Newsletter July 18, 2011

Newsletter from  Stewart Topping July 15, 2011

Dear Reader I hope you look forward to this Newsletter!  I enjoy writing them. Do you remember what our parents told us.  You only get out what you put in to it.  That goes for studying the Bible.  Don't expect to have any understanding of the Bible if you don't put time in to it.  Isn't it great we have the ability to understand and have a firm foundation; with the help of the Holy Spirit.  Hope you will read the whole article and then meditate on it.  Study the verses and ask God to help you understand. WE CAN UNDERSTAND? What is exciting is that God has a plan for each of us and has placed it in the Bible for us to read and understand.  Why don’t we know more?  Why don't we know what we believe? You will see in the following survey by the Christian Post; they don't know the truth about salvation if, 72 percent, think that there are many ways to eternal Life.  Maybe we are too well off.  Maybe there are too many things that take up our time, TV, Movies, Shopping and Places to Travel.  The Nation of Israel always had a problem with their relationship with God when they had wealth and prosperity. One of the biggest problems we face is not spending enough time reading the Bible.  It seems that we allow others to give us their understanding.  What is that old saying. " If you don't use it, you will lose it".  Since we don’t spend the time to understand we are left in the hands of others to teach us.  Some may not be teachers.  Do these people actually study or do they get there material from prepared sermons. We need people who hear from God.  We then need to prove what we hear. Today Christians don't want to spent the time to study to find the truth.  Reading is not studying. We might get a warm fussy feeling, but do we understand what we read.  We can change things by setting aside time each day to study.  We can change the next survey from a negative one to a positive one.  The lack of understanding is why so many Christians think there are many ways to be saved. Read this survey. Here is a survey by the Christianity Post: Many Americans Say Christianity is Not the Only Way to Eternal Life Most American Christians believe many religions can lead to eternal life and among them, the vast majority says you don't even have to be Christian to go to heaven, a new survey shows. Sixty-five percent of all Christians say there are multiple paths to eternal life, ultimately rejecting the exclusivity of Christ teaching, according to the latest survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. Even among white evangelical Protestants, 72 percent of those who say many religions can lead to eternal life name at least one non-Christian religion, such as Judaism or Islam or no religion at all, that can lead to salvation.  Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary called the survey results "a theological crisis for American evangelicals," according to USA Today. Why is this, because believers do not want to study?  We can understand because we have the Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the Dead.  We need to trust Jesus in order to understand the words he wrote through people who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Look at this verse and consider it as a promise to you and me. John 14:25-26 (GW) 25 “I have told you this while I'm still with you. 26 However, the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything. He will remind you of everything that I have ever told you.    Here is an article I came across that sums up my point. Please read and think about how much time you put into your relationship with God. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? By Cornelius R. Stam "This was the question Philip asked of the Ethiopian prince as he sat reading from Isaiah's prophecy,Acts 8:30 (NKJV) 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" and it is a question which we should continually keep asking ourselves as we read the Holy Scriptures. There are always those among God's people who do not much care whether or not they understand what they read if only it warms their hearts! To them the Bible is little more than a fetish. Taking only those Scriptures which appeal to them, and leaving the rest, they actually feel themselves quite spiritual and often talk about believing the Bible whether or not they understand it! But such "spirituality" is far from genuine, and such "faith" is blind and superstitious at best. While it is true that the Bible teaches many truths which we believe, although they are beyond our comprehension (such as its opening verse!), yet how can we believe what the Bible says unless we understand what it says? God would have us understand what we read and believe it intelligently. Indeed, true faith will want to know and understand more and more of God's Word. One who does not care whether or not he understands what God has said is not truly interested in knowing what God has said. His faith is based on his own will rather than on God's Word, for regardless of the meaning of Scripture, he will take any passage that suits his fancy and use it as he wishes. How great an emphasis God Himself places upon the importance of understanding His Word! On one occasion, when our Lord saw the multitudes, He "was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things" Mark 6:34 (NKJV) 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. . And now that the secret of God's "eternal purpose" has been made known, how much more reason there is to study the Scriptures, with a view to understanding them! How Paul, by the Spirit, emphasizes this, as he writes of his prayers for the saints:" (Eph. 1:17,18) "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling..." . What a verse … what a promise.  Can you see what Paul is telling us?  I hope so, because we can change the world, one by one. Recommit yourself to finding the truth and sharing it with others .  You can go to our website to find articles on a variety subjects.   If you want to read other Newsletter or article's I have written then go to my website  Link to my website

Stewart Topping's E-Newsletter July 8, 2011

	Stewart Topping's E-Newsletter July 8, 2011	Link to website
		ARE YOU LISTENING? by Cornelius R. Stam  The Apostle Paul had much that he yearned to teach the Hebrew believers -- wonderful truths that would have thrilled their hearts -- but these truths were "hard to be uttered," or difficult to explain to them, since they were "dull of hearing." The word "dull" in Heb.5:11 really means "slothful," or indifferent (as in Heb. 6:12). They were not merely hard of hearing, as we say, but were too lazy, too indifferent, spiritually, to pay attention. They were not sufficiently interested.This is always a serious condition in the light of the fact that "God hath spoken," and that disobedience to His Word will be judged (Heb. 1:1,2; 2:1-3). Yet, alas, this is the condition of the professing Church today.  The great majority of religious people are not sufficiently interested in what God has said to engage in diligent, prayerful study and, like those of Paul's day, still have to be taught "the first principles" of the Bible. They have remained babes, spiritually, unable to digest anything but "milk," and so remain "unskillful in the Word of righteousness" (Heb. 5:12-14). What has brought this condition about? Is it because our Bibles are being burned and the Church persecuted for reading it? Is it because God is unwilling to lead us further into His truth? Most assuredly not.  It is because so many men of God in high places no longer have the single passion to know God's Word and to make it known.  They could be as greatly used of God in teaching the Scriptures as their predecessors were, but they are "slothful of hearing" and hence can present their hearers with little that is of true value.This, in turn, is reflected in the religious masses.   They "love" their Bibles, but not enough to study them diligently and become workmen whom God can approve. Let us not be numbered among these. Rather, let it be our one great desire to gain a clear understanding of God's Word, rightly divided -- for His sake, for our own sake and for the sake of the needy souls about us. Link to my website
	My sheep hear my voice? by Stewart Topping Forward this message to a friend Reader If God is real and if He really wants a relationship with mankind.  Then there must be a way.  Do we try to hear from God or do we drift through life hoping that what we do please Him? Please read this article I wrote. Lets look at some scriptures.  Remember to check me out.  This verse is very clear; my sheep are the believer and Jesus is saying I know them and they follow me.  Well, because we have the Holy Spirit within us we have the truth, the word, the living God and the power of his resurrection to help and guide us each and every day of our lives.    John 10:27 (KJV) 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  We have studied the following in previous E-newsletters: Salvation Grace Obedience Forgiveness Works Along with these articles we should study the word (Bible).  Why are studying hearing this week; because it is part of the relationship we have with God though Jesus in Prayer.  Prayer is just talking with God about our everyday lives; our family, our Job, our health and every thing we can think of that affects our lives.  Look at this verse, remember that we didn't bring anything into the world and we will take nothing out of it.  We need to always be content with what we have at any time. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (KJV) 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. This verse brings something very important to mind;  the ravens are taken care of, God feeds them and how much more will he take care of us.  This is part of relationship that we have with Him; that is trusting Him with everything that we have and all that we need. Luke 12:24-25 (KJV) 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? This next verse sums up everything in our study; be careful for nothing.  Sometimes we have so much worry about everyday life.  Here is where prayer comes in; if you pray then you believe he exists.  If we make our request known to God we then receive the peace of God.  It all started when we accepted God as our Saviour, knowing that He died, was buried and the rose from the grave by the power of God.    Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. What is life all about; yes it's family, yes it getting married, but it is knowing that there is a God and that He loves us and that he will take care of us. Don't forget to thank Him for what you have.  Today it may not be enough but tomorrow we trust God will supply all our needs. Trust God to today and leave the worrying to Him, He can handle it we can't! Have a great day in Jesus. Good Books to Read; to read click on title of book. Understanding the Body of Christ by Charles S. Baker Understanding the Gospels; A different Approach by Charles S. Baker The Mystery by Joel Finck Understanding the Book of Acts by Charles S. Baker Things that differ; C. R. Stam

Stewart Topping's E-Newsletter July1, 2011

	Stewart Topping's E-Newsletter July 1, 2011	Link to website
		Prayer ..... God doesn't care when we talk to him.  We can pray in the house, in the car, as we take a walk, running, and when we are in bed. But it is important that we do talk to him, and often. If you care, then tell God how much you care about Him and the His death off His Son at Calvary! Link to my website THE CHRISTIAN'S PRAYER LIFE by Cornelius R. Stam Prayer to God manifestly must hold great importance to those who would be truly spiritual.  While God's Word to us is always to have first place in our lives, prayer must certainly have second place; indeed, we must even study God's Word with prayer for understanding and willingness to obey. The Scriptures everywhere exhort God's people to pray, and in the Epistles of Paul we find greater cause, greater reason and greater incentive than ever to pray -- to pray "always," "in everything," "without ceasing." The example of our Lord and of His apostles -- particularly Paul -- is a call to prayer.  Every need, every anxiety, every heartache is a call to prayer. Every temptation, every defeat -- yes, and every victory is a call to prayer. Yet, merely praying, or even spending much time in prayer, is not in itself evidence of true spirituality. Many carnal Christians, still "babes in Christ," and even many unsaved people, spend much time in prayer. But the truly spiritual believer will join the Apostle Paul in saying: "I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also" (I Cor. 14:15). "With the spirit": earnestly, fervently, pouring out to God my adoration, my supplications and my thanks. And "with the understanding also": intelligently, with a clear grasp of what the Scriptures, rightly divided, say about God's will and His provisions for my prayer life in this present dispensation of grace.
	What are your Core Beliefs? by Stewart Topping Forward this message to a friend Stewart Is your foundation the same as the Apostle Paul talks about?    1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV)  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. With things moving so fast it is so hard to stay connected with any one thing.  Christianity is being attacked from all directions; TV, Magazines, Sitcoms, Movies and Newspapers where people have so different views.   Some are believers and some are not!  It's no wonder that we have so many beliefs today.  Doctrinal difference's are the biggest problem with Christians .   However we do have the choice of what we regard as our core beliefs, regardless of what Church we go to.   Paul said it quite well, that we must have the same foundation.  1 Corinthians 3:10 (KJV)  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.   Here Paul is telling us that what he said is the foundation of our beliefs given to him by God in revelation.  (the mystery)  Core beliefs are very important things and can make the difference between Heaven or Hell. Some just want a Fire Insurance policy,  so they will escape Hell.  They don't want to check the book themselves. Some say I can't understand, it's to hard.  So they take the word of someone else.  That why we have hundreds of Churches with different beliefs about salvation, the simple approach to making peace with God.  But if you only believe what someone told you are your convinced that when you go to cash in the Fire Policy, God will take it.   It should be easy to establish our core beliefs.  Do a quick review, write done what you believe about salvation and then study your Bible to confirm it.  Stop and ask yourselves, what do I believe and why do I believe it?  You don't believe every commercial on TV;  why is that?      We have a lot of articles on our website, the most important articles are:  Forgiveness Salvation Grace click on this link and it will take you there >>>> AN OBITUARY PRINTED IN THE LONDON TIMES - INTERESTING AND SADLY RATHER TRUE: Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, COMMON SENSE, who  has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He  will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain Why the early bird gets the worm Life isn't always fair  and Maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more  than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in  charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intention ed but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended  from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for  reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the  job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly  children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental  consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could  not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an  abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a  burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to  realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in  her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by  his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son,  Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I  I Know My  Rights  Want It Now  Someone Else Is To Blame I'm A Victim Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on.