Have you ever contemplated what Heaven is like? I did a brief Internet search and discovered many confused souls trying to describe Heaven. Some describe it as “sitting on clouds all day long, playing a harp”; others say it is a place of one “eternal [and boring] church service.” A few believe that it is a lustful state of “no marriages, just multiple girlfriends”, while others say: “Heaven is what you believe it to be.” There are also those who deny the existence of Heaven altogether, equating it to a mere fantasy or fairytale.

(Image from www.paulabecker.com/blog)

As Christians, we know Heaven is more than just a fantasy. It is a genuine, tangible, and physical place—our everlasting residence. Revelations 21 and 22 describe, with colorful details, the incommunicable beauty that abounds in Heaven.

Unfortunately, many Christians, while believing wholeheartedly in Heaven, lack a true biblical understanding of what Heaven is like. Many are, sadly, not even excited about making it to their final destination, which Jesus Himself referred to as Paradise (Luke 23:43).

Let’s consider: if you were moving to another city or town for some reason (maybe a job promotion or to be nearer to your extended family), wouldn’t you do research about that city or town and seek to find as much information about that place as possible? Maybe you would do an Internet search to find out how clean the town is, what the recreational facilities nearby are, and what activities or social gatherings typically take place there. You may also try to search for any information that will address any concerns you may have about moving.

As Christians, the most important move we will be making is from our provisional dwelling (Earth) to our permanent dwelling (Heaven or “the New Earth”). So in the same regard, we should be studying what Heaven is like. Just as it would be silly moving to a city you know nothing about; it would be ridiculous to show up in Heaven, knowing nothing about it.

Now let me ask, are you prepared for your big move? Thankfully, this move doesn’t include the frenzies and stress of packed boxes and moving trucks; but one does need a prepared heart. Romans 10:9 says, “Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Amplified Bible).

The Bible is full of marvelous and fascinating promises from God about our future in Heaven, where we will literally and physically be with Him. So, let’s read it to unlock the mystery and discover more about our eternal Home!

Recently, I was riding in an automobile to attend a Christian seminar with one friend and two acquaintances. Traveling at a speed of nearly 75 miles per hour on a southbound highway, when suddenly, a white tailed deer ran out in front of our vehicle. With no time to react or maneuver, we hit the deer head on. Our front windshield was smashed in. Sharp slivers of glass flew through the air and the entire car was completely wrecked. If it were not for God’s protection, all four of us could have been decapitated if the deer had flown completely through the window. We were blessed with minor injuries of facial cuts along with cuts on our arms. I was the only one who received not a single scratch. We were that close to death, yet God’s work was not finished in my life or the three others’.

The fragility of life can feel overwhelming at times, but God promises safety and protection to those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Famine, disease, enemies, or death may creep at your doorstep, but those who stay close to God, remain faithful, and worship Him with all their being will be rescued from the depths of trouble.

Psalms 91 offers some amazing and wonderful promises of protection.

You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you’re perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
“I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation”!
(The Message Bible)

This psalm expresses confidence in the Almighty God, who provides a shelter for those who take refuge in Him. They receive redemption, life, and glory from the Lord, who loves and cares for those who seek Him.

So, let us cling to the Living God and acknowledge His beautiful name. Let us desire to get to know God and accept the thirst-quenching drink of salvation He unreservedly bestows.

Being a marketing major, I consume a daily variety of news on both traditional media as well as the blogosphere to keep myself abreast with the latest trends.

While clicking through websites one morning, an article from USA Today caught my attention.

To summarize the article: “The $1 billion baby carrot world—hit by the recession after years of growth—is taking on the $18 billion salty snack food industry by trying to beat it at its own hip marketing game” (USA Today). This brings on a whole new meaning to healthy competition (bad joke, I know).

In a nutshell, fifty baby carrot cultivators have joined forces to rebrand their image among the public. Hoping to make baby carrots “groovy”, the new $25 million marketing campaign is targeting lunch boxes.

In their attempts to remain relevant, baby carrots will be available in “cool” school vending machines along side their competition. Three packaging designs have been produced and take on a Doritoesque ¹ form.

However, the core product itself did not undergo any change.

In line with the baby carrot industry repackaging campaign, a question came to mind: Does the church need to change to remain culturally relevant?

Don’t misunderstand me. I am not at all suggesting that the gospel of Christ is irrelevant to the culture. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). But what I am saying is that the church’s approach of reaching the new generation with the gospel could be rather unattractive. All the same, we must remember that the core-product, the Word of God, must never be changed.

Take for example a pastor who preaches to his English-speaking congregation in Chinese. The congregation would be frustrated because they couldn’t understand the message. Speaking Chinese to English-only participants would be culturally irrelevant.

Sometimes that’s how we Christians come off to this generation. It’s as if we are speaking a foreign language.

Not knowing the answers myself, let’s start a dialogue. How can we remain relevant in order to reach a culture that so desperately needs Jesus without compromising God’s instructions given in the Bible?

¹The brand name of a popular tortilla chips in America.

I slept walked to the kitchen to cook porridge for breakfast. To my horror, there was an army of ants feasting on last night’s dinner crumbs. Living in an apartment with guys, I guess such a scene is not surprising.

Before cleaning up the mess, I watched in amazement as each ant participated in the frenzy. A few ants searched for more food, while others carried loads that are ten times their weight back to the colony.

We read in Proverbs 6:6-8, “Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.”

As I watched the ants carting away the food on the table, I realized no crumb was wasted. Wisely, the scavenged food was to be saved or stored away and not immediately frittered.

Students already strapped for cash need to be aware that the road through college is filled with more financial holes than a slice of Swiss cheese. Every dollar earned could be easily spent. We need to learn from the ants and be wise.

Below are five common ways in which hard-earned dollars are foolishly wasted in college:

1. Dropping or Failing Classes. Needless to say college is expensive. Dropping or even failing a class can cost you major dough—often more than $500 per class. It’s much better to pass four classes than to crash seventeen. So plan wisely, and enroll yourself into a manageable number of classes while meeting the course requirements.
2. Dorm Bling-Bling. Decorating your dorm makes the room feel homier. However, there’s no need to splurge on Ralph Lauren furnishings. Instead scan the classifieds, check around for used furniture, and watch for last year’s products, which are now this year’s clearance items.
3. Expensive Trees. Arguably one of the costliest freshman mistakes is to buy spanking new textbooks. Your best bet is to borrow the book from a friend, rent the text online, or purchase used copies. Another tip is to search for an international edition. It may not be as colorful or pretty as the hard copy, but it usually cost 50 percent less.
4. Plastic Capital. A Dunn and Bradstreet Study found that people spend 12 to 18 percent more when using credit cards than when using cash. To reduce the urge to splurge, cut up your credit cards and pay cold hard cash instead. By skipping the plastic, you will be forced to live within your means, spending only what you have.
5. Unnamed Dollars. One of the biggest problems students face is sporadic income and the incessant desire to spend every dime. To fight this urge, set a budget and stick to it. This way, you will know how every dollar is spent (and hopefully saved). To get you started, the Lampo Group, Inc. has provided simple and free budgeting forms.

Like the ants, we can work out our plans and save for the winter or we will suffer the effects of being labeled the “fool” by the Teacher.

Share with us, what other dangerous money traps have you found while preparing for or attending school?

Nestled beyond curvy turns and tucked between the cornfields, an old farmhouse is exposed to a pleasant breeze that strums the autumn leaves.

A grandfather clock chimes in the room’s corner as evening softly lays a dark blanket over the sky. The fireflies start a twinkling tango beyond the windows.

Grandpa lays another log into the wood-burning stove. Cinders spark. In the kitchen, grandma prepares supper. The sweet aroma of honeyed ham fills the tepid air as a nearby skillet hisses with freshly selected vegetables.

Contagious laughter pleasantly reverberates within the old farmhouse.

This portrait is not merely a savory memory but a reoccurring blessing in my life. The beautiful countryside is where my family often gathers. Like a colossal bear hug, every moment together is eagerly embraced.

Whether it’s the color of a rainbow, the flutter of a snowflake, or the shared laughter with loved ones, life is full of simple pleasures.

Recognized by the psalmist in Psalms 92:4, these blessings are nothing short than the precious and loving acts of our Lord: “You thrill me, Lord, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done.”

So sit back, reminisce, and ponder: what joyful delights can you praise God for?

At seven years old, I could be characterized as a typical young boy. I’m always curious.

One autumn evening, I was enjoying the company of my two best friends. While we were exploring a nearby cornfield, we stumbled upon a smoldering fire pit.

The abandoned fire pit was nearly out and all that remained was the soft glow of the cinders. Noticing a shiny object in the embers, I bent down and pulled out a piece of tin. The point at which I grabbed the metallic object seemed lukewarm at best. Out of sheer inquisitiveness (others would say boyish stupidity), I placed the tin on my forearm.

It was blistering hot! I quickly dropped the tin and what remained was a 2-by-3 inch burn on my forearm. And needless to say, my arm sizzled with pain.

I’m sure you have heard the statement: “If you play with fire, sooner or later you’ll be burned.” Literally, I had been burned. I had failed to realize that the rest of the tin that my fingers had not grasped was placed right in the middle of the heat.

Sin is much like playing with fire. It is an inviting temptress. It lures us to ignore the hazard signs and to walk up to its doorstep. We are tempted to make excuses and reason away the potential harm. We think to ourselves: “No one will know I’m twisting the truth. No one will know I’m viewing Internet pornography. No one will know I had one too many glasses of wine.” So we give in to the lust of the flesh.

However, sin is a deceiver just as I was deceived by the cool edge of the burning tin. In the beginning, sin looks, and may even feel, fun. Sooner or later though, the sin we flirt with will devastatingly sear and destroy whatever lies in its path like a spark to a dry forest.

Though resisting sin’s temptation is never easy, God promises a way out. He said, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13). But the premise is this: Don’t ever think that you are strong enough to resist the snare of sin on your own.

Eugene Peterson paraphrased 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 this way: “ These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.”

The sun and humidity combined to push the heat index to a blistering 95°F (35°C). Sweat evaporated from my skin like steam off a boiling pot of water. I was exceedingly thirsty by the time I completed my run.

It would be outright stupid to attempt to satisfy my thirst with saltine crackers or soda. If anything, my thirst would only intensify and I would be even more dehydrated. There is only one natural liquid that can satisfy my intense craving for replenishment—water.

In the same sense, we humans have an intense desire to fill the void within us. In seeking to fill the void, we often turn to earthly and perishable objects that temporarily gratify.

We vainly seek to fill our emptiness with items or relationships that “[reach] only the superficial parts of our nature. They are soon spent, and need to be supplied anew as much as if we had never experienced them before, while the deeper wants of our being are not reached by them at all” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary)

The abyss cannot be filled with a romance, a powerful position of authority, or a well-paying job. What then can quench our thirst for something more?

Jesus answers, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life” (John 4:13-14).

Note that Jesus is not talking about H₂O. Jesus is referring to a spiritual thirst quenching water. He is speaking of the Holy Spirit who would be given to everyone believing in Him (John 7:37-39).

One commentary puts it this way: “The indwelling of the Holy Ghost as the Spirit of Christ is the secret to this life with all its enduring energies and satisfactions.”

Are you trying to fill the void in your heart with worldly solutions? Stop chasing after the wind and experience true joy by drawing water from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3).

During my senior year in high school, college was constantly on my mind. While I was eager to start a new chapter in life, like many seniors, I felt the stress of decision-making. I understood that the schools I applied for and later attend would influence my future.

One key consideration in my decision-making process was finance. Like most 17-year-old, I had limited financial resources. How could I afford an annual tuition fee of $30,000 without becoming a “servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7, niv)? Put differently, how could I responsibly handle the resources God had entrusted to me as well as refrain from sliding down the destructive slope of debt?

I had to come to grips with the cold hard facts. According to Average Credit Card Debt for a College Student, an average college graduate usually completes school with $2,100 in credit card debt and about $17,000 to $28,000 in school loans.

I refused to be another statistic. So I resolved in my heart that I would tackle the necessity of college with the goal of graduating debt free.

Ambitious? Yes. Impossible? Absolutely not. In fact you are capable of graduating debt free as well. All it takes is a little hard work, perseverance, and sound financial principles.

Once you have applied to suitable colleges and universities, the first step toward a debt free future is to educate yourself with the grants and scholarships that are available. Of course, your chance of receiving financial aid increases with your good academic performance. Grades are simply an investment. The better your grades, the greater your options.

Secondly, consider taking on a part-time job. Not only would working part-time build your resume, it also builds character and teaches you invaluable life lessons. If you are unsure where to begin looking for part-time work, bear in mind many colleges and universities offer campus jobs to students.

Local colleges are also an affordable alternative. In fact, if you attend a reasonably priced school and combine your experience with part-time work, you could save enough money to pay cash to transfer to the school of your dreams.

Other opportunities available to minimize academic debt according to a financial expert, Dave Ramsey, include:

• Accepting internships with a commitment to hire after graduation
• Seeking church gifts and scholarships
• Applying for private scholarships and grants
• Working prior to college admittance

By following this advice, college life will be an exciting time of your life filled with new friends, new adventures, and new freedoms. So be persistent, be financially wise, and graduate debt free.

YMI Note: Some of the examples stated may apply in the US context only. Nonetheless, Chaz has given us some good food for thought. Do we seek to live a debt free life? Is our only outstanding debt that of loving one another? Paul exhorts: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8, niv).

A whole slew of emotions rushed through me when I heard the news. I was given an opportunity to travel to Singapore to immense myself in a vibrant culture and to be part of the YMI team. I am not the most proficient writer, I am not the best researcher, and I am not even the most refined editor. Yet, I was
offered the opportunity to write and produce content for youth through YMI.

I was excited at the prospect; I was thankful for the new experience; and I was perplexed as to why I was chosen for this task. Surely there were many others more qualified and experienced than I.

But I was promptly reminded that many men and women in the Holy Scriptures were insufficient for the position God had called them to fill. In fact many of them had shortcomings and sins that should have, in human terms, kept them from accomplishing the plan God had for their lives. If you think about it, Noah was a drunk (Genesis 9:21), Samson was a womanizer (Judges 16), David was an adulterer and murderer (2 Samuel 11), and Peter denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:34).

So the next time you feel incapable for the task God has called you to do, remember: God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

[God] said, “My grace is all you need.
My power works best in weakness.”
So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ can work through me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Singapore

“You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it” (Matthew 21:22).

Months before my graduation, I was seeking the Lord’s will on what to do next. I sensed that He wants me to leave my homeland in Michigan, USA, for new terrain, but I wasn’t sure where. Hence, I began praying fervently for God’s direction.

I explored the option of going on a mission trip to Europe or South Africa. Though there were good prospects and quite a few friends were enthusiastic about it, the doors never opened. And instead of prying those doors open, I awaited patiently on God’s timing.

And just as God originally planned, the inkling placed in my heart became reality. The details of an Asia excursion emerged and I gleefully accepted a two-month life-changing adventure.

The assurance we have as Christians is that God has a plan for our lives. He may ask us to travel to the bush lands of Africa to share the Gospel or He may want us to remain in the city we were born to work in the local factory. Neither situation is any less worthy than the other when we are in God’s will. The vital condition is that we have sought God’s plan for our lives, and submitted to His sovereign leading.

Have you been seeking God’s will for your life? Seek His wisdom and guidance through a prayerful conversation with Him. God’s plan will work out for His glory and for our good.

As the Master prayed in the garden lone,
Let your prayer be made to the Father’s throne,
If you seek His will, He will answer you,
Are you trusting still, have you prayed it through? —William Poole

YOG Closing Ceremony

Amazing lights, dance choreography, music, and spectacular fireworks marked the grand finale of the first-ever Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held in Singapore. As customary traditions would have it, the Olympic flag was passed to the next host nation for the 2014 YOG summer games, China.

The closing ceremony began with all 3,600 athletes entering the Marina Bay floating platform. They came in together with no distinction in nations. Instead, they represented the unity of the world as “One Nation.”

The idea of a “one world nation” is not a new concept. Many have strived and are still looking for utopia. As a case-in-point, the late-great John Lennon famously sung these lyrics, “Imagine there’s no countries . . . and the world will live as one.”

The danger is that many who strive after world unity fall prey to the deception that unity means uniformity. Like the notion reverberating in Lennon’s lyrics, the world calls us to shed that which “separates” us such as our religion and national identity to achieve unity.

Biblical unity is much different from that of the World’s. God desires unity. The diversity in the church, not uniformity, only acts to promote oneness.

The body of Christ consists of individual members with diverse functions (1 Corinthians 12:12). When each individual performs their spiritual function, the body comes together in unity as it takes on the same mind, the same love, and the same purpose. This sense of unity goes to the point that, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

This unity was made possible because Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection has given us something common, eternal life. This unity was from the beginning and it existed within the trinity. Now, we are able to be in fellowship with Jesus and His people, the Church.

It may not be a Lennon-type-harmony, but the unity created in the body of Christ, in the words of king David, is indeed “wonderful and pleasant” (Psalm 133:1)!

Gold medalist Kaitlyn Jones of United States (centre), flanked by bronze medalist Barbora
Zavadova of Czech Republic (left) and silver medalist Kristina Kochetkova of Russia (right)
Photo: SPH-SYOGOC/Neville Hew

Excitement and emotion flooded the face of 16-year-old Kaitlyn Jones as she clinched the first Youth Olympic gold medal of her swimming career on Sunday, August 15th, 2010.

Completing the 200m individual medley with an astounding time of 2:14.53, she has received honorable recognition as the first athlete in the Youth Olympics Games 2010 to collect a gold for Team USA. Following the race, Kaitlyn said, “At my next big meet I’ll remember this moment and how proud I am, and go after that [gold] again.”

The Apostle Paul noted a similar quest for victory as he encouraged Timothy in his Christian walk. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT).

As with sports competitions, we need to make adequate preparations for this spiritual race that Paul talks about. On average, an Olympic athlete spends eight hours every single day to maintain flawless skill and technique, and to keep his or her body in top condition. Similarly, we are to give ourselves spiritual training by immersing ourselves in praying and reading God’s Word. This is the only way to obtain the strength and stamina needed to last until the finish line.

The path to the finish line of the race is anything but easy. In physical training, we tire with the exertion. We grow so weary that we just want to give up. But just as an athlete cherishes the thought of winning the esteemed gold medal, Christians can take strength in focusing on Christ, as well as the prize that awaits those who complete the race. For at the conclusion of the Christian race, the future holds a mighty moment in which the Lord will reward the faithful on the Day He returns.

You may not be an Olympic athlete, and there may not be a literal gold medal in your future. But for those who love and desire Christ’s appearing, and who put their faith in Him, a glorious crown will one day be bestowed upon them–those who have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

Do you remember how it’s like when you’re the new guy? All the world’s a stage and all it’s players are somehow similar yet foreign. Well, on the first day of my semester, it was exactly like that.

I got into class on that very day and looked around before proceeding to sit down at the last few vacant seats. Not knowing anyone in the class, and being an outgoing person, I began to chat with the girl who sat at my left in hopes to make a new friend. You see, my goal when making new friends, besides just getting to know them, has always been to share Jesus with whomever I talk to.

As the conversation began to flow and we each opened up, I asked her if she went to church anywhere in the area. Candidly she said no, but that she grew up in a Christian family. Following that, she made what seemed to me a peculiar statement: “I do believe in God, but there’s more than one way to the ceiling. Right?”

I stretched back in my chair to analyze her statement. I realized that she was telling me that all religions are somehow equal, un-contradictory, and essentially lead to the same place. Unfortunately, she is not the only one who holds this false view. George Bernard Shaw, a famous Irish playwright, once said, “There is only one religion, though there are hundred of versions of it.”

Even more discouraging, among the evangelical believers in the United States, a Pew Research Center survey found that 57% believe that many religions can lead to eternal life (U.S. Religious Landscape Survey).
While the popular consensus may believe that many religious paths lead to one ultimate avenue, the truth of the matter is that Christianity is exclusive in terms of the biblical perspective that Jesus Christ is the only viable path to Heaven. In other words, though the masses may believe something of this nature to be true, “error does not become truth because it is widely accepted; [and] truth does not become error, even when it stands alone” (John MacArthur).

Simply explained, a true understanding of pluralism, or the ideal that all religions are essentially equal, boils down to contradictory falsehoods when it stands against biblical truth. In the strictest sense, religions have minor similarities, but in reality differ on the majors.

Take Christianity for example. In Isaiah 45:21, God says, “There is no God apart from Me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but Me.” Jesus Himself also added in John 14:6, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” These are two pivotal and literal statements made by God that must be accepted by everyone; there is no room for negotiation. There is no other way to God, except through the acceptance of Christ’s gift of salvation.

However pluralism purports Christianity as a viable option, that is equal to other religions. But the Bible specifically states otherwise, thus forming a contradiction within the pluralistic belief system. Pluralism says all religions lead to eternal life, but Christianity says, only through Christ will one be given the gift of eternal life. When we observed and studied the various religions to the core, they are not merely differentiating, but contradictory from one another in their deepest beliefs. Two contradictory beliefs cannot both be true.

To exemplify this further, let’s say that you and I are stuck in a room made of lead and various metals, fortified so that there would be no points of exit except through the door we came in which is locked from the outside in. We try our best to escape. Then you provide me with the wildest idea, “Chaz, we should think really hard for a power-drill, a sledge hammer and a pile-driver. And just by thinking and using them systematically in our heads, we would be able to pry open the door. Or we could just imagine for a skeleton key that can open every single door in the world and I’m sure it will open that door.”

What a silly and illogical statement to make! No matter how hard we try or how hard we think, there is absolutely no way to break down that door unless someone opens it for us. Likewise, we need to realize Christ is the only way to heaven. No matter how long we may argue of the equality of religions, time will show that they just simply won’t open that door. Christ has to open that door for us and He has done that by His death and resurrection.

Christianity is exclusive to its core, and as we progress in this study, we will continue to build a perspective and gain the understanding as to why Christ is the only way to eternal life.

In a previous article that I wrote, A Ready Defense, I made mention that I felt I wasn’t really prepared to provide justified explanations for my faith if ever I was put to the test. Since then, I have taken on the challenge to understand many of the questions typically asked by atheists in order to deepen my faith, equip myself, and hopefully encourage you to do the same.

Since the beginning of this mission, I have received many thoughtful, considerate, and kind comments from readers. There have also been many intriguing questions raised by some who are likewise searching after the right answers. One such inquiry was on the topic of goodness and whether a person, based on merit alone, will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Well, let us look into the Bible to see what God says.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul wrote to the Church of Ephesus. And one of the main themes highlighted in the epistle is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ throughout the entire cosmos.

So it is included within the words of chapter two the answer to the inquiry above.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing;
it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV, emphasis added)

It is as clear as daylight that the basis of our salvation is not in how well we perform but by grace alone. So this is probably what you are thinking: “Chaz, what about a good person who doesn’t believe in God, but lives by the Ten Commandments. Surely that should get him into heaven, right?”

Unashamedly, the answer is no. It is impossible to gain entrance to the kingdom of heaven by merely being a good person. The truth is that God’s standards demand perfection in everything.

Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (ESV). This verse makes it clear that no one is found without sin. This is than accentuated with the fact that everyone falls short of the glory of God.

Now, let us suppose we were to measure our lives against the Ten Commandments. Ask yourself honestly, have you broken any of them?

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness.
10. You shall not covet.

You may now be thinking: “Yeah, I have broken the Ten Commandments, but they’re impossible to follow 100% of the time.”

Exactly, they are impossible to follow at all. Thus, we are forced to recognize that we are not perfect beings; we are sinners. In a nutshell, sin is refusing to live our lives according to the way God expects us to and also not believing in Him.

Upon recognition of our own sinfulness, we know that it is impossible for a perfect God to dwell in the same place as us, imperfect man.

But the good news is that there is a hope for sinners like you and me and His name is Jesus Christ.

Jesus, God’s only Son, came to mend the broken relationship that sinful man have with a Holy God. He was crucified on the cross and on the third day rose again as it was prophesied. His death upon the dreadful cross provides a solution to the problem of sin and it promises eternal life with God in heaven.

What does it take then to receive this gift? Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (ESV).

This is the saving grace that has been shown to us through Christ; it has nothing to do with the works that we do by our own strength.

Consider for a moment the immense love Christ has for you and me, and we urge you who have yet to believe, to give your life to Jesus today.

Reading through the Old Testament can sometimes be challenging. It is especially so when God’s Law which is revealed in the Old Testament seems inapplicable or even outright insupportable to what we are taught in the New Testament. At first glance, we can mistakenly believe that the God of the Old Testament was full of wrath, anger, and vengeance whereas the God of the New Testament is the polar opposite; in that He is full of love, grace and mercy. Of course, this is a bewildering outlook to maintain, for the God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament! He is unchangeable!

Many atheists, who generally do not know the truth, typically view the Old Testament and New Testament as contradictory, specifically in regards to the Law.

Often, an atheist will quote Matthew 5:17-18 where Jesus states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Upon misinterpreting Jesus’ words, such atheists will proceed to bring up strict Old Testament laws that Christians do not follow today, such as the stoning of a rebellious son (Deuteronomy 21:18-21), and ask the question: “If you are a Christian, why is it that only certain biblical law is followed and not the seemingly strict Old Testament Law that your God had commanded you to do?”

The Law of the Old Testament was a part of God’s original covenant with the nation of Israel. The old covenant was broken by Israel, so in Jeremiah 31:31-33, God makes a promise that He will establish a new covenant: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah . . . I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.”

The new covenant does not give us the liberty to live apart from the Law, as it is still regarded as our standard for living. However, the Law has revealed that we do not measure up to the standard of holiness that God desires us to have. As we cannot attain perfection by our own strength and effort, Jesus Christ, our merciful Savior, was sent as the fulfillment and foundation of the new covenant. Moreover, it is through His strength and not our own, that we are able to follow God’s Law, which He has written upon our hearts. Jesus Christ’s death and His resurrection fulfilled the requirements of the Old Testament Law once and for all. He had fulfilled the old sacrificial requirements that once had to be followed to the letter and has established the new covenant based on God’s mercy.

Thus, in effect, the Old Testament Law (and old covenant) was twofold: Firstly, the Law was established by God to help us understand God’s holiness, in that He is set apart, different and righteous. Secondly, the Law was established to help us know what sin is.

Finally, after answering the above query about the Old Testament Law, politely ask, “If the Bible were irrelevant, what is your basis for a moral law?”

Before exploring this question, we should first tackle a prior question: What is the Bible? Well, the Bible is a compilation of 66 God-inspired and inerrant books written by roughly 40 different authors over 1600 years. Many of the authors had no communication or contact with each other, yet wrote distinctly about the same God—a feat unmatched by any other religion. Moreover, as stated in the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, “The Bible contains many different styles of writing such as poetry, narration, fiction, history, law, and prophecy.”

To prove the reliability and trustworthiness of the Bible, Professor Jimmy Williams* gave us three observable examinations. It states: “These tests are the bibliographic test, the internal test, and the external test. The first test examines the biblical manuscripts, the second test deals with the claims made by the biblical authors, and the third test looks to outside confirmation of the biblical content.”

Bibliographic Test. It was identified that there are over 19,000 copies of the New Testament in the Syriac, Latin, Coptic, and Aramaic languages. The total supporting New Testament manuscript base is over 24,000 as compared to that written by Caesar, Aristotle and Plato which range from only one to twenty manuscripts.

The Jewish scribes held great reverence toward the Scriptures. Hence they exercised extreme care in making new copies of the Hebrew Bible. As a result, the quality of the manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible surpasses all other ancient manuscripts. With the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, there has been significant evidence that the Hebrew scrolls match that which is found in the Bible today. The internal consistency of the New Testament documents is about 99% textually pure. That is an amazing accuracy.

Internal Test. The content analysis conducted has identified the biblical authors as primary spectators to the events around them and independent witnesses to that of Jesus Christ. What these authors observed were not mere folly or whims of belief but rather honest conviction. They maintained their testimony through both extreme persecution and martyrdom. The apostles believed so strongly in the Christ whom they preached that they suffered greatly to spread the Gospel. If the events were untrue, why would these men sacrifice their own lives?

External Test. This test in particular can be used when defending biblical accuracy to the so-called agnostic “intellectuals” who regard the Bible as a mere fairytale. The historical records by sources outside of the Bible conclusively prove the accuracy of biblical events. For example: The historical evidence of our Lord Jesus is confirmed by Roman, Greek and Jewish sources and citations. In addition, “the first-century Jewish Historian Flavius Josephus made specific references to John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and James in his Antiquities of the Jews” *. There has also been extra-biblical confirmation or reference to Jesus written “by an imprisoned Syrian named Mara Bar-Serapion” which compares three deaths: that of Socrates, Pythagoras and Christ.

Today’s misperception is that atheists and agnostics have an “intellectual high-ground” when it comes to scientific fact, understanding, reason and logic; the Christian viewpoint, on the other hand, is unfairly criticized as archaic in belief. However there are many concrete evidences that inherently prove the Bible’s unquestionable accuracy and thus, its authority. The question is: Are we willing to objectively examine the reliability of the Bible? When proven true, would we submit to its authority?

*http://bible.org/seriespage/defense-faith-are-biblical-documents-reliable

A while back, I was listening to a radio broadcast by the Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias. He shared about two homosexual women who had recently won a historic custody battle, against their previous husbands, for their children. These women claimed in a talk show that the Bible endorsed their lifestyle. A few women among the audience counterattacked by saying that the Bible condemns it. However the unfortunate resolution after much debate was that not a single Christian present could defend their position adequately with clear Scriptural evidence.

1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (ESV). But like the Christians in the talk show, there have been many incidences in my life where I have been ill equipped to defend my faith properly.

To be prepared, we need to be well equipped with a sound understanding of God’s Word. For God’s Word provides clear and practical answers to questions relating to how and why our Creator-God wants us to live our lives in certain manners. God’s answers are realistic and sensible. It is able to withstand the worldly arguments from the many schools of human thoughts, dogmas, religions, creeds, morals, ethics, and philosophies.

Therefore, I am preparing myself. I’m undertaking a personal project to deal with ten frequently asked questions by atheists. I am going to attempt an intellectual and doctrinally sound argument against each question from the atheistic offense and then end each defensive answer with a question we Christians can use as a related counterattack.

Many of our answers will come from the biblical text itself, so I believe that it is appropriate to begin by defending the question: “Is the Bible a reliable and trustworthy frame of reference?”

Please check out my upcoming post. Meanwhile, I would love to hear your thoughts. Do share them with me.

There are many hunted species in the state of Michigan. But the one that intrigues me the most is the black bear. It is a beautiful animal that any hunter, after a stealthy kill, would be proud to display in his home. One technique for catching such a bear is to set metal trappings with scraps of what the black bear enjoys eating as bait. This metal trapping is a gruesome piece of machinery that has the appearance of a giant claw. It is bolted to the ground and snags the prey as quickly as the bear begins to indulge in the enticement laid before him.

Just like the hunter laying bear trap, Satan uses enticements to ensnare Christians. We must not only be vigilant against the traps he laid, but also be aware of the bait he uses—one of which is the world.

Our world has several role models who are poor in quality. Many celebrities and so-called “national idols” indulge in worldly pleasures and lusts. They are led by selfish desires that give way to sinful decisions. These decadent lifestyles are glamorized and telecast through various news mediums into the eyes and ears of our young generation. As a result, right moral behaviors are often deemed as boring and wrong is seen as exciting.

The world says to our generation that lying is okay as long as it is a white lie. We are led to believe that sex is permissible outside of marriage and there is nothing wrong with pre-marital sex or adultery. Abortions are seen as a convenient way to get rid of “unwanted baggage.” We believe in lucky pennies, daily horoscopes, bent spoons, and UFO’s. We believe that Jesus was a good man just like Buddha, Mohammad, and ourselves. We believe Jesus “was a good moral teacher although we think His good morals were really bad. We believe that all religions are basically the same . . .  they all believe in love and goodness” (Steve Turner, English Journalist, “Creed”). We have been deceived into believing that whoever dies with the most toys—cars, houses, lovers, and money—wins.

In essence, loving this world seems like an enchanting love story—just like a Disney fairytale. But be warned. What lies beneath the sweet allure is nothing but deception, lies, and filth when seen through the lens of Scriptures. The Bible says in 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

The Scriptural command to resist the temptations of the world is clear. Yet, how are we to truly oppose our sinful nature that seems so set on craving after sin? We are told to put on the full armor of God. As mortals, we need God’s divine guidance, nature, and power to lead us against the dominion of darkness. God’s armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. We put on God’s armor by spending time in prayer with Him, by listening to Him through reading the Bible, by attending church, meeting in fellowship with other believers, and through following His statutes and laws.

In closing, let us put on the Lord’s armor daily. Resist the devil’s trap, and do what is biblically right.

The Internet has been woven into the fabric of daily life. The modern man conducts a host of activities online—from information seeking to information sharing; from Internet gaming to online shopping; from making new friends to sharing of videos, photographs, and thoughts. The World Wide Web could be accessed virtually anywhere via computers, blackberries, and iPods. It is a unique playground that can be utilized as a colossal waste of time or can be employed to advance the Kingdom of God.

With the ubiquitous nature of the Internet, we live in a distinct time that embraces constant communication. Beyond the traditional snail mail, we have our instant email, YouTube, Facebook, blog, Flicker, and Twitter accounts to connect us with family and friends. Communicating with friends from around the globe is now inexpensive and immediate.

As a result of the worldwide reach made possible by the plethora of social networks, Jesus’ command to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15, ESV) has never been more feasible than in this day and age.

So how can we take our Lord Jesus’ words to heart and put our faith into practice on a daily basis? Well first, it needs to be understood that accepting the biblical mandate does not mean all will be called and sent to a distant and reclusive land to reach natives who have not heard of Christ’s sacrifice. More likely than not, the mission field for most of us will be the family and friends around us.

Such a calling, which is Christ-honoring, is not to be understated but rather gleefully embraced! It is thrilling to realize that the God of the universe desires to use us to expand His Kingdom to loved ones for His glory. And the times we live in offers a unique and engaging opportunity to build relationships with friends and family on a daily basis via our technology and Internet.

We can use social networking websites to help us invest in relationships. We need to come alongside non-believers who have been introduce to the Christian faith and gently encourage them to find out more and eventually to make a decision of faith. For just as it is unusual for most individuals to accept Christ as their Savior by reading a tract on their own, the subsequent decision is commonly forged with the companionship of Christians.

In summary, Christ’s vital commandment to go out and preach the gospel is not one to be disregarded but rather is a responsibility every Christian must embrace. The online community presents itself to you, giving you the capability of having worldwide reach at your fingertips. Now go out and let God use you through your Christ-like acceptance of being salt and light to turn the world upside down for Him!

Recently, you may have heard reports of the political crisis in Honduras—the removal of their former president and their ongoing constitutional crisis. But you may not have heard of their spiritual crisis.

While the majority of the Honduran population associate themselves with the Roman Catholic Church; sadly, few attend church regularly. That being said, due to their high regard of the Catholic religion and traditions, their hearts are overwhelmingly open and receptive to the Gospel.

In July 2008, together with a team associated with Word of Life, I left for Honduras.

Once we arrived in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the work began. For the first few days, we worked with local church organizations with either the entire congregation or just the youths. Typically, we would lead them in worship, present a prepared drama, share our testimonies, and conclude with the Truth from God’s Word.

Later in the trip, we moved on to street evangelism where we used the same format.

Personally, the days spent on street evangelism were the most challenging for me. Our team of thirty trotted onto the campus of Honduras National University where 60,000 students would pass by every day. We first found an area most populated with students; then set up a small, yet portable, speaker system. We would then introduce our ministry and start to share the Gospel. As we begin, students would stop to listen to God’s Word. The response was overwhelming. After we concluded the message, we would approached the captivated audience to further explain the Gospel message, pray with struggling students, and begin connecting individuals with nearby, Bible-believing churches. I was stretched and overwhelmed but God used that experience to strengthen my relationship with Him—deepening my faith as I learn to depend solely on Him.

The remaining part of our ministry involved serving in a newly opened Word of Life camp in a small town called Zambrano (just outside of Tegucigalpa). I worked as a co-counselor at the camp with roughly one hundred campers—students between the ages of twelve and fifteen. Each day was filled with activities from go-karts, to extreme games, to paintball, to getting our fill in the Word of God.

Nearly all of our campers had already accepted Christ as their Savior but at the Thursday night bonfire—through the power of God—many dedicated their lives to serve Jesus as their Lord. The passionate commitment of these 12 to 15 years old students burning for Christ, was overpowering. Seeing their emotions and tears, I too, was in tears and on my knees—thanking God for His indescribable awesomeness.

Following the intense and God-filled experience, we headed to a celebratory dinner. It was our last night with a few missionaries. Together, we recapped God’s work in the beautiful country, Honduras. We felt specifically blessed to have been used by God to lead about thirty five natives to the Lord.

Reminiscing the trip, I cannot help but look in awe at God’s amazing plan for our team. God gathered a group of thirty people from different backgrounds, cities, and churches and He brought us to Honduras. We did not know what we would be doing or where we would be doing His work. But God knew. He was in complete control; and we just had to trust and follow Him.

Our spiritually renewing journey to Honduras has ended. However, God’s impact on the people there is—through the work of other area missionaries, pastors, and believers—continuing today!