The Bible is a complex
book, but it has a simple message. There’s enough wisdom in it for a
lifetime of detailed study; and there is also wisdom that beginners can
easily find. Here are a few basic rules to get you started on the right
foot.
If you have never read
a 1,000-page book, the Bible may seem difficult and unapproachable. The
strange names and strange customs might be intimidating. But perhaps you want to read the Bible, despite its difficulties, because you have
heard that it can tell you more about the God who made you and who loves
you. It can tell you about Jesus, your Savior, and what he did and taught.
There’s treasure hidden somewhere in this book, but you aren’t quite sure
how to go about finding it.
Most of us realize that enjoying anything other than God, from the best gift to the basest pleasure, can become idolatry. Paul says in Colossians 3:5, “Covetousness is idolatry.”
“Covetousness” means desiring something other than God in the wrong way. But what does that mean—“in the wrong way”? The reason this matters is both vertical and horizontal. Idolatry will destroy our relationship with God. And it will destroy our relationships with people.
All human relational problems—from marriage and family to friendship to neighbors to classmates to colleagues—all of them are rooted in various forms of idolatry, that is, wanting things other than God in wrong ways. So here is my effort to think biblically about what those wrong ways are.
What makes an enjoyment idolatrous? What turns a desire into covetousness, which is idolatry?
Members of Life in Christ Community Church celebrated their 25 years as a WCG fellowship last Sunday, May31, 2009 at Kong’s Restaurant, Olongapo. The celebration centered on how it is to be United in Christ. Brothers and Sisters from different churches joined in the celebration. Praise and Worship uplifted the hearts of many, GOD’s WORD through Pastor Richard enlightened listeners on the believers' complete oneness with the Lord in His death, burial, resurrection, and enthronement . Prayers offered touched much much more. Testimonies made the lunch more sumptuous.
Intercessory prayer is one of the most powerful service a believer can give to others. Yet, service to others through intercession from our position of enthronement with the Lord Jesus Christ in the heavens enlarges the idea of intercession.
In 1 John 5:14-15 promise is made that prayer will be answered when we pray according to the will of God.
God does certain things whether we ask Him to or not. We may feel confident the sun will rise tomorrow. On the other hand, there are some things that all the praying in the world will not change. We may shout at the top of our lungs, or praise his name with shouts of joy, and pour out all our tears in desperation. Outside of His will, God will not do it.
