We went to see the movie Avatar in IMAX 3D last saturday. I heard a lot of buzz around this movie. I was particularly interested in the breakthrough in VFX technologies and innovative product design of the cameras, the project implementation both from a software and financial perspective. I was also alerted to note the Pantheism message in the movie.
Anyways, the movie was wonderful, and a surreal experience that needs to be seen in IMAX 3D to fully appreciate it. I wondered at the knowledge and the commitment that went into translating ideas into a powerful visual presentation.
As far as the Pantheism message I think for folks who are grounded in a solid foundation it would not matter just as Jesus said in Mat 7:24-27
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like aa foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
First and second Advent
Happy Christmas all, hope you had a good time with God, family and friends.
I am sort of new to a blog, and am in no way an expert in any way. These are my thoughts and I would be very encouraged if you can leave your comments on on my blog.
Advent 1 and 2
Advent 1: Let’s go to the scriptures and identify the main players in the story of Jesus’ birth.
Mary:
Luke 2:
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
34And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"
35And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. 36And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God." 38And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Joseph:
Matthew 2:
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with a child from the Holy Spirit. 19And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). 24When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
The Magi:
Matthew 2:
1Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
7Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." 9After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
The Shepherds:
Luke 2:
8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Others:
Herod and the Jewish people were in general aware of the messianic prophecies from the scriptures.
Question: Who were looking and how were they looking for the birth of Christ?
Only 2 people were told before hand about the birth of Jesus - Mary and Joseph. Both the magi and shepherds were given a sign that they followed. Herod followed up on the birth of Christ as he saw a threat to his throne. The Jewish people were just expecting a savior to save them from the foreign domination and oppression, but were just passive about it.
From the scriptures we can find that the Magi and the Jewish people were looking for the birth of Christ. What was the reason for the magi to look for the arrival of the King of Jews? Mat 2: 2 tells us that they saw his star when it arose. This verse tells us that the magi were studying the skies regularly. On noticing the star or the astronomical phenomenon they associated it with the prophetical knowledge they possessed. They were so sure about their deduction that the King of Jews was born, that they decided to travel to Jerusalem. These wise men wanted to worship the King of Jews. Mat 2: 1 provides also a reference point. The magi arrived in Jerusalem, (Mat 2:1) after the birth of Christ. So much for the traditional nativity scenes depicting the 3 magi !!
The magi were diligent in their pursuit for the birth of Christ. The due diligence on the part of the magi included: study of the scriptures (Daniel and Isaiah prophecies ?), applying their knowledge and wisdom in correlating the astronomical events to the prophecies, preparing for a long journey, and undertaking the journey. On arriving in Jerusalem, they inquired for the King of the Jews. These inquiries must have reached Herod, and he arranged to meet them in secret. This may have been to keep the news of the arrival of King of the Jews from the public in general and the Romans in particular, to avoid uproar and a threat to his rule.
A common traditional notion passed on through movies, art and stories, is that the magi followed the star all the way from the east to the place where Christ was born. We do not find that supported in the scriptures. Mat 2:9 “And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” tells us the star was seen again by the wise men after they left Herod. From this it can be seen that the wise men lost the star some where between the point of the discovery and their meeting Herod, and when they saw the star again they rejoiced greatly, and the star led them to where the child was. Note that the word “child” is mentioned and not baby. The wise men did not arrive at the time of Jesus' birth!!
Jesus said that He is coming again. Mat 19:27-28 “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? (28) And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Like the wise men, those who study the scriptures are given the knowledge and are to be alert waiting for the signs that Jesus has disclosed in the Olivet discourse.
Jesus said, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, or the Son, but the Father only." (Matt. 24:36), and like wise I believe that no one will come to know about the time of Jesus' second advent. So there would be no one like Mary and Joseph who were the only ones who knew when Jesus was to arrive into this world.
Who would be the shepherds at the second advent ? Recall that from Luke 2: 11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” the angels announced to the shepherds after the birth of Christ. The Rapture precedes the second advent of Christ. Now once the rapture happens, those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and tell the world about it may be the shepherds. But this invites intense tribulation and pressure on them unlike the first advent when those that heard the shepherds wondered at their saying.
I am sort of new to a blog, and am in no way an expert in any way. These are my thoughts and I would be very encouraged if you can leave your comments on on my blog.
Advent 1 and 2
Advent 1: Let’s go to the scriptures and identify the main players in the story of Jesus’ birth.
Mary:
Luke 2:
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
34And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"
35And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. 36And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God." 38And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Joseph:
Matthew 2:
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with a child from the Holy Spirit. 19And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). 24When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
The Magi:
Matthew 2:
1Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
7Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." 9After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
The Shepherds:
Luke 2:
8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Others:
Herod and the Jewish people were in general aware of the messianic prophecies from the scriptures.
Question: Who were looking and how were they looking for the birth of Christ?
Only 2 people were told before hand about the birth of Jesus - Mary and Joseph. Both the magi and shepherds were given a sign that they followed. Herod followed up on the birth of Christ as he saw a threat to his throne. The Jewish people were just expecting a savior to save them from the foreign domination and oppression, but were just passive about it.
From the scriptures we can find that the Magi and the Jewish people were looking for the birth of Christ. What was the reason for the magi to look for the arrival of the King of Jews? Mat 2: 2 tells us that they saw his star when it arose. This verse tells us that the magi were studying the skies regularly. On noticing the star or the astronomical phenomenon they associated it with the prophetical knowledge they possessed. They were so sure about their deduction that the King of Jews was born, that they decided to travel to Jerusalem. These wise men wanted to worship the King of Jews. Mat 2: 1 provides also a reference point. The magi arrived in Jerusalem, (Mat 2:1) after the birth of Christ. So much for the traditional nativity scenes depicting the 3 magi !!
The magi were diligent in their pursuit for the birth of Christ. The due diligence on the part of the magi included: study of the scriptures (Daniel and Isaiah prophecies ?), applying their knowledge and wisdom in correlating the astronomical events to the prophecies, preparing for a long journey, and undertaking the journey. On arriving in Jerusalem, they inquired for the King of the Jews. These inquiries must have reached Herod, and he arranged to meet them in secret. This may have been to keep the news of the arrival of King of the Jews from the public in general and the Romans in particular, to avoid uproar and a threat to his rule.
A common traditional notion passed on through movies, art and stories, is that the magi followed the star all the way from the east to the place where Christ was born. We do not find that supported in the scriptures. Mat 2:9 “And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” tells us the star was seen again by the wise men after they left Herod. From this it can be seen that the wise men lost the star some where between the point of the discovery and their meeting Herod, and when they saw the star again they rejoiced greatly, and the star led them to where the child was. Note that the word “child” is mentioned and not baby. The wise men did not arrive at the time of Jesus' birth!!
Jesus said that He is coming again. Mat 19:27-28 “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? (28) And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Like the wise men, those who study the scriptures are given the knowledge and are to be alert waiting for the signs that Jesus has disclosed in the Olivet discourse.
Jesus said, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, or the Son, but the Father only." (Matt. 24:36), and like wise I believe that no one will come to know about the time of Jesus' second advent. So there would be no one like Mary and Joseph who were the only ones who knew when Jesus was to arrive into this world.
Who would be the shepherds at the second advent ? Recall that from Luke 2: 11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” the angels announced to the shepherds after the birth of Christ. The Rapture precedes the second advent of Christ. Now once the rapture happens, those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and tell the world about it may be the shepherds. But this invites intense tribulation and pressure on them unlike the first advent when those that heard the shepherds wondered at their saying.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Thoughts on Christmas
Christmas is a season associated with fun, joy. The scriptures from Luke and Matthew tell us about the story of Jesus birth. The angels told the shepherds to rejoice.
Behind the happy story lies lives that underwent pain, troubles.
Mary, an unwed virgin had to undergo the ignominy of being pregnant. Joseph had to also undergo the severe societal scrutiny and ill-fame of caring for a fiancée who is pregnant. Then they had to travel all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem, some 100 miles. More pain, but in the belief on the Almighty God's word and plain hope and faith.
The magi also had to traverse inhospitable terrain to reach Bethlehem. Amidst all the pain and sacrifices I see a common thread. Hope and faith that is not noticed in general amongst all the razzle dazzle of the Christmas season.
I ask myself, what is the pain and sacrifice in this Christmas season, that I am undergoing to rejoice in the hope and faith in things to come ? I thank and praise God for the hope and faith that is given to me. You too can have the same, let us ask ourselves what are the pains and sacrifice that we can undergo for the promised joy and peace.
Happy Christmas
Behind the happy story lies lives that underwent pain, troubles.
Mary, an unwed virgin had to undergo the ignominy of being pregnant. Joseph had to also undergo the severe societal scrutiny and ill-fame of caring for a fiancée who is pregnant. Then they had to travel all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem, some 100 miles. More pain, but in the belief on the Almighty God's word and plain hope and faith.
The magi also had to traverse inhospitable terrain to reach Bethlehem. Amidst all the pain and sacrifices I see a common thread. Hope and faith that is not noticed in general amongst all the razzle dazzle of the Christmas season.
I ask myself, what is the pain and sacrifice in this Christmas season, that I am undergoing to rejoice in the hope and faith in things to come ? I thank and praise God for the hope and faith that is given to me. You too can have the same, let us ask ourselves what are the pains and sacrifice that we can undergo for the promised joy and peace.
Happy Christmas
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Advent and Relationship
Advent - We are in the season of advent now. Recently at church the message was on John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus. I say, are we not all like John the Baptist, called to proclaim the Message about the Lord's salvation and His Second Coming ?
Relationship and fellowship
If you are saved, this means that you have a relationship with God. Question for those who are saved - How is your fellowship with your God ? Check by reading from 1 John
Relationship and fellowship
If you are saved, this means that you have a relationship with God. Question for those who are saved - How is your fellowship with your God ? Check by reading from 1 John
Friday, December 18, 2009
Idolatry
I realized the meaning of idolatry and why it is such an abhorrence against God. When I try to understand God and visualize Him, it is not possible to me to comprehend Him, as my mind cannot come to grips with God, and all I can visualize Him is only through the attributes revealed in the scriptures. Because of this I can only worship Him in spirit and truth, but not with my mind as I cannot comprehend.
Now coming to the various idols that man makes and worships it, the idols are a result of what his mind understands God to be, and represented that in a form. This is why God commanded that "You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them."
Jesus said "He who has seen Me, has seen the Father" (John 14:9) - Do we see Jesus? Is He in us?
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Is your salvation eternal ?
I was reading Charles Stanley's devotional dated 10/29/09, where he explains about grace, faith and justification. I am not sure about this part where he says :
"Grace also gives us peace with the Lord. Before salvation, a person is His enemy, under a sentence of eternal death. But after trusting in Christ, that individual is adopted into God's family and has His favor forever."
You see, I am not clear on the forever part. OK , through Grace the Holy Spirit works in you, and this leads to conviction and repentance. At that point, you receive justification, as God in His grace and through grace, gives you a new heart, a heart of flesh. I do know that once this happens you are saved and have received salvation. What I am not clear is post repentance, you may have undergone repentance and received salvation at say age 32, and go on to live say 78 years. During this period between 32 and 78, is God's favor conditional depending on your works? I am convinced completely of the doctrine that if I love my God with all my heart, soul and body, I would not commit sin consciously that jeopardizes my salvation. However knowing God's character of being a Just God, what about the sins that I commit unconsciously?
"Grace also gives us peace with the Lord. Before salvation, a person is His enemy, under a sentence of eternal death. But after trusting in Christ, that individual is adopted into God's family and has His favor forever."
You see, I am not clear on the forever part. OK , through Grace the Holy Spirit works in you, and this leads to conviction and repentance. At that point, you receive justification, as God in His grace and through grace, gives you a new heart, a heart of flesh. I do know that once this happens you are saved and have received salvation. What I am not clear is post repentance, you may have undergone repentance and received salvation at say age 32, and go on to live say 78 years. During this period between 32 and 78, is God's favor conditional depending on your works? I am convinced completely of the doctrine that if I love my God with all my heart, soul and body, I would not commit sin consciously that jeopardizes my salvation. However knowing God's character of being a Just God, what about the sins that I commit unconsciously?
I am aware of the imputed righteousness that I receive through Jesus' blood shed on the cross of calvary, but am still disturbed by the thought that even with all the grace that God is providing me, I fail Him. Is this unnecessary guilt ? Yes I know that Paul said that our nature is sinful till our resurrection in Christ. How can I measure my growth in Christ, I think I need to know this else how can I ask God for help in the areas that I need help?
I feel that if I dont ask these questions, I am being just a passive being without actively seeking my destiny in God. Do you think this is normal ?
The next day these are the thoughts that came to me on my drive to work while listening to John MacArthur, on the questions mentioned above.
Once you are saved by God's grace, you have eternal life, guaranteed. Now the saved person will sin after receiving salvation. But God in His grace and through His Word ( in the scriptures) still gives the person eternal life. Romans 8:38
Now coming to the troubling question, of continuing in sin after receiving salvation, this is where the part of "the kingdom of heaven is here now at hand" comes to life. God redeems the sinner by purchasing him through the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ by His grace. The sinner repents and has a new heart and the Holy Spirit is in him. Although now the person is a bond servant, he still is given free will. The sacrifices of a person offered to God out of his free will is the sweet smelling aroma rising up to His Holy throne.
I feel that if I dont ask these questions, I am being just a passive being without actively seeking my destiny in God. Do you think this is normal ?
The next day these are the thoughts that came to me on my drive to work while listening to John MacArthur, on the questions mentioned above.
Once you are saved by God's grace, you have eternal life, guaranteed. Now the saved person will sin after receiving salvation. But God in His grace and through His Word ( in the scriptures) still gives the person eternal life. Romans 8:38
Now coming to the troubling question, of continuing in sin after receiving salvation, this is where the part of "the kingdom of heaven is here now at hand" comes to life. God redeems the sinner by purchasing him through the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ by His grace. The sinner repents and has a new heart and the Holy Spirit is in him. Although now the person is a bond servant, he still is given free will. The sacrifices of a person offered to God out of his free will is the sweet smelling aroma rising up to His Holy throne.
When the redeemed person starts to love God with all his heart, body and soul, he is actually living the Kingdom of heaven now on earth, a life full of joy, praise, and victory in Jesus Christ. With His power, the redeemed person now has the opportunity to spread the Kingdom of heaven now , here on earth through his love for his creator and by loving fellow humans. You are transformed and you have the power to transform. What is this source of transformation, the source of power? It is God.
Everyone knows that in order to be powered , there are 3 things involved. One, the power source, two the power connection, and three the power receptor. I have already mentioned that the power source is God, and you are the power receptor. What constitutes the power connection? It is the relationship. The relationship is established, nurtured and strengthened through tangible ways, namely prayer, and study of the scripture, justice, and acts out of the fruits of spirit. Again you all know that in order to receive power the power receptor must be built and maintained as per established specifications. At the time of your salvation, God Himself has built/transformed you into the power receptor. Now it is in the hands of the individual to get familiar with the specifications and maintain. You may think, oh boy am I now totally responsible to maintain the power receptor all alone? Now God did not abandon you after transforming you through your salvation. He provides you with a wonderful Helper for you to work with. This is the Holy Spirit
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