Saturday, 14 May 2011
Monday, 18 April 2011
Personal Testimony
David Norman
I was born 1943, into spiritual disunity as my Mother and Father practiced conflicting faiths. Both were strong in their faith, both caring and loving in their own way. I was baptized as an infant and reaffirmed my baptism by confirmation in my early teens. Attending both churches on Sunday, brought confusion and conflict into the spiritual lives of the Norman children. Despite their spiritual differences, my parents' love for each other lasted their entire married life. They went through a lot of hard times together making ends meet, raising 6 children, and suffering the loss of a 2 year old daughter, before I was born, who had choked to death while eating a beet. Not well off financially, my parents gave me everything they had, but my Dad put the Lord Jesus Christ in perspective.
A hard working, dawn to dusk laborer, my Dad would always find time at night to pray with my brother and me and explain scripture like Ephesians 2: 8-9 " For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." On his favorite day, Sunday, he enjoyed worshiping at Grace Bible Church in Elmnhurst, Il., a Chicago suburb. He enjoyed singing and playing numerous and especially joyous Christian hymns on the piano, like "He Lives." He was quite good and he knew music by ear alone. He was open about his faith and would take every opportunity to tell people about Jesus. As a child, I found his witnessing somewhat awkward and embarrassing. As an adult, I see that God left me with a blessed memory of courage and belief.
My Dad could foresee in the early 60s how the nation was moving away from Christ and would often warn me about worldly foolishness and would end by saying "Mark my words." Some 50 years later, his cautions ring true. I often remember Dad sitting on a sofa early in the morning or at night reading the Word and kneeling in prayer. God held on to me with Dad's great example.
My belief in Christ was first challenged in college. I was spiritually wet behind the ears. I knew my belief in Christ was right but did not have the courage or strength to defend my faith against those whose knowledge of subjects I was seeking to obtain. But the Lord held on to me and would not let me go. I learned here and later how easy it is, without scripture, to reason to darkness and unbelief. That if you want to stand in the light, you must believe according to His Word. Les Feldick, an Oklahoma farmer and Bible study leader, says it this way, "Faith is taking God at His Word." Through His Word, God kept me safe.
Besides my faith in Jesus, God matched me with the most important person in my life some 45 years ago at college. What a blessing and what a Christian anchor. Carma, my wife, has always been blessed with the "fruits of the spirit" and these fruits she generously shares. Through my marriage to Carma, God 's grace has kept us safe.
At the beginning of our marriage in 1967, I had already entered the U.S. Navy, during the Vietnam War era. Some 28 years later I retired and worked another 10 years as a contractor in Washington, D.C. During this entire period, we we're blessed with 2 children, Brian and Karen. What treasures! And now 2 grandchildren. Thank-you God!
While at my first duty station in Pax River, MD, in the late 60s, God saw that I attended a Youth for Christ Rally, and The Holy Spirit convicted me and I rededicated my life to Jesus. Since this time we traveled across this nation to several military destinations in Florida, California, and Virginia. In all there were about 25+ moves. Over the years, we attended and belonged to both United Methodist and Lutheran churches. The good news, through God, we met, worshipped, and were supported by several faithful Christians; the not so good news, because we were always on the move, we lacked the deeper church grounding we now seek. Through others goodness, God kept us safe.
During a tour in San Diego in the early 70s, my wife with child had inexpertly entered the hospital with acute appendicitis. The surgeon's prognosis was grim and informed me that I might expect losing both my wife and child. Shock and emptiness filled my heart. Before the hurried operation we met. We were trying to comprehend, how could this be? There was nothing left to do but to share our short lives together and our love. I remember praying and crying very hard to God that night and all morning until the message came that both my wife and child were fine. God answered my prayers and kept us safe.
Finding terminal Cancer in my son-in-law just a few months after his marriage to my daughter in 1993, placed great stress on all of us. Johnathon was dead 18 months later, but during this time he readily accepted his condition and turned to the Lord for salvation. Our daughter's struggle was immense, but today she is a remarkable Christian. Through strife, God blessed us again.
Unfortunately for most of my adult life, I strayed from His fold through no fault of others but my own. Some call it Christian Atheism. Believing in God, but living like he wasn't even there. We would acknowledge him on Sundays, meal and bedtime prayers, but the Christian discipline necessary to glorify our God was absent. I am a sinner. Through shameful disobedience and sin, I've repeatedly let my Savior down. I sincerely repent of all my wrongdoing and ask the Lord to forgive and cover my sins with His shed blood. Through Calvary God has kept me safe.
In 2004, a life-threatening bypass operation and in 2006 my wife having breast cancer signaled another call from the Lord. Among other things, you need to get grounded with like-minded believers. Our search for a church home led us to check several denominations, and we became wary through God's Spirit of non-biblical world views creeping into the picture. Some of these views include the following troublesome ideas:
• distinguished Bible scholars have determined that scripture might have some errors,
• some of our members and leaders now have contrary life styles,
• you know, there actually may be more than one way to God and heaven,
• church should be more entertaining,
• helping others, helps cover our personal sin,
• a 10 minute sermon is optimum,
• what's wrong with female pastors?,
• Christ may not be deity,
• my faith is all about prosperity, and
• I can worship at home on TV better.
During our summer months in Illinois we have attended Center Grove Presbyterian. We believe that this church has a genuine concern and enthusiasm for God's kingdom and a strong belief in the inerrancy of the Scriptures as originally written, and that each member is accountable to contribute to the glory of the Lord. In April of this year we learned that Carma has a severe life-threatening lung disease and we are experiencing God’s increased presence in this difficult time. He has never let me go (Isaiah 62:12 “Thou shalt be called, Sought Out”) and I believe that joining Center Grove Presbyterian is in God's plan for Carma and I. Because of my wife’s current health Carma, my Mother-in-law Lonita Braundmeier and I are seeking a quicker than normal membership. We affirm the beliefs set forth in the book Confessing Christ, the churches membership vows and support the confessions presented in the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Chapter 1
[1] Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. PSA 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. ROM 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
[2] 1CO 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
[3] HEB 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.
[4] PRO 22:19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? LUK 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. ROM 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. MAT 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. ISA 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
[5] 2TI 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2PE 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.
[6] HEB 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.
[7] LUK 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. EPH 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. REV 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 2TI 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
[8] LUK 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. ROM 3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 2PE 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
[9] 2PE 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2TI 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 1JO 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 1 TH 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
[10] 1TI 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
[11] 1JO 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. JOH 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 1CO 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ISA 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.
[12] 2TI 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. GAL 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 2TH 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
[13] JOH 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 1CO 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
[14] 1CO 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
[15] 2PE 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things: in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
[16] PSA 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
[17] MAT 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
[18] ISA 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. ACT 15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. JOH 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
[19] JOH 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
[20] 1CO 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come undo you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, of by prophesying, or by doctrine? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
[21] COL 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
[22] ROM 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning; that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures, might have hope.
[23] 2PE 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. ACT 15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up. [24] MATT. 22:29,31. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying. EPH. 2:20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. With ACTS 28:25. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Psalm 26
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
2Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.
3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.
5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
8Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.
11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
John Wesley
“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can”
New Grandchild in the Making. Praise God!