Jump to content

Jim_Alaska

Administrators
  • Posts

    3,689
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    171

Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to *Light* in Contrary Doctrine   
    Thanks for the devotional, Jim!
    It really gets my blood boiling once Christmas season begins. It's all about what sort of presents will I be receiving; instead of the Greatest gift that God the Father purchased for us: His One and Only Son who bore our sins on the Cross. This world is becoming more paganized as the Coming of the Lord draws near!
    God Bless!
  2. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to *Light* in Righteousness and Justification   
    Thank you for posting this, Jim! We know that TRUE Christianity is the ONLY "religion" that is not based on "human achievement" -- but through the imputed righteousness from Christ as you pointed out very well. I am exasperated by all these "cults" that attempt to attain a righteous standing before God on their own merit; not knowing that their "righteousness" is nothing more than a menstrual cloth in God's sight. Matthew 7:21-23 gives an example of those who call Jesus lord, and then "boast" about their works (v.22); such false converts like SDA's, Jehovah's Witness, and Mormons will be in for a rude awakening on that day. Their "works" are nothing more than an "abomination" unto our Lord and God -- and a stench in His nostrils.
    God Bless!
  3. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from *Light* in Peace in the Midst of the Storm   
    Many times the storms of life are the catalyst that causes people to look to the only hope of salvation that can carry them through the storm. Peter is a fine example of Christian life experiences; though the storms of life may at times cause us to falter, our faith in our Savior God will always carry us through.  Ps 119:116  Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
    Thank you for this fine devotion Alan; we all need to be reminded that He who created and upholds all things is more than able to hold us up amid the storms of life.
  4. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to Alan in Analyzing the Chinese word, 'Righteousness.'   
    It is exciting to see how in these last days the Lord is working among the Chinese people.
  5. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from *Light* in Four Principles for Building a Church   
    Alan,
    When I still lived and worked in Alaska I had the privilege to meet and work with a Chinese man who became a good friend. We both worked for a scientific research facility. He was a Plasma and Atomic scientist from Beijing. His name was Chung Wu.
    He did not speak english well and we quickly made a deal for me to teach him English and him to teach me Chinese. The result was 50/50 he learned English and I did not learn Chinese. lol I still retain three words of Chinese, but that's about it, it is a difficult language to learn, at least for me.
    He had never driven a motor vehicle, only rode a bike in China. So I also taught him to drive, which made him very happy.
    We became fast friends with me inviting him to dinner at my house where we usually had language lessons after dinner. When he learned that I attended church he became interested and began to attend with me. We had many opportunities to talk about The Lord in private also. I believe he came to know The Lord at that time. He never actually gave a testimony to that fact, but he did show evidence of being saved in that he developed a burning desire to take his newfound Christianity back home to his people when he returned home. We had many private Bible studies together.
    Unfortunately shortly after he had to return to Beijing he passed away. I believe he is now with The Lord. He was a dear friend and I sorely miss him, but rejoice in his conversion and enthusiasm for spiritual things. I thank The Lord often for putting Chung Wu in my life and the opportunities we shared.
  6. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to *Light* in The LORD was with Joseph   
    Yep! Weve all heard the old adage, "sometimes you don't know what you've got until it's gone." God most assuredly gives Grace to the humble, and that applies in all areas of our life and walk with the LORD -- and not just our Salvation. When I was homeless, I would be in a clique . . . and we would band together in an effort to assist each other with ideas on how we would get off our feet and off the streets; we wouldn't just fend for ourselves, but we would help each other. Most of us (through prayer) got off the streets eventually, and some were more "successful" and had better homes and jobs. There were a few from the "homeless" crew who became too complacent and bragged about how much wealth they've obtained from once being homeless; and to make a long story short . . . a few of them ended up getting demoted at their jobs and had to settle with living in apartments. They were fuming as a result of this and blamed it all on God, and asked, "what did Ido wrong?" They failed to appreciate the fact and the vital life lesson that even though they had been demoted and lost their houses -- it was still a "step-up" from being homeless. 
    The more humble we are . . . the better the "chances" our prayers will be answered. I always realize that in ALL my prayers -- that we often need to depend on the prayers of those who have prayed BEFORE us -- so that God's divine providence can be accomplished synergistically through other members of the body of Christ. I personally do NOT have any desire to obtain more materially than what the LORD has already supplied according to His riches and glory. I am absolutely content with living in a small cottage with a stove, bathroom, and a couch where I can lay my head. I have declined job offers that had salaries much higher than what I am earning now. I did so  because it would take too much time off of my life from doing my labor of love -- which is serving the LORD. Pride often times leads to greed and a haughty attitude towards others, and this is a dangerous way to live; because this will ultimately lead down a path of destruction where there awaits a cliff that they will plunge off of it blind-folded to their demise.
    God Bless!
  7. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to Alan in Grace: It’s Meaning and Source   
    Thank you for the devotion on grace. The devotion is a blessing and a reminder of the love of God manifested on the cross of Calvary.
  8. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to *Light* in The LORD was with Joseph   
    Thanks Alan! The story of Joseph is a perfect example of not only humility, but strength being perfected in our weaknesses -- such as the apostle Paul in his frailties. Both were dependent upon the Lord and His sovereign decree. What Joseph's brothers meant for evil -- God meant for good. Joseph was debased . . . and in the Lord's perfect timing -- he was exalted (cf. Matt. 23:12). Who knows what could/would have happened if God had decided to remove Paul's "thorn in the flesh"...
    God Bless!
  9. Thanks
    Jim_Alaska reacted to *Light* in Grace: It’s Meaning and Source   
    Absolutely, Jim! Those who believe that Salvation can be lost accuse Eternal Security proponents of using Grace as a "license for immorality". That is NOT what we believe. The Word of God teaches just the opposite: that the Grace of God results in "godliness" and a pursuit of holiness and separation from the world. 
    For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. [Teaching us] that, [denying ungodliness and worldly lusts], we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and [the glorious appearing] of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-13)
    Those who are truly saved by the Grace of God look for the glorious appearing of our Lord; and that is accompanied with us being purified through Christ dwelling in us.
    Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, [when he shall appear], we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And [every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself], even as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)
    God Bless!
  10. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from Alan in The New Birth   
    You are welcome Alan, glad you enjoyed it.
  11. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to *Light* in Spiritual Growth   
    I didn't even know that this website had devotionals until a few days back. As mentioned by Alan, it is the Father who does the "pruning" so that we can bring forth MORE fruits in due season. And in that parable -- Jesus said that we can do NOTHING unless we "abide" in Him. The Roman Catholics and their pedophile priests put so much time and effort into "purifying" themselves, when all the while they're heaping judgment unto themselves with their self-righteousness which is a stench in the nostrils of our Lord God.
    God Bless!
  12. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to Doc Flay in Contrary Doctrine   
    Good sermon and an excellent lesson in sound doctrine. It is sad that liberal thinking is so easily acceptable and comfortable to receive and live by.  Its no wonder that some churches fall so easily and  the congregation is made weak. 
     
    Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Gal.6:1 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Eph. 4:13
  13. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from John Young in Genesis 37:15-36, The Spirit & the Flesh: Joseph & his Brethren   
    Thank you for this sermon Bro. Alan. The life and actions of Joseph are always an inspiration to me and a joy to teach and meditate on.
    His attitude in service to God are exemplified in his submissive three words, "Here am I." This gives us a graphic example of a life totally dedicated his service to his God.
  14. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from Alan in Closed Communion   
    Thanks for the nice comments folks, it is appreciated. 
  15. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to Alan in The LORD was with Joseph   
    Thank you for your kind words Jim.
    As you mentioned in Luke 16:12, one of the tests in the life, in the life of the unbeliever, and the believer, is for God to see how we treat the possessions, and well-being, of other people. If we are are not faithful in what another man has; how can we be faithful in what God wants to give us?
    Paul the apostle further stated, "Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful" 1 Corinthians 4:2 a steward is to faithfully take care of another man's possessions and faithfully do the duty of another man. Paul is primarily stating this conduct of a man's character to the minister of the gospel. Therefore, as stewards of the grace of God, as stewards of the proclaiming of the gospel of God,  we are to be found faithful in our personal conduct, in the ministry, and in doctrine.
  16. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from Alan in The LORD was with Joseph   
    Thank you Alan, this was a blessing to me. In reading this devotion I was drawn to contemplate the exact opposite of the character that Joseph showed throughout his life. To the wise Christian Joseph's life and upright lifestyle are much more than examples of how a Christian should live; they should also serve as examples to those who may have a tendency to let their feet slip just a little. Those who do so forget that it is not man they deal with, but they are dealing with an Omniscient God who sees and knows and justly rewards everything.
    There are extremely negative consequences for an unjust steward that could follow him his entire life and negate any work attempted for The Lord:  Num. 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.
     Luke. 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? 
  17. Like
    Jim_Alaska reacted to Ronda in Analyzing the Chinese word, 'Righteousness.'   
    Thank you for the Chinese lesson as well as the teaching, brother Alan.

    And brother Jim, What a wonderful joy to have been used of the Lord to help lead Wu Cheng to salvation in Jesus! It's been a while since I have felt that thrill of exhilaration and pure joy that we get when someone isn't just interested, but actually believes and accepts Christ, even more when they (as had did) has the desire to evangelize his Chinese friends and family. (And as you said, his thirst for God's word being insatiable, you knew he truly had come to Christ). While there have been several people take an interest in God's word lately as I witness to the unsaved world, sadly, they are soon "turned off" (so to speak) when they find out that God isn't going to guarantee to grant their every wish nor fix all their worldly problems. 

    I spent a good deal of time answering (with scripture) questions from a secular  friend. She had (sadly) been watching a TV evangelist and was under the belief she would be healed and receive riches and prosperity in this life if she found a "prayer partner" to "pray in agreement" with her. It angers me greatly the harm that these false teachers and wolves have done. It was rather a long ordeal trying to deprogram her. And so I first started with the gospel. Sadly, she wanted to SKIP that.... and as you know we can't do that. Over the course of a few weeks, I then also explained to her that God doesn't work like waving a wand over us and fixing all our problems here on earth... but rather I took her to the scripture pertaining to eternal rewards instead. There is much more to this account, but in a short summation she really wasn't interested in eternal salvation, she (sadly) still was of the belief she is a "good person", even though I'd used much scripture to explain to her that we are all sinners in need of a savior, and all our good works of what we call righteousness are like filthy rags to God. I explained Rom.3:10 to her, and many others. I also explained that Jesus was the one and only acceptable propitiation (payment) for our sins, etc.  She just wanted interested... she wanted immediate gratification, and all her worldly problems fixed "right now". She'd been brainwashed by the TV evangelist into believing if she just had someone to "pray in agreement" with her, all her worldly woes would be over :(   She wanted immediate health and wealth... she didn't want to admit she was a sinner in need of  savior, and there are no short-cuts to that! She wasn't willing to believe that Jesus died for her sins, was buried and rose the third day (1 Cor.15:1-4), in fact as long as she still thinks she is a "good person", it's not likely she will see her need for salvation at all, no matter the scriptural warnings. 
    And that is one of the "better" experience I've had of late... most often I am cussed out, threatened, given "facebook jail" (24-72 hour bans) for posting Bible verses that offends anyone, and mocking... always the mocking from those who believe their "god" is false science (1 Tim.6:20). I truly hope it is not this way for everyone, and that there are still some coming to Christ in the world. These are truly the perilous last days forewarned of in 2 Tim.3:1-7,13. Not just that, but a marked increase in those whom God Himself has turned over to a reprobate mind (Rom.1:18-32).  Receptivity of the unsaved is at an all time low that I've ever seen in my lifetime. And hostility towards the gospel, or even any of God's word, is also increasing greatly. Nonetheless I will keep posting the gospel and scripture to the unsaved world in the places they most need to hear it, it may be that I plant or water, and it's up to God whether there be an increase. 

    Maranatha!
  18. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from Ronda in Analyzing the Chinese word, 'Righteousness.'   
    If all of that is contained in the characters of what we would call one "word", what a wonderful language it must be. The lesson, as you have laid it out is the heart and core of the Gospel message to all mankind, regardless of race or language. Thank  you for using this wonderful example to teach of the perfect sacrifice of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Your post reminded me of what I write below, which I consider a high point in my life.
    Twenty years ago I had the privilege of working with a brilliant Chinese scientist who had been a professor of Plasma Physics at the University of Beijing. His name was Wu Cheng and we became very close during the time he and I worked together at a remote research site in Alaska. His English was poor and he felt a need to learn the language better so that he could communicate better with our staff and researchers. This resulted in my offering to teach him English and he, in return would teach me Chinese. lol...the result was a 50% success rate, he learned English and I failed in Chinese miserably.
    But through our friendship we became close friends, with him visiting my house for dinners and casual conversation about each others lives. He was able to teach me many things in regard to Chinese culture and I was able to do the same for him. I have had very few friends in this life that were as close as he and I became. This friendship and mutual sharing of cultural differences and similarities led him to become extremely interested in my life as a Christian and Christianity in general. He attended church with me on Sundays as well as mid-week services.
    In our time together we had many many opportunities to not only talk about my faith, but to actually hold Bible studies, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Before long his interest in my religion and walk with our Lord bore fruit. Our friendship, his keen interest in Christianity, as well as his professional thirst for truth as a scientist, was the mechanism that God used to bring him to Christ. His conversion was very obvious to me; he developed an insatiable thirst for God's Word as well as a burning desire to be able to take God's word to the Chinese people once he returned to China. He spent a lot of time devising ways to be able to bring Bibles back with him when he finally had to return to China.
    I thank God for the opportunity to use a working environment to develop a friendship resulting in the salvation of a soul that had never heard the Gospel message. Wu Cheng went to be with our Lord shortly after his return to China. I will miss him here, but rejoice that our parting is but for a short time. We will renew our friendship and fellowship once again in the land that is fairer than day, for death has given way to victory. 
  19. Thanks
    Jim_Alaska reacted to Alan in Analyzing the Chinese word, 'Righteousness.'   
    Jim,
    Thank you for your testimony concerning your relationship with Wu Cheng. We are very thankful that you were able to led him to a salvation experience with the Lord Jesus. Sometimes, as with Wu Cheng, due to their background, culture, religion, ancestor worship, and other situations, their salvation experience is often dramatic and life changing.
    It was also a blessing to hear that your personal relationship with Wu Cheng was a blessing in your heart and life. I am sure that you were a blessing to Wu Cheng as he was to you. A Christian Chinese as a friend is a wonderful blessing.
    Chinese is a very hard language to learn: both spoken and written. Deep within the history of the Chinese race is the work of God among them to bring them to Christ. Although written Chinese is a complex language; as you said, it is a wonderful language, and God has His hand in it in order to show His love to the Chinese race. In eternity we will understand the work of God in all of the races of the world and spend eternity renewing friendships as you had with Wu Cheng.
    I am sure that all of us enjoyed hearing your testimony.
    Alan
     
     
     
  20. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from Alan in Analyzing the Chinese word, 'Righteousness.'   
    If all of that is contained in the characters of what we would call one "word", what a wonderful language it must be. The lesson, as you have laid it out is the heart and core of the Gospel message to all mankind, regardless of race or language. Thank  you for using this wonderful example to teach of the perfect sacrifice of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Your post reminded me of what I write below, which I consider a high point in my life.
    Twenty years ago I had the privilege of working with a brilliant Chinese scientist who had been a professor of Plasma Physics at the University of Beijing. His name was Wu Cheng and we became very close during the time he and I worked together at a remote research site in Alaska. His English was poor and he felt a need to learn the language better so that he could communicate better with our staff and researchers. This resulted in my offering to teach him English and he, in return would teach me Chinese. lol...the result was a 50% success rate, he learned English and I failed in Chinese miserably.
    But through our friendship we became close friends, with him visiting my house for dinners and casual conversation about each others lives. He was able to teach me many things in regard to Chinese culture and I was able to do the same for him. I have had very few friends in this life that were as close as he and I became. This friendship and mutual sharing of cultural differences and similarities led him to become extremely interested in my life as a Christian and Christianity in general. He attended church with me on Sundays as well as mid-week services.
    In our time together we had many many opportunities to not only talk about my faith, but to actually hold Bible studies, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Before long his interest in my religion and walk with our Lord bore fruit. Our friendship, his keen interest in Christianity, as well as his professional thirst for truth as a scientist, was the mechanism that God used to bring him to Christ. His conversion was very obvious to me; he developed an insatiable thirst for God's Word as well as a burning desire to be able to take God's word to the Chinese people once he returned to China. He spent a lot of time devising ways to be able to bring Bibles back with him when he finally had to return to China.
    I thank God for the opportunity to use a working environment to develop a friendship resulting in the salvation of a soul that had never heard the Gospel message. Wu Cheng went to be with our Lord shortly after his return to China. I will miss him here, but rejoice that our parting is but for a short time. We will renew our friendship and fellowship once again in the land that is fairer than day, for death has given way to victory. 
  21. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from Alan in Peace in the Midst of the Storm   
    Many times the storms of life are the catalyst that causes people to look to the only hope of salvation that can carry them through the storm. Peter is a fine example of Christian life experiences; though the storms of life may at times cause us to falter, our faith in our Savior God will always carry us through.  Ps 119:116  Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
    Thank you for this fine devotion Alan; we all need to be reminded that He who created and upholds all things is more than able to hold us up amid the storms of life.
  22. Like
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from Alan in Genesis 37:15-36, The Spirit & the Flesh: Joseph & his Brethren   
    Thank you for this sermon Bro. Alan. The life and actions of Joseph are always an inspiration to me and a joy to teach and meditate on.
    His attitude in service to God are exemplified in his submissive three words, "Here am I." This gives us a graphic example of a life totally dedicated his service to his God.
  23. Thanks
    Jim_Alaska reacted to Alan in Joseph and his Jewish Dreams   
    I appreciate your kind thoughts and how the Lord used it in your life. The story is also to me very thought provoking every time I read it.
    As you mentioned, envy and hatred will destroy any saint. Envy and hatred in the lives of the lost will prevent them from realizing the truth of the Gospel (just like the Pharisees).
    The envy and hatred in the lives of the 11 brothers of Joseph also caused their relationship with God to be afar.  Those who hate the truth, and the bearer of the truth, need to realize their problem, ask forgiveness, and try to develop a closer relationship with the Lord in the process. We see the development of this process of asking forgiveness from Joseph (a type of Christ), and then a closer relationship with the Lord, as the story of Joseph develops. And, I am happy to say, as time develops, we will see this process in the live's of the Jewish remnant in the Tribulation Period as they come to the realization that Jesus is the Messiah.
    For our non-Chinese speaking friends, xie xie is the Romanized English for 'Thanks,' in Chinese. The Chinese character (word), for 'xie xie' is: 謝謝
    Alan
  24. Thanks
    Jim_Alaska got a reaction from Alan in Joseph and his Jewish Dreams   
    Thank you for your thoughts in this excellent devotional Alan. I find it extremely interesting that Joseph's brothers could not overcome their envy and hatred even when family and brotherly love should have intervened. And so it is with the Christian; the world will hate the truth and the bearer of that truth. The truth has cost millions of Christians their very lives in the past, and will do so again during the persecutions of the tribulation period.
    xie xie again Bro. Alan, a very thought provoking devotional. May God richly bless you as you serve Him in that far away land.
  25. Thanks
    Jim_Alaska reacted to No Nicolaitans in Salvation in the OT – Paul’s explanation.   
    One of the best expositions...if not the best exposition that I've ever seen regarding salvation in the Old Testament. One thing jumped out at me, and though I've read it countless times, I've somehow missed it up until now...
    Heb 9:14-15
    14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
    Thank you Dave.
  • Member Statistics

    6,088
    Total Members
    2,124
    Most Online
    shlomo
    Newest Member
    shlomo
    Joined
×
×
  • Create New...