Does Government Rule Churches


James 2:3
And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Does Government Rule What Churches Preach?
By Sylvie Hache

The often sited Thomas Jefferson quote, from his 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists states:

"I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State."

As stated, Jefferson's position is that legislature should make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion, as a result building a wall of separation between church and state. Yet sadly, I discovered this is exactly what is happening in many of our churches today.

There are so many gay-friendly churches 'coming out,' it appears churches are finally accepting what the gay community has been fighting for years to achieve. I was one of those within the congregation of a gay-friendly church, seeking truth before beginning my journey into a life of homosexuality. In this church, I thought I finally had found the loop-hole - the one that shared what all other churches didn't dare share. The one finally willing to admit God doesn't make mistakes; He loves us all equally and being gay was the way I was created to be. What resulted was a confidence that God approved of my homosexual lifestyle. However, to my dismay, thirteen-years later, I discovered and experienced so many negative effects and consequences intertwined throughout my life that were so devastating, I had to dig deeper to find out why my life had become a hellish merry-go-round.

Please know it is not my position or intent to suggest how anyone should live. Even God will not tell us what type of life to live - that is our free-will choice. However I am compelled to share what I discovered.

I discovered many of these gay-friendly churches are coming out, but unfortunately, not for the reason you may think. I learned legislature was creating laws prohibiting the free exercise of what some churches can do and preach. How are they doing this? They're doing this by initiating fear of closure due to lack of funding. In other words, punish the behavior you don't want and reward the one you do. This is especially prevalent as it relates to teachings regarding homosexuality; which is highly unfortunate for everyone involved - the churches, government, congregation, even the non-straight (LGBTQ) community.

What I found is the government is being led by the LGBTQ community to legally force churches to support and perform same-sex marriages; otherwise, they potentially stand to lose their non-profit charitable donation status. As such, several churches are now following suit simply to ensure they do not lose funding and be forced to close down. How can you find truth when it's not allowed to be spoken?

I believe we all deserve to know the truth - especially if we seek it. I wanted to know the truth all those years ago, prior to entering into a non-straight lifestyle (that's why I went to church), but instead received mistruth from a church apparently afraid of losing their charitable donation status. I believe it is our God-given right as citizens to receive the information we seek. I consider it deplorable to be refused this information, by fear imposed by government rule - especially while in a church.

If you are reading this and are struggling with your sexual orientation, looking for answers to questions and trying to figure out the truth, I encourage you to read Insight In Sight - Was I Born Like This? It was written to help you by providing answers to the tough questions and so your life does not become a devastating experience. I also encourage churches to obtain and read this book. While being the author this may look self-serving, I ask any church who desires a copy of this book to contact me and I will forward a free copy. And I encourage passing it around. It is a quick and easy read. So get your questions answered, get all the information and weigh what you've learned without any agenda, so that you can make the proper unbiased decision. And, whatever you choose let it be based on truth. After all, aren't you worth it?

Author of Insight In Sight: Was I Born Like This? A straight gone gay gone straight lady, who shares the journey and how she did it. http://www.sylviehache.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvie_Hache
http://EzineArticles.com/?Does-Government-Rule-What-Churches-Preach?&id=7172856


Sanctus Real - Forgiven w/ Lyrics
What else to read? Well you could try this: http://www.websites4christians.com/our-blog/157-christian-websites.html or christianwebsite4.jimdo.com or better still the rest of this site.

How to Build Effective Christian Business


Hebrews 2:9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

How to Build Effective Christian Business Websites
By Thomas Freers

Every business that operates online would require a good website. With online marketing you will need to have a good website that would be able to attract more visitors, get more prospective customers and provide you with more profits. A good quality website can provide you a lot of benefits. Even for those who are running a Christian business or are thinking about starting one, Christian business websites are very necessary. A lot of people today are starting affiliate marketing businesses. However, the main problem with affiliate marketing is that most of these businesses come with replicated websites that most people use.

Why Replicated Websites are Not Good

Before you use replicated Christian business websites you should know that these will not always be attractive. Some of these websites are quite flashy and have hyped up marketing pages, loud music and animated banners which turn off customers. Also, most of these websites do not offer customers what they are actually looking for- quality information and content. Quite a lot of these websites also do not have a form for capturing the contact information of the visitors. It is very important that any website you use for your business should provide you full control so that you can offer something extra to your prospective customers.

A Good Website will Need Good Quality Content

If you want to bring in more customers for your business then you will need good quality Christian business websites. Any good quality website would require good quality content. If you are thinking about starting a new business then you will have to research a little to find out what type of content is popular with prospective customers. You will have to provide information on your website that would be informative, interesting, simple to understand and attractively put together. Quality content is what the search engines are looking for to. Your visitors will have plenty of questions or will have specific needs and with your website content you can provide answers for all of these questions. This would be one of the best ways to build a loyal customer base that you can rely on in the future.

Simple Navigation

Any good website should also provide simple navigation. There are several websites that tend to be too complicated with too many pages. A lot of visitors would leave these sites without actually signing up for anything simply because they do not easily find the information that they had been looking for. Ensure that your Christian business websites offer a good site plan and easy navigation to your pages.

If you keep all of these points in mind you will be able to build effective Christian business websites that will bring in more prospective customers for you.

Learn more about Christian business websites.Thomas Freers is Christian and has been serving the body of Christ for over two decades. He teaches Biblical Principles on a balance life and is an Online Marketing Coach for what is arguably the World's Largest Internet Marketing School available today. He specializes in Article Marketing, Social Media networking and various other marketing strategies and works with small and large companies to help them customize their marketing campaigns. With over 50 different marketing strategies available today you must learn which one suits your personality. To learn more about Thomas Freers and to see more effective principles to explode your Internet business to create big profits and get results go to http://christianworkathomeblog.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Freers
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Build-Effective-Christian-Business-Websites&id=5779243

Spreading The Good News


Genesis 6:12
And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

Spreading The Good News Through Christian Newspapers
By Marcy Watson

Christian News is a world apart from the usual news that comes out through the various media. What makes it different is the underlying message of Christianity. But it is not just for Christians and the news items or articles are not all about Christianity and the Bible. The articles are meant for the world audience and are about a wide variety of topics ranging from every day living to international politics. Christian News paper serves the purpose of upholding the values that Christ taught us with his life and making people realize the need for making a difference in this greed ridden world by living a life of service to all mankind.

For example, an article in a News website focused on the welfare program for the Haiti earthquake victims. The program is planned as a long term venture to provide material and spiritual support for the poor people. Another news item in an online Christian-News paper talks about the efforts of the Jews in Israel to protect the Christians in the land against oppression from Muslim terrorists. There also have been articles related to the issues and laws of gay marriages. So the articles and news items include regional and international affairs and messages based on Christian themes.

Christian websites are also a venue for people to seek guidance and counseling for various life issues. The Christian missionaries and experts in different fields will be very much ready to help you out from the teething problems that you face in daily life. Christian communities can keep in constant contact through these sites. The great experiences that you have had while living a fruitful life can be shared with others through News so that they can also avail of similar blessings in their own lives.

Christian News paper is one way to constantly open people's eyes to the issues that the world is facing today. You can join hands with any Christian organization engaged in welfare activities through the websites. You can also give your views on any topic that you feel others should know about by submitting your articles, blog posts, or comments. Since a chief aim of News is to fight against the growing international tensions and social evils, most of the articles opine about the same. Overall, the core theme of loving thy neighbor like thyself is what drives Christian News paper forward, to make people feel the importance of transforming this world into a heavenly home.

For more information on Christian News and Christian News paper, please visit our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcy_Watson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Spreading-The-Good-News-Through-Christian-Newspapers&id=5781987

Responsible Christian Websites


Philippians 3:12
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Responsible Christian Websites Must Teach on Obedience to Christ
By Robert R Fenn

Jesus said why you call me Lord, Lord when you do not do the things I tell you to. He was just asking a simple question to people who hear him say many things, but do not respond in obedience. What is obedience? Obedience is nothing but responding to a call.

When I say to my daughter come here, and she does not come. What do you call that, ignorance, or you did not hear or did not understand or plain arrogance or disobedience? It is that simple. You either obey or disobey. Christian Websites should teach clearly on this.

When you obey it is positive and when you disobey it is negative. Negative response has consequences. However, Jesus was asking us why? He wants to know why we do not respond positively.

The question is why you call me Lord. Lord means master, guru, chief, and boss. In the world, the word Lord has no meaning. The only word I can relate to being Boss. If you do not respond to your boss you lose your job. You lose your security the paycheck. Christian Websites should not try to make but teach people to receive blessings from God.

If you make a habit of it, you may end up losing your job everywhere. Lord is your creator, your all and the source of your very life and blessing. The key is only in obedience can you receive any benefit from God.

Jesus is astounded when he meets disobedience from his own people. Do not they want any blessing from me? Do not you understand that only in obedience can you receive all that you need here on the earth and the next life?

He also added that you not only do not respond positively in obedience but also claim to know me. He said you will come t me in the last days and claim you know, and you have done many remarkable things in my name.

The funny thing is he does not know you... He says I do not know you. What are you talking about, I do not know you? Why do you keep saying you have done all these things I did not ask you do? I asked you obey me. Christian Websites teach more Jesus's teaching directly.

We all know what God requires from us as believers. There is no question about God's requirement in the Bible. The problem we have is to give excuses and avoid his direct instructions. We also put up a wall and claim we do not understand what means.

We need many books to be written about it and explain to us what it means. How many books do you need to explain the meaning of do not steal or do not commit adultery'? Christian Websites should be careful to emphasis obedience.

Robert Fenn is a pastor, preacher, mentor and bible teacher for over 40 years. His writings reflect his personal daily walk, struggles, victories and failures. He loves to share God's unfailing love, protection and guidance to others throughout his life.

Christian Websites [http://www.christianwebsites.biz/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_R_Fenn
http://EzineArticles.com/?Responsible-Christian-Websites-Must-Teach-on-Obedience-to-Christ&id=3730517

Are you still searching for more? Well if my site can't give you it why not try http://www.websites4christians.com/our-blog/120-christian-website.html or christianwebsite4.webs.com instead.

Alternative Halloween Celebrations


2 Timothy 3:1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Alternative Halloween Celebrations for Churches: Outdoor Movies
By Paul B Murray

Parents all over are experiencing increasing fears about the safety of trick or treating and other traditional Halloween activities. Adults worry about children being out after dark, especially unsupervised, and are concerned about the risks of consuming treats from strangers. Trusted community organizations like churches, youth groups, schools and daycare centers have begun filling the need for safe and fun alternative activities for children. Planning a unique event filled with fun fall activities will help both parents and children have an enjoyable and worry free Halloween evening.

Churches looking for a unique and non-secular way to help families in the community celebrate Halloween and the fall season should consider a Halloween or fall themed outdoor movie event on a giant inflatable movie screen right at their facility. An open air cinema event will appeal to both children and parents as an alternative to potentially dangerous trick or treating or other unsupervised Halloween activities. Fun games and activities and a wholesome family movie are the keys to a successful alternative Halloween event.

The church can start the evening by offering some fun activities like "Trunk n treat", bobbing for apples, fall carnival games, children's crafts, tractor rides and face painting. Volunteers can help run the booths and, if desired and possible, prizes like candy or other small favors can be given out to participating children. Offer a picnic dinner or warm snack food such as popcorn, hot cider, or s'mores during the evening's event.
A movie like "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown", "Scooby Doo", or any other family friendly movie, shown on a large movie screen with portable cinema equipment will be the perfect ending to the event. After time spent with friends and family enjoying games and other activities; children and adults will enjoy relaxing and enjoying a movie together on blankets and lawn chairs.

A safe fall event like this is perfect for families concerned about Halloween safety, or those who simply want to stay away from the stresses of trick or treating and enjoy a fun evening with friends and family. An outdoor movie event is easy to organize through the help of professional outdoor movie event companies who can turn your venue into an outdoor movie theater is only a few hours. A family movie night showing at church adds a unique element that will make the event stand out in the community and will encourage more families to attend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_B_Murray
http://EzineArticles.com/?Alternative-Halloween-Celebrations-for-Churches:-Outdoor-Movies&id=6678293


Matthew West - Save A Place For Me (Official Music Video)
Want to read some more on this will try something like this, http://www.websites4christians.com/our-blog/121-christian-website-pt2.html or christianwebsite4.jimdo.com which is a place that I personally look.

How to Build Effective Christian Business


Revelation 16:18
And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

How to Build Effective Christian Business Websites
By Thomas Freers

Every business that operates online would require a good website. With online marketing you will need to have a good website that would be able to attract more visitors, get more prospective customers and provide you with more profits. A good quality website can provide you a lot of benefits. Even for those who are running a Christian business or are thinking about starting one, Christian business websites are very necessary. A lot of people today are starting affiliate marketing businesses. However, the main problem with affiliate marketing is that most of these businesses come with replicated websites that most people use.

Why Replicated Websites are Not Good

Before you use replicated Christian business websites you should know that these will not always be attractive. Some of these websites are quite flashy and have hyped up marketing pages, loud music and animated banners which turn off customers. Also, most of these websites do not offer customers what they are actually looking for- quality information and content. Quite a lot of these websites also do not have a form for capturing the contact information of the visitors. It is very important that any website you use for your business should provide you full control so that you can offer something extra to your prospective customers.

A Good Website will Need Good Quality Content

If you want to bring in more customers for your business then you will need good quality Christian business websites. Any good quality website would require good quality content. If you are thinking about starting a new business then you will have to research a little to find out what type of content is popular with prospective customers. You will have to provide information on your website that would be informative, interesting, simple to understand and attractively put together. Quality content is what the search engines are looking for to. Your visitors will have plenty of questions or will have specific needs and with your website content you can provide answers for all of these questions. This would be one of the best ways to build a loyal customer base that you can rely on in the future.

Simple Navigation

Any good website should also provide simple navigation. There are several websites that tend to be too complicated with too many pages. A lot of visitors would leave these sites without actually signing up for anything simply because they do not easily find the information that they had been looking for. Ensure that your Christian business websites offer a good site plan and easy navigation to your pages.

If you keep all of these points in mind you will be able to build effective Christian business websites that will bring in more prospective customers for you.

Learn more about Christian business websites.Thomas Freers is Christian and has been serving the body of Christ for over two decades. He teaches Biblical Principles on a balance life and is an Online Marketing Coach for what is arguably the World's Largest Internet Marketing School available today. He specializes in Article Marketing, Social Media networking and various other marketing strategies and works with small and large companies to help them customize their marketing campaigns. With over 50 different marketing strategies available today you must learn which one suits your personality. To learn more about Thomas Freers and to see more effective principles to explode your Internet business to create big profits and get results go to http://christianworkathomeblog.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Freers
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Build-Effective-Christian-Business-Websites&id=5779243


Enough by David Crowder Band
What else to read? Well you could try this: http://www.websites4christians.com/our-blog/157-christian-websites.html or christianwebsite4.webs.com or better still the rest of this site.

Church Candles Play an Important Role


2 Kings 5:1
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

How to Create a Church Strategy
By Anthony Obey

A successful and dynamic church will only be achieved with the right strategy. Although one strategy may not be applicable to all churches, there are common approaches that make for a healthy growing church.

Before thinking of strategies, it is wise to be reminded of basic truths about church and church management. First, only people can attract other people. Programs can only be supports but the warmth of the fellowship of caring people makes the church attractive. The next element is order. The right strategy can bring about order in the church. Order does not mean a strict structure and extreme legalism but a clear and transparent system. In addition, the church should have a clear mission and vision. These will guide the church to the right direction. Moreover, a growing church will lead other people to grow. There should be spiritual transformation not only membership or attendance growth.

Churches need strategy in order to activate its mission and vision. The more focused the church is, the better it becomes. In this way, the principle of less is more is most applicable. The more focused the programs, the less clutter there will be. Avoid doing all things or activities at the same time. The Bible admonishes to do all things decently and in order.

It is often neglected that most people are hindered from getting involved in the church because they do not know how and that nobody invited them to join the ministry or program.

How then can one create church strategy? The following are suggestions from experts and scholars in church planting and organization. These are: rediscover your purpose; start new ministries; develop evangelism; praise God for successes and strengths; create new groups and classes; and make people get involved.

Rediscover your purpose

A wise church will always take time for retreats and revival meetings. In this way, the people are reminded of the basic truth that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. It is always proper to be reminded that the church and its members have a purpose to fill and that is to take part in the expansion of God's kingdom on earth.

Start new ministries

A second step to take is to avoid monotony and complacency. By starting new ministries, there will be renewed excitement and motivation. It can come as a form of a second service instead of the usual one service per Sunday activity. Outreaches can also be way of challenging the members to get involved.

Develop evangelism

The Greatest Commission should be the center stage of the church's programs. Lay leaders and mature members should be trained to help in the evangelization of the church. Since it is everybody's responsibility to share the gospel to other people, then there is no excuse for anyone not to do evangelism. The church can be creative in its evangelism approach since people have differing views about being invited to church and being part of a local church.

Praise God for successes and strengths

The sense of confidence is often anchored on past victories. Take time to conduct praise and worship and thanksgiving services regularly. This will lead the people to look at the positive side of life and their strengths rather than on their weaknesses and failures. This positive attitude will surely bring growth and health to the church.

Create new groups and classes

The main reason why people go to church is that they need belongingness and acceptance. Once a church grows to be bigger, the church goers will tend to be detached from each other. There would be a lack of intimacy and personal significance. Once this happens, it is time to create smaller groups and classes so that the atmosphere of belongingness and acceptance will be maintained.

Make people get involved

Finally, as much as possible, get people especially the new ones involved in the church activities, programs and structure. This is one of the ways that make newcomers return the next Sunday and eventually become a regular member of the church. Let the newcomers discover their gifts and talents and use them for the glory of God.

Are you looking for more information regarding church strategy? Visit http://www.trinitylivingtoday.com/Church-Growth-Course.html today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Obey
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Create-a-Church-Strategy&id=5733345


Falling Up - Broken Heart
I use this site for many of my articles so if you're finished here why not try http://www.websites4christians.com/our-blog/161-a-christian-website.html or christianwebsite4.weebly.com whichis somewhere I go looking for new material.

Church Strategy

How to Create a Church Strategy
By Anthony Obey

A successful and dynamic church will only be achieved with the right strategy. Although one strategy may not be applicable to all churches, there are common approaches that make for a healthy growing church.

Before thinking of strategies, it is wise to be reminded of basic truths about church and church management. First, only people can attract other people. Programs can only be supports but the warmth of the fellowship of caring people makes the church attractive. The next element is order. The right strategy can bring about order in the church. Order does not mean a strict structure and extreme legalism but a clear and transparent system. In addition, the church should have a clear mission and vision. These will guide the church to the right direction. Moreover, a growing church will lead other people to grow. There should be spiritual transformation not only membership or attendance growth.

Churches need strategy in order to activate its mission and vision. The more focused the church is, the better it becomes. In this way, the principle of less is more is most applicable. The more focused the programs, the less clutter there will be. Avoid doing all things or activities at the same time. The Bible admonishes to do all things decently and in order.

It is often neglected that most people are hindered from getting involved in the church because they do not know how and that nobody invited them to join the ministry or program.

How then can one create church strategy? The following are suggestions from experts and scholars in church planting and organization. These are: rediscover your purpose; start new ministries; develop evangelism; praise God for successes and strengths; create new groups and classes; and make people get involved.

Rediscover your purpose

A wise church will always take time for retreats and revival meetings. In this way, the people are reminded of the basic truth that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. It is always proper to be reminded that the church and its members have a purpose to fill and that is to take part in the expansion of God's kingdom on earth.

Start new ministries

A second step to take is to avoid monotony and complacency. By starting new ministries, there will be renewed excitement and motivation. It can come as a form of a second service instead of the usual one service per Sunday activity. Outreaches can also be way of challenging the members to get involved.

Develop evangelism

The Greatest Commission should be the center stage of the church's programs. Lay leaders and mature members should be trained to help in the evangelization of the church. Since it is everybody's responsibility to share the gospel to other people, then there is no excuse for anyone not to do evangelism. The church can be creative in its evangelism approach since people have differing views about being invited to church and being part of a local church.

Praise God for successes and strengths

The sense of confidence is often anchored on past victories. Take time to conduct praise and worship and thanksgiving services regularly. This will lead the people to look at the positive side of life and their strengths rather than on their weaknesses and failures. This positive attitude will surely bring growth and health to the church.

Create new groups and classes

The main reason why people go to church is that they need belongingness and acceptance. Once a church grows to be bigger, the church goers will tend to be detached from each other. There would be a lack of intimacy and personal significance. Once this happens, it is time to create smaller groups and classes so that the atmosphere of belongingness and acceptance will be maintained.

Make people get involved

Finally, as much as possible, get people especially the new ones involved in the church activities, programs and structure. This is one of the ways that make newcomers return the next Sunday and eventually become a regular member of the church. Let the newcomers discover their gifts and talents and use them for the glory of God.

Are you looking for more information regarding church strategy? Visit http://www.trinitylivingtoday.com/Church-Growth-Course.html today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Obey
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Create-a-Church-Strategy&id=5733345

Pilate's Washing of Hands
By Oliver Harding

As we continue to reflect on the sacred Lenten Season in the history of the church when Christians observe a period of praying and fasting, it must be borne in mind that the objective is to draw us closer to God. In Matt 27:24 we are told that "When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood", he said, "It is your responsibility". 25 All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children". History really tells us that His blood was indeed on them.

But what is the meaning of this symbolic washing of hands before the crowd. Was Pilate guilty? The traditional Christian view is that Pilate was responsible for the death of Jesus. There are several historic confessions of faith and probably the most popular is the The Apostles Creed which was crafted in the early days of the Church. It categorically affirms that Jesus 'suffered under Pontius Pilate'. Let us briefly examine some revelations from Scripture.

1. Pilate's desire was to satisfy the crowd and not God

Mark 15:15 clearly tells us that "wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified". John tells us that Pilate tried to free Jesus but the Jews kept shouting, "if you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar" (John 19:12). When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and said "here is your king" John 19:14... Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. What did the Bible tell us about friendship with the world? Luke tells us that Herod and Pilate became friends on that day.

2. Pilate did not ultimately listen to advise

Like most men, Pilate did not listen to wise counsel. Okonkwo's friend, Obierika, warned him 'this boy calls you father; have no hand in his death'. Okonkwo never listened and was actively involved in the killing of Ikemefuna. Julius Caesar's wife advised him not to go to the capitol but the arrogant husband replied "Caesar shall go forth; the things that threatened me ne'er look but on my back; when they shall see the face of Caesar, they are vanished'. Caesar refused to listen to Calpurnia and it was catastrophic. Matthew 19:19 tells us that "While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message; 'Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him". Pilate did not eventually listen.

3. Pilate did not understand spiritual truth

Jesus answered Pilate in John 18:37, "you are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason was I born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. Verse 38 tells us that Pilate asked a question. "What is truth?" It is ironic to observe that someone who acted as Chief Justice did ask this question that revealed his spiritual state. He could not even recognize truth standing in front of him.

As we meditate on the death of Jesus, it is easy to attribute it to everyone: the chief priests, Satan, the crowd, Pilate, Herod, the divine plan of God as revealed in John 3:16, the willingness of Jesus to lay down His and take it up again etc. I would however like us to reflect on the significance of Pilate's act to contemporary Christianity.

1. We're all like Barabbas since we deserved to die, but Jesus took our place. The Bible informs us that Jesus Christ laid His life for us so that we might live. His blood is crying mercy for you and for me. Today, If you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. It is appointed unto man to die once and after that face judgement.

2. Pilate, the Roman governor, admitted that it was within his arbitrary power to release or to crucify the innocent Christ. In spite of his better judgment, he chose to condemn an innocent man in order to save his own position - a horrible politician. Our politicians must ensure that justice prevails. In the course of history, Pilate's sin has been committed again and again. Hands have been hypocritically washed before crowds.

3. Your strength as an individual is to say 'No' even when the crowd is shouting yes. Youths, don't follow the crowd. Resist peer pressure. Say no to drugs, avoid acts of violence, rape, incest etc.

4. Furthermore, don't follow Jesus in a crowd. This is a very common mistake. Jesus warns against it. Once when He asked his disciples, "Whom do men say that the Son of Man is?" He immediately followed with the question, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matt. 16: 13, 15). We must know him individually and our faith in him, our thinking about him, must be based on Scripture rather than some interpretation of it.

5. We see in this crowd another common human failing or sin. That is the inclination to judge and condemn our neighbour without just cause. How often do we listen to prejudiced reports and then condemn! Jesus cautions us: "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned" (Luke 6:37).

Finally brethren, I join the apostle Paul in Phil 4:8 to say "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just; whatsoever things are pure; whatsoever things are lovely; whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things".

AUTHOR SIGNATURE
Oliver L.T. Harding, who obtained his GCE O & A Levels from the Sierra Leone Grammar School and the Albert Academy respectively, is currently Senior & Acting Librarian of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He is a part time lecturer at the Institute of Library, Information & Communication Studies (INSLICS), Fourah Bay College and the Extension Programme at the Evangelical College of Theology (T.E.C.T) at Hall Street, Brookfields; Vice President of the Sierra Leone Association of Archivists, Librarians & Information Scientists (SLAALIS); a member of the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) and an associate of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP). His certificates, secular and sacred, include: a certificate and diploma from the Freetown Bible Training Centre; an upper second class B.A. Hons. Degree in Modern History (F.B.C.); a post-graduate diploma from the Institute of Library Studies (INSLIBS, F.B.C) a masters degree from the Institute of Library, Information & Communication Studies (INSLICS, F.B.C.) and a masters degree in Biblical Studies from West Africa Theological Seminary, affiliate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he won the prize for academic excellence as the Best Graduating Student in 2005. Oliver, a writer, musician and theologian, is married (to Francess) with two children (Olivia & Francis).
Email: oltharding@yahoo.com
Mobile: 232-2233-460-330

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