Christian Discussions and Church Ways

Author: LDSBrothers
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq5IzDW4ufA

Having a right relationship with God begins with acknowledging your sin. God is love (1 John 4:8), but God also punishes the sinner and hates all who do iniquity. To sin is to break God’s Law and offend His character. Next comes a humble confession of your sin to God (Isaiah 57:15) and a determination to forsake the sin.

1. Trust Jesus, God in flesh, as your savior and put your faith in the sacrifice that He made on the cross then next Repent of your sins and get baptized.

2. Abide in Jesus Christ, keep your mind focused on him and your priority in all Godly things leaving behind worldly things.

3. God speaks to us through his scriptures because the Bible is inspired by God. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16, 17) and the scriptures directs us to Jesus Christ.

4. God speaks many ways also he speaks through impressions, events, and thoughts. God helps us to discern right from wrong through our consciences (1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 3:16). God is in the process of conforming our minds to think His thoughts (Romans 12:2). God allows events to occur in our lives to direct us, change us, and help us to grow spiritually (James 1:2-5; Hebrews 12:5-11).

5. God is ready, willing, and able to guide you into the right decisions and paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). , it is your responsibility to trust in the Lord, not to depending on your own understanding and to seek His will, for He will direct your path. In everything be submissive to him.

6. We must cast down evil imaginations and uphold good ones. Our responsibility is to work in partnership with the Holy Spirit to bring our thoughts into obedience to Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 he commanded believers to cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

7. Praying, to God in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and reading, meditating upon the Word of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to be your teacher is a good way to seek God. God wants people who will seek after Him (Luke 12:31). Fasting helps us to bring our bodies under control and focus on God.

8. God wants you to trust Him in the bad times as well as the good. Trusting in God is vital to our spiritual lives, yet our faith is so weak. Keep on trusting regardless of what is going on around you, even if things seem hopeless. When we put our trust in God, we are trusting him to be our very life (Colossians 3:4). As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proved; He is a shield to all those who trust in Him. (Psalm 18:30).

9. One cannot submit to God without humility. God wants you to be submissive (I Peter 2:13-15). God will use the situations of our lives to bring us the opportunity to submit to Him (Romans 8:28-29). The believer then accepts His grace and provision to walk in the Spirit. The blessings and peace that we gain from humbly surrendering and submitting ourselves to Him daily are a gift of grace that nothing in this world can compare to.

10. To get close to God we have to go His way, make a commitment to spend more time with God, have an intimate relationship with him. The Bible promises that if we seek God, he will come to us. God wants to be in our lives but we must be willing to turn away from the things that are not from God. Sin separates us from God. The things that are acceptable and pleasing to the world around us are not pleasing to God. In order to get closer to God we must move away from the things of this world.

The Bible says in I John 2:15-17: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

11. Since the church belongs to God and it is a body of Christ, we need to honor, be obedient and be submissive. Going to church builds up your faith and helps you develop a better understanding of God, builds up our Spiritual Strength, brings a special visitation of the Lord’s Presence provides fellowship with other Christians, To grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to partake of the promises of God.

12. Purity is pure in heart and mind which pleases God which pursues righteousness, faith, love and peace. Fleeing away from sins, evil desires guilt, and immorality is true pureness. If you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your rightful place. Job 8:6 .
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. Psalm 19:9
The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him Proverbs 15:26

13. Let God be your protector. God is our powerful protector, He strengthens and rescues us from all evil, from all enemies, when tempted, from all danger and disaster and calamities Psalms 121:7,8 :”The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.”

14.Stay away from ungodly people. Ungodly people are the people whose lives are not godly and are ALWAYS opposed to God and his ways. THE BIBLE says that ungodly people hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD and they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. They are people who do not put God and his Word first in their life. They decide what is right and wrong out of their own mind and lusts, and reject and despise God’s demands and prohibitions. The counsel of the ungodly is any philosophy, teaching, idea, thoughts, behaviors, and attitude that does not come from the Bible and the Holy Spirit rather it comes from evils spirit which is demonic.. The way of sinners is the path of one’s own will instead of God’s will.
God’s word says that You need to choose people that will lead you CLOSER to God – evil, ungodly people will corrupt you. A godly person encourages you to be godly and to be faithful to God and he warns you when he sees you going astray, he will really love you enough to point out your sin & he will be concerned about your walk with God. God desires for us to be victorious in our purity. He knows we need friends who are like-minded with Him and who will encourage us in our walk of purity. The knowledge that the ungodly has is corrupted because they do not get it from God. Instead they get it from other ungodly people or from their own corrupted imagination. God tells us NOT to walk in their counsel. God’s will is for us to turn away from the counsel of the wicked. There is no sin or habit which cannot be overcome, but sinners continue in sinning and they morally corrupt their surroundings. When we were born into this world, we were born with a sinful nature that opposes the law of God. But when we are born again by the Spirit of God, we received a new divine nature that hates sin and we are born of God which we have a new nature that is convicting us of the sin in our life and moving them forward in God’s grace and victory over sin. Isaiah 9:17

15.Be an Godly example. Because of the power of our example and the way one’s life either negatively or positively influences others. Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example to other believers “in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). No matter who you are, others are looking at you and being influenced by your example. Without a doubt many have been a bad example to other Christians at one point or another. Jesus warns us never to set a bad example and cause others to sin (Romans 14:13, Matthew 18:6, 1Corinthians 8:9-13). People are watching our lives, and we should present a good example (Rom.14:7, 1 Cor. 15:33)

16. Hate sins. Whoever is born of God will not live in sin. (1 John 3:9).We need to hate sin by refusing to take part in it We should condemn and rebuke the sin and the sinner when we see it. Since sin is of the devil. (1 John 3:8). Sin is to be hated, not excused or taken lightly. It is not hateful to tell a person is in sin. All unrighteousness is a sin.( 1 John 5:17). Saints are made free from sins and have become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18).We should never encourage ourselves and others in any evil things which causes us to sin and we should not delight in those who commit sins. Sin is the nature of a wicked and a characteristic of a Devil and who has gone spiritually away from God . We should continuously pray to God at all times to deliver us from all evil And guarding our self not to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. The sins are always to be confessed, repented, mourned truly in order to be a righteous before God.

Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10.

17.Be Happy in your eternal life. God gives eternal life for the person who believes in Jesus Christ to lead a holy life and it’s a Gods gift. Eternal life is God’s kind of life. It is life that comes from God. (John 3:16, John 5:39, Romans 2:7)

18. Do not be a lukewarm Christian rebuke the sin, judge righteously. One does not need to have lived all his life without sin in order to rebuke others. Jesus knew His disciples had committed sins, yet he still ordered them to rebuke sin (Matthew 18:15, Ephesians 5:11, John 7:24, James 5:19,20,).If we fail to rebuke others when they sin, then we ourselves have committed the sin of disobeying the above verses. We learn that the Bible forbids certain kinds of judgment, but it also requires us to rebuke sin in order to help people please God and be saved.

19. In everything give thanks and praise to God and pray unceasingly (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18). Give thanks in all circumstances for everything at all times (Phillipians 4:6). God demands our praises as an indication that we are thankful for the things that we have received. We see in the scriptures Jesus himself prayed unceasingly. Without prayers no man or no family can be safe. We should never quit or cease to pray.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/get-right-with-god-2139944.html

Author: Shaila D Touchton
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/christianity-articles/get-right-with-god-2139944.html

Heilongjiang Province, the most northeast part of China, when viewed on a map has the shape of a swan. Its capital city is Harbin, which is located south of Heilongjiang. Not only for its special position, but also as the center of Heilongjiang’s political, economic, educational and cultural life, Harbin is described as the pearl beneath the swan’s neck. Lying on the east of the Songnen Plain, what is more, Harbin plays a vital role in communications between South and North Asia as well the regions of Europe and the Pacific Ocean.

Before you visit a city, it is always useful to know at least a little of its history. Harbin was the birthplace of Jin (1115-1234) and Qing dynasty (1644-1911) , the latter of which had a very considerable influence on modern Chinese history. At the end of the 19th century, Russia built the terminus of the Middle East Railway here. Later, more than 160,000 foreigners from 33 countries migrated to Harbin, promoting the development of a capitalist economy in the city. The economy and culture of Harbin achieved unprecedented prosperity at that time and the city gradually grew into a famous international commercial port. Assimilating external culture, Harbin created its unique and exotic cityscape. The majestic St. Sofia Orthodox Church and Zhongyang Dajie each built in a European style have the effect of bringing you into an ‘eastern Moscow’. Even though you are sure to be attracted by various exotic buildings, the Dragon Tower which embodies the wisdom of the Chinese people is a must on your journey.

Besides these rich cultural heritages, Harbin is favored with beautiful natural scenery. Based on meandering Songhua River and subject to severe low temperatures in winter, Harbin boasts a unique ice and snow culture. So, Harbin is also called the ‘Ice City’. Each winter fantastic sculptures created from snow and ice, ice lanterns and exciting sporting events attract thousands of visitors from home and abroad. The cool summers make Harbin highly popular as a natural summer resort. It is widely accepted that the Sun Island Scenic Resort is the best choice during a sweltering summer.

The local people in this area covering some 53,000 square kilometers (about 20,463 square miles), have created a very distinctive food culture which reflects Harbin’s history and special geographical position. However, under the influence of neighboring Russia, a number of authentic western food restaurants have been established here. This coming together of Chinese and Western flavors will definitely fulfill your appetite.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/harbin-travle-guide-3688028.html

Author: Rose
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/harbin-travle-guide-3688028.html

Author: SchnurpselsBacke
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRJ3_vEJE6g

Copyright (c) 2010 Bob and Penny Lord’s Site

Maria Goretti had always been a happy girl, a selfless girl.

We are hard-pressed to find any accounts of Maria being even the slightest bit naughty. You have to remember that the people of the local villages surrounding Ferriere and Nettuno knew Maria from the time she was six years old when the family first arrived in 1896.

Maria had always been her mother’s right hand, helping in every way possible. She would go into the village to shop for the family. She would speak to the neighbors on the way in and on the way back. Any little act of kindness she could perform, she immediately did. Everybody knew her and loved her. They would do anything for her.

A great example of this would be, when she wanted to receive her First Holy Communion.

If Saint Maria Goretti had a passion in her life, it was to be as close to Our Lord Jesus as humanly possible; and she knew the only way she could do that was by receiving His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in Holy Communion.

In those days, the normal age for a person to receive First Holy Communion was twelve. But Maria, at age eleven, pressed her mother to allow her to take instructions. Now you have to realize that Maria could neither read nor write; she had no formal education. All she knew about God was what her saintly mother Assunta had taught her, and what the priests had taught in church. There were many obstacles to her receiving First Holy Communion, the least of which was she had no training. But Maria had found a woman in Conca, a few miles distant, who would teach her. She promised Assunta she would get all her chores finished and then walk the miles to and from the home of the lady who would help her.

Assunta tried to explain that there was more to it than that. She couldn’t have a white dress or slippers. None of the outer accouterments were available to this extremely poor family. Maria didn’t care a bit about those things; she just wanted to receive the Lord. She wasn’t concerned about how she looked. She had never had a white dress and slippers. Why should that be an obstacle?

So Assunta helped as much as possible. Sometimes she would bring Maria to Conca for her lessons. Other times she brought her to Nettuno to the Passionist priests so she could learn the Catechism and make her first confession. In addition, there was a priest who came through to Conca preparing the children for First Holy Communion. For eleven months, Maria, with the help of her mother, and all God’s Angels, in the form of priests and well-intentioned instructors learned what she needed for that special time with Our Lord Jesus. As the time drew closer, Assunta had misgivings. How prepared was Maria? She asked the local priest to make the decision. After speaking to Maria, the priest said to Assunta, “Be at ease, good mother. Your daughter is very well prepared. Put away all your vain fears and confide her to Mary Immaculate. Place her under the Virgin’s protective mantle and have no fear.”

Now as the special event was upon them, Assunta’s fears went back to how her little girl would be dressed for First Holy Communion. Her fears were unfounded! When the time came for her to receive, it was like the gift of the Magi. Assunta dressed Maria in a red dress. Neighbors came forward and supplied slippers, a veil and a crown of flowers. Assunta allowed her to wear her earrings to complement the outfit.

The day she received her First Holy Communion was the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ. Maria was full of anticipation. She did a beautiful but unusual thing. Before she left for the church, she went to every member of her family, including Giovanni and Alessandro Serenelli, and asked forgiveness for anything she may have ever done to offend them.

She did the same with the neighbors.

Where did she receive this special Grace? We believe she had a special relationship with Jesus and His Mother Mary that we’ll never know about. We believe when she went to the church that day, the whole Heavenly Family, including all the Angels and the Saints, were there with her.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/saint-maria-gorettis-first-holy-communion-2731763.html

Author: Bob and Penny
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/saint-maria-gorettis-first-holy-communion-2731763.html

Author: digimj
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjlRTFX7ZKc

Author: benroundtree
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KNjf6m9y4E

Author: terri12863
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOkVUKSz6Tk

Author: ExtremeFaithInJesus
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s35Pw44ZBf4

Author: Shulamitefire
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn1w_sNnsE8