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“We look for the resurrection of the dead”, says the Nicene Creed.

“I believe in the resurrection of the body”, we declare every time we recite the “Apostles’ Creed”.

These ancient affirmations are well-grounded in Scripture, most obviously in 1 Corinthians 15, but also in Romans 8 and other passages.  They are also consistent with the teaching of 2 Peter 3 and Revelation 21 and 22 that confirms that the future hope of God’s people is not for their bodies to remain buried for ever in the ground of this earth and for their “souls” to fly off to “heaven”, but for bodily resurrection and for future life in God’s new heaven and new earth.

According to Bishop Tom Wright (Surprised by Hope, SPCK, 2007), a number of our hymns (and, we might add, a number of our worship songs) are not nearly as clear as they might be about this.

Amongst the confusion cited by Wright is the following couplet by John Keble:-

Till in the ocean of thy love

We lose ourselves in heaven above.

But ‘it was he who was for a moment lost here, not in Christianity, but in a drop-in-the-ocean Buddhist eschatology.’

Then there is the the following expression in that old favourite, ‘Abide With Me’:-

Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee.

This, suggests Wright, is a specimen of ‘blatant Platonism’.

The Christmas carol ‘Away in a manger’, aside from the dubious claim that

Little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes,

asks that Jesus would

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care

and fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.

That fine hymn, ‘How great thou art’, expresses the following idea:-

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Moving on from these examples, mentioned by Wright, we think of our modern worship songs.  Stuart Townend is one of the most theologically robust of recent Christian song-writers.  But this is what he writes in his best-known composition, ‘In Christ Alone’.:-

Till he returns or calls me home,

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

Well, maybe there is (to use for once that bit of preacher’s jargon) a sense in which death for the Christian is being ‘called home’ (Phil 1:23).  But a more biblical balance would be achieved if we were equipped to sing, not only of that ‘intermediate state’, but of that fullness of life that accompanies ‘the redemption of our bodies’ (Romans 8:23).

As Wright says, there are some hymns that stand out against the trend.  The most notable example (he suggests) is the hymn,’For all the saints’:-

The golden evening brightens in the west;

Soon, soon, to faithful warriers comest rest:

Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest.  Alleluia! Alleluia!

‘Paradise’, here the intermediate place of rest and refreshment.  Only after that does the resurrection occur:

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;

The Saints triumphant rise in bright array:

The King of glory passes on his way.  Alleluia! Alleluia!

There can be no birth, renewal, ascension or resurrection of the life spirit within us without first being both a conscious and subconscious crucifixion of the external false self without, which is the ego. This ego constitutes all that we think we know, believe, and desire. Yet, before there can be any real crucifixion or dismantling of the ego, there must first be a recognition that it is necessary for the ego to be stretched out before the four winds of eradication. The fundamental reason for our necessary destruction of such erroneous image called the ego is that it is faulty. This destruction does not totally remove the ego, for that is nearly impossible. This destruction denotes a letting go of the total dependency upon the ego’s desires and perceptions. This irrational and unreal manifestation of self, called ego, to the fulfillment or ancient prophesy, must be understood to be the perfect sacrificial lamb for humanity’s psychological redemption.

The basis is that there can only be an improvement if there is a lack of perfection within. That imperfection rests not in the inner self, but with the outer self’s understanding of the inner self. By its very nature, imperfection is error and dysfunction. This simple principle is the starting point to the realization of true self. If we do not understand and accept the logical fact that our image of complete self is faulty, we cannot hope to begin the necessary processes of intellectual human evolution. This act of intellectual or spiritual evolution is the true age of reasoning and enlightenment. It is the true purpose of the ministry of Jesus the Christ, who today is perhaps the most misunderstood spiritual teacher of all ages. He taught the perfection of self within self, and not the perfection of ideologies within systems of superficial religion. This realization of self is the “Second Coming of the Christ.”

History would not have brought forth a multitude of teachers, prophets, and philosophers if there was not a real need for human reformation. What they taught us was more than just a reformation of humanity’s social, political, and religious systems, but the spiritual keys for intimate restructuring of the human ideological views of self. It is we who failed to understand the inward significance of these timeless messages that are all directed to the inner self.

Perhaps the intellect of humanity at those moments in history was still too primitive or ego governed to properly interpret the spiritual messages given to them by these wise persons of antiquity. In addition, it could even have been that the messages given at that time were only a part of one grand revelation of truth that could only be thoroughly understood when the wisdom of our present time was added to the equation. Nevertheless, this day marks the point in time when all logical thinking minds are more than capable of realizing the sublime truth of inner self. There is enough enlightenment in this age of humanity to baptize the false ego of self with enough consecrated waters of righteous self-truth to wash away forever the stains of human ignorance.

My husband and I have very different views and practices on Christmas.  Before we even got married I knew that eventually this would become an issue once we had children old enough to understand what was going on.   My Father is a Non-Denominational Minister.  He was Ordained Baptist, but has lived his life following the practices and beliefs set by the rules and teachings of the Bible.   

My Mom was raised Catholic and was in a very set binding home.  They practiced all of the pagan fundemantals.  When my parents got together they fellowshipped with one another and then my mother decided to convert and became Non-denominational as well, seeing faults in her personal religious upbringing.   

Being brought up we were taught that Christmas was a day created by the pagans and now has turned into this huge consumer thing.  So tell me, if it is Jesus’ birthday that everyone is celebrating, then why is everyone out there buying gifts for each other?  If we were to follow Jesus’ role then wouldn’t we be breaking bread, or sharing the Good Word, or helping the poor?  Instead, most are taking their time and their money to compete for the best gift, or go to church and call themselves Christians for the year. Just because you were baptized as a baby doesn’t make you a Christian, just because you have a waffer and a mouthful of wine DOESN”T make you a christian.  

It’s funny to me how my inlaws make Christmas day all about gifts and family for the day.  But the minute it is over they are complaining about the money they spent, how they can’t get ahead on their bills and the biggest thing, they don’t want to see their grand-daughter until another special occasion comes around.  So for me, I hate this time of year even more, because one, my husband is trying to teach my daughter to idolize this false idol names Santa, and his family have something to do with one another.  Two fakes, don’t make a right. 

Regardless of which date you choose for the birthday of Jesus it was not on December 25th, and God never intended that it would be observed and celebrated. God wants us to remember the death, burial and resurrection of His Son, which is the Good News and the purpose of His coming. 

For several centuries the Christian assembly itself paid little attention to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The major Christian festival was Passover, the day of His Resurrection. Only gradually, as the church developed a calendar to commemorate the major events of the life of Jesus, did it celebrate His birth. 

Because the date of Jesus’ birth had been forgotten, a day had to be selected. The Eastern Orthodox and the Eastern Rite churches chose January 6 while the Western church, based in Rome, chose December 25. It is known from a notice in an ancient Roman almanac that Christmas was celebrated on December 25 in Rome in AD 336. For 300 years His birthday was not celebrated so why should we celebrate it today?  

It is said the “Jesus is the reason for the season” but it never was so from the beginning. Today Christmas is a celebration for the god of possessions and merchandise. Santa Clause is this god’s name and you had better watch out for he is keeping a list of who is naughty and who is nice. At least that is the teaching of the followers of this god.     

Our HOPE, SALVATION, and REDEMPTION is in Jesus not Santa. Yet it seems that more people believe in Santa than in Jesus. Whom will you choose to follow?   When we get to judgement we aren’t going to be seeing Santa Clause.    

   “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
    The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
    “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24 
         

Does this mean Christians cannot give gifts during Christmas and observe the holiday? In this area, as in many others, a balance must be sought. Churches should not have Christmas trees ( Jeremiah 10 1-5) or anything to do with Santa Clause in their programs. Christian families should teach their children, at an early age, that Santa Clause is not real and does not bring gifts. They should not be taken to set on Santa’s lap to recite a list of wants or be allowed to write him letters. They should be taught when questioned “What did Santa bring you?” to reply that my parents, grandparents, and others gave me my gifts.   Why do we as parents work, so that in turn we can buy gifts to give to our children, from this falsifide idol?  Why do we want our children worshiping Santa?
       

It is of the greatest importance that Christians are taught that all comes from God and all belongs to Him. We are the stewards of His gifts. To say Santa brings gifts will make God jealous for it damages His name, for He is the One who gives gifts not Santa. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11    

WHY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS GREATER THAN SANTA CLAUSE?

Santa lives at the North Pole.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST is everywhere.

 Santa rides in a sleigh.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST knew your name before you did. Not only does He know your name,
He knows your address too.
He knows your history and future and
He even knows how many hairs are on your head.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST offers Health, Help and Hope.

Santa says “You better not cry.”
THEH LORD JESUS CHRIST says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST gives you joy that is your strength.  

While Santa puts gifts under your tree.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST  became our gift and died on a tree.
Yes, from sin He sets us free!

So to all my blog followers this is my own personal beliefs and opinions.   If you practice in the tradition of Christmas then I wish you a Happy Holidays!!  And if you would like to share your practice’s then I would love to hear them.   For my family and I it is an excuse to get together in one place and enjoy our mother’s cooking, with games and good fellowship. 

Lynn

“We know that we want to do some raw Hip Hop.  That’s exactly the direction and feel we want, so that’s the basis of it.  ‘Ye and I definitely know we want to do some pure Hip Hop.”

As an artist continues to perfect their craft, it becomes a necessity to shed their skin a few times and go through some transformations.

For Chicago’s Common, the rapper has gone through a full spin as he returns back to his roots with the upcoming release The Believer.  Without a release date set as of now, the rapper is looking to have the album released around the summer. 

From his beginnings to his transition, with some influence from Erykah Badu, to teaming with Kanye West and then feeling futuristic with Pharrell, Common still pushes the envelope of his own creativity whether the end result is perceived the way he feels it should be by the public.

With The Believer, the rapper enforces the fact that he is looking back to the past and wants to bring back the raw and uncut feel within his own project.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he gave more details on what’s going on with the album right now. 

“Yeah, I’m working on The Believer right now.  I’m actually working with No I.D and Twilite Tone and Kanye West.  Man, we’re looking forward to makeg some powerful music.  It’s really in the beginning stages, the first quarter.  I plan to really focus and get it done.” 

The rapper also expressed his feelings towards linking back up with No I.D. and how their different artistic ventures still found a way to bring them together again. 

 For those that are unaware, No I.D. was also reported to be the mentor of Kanye West when he was first coming up. 

“It felt like, ‘Man, life is really, really good.’  It’s full circle.  You meet up with the person who’s partially responsible for beginning your career, and you’re like, ‘Man, this is really cool that we meet at this place in our lives and our creative journeys and we really are enthused to work with each other.”

The history of Common and No I.D does, in fact, span back to the rapper’s beginnings and his initial rush into the Hip Hop game.  The 1994 release of Resurrection was swamped with production from No I.D as well as his debut Can I Borrow A Dollar? and One Day It’ll All Make Sense, when the producer was primarily known as Immenslope.

He also worked with Twilite Tone in his early stages, so it almost feels like Common is starting off with a fresh page in his career and going back to Step One.

Part of an artist’s craft is the process of reinvention and being more innovative each time out.  Standing still only creates a lane for everyone else to pass, but Common is aware of the fact that as time changes, he does the same, and must deliver art which is a representation of himself for the time.     

Here’s an article I have up over at Wrecked where I am an editor for.

Symbols have power. For some, symbols might hold something even deeper than a memory, maybe your identity. For those who follow the god of Wal-Mart, it might be the cheesy yellow pin with a grin on it. For those who follow the god of the Dallas Cowboys, your symbol might be the blue star of Texas. And others who say they follow Yahweh, their symbol is a cross. For those in the Old Testament, their symbol may have been the burning bush or the two tablets or a map with little traveling nomads on it.

We can’t get away from the reality that symbols shape us. Symbols might even have more influence than we think.

Semiotics, as an academic discipline, seeks to make sense of symbols and what they mean and why they mean what they mean. Take for example, the cross. We might think of the cross as a symbol of atonement or a symbol of self-sacrificial love or maybe a symbol of death. For Rome, the cross didn’t signify atonement. It signified someone who deserved to die because they were insurrectionists. It was a tool of embarrassment and public shame. It signified failure on the part of the crucified ones. It signaled victory to the way of Rome. But, why the cross? Why has the cross come to mean so much to those who follow in the way of Jesus?

Some might say because it is the ultimate act of love and salvation of the God-man who came to earth on our behalf. Others say it is a symbol of deep hope and invitation to the world. If I can pose a question at this point in the conversation:

How would the electric chair be a symbol of hope or redemption or atonement?

Don’t get me wrong, I think we needed Jesus to save us, but it is an act that is past tense in the sense of universal salvation. He is still saving us, and for that I think the cross can be a reminder of what He did for us and what He is doing. But the cross as a symbol becomes a bit anemic to the story of Jesus only because, according to Biblical witness, He comes back to life. And so, why isn’t the symbol we hold dear the tomb? It was a sign of victory over sin, over death, over darkness and destructive ways of living. It was an act of defiant hope against all odds. The cross was defiant, it was deadly. That’s what the purpose of the cross was and is and anything else like it today would hold the same stigma. So, why end the story there in our symbols when we all know it didn’t actually end there?

I think we might have been misled to think that the cross was the point. And so our symbols have gotten mixed up. Think of it like a radio signal. Every radio has its own signal it uses to broadcast its’ station to the world. Now, those signals can even go over the Internet. But, we can easily flip the dial and switch over to another radio station because static is just that tricky. And so maybe in the historic static of semiotics, either the people who directly followed Jesus or those who followed after them might have mixed up their signals and have turned an instrument of death into hope. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It is good to restore paradoxes, but that’s if the story we subscribe to ends there, and as we know it, it doesn’t.

It ends with resurrection. Which is a better symbol for hope. A better symbol to empower us to go and resurrect love, peace, grace and redemption wherever we go!

What do you think? Is the cross a good symbol for Christianity or is the tomb a better one?

Aww, the familiar bells, people making them ring, inside the five and ten, surrounded by trees that dont mind the snow, across the street from the grand hotel and the one in the park as well. The hustle, bustle, people getting impatient, lines, kids going up on the down escalator, and moms and dad’s not paying attention. Who needs to? It’s the holidays, for chocolate’s sake. What in the name of peppermint gives you the idea that we would change it.

Bing Crosby, somebody pinch me. I LOVE Bing Crosby. Ever since my Mom introduced me to Bing, I love Bing. And how about Karen Carpenter? Oh my Gosh. It just does it. Put her on, get coffee, sit in chair, die. But none compares. None does justice, none, comes to the same conclusion after close consideration as the very Man named after the holiday itself.

Long ago, in a land far far away, a teenage girl sat in her house next to her kitchen. Nothing was spectacular, and seldom did anything change as routine was common in this house. The particular wall ajacent from the innocent form was being bathed with the rays of the dawning sun, and dried with the wind of that more than noticeable delicious breeze. Birds were starting their chorus of fivility and the pets of the surrounding countryside were starting to make noise as their owners were greeting their life after the previous night. The market center was not very busy and the young girl made note that now would be a good time to gather some food for the next several meals as the items were probably in stock even this early. As she opened her door a galant steed with a well dressed man went by, she looked up and then quickly down as respect demanded position.  Everyday, she went about her duties as a young lady, but, alone it was different. Secretly she held dreams of her own. Here in the small Judian town of Bethlehem there was anticipation. Always anticipation. Every girl with the ability to have children anticipated it. All of the mothers knew that they were not to be considered for the chosen vessel, the mother of the Son of God promised many years aforehand. But every young virgin girl knew the importance of it, in fact some died as pure as they were born hoping to be the one. But none yet. It was the dream, the faint idea of every girl that maybe they were to be the mother of the Christ child. After passing by and regaining posture she skipped across the weather beaten road. This display of joy was uncommon to others who shared her name. Mary meant sorrow, bitterness, and grief, and while these tended to be the emotions that came naturally to her, they by no means dominated her style. Having entered the market center, Mary thought out loud, “What could I get to change things up a bit, to make things suprising?” No sooner did she start to consider the proposition of something different, the owner of the market laughed out loud. “Mary? Are you serious, what could you possibly buy different than every other time.” Said Castus. “Is it possible that today you could buy something other than, beans, rice, corn, oil and 7and 1/2 pounds flour?” “Yes sir.” Stated Mary as she picked up some cloth and some cheese. “I feel that today holds the quality of none other, but isn’t every day different from the ones preceeding and the others to come?” “Yes,” answered Castus, “but, that is your call to make.” Producing another round of joyous laughter not common for the rather large man. Immediately she changed the thought direction of her mind as they were on the verge of disrespect. Walking towards the booth she counted the onions, and various fruits she rarely bought. As she was finishing she turned the corner right into a man that stood a good 6-7 inches taller than she. Half way to the ground the huge rough hands of what appeared to be used to wood, grabbed her shoulders, catching her fall. Both didn’t move, and as the as the moment began to scream ackward, the man pulled her up and released his hold on Mary who now felt like a small child compared to all of that! “I-I-I’m so- sor-sorry sir!” She exclaimed as she knelt to recover the mess in front of the entire market. Suddenly, there the hand was, on her arm. She stopped, looked up and without words the man’s face said all. She quickly realized the dominating figure in front of her to be happy, warm , and willing to help, yet, never showing emotion. The man looked as tho he had been up for hours already building something. At least, that is what she guessed. As he picked up 3 and 4 onions at a time she almost couldn’t keep from staring. As the man helped her up she recognized him and his face became very familiar. Just as she started to consider how to go about asking his name, something a woman never did outright, he said. “It’s alright, my name is Joseph.” “I’m a carpentar from the south side of town, and you are?” “Mary”, she blurted out in a tone louder and more intimidating than she would normally use. Feeling very out of place she said her thanks and quickly paid for the items and went home, leaving the man to himself and…and..and, well his wood. Whatever, it didn’t matter. In front of the boiling pot of soon to be stew Mary thought of the early events of the morning. Reliving floating in the air by a man she recognized and embarrassed, and spilling all of lunch on the floor only to have HIM pick it up. “You couldn’t have been more graced!” She exclaimed to herself. “Next time hiccup!” She chopped up the vegetables she wanted and carried them to the pot her soup was cooking in. She went back and grabbed the onions and carried them over to the board.

Slowly over time, Mary went from accidentally knocking the man over to doing it on purpose, and as this relationship deepened, Joseph popped the question, Mary of course answered yes and the two were to be married soon. Now the dream seemed but a thing of the past, and she looked forward to mothering Josephs children. She prayed that they all held the character that the man himself did.

Out of nowhere came a light, and presence that pulsated the entire room. In instant fear, Mary inhaled sharply not daring to turn around. As the emotions and scrambled through her mind she uttered a small hiccup, dropping all that she had onto the floor. The man said, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”  Hail? “That’s what you say to authority and those of position and power…” thought Mary. Now shaking she turned and was instantly covered head to toe in a light that centered on a man figure none like she had ever seen. Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS and He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of his father David, and He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. “But, but how is that possible since I am only betrothed, not even married, nor have children, nor have even ever known a man?” Said Mary know recognizing this man as an angel of the Lord, YAHWEH, him who she was taught even as a child.  And the angel answered and said unto her, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”  “Behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Already on her knees Mary looked to the sky and said with a humbleness that the Lord noticed such as to pick her as the mother of his only begotten Son, with this she said, taking back her greeting of royalty, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

In the Shadow of the Almighty prelude.

Driving down Route 15 today, I saw something that struck me as odd and yet very fitting. What was it, you might ask? On the side of the highway, there are three wooden crosses, two white ones and one yellow/gold one in the center. Perhaps you’ve seen these elsewhere. I drive past these crosses nearly every day, but today was different.

Today, there was someone pulled over by a police man directly underneath these crosses. At first I thought, “that’s an odd place to stop,” but the more I thought about it, the more appropriate it seemed. Here was a man, caught breaking the law, parked at the foot of the cross. Aren’t we all guilty of breaking the law, i.e. God’s Law? Don’t we all run the risk of being caught by the long arm of that law and being punished? The answer? Yes.

That is, until Christ came. Until Christ bore our sins and burdens on the cross, we were in bondage to sin. However, through his death and resurrection, we have been miraculously set free to have new, abundant life and the freedom with which to live it. As Paul says in Romans 6:3-11:

3Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7For whoever has died is freed from sin. 8But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Being raised to new life in Christ means that we have forgiveness and that we are free from sin, but it also means that we are free to respond joyfully to God’s magnificent grace. We are free to live boldly, loving without bounds and giving of ourselves to others.

In effect, I see the man pulled over under the cross as a fitting picture of all of us being caught in sin under the Law. We all need to come to the foot of the cross to find forgiveness for what we have done or what we have failed to do. It is only there, with the cross in plain view, that we can begin to understand what being forgiven for our sins and what the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, really means. All things revolve around what Christ has done for us on that tree.

I’m pretty sure the man who was pulled over wasn’t focused on Law and Gospel or thinking too much about the crosses, and I hope he had a safe and uneventful trip. For my part, I am thankful that I was reminded once again how important it is to keep the cross of Christ ever before us.

© 2009. Annabelle Peake. All rights reserved.

Paul takes us the centrality of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 with a special focus on its implication for believers. He also gives an in-depth look in Romans 6 of how the resurrection affects the nuts and bolts of the believer’s everyday experience. 1 Cortinthians 15 and Romans 6 are important passages about the resurrection and their role in the believer’s life.

1 Corinthians 15 is the more broad, bold effect– “if Jesus is not raised then this whole thing is worthless and we are morons.”

Romans 6 is the more detailed, day-to-day effect– “live in the newness of life because Jesus is raised and you were raised with Him.”

I have just spent a few wonderful days visiting with some of my best friends in this world. I am always encouraged and blessed by these friendships and I always leave wanting to stay a little longer and have just one more conversation over just one more cup of coffee.

Good things are like that, we savor them and we want more. There is a desire within all of us to try to hold onto that which we feel is good for us and good to us. We don’t always appreciate it the way we should, but we want for more of these moments.

I have frequently imagined what it must have been like to be with Jesus, walking the earth with the one who stilled the sea, fed the masses with a little boys lunch and called the dead back to life out of their coffins and tombs. The amazement of those moments, I would have loved to experience the simple awe and wonder of seeing the most amazing things take place right before you. This wasn’t imaginative story telling where you are captivated by the turn of the plot or a twist of a phrase, this was real life and real live action. Moments in life to relish.

With Christmas approaching, I can’t wait to see my kids on that morning, filled with anticipation, wanting so badly to rip into those presents under the tree… but they will have to wait for just a few moments while we read the Christmas story and get together a cup of coffee for mom and dad. But it is their moment, their time to experience the joy of getting a gift. Personally, I love giving the gifts as much if not more than getting a gift. Seeing the wondering looks on their faces searching their minds to see if they might know what is in the box.

God has really been working in my heart these last few months about the idea of the moment. As Christians we talk a lot about vision, numbers, statistics, programs and goals for the church. As people we talk about hopes and dreams for the future. As parents we wonder about the future of our kids and making sure that they are adequately prepared for what will come. But are we missing too much of God’s work in our life because we are too focused on somewhere other than now? As Christians are we failing to love people as they are, because we are wanting them to be something else? As parents, are we not enjoying our children in the moment, because we are too focused on preparing them for not being children? As people, are we discounting the blessings of today because we are looking down the road to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

It would be like sitting with one of my friends this past week and being so consumed by the fact that I would have to leave, that I failed to enjoy their company. I would miss a great moment. I would miss the precious time I had with them. Instead, I lived in the moment, soaking in the good that I was experiencing.

When we are experiencing good times, we can think about the fact that it will come to an end. When we are experiencing bad times, we can’t wait for it to end. When we are in dull and boring times, we think it will never end.  But what about the moment you are in?  What abut this moment that you have?

Maybe your life isn’t everything you want it to be right now. All of us could probably pinpoint a few things that we wish would be different or that we know are not going to last or are worried about. But let’s not miss the God factor in our life. Think of a few Biblical examples…

* When the children of Israel were up against the Red Sea and Pharoah’s army was approaching. What do you think many of them were thinking about?  They were imagining getting slaughtered, run over, injured, captured and taken back into slavery. (Exodus 14)

* When King Jehoshaphat was told that he was surrounded by a large army, he was afraid and admitted that he had no idea what to do. He was facing the end of his rule and the defeat of his army.  (II Chronicles 20)

* Simeon had been waiting in the temple for the Messiah to come. God had promised that he would see the child, not when the child would come, just that he would see the child. He had not seen it yet, so had he missed it?  Did he really hear God say that? (Luke 2:25-35)

* When Lazarus died, Mary and Martha wondered why Jesus had not come to his aid quickly.  “If only you had been here” were their words. They grieved at the loss of their brother. (John 11:1-44)

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, their moment arrived…

* God opened the Red Sea through Moses

* God spoke through a prophet and gave Jehoshaphat direction on how to defeat his enemy by sending the musicians and singers in front of the army

* God brought the Christ child to Simeon to bless

* Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus and told them to open it

Each of them then lived in the moment…

* The people crossed over on dry land, and saw Pharoah’s army swallowed by the sea

* Jehoshaphat did as God commanded and watched as his enemies turned on one another and killed one another giving him peace

* Simeon recognized God’s messiah and blessed the child, getting to see God fulfill His prophecy

* Mary and Martha watched as Jesus returned their brother to them by calling him out of the tomb

But what if….

* not believing God, some of the Israelites had believed their fate was sealed and marched back toward Pharoah’s army just hoping they would survive?

* Jehoshaphat thought the plan God spoke was ridiculous and sent his army out to fight against overwhelming numbers?

* Simeon had grown tired of waiting and in his frustration had taken to sitting in the back room, allowing others to receive the children as they came into the temple?

* Mary and Martha had walked away from Jesus, believing that He had betrayed them by not coming sooner?

…they would be like many of us, living in our own world, our own disappointments, frustrations, and they would have completely missed the moment with God.

Imagine this. Your child wakes up on Christmas morning and won’t get out of bed because they believe that you did not buy them that new bike they wanted. “Come and open your gifts” you tell them, it will be fun. “No”, I just know you haven’t bought me my new bike.”  All the while, waiting in the living room is their brand new bike, with a bell, streamers and all. You have looked forward to sharing this moment with them. They have had to wait, but you knew this moment was coming.  Now what?

I sometimes wonder if God does not feel that way with us. He is ready to move, ready to work in us, bless us, renew us, ready for us to experience a moment with Him. Yet it seems often our mind and heart is too consumed with either what has been or what might be or what has not happened… and we allow our fears, our hurt, our disappointments, our fatigue, even our sins to control our hearts … and we miss Him. I don’t want that in my life, I want my faith to be stretched, to imagine greater things.

Just imagine what it must have been like to walk on the dry land through the Red Sea and look up and know the hand of God was holding the waters at bay. Wow!

Just imagine what Jehoshaphat must have felt as he looked out on the battlefield and saw God use a bunch of singers and musicians to destroy his enemy before his eyes. Unbelievable!

Just imagine Simeon placing Jesus back into the arms of Mary, knowing that God has just fulfilled His promise by sending a Messiah, in the form of a little baby. He  must have danced and smiled his way back home. Yes!

Just imagine Mary and Martha standing in awe and shock as Jesus simply spoke three words, “Lazarus come forth”, and their brother rose from the dead and walked out of the tomb! Awesome!

I want more of that in my Christian walk. No more same old, nothing ever happens, told you it would never work, go through the motions, we’ve never done it that way, I’m tired of dealing with it, kind of Christianity that no longer looks to God to do something awe-inspiring. I want the moment. I want to live in the moments with God. No, I am not seeking a sign, I am seeking anticipation… expectation…faith in every moment to believe… for the supernatural, all-powerful, amazing God to do, well, what He can do. To rise up out of bed and believe that the bike is really there… then jump on it, ring the bell and watch the streamers flap in the wind as I ride down the road.

I have had lots of moments with God- my salvation, watching God provide for us financially, watching Him provide jobs for us, heal family members and friends, save people we have ministered to, transform people who have been away from Him…. and I have relished every moment. Henry Blackaby in his Experiencing God material calls these things spiritual markers. Moments in life we know God has worked and we have planted a stake in the ground to mark the occasion. I look forward to planting that next stake. All of God’s work, all of my spiritual markers have brought me to this point… and I anticipate that, no matter my current situation, that  a stake-planting moment is just ahead… and I don’t want to miss it.

Lord, we believe in your work, in your power and in your might. We believe that in your love for us, you will work in us and around us. God we don’t want to miss a moment with you. Help our eyes and our heart not to lose focus on you. Help us not to give in to our frustrations and doubts so that we turn our head from watching for your hand.

Today Lord, right now… I have my stake in my hand…ready for you and I to experience a moment together…so I can plant that stake in the ground and forever remember this as a day, a time, where together we lived in the moment and for the moment.

in the cold of my room while i sit working on lyrics and music for my own new album, there has been one song that (more than any other this week) stands out as the biggest influence on my lyrics.

the song is ‘Resurrection’ by Fear Factory. its off of the album ‘Obsolete’, and has been called by Burton C Bell (singer) his favorite FF song. the serene beauty of the lyrics, coupled with the delicate glass like structure of his clean singing and horrific barbed screams dance in a perfect blend of power and sleek beauty. Dino’s (guitarist) ham-fisted riffs are just what is needed to make the mechanic rhythm section really shine. though Rhys Fulber’s keyboard work is what makes the song as gorgeous as it ends up becoming.

i know that my next album wont sound like this, if only because i am not going in the same direction, but i do hope that some of the haunting power of the song does rub off.

This is a rare genre in the world of Korean dramas, and so far, only three titles made the cut. They are “Resurrection” (KBS, 2005), “Green Rose” (SBS, 2005) and “Time Between Dog & Wolf” (MBC, 2007).  

All three share similar fates – less-than-ideal ratings, due to more or less to an action-centered plot where romance took a back seat.

Seoul has churned out numerous immensely popular dramas in the romantic-comedy genre in recent years. Though the Japanese are still more versatile in TV drama production, the work that the Koreans have produced proved they are catching up fast. And they may just have surpassed their neighbouring counterparts  in the romantic-comedy genre…. though some may disagree. Anyways, this is strictly a personal opinion.

Though all three dramas run on the same theme, they couldn’t have been more different in their execution. “Green Rose”and “Resurrection” came out in the same year, “Green Rose” first, and followed by “Resurrection”. The starking contrast between them is the way the story was told. We know who the murderer/baddie is in “Resurrection” right from the beginning, and the story follows the character’s vindinctive progress to seek out the killer. (There’s a nice twist at the end though.)

Green Rose

“Green Rose” on the other hand works like a mystery novel, keeping viewers in the dark as to who the killer might be, and it keeps you guessing right up to the final moments of the finale when the truth is unveiled. It’s like… when you think you know who the killer is, the next scene throws you off course and you wonder again if you made the wrong bet. 

Resurrection

The plot for “Resurrection” is complex and convoluted, with numerous threads and forking paths. And one of the reason for its success is the PD’s ability to tie all the loose ends to make the final closure. And by the end of it all, you realize that not a single plot or development was redundant; each scene and event served a purpose and it all came together at the end.

When watching “Time Between Dog & Wolf” two years later, I can’t help but notice that it shares a similiar opener with “Green Rose”. Both dramas start off with a scene (usually it’s about the main character caught in a dire situation) taken from the middle of a narrative, then takes viewers back to the beginning, where the story unfolds and we find out how and why the main character got himself in dire circumstances. 

Time Between Dog And Wolf

Initially, I was disappointed with the lack of originality with ”Time Between Dog & Wolf”. I thought perhaps they could have thought up a more original opening, than to rip off the introductory scene from “Green Rose”. But by the second episode, I knew “Time Between Dog & Wolf” is a worthy contender for one of the best thriller drama that ever came out of Korea.

The winning element for “Time Between Dog & Wolf” is its perfect pace and lean storyline. Not a single minute of reel time was wasted and everything was packed perfectly in 16 episodes. The story came to a full circle at the end when the ironic relationship between Lee Junki’s character and his syndicate boss, which gave the show one of the best closures in drama history.

All three dramas offer unpredictable twists and turns to keep you on the edge, and the acting from the lead characters right down to the extended cast were simply awesome. They just can’t get any better than this. 

Of the three, “Time Between Dog & Wolf” boasts the best pace and best OST music. ”Resurrection” gets top marks  for its ambitious and really smart plotline and “Green Rose” scores for keeping me in the dark on who the real killer is. It also features one of the best comeback/return-for-revenge scene.

After watching these Korean thrillers, I’d wish there were more such dramas for to showcase their acting chops. It’s such a waste of precious talent to keep featuring these actors in romantic dramas. They’ve got so much more to offer and have shown such depth and range in their acting, that it seemed a pity to repeatedly watch them romancing with their co-stars. At least, Lee Junki got to show off some high kicks and hard blows (he’s got a background in karate… or is it taekwondo?) in “Time Between Dog & Wolf”.  

Resurrection

This KBS drama aired between June and August in 2005,  but ratings suffered miserable as it had to contend with ratings champ “My Lovely Kim Sam Soon”.

Resurrection

The plot was convoluted and complex, with subplots interpersed all around. The story was about a pair of twin brothers – Yoo Gang Hyuk and Yoo Shin Hyuk – who were separated when young. Shin Hyuk was raised by his mother after the father and brother Gang Hyuk were in a car accident. Unknown to all, Gang Hyuk survived the crash but lost his memory. He was taken in by a Seo family, grew up as Seo Ha Eun and later became a detective at the police force.

While investigating a murder case, he uncovered clues that took him back to the case that his father was investigating before he died. Turned out his father death was not accidental, but a carefully planned murder. The case would also  lead him to his twin brother and mother.

But their happy reunion was shortlived. The men who plotted his father’s murder wanted Gang Hyuk dead as well, before he uncovers more dirt. Unfortunately, the baddies got the wrong guy and Shin Hyuk was  killed instead. A devastated Gang Hyuk vowed revenge. In order not let the baddies know they got the wrong guy, he pretended to be Shin Hyuk and returned home….

Despite the poor ratings, “Resurrection” garnered  a cult following online and die-hard fans were loyal right to the end. And for good reasons. This drama made no secret who the culprit was, and the entire show was a smart cat and mouse game which saw Gang Hyuk plotting to take down the bad guys.  

The secret to the show’s success was the well thought out game plan and a twist at the end. There’s a plot within a plot, and the ingenuity that each development in the story was not incidental, but a purposeful move that will make viewers go, ” … so that’s how he is related to him” at the end.  

Many times, a show tries to be too ambitious and caused its downfall. Not only did ”Resurrection” avoid falling prey to this trap, it managed to tie all the differing threads to give it a coherent ending.

The various actors performances added to the drama’s success.  Actor Uhm Tae Woong, who played Gang Hyuk/Shin Hyuk/Seo Ha Eun, was perfect for the part, and delivered a compelling and award-winning performance. One example was when he had to attend his own funeral where he portrayed convincingly the pain of witnessing the death of his brother, whom he’d just reunited with; the pain of being the only one who knew Shin Hyuk had died in his place, and yet not able to share this burden with anyone.  

Actress So Yi Hyun who played a crime reporter involved in the case was brilliant as well. By conparison, Han Ji Min, who was Gang Hyuk’s love interest, played second fiddle.  

The extended cast read like a list of who’s who of veteran actors. Actors Kim Gyu Chul (who played Choi Dong Chan) and Kim Yeon Suk (who played an ex-convict turned PI) were noteworthy and deserving of any supporting actors awards anytime.

Fans of this drama were captivated by the brilliant and complex plot, and that interest last till the final 24th episode, and it’s no easy task trying to guess the ending. Towards the concluding episodes, they even requested that the production team refrain from showing trailers at the ending credits, so as not to give the nail-biting ending away.

Green Rose

This drama was produced and aired months prior to “Resurrection”. The starkest difference, compared to ”Resurrection”, is that the two dramas are like mirror images – “Resurrection” lets viewers in on who’s the killer right from the beginning, “Green Rose” does the opposite and keeps viewers in suspense till the last, revealing who the bad guy was in the final episode.

Goo Soo in "Green Rose"

The show opened with Goo Soo, who plays the main character Lee Jung-hyun, breaking out of custody. A convicted criminal turned fugitive, he escaped to China in search for the answers to why he was framed for a murder he didn’t commit. The victim was the boss of the company he worked for and incidentally, the father of his girlfriend. 

“Green Rose” also features an affecting introductory episode which set the record straight on what Lee Jung-hyun lost when he was accusesed of a murder. An employee at a leading IT firm, Lee jung-hyun coundn’t have been more normal man on the street. He has a loving mother, a kind-hearted and pretty girlfriend, and good college pals who work in the same company. But all that dissipated after some guy got jealous and decides to make him the scapegoat in an attempted murder.

The drama then follows Lee Jung-hyun’s escape to China where he meets a wealthy businessman with mafia links, who gives him a new life. The drama then takes on an interesting turn when Lee Jung-hyun returns to Seoul with a new identity to seek justice. 

“Green Rose” become exciting hencewith because our protaganist is now shrewd, smart and rich, and he’s now ready to turn some tables on those people who destroyed his life. Vengeance is sweet, escpecially in this drama.  

The scene that showed him returning Seoul was particularly noteworthy, and was at this point on that the action took off.

Time Between Dog & Wolf

A younger and better-looking cast at the helm did not make this a lesser drama, compared to the two above. Credit goes to the strong script, pacy execcution and excellent performance by the actors.

Lee Junki as Agent Lee Soo Hyun

The drama tells the story of Lee Soo Hyun, whose parents (Dad was a secret agent and Mom a prosecutor) were killed by a Thai criminal syndicate.  He was adopted by a friend of his parent - also an intelligence agent – and when he grew up, he too joined the same profession. But he has a hidden agenda - he wants to find out who killed his parents.

Truth is, Soo Hyun had a difficult childhood. Though he was surrounded by a loving foster family, he didn’t recover from witnessing his mother being shot to death before his eyes. When the opportunity came for him to infiltrate the criminal syndicate as an undercover, he couldn’t really pass that up. Faking his own death (as planned by the Korean intelligence that he worked for), he gave up his identity, family and girlfriend (played by Nam Sang Mi) and went to Thailand with a new name – Kay. 

Gaining the trust of Mao, head of the thai syndicate and alleged killer of his mom), his investigation finally got headway after two years but  tragedy struck when he lost his memory during a car accident (he was set up by rivals in the Thai syndicate). And this is when the real action begins. He forgot his undercover cop identity and believed that he’s a thug, and acted like one.  Herein, it was fun to watch Lee Junki play Kay like Kay should be – slightly arrogant, smart, sometimes a jerk,mischievous, but at the same time, a loyal thug.

This drama has lots going for it – it’s pacy, full of unpredictable twists and a credible cast. Just when you think you know where the plot is headed, it throws you a curve ball from nowhere.  

I knew lead Lee Junki is an extremely well known actor across Asia, but couldn’t really understand why. I did see him in ”King  and Clown” (he did a good job playing an effiminate playactor) and “My Girl”, and thought to myself… “where lies his appeal”. I found the answer in ”Time Between Dog & Wolf”, which I think is his vehicle.

Second lead actor Jung Kyung Ho and lead actress Nam Sang Mi were awesome as well, especially the former. the lanky actor may seem thin on character and built, but he delivered some noteworthy performances that were quite on the mark.

Press conference (Time Between Dog & Wolf)

His character is extremely likeable as well. He is the one who brought Lee Soo Hyun (Lee Junki’s character) out of his shell and pain), is supportive of his friend and adopted brother, and finally, the one who wants to avenge his death (though the death was staged).

Korean drama-makers may be masters at the romatic comedy genre, they are equally apt in the thriller genre as well. If the ratings had been more encouraging, it just might have spurred them onto more productions of this kind.

Earth Reels: News, War, $Woes, Gay Bill, Death, H1N1, Black Ring Moon Freakin’ End, Mom/Daughters, 2012, Armageddon, Abomination of Desolation, OCD Christ’s Mind x7

 Prophecy’s Extra Oil Update 37: News Gains Christ’s Mind by 7
©copyright 2009 Bonita M Quesinberry

News 12/01-12/04: 3.5 days in “terrors of these end days;” just a few snippets—
War, Obama to send 30k soldiers 18mo Afghan, draw down begins July 2011, Gen. McCrystal gets 40k as NATO/Afghan/Italy add up to 7000, 5000, 1000 respectively, logistics/Taliban promise “fiasco”; Afghan, US soldier found dead; Argentina, beauty queen died of embolism from buttock enlargement; Greece, armed man w/explosives enters school; Somalia, blast at school kills 23; Syria, bus explosion kills dozens; Indonesia, disco fire kills 20; China, 5 more rioters get death penalty; Pakistan, militant attack kills dozens at mosque; Old MX, airport, 2 men arrested w/$4.1m cash; 105 slave workers freed; Cuba, economy cuts stop food subsidy for poor (like US food stamps); Italy, jury convicts US Amanda Knox killed roommate, gets 26yrs prison, w/appeal;

NY, senate kills gay wed bill; MD, Baltimore mayor guilty embezzlement; DC, senator’s daughter carjacked; Soldier arrests 2 in stabbing deaths; PA, 2 men rob man waiting in ER, dies of heart attack, loved musician/counselor; Economy, Black Fri sales fail to boost profits, businesses skittish about hiring, make do with less workers; Bank of America to pay back bailout $-b; H1N1, girl almost dies of swine flu despite negative test, mom saved her by demanding hospitalization (KNOW YOUR CHILDREN);

FLA, sister Tammy reported odd appearance over Tampa this week had people shouting, “This is freakin’ end of the world stuff!” Photo at http://allpoetry.com/poem/5939967 with descriptive report and how it fits God’s statement, “What was is and what is will be and what will be was.” The brief includes the two crucial signs to look for, that occurred, and explains what additional signs and plagues represent. DON’T MISS THIS!

2012, 12-21:
A new “Nostradamus Effect” 2012 documentary on History Channel was viewed Wed. evening. The Great Pyramid of Egypt contains a seemingly built-in prophetic calendar: passages of different lengths in separate specific directions, all except one ending at a wall. Each passage length represents a set number of years, 1000s, and each ends in a specified year and month when a catastrophic event is to occur: wars or natural.

The exception is the longest passage ending in the king’s chamber, which indicates an end date of September 2001, no day cited. The prophecy, as determined by hieroglyphs and the combined writings of pagan Egyptian and Celtic priests, speak of an event to occur in 2001 that would lead to another event equal to man’s description of Armageddon: a world war ending abruptly in 2012 with earth’s utter destruction, except not by man’s power; rather, this prophecy alludes to either devastating effects of the sun or by a never seen planet identified as The Destroyer, which science calls Planet X since they have not found it. One of Satan’s names is The Destroyer but does not apply in pagan prophecy.

September 11, 2001 aka 9/11 terrorists attacked America’s icons of financial and military strength: carried out with such precision and timing that the event fulfilled Revelation 18: 8-24 with perfect accuracy, including what other nations would say on the news about the attack. While it is true, according to God, that this incident was intended to and did kick off a chain of God’s prophesied events— specifically financial crisis, famine, increasing wars, and devastating natural elements, all producing huge global death tolls— 9/11 did not indicate the beginning of man’s idea of Armageddon.

2012 pagan prophecy lacks the sequential signs Jesus and various prophets spoke. To believe 9/11 caused Armageddon is to rearrange God’s Word and timelines. Jesus said the first sign we were to look for— that simultaneously indicates 1. the closing of Revelation’s Philadelphia church era, 2. open the Laodicea age, and 3. begin Armageddon as God interprets— is: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by the world’s armies . . .”

When President Bush declared war on Iraq, UN and NATO forces joined the US military. For the first time in earth’s history, the world’s armies joined forces for a single-minded purpose: let no one nation control the most valuable, strategically located real estate on the planet— if one nation has control, it controls the world. Jerusalem, Israel, was now surrounded by land, air and sea by those armies and, for the first time in history, a war was televised globally 24/7. Before forces arrived, Saddam Hussein said it would be, “The mother of all wars, Armageddon.” He called it right but theologians denied and still deny this Biblical fact. The angel’s trumpet was the loudest ever sounded from heaven.

Note, however, that at no time did Jesus say those armies would do battle with Israel; only that it would be “encompassed.” It has been surrounded since Feb 1991. But, this is not the sign to send us to the mountains. The next one to look for was spoken by both Daniel and Jesus: “When you see the Abomination of Desolation, as spoken of by Daniel, standing in this Holy place, then flee to the mountains and look for me in the clouds.”

The ‘Holy place’ Jesus meant was Jerusalem, not the temple as man interprets; for He and the Apostles had left the temple and were walking in the city as He spoke the omen. This prophecy occurred twice, 1993 and again in 2001: the Great Whore’s emissary Pope John Paul II was filmed at the Wailing Wall and walking in Jerusalem while visiting Israel’s church leaders, purportedly on peace missions.

Note the dates of the Pope’s visits: 2 years after Armageddon began and again in the year of 9/11. Satan was announcing that he had called the time of 1991 and the place of Armageddon to do battle with God; his second visit was an arrogant statement that he will ascend to the throne of God. (see Rev. 16:13-14,16; note “he” is lower case in verse 16, indicates Satan “gathered them:” the war will end, without Satan’s ascension, by He of verse 15, who comes on a day and hour known only to God during this Laodicea age.) God did not call this battle nor has He joined the fray; when He does, it will be in the Valley of Jehosephat outside Jerusalem’s Dung Gate after our 1000 years in heaven, after earth’s Sabbath rest, after we have helped Jesus build New Jerusalem in heaven.

There are other signs, resembling clocks ticking off earth’s minutes to its end, escalating time evident by intensity to provide the sheep with plenty of extra oil, but none as critical as the two signs above; both of which belie pagan prophecies and man’s interpretation of God’s portents. We are at the point in time to be watching the clouds, for Christ will be here no later than 2011. As for the year 2012— it is inconsequential because we will not be here! The only ones here will be “dead from one end of earth to the other end” with Satan unable to rise above the stench. Oh, how just is our God!

Mother and Daughters: We know their ultimate goal; so do remain on high alert. Just Wednesday, BonnieQ perused Yahoo’s Q&A— from which she has again been banned from giving Bible answers— she found several saying Christians need to “kill fake Christians;” which supports Tuesday’s Extra Oil about their Coalition urging “civil disobedience”: we know they point to Doctrine Keepers and it is that mentality that will rise rapidly to hysteria and violence.

Otherwise, included today is no additional news of mother and daughters; albeit, they continue to frantically try shoving man’s square peg into God’s perfect circle in order to prevent any of God’s lost sheep in their midst of goats from “going out from them.” Today, the Spirit expands His message about fear and its cure: how to get Christ’s mind and heart by working God’s perfect number— 

The Mind and Heart of Christ
©copyright annotations 2003 Bonita M Quesinberry

Scriptures and references herein quoted from Authorized King James Version Bible, the only divine translation to fulfill Revelation 10:11 beginning 3:2,8 and to end during 3:14-18, where we stand today watching the clouds. Core messages in bold print—

Paul said, “We have the mind of Christ;” in that He said, “For ALL things I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you.” ~~ I Corinthians 2:16; John 15:15

Jesus also said, “Many are called but few chosen.” Relative to Paul’s statement, Christ added, “You have not chosen me, rather I have chosen you and ordained you to go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. If the world hates you, then know it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you: but because you are not of the world, because I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; but, if they obey my words, then they will obey yours as well.” ~~ Matthew 20:16; 22:14; John 15:16-20

To Receive the Mind of Christ is by: God’s perfect number, references in bold print

1. Accept Christ as the Son of God, His Rock of Salvation ~~ John 8:19,24
2. Be changed from the inside out, a stony heart converted to soft flesh, whereupon is written God’s Law that were written on tablets of stone ~~ Deuteronomy 5:29; 30:6; Matthew 18:3; II Corinthians 3:3; Colossians 2:11
3. Become obedient to God’s Will, His Doctrine of Twelve Commandments: fruit of righteousness ~~ Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 11:1,13; 13:3-5; Joshua 22:5; Leviticus 19:18-19; Proverbs 24:28-29; Matthew 22:37-38; Exodus 20:3-17; Deuteronomy 5:7-14,16-21; Psalm 37:31; 111:7,10; Matthew 19:17-19; Mark 3:35; I Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 6:6
4. Be taught ALL things by the Holy Spirit, because one called has become chosen ~~ John 14:26 (God gives understanding in ALL things ~~ Timothy 2:7)
5. Forgive even the worst of offenses, giving good for evil ~~ Matthew 6:44; 18:35; Romans 12:21; I Peter 3:9
6. Endure trials and persecution, not even fearing for one’s life ~~ Matthew 10:22,28; Luke 6:22-23; I Corinthians 4:10-13
7. Speak God’s Truth to all who will understand and obey: fruit of saving lost sheep ~~ Matthew 13:23

Results of the Mind of Christ is by: God’s perfect number, references in bold print

1. Know All things are possible ~~ John 14:26; Mark 9:23
2. Have a good understanding of ALL things by obeying God’s Law ~~ Romans 2:13; Psalm 111:10; 119:104
3. Understand what is God’s Will and Doctrine to know the Father and the Son ~~ Exodus 20:3-17; Matthew 11:27; 12:8,12,50; Ephesians 5:3,9-10,17
4. Be filled with ALL wisdom, spiritual understanding, knowledge of God and His secrets and mysteries, thus being a guardian of those secrets and mysteries; giving them only to those infants who demonstrate obedience ~~ Proverbs 2:1-10; 3:1-3; Mark 4:11; Colossians 1:9; I Corinthians 2:10; 4:1; II Corinthians 4:3-4
5. Possess internal happiness, peace, and freedom such as the world cannot understand and not lack basic necessities, and be called great in heaven ~~ Psalm 119:165; Prov. 29:18; Matthew 5:19; 19:29; Luke 15:10,7; John 14:16-18,27; Ephesians 4:3
6. Be anointed with gifts of the Spirit, gifts of God’s power ~~ I Corinthians 12:4-11
7. Be free of ALL fears common to unbelievers ~~ Romans 8:14-15; II Timothy 1:7

The Mind of Christ by: God’s perfect number times two

1. Christ was and is the Son of God and upon Him, the Rock, is built His church; for He served as the second witness of His Father’s Will, the Father being the first witness of His Will/Doctrine. Both testified of each another, being one in agreement. By water, Christ was baptized and instructed that believers were to be also baptized.

2. Christ taught that believers are changed from the inside out, a stony heart converted to soft flesh, whereupon will be written God’s Law first written on tables of stone; that believers obey God’s Law from a heart of love: they sincerely love God and mankind.

3. Christ obeyed God’s Will, His Doctrine of Twelve Precepts: Christ, the first fruit of righteousness also reaped fruits of righteous believers by living and teaching God’s ways and instructing believers to do the same. Christ was baptized by the Holy Spirit and stated that believers must likewise be baptized as the sign of having been chosen: this has nothing to do with receiving any of the nine gifts of the Spirit.

4. The Holy Spirit taught Christ, as the first chosen among men, ALL things then Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit also would teach immature believers ALL things.

5. Christ forgave even the worst of offenses, as evidenced upon the cross when He asked the Father to forgive His executioners, and He consistently gave good for evil even when being persecuted and lied about; in this He taught us to do the same.

6. Christ endured rather than retaliating against trials and persecution, not even fearing for His own life; for He had faith that His Father would resurrect Him and assures the believers of the same resurrection for enduring ALL trials and persecution.

7. Christ consistently spoke God’s Truth to all who would understand and obey— fruit of saving lost sheep—He taught believers to do the same for the same fruit.

8. Christ knew and believed that ALL things are possible with God and He taught believers to know and believe the same.

9. Christ had a good understanding of ALL things because He obeyed the Father’s Will, which has been and always will be that of His Twelve Commandments: these being separate and apart from all of Moses’ ordinances. He assured believers that by obedience they, too, would have a good understanding of ALL things.

10. Christ knew and believed God’s Will, His Doctrine of Twelve Statutes, which by believers doing means they know the Father and Christ: He taught the same to believers.

11. By the Holy Ghost, Christ was filled with ALL wisdom, spiritual understanding, knowledge of God and His secrets and mysteries, thus was a guardian of those secrets and mysteries; by way of the Holy Spirit, giving them only to those mature in the Word of God: those who demonstrate love and obedience. He promised that believers also would be filled by the Holy Spirit with ALL with which He was filled, cautioning them not to cast their pearls— God’s secrets and mysteries— before swine.

12. Christ had internal happiness, peace, and freedom such as the world cannot understand and did not lack basic necessities, is called great in heaven for having lived and taught Father’s Law. He assures believers of the same for doing/teaching as He did.

13. Christ: anointed with all God’s power; promised believers given select gifts of power, according to God’s purpose, and instructed gifts be used for our brethren’s benefit.

14. Christ was free of ALL fears common to man and promised that the obedient also are free of ALL fears: Christ said the fearful and faint of heart will not enter heaven or His earthly Kingdom, just as those who continue in sin of whatsoever kind will not enter.

One is not chosen thus not truly saved unless he or she has the mind and heart of Christ. As Jesus said, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Readers should look up and read each of the above scripture references, that they might discern whether or not they have Christ’s mind and heart; and, to determine what they need to do that is not being done, which lack of certain spiritual behaviours will prevent them from receiving Christ’s mind and heart: without which, utter destruction is the end direction which he or she travels.

Do you have the mind of Christ? Do you want it? Do you want eternal life? If your answer is no to the first question and yes to the last two; then read and learn from God’s Word. Let Him confirm the Spirit’s teaching on gaining the heart and mind of Christ. Matthew 18:3— [Jesus] said, Verily I say unto you, Except [unless] ye be converted, and become as little children,  ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

FOR THEN SHALL WE BE KNOWN AS THE CHILDREN OF GOD, CALLED A PECULIAR PEOPLE, AND OUR REWARDS WILL BE GREAT IN HEAVEN.

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——Watch the clouds: mid-October to mid-November henceforth until no later than 2011. Jesus will not be late. If not fully converted, time is your enemy; total conversion must be instant, this day, TODAY: do not delay. Pray unceasing! Be watchful; stand fast even to death. WE HAVE GOD’S POWER. KEEP WALKING and TALKING: might snatch one lost, Lukewarm sheep from the flames of wrath or give God’s warm Truth to a Cold waiting for it. Saith the Lord, “Ye lukewarm await consuming fire.”

——TSaS POST archives open to public; members access FILES. TSaS ministry asks only for prayer and that you share God’s Truth with all who will hear/read and obey in “the instant.” Be good stewards of your Sword: harm no one, share Extra Oils, and lead everyone to God’s Truth at — http://groups.yahoo.com/group/truthseekersandspeakers

Much Love in Christ, Sister BonnieQ
http://seventhseal.webs.com Unicorn Haven’s Seventh Seal Library

http://www.naturesanswer.com to order Asafetida, also correctly spelled Asafoetida: produced by Natures Answer and God’s perfect Rx for colds, flu, viruses; if not in product list send email to NA to ask about getting it (my local health food store orders it for me, so they do have it). This is one of the strongest fighter’s of virus in God’s herbal kingdom: His medicine works perfectly with no side effects! Which Rx can say that?

Remember God’s promise, “My people shall walk among them [the plague afflicted] and be not touched. And, my people shall not go without.” Quite the opposite for the world.

If you have ever read a good book, one of those one’s that draw you in and makes you want to turn the corner and every page to find out where the journey takes you, than you would probably not want to stop reading halfway through and never get to the end because the riveting parts that keep you coming back for more are waiting for you on the last page. This is a bit like how it might be with the atonement. The atonement is this idea within Judaism (and some other ancient tribal religions) that the God you follow requires some sort of retributive sacrifice to appease their frustration with their creation or to demonstrate a personal act of commitment. (I know I have given ’skimming the surface’ definition, but for the sake of conversation I hope we can use the above). For those who say we follow in the way of Jesus, to simply spend all our energy focusing on the act of atonement would be a very insufficient approach to bad reading skills if we use the above metaphor as the foundation. So, either we aren’t interested enough in finding out what happens at the end of the book, or because we know what happens at the end of the book (e.g., Christ’s resurrection, the restoration of all mankind, us living out our full potential, and the earth being fully restored to name a few) we have become too comfortable with the story. But the story of Jesus, as recorded by some of his followers informs us that Christ’s life didn’t end with his death. That Christ’s life draws us all into more life because of the act of his resurrection. And that moves us all into a new reality where we get to now live out his resurrection rather than his death. If we take the death of Jesus as the reality we subscribe to, then are we saying we would rather prefer to bring death rather than rebirth or new life into the lives of people and situations? One might respond by saying that the death of Jesus was about sacrifice and so his act brings us into a reality where we sacrifice for the good of all mankind and when we come into situations we find ways to sacrificially love our neighbours (this isn’t to say that the death of Jesus didn’t/doesn’t have any importance, this is offering a different perspective on it). I think this might be a good place to start but might be insufficient because the life of Jesus also brought hope, love, grace, healing and a new reality anyone could join in on. And it is the act of his coming back to life that reinforce all these points. If we can find a way to couple the two events rather than separating than this more holistic approach might bring about more freedom of creativity in how we dialogue with people as well as for us seeing the story as less fragmented and more hopeful and less macabre. The story of Jesus also doesn’t end with his coming back to life, his story is still going, so should our accounts of him and our own movement as those who follow reflect this same kind of ethos?? Sometimes people don’t need you to sacrifice things on their behalf, most of the time they need you to bring them hope, embrace, acceptance, justice and restorative redemption. This happens through an action, not an act of submission and this is the difference between the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus. One is about submission and the other is about action. And so, maybe we can come to a place of submissive action that seeks to create new world where hope, justice, faith and love live and breath freely like next-door neighbours who’ve known each other for years. This would be a good place to start if we want to live in a post-atonement reality. Let’s agree that it might be a bit morbid to spend all of our energy focusing on a death when the story doesn’t end there. It would be like criminal investigators scouring a scene after all the evidence of the crime has been taken. (Not that the death of Jesus or resurrection has any similarities to a crime, just a metaphor.)….but if we can come together and choose to live in the post-atonement reality the world might just become a better place to live where wholeness, restoration, grace and peace can dance together in simple unison while we are the one who are the benevolent kingdom givers and livers.