with me???

Blessings my friends;

     You know as Sr. Pastor of G.L.O.V.E. Christian Ministries I have to try to plan everything ahead of time. I know that some of you think that since our presence is 99% on the web that it doesn't take a lot of planning.  I mean it's not like we have bake sales or fundraisers or any of that to plan out.  But we do hold different events on the internet each year that have to be planned out or they simply won't work.  And we have our big three each year that we try to punch just a bit harder.  The first one is our Advent and Christmas celebration.  The second is our Lent and Easter celebration.  And the third is the annual nationwide Back - To - Church celebration that hundreds of thousands of churches all over the country take part in.

     Now I think that the first two on this list are pretty self explanatory.  If your not familiar with them then you really need the third.  So here's the deal.  On September 18th we're asking everyone who's gotten out of the habit of attending church to simply go back.  And yes G.L.O.V.E. does count as a church.  We're just a church without walls but we are a church.  But we're not asking you to wait until then to come back. Nope, you can do it right now today and it's even better.  And we still have something special for you to do on 9/18.  For all those already going to church then we're asking you to invite a friend or friends along with you.  That way Christ's love just reaches more and more people.

     For those of you who want to help even more and see your name on the net as well we are asking everyone to write something on the sybject of  back to church.  You can email it to me by 9/10 and it will apear in the weekly sermon section on the 18th.  I look forward to reading and sharing with all of you.

Untill next time may God truly bless you.
Pastor Tom

Too big? Too small? Says who?

Blessings;

     I read something this morning that my wonderful cousin Cindy put on FaceBook  I must say that it was not only comforting but it got me to thinking as well.

     You see Cindy was talking about how we limit God by what we pray for.  She used the example that if someone tells us they have a headache we say lets pray about it.  But if tha same person tells us they have cancer we say lets talk to the Sr. Pastor about it.  The idea is that most people believe that the big problems take someone in authority for God to hanfle them.

   She went on to say that this is actually backwards because it's actually easier for God to handle the big stuff.  To illustrate this point she used the two times that Jesus fed the multitudes.  Notice that it took more loaves to feed the 4,000 than it did to feed the 5,000.

     Her main point was to tell how thankful she is to worship a God who can and does cure cancer.

     I think though that we need to take it a step further.  We shouldn't limit God by saying that it's easier for him to cure cancer.  Nor should we limit Him by saying that it's beneath him to cure a headache.  It's not up to is to decide what God will or won't cure.  Our Father can do anything wgich includes ciring anything.  In fact Jesus could have fed both groups if there had not been a single loaf ay all.

     One big thing I want to point out tjough.  In both cases Jesus had everyone sit down, broke the bread and gave thanks to the Father and then fed them.  Notice the order here.  He gave thanks first.

     Still think you need the Sr. Pastor for cancer?  Still think a headache is too small for God?  Oh ye of little faith.  Wake up and smell the Manna.

God bless you my friends.
   

Start yourr Bibles

Blessed day my friends;

I want to stat by welcoming 3 new members of G.L.O.V.E.  Among other things they will all be posting blogs for us to learn ro.  I will be working as quickly as possible to update the links on all of the blogs but in the meantime you can find them in the blog section on the website.  They are Apostle Sedeville, Tiffany and Martha who is actually going to be sharing 2 blogs with us.  I also want to give a special thanks to Pastor Chuck who is now not only keeping his blog going but is sharing weekly sermons as well so that we ae now posting 2 sermons instead of just my one.  I feel so blessed that our Bible study on Facebook is now at 231 members and still growing.  If you wish to join us there I'm adding a link to all of the blogs as well as in the links on the left side on the web site,  All of this is leading up to the annual nation wide Back to Church Sunday September 18th.  If ourr church without walls here on the internet is your church then please share us with a friend.  Until next time please remember that God loves us sinners too and keep praying that we can bring even one person even one step closer to Christ Jesus and eternity in paradise.

In Memerium

Well, another week has gone by and I'm late with my post again.  I do have a legitimate excuse however.  In fact it pushes all else to the back.I will add this week's Bible lesson but otherwise this post is stricktly in memurry of:

Gloria June Capps

1925 - 2011

Survuved three husbunds and two children.

Survived by four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren., one older sister and one younger brother.

You are already missed June;

_____________________________________

The Word of Truth - Lesson 35

The Beast of Revelation



Let’s ask God for His assistance:

Dear Lord,



We ended our last lesson wondering about the identity of the little horn, a power whose actions were foretold centuries beforehand by the prophet Daniel.



Today we ask You to show us what is the power symbolized by this little horn.



May this revelation help us to prepare ourselves for Your coming. In Jesus Christ we pray.



Amen.



2 Peter 1:19

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.



In this lesson, we will continue our study of Bible prophecy, an activity strongly recommended by the Word of God.



We suggest you review the previous lesson «The Prophetic Zoo», in order to better understand all the elements that will be presented in this lesson.



Daniel 7:2,3

Daniel spoke and said,



«I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove on the great sea.



And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.»



In our lesson «The Prophetic Zoo», we studied one of the visions of the prophet Daniel.



In this vision, four great beasts appeared in turn, symbolizing a succession of universal kingdoms, from the time of Daniel up to the end of the world. These four kingdoms were:



- Babylon;

- the Medo-Persian Empire;

- Greece;

- Rome.



Daniel 7:7,23,24

[The fourth beast] was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. (...)



The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.



And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise.



We also saw that ten horns came out of the fourth beast, that is, out of Rome, symbolizing the division of the Roman Empire into ten parts.



Indeed, ten nations arose at the time of the fall of Rome.



Here are the ten nations which arose at the fall of the Roman Empire:

1. The Saxons, originating the English nation.

2. The Franks, originating the French nation.

3. The Alamanni, originating the German nation.

4. The Visigoths, originating the Spanish nation.

5. The Suevi, originating the Portuguese nation.

6. The Lombards, originating the Italian nation.

7. The Burgundians, originating the Swiss nation

8. The Heruli, who have since disappeared.

9. The Vandals, who have since disappeared.

10. The Ostrogoths, who have since disappeared.



Daniel 7:8

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn.



Then, we witnessed the emergence of a last power, symbolized by a little horn.



By studying Chapter 7 of the book of Daniel, we found nine clues which will now enable us to discover the identity of this mysterious power.



(For more details on each one of these nine clues, please review the lesson «The Prophetic Zoo».)



Here are the nine clues to find the identity of the little horn:

1. It came up among the ten nations (Daniel 7:8).

2. It rose after the ten nations, that is, after A.D. 476 (Daniel 7:24).

3. It has a greater appearance than the ten nations (Daniel 7:20).

4. A man sits at its head (eyes like the eyes of a man) (Daniel 7:8).

5. It plucked out three nations (Daniel 7:8,20,24):

- Heruli, in A.D. 493;

- Vandals, in A.D. 534;

- Ostrogoths, in A.D. 538.

6. It blasphemed against God, speaking pompous words (Daniel 7:8,20,25).

7. It made war against the saints (Daniel 7:21,25).

8. It intended to change times and law (Daniel 7:25).

9. It reigned during exactly 1260 years, from 538 to 1798 (Daniel 7:25).



Proverbs 23:12

Apply your heart to instruction.



We may refer to any encyclopedia, any history book, and we will see that only one power perfectly corresponds to the characteristics of the little horn: the Papacy, also called papal Rome.



However, let’s note this very important point: the little horn designates the papal system, not the people belonging to this system.



There are indeed many sincere people who belong to the papal system, and yet love Jesus Christ with all their hearts.



John 10:16

[Jesus said,]



«And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd.»



Let’s not be misunderstood: God really loves the individuals who are in the Papacy’s system.



That is why He gave His Word to men, so that, by studying it, we may become aware of the warning God gives us and, responding to Jesus’ call, we may leave this system and join the Savior’s flock.



Daniel 7:8

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn.



Let’s review the characteristics of the little horn one by one, to see if they really apply to the Papacy.



First, the little horn came up among the ten nations: the only power which came out of the ten nations, shortly after the fall of the Roman empire, is well and truly the system of the Papacy, having arisen in Rome.



Daniel 7:24

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise.



And another shall rise after them.



The little horn arose after the ten nations, that is, after A.D. 476, the year when the division of the Roman empire was completed.



Now, history teaches us that the Papacy imposed its religio-political supremacy from A.D. 538 on, only 62 years after the division of the Roman empire.



Daniel 7:19,20,24

Then I would know the truth (...) of the other [horn] which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. (...)



[That king] shall be diverse from the first.



Different from the ten nations by the religio-political nature of its power, the Papacy has taken on, and still takes on a more impressive appearance than any other power on the earth.



Indeed, at all times, popes have always surrounded themselves with majestic pomp in all their actions and travels.



Daniel 7:8

And, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.



At the head of the Papacy stands only one man: the Pope.



Proclaimed infallible, his decisions affect the lives of millions of people around the world.



And, throughout history, the declarations of this leader have often been very pompous, as we will see in a moment.



Daniel 7:8,24

Behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots. (...)



The ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise.



And another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.



Exactly as foretold, the Papacy brought about the elimination of three of the ten nations which were opposed to the authority of the Bishop of Rome:



- the Heruli, in A.D. 493;

- the Vandals, in A.D. 534;

- and the Ostrogoths, in A.D. 538, the year when the Papacy began to reign freely.



Daniel 7:20,25

[That horn] had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things (...).



[That king] shall speak great words against the Most High.



The Papacy’s arrogance is reported in Daniel chapter 7. But arrogance isn’t enough: it even goes as far as to «speak great words against the Most High», that is, blaspheme against God.



Did the Papacy really blaspheme against God?



The Bible’s definition of blasphemy will help us to answer this question.



John 10:33

The Jews answered Him, saying, «For a good work we stone You not; but for blasphemy; and because that You, being a Man, make Yourself God.»



Mark 2:7

Why does this Man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?



So, blasphemy is not only taking the name of God in vain.



According to the Word of God, when a man makes himself God, or claims to have power to forgive sins, he speaks blasphemies.



The Pope claims to be God and to have the power to forgive sins:

«The Pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, (...) he is as it were God on earth, Sole sovereign of all the faithful of Christ, chief king of kings, having a plentitude of unbroken power.»

(Lucius Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca, “Papa II”, Vol. VI, pp.25-29.)



«And God Himself is obliged to abide by the judgment of His priests, and either not to pardon or to pardon, according as they refuse or give absolution, provided the penitent is capable of it.»

(Alphonsus Liguori, Duties and Dignities of the Priest, p.27.)



«In this horn, [was] (...) a mouth speaking great things.» (Daniel 7:8)

«The supreme teacher in the Church is the Roman Pontiff. Union of minds, therefore, requires, together with a perfect accord in the one faith, complete submission and obedience of will to the Church and to the Roman Pontiff, as to God Himself.»

(Leo VIII, On the Chief Duties of Christians as Citizens, Encyclical letter, 1890.)



«For not man, but God separates those whom the Roman Pontiff (who exercises the functions, not of mere man, but of the true God), having weighed the necessity or benefit of the churches, dissolves, not by human but rather by divine authority.»

(Decretals of Gregory IX, Book 1, C.7.3.)



«Hence the Pope is crowned with a triple crown, as king of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions (infernorum).»

(Lucius Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca, “Papa II”, Vol. VI, p.26.)



Daniel 7:21,25

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them. (...)



[That king] shall wear out the saints of the Most High.



More people were killed by the Papacy, during its reign throughout the Middle Ages, than by Hitler during World War II.



In fact, about 50 million people, who refused to recognize its authority, were killed by the Papacy.



Historian W.E. Lecky wrote, «The Church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind.» (Rise and Influence of Rationalism in Europe, vol.2, p.32.)



Daniel 7:25

[That king] shall think to change times and laws.



The Papacy removed God’s second commandment which forbids carved images and idols.



And, in order to preserve the appearance of the ten precepts of the Decalogue, it divided the tenth commandment in two parts.



Moreover, as we have seen in the lesson «The Great Trickery», it attacked the fourth commandment, moving the day of rest from Saturday to Sunday, thus changing «times and laws».



«The Pope is of so great authority and power, that he is able to modify, declare, or interpret even divine laws.» (Lucius Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca, “Papa II”, Vol. VI, p.25.)



Daniel 7:25

[The saints] shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.



The reign of the little horn was to last 1260 years (3½ times = 3½ x 360 days = 1260 days, that is, 1260 years, as we have seen in the lesson «The Prophetic Zoo»).



Now, the Papacy reigned exactly 1260 years: from A.D. 538, when the last of the three tribes rejecting its power, that is, the Ostrogoths, was eliminated, until 1798, when the Papacy lost its political power, as French general Berthier took Pope Pius VI prisoner.



Revelation 13:1

And I stood on the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads the name of blasphemy.



If the Papacy lost its political power in 1798, then how is it that the Papacy is still a political power nowadays?



The beast of Revelation will give us the answer to our question.



First, let’s note the beast of Revelation’s description: we find some elements that are familiar to us, like «rise up out of the sea», «ten horns», «blasphemy»...



Revelation 13:2

And the beast which I saw was like to a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion.



Surprisingly, the same beasts which were presented in Daniel 7 (the lion, the bear, and the leopard) make up the body of this beast.



Also, we can see that they had previously been listed in reverse order: whereas Daniel saw the fall of Babylon (the lion), Medo-Persia (the bear), and Greece (the leopard) in the future, the apostle John saw them in the past.



This explains the inversion of listing order.



Revelation 13:5,7

And there was given to [the beast] a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given to him to continue forty and two months. (...)



And it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.



Does this description remind you of something?



Yes, you’ve guessed it. Both the beast of Revelation and the little horn symbolize the same power: the Papacy.

Revelation 13:3

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed.



And all the world wondered after the beast.



The apostle John then adds an interesting detail: the beast would be mortally wounded, but its wound would be healed. Then, the whole world «wondered after the beast».



Now, history reports that this is exactly what happened: the papacy, having lost its political power in 1798, recovered it in 1929, when Mussolini, by the Lateran Treaty, restored temporal power to the Pope who has, since then, ruled over Vatican.



Revelation 13:3,8

His deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. (...)



And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.



Due to the numerous travels of Pope John Paul II, the Papacy has gained much prestige throughout the world, particularly in recent years.



But the Word of God foretells that very soon, all those who dwell on the earth will have to choose who they will worship: either God or the beast.



Revelation 13:16,17

And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark.



Indeed, very soon, the beast will impose its mark on all the inhabitants of earth, including you and us.



Those who reject this mark will experience severe difficulties, threatening even their lives.



On the other hand, those who accept this mark will be regarded by God as worshippers of the beast, and will lose eternal life.



Revelation 14:9,10

If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.



And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone.



God warns us not to receive the mark of the beast, or our punishment will be eternal destruction.



But what is the mark of the beast?



This crucial question must obtain a very precise answer from the Word of God. This will be the subject of our next lesson.



Let’s thank God for His prophetic Word:

Our Father,



You have revealed to us that both the little horn and the beast of Revelation symbolize the Papacy, a power which tried to change Your law, and which made war against Your people for 1260 years.



But we know that You love the people who are in the papal system, and that You call them to come out of this system, and join Your Church.



Please give us the courage we need to leave this system, in order to join Your people, take a stand for You, and worship only You.



In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray.



Amen



Review:

In order to check your understanding and your progress in the study of the Word of God, we invite you to fill out this short test and return it to us. The correct answers will be sent back to you as soon as possible.

A mark of 70% or better will allow you to submit the test of Lesson 36. Upon the completion of the entire Bible course The Word of Truth, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement.



The Word of Truth: Test for Lesson 35



1. In Daniel chapter 7, we have found nine clues to identify the little horn. Among the following statements, please indicate which one does not belong to these nine clues:



a. The little horn blasphemed against God.



b. The little horn destroyed five of the ten Barbarian nations.



c. The little horn made war against the saints.



d. The little horn reigned during 1260 years.



2. Only one power perfectly corresponds to the little horn’s characteristics, listed in Daniel chapter 7. This power is:



a. the king Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

the

b. Roman emperor Nero.



c. the Communist nations.



d. the Papacy (papal Rome).



3. It is important to note that God really loves the individuals who are in the Papacy’s system. This is why He gave His Word to men, warning them and inviting them to respond to Jesus’ call, reported in the Gospel according to John: «And other sheep I have, which are not of this __________: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one __________ and one __________.»



4. The prophecy of Daniel announced that the Papacy would blaspheme against God. The Gospel according to John and the Gospel according to Mark tell us that blasphemy is not only taking the name of God in vain. In the following list, please check off everything that constitutes a blasphemy, according to the Word of God:



a. When a man makes himself God.



b. When a man holds some political power.



c. When a man performs miracles and wonders.



d. When a man claims to have power to forgive sins.



5. The book of Daniel chapter 7 also announced what follows: «The same horn made war with the __________, and prevailed against them. (...) [That king] shall wear out the __________ of the Most High.» Just as foretold, about __________ million people, refusing to recognize its authority, were killed by the Papacy during its 1260-year reign.



6. The prophecy of Daniel also said that the little horn «shall think to change times and laws.» Just as predicted, the Papacy tried to change God’s law. Among the Ten Commandments of God, the Papacy particularly attacked:



a. the first and third commandments.



b. the second and fourth commandments.



c. the third and fifth commandments.



d. the fourth and seventh commandments.



7. The reign of the Papacy was exactly 1260 years long, as foretold in Daniel chapter 7 (3½ times x 360 days = 1260 days) and in Revelation chapter 13 (42 months x 30 days = 1260 days). Which event put an end to this 1260-year reign?



a. The Lisbon earthquake in 1755.



b. The United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.



c. The storming of the Bastille in 1792.



d. The imprisonment of Pope Pius VI in 1798.



8. The book of Revelation announces what will happen after the 1260-year reign of the Papacy: «I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was __________.» Indeed, the Papacy recovered its political power in the year __________, when Mussolini, by the __________ Treaty, restored temporal power to the Pope who has, since then, ruled over the state of __________.



9. After the healing of the beast’s deadly wound, that is, after the Papacy has recovered its political power, the book of Revelation chapter 13 adds this astonishing prediction: «And all the world...»



a. «... made an alliance against the beast.»



b. «... payed no attention to the beast.»



c. «... began to fear the beast.»



d. «... wondered after the beast.»



10. Finally, the book of Revelation foretells what the Papacy will do in the last days: «And he causes __________, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a __________ in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the __________.» This important prophecy will be the subject of our next lesson.



Your name: _________________________



Your E-mail address: _________________________

(Please be sure to enter your E-mail address correctly.)

How did you hear about G.L.O.V.E. Christian Ministry: _________________________

Please send your answers to: glove@worshipper.com



Back to school

Blessings my brothers and sisters;

It's definately been too long since my last post here.  I apologize once again for that.  The problem is that with everything I do I tend to drop the priority on my posts until I get so busy with other work that I don't manage to get them made before I run out of time.  So I've come up with an idea that will raise the priority that I hope you will like.  I'll still continue to post personal things and announcments as always but I'm also going to add a new feature.  I have a Bible study group on facebook.  It's not large as facebook groups go, only about 200 of us.  But for most of the last year we have been using a study I wrote that I post once a week.  You will also soon be able to find it on the website.  It's not really a beginner's study but I wrote it ib a way that beginners can use and ubderstand it.  I included several thousand Bible verses to prove what I say and if you carefully study all 41 lessons you will definately not be a beginner when you finish.  I also include a review test at the end of each lesson to hit on some of the most important facts.  So I've decided to start posting the lessons on my blog here as well.  Please feel free to email the answers to me at glove@worshipper.com if you wish to receive the certificate of accomplishment at the end of the series.  I look forward to your comments.

God bless you;
Pastor Tom

The Word of Truth - Lesson 1

God: Could He Be Dead?

Let’s pray together before beginning this set of lessons:


Lord,






As we are about to open the Bible, perhaps we are not entirely convinced of Your existence. But we are here today to give You a chance to make Yourself known.






We humbly ask You to show us the reasons why we should believe in You. In Jesus Christ, we pray.






Amen.



John 1:18

No man has seen God at any time.



Sure of holding a convincing argument, the unbeliever will say: «God? Nobody has ever seen Him...»



As you can notice, the apostle John agrees with that statement. However, John doesn’t deny the existence of God.



Would we refuse to recognize the existence of electricity under the pretext that we cannot see it? Of course not, since we can all observe its power. There are also some «powerful» reasons to believe in God.



Exodus 33:20

And [the Lord] said, «You can not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live.»



First of all, let’s understand why we cannot see God.



Mankind, in his fallen state, would not be able to bear seeing God’s holiness.



We cannot even look at the sun, how much less the Creator of the sun?



Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.



The Bible doesn’t even try to prove God’s existence. It simply states the fact, right from the very first verse. God is, because He has to be.



Romans 1:19,20

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in [men]; for God has showed it to them.



For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.



We never cease to marvel at the prodigious complexity of Creation.



We will see, in a future lesson, that all this is inconceivable without the presence of a superior intelligence.



Isaiah 46:9,10

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else.



I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done.



During our lessons we will also have the opportunity to study the amazing prophecies of the Bible.



The facts foretold centuries beforehand by God’s prophets have come true with remarkable accuracy: together, we will see that there is no way that «chance» could be so accurate...



Daniel 2:28

But there is a God in heaven that reveals secrets.



Wait until you see what God revealed to the prophet Daniel about the future, and you will surely understand why this prophet spoke this way.



Fascinating lessons await you!



Psalm 10:4

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.



Psalm 14:1

The fool has said in his heart, «There is no God.»



Nowadays, to deny the existence of God is often considered as the sign of a cultured mind.



But in view of the evidence of a superior intelligence, the Bible can only qualify atheism as nonsense.



Yes, truly, God exists.



John 20:29

Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.



God promises a blessing to those who believe in Him without having seen Him.



And a wonderful promise is made to those who seek God...



Jeremiah 29:13,14

«And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found of you,» said the Lord.



What a promise God gives us! If we only give Him a chance, the Lord will clearly reveal Himself in our lives, and we will be transformed by His presence within us.



What can we lose? Nothing! On the contrary, we have everything to gain by doing so.



Acts 17:27

That [men] should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us.



The existence of God doesn’t need to be proven, but rather felt by each one of us. When we have been in contact with God, even if it’s only once in our lifetime, we can no longer doubt His reality.



And to seek the Lord is precisely the goal of these lessons.



Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please [God]: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.



We can better understand why our first lesson focuses on the existence of God: it is necessary, at the very least, to believe that God exists, before exploring the next lessons; otherwise they would be meaningless.



James 2:19

You believe that there is one God. You do well.



The philosopher Kant declared: «There is no proof of the non-existence of God.»



So, the least we would ask an atheist is to suppose that God exists.



We pray that these lessons transform this supposition into solid reality.



Let’s pray together before ending this first lesson:

Our Father,



We thank You for Your promise to let Yourself be found by whoever sincerely seeks You.



As the apostles asked Jesus, we also ask You, «Increase our faith.» (Luke 17:5).



As the father of the demon-possessed child, we also address this prayer to You, «Lord, I believe; help You my unbelief!» (Mark 9:24).



In Jesus Christ, we pray.



Amen.

Review

In order to check your understanding and your progress in the study of the Word of God, we invite you to fill out this short test and return it to us. The correct answers will be sent back to you as soon as possible.

A mark of 70% or better will allow you to submit the test of Lesson 2. Upon the completion of the entire Bible course The Word of Truth, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement.

The Word of Truth: Test for Lesson 1

1. According to John 1:18, no one has seen __________ at any time.

2. Man cannot see God. Why?

a) He doesn’t look closely enough.

b) His sight is too poor.

c) God has definitively rejected mankind.

d) Man’s state of sinner prevents him from seeing God.

3. How does the Bible describe those who say, «There is no God.»?

a) Wise and cautious.

b) Wicked and fool.

c) Intelligent and cultivated.

d) Perspicacious and clever.

4. The blessing contained in John 20:29 says, «Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have__________.»

5. In Jeremiah 29:13, God declares, «You shall seek Me and _________ Me, when you shall search for Me with all your __________.»

6. The Bible states that it is impossible to please God without:

a) wisdom.

b) good works.

c) Faith.

d) a good education.



7. In Hebrews 11:6, the Word of God says that in order to come to God, we must believe that God:

a) watches over us.

b) has forgiven our misdeeds.

c) knows the future.

d) is.



8. What did philosopher Kant declare about God?



A) «There is no proof of the non-existence of God.»

B) «God is dead, I killed Him.»

C) «Religion is the opium of the people.»

D) «I am God.»

9.In his prayer, the father of the demon-possessed child cried out, «Lord, I believe; help You my__________!»

10. Do you wish to give God a chance to reveal Himself in your life?



a) Yes.

b) No.

Your name: __________

Your E-mail address:

(Please be sure to enter your E-mail address correctly.)

How did you hear about G.L.O.V.E. Christian Ministry?