Deadline - randy alcorn ****

He had no tool with which to inflict harm on himself, nor did this body, though capable of great suffering, seem capable of being harmed. His body was like a bush that burned but was not consumed. The pain that could neither end nor be relieved seared his mind, now in a fearful craze.

Thirst without water to quench it. Hunger without food to satisfy it. Loneliness without company to assuage it. There was no God here. He’d gotten his wish. On earth he’d managed to reject God while still getting in on so many of the blessings and provisions of God. But it was now clear, excruciatingly clear, the absence f God meant the absence of all God gives. No one could have good without the God who is the source of all good. No God, no good. Forever. Doc was overwhelmed with the horror of it all. Doctor Gregory Lowell had wanted a world where no one else was in charge, where no order was forced upon him. He had finally gotten it. He missed the sound of laughter. There was no laughter here. There could no laughter where there was no hope. The awful realization descended on him that there was no storyline here. No opening scene, no developing plot, no climax, no resolution. No character development. No travel , no movement. Only constant nothingness, going nowhere. This was Doc’s first day in hell. And he knew, despite every protestation erupting from within him, that every day would be the same, and his days here there could be no end. Excruciating eternal boredom. It was all so terribly unfair. For a moment he longed to be in heaven, to be in the very presence of God. But he could not allow this God-hunger to continue. He could not face God’s existence, much less his goodness and justice, and the commentary it made on all the inexorable choices that had shaped his life in the other world, and determined his destiny here. A wave of something came across him. He sensed it was some extension of the presence of an omnipotent God, like a wind blowing through the deserts of hell. It was the same presence that in heaven caused men to be filled with joy and awe and love. But here even God’s love felt like wrath and his joy like torture. The consuming fire of God that was purity and goodness and comfort to those who loved the light was blinding searing punishment to those who love the darkness. The same fire of God that was life-giving warmth in heaven, drawing all to huddle around it rejoicing, here was a destructive life consuming inferno compelling all to flee in terror. “Get away from me! Get away!” In horror and revulsion Doc tried to escape the one who had finally consented to withdraw from him, but even then could not finally be escaped. God’s very existence was a mortal insult, an eternal slap in his face. It was not enough for god to withdraw. He must cease to exist. If only God were no longer God, This misery would be endurable. Hell was merely heaven refused

- Salvation, Eternity, Heaven/Hell,

destiny & hopelessness

One of the saddest feelings in the world is the feeling that your life is going nowhere. You're alive. But you feel like there is no point in being alive. You get a little daydream--a little flicker--of what it might be like to be a part of something really great and really valuable, and what it might be like to have a significant part in it. But then you wake up and everything looks so small and insignificant and pitiful and out of the way and unknown and pointless.

We were not made to live without a destiny. We were made to be sustained by a meaningful, purposeful future. We were made to be strengthened each day by this assurance, this confidence: that what is happening in our lives today, no matter how mundane and ordinary is a really significant step toward something great and good and beautiful tomorrow.

Sin - Piper

Sin considers God and his glory, and instead of loving God's glory and treasuring God's glory, sin exchanges God's glory for something else. That is what sin is.

Sin has to do with God, mainly. It is not mainly hurting people, though it does hurt people. Mainly, it is dishonoring God. It is belittling his glory - by not trusting him and not treasuring him and not wanting him as the foundation and center of our lives. All have sinned and are exchanging and, therefore, lacking the glory of God and, therefore, dishonoring the glory of God.

- John Piper, Sin,

The New Religion: Science

Comets hold life chemistry clues

By Jonathan Amos Science reporter, BBC News, San Francisco The mission to Comet 81P/Wild-2 has changed our understanding Scientists studying the tiny grains of material recovered from Comet Wild-2 by Nasa's Stardust mission have found large, complex carbon-rich molecules. They are of the type that could have been important precursor components of the initial reactions that gave rise to the planet's biochemistry. The first full analysis of the Wild-2 grains is reported in Science magazine. "Whatever it took to get life started, the more variety of molecules you had in the mix and the more they looked like the kinds of molecules that life uses now then the easier it should have been," Dr Scott Sandford from Nasa's Ames Research Center told BBC News. The Stardust spacecraft flew past the 5km-wide icy "mud-ball" known as Comet 81P/Wild-2 in January 2004. The probe swept up particles fizzing off the object's surface as it passed some 240km (149 miles) from the comet's core, or nucleus. These tiny grains, just a few thousandths or a millimetre in size, were then returned to Earth in a sealed capsule. Lab clues Distributed among the world's leading astro-labs, the specimens are giving researchers a remarkable insight into the conditions that must have existed in the earliest phases of the Solar System when planets and comets were forming. Dr Sandford led the organics investigation; some 55 researchers in more than 30 institutions. His team sees many delicate, volatile compounds that are quite unlike those familiar in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. These Wild-2 compounds lack the aromaticity, or carbon ring structures, frequently found in meteorite organics. They are very rich in oxygen and nitrogen, and they probably pre-date the rfexistence of our Solar System. "It's quite possible that what we're seeing is an organic population of molecules that were made when ices in the dense cloud from which our Solar System formed were irradiated by ultraviolet photons and cosmic rays," Dr Sandford explained. "That's of interest because we know that in laboratory simulations where we irradiate ice analogues of types we know are out there, these same experiments produce a lot of organic compounds, including amino acids and a class of compounds called amphiphiles which if you put them in water will spontaneously form a membrane so that they make little cellular-like structures." No-one knows how life originated on the cooling early Earth, but it has become a popular theory that a bombardment of comets may have deposited important chemical units for the initiating reactions. The Stardust results, also reported here at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, will give support to this idea. Hot and cold They will also allow researchers to "re-tune" the models they use to describe how materials were moved and mixed up in the early Solar System. The Stardust mineral grains generally show a huge diversity, and, very surprisingly, there are materials incorporated into the samples that must have formed close in to the proto-Sun. These include calcium-aluminium and magnesium-olivine fragments. "They form in the hottest possible place in the Solar System, so it's quite stunning to find something like them in a body that came together in the coldest place in the Solar System," said Dr Don Brownlee from the University of Washington and who is the principal investigator, or lead scientist, on Stardust. "There must have been some way of getting them from the new Sun to the outer fringes of the proto-planetary disc," commented Professor Monica Grady from the UK's Open University. "There must have been major turbulence and currents and disc-wide mixing, which hadn't really been predicted." The international team of scientists has used a wide variety of sophisticated laboratory analytical techniques to study the samples. But there is a realisation that technologies improve and some comet samples will be kept back for future study. Just as with the Moon rocks returned by the Apollo programme, researchers are likely to be working on the Stardust samples for decades. "The information from Stardust has been a revelation and will continue to be as we couple it with other comet data we get from Nasa's Deep Impact mission and Europe's Rosetta mission, which is coming up in seven years' time," said Professor Grady. In the UK, scientists from the Open University, Imperial College London, the Natural History Museum and the Universities of Kent, Manchester and Glasgow have been involved in the analysis.

See how Stardust grabbed material from Comet Wild-2 In pictures

Once one has decided to accept without testing the common science phylosophy that everything that is is to be seen, thus eliminating any creator than the solution is to look for outside sources of creation that can be brought down to our size. This new form of science has left us with postulating that the commets brought the building blocks to the earth necessary to generate a life form, never minding the statistical odds of this working ie. never. If there is no god its got to have happened somehow.

They have attempted for over a century to prove that there is no God, but when one questions the basic structure of their thought processes they start name calling like little children. This is as a result of creating a new religion called "science".

Now this is similar to the homosexual crowed using the word "Gay" meaning frivolitory or happiness. Science has addopted protocals beliefs and a true faith creating themselves as the priest, and no one better challenge the priest, for they know more about this than anyone.

Call me crazy but to believe that life came from the deposits layed down by comets takes greater(blind) faith than does believing in a creator.

Laws of Thermodynamics

Energy exists in many forms, such as heat, light, chemical energy, and electrical energy. Energy is the ability to bring about change or to do work. Thermodynamics is the study of energy.

First Law of Thermodynamics: Energy can be changed from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed. The total amount of energy and matter in the Universe remains constant, merely changing from one form to another. The First Law of Thermodynamics (Conservation) states that energy is always conserved; it cannot be created or destroyed. In essence, energy can be converted from one form into another.

The Second Law of Thermodynamics: "in all energy exchanges, if no energy enters or leaves the system, the potential energy of the state will always be less than that of the initial state." This is also commonly referred to as entropy. A watch spring-driven watch will run until the potential energy in the spring is converted, and not again until energy is reapplied to the spring to rewind it. A car that has run out of gas will not run again until you walk 10 miles to a gas station and refuel the car. Once the potential energy locked in carbohydrates is converted into kinetic energy (energy in use or motion), the organism will get no more until energy is input again. In the process of energy transfer, some energy will dissipate as heat. Entropy is a measure of disorder: cells are NOT disordered and so have low entropy. The flow of energy maintains order and life. Entropy wins when organisms cease to take in energy and die.

Potential vs. Kinetic energy

Potential energy, as the name implies, is energy that has not yet been used, thus the term potential. Kinetic energy is energy in use (or motion). A tank of gasoline has a certain potential energy that is converted into kinetic energy by the engine. When the potential is used up, you're outta gas! Batteries, when new or recharged, have a certain potential. When placed into a tape recorder and played at loud volume (the only settings for such things), the potential in the batteries is transformed into kinetic energy to drive the speakers. When the potential energy is all used up, the batteries are dead. In the case of rechargeable batteries, their potential is re-elevated or restored.

In the hydrologic cycle, the sun is the ultimate source of energy, evaporating water (in a fashion raising it's potential above water in the ocean). When the water falls as rain (or snow) it begins to run downhill toward sea-level. As the water get closer to sea-level, it's potential energy is decreased. Without the sun, the water would eventually still reach sea-level, but never be evaporated to recharge the cycle.

Chemicals may also be considered from a potential energy or kinetic energy standpoint. One pound of sugar has a certain potential energy. If that pound of sugar is burned the energy is released all at once. The energy released is kinetic energy (heat). So much is released that organisms would burn up if all the energy was released at once. Organisms must release the energy a little bit at a time.

Energy is defined as the ability to do work. Cells convert potential energy, usually in the from of C-C covalent bonds or ATP molecules, into kinetic energy to accomplish cell division, growth, biosynthesis, and active transport, among other things.

- Evolution, Creation, Universe,

DEEPAK CHOPRA, M.D. Chairman and co-Founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California. Acknowledged as one of the world's greatest leaders in the field of mind body medicine, Deepak Chopra, M.D. continues to transform our understanding of the meaning of health. Through his creation of The Chopra Center for Well Being in California in 1995, Chopra established a formal vehicle for the expansion of his healing approach using the integration of the best of western medicine with natural healing traditions. Dr. Chopra serves as the Director of Education at The Chopra Center, which offers training programs in mind body medicine (Journey into Healing). The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has granted continuing medical education credits for this program, which satisfies requirements for the American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award. Through his partnership with David Simon, M.D. and numerous health care professionals in both conventional and complementary healing arts, Chopra's work is changing the way the world views physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social wellness. Renewsal weekend Join internationally acclaimed Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon for a profound weekend of renewal designed to help you restore, reflect, rejuvenate, and re-connect with yourself. You will be taught effective ways to manage stress, calm anxiety, respond to life's uncertainties, and achieve balance in your life. A great start for beginners, this revitalizing weekend teaches you the basics of Ayurveda--the ancient healing practice of India--and how it complements modern western medicine. Yoga, meditation, and emotional wellbeing help to balance body and mind. The Renewal Weekend Experience includes: Reception and exclusive book signing (including complimentary book) Mind-Body-Spirit sessions, nutrition instruction, relationship guidance, introduction to Ayurveda, group meditations, and interactive exercises with Drs. Deepak Chopra & David Simon Personal instruction in Primordial Sound Meditation Daily Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga classes and morning and afternoon meditation sessions Nurturing Touch Massage Workshop: Simple Partner Massage Techniques ____________________________________________________ Astrology Jyotish, in Sanskrit translated as “science of light,” is a profound and mathematically sophisticated form of astrology that originated in the ancient Vedic tradition of India. It describes how planetary patterns at the time of our birth give valuable clues in helping us understand our life’s journey. Through careful analysis of these cosmic influences, Jyotish Astrology can help us realistically evaluate our strengths and weaknesses in order to optimize our full potential. By forecasting the changing trends and periods of our lives, Jyotish Astrology can enable us to make more evolutionary choices. It can offer practical remedial measures to help alleviate areas of difficulty, giving us the confidence to manifest our true destiny and create success, happiness and harmony on all levels. The Chopra Center for Wellbeing is pleased to offer its Jyotish Astrology Counseling Service to help provide participants with valuable information in all areas of their lives. Birth charts are calculated and fully discussed by Program Director, Brent BecVar, M.S. Mr. BecVar has practiced astrology and counseling over the past 30 years, and has studied with respected teachers in this country and in India. A consultation lasts one and a half hours and may be conducted in person at the Chopra Center, or by telephone. All sessions are tape recorded for participants and remain completely confidential. The Chopra Center maintains its connection to the Vedic traditions of India through a direct relationship to the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, Swami Vasudevananda Saraswati Maharaj. We are also members of the American Council of Vedic Astrologers.

___________________________________________________________________

Journey Into Healing An Ayurvedic immersion

Continuing Education type of Healthcare Provider would benefit? Any type of healthcare practitioner stands to gain expanded healing potential, including physicians, nurses, therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and naturopaths. The foundational wisdom imparted by Deepak Chopra M.D. combined with practical application techniques taught by David Simon, M.D. and other special guest teachers will allow you to bring an intuitive mind-body awareness into your daily life to heal yourself and those around you. Healthcare providers experience Ayurvedic Knowledge Workshop/Case Study Development and learn practical and clinical applications of Ayurveda and discover mind-body medicine in a comprehensive workshop environment. Working directly with Dr. David Simon, individual study groups will review a variety of medical case studies including: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain syndromes, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. This format facilitates a deeper, more experiential application of the Journey Into Healing material and will help you draw vital connections between current medicine, the principles of Ayurveda, and your own life. Prerequisites for Journey into Healing It is recommended that you are practicing Primordial Sound Meditation. You can learn Primordial Sound Meditation from one of our certified instructors at locations throughout the world. If necessary, you may take Primordial Sound Meditation the day before Journey into Healing begins, but we recommend that you take the first step today and begin your meditation practice. Find an Instructor in your area. Continuing Education Credits are available for counselors, nurses and acupuncturists for this seminar. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and The Chopra Center at La Costa Resort and Spa.. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 20.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The Chopra Center is an approved provider of continuing education by: -The National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC Provider #5604). We adhere to NBCC guidelines. -The California Board of Registered Nurses CEP#12332 -The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

____________________________________________________

Yoga Teacher Training Program "Any reason for practicing yoga is a good reason. Enhancing flexibility and releasing stress are as noble a purpose for performing yoga as the awakening of spirituality. This is the great gift of yoga – it serves and nourishes us at every level of our being and spontaneously contributes to greater well being in all domains of life. Yoga will help you discover gifts within yourself that have remained unopened since your childhood – gifts of peace, harmony, laughter, and love." The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga by Drs. Deepak Chopra & David Simon Practitioners of meditation and yoga around the world have long awaited the introduction of a Chopra Center yoga program designed, developed, and practiced by Drs'. Deepak Chopra and David Simon. In response to these requests, Drs'. Chopra and Simon have designed The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga – an entirely new style of yoga that is based upon and encompasses the Chopra Center’s central philosophy of uniting the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga for Every-Body. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga integrates 5,000-year-old Vedic wisdom and the yogic interpretations of Drs'. Chopra and Simon. The program blends meditation, pranayama, yoga sutras, sun salutations, asana development, sanskrit sessions, chanting, anatomy classes, and mantra study. Whether you are new on the path of yoga and self-discovery, or you are hoping to deepen your knowledge about the ancient traditions, enrollment in the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training course will take your understanding of the true principles of yoga and conscious living to the next level.

Now there are a million questions I would love to ask Depak, namely how is this any different than Hinduism? The answer it is not when looking at the website it is merely a form of Hinduism an introduction(deceptive) to it. Hinduism by its nature is a nature religion, enduing everything around it with Godhood. The problem than is if everything is god then nothing is the Supreme God, if nothing is supreme than we need to fear everything, which a good Hindu does. Now Depak has written many things that purport to enlighten you, yoga is built on the premise that enlightenment comes from within to the outer. Thus opening you up to receive all kinds of influences from the spiritual world, indeed many shamans in earth religions work this way and are possessed by spirits. False religion says that I can get to God through my effort. The only real faith is in the one that says that God is ultimate and that God has to come and redeem me for I can not do it on my own.

Eph 2.7

Think over what I say for the lord will give you understanind in everything Eph 2.7

Another Missions Vers List - from Missiology.org

Old Testament and missions

• Genesis 12:1-3 (repeated in Gen. 18:18, 22:17-18, 26:24 and 28:12-14)
• Exodus 9:14-16 -- purpose of the plagues
• Exodus 19:6 -- Israel was to be a "kingdom of priests"
• Numbers 14:21 -- glory of Lord fills the whole earth
• Deuteronomy 4:6-8 -- show your understanding to the nations
• Deuteronomy 10:19 -- "You are to love those who are aliens"
• Deuteronomy 28:10 -- "all the peoples on the earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord"
• Deuteronomy 32:1 - "Hear, O earth, the words of my mouth."
• Joshua 4:24 -- "so that all the peoples of the earth might know"
• 1 Samuel 2:10 -- "The LORD will judge the ends of the earth."
• 1 Samuel 17:46 -- "the whole world will know there is a God in Israel"
• 1 Kings 8:41-43, 59-60 (also in 2 Chronicles 6:32-33) -- "so that all peoples of the earth may know your name" (Solomon's prayer at dedication of Temple)
• 2 Kings 19:15 -- "Hezekiah prayed . . . : O LORD, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.'"
• 1 Chronicles 16:31 "Let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, The Lord reigns!'"
• 1 Chronicles 16:24 -- "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples"
• 2 Chronicles 6:33 -- "so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you"
• Psalm 2:7-10 -- "You are my Son . . . I will make the nations your inheritance"
• Psalm 7:7-8 -- "Let the Lord judge the peoples"
• Psalm 8:9 -- "How majestic is your name in all the earth!"
• Psalm 18:49 -- "I will praise you among the nations"
• Psalm 22:26-28 -- "all the families of the nations will bow down"
• Psalm 19:1-4 -- "their words to the ends of the world"
• Psalm 22:27 -- "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord"
• Psalm 24 -- "The earth is the Lord's"
• Psalm 33 -- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"
• Psalm 45:17 -- "The nations will praise you for ever and ever"
• Psalm 46:10 -- "I will be exalted among the nations"
• Psalm 47 -- "God reigns over the nations"
• Psalm 48:10 -- "Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth"
• Psalm 49:1 -- "Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world"
• Psalm 50 -- "From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets"
• Psalm 57 -- "I will sing of you among the peoples"
• Psalm 59:13 -- "It will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob."
• Psalm 65:5-8 -- "the hope of all the ends of the earth . . . where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy"
• Psalm 66 -- "All the earth bows down to you . . . Praise our God, O peoples"
• Psalm 67 -- "your salvation among all peoples"
• Psalm 68:32 -- "Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth"
• Psalm 72 -- "all nations will serve him"
• Psalm 72:9 -- "the desert tribes will bow before him"
• Psalm 72:17, 19 -- "All nations will be blessed through him . . . May the whole earth be filled with his glory"
• Psalm 77:14 -- "you display your power among the peoples"
• Psalm 82 -- "all the nations are your inheritance"
• Psalm 83:18 -- "You alone are the Most High over all the earth."
• Psalm 86:8-13 -- all nations will come and worship
• Psalm 87 -- the register of the peoples
• Psalm 96 -- "sing to the Lord, all the earth . . . Declare his glory among the nations"
• Psalm 97 -- "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice"
• Psalm 98:3 -- "All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God."
• Psalm 98:9 -- "He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity."
• Psalm 99:1-3 -- "He is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name"
• Psalm 102:15 -- "The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory."
• Psalm 102:22 -- "when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the Lord"
• Psalm 105:1 -- "make known among the nations what He has done"
• Psalm 106:8 -- reason for dividing the Red Sea
• Psalm 108:3 -- "I will sing of you among the peoples"
• Psalm 108:5 -- "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth."
• Psalm 110:6 -- "He will judge the nations,"
• Psalm 113:3 -- "From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised"
• Psalm 117 -- "Praise the Lord, all you nations"
• Psalm 126 -- "it was said among the nations"
• Psalm 135 -- "our Lord is greater than all gods"
• Psalm 138:4 -- "may all the kings of the earth praise you, O Lord"
• Isaiah 2:3 -- "Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.
• Isaiah 6:3 -- "They were calling to one another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.'"
• Isaiah 11:9 -- "fill the earth with the knowledge of the Lord"
• Isaiah 11:10 -- "in that day a Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples, the nations . . ."
• Isaiah 12:4 -- "Make known among the nations what He has done"
• Isaiah 24:16 -- "From the ends of the earth we hear singing: Glory to the Righteous One.'"
• Isaiah 25:6 -- "the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples"
• Isaiah 42:4 -- "in His law the islands will put their hope"
• Isaiah 42:6 -- "I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles."
• Isaiah 34:1 -- "Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you peoples!"
• Isaiah 37:16 -- "O Lord Almighty . . . , you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth."
• Isaiah 42:4 -- "He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope."
• Isaiah 43:6 -- "I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'"
• Isaiah 45:6 -- "from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me."
• Isaiah 45:22 -- "Turn to me . . . all you ends of the earth"
• Isaiah 49:1-6 -- "I will make you a light for the Gentiles"
• Isaiah 49:22 -- "The Sovereign Lord says: "See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples."
• Isaiah 52:10 -- "The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God."
• Isaiah 56:7 -- "my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations"
• Isaiah 59:19 -- "From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere His glory."
• Isaiah 60:3 -- "Nations will come to your light"
• Isaiah 62:11 -- "The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth"
• Isaiah 66:19 -- "They will proclaim my glory among the nations"
• Jeremiah 3:17 -- "All nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the Lord"
• Jeremiah 16:19 To you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good."
• Ezekiel 36:22-23 -- "The nations will know I am the Lord"
• Daniel 2:47; 4:1-2; 6:25 -- "Surely your God is the God of gods"
• Daniel 7:13, 14 -- "all peoples, nations and languages should serve Him"
• Jonah's story -- the missionary book of the Old Testament [ e-book on Jonah ]
• Micah 1:2 -- "Hear, O peoples, all of you, listen, O earth and all who are in it."
• Micah 4:2 -- "Many nations will come"
• Micah 5:4 -- "His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth."
• Habbakuk 2:14 -- "The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the water cover the sea"
• Zephaniah 2:11 -- "Nations on every shore will worship him"
• Zephaniah 3:9 -- "Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord."
• Haggai 2:7 -- "Desire of all nations"
• Zechariah 2:11 -- "Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people"
• Zechariah 8:20-23 -- "Many peoples and inhabitants of many cities will come"
• Zechariah 9:10 -- "He will proclaim peace to the nations"
• Zechariah 14:9 -- "The Lord will be king over the whole earth."
• Malachi 1:10-11 -- "My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun"

New Testament and missions

• Matthew 4:8-11 -- Temptation of Jesus
• Matthew 6:9-10 -- The Lord's prayer
• Matthew 10:18 -- "On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles."
• Matthew 13 (Ezekiel 17:23) -- parables of sower, weeds, mustard seed, fishing net
• Matthew 24:14 -- the gospel will be preached in the whole world
• Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission (which many say is a re-statement of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12) [ Rev. Susan Fitkin's reflection on the passage ]
• Mark 11:17 (Isaiah 56:7) -- a house of prayer for all nations
• Mark 13:10 -- "the gospel must first be preached to all nations"
• Mark 16:15 (see Matthew 28:19-20)
• Luke 2:32 -- "a light for revelation to the Gentiles"
• Luke 10:2 -- "harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few"
• Luke 10:27 -- "love your neighbor as yourself"
• John 3:16 [ text of verse ]
• John 12:32 -- "I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
• John 21:4-14 -- some Biblical commentators have said the 153 fish equals the number of all the tribes and nations which the ancients thought existed on earth
• Acts 1:8; 2:5-12 13:47 (Isaiah 49:6) -- witnesses in all the earth
• Acts 3:25 -- "He said to Abraham, Through your offspring, all peoples on earth will be blessed.'"
• Acts 9:15 "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings."
• Acts 11:18 -- "They praised God, saying, So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.'"
• Acts 13:47 -- "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6)
• Acts 14:27 -- "They reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles."
• Acts 28:28 -- "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"
• Romans 1:5 -- "We received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to obedience."
• Romans 3:29 -- "Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too."
• Romans 10:12-15 -- "How can they hear?"
• Romans 15:10 "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." (Deuteronomy 32:43]
• Romans 15:11 "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples." (Psalm 117:1)
• Romans 16:26 -- So that all nations might believe
• 2 Corinthians 4:15 -- "grace that is reaching more and more people"
• Galatians 3:8 -- "The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: All nations will be blessed through you.'" (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18)
• Galatians 3:14 -- "He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles."
• Ephesians 1:10 -- "To bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ."
• Ephesians 2:11-19 -- "you are no longer foreigners and aliens"
• Philippians 2:10 -- Every knee shall bow
• 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 -- "to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved"
• Hebrews 6:13-14 -- God's promise to Abraham
• 2 Peter 3:9, 12 -- "not wanting anyone to perish"
• 1 John 2:2 -- "He is the atoning sacrifice . . . for the sins of the whole world"
• Revelation 5:9 -- "you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation"
• Revelation 7:9 -- Every tribe, tongue, people and nation
• Revelation 14:6 -- "The angel had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth -- to every nation, tribe, language and people."
• Revelation 15:4 -- "all nations will come and worship before you"
• Revelation 21:23-24 -- "The Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light"

Into whatever groups we divide humanity -- races, nations, languages, cultures -- it is clear that Christ has purchased with his blood from among all of them and wants people from all those groupings to be reconciled to Him.

"The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" -- Luke 10:2 (New King James Version)

What to Pray For

November 10, 2006 By John Piper Read this resource on our website. If you are like me, you find that from time to time your prayer life needs a jolt out of the rut it has fallen into. We tend to use the same phrases over and over. We tend to default to worn out phrases (like the word default). We fall into patterns of mindless repetition. The devil hates prayer. Our own flesh does not naturally love it. Therefore, it does not come full-born and complete and passionate from the womb of our heart. It takes ever renewed discipline. Years ago, when I wrote Let the Nations Be Glad, I argued that prayer is a wartime walkie-talkie, not a domestic intercom. God is more like a general in Command Central than a butler waiting to bring you another pillow in the den. Of course, he is also Father, Lover, Friend, Physician, Shepherd, Helper, King, Savior, Lord, Counselor. But in this fallen “world with devils filled,” prayer will function best when we keep the frequency tuned to Command Central in the fight of faith. So when I wrote that book, I gathered into one place all the things the early church prayed for. I printed this out for myself, and it has proven to be one of those “jolts” that I need. I thought you might find it helpful. You might want to print it out and keep it for a while in your Bible to guide you in your praying. It is a great confidence-builder in prayer to know that you are not quirky in your praying. To pray what the New Testament prays is a safe and powerful way to pray. Prayer remains one of the great and glorious mysteries of the universe—that the all-knowing, all-wise, all-sovereign God should ordain to run his world in response to our prayers is mind-boggling. But that is the uniform witness of Scripture. God hears and answers the prayers of his people. O do not neglect this amazing way of influencing nations and movements and institutions and churches and people’s hearts, especially your own. If you want to pray for what the early church prayed for . . . Pray that God would exalt his name in the world. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” (Matthew 6:9) Pray that God would extend his kingdom in the world. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10) Pray that the gospel would speed ahead and be honored. Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you. (2 Thessalonians 3:1) Pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit. If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13; cf. Ephesians 3:19) Pray that God would vindicate his people in their cause. And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? (Luke 18:7 rsv) Pray that God would save unbelievers. Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. (Romans 10:1) Pray that God would direct the use of the sword. Take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Ephesians 6:17-18) Pray for boldness in proclamation. Praying at all times in the Spirit . . . and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:18-19) And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness. (Acts 4:29) Pray for signs and wonders. And now, Lord, . . . grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness . . . while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. (Acts 4:29-30) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. (James 5:17-18) Pray for the healing of wounded comrades. Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. (James 5:14-15) Pray for the healing of unbelievers. It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. (Acts 28:8) Pray for the casting out of demons. And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” (Mark 9:29) Pray for miraculous deliverances. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church . . . When he realized [he had been freed], he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. (Acts 12:5, 12) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake. (Acts 16:25-26) Pray for the raising of the dead. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, rise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. (Acts 9:40) Pray that God would supply his troops with necessities. Give us this day our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11) Pray for strategic wisdom. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5) Pray that God would establish leadership in the outposts. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:23) Pray that God would send out reinforcements. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:38) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:2-3) Pray for the success of other missionaries. I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints. (Romans 15:30-31) Pray for unity and harmony in the ranks. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21) Pray for the encouragement of togetherness. We pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith. (1 Thessalonians 3:10) Pray for a mind of discernment. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. (Philippians 1:9-10) Pray for a knowledge of his will. And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Colossians 1:9) Pray to know God better. [We have not ceased to pray for you to be] increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10; cf. Ephesians 1:17) Pray for power to comprehend the love of Christ. I bow my knees before the Father . . . [that you] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. (Ephesians 3:14, 18-19) Pray for a deeper sense of assured hope. I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers . . . that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. (Ephesians 1:16, 18) Pray for strength and endurance. [We have not ceased to pray for you to be] strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. (Colossians 1:11; cf. Ephesians 3:16) Pray deeper sense of his power within them. I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers . . . that you may know . . . what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe. (Ephesians 1:16, 18-19) Pray that your faith not be destroyed. I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren. (Luke 22:32) But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36) Pray for greater faith. Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24; cf. Ephesians 3:17) Pray that you might not fall into temptation. Lead us not into temptation. (Matthew 6:13) Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41) Pray that God would complete your good resolves. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power. (2 Thessalonians 1:11) Pray that you would do good works. [We have not ceased to pray for you that you] walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work. (Colossians 1:10) Pray for the forgiveness of your sins. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12) Pray for protection from the evil one. Deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:13)

Repackaging an old religion

DEEPAK CHOPRA, M.D. Chairman and co-Founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California. Acknowledged as one of the world's greatest leaders in the field of mind body medicine, Deepak Chopra, M.D. continues to transform our understanding of the meaning of health. Through his creation of The Chopra Center for Well Being in California in 1995, Chopra established a formal vehicle for the expansion of his healing approach using the integration of the best of western medicine with natural healing traditions. Dr. Chopra serves as the Director of Education at The Chopra Center, which offers training programs in mind body medicine (Journey into Healing). The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has granted continuing medical education credits for this program, which satisfies requirements for the American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award. Through his partnership with David Simon, M.D. and numerous health care professionals in both conventional and complementary healing arts, Chopra's work is changing the way the world views physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social wellness. Renewsal weekend Join internationally acclaimed Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon for a profound weekend of renewal designed to help you restore, reflect, rejuvenate, and re-connect with yourself. You will be taught effective ways to manage stress, calm anxiety, respond to life's uncertainties, and achieve balance in your life. A great start for beginners, this revitalizing weekend teaches you the basics of Ayurveda--the ancient healing practice of India--and how it complements modern western medicine. Yoga, meditation, and emotional wellbeing help to balance body and mind. The Renewal Weekend Experience includes: Reception and exclusive book signing (including complimentary book) Mind-Body-Spirit sessions, nutrition instruction, relationship guidance, introduction to Ayurveda, group meditations, and interactive exercises with Drs. Deepak Chopra & David Simon Personal instruction in Primordial Sound Meditation Daily Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga classes and morning and afternoon meditation sessions Nurturing Touch Massage Workshop: Simple Partner Massage Techniques

Jyotish Astrology Jyotish, in Sanskrit translated as “science of light,” is a profound and mathematically sophisticated form of astrology that originated in the ancient Vedic tradition of India. It describes how planetary patterns at the time of our birth give valuable clues in helping us understand our life’s journey. Through careful analysis of these cosmic influences, Jyotish Astrology can help us realistically evaluate our strengths and weaknesses in order to optimize our full potential. By forecasting the changing trends and periods of our lives, Jyotish Astrology can enable us to make more evolutionary choices. It can offer practical remedial measures to help alleviate areas of difficulty, giving us the confidence to manifest our true destiny and create success, happiness and harmony on all levels. The Chopra Center for Wellbeing is pleased to offer its Jyotish Astrology Counseling Service to help provide participants with valuable information in all areas of their lives. Birth charts are calculated and fully discussed by Program Director, Brent BecVar, M.S. Mr. BecVar has practiced astrology and counseling over the past 30 years, and has studied with respected teachers in this country and in India. A consultation lasts one and a half hours and may be conducted in person at the Chopra Center, or by telephone. All sessions are tape recorded for participants and remain completely confidential. The Chopra Center maintains its connection to the Vedic traditions of India through a direct relationship to the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, Swami Vasudevananda Saraswati Maharaj. We are also members of the American Council of Vedic Astrologers. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journey Into Healing An Ayurvedic immersion

Continuing Education type of Healthcare Provider would benefit? Any type of healthcare practitioner stands to gain expanded healing potential, including physicians, nurses, therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and naturopaths. The foundational wisdom imparted by Deepak Chopra M.D. combined with practical application techniques taught by David Simon, M.D. and other special guest teachers will allow you to bring an intuitive mind-body awareness into your daily life to heal yourself and those around you. Healthcare providers experience Ayurvedic Knowledge Workshop/Case Study Development and learn practical and clinical applications of Ayurveda and discover mind-body medicine in a comprehensive workshop environment. Working directly with Dr. David Simon, individual study groups will review a variety of medical case studies including: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain syndromes, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. This format facilitates a deeper, more experiential application of the Journey Into Healing material and will help you draw vital connections between current medicine, the principles of Ayurveda, and your own life. Prerequisites for Journey into Healing It is recommended that you are practicing Primordial Sound Meditation. You can learn Primordial Sound Meditation from one of our certified instructors at locations throughout the world. If necessary, you may take Primordial Sound Meditation the day before Journey into Healing begins, but we recommend that you take the first step today and begin your meditation practice. Find an Instructor in your area. Continuing Education Credits are available for counselors, nurses and acupuncturists for this seminar. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and The Chopra Center at La Costa Resort and Spa.. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 20.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The Chopra Center is an approved provider of continuing education by: -The National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC Provider #5604). We adhere to NBCC guidelines. -The California Board of Registered Nurses CEP#12332 -The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yoga Teacher Training Program "Any reason for practicing yoga is a good reason. Enhancing flexibility and releasing stress are as noble a purpose for performing yoga as the awakening of spirituality. This is the great gift of yoga – it serves and nourishes us at every level of our being and spontaneously contributes to greater well being in all domains of life. Yoga will help you discover gifts within yourself that have remained unopened since your childhood – gifts of peace, harmony, laughter, and love." The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga by Drs. Deepak Chopra & David Simon Practitioners of meditation and yoga around the world have long awaited the introduction of a Chopra Center yoga program designed, developed, and practiced by Drs'. Deepak Chopra and David Simon. In response to these requests, Drs'. Chopra and Simon have designed The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga – an entirely new style of yoga that is based upon and encompasses the Chopra Center’s central philosophy of uniting the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga for Every-Body. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga integrates 5,000-year-old Vedic wisdom and the yogic interpretations of Drs'. Chopra and Simon. The program blends meditation, pranayama, yoga sutras, sun salutations, asana development, sanskrit sessions, chanting, anatomy classes, and mantra study. Whether you are new on the path of yoga and self-discovery, or you are hoping to deepen your knowledge about the ancient traditions, enrollment in the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga Teacher Training course will take your understanding of the true principles of yoga and conscious living to the next level.

Man of God - John Piper

Risk being thought foolish and weird. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. (Matthew 10:25) Realize that millions of people in the other religions of the world are not looking for people with more American cultural coolness or techno savvy. They are looking for a “holy man,” a “man of God.”

The question will not be, “Is he quick-witted and fast-talking and clever?” The question will be: “Does he pray a lot? Does he know his holy Book, much of it by heart? Is he self-denying and focused on God? Is he powerful in his weakness?”

Longing to be spiritually minded with you, Pastor John Piper

Face to face with eternity

David Bricker (head of Jews for Jesus) tells. Some months ago I was flying home from a meeting when the man sitting behind me began gasping for breath. An announcement over the plane’s intercom called for a physician. Soon a doctor and several nurses came to the man’s aid but to no avail. I began to pray for the man and his wife, who was sitting beside him. The pilot announced that due to a medical emergency the plane was going to land in Edmonton. I could hear the activity behind me escalate as the doctor and nurses took turns doing CPR. If you’ve never been near a person who is dying despite these efforts, I can assure you that it is not much worse than what we see on television. The sound of air being forced out of a human being’s lungs, the sounds and smells of the death rattle were horrific. I heard the doctor pronounce, “Time of death, 10:25 A. M.” And then the captain announced that the passenger’s situation had “stabilized,” and therefore we would continue to San Francisco. I don’t know how many people realized that what was announced as though it was the passing of the emergency was actually a veiled announcement of the passing of this man’s life. Certainly those of us nearby knew. The flight attendants pulled a blanket over his head. His wife, still beside him, was sobbing and moaning. And then the flight attendants began to come through the aisles . . . serving lunch! Lunch!? How could anyone in that cabin eat after what had just happened? But they did. (Jews for Jesus, Newsletter, Nov. 2006, p. 1)

John Piper on Suffering from Charles Simeon

At seventy-one, Charles Simeon was asked by his friend Joseph Gurney how he had endured so much persecution and outlasted all the opposition of his forty-nine-year pastorate at Holy Trinity in Cambridge. He answered:

My dear brother, we must not mind a little suffering for Christ's sake. When I am getting through a hedge, if my head and shoulders are safely through, I can bear the pricking of my legs. Let us rejoice in the remembrance that our holy Head has surmounted all His suffering and triumphed over death. Let us follow Him patiently; we shall soon be partakers of His victory. (H.C.G. Moule, Charles Simeon, [London: Inter-Varsity, 1948], 155f.)

That’s the perspective of seasoned suffering: Forty-nine years of trials is called “a little suffering.” And the entrance into final victory, he says, will be “soon.” In the meantime, we must not mind these troubles. We will accept each pleasant moment with gratitude. But we will not use it to argue that the next moment should also be pleasant.