What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?

From: http://www.gotquestions.org/suicide-Bible-Christian.html

Question: "What is the Christian view of suicide? What does the Bible say about suicide?"

Answer: According to the Bible, whether a person commits suicide is not what determines whether he or she gains entrance into heaven. If an unsaved person commits suicide, he or she has done nothing but “expedite” their journey to the lake of fire. However, the person who committed suicide will ultimately be in hell for rejecting salvation through Christ, not because they committed suicide. The Bible mentions four specific people who committed suicide: Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). Each of them were wicked, evil, sinful men. The Bible views suicide as equal to murder – that’s what it is – self-murder. God is the One who is to decide when and how a person should die. To take that power into your own hands, according to the Bible, is blasphemy to God.

What does the Bible say about a Christian who commits suicide? I do not believe that a Christian who commits suicide will lose salvation and go to hell. The Bible teaches that from the moment a person truly believes in Christ, he or she is eternally secure (John 3:16). According to the Bible, Christians can know beyond any doubt that they possess eternal life no matter what happens. “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13). Nothing can separate a Christian from God’s love! “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). If no “created thing” can separate a Christian from God’s love, and even a Christian who commits suicide is a “created thing,” then not even suicide can separate him from God’s love. Jesus died for all of our sins...and if a true Christian were to, in a time of spiritual attack and weakness, commit suicide - that would be a sin that Jesus died for.

This is not to say that suicide is not a serious sin against God. According to the Bible, suicide is murder, it is always wrong. I would have serious doubts about the genuineness of faith of anyone who claimed to be a Christian yet committed suicide. There is no circumstance that can justify someone, especially a Christian, taking his or her own life. Christians are called to live their lives for God – the decision on when to die is God’s and God’s alone. Perhaps a good way to illustrate suicide for a Christian would be from the Book of Esther. In Persia, they had a law that anyone who came before the king uninvited could be put to death unless the king extended his scepter towards the person - indicating mercy. Suicide for a Christian would be forcing your way in to see the King instead of waiting for Him to summon you. He will point His scepter towards you, sparing your eternal life, but that does not mean He is happy with you. Although it is not describing suicide, the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 3:15 is probably a good description of what happens to a Christian who commits suicide: “He himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.”

Recommended Resource: Suicide: A Christian Response : Five Crucial Considerations for Choosing Life by Gary Stewart.

Christian views on the Holy Spirit

Pentecostalism

The Christian movement called Pentecostalism derives its name from the event of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit when Jesus' disciples were gathered in Jerusalem. They also believe that, once received, the Holy Spirit is God working through the recipient to perform the gifts of the Spirit. These gifts are portrayed in 1 Corinthians chapter 12.

The Pentecostal movement places special emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, and especially on the gifts mentioned above, believing that they are still given today. Pentecostalism holds that the 'Baptism with the Holy Spirit' is distinct from the salvific born again experience, as a usually distinct experience in which the Spirit's power is received by the Christian in a new way, with the result that the Christian can now be more readily used to do signs, miracles, and wonders for the sake of evangelism or for ministry within the church.

Many Pentecostals also believe that the normative evidence of this infilling (baptism) of the Holy Spirit is the ability to speak in other tongues (glossalalia).

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Spirit

Personal note: The bible says the Holy Spirit will be poured out in the latter days. Our old men will dream dreams & our young men will see visions. There will be prophets & apostles & great miracles etc. I don't know how true but revivalism is a current movement. People say a revival will take place by 2007. The Holy Spirit of God will infill believers & empower them to do greater works than Jesus'. This is unlike the OT where the Holy Spirit only comes upon the OT saints to empower them to do great supenatural works. The NT anointing should be greater. What d'ya say? Revival or apostasy or great tribulation? I guess a combination of all these. The best is yet to come!

When We Die

When we die, our spirits & souls go back to the Father in Heaven. Our spirits are the container for our souls, just like our bodies were when we were alive. So people we need to be born again spiritually or we won't be able to go to heaven in our reborn & alive spirits. This earth is only temporal. Once we put off this tent, we go to our heavenly abode or go to hell. It's only 2 ways. Our souls never die. It's our character, personality, person etc. We still remember who we are in heaven or hell. We enjoy in heaven or suffer in hell fire. In heaven we get rest for our souls but in hell we get burned forever. Only Jesus Christ can save our souls from hell. Only Jesus is the Way, the Truth & the Life.

Jn 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Matt 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Jn 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Jn 3:5-8 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Jn3:14-18 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but F15 have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The Holy Spirit Conviction Center: CHRISTIANITY

The Holy Spirit Conviction Center: CHRISTIANITY

Do you believe you can lose your salvation?

From: http://www.theholyspirit.com/faq1/default.asp?a=4&q=234

Answer:

Good question. While many ministers would disagree with me, I believe it is possible to lose your salvation once you have received it. I believe it is actually a dangerous doctrine to teach you can never lose it because that is basically a free pass for anyone to do anything they want after they accept Christ and say "my salvation is guaranteed".

Here is a verse in scripture that talks about those who do are worse off than before they even knew Christ since they received and later rejected it:

2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog has turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Let me also say, the Bible promises us the Holy Spirit will seal our salvation. Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

So perhaps the better or more accurate theology is that you can “give away your salvation” rather than lose it. I believe for those who love the Lord and try to walk according to His commands that it is impossible to lose your salvation, but I know of some who once saved decided to utterly walk away from God and never looked back, publicly denying they were ever Christs. For these, I believe it is possible to step outside of eternal grace.

Thanks,
Pastor Brad

Ps – the good news…as long as we keep loving Him and walking with Him we won’t ever lose it :)

Personal note: I think we won't lose our salvation but if we decide to publicly deny Jesus Christ, i think we are in danger of losing it.

Matthew 10: 32-33: 32 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven."

JESUS LOVES YOU!

JESUS LOVES YOU FRIEND! He doesn't want to see you in hell. He came to die for us all, yes everyone! He wants you to believe in Him & repent. Hell was prepared for satan & his demons not man! God is a God of love but also just, so while He wants to save You, He needs you to acknowledge your sins before Him & repent & accept Jesus Christ as your Lord & only Saviour. There is no other name by which we can be saved other than the name of Jesus. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved. Imagine you just have to call upon His name & repent. Is it worthwhile to indulge in sin? A little sin is still sin & I was also unrighteous like you & i am still not perfect but i repented still. We have to be reborn again on the inside with a new spirit & filled with the Holy Spirit. Don't grieve Him as He really cares for you.

Now there are so many websites preaching Jesus & the gospel. I have also links in my blog roll by the sidebar. Go to these or any others to learn more. God loves you friend. Don't reject Him anymore. He longs to bless you & deliver you. Seek Him while He can still be found. Today is the day of salvation. Pray to God & ask Jesus to be your Saviour & Lord. Pray to God to forgive you of your sins & determine to live for Jesus. God never fails in His promise of salvation thru Jesus. Today is the day. God bless you!

Proof of the existence of the rational soul.

From: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf204.vi.ii.ii.ii.html

§31. Proof of the existence of the rational soul.

(1) Difference of man from the brutes. (2) Man’s power of objective thought. Thought is to sense as the musician to his instrument. The phenomena of dreams bear this out.

Firstly, then, the rational nature of the soul is strongly confirmed by its difference from irrational creatures. For this is why common use gives them that name, because, namely, the race of mankind is rational.

2. Secondly, it is no ordinary proof, that man alone thinks of things external to himself, and reasons about things not actually present, and exercises reflection, and chooses by judgment the better of alternative reasonings. For the irrational animals see only what is present, and are impelled solely by what meets their eye, even if the consequences to them are injurious, while man is not impelled toward what he sees merely, but judges by thought what he sees with his eyes. Often for example his impulses are mastered by reasoning; and his reasoning is subject to after-reflection. And every one, if he be a friend of truth, perceives that the intelligence of mankind is distinct from the bodily senses.

3. Hence, because it is distinct, it acts as judge of the senses, and while they apprehend their objects, the intelligence distinguishes, recollects, and shews them what is best. For the sole function of the eye is to see, of the ears to hear, of the mouth to taste, of the nostrils to apprehend smells, and of the hands to touch. But what one ought to see and hear, what one ought to touch, taste and smell, is a question beyond the senses, and belonging to the soul and to the intelligence which resides in it. Why, the hand is able to take hold of a sword-blade, and the mouth to taste poison, but neither knows that these are injurious, unless the intellect decide.

4. And the case, to look at it by aid of a simile, is like that of a well-fashioned lyre in the hands of a skilled musician. For as the strings of the lyre have each its proper note, high, low, or intermediate, sharp or otherwise, yet their scale is indistinguishable and their time not to be recognized, without the artist. For then only is the scale manifest and the time right, when he that is holding the lyre strikes the strings and touches each in tune. In like manner, the senses being disposed in the body like a lyre, when the skilled intelligence presides over them, then too the soul distinguishes and knows what it is doing and how it is acting.

5. But this alone is peculiar to mankind, and this is what is rational in the soul of mankind, by means of which it differs from the brutes, and shews that it is truly distinct from what is to be seen in the body. Often, for example, when the body 21is lying on the earth, man imagines and contemplates what is in the heavens. Often when the body is quiet147147 Cf. Vit. Ant. 34.
, and at rest and asleep, man moves inwardly, and beholds what is outside himself, travelling to other countries, walking about, meeting his acquaintances, and often by these means divining and forecasting the actions of the day. But to what can this be due save to the rational soul, in which man thinks of and perceives things beyond himself?

Pessimism Leads To Depression

Below is part of an interview dealing with optimism & pessimism. I guess it's better to be optimistic than pessimistic. There are so many health benefits. So be happy & don't worry too much. I guess many people are quite happy but why not be happier? To those who are sad or depressed, why not change how we talk about or perceive things into more optimism? Look at the bright side of things always. Don't give up! Try & try again. God bless!

Excerpted from: http://www.youmeworks.com/optimisminterview.html

Elissa: Why do you think studies have shown that pessimistic people are less healthy and more likely to die prematurely?

Adam: That's a great question. I have several good answers for that. First of all, pessimism affects your immune system. Here's how: Pessimism leads to depression, and depression changes certain brain hormones. That creates a chain of biochemical events that make your immune system less active and less effective.

But it's worse than that. You don't even have to be depressed. Pessimism, even in the absence of depression, can weaken your immune system.

For example, part of your immune system is T cells. They recognized invaders (like viruses) and make more copies of themselves to kill off the invaders. Pessimists' T cells don't multiply as quickly as optimists', allowing the invaders to get the upper hand.

Another part of your immune system, NK cells, circulate in the blood and kill whatever they come across that they identify as foreign (like cancer cells). Pessimists' NK cells can identify foreign entities, but they don't destroy them as well as the optimists' NK cells.

So that is one very direct way optimism impacts your health. There is also an indirect way: Optimists are more active in improving their health because they see potential health problems as fixable rather than feeling hopeless and giving up right away.

Lisa Aspinwall, PhD, at the University of Maryland, did an interesting study. She told subjects to read health-related information on cancer and other topics. She discovered that optimists spent MORE time than pessimists reading the severe risk material and they remembered MORE of it.

"These are people," says Aspinwall, "who aren't sitting around wishing things were different. They believe in a better outcome, and that whatever measures they take will help them to heal."

In other words, instead of having their heads in the clouds, optimistic people look. They do more than look. They SEEK. They aren't afraid to look BECAUSE they are optimistic.

And because they get more information, and they don't make themselves feel defeated, optimistic people are more likely to take ACTION, like eating better, exercising, and getting checkups at the doctor's office.

A nonoptimist is less inclined to take those kinds of actions because they feel it won't make much difference. They feel that way because of the way they explain events to themselves. And their lack of positive action makes them statistically more likely to die prematurely.

An optimist might say, "I can quit smoking." And if they try and fail, they would explain it as a changeable, fixable, specific setback. So they'll try again.

A nonoptimist would be less likely to try in the first place because the way they explain it is permanent and general and hopeless: "I can't help myself. The nicotine has me." But if they try anyway and fail, their explanation will not motivate them to try again: "I guess I just can't do it." They will accept their fate and die prematurely.

Eternal life is a FREE GIFT!

If you are not sure about where you might spend eternity, please take the time to consider this:

1. Everyone dies.
2. Not everyone goes to heaven.
3. Where will you go? Heaven or Hell?

Like most people, you may have never even thought about death. But death is something that happens to us all. The Bible says that God created the universe (Genesis 1:1), including mankind, and he also made Heaven. And because he made Heaven, he decides who is allowed into Heaven when we die.

Unlike what the majority of people think, God only made 2 ways for a person to make it into Heaven:

1. One must be absolutely perfect.
2. One must trust in the one who is perfect, the Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son.

To find out more, go to: http://www.geocities.com/valueoftruth2/freegift.html

Megalomania

What is Megalomania?

Megalomania is an unrealistic belief in one's superiority, grandiose abilities, and even omnipotence. It is characterized by a need for total power and control over others, and is marked by a lack of empathy for anything that is perceived as not feeding the self.

Although megalomania is a term often ascribed to anyone who is power-hungry, the clinical definition is that of a mental illness associated with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Narcissism is most simply defined as self-love. Though it is considered healthy to be narcissistic to some degree, when someone loves himself to the exclusion of all else and others become objectified to be used only to serve the self, this is no longer considered healthy or normal.

For full article: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-megalomania.htm

Kim Jong-il Is Crazy!

I think Kim Jong-il is hell of a crazy man, together with his cronies! This guy should be sent to a mental institution & permanently locked up! I wonder why there are so many crazy people around in this world? This is really a mad mad mad world. And i am not talking abt any comedy here. This world gonna get worse with so many deluded & insane people around. I pray for the safety & protection of Christians around the world as well as all the innocent people.

NUCLEAR WAR-FEAR

Kim Jong-il ethnic 'cult' killing 'racially impure'
North Korean regime obsessed with purity,belief in master race, deification of leader

Posted: October 15, 20061:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

A growing body of testimony is vindicating President Bush's charge that North Korea is a member of the "axis of evil" – refugees are reporting the killing of disabled infants and forced abortions of babies believed fathered by Chinese men in an obsessive program based on mystical notions of Korean racial superiority.

Click for full article: http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52448

Can We Become Victims Of Optimism?

Yes, can we be too optimistic in our thinking? I think yes! While optimism is good for health, performance, adverse situations etc, if we don't temper it with some pessimism or realistic thinking, we might become too idealistic or ignorant of the potential dangers around us. I give an example. Consider a bridge which is actually broken & surrounded by a heavy mist so nobody can see clearly & anyone who walks on the bridge halfway will fall into the canyon below.

Consider a man standing before the bridge lying to people & otherwise optimistically motivating people to walk on the bridge by claiming the bridge is very good transport pass the canyon. Blah blah blah... Anyone who comes to this bridge will be motivated to walk onto the bridge even if they have misgivings at first. They will be "psychoed" out of their fear by the pep talk & start walking onto the bridge. But midway, they will fall down into the canyon & die in the end. They all have optimistic thinking but false hopes.

Same it is with the end times. People will be going abt their work, earning lots of money, enjoying themselves etc, thinking the good times will last forever & not wanting to see the world for what it really is. I heard many people say tomorrow is going to be better to motivate themselves. There's nothing wrong with this but tomorrow's not going to get better. Blame the mad devils & evil men & our sins. Never blame God. So what will happen then? They will be caught unawares when the Great Tribulation strikes & Jesus comes back. They will miss the rapture & endure the Antichrist's despotic rule. Then their optimism is misplaced & all might just be too late. I hope people will just temper optimism with a bit of reality & practicality & see the world for what it really is.

What does the Bible say about demon possession / demonic possession?

From: http://www.gotquestions.org/demon-possession.html

Question: "What does the Bible say about demon possession / demonic possession? Is it still possible today? If so, what are the symptoms?"

Answer: The Bible gives some examples of people being possessed or influenced by demons. From these we can find some symptoms of demonic influence as well as gain insights as to how a demon possesses someone. Here are some of biblical passages: Matthew 9:32-33; 12:22; 17:18; Mark 5:1-20; 7:26-30; Luke 4:33-36; Luke 22:3; Acts 16:16-18. In some of these passages, the demon possession causes physical ailments, such as inability to speak, epileptic symptoms, blindness, etc. In other cases, it causes the individual to do evil, Judas being the main example. In Acts 16:16-18 the spirit apparently gives a slave girl some ability to know things beyond her own learning. In the case of the demoniac of the Gadarenes who was possessed by a multitude of demons, he had superhuman strength, went around naked, and lived among the tombstones. King Saul, after rebelling against the LORD, was allowed to be troubled by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14-15; 18:10-11; 19:9-10) with the apparent effect of a depressed mood and an increased desire and readiness to kill David.

Thus, there is a wide variety of possible symptoms of demon possession, such as a physical impairment that cannot be attributed to an actual physiological problem, personality changes such as major depression or uncharacteristic aggression, supernatural strength, a disregard for modesty or “normal” social interaction, and perhaps the ability to share information that one has no natural way of knowing. It is important to note that nearly all, if not all, of these characteristics may have other explanations, so it is important not to label every depressed person or epileptic individual as demon possessed. On the other hand, I think that in our western culture, we probably don’t take Satanic involvement in people’s lives seriously enough.

In addition to these physical or emotional distinctions, one can also look at spiritual attributes as showing demonic influence. These may include a refusal to forgive (2 Corinthians 2:10-11) and the belief in and spread of false doctrine, especially concerning Jesus Christ and His atoning work (2 Corinthians 11:3-4,13-15; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 1 John 4:1-3).

Concerning the involvement of demons in the lives of Christians, the apostle Peter is an illustration of the fact that a believer can be INFLUENCED by the devil (Matthew 16:23). Some refer to Christians who are under a STRONG demonic influence as being “demonized,” but never is there an example in Scripture of a believer in Christ being POSSESSED by a demon, and most theologians believe that a Christian CANNOT be possessed because he has the Holy Spirit abiding within (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19).

We are not told exactly how one opens himself up for possession. If Judas’ case is representative, he opened his heart to evil (in his case by his greed - John 12:6). So it may be possible that if one allows his heart to be ruled by some habitual sin...it becomes an invitation for a demon to enter in. From missionary experiences, demon possession also seems to be related to the worship of heathen idols and the possession of occult materials. Scripture repeatedly relates idol worship with the actual worship of demons (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; Psalm 106:37; 1 Corinthians 10:20), so it should not be surprising that involvement with those religions and practices associated with those religions could lead to demon possession.

Thus, it is my belief based on the above Scriptural passages as well as some of the experiences of missionaries that many people open their lives up to demon involvement through the embracing of some sin or through cultic involvement (both knowingly and unknowingly). Examples may include immorality; drug/alcohol abuse...as these alter one’s state of consciousness; rebellion; bitterness; transcendental meditation. In our western culture, we see an increase of eastern religious teachings under the guise of the new age movement.

There is something that must not be forgotten. Satan and his evil host cannot do anything to anyone unless they have the LORD’s permission (Job 1,2). And this being the case, Satan, thinking he is accomplishing his own purposes, is actually accomplishing God’s good purposes...even as in the case of Judas’ betrayal. Some people develop an unhealthy fascination with the occult and demonic activity. This is unwise and unbiblical. If we pursue God with our lives and are clothing ourselves with His armor and relying upon His strength (not our own) (Ephesians 6:10-18), we have nothing to fear from the evil ones, for God rules over all!

Soul

Our soul is the most precious thing to us & God. It is a part of us that never dies but goes back to God in our spirit bodies when we pass away. We still remember our past earthly lives albeit in heaven the curse is wiped away. No more tears or pain up there so no more painful memories. Maybe we just look at it in a detached way with the bad emotions washed away by Jesus' blood forever. He took our pains & carried our sorrows. We will be truly free from pain & sorrow there.

Many of my non-Christian & even Christian frens say won't it be boring up there? Will there be any policeman up there or doctors etc? Nothing to do there. I said we have work to do still. I don't know what work but God did say we have to rule with Christ & we will enjoy His sweet holy presence & get to know Him who is infinite. We will get to learn many new things infinitely. We can never exhaust God's wisdom or beauty etc. I can hardly imagine that time in heaven. I believe it is a very nice place with no more of the earthly curse. Everyone will be so beautiful & handsome there. Our souls will have a new eternal body never to die anymore. We can even enjoy food but i guess vegetarian food? :p

Dear readers or anyone out there. Your soul is very impt to God. He doesnt want u to perish or go to hell forever. He wants u to join Him up there to enjoy Him. I hope u will accept Him. God bless u!

Clinical Depression

by: Kristy Annely

Clinical depression is a medical term used to refer to any form of depression that requires treatment in order to alleviate it. Typically, people are prone to depression when something bad or what they perceive as bad occurs in their lives, such as the death of a loved one or the breaking up of a relationship. This type of depression tends to decrease over a period of time and eventually fades away; however, in some cases it persists for a longer period. When this continues for a period of over six months, it is classified as clinical depression. Just as any other disease, if diagnosed early, medical professionals possess the ability to treat clinical depression. Depressive disorders have haunted mankind since the beginning of recorded history. The Bible has references to King David suffering from this affliction. Sigmund Freud, father of modern psychology, linked depression to guilt and inner conflict.

Amongst the medical fraternity, depression is known as the "common cold" of mental disorders. Statistics show that more than 15% of the population is affected by clinical depression at some point. Most people prone to depression do not seek professional treatment, attributing their feelings to a bad mood that will pass. If left untreated, depression can get worse, and may even lead to suicide in some people.

Causes for depression are varied. Commonly, financial trouble, work pressure, marital discord and substance abuse are involved. Women are generally more prone to depression. Psychiatrists have not established age as a factor leading to depression; it can occur in a person's life at any age. Children and adolescents also fall prey to depression, which can spill over into adulthood. Genetic mapping has concluded that genes play an important role in vulnerability to depression, though this is a relatively new concept. Research has also shown links between depression and heart disease.

Commonly prescribed treatment includes correction of the brain chemistry through medication and therapy. Both of these treatments can play an important role in a patient's recovery. Treatments for depressive disorders include anti-depressant medications, psychotherapy and sometimes, shock treatment.

Clinical Depression Symptoms provides detailed information on Clinical Depression, Clinical Depression Symptoms, Signs Of Clinical Depression, Clinical Depression Tests and more. Clinical Depression Symptoms is affiliated with Manic Depression.

To find other free health content see e-healtharticles.com

The Basics of Salvation Through Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ

The one key central message of the Holy Bible is that Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father and His dwelling place - heaven. There is no other way! As you will see in the Scripture verses I will list below, Jesus Christ is God's only plan of eternal salvation for the entire world.

The Bible specifically says, without any other possible interpretation, that there is only one God, one faith, one baptism and one way to God the Father - and that is only through His Son Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus says that He, and only He, is the way, the truth and the life leading to God the Father, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him!

Many people, including some Christians, believe that God the Father honors all other religions as long as people try to live a good and godly life and try to stay out of trouble.

As you will see in the Scripture verses I will list below, this is not the way God the Father has everything set up. God will not honor any other religion, and He makes it very clear that it is only through His Son and His sacrificial death on the cross that will give people eternal salvation and thus eternal life with Him in heaven.

The Bible says that we are appointed for the defense of the gospel. It is our job, when called upon, to defend God and Jesus on the basics of our salvation. Here are two verses specifically telling us this:

1. "... knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel." (Philippians 1:17)

2. "... always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you ..." (1 Peter 3:15)

Below are some of the main verses from Scripture that will deal with the basics of our salvation through Jesus Christ. These verses are the basic ammunition that you will need when witnessing to anyone.

There are 6 main principles to the basic message of God’s plan of eternal salvation to the entire world. Here they are, along with all of the Scripture verses to back them up.

To read about the 6 principles & for full article,
click: http://www.bible-knowledge.com/what-is-salvation.html

Masturbation

Masturbation, in strict sense, is "sexual activity involving only one person, resulting in orgasm." Other widely used emotionally neutral terms are: "self-stimulation," "auto-eroticism" and "self-pleasuring."

Masturbation is defined in the Webster's Dictionary as "erotic stimulation involving the genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive of sexual intercourse, by instrumental manipulation, by sexual fantasies, or by various combinations of these agencies".

It can be done in solitary, with manual stimulation of the genital organs, or with stimulation by other ways, like introducing any kind of object into the vagina, or by sexual fantasies. It also can be obtained by stimulation of the genital organs by other person in different ways: Most homosexual activity is actually masturbation, because the orgasm is obtained without regular sexual intercourse of man and woman. Oral and anal sex are a kind of masturbation. Bestiality is also masturbation when the orgasm is reached.

The Bible:

The Bible doesn't mention the word masturbation, however, indirectly calls it "idolatry": sexual idolatry will damage our relationship with God and defile his temple (our bodies).

Masturbation is against the biblical teachings which always talk about sex with respect in the marriage context and to have children. To pursue sexual pleasure or orgasm in manner not associated with marital intercourse that is love-giving and open to the creation of new life violates the will of God and it is immoral.

- Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming." (Col. 3:5-6).

- "But fornication and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is fitting among saints...Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure man, or one who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience...Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light." (Eph. 5:3-13).

Jesus Himself condemns "sexual Fantasies" in the Sermon of the Mount, and "masturbation can be included in them. "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Mat.5:27-28).

Moreover, masturbation is a dishonor and a perversion of our own body, which is a temple of God ((1Cor.3:6, 6:19). And the Bible says: - "therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the degrading of their bodies" (Rom.1:24). - and warns us, "put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire and greed" (Col.3:5). Masturbation defiles God's temple and grieves the Holy Spirit: As believers in Jesus Christ, our bodies are literally temples for God's Holy Spirit, who lives in us. Sexual sin is unique in that it damages this special union we have with God. Paul alluded to this when he wrote that sexual sin is sinning against our own bodies:

- 18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1Cor.6:18-20). He even compared it to trying to unite Jesus with a prostitute (1Cor.6:15-16)

- Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments of righteousness." (Rom. 6:13).

- You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. (Ps.90:8). The Bible says it is an abomination and a perversion any kind of homosexual activity and bestiality, and the one who has homosexual activity or bestiality shall be put to death (Lev.18:22-23, 20:13-15).

Islamic Extremist Terrorism

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_extremist_terrorism

Islamic extremist terrorism is a new term that was coined in recent years to refer to acts of terrorism claimed by its supporters and practitioners to be in furtherance of the goals of Islam. Mainstream believers consider these acts to be egregious violations of the religion's ethics.

Where such violent and terrorist activity aims to establish a pan-Islamic theocracy and impose religious law (Sharia), it is sometimes termed Islamist terrorism. The term Islamic terrorism is more widely used, while governments often refer to it as Islamic extremism.

According to statistics of the National Counterterrorism Center, a national government organization of the United States, Islamic extremism was responsible for approximately 57% of terrorist fatalities and 61% of woundings in 2004 and early 2005, where a terrorist perpetrator type could be specified. Extremist acts have included airline hijacking, beheading, kidnapping, assassination, and suicide bombing. Terrorist threats have included fatwas and death threats. Both Muslims and non-Muslims have been among the targets and victims.

Some terrorist activities committed by Muslims do not fall into the category of Islamic extremist terrorism: Nationalist and separatist organizations in the Muslim world often derive inspiration from secular ideologies. These are not well described as either Islamic extremist or Islamist.

Personal note: I think they are just crazy brainwashed people who gave their souls to the devil. This is gotten from Wikipedia so i didnt say Islamists are terrorists. This is what happens when people fill their minds with hate doctrines. As i said earlier they are depressed sucidal maniacs who think they are going to heaven by carrying out acts of violence & murder in the name of God or Allah. Sigh. I am sad the world has come to this. Ok enuf said.

Satan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Satan (Standard Hebrew: שָׂטָן, Satan Tiberian Hebrew Śāṭān; Koine Greek: Σατανάς, Satanás; Aramaic: צטנא, Ṣaṭänä; Arabic: شيطان, Šayṭän, Slavic Сатана) is a term with its origins in the Abrahamic faiths which is traditionally applied to an angel, demon, or minor god in many belief systems. He is also described in Christian faiths as the enemy of God, who hates all humanity, and will do anything to 'tempt' them from their purpose in life.

Satan plays various roles in the Tanakh, the Apocrypha and New Testament. In the Tanakh, Satan is an angel whom God uses to test man for various reasons usually dealing with his level of piety. In the Apocrypha and New Testament, the term Satan refers to a preternatural entity, an evil, rebellious demon who is the enemy of God and mankind, and the central embodiment of evil. Satan is also commonly known as the Devil, the "Prince of Darkness," Beelzebub, Belial, Lucifer, and Mephistopheles.

In the Talmud and some Kabbalist works, Satan is sometimes called Samael. In the fields of angelology and demonology these different names sometimes refer to a number of different angels and demons, and there is significant disagreement as to whether any of these entities are actually evil.

In Islam, Iblīs (Arabic إبليس), is the primary devil. He is commonly referred to in the Qur'an as Shaitan. The Islamic view of Satan has both commonalities and differences with Christian and Jewish views.

Satan in Christianity

Main article: Devil in Christianity

In the Bible the one named Satan (also the Devil) is shown to be an angel who rebelled against God— the one who spoke through the serpent and seduced Eve into disobeying God's command. He is described throughout the Bible as hating all mankind. His ultimate goal is to lead people away from the love of God— to lead them to fallacies which God opposes. Satan is also identified as the accuser of Job, the tempter of the Gospels, the secret power of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2:7, and the dragon in the Book of Revelation. It is widely believed that before his insurrection, Satan was the highest of all angels and the "brightest in the sky." His pride is considered a reason why he would not bow to God as all other angels did, but sought to rule heaven himself. He is called "the ruler of the demons" (Matt. 12:24); "the ruler of the world" and even "the god of this world." (2Cor. 4:4) The book of Revelation describes how Satan will be cast out of Heaven, down to the earth, having "great anger" and waging war against "those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus." Ultimately, Satan is thrown forever into the "lake of fire" (Revelation 20:10), not as ruler, but as one among many, being treated no different than all the others who have been cast there as well.

Personal note: I hope you won't join him in the lake of fire. He is but a liar & father of all lies. He just wants everyone to go to hell to join him. Kind of sadistic & masochistic. God i presume wants satan to repent bcos He didnt throw the devil into hell straightaway after the Second Coming of Christ Jesus. God chained him & put him in the bottomless pit. But after 1000 yrs in there doing some serious thinking, satan is incorrigible & is let out to deceive more people for a while. Then finally God destroys all the rebels & throw the devil into hell once & for all. All glory, honour & power to God Most High! Hallowed be Thy name.

Is Masturbation Bad?

From: http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/Is_masturbation_bad_for_you

This can be considered a health question, or a moral question. As a health question it has one answer: "masturbation is normal and will not hurt you physically."

As a moral or psychological question it will generate different opinions. Here are answers from FAQ Farmers:

• No, it's not, and anyone who would tell you otherwise is either uninformed or mean spirited (or they're standing outside the bathroom door waiting to get in.)
  


• It all depends on your personal beliefs. Some religious people consider it bad for your spirit.



• Only if you are doing it to the detriment of other things in your life.



• There is nothing about masturbation that is physically bad for you. There are some religions or parts of some religions which look down upon it, but most thinking individuals realize that is jsut a scare tactic to gain control over others.



• No. It is definitley NOT bad for you. It is a medically proven fact that any sort of "normal" sexual gratification leads to a happier person as long as it doesn't interfere with you everyday life. In addition to purely psychological satisfaction, the human body produces endorphins - the hormone in charge of elevated spirits and positive perception of the environment. Prior to the culminating moment of orgasm, the brain emits a dose of oxytocin - the hormone of the posterior lobe of pituitary. Oxytocin results in the production of sedative endorphins - natural analogues of morphine. Moreover, an orgasm spurs the production of estrogen with women - the substance, which eases premenstrual pains.



• It's good for you and normal.
  


• Some of my best "O" I have given myself!
  


• There is nothing wrong with masturbation AT ALL! It's your body and you can do what you want with it as long as it is in private and doesn't affect anybody else. It relieves stress and tension, surely that's good for you? Happy self-loving!
  


• Agreed. It's all perfectly normal and good, clean fun. What's more, the fantasies you have during masturbation can provide useful pointers to your sexual orientation. :) SOOO, merry masturbation! Relax and enjoy!
  
  
  answer
  MASTURBATION IS NOT BAD FOR YOU.....IF YOU ENJOY THE PLEASURE OF DOING IT AND IT FEELS GOOD GO FOR IT

Personal Note: But don't u think it's lust & a sin since it's lust? Jesus said if a man lusts after a woman in the mind, he has already committed adultery. The bible says to refrain from sexual immorality. To sin sexually is to sin against one's body. Well the opinion is up to ppl. But bible clearly says it's sin even if it's only masturbation.

The Holy Spirit

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Spirit

In various religions, most notably Trinitarian Christianity, the Holy Spirit (in Hebrew רוח הקודש Ruah haqodesh; also called the Holy Ghost) is the third consubstantial Person of the Holy Trinity. As such, the various Christian perspectives view Him as God himself, a form of God, or a manifestation of God. The word "Spirit" commonly translates the Greek New Testament word pneuma (Greek: πνεύμα). It is important to remember that Scripture on the Holy Spirit can be viewed by different sects of Christians in different ways. The Holy Spirit is the One who guides a person to correctly interpret the word of God and He helps each person reach new levels of understanding. Since He knows each person perfectly and it is understood that people think differently, He can transfer information to people in ways that they would comprehend it (Acts 2:7)

The Holy Trinity

Within Christianity, the doctrine of the Trinity states that God is a single Being who exists, simultaneously and eternally, as a perichoresis of three persons (personae, prosopa): Father (the Source, the Eternal Majesty); the Son (the eternal Logos or Word, incarnate as Jesus of Nazareth); and the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete or advocate). Since the 4th Century, in both Eastern and Western Christianity, this doctrine has been stated as "One God in Three Persons," all three of whom, as distinct and co-eternal "persons" or "hypostases," share a single Divine essence, being, or nature. Supporting the doctrine of the Trinity is known as Trinitarianism, and is opposed to the positions of Binitarianism (two deities/persons/aspects), and Unitarianism (one deity/person/aspect), and Modalism (Oneness) which are held by some Christian groups.

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament

In mainstream Christianity, the Holy Spirit is one of the three divine persons of the Holy Trinity which make up the single substance of God, the others being God the Father and God the Son (Jesus). The Holy Spirit is different from Jesus in that He does not have a physical manifestation (or incarnation), and that He frequently dwells in and amongst God's people as a spiritual guide or a Comforter.

Christians believe that the Holy Spirit leads people to faith in Jesus and gives them the ability to lead a Christian life. The Spirit dwells inside every true Christian, each one's body being His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Holy Spirit is depicted as a 'Counselor' or 'Helper' (paracletus in Latin, derived from Greek), guiding people in the way of the truth. The Spirit's action in one's life is believed to produce positive results, known as the Fruits of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit manifests these gifts by enabling a person to access his or her own innate abilities. Through the influence of the Holy Spirit a person sees more clearly the world around him or her and can use his or her mind and body in ways that exceed his or her previous capacity. A list of gifts that may be bestown include the charismatic gifts of prophecy, tongues, healing, and knowledge. These gifts can not be viewed as purely charismatic however. Christians holding a view known as cessationism believe these gifts were given only in New Testament times. Christians almost universally agree that certain more mundane "spiritual gifts" are still in effect today, including the gifts of ministry, teaching, giving, leadership, and mercy (see, e.g. Romans 12:6-8). In some sects of Christianity, the experience of the Holy Spirit is referred to as being "anointed".

Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the promised "Comforter" (i.e. "strengthener", "fortifier") in John 14:26. After His resurrection, Christ told His disciples that they would be "baptized with the Holy Ghost", and would receive power from this event (Acts 1:4-8), a promise that was fulfilled in the events recounted in the second chapter of Acts. On the first Pentecost, Jesus' disciples were gathered in Jerusalem when a mighty wind was heard and tongues of fire appeared over their heads. A multilingual crowd heard the disciples speaking, and each of them heard them speaking in his or her native language.

In John's Gospel, emphasis is placed not upon what the Holy Spirit did for Jesus, but upon Jesus giving the Spirit to His disciples. This "Higher" Christology, most influential in later development of Trinitarian doctrine, sees Jesus as a sacrificial lamb, and as coming among mankind in order to grant the Spirit of God to humanity.

Although the language used to describe Jesus' receiving the Spirit in John's Gospel is parallel to the accounts in the other three Gospels, John relates this with the aim of showing that Jesus is specially in possession of the Spirit for the purpose of granting the Spirit to His followers, uniting them with Himself, and in Himself also uniting them with the Father. (See Raymond Brown, "The Gospel According to John", chapter on Pneumatology). In John, the gift of the Spirit is equivalent to eternal life, knowledge of God, power to obey, and communion with one another and with the Father.

Personal note: Amen. Have you gotten the baptism of the Holy Spirit evidenced by the speaking of tongues & various gifts of the Holy Spirit? It's a great gift to have - speaking in tongues. Apostle Paul desires we all speak in tongues. 1 Cor. 14:5a "I wish you all spoke with tongues, ..." Why not ask God today for the gift of tongues? He will surely give it to You if u ask. Then speak by faith. God bless!

Is Porno Bad For Health?

Hello there. Now abt pornography. Is it bad for health - meaning physical, mental & spiritual health? Many people say it isnt. But still others say it is. For my own opinion, i think it's bad for physical health bcos too much hormones excreted on masturbation & sperm release. The body has to make up for the sperms lost & sex hormones excreted. Will this cause a load on the glands & testes etc? No one knows for sure but if we keep abusing our bodies & not taking care of it like resting etc, then sooner or later it's going to break down. So i suggest after masturbating, ppl should rest well & eat well to replenish the energy & chemicals & sperms lost. Better still don't masturbate!

But i still think bad mentally & spiritually which directly affects our physical well being. Bad mentally bcos keep watching nudity, sex, perversions etc will cause mind to be influenced. Images of these graphic scenes will keep playing in mind & cause lust to come. Thinking of nothing but sex & more sex. So will do more sex causing further mental & physical degradation. It is also bad spiritually as it's sin or sexual sin. God hates sin. So bcos of sin we get separated from God who gives life. So danger of spiritual death & resultant physical death. I pray ppl will think thrice before watching porn.

Maybe i will like to hear some of your comments for or against or otherwise. Thanks.

Forgive!

From: http://www.believers.org/believe/bel139.htm

You must forgive others. No matter what they have done.

It is the command of God.

To not forgive hurts you. If you desire God's blessing, you must forgive.

You may think it is impossible to forgive someone who has deeply wronged you. With God it is possible. He never asks us to do something we cannot do.


IF YOU WANT FORGIVEN

MATTHEW 6:12,14,15 NKJ
12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

MATTHEW 18:35 NKJ
35 "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."

MARK 11:25-26 NKJ
25 "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.
26 "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."

LUKE 6:35-38 NKJ
35 "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
36 "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

Whatever we measure out is what will be measured back to us. If we want others to show mercy to us and forgive us -- we must do that first.

LUKE 11:4 NKJ
4 and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

It is not enough to forgive only those people who have wronged us a little. We must forgive everyone!


HOW MANY TIMES?

MATTHEW 18:21-22 NKJ
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"
22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Surely Jesus was not setting a maximum limit on the number of times we should forgive. He gave an absurdly high number so we would realize He meant for us to forgive without limit.

LUKE 17:3-4 NKJ
3 "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4 "And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, `I repent,' you shall forgive him."


OUR EXAMPLE

LUKE 23:33-34 NKJ
33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.
34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.

This kind of forgiveness is certainly beyond normal human ability or experience. It takes the power of God to do it.

EPHESIANS 4:32-5:2 NKJ
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
1 Therefore be followers of God as dear children.
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling aroma.

We are commanded to forgive others just as God has forgiven us! Having God's help is necessary to do that.

COLOSSIANS 3:12-13 NKJ
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

It is not optional. If we desire God's blessing and fellowship -- we must forgive others as He forgave us.

Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a decision to quit holding something against someone. When we forgive we must release them and forget it.

God, help me to forgive ________. You know what they did. With Your help, I choose to forgive and release them from it. Thank You for giving me Your love for them. I ask You to forgive them, too, and set them free by Your power and love. Thank You for helping me forget this and treat them as You would have me to.