http://ricksspace.net/index.htmlA Christian Blog expressing the thoughts, writings, and interests of Rick Arnoldenmariaandrick@yahoo.comCopyright 2008 Richard Arnold2008-09-18T10:00:14+05:30 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:04:56 +0530mariaandrick@yahoo.comSalvationVideoBible Study2008-09-18T10:00:14+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/2d4f4e108d0a61c75a40fbb26ac17e7a-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/2d4f4e108d0a61c75a40fbb26ac17e7a-13.html#unique-entry-id-13
...They have convinced themselves that there is no hell and even of there is they suppose themselves to the special guests of Satan himself. ...How much bigger is the sun than a marble, and yet a marble can block our view of the sun if we hold it close enough to our eye. ...Don't dull the pain of your conscience with the pleasures of this world, but rather deal with it at the foot of the cross and find true pleasure. There will be no pain killer in hell, and our minds will never be diverted from the torment which we must endure forever. ...All those who practice a false religion, regardless if they call themselves Christian or not, can be sure that they will end up in hell. ... b) Any religion that does not bring you to the foot of the cross, humbled and broken, ready to exchange your insufficient self-righteousness for the righteousness of Christ is a false religion. c) Any religion that does not fill your heart to overflowing with the precious Spirit of God is a false religion d) Any religion that is not based on faith in God and does not lead you into a heart-felt joy and trust in the Father is a false religion e) Any religion that does not produce within you a true and lasting peace with God, so that you are convinced that you have passed from death to life and that the wrath of God no longer abides upon you, is a false religion. ...f) Any religion that does not bring you into an actual, first-hand relationship with God is a false religion ...People try to escape hell by pleading their humanity as an excuse - "I am just human " or "Oh well, all humans are sinners." ...There is no doubt that we are a fallen race living in a fallen world, but this does not excuse our sin. ...We could just as easily do what is right as we can what is wrong, but we are aware that we are totally unwilling to do so. ... We may do some moral acts, but we will not give our lives to God and honor and glorify him in all of our thoughts and deeds. b) I do not claim to understand all of the aspects of the total depravity of man, but I can tell you that God is righteous and just. ... He has given us access to His mercy through the cross and power to live holy by His Spirit. ... He commands us to have faith in Him and His work on the cross. ... He will fill us with His Spirit and deliver us from the power of sin. He will not cast us into hell but make a place for us to be with Him forever in paradise.]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comBible StudyDiscipleship2008-08-11T20:22:41+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/2a6bbfd6135f9b10d06f472f0f022c1a-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/2a6bbfd6135f9b10d06f472f0f022c1a-12.html#unique-entry-id-12mariaandrick@yahoo.comApologeticsSalvationVideo2008-03-12T11:37:39+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/8b27e17853fe92bf64def04d6d47ecda-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/8b27e17853fe92bf64def04d6d47ecda-10.html#unique-entry-id-10 ...In Matthew 16 Jesus was talking with His disciples when He asked this very question. He asked who do men say that I am? They answered, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Jesus went on, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter emphatically answered, "You are the christ the Son of the living God." This has been the most important question that I have ever asked and found the answer to and I believe it is a question of eternal significance that should be asked and answered by all... So I ask you now, who do you say that Jesus is? Well if you are like most people you will say that Jesus was a good man. For very few people will deny the goodness of this man we call Jesus. But was he more than a good man, was he more than an inspired teacher, was he mearlly a revolutionist, the founder of a world religion or was Jesus indeed, as Peter answered and more than a billion people on earth today claim, the Christ the son of the living God. ...Well, if you are a muslim you will not deny the goodness of Christ you will say that he was a profit, and a man of God but not the equal of Muhammad. If you are a mormon you will teach the Jesus was a man like any other who became a God and now populates his own planet with the help of his eternal, celestial spouse. If you are a Jehovah's witness you will proclaim that Jesus was the half brother of lucifer and an archangel who became a man. Hindus say Jesus was a god but not thee God, Buddhists admit he was good and enlightened but not the creator of all things. But what does the Bible say, and what did Jesus Himself say? The Bible clearly and undeniably claims that Jesus was in fact God, the creator of all things, the alpha and omega the beginning and end of all things, the one and only true and living God. He was God made into flesh, the incarnate deity, Emmanuel God with us. ...He said it is as you say I am God. ... He said that He would judge all people that ever lived as God, and that He had all power in heaven and on earth. There is no doubt whatsoever that Jesus believed he was and claimed to be God manifested in human form. Now we must ask ourselves who do we say that Jesus is. If you believe that Jesus was a good man but not God. Then you are saying that Jesus is a liar but still a good man. Or you are saying that Jesus was a lunatic but still a great teacher and a good man, or you must acknowledge that He indeed is the Lord of all. Jesus said that he is absolutely the only way to heaven and that no one can go to heaven accept through Him. More than a billion people today believe that. If that is not true then rather than being a good man Jesus would be the most wicked man of all time. I for one can tell you that I believe, with all my heart, that Jesus is who He said He was. ... Who do you say that He is?! ]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comDiscipleshipVideo2008-02-19T15:03:57+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/280b1725eb32c65e806e50439585fa7f-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/280b1725eb32c65e806e50439585fa7f-9.html#unique-entry-id-9 Knowing God as Your Father Romans 8:14-18 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Introduction: Psalm 27:10 ...Definition of love: Sacrifice, provision ...God demonstrated His great love through the cross ...The results of God’s love is that we have all things pertaining to life and godliness ...As good father’s we need to sacrifice and provide for our children ... 1. Definition of Intimacy: A close personal, trusting relationship ...Intimacy is an important part of love. ...Christ has made a way for us to come into God’s presence ...God is never too busy for us. ... 1. We become joint heirs with Christ ...We have a great destiny in this life and the next ...Our children need for us to make them understand their value. ... 1. God knows how to humble us when we need it ...His punishment is unto holiness and redemption if we yield to the process ...Our children need discipline also ... 1. No matter what you are going through today you can come to God. ...Repent of pride and unbelief and give your life and heart to Christ ...God will be your Father ]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comApologeticsVideo2008-02-10T10:17:05+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/60de403cfd8c1d06e52430c61590607d-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/60de403cfd8c1d06e52430c61590607d-8.html#unique-entry-id-8 ...There have been hundreds of books written on the subject of the evidences of the divine inspiration of the Bible, and these evidences are many and varied. ... Thus, many people tend to go along with the popular delusion that the Bible is full of mistakes and is no longer relevant to our modern world. Nevertheless the Bible writers claimed repeatedly that they were transmitting the very Word of God, infallible and authoritative in the highest degree. This is an amazing thing for any writer to say, and if the forty or so men who wrote the Scriptures were wrong in these claims, then they must have been lying, or insane, or both. But, on the other hand, if the greatest and most influential book of the ages, containing the most beautiful literature and the most perfect moral code ever devised, was written by deceiving fanatics, then what hope is there for ever finding meaning and purpose in this world? If one will seriously investigate these Biblical evidences, he will find that their claims of divine inspiration (stated over 3,000 times, in various ways) were amply justified. ...Hundreds of Bible prophecies have been fulfilled, specifically and meticulously, often long after the prophetic writer had passed away. For example, Daniel the prophet predicted in about 538 BC (Daniel 9:24-27) that Christ would come as Israel's promised Savior and Prince 483 years after the Persian emperor would give the Jews authority to rebuild Jerusalem, which was then in ruins. ...There are extensive prophecies dealing with individual nations and cities and with the course of history in general, all of which have been literally fulfilled. ...There is no other book, ancient or modern, like this. The vague, and usually erroneous, prophecies of people like Jeanne Dixon, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and others like them are not in the same category at all, and neither are other religious books such as the Koran, the Confucian Analects, and similar religious writings. Only the Bible manifests this remarkable prophetic evidence, and it does so on such a tremendous scale as to render completely absurd any explanation other than divine revelation. ...The historical accuracy of the Scriptures is likewise in a class by itself, far superior to the written records of Egypt, Assyria, and other early nations. ...Scores of archeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or in exact detail historical statements in the Bible. ...Another striking evidence of divine inspiration is found in the fact that many of the principles of modern science were recorded as facts of nature in the Bible long before scientist confirmed them experimentally. ...• These are not stated in the technical jargon of modern science, of course, but in terms of the basic world of man's everyday experience; nevertheless, they are completely in accord with the most modern scientific facts. It is significant also that no real mistake has ever been demonstrated in the Bible -- in science, in history, or in any other subject. Many have been claimed, of course, but conservative Bible scholars have always been able to work out reasonable solutions to all such problems. ...Although it is a collection of 66 books, written by 40 or more different men over a period of 2,000 years, it is clearly one Book, with perfect unity and consistency throughout. The individual writers, at the time of writing, had no idea that their message was eventually to be incorporated into such a Book, but each nevertheless fits perfectly into place and serves its own unique purpose as a component of the whole. Anyone who diligently studies the Bible will continually find remarkable structural and mathematical patterns woven throughout its fabric, with an intricacy and symmetry incapable of explanation by chance or collusion. The one consistent theme of the Bible, developing in grandeur from Genesis to Revelation, is God's great work in the creation and redemption of all things, through His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. ...The Bible is unique also in terms of its effect on individual men and on the history of nations. It is the all-time best seller, appealing both to hearts and minds, beloved by at least some in every race or nation or tribe to which it has gone, rich or poor, scholar or simple, king or commoner, men of literally every background and walk of life. ...One final evidence that the Bible is true is found in the testimony of those who have believed it. Multitudes of people, past and present, have found from personal experience that its promises are true, its counsel is sound, its commands and restrictions are wise, and its wonderful message of salvation meets every need for both time and eternity. Authors: Henry Morris and Martin Clark, as adapted from their book The Bible Has the Answer, published by Master Books, 1987. ...Copyright © 1995, Master Books, All Rights Reserved - except as noted on attached “Usage and Copyright” page that grants ChristianAnswers. Net users generous rights for putting this page to work in their homes, personal witnessing, churches and schools. ]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comDiscipleshipRevivalAudio2007-09-13T11:04:27+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/870e9634e9ea145ef55cfc9aa5e1da83-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/870e9634e9ea145ef55cfc9aa5e1da83-7.html#unique-entry-id-7 The Importance of Spiritual Sight 1. It is possible to loose your spiritual sight 2. Without vision people cast off restraint 3. You become what you behold 4. Sight helps us to be ready for the judgement 5. Sight is vital for effective ministry John 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. John 5:20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comApologeticsSalvationDiscipleshipVideo2007-09-13T11:01:47+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/799256ba6e5415a6cbde25deac75f532-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/799256ba6e5415a6cbde25deac75f532-6.html#unique-entry-id-6 ...They imply that in order to have faith in God you must blindly believe, or in other words you must accept something as true without proof of any kind. ... In fact I would god so far as to say that a man does not even have faith until the moment he begins to see. ... , but rather it is believing what we see with the eyes of the Spirit and not limiting ourselves to physical sight. ...John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Therefore we can conclude that the moment a man is born again he can see the kingdom of God Eph. 1:18-19 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power So here we see that it is with the eyes of our understanding that we see God. ... So there is such a thing as spiritual sight and it is as real, no more real than what we see in the natural realm. ...Spiritual sight does not, as I have already said, have anything to do with physical sight. ... The prophets in the Bible often had open visions so that the literally saw what was revealed, and often God will anoint or illuminate or minds eye in order to speak to us. But while both of these may be a part of spiritual sight neither defines it. In order to define spiritual sight let's look at how natural sight works. In order to see something in the natural we need first of all to look at the object. ... It doesn't matter how good your eyes are if you have no light you will not see the object that you look for. ...Our eye has the ability to receive that light and it then sends a signal to our brain. ... We have a saying that seeing is believing and while it is possible for our eyes to be deceived it is very difficult to convince an eyewitness that what they saw does not exist. ...First of all the natural man cannot see the spiritual realm because he is in darkness separated from God as a result of sin. It is not that he doesn't have spiritual eyes, or the ability to perceive spiritual things, he does but he can not use his senses because he is in darkness. But the moment the Holy Ghost comes and sheds light upon the man's soul he begins to see. ... Well again we do not mean natural light or anything physical, but we are talking about the influence or the illumination of the spirit of God. His influence is compared to light because the end result of that influence is the same as light for our eyes That is we come into the experience of perceiving something. This phenomena of perceiving something by the Spirit is known as revelation and the knowing that results form revelation is more sure than anything that you could ever see with your natural eyes. ...The Bible says it this way "you will know when you have passed from death to life" And that you will receive the spirit of adoption, and your spirit will cry out to God's spirit that you are children of God. You know, that you know, that you know, that GOd is real and that the wrath of his judgment has passed when you are born again. ... The Bible says we see dimly as through a glass but are transformed from glory to glory as continue to behold the Lord. That is our understanding is very basic as first but it grows into a great love and understanding of our great and loving heavenly father. ... So faith rather than being blind is when we put our trust in what we see be the Spirit. ...It is true that when you first come to the light it is uncomfortable because in the light of God's perfect love and holiness we see our great short comings. ... Christ died for the ungodly and as we turn our eyes on Him we will be transformed from glory to glory and our eyes will be opened to know the riches of the glory of His inheritance and the exceeding greatness of his power to us who believe. ]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comDiscipleshipVideo2007-05-19T04:59:56+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/a4a357cb13f00fbf2667e2e3a8ff1e5f-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/a4a357cb13f00fbf2667e2e3a8ff1e5f-5.html#unique-entry-id-5 James 5:20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise. ]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comApologeticsVideo2007-03-30T11:25:06+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/4c75f2f3abe72f58104549713f6ccfb1-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/4c75f2f3abe72f58104549713f6ccfb1-4.html#unique-entry-id-4 Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 1Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. ]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comApologeticsVideo2007-03-26T11:16:08+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/5db9c1701aabb3d3ffd4e3706b92734e-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/5db9c1701aabb3d3ffd4e3706b92734e-3.html#unique-entry-id-3 ...They say, “if God is real why doesn't He just show up and let everybody know what is going on?” ... Well I certainly can't answer that question exhaustively but let bring 5 things to your mind to consider and hopefully you will see that God has a very wise and loving reason for doing do. ...He transcends the natural, physical world and we can not see Him with our natural eyes. Jesus did say however let him who has ears hear what the Spirit says, and in many other places the Bible talks about us having spiritual senses. ... We were designed to fellowship with God in the Spirit, as the Bible says God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. ...We may do a few seemingly good things here and there if it is in our self-interest to do so, but essentially the state of the fallen, natural, carnal man is one of selfishness. The Bible says in that our sins have separated us from God. Also the Bible tells us that the natural man cannot understand the things of the spirit because they are spiritually discerned. When we sin, when we live according to the flesh it damages our ability to "walk in the spirit" or to exercise our spiritual senses. That is why being in a state of sin is compared to being in a state of darkness. ... When we repent and turn our hearts to God, love, and truth, immediately light comes into our souls and we begin to be able to discern spiritually. ...Now what would happen if God fully revealed Himself to men who are still in their sinful state? ...When the Bible says that we can not see God, it is not referring to receiving revelation or knowing God by the Spirit, but rather that a man in his sin can not look on the full glory of God and not be consumed. So you see God could come in all His majesty and completely expose Himself to a sinful world, but what would be the result? ... Because God is loving and merciful He has devised a way to lead men to repentance and that plan includes Him partially hiding Himself out of necessity. ...He revealed Himself to Moses and the people were afraid of God because of their sinful state not because God was a monster. ... As the Bible says blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. God came again to reveal Himself to the world and institute a new covenant between Him and man, He cam in the form of a man and called himself Jesus. ... You see He could have come in all His glory as the king and judge of the universe and forced everyone to bow their knee , but He didn't want forced submission. ...Jesus claimed that He was the light of the world and that all that came to the light would be saved, but many men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil and the light would expose them. ... People had a hatred for the light, and I think it is clear today that this hatred is still alive and well. ...He could have stopped it but we know that He went to the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all who would believe in Him. ...Well there is much historical evidence for it, but the greatest and simplest way you can be sure is to meet him for yourself. ... He said the world wouldn't discern Him but that He would manifest Himself to those who loved Him by the power and revelation of the Holy Spirit. ...I want to encourage you to repent and put your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ because there will be a day when God will indeed reveal Himself to all. ... If we stand before God as a sinner we will be cast in to outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ... He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but as the just judge of the earth he must do right and uphold the law of righteousness. As the Bible says the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life. ...All you need to do is turn form darkness, embrace the Light of God's love and His word. ]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comSalvationVideo2007-04-09T10:59:28+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/f775d482fb8e42f7fb844d1768dba635-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/f775d482fb8e42f7fb844d1768dba635-2.html#unique-entry-id-2 ... ...Some people say that God is good and therefore will never punish their sins, but the truth is, because God is good He must punish all sin. We would certainly not think that a judge was a good man if he let murderers go free; how much more should God, being good, punish all sin. The Bible tells us that the penalty for sin is eternal death in a place called hell. ...If he tried to use the fact that he helped ladies across the street to argue his innocence in a court of law, he would not get very far. ...In fact you would probably be shot and nobody would feel that you were dealt with unjustly because it is a very serious offense to slap the president. Now in light of all this let me ask you, what should be the penalty for slapping God in the face? ... If the penalty ascribed to a crime is equal to the person to whom the crime is committed against and God is eternal, then the only just penalty for sinning against God is an eternal penalty. ... Is it not a slap in the face when we ignore God's law and do our own thing? Is it not a slap in the face when we refuse to love and obey the God who gave us life; when we even deny His existence? ... “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son that whosoever should believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” ...The cross not only displayed to the whole universe how much God loved man but also displayed the great extent to which God would go to uphold His holy law. ...If you will turn form sin and embrace Christ's death as a substitute for your punishment you can be forgiven. ...“For your maker is your husband, the Lord of Hosts is His name; and your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.“ ...“Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another-to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.“ ...When you look at a healthy, Christian marriage, you see what your relationship with God should be like. ... They promised to be loyal and faithful to each other through the good times and the bad, for better or worse, 'til death do them part. ...Imagine that a man goes up to a woman whom he hopes to marry and asks, “My dear do you love me and will you marry me?“ ... But you know, I love many others too, and after all I am only human, you really can't expect me to be faithful. ... I can live in your house on Sunday and Wednesday and during those days you can shower me with blessings but the rest of the week I will run with my other lovers.“ ...But God, I am only a human and you can't expect me to be faithful. ... So when we come to God all that we have, are, and ever hope to be becomes His. ...The Bible says that we become partakers of the divine nature and that God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. ...But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become sons of God, to those who believe in His name.“ ...“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.“ ...When we repent and give Him our hearts He comes to live in us and we become partakers of eternal life. ...Well I hope this article has made clear to you what you must do to be forgiven of your sins, saved from the wrath to come, and restored in your relationship with the God who gave you life. ... and all you can say is, “No Father I have broken all your commandments“, I will be there. ...(Now you can confess specific sins that the Holy Spirit brings to mind) I now choose to turn from my sin and embrace your truth. ]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comApologeticsVideo2006-12-21T11:57:05+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/015e3057d331b4ed56d05c92c11fc465-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/015e3057d331b4ed56d05c92c11fc465-1.html#unique-entry-id-1 Many people think that Christianity is purely blind faith. While, it is true that our journey to find God must start without first hand knowledge, it is not rue that it must remain that way. True Christianity is having a real relationship with God. As Christ says in John 14, He manifests himself to those who repent, come to Him in faith, and seek Him with all their heart. God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.]]>mariaandrick@yahoo.comSalvation2006-12-20T12:35:46+05:30http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/be0e326cf135b098c5cc568df42a0c7d-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://ricksspace.net/blog/files/be0e326cf135b098c5cc568df42a0c7d-0.html#unique-entry-id-0