Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Reflection - Human Conduct

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Chapter 8, Question 1, Page 125.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
There are larger forces that are re-shaping modern values, habbits and behaviour.
PHOTO: There are larger forces that are re-shaping modern values, habits and behaviour. We read the news and are horrified by what would have been unthinkable and grossly shocking only a few generations ago. What is the world coming to?

Posted by Aya Nader (Egyptian Streets) on 25 January 2016 - "Egyptian soldiers beat a female protester during clashes at Tahrir Square (January 2011), pulling up her abaya and dragging her through the street. The protester screams in pain as she is beaten with poles by Egyptian security forces."

Posted by WorldTribune.com on Wednesday, 6 February 2013 - Ms. Bahgat, a human resources manager, cited the November 2012 attack by hundreds of men who tore the clothes off a woman demonstrator in Tahrir. Diana Eltahawy, a researcher for Amnesty International, said. “Tens if not hundreds of men surrounding the victims with countless hands tearing-off clothes and veils, unzipping trousers and groping breasts, nipples and backsides.”
Photo: Reuters
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCixaRkXbqaHPfz4Qx9-nxFVgucam7ii7jQsed9MCiW4dWqGocy2q0sN7H8lhQGpgT7PBdbm3VHdkRxX1WjbKHfvr0_Cna4vygGkyJq0TA230BKKKp6qX_BFf048TxIG0IGILE2v4o958/s1600/Egyptian-army-soldiers-ar-004-1.jpg
http://egyptianstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Egyptian-army-soldiers-ar-004.jpg
http://egyptianstreets.com/2016/01/25/political-storm-a-five-year-timeline-of-events-in-egypt-since-25jan/


Do you think human conduct is getting worse? If it is, what is the evidence and what may be the reasons? Do you see the same trend happening in church?

Do you think human conduct is getting worse? [1]
Talk to any pastor today and you will bear of how difficult ministry has become. There are increasing demands from church members, growing consumerism, loss of loyalty and respect, and increasing individualism  and self-centredness that threaten true spirituality and community. What is happening in church is an apt reflection of what is happening in the world. There are larger forces that are re-shaping modern values, habits and behaviour. We read the news and are horrified by what would have been unthinkable and grossly shocking only a few generations ago. Factories adding cheap but dangerous substances to milk products for children - causing fatal harm to health, out of extreme greed. Mothers abusing their children in unimaginable ways. Wicked men setting up a dating website for married people to promote adultery - and making unholy money in the process. What is the world coming to?


Factories adding cheap but dangerous substances to milk products for children - causing fatal harm to health, out of extreme greed. Mothers abusing their children in unimaginable ways.

PHOTO: Factories adding cheap but dangerous substances to milk products for children - causing fatal harm to health, out of extreme greed. Mothers abusing their children in unimaginable ways. Wicked men setting up a dating website for married people to promote adultery - and making unholy money in the process.
Posted by Chris Campbell on 28 October 2015 - Get Rich With Your Head in the Cloud
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeaSTFhaA7AItj3cfah0zRN8huPQQzLNOe69mZGWDm2etQgqB3y0dI4biT7tbZ0TbsqTAnGFtaNguej0rVa9DWxrQg6erK2FvwzmHhmR9asVYvlLM4kF8rq0BAWDOX58QAX8igzSR8rU/s1600/shutterstock_241914670.jpg
http://lfb.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/shutterstock_241914670.jpg
http://lfb.org/get-rich-with-your-head-in-the-cloud/


But we also hear that life is getting better every day. We have increasingly exciting and amazing machinery and gadgetry, and modern life is filled with things that our forebears in the previous century could not have imagined. Information is at our finger tips; communication is amazingly easy; and medical treatment has advanced greatly. But all this improved technology and speed do not necessarily make us better people or improve the quality of life. In fact, evidence seems to go in the other direction. We are paying a heavy price for convenience, comfort, and consumption.


All this improved technology and speed do not necessarily make us better people or improve the quality of life. In fact, evidence seems to go in the other direction.

PHOTO: All this improved technology and speed do not necessarily make us better people or improve the quality of life. In fact, evidence seems to go in the other direction.
Picture posted by Blaze Press on 1 Jun 2015 - Computers
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqyZXeRWltQNPJ-PwSbSxgodXKZuO0L3w5I0a_s405iZtYhIxCCdx4fLsMq6v643-SWhk0-FQXcv50jMAvLgvaeg1SCxKHJmEcMoeioiEIq8Icn1gn9JUUbXNReLIOLKhMhe699UkwJE/s1600/MTMwNTg3NzM5MjE2MzMyODEw.jpg
http://a5.files.blazepress.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTMwNTg3NzM5MjE2MzMyODEw.jpg
http://blazepress.com/2015/06/13-photos-that-sum-up-how-the-world-has-changed-for-the-worse/


Technology gets more compact, meanwhile...

PHOTO: Technology gets more compact, meanwhile...
Picture posted by Blaze Press on 1 Jun 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEGUfY0IcdWfdy4rDAp2vuyrtvhwdxMczgTdS5QLvAMn9dsEXWyUCcEOw08MqsXOrmHAPYMwMjyooOv_sSblCBg7LWTqZmoeJ_ppoRF9t-erC8HZlH0UmtA63FtSsFhv7OpozEz90zmA/s1600/MTMwNTg3NzM5MjE2MTg4Njkw.jpg
http://a3.files.blazepress.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTMwNTg3NzM5MjE2MTg4Njkw.jpg
http://blazepress.com/2015/06/13-photos-that-sum-up-how-the-world-has-changed-for-the-worse/


How Smartphones Are Ruining Our Lives

PHOTO: How Smartphones Are Ruining Our Lives
We are paying a heavy price for convenience, comfort, and consumption.
Picture posted by Blaze Press on 4 May 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-l11Gc9l2r5SraeuGEUNoXtjvivAC2vkeZB8aPzHFehClERC1ML3DlXR8kWs4lwVEdAcCZEYl1kxqG2ITMY76hLEfsmGQdkrNYzrf8vApGPRWH5gqj29uya7y-qmFgOAa3p5R5JQVm8/s1600/MTI5OTIwODA4OTA5ODYwODM0.jpg
http://a5.files.blazepress.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI5OTIwODA4OTA5ODYwODM0.jpg
http://blazepress.com/2015/05/27-powerful-images-that-sum-up-how-smartphones-are-ruining-our-lives/


How Smartphones Are Ruining Our Lives

PHOTO: How Smartphones Are Ruining Our Lives
Information is at our finger tips and communication is amazingly easy.
Picture posted by Blaze Press on 4 May 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnPNqPPb31Kcatm8F79NJp75_phVY3WscaPn-cSv1hE1fKpQWuSO1iomX7hMGqgYah8fpya60eH_aFm86haCeVoCVSpaSYgrD6ifWj1nxKKwzcpUGGHQ7Q8Mtp8NissjcrvC7dw9aalE/s1600/MTI5OTIwODA4OTA5ODc1ODQz.jpg
http://a3.files.blazepress.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI5OTIwODA4OTA5ODc1ODQz.jpg
http://blazepress.com/2015/05/27-powerful-images-that-sum-up-how-smartphones-are-ruining-our-lives/


We hear that life is getting better every day. We have increasingly exciting and amazing machinery and gadgetry, and modern life is filled with things that our forebears in the previous century could not have imagined. But all these do not necessarily make us better people.

PHOTO: We hear that life is getting better every day. We have increasingly exciting and amazing machinery and gadgetry, and modern life is filled with things that our forebears in the previous century could not have imagined. But all these do not necessarily make us better people.
Picture posted by Blaze Press on 4 May 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyMuIhhMT0XsBZ6bj0y0r62vpuHAi7sJfMlrmribUdPJVaDuVv7_ywvvfmSm3e2JMccsksG9Joa3NX1sbXiCMWSkKTvk2acQUB9MqFNZ8wXfmY62Gcbj_YrHn0T5vGRJLwL8dg6XXfTY/s1600/MTI5OTIwODA5MTc4MzUxNjI2.jpg
http://a4.files.blazepress.com/image/upload/c_fit,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,q_80,w_620/MTI5OTIwODA5MTc4MzUxNjI2.jpg
http://blazepress.com/2015/05/27-powerful-images-that-sum-up-how-smartphones-are-ruining-our-lives/


If it is (human conduct is getting worse), what is the evidence and what may be the reasons? [1]
It is common for Christians when troubled by the social deterioration in the world to say that we are indeed living in the last days. This means that we are fast approaching the end when things will worsen dramatically before the return of the Lord. This may be true, but we should remember that many generations before us also felt the same way. At the end of the first millennium after Christ, Christians thought that the world was about to end. But history rolled on into the second millennium. When the Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, killed a third of Europe's population in the 14th century, the same sentiments regarding the "last days" arose. Today we feel the same way as we see the worsening crisis at many levels in the world.


We feel that we are living in the last days as we see the worsening crisis at many levels in the world.

PHOTO: We feel that we are living in the last days as we see the worsening crisis at many levels in the world. This means that we are fast approaching the end when things will worsen dramatically before the return of the Lord.
Picture posted by Zerig (Pixabay)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2m_FjxZNPkadcWVeQ1sC8qrcOjipd0y99ZIKrJkXAdE8kR6mxgWs-EzB8VFYMD7LIz2DnIERWJNPY60vpws-NV6xf1zRzySTdOx181j8y39xhutJAm5KjTbH4xTYEXjhs-M9RDidBQUs/s1600/apocalypse-735994_960_720.jpg
https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2015/04/23/12/32/apocalypse-735994_960_720.jpg
https://pixabay.com/en/apocalypse-horses-riders-735994/


Terrible Times in the Last Days [1]
This is not surprising because the term "last days" in the Bible spans the whole period from the earthly life of Christ to the cataclysmic (catastrophic) end of history. The author of Hebrews, for example, wrote of how God has spoken decisively and clearly through Christ: "In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (Hebrews 1:2). The last days represent the entire period between Christ and the end of history. This period will be marked by the worsening of human nature and rebellion as well as the strengthening of God's grace.


Terrible Times in the Last Days

PHOTO: Terrible Times in the Last Days
The last days represent the entire period between Christ and the end of history. This period will be marked by the worsening of human nature and rebellion as well as the strengthening of God's grace.
Picture posted by Mystery of the Iniquity
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsJbvEbvBvrZc-EF1OPQm1Rc5h51wUtdn5QAXgxGKiJvQISOOmCcWyGOnxdqIm-gnjCAXc4azU2hMAvi3Tm_gGLIszpXjfegJicWdfCc6c15it0u61rD4WiTSQ7zUVS7D2KmplfdbmfE/s1600/darksiders_game-1920x1200.jpg
https://mysteryoftheinquity.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/darksiders_game-1920x1200.jpg
https://mysteryoftheiniquity.com/inspiration/isaiah-14/


Paul paints a gloomy picture of the last days: "There will be terrible times in the last days" (2 Timothy 3:1). The apostle does not paint a pretty picture of the people of the last days either. It is neither a politically correct nor a rosy and idealistic picture, but a realistic picture of things as they are and will be. The Greek word for "terrible" (chalepos) refers to menacing wild animals or the dangerous tumultuous (ear-shattering) sea. In the New Testament, it is only used elsewhere in Matthew 8:28 where the two demoniacs were described as so "violent" that no one dared to pass that way. Paul reminded Timothy of the difficult and dangerous days that mark the time between the first and second coming of Christ. He was not to become over-optimistic if he sees temporary improvements in society; rather, he was to remember that the going would be tough.


The Beast out of the Sea

PHOTO: The Beast out of the Sea
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea,” records John, speaking of his prophetic vision, “and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority” (Revelation 13:1-2).
The “mark” is the mark of the BEAST – and the “beast” is the ROMAN EMPIRE. The “beast” is the ROMAN EMPIRE and Nero is the emperor'. The “dragon” is Satan the devil.
Picture posted by getbackontrack.org
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdX-nmPi_aGn4PvUKG0zW_sQ_EykBFpr5j7h8Mf0Ri5Ix0RkSkcsQW60Jlhl7Gq6Fu6UxG0YJ0Cu5kMv6m6_xOJy2CYfGbg_ZiUtpUB6QEqJRBoxHIjaHmErVWut_3nJ7rZdDRSHFgCc/s1600/TheBeast.jpg
http://getbackontrack.org/images/cms/bkt/be/full/TheBeast.jpg
http://getbackontrack.org/hi/Booklets/Who_Or_What_Is_The_Prophetic_Beast/Part_Two.html


There will be terrible times in the last days

PHOTO: "There will be terrible times in the last days" (2 Timothy 3:1). The Greek word for "terrible" (chalepos) refers to menacing wild animals or the dangerous tumultuous (ear-shattering) sea.
Picture posted by Myspace.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pGUCgKxFTQ-sdTcSN0lENBJGwqzX4JYRojXvq2PuOHJsXcwkrH3cDQu_QI2NW4tLU5HY915Ln6FQk7n_DVDoiLKWGKT3mjrvXsM_cvjs79pGTiUC9a55Hl7qknx13gjnQ2W68Cdswt0/s1600/600x6001.jpg
https://a2-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/90/4c8fba4220054aa49a919ff35e9f819d/600x600.jpg
https://myspace.com/beastbeastbeastbeast/mixes/classic-my-photos-421934/photo/153151299


This is particularly poignant (miserable) because Paul was writing from a dark Roman dungeon, awaiting death at the hands of Nero, the cruel and crazy Roman emperor. Paul was personally and painfully experiencing the "terrible times" of the last days. He was not printing a future picture but a present reality that would continue into the future. He went on to describe in gory detail how people living in the last days would be. Interestingly, this description is not so much about terrible time per se but about terrible people. John Calvin observes: "We should note what the hardness or danger of this time is in Paul's view to be, not war, not famine or diseases, nor any of the other calamities or ills that befall the body, but the wicked and depraved ways of men." [1a]


Paul was personally and painfully experiencing the 'terrible times' of the last days.

PHOTO: Paul was personally and painfully experiencing the "terrible times" of the last days. He was writing from a dark Roman dungeon, awaiting death at the hands of Nero, the cruel and crazy Roman emperor.
Daniel, in 6th century BC, accurately predicts the history of the world, the fourth beast.
“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrible and dreadful and exceedingly strong; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet.  It was different from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.” (Daniel 7:7).
This monster is the Roman empire.
Picture posted by Reinald Portier, 5 years ago (2011)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMlDO-ydWIDsV5wv3DRNeLbd22FNrD6SMz8Efs141hfm1cCRZ4yBmlMPGdlDVLGXSzjfLdE66bDpyOPq_hGRFiarFmNK8IMflqApz9h9IvwigMySxSBzRLuOoynUS2m3PVBe7upTH3IY/s1600/slide_19.jpg
http://images.slideplayer.fr/1/481003/slides/slide_19.jpg
http://slideplayer.fr/slide/481003/


This beast is so vicious and terrible that Daniel doesn’t bother comparing it to an animal.

PHOTO: This beast is so vicious and terrible that Daniel doesn’t bother comparing it to an animal.  He simply says that it is dreadful, exceedingly strong, and that it has great, iron teeth.  Daniel says that it  devours, breaks into pieces, and stamps the residue with its feet.  It is different from all of the beasts that were before it, and it has ten horns.  This monster is the Roman empire.  And just as this monster is different from all of the others which came before it, the Roman empire is different from all of the empires that came before it.  Rome possesses a power and a longevity unlike anything the world had ever known and has seen since.  Nations are crushed under the Iron boot of the roman legions and it’s power is unstoppable.
Texts posted by Timothy, http://www.confidentfaith.net/gods-perspective-daniel-7, God’s Perspective: Daniel 7
Picture posted by fuyinChina.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiF4ZjXQPvFV6M_rXEbXg00F476qs4R5yvuNCwoMUymqu5PaEfa77UYkjhDt1VbKoopwUqfGccbfwldQFc6IuREtcdGKBJ3mmfZpn1kBbi3bGvl3ozFqPbrucjDkzrS3Oyg824TDt1dPE/s1600/a42-1.jpg
http://www.fuyinchina.org/pics/08/38/a42.jpg
http://fuyinsda.com/pic.asp?x=38&y=a42&z=08


The fourth beast is not represented by an animal.

PHOTO: The fourth beast is not represented by an animal.  This beast is so vicious and terrible that Daniel doesn’t bother comparing it to an animal.
The description is not so much about terrible time per se but about terrible people. John Calvin observes: "We should note what the hardness or danger of this time is in Paul's view to be, not war, not famine or diseases, nor any of the other calamities or ills that befall the body, but the wicked and depraved ways of men." [1a]
Texts posted by Timothy, http://www.confidentfaith.net/gods-perspective-daniel-7, God’s Perspective: Daniel 7
Picture posted by Robson De Paula on 28 December 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dXa-3IKTWmaBJA2iahOKnt0QR1VVOsJAeiMZRZVdRmxDnxYh7rkv8baNlrOeNJW8P1d8iIO7mn3PaAdVjnJG1IplI9GZuwCWNc9GGpg5Dej0c7eh4pRrD_Cz5L0H5MR20AjxEFPljaI/s1600/085-roma.jpg
http://www.redemaranatha.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/085-roma.jpg
http://exercitodosalvadorjesus.blogspot.sg/2012/12/profecias-de-daniel-cabeca-babilonia.html


What was true in Paul's time continues to be true in our time. Perhaps, the reality of the terrible people of the last days has intensified in our day - partly because of huge social forces that increasingly alienate people from God, nature, and each other; the decline in morals and manners; and the rise of rampant, self-indulgent and hedonistic (engaged in the pursuit of pleasure; sensually self-indulgent) consumerism. We do well to note carefully what the apostle wrote 2,000 years ago, words that still ring true - and more acutely true - in our present time. The spiritual, moral, and social decay depicted in this passage has abounding expressions all around us.


The reality of the terrible people of the last days has intensified in our day - partly because of huge social forces that increasingly alienate people from God, nature, and each other; the decline in morals and manners; and the rise of rampant, self-indulgent and hedonistic (engaged in the pursuit of pleasure; sensually self-indulgent) consumerism.

PHOTO: The reality of the terrible people of the last days has intensified in our day - partly because of huge social forces that increasingly alienate people from God, nature, and each other; the decline in morals and manners; and the rise of rampant, self-indulgent and hedonistic (engaged in the pursuit of pleasure; sensually self-indulgent) consumerism.
Picture posted by di conrad-bercah , Paolo Conrad Bercah on 2 June 2013 at 09:05, Hedonist urbanism, a Beirut street report
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CbFmjp2Dgjo_n3p-QUveCfomUW8fGpYWzW-G0HodGrziJ4lhXus9O-yvBpqAMPQt2UMKcnRPi3qZFIOhkpmNVbMbybcpTaYITljJ6Kac64kvSkC1folqV-UZ0pz7dnt-v9c_EiipN30/s1600/804c4032-efdf-44f5-a8c7-113cc8715523_large-1.jpg
http://i.static.linkiesta.it/blobs/variants/8/0/4/c/804c4032-efdf-44f5-a8c7-113cc8715523_large.jpg
http://www.linkiesta.it/it/article/2013/06/02/hedonist-urbanism-a-beirut-street-report/14093/


Hedonistic (engaged in the pursuit of pleasure; sensually self-indulgent) consumerism

PHOTO: Hedonistic (engaged in the pursuit of pleasure; sensually self-indulgent) consumerism
Picture by Artist Sergey Marshennikov born in Ufa in 1971. He graduated from the Ufa Art College. (Now College of Art). Since 1994 he lives in St. Petersburg. He graduated from St. Petersburg State Academic Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Repin. His works are in great demand and are in the Museum of Modern Art (El Paso), in The Grace Museum (Abilene) and in private collections in Russia, England, Denmark, France and Japan.
Posted by Tumblr on 13 March 2012, Sleeping Beauty
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod_QNARhXrJmivqFz7ry2pUflDGHnUYVQj56qFE8eLD93XdRdqPVkDp53CWRlilfCNt51m6yb-rgYW_qSknN-rXqMy6KXJLryI_PpMyjipbBfEA42yBGGYTYdYCWKeUjbe5yC2ApnKoM/s1600/tumblr_m0u6fr7jqm1rrf3aao1_1280.jpg
http://36.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0u6fr7jqm1rrf3aao1_1280.jpg
http://serge-marshennikov.tumblr.com/post/19243755415/105-2007-20x24
http://serge-marshennikov.tumblr.com/archive


The hedonistic pleasures
PHOTO: The hedonistic pleasures
The wicked and depraved ways of men find the spiritual principle of hard work in our hedonistic culture difficult to accept or follow.
Picture posted by The Enchanted Sleeper on 14 October 2011, Birth of Venus, Adolf Hiremy-Hirschl
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY5CaM8fPjExYN-beG_TVcGkVoumXqb-0TH2YF3lsR4lq_LVrwef2nsM4qfELsajSJclSQmvy7zJ7LghdhyphenhyphenAjT-TUUCsHJokchIkEf6txzbY8oysoHL8IUGRzlHKpjT3hiBdnSwEYs0s/s1600/tumblr_ndd9k9Naso1qd42nao1_1280.jpg
http://enchantedsleeper.tumblr.com/image/100048230071 - (tumblr_ndd9k9Naso1qd42nao1_1280.jpg)
http://enchantedsleeper.tumblr.com/post/100048230071
http://www.veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2015/08/reflection-useful-to-lord.html


This beast represents Babylon. Archaeologists have found many statues of winged lions in ancient Babylon.

PHOTO: "The first was like a lion and had eagles’ wings.  Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand upon two feet like a man; and the mind of a man was given to it.” (Daniel 7:4).
This beast represents Babylon. Archaeologists have found many statues of winged lions in ancient Babylon.  We also know that lions adorned the famous Ishtar gate.  So that gives undeniable proof that the first beast is Babylon.  The lion losing its wings represents Nebuchadnezzar losing his sanity.  The lion being lifted from the ground represents God giving Nebuchadnezzar his sanity back.  Notice that the beast doesn’t lift himself up, but is lifted up.  The beast is given the mind of a man which shows how the mind of Nebuchadnezzar was given back to him.
Texts posted by Timothy, http://www.confidentfaith.net/gods-perspective-daniel-7, God’s Perspective: Daniel 7
Picture posted by Hugo Beato in 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg-EGF_z11jHfB8_zrLrEwsP2htfGyINQDSPsUDnkJDzmgLpNvnl5RgUYScceDMXHN2vB2lCY0YzQsUsUvESucNdEPlSbrtElThi0acDvgBTQJBEnCUAaaCjC1FmVqHpYY3Lkp0BKe1s/s1600/img30.jpg
http://player.slideplayer.com.br/7/1851878/data/images/img30.jpg
http://slideplayer.com.br/slide/1851878/


And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear.  It was raised up on one side; it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.'
PHOTO: “And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear.  It was raised up on one side; it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.'”  (Daniel 7:5).
The bear represents the Medo-Persian empire. Bears are huge and fierce, but slow. Everything that Medo-Persia does is slow.  They rely on an extremely large, but slow army that uses not speed, but brute force to win battles. The three ribs represent the three greatest conquests of the empire.  Daniel would not have known this, but this empire just happened to have three large conquests, Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt.
We see a lot of things that were predicted that have really happened. . . And then we are faced with things that are still to come. . . So the question is, are we going to live like the remaining prophecies are really going to happen?
Texts posted by Timothy, http://www.confidentfaith.net/gods-perspective-daniel-7, God’s Perspective: Daniel 7
Picture posted by www.apwin.org
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZJX0LGzf8bPFQjlYBjJcRLO-oe5LnoYQd73ZCmqnTwYXmu8xQ1mTBh2miqYvWz78DQo3A8NODbbgfsIRmIZxBbqJNTKm9bcaBLBrV-8H9kAfcVhKEsP-kttJFSwexBpyzCpD_agU89Q/s1600/2nd-Beast-of-Daniel-7-The-Bear.jpg
http://www.apwin.org/wp-content/uploads/Pictures-Illustrations/prophecy-and-biblical-charts-and-images/2nd-Beast-of-Daniel-7-The-Bear.jpg
http://www.apwin.org/wp-content/uploads/Pictures-Illustrations/prophecy-and-biblical-charts-and-images/


The spiritual, moral, and social decay depicted has abounding expressions all around us.

PHOTO: The spiritual, moral, and social decay depicted has abounding expressions all around us.
Example of how close the author of Daniel really was to this situation.
“After this I looked, and lo, another, like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back; and the beast had four heads; and dominion was given to it.”  (Daniel 7:6).
Leopards are known for their speed and this leopard even has wings!  This is one fast beast.  Greece is the empire known for its. . . . speed!  Unlike the previous empires, Alexander the Great conquers quickly.  He has a lust for conquering and uses lightning speed to move across the world, just like a leopard with wings!.
This is the reality of the terrible people of the last days.
Texts posted by Timothy, http://www.confidentfaith.net/gods-perspective-daniel-7, God’s Perspective: Daniel 7
Picture by majalahti.com, "Four beasts from the sea" of the vision of the prophet Daniel
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3egjQUKJzcsK6-sVHkT4bmB9l2IxC6GZryPH5ia3RCm1lTzxQxxU_I_FItu1M5Qra-5x2bExeYbM3h2AAXP9xqWr7G0gEonE9bZbez8zfqRyl0P6kbnJ_PwEB8ejBkg1TdxtyhE9LVw/s1600/book-of-daniel.jpg
https://majalahti.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/book-of-daniel.jpg
http://majalahti.com/graphic-artwork/


Terrible People [1]
Paul mentions at least 19 characteristics of the people of the last days. He begins his list by introducing: "People will be . . ." (2 Timothy 3:2). The list is not a pretty one, and could fit well with what we read in the newspapers and watch on the news. Similar lists are provided by Paul in Romans 1:29-31; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21 and 1 Timothy 1:9-10.


The Apostle John was filled with great amazement when he beheld in a vision a woman riding a scarlet-colored beast having seven heads and ten horns.

PHOTO: The Apostle John was filled with great amazement when he beheld in a vision a woman riding a scarlet-colored beast having seven heads and ten horns. The harlot woman who rode the beast is a church. This fallen woman or church is different from all other churches in one respect. She is organized as a civil government, as well as an ecclesiastical (relating to the Christian Church) church. Nations of the world send ambassadors to her, the same as they do the capitals of other nations.
This church, just as the woman riding an animal guides and directs the animal – like, for example, a woman riding a horse – took over, exercised, wielded, all the power of the first beast – the Roman Empire. After A.D. 554, the church did do this for 1260 years, as prophesied!
Posted by getbackontrack.org
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLh5BxkI_g3TxedtzF9tCzZzLzyA54OyVESprLfbN7sYGJtIug7U1gzkjKZpjB4CVpjYM9dslQlsMtcRqkRI3vnjyDxNGtoCqBlUhZhetlWIyAQyS9f_gJ6JbUdTGTx-8g32nFoNXTZA/s1600/ScarletBeast.jpg
http://getbackontrack.org/images/cms/bkt/be/full/ScarletBeast.jpg
http://getbackontrack.org/hi/Booklets/Who_Or_What_Is_The_Prophetic_Beast/Part_One.html


Here in 2 Timothy 3:2-5, Paul states: "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."


Daniel's dream of the four beasts represented four kingdoms, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome full of 'Terrible People'.

PHOTO: Daniel's dream of the four beasts represented four kingdoms, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome full of "Terrible People".
God doesn’t see these human kingdoms as something grand, or something to be proud of.  Instead, he sees them as beasts, or monsters.  He sees them as terrible creatures that do terrible things.  He sees them as immoral, self-serving, and cruelly destructive.  We see them from one perspective and God sees things from a different perspective.
From our perspective we see a kingdom that is grand, powerful, and something to behold, but from God’s perspective, it is a beast which is holding back his kingdom.
In 2 Timothy 3:2-5, Paul states: "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."
Texts posted by Timothy, http://www.confidentfaith.net/gods-perspective-daniel-7, God’s Perspective: Daniel 7
Picture posted by Hugo Beato in 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsByaqsBFvTVpu-RWQf9grcmA4cQIP7mI8c8OpUNsHSU3VOvB7Zh2XSZinqbHf4v5__UANrENp8Gyu55Y1JIXQFY3EH4eO9x3spzHrc2q7uP25mFFzUkEY1Xy-Uigk-ZMKGXy91906uOM/s1600/slide_7.jpg
http://images.slideplayer.com.br/7/1851878/slides/slide_7.jpg
http://slideplayer.com.br/slide/1851878/


A major theme in Paul's description of terrible people is misplaced love. People in the last days will love the wrong things and thus damage themselves and society. New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III terms this a "vicious-person list" that shows "the full-blown manifestation of self-centredness and self-love" in the last days. [2]


A major theme in Paul's description of terrible people is misplaced love. People in the last days will love the wrong things and thus damage themselves and society.
PHOTO: A major theme in Paul's description of terrible people is misplaced love. People in the last days will love the wrong things and thus damage themselves and society. 2 Timothy 3:2-5, Paul states: "People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vSNvPlqYIgxvR0kTeGXXj2w4T7VywgnS2aMUXo5aO-7psUJspQIvIVeFpsoylHVNSwqP11_edBMjg-9K1UqNlQ2tXk5xRC2dvT-M7WRPXt8eBdf2oHN4kAizS_c_863Iy4CDsHRMbP8/s1600/Pauls_Last_Words_-_2_Timothy_4-1_-_18a.jpg
http://www.marysrosaries.com/collaboration/images/3/30/Pauls_Last_Words_-_2_Timothy_4-1_-_18a.jpg
http://www.marysrosaries.com/collaboration/images/3/30/


New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III terms this a 'vicious-person list' that shows 'the full-blown manifestation of self-centredness and self-love'

PHOTO: New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III terms this a "vicious-person list" that shows "the full-blown manifestation of self-centredness and self-love" in the last days.
Picture posted by Santuário Eucarístico Diocesano on 5 March 2012, Jesus using a whip to drive out the traders in the temple
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQN7_k3hNM8K8k5crLOhAvQEZNFvu5cL7Q4m_rwUzYDJ8LnTNuVlg2K5GYb9q-qLIaJEM73lZgLadcDLuCi86kCZFmj7DyzsK3PGtXUSL8OniKVBlkx8Q4bK6_t6vS2ywVPQoHEkEe3I/s1600/edi_910_g.jpg
http://www.santuarioeucaristico.com.br/arquivos/editorial/edi_910_g.jpg
http://www.santuarioeucaristico.com.br/editorial.php?id=78


Do you see the same trend (human conduct is getting worse) happening in church?
Talk to any pastor today and you will bear of how difficult ministry has become. There are increasing demands from church members, growing consumerism, loss of loyalty and respect, and increasing individualism  and self-centredness that threaten true spirituality and community. [1]


There are increasing demands from church members, growing consumerism, loss of loyalty and respect, and increasing individualism  and self-centredness that threaten true spirituality and community.

PHOTO: There are increasing demands from church members, growing consumerism, loss of loyalty and respect, and increasing individualism  and self-centredness that threaten true spirituality and community.
Picture posted by Rev. Erik Parker on 23 January 2014, Church Bully
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqB08PxT45jnwoPKFAQ20tjQ4DMGGYGanPHUBXCaN3NsNJQk6rxjX7y8h8A35sbr0zh3beJdYoIvdhEP-zS0T134ZXBg2kQuYZF9St5HmjnQEZJ_WHJXY8i7NTqnmq3S5wxkxFsm6tlk/s1600/office_bully1.jpg
https://millennialpastor.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/office_bully1.jpg
http://millennialpastor.net/2014/01/23/12-reasons-why-it-is-good-to-be-a-church-bully/


Reasons Christians Behave Badly [3]
Christian who believe they are the “chosen ones” the “elite” 
Some of it is our theology. Many Christians develop a sense of entitlement because we are the “chosen ones” the “elite” the members of the family of God. We feel this gives us the right to look down upon others who are not one of us.


This woman, who has finally found the courage to speak, is not about to wait for a bunch of men who have called her a dog (Gentiles) her entire life to decide whether she’s worthy or not.

PHOTO: Christians develop a sense of entitlement - eg. the “chosen ones” the “elite” the members of the family of God.
This woman, who has finally found the courage to speak, is not about to wait for a bunch of men who have called her a dog (Gentiles) her entire life to decide whether she’s worthy or not.  She knows she is, because she, unlike Jesus’ own disciples, seems to understand who she’s talking to. So she says: "Even the dogs get to eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table."
Remember that we - God’s people, the body of Christ, the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church - are also Gentiles. And that, brothers and sisters, makes us dogs as well. Dogs to whom God has given far more than crumbs, but seats at the table. Dogs who get to partake in the whole meal. Dogs who are loved, and welcomed and nourished by God because, as it turns out, we aren’t dogs at all, but God’s children. 
And if God has made space at his table for dogs like us, who wouldn’t God make room for?
Posted by Ben Irwin on 3 September 2015, Sermon by Rev. Daniel Brereton
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapOtEma6nTbENh4lVxaYaV2qb8kfxRwoDFRHk_Hk8pKT3xjPGkA-wWyN5AAow0Vo9QT6_Px1FsRELreYpAPtweo4ErjRlCR31xMREsH94Xf7_SjHO5ScHQXqvnczzd_MzUertwIM0Zlw/s1600/madewithover.jpg
https://benirwin.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/madewithover.jpg
http://benirwin.me/2015/09/03/even-the-dogs-daniel-brereton/


God’s grace and forgiveness
Sometimes, our behavior is a result of our understanding of God’s grace and forgiveness. We feel that because God forgives us for all our sins, we can treat others in terrible ways, and God will still forgive us. While it is true that God will forgive us for such behavior, His grace is never a license to treat others so shamefully.


We feel that because God forgives us for all our sins, we can treat others in terrible ways, and God will still forgive us.

PHOTO: We feel that because God forgives us for all our sins, we can treat others in terrible ways, and God will still forgive us. While it is true that God will forgive us for such behavior, His grace is never a license to treat others so shamefully.
Picture posted by Bozo Funny on Thursday, 29 April 2010 at 2:23 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29BahOT7tCDTQTMxQbSfbnOoGe07E3GYrLBujUISKQ98n5nV9A_WijGuxz-WDRhrDxM-rh3leqJ8uKBgHXd-G6SVnh6-JUufZIRuoEutm3aC8G3eMRPblDs03N9u-iYq1YLV2S2c-kpg/s1600/Religion0003.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6vMYra6GIac21ZSzq00Y29wUpDxywCVhTt320zE8oH4qGo4Yo3wcqpceyHoL6WwGPyExzYi3iHngc0Ke_wMPlWtdiabWbg7O3hdvIS2_HjXYV6Aw8zGhy34bhpQ-kadVUpSvxzymVK4x/s1600/Religion0003.jpg
http://politicalfun.blogspot.sg/2010_04_01_archive.html


Critical, judgmental, legalistic attitude practiced in churches
Then there is the critical, judgmental, legalistic attitude so often taught and practiced in churches. Since we feel we have a corner on the truth and that we are the ones who are always right, this makes us believe that it is our responsibility to be the world’s policemen, going around pointing out where people are wrong and how they are sinning. This is rarely received well by anyone, especially when we have glaringly obvious sins in our own life.


We feel we have a corner on the truth and that we are the ones who are always right, this makes us believe that it is our responsibility to be the world’s policemen, going around pointing out where people are wrong and how they are sinning.

PHOTO: We feel we have a corner on the truth and that we are the ones who are always right, this makes us believe that it is our responsibility to be the world’s policemen, going around pointing out where people are wrong and how they are sinning. This is rarely received well by anyone, especially when we have glaringly obvious sins in our own life.
Picture posted by Edna Cassiano on 31 January 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8oCWoc0ieWcZuVuPl8J9SCIdcBSAdmMJr6uvY6NagbscJ7VGozS9p-VLTkZDmn4D2tEaPL5O_5XNjWAQZFc0nnKeYw7NrD9HqZ4Z2_B2x92z0wJxd2HXOkUoa8sgRypi3tCVtXlBo6w/s1600/DEDO-APONTADO-870x580.jpg
http://www.ednacassiano.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DEDO-APONTADO-870x580.jpg
http://www.ednacassiano.com.br/


Christians love to pick and choose which sins are the worst
Finally, there is the fact that Christians love to pick and choose which sins are the worst – things like homosexuality and murder – while ignoring sins that are prevalent within our own congregations (which might actually be much worse) – sins like gluttony, greed, and pride. The watching world sees our blatant hypocrisy and criticizes us in return for our unjustified criticism of them.


Christians love to pick and choose which sins are the worst

PHOTO: Christians love to pick and choose which sins are the worst – things like homosexuality and murder - while ignoring sins that are prevalent within our own congregations (which might actually be much worse) – sins like gluttony, greed, and pride.
The Seven Deadly Sins by Ed Friedlander, M.D.
The professor is pride, Mary Ann is envious of Ginger, Ginger is lust, Mr. Howell is greed, Mrs. Howell is sloth, the Skipper is gluttony, and Gilligan is Wrath.
Posted by TheFlippinTruth on 28 November 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dKEsPSj5lPiKaNb_Bqsn3cffheB0_L9AjzgrzYPgPEor6Mwdkik12-Upr-dZLfAGZHAiAPvWcJqUogoygNpWur8xlsGJ1LE5wdc1JfnGUJTjWOA3vi8YUE7vl0hi3jpn7kec59zs7Jk/s1600/postcard.jpg
http://www.pathguy.com/postcard.jpg
https://theflippintruth.wordpress.com/2012/11/


Give excuses
But over the years, as I have personally engaged in hypocritical and sinful behavior, and as I have watched other Christians do the same, I have found that there are several excuses we give for our poor treatment of other people, and for sin in our own lives. When we treat others badly, we give excuses for why our treatment of them is justified.


When we treat others badly, we give excuses for why our treatment of them is justified.

PHOTO: When we treat others badly, we give excuses for why our treatment of them is justified.
Picture posted by Myrna Minx (The Spinsterhood Diaries) on Thursday, 6 June 2013 at 7:00 AM, Spinster Excuses
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAdz6xAYLNeoWwfpeo8NYvgxGc6AIc6i8ar8RwkqNjoasSi4-R_UA0j_RzV0xLfljEk5Br3hE9bhafZAi9Y6UosywpRXUPtBaa98ePl_A0Kn-P2s3vrB9a6jbqYgiwt5ube9Q7o-sibo/s1600/excuses.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2U_sIu5k8Suki0a8y3jEdOQn7XiVbehFYtmewJ7WCMHieQvVQ6YI2sl3-swhC9NMxH_WwJC4vB97zlxus9G1YmmtitSYLN6O4OS_tn_Mz6ZDKuHGMio56pwrpUZr4OrHQSAJZ6ML69Y/s1600/excuses.jpg
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013/06/spinster-excuses.html
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013_06_01_archive.html


Hey, I’m not in church!
Church is not a place you go to for a couple hours on Sunday morning. It is not an event at which we temporarily change our clothing and behavior. Church goes with us wherever we go, and so no matter what we are saying or doing, we are representing Jesus and His church.


Hey, I’m not in church!

PHOTO: Hey, I’m not in church!
Church is not a place you go to for a couple hours on Sunday morning. It is not an event at which we temporarily change our clothing and behavior. Church goes with us wherever we go, and so no matter what we are saying or doing, we are representing Jesus and His church.
Picture posted by Myrna Minx (The Spinsterhood Diaries) on Monday, 3 June 2013 at 7:00 AM, Obsession Confession
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp75lw07VveEBnijB3NuwABJ7QMEoQrpr-FEON9MTXguwEsomWYHVCCqIO5YGxzsKc4eVAN7muAs3uAeiP3SnFBSJVMwvbRoMbGbmORyY6VuzqnuHv7ZEdyXjKTHmktHtFfInkjCdligk/s1600/lancing-cysts.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8snh8BUHLCiQ-ot6ejNNMvM8Rt-QT31KLxwJvlXdG7_TMoPljq8sdquMTTvaIQUQ6du4gYn8bKLZKDq8EmZ0Wz3rAeS4Sfpb_IDLju1rckDS_2YIp2pF9cV4C2IuH08YKUpSF7ZQA7qw/s1600/lancing-cysts.jpg
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013/06/obsession-confession.html
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013_06_01_archive.html


Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. I’m just treating them the way they treated me.
It is funny how we often feel that retaliation is within our rights as Christians, and we quote Scripture to prove it. Quoting Scripture in this way is similar to how the devil quoted Scripture to Jesus in the wilderness: the Scripture is ripped out of context and completely misapplied.
If we are truly following Jesus, we will forgive our enemies, and love, bless, and pray for those who mistreat us.


If we are truly following Jesus, we will forgive our enemies, and love, bless, and pray for those who mistreat us.

PHOTO: If we are truly following Jesus, we will forgive our enemies, and love, bless, and pray for those who mistreat us.
Picture posted by babynameslog.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqCL6fOxR4MUUpgDFC3XYHqAfWK01aOIS4AqDt00v5D9jjJtbZPl6FC65nQ6f8At7BmwL1llLYZ2YbWGPIh65gF_3RqL7bdqPZ-XwQzq7KlV1iV5P5X7Lw6YAX44qyiHp6NzS0Iac7x0/s1600/3d8bdcfd787aece5b0845de341231c89.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3d/8b/dc/3d8bdcfd787aece5b0845de341231c89.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/jtennille/hebrew/


Judge not, lest you be judged.
People don’t like their sin pointed out to them. I know I don’t. And it is easy to get defensive and tell people to mind their own business. But if we are failing to be salt and light in the world, then we are supposed to be held to higher standards, and sometimes this means people will point out to us our failures.
When this happens, it is easy to get upset, lash out, and tell people that they have their own sin to take care of (which is likely true). But such arguments about who is the worst sinner rarely lead to anything good.
Remember: Christians still sin. But when our sin is pointed out to us, the proper response is not to make excuses, but to say, “You are right. I am sorry. Please forgive me.”


Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged

PHOTO: Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged
Remember: Christians still sin. But when our sin is pointed out to us, the proper response is not to make excuses, but to say, “You are right. I am sorry. Please forgive me.”
Posted by innateaction on 30 January 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJaIch11x4zEeapqqnA5rgAcOjBQb0IZjXv8XHwIHHaAfn28922DCRdrcB4yZtOENCnQu0lEBMD1jXjWD5YjRNBGowtgxtLPRC4y0ZTtVMTQQcKBPAol7bJlnyT0a8T2wJqzlB8goaDQ/s1600/800px-3d_judges_gavel.jpg
https://innateactiondotcom.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/800px-3d_judges_gavel.jpg
http://innateaction.com/2016/01/30/judge-not-lest-ye-be-judged/


We Christians are sinners too.
There are other versions of this excuse, such as “Hey! Nobody’s perfect!” or “I’m not perfect; just forgiven.”
The idea behind this excuse is that the watching world has put unrealistic expectations on us as Christians. We complain that they seem to think we should live perfect lives, which is impossible. So when we sin, and our sin is pointed out to us, we excuse our actions by reminding others that we are sinners too.
Theologically, this is correct.
But such a statement should never be used to excuse our sin. When our sin is pointed out to us, either by a Christian or a non-Christian, the proper response is not “Hey, I’m a sinner too, so get off my back about my behavior” but rather should be, “You know what? You are correct. I messed up. I am sorry. Thanks for pointing that out. With God’s help, I will do better next time.”


We excuse our actions by reminding others that we are sinners too.

PHOTO: We excuse our actions by reminding others that we are sinners too. But such a statement should never be used to excuse our sin.
A black, sleeveless, and a triangular cutout where the cleavage would have been. Many of the male guests are averting their eyes (temptation ?).
Picture posted by Myrna Minx (The Spinsterhood Diaries) on Tuesday, 20 August 2013, Wedding Weekend Spinstering: Part 1
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhpfNV2828o0cYzgn2z30WliKJlkzFRL1lodyLL9BWpCmC7S0DT6QO6JdwPTcFD8aH2cufaLzW7-ehgS410sX19N-15V7MSVQAcLGT3LzA5P7_ZP9ImBGBSpwJ-0sEOuC6NyQmZv87sk/s1600/dress-with-cutout.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH64bpEg84mZjCxbSNLnqs19AWbZYAXFdK1EQOdUGxw_rnJmAseopnM5YaGvslIC6a_z2G1dHwYBrbAqOh5seGmMs2yGwADzjWoVsi_0Q2FZY29kb_GsJOEVdFJHYPbZEB6kGBI2aR1K4/s1600/dress-with-cutout.jpg
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013/08/wedding-weekend-spinstering-part-1.html
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013_08_01_archive.html


Choose who they consider to be their “friends”
I have noticed even more lately how some people in our church pick and choose who they consider to be their “friends”. It seems many times they choose friends by how rich they are financially and not by their kindness. It hurts sometimes, but I have to remind myself that I serve God and we will all have to answer to him in the end. - JM, 3 January 2016 at 8:30 pm

My wife and I have seen the same thing. We later learned that the people who chose rich or popular friends were often salesmen and people who wished to borrow money. Money and fame have a way of “attracting” friends. We have little of either and rarely attract those kinds of friends. - Sam Riviera, 4 January 2016 at 1:34 am


Money and fame have a way of 'attracting' friends.

PHOTO: Money and fame have a way of “attracting” friends. When there is little of either, then rarely able to attract those kinds of friends.
Picture posted by Myrna Minx (The Spinsterhood Diaries) on Wednesday, 7 August 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDwYGzuCOYUT22gr5cpEhn8zgdBg3Mq8EfzVwlDf1SOvJSetkBlgXfL7O5eWZ5TIGjdTNAo92a2u1MToTSXzoQQmzetRuMFfiR5H0uqGE606T_8_x8w8-j2wbnzMnGUaI7StSedOY_wY/s1600/spinster-suggestions.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIrU1GmMEkm-51xlpNrYVQHkXzScWdVVmY9jUBkp0Rjqop6gqNOV5GgFJ8ozb2vE5e2-1cEYHc_NL01hKQeyBwt0DGofp5hNrmSowFdwm8vRLMRBCz_ubui5rkhog4jh_ZFuAZq7r4xk/s1600/spinster-suggestions.jpg
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013/08/a-tourists-guide-to-new-york-spinster.html
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013_08_01_archive.html


Christian bad behaviour
I too have grown so disgusted with people who claim to be Christian, but act the same (mostly worse) than folks who have no stated faith at all. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people call me names on blogs and then see them posting scripture and telling people about their faith. It literally has made me ill at times and we have stopped looking for a new church because of it. Keep loving God and believing in the sacrifice of Christ. Don’t worry about humans as they will almost always let you down. - Paul, 10 July 2014 at 2:55 pm


People who claim to be Christian, but act the same (mostly worse) than folks who have no stated faith at all.

PHOTO: People who claim to be Christian, but act the same (mostly worse) than folks who have no stated faith at all. Call others names on blogs and then see them posting scripture and telling people about their faith.
Picture posted by Myrna Minx (The Spinsterhood Diaries) on Thursday, 31 October 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3HubYKOO5sE8spdJIFG2o-59L0enwULoKio5sSMHmLBlUWn0PLAMFCt97bhkxn3w1fG6HISHCXBj9YCtn9kVZbfNxesKoDqkdRRvKSqyzI1AY42SPXgikk7047esrb_qp-DoHiJnlNs/s1600/afv.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNGCn4gljD8mjGCmkIAL5JdeBGNWASFvoGiD_HKymcb5eZX31UqaCJvjr7Vou8xYdkyp0ct1nKO0qqPAw4EnCuFasaENnu08kA2PDKvivYbfrPQUQkAXZyjfhyphenhyphendRcIjG2a5I_ioXE4Tw/s1600/afv.jpg
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013/10/the-weekend-in-entertainment-review.html
http://www.spinsterhooddiaries.com/2013_10_01_archive.html


Christians allowed to treat women as property
Why are Christians allowed to rape women and children just because they are considered property? Does God really think that? Or was that added by the men who wrote the bible? I think I speak for all victims when I say that no person should be called property and treated as such. A lot of us suffer from being abused and exploited because of the fact that we are suppose to be property to the man. At least, that is what the church enforces. I of course would never follow the church again now that I am an adult. But, it just sucks to have to deal with trauma because of this. - lucy, 26 February 2016 at 11:58 pm


Magdalena (1870)
PHOTO: Christians allowed to treat women as property. That added by the men. A lot of women suffer from being abused and exploited because of the fact that they are suppose to be "property to the man".
Picture by Antonio Ciseri - Magdalena (1870)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U5BG4ZtXUB9OTlBHCWYq2wa8mgxHeDdiwjlxOhowr4jUJ1VgXL0a5_DZ1fC8Za1SgSSN_sWRQkJnEGdqKiNmymIkVkXkWvM7f6D611mQqiC7PsNaZIgusYq3p3_W52auNLUmUe-Cgbk/s1600/tumblr_n3qdxkUycz1roedt4o1_500.jpg
http://41.media.tumblr.com/65ceb62dffe7eda7ffc2df647d562909/tumblr_n3qdxkUycz1roedt4o1_500.jpg
http://colourthysoul.tumblr.com/post/82126236094/antonio-ciseri-magdalena-1870


"We must please God rather than men."
Christians quote it as a way to justify being mean and rude to other people. Somehow the twisted logic is that we can please God by pissing off other people. Or something like that. But I have a feeling that if we are trying to please God and in the process are making friends, family, co-workers, and neighbours hate us, we probably are not pleasing God either.


We must please God rather than men.

PHOTO: "We must please God rather than men."
Christians quote it as a way to justify being mean and rude to other people. This wicked woman “drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” The world church of that day, almost entirely devoid of any true Christian or Biblical elements, will be the final form of apostate (renunciation and criticism of) Christendom. As such, it will persecute any who in that day in defiance of the church follow true faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Most significant is the title written on her forehead described as a mystery.
Posted by House of the Nazarene on 31 August 2014 at 1:09 pm, The Revival Of Rome
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85mauJiGvzXOlZvhikbKtnHrZOCXpJSH1-a_-YFCoHltshjkPYsXkWw2yzh6ZUHsdXO61rbL1bg661-hmF489asHH7NL86Dn82Q_6ybV4Ld4zUg-GremWu7Y06tPJRu9KccrveWWWpCg/s1600/d.jpg
https://whatshotn.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/d.jpg
http://whatshotn.me/2014/08/31/the-revival-of-rome/


Joy of Forgiveness (from Daily Bread)
Have you ever done something wrong, and felt terrible and guilty for failing Jesus's love and trust?

I Believe many of us have walked Peter's journey. Imagine what the disciple would have felt when he ran into Jesus' tomb to find it empty, and to see his dear Lord again later. How grateful and relieved he must have felt to be forgiven in person, and to know that his risen Lord still loved him!

We may have denied Jesus, just like Peter denied his Lord. Yet God forgives us, just as Jesus forgave His disciple. His act of forgiveness is shown in Him sending His Son down to die for us, that we may be forgiven and redeemed. Isn't that awesome?

This is what Good Friday and Easter reminds us about, We rejoice in Jesus' death and resurrection because it brings us complete forgiveness and allows us to meet God with a pure, clean heart.

May we remember Jesus' work on the cross, and pray for strength to put off our old sinful selves and live a new life (Romans 6:11-12).

Reflection - Human Conduct
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


In the Jewish culture of Jesus of Nazareth, women were very low in status. If a women was caught in the act of adultery, she could be stoned - forget about the man’s transgressions! The testimony of a woman was useless and never to be taken as truthful.
PHOTO: In the Jewish culture of Jesus of Nazareth, women were very low in status. If a woman was caught in the act of adultery, she could be stoned - forget about the man's transgressions! The testimony of a woman was useless and never to be taken as truthful.
They called her a whore. Jesus called her a "woman". How grateful and relieved she must have felt to be forgiven in person, and to know that her Lord still loved her!
Picture from Central Valley SDA Church, A Love that Transforms
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dzucbfcq8ajNkAOhyGqhhKXX2Uo8xCo-iNvP-_SygEuiNLSfdyiylKnzjOFSlEk1Csv9vjRlRrjFOHRVMEU2k6Z_7C572q101QNNYiqQWPs7XihwEcwIdigWsBY_3_7PohmDTSYahzs/s1600/Adulterous.jpg
http://centralvalley.adventistfaith.org/site_data/%3Csite_id%3E/poster_images/0000/0217/Adulterous.jpg
http://centralvalley.adventistfaith.org/revelation-of-hope-seminar
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2015/04/reflection-are-we-all-equal.html


The Lord's Prayer
This, then, is how you should pray:

"Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)


'But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.' (John 4:14)
PHOTO: “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14).
This is the Woman at the Well where Jesus Christ taught her about the living water. Christ stands before not just the woman, but all mankind, and testifies that He is the Son of God. If we would drink of the truths of the gospel, seek after Him and do His will, we will thirst no more, and those truths will lift us up unto eternal life with our Father in Heaven.
Painting by Howard Lyon - Living Water, woman at the well
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih30BjisAQP3JdcATWq-n49JCWOq_UiAUfWpq0lRspM9HYLE0oRZsf37Ef4hVwXJYTUrL8bSLphxFkDk5eWixqD7QSJ2A2SQlywv2PQkrCYhiSg6_cMQhcRyiDVvoL4kQPYIAZZnBIh7o/s1600/Living%252BWater.jpg
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5356aa98e4b0e10db1993391/5356aaf8e4b058b6b2223361/5370de8ae4b0cc41856c8170/1399905932398/Living+Water.jpg
http://www.howardlyon.com/religious-store/living-water



Reference
[1] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART THREE: UNLIKE THE WORLD, Chapter 8 "The Terrible World And Its People" (2 Timothy 3:1-9), Page 111-114.

[1a] Calvin, The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians and the Epistle to Timothy, Titus and Philemon, 322.

[2] Witherington, Letters and Homilies (Lectures) for Hellenized Christians, 349-350.

[3] 10 Excuses Christians Give for Treating Others Badly, By Jeremy Myers, https://redeeminggod.com/10-excuses-christians-give-for-treating-others-badly/


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2 Timothy 3:2-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A2-5&version=NIV

2 Timothy 3:1-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A1-9&version=NIV

Daniel 7:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+7%3A4&version=NIV

Daniel 7:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+7%3A5&version=NIV

Daniel 7:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+7%3A6&version=NIV

Daniel 7:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+7%3A7&version=NIV

Galatians 5:19-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A19-21&version=NIV

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Matthew 6:9-13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+6%3A9-13&version=NIV

Matthew 8:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A28&version=NIV

Revelation 13:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.+13%3A1-2&version=NIV

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Romans 6:11-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A11-12&version=NIV


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