Book Review of "A Question of Faith: A Simple Question Toward Ultimate" by Tor Constantino

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A Question of Faith: A Simple Question toward Ultimate Truth [Paperback]

by Tor Constantino

160 pages, $9.97

ISBN-13: 978-1452825625

Nonfiction

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd

The anticipation of taking a standardized test typically fills most people with a certain level of dread. If one is seeking attendance at a particular school, or if he needs a certification to enhance his career, the preparation for and taking the test itself, causes quite a bit of nervous anxiety. However, once you have lived your life, the career you chose and the certifications you held probably mean very little in the big scheme of things.

What if something as important as the choice of your religious faith came down to answering a simple question? For instance, you find yourself taking a standardized test and run across the following question:

Q: Which of the major world religions listed below is the best for someone to believe?

A. Buddhism
B. Christianity
C. Hinduism
D. Islam
E. Judaism
F. Sikhism

How would you answer the question and, more importantly, is there a correct answer using the same logic employed in taking a standardized test?

Tor Constantino demonstrates in his A Question of Faith: A Simple Question Toward Ultimate Truth that the answer to both questions is a resounding: yes!

Each of the six religions posed in the question above are evaluated using the following grid:

BackgroundBeliefs in BriefBottom-line belief

At the end of each section, Constantino offers supplemental reading material for those who venture to his website and download the free articles.

After reading the book, I was quite satisfied that Constantino had done his homework and provided sufficient, unbiased information about each religion. In the end of the book, he does show which religion, in his estimation, provides the correct answer to the question posed. Perhaps more importantly, he explains why he feels it does. Those seeking religious answers will not be misguided by the thoughtfulness that accompanies this work. Having this type of resource is sure to help seekers find a balance in their quest for religious truth.

Answering this question might be the most important test you ever undertake. Remember the words of Sherlock Holmes, "How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be truth?" Quite possibly, Mr. Holmes would have done very well on many different standardized tests...but how would he have fared on the one that matters most: a question of faith?

What Is Intuition?

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Intuition is defined as: the ability to understand something without conscious reasoning; a thing that one knows from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning.

Intuition is often confused with some similar concepts:

1. Intuition is often mistakenly called instinct. Instinct refers to an inborn behavior as opposed to a learned behavior. Instincts are biologically-based, with the intention of promoting survival long enough to reproduce.

All animals are driven by instinct and we have instincts too - fear of heights, the fight or flight response, etc. These are not intuition.

When you're in a dangerous situation, yes, instinct will kick in; if you're in a non-threatening situation and you feel uneasy, it's probably your intuition!

2. Intuition, or a gut feeling is a strong physiological response to information that has come into our consciousness in ways outside the physical senses - it's called a gut feeling because it's often felt in the stomach or in the heart area. It can be anxiety or nausea, or a good feeling of lightness... (or other feelings) depending on the information received.

3. Inspiration is the "process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something", usually referring to something creative. Some have called it a higher form of intuition. Intuition is a sense about something; inspiration is complete with images and even instructions.

4. Insight refers to looking within for answers. This, too, relies on the nonphysical senses and thinking in a more nonlinear, less constrained way. Intuition and insight are closely intertwined; both arise from our ability to perceive the energetic quality of things, people, thoughts, etc.

Reasoning And Logic

As a culture, we've been taught to rely on reasoning and logic. And so, when we get hunches and gut feelings, we often dismiss them. Intuition often comes in the form of weird cryptic messages in dreams or physical sensations that have nothing to do with what the senses perceive. But this non-logical way of thinking is just as valid!

We have all picked up on the vibe from certain people or places. There is a part of us, separate from our logical thinking, that picks up on the energy around us. We've all had moments when conscious reasoning said GO yet we have a strong feeling to STAY - or the reverse.

Have you noticed that when you take action on the inner voice, it often ends up being a really good idea?

Rationalization

You know that it's easy to rationalize and talk yourself into or out of something. This is often based on logic and often constrained by self-imposed limitations. Say you have a goal in mind, but because you lack the skills and resources to achieve it, you rationalize letting the goal go - "it wasn't meant to be".

BUT... if you were to listen to your intuition, you might realize that you actually feel really good when you think about your goal!

If you allow yourself to think in terms of possibility (you can acquire the skills/resources) instead of present reality (you don't have the skills/resources) then your decision to go for it will be easier.

Reason And Intuition

We need both reason and intuition to make the best decisions. Otherwise, why is our brain set up the way it is? Neuroscientists estimate that only 20% of the brain is devoted to logical, conscious thought. That means that 80% is dedicated to non-conscious thought. If you allow intuition, you'll use your whole brain for decision making, integrating the linear, logical way of thinking with the random, nonlinear way of thinking

Learn to listen to your body for clues if you're just getting used to listening to intuition. Ultimately, if a decision feels good and happy, it's right. If you feel tension, anxiety, etc., re-think your decision.

You can do this before you make a big decision, for example whether to leave a job. You hate the job. It wears you down and you'd rather do something you're good at and love... but it's a decent paycheck and the economy is terrible.

Now what?

Tough choice...

So engage your imagination. Pretend you've made the choice to leave, and monitor your physical and emotional reaction. Then, pretend you've chosen to stay in the job. Again monitor your physical and emotional reaction. There will be a remarkable difference.

You can apply this technique anytime you're faced with a difficult decision. Weigh the facts, and then listen to your intuitive guidance without judgment or ridicule. Sometimes, intuition and logic come to the same conclusion. Sometimes, they differ.

For best results (which you may not perceive at the moment), DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT.

We have this amazing ability to talk ourselves into doing what is not aligned with our soul's desires. When we listen to the inner voice, we end up following a much easier, happier path than if we relied on logic alone.

Julie Lewin is a world renowned authentic Medical Intuitive and Meditation Teacher and has created a unique healing system by using creative and spontaneous visualization. As well as teaching meditations, she also teaches how to live your authentic purpose, and how to live a profound life on her website - http://www.spirituallysensitivesouls.com/. To find out more about her medical intuitive work go to http://www.julielewin.com/.

Being Approved by God - A Passionate Relationship Through Love, Surrender, Obedience and Intimacy!

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We are told in 2 Timothy 2:15 to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Other versions read study to show yourself approved unto God."

We all want approval from one another to reinforce our self-worth, it's part of being human. I know people who are paralyzed in their mind, unable to move forward in life and almost all of them Christians, seeking pathetically for all kinds of approval every moment of their lives to enable them to temporarily feel better. When we start looking for approval at every corner to quantify who we are and our self -worth, we leave behind the Christian life and walk in the flesh with an obsession that takes control over our lives and before we know it the Holy Spirit is nowhere to be found within, because we have allowed this beast to take over our lives. What's deplorable is that it doesn't have to be this way and when we study the word of God we find that He has not forgotten anything; everything we need for this life has been included in Scriptures for our benefits.

I suspect one of the reasons we fail as Christians to observe what we are told in 2 Timothy 2:15, is because we have been duped and bought into that diluted Christianity we have come to know in the twenty-first century, while we are advised in Colossians 2:8 not to get caught up and to beware not to be taken captive by anyone through their philosophy as well as empty deceit. Approved unto God, when we look into the meaning deeper we realize there's a component of the word approved that calls for us to be tried by God so we can become acceptable by His standards holy and righteous people finding favor in His sight. It is of the utmost importance that we understand, being approved unto God has nothing to do with how good or bad we are, or how awesome is our career or our status nor our material possession. What matters is how well we receive His words within as they become part of who we are through the transformation process as God weaves them inwardly into our daily lives. It's about living a sacrificial steadfast life of intimacy with Him through the joy, the learning process, the real experience of being filled with Him, the loneliness of the soul as you go through the narrow gate.

It's also about the destruction that is taking place inwardly as He rebuilds us anew. We experience the joy of the Holy Spirit in our heart, the agony of the dark night of the soul, the pain of being humiliated inwardly and outwardly by Him before the gift of humility is wrought in; the learning process taking place at His feet that makes you feel your mind is exploding as you focus and try very hard to spiritually keep up with the Holy Spirit; the soul that cannot be quenched, the passion that if God does not slow it down for you it will cause your heart to explode, the realness of the Spirit and soul within, and so forth. All of these things that are part of the process of being transformed as little Christ, at least those who truly pledge allegiance to the King, we go through them right here and now to prepare us for life in Heaven. The Christian life that is pleasing to Him is a life of intimacy based on living His word with complete obedience and total abandonment to Him.Then He speaks to our soul and gives us the seal of approval. This approval of His, you carry it with you and it permeates your soul, day in day out and nothing in this world can be compared to it, then you become conscious of how pathetic you were when you were seeking for puny beings approval for your self-worth when you have a God bigger than the universe can contain telling you well done my child I have found delight in you. Who cares about man's approval after such experience?

Aspiring writer who has learned true Christianity at the feet of God through brokenness and seven years of unending and excruciating wilderness process that left the soul undone!
Copyright 2012
Jesse Andre
brokenness70@gmail.com
http://www.apprehended.ca/

Ephesians 4:20-21 "But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus"

I LIVE TO KNOW YOU LORD!

Rediscover yourself with spiritual clothes

Spirituality focuses on the field of the personnel. It is a very private space which is a link to the manufacturer. For many, the essence of spirituality being deprived, this is a case of rarely discussed. Others wear their hearts on their sleeves and openly show their inclinations to the world. Spiritual clothing is great for these sections of people who show their love for the creator with momentum. Many among these believe by presenting their own beliefs moral and social casually, although with a spiritual bent to them.

The concept of these garments is working on a different plan, where these clothes become those metaphorical, meaning some traits of improved character you put on. Spiritual clothing has attained great popularity over the years and there is widespread varieties to choose from all corners of the globe. Religious symbols in the philosophical or moral statements to images of God and words celebrating the creator, there are countless options for your account. The popularity of these garments can be attributed not only to their new concept, but for them as a form of expression. Clothing we are one of the key devices that define his individuality as well as indicators of the taste sense and fashion. Clothing are two impregnated of spirituality that they highlight your own personal ideologies and create eye-catching style statements.

Many clothes have slogans written on them often advocating values such as love, peace and kindness. Another advantage may be attracted to the port that you can inspire or influence others through your personal alignment with the values of the universal world. Wearing spiritual clothing could do its bit for the company in this regard as well. With hostilities and violence increases around the world, establish harmony can be considered a primary objective for companies everywhere in the world and this is where the clothes play an essential role.

If you are a person with an eclectic bent of mind, there are options galore for your needs. There is a Sanskrit slogans, spiritual quotes, representations of the Buddha, Yin and Yang and the lines of the famous poets and philosophers like Rumi poetry.

However, this type of clothing can also be interpreted metaphorically as the clothes that are not available in stores or traps still symbols for the virtues. It is peace, forgiveness, strength, courage, dignity, the charity, simplicity, and purity among others. By putting, we remove the negative elements like anger, pride, jealousy, greed and malice of our souls.

Keeping a dog today values solid core eat dog scenario is difficult, and so, by channelizing body and mind, one can reach the State above by donning his spiritual clothes and throw all the defects and barriers through a thorough review of the car. Thus, as seen, spiritual clothing go further than simply help stand out you from the crowd. They symbolize the agreement with the manufacturer and the materialist philosophy, with being apt social platforms to highlight the spiritual beliefs of the wearer.

If you are difficult to find a clothing store perfect for clothing spiritual, you can approach God Bless Our Hands. They are spiritual and religious clothing. For more information, you can visit online them at: http://www.godblessourhands.com/.

Christianity - What's In It for Me?

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Jesus and the Apostles always had one purpose in mind - to advance the kingdom of God by establishing His rule in the lives of believers and drawing others into His family. None of the Apostles ever made reference to the "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" that is so common in the modern Christian vernacular. Individual faith was given birth and nurtured in the context of a caring community. It was a "one another" proposition for them, each one helping the other to grow in his or her faith. A common Christian culture was passed from one generation to the next as older, more mature Christians passed the Apostles' teaching along to younger believers.

Go It Alone Proposition

Today, Christianity is more of a "go it alone" proposition. Sermons focus on the relationship of individual believers to their Lord and rarely on their relationships with one another. They deal with attitudes more than actions. Messages on the wrath of God against sin have gone the way of preaching about hell. Christians are loath to pick up their cross when they sign up for service to Christ. Consequently, they have become more cavalier in their attitudes towards God's Word. They pick and choose what parts to obey. Love of God has cooled, prayer has become pass?, and expectation for the return of Christ has waned. Worship has morphed into performance as music and drama have become more professional in order to appeal to a clientele immersed in entertainment. Sinners are allowed to go free while their victims are urged to absolve them of their misdeeds. Pastors tell us how to get the most from our spiritual experience, but to what end? Just to serve ourselves?

How does our faith benefit anyone else or advance the kingdom of Christ today? Only one in twenty believers has ever led another person to Christ. Just six percent tithe. The modern church has become the Laodicean church - wealthy, self-satisfied, and complacent, but unable to recognize that it is blind, naked, poor and pitiful in God's eyes. Christians deny the church is in desperate need of repair.

Pious Pedagogy

Christian leaders have not helped matters. They have replaced holistic ministry with pure pedagogy that stresses learning but places little emphasis on practical faith. They have turned churches into lecture halls and classrooms. Rather than addressing real needs on the ground as they develop, they package ministry into formal programs that are targeted to niche audiences. Like the Pharisees of old, they consider themselves the final authority on the Bible. They give lip service to the concept of the priesthood of the believer but do not respect the spiritual authority of the saints, especially those with no formal religious training.

Academic degrees, professional publications and recognition for scholarly achievement have replaced tassels and phylacteries. Storing up and showcasing Bible knowledge have taken the place of a radical obedience to the will of God. Ministry has become almost entirely didactic - a matter of applying the spiritually correct solution to the dilemma du jour. If you doubt it, just go to any Christian forum and look at the responses to the fears and insecurities of troubled inquirers. Everyone has a good word. No one ever offers a helping hand.

Once hallmarks of the faith, willingness to suffer shame for the name of Christ, to take a public stand against His enemies, to address social evils and to sacrifice temporal wealth for eternal riches are all but absent from church leadership today. Instead they remain content to stay within the friendly confines of their churches where they can teach and preach without fear of reprisal. Larger buildings, bigger audiences, better preaching and more professional performances have become the metrics of achievement. Reliance upon the word of religious experts has replaced reliance on the Holy Spirit and the infallible Word of God. But commitment to a caring community, accountability, self-sacrificing service and the advance of Christ's kingdom in anticipation of His return are sorely wanting.

The Casual Christian pp. 213-214

Find more articles like this one in my book, The Casual Christian, on Amazon.com.

Book Review of "The Short List"-Where Only Four Choices Really Matter by Bill Butterworth

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The Short List: In a Life Full of Choices, There Are Only Four That Matter. [Soft cover]

by Bill Butterworth

240 pages, $14.99

ISBN-10: 1434700046

Nonfiction

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd

Losing a parent is a tragic reality that many have to face. Certainly, such a loss can cause even the busiest souls to stop and re-evaluate their priorities. Quality and quantity of time spent with family suddenly takes on new meaning. Imagine being asked to officiate your parent's funeral. What emotions might that invoke?

Bill Butterworth, notable author and popular speaker, had this very experience. Bill's life had run amok-too much time on the road building his distinguished speaking career. One night, after returning from a long stretch of speaking engagements, his child spoke his first words: "Hey Mom," was aimed at his mother to their delight.

"Hey Bob," was aimed at Bill - not "Hey Dad." The pit that welled up in his stomach was soon minimized by a nagging thought: What type of heritage was Bill leaving for his kids? If his toddler knew him as Bob instead of dad, what type of legacy was he actually leaving for his progeny?

In preparation of the eulogy for his father's funeral, Bill developed The Short List. Reminiscing about the life he shared with his dad, Bill knew his father epitomized the values he wanted to live out before his own family. After quite a bit of soul searching, Bill narrowed his list down to four words: love, honesty, faith, and courage. Perhaps better than developing a "bucket list" of things to do before dying - this list accentuates things to be while living.

Through personal anecdotes interwoven with a seminarian's understanding of Scripture, Butterworth provides a masterpiece of encouragement. Since a multitude of choices bombard us every day-are some more important than others? Absolutely! Living a life of love, honesty, faith, and courage could change our families at every level.

This amazing book reminds the reader of what is important in this life. Stories are the fabric that truly knit us together and Butterworth is a master storyteller. As you share Bill's journey of discovery you will be faced with the same dilemma: Do your daily choices produce a legacy of which your family will be proud?

Easily read, this tome should be digested by all parents to underscore the importance of daily choices. Just ask Bill - there are only four that really matter.

Book Review of "Good Book" by David Plotz

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Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious, Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I Learned When I Read Every Single Word of the Bible. [Soft cover]

by David Plotz

352 pages, $14.99

ISBN-13: 978-0061374258

Nonfiction

In a world that is awash with religious literature weekly, it seems that some authors go out of their way to make readers angry. Such is the case when David Plotz, a self-styled agnostic Jew, sits down with the Hebrew Bible and reads it with introspection. His original intention is sound: what happens when an average guy reads the good book and tries to understand it?

For one thing, irreverence happens...a lot. For instance, in Exodus 33, the Bible shares a wonderful story of Moses requesting to see God's glory. Moses is entreating God (Yahweh) to show all of his majesty to him to "prove" that God held him in highest favor. God responds in effect, "I do hold you in high esteem but no one can see my face and live. Go stand in the cleft of this rock and I will cover you with my hand. Then I will allow my glory to pass by and you can see my back." Instead of Plotz being overwhelmed by God's accommodation of Moses, he makes a very crass analysis. He says, "...Or, to put it another way, God moons Moses."

Perhaps Plotz could have exclaimed how he did not understand the theological significance of why Moses would want to see God in his fullest glory instead of resorting to what could be construed as tactless language. Such investigation might have provided ample fodder for a few books.

Nonetheless, the reader will discover that tact will be in short order throughout the rest of the book. Plotz makes no apologies for this - in fact, his defense is an age-old false maxim that the Old Testament (what is the Hebrew Bible) demonstrates a God that is vengeful, capricious, and bent on ?ber judgment. In this way, Plotz feels somewhat vindicated in his irreverence since his reading of the Hebrew Bible does not bring him any closer to God.

Who should read this book? All Christians!

While the language is downright disrespectful, Plotz does provide decent plot summaries of each book of the Hebrew Bible. If you can overlook his banal insensitivity, you will learn a lot about the Old Testament. But remember, some of his insights will not be appropriate for, let's say, your Junior High Sunday School class.

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd

Was Jesus A Creationist?

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(Mark 10:6) "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female."

This week, one of the hot news stories out of the United Kingdom was about Richard Dawkins' statement that he was an agnostic. Richard Dawkins the author, lecturer and hero of those who think God is a silly concept sat in a moderated discussion (some say a debate) with Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. If you remember, Dr. Rowan Williams was the clergyman who presided at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

In the aftermath of this "debate" the media fixated on whether Richard Dawkins really is the "World's Most Famous Atheist." During this televised event, Dawkins classified himself as an "agnostic" rather than an "atheist." But just to make sure everyone understood his position, he mentioned that he was almost certain God does not exist.

Does it really matter whether Dawkins is an agnostic or an atheist? Although the media thinks this is big news, they completely overlooked the one item that should have been newsworthy for the Christian audience. According to the article in The Telegraph, the Archbishop "said that he believed that human beings had evolved from non-human ancestors but were nevertheless 'in the image of God.' " This stems from the other statements in which the Archbishop denied the literal account of creation in Genesis. If you read the sentence carefully, he really believes we ascended in an evolutionary process. In other words, we evolved into the image of God. Unfortunately, once you throw out the literalness of the Genesis account, you also have to throw out the words of Jesus Christ.

In a 2006 interview, we find Dr. Williams believes creationism is a "category mistake" and should not be taught. In Mark 10:6, Jesus makes a profound statement proving He believes in the literal creation account found in Genesis. In fact, if you combine this with the other places where Jesus references Genesis you discover that He did not believe the Biblical account was an allegory at all, unlike the current Archbishop of Canterbury. There are many today who are " theistic evolutionists." But it is an impossible position to maintain while believing in the teachings of Jesus. If we allow for Jesus to make a "category mistake" here, where else does He teach in error? If Jesus made any errors in His viewpoint of the Scriptures, not only does it call into question all of His teachings, it also makes Him less than God. He becomes just another rabbi with some radical opinions. It is extremely important that Jesus believed and taught in a literal creation account from Genesis.

It doesn't really matter whether Richard Dawkins is an agnostic or atheist. At the end of the day, it all ends up in the same place: unbelief. But we do need to recognize and distinguish ourselves from churchmen who cloak themselves in the logic of scientific theory. The media had no problem with the Archbishop because it really wasn't news that he held this position on creation. But those who want Christianity represented to the world and believe in a literal Biblical interpretation better take heed who is taking their side in the public arena. And we all better beware whether the pulpit is filled with someone who believes the teachings of Jesus.

The Renewed Mind - http://www.mychangedmind.com/

Live a different life by thinking differently about life!

Letters From the Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr Reviewed

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In MLK Jr. letters he paints a picture for me with words of the time that was before me. The time where my ancestors would frown upon if they saw the young people of today and the way they take education for granted. I can only imagine the strength it took to live in era where you are considered less than human.

In MLK Jr.'s letters from the Birmingham jail time was mentioned, some will probably agree that he was before his time but I believe he was right on time. A man should not be considered less than a man because of the color of his skin. But a man's true worth should be measured by the life that he leads. I can only imagine how God frowned upon the ignorance people walked in during this time.

For a time when a black man should consider education a privilege not a right, his writing style and ability to express himself literally was amazing. I'm not sure I live in the time where I could only enter a business through the back, where I actually accepted being less another person because of the color of my skin. I don't know many people willing to die for what they believe in, but this man laid down his life.

Many people can learn the skill of writing but only a few people or actually talented enough to change lives with their words. This review involves an important part of history and man of great courage and character. These letters provide a personable form of education that goes beyond the classroom, they were relevant then, they are relevant now, and will be relevant in the future.

The civil rights movement was not just about racism, it was so much more than that. The movement represented change and spirituality that never been experience before, you proclaimed what God intended for all people. When I think of Martin Luther King Jr., I don't think of just a doctor of religion... I think of a spiritual healer and leader a truly fulfilled his calling in life.

In conclusion I can't help but think of Maya Angelou's "I know why the caged Bird sings". Behind caged walls of great man of God cried out that although his prayers were answered immediately, they were answered just in time, our time. We still have a way to travel but we owe a huge part of where we are to this man.

If you would like to learn more about depression and anxiety. Please visit Minnisha's website that entails more information on how to battle depression.

Finding peace in a turbulent world

Prevention of the Ego to achieve control over all (peace). I'll bet that you never thought of the reality of the meaning of peace. This illusory than anyone who in humanity research or hungry thing. Why peace is difficult to achieve? Perhaps because we have more than exaggerate things rather than keep the simplistic things, we more complicated things for us to do is look better, more competent or to feed the Ego. However, the peace is nothing more than a choice and its up to you to choose peace or not.

Why would you stay in the energy of anger or .resentment? Why waste your precious time in life, feeding the relentless negativity that you cause yourself. Everything in life begins with a choice, you can choose what you eat or what you want to do in the day-to turn left or right or indeed what to wear. Therefore if these choices is quite simplistic and result in a form of contentment during this short period, why not choose to be peaceful. It is certainly preferable to live in an aura of happiness, rather than this negative cloud around you it's raining constantly negativity on you.

When bad things happen to you in your life, ask you that if they are really bad or is it just the perception they are bad, which is a perception in the support of your environment or circumstances resulting from your choice. All you have in life is lessons that make you stronger, help you spiritually to advance and become the best you can be, but only if embrace you these tests openly and know that mistakes are simply miss opportunities for you to grow spiritually.

There are those that are the product of an environment which was not their choice and so the perception is they are persecuted for someone bad choice. However, in the dark is always a blessing. Look at the life of a person who has experienced this kind of negative thoughts because of the choice of someone else. Oprah Winfrey, Joyce Mayer and others who have experienced great sorrow and sadness in their lives, have used the lessons they have learned to touch many hearts and souls throughout the world. Then it was perhaps inevitable that they should live the agitation that they had because their work was to save the lives of countless souls. They found their peace, they followed the divine plan that God had for them. Even in a tumultuous world, can we find peace, starting with a simple simple choice of peace and not to refuse peace.

Perhaps insignificant and answer the next time that you find yourself speaking in anger, you could become more aware of how it feels to allow peace to give the answer. However, how do you find that peace? It is easier than you think; I have a good friend who sets an alarm on his phone to remind himself to make with God during the day, it is a person who learned all his negative choices passed but graciously accepted as lessons. He got up and now found the beginning of peace. I myself use everything that I see the beauty of a flower, an animal, a child and then I take a deep breath and allow you to breathe peace within me. If I am in a situation that involves the choice in a negative way to react or to respond positively, I breathe deeply and peace to make the choice to host. I guess what I am saying, is to allow peace become you and make you peace, the choice becomes much easier to understand. Even when you are being attacked by others, you must go into account that you are part of the divine energy of creation, you are also peace and therefore you can become the peace and the word of the great John Lennon "Give Peace a chance."

Jock Brocas is a professional Psychic Medium-natural birth and developed later in life. Jock spent his last years in his own spiritual development and professional development of its psychic gifts and its media. Be a professional of the medium is very rewarding but also has its problems. Nevertheless, Jock believes in the sanctity of spiritualism and takes her work as a medium seriously.

A Prophetic and Inspirational View of the Future

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I'm not in general a big fan of "inspirational" sorts of novels. The Angels' Footpath (subtitled: Let's Take This Walk Together) by Ronald R. Cooke goes beyond the usual definition of what an "Inspirational" novel is, and like LeHayne's Left Behind series, it crosses over into the science fiction genre with its vivid depictions of a future filled with turmoil where revolution is in the air. As is often the case, where political strife is prevalent, there is also religious strife, and people of religious faith feel as if their faith is being challenged. With the End Times upon us, there is born an infant with a special gift to a Hispanic couple whose names (Josue and Mari) are derivations of Joseph and Mary from the Bible. Will their child, like Jesus, prove to be "the Light of the World"? Is their infant, whom they name Ricardo Juan Sanchez Vasquez," the Second Coming of Christ; or, is he someone entirely different, either an important Prophet or perhaps even the Antichrist?

Cooke's compelling and impressive writing style makes you want to continue reading late into the night, to discover the answers to the questions he brings up and to learn more about the early life and transformation of Ricardo into a religious leader of the Christian faithful. We read in the very first chapter about Ricardo's long-anticipated birth to his loving parents, and also that a mysterious "old man with a weathered face" in the fields hears the newborn's cries, and says: "It is done."

Rick (as Ricardo comes to be called) grows up with his best friend, Phillip. They ride horses together and go to school together and play football and eventually go on to college and even working together.

He and Phillip have their own quite prosperous computer ISP business, but it gets hacked. Just when the two friends think they have the problem settled, the economy takes a steep downturn and America falls into a deep recession. Health care becomes run totally by the government, unemployment is at its highest level ever, and there is a drastic shortage of fuel. The scenario that Ronald writes about seems to sadly be the way the country is currently headed. This eerie prescience adds a further element of realism to The Angels' Footpath similar to the also prophetic novel by George Orwell, 1984.

Rick's and Phillip's business is targeted to be taken over by the government. The government is taking over ISP businesses and are intent on destroying Rick's and Phillip's company. Goons are sent to intimidate them and come close to beating some of their employees to death. It's around this time that Rick is awoken to who he really is and he decides to bring a new sort of gospel, a message of hope, peace, and love to everyone.

The Angels' Footpath is a moving and captivating novel that seems to prophetically evoke what is happening in America and around the world today. Ronald R. Cooke brings his characters to life for his readers with his vivid and descriptive writing style. There are both very kind and good characters, and some who are downright mean and nasty in Cooke's novel, just as there are in real life. If you like reading novels about spiritual journeys that are also sure to increase your faith, I'd highly recommend that you check out The Angels' Footpath and see for yourself what a fantastic author Ronald R. Cooke is. Read it, and perhaps get a glimpse into America's future!

Reviewed by Douglas R. Cobb for http://www.bestsellersworld.com/

Book Review of "The Jew in the Lotus" by Rodger Kamenetz

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The Jew in the Lotus [Softcover]

by Rodger Kamenetz

304 pages

ISBN-13: 978-0060645748

Nonfiction

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd

Religious faith without conviction seems to be antithetical to the very essence of conviction. Perhaps blind adherence to religious principles is the most restrictive philosophy adopted by a particular religion's devotees. As a Christian, this writer feels compelled to make a disclaimer - adherence to Christianity requires exclusivist thinking. To follow Jesus implies that the devotee has accepted the scriptural tenet which Christ spoke, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father but through me." [John 14:6]

Does such faithful adherence imply that no truth can be found in other religious expression? Of course not, but truth seldom intrudes where a locked mind exists. In the words of J.L. Borges: Truth never penetrates an unwilling mind.

The Jew in the Lotus is a fascinating discovery of what occurs when a diversified group of Jewish rabbis travel to India to have an exclusive meeting with the Dalai Lama, the religious and political leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Although this pilgrimage to Dharamsala, the seat of the Tibetan political administration in exile, occurred in 1990, the discoveries unfolded serve as a type of road map for pluralistic religious discussion.

At the heart of the book, Judaism meets Buddhism. What could these religious expressions have in common at all? Without trying to exhaustively detail the tenets of either religion, the first asserts that the pathway to God is accomplished by knowing and following his will as revealed in the Tanakh, a slightly altered derivation of the Christian Old Testament. The latter believes that life is marked by suffering and its purpose, in this life or another, is to follow the Eightfold Path to ameliorate suffering and to help all attain enlightenment, or Nirvana. From the outset, most would believe that there were very little points of convergence. As you read the story of this classic meeting, you see a different characterization unfolding.

The greatest convergence of these two diametrically opposed religious expressions is the reality of surviving in exile. For many centuries, Jewish people have been scattered worldwide via the Diaspora and have maintained their religious and cultural identity. Such survival expertise intrigued the Dalai Lama as he sought a way to keep his people inclined to their religious expression while in exile.

Another point of convergence surrounds their common belief that a type of exoteric enlightenment occurs via meditation, where both groups are attempting to quantify truth via ritualistic means. It is instructive that the term Jubu, which characterizes a Jew who practices Buddhism, was made famous by the narrative of this book.

Perhaps due to his proclivity for poetry, Kamenetz's prose seems unnecessarily lengthy in places. The reader should give him a wide berth as this tome reflects his rediscovery of his Jewish identity through Buddhism. Fortunately, for Kamenetz this trip helps him to veer away from a progressive atheism toward his religious heritage.

Kamenetz goes to great lengths to preserve many quotes from the liaison between the travelling Jews and the Dalai Lama. Many of these quotes will cause you to ponder: how is my religious expression practically working out in my life?

Larry Taunton - The Grace Effect - Book Review

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Many non-fiction books present their case and successfully persuade through intellectual reasoning. Fewer effectively wield the weapon of emotional appeal. Larry Taunton, Founder of Fixed Point Foundation, CNN columnist, and adoptive father, has managed to blend both strategies to create a very stimulating case for the power of Christian influence in society.

Taunton's book, The Grace Effect, begins with a conversation between two unlikely friends-Taunton himself, an apologetic and defender of Christianity, and the late Christopher Hitchens, prominent journalist and author of God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. As both parties present intellectual and historical evidence to promote their individual cases, the question arises, are atheists correct in their hypothesis that religion, such as Christianity, offers more societal destruction than good (demonstrated by events such as the Crusades), or, can religion, particularly Christianity, be the life breath of civility within a nation? At this point, the intellectual discussion takes a back seat to Taunton's deeply emotional story detailing his adoption of a little Ukrainian orphan, Sasha.

Ukraine, unlike the United States, has little to no Christian heritage. Rather, its foundation rests on the humanistic ideology of secularism, spawned by the Communist revolutions that plagued the eastern block of Europe in the last century. So when Taunton, his wife, and two sons flew to Ukraine to begin what should have been the happy process of adding an additional member to their family, they instead meet a seemingly unending series of obstacles deposited by Ukraine's secular bureaucracy. As we get to know Sasha, and are drawn into the story of her adoption, each road block motivates a frustration within the reader that forces one to reflect on the notion-does the influence of Christianity truly shape a culture for the better, as seen in the contrast between America and Ukraine?

Here's where Taunton presents what he calls inherited grace, or, the grace effect. Essentially, a society dominated by Christianity, even deep in its past, benefits as a whole from the ideology of love and forgiveness as proclaimed by Jesus. Naturally, even those who are not living the Christian faith benefit from those who are. Selfishness, greed, slander, and deceit take a backseat to generosity, encouragement, truth, and hope of purpose. These attributes become a societal norm, and filter all the way to the highest levels of government. Taunton proposes that America has benefited deeply from thisgrace effect, and demonstrates how Ukraine suffers from the lack thereof.

Ultimately, after weeks and weeks of arduous struggles with the corrupt Ukrainian orphanage and judicial systems, little Sasha finally gets to fly home with her new parents, and family. Here the reader realizes that the grace effect truly begins in the family, and that families are the cells that make the greater organism of society. Experiencing Sasha's delight with her new family and home as she learns she's no longer an orphan, but a daughter, offers a powerful closing argument for Taunton's grace effect theory. I highly recommend The Grace Effect to any reader wishing for a broader understanding of how Christian ideology can shape society through inherited grace.

I was provided a free copy of this book through the Pinkston Group and was not required to provide a positive review.

Peter Dudek is a writer/blogger at http://www.christian-fantasy.com/.

The Doctrine of the Incarnation and the Fact About Jesus' Sexuality

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Brown had raised several questions about the divinity of Jesus especially regarding His sexuality and the fact that he physically resurrected. Many Christians express their disgust and respond to the possibilities raised by Brown with such indignation. Many Christians would rather accept a lie to protect the sentiment of their traditional beliefs than face the fact of any historical evidence. Many do not have any profound reason to retain those beliefs, yet they are afraid to accept any radical change that may violate their sentiments. Richard Holloway in "Doubts and Love" called this a strong generic predisposition of christian fanaticism.

My focus in this short appraisal is to test the claim put forward by Brown that Jesus had sexual experiences (Please refer to the gospel according to Mary Magdalene); whether it dilutes the fact of the divinity of Jesus.

Brown's conjectures about the possibility of Jesus' sexual experience may not necessarily dilute the belief in the divinity of Jesus. It only attempts to change the way to believing in the divinity of Jesus. If Jesus was truly man, there may be nothing essentially wrong to imagine that he may have had sexual experiences (Brown) and this point does not intrinsically mean that his divinity is unjustifiable. In fact sex is part of being truly human; we only feel guilt about our sexual experiences because of our moral perversions.

Many Christians are afraid to confront the possibility of Brown's conjectures. Yet it is generally admitted that Jesus was, at least, truly man if not truly God. The fact of his true humanity gives evidence to the historical realities of his existence..."that he was born of a woman, lived in a society, had a vocation and experienced death". This sequence of events is experienced by every man living in history.

Whether or not there are historical evidences to support the claim of His sexuality, or the claim itself is a form of "doctrinal blackmail", it is still of no significant spiritual consequences. Sex, marriage and procreation are all human experiences. God created man with his sexuality. The reason for the incarnation may just be that: God entered human history as a man in Jesus; fully and truly man, to live and experience humanity, and justify the possibility of perfection in the human experience (be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect).

Sexuality is not essentially a sign of imperfection. Hence Christians need not fear to accept the possibility of Jesus sexual experiences whether or not it is true. In fact, it is a confirmation that Jesus actually had a place in the human history. It takes the fact of the incarnation beyond an exaggerated metaphor ('Elijah was a man like us'...likewise Jesus). That is, he experienced humanity.

It is only because many of us are blinded by the sentiments of our moral perversions that we unconsciously but actively deny the humanity of Jesus. The consequence of this attitude finds expression in the fact that, many of us Christians spend all the time talking about Jesus and our believe in Him instead of imitating his actions. It seems many of us are more of Jesus' advocates than Jesus-like people (Christians).

Book Review of "Letters to a Young Pastor" By Calvin Miller

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Letters to a Young Pastor [Paperback]

By Calvin Miller

David C. Cook Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-0781405775

$14.99, 256 pages (including front and back matter)

Those aspiring to professional ministry have the same dreams as individuals entering various careers. After sufficient academic preparation, each young minister has an idealistic view of the world and enters his first parish hopeful that he will translate biblical realities to an eager congregation. Idealism fades to black rather quickly, however, when this same minister realizes that ministry can be arduous work. Parishioners complain frequently, there never seems to be enough time, and there is always one more meeting to attend. For some, the path of least resistance is to leave the ministry and seek their "calling" somewhere else.

Most vocations do not live up the expectations placed upon them: there is always the difficult co-worker, implacable boss, or maniacal workload that drains vitality. In desperate times, it is as refreshing as a cold glass of water on an arid summer day to know that someone-anyone-understands the struggles you are facing.

Calvin Miller, seminary professor and prolific writer, understands the foibles of ministry. Opting to share twenty-five years worth of experience in a very personal manner, Miller has written a collection of letters to a young minister which he has placed into one of five categories:

Letters on Locating Your LifeGrowing a Large Worldview on a Shrinking PlanetNever Cast a Vision in an Empty SanctuarySermons: Great Introductions and Conclusions Kept as Close Together as PossibleCome into my Heart, Lord Jesus...please

On those days when the young pastor feels that he is ready to call it quits, instead he can turn to Miller's letter: Never Resign till Tuesday, and receive motivation to continue at least through the rest of the weekend.

In an attempt to undercut the implied acceptance of interpretive plurality that exists in the emergent movement, Miller reminds pastors that the clarion call of ministry is clearly specified in Jude 3. In this passage the author tells his readers, "Dear friends, although I have been eager to write to you about our common salvation, I now feel compelled instead to write to encourage you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints."(NET Bible). The faith that was entrusted to the saints buffets the modern emphasis of an emergent theology and reminds all of the primacy of Scripture to the minister's work. In those moments where either the work of the ministry or modernist tendencies would encroach on this reality, pastors should remember, "Biblical exposition is the work of the kingdom."

As I read this collection of letters, I was impressed by Miller's transparency as he wrote of personal struggles in ministry. His writing is grittily earthy and is underscored by quick-wittedness and sardonic sarcasm. In many places, I laughed out loud at the illustration he was making, but in each case, the truth behind the banter was spot on.

As a master teacher, Miller incorporates practical recommendations for those in ministry: including how to avoid impropriety with the opposite sex; staying connected with the Arts; and what to do when you just cannot seem to find Christ on any given day.

After a few decades of professional ministry, Miller noticed that the vocation has changed quite a bit. However, in the ecclesiastical pursuit two things always remained constant: God is love, and people are broken. Anyone who has accepted the call to minister soon realizes that the latter makes you quickly forget the former.

In the midst of troubling times, Letters to a Young Pastor, provides insight and motivation to pull through.

Reviewed by Steven King, MBA, MEd

Ministry or Monument?

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Human beings have an "edifice" complex-an urge to build something permanent. When Peter went with Jesus to the Mount of Transfiguration, he felt compelled to build a shrine, but that was not Jesus' plan. The meeting had served its purpose when Moses and Elijah returned to heaven. It was time to move on.

When the disciples marveled at the architecture of the Temple, Jesus contrasted its ephemeral nature with the glory of His resurrected body, the eternal temple of God. He could make the same comparison with any of the imposing structures that serve as churches today.

I once got involved with a ministry to soldiers in Iraq. We packaged gifts and sent them to the field with personal notes and words of encouragement. The program was so successful that Gary Sinise of CSI New York fame threw a concert every July to help us raise funds. When the war began to wind down, the leader said she would find another reason to keep the program going. Why the need to continue? It had served its purpose admirably. She just felt the need to memorialize the ministry.

Programs can easily become monuments to their founders. Perhaps they met a very real need at one time though that need has ceased to exist. Some needs may not be large enough to organize into a program or they may not be a priority for leadership. Some people are not joiners and will not voluntarily participate in a church program. Some people are shy about sharing their needs. Nonetheless, once a program has become part of the church schedule, it takes on a life of its own. Mere activity gives the impression of progress. Rarely does anyone stop to ask whether a program is actually achieving its purpose.

There should be an avenue of service for every believer, but church programs built around specific agendas seldom provide a ministry role for everyone. What is to be done for the person whom God has called to some other role or for whom the need doesn't fit the agenda? A better approach, in many cases, would be to form a ministry task force. The job of the task force would be to identify individual needs and allocate the resources to meet them. Rather than formalize a response with a one size fits all program, the ministry task force would be able to tailor its response to each individual need. Once the need gets met, it could move on rather than institutionalize the program.

The Apostle Paul's Ministry Partners*

Paul had some thirty seven different ministry partners. Some of these partners worked alongside him, others supported him, and still others served jail time with him, but they all united with him to reach those who had never heard the gospel. Each partner or combination of partners performed different roles depending on the nature of the ministry. The fact that Paul had so many partners indicates that his ministry was constantly changing with the needs on the ground. No church program or formal agenda handcuffed him.

The early church made a practice of caring for needs we entrust to the government and social welfare agencies today. Providing meals for widows was one such ministry. The Apostles chose a committee of seven men to ensure that both the Hebraic widows and the Greek-speaking widows in Jerusalem got their fair share of food. Paul took up a collection from the Asian churches to meet the needs of the suffering saints in Jerusalem, and believers of the church at Jerusalem sold their possessions to provide for the needs of the less fortunate among them.

Due to the affluence of our American society, needs may not be so apparent as they were even fifty years ago, but individuals still experience misfortune, families still suffer loss, and the elderly still struggle with loneliness and disability. Just because the modern church has gotten out of the practice of meeting practical needs does not mean there are no needs. The church may not be able to manage all of these needs but they can encourage their members to root out the needs and minister to one another in practical ways. The Internet allows people to make their needs known from the comfort of their own homes even if they cannot get to church. Given the sophistication of modern communications, there is no excuse for overlooking the needs of the church family. Church leaders just need to be flexible enough to adapt their ministries to the changing needs of society and their own members.

* Paul's Ministry Partners:

Aquilla, Luke, Lucius, Tychicus, Apphia, Andonichus, Marcus, Urbane, Aristarchus, Archippus, Nymphus, Onesiphorus, Carpus, Barnabus, Phebe, Philemon, Epaphras, Demus, Priscilla, Secundus, Erastus, Epaphroditus, Silas, Sopater, Jason, Gaius, Tertius, Timothy, Justus, Junia, Titus, Trophimus, Tyrannus

Ministry Task Forces Posted by Craig on Feb 25, 2012

Take a look inside the book The Casual Christian at: http://casualchristian.net/book-site

Find more articles like this one, visit my blog at http://casualchristian.net/blog

What Did Earth Look Like Before Noah?

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Many secular institutions provide avenues for their employees to openly express disagreements in a constructive way. For example, my wife's company does an anonymous online survey every year that gives employees a chance to offer constructive criticism of their superiors. There is still one institution, however, that stifles dissent. That institution is the church. Most church leaders would be horrified at the prospect of an anonymous review. They would view it as insubordination. You won't find an op-ed page in the church newsletter.

I have told a number of church leaders about my disappointments with the church. One accused me of 'church bashing.' When I told another that the church was due for revival he said he didn't like the word, 'revival.' His comment made no sense to me. After all, the word just means to 'revitalize' or bring back to life. Then it occurred to me. To say the church needs revival would mean that he and his seminary brethren hadn't been doing their job! Although I am sure he wouldn't admit it, he considered the church a work of his hands rather than a product of the Holy Spirit.

I have never belonged to a church that had a mechanism for providing feedback to leadership. So leaders have no idea whether their ministries are achieving their objectives. Without regular feedback, what would stop errant leadership from continuing to stray? But voicing a difference of opinion with church leadership is generally frowned upon.

Where does this 'brook no dissent' mentality come from? I believe it comes from the mistaken notion that leadership is ordained by God and their decisions are gospel. So anyone who disagrees is challenging the will of God. That would be a legitimate viewpoint if human beings were guided by wholly altruistic motives. But the fact is that we all have hidden agendas and promote our own self interests. Sometimes it is difficult to know how much this agenda influences our decisions. That voice we hear in our head may not be the voice of God, but our own. That is why we need to hear different viewpoints. Proverbs 15:21 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Leaders must be willing to hear all sides of an issue.

There hasn't been a nationwide revival in the United States since before the Civil War. By the time the Third Great Awakening had run its course, it had spread from coast to coast producing over 50,000 converts per week and a total of over one million new believers. Nationwide, the population of the churches had been increased by ten percent. There was a return to public morality as taverns were closed and businessmen paid off their debts. Charities and volunteers multiplied as faith found expression in humanitarian work.

Why don't we see this kind of outpouring of the Holy Spirit today? It is because church leaders have replaced reliance on the Holy Spirit with human methods such as church growth and management techniques. The church has been subjected to scientific methods in order to produce a type of synthetic growth characterized by a church full of hangers on who seek the status and prestige of church membership but are not prepared to sacrifice in the service of Christ. However, because leaders will hear no criticism of the way they do things, the church just keeps drifting farther and farther off course.

If we ever want to see God pour out his Holy Spirit upon the church in revival, our leaders need to be receptive to constructive criticism, turn from their reliance on man-made methods, and depend on the Holy Spirit build His church.

Take a look inside the book The Casual Christian at: http://casualchristian.net/book-site.

Find more articles like this one, visit my blog at http://casualchristian.net/blog.

Book Review of "Honest Reflections From an Open-Minded Christ Follower" by Ed Gungor

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Although scripture clearly states that a "double minded man is unstable in all his ways," open-minded Christ followers have to agree - there are some issues about Christianity that create discomfort. It is not a stretch to admit that a truthful Christian grapples with a certain amount of doubt along the journey. Denying the potential of doubt is being intellectually dishonest. The question is - are you alone in your doubts or are others having similar debates?

Ed Gungor's candor in What Bothers Me Most about Christianity is admirable. His prose is easily followed and his development of key issues evidences sufficient thought and study. Pastor Gungor is to be commended - his selection of pivotal issues speaks to the doubts of which thinking Christians struggle. It is refreshing to read of a popular pastor's doubts and see honest reflection. Such transparency only elevates the author's authenticity.

Not satisfied to talk about trite issues, Gungor tackles some of the bigger things which plague Christians. For example, one issue dealt with is the idea that Jesus Christ is the only way to a relationship with God. Since post modernity seeks all things pluralistic, the exclusivity purported by Christianity's claims cause some to feel the sting of unfairness. Could a loving God banish the faithful of religions contrary to Christianity to utter torment? If the Bible is truthful then a Christian has to concede that God would respond according to scripture. Gungor seeks to bring balance by admitting that the nuances of saving faith are not easily understandable and that Christians should only convey this message with the undergirding of love. In his response he never denies the truthfulness of the issue but makes it clear that an audience of mutual respect is best for dialogue.

Thinking Christians will benefit from reading about the other issues with which Gungor wrestles. Classic debates, such as "Why is there Evil in this World?" and "How does one reconcile reason with faith?" are presented in logical fashion. Gungor's desire is to share his reflections which enables him to write candidly about how thinking Christians struggle to explain something as prevalent as evil.

Faith is a journey. If you would enjoy a cogent development of such issues - this book is for you.

What Bothers Me Most about Christianity: Honest Reflections From an Open-Minded Christ Follower. [Soft cover]

by Ed Gungor

256 pages, $15.99

ISBN-10: 1416592555

Nonfiction

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd

Croissance de l'église en Afrique par rapport à la Corée du Sud

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The spreading of the gospel in Africa came at the same time with colonialism and slave trade, hence African people received the gospel with mixed feeling. Many African people believed that the bible is the work of a white man and Christianity a religion of the white people. In the African context religion was based on ancestral worship, familiar spirits, spiritism and occultism, and these became greatest hindrances to gospel penetration in Africa. To isolate themselves from what they thought was a white man's religion they went about and tried to establish their own African rooted traditional churches which promoted Africanism rather than godliness, of course some of these religions and ancestral worships were there way long before the Christian proclamation in Africa.

In this article, am going to present to you distinguishing factors, characteristics, theologies and practices which I believe led to the Revival and Growth of South- Korean churches. We know that South -Korea has the largest church population in our times and that probably the largest church being in Seoul. Korea is now divided into two separate countries namely North and South Korea. North Korea is a communist state and does not strongly believe in Christianity although we have Christian in that place it still needs to be evangelised effectively. Communism is a great enemy of Christian proclamation just like Islam, through communism and Islam many Christians are persecuted and missionaries martyred especially in Japan, North Korea. Philippines, Nigeria, etc. On the other hand South Korea is a faith based country with a large church population and now one of the leading missionary sending countries in the world. One would like to know how two sister nation differ in terms of approach towards spiritual issues of faith. Comparing two nation's economies you will be shocked that it's possible that South Korea is more resourced than North Korea why? Its because when Revival broke forth in South Korea in 1902 it brought about a revolution in the economy of the country. How did this happen? They are causes which we may look closely at which I believe led to the Revival and growth of South Korean churches. Every Korean wishes that 1902 would happen again because its what brought about the challenges and positive things which are now the fruit of that Revival. I tried by all means to research and talk to Korean pastors to hear from their mouth what actually caused the Revival and growth of Korean Churches. Since the Revival in 1902 God has used South Korean missionaries across many parts of the world who are sent into the mission field. Allow me to put down the features and characteristics which I believe led to the Revival of Korean churches comparing to African ministries.

THE MISSION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF KOREAN CHURCHES

PRAYER MOUNTAINS

South -Korea is well known for a great number of Prayer Mountains. In this country lays the secret of a praying nation which has become their main characteristic and strong weapon for transforming the nation. South Korea has a lot of Prayer Mountains where people go to pray and seek the face of God. At these prayer mountains the sacrifice of prayer is offered at any time of the day. From a distance you can hear loud voices and cries from these mountains as people pray to God According to many Korean missionaries I have spoken to about Korea especially Pastor Samuel Hong Lee a Korean missionary in south Africa, the Korean stability in politics and economical preservations are a result of the prayers offered country wide. Specific prayers are offered for the president, business men and also Korean missionaries in the field world wide. What has made the Korean church differ from the African churches is the mission of the church.

WHAT MAKES KOREAN CHURCH GROW

COMPARED TO AFRICAN CHURCHES

When asked, many ministers will ascribe prayer and committed giving as the cause for the revival. For years, Korean ministers have simply given the Korean church the word of God and the Holy Spirit has done the job". This is true because many Korean Christians are more biblical in their faith, theology, prayers and practice. I don't deny the fact that they have their own weakness but church growth is not one of their weakness or problems but African ministries this is a great concern.

All they do is They teach, they pray and God works its that simple.

In order for any mission minded church to succeed in missions, we need to establish a clear mission theology, further I would like to mentions that evangelism and social responsibility must be harmonized, a separation of the two must be regarded as a compromise to the apostolic theology and mission strategy. if we neglect such stewardship, we cannot produce any historical work and fruit of the Holy Spirit from every labours in the mission field. Below I introduce to you features and characters which describes the Korean church and the characteristics of the African churches. we must also that the Korean church has its own weakness and problems but church growth is not one of their problems. below are few weakness which I have identified in the Korean church and Korean missionaries.

Some have noted out that the growth of Korean churches is as a result of conformity rather than repentance and personal faith in God. This is because Christian faith which does not help us change our character and behaviour is not legitimate Christianity.

Some Korean missionaries have failed in the mission field due to their reluctance to learn local languages especially African languages and adapting to local or indigenous cultures. The exploitative attitudes of some Korean missionaries

Dishonest practices

Personal entitlement to property rather than missionary service

EXAMINATION OF THE KOREAN CHURCH AND THE

AFRICAN CHURCH

SOUTH KOREAN CHURCH

1. South Korean churches received the bible as the word of God and sought to believe and understand it by faith rather than logically. This led to the birthing of bible studies groups and prayer meeting in homes and early morning prayers.

AFRICAN CHURCH

2. African people received the bible with mixed feeling they believed it to be a Whiteman's book which was used to oppress a Blackman and led to slavery and colonialism, So African traditional churches would rather believe in ancestral worship and spirits rather than the biblical teachings. In African culture traditional churches there is less proclamation using the bible and that has led to a gross ignorance to Gods word, hence people perish for lack of knowing God. Their is more population in traditional and

religious churches than in true bible believing churches.

SOUTH KOREAN CHURCH

3. South -Korean churches became consistent in Revival meeting were mass proclamations were done emphasising what the scripture says. Church doors in Korean churches are kept open every day for prayers early in the morning and any other time of the day for prayers and supplications with groaning. These are petitions and cries to God. This remind me a great evangelist and teachers of the word who once said.

AFRICAN CHURCH

4. African churches attend prayer meetings and revivals periodically particularly on Sunday only. weekly prayer meetings and bible study groups are poorly attended by the Christians. Church doors are closed during the week and are open only on Sundays, hence a sense of disciple and mentoring is lacking. Discipleship is the key to developing effective and constructive church members and leaders.

SOUTH KOREAN CHURCH

5. South Korean Christians have faith that anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ

AFRICAN CHURCH

6. African churches are rather concerned about their burial after they die than their eternity and they fear death and respect their traditions or cultures than fear God.

SOUTH KOREAN CHURCH

7. South Korean Christians are dedicated to attending early morning prayers leading them to personal revival and blessing. If you asked them why they attended early morning prayers their answer will be "Jesus prayed early in the morning so I also pray in the morning.

SOUTH KOREAN CHURCH

8. South Korean Christians are dedicated givers in term of tithe, offerings, special offerings and sacrificial giving and this has led to the resourced Korean church ministry which has helped the local churches to send and support their missionaries and local ministers.

AFRICAN CHURCH

9. African churches for decades have not learnt the principle of giving whole heartedly making the church to be poor and financially disadvantaged hence the foresight for missions and targeted evangelism has been narrowed. The African church is poor because they are not open to the spirit of giving and tithing

SOUTH KOREAN CHURCH

10. South Korean Christians have active faith that gets involved practically in the work of God. The spirit of volunteerism grips their hearts to serve God with all their hearts.

AFRICAN CHURCH

11. African Christians all their efforts and hard work is done in favour of the pastor

not as an obligation of service to God. Lack of volunteerism has hindered the progress of the African ministries and churches. if only people can get involved in the work of God without wrong motives as ministry helper missionary workers not as ministers. Today we are faced with a challenged that people come to church for position and as long as you have some kind of public speaking skills you can easily become a pastor in the African churches. Come to church putting on a nice suit you qualify to be minister. A lack of better procedure of entrance into ministry through credible means of legitimate ordination has led to the confusion of the African ministry style. This is a catastrophe to ministry, revival and church growth.

SOUTH KOREAN CHURCH

12. South Korean Christians were/are willing to risk their lives for the sake of the gospel with a devotion to the spirit of martyrdom. Their faith is rooted in a deeper relationship with God. A relationship with God is valued than human relationships.

AFRICAN CHURCH

13. African churches are not yet open to biblical truth especially those in mainline religious traditional churches. They are more churches in Africa which are labelled as Christian churches but only a few are biblically sound hence a large number of so called Christians are not exposed to the truth. Bible centred preaching and messages are required to appeal to the masses, even when some other African churches claim to be Christian their practices and doctrinal beliefs have totally revealed that they are cults or occultic (dead religions). Our ministry strategy must be designed to meet the needs of the people and to minister to the whole man and provide life coaching. an open approach to address social, economical, spiritual, intellectual and emotional aspects of life is a vital key to effective ministry African churches need this. A correct application of talent, knowledge and wisdom will bring a substantial impact and contribution to the church in Africa. The church in Africa has taken a long time to arise from the slumber and have allowed ignorance and laziness in the name of spirituality. Many Pentecostal and other Christian people in Africa think that fate is a sign o godliness and that riches, education, progress, business is the devil and that we need to isolate ourselves. this mean they thought or think if you rich you are a sinner. So they are not involved socially, economically and politically in the affairs of this world.

SOUTH KOREAN AND AFRICAN CHRISTIANS

14. South Korean Christians and African Christians both need openness to the manifestations and activities of the Holy Ghost and openness to the truth of God's word against false teachings and false doctrines. Embracing the gifts of the Spirit and allowing ourselves to function in the gifts which God has given the church. A full acceptance biblical teaching and the doctrine of the Holy Ghost is the missing element in bringing revival in the church.

SOUTH KOREAN AND AFRICAN CHURCHES

15. South Korean churches and African Christians both needs consistency in prayer and fasting focused on evangelism, ministry and missions. Christians need to plant a seed for Revival. Consistent prayer saturates and sanctifies polluted places.

AFRICAN CHURCH

16. African Christian churches need massive Revival meetings and proclamation

meetings focused on prayer, relationship building and worship as our daily duty to God. Our lives must be God influenced and centred on true worship and Praise. As African churches we need to improve our worship styles and shortening our long sermons. Revival will only come if we become worship centred.

AFRICAN CHURCH

17. African Christian churches needs a strong leadership of the pastor and members submission to the clergy and offer full support to their ministers. Respect for the clergy (Men of God) pastoral leadership is needed. Lack of submission to God ordained leadership has costed African ministries set backs in church growth. It has led to splits and break aways leaving congregations wounded, frustrated and destroyed. This has left the presiding pastors operate in the spirit of bitterness, unforgiveness and anger. Lack of submission destroys the morale of the pastor leading him to ineffectiveness in the ministry. Splits and breakaways will always weaken African ministries and ministers. Its one of the reasons why many African ministries were started out of conflict, misunderstanding and lack of submission to Godly authority that is a wrong foundation. This is a cancer which is killing the church in Africa. Many ministries if you could check the motives of their starting ministry you will agree with me that many have a wrong foundation hence they cannot be established have a good ending.

THINGS WHICH MAKE AFRICAN PENTECOSTAL AND

CHARISMATIC MINISTRIES WEAK

There are things which I would like to discus in relating to what make African churches weak more especially independent Pentecostal and charismatic Christians. I don't doubt the potential African ministries have in terms of evangelism but only eight things which I will note down will make you realize what makes us weak.

DOCTRINE

Issues of doctrine are matters of concern; many independent ministries do not have a sense of central doctrinal teaching or liturgy which they can instil in the lives of their churches members. The misunderstanding of the Pentecostal and charismatic doctrines has led to the development of an inconsistent teaching methodology and wrong interpretation of doctrine and other biblical passages which does not lead to true discipleship, Hence member grow up with a mixed up interpretation of a sound Christian doctrines. The different opinions of interpretations on certain biblical teachings has led to different understandings and school of thoughts which end up confuse and divide us hence people break away to start their own movements and that makes independent churches and ministries even more weak. If correctly understood these doctrines will make Pentecostal and charismatic independent churches strong. We have reduced ministry to the pulpit only and our teachings and messages are not consistent on the pulpit, each service has its own direction in the name of as the spirit leads and that is why we have a lot of heresy, dissentions and dissentions and that is why our churches cannot grow because they are doctrinary weak.

1 Timothy1 vs7 Desiring to be teachers of the law understanding neither what they say or affirm KJV

Discipleship programs aimed at producing mature Christian is not provided because the same people who want to be teachers of the word must first be taught the elementary doctrine of the Christian faith.

3. BREAK AWAYS. Breakaways are the major problems of independent African ministries and most of these break always are caused by lack of submission and lack of spiritual parenting skills from the senior pastors who mistreat their associates and abuse and use them to fulfil their own secret agendas by suppressing others and usurping authority and dominion over others. A correct teaching in regards to the ministry of helps and other New Testament ministry functions will help us resolve the conflicts in our churches. An organized biblical leadership structure comprised of the Elders, deacons, deaconess and presbytery must be restored in order to control the influx of every one becoming a minister or a pastor of a church. It is true that the population in our Pentecostal

independent ministries is small but from the same small population which we have some pull out and establish another independent ministry which makes the old church and new churches rivals instead of allies or co-workers and this makes us both weak. Strength and resources, vision and purpose is lost a long the way because of this and it will always take time for the church which has been through a breakaway or a split to heal. Restoration of church order is essential to the strengthening and the growth of African independent churches especially black churches. If any one think or hears a call of God I advise you to follow the biblical order of doing things, God is not the author of confusion.

CONFLICTS.

Seditions and dissentions Conflict in the independent church weakens the church, These conflict are caused by lack of submission to ordained Godly leadership and authority. The Apostolic Anointing is lacking in many independent ministries and churches. Many African ministries are so independent that they can not be accountable to anyone hence there is a problem to make church members submit to their leadership because the foundation is wrong. Biblical order is required for us to fix the problems which our ministries are facing. Don't expect anyone to submit to your leadership if you do not submit or have never submitted before.

CHURCH ORDER

Church order is not available in many independent charismatic and Pentecostals, biblical order and liturgy is not observed at all. we need to teach our generation proper order of worship and respect for the clergy. Every one does what he

think and claims the lord told him to do their no any check and balance in what we do. Let get a clear understanding from the early church, According to Ephesians 2vs20 the church then and the church now is established upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets and Jesus Christ being the head and the chief cornerstone. The Apostle emphasised that what ever every one did and taught must be consistent and subject to the teachings of the Apostles anything contrary was not the gospel. Many Christian think church order is religion, the truth is church is not religion but the right tool and foundation for church growth for our God is not the author of confusion but order. If we cannot respect order then we cannot respect authority in any capacity. We need to restore church order.

SPIRITUAL COVERING

For ministry to be effective and spiritual gifts to be fruitful on needs a spiritual covering. A church without any pastoral or Apostolic foundation cannot and will never grow. Churches of this nature do not have respect for Men of God and the Anointing and will never appreciate the gift you have no matter how you try and will always be problematic. A Church without this foundation of the Apostle or the pastoral foundation has no Spiritual covering over it. This same applies in a church where their not a firm foundation of prayer expect confusion, divisions, gossip and a circus. Earlier on I noted that not many pastors have a spiritual covering hence they cannot provide one for their church member. A Spiritual covering is an umbrella or shelter through people are nurtured and guided into Christian maturity, in short it's a parental covering which allows a father and a spiritual son to mingle. It's by this that internalisation and impartation takes place. Spiritual mentoring and parenting is required for us to raise spiritual son and daughters, we need to develop a deeper relationship with our spiritual children.

Each spiritual father has a challenge to discover spiritual children in terms of spiritual gifts calling and ministry and empower them and establish them in their God given ministry, A spiritual father has prophetic power to decree and release the gift which God has put upon his flock. Spiritual fathers must provide object and practical lessons and teaching with hands blended on ministry. In as much as the

African churches do not have sons also we do not have good spiritual fathers all we have are oppressors, there is very poor relationship between the pastor as and their congregations. Our spiritual children must be our pride and not an intimidation. You can not help your spiritual children with anything if you have not yet discovered them. The breach of relation between the sheep and the shepherd makes Pentecostals weak. It takes time to build a lasting Spiritual covering its just like building a house for your children. I noted in this book that the dynamics of church growth are similar to that of a family.

It's difficult to establish a church or a ministry without a spiritual covering. A spiritual covering is an incubator for a vision, calling and a ministry. Many people have the anointing but they do not have a spiritual covering, A spiritual covering provides you with a strong foundation for effective ministry. Watch the people who come from a right spiritual covering? I may as well say watch the people who come from a right family, check their ministries, their lives and their marriages. Many churches struggle because they don't have a spiritual covering, The church can not grow without a spiritual covering.

The church can only grow under a fertile spiritual covering, we need to put a distinction between a spiritual covering and the anointing When you rebel from a specific spiritual covering you go without a blessing your spiritual father has a blessing for you. Our spiritual parenting skills are so poor, weak and compromised that we cannot teach and disciple our own congregations to maturity. Our spiritual parenting skills are seen in our ability to produce sons and daughters and not church members. Our aim should to raise mature Christians who in turn will become co-workers not just converts. Sons and daughters have the spirit of submission and good spiritual fathers have good parenting skills

AFRICAN CHURCHES ARE NOT CLUSTERED

I know some will contest this by saying we are called differently so there is no need of being clustered. Many African ministries and church are not clustered and this has resulted into a very serious isolation in the way we operate and handle spiritual matters. We may differ in proclamation methods, in faith, in liturgy, in practice of theology and interpretation but that should not divide us each should learn to respect other people's interpretation. our purpose of reaching out for Christ mustn't be compromised or reduce into just mare religious politics, we must accept that God works in diversity. In this context clustered I mean united OR ONE ACCCORD. Church forums and ministers fraternals have not played or done a good job in fulfilling this noble cause. we need to unite in practice and not in words only that will be the time the church will be powerful Psalm 133vs1-6 let us not allow religious politics to divide us and religious garbage to stand the way of our unity and God's work. Personal agendas are not a good recipe for church growth and church health.

Early Pentecostals (not the early church) had similar problems they had serious differences in terms of interpretation of certain biblical passages and things. Because the desire to be on top they became victims of charismatic assassination as they label each other false prophets and accused and discredited each other using ungodly means instead of helping each other carry burdens they criticised and killed each other's ministries and reputations.

JEALOUSY

Jealousy in the church and among the ministers is a deadly virus, many Christian are so jealousy of each other that they don't wish anything good to happen to you except themselves. Many find it difficult to rejoice with others, for example if another minister and his church seem to be making progress they will call him names and throw stones at him that is jealousy. When you seem to have a bit of light and you have direction for your ministry and life you become a potential threat, enemy and

source of panic and intimidation in other believers. If you want to know who is praying, how many love you and how many are on your side just buy a car or get married or show some progress in your ministry or just tell every body your dream and vision or become active in the church you will see the reaction of the other saints. show some signs of potential change and focus you will be attacked. I want you to try this tell your pastor that you want to be serious with God by preaching. fasting and all kinds of ministry activity that will be the beginning of your persecution and exit from that church, you will be hated, rejected and hurt by the church folks and ministers "who do you think you are? You think you are smart and clever? We have always done it this way.

SOUTH KOREAN CHURCH

18. South Korean Christians submit themselves to the leadership of the pastor willingly without forcing them. They do it as a service to God. Regardless of age they respect and submit themselves to the clergy. The strong leadership of the pastor has led to the growth and strength of Korean churches. From the eyes of an African I submit this work and analysis I have confidence that you will find this work helpful and experience Gods great Revival in your church in terms of financial growth, spiritual growth, numerical growth and church growth. It could be dangerous for me to suggest that if you can do what Korean churches do your church will grow but failure also to observe certain features and learn from them and discover the better ways of reviving Africa dying churches. Revival is still possible as we see economies of Africa crumbling and ministries troubled we need to look to God for healing in our ravaged society in Africa.

For years I have taken a careful look and compared church growth in Africa with other continent s in this case I have chosen to compare the features of the African church and those of the Korean church which I have in the nutshell I discuss in this article.

Why many churches in Africa don't grow, if taken seriously, the weaknesses as described in this article can help many african and korean ministers.

Examination. 1.

It was important for me to include in these things;

1. The foundation of Christian proclamation in Africa

2. Pentecostalism comes to Africa

3. Proclamation theories differing from each church affiliation and missionary establishments

4. An examination of charismatic doctrines compared to that of Pentecostals.

Examination. 3.

I had to carefully compare the African church to the Korean church why? Korea is reported to be the country which experiencing the fastest growth in Church population and one of the great missionary sending countries in the 21st century in every country you go you will find Korean missionaries, up to this present day missionary bodies are still alive and still sending missionaries. I have cross examined the two church though dynamics and theology may be different they are certain things which

African ministries have to learn, one of the reasons for the revival and growth of the Korean church is their sacrificial giving, faith which prays earnestly, Financial support and respect to the clergy (Pastors) and their model of prayer and fasting which they confirm that they do after the model of Jesus Christ. Since the revival of 1902, the church and the national economy has changed drastically, when asked many Korean Christians will tell you that all this has been as a result of prayer. If you look at the Japanese church and North Korean church and compare with the Korean church you will notice and find a big difference because by establishment Japanese and North Korea are communist and their philosophy is opposed to Christian the faith. They are reasons and characteristics to the revival and growing of the South Korean churches

1. Prayer Mountains and prayer homes or houses

2. Cell churches

3. Missionary work

4. Their mission as Korean churches

5. Their personal lives are characterized by prayer and fasting.

Though the South Korean church is not predominant charismatic or Pentecostal by tradition, they have practiced communal prayer for specific missions and reasons. For example they have specific days where they pray for the president, the economy, the mission field and their missionaries around the world. You will find reformed theology besides other theological disciplines. The Korean church have maintained up to now church order both for sending and accepting ministers, you have to go through further missionary, pastoral and ordination training besides theological qualification. This has reduced the risk of having unprofessional people taking on the things of God without counting the cost unlike in Africa. Glory To God

APOSTLE LACKSON BANDA
AFRICA MISSION CHURCH
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