Repercussion Of Faith

Long considered as the bastion of feudalism, Catholicism and religion always seem to be untouchable. It was often dangerous to remark something against it because individuals who do so were often declared as heretics. As a result, religion's potential as a social force and power has always been limited to spirituality. Its potential to develop societal beliefs, norms, and influence on political paradigm shifts had been obscured by its more obvious function. But new researches had shown and proven that religion, particularly the dominant Catholicism was a dominant influence in the political movements that shaped the nation.

The time of the Inca or the native Indians saw a wide differentiation of faith. There was no Catholicism and religion to speak of. The natives worshipped idols and the elements of nature. It was noted that how they practiced "religion" or faith was also the way they governed their lands. In their faith, there were many idols, each respected and worshipped. It was also the same way with their politics wherein they were governed by a council. Though there was usually a chieftain, he had a council of elders whom he consulted before any decision was made. In effect, there were many leaders. But despite the many leaders, evidences indicated that the natives never fought among themselves. They chose the strongest and wisest warrior to rule their land without any political parties. The decision is made by the council, the chieftain, and the community, in general.

The invasion of the colonizers and their own brand of religion brought significant changes in the political nature of the land. Catholicism and religion took hold of the land even with the resistance efforts of the Indians. Suddenly, there was only one God and the idols were banished. Coincidentally, this one-God mania also brought forth a change in the economic and political system of the land. There was only one recognized ruler, and that was the Catholic king. There was also a monopoly of goods in trade. But this Catholicism was obscured by the coming of the Puritans and The Quakers. Over time, America became a state that offered a diversity of religion.

Curiously, this diversity of religion mirrored the shifts of political movements and economic trends. As there were many faiths, the country in practicality, was also ruled by federal system and democracy. There was also what was popularly known as the free trade or free market, wherein different individuals started their own trade rather than being apprentices to established companies. Thus, the religious diversity gave rise to capitalism. Possibly and probably, political and economic trends were dictated and determined by the dominant religious practices. It was also probable that the system worked in the opposite, with religious practices ordered by the economic and political atmosphere. But whatever direction this system has pursued, its repercussions were felt and influenced people's lives.

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Angles for Novices

The Bible has innumerable references to angels. The Bible has been in fact the very reason for the increasing popularity of angels. You even have angel gift items extensively available in markets. Angels are not glorified human beings according to the Bible. They were created by the almighty and are not supposed to marry or reproduce like humans. Angels are akin to a company, they are a sort of association and not a race, which has descended from a common ancestor.

Angels are considered messengers, who act on the behest of the lord. One can find extensive references to angels in the Bible, where the angels have come to the rescue of many a person in distress. From what one understands from the scriptures, angels were all created by the lord at a single instance. Angles could assume any form. Although most of the times when we think of angels, we think of baby faced angels, but it need not be so all the times. Angels could assume the form of both males and females. There are more references to angels in the form of males, though in the Bible. And not all angels are considered good. Some of them were evil also. You even have references of sword wielding angels. One can find references about angels flying with wings on their sides and being responsible for innumerable acts of miracle.

Although as soon as we think of the word angel, we associate it with good, it is far from the truth. Some angels are also considered bad. The angels associated with Satan are known as demons according to the Bible. Most of the angels were assigned to carry out god's decree. They were created for spreading the message of god. One can find extensive information about angels through leading religious online resources. One thing is for sure that whether good or bad, angels continue to fascinate us.

Angels provides detailed information on Angels, Guardian Angels, Fallen Angels, Gentle Angels and more. Angels is affiliated with Italian Bracelet Charms.

Can You See Christ in the Feast of the Tabernacles

In "the Gospel of John," Arthur W. Pink suggests that "the simplest and often most effective way of studying a portion of God's Word is to draw up a list of questions upon it." After a few days of research, pondering where to start and struggling to discover the underlying symbolism associated with the Feast of Tabernacle, I decided to put Mr. Pink's idea to the test.

What is a Tabernacle? What are the Alternative names of the Feast of Tabernacle? What was the purpose of the Feast of Tabernacle? What is the significance of the "booths?" How are the answers to these questions symbolized by Christ?

Where better to start than a look at the Tabernacle itself. The Tabernacle is a picturesque illustration of Christ and His Church on earth. I believe "on earth" is a key when looking at the Feast of Tabernacle. The Tabernacle in the wilderness was a temporary, earthly structure symbolizing Christ, that according to Exodus 25:8-9 was that "God might dwell among His people." We see some aspect of Jesus Christ in every piece of its furniture, boards, pillars, ropes and curtains. Jesus came to this earth to offer us a way to the Father and a way to salvation. Christ is our Tabernacle, our place of worship and our way to the Father.

What is the evidence of Christ in the alternative names for the Feast? The Feast of Tabernacle was also known as the Feast of Ingathering and/or Feast of Booths. I believe that these are important to reference because the further reflect the significance of Jesus.

The Feast of the Ingathering speaks of a harvest and agricultural celebration. Revelation 14:115 tells us of His great harvest. "Take your sickle and reap for the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." Just as Jesus came to plant the seed for salvation, He too will return for the harvest.

Also known as the Feast of Booths, it was a tribute to the memory of God's people and their struggle in the wilderness. The booths were shabby, make-shift structures of sticks, boughs, palm branches and the like. The booths were only occupied during the time of the Feast and were temporary in ever sense of the word. Jesus fulfills the symbolism of the booth by humbling Himself and coming to us in the frail, shabby, destructible body of man. Like the pilgrims of the Feast, His booth was also temporary. Jesus was here for only a short time; for the planting of the good seed. However, He promises to return and harvest those that believe. What a glorious festival there will be when He finally returns.

When I look more deeply at the Feast of Tabernacle, Christ shines through. Simply, we might say that the Feast of Tabernacle is a tribute to Christ and His amazing days on earth as the sewer of salvation. How grateful we should be that He chose to pitch His tent or build His tabernacle with us and for us as the Son of Man and Savior.

The Tabernacle is a reference of good things yet to come. As we are told in Revelation 21:3, "Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men and He will dwell with them and they shall be His people and God Himself shall be with them and be their God." Jesus Christ is the Tabernacle of God. When the glorious day comes and He returns, Christ will dwell amongst His people again. For me, this is ultimately what the Feast of the Tabernacle is all about.

Copyright Anthony Mullins

Elite Coaching Alliance 2005

Anthony Mullins is the President and Life Coach for The Elite Coaching Alliance. He specializes in personal, leadership, marriage, relationship and family, christian based coaching. He is the author of the upcoming e-book "A Chronical of the Miracles in the Gospel of John." He can be reached by e-mail: anthony@elitecoachingalliance.com or by phone at 770.344.7975. Visit our website http://www.elitecoachingalliance.com

Religious Faith Or Religious Facts - Think About It

If you're a religious follower and believe in your religion, I would like to ask you a question. Do you base religious beliefs on facts or faith? Let's start out with this and assume that you answered, that you do base your religious beliefs on faith, with little factual information to back it up.

Basing your religious beliefs on faith alone can lead you to believe, what ever someone else tells you. For example, if you go to your place of worship and the religious leader reads something from your scriptures to the followers, do you assume that this is a fact. Are you going to do a little research if something doesn't sound right. If everyone else shares a common opinion about something in your religion, but it isn't true, wouldn't you like to know about it or are you one of those people who didn't even listen and really doesn't even want to be at your place of worship.

Faith can create a lot of problems all by itself. Whenever you start digging into most religions, like I have, and mind you, I'm no expert and do not claim to be an expert in religious beliefs. I'm trying to get people to learn about their religion. This information can be obtained from your religious scriptures, books on other religions, information on the Internet and last but not least talking to other people, outside and within your religion.

Religious facts are hard to come by, when you're beliefs are unrealistic. I can't explain the creation of the world or what year it will be destroyed, but it does seem a little unrealistic and hard to believe that a superior entity created this world and possibly the universe. At the same time I cannot argue with this or disprove it.

With this in mind, I wouldn't go around telling everyone that God or a God created the universe. I just don't have any proof and it's as simple as that. Why would I want to instill this belief into my children or another person? No one on earth has this information.

Try not to base your life on religious faith alone. Just the simple fact that you are reading this article, tells me that you have an interest in furthering your education about religion, whether it's yours or someone else's. You might not be able to find all of the facts to support your religious beliefs but at least it's a start and you're heading in the right direction.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended sites, Seeking Knowledge

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

The Salvation of the Catholics

Members of the Roman Catholic Church do not know the truth about Christ's way of saving man from the day of God's wrath. They thought that by merely calling the name of Christ and do the things they thought are good will lead them to salvation. They are taught by the Catholic Authorities that through their so-called Holy Mass, souls from purgatory will be sent to heaven. However, we should consider asking the Holy Bible. Is it enough for all Catholics to call the name of Christ for them to be saved? Christ taught that calling His name is not a guarantee for them be saved:

21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21, NIV)

What should they do? Christ said, one should do the will of God:

21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21, NIV)

And what is the will of God concerning Christ and all the things that should be done? According to Aposlte Paul, the will of God is to gather in one all the things in Christ.

9And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillmentto bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. (Ephesians 1:9-10, ibid)

But how could it be? Is it possible to gather in one all things in Christ? Yes. It is really possible. Apostle Paul attested:

4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. (Romans 12:4-5, NKJV)

The said body of Christ is the church.

18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18, ibid)

It is not just any churches, but only the Church of Christ.

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. (Romans 16:16, ibid)

The Church of Christ is the church founded by Christ Himself:

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18, ibid)

Therefore, Catholics will be saved on Judgment day only if they will enter, join and become part of the true Church of Christ.If you are members of the Roman Catholic Church, you better think and strive to become members of the true Church of Christ so that you will receive the promised Salvation.

Sustines Laplana is a Pinoy Blogger who blogs on Technology, Gadgets, Information, Society, Religion and Products available for online purchase. Visit him at http://www.selaplana.com

Is Jesus The Real Messiah - Video

North Korea - God's Open Door Policy

North Korea calling? To those who would touch a needy nation I offer the following:

An available position does not always mean an open door. Men can open doors too. And shut them. The doors that God opens cannot be opened by men. Or shut.

Look at it this way. Guys that are blessed with looks, charm, and all the rest, will have any number of "open doors" into a woman's heart. Although these are issues with which I have never had to deal, I can well imagine a line-up of females, each one telling my heart, "She is THE ONE." At least, in my dreams I can imagine such things! Are all these women to be his?

Or try this. A multi-talented person seeking employment will face the same dilemma. He will be hunted down like a white-tailed deer and pressed into any number of services. Are all these jobs "the right one"?

But consider Paul (I Corinthians 16:9). "An open door has been set before me, and there are many adversaries." That is true vision. Paul was not "excited" about going through his open door. First he was genuinely invited. Then he was persistently determined. He did not see all happy scenes. Paul's foretold and actual ministry was a series of incredible victories coupled with incredible suffering. Those who go through open doors because they are "excited" about "helping Jesus" need to go sit under a tree somewhere and count the cost. If the cross is not a part of the final tally, and so-called "call," it is probably a human door, not a Divine one that is presenting itself.

Also, doors in the Scripture are entry-ways to the furtherance of the Gospel, not personal furtherance. When the "vision" sees a human (usually yourself) elevated and Christ negotiable, it's not God's vision. When one sees a road of hardship but Christ lifted up, good things can follow.

There are, I have found, many doors open to North Korea. I have leaped for joy to know I can be of use in this dry and thirsty land. It would be the same for anyone reading who wants to go. There is something for you to do! But which door is yours? I counsel myself and anyone who cares to listen:

Walk carefully in the Spirit before the momentous decision is made. Listen carefully to what God is saying and to what various men are saying too. If the "call" does not "fit" and you find yourself volunteering to do someone else's work just to "be used", much damage can come your way, and to the ministry.

The Lord of the harvest knows just where we belong. Some of us may well be asked to stay right here and pay the bills of those who go... but if Christ is glorified, so be it.

Bottom line, LORD save your people! Lord deliver the prisoners! Lord, whatever it takes, whomever it takes, however you want it done, oh just do it!

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.