Expressions D A S M
101 bible facts!
The
Lessons on chaos “You need not be worried about tomorrow. There is hope for this world”
Oh man, “I’m starting to look like a woman”
Where has the time gone ? Offici al
Magazine
of
2009 Expressions 1
the
S e v e n t h D a y A d v e n t i s t S t u d e n t M o v e m e n t a t U.C.T.
Expressions Editors Note
Contents
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Article Whats is Life all About ..................... The Game of life ............................... Great and Marvelous are thy works Caught in the Bear Trap .................. Purpose Therapy .............................. I am Starting to Look like a Woman
5 7 9 20 25 27
Poem Father Please ..................................... 2 I AM HE... ......................................... 14 The Student’s Sheperd ..................... 19 The Wife of the First Parable .......... 24 Imagine ...................................................
Regulars Testify ................................................ H & T ................................................. Chuckles ............................................ Dear Pastor ....................................... Reviews .............................................. Trivia .................................................
8 11 28 31 29 32
Specials 100 Bible Facts .................................. 22
Feature Article Ecomic Crisis pg 15
2 Expressions 2009
It has been a number of years since the Seventh day Adventist Student Movement (SDASM) at UCT has released a magazine. When somewhat “resurrecting” something from the past there are always many a challenges to be faced but once the “comeback” edition is out, the worst is over. So we thank the Lord for the provision and inspiration He has afforded us in the preparation of Expressions “reloaded”. In this edition there are messages of hope, inspiration and answers to the questions often asked by the youth of today. I hope that you will be spiritually challenged as you flip through these pages. Be sure to look out for the next edition later on in the year, be blessed and spread the good word that you receive within these pages!
Sylvia Kununka
What is Life all About? ?Love? ?Happiness? ?Service? ?Continous cycle?
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ea timewhereintoat the this world and there comes dawn of reason we tend are born
to ask a lot of questions. These questions may seem trivial but they are a reflection of the perplexities of man's thoughts . Where do I come from? Why am I here? What is the purpose of my existence? The questions would probably not be so intelligently phrased, but it's these ideas that are echoed. People wake up to a day and go to work or they perform some duty as a means to make a living, until the end of the day and they sleep. They wake up in the morning and repeat the same routine day in and day out. This makes up their week which in turn makes up their month, which in turn makes up their year until that sad day when the reality of death breaks the routine of life and that's it...”that's life”, as some would say. But could this be all there is to life? Are we just born to grow up, go to school, work, have a family and then one day die? Isn't there more to life than this? I have personally found that there is more to life than this, in fact, there are even greater things to life than this world. The Bible brings to the view of all mankind that man was never meant to die. He was meant to live forever. Not only live forever but to live in communion with a Holy God, infinite in wisdom and might, infinite in love. God created man in the image of his love, a love that seeketh not her own. Adam and Eve were made to love and to be loved. God made man to reflect His character to the universe so that, if any being, lets say an angel for instance; would watch the way man conducts his business or the way in which man behaves to better understand how God relates with his creatures. Money in this world had no bearing. Pain, sorrow,
anger and death had no place. Holiness, righteousness, love, loyalty and selfless service to the creator and to fellow created beings was the theme of everyday life. I cannot imagine what this must have been like but I so wish I could have been there. The reason why the world finds itself in the state it is in now is because humanity sinned and was disobedient to the law of love that governs the universe. That very same law of love is still binding to us today yet man still chooses to disobey. When man sinned selfishness took the place of love. Now its no longer about what I can do for God and for others, but rather what I can do for myself. God has promised to restore what humanity has lost and instead of destroying mankind when he deserved to die, God sent his son to die on behalf of mankind so that man may have a second chance. God has given man this life to be reconciled back to himself. Man is to be restored back to the perfection in which he was first created, if he will allow. We must help each other to see the love, holiness and righteousness of God that all may desire to be like their creator. This to me is the purpose of this life. This life is merely a period of time given to us to prepare and to help others prepare to spend eternity with their maker. This work of preparation would logically be a work that takes priority over all activities of this life. Yes we have to work and earn money and have a family when the opportunity presents itself. But these should never distract us from our primary work of preparation. Art Zimasa.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
W
alter Sikwete, 4th year Electrical engineering
2009 Expressions 3
FATHER PLEASE!
This is basically a souls cry, spent too much time trying to figure it out on his/her own, sought perfection but constantly failed. So in despair he/she cries, “Father please come help me take control I have tried it alone but you understand me more and can win these bat-
tles for me that I am so tired of losing.”
Father please I cry, if You would hear me now Come save, rescue, deliver me now Trapped, tangled, drowning in this web I made Help me pick up the pieces, for I have failed The storm rages strong, distressed, come save me swift Needing perspective, I’m lost, heaven I see no more Hopes I had they crushed Wish I could glide, fly away Escape this pain, find peace again The knowledge drains my soul Here ends my reign Gothic I look, pale I fade away Rolling falling, I spin The sun I see no-more Hopes taken away, happy days passed away Got to make me glad, bring me joy again Morbid, I want to die, Devil’s got my soul Needing release, want to fight, be strong, but can’t Too many battles lost, both my fists raised high Can’t do it on my own I’m already phased The controversy rages strong, I’m caught in between Quickly save me, I’m dying, proved I cannot win So I cry, Father please! by Mandla
4 Expressions 2009
The
Game of
veryday the devil fights to win just a few more souls over to his side (especially people rooted in the truth). He has tricked everybody one too many times. Just when you thought that you are walking hand in hand with Christ he came in and robbed you of your peace of mind; just when you thought that you were well on the right way he came in and took your only source of happiness; slowly and slowly he eats away at your faith, feeding on whatever he can get his hands on; just when you thought that you were well on your way to glory he came in and turned your life upside down ........... He left you standing in the rubbles of your own life, with pieces you are not even sure fit in together. Survival of the fittest is not the name of this game, and no player has mastered this game, no philosoper has defined it correctly, no living person or thing has specific instructions on how to play this game.
E
Playing this game all on your own is useless because you will find no comfort in all you do instead you will be followed by pain, sorrow, agony and anguish. Facing everyday life will be a misery yet you will still somehow manage to pretend that God is good, even when according to your own personal views; it's the complete opposite. You know that God is in control yet sometimes you doubt that he even cares for you, You do not know whether to be happy for the trials that make you stronger or sad because your life is in shambles. You can't cry to anyone because your story is too complicated for any of them to understand. You think to yourself life is meaningless. But when you find yourself in these situations, with the devil playing games with your life, robbing you of your peace of mind, happiness ,or
getting closer to Christ then it is time to PRAY! “Draw me close to Thee and never let me go I give all I have for the priceless gain of knowing You are my hearts desire and even with all the things this world has to offer no-one else will do.
gain of knowing You which is my inheritance, as stated in your word.
Though I’m lost in a maze I have been given a directions too, The map has proven to be useless so Lord help me find my way back to you.
Through it all let your will be done Amen”
I seem to have forgotten the wonders you did in days of old, thinking that, gone are the days when you would reveal yourself to your people; but Lord teach me once again that you will break me if you must but you will not kill me.
Teach me to ride this storm As you’ve done many a times before take me in your arms, where it is safe to close my eyes and hide away from the enemy
Cling to this Isaiah 49:15 & 16 “ Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? though she may forget you , I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Marinda Mabasa
To life’s meaning there is nothing I see as of much value To my name I hold nothing dear except the priceless
2009 Expressions 5
Testify! Exam Dilema Life is full of experiences that make us who we are though we often think we could have done without some of them. We tend to take some moments for granted, refusing to acknowledge that God exists in our lives and that He is the Creator, Provider, Saviour, Friend and our all in ALL. There are instances where we even give ourselves a pat well done for what we have gone through, taking the credit for it or we exclaim that we do not know how it happened but it happened. Let me take you through my journey. It had been so long since I had an experience with God. To be honest we all know that when the days are sunny and no dark clouds are looming over our heads we tend to forget the role that God has in our lives. We always ask God for things we want to happen in our lives. It is always about what we want, never about what we need. At the beginning of each semester I used to write down my goals and I will always pray about them to God. During the first few weeks I will remember what they are and try to fulfil them with God’s help but after a couple of weeks they were soon forgotten. The semester goes by so fast that one does not realize how hastily everything has passed by. The announcement of the exam time-table brings you to the reality of how much time has elapsed. This is the time were you actually go into a panic frenzy and you do not know where to start. I had the experience in first year that taught me a lesson for all times. I did physics in second semester and the lectures made it seem like there was nothing to it. The notes were simple however the tutorials were on another level we tried to solve 4 problems in two hours and we could not. I figured out then that I should use past papers as a guide. Those were do-able. 6 Expressions 2009
The first test was hectic because I did not have enough time to finish but I thought I had at least gotten over 50%. To my surprise I had not only failed but I was not even close to the pass mark. When I saw my mark I was shocked to a point where I just laughed it off because the whole class had generally done badly. I did not want to dwell too much on this so I moved on with the goal of passing the next test. Due to a lack of commitment to the transformation that I had vowed to take I found myself faced with a fail for second test and that was my last chance before exams. That one really got to me because I was at a risk of failing the course and furthermore the year. I re-evaluated the situation and told God my fears and my hopes. I even said that I would settle for a supplementary exam. I gave my all to God in preparation for the Exam and I went home with the hope of not failing. I knew when the results come out so I told my Dad to check the results but before that I had been preparing my parents for bad news, telling them that Physics was tough and most people found it equally as challenging. When my Dad called from work to tell me my results I just wanted to find out how I had done for Physics. To my amazement he told me that I had passed. I was so overwhelmed‌ The first thought that sprang in to my mind was, thank you Lord. I was so grateful because the most that I had expected was for me to get a supplementary exam but the Lord gave me what was beyond my expectations. It showed me that if you have trust in the Lord, you can accomplish the impossible. Now when I go through similar situations I think upon the past and that shows that My God is able to carry me through. One of the sermons I heard this year reinforced that the past should be able to dem-
onstrate how God cares for you. The verse that keeps me calm during exams and test is the one found in Proverbs 3v5, 6. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine understanding, In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
What I want to share I am privileged to get this opportunity of sharing with everyone what God has done in my life. Some of us are not really good speakers but when opportunities like this one appear, we give it our best shot. Whenever I look around me, people I associate with everyday, I see God`s grace that He reveals to each of them, however, when I look at my life I see his divine love he gives abundantly. Therefore, I have so much in my mind about God`s love I want to share. Things were not working out for me at the beginning of this year. I remember when I was told that I have to repeat third year. I could not believe what my ears were hearing and eyes were seeing on the notice board. I cried bitterly because I could not live with myself as a failure. I prayed to God asking him why me and why now. I never got an answer from anyone else but from myself. I learnt to live with that pain that changed the way I view things and my entire life, but it never changed God`s love towards me. I know that at the time of the incident, God`s love seemed vague in my eyes but after going through the incident with him, everything got better each and everyday. It is true when they say; we never acknowledge the beauty of God `s love until we meet obstacles that bring us back to that love.
G r e a t and M a r v e l o u s are thy Wo r k s
I
t has taken me weeks to eventually sit down and write this article. This is not necessarily because I have been busy, but because I have been struggling to translate my experience onto paper, but thank God I have finally found the words. This has been one of the most difficult years that I have ever gone through. Things started off very well, but towards the end of January, everything started going horribly wrong. You know how it is like when doors keep closing in your face and yet you desperately need them to open. Every project you embark on fails and all your plan “B’s” do not work. Everyday you find yourself literally in tears because you just do not see a way out. You go to bed hoping tomorrow will be better, but when tomorrow comes you long for yesterday because at least then it seemed a bit more bearable. Family and friends are watching you expectantly and yet you cannot produce any results. You are just not coping and you feel you are sinking. It is just disappointment after disappointment. This is exactly the situation I find myself in and I keep asking God, “did I make a wrong decision? What is going on? Should I just give up? How long O Lord how long?” This probably sounds very familiar to most of us. We have all gone through hard times. At some point in our lives we are challenged, we face trials, we go through very difficult experiences, we fail to see a way out, and we feel hopeless and totally helpless. James 1 v 5 tells us to ‘Count it pure joy when we fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of our faith worketh patience’ and you sit and ask how do I count it joy. But the one thing that I have learned and that I am still learning is that God is real, God is with me, God is faithful and God is awesome. I have never ever experienced God in the way that I am right now. He is revealing Himself in a way I doubt He would if things were going well. I am learning to rely wholly on His word and on His promises because that is the only assurance that I have and yes ‘He is not man that He should lie.’ On one of my very low days I was sitting in my room listening to the song of Moses by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and the words of this song moved me. The lyrics are ‘Great and marvelous are thy works Lord God almighty, just and true are thy ways thou king of saints,
who shall not fear thee (x3) who shall not fear thee O God and glorify thy name.’ I began to ask God, are your ways only great and marvelous when things in my life are going well? Are you only just and true when things fall into place? The answer was a resounding NO. God remains great, marvelous, just, true, faithful, kind, good, loving, and merciful even when our lives fall apart and they are in tatters. As I write, God has not yet delivered me but I know He will. How do I know, it’s simple, because He is God. It is embedded in His very nature to hear the cries of His children, to feel compassion for them, to be with them, to shelter them, to reach out His hand and pull them out of the muddy clay. Max Lucado writes that ‘God meets our daily needs daily and He meets them miraculously’ and I can surely testify. It is not always the way I expect or what I am expecting, but He does provide me with exactly what I need. I derive hope in knowing that ‘He has resources I know nothing about, solutions outside my reality, provisions outside my possibility. Where I see scorched earth, God sees heavens bread basket, where I see dry land, God sees a covey of quail, where I see problems, God sees provision’ (Max Lucado). I will not lie, it has not always been easy to trust Him, but the beauty of it is that I am learning. He keeps providing me with strength to face the day’s challenges and I can only praise His name. I await and boy do I long for the day when my faith shall become sight, but while I am still in the furnace I have decided to hold on to the Masters unfailing hand and let the potter break me and mould me again into a stronger and better person. Some of us will say it is easier said than done, but it can be done. If Joseph, Job, Paul, Silas, Daniel could face such devastating trials and came out victorious, then surely the unchanging God can be sure to deliver you and me. When it will happen I do not know, but I know it will happen because He has said in my day of trouble He will rescue me. My experience, my trial, my hard time is teaching me that Gods works are truly GREAT AND MARVELOUS. If you are in a similar or even worse situation I just want to say take courage because God is with you each step of the way. You may not feel His presence, you may not see His guiding hand, 2009 Expressions 7
Great and Marvelous are t h y Wo r k s
but as the trials you face scathe you, burn you, hurt you and threaten to defeat you; make sure you do not let go of His grace. Allow Him to do His will even if His will is painful, but remember that ultimately His plan is to refine you and prosper you and by no means is it to harm you. ‘He that spared not His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things’ (Rom 8 v 32). Isaiah 49 v 15-16 ‘.........Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands, thy walls are continually before me.” God knows you by name and even if it seems so dark trust in Him for your help will only come from the Lord. Jesus loves you and me and we should never for a moment doubt that. We may not understand the process but we know the processor and ‘great and marvelous are His works’. ‘I don’t have the wisdom for tomorrow’s problems today BUT tomorrow I will I don’t have the resources for tomorrow’s needs today BUT tomorrow I will I don’t have the courage for tomorrow’s challenges today BUT tomorrow I will (Lucado, M)’ Face your challenges one day at a time ‘Give me this day my daily bread’. God gives us what is sufficient for the day and renews His mercies for us every morning BY RUTENDO PAIDAMOYO MBIRIRI
8 Expressions 2009
I derive hope knowing that ‘He has resources I know nothing about, solutions outside my reality, provisions outside my possibility. Where I see scorched earth, God sees heavens bread basket, where I see dry land, God sees a covey of quail, where I see problems, God sees provision’ (Max Lucado)
Health and Temperance
A sense of Urgency
I
ts 2:28pm, I look at my watch, then I go outside to check if anyone is there – there’s no one – so I check my watch again, in the hope that maybe my wrist watch is wrong, I check my battered cell phone – it’s even worse – its 10 min ahead. So I start wondering, was the meeting really scheduled for today? Maybe it was next Sunday – No – I made the announcement, so was it cancelled? No again – everybody is running late – not again, these guys are delaying – I have another meeting at 4pm. Then as someone trickles in I remember that I had actually missed the last meeting – but I had something to do, I was busy – can’t remember what I was doing though – but I was busy – so the thought occurs to me maybe they are busy too. That’s when I realise that as my ‘brain storming’ was going on three people had walked in – but they still don’t make the quorum – the waiting continues and I decide then and there that the article I had to write on time was going to take a different twist from the normal Ecclesiastes 3vs1. Time is one of life’s greatest and most important commodities and even more so because it cannot be bought and science still hasn’t found a way to make the day shorter or longer – even with electricity – and just as a side track if you ever wanted to prove an evolutionist wrong ask them to explain the existence of time because in my mind this would be a really good time for the days to start evolving into longer days, because 24hours just doesn’t seem to be enough anymore – evolution thrown to the trash AGAIN. Spend the day in a student’s life and you get to know that they need time management – that is the various
means by which people effectively use their time and other closely related resources in order to make the most out of it. A time management system is a designed combination of processes, tools and techniques and thus in the broad sense time management involves both planning and execution – however there is no definite way in which I can say you should manage your time because we all want different things in life – some just want to be just mediocre and not do much, while others want to be great. My point, is without proper time management even those who don’t want to do much do not reach their goals because they could do less by planning their time well. This is neatly summed up in the Pareto Principle, or the ‘80:20 Rule’. This says that typically 80% of unfocussed effort generates only 20% of results. This means that the remaining 80% of results are achieved with only 20% of the effort. While the ratio is not always 80:20, this broad pattern of a small proportion of activity generating non-scalar returns recurs so frequently that it is the norm in many situations.1 I hear the same rule can be applied to relationships – I’ll tell you all about it when I write about love. Before you stop reading this article – I know you don’t have time – let me give you my tips, I know some of you are probably wondering why this article is in the H&T corner, well I think we have a responsibility to be stewards of everything we are given by God – including time. Temperance is the ability to do everything at the right time, in the right proportions, for the right reasons, in the right place, with the right people and as you will see from the tips if you give yourself time to look at them you will realise that by following their guide you are going to become temperate in all things. Get a diary – RAG sells them for R40 — sit down and plan – firstly on the year planner that comes with the diary make general plans – put all your test dates down – put all your milestones in there too – write
down all activities you want to be a part of and their dates – unlike most of us believe, the fact that you love something doesn’t mean you will remember it. Then the in diary plan the week and then your day – try to put as much detail as you can on what you want to do during the day. To all the men out there who are thinking “but that’s so girly” get a tissue and go hang yourself on a banana tree, most of you (men) don’t even know what you are going to do after reading this article so get a diary and try it – you see writing something silly down makes you realise how lame it is and you end up not doing it – time saved. Next thing is a To-Do List, this list is just more detailed as it includes the time you are going to do it and how much time you will spend on doing it, Include everything and everyone – always ensure that God is in that list and if you have a lunch date write it in there, I think you get the point. Then when the list is done allocate numbers to each item on the list in order of importance so that you start working on things in that order. The last thing is to still remain flexible – if your friend breaks their leg you might want to go to the hospital instead of going to the dining hall, but what is more important is that when thing’s change please let everyone who is involved know about the change. The following things are more general and apply to day to day living but they revolve around the above. 1. Practice asking yourself this question throughout the day: “Is this what I need to be doing right now?” If yes, then keep doing it. 2. Find some way to realistically and practically analyze your time. Logging your time for a week in 15-minute intervals is not that hard and does not take up that much time. Do it for a week and review your results. 3. At the end of your day, spend five minutes cleaning up your space. Use this time, too, to organize your space, including your desktop and your room – put your books in order and back on the 2009 Expressions 9
Health and Temperance
A sense of Urgency
shelf. That’ll give you a clean start for the next day. 4. Learn the difference between “Where can I help?” and “Where am I really needed?” the latter being much more important than the former. 5. Learn the difference between “Do I need to do this now?” and “Do I need to do this at all?” 6. Delegate. If you can ask someone else to do it please allow them to do it. 7. Use a “Do Not Disturb” sign! During the early part of the day, when you’re attending to your important items (your “A” list), hang this sign on the doorknob outside your door, make sure your chat service is also displaying this message, if anyone ignores the warning ignore them too, the exception is emergencies. 8. Sort your mail into categories including “read now”, “handle now” and “read later”. You’ll quickly get a knack for sorting through your mail. You’ll also notice that much of what you think you need to read later wasn’t really all that important anyway. 9. Read your mail at the same time each day. That way, you’ll likely get to your mail on a regular basis and won’t become distracted into any certain piece of mail that ends up taking too much of your time. 10. Best suggestion for saving time - schedule 10 minutes to do nothing. That time can be used to just sit and clear your mind. You’ll end up think-
ing more clearly, resulting in more time in your day. The best outcome of this practice is that it reminds you that you’re not a slave to a clock - and that if you take 10 minutes out of your day, you and your life won’t fall apart. Now that you have the tips and you are ready to tackle the world once more, let me go back to Ecclesiastes 3vs1 – remember always that there is a time for everything and that everything will happen at its appointed time and according to God’s schedule. Jeremiah 29vs11 also reminds us that the Lord also has a schedule for our life’s and seeing that he knows us better I think we should allow him to work in us and with us. The point is that sometimes your schedule might seem not to be working out, the things you have planned might not be coming to being, it is at these times; if not before you make the schedule that you need to sit down and remember Proverbs 16vs9 that all men can do is plan – but the Lords will, will be executed so remember to ensure that your hand is in the hand of the One who owns the time. Go get them. SMR http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_00`.htm
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“Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.”
Harvey MacKay
10 Expressions 2009
JUNE
Recipes We are going to give you one full meal to try – all the recipes are vegetarian Serve Juice before you start – it will be an hour before the food is ready
Main course: Spaghetti Veggiegnese Sauce 1 Small onion 1 carrot 1 tbsp oil 150 – 200g vegetarian mince (fry’s is ok if you can’t make your own) 1/2 Veggie stock cube + 1 Cup hot water 3 tomatoes (ripe) OR 2 tblsp tomato paste OR puree Salt + other seasoning of your choice 1 tsp Sugar 100g Spaghetti Method 1. Boil spaghetti in salted and oiled boiling water (you might want to do this before you collect the ingredients) 2. Finely chop onion and carrots (time saving tip: you can grate them) 3. Fry the mince until crisp then add the onion and carrot 4. Skin tomatoes and chop and dissolve cube in hot water 5. Add tomatoes, stock, paste or puree, salt + spices and sugar 6. Allow to simmer – until tomatoes are cooked 7. Drain spaghetti and place on a ashet or a normal baking tray and pour the sauce on top – do not mix but allow it to stand for a while for the sauce to get into the spaghetti. 8. Serve with a salad of your choice – or try the one below. NOTE: this recipe was modified to meet the needs of a student, the sauce can be used for other pasta dishes even for rice and pap.
Salad: Lettuce and avocado and peanut salad 2 lettuces-(1 mignonette and 1 chivory) – small – leaves separated 1 Small ripe Avocado – peeled and cut into chunk’s 2 spring onions chopped 3 tblsp salted peanuts
Dressing 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 clove garlic, crushed 3 tbsp Olive oil 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter Salt and pepper Method 1. To make the dressing mix all the ingredients thoroughly 2. Arrange the lettuce and avocado and pour the dressing over. 3. Sprinkle with spring onion and peanuts.
2009 Expressions 11
You don’t have to see Me To know that I am with thee And you don’t have to hear Me To know that I AM HE…
I AM H E… That I AM HE… Who seasons your haste With My slow soothing taste Who makes all well So you can smell The sweetness of my Spirit!
Who hushes death To give you breath Who give you sight So that you might See the world through my eyes!
That I AM HE… Who brings you near And covers your fear Who gives you touch To feel how much I am everywhere you are!
That I AM HE… Who gives you love A love found only up above A peace the world can never give And joy that man’s heart can’t conceive!
So how is it you cannot sense, My aura of omnipotence? You ask to see Me And I tell thee Open your eyes… For I AM HE!!!
~Sylvia Kununka~ 12 Expressions 2009
Ch
B
y now, I am sure you have already come across these dreaded phrases: “economic crisis”, “credit crunch” and “recession”. Consider these media articles: “GM to cut 21,000...factory jobs, shed Pontiac”, “Graduating... college seniors entering grim market”, “World Bank: Economic crisis turning into calamity”. All three are related to the current global economic recession. The articles above may sound mythical with limited knowledge of financial markets. For once, I thought Obama and Wall Street were just trying to buy votes the many anxious Americans. Well, we cannot really blame them for being anxious, looking at the events that have befallen them, recently. Actually, the world is generally insecure. We are all concerned about our future, and we should. I hope this article can help you understand better, the issues around global economic uncertainty. Millions have lost their jobs, houses, cars and even “lives”. The times we live in are some of the most horrifying in post-world-warII-Earth’s history. Unfortunately, to be failing us in their explanations. They remain divided over the cause of and solution to the crisis.
ao
s
Fine! Picture a woman that has worked for 30 long years, in a very rewarding position. She retires, gets her terminal benefits and decides to make a few investments in stocks (shares) with a high level of risk. Shortly, she begins to reap dividends. Great! She can afford a decent—if not luxurious— lifestyle. Everything is going well. Just a month before, the CEO of the company she holds much stock in announces that the medium term outlook is very positive. Then suddenly, her investment seems not to be doing so well. Soon, she learns that... You probably guessed right. She collapses. Within a few weeks, she has lost R19.8million. This may seem like a hyperbole; but it is not. Many people have committed suicide due to the current crisis. Worse things have probably happened due to the so-called credit crunch. Credit crunch is the most immediate cause of the current meltdown, but the issue is more complicated. There were too many variables interacting and it is still a subject of much controversy. Here is my version. Firstly, the financial climate in
Lessons from
the U.S. was subjected to artificially low interest rates. Consequently, there was massive borrowing and a boom in commodity prices. With minimal restrictions on borrowing, consumers had access to “easy money”. They had access to subprime loans and could get credit beyond their means. Thus, low-income households could easily buy houses. Unfortunately, this housing boom was artificial and unsustainable. Investors also continued to make taking huge risks despite the probability of asset prices suddenly revert to fundamentals. The provision of subprime loans led to a rise in the number of bad debts. This forced lenders to become more cautious when giving out credit. Moreover, lenders had less money, resulting in a lack of finance for loans and mortgages—credit crunch. The result was a reduction in the purchasing power among consumers. Consequently, there was a reduction in the price of assets due to lower demand and in order to recover their money, lenders seized property from defaulters. However, these assets were worth much less,
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Le s so ns Fr o m C hao s
resulting in the creditors losing billions of dollars. Uncertainty around the volatility in the financial markets is the biggest problem. Due to the cost of making an investment or hiring mistake in the current environment, the best option is for firms to wait. But, what if they all decide to wait? Investment would reduce and unemployment would increase. This has adverse effects on productivity and the economy just slows down. The problem is worsened by the consumer inertia in buying commodities such as cars, houses, home appliances, etc. The result is companies losing revenue. This is what has contributed to problems at the automotive giants Chrysler and GM. The world economy needs the intervention of governments in order to recover. Sounds like socialism, doesn’t it? Has capitalism reached its dead-end? What makes the current crisis unique is that the current volatility in the financial markets has persisted over a long period. As a result, a recession of considerable magnitude is inevitable. The extent cannot yet be estimated, but commentators say it will be worse than currently anticipated, due to a dwindling world economy. Apparently, we are all affected. According to World Bank president, the crisis could drive “more than 50 million people into extreme poverty”. He also said that no one knew how long the crisis would last or when recovery would begin. The whole situation is gloomy. To make matters worse, swine flu has also infected the stock markets for fear of loss of productivity and reduced business activity. One would ask: Wouldn’t all this have been avoided? Is there a future for this world and its economic systems? Where is God in times like these? Firstly, I must say, even in the midst of such turmoil, God is still on His throne and in control of the situation—Acts 17:28. We cannot blame God for man’s sufferings, can we? Many people ask, “If God is love, why is there so much suffering?” The question is: who has caused the suffering? Is it God? God forbid! We are to blame for the many problems 14 Expressions 2009
this world faces, including the financial crisis—James1:13. At worst, we can blame the devil. If I may ask; who runs the world economy? Do we ever consult God on economic issues? If we did, and His counsel failed us, perhaps, we would have cause to blame him. But that’s upon being sure we have done His will. I must repeat; God is love and He is fully in control—1John 4:8. Worse things would have happened had God not been merciful upon us. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not”—Lamentations 3:22. Who knows? Maybe the earth would have moved a degree nearer to the sun and burnt us all to death—worse things! Think of it! What God has left to our control, we have messed up. Who is the cause of global warming? Who cuts the trees, or pollutes the air and waters? Should we blame God for that? That would be unfair. Actually, where God has supreme control, everything is in perfect order. Look at the universe; all is perfectly fitted. The heavenly bodies moving at terrific speeds; but they never collide. This world is full of people who do not care for their neighbour. We are greedy and abuse our God-given liberty. Greed is the root of capitalism. It’s about me and me! Whatever I can do to get rich, I will do, even if it hurts the next person. Financial institutions continue to personalise their profits and socialise their losses. The current crisis was caused by greedy consumers and investors. Greedy investors fail to manage risk and now want to be bailed out. Everything needs regulating. It is for this reason why God’s has given us laws. On the part of regulators, they should have controlled the situation. They, with corporate governors, also did not pay attention to the risks around a globally
inter-linked and highly-leveraged system. With regards to subprime loans, consumers failed to be temperate. They chose to live beyond their means. Many homeowners thought their income would continue rising. Thus, they could not cope when everything started tumbling down. There is nothing wrong with the easy money. The problem is with us and our love for luxury. Instead of investing credit into profitable ventures, consumers decided to misuse it. As a result, the money could not generate other money. This reminds me of the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), where God teaches us that we ought to invest our talents—finance, abilities etc. We cannot just spend and
spend. We ought to invest wisely and get more from the blessings God gives us. God does not want us to be lazy—Genesis2:15, 2Thessalonians3:10. So, do we have any hope for the future? Better regulation and the bail outs will not fully resolve the problem. We will probably see worse crises. The problem is society. Our sense of what is important needs realigning with God’s will. Our only hope is God. We must learn to live according to the law of God. We must learn to love God with all our being and our neighbour as ourselves. Then, this world would be a perfect place. Greed economics just widens the gap between the rich and the poor. We must follow the biblical model of running our economies. Consider Psalm41:1; “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.” In another text he says, “Ex-
Le s sons Fr o m C ha o s
cept the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep”—Psalm 127:1, 2. You can also outperform your competitors not because you are greedy, or interested in seeing them get out of business, but simply that you have business wisdom, given by God. In a prophetic sense, I see the world getting closer to being united than ever before. First it was 9/11. The world thought it needed to be united to fight terrorism. In the quest for global economic security, the world now is focusing on uniting to curb the current crisis. Poor nations
will not be able to resist the rich nations in any way. We have also seen the gap between the U.S. and the Moslem world, and Asia getting narrower. It is through such crises that the world will see greater need to unite and form one government. Recently, the U.S. Treasury Secretary said that, U.S. recovery depends on reversing a decline in its exports, citing that the U.S. needed the world to provide growing markets for its goods and services. Perhaps, in order to avoid another recession of the current magnitude, the world would need to remove export controls and make it easy for the U.S. to access foreign markets. One way to facilitate this would be the relaxation of immigration controls and the introduction of a single world currency. I must also say that the U.S. will probably emerge a more powerful nation once it survives the current meltdown. Its strate-
gies have been changing over the last few years. With Obama—and his unifying personality—coming on board, the U.S. will move further from being competitive to being collaborative. The next few months will be very interesting to watch. As more prophecy is fulfilled, the best advice we have is: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh”— Luke 21:28. Dear friend, do you desire to go about with a smile amidst the world’s hardest times—perhaps not the hardest—Daniel12:1? God wants you to. The Psalmist says, “For in the time of trouble [GOD] shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock”— Psalm27:5. Of course, this is different from self confidence such as is had by “an unfaithful man in time of trouble [which] is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint”—Proverbs 25:19. God’s people know that this world is not our home but they still take care of it. With Christ, you will learn to lay up for yourself treasures in heaven where credit crunch cannot corrupt—Matthew 6:19-21. You need not be worried about tomorrow. There is hope for this world. Yes there is! Jesus said “Let not you heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me”— John 14:1. The key is to believe in God. He knows what is best for every member of the human race. Jesus Christ invites you today, saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”—Matthew 11:28. Can you imagine that? You can have rest in the midst of crisis while others get depressed. Our standard is not of this world but of God’s kingdom. The Lord Jesus Christ says “seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”—Matthew 6:33. Indeed, God wants to supply all our needs—Philippians 4:19. But His interest is beyond material wealth. He wants to spend eternity with us. Would you give Christ an opportunity to change your life and help you lead a happy life? With God in your life, you, like the Psalmist, can say: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore”— Psalm 121. Make this decision today and prepare to overcome your difficulties, even as we prepare to meet our God when He comes in the clouds of glory. God bless you. kateula sichwale
Do we ever consult God on economic issues?
2009 Expressions 15
Quotes “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 Munyaradzi Musvosvi, 4th year BSc (Med hons)
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” John 15:13
Walter Sikwete, 4th year Electrical engineering
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 Siboneo Madlopha, 3rd Electrical engineering
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;” 1 Corinthians 13:4
Victor Moshweshwe, 4th year Electrical engineering
“Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 Simphiwe Kunene, 4th year BSc Finance
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 Providence Ncube, 3rd year BSc Chemistry
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenevr you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:24, 25 Amanda Parafini, Architect
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7, 8 Melody Ndlovu, post grad, LLB
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 Noluthando Zondi, 5th year Medicine
“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37 Mkululi Ngwenya, 2nd year BSc Chemical, Molecular and Cell sciences
16 Expressions 2009
D
The S TUDE R E NT SHEPH
(The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not flunk He keepeth me from lying down when I should be studying He restores my faith in study guides He leads me to faith in study habits For my grade’s sake
Yeah, though I walk through the valley of borderline grades I will not have a nervous breakdown; For Thou art with me; My prayers and my friends, they comfort me Thou givest me answers in moments of blankness Thou anointest my head with understanding My test papers runneth over with questions I recognise
Surely, passing grades and flying colours shall follow me All the days of my examinations And I shall NOT have to dwell in this University Forever and ever and ever and ever Amen! ~Author unknown~
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“Convinced am I this day that the task before us is not more than we can bear and
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nimal trapping is
perhaps one of the first methods of hunting, it requires time and energy but can be very efficient. A leghold trap is designed for catching Bears. The foothold trap is made up of two jaws, a spring of some sort, and a trigger in the middle. Usually some kind of lure/ bait is used to position the animal, or the trap is set on an animal trail. When the animal steps on the trigger the trap closes around the foot, preventing the animal from escaping.
Thousands upon thousands of people, including professed Christians, are engaging in fornication on a daily basis. Disturbing I know, but what’s even more disturbing is the fact that you could be one of them…yes, even you and me!!! The sad reality is that we probably are one of the many fallen soldiers that have been caught in the trap of sexual immorality. Many youth in their impatience and desire for instant gratification, find themselves saying statements like, “Around here, if you don’t have sex with someone then they won’t call to climax some other way then I’m home free” or- “I don’t go all the way.” NEWSFLASH: in this pitiful time we live, you can have sex with someone and they 18 Expressions 2009
still won’t call you again. The baitthe love of pleasure, the prey- humanity! When it comes to sexual immorality, unlike most of life’s situations; half a loaf is NOT better than none; it is better to go without. As young Christians we have come to think of fornication as the act of engaging in pre-marital sex; but fornication is not just sex between two unmarried par ties. Wait, don’t run with it, but allow me to complete my thought. I have come to learn that fornication begins with all (however small/brief ) sexual thoughts and fantasies. It proceeds to involve a second person. The physical part normally begins with a ‘little’ kiss, progressing to deeper kissing and light fondling; then it moves to the heavy petting, mutual masturbation and it can even lead to oral sex. Fornication culminates and is concluded in the act of sexual intercourse! The order may differ with some parts being excluded but the end result is the same- sin... no matter which stage the process is ceased at. I therefore postulate that fornication is a two part sin, thought and deed. However, one part without the other is still a complete transgression of the law of God. “Ye have heard it said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto to you, That whosoever looketh on a woman [or man] to lust after her [him] hath committed adultery with her [him] already in his [her] heart” Matthew 5:27-28. The first stage begins with but a little thought (after a quick glance). Notice that this verse does not say that the thought puts us in danger of falling prey to sexual immorality; instead it says that by our impure thoughts, we have already been captured in its sinful jaws. God forbids any practices (reading explicit literature, viewing pornographic pictures/videos and even
engaging in crude or base conversation) that tend to excite sensual fantasies and thoughts. “Purity is demanded not only in the outward life but in the secret intents [of the mind] and emotions of the heart. Christ who taught the far reaching obligation of the law of God, declared the evil thought or look to be as truly sin as is the unlawful deed.”1 “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids” Proverbs 6:25. The second stage begins with what is known as foreplay, which is, all the sensual acts that precede intercourse. As unmarried youth, these are activities that should not be part of our practices, or even our thoughts. “…abstain from lusts of the flesh, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11. Fleshly lusts refer to all our habits of indulgence that reduce our physical powers and cause our minds to be clouded such that our spiritual perceptions begin to diminish. Peter writes that these lusts fight against the soul because “sinful gratification tends to benumb the faculties and deaden the mental and spiritual perceptions.”2 In 1 Corinthians 6: 18, Paul also tells us, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body” and so does Solomon in Proverbs 6:32. Now Jesus spoke about adultery, YET, the apostles wrote about fornication; so what’s the difference? Well, the differentiation lies in the status of the parties involved. In adultery, a married person is having sexual relations with another person (married or unmarried) that is not their own spouse. In fornication, an unmarried person is having sexual relations with either a married person or another unmarried person.
CAUGHT IN THE BEAR-TRAP its pangs not more than we can handle.” Winston Churchill Mkululi Ngwenya, 2nd year BSc Chemical, Molecular and Cell sciences its pangs not more than we can handle.” Winston Churchill Mkululi Ngwenya, 2nd year BSc Chemical, Molecular and Cell sciences In the remaining verses of the same chapter Paul goes on to give us another reason why we are to abstain from fornication. “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in
praved hearts.”3 It is therefore clear to us that we should not commit fornication, but just to recap, why is it so important that we do not fornicate? There are a few important reasons, because: 1) GOD has requested us not to do so… and if that isn’t enough, 2) It is harmful to our own
ies and against God (Genesis 39:9). When the animal steps on the trigger the trap closes around the foot, preventing the animal from escaping. Likewise, when we are fallen and weak, Satan attempts to add a whole bouquet of sins to our fragile souls. “…But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32. It is only our complete faith, trust and dependence on Jesus Christ that will keep us from being caught in the bear-trap called sexual immorality! Therefore “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” 1 Peter 5:8. “Finally, brethren, 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.” Philippians 4:8 S.N.A.C.K.
your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” The temple is to be filled with goodness, purity, truth and reverence for God. As he does with all sins, Satan uses fornication as a pathway that leads to more sinfulness. “Those who will dishonour God’s image and defile His temple in their own persons will not scruple at any dishonour to God that will gratify the desire of their de-
bodies (even our minds), and 3) It is a gateway to other sins “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat…” Like Simon Peter, we are all targets of the evil one, who seeks to separate us from God by causing us to perform a great wickedness, sinning against our own bod-
REFERENCES All bible scriptures were taken from the King James Version. 1. Ellen G White (1998). Patriarchs and Prophets, Pg 308. Abrams, WI 54101: Lighthouse Publishing, Inc. 2. Ellen G White (1998). The Great Controversy, Pg 474. Abrams, WI 54101: Lighthouse Publishing, Inc. 3. Ellen G White (1998). Patriarchs and Prophets, Pg 458. Abrams, WI 54101: Lighthouse Publishing, Inc. 2009 Expressions 19
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HY keep the Sabbath day? What is the object of the Sabbath? Who made it? When was it made, and for whom? Which day is the true Sabbath? Many keep the first day of the week, or Sunday. By what Bible authority have they for this? Some keep the seventh day, or Saturday. What Scripture have they for that? Here are the facts about both days, as plainly stated in the Word of God: 101 Bible Facts on the Seventh-day of the Week
After working the first six days of the week in creating this earth, God rested on the seventh day. Genesis 2:1-3.
. This stamped that day as God's rest day, or Sabbath day, as Sabbath day means rest day. To illustrate: When a person is born on a certain day, that day thus becomes his birthday. So when God rested upon the seventh day, that day became His rest, or Sabbath, day.
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. Therefore the seventh day must always be God's Sabbath day. Can you change your birthday from the day on which you were born to one on which you were not born? No. Neither can you change God's rest day to a day on which He did not rest. Hence the seventh day is still God's Sabbath day.
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. The Creator blessed the seventh day. Genesis 2:3.
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. He sanctified the seventh day. Exodus 20:11.
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. He made it the Sabbath day in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:1-3.
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. It was made before the fall; hence it is not a type; for types were not introduced till after the fall.
20 Expressions 2009
. Jesus says it was made for man, that is, for the race, as the word man is here unlimited; hence, for the Gentile as well as for the Jew. Mark 2:27.
. Not only is the Sabbath made for man, but Jesus said that He was Lord of the Sabbath. Mark 2:28.
0. It is a memorial of creation. Exodus 20:11; 31:17. Every time we rest upon the seventh day, as God did at creation, we commemorate that grand event.
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1. It was given to Adam, the head of the human race. Mark 2:27; Genesis 2:1-3.
6. Then God placed it in the heart of His moral law. Exodus 20:1-17. Why did He place it there if it was not like the other nine precepts, which all admit to be immutable?
7. The seventh-day Sabbath was commanded by the voice of the living God. Deuteronomy 4:12,13.
8. Then He wrote the commandment with His own finger. Exodus 31:18.
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9. He engraved it in the enduring stone, indicating its imperishable nature. Deuteronomy 5:22.
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2. It is not a Jewish institution, for it was made 2,300 years before ever there was a Jew.
3. The Bible never calls it the Jewish Sabbath, but always "the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." Men should be cautious how they stigmatize God's holy rest day.
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4. Evident reference is made to the Sabbath and the seven-day week all through the patriarchal age. Genesis 2:1-3; 8:10,12; 29:27,28, etc.
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5. It was a part of God's law before Sinai. Exodus 16:4,23-29.
0. It was sacredly preserved in the ark in the holy of holies. Deuteronomy 10:1-5.
1. God forbade work upon the Sabbath, even in the most hurrying times. Exodus 34:21.
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2. God destroyed the Israelites in the wilderness because they profaned the Sabbath. Ezekiel 20:12,13.
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3. It is the sign of the true God, by which we are to know Him from the false gods. Ezekiel 20:20.
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4. God promised that Jerusalem should stand forever if the Jews would keep
101 Bible Facts the Sabbath. Jeremiah 17:24,25.
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5. He sent them into the Babylonish captivity for breaking it. Nehemiah 13:18.
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6. He destroyed Jerusalem for its violation. Jeremiah 17:27.
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5. Jesus was Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), that is, to love and protect it, as the husband is the lord of the wife, to love and cherish her. 1 Peter 3:6.
thousands of disciples, James calls it the “sabbath day.” Acts 15:21.
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6. It was customary to hold prayer meetings upon that day. Acts 16:13.
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6. He vindicated the Sabbath as a merciful institution designed for man’s good. Mark 2:23-28.
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7. Paul read the Scriptures in public meetings on that day. Acts 17:2,3.
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7. Instead of abolishing the Sabbath, He carefully taught how it should be observed. Matthew 12:1-13.
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0. The Lord requires us to call it “honourable.” Isaiah 58:13 Beware, you who take delight in calling it the “old Jewish Sabbath,” “a yoke of bondage,” etc.
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7. God has pronounced a special blessing on all the Gentiles who will keep it. Isaiah 56:6,7.
8. This is in the prophecy which refers wholly to the Christian dispensation. See Isaiah 56.
9. God has promised to bless all who keep the Sabbath. Isaiah 56:2.
1. After the holy Sabbath has been trodden down “many generations,” it is to be restored in the last days. Isaiah 58:12,13.
2. All the holy prophets kept the seventh day.
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3. When the Son of God came, He kept the seventh day all His life. Luke 4:16; John 15:10. Thus He followed His Father’s example at creation. Shall we not be safe in following the example of both the Father and the Son?
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4. The seventh day is the Lord’s day. See Revelation 1:10; Mark 2:28; Isaiah 58:13; Exodus 20:10.
8. He taught His disciples that they should do nothing upon the Sabbath day but what was “lawful.” Matthew 12:12.
9. He instructed His apostles that the Sabbath should be prayerfully regarded forty years after His resurrection. Matthew 24:20.
8. It was his custom to preach upon that day. Acts 17:2,3.
9. The Book of Acts alone gives a record of his holding eighty-four meetings upon that day. See Acts 13:14,44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4,11.
0. There was never any dispute between the Christians and the Jews about the Sabbath day. This is proof that the Christians still observed the same day that the Jews did.
0. The pious women who had been with Jesus carefully kept the seventh day after His death. Luke 23:56.
1. Thirty years after Christ’s resurrection, the Holy Spirit expressly calls it “the sabbath day.” Acts 13:14.
2. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, called it the “sabbath day” in A.D. 45. Acts 13:27. Did not Paul know? Or shall we believe modern teachers, who affirm that it ceased to be the Sabbath at the resurrection of Christ?
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3. Luke, the inspired Christian historian, writing as late as A.D. 62, calls it the “sabbath day.” Acts 13:44.
Join us next Issue for the other 50!
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4. The Gentile converts called it the Sabbath. Acts 13:42.
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5. In the great Christian council, A.D. 49, in the presence of the apostles and
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The w i f e of the first parable
A parable, oh Lord, thou givest me A wife so terrible, oh Lord, thou givest me Who loves me barely and to see her compassion is rare Who deserts me daily and I can hardly see her care Oh, but have not I given her all my heart And thus the only pair of scissors that can cut But still I show her that I'll always care And when she needs me I'll always be there Oh Lord, hast thou been me and I the wife Who fills your heart continually with strife Though you have given me your heart and given me much to trust Though you have given me the right to say all my sins are the past Oh Lord, understand your hurt better do I now After all I've done you accept me, so lower do I bow What manner of love, Oh God, who is most reasonable So forget I'll not your words to me through the wife of the first parable
~zukisani~
to be continued...
22 Expressions 2009
PURPOSE
T H E R AP Y
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here are many ills on earth and people are hurting in more ways than we can see or comprehend. Just the other day I was told of a story of a church brother whose heart was broken because of the pains he had recently encountered. His uncle past away and he had not a shoulder in the church to cry on…then 3 days after his wedding, his new bride’s sister committed suicidethe same sister who had gone the extra mile to make sure that their wedding would be spectacular… all the while she had burdens so big, that she felt she could no longer bear to face another day. Yet no-one had any idea that she felt this way. People are hurting beyond that which we can see nor comprehend! In an attempt to help ourselves, we have invested in self-help books, audio CDs and DVDs. We follow preachers that carry only a message of blessings, without bearing the power thereof. We seek the help of Psychologists and Psychiatrists, Traditional healers and all sorts of people, books and even places. But sadly, only a handful of us are able to receive the emotional and mental healing that we seek. We are bored, lonely, sad, depressed, traumatized, and despondent; confused and left feeling like we have no reason to live. Wherefore can we get the help that we need? The strange thing is, even though we are hopeless to help ourselves, the solution to our problems lies within us! This is not to say that we are without need of Jesus, our Saviour- on the contrary, it is the life of Christ in us that enables us to climb out of the deep pits of our troubles. It is only when we begin to busy ourselves doing the work of the Lord that we will cease to realize the depth lonely will be occupied, thus forgetting their former pre-oc-
cupations. The sad and depressed will be comforted and excited by the words printed in the book of life. In preparation for the work of the Lord, man will find healing. In the process of ministering to others, in song, in word or in deed; we will receive the relief that we desire. This is a process I have coined “Purpose Therapy.” Purpose therapy is different from doing God’s work when you have no problems. This is because doing the Lord’s bidding when you have deep wounds will bring healing to the lives of the people to whom you minister and to yourself. Despite having direct benefits to the one engaging in it; purpose therapy is not only about what that one person can gain from it. Purpose therapy is not when you use the Lord for your benefit but; when you allow the Lord to use you regardless of your situation/circumstances. Only then can you reap the rewards of this service. Therefore purpose therapy has two purposes. Does this mean that those who are already in the ministry do not have problems? No- in fact, Satan attacks those in the ministry even more; but that is no reason not to work for God. Purpose therapy is not a solution to your problems, in fact, it may never take away your problems, but it helps you to focus on things above. It takes away the feeling of discontentment and replaces it with a feeling of self-worth and gives you a reason to wake up each day. With every new day, you will be faced with the countless possibilities of what God is going to do through you to bless others and what blessings you will receive in the process. Suddenly, the life which seemed to be of no value to you and insignificant to others, will be the very instrument that others will rely on as a channel to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. When you are spending all day with
the greatest Friend ever, other people will be drawn to you and you will have no more boredom, loneliness, sadness or depression. Memories of traumatic incidents or feelings of despondency will be exchanged for God-filled experiences and words of hope from scripture. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God…” ~ Psalms 42:5. Perplexity will cease to plague you, for clarity will be restored as you come to an understanding of what great things God has in store for your life. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments…” ~ Psalms 111:10. Jesus has said, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and
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Quotes “Whenever life seems dark, remember God is covering you with His wings to bring out light in you and around you.” Author unknown Nombulelo “Convinced am I this day that the task before us is not more than we can bear and its pangs not more than we can handle.” Winston Churchill Mkululi Ngwenya, 2nd year BSc Chemical, Molecular and Cell sciences
I will give thee rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” ~ Matthew 11:28-30. Purpose therapy acts as a reminder to you of the reason for your existence, which is to serve the Lord; it gives you a reason to live. It is not temporary, for even after your healing has come, you are to continue to do the Lord’s bidding. Unlike the young bride’s sister, the commencement of one project will not strip you of your sense of self-worth but will increase your reliance on the Lord for sustenance. Take the yoke of Jesus; it will be therapy to your soul and…to others. Sylvia Kununka
“Of all the traps and pitfalls in life, self disesteem is the deadliest and the hardest to overcome, for it is a pit designed and dug by our own hands, summed up in the phrase, ‘It's no use - I can't do it.’ ” - Maxwell Maltz
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lie our growth and our freedom. ” -Viktor E. Frankl
“It’s not about avoiding life’s storms; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” -Author unknown “Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier.” -Author unknown Nontsikelelo Mthombeni, 5th year Medicine
“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. ” - Carl Gustav Jung
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“Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.” William Shakespeare Melody Ndlovu, post grad, LLB
I’m starting to look like a
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wise man once said, “When two people are deeply in love they start to look alike, that is why I’m starting to look like my beloved.”
At our SDASM week of prayer in April 2007, our guest speaker said that the children of today watch so much cartoons that they are even starting to walk and talk like cartoons. That sounded funny at first until I fully understood the depth of that statement. Our children are being molded into cartoons because they watch cartoons. Having worldly role models is very dangerous because they are bound to make mistakes along the way and if we put them on a pedestal we become in danger of making the exact same mistakes they made. The best role model to have is Jesus because in that way we become molded into His character and that is the best character we could ever wish for. Not long ago there lived a young man by the name of Zweli in the ghetto streets of Detroit, USA. He had never met his father because his father was arrested and sent to prison when he was at the tender age of 2. The only father Zweli knew was his heavenly father, Jesus Christ. When Zweli turned 20, His father was released from prison and they were finally reunited. The father wondered why Zweli was not angry at him for never being
there to raise asked, “Zweli, not mad at me there for you?” saying “If you would have ended up like 2 Corithinthi“But we all, ing as in a the LORD, are same image even as by the
his son, so he why are you for never being Zweli replied had raised me, I you.” ans 3:18 open face beholdglass the glory of changed into the from glory to glory Spirit of the LORD”
By beholding we become changed. We should therefore be careful on who or what we behold because we are likely to be molded onto it. Our minds need to dwell on Christ in order for us to be molded into the character of Christ so that when people look at us, they don’t see us living but Christ living in us. We could be the only bible some will ever know. By Solwazi Khumalo
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Chuckles “Don’t argue with a fool - they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” -Author unknown. Walter Sikwete, 4th year Electrical engineering *** This fundamentalist Christian couple felt it important to own an equally fundamentally Christian pet. So, they went shopping. At a kennel specializing in this particular breed, they found a dog they liked quite a lot. When they asked the dog to fetch the Bible, he did it in a flash. When they instructed him to look up Psalm 23, he complied equally fast, using his paws with dexterity. They were impressed, purchased the animal, and went home (piously, of course). That night they had friends over. They were so proud of their new fundamentalist dog and his major skills, they called the dog and showed off a little. The friends were impressed, and asked whether the dog was able to do any of the usual dog tricks, as well. This stopped the couple cold, as they hadn't thought about 'normal' tricks. "Well," they said, "let's try this out." Once more they called out to the dog, and then clearly pronounced the command, "Heel!" Quick as a wink, the dog jumped up, put his paw on the man's forehead, closed his eyes in concentration, and bowed his head. *** There's a little old Christian lady living next door to an atheist. Every morning the lady comes out onto her front porch and shouts "Praise the Lord!”. The atheist yells back, "There is no God". She does this every morning with the same result. As time goes on, the lady runs into financial difficulties and has trouble buying food. She goes out onto the porch and asks God for help with groceries, then says "Praise the Lord". The next morning she goes out onto the porch and there's the groceries she asked for, and of course, she shouts "Praise the Lord!!!”. The atheist jumps out from behind a bush and says, "Ha,
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I bought those groceries - there is no God". The lady looks at him and smiles, she shouts "Praise the Lord, not only did you provide for me Lord, you made an atheist pay for the groceries!!" *** The cavalryman was galloping down the road, rushing to catch up with his regiment. Suddenly his horse stumbled and pitched him to the ground. Lying in the dirt with a broken leg, terrified of the approaching enemy, the soldier called out: "All you saints in heaven, help me get up on my horse!”. Then, with superhuman effort, he leaped onto the horse's back and fell off the other side. Once again on the ground, he called to the heavens: "All right, just half of you this time!" *** A Jew and a Christian were arguing about the ways of their religion. The Jewish man said, "You people have been taking things from us for thousands of years; The Ten Commandments, for instance." The Christian replied, "Well, it's true that we took the Ten Commandments from you, but you can't actually say that we've kept them!" *** A man bought a donkey from a preacher. The preacher told the man that this donkey had been trained in a very unique way, (being the donkey of a preacher). The only way to make the donkey go, was to say, “Hallelujah!” The only way to make the donkey stop, was to say, “Amen!”. The man was pleased with his purchase and immediately got on the animal to try out the preacher's instructions. "Hallelujah!" shouted the man. The donkey began to trot. “Amen!” shouted the
man. The donkey stopped immediately. “This is great!” said the man. With a “Hallelujah,” he rode off very proud of his new purchase. The man traveled for a long time through some mountains. Soon he was heading toward a cliff. He could not remember the word to make the donkey stop. “Stop,” said the man. “Halt!” he cried. The donkey just kept going. “Oh, no... Bible!.... Church!... Please Stop!!” shouted the man. The donkey just began to trot faster. He was getting closer and closer to the cliff edge. Finally, in desperation, the man said a prayer. “Please, dear Lord. Please make this donkey stop before I go off the end of this mountain, In Jesus name, AMEN.” The donkey came to an abrupt stop just one step from the edge of the cliff. “HALLELUJAH!”, shouted the man. three fingers. Moishe looked back at him and raised one finger. The Pope waved his fingers in a circle around his head. Moishe pointed to the ground where he sat. The Pope pulled out a wafer and a glass of wine. Moishe pulled out an apple. The Pope stood up and said, “I give up. This man is too good. The Jews can stay.” An hour later, the cardinals were all around the Pope asking him what happened. The Pope said: “First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by holding up one finger to remind me that there was still one God common to both our religions. Then I waved my finger around me to show him that God was all around us. He responded by pointing to the ground and showing that God was also right here with us. I pulled out the wine and the wafer to show that God absolves us from our sins. He pulled out an apple to remind me of original sin. He had an answer for every-
Music
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Approved: The Exodus Movement WARNING: This is not for the faint hearted only those who dare to just listen. The poetry featured on this CD is very intense. If you are looking for sweet sounds and nice rhymes, this not for you. This CD is for people who are seeking the truth and true lyrics which not only define poetry but take on a different meaning in context. All that is needed is for anyone listening to it to give their full undivided attention to the words uttered out of the poet’s mouths; listen
thing. What could I do?” Meanwhile, the Jewish community had crowded around Moishe. “What happened?” they asked. “Well,” said Moishe, “First he said to me that the Jews had three days to get out of here. I told him that not one of us was leaving. Then he told me that this whole city would be cleared of Jews. I let him know that we were staying right here.” “And then?” asked a woman. “I don’t know,” said Moishe. “He took out his lunch and I took out mine.” *** A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, and Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, “Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.” Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus.” http://www.basicjokes.com/christian.php to it word for word. Most of the tracks are really mellow and relaxing but yet equally challenging. The most popular tracks were: 3. The quest Luthando Nzimande He spoke of the ultimate truth “God is love.” 4. Too long Sipho Ndebele He leaves you with a question only you can answer. 6. Dead youth society Akhona Sidlai She talks about the reality that the youth face, what they are and what they stand for. 11. Grace Mdu Ndebele He goes back to the truth that was taught in everyone’s childhood.
Movies Release Date: 14 September 2007 (South Africa) more Genre: Drama (Historical fiction) Review: "One Night with the King" showed the Old Testament story of the book of Esther as an epic movie. The film generally adheres to the main plot of the Biblical narrative. However, the story presents many facets that could have happened rather than strictly sticking to biblical texts. Filmed entirely in the state of Rajasthan, India, the film is vibrant and aesthetically pleasing. The location, cinematography, costumes, music and certainly the acting all worked together to get across this great story of the Jews in Persia who would have been annihilated except for the courageous stance of a Jewish orphan girl. Just think of it, a Jewish queen in Persia which is present day Iran. "One Night with the King" has intrigue with romance and even includes a touch of humour. The actors gave a great ensemble performance. This is a movie for the general audience, but Christians and Jews would particularly appreciate it. The film is officially based on the novel Hadassah: One Night with the King by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen. Screenplay: Stephan Blinn Producer: Matt and Laurie Crouch of Gener8Xion Entertainment Inc. Running time: 2hrs 3min. Language: English Starring: Tiffany Dupont (Hadassah/Esther); Luke Goss (King Xerxes); John Rhys-Davies (Mordecai) Director: Michael O. Sajbel
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Books Title: The Power of Generosity Author: Dave Toycen
About the Author:
Dave Toycen is the CEO of World Vision Canada (2004) .World Vision is a Christian Non –Governmental Organization that provides humanitarian and development programmes for people in need around the world.
REVIEW: Having the experience of being brought up by a father who himself was said to be more than generous Dave Toycen brings to us practical and insightful thoughts on how one can transform themselves and the world in that they live in. In a world that has been plagued by many poverty and humanitarian crisis he writes to advocate for a deeper understanding of generosity and ways in which it can be implemented not as a civil duty or way of tax evasion for big co operations but as a way of expressing our love for humanity and the need to lend a hand to those who are less fortunate than us. His definition of generosity seeks to express generosity not as an independent entity of simple giving but as a virtue that exist with other virtues such as love and kindness. If we define generosity simple as giving he argues that it becomes more of a contribution instead of a generous act. He gives an example of how some of the gifts that we give tend to be so calculated that one wonders was it really the spirit of love that prompted us to give the gift or we just gave so as to do everything in out to do lists. But who are the generous is the question that must bug and perplex most people and I think Mr. Toycen does justice to the question when he says that the Generous are those who their personal focus is secondary to that of others and they always seek ways in which they can help and one thing about the generous is that they rarely feel any satisfaction and they always continue to give. Generosity is for everyone he says and all it takes is a willing courage to be used for something that is bigger than us. The benefits of generosity which he talks
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about are the power to overcome obstacles and the power it has to stimulate personal growth this he supported with Solomon’s wise words found in Proverbs 11vs24.He has an interesting quote from Edward G Bulwer –Lytton that says “When a person is Down in the world an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.” Which brings us to the question does it really work all these beautiful ideas about generosity do they work. At some point the warm feelings of wanting to be generous people have to be matched at some point by what we do. Will a number of people actually embrace generosity as part of their everyday lives or will it stay as something that we relegate to organizations and the Bill and Melinda Gates of this world. One of the greatest examples he says where people can learn on whether generosity can work or not is from little children from his observations he says it seems like we are all created by the Almighty with a natural tendency to help and give to those who have less than us one wonders what happens to that special wiring that God put in all of us. Had it stayed within all of us maybe some of the crisis that we experience in this world would not have surfaced. Dave quotes from some of the worlds greatest, generous and exceptional people he quotes Nelson Mandela who said “I always knew that deep down in every human’s heart there is mercy and generosity”. Mother Theresa who is viewed as the most generous person to live in this world of course after Christ said; “I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts then there is no hurt but only more love”. Dave Toycen seeks to clearly and undisputable emphasize that generosity is not all about money even though most of the time money is involved it should not be viewed as the major component of generosity therefore everyone even those without money can be generous. Living lives of compassion, kindness, sympathy and not self pity are also some of the many examples of living generous lives. I guess the biggest question that one has when he reads the Power of generosity is how one gets the power of generosity I think had Mr. Toycen let out the steps on
how to become a generous person then he would have failed. But he managed to give us five steps which can help us be generous even still he emphasizes that only the Spirit of God working within us has the power to transform us to be generous but his steps are just a guide to prepare for the workings of the spirit. Step 1: Work on the inside. generosity is not about following forth from the deepest motivations of your heart and from who you want to become. Step2: Polish your attitude. It’s very hard to be generous when you are negative. Also make sure that you genuinely believe in people and the infinite potential with them. Step3: Take time to cultivate generous habits. Take time to share with a friend or with people what ever you have .Be an encourager and acknowledge people for the important things they do. Step4: Share what you have. Look for opportunities to share your time finances resources .expertise so that others may benefit. Step 5: Learn what makes you tick. Understanding yourself he says will give you the right path and direction in which you can apply your efforts so that you can make the greatest impact to those around. Mahatma Gandhi once said that “You must be the change that you want to see in the world”. I believe Mr. Toycen in his book THE power of Generosity has iterated the same truth that Gandhi some decades ago mentioned and I believe it is now more than ever that we as a people need to develop the generosity factor. A poem by Edward Markham’s gives a charge and challenge to all of us; “He drew a circle that shut me out Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout, But love and I had the wit to win We drew a circle that took him in.” By Mkhululi Ngwenya
Dear Pastor!
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I was wondering, is it wrong to kiss in an intimate manner before marriage, and if so why? I have been thinking about this for quite some time now and I have wondered just what impact it has on our bodies.
body of your loved one until the magical, matrimonial day.
R
It appears to me that the delights and heights of intimate kissing, which is a prelude or foreplay marital lovemaking or the marriage act, is the preserve of matrimony. Only then can we say with Solomon:
nswering the question to kiss or not to kiss, a biblical perspective Carl Fuglein offered this answer. “Kissing is contextual- wildly sexual, wildly romantic, or deeply gratifying as it affirms attachment. The "rush" physiologically is activation of two stimulants - dopamine and norepinephrine...then testosterone ... all stimulants, so, in a nutshell - You may not like this, but French Kissing is asking permission, saying “Can I go on?” If you reciprocate the French kisses, you are saying “YES”. If that is not the case then one should say NO. And if you do not say no, then do not be surprised to find that petting starts- the breast, on top of clothes, under clothes, petting below the waist, then petting under clothes, to nude total-body petting. This will ultimately lead to intercourse. So, I'm sorry to say but physiologically, that's the way it usually goes. Before you start with intimate kissing consider it like a roller coaster ride. Once you start you may not be able to stop the ride until it is over.
“You have ravished My heart, My sister, MY SPOUSE; you have ravished My heart with one of your eyes, with one chain of your neck.” Song of Solomon 4: 9 “Your lips, MY SPOUSE, drop like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue; and the smell of your garments is like the smell of Lebanon.” Song of Solomon 4:11
Dear R
Mat 6:13 , “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen”.
(See Letters to Young lovers…EG White) CONCLUSION AND POSITION STATEMENT.
With the challenges of our 21st century world, informed by the media, movies and music I expect that this position is anathema. With the prevalence and practice of kissing in our Adventist Christian world, and the number of unmarried pregnant ladies it is clear that many may declare kissing as an innocuous mutual gratification. This cannot negate the Biblical call to respect and purity and the Lord’s claim that your body belongs to Him before marriage and (also) to the spouse after marriage. Go and read the following texts as well~ 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 7: 4.
As your pastor I cannot give a “Thou shall not kiss” text. Neither is there a Sister White says, “I was shown… Young lovers must not kiss…” Unfortunately there is no reference that abolishes kissing. There are however, innumerable principles of respect for the purity of the
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1. A measure of length of about 18inches. 2. A Jewish festival celebrating the deliverance from massacre. 4. The number of men in New Testament named Judas. BB 6. The 8th son of Jacob. 7. God made it stay still. 10. To consecrate; to pour oil upon in a ceremony. 11. They destroyed Jericho and… it. 12. A month in the Hebrew year/calender. 14. John the Revelator wrote from there. 17. Sister of Zebulun. 20. Seraphims have six of these. 23. Wife of Lapidoth (Prophetess). 25. The 7th of the 12 minor prophets. 26. “… is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.” 27. “The bread which the Lord has given you to eat,” Moses to the Israelites 30. Stay 31. Killed a Caananite captain called Sisera.
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1. A large island in the Mediterranean 41miles from the coast of Asia Minor, home of Barnabus. 3. She succeeded Vashti 5. King in the time of Nehemiah 8. The home of a man that was perfect and upright that feared God and eschewed evil. 9. The daughter-in-law of Judah; the harlot that Judah slept with. 11. The name Benjamin was given of/by his mother. 13. Began his reign of Israel during the 31st year of the reign of Asa (King of Judah). 15. An ancient city in the Euphrates; home of Abraham. 16. All have done this and fallen short of the glory of God 18. False (Antonym) 19. How many sons did Joseph have? 21. Referral to Noah; “the 9th descendant of Adam.” 22. To appoint, consecrate, or set apart, as for ministry. 24. One of the oldest and greatest cities of Mesopotamia. Capital of Assyria. Destroyed in 612 B.C. 28. Musical term used 74 times in the book of Psalms. 29. King of Egypt; in the 18th year of the reign of Josiah, went to war with him. 32. Jewish teacher 33. Brother of Benammi; descendants of Lot. 34. King of Judah during the reign of Jeroboam. 35. Mordecai’s cousin.
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Across 1. Who was Jezebel’s father? 5. He thought his horses could swim. 8. The third month of the Jewish calendar 9. What fabric were Adams first clothes made of 10. Created in God’s Image 11. To what kind of man is the camel entering the needles eye likened to 13. What did the first miracle of Jesus involve 14. You 17. Poison 18. Ruths’ second Husband 19. Which of Moses’ organs was not ailing when he died 20. A negative response. 21. After the fall of man, where were the Cherubims? 23. What trait of character did Moses have above all other men? 24. Under the weather. 26. Beyond the skies 28. He was lovesick for his kin 29. Let it be so 31. One of the dukes that came of Esau 33. There will be seven of these at the end of time. 35. Festus said, “......much learning doth make thee ________” 38. Children should do this to their parents, for
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this is right 41. One must do this and be converted so that their sins might be blotted out. 43. Scribes did this for their masters 44. Yearning 45. Paul said “I _____ to Caesar. 47. Stay (antonym) 48. Revelation 22:16 49. Stoned in the valley of Achor. 51. Naaman was one before he was healed 53. “I am the _______, the truth and the life.....” 54. A tenth of all your possessions that is returned to the Lord. 56. The Bible tells us to remember his wife 57. The mountain from which the Moses saw the land of Gilead. 58. The place where Saul and his three Sons died 60. Subjugate 62. A person who omits the truth from their speech. 65. He is sent by the Father in Jesus’ name to come and teach us all things and to bring all things into remembrance 66. His name means red soil
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2. Number of days in the Hebrew month of Nisan 3. Adam shifted this to Eve, Eve shifted it to the serpent 4. The man who translated the New testament into French in Meaux. 5. Jael used this to kill Sisara. 6. All-powerful 7. The place where the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments. 12. The man that Isaiah told, “set your house in order for thou shalt die and not live” 15. Jesus asked the Pharisees if it was lawful to do this on Sabbath 16. The child who’s foot was being held at birth 22. The judge who killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad 25. To mourn 27. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the__________________” 30. Abrahams grandfather 32. Dipped in the Jordan seven times 34. The eighth Commandment tells us not to do this. 36. Fiend 37. David’s second wife. 39. Common mode of transport in Jesus’ time 40. How often does the day of atonement come 42. Political oppressor 46. Without end 50. The ethnic group of Bathsheba’s first husband. 52. Joseph of Arimathea loaned Jesus his. 53. The outlay. 55. Saul sought a woman with a familiar spirit from this place 59. “But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to ¬_____ after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” 61. A limb 63. One of the items found inside the ark of the covenant
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Paul was converted on his way from Damascus. Abraham’s wife was Keturah. Shem, Ham and Jehoshaphat were Noah’s sons. Blessed are the meek: for they shall obtain mercy. Thou shalt not commit adultery is the eighth commandment. Amen is the last word of the Bible. God said he will help those that help themselves. The longest life of a person in the Bible is 969 years old. Turning water into wine was Jesus’ first miracle. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for everyone.” David killed Goliath using five stones and a sling. In the last days things will be wonderful. Paul wrote the book of Acts. The book of Ester does no contain the word Lord or God. The feet in the statue that Nebuchadnezzar’s dream were made of iron. He that loveth not knoweth not God. The book of Matthew has 28 chapters. The soul is immortal. The two thieves that were crucified with Christ both first mocked Jesus. God forgives us as much as we forgive others.
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The Official
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S e v e n t h D a y A d v e n t i s t S t u d e n t M o v e m e n t a t U.C.T. 2009 Expressions 33
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TRUE/FALSE 1. F (Acts 9:3) 2. T (Genesis 25:1) 3. F (Gen 6:10) 4. F (Mat 5:5) 5. F (Exd 20: 14) 6. T Rev 22:21) 7. F (Nowhere) 8. T (Gen 5:27) 9. T (John 2:7-9) 10. F (John 15:13) 11. F (1Sam 17:50) 12. F (2 Timothy 3:1) 13. F (It was Luke) 14. T (check KJV) 15. F (Dan 2:3334) 16. T (1 John 1:8) 17. T 18. F (Ezek 18: 4,20) 19 T (Mat 27: 44) 20. T (Mat 6:12)
Crossword # 1 answers ACROSS: 1. Acts 4:36 | 3. Esther 2:17 | 5. Neh 2:1 | 8. Job 1:1 | 9. Gen 38:6;15-16 | 11. Gen 35:15 | 13. 1 Kings 16:23 | 15. Gen 11:28 | 16. Romans 3:23 | 18. True | 19. Genesis 41: 50 | 21. Gen 6-9 | 22. Titus1:5 | 24. Jonah1:2 | 28. Selah | 29. 2Chron 35:19-20 | 32. Rabbi | 33. Gen 19: 36-38 | 34. 1 Kings 15:9 | 35. Esther 2:7 | | DOWN: 1. Matt 6:27 | 2. Esther 9:20-28 | 4. Six | 6. Gen 30:13 | 7.Joshua 10: 12-13 | 10. Ps 23:5 | 11. Joshua 6: 24 (King James Version) | 12. Neh 2:1 | 14. Revelations 1:9 | 17. Gen 30:21 | 20. Isaiah 6:2 | 23. Judges 4:4 | 25. Nahum | 26. Gen 2:23 | 27. Exo 16:15 | 30. Abide | 31. Judges 4:21 |
Crossword # 2 Answers ACROSS: 1. 1Kings 16:31 | 5.Exodus 14:28 | 8. Esther 8:9 | 9. Gen 3:7 | 10. Genesis 1:26 | 11. Matthew 19:24 | 13. John 2: 9 | 14. Thee | 17. Venom | 18. Ruth 4: 13 | 19. Deuteronomy 34: 17 | 20. No | 21. Genesis 3:24 | 23. Numbers 12:3 | 24. I’ll | 26. Up | 28. 2 Samuel 13: 2-4 | 29. Amen | 31. Genesis 36:40 | 33. Revelation 16 | 35. Acts 26:24 | 38. Ephesians 6 :1 | 41. Acts 3: 19 | 43. Jeremiah 36:32 | 44. Yen | 45. Acts 25: 11 | 47.Go | 48. Star | 49. Joshua 7:24-25 | 51. 2 Kings 5:1 | 53. John 14:16 | 54. Luke 18:12 | 56. Luke 17: 32 | 57.Deuteronomy 34:1 | 58. 2 Samuel 1:6 | 60. Abase | 62. Liar | 65. John 14:26 | 66. Adam | | DOWN: 2.All months in the Jewish year have 30days. | 3. Geesis 3:12-13 | 4. LeFevre | 5. Judges 4:21(use RSV) | 6. Omnipotent | 7. Exodus 33: 6 | 12. Isaiah 38:1 | 15. Luke 14:3 | 16. Genesis 25:26 | 22. Judges 3:31 | 25. Lament 27. Amos 3:7 | 30. Genesis 11: 25-26 | 32. 2 Kings 5:14 | 34. Exodus 20:15 | 36. Demon | 37. 1 Samuel 25:42 | 39. Boat | 40. Leviticus 16. (23:27) | 42. Tyrant | 46. Eternal | 50. 2 Samuel 11:6 | 52. Matthew 27:57-60 | 53. Romans 6: 23 | 55. 1 Samuel 28:7 | 59. Matthew 5:28 | 61. A limb | 63. Hebrews 9:4 |
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J u s t I m a g i n e ...
Just imagine being created a little lower than the angels Imagine the perfect home Imagine all the fruits, veggies, shrubs, trees, flower you can think off Imagine a world with no disease, infection, poverty or death Just imagine being surrounded by utmost beauty Imagine seeing life and love in everything the eye rests upon Imagine basking in the very presence of the creator Imagine having God as your very own personal teacher, learning in his footsteps Now …… Imagine being placed on probation to prove but only yourself Imagine being taught the lesson of loyalty and self-denial Imagine being deceived by the father of all lies about immortality Imagine falling into sin by going against God’s word when then ignorance would have seemed to best Imagine running away from the very one you ought to run too Just imagine being driven away from paradise by the very angels that were meant to watch over you Imagine being cut-off forever Wait, wait Now…… Imagine a song of victory in the midst of confusion Imagine someone willing enough to take up your guilt and shame Imagine someone willing to pay your hefty ransom Just imagine someone willing to leave all his riches and glories untold just to redeem a fallen race Imagine the beautiful lamb of God being sent to die for a race that disobeyed his father Imagine life freely offered through the death of a righteous Imagine been set free from the chains that once bound you so ,so tight Imagine regaining all which that you lost Imagine feeling the connection that was created in the very fibre man Imagine fulfilling the purpose of creation Now…… Imagine a new heaven and a new earth Imagine walking on the streets of gold Imagine the deceiver being conquered Imagine the deceiver deceiving no more Imagine the paradise lost being restored once again but this time even better than before Just imagine all this and so, so much more Just Imagine M&m
34 Expressions 2009