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Leading UFO Researchers Confirm Christian View

19 Jun.
Posted by billnugent in Christianity | Comments Off

A general consensus has emerged among serious, science oriented UFO researchers that a certain small percentage of UFOs are real and are not figments of anyone’s imagination. Furthermore, it is well known that many individuals claim to receive messages from alleged extra-terrestials aboard UFOs.

The messages received from UFOs are generally occultic and steer people away from belief in Christian doctrine. Extra-terrestials tend to undermine or attack the Christian faith.

Christian scholars and researchers have responded to this attack. In this article I will show that leading UFO researchers, many of whom are agnostic, have come around to generally support the Christian position on UFO phenomena.

After all the UFO sightings have been carefully analyzed and most explained away as natural phenomena the remaining UFOs, called residual UFOs (RUFOs) are regarded as real. They are real yet the leading researchers say they are not metallic spacecraft from distant stars or planets.

Astronomers who have devoted their careers to studying UFOs point to the fact that UFO flight patterns defy the laws of physics such as turning and accelerating so fast that any metal spaceship would disintegrate even if the metal spaceship was a solid iron ball. Furthermore, UFOs are seen in the atmosphere and not observed coming in from outer space.

UFO sightings have been reported throughout history. Ancient literature describes ‘aerial people’ and ‘cloud ships’ in terms that correspond to modern UFO sightings. In 1691 a Scottish minister wrote a book describing how Scottish farmers were harassed by paranormal entities similar to the UFOs of our time.

All of us are aware of the many UFO cults that have sprung up. There have even been television specials devoted to UFO phenomena.

Francis Crick, Nobel prize winning co-discoverer of DNA, calculated the probability of proteins forming by random collisions of atoms in the primordial ooze. Crick found it so remotely improbable that proteins and other building blocks of life could form by chance on earth that he decided that aliens from outer space must have brought life to earth.

Crick’s theory that claims that aliens brought life to earth is called the “Guided Panspermia Theory” of life origins. This new theory of life origins gave momentum to UFO research.

Close encounters of the fourth kind are when people (almost invariably occultists and New Agers) are actually abducted and communicate with the aliens. The aliens generally give messages with deep religious impact that steer people away from Christianity.

Let’s consider the following quote: “For example, ‘The Urantia Book,’ a tome supposedly communicated to humans by spirit dictation from ’superuniverse rulers,’ spends the first two-thirds of its 2,097 pages describing a ‘universe of universes’ that is not subject to space and time”

The quote continues: “The last third of this UFO bible denies the full deity of Jesus Christ and humanity’s need for salvation from its sinful condition.” (Quoted from Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men: A Rational Christian Look at UFOs and Extraterrestials by Ross, Samples and Clark p. 122.)

It seems plain from the above quote and from abundant other evidence that the aliens oppose Christian doctrine. This leads me to believe that the aliens are actually demons.

It is also very interesting and revealing to note that many of the best UFO researchers seem to be coming around to a view that undergirds and supports the Christian view that demons are involved.

Astronomer J. Alan Hynek and the late French physicist Jacques Vallee are perhaps the most respected UFO researchers in the world. Both are agnostics. No one can consider them Christians with a theological ax to grind.

Both men have made what I consider to be very bold statements that clearly undergird the Christian position that spiritual entities are behind UFO phenomena. For example, Hynek said that UFOs cause physical effects “in the same way that a poltergeist can produce very real physical effects.”

Vallee said “The UFO phenomenon represents evidence for other dimensions beyond spacetime . . . It is a spiritual system that acts on humans and uses humans.”

There are many other quotes I could cite. Vallee was the leading proponent of the Interdimensional Hypothesis which is the view that UFOs come from another dimension (Christians like me would say the other dimension is the dimension of spirit) and not from interstellar travel.

Many prominent born-again Christian scholars such as David Allen Lewis have done research on UFO phenomena. It seems clear to them that demons are using UFOs to deceive millions and prepare them to embrace an occultic, ‘New Age’ type of faith.

Some say that UFOs and the teachings that proceed from them are preparing the world to receive the coming antichrist.

I will close this article by mentioning the fact that there have been documented cases of close encounters of the fourth kind, which are abductions of people by UFOs, that have actually been stopped when the people involved called out the name of Jesus. In other words the people appealed to the atoning work of Christ who died for our sins.

When they cried out to Jesus the demons attempting the abduction ceased their activity. The demons fear the power of Christ and must submit to the power of Christ because Christ is the Son of God. See the April 2001 issue of Charisma magazine for documentation of UFO abductions that were stopped in this way.

A major source for this article was Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men: A Rational Christian Look at UFOs and Extraterrestials by Ross, Samples and Clark.

Bill Nugent has written many articles on Christianity, philosophy and science. He has also written books that give Bible based teaching on sanctification and that caution against the error of legalism. His books are available at his website http://www.gracelawandsonship.com.

More Knowledge Leads to Frustration

13 Jun.
Posted by dnb700 in Christianity | Comments Off

Have you gone through book after book, sermon after sermon, or article after article looking for answers that will bring you success for your life, but found yourself only coming up with more questions?

Does it seem like the more you study, the more frustrated you become?

There’s an interested Scripture I would like to direct you to found in Ecclesiastes 1:16-18. This is written by Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived…

“I said to myself, “Look, I am better educated than any of the kings before me in Jerusalem. I have greater wisdom and knowledge. So I worked hard to be wise instead of foolish. But now I realize that this was like chasing the wind. For the more wisdom, the more my grief; to increase knowledge only increases distress” (Amplified Bible Translation).

The reason I believe why Solomon said the more knowledge and understanding he got increased his grief was because it lead him into a fleshly spirit where he may have tried to do things in his own power.

I know from personal experience; the times in my life when I left God out, the real power was gone and I was left with nothing more than frustration!

Jesus said, “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine you are the branches. He that abides in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).

Yes, I believe much study can lead to distress. It can get us off track with our relationship with God, particularly if what we are studying is not coming from a Christian author.

Good judgment is definitely required when learning new ideas that are not usually taught in local churches or delivered by non-Christian authors!

Getting educated, learning new ideas, and studying is certainly something I personally believe in, but I know we must consider God’s will in our lives above all else. Again, without Him, we can do nothing.

We should get knowledge and then ask God what we are to do with it, how we are to apply it to our lives, and how we are to help others with it. Getting knowledge is not something we should try to get for selfish reasons! James 4:3 says, “”You ask and fail to receive because you ask with wrong purpose and selfish motives” (Amplified Bible Version).

Daniel N. Brown is an entrepreneur and teacher of biblical success principles! Get his Free Special Report, “Christian Prosperity Secrets” when you subscribe to his Free “Prosperous Christian” e-Letter…

http://www.SecretPlaceOnline.com

The Stages of Ministry

12 Jun.
Posted by grohrmayer in Christianity | Comments Off

It has been said, “Any new venture goes through the following stages: enthusiasm, complication, disillusionment, search for the guilty, punishment of the innocent, and decoration of those who did nothing.” Stages are simply the acknowledgement of certain points of passage that one experiences on his or her journey. Understanding these passages, whether they relate to learning, aging, or grieving, brings us a sense of perspective and provides us insight into how we react while in the midst of them. Over the years I have identified, through personal experience and the coaching of others the following stages of ministry.

First is the romance stage of ministry. Romance is that stage where we fall in love with the idea of ministry. It is the unbridled enthusiasm one brings after a fresh experience of God’s call and the affirmation from others to pursue this calling. It is during this stage our vision is clear, our dreams are big and our expectations are high. During this stage our energy level is revving with great intensity. It is here that we minimize the difficulties and get caught up with only the possibilities. But like many things, this stage it is short lived.

The second stage is what I like to call the reality stage of ministry. Just mentioning the word reality stirs up all sorts of emotions in people. For some of us we have vivid images of when we were overwhelmed by the difficulty of the task. For some it was the first fundraising call that raised nothing but disappointment. For others, it comes after you find out that it is only a small minority of people that are interested in your dream. Still, for others, the reality sets in when we realize that the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. My experience of reality set in when we received our first monthly support check of only $50.00 to fund our church plant when we were expecting a lot more. Some would call this a Kadesh Barnea experience, referring to the location where the 10 out of the 12 spies talked the people of God out of moving into the promised land because of their own fears. (Numbers 13-14) They were so overwhelmed by their circumstances that they lost sight of God, the same God who brought them out of Egypt, led them through the Red Sea and provided for them in the wilderness. The longer a leader lives in the reality stage, the more probable his move into the next stage, which I identify as the resentment stage.

In the resentment stage of ministry the leader experiences some level of anger. To understand this we need to look at the three chief causes for anger in our lives; Hurt: being personally attacked. Disappointment: being let down by others. Frustration: being let down with the response or result.

The reality is that resentment is going to touch the life of every leader. The key is in our response. We can choose to respond positively or negatively. If a leader chooses a negative response it could lead to the rebellion stage of ministry. Rebellion rears its ugly head in subtle and overt ways. Subtly, the leaders make choices to quietly live a self-reliant life by ignoring their practice of spiritual disciplines or choosing to quietly rebel by not cooperating with superiors. They overtly rebel by taking unnecessary moral, relational and financial risks that could disqualify them from ministry. Rebellion will also lead to the ruin stage of ministry. In this stage, regardless if the leader has crossed the line once or has habitually chosen to disregard the ethical and moral standards of his position, he risks ruining his reputation inside and outside the church. He puts his closest relationships at risk and is in danger of having his soul polluted by sin and being disqualified from ministry! Not to mention the ripple effect his fall can have throughout the kingdom of God, touching people he has never met. This why people need to understand the power resentment can have in a leader’s life! Someone once said, “That anger is just emotional energy.” When that energy is turned inward it becomes a burning furnace of resentment. The key is to challenge that energy through the eyes of faith. I like J.I. Packer’s thoughts on this subject:

“We may be frankly bewildered at things that happen to us, but God knows exactly what he is doing, and what he is after, in his handling of our affairs. Always, and in everything, he is wise: we shall see that here-after, even where we never saw it here. Meanwhile, we ought not to hesitate to trust his wisdom, even when he leaves us in the dark. But how are we to meet these baffling and trying situations, if we cannot for the moment see God’s purpose in them? First by taking them as from God, and asking ourselves what a reaction to them, and in them, the gospel of God requires of us: second, by seeking God’s face specifically about them.” (Knowing God, p. 98)

By taking these steps the leader can move on to the resolve stage of ministry and the resolve stage (faith) always leads to the rebuilding stage of ministry. What do you rebuild? You rebuild romance. You rekindle your love for Jesus, your love for the church and your love for the community to which God has called you to serve. Jesus said to the church in Ephesus, “You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4-5 NIV)

The grind of ministry is going through these stages of romance, reality, resentment, revolve and rebuild over and over again. Sometimes the process occurs daily, sometimes weekly or maybe even monthly, but the fact is that it happens and it will happen throughout our ministry. It is only when we have successfully navigated this process that we begin to experience the reward stage of ministry.

Here are three rewards that every faithful leader will experience:

1. The Master’s Approval and Blessing. One day as we stand before our Master we will hear these profound words, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your masters happiness.” (Matthew 25:21NIV) There is no reward greater than to know you have pleased the Father, that you have honored His name and executed His will.

2. Personal Joy and Satisfaction. The apostle John wrote these words, “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk my children are walking in the truth.” (3John 3-4 NIV) There is no blessing more profound than to see God produce spiritual fruit through you that will last. When I think of these verses I see faces and families whose lives have been changed through our ministry and continue to walk in the truth, and it brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

3. God’s Blessing for Today and into Eternity. “I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said to them, ‘no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30 NIV) In Thomas Constable’s commentary on Luke he provides the following insights:

“Everyone who denies himself or herself the normal comforts and contacts of life to advance God’s mission will receive a greater reward from God for doing so. First, that one will receive deeper spiritual comfort and more satisfying human contacts in the present life. (cf. Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37) Second, he or she will receive an even better and enduring life in the coming kingdom. Jesus and the apostles spoke of eternal life as a reward for self-sacrifice (Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:30; John 12:25-26; Rom. 2:7; 6:22; Gal. 6:8) and as the gift of God that comes to everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ. (Rom. 6:23) Jesus mentioned it here with rewards because it provides the ultimate contrast with what disciples give up now. Giving up a wife may refer to giving up marriage rather than leaving a wife, or periods of separation to engage in kingdom business may be in view.” (p. 214)

Knowing that all the sacrifices made to see God’s mission advance are worth it, fills my life with hope and a resolve to press onward for my King.

Gary has a unique focus in mentoring leaders within God’s mission. He is a sought after personal coach for pastors, church planters and missional leaders. His website: http://www.yourjourney.org His blog http://www.garyrohrmayer.com

Unconditional Love: Why Everybody Needs It and How to Give It Away

11 Jun.
Posted by pdave1 in Christianity | Comments Off

Is unconditional love a part of your daily living? Many relationship experts, marriage counselors, psychologists and therapists agree on one thing. Love offers the most powerful healing force in relationships. However, love is an often misunderstood.

Love means many things. Love of friends often means being nice to those who are nice to us. Boyfriends and girlfriends say, “I love you” when they start to get serious with each other.

Married love implies a lifelong commitment to one spouse that begins when a woman and a man exchange wedding promises. Family love starts when parents have a child and dedicate their time, energy and affection to raising children.

Today, many people suffer because they lack unconditional love and are addicted to conditional love. That is, many relationships are based on liking someone only if they receive affection and attention first. Conditional love means that you have to “earn” someone’s love, attention, affection and kindness by pleasing others. Conditional love leads to the feeling of being judged – another human being determines our worth and value. Anxiety and fear, especially in children, teens and vulnerable adults result from conditional love. Every person deserves dignity and respect for being born as a human being.

In the New Testament of the Bible, agape love is the type of love that Jesus taught His disciples to practice. Agape love is unconditional love – love that is freely given without expecting something in return. Jesus revealed God’s love in a new way by focusing his life, teachings and commitment to the unconditional love that God gives. Jesus grew up in the Jewish tradition and learned the Hebrew scriptures.

One of the most well-known Jewish prophets was Isaiah, who preached God’s love to the Jews in Exile. One of the most famous writings by this prophet can be found in chapter 43 of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name and you are mine,” and “because you are precious i my eyes and because I love you.”

During his life, Jesus taught his followers and the people of his time through parables or stories and by his healing actions. Several of his powerful miracles brought sight to those who were blind. The unconditional love of Jesus is still alive today, healing to those who seek him out. Unconditional love is an exception of mercy – not being judged by humans but freely honored and given by God.

Dave Pipitone is a professional communicator, spiritual entrepreneur, dedicated husband and father. To learn more about unconditional love, read Dave’s parable from the life of Jesus, An Exception of Mercy at http://www.anexceptionofmercy.com

3 Ways to Change Your Mindset for Christian Prosperity

10 Jun.
Posted by dnb700 in Christianity | Comments Off

I’ve heard a lot middle class people say, “I can’t do this or that financially… I’m poor,” and laugh about it as if they’re taking some kind of pride in being broke.

Do you realize if a person has the mindset of being poor and acts poor, he or she will be poor? Thinking you are poor and acting like you’re poor will keep you poor! You will never rise above the way you see yourself. “As a man thinketh, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

If you say you can, or if you say you cannot do something, you are absolutely correct either way. Most everything is a state of mind. Just like poverty is a state of mind, wealth is also a state of mind. You have to believe you are deserving of positive circumstances before good can find you.

Changing your mindset is absolutely necessary, and very simple. Here are three things you can do, right now….

1. Think in a positive light

This one is obvious, but the most difficult because it has become such a habit. You may not even realize how negative you are! The best way to become more positive is to make yourself accountable to someone you trust. Tell them you want them to let you know the next time you say something negative.

Our words and thoughts should always be positive! Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

2. Change your associations

Remember, I just said make yourself accountable to someone you trust? Do you have someone in your life like that? If not, you definitely need some better friends.

Here’s the facts.. In the next five years you will be the sum total of the people you associate with. You have to decide who you have to cut off in order to move ahead with your life. I know that sounds harsh, but you can still love them, but from a distance.

Now, find some people who can inspire you. Whether you find them in books or in Internet forums, it doesn’t matter. Just get around some positive. You have to surround yourself with winners to create positive changes in your life.

3. Repeat affirmations to yourself

Think of a list of positive things you can say to yourself everyday. For example:

~ I choose to think wealthy thoughts
~ I’m getting better and better everyday
~ Things are coming together for me

Be careful of saying things like:

~ I’m wealthy (when you’re broke)
~ I’m thin (when you’re overweight)
~ or anything else you simply cannot believe right now!

You’ve got to tell yourself things your mind can grab a hold of in the moment!

Even though the Bible says “Let the weak say I’m strong,” and that we are to call those things that are not as though they were, you must first get into a position of being able to believe.

Conclusion

You cannot change what you don’t acknowledge, so think about your current circumstances and take ownership for where you are. Be honest and say, “Most everything I have said or done until now has placed me exactly where I am.” Once you’ve owned up to it you’ll experience a type of freedom that will propel you on to great things!

Daniel N. Brown is an entrepreneur and teacher of biblical success principles! Get his Free Special Report, “Christian Prosperity Secrets” when you subscribe to his Free “Prosperous Christian” e-Letter…

http://www.SecretPlaceOnline.com