Witness by Example

When I was a teenager, I didnt know anything about Jesus. But if I could go back in time, and be a Christian teenager going to public school, knowing what I know now, this is how I would witness to my classmates and friends about the awesome power of Jesus Christ.

I have found the best way to influence others is how we live our own life. If we are with our schoolmates six hours a day, we will have plenty of time to show them who we are and what we stand for. More importantly, as Christian teenagers with a message, we should always keep in mind what Jesus said: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24 NIV)

If we proclaim to be followers of Christ then we should not be ashamed or embarrassed to tell others about him. Taking up our own cross is the greatest testimony we can give to our friends and classmates. We first show them what kind of a person we are by our actions, rather than in our speech. We should be patient and wait for our classmates to get curious and want to know more about our life.

I would prepare myself for rejection and persecution from my classmates and school administration. Dont except that everyone who hears what you have to say is going to be receptive to it. Jesus said, He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. (Matthew 12:30 NIV)

I would be careful not to judge those who are different than me, but I would try and show them a better walk through what I have learned in my own walk. Our walk should be consistent with our talk. We are to shine our light on others in such a way that they will want to know more and want to hear our testimony. We hide our light when we go along with the crowd. We hide our light when we dont tell others about Jesus.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (Matthew 5:14 NIV)

To witness to others about the awesome truths of our Lord and Savior we need to keep our focus on Jesus and not ourselves. It is not about our abilities and accomplishments but what Jesus has done for us in our life. Our responsibility as Christians is to let people see God through us. Shine your light.

For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5 NIV)

Angie Lewis is the author of three marriage books offering marriage tips and wisdom filled answers tackling such issues as addiction, adultery, pornography, emotions, beliefs, feelings, marriage, children, forgiveness, communication, submission and spiritual influence in the home.

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Why Worry?

Very seldom do we feel as though we have any control over our anxieties and worries. Most of the time it feels as though life is a constant battle; yet, we fail to see that the battle is within. We find ourselves being conquered by feelings, instead of fighting the fight of faith. We will never live in the peace that Jesus came to give us if we don't learn to "cast our cares."

If we really stop to think about it...Jesus made a really great point in Matthew 6:27 when He said, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not." Quite simply put, "Why worry?" Really, what exactly does it accomplish? We spend so much time worrying and trying to somehow solve situations that only God can resolve, redeem, and restore. We must stop "trying" and just start "trusting."

God has made it clear to us that we are not to carry our burdens. He has told us to "cast our cares" upon Him, but what exactly does that mean? How are we to just "give it to God?" It's much easier said than done. The whole idea becomes illusive as the burdens just seem to continue to pile upon us. If you want to "let go and let God" there are three things you can do to "cast your cares:"

First, Pray. We spend so much time exhausting all of our resources and completely wearing ourselves out by trying to do what only God can do. And when you pray, believe that He hears you; believe that He will answer, in His timing, in His way. (AND trust that His ways are ALWAYS best!) We must trust completely in 1 Peter 5:7 that says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." God doesn't want His children full of worry. He wants you worshiping; trusting that He is true to His Word and He is working ALL things for good.

Second, Don't entertain the enemy. Listen, the moment you "cast your cares," the enemy is going to make a surprise visit. He'll want to sit down and have a cup of coffee and reminisce over the past while creating anxiety over the future. You'll be tempted to listen and give in to doubt and disbelief, but faith does not walk by sight. If Christ is within you, then you also have His mind. Continually ask yourself, "What Would Jesus Think?" You must recognize that the enemy is filling you with lies and trying to take control of your mind. He wants you to worry. We've been specifically instructed in Philippians 4:8 to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-anything is excellent or praiseworthy." Don't let the enemy use footholds to create strongholds in your life.

Third, Say what God says. There's nothing worth thinking OR saying unless we're thinking and speaking what God has said. The Bible is God's amazing gift to us; it is filled with Promises we can claim; they are Promises that He always keeps. There is no supernatural power in our words, but there is a power in the Words of God that will move any mountain, heal the sick, and do the impossible in your life. Instead of only fighting your thoughts with thoughts, you must start fighting your thoughts with Truth. What does God say about your life and the struggles you face? God did not sacrifice His Son so that we could walk around in defeat; He sacrificed so that we might have the victory. And it's not victory in the absence of trials and tribulations; it's victory in the midst of them. In Romans 8:35-37 we're told that in our suffering, affliction, tribulation, calamity, and distress, we are MORE than conquerors through Christ who loved us! Don't listen to the enemy, listen to your God; don't believe the lies, build your life upon the Truth.

One thing is for sure, you will daily fight the fight of faith. You will find more things in "this world" to contradict the faith you cling to, don't be deceived. If you are trusting in God regardless of what you see, think, or feel, you are guaranteed the victory. For those who place their trust in Him, there is no disappointment. Psalm 22:5 If you're truly trusting in God and His Promises, what exactly is there to worry about?

Cherie Hill is founder of http://www.ScriptureNow.com She has a BA in Psychology, is trained in Biblical Counseling through the AACC, and furthers her Biblical Studies through the Moody Bible Institute. Cherie is the author of "Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms" and has published two AmazonShort Christian Bestsellers. Cherie writes the Christian Women's column, "FAITHLIFT" for CWAHM.com and brings life applicable Biblical teaching to the world through "SpiritWaves," featured on EzraWebRadio.com. Her BlogCast"FaithSteps" consistently ranks in the top 25 Christian Podcasts on GodCast1000. She also enjoys the privilege of being a Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger.

Faith - Belief Or Education? - Find Out Why You Believe in Your Religion

Whenever I ask someone involved in a religious organization, the question, do you really believe in your religion? Most of these people will often answer would be yes and start their religious conversion. Some of these people can become very intrusive if I don't stop them soon, very few of these people listen with an open mind.

I have talked to quite a few men and women about their beliefs over the years and still find it hard to believe that most of them live a life of faith with very little understanding or education about their religion. Now some strong believers might take offense to that statement, while others will listen to what I said and start doing a little more research on their religion.

Most of these religions throughout the world make perfectly good sense to their followers and I understand the reasoning behind some of them, it's all they know, everyone around them believes in the same religion and they get some sort of happiness and joy from it.

It's not hard to imagine a young child, walking around with strong religious beliefs if their parents are strong believers in it also. These children grow up and eventually train their children to follow the same path of their parents. Our children should be able to choose, what they will believe in, by the time they are adults.

This is a natural process of life, your parents learned from their parents and whenever someone asked them a question that they really couldn't answer or were uncomfortable answering, they can always reply with, I'm living a life based on faith or you just have to believe. You have to believe that someone is looking out for you and taking care of you. Most of these people think that something else is responsible for the events that take place in their life.

Is it possible for people that live a life of faith to educate themselves about their religion, to find the origin and maybe the destination of their religions. Could these people actually assume responsibility for their choices, whether they're good or bad. It's often hard to listen to somebody tell me that some evil entity made them do something bad. These people are easily convinced by others who agree with them and support them with their statements and beliefs. This seems to be where the biggest problem lies.

Once the people around us support our beliefs, they soon become realities in our lives. These realities will be transferred to others around us and give them support eventually about their beliefs. It's like a vicious circle that never ends. One believe supports another belief, until it's a fact.

Education is the path to freedom and will soon deliver the students from religious bondage. Someone a long time ago said," Seek and You Shall Find, Knock on My Door and I Will Open It.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, Science Getting Rich.

Greg is currently working on a religious education also visit our article library, filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Hoping to Enter Heaven - Religious Views Based on Hope

I was told by an advertising executive one day that all of your advertisements need to deliver some sort of hope for the people you're trying to persuade into buying your products. Funny, if you think about it, I got some and great advice about life from someone in the advertisement business.

Most people are looking for hope, in everything they do. Most of our daily activities revolve around hope and this gives our lives some sort of direction. If you believe in an almighty being and creator of the universe, often you will try to please him, ....or her, ....or it, in hopes of entering the kingdom of heaven or the promised land after you die.

Often our fears will increase our levels of hoping, the fear of doing something against your religion can often inspire you to become a more spiritual person, a good and moral person. Fear of making the wrong choices will inspire us to make better, moral choices, all for the sake of acquiring a ticket to Heaven or Nirvana. You're hoping, your good deeds on earth will earn you a place in heaven.

Most people are afraid of dying and leaving this world, for good. They don't know where they're going and that seems to scare most people. If we can offer someone a little hope, that they are going to a much better place than here, we can often ease the pain and suffering associated with death. I have to admit, most religions of the world promise another world, after we're done with this one.

If you're living a honest and moral life with the hopes of living a bountiful life in heaven, could you be wrong. What if you're seeking Hope in the wrong religion? If you're a Christian and the Hindus are right and you're wrong, do you get to enter there eternal kingdom.

Think about this question, I'm about to ask you. What if spend your whole life studying your religion and it's wrong? There is no heaven and when you die, that's the end of your existence

Have you ever wondered why you believe in your religion and someone in another country or even a couple of miles away believes in something entirely different.

Don't get mad at me or yourself, simply think about the question for a while, this question has transformed my life and put me on a wonderful spiritual path of learning.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Power of Intention

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility. It's based on overindulgence.

Hymn Of The Cherubim Movie Video

I love the chants from the Byzantine Chant and other Religions

Peaceful Warrior God

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Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a christian Ideas library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Dealing With Selfish Thoughts

How Do Christians View The World?

I've been reading and believing the Bible for over 50 years. I unapologetically say that my worldview is between the covers of that Book. The way the born again see it is this: There is God, and there is everything else.

But the transcendant God, we believe, has entered our bounds, and walked with us in the person of Jesus Christ, Himself God and man. We teach that after His cruel death and glorious resurrection, He ascended to Heaven, then came back via Spirit to His followers. (This is not to discount a bodily return at the climax of world history.)

As He filled and fills His disciples with Himself, He actually exerts an influence in the world that He likened to salt and light. God's people, filled with Christ Himself, are preserving this planet and giving it the only true guidance it has.

He is here. He is working steadily among men to call out a people for Himself. All of this, while kingdoms rise and fall around Him and His people. All this while nature rages and time rushes to its final destiny.

Let me break it down more:

The world. Created by God for God.

The world. Corrupted by man in the face of God.

The world. Loved by God and redeemed by His blood for those interested.

The world. Overseen by God but now managed by Satan until all rule is given to Christ.

The world. To be destroyed and renewed and ruled by God's people, when Christ returns.

The world. A place now of temptation and danger.

The world. The enemy of the souls of men, posing as its friend.

The world. Setting of spiritual battles directed from the heavenlies.

The world. Here, we are pilgrims, passing through.

The world. Its peoples are loved by God, but its ways are to be avoided by believers.

"God so loved the world (not the corruption but the needy people) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life ."

John 3:16

That's God's worldview. Though we have corrupted ourselves, He holds out His hand and calls us still...

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. I love to write Scriptural works. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

The Deity of Jesus Christ - Leviticus and Deuteronomy

In the Mosaic books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, one can trace the fact that Jesus is Divine.

Leviticus 11:44, Holy. Twice in rapid succession the God of Israel tells the Jewish nation, "Ye shall be holy, for I am holy." The Spirit that exudes from this God is called the Holy Spirit. Not the Happy or the Mighty but the Holy. Those filled with Holy Spirit are holy people! Isaiah sees the Lord as holy, and the angels of His vision thrice use the word in their classic proclamation: (6:3) "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts!" And Jesus? Is He ever referred to as holy? (Acts 2:27) Peter quotes David's famous words, " Thou wilt not leave My (Jesus') soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption." Peter again, in Acts 3:14 says, But ye (Jews) denied the Holy One (Jesus)...and desired a murderer (Barabbas) to be granted unto you." In a passage that in many ways parallels Isaiah's scene, John the Revelator (4:8) quotes the angels thus: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." But in 1:8 of that book, that formulation of words is applied directly to Jesus! Yes, the "Holy Child" Jesus is also the Holy Lord Almighty! God!

Deuteronomy 6:4, the One God. We come to a critical passage. 6:4 says simply, "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." We see in this most precious of Jewish Scriptures the reason that the orthodox of Jesus' day wanted to stone Jesus. They could not accept a second God. They knew, and they were correct, that the Lord our God is one, a unity. The idea of more than one was abhorrent. Would that they had listened to Jesus when He proclaimed His oneness with the Father, John 10:30. But it still is quite difficult for these finite minds to grasp that one plus one equals one still. Notice again Paul's use of the word only , in I Timothy 6:15-16: "[Jesus Christ] is the... ONLY Potentate, THE King of Kings...Who ONLY hath immortality..." Yahweh claims to be the ONE God. Jesus is proclaimed to be the ONLY Potentate (source of power and authority). No conflict. Jesus is GOD.

Deuteronomy 10:17, Lord of Lords. "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords..." Such an exclusive title. But it is also the title of the Lord Jesus Christ, written on His clothing, seen by the apostle John and recorded for us in Revelation 19:11-16: "The Word of God...hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

What can we say? Only that Jesus is God.

Deuteronomy 32:4 "He is the Rock.." This is one of many Old Testament passages calling the Lord a rock. Like in I Samuel 2:2, where we see Hannah, in the Spirit, saying, "Neither is there any Rock like our God!" Similarly in the New Testament we see Jesus telling Peter that the Church will be built on Peter's rock-statement that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 16). Peter later tells his flock that this Jesus is the "stone which the builders disallowed...the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence..." Paul comments that the Rock that followed the Israelites through the wilderness was none other than Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 10:4)!

Truth . The same passage as quoted above, 32:4, says that this God is "a God of truth." I need not even remind my readers that Jesus said (John 14:6) "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." If He is not God, He is a bit out of order to make such a claim!

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. I love to write Scriptural works. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.