Check This Out - 1 Corinthians 14:34

If you're a woman, you might not want to read this article. If you're a man who supports male chauvinistic ways, I guarantee that this is going to be an article that you won't want to miss.

I have watched women who believe in other religions, all over the world, consider men to be superior to them. I have watched men treat women as subservient and sometimes has subhuman beings, even though these women are someone's wives, sisters or daughters.

But the Holy Bible, come on I can't believe that this is the word of God. Read this and if you have to read it again, but is this really in the Bible, did God actually write this or is this something that was written by man, to make women live lives of servitude.

Here it is, read it for yourself, 1 Corinthians (TWB) 14:34 let your wives keep silent in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the law also says. Is this what Christianity is all about or is this just part of what Christianity represents.

Are women really supposed to be quiet in the assemblies of God, in church or places of worship? Am I reading this right? Your wife's keep silent in assemblies, it doesn't say anything about men remaining silent in assemblies.

Oh yeah, for it has not been permitted for them to speak, what the heck are they talking about. Are you telling me that Christian women are not allowed to speak inside of their place of worship? Is that where these assemblies meet or are they talking about something else.

I would like to make a suggestion, too any Christians that are reading this article, this would be a great topic for discussion, at your next prayer meeting or Bible study group.

With religious text like this, you can understand why some women don't have equal rights to men. Its beliefs like these, that will eventually end up forcing large religious organizations to change or become part of our history.

Watch this Video on Women and Bible Problems

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site: If your interested in a different point of view READ THESE ARTICLES - Great Articles For Christians

Greg Vandenberge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible.

Manipulating Bible Verses - Thou Shall Not Murder

If you're a Christian, you've probably heard of this Bible verse. Thou shall not murder. If you've heard of it, you probably know that it's one of the 10 Commandments or one of the original laws from Moses. However, most people don't know about its application to Christianity.

If I was to tell my children, not to lie and always tell the truth but I was a liar, would this be considered a good example for my children? If my children seen me lying and then I told them not to lie, would they consider that a lie? Does this example make sense to you?

As the parent, I'm the example. As the children, they are my disciples or followers. By lying to my children, I am showing them that it is okay to lie or stretch the truth or even manipulate the English language for my personal benefit.

How much different is this example from the example of the way some Christians use the Holy Bible? "Thou shall not murder," to me translates into," you should not kill." That's pretty simple and easy to understand, wouldn't you agree.

I could easily manipulate this Bible verse into, thou shall not murder, only applying it, to killing someone without a reason or you can kill someone in the name of God. You can change the meaning of anything if you really want to.

The point I would like to make here, is that the truth always comes out in the end, once the lying and the manipulation becomes visible. Do you have the ability to tell who's lying and twisting the Bible scriptures for their benefit or personal gain?

Bible verses that are clearly written, shouldn't have any hidden messages. "Thou shall not murder," is easy to interpret, once you understand what all four of these words mean and this task can easily be accomplished with a dictionary.

Thou - refers to you, the person being addressed or written to.

Shall - it will happen in the future or is intended to happen.

Not - is often used to express refusal, denial or the negation of the statement, just made.

Murder - the crime of killing another person deliberately and not in self-defense.

With the definition of these four words sitting right in front of us, you could still interpret this Bible verse in the few different ways. I'm going to take a stab at it and interpret it as I see it.

"You should not kill another person deliberately or outside of self-defense."

This means that I am not allowed to kill anyone, in the name of God, during war, or for any other reason except for defending myself.

When it says," Thou shall not murder," how does this apply to animals or anyone who is involved in a death sentence. Judges, lawyers, prison guards and other individuals who are directly involved in the murder of someone else.

How many other Bible verses have been manipulated for the benefit of Christianity?

God Said What

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Click here if you're interested in Basic Christianity.

Properly Exercising Faith - People Who Represent Christianity

It's your responsibility as a Christian to properly exercise your faith and to express your opinions as such. If you don't know something for a fact, you are obligated to seek and gather more information about these so-called facts.

With this said, if you hear a Bible verse quoted to you by someone and you don't necessarily understand 100% of what they are saying or you think that they might be twisting around the Scripture, it's your obligation to find out, the truth and nothing but the truth.

Let me give you an example of how to properly exercise your faith. An atheist walks up to you and asks you why you believe in God, you reply," Because it says so in the Bible." Wrong.., wrong answer. Because it says so in the Bible, isn't what I would consider a good answer. It's what I would consider to be a controlled Christian answer, simple but untrue.

The minute that you start referring to things in the Bible and you don't really understand what it is that you're talking about, you're not doing Christianity any favors. The minute that you listen to another person quote out of the Bible and start repeating, what it is that they were saying, without clearly understanding the truth, you're simply spreading rumors.

Think about this, the next time that you tell someone something that you heard, just because you hear something three times, doesn't make it a fact. I would like to tell you a little secret, so pay attention, simply because someone within your religious community, who others look up to, say something that sounds believable, don't start spreading rumors, find out for yourself, if it's actually true.

Christian Bible Problems

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Understanding the Bible

Embrace the Idea About Learning - Shouldn't You Be Studying the Bible Regularly?

Most Christians own at least one Bible, but the idea of studying it on a regular basis, is normally considered a difficult task for those to perform. If you really want to call yourself a Christian, shouldn't you at least understand, a few things in the Bible?

Maybe something about Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, or what about that guy, what's his name, I think he died for our sins and wasn't he the son of God, what was his name... You might think I'm kidding, but very few Christians, know very little about the Bible.

How do we get Christians to embrace the idea that studying the Bible could benefit them or change their views entirely about their religion? I've always had problems with those who consider themselves practicing Christians, while trying to convert others to Christianity with a limited knowledge about the religion itself.

If you go to church every Sunday, there's a good chance that you will have to touch the holy book of scriptures, at least once. You might even pick it up and turn some of the pages while listening to the sermon. Is this the only time during the week that you will pick up the Bible? And does this bother you?

What about those who read the Bible regularly and don't take the time to interpret it literally. Read the Bible, word for word in order to get a simple understanding of each Bible verse. Don't try to read anything into it or look for hidden messages.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to answer simple questions or understand what your church leaders are talking about? When they mention Paul or Isaiah, are you thinking about your cousin and his friend? Spend a little more time learning about your religion and you will reap the rewards that education has to offer.

There Are Plenty of Problems with the Bible and If You Need More Help, Click on This Link Understanding the Bible

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Click Here If You're a Positive Christian Person.

Check This Out - 1 Corinthians 14:34

If you're a woman, you might not want to read this article. If you're a man who supports male chauvinistic ways, I guarantee that this is going to be an article that you won't want to miss.

I have watched women who believe in other religions, all over the world, consider men to be superior to them. I have watched men treat women as subservient and sometimes has subhuman beings, even though these women are someone's wives, sisters or daughters.

But the Holy Bible, come on I can't believe that this is the word of God. Read this and if you have to read it again, but is this really in the Bible, did God actually write this or is this something that was written by man, to make women live lives of servitude.

Here it is, read it for yourself, 1 Corinthians (TWB) 14:34 let your wives keep silent in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the law also says. Is this what Christianity is all about or is this just part of what Christianity represents.

Are women really supposed to be quiet in the assemblies of God, in church or places of worship? Am I reading this right? Your wife's keep silent in assemblies, it doesn't say anything about men remaining silent in assemblies.

Oh yeah, for it has not been permitted for them to speak, what the heck are they talking about. Are you telling me that Christian women are not allowed to speak inside of their place of worship? Is that where these assemblies meet or are they talking about something else.

I would like to make a suggestion, too any Christians that are reading this article, this would be a great topic for discussion, at your next prayer meeting or Bible study group.

With religious text like this, you can understand why some women don't have equal rights to men. Its beliefs like these, that will eventually end up forcing large religious organizations to change or become part of our history.

Watch this Video on Women and Bible Problems

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site: If your interested in a different point of view READ THESE ARTICLES - Great Articles For Christians

Greg Vandenberge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible.

Manipulating Bible Verses - Thou Shall Not Murder

If you're a Christian, you've probably heard of this Bible verse. Thou shall not murder. If you've heard of it, you probably know that it's one of the 10 Commandments or one of the original laws from Moses. However, most people don't know about its application to Christianity.

If I was to tell my children, not to lie and always tell the truth but I was a liar, would this be considered a good example for my children? If my children seen me lying and then I told them not to lie, would they consider that a lie? Does this example make sense to you?

As the parent, I'm the example. As the children, they are my disciples or followers. By lying to my children, I am showing them that it is okay to lie or stretch the truth or even manipulate the English language for my personal benefit.

How much different is this example from the example of the way some Christians use the Holy Bible? "Thou shall not murder," to me translates into," you should not kill." That's pretty simple and easy to understand, wouldn't you agree.

I could easily manipulate this Bible verse into, thou shall not murder, only applying it, to killing someone without a reason or you can kill someone in the name of God. You can change the meaning of anything if you really want to.

The point I would like to make here, is that the truth always comes out in the end, once the lying and the manipulation becomes visible. Do you have the ability to tell who's lying and twisting the Bible scriptures for their benefit or personal gain?

Bible verses that are clearly written, shouldn't have any hidden messages. "Thou shall not murder," is easy to interpret, once you understand what all four of these words mean and this task can easily be accomplished with a dictionary.

Thou - refers to you, the person being addressed or written to.

Shall - it will happen in the future or is intended to happen.

Not - is often used to express refusal, denial or the negation of the statement, just made.

Murder - the crime of killing another person deliberately and not in self-defense.

With the definition of these four words sitting right in front of us, you could still interpret this Bible verse in the few different ways. I'm going to take a stab at it and interpret it as I see it.

"You should not kill another person deliberately or outside of self-defense."

This means that I am not allowed to kill anyone, in the name of God, during war, or for any other reason except for defending myself.

When it says," Thou shall not murder," how does this apply to animals or anyone who is involved in a death sentence. Judges, lawyers, prison guards and other individuals who are directly involved in the murder of someone else.

How many other Bible verses have been manipulated for the benefit of Christianity?

God Said What

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Click here if you're interested in Basic Christianity.

Properly Exercising Faith - People Who Represent Christianity

It's your responsibility as a Christian to properly exercise your faith and to express your opinions as such. If you don't know something for a fact, you are obligated to seek and gather more information about these so-called facts.

With this said, if you hear a Bible verse quoted to you by someone and you don't necessarily understand 100% of what they are saying or you think that they might be twisting around the Scripture, it's your obligation to find out, the truth and nothing but the truth.

Let me give you an example of how to properly exercise your faith. An atheist walks up to you and asks you why you believe in God, you reply," Because it says so in the Bible." Wrong.., wrong answer. Because it says so in the Bible, isn't what I would consider a good answer. It's what I would consider to be a controlled Christian answer, simple but untrue.

The minute that you start referring to things in the Bible and you don't really understand what it is that you're talking about, you're not doing Christianity any favors. The minute that you listen to another person quote out of the Bible and start repeating, what it is that they were saying, without clearly understanding the truth, you're simply spreading rumors.

Think about this, the next time that you tell someone something that you heard, just because you hear something three times, doesn't make it a fact. I would like to tell you a little secret, so pay attention, simply because someone within your religious community, who others look up to, say something that sounds believable, don't start spreading rumors, find out for yourself, if it's actually true.

Christian Bible Problems

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Understanding the Bible

Sabbath - What Is The State Of The Law Of God Today?

Are to believe all that Rome has created in the way of a Christian Sabbath because Paul the apostle said to take an offering on the first day of the week? All of this because the Christians in Troas were meeting on the first day of the week? Are the things that believers do en masse therefore dictated by the Holy Spirit for all? It is through this philosophy of listening to "the piety of the people", that is, God speaking doctrines and practices through what the majority of the professing Church believes, that Rome has come up with other teachings, some of which are quite blasphemous. How far to go with such a philosophy? For me, no farther than what is written for all believers for all time, the Holy Scriptures that concluded with the apostle John in the first century A.D. If the people in their piety believe that, it is because there is light in them from Heaven. If they believe something beyond the word, it is fiction pure and simple.

This much we know, then. But the question comes, what do we do with knowledge thus gained? Does God care if we continue on as we are? Is there an eternal significance to the Sabbath to which true followers will eventually be drawn ? Is God more concerned with the picture or the reality of our rest in Jesus Christ and the coming rest of the planet during the Millennium? Are we under any laws of any kind in Christ Jesus, or are we truly free from law when in Christ?

Most of us are probably not aware of all the "Old Covenant" things we do in connection with our church life. Think of all the Psalms we sing, the prophecies we read and believe, the great histories of God's men and women. All of this is before Calvary and Pentecost, yet somehow we think of it as part of the will of God for us.

Let me ask you this: What common practice in the New testament Church was first practiced in the Old Testament times, but without a recorded command from God? It began in Genesis spontaneously, or so it seems, and was later a part of the Law of Moses. It was never specifically commanded in a New Testament book although it is implied in several. Since the New Testament church was first Jewish, we expect it is probably for today. Pastors swear by it, but it is much less a New Covenant idea than the seventh day Sabbath which is nearly written off as cultic. Answer? The tithe.

We are literally steeped in Jewish ways. Why do we want to exclude the Sabbath rest? Did God?

The question of the Sabbath, only one of ten commandments, and those commandments only one component of a comprehensive legal system, must be considered in a broader context if the hint of a solution is to be found. The much more difficult question concerns the law itself. What is the law's place in the believer's life? Did the law pass away? Are we totally lawless now?

For the answers, we return to the only written Source of Truth available, and call upon the Truth Himself to guide us through this maize. Let's read His prophet Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 31:31-34 [portions]. "Behold the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah- not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers... My covenant which they broke...But this is the covenant that I will make...I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."

a. First note that this covenant is not suddenly "Gentile". It is to be a new covenant for the old people. We know that Gentiles were admitted in, but it is originally offered to Israel and Judah. And originally, it was those Jews who responded.

b. Its newness has as much to do with method as with message. In fact, no change to the message is mentioned. But the way of communicating this covenant, we discover later, is the Spirit of God and His filling of the believer in Jesus. This will bring the obedience so long sought for by God.

c. But not to be overlooked here is the word "law" itself. "My" law, says God, the things I have always wanted them to do, not some new law, will be inside them. The destruction of all law is not envisioned here, only a way for God's people to keep that law holy.

Here then is a glimmer of light to help us to understand how the Sabbath, and other Commandments, can be kept by believers in our own day.

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.

Rapture Or Second Coming? Final Distinctions Refuted

So is there a difference between the rapture of the church and the return of Christ to the Earth? Modern theologians have suggested that it is not proper to pray with John, "Come Lord Jesus," if we know He is not coming for seven years (at least). Thus there must be an un-announced and a clearly predictable coming, both. This seems to make

This implies that every time we pray, we are changing God's plans. Rather, when we pray, it must be in accord with God's will. That is, Jesus, I know you are coming, and you are welcome here! Your will be done, Come as you plan to come, Lord Jesus! I want it and I am looking forward to it.

Anyone who has prayed that prayer over the last 2000 years, including John the Revelator, understood that it might not be answered physically and immediately. But the prayer went up anyway, and continues to rise to Heaven. To suggest that a prayer is invalid because God has a fixed moment for its answer is to suggest that our desires should supercede His.

When we pray for healing, He hears us. Or for financial blessing. Or for deliverance. Or for the salvation of family members. He hears. But the answer may be down the road. Our knowing that we must wait upon God does not stop us from crying out to Him, yea, day and night ( Luke 18:1-5).

The Spirit and the Bride call out for these many years, Come, Lord Jesus. But He doesn't come. But He will. When it is time. For now, the world is in a mess, the world needs the Saviour, O come, O come, Emmanuel! Keep praying it saints!

One final suggestion that the rapture and return are two different events separated by seven years is that the judgment seat of Christ and the

marriage of the Lamb must take place in Heaven and with the Church present, and before His coming to earth. Yet he can offer no proof of the location and timing of these events, for, of course, such proof does not exist.

Romans 14:10 and II Corinthians 5:10 simply state that there will be a time when saints stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Revelation 19:7-8 describe not the wedding, but the announcement of same. The marriage has come. The wife is ready. Blessed are those invited. But wait! Some serious work to do first, following this announcement. Now the church descends with Jesus (Revelation 19:7-21) to the earth, taking its first step toward the announced supper. There, as described by prophets and apostles, the Kingdom is set up after Christ's victory over His enemies. Then Jesus keeps His promise to drink the fruit of the vine with His followers (Matthew 26:29). It seems to me that this is a more logical arrangement of details.

But for a "proof text" that this will happen, neither the pre- or post- people can find one. It simply is not there.

In fact, no proofs can be offered anywhere in God's Word that there is such a thing as a "pre-tribulation" rapture, that there is a rapture at all without the revelation of Christ and the setting up of His kingdom on earth, that there is any distinction between our catching away and his coming again. Thank God, much of this teaching is losing its grip, and there are many places in the world where men's books are not available, only God's. These people believe what the church believed for two millennia, namely, "Immediately after the tribulation... they will see the sign of the Son of man..."

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. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

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. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

North Korea's Purgatory

Thirty or so years ago a 10-year-old boy entered a North Korean labor camp with his family. He lived to tell about it, the first story of its kind*:

The family was among the many that had, a generation earlier, relocated in Japan and become strong supporters there of Socialism, Communism, and North Korea . With the rise of Kim Il Sung, the family was enticed to come back to the fatherland and complete the reforms so badly needed there.

This very rich but very dedicated family moved back to a near hero's welcome. But growing suspicions about their wealth and their connection to the traditional foe of Korea slowly led the family from fame to ghastly impoverishment. The entire family was arrested and a new life begun in one of Kim's infamous reeducation centers.

How does one wind up in jail with all these credentials? To get to a North Korean Camp, one must be either "a land-holder, a capitalist, a U.S. or South Korean agent, a Christian, or members of purged Party circles deemed noxious to the state." Division is made then between "redeemable" and "unredeemable" prisoners. Once classed unredeemable, life is over. Your only worth to the state is hard labor. You will be taken to work at secret sites since there is no hope of you taking those secrets anywhere but to the grave. You will work until you drop dead.

Redeemables, like the author of this book, have a chance. They are taught Kim propaganda. They are thoroughly redone in their thinking processes, and after a number of years, released to live their new life as a trusted member of society.

I present these horrid but true story to encourage you to pray for North Koreans, that in their distress they will call upon the Name of the Lord, and that in calling they will unleash the Power that no dynasty can withstand.

*The Aquariums of Pyongyang by Kang Chol-Hwan

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. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

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. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Catholic Symbol of the Epiphany

Many Christian denominations do not pay that much attention to the Epiphany of Jesus Christ. The Epiphany event occurred shortly after Jesus was born in Bethlehem and is celebrated by the Catholic church on January 6th of each year. It commemorates the day when the magi, the three kings came to pay homage to Christ, the king.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church the Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world.

The three kings, the wise men if you will, symbolizes the acceptance of Jesus as the salvation of the world through the Incarnation. Their journey to Israel in order to pay homage to Jesus shows that they sought the one who would be king of all nations. Their coming means that pagans can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world.

Here's what Pope Benedict said in his homily at the Vatican, last year, during the celebration of the feast of the Epiphany:

"The light that shone in the night at Christmas illuminating the Bethlehem Grotto, where Mary, Joseph and the shepherds remained in silent adoration, shines out today and is manifested to all. The Epiphany is a mystery of light, symbolically suggested by the star that guided the Magi on their journey. The true source of light, however, the "sun that rises from on high", is Christ.

In the mystery of Christmas, Christ's light shines on the earth, spreading, as it were, in concentric circles. First of all, it shines on the Holy Family of Nazareth: the Virgin Mary and Joseph are illuminated by the divine presence of the Infant Jesus. The light of the Redeemer is then manifested to the shepherds of Bethlehem, who, informed by an Angel, hasten immediately to the grotto and find there the "sign" that had been foretold to them: the Child, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

The shepherds, together with Mary and Joseph, represent that "remnant of Israel," the poor, the anawim, to whom the Good News was proclaimed.

Finally, Christ's brightness shines out, reaching the Magi who are the first-fruits of the pagan peoples.

The Magi worshipped a simple Child in the arms of his Mother Mary, because in him they recognized the source of the twofold light that had guided them: the light of the star and the light of the Scriptures. In him they recognized the King of the Jews, the glory of Israel, but also the King of all the peoples."

Ed Gallagher is a researcher, speaker and the author of Catholic Symbols, a blog that deals with the meaning and origins of various Christian Symbols, Religious Symbols and primarily Catholic Symbols.

Is The Pre-Tribulation Rapture In Revelation 4:1?

Revelation 4:1 has been used by those who believe in a catching up to heaven seven years before Jesus comes to earth. Let's look at it.

"After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this."

Question: Isn't John's "rapture" here meant to indicate that the church is lifted out of the world before any talk of tribulation in the book? Is it not true that the church is not mentioned again after this?

Oh the strange work that popular 'theologians' have done with this verse. In this simple passage, John is addressed by Jesus, and told to come up to heaven for further revelations. Incredible to me is the notion that here, Jesus is actually calling His entire Church to Heaven! The statement is made by believers in this interpretation, pre-tribulation rapturists all, that , from this point on, the Church is 'absent' in the book of Revelation! And when it is pointed out in several places that believers are indeed on earth, the response is made that these believers are really not the 'Church' , but 'tribulation' saints, whatever that means. A conclusion is made, and facts to the contrary are explained away. This is not good exegesis, to say the least!

For those who desire to look at it, the evidence for the Church being in the book of Revelation after chapter 4 is strong:

1. Definition. First, we assume that by 'Church' we mean the 'saints', or as in Daniel, 'holy ones', a term used over 40 times by New testament writers to refer to the Body of Christ, the people of God. We also assume we are talking about a people who have been promised by Jesus, Paul, and Peter a life of persecution often ending in martyrdom .

2. Passages in Revelation that don't say 'Church' but are Church: 5:8, The worshipers in Heaven pour out before God prayers from the saints. 6:10-11, martyrs are here received to God and told that their fellow- martyrs will soon join them. They have been slain for the Word of God and their testimony. 7: 13 ff, the same believers referred to in chapter 6 are now standing before the Throne, having come out of the Great Tribulation by means of martyrdom. 8:4, The prayers of the saints are now seen as incense. 12:11, The same saints as in 6 and 7 are seen in a flashback in the context of the Beast who persecuted them. 12:17, Those who keep the commandments of God, as brother John loved to talk about in his writings (John 12:49-50, 13:34, 14:15,21,31, 15:1-12, I John 2:3-8, 3:22-24, 4:21, 5:3-6, II John 4-6) and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, are distinguished here from the persecuted Israelites who are in the process of being hidden and sealed, and therefore unreachable by antichrist. He now vents his fury on the only 'saints' left, the Church. 13:7, As in Daniel 7, the man of sin is seen here being given the authority to conquer the saints. He overcomes their body, and they overcome him by going straight to Jesus. 14:6, The everlasting Gospel is being preached all over the world. I wonder who does this job? A company of angels? The 144,000? Why not the same group that has always preached it? 14:13, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. To die in the Lord is to be a member of Christ. Members of Christ are the Church. 15:1-4, Singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, those who died in the Lord, those who seemingly were conquered by antichrist, now are around the Throne. 16:15, In the worst of the worst hours comes a message from Heaven: I am coming. Keep your garments clean! Who is He talking to, if not the Church? 18:4, Also in the midst of devastation, God's people are called out, but not up, FIRST. Who are they? The Church!"

Schwertley adds these powerful words: "The argument from silence consistently applied would not prove the rapture of the saints but the annihilation of the saints, for not only is the word church (ekklesia) not used of the saints on earth in chapters 4 through 18, it also is never used of the saints in heaven. Does this mean that all the saints have vacated heaven...? The word church does not even occur in the book of Revelation until Revelation 22:16. Does this mean the church is not involved in the second coming, the resurrection or white throne judgment?...An argument that proves too much is worthless."

Further, he states that this argument [from silence] could also be used to prove many dangerous and heretical doctrines. "In the book of Esther the words for God and Jehovah do not occur even once. Does this fact mean that God does not exist...?"

As with most pre-trib assertions, a little logic, a lot of Scripture, and the notions dissolve in the heat of God's light. Yes, the church is all over the book of Revelation because they never left in 4:1! John made a solo trip at the express invitation of Jesus. And that's all that happened.

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. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

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. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

It's Not Cool to Worry

In our world today their is allot to be concerned about. Things like terrorism, crime, racism; or how about taxes, inflation and job loss. Truly we have allot we could be worried about. But I've found out that in order to function in life and overcome the obstacles we face, we need to give our cares,worries and frustrations to someone else. Someone stronger than us. We tend to lean and depend on our spouses or family and friends and that's awesome, but this support system can only take us so far and that's it. I've found on my journey that I really need a relationship with someone who's able to handle my worries and concerns that I face in my daily life. And that person is Jesus Christ.

I've found that through my relationship with Jesus I've been able to overcome some problems that would have taken me out of here if I had not have known Him. The bible says in 1st Peter 5:7 that we should cast all of our cares upon God because He cares for us and that includes worrying. When you worry you sin, and when you sin you miss the mark of God. Worrying about things can have a adverse affect on our body and it's ability to function properly. When improper stress enters the body it breaks down the body's immune system and causes us to become sick. Free radical cells come in when the body's immune system is weak, and worrying and stress help weaken your body's defense system.

To combat this we need to change a few things in our lives. First, we need to change our outlook on life. Start seeing the glass as half full instead of half empty. You can always find something positive in a negative situation. Second, fill your mind with good positive and wholesome materials such as: the bible, positive inspirational music, uplifting reading materials like books and magazines and most importantly prayer. Tell God your problems. He will listen and no one else will know about it, and because you pray you will find yourself at ease with what you thought was a problem.

So don't allow life to get you so uptight. Just do the best you can with what you have and give the rest to God through Jesus Christ. And you will find that life isn't that bad when the right person has your back. You think about that, God bless.

Ways To Promote Yourself

Its amazing how many new businesses fail. The owners always seem surprised because they felt they had a great idea or product. One of the main reasons they failed is that they didnt apply the rule promote yourself.

If you don't promote yourself or your business, how can you expect people to buy your product or service? These business failures are especially tragic because there are many simple and cost effective ways to promote yourself.

10 Low Cost Ways to Promote Yourself

Apply these quick and easy ways to promote yourself and you will be rewarded with more customers and of course, more revenue!

1. Write articles and offer them for free publication. Publishers are looking for content for websites, newsletters etc. Make a stipulation that your bio (a subtle technique to promote yourself) and contact information is maintained at the end.

2. Create and giveaway a free e-book. In the e-book include an 'About the Author' section which is where you will promote yourself or your business.

3. Use your email mailing list. One of the best ways to promote yourself is to provide your list subscribers with interesting information that occasionally promote yourself or your business.

4. Get into directory listings! There are tons of industry and product specific hard cover and online directories that will let you have a free listing. Take advantage of these free chances to promote yourself!

5. Become an 'expert' speaker. Take every opportunity you can to get speaking engagements. Every opportunity, no matter how large or small is a great chance to promote yourself.

6. Send media releases. One of the easiest ways to promote yourself is through media releases. Write a media release announcing a new product or interesting industry event.

7. Establish a training class. Your class could be live, online or even over the phone. Make sure to promote yourself through your 'teacher bio' which includes information about yourself and your business.

8. Create case studies. Case studies can promote yourself because they are a well-crafted stories about another of your client's successes. Post these case studies online or even consider them for a press release.

9. Add a business card/bio to the end of every email. Every email is another chance to promote yourself. Keep it short and simple.

10. Use the 'About Us' section of your website. People like to know more about who they are doing business with. The 'about us' section is an ideal opportunity to promote yourself and your expertise!

Start applying these ten easy ways to promote yourself and before you know it, you will have many new customers knocking at your door!

Matt Bacak became "#1 Best Selling Author" in just a few short hours. Recent Entrepreneur Magazines e-Biz radio show host is turning Authors, Speakers, and Experts into Overnight Success Stories. Discover The Secrets To Unleash The Powerful Promoter In You! Sign up for Matt Bacak's Promoting Tips Ezine ($100 value) just visit his website at http://www.powerfulpromoter.com or http://promotingtips.com

You Have Heard That Antichrist Is Coming

There are many Antichrists. The apostle John who gave us much of the Antichrist literature lets us know that from the first century on there will be in this "last hour" those who will be anti-God, anti-Christ (I John 2:18-23). These persons can be politicians aiming for power and wealth, public figures of all sorts in the secular world. Or they can be teachers in our churches (II John 7). These heretics will promote the idea that God did not become flesh, or that Jesus did not die for us, or that there was no Jesus, and a host of other lies. You may label them as John did: Antichrists.

And of course, the coming of Antichrists precedes the coming of the real Christ in our lives. We are forever surrounded by moments of opportunity for Jesus to come to us. He can come in the Spirit or through His Word. He will one day come to us in death. And this Jesus can be served today in the same way as when Antichrist later will be defeating saints of God. We can choose to follow or deny Him every day.

So the cautions and warnings that would apply to that last generation must apply now. When you see Antichrists, look even harder for Jesus. When you see Antichrists, be aware that you are being deceived. Believe nothing of what this Antichrist-dominated world system presents, believe only what God has said.

But none of the above, the existence of Antichrists, the daily deaths of believers, none of it nullifies the reality of the one Antichrist who will come at the end. Antichrist is coming. John said it. To him the existence of "previews" only proved the main event would be soon. He believed he lived in the very last hour. So do we. Only his grace and waiting on lost souls prevents him from giving the signal to the restraining angel. Is he waiting on you? On a friend of yours or family member that you care about dearly? Don't stop praying, don't stop trying to bring them in as his grace waits...

Few will recognize Antichrist, even though the evidence abounds. Many believers will have fallen away. Faithful ones will be systematically weeded out and decapitated. The world will grow very dark, even as it is in some of its corners today. Let us who are of the light walk in that light, warning all of the judgment that shall surely come on all humanity.

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. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

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. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Who Succeeded the Apostles?

Apostolic succession. The question for many centuries. Who has authority in the Church? Who's in charge? Jesus warned us about dealing with this question, reminding us that it is the "Gentiles", the nations of the world, that are especially worried over it. In the world, everyone wants to be the top man. Top woman, today.But we are to seek the bottom. Servanthood. Bondslaves of Christ, we are called. Nevertheless, Jesus did not shy away from the topic, and He let us know that there are indeed leaders among us. First and foremost, not just "in Heaven", but right here with us, is the Chief Shepherd of the sheep, Lord of the Church, Who said, "All authority has been given to Me..."

That settles that! All authority given to Jesus. He rules. Period. Then He went on to say, "Therefore, you go, you preach, you baptize, you teach." Since Jesus is in charge, we go, in His authority.

Now, right before that final word, the apostle John lets us in on a private conversation between Peter and Jesus. It was this little glimpse that gave the Medieval Church the idea that not only Peter, but some imagined "line" following Peter, would be the true rulers of the church. You remember the incident?

Peter, do you love Me? Sure I love You. Then feed My lambs. Do you love Me? Of course I love You! Feed my sheep. Do you really love Me? Master, You know everything. Surely You must know I love You. Three denials at the arrest. Now three affirmations, as Jesus arrests Peter.

We don't have to say the opposite of Rome in every word they speak. Remember that a goodly portion of Roman teaching is straight out of your Bible. It's the other part we must oppose. There can be no explanation of this passage that denies Peter the leading role in that Jerusalem church. Yes, James was the "administrator", yes Paul was free to oppose him. It was not military autocratic rule. But it was true leadership. Peter's always in a leading position when you see him in the Book of Acts. Eventually his leading position led him to go to the cross as his Master had done. True servanthood.

Of course it must be noted, that without consulting the church of Jerusalem, "Peter's flock," Jesus called another apostle, Paul, who established a whole new order of congregations among the Gentiles, independent of Jerusalem, governed by well-chosen elders full of the Holy Spirit.

That the other apostles shared in Peter's leadership is witnessed throughout Acts, and the histories that trace each of them to a violent death. Jesus had so indicated by filling them with the Spirit even before Pentecost and giving them a charge.

So they led, they fed, they died. Their witness of the resurrection was sealed. They laid the foundation , their words were recorded and passed on. Done. Course finished.

Where we differ with Rome and all latter-day "apostles" is in the need for such apostolic work to continue. Who succeeded Peter? No one. Where was the "headquarters" for many years? That question has been contested in every age, and never settled. Most historians tell us there were at least five "centers" of the church until the growing political structure of the Roman Church forced others into submission as their predecessors in Imperial Rome had subjugated the old Empire. The church had fallen into the trap Jesus warned about. The professing visible church was no better than "the nations." The salt had lost its savour. The world was plunged into darkness.

In every generation of that Darkened church, bloody struggles decided who was the "successor" of Peter. Today, in a world decidedly democratic in its ways, Rome "votes" for the leadership of God. But whether by sword or by ballot box, it is a fleshly line of succession that has fooled the world and good portions of the church for centuries.

Nevertheless God's true church prospers. For He has a people and He provides them with leaders whenever they call upon His Name. Elders are moved into place, and the true ones give their lives to protect and feed their flocks. And upon what do true ministers feed them? Why the words of the apostles, what else? For you see, the answer to my original question is, "No one succeeded the apostles." They do not need succeeding. Their words have remained, by God's miracle, for these 1,900 years, and added to the words of the prophets, they constitute everything we could possibly need.

Who are the leaders of my church? To whom do I submit? Jesus, Peter, Paul, Matthew, John, and the rest. And every minister of God who speaks their words. The apostles still lead God's church. Let all would-be "apostles" in our day be sure to speak exactly what they spoke. Those who do not need to be challenged and stopped.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com - There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, 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. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

North Korea - The Incredible Case of Kim Hyun Hee

Her name is Kim Hyun Hee. Probably doesn't ring a bell. Today she lives somewhere in South Korea. Afraid for her life, they say. "Assassination" is the word they are using. Perhaps by North Koreans who manage to sneak in now and then. Perhaps by South. What a pained life this must be.

What could one 20-something lady have done (20 years ago) to warrant such hatred?

Born in North Korea in 1962 to a privileged family, Kim was soon discovered to be a talented child. She was bright and beautiful and eventually got the attention of the powers in Pyongyang. Normally for one to be praised by one's government is a happy thing, but in North Korea none of the rules apply.

Grabbed from her family against their will and better judgment, Kim was trained to be a spy. After the normal introductory assignments she was given one last mission: she was to help bomb a passenger jet coming in to Seoul, filled with South Koreans. This would convince the powers that be that the Olympic games should never be held in Seoul. Somehow this would lead to the reunification of the Koreas.

I know, it's a stretch. But that is what she was told. And raised to believe that the ruling powers were all-wise, she bought it. Her partner was a long-time professional, and the two of them posed as Japanese tourists. On their return to Korea, they planted a bomb on KAL flight 858.

Now you know who she is?

Mistakes were made. The two were caught. The old man killed himself. Kim tried, but to no avail. She was brought to trial in Seoul. Found guilty. Then pardoned by the government of Seoul!

We are told that the South Korean President was politically motivated in his decision to pardon Kim. His reasoning to the world was: The persons who ought to be on trial here are the leaders of North Korea. This child is as much a victim of this evil regime as the passengers aboard KAL 858.

And who can argue with his reasoning?

Kim truly repented of her actions both before the trial and after. She was led to see that she had been lied to all of her life. One look at Seoul told her most of what she needed.Even more significantly, Kim Hyun Hee gave her life to Jesus Christ after these horrible events. Whether some will ever be able to forgive her is uncertain, but God has.

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. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

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. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

A Message From the Cardinal

He sits outside my window year 'round. Something tells me I told you about him already. No matter. He's worth telling about every winter, 'cause he helps me get through every winter.

Not that I don't notice him in the summer too. But then he's surrounded by raspy starlings and grackles and redwings, not to mention the huge supply of sparrows that my neighbor's incessant feeding attracts. There's an occasional jay or goldfinch, and even a hungry hawk that brings silent tension to the bird-hood.

So he doesn't stand out.

But when not only the birds, but the leaves are gone, what a spectacle is the brilliantly red cardinal! Just seeing him stirs something so deep... And I just know that if he could utter his thoughts, he'd be saying something like, "Hang on bro', just a little longer. Pretty tough out here now, pretty barren, pretty ugly, and downright uncomfortable, but us strong birds hang on, and we see good things when it's all over."

Yeah, that's him. That's the message. Of course right away I'm in North Korea, wishing he, or I, or someone, could say those very words, or chirps, or whatever, to the believers there. "Hang on friends of Jesus. Just a little while, it'll be springtime - forever. You can make it. Be faithful to death. Don't deny Jesus. He loves you still, but you acquired a great enemy when you came to Jesus for salvation."

This is the "winter of our discontent," as Shakespeare would have it. Or as C.S. Lewis describes, "always winter, but never Christmas." These are hard times for Christians. North Korea has been experiencing non-stop "winter" for 60 years! Oh much more, if you count the sordid history of attack by this and that nation. A barren desolate ugly cold wintertime.

But Jesus comes. To individuals. To the world one day. "The promised kiss of springtime that makes the lonely winter seem long..." That's Jesus. We've just got to stay on that branch and hang on.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.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. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

What I Learned From A Hoeryong Prison

Such presumption. To suggest that I actually suffered in North Korea and have returned to tell you about it. How arrogant and insensitive.

But I have learned something from the sufferings of others there. I've learned to obey the Biblical mandate to "remember the prisoners." I learn from the saints there to trust God one day at a time in my own negative situations. I'm seeing that one must wait for God to open prison doors, but that one must continue to be faithful while waiting.

I hear them teach me that God's grace is sufficient.

I learn from Hoeryong that carrying the cross is not for a selected few, but for all who would follow the crucified Christ. I learn that things don't matter, but people do, and One Person in particular. I am learning that I actually need the cross, and I need the North Koreans more than they need me.

It is certainly a romantic notion that I actually desire what they have, though I want to believe that I do. I have seen my grumbling ways over the smallest of difficulties. My tolerance for pain or even discomfort or inconvenience is near zilch. Yet the spirit touched by God that He is making me, reaches out to the fellowship of His suffering and ignites a burning of the heart. There is a sweetness about it somehow. The days I spent with the suffering church in Romania were among the most difficult yet the most blessed ever.

I think that in seeing these saints move on in spite of the pain, in viewing their patience, their selflessness, I have seen Christ. It is Him I desire after all. But how shall I ever attain to this vision? I who have lived in a land of plenty, where balance is a virtue, and the quest for security is downright heroic. Very few have ripped off the mask of these two impostors to see that one is lukewarmness and the other is the love of this present evil world.

I invite my readers today to visit North Korea sites and gather more information with which to approach the Father. May we not be swallowed up with distractions. Jesus is still in great pain.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website made to ask believers to pray for North Korea. Recently I have added Bible teachings to the menu. There are nearly 300 blogs , 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. Audio teachings at sermonaudio.com under my name.

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. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond .

Thoughts on Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ

Movie-going for Christians has always been a bit controversial. Should we avoid them altogether or take them in moderation? Should we carefully choose or sample all kinds? Do they truly add to us or take away? Are they a complete waste of time in a world where people are dying outside Christ?

And religious movies! Biblical films, to be exact. How proper is it to attempt to portray Deity? Many holy men and women of God resolutely resist viewing anything so blasphemous as a human representing Jesus Christ. Why, they say, how does this differ from Popery? Is it not forbidden by Moses himself?

I understand the conflict in all of the above, and have wrestled with issues concerning the media all my life. Without entering into the fray at present, I can say this much about some movies, whether or not I should have allowed myself to see them:

It was during a viewing of the Billy Graham film Shadow of the Boomerang , listening to Billy's preaching, when I first truly experienced the forgiveness of Christ, becoming fully aware of my wretched condition. Now it was the preached word that saved me. Going to a Billy Graham Crusade would have had the same effect. But I can't deny that it was the movie that got my attention.

Among other things, Graham's The Hiding Place motivated me to seek out and help those suffering in persecuted countries. Perhaps the other things would have been enough, but it was the movie that built the fire.

My wife and I both remember childhood viewings of Ben Hur and that last scene where the blood of Jesus is seen mingling with the rain and symbolically touching the lives of mankind. We were not theologically seasoned in those days, but a truth of Scripture found its way into our hearts through General Wallace's tale of the Christ. Yes, we could have read the book. But we didn't. We saw a movie.

Even The Sound of Music had a way of refreshing me and making me want to serve the Lord more, though in those days I had no educated idea of the dangers of Romanism.

The Jesus Movie is used around the world and reportedly is instrumental in bringing untold numbers of people to Christ. I found the movie somewhat refreshing if not perfectly accurate in all places.

I hope I make the point here, that in many lives, though perhaps God would have preferred simple presentations of the Gospel through preaching or personal testimony, nevertheless, "Christ is preached." And we must rejoice over every soul that comes to God.

The Mel Gibson case before us is somewhat in the same genre. Many will come to know Christ, or at least of Him. Questions will be raised. The true ministry can be performed after the movie, and servants of Christ should be at the ready for this unique opportunity. It still could be argued that our God would prefer the method He taught us, but one cannot disagree with persons using what is in their hand to glorify Christ. May Christ be uplifted in all things. And may all of us find our way to lift up Jesus in our world.

Why the controversy, then? What needs to be added to the above? If a project is being undertaken for God's glory and God gets that glory, can we not be content?

I would suggest that many things are attempted in our world and have been in every century, for the glory of God, and one way or another God got what He wanted from them, but to put His stamp of approval on these things would be to miss the mark. The Promise Keepers organization comes to mind. Many friendships in Christ were created. Many came to Christ. Christ was uplifted in the media. But then came those after-meetings of which we began to hear, where grown Christian men were sitting around and discussing their sex lives. Then the realization that there were strong ties to Romanist influence in the entire venture.

Similar issues arise in the movie project known as The Passion of Christ. With all the good stated above, there are several very serious problems with this multi-million dollar cinema. I pray that my readers will patiently and prayerfully examine the evidence regarding this and other Christian projects before selling out to what seems to be the inevitable.

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.

Effective Prayer.

"Our Most Gracious Heavenly Father. I come to you in the Name of your Son Jesus, asking, praying and giving thanks, for all the Blessings that you have bestowed upon me and my family. You are the Lord God almighty, the God of Abraham, The God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob and thou art my God."

This is the beginning of my prayers to God, who, know,sees and understands all our needs before we even ask. What makes a prayer and effective prayer? An effective prayer is not a prayer at all, really, but a communication, one on one, with God.

A unifying of Spirits, thru Jesus Christ our mediator. The Bible tells us that we are to come unto the throne room boldly and submit our petitions to God. We must praise God for His excellent Greatness, Power, Majesty and for His Glory, this is not much to ask, for all that our Lord has done for His Children. Hebrews 4:14-16; Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (If we Confess, Jesus, our, Profession, of Jesus will be valid.)

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;(Jesus considers all who believe because He experienced all that we do.) but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. " Our most common prayers to God consist of our deepest concerns for the health and well being of our Friends, Loved One, Family, and our Enemies.

This is our every day trial of faith that comes when we see others suffer. This however is different from a close encounter with the Lord for those things that Jesus called Petitions. In a general sense, a Petition is, a request, supplication or prayer; but chiefly and appropriately, a solemn or formal supplication. This is deeper than a prayer, that most of us, without us realizing, are common repetitive prayers. There is nothing wrong with this, God knows us by our level of Faith, but Jesus told us that the Father already knows our needs before we even ask. Hence the Lords Prayer.

A humble petitioner; one who entreats submissively. Entreating; beseeching; supplicating; asking earnestly and submissively. A prayer addressed by a person to the Supreme Being, for something needed or desired, or a branch or particular article of prayer. An Effective Prayer comes from the Heart, is Spontaneous and is directly, from praying in the Holy Ghost, toward the Father.
Effective Prayers are those when we spend time with the Father, discussing all that we see, hear and feel. God is a God of thoughts and feelings. He wants to talk to you and not just listen. He wants a real relationship, a loving relationship with His Children.

We must spend time with Him, Getting to know Him, as He gets closer to us. Even doctors today tell us that a child grows best when, there is an interaction between them, and the parent, is God any different than a loving human parent? When your prayers go beyond just speaking at God and become prayers to God, then your prayers become a relationship, with God. Wesley states of Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly - Without any doubt or fear. Unto the throne of God, our reconciled Father, even his throne of grace - Grace erected it, and reigns there, and dispenses all blessings in a way of mere, unmerited favor.

Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. We have access to God, without going thru man, nor Angel, for Christ Gave us of His Spirit, that we may enter into the Presence of God by the Name of Jesus. There is no need for any mediator than Jesus. Another man cannot be a mediator for you, this is beyond his power and access. When we understand our rights and privileges, that we possess, then our prayers and our very lives can be changed, so long as it is in the will of God. This is stated in 1John 5:14, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" Many times our prayers fall short, because they are not in Gods will for that person, place nor situation.

If prophecy is dependant upon something happening, God will not answer a prayer that would change the prophecy. 1John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1Jo 5:15 And if we know that he hear us,(Are you confident enough that God actually hears your prayers, if so then you are in direct contact with Him. I always ask God to forgive me of any sin that I may have committed, so that my heart is clear, before interring into His presence.) whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the Petitions that we desired of him.

Psa 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy Petitions.

Pro 15:28-29; The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. An effective prayer is not a mondain nor repetitive prayer, for Jesus was dissatisfied with the Pharisees repetitive prayers.

Thus He taught us of praying with the Heart and with Power. Our prayers must address the fact, that, when we mention the Name of Jesus, we are then in Direct presence with God. We are no longer a servant but a Child of God. Jesus, as we became a believer, became not Just Lord and Christ to us, but also a Friend. Therefore God will deal with us not as a stranger but as a King & Priest. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. This is a passionate request and conversation with the Father. What is needed is a conversation with God without asking for anything. Seeking His will for us, seeking His wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding and Feelings for us. Take time just to talk with God. You'll feel the difference each time you pray. ars.

References for Heb 4:16 - Heb_10:19-23, Heb_13:6; Rom_8:15-17; Eph_2:18, Eph_3:12 Heb_9:5; Exo_25:17-22; Lev_16:2; 1Ch_28:11 Isa_27:11, Isa_55:6, Isa_55:7; Mat_7:7-11; 2Co_12:8- 10; Phi_4:6, Phi_4:7; 1Pe_2:10

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Ministries http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Daniel And The Coming Of Messiah

Matthew (24), Luke (21) and Daniel (7-12) are in agreement about the end of history:

Both say
1. There is coming to earth a horrible transgression and transgressor that will bring an unprecedented desolation.

2. This thing will be accompanied by the surrounding of Jerusalem.

3. It will happen at the "time of the end."

4. Following both prophecies were world events that seemed "close" to the fulfillment and were thus jumped on by students of the Word . Obviously both historical events must be canceled out since they are not in the end time, they did not lead to the return of Jesus, and they did not produce an evil man whose life is supernaturally powered.

Thus the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel is still in our future. Allow Daniel himself to speak of this event once more, in the famous "Seventy weeks" prophecy.

The message given in this ninth chapter was meant by the Spirit to shed light on the "when" of Messiah's coming along with more details about the man of sin that precedes Him. It was given in response to Daniel's discovery that the current time line on Jerusalem was about to be up. Daniel had discovered Jeremiah 25:11 which tells readers that God's people were to be in bondage to Babylon for seventy years. But that time was nearly passed, and it was the beginning of the Medo-Persian era. It would soon be announced by Cyrus the Emperor that the Jews could go back to their land.

Caught up in the joyful news he had discovered, Daniel begins to pray a prayer of repentance covering himself and his people (verses 1-19) . While he is praying (verse 20) Gabriel re-appears to him, letting him know how pleased Heaven is with his prayers, and revealing further plans for Israel. These plans involve, not "seventy" years, but seven times seventy. During these 490 years, all of God's dealings with Israel will be finished. And the looked-for announcement of Cyrus is to be the trigger that will "start the clock." So the final years of Israel's life will begin where Jeremiah leaves off and continue, with one major interruption, until the end of time.

Let us speak before we go on, of the concept of "interruptions" or "gaps" in Scripture. Daniel actually uses this pattern unknowingly throughout the book. He is unaware of the great period of time that will exist, for example, in his ram-goat prophecy, between the horn of Alexander and the horn of the final conqueror. Reading Daniel casually you might think they are side by side. He does it again in chapter eleven. He speaks of one who can only be identified as Antiochus Epiphanes, for the Spirit directs us to that interpretation. Then there occurs the "gap" again, and suddenly we are in the end time speaking of antichrist. Daniel had no clue.In an even greater way the prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's statue and Daniel's animals do the same thing. There seems to be a quick resolution of world history after Rome. Though this is true in actual years spent, we are still living in the "gap" between early Rome and its final form.

Thus when the Spirit in Daniel 9 speaks of 490 years to be lived out for the Jewish people, it must be borne in mind that these years are not consecutive. Even the text divides these years into three groupings. Again, every word, every detail, must be taken into account when a mystery is before us.

Daniel is not the only prophet who unwittingly demonstrates the "gap" phenomenon. Isaiah, chapter 9, predicts the birth of a Child Who will sit upon the throne of David. True enough brother Isaiah, but the Child was born long ago and still we await the enthronement. Later, Isaiah laments the sorrowful plight of the sin-bearing Messiah in most of his chapter 53, but then rejoices that "(God) will divide Him a portion with the great..." a happening scheduled for the return of Christ to earth in our future. Zechariah touts the lowly Jesus "riding on a donkey..." then praises in the same breath the One Whose dominion shall be "from sea to sea." First and second comings of Jesus, thousands of years apart, spoken of in two consecutive verses, with no hint of a history between.

Is it any wonder that Jesus' disciples, schooled in the precise memorization and understanding of Scripture, would stumble a bit when they heard Him talking one moment of death and the next of victory? Is it any wonder that they expected the Kingdom to be set up immediately? It is this "gap" mechanism that is at the heart of the Judeo-Christian mystery. A Christ who was, and "is not" (on the earth) , but who will be. Antichrist, we now understand, will be able to use that same definition, by the secret workings of Satan who has been granted permission to bring it to pass and deceive the nations.

Armed with this principle we can approach the four verses (9:24-27) that spell out what is coming to Israel and when.

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. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

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. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

The Story of Chosun, Part 12

Soon we move into the 15th century with our story of Chosun.

You will recall that the final, and longest, of Korea's dynasties has been put in place, from the clan of "Yi", translated sometimes "Lee" in our part of the world. Chosun (or Joseon), "morning calm" is the name given to the territory now, hence, the "Yi Chosun" dynasty is the proper reference to these years, 1392-1910.

The enemies and potential enemies of Chosun hang around. The Mongols and Yujin stay put in the northernmost provinces. So also the rising power of Ming (China) is represented there. But restrictions are placed on the (Buddhist) priesthood, and protection is beefed up at all the ports. Yi Tago gets things started well.

For awhile, the Royal Court moves to more comfortable Kaeson (Today Kaesong, in southern North Korea, the one major city that switched sides due to the Korean War.)

Tajo's son Chonjong is his successor, and during his reign feudalism is ended in Korea. Still, he is an unpopular king, and in 1400 the people clamor for his brother Tajong. Chonjong abdicates.

Shortly after this change of power, land is taken from Buddhist monasteries and given to the people, as that religion is allowed for a time to decline. This particular king refuses even to bow to Buddha. Not a bad sign, if only there were a proper Personage to accept this honor. It won't be long now...

In 1413 a national drought among other things causes the King to come against exorcists and fortune tellers. They are banned and their books are burned. Another welcome signal...

The year 1419 brings Tajong's retirement, and the coming to the throne of fabled King Sejong who in 1436 stops the ravages of the northern tribes, to the extent that southerners can be brought to that area, Hamgyong province, to settle.

But that for which he is most remembered is the creation of a simple -by Asian or most other standards -phonetic alphabet. With the number of characters nearly the same as our English counterpart, Sejong is able to bring all of the classics of Korean literature easily within reach of the common man. Imagine the relief when Chinese, with its thousands upon thousands of individual characters, the scholar's language, but the only one available, is suddenly replaced by this simple communications tool.

Hangul has persisted to our present time. It is the language that even I have attempted to learn. I will not even guess what I'd be doing with Chinese at present, or what it would be doing with me...

In the next installment, Chosun moves into what is called its "Golden" Age. But one can only speculate how golden would be Korea's past had Christ been given His proper place in the ways of kings and people. Only speculation now, but with your continued prayer, Korea can yet achieve God's desired place for it, namely that place deep within His heart.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.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. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

What a Way to Live!

What a way to live. Even when he was not in jail, the Holy Spirit would tell the apostle Paul in every city: chains and trouble are coming. He could truly say 'remember the prisoners as though bound with them' for he was bound in the spirit, as was Jesus, when he approached Jerusalem and virtually every day of his life.

I wonder, are we so 'bound' today? Headed for 'Jerusalem'? Going there to die? Heading for chains and trouble and death? Our Master is. But you say, wait, there are some who are called to this suffering business and some who are not! This sort of thing in the first century was for Paul and the other apostles, who laid the foundation. Surely not all believers were or are called to suffer.

I agree. Those who are called to reign with Him are the ones who are called to suffer with Him. Are we people who love to go about bragging about how we will be a 'king' with Jesus some day, and in fact are a king right now? Do we have scars to prove it? Paul tells Timothy, "If we endure, we shall also reign with him..." Apostles Paul and Peter, who are the featured "sufferers" of the Book of Acts, both write to the church informing it that we have been called to join their suffering ranks if we are to be reigning some day.

No, it is not true that we are not called. It is only true that we don't want to hear the call, because it does not fit our comfort level. Here is the call:

First from Spirit-filled Peter, who rejoiced that he was worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:40-42):

I Peter 4:12 ff: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

Then Spirit-filled Paul, who after 39 lashes from a Roman guard, and a painful evening in a Philippian jail, was singing with Silas so loudly that the prisoners in adjoining compartments could not help but listen (Acts 16:22-25):

Philippians 1:27 ff: "To you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me."

No one to lash us or throw us in jail yet? No one who will burn our house down or take away our income? Let's not panic, but rather, while we still can, let us be the ones who are called to "remember the prisoners, as though we were bound with them..."

That way, no one is left out of the suffering church who wishes to reign with Jesus. My own experience so far has been that the more I ask Jesus, "How can I truly relate to, 'remember', those who now suffer?" the more He shows me. Some of the responses are not too cheery. But what is good about this is that when the fire does fall here (and can it be much longer?) we who have practiced this relationship will be ready.

Yes, what a way to live had Paul. No matter what God showed him or gave him, he could say (Acts 20:23-24) that he was not moved. Unfortunately for too many of us, we listen to the things the enemy tells us are coming, and believe him. That is what the Bible would call "fear." We can believe the lies of the enemy about our future and cower in a corner threatened by it all, or believe that, even when God Himself says difficult times are coming, He will give us the sufficient grace he promises to endure. And that's what the Bible would call "walking in the Spirit." It's the only way for the believer to live.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com - There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs, over 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, 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. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Pride Can Often Create Problems Religion

Have you ever talked to someone about their religious beliefs, only to find out that they are very stubborn, they only want to talk about their beliefs and do not want to listen to your opinion at all. I have met plenty of people that fall into this category and rarely do I run into someone with an open mind about their religious beliefs. These people often try to make you feel stupid and don't realize, that they are the ones who are actually ignorant.

Pride can often create problems in religion and only later when you see the truth can you really understand how stubborn you were. The problem with these people, is that once they find the truth, it's another lie and they seem to push these beliefs on to others. Often these people can be very aggressive and it almost seems like they need to make up for lost time, since they were wrong about their last religion.

Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

It seems like pride has often got man into trouble and rarely gotten him out of it. Pride can often start wars but only after defeat or education can they be ended. While some people go around town shoving religion down your throat in the name of God, others are ignoring the information completely. The problems in religion resulting from someone's pride have created too many problems throughout history and need to be stopped. Turn your prideful thinking into a compassionate mind.

The next time you meet someone on the street or in a store and they look different or have different beliefs, humble yourself and be kind to them. Show a little compassion instead of pride. Maybe, just maybe you could even make friends with these people and learn something about their beliefs. Often you will find that their religious beliefs are not that much different than yours and this could get you thinking and rethinking about your religion.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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, You Can Have It All

Greg is currently working on a self help 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.

There is a Generation

Pro 30:11-14; There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. There is a generation that Jesus spoke of, a generation that would see the end begun. A generation that would be unmerciful to parents, fathers against the sons and daughters against their mother in laws.

A generation without the love for God or self. This is a generation that will be self serving and full of greed and hate.
A generation that will be faithless and perverse. Today I read of men and women, marring animals, a woman to a cat, a man to a dog and another man to a spider.

Mat 24:32-34; Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:(This is a sign of the beginning of the end, or should I say the beginning for those that trust in the Lord. Israel was reborn in 1948 and has prospered to become the Major force in the Middle East.)
So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. (This verse is stating the truth, when you see all these signs of Israel being renewed, wars and rumours of wars, nations rising nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, famines, pestilences, earthquakes in divers places, and the Love of God waining away, fading away, these are the beginning of troubles.)

Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
and War, famines, Petulance and the others, it is near, even at the door. The door is almost open, the end is closer than you think. This generation is secpectable, with out faith nor knowledge in the word of God. This generation is full of hate, lust, greed and anti- Israel. This generation is looking for a fresh path, new things to do, their appetite is not satisfied with what was or is but they are looking for those things to come.

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. The generation spoken of hear is not the generation that Jesus was speaking to but rather the generation of the end days. This generation that Jesus was speaking of is the generation that thinks upon fleshly lust and evil continually. The generation of free sex, animal husbandry, and homosexuality, as it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, a generation that allows all manner of sin and debauchery. A generation that refuses to obey parents and the law of decency.

Deu 28:59 Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. The plagues that are, and will begin to fall, will be of great measure, this generation will begin to curse God for the Heat and suffering of millions. Curse God for the plagues and suffering, the famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. This generation will run for the mountains seeking relief from the heat but will find no rest, they will call upon the rocks and mountains to fall upon them to hide them from the Face of Jesus. All these thing will this generation suffer but they will still refuse to worship God, they will refuse to believe in Jesus, they will suffer for their sins.

Ecc 1:4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. All these things will this generation suffer and at the end, the Earth will remain, never to pass away. This is contrary to what may are teaching but the Bible is truth. Rev 16:9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. There is a generation that will curse their father and Mother, that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness, beauty will fade away, those with beautiful hair will be bald, those of fine appearance will not be noticed, the high will be brought low, the mighty will be brought down to weakness.

There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth. There is a generation that will want the poor and weak to be eliminated, removed from among man. There is a generation that have Four kinds of hateful persons - (1) graceless children, (2) hypocrites, (3) the proud, (4) cruel oppressors, full of vanity, pride, and insolence. Is this the generation that we see? Is this the terminal generation that will fight against God and His Son Jesus? Is this the generation that will run to battle of Armageddon? Call upon the Name of the Lord and thou shalt be saved. Ars.

Rev 16:9 -
scorched: or, burned
blasphemed: Rev_16:10,Rev_16:11, Rev_16:21; 2Ki_6:33; 2Ch_28:22; Isa_1:5, Isa_8:21; Jer_5:3, Jer_6:29, Jer_6:30; Eze_24:13
and they: Rev_16:11, Rev_2:21, Rev_9:20; Dan_5:22, Dan_5:23; Luk_13:3, Luk_13:5; 2Co_12:21
to give: Rev_11:13, Rev_14:7; Jos_7:19; Jer_13:6; Amo_4:6-12

Pro 30:13 -
Pro_6:17, Pro_21:4; Psa_101:5, Psa_131:1; Isa_2:11, Isa_3:16; Eze_28:2-5, Eze_28:9; Dan_11:36, Dan_11:37; Hab_2:4; 2Th_2:3, 2Th_2:4

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Ministries http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

North Korean Gulag

North Korea is a land we need to love and pray for. Absolutely no attempt is being made to defame or deride a person or a nation by the following descriptions. But the story must be told by a free people. Holding our mouths shut may be "wise" but for the victims it is fatal.

Mr. David Hawk describes the entire hierarchy of prisons to be found in North Korea as a "gulag" reminding us of the terminology tossed around decades ago when even at that time we humans thought we had come of age. But the problem persists.

If you have a problem with claustrophobia as do I, the subject matter here may be difficult.The thought of going to an enclosure where I will be locked in for an unknown period of time is pure torment. Add to it that I go there because I was hungry and looking for food, or because I am a Christian, or because I accidentally crumpled a newspaper with a picture of my government's leader on it... unspeakable horror.

Hawk divides the NK prison system like this:

First there are the Kwan-li-so, to which a prisoner is banished for life with his entire family. It is run by the federal government. It is huge, covering as much as four or five hundred square miles! Tens of thousands of prisoners can be in such a place. The prisoners are "politicals" , that is, persons who said or thought something against the government.

The Kyo-hwa-so is smaller. There is much hard labor. It is for those who commit "normal" crimes, but some political prisoners are mixed in. Sentences are set. But many persons die due to the hard work expected of them before their sentence is up. The true "penitentiary."

Then there is the Ka-mok or Ku-ryu-jang. These are along the northern border, where escapees can get to China. When it is their misfortune to be returned to their home country, it is here that they are interrogated and punished. We'd call this a "jail."

The jip-kyul-so is for low-level crimes and for repatriated refugees. They can stay here for up to six months of hard labor. Here there is a high death rate because of the nature of the work and the serious lack of food.

And then there is the ro-dong-dan-ryeon-dae, where sentences are even shorter, created by locals to deal with the over-flow of famine-related cases.

Odd. Here we say that misfortunes such as hunger are worthy of compassion, aid, support. We may nopt agree with "religious" people but we have a certain respect for them. And one may speak against leadership freely here, even try, using the system available, to replace that leader. All these things are worth of imprisonment and death "over there."

Continued tip of the day, and the only real reason I share all of this: Prayer really does change things, people, and situations. So pray!

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. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

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. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.