The Spirit or the Law of Degeneration
Published: 09 May, 2008
The writer
To degenerate means to gradually become of a lower type. It is a gradual falling-off to a lower form of development. It can be defined as a sink below a former or normal condition or character. It means to deteriorate from a former standard. Whether you like it or not, there is a spirit of degeneration that is working on the earth. Everything we humans create begins to decay after the day it has been completed. But in this article, we want to lay more emphasis on the natural kind of degeneration.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL JOBLESSNESS OR DREAMLESSNESS (PART XIV)
Published: 09 May, 2008
Al-Qur'an - the Holy Scripture of Al-Islam reminds us of an adventurer by the name of Zul-qarnain, meaning 'Bi-horned'. He is one of those upon whom Allah bestowed His Mercy and 'imparted to him the knowledge of the ways and means which serve a purposeful end. And he (was someone who entertained the will which cannot but) purposefully lead the way' to successful achievement (18:83-85). The Scripture tells us that in one of his expeditions, “he reached a stretch territory by two barriers (probably mountains), one on each side beneath which he found a people who could hardly understand a foreign word or language. They said to him (through interpreters) “O you Zul-Qarnain, (the tribes) Gog and Magog are people who have both mischief and ill-will in the composition and they spread discord in the land. May we apportion to you a tribute in payment of raising a rampart between us and them, a rampart that would be invisible against all assaults!' He said (to them): “What Allah has bestowed on me of His bounty which made me manifest in wealth and power far excels your tribute. (What I am expected of you is that) You just help me with your laborious attempt and strenuous exertion of power and I will (by Allah's grace,) erect a barrier between you and them.” (I therefore urged you to) “Bring me blocks or sheets of iron which he (would cause it to be) filled up the space between the two natural barriers”, then he said to them: “Now you may subject it to the action of fire and use your bellows to make it red hot, and then after it has softened, he asked them for a molten brass which he poured on the iron to weld or join together in solid mass. And in consequence, they - the tribes - could not escalade it nor were they able to make their way through it by digging. At the end, (said Zul-Qarnain, in a thankful tone that): 'This is a mercy graciously vouchsafed by Allah, my Creator, and when Allah's predetermined point of time comes to pass, He shall turn it (the barrier) to dust. (For) The Promise of Allah, my Creator, has always been (and shall always be) the truth personified. And on the Day when the promise is fulfilled, We will leave them - the people - in an undulating conformation until the (second) trumpet is sounded and then We assemble them all together in throngs” (18:93-99).
WHAT IS THE ABIDING SOURCE OF YOUR STRENGTH, WISDOM AND
Published: 09 May, 2008
This second part of our series on the source or anchorage of one's life focuses on how one can benefit from a free offer of continuous source of support for every situation and condition of life. The first part sought to answer the question of what the source of one's strength and wisdom is. The observation was made that in declaring himself as the true vine and his followers as branches, Jesus offers what every man, woman and child needs in life; a reliable and sufficient source of help for all conditions and circumstances of life.
The Spirit of Degeneration
Published: 02 May, 2008
The Writer
To degenerate means to gradually become of a lower type. It means a gradual falling off to a lower form of development. It can also be defined as sinking below a former or normal condition or character. It also means to deteriorate from a former standard.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 02 May, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their footsteps. Ameena!
WHAT IS THE ABIDING SOURCE OF YOUR STRENGTH, WISDOM AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS? A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
Published: 02 May, 2008
In John 15, Jesus gives a piece of advice to his disciples which I believe is of perennial relevance to all human beings. The subject Jesus addresses is one of the source of one's power and achievements in life. Each one of us has or should have an anchorage or a higher source to draw on for all circumstances and situations of life. What is that source for you and for me?
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 25 April, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena
The Meaing and Significance of the Death/Resurrection of Jesus Christ for Mankind
Published: 25 April, 2008
This article brings to a close our series on the death of Jesus Christ and its significance for the human race and yea the world. Its main goal is to suggest how people can benefit from the finished work of the Christ. We shall proceed as follows: firstly, summarize the first three articles, and secondly, suggest ways everyone can take advantage of God's offer of salvation and the abundant life through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Like Blind Bartimaeus, Have Faith and Hope
Published: 25 April, 2008
Rev. Trokon Langford
The message of the Gospel of Mark is captured in an entire verse. “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give his life a ransom for many”. (Mark 10:45).
Authorities at the Calvary Temple Assembly of God Mission (AGM) High School in Jacob Town, Paynesville City, in collaboration with the students' leadership over the weekend launched the third of a series of student scholarship fund drive of the school.
What does it mean to be grateful? The dictionary defines gratefulness as being thankful, appreciative, or being pleased with something that someone has given or done for you.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 18 April, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their footsteps. Ameena
The Meaning and Significance of the Death/Resurrection of Jesus Christ for Mankind
Published: 18 April, 2008
In this third article on our series on the death of Jesus Christ and its significance for mankind, our focus is on his resurrection and its important role in his overall mission and its accomplishment. The second article considered the means by which he chose to accomplish his mission on earth. The following points were observed about how he fulfilled the reason for his coming into our world.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 04 April, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FOR MANKIND
Published: 04 April, 2008
The thrust of this second article on our series on the death of Jesus Christ and its significance for mankind is his mission on earth and the means by which he chose to accomplish it.
Stop Doubting and Believe
Published: 01 April, 2008
Jonathan B.B. Bonaparte Hart
MONROVIA, Liberians should stop doubting and believe in the risen Christ, in themselves, in their country and in the future, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia, Jonathan B.B. Bonaparte Hart, said Sunday.
How to Become a Leader ?
Published: 28 March, 2008
Elijah G. Gargar
If you believe you are that called to the Ministry of Christ, then you are called to leadership. Paul wrote to Timothy and told him to do certain things to make him a good leader. “…Thou shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ” 1st Timothy 4:6
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 28 March, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
The Meaning and Significance of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ for Mankind
Published: 28 March, 2008
Last weekend (March 21-23, 2008), millions of Christians all over the world commemorated and celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We think it might be helpful to share with a wider audience the meaning and significance of this epoch-making event in human history. Why did Jesus Christ suffer and die? Was his death necessary or just another religious myth? How does the death of one man benefit so many people? How can individuals take advantage of what his death has accrued?
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 14 March, 2008
Al-Qur'an tells us that Allah, out of His Own Divine Wisdom and Judgment, “gave the children of Israel” three separate and distinct honors: “the book, wisdom and prophet hood”. In addition, Allah also “gave them goodly sustenance” He further favored and exalted them above all people.” The Scripture then goes on to say that Allah “gave them clear arguments of the affair (true religion), and they did not differ until after Knowledge had come to them, through rivalry among themselves. Verily your Lord will judge between them on the day of reckoning in what they used to differ” (45:16-17)
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND THE NECESSITY OF TEACHING ITS CONCEPT AND PRACTICE IN OUR SOCIETY (PART FOUR)
Published: 14 March, 2008
This is the fourth and final article of our series on the necessity of grasping the concept of volunteerism, practicing it ourselves and passing it onto our society and those coming after us. The thrust of this last article is on how rendering free service of all sorts can benefit the individual who provides the voluntary service. This article will proceed as follows: it will first give the gist of each of the previous three articles, and second will close with showing how serving others free of charge can enrich the quality of the life of the donor of voluntary service.
Archbishop Akrofi, Other Prelates
Published: 04 March, 2008
MONROVIA, Several Ghanaian and other Anglican bishops who have been in Liberia for the past week to participate in events leading to last Sunday's consecration and enthronement of Episopal Bishop Jonathan B.B. Hart have expressed great admiration for Episcopalians and the way they organized and executed the historic events.
MONROVIA, The newly consecrated Bishop of the Episcopal Church Of Liberia, the Rt. Rev. Jonathan B.B. Hart, has been urged to be a good shepherd to carry out his Episcopal assignment with love, helping to reconcile the people of Liberia while at the same time maintaining unshakable faith and confidence in God.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF LIBERIA POISED FOR A NEW BEGINNING
Published: 29 February, 2008
On the auspicious occasion of the consecration of the twelfth Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Liberia (ECL), it may be useful to reflect upon the Church's inheritance and how that might be harnessed by the new Diocesan to collaboratively shape a servant-leadership to minister to post-conflict Liberia.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 29 February, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND THE NECESSITY OF TEACHING ITS CONCEPT AND PRACTICE IN OUR SOCIETY (PART TWO)
Published: 29 February, 2008
The focus of this second article of our series on the necessity of inculcating in ourselves and our society the virtue of rendering free service to one another and the wider world is on how and why we should offer voluntary service. In the introductory article last week we reported a significant story of a group of Christians from a sister Church of St. Andrews, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, USA, and connected their example with the need for us to learn to do the same for others, to serve, sometimes without pay or expectation of pay.
Hart Is 'Blessed' to Build on Foundation
Published: 28 February, 2008
Reverend Dr. Justice Ofei Akrofi
MONROVIA, The enthronement of Father Jonathan B.B. Hart as the 12th Episcopal Bishop of Liberia in the Episcopal Diocese promises to be an impressive gathering of Church leaders in Liberia since the end of the 14-year civil war, and the return to civilian rule. It is seen expectantly by many as a Renaissance of the Church in the Millennium.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 22 February, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
The Significance of Voluntary Service and the Necessity of Teachung Its Concept and Practice in Our Society , Part One
Published: 22 February, 2008
On Monday through Saturday (February 4-9, 2008), the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Camp Johnson Road, was blessed with a team of seven Christian woman and men who provided free dental care to over 360 Liberians. These people came and shared their lives, expertise and faith with us the Liberian public in general and the St. Thomas Episcopal Parish in particular. As we reflect on their visit and what they came to share with us, we feel it might be useful to do a short series on the importance of voluntary service and the need for us (Liberians) to cultivate a habit of rendering free service and inculcating it in those coming after us.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 15 February, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
Most Africans have some sort of religious faith. The African is said to be extremely religious. The famous African Christian theologian, Professor John Mbiti, observes: “The African is notoriously religious”. He further asserts that the African lets his religious faith permeate every aspect of his/her life.
CAREER AND VOCATION: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE (PART FOUR)
Published: 08 February, 2008
This is the fourth and final part of our series on career or vocation. The goal of this final article is to give a summary of the essentials of the previous articles, and to spend the rest of the article on how to assess career/vocation success and failure, and what is required to ensure and enhance career/vocation success and avoid its failure. What is career/vocation success? How can one evaluate one's career/vocation success and by what standard or criteria? What are the requirements for a successful career/vocation? These basic questions will guide this study.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 01 February, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
A CAREER OR VOCATION: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE, PART III
Published: 01 February, 2008
This third article of our series on career and vocation is on the need for everyone to spare no time and energy in gaining the appropriate skills for getting the best out of one's career or lifetime calling. The key questions to guide this study are: (a) what does one need to do to prepare and get the most out of one's lifetime career or vocation? And, (b) what helps are available to facilitate such an endeavor?
National Church Leaders Conference Opens in Monrovia
Published: 01 February, 2008
MONROVIA, The Liberian Council of Churches, in ecumenical collaboration with churches/organizations together with World Vision-Liberia, is holding a two-day National Church Leaders Conference at Providence Baptist Church located between the corner of Ashmun and Center Streets.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 25 January, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
A Career or Vocation: A Christian Perspective (PART 2)
Published: 25 January, 2008
The focus of this second article of our series on career and vocation is on the need for everyone to identify his/her career or lifetime calling and to pursue it vigorously. The key questions to guide this study are: (a) What is one's lifetime career or vocation? (b) How does one know that this is the career or vocation one was created for? And, (c) What helps are available to enable one be sure that one is called to pursue a particular job or profession?
Father Hart Is Bishop-elect of Episcopal Church
Published: 21 January, 2008
Father Jonathan B. Hart
MONROVIA, Episcopal churches throughout the country yesterday received the pleasing news from their rectors and priests-in-charge that the church finally has a Bishop-elect.
A CAREER OR VOCATION: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Published: 18 January, 2008
To have a career of some sort is a necessity for succeeding in life in our modern and competitive world. This article introduces a short series centered on the subject of career or vocation. What is career? What is vocation? What is the difference between a career and a vocation? How can one identify one's career or vocation and adequately prepare self for it? What is required for getting the best out of one's career? What is career failure and how can one prevent it? How should one measure the success or failure of one's career? What particular insight does Christianity shed on our understanding of career or vocation? It will take at least four articles to answer these questions.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 18 January, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 18 January, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
ON CHRISTIAN BAPTISM: WHAT IT DOES AND SIGNIFIES
Published: 11 January, 2008
This article focuses on the Christian Sacrament of Holy Baptism. What does it mean? What does it do and signify? Is it necessary for living the Christian life? What it does not mean and cannot do? Our last article and this one follow the birth and early years of Jesus, the reason for Christmas and what follows. The last article looked at the Epiphany of Jesus when he showed by his deeds, words and miracles his divinity and humanity to the Gentiles or the rest of the world.
Fr. A-Too Williams Appointed Episcopal Vicar General
Published: 09 January, 2008
Rev. Fr. A-Too Williams
MONROVIA, The rector of St. Stephen Episcopal Church, Rev. Fr. A-Too Williams, has been appointed vicar general of the Episcopal Church of Liberia until a new bishop is elected and consecrated.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 04 January, 2008
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
Ellen Gives Breathtaking Testimony at Midnight Mass
Published: 04 January, 2008
President Sirleaf
MONROVIA -- Like most churches throughout Liberia, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on 10th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, was expected to be quite normal on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2007.
Letting Your Light Shine in Your Little Corner
Published: 04 January, 2008
This coming Sunday (January 6, 2008) will be observed in traditional or mainline Churches as Epiphany Day. The season of Epiphany Day ends the Christmas season and begins the new season of Epiphany. What is Epiphany? How does it help us live as better Christians in particular and better citizens in general? The aim of this article is to introduce the season of Epiphany to the larger reading public, and to demonstrate how a key aspect of this season can enable us live and serve God and one another better.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 28 December, 2007
In a post-disaster era, Allah enjoins the survivals to call on Him 'humbly and in secret' for nurturing and sustaining peace and achieving general recovery. That such supplication be supported, backed, supplemented and sanctified by adhering to the following inhibitions: (1) associating someone or something with Allah; (2) shortening measurable and weighting material; (3) depriving, keeping back or withholding people's entitlement or right; (4) causing mischief, particularly after peace or societal reform has been realized or commenced; (5) obstructing morally oriented freedom of people; (6) turning away believers or hindering them from Allah's path; and (7) seeking by trick and artifice to crook Divine worship or obedience (7:85). Can we, as a nation and people, adhere to these principles of Divine Decorum? Yes, we must do so because, the supreme interest of our Nation earnestly demands!
Putting Your Faith to Work: The Relationship between Faith and Work
Published: 28 December, 2007
This second article of our series on faith and good deeds focuses on obedience in the form of good works or actions as evidence of a genuine faith in the living God. The first article considered the definitions of faith, the different kinds of faith and recommended the one that is most helpful in the author's view. And, the third article will delve into how a genuine religious faith ought to affect every aspect of one's life and conduct.Faith then was defined in the words of the Bible as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen' (Hebrews 11:1). In other words, faith is the certainty of what is not yet seen, received or experienced. I also suggested a definition: “faith is one's ultimate confidence or trust in self or in someone or something”.In this sense a faith can be in self, another person, a cause, power or money. When you take money to a bank and receive a receipt and then you are confident that whenever you go back to that bank and fill out a withdrawal slip you will receive all of or some of your money back, you are acting on faith. When you board a plane, marry, travel in any vehicle or enter into any kind of agreement with someone else you are exercising faith of some sort! We all have and exercise more faith than we often realize!But not every kind of faith is helpful (good) and affects how one lives and one's destiny to the same degree. A faith can be misplaced or superstitious or fanatical. The difference lies in what or whom one puts one's faith in and to what extent. One can put one's faith in things or people who can let one down or who are not of lasting value or of any appreciable significance. For example, one can put one's faith in self or money but will eventually discover these objects of faith wanting in certain situations of life. There are demands that they cannot adequately handle. Self and material things alone cannot address the question of what happens to one after this life. A religious faith, which is our focus in this series, is trust in some perceived supreme being or a god.A true faith in the true God works wonders for self and others. The writer of Hebrews is confident of this when tells of the faith, trials and feats of the prophets and ordinary people of the Bible: “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight” (Hebrews 11:33-34). Of course, some of them suffered much for their faith (Hebrews 11:45).That is precisely because faith and action go hand in hand. James rightly reminds and warns us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). This is where a lot of Christians get confused. They think that to have faith is to push everything on God to do for them. For them having faith means waiting on God to do for them what they can do for themselves. But faith allows God to work through us. We must make use of the abilities, resources, challenges and opportunities He has given us to serve others and ourselves. To exercise faith is to work harder in dependence upon God assured that He is with us and therefore we will succeed in our endeavors and His strength will carry us through success and temporal failure. Faith should not be an excuse for laziness but an impetus for hard work. God supplies the strength, wisdom, courage and joy to accomplish His will and purpose amid difficulties and disasters.Divine and human efforts are a marvelous combination. Human efforts without God achieve little ultimately or could turn out to be dangerous. But faith without deeds is ineffective if not downright dangerous. The famous prayer of serenity puts it accurate: “Lord, give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 21 December, 2007
There is no doubt that whenever laws are clear, cogent, precise and reflective of the listed characteristics and realities contained in the last edition, citizens will certainly be induced to consciously acknowledge that no one is above another or even allowed to transgress against the rights of the others. In such environment, adherence to such laws becomes an unmitigated moral obligation of all that are in such nation. Of course, under such atmosphere, the spirit of respect toward one another and the concept of mutual recognition, tolerance and accommodation will be seen as an imperative necessity for peaceful co-existence. And in the event of a violation of such laws or any thereof, the culprit will expect nothing less than the effective correctional measure. By similar token, the dispensers and enforcers of justice will have no fear or alternative, but to act within the framework of such laws and in accordance with their intended spirits and purposes.
THE CHURCH AS AN INSTITUTION FOR REFORMATION AND EMPOWERMENT (PART ONE)
Published: 21 December, 2007
The Christian Church was born and sent forth as a beckon of hope for mankind. But the Church has not always been true to its mandate. Part of its problem is that some of its adherents and outsiders misunderstand its role and mission in society. Some people expect too much from the Church and others expect too little. And still others have false expectations of the Church. The aim of this series is to examine a little bit the role and mission of the Church with particular emphasis on its reforming agenda.
Bishop Neufville: “I would love to be remembered for my prayer life”
The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia, Rt. Rev. Edward Wea Neufville, II, celebrated his 70th birth anniversary on Sunday at the Trinity Cathedral on Broad Street in Monrovia.
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL
Published: 14 December, 2007
All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameena!
Putting Your Faith to Work: The Relationship between Faith and Work
Published: 14 December, 2007
This second article of our series on faith and good deeds focuses on obedience in the form of good works or actions as evidence of a genuine faith in the living God. The first article considered the definitions of faith, the different kinds of faith and recommended the one that is most helpful in the author's view. And, the third article will delve into how a genuine religious faith ought to affect every aspect of one's life and conduct.Faith then was defined in the words of the Bible as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen' (Hebrews 11:1). In other words, faith is the certainty of what is not yet seen, received or experienced. I also suggested a definition: “faith is one's ultimate confidence or trust in self or in someone or something”.In this sense a faith can be in self, another person, a cause, power or money. When you take money to a bank and receive a receipt and then you are confident that whenever you go back to that bank and fill out a withdrawal slip you will receive all of or some of your money back, you are acting on faith. When you board a plane, marry, travel in any vehicle or enter into any kind of agreement with someone else you are exercising faith of some sort! We all have and exercise more faith than we often realize!But not every kind of faith is helpful (good) and affects how one lives and one's destiny to the same degree. A faith can be misplaced or superstitious or fanatical. The difference lies in what or whom one puts one's faith in and to what extent. One can put one's faith in things or people who can let one down or who are not of lasting value or of any appreciable significance. For example, one can put one's faith in self or money but will eventually discover these objects of faith wanting in certain situations of life. There are demands that they cannot adequately handle. Self and material things alone cannot address the question of what happens to one after this life. A religious faith, which is our focus in this series, is trust in some perceived supreme being or a god.A true faith in the true God works wonders for self and others. The writer of Hebrews is confident of this when tells of the faith, trials and feats of the prophets and ordinary people of the Bible: “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight” (Hebrews 11:33-34). Of course, some of them suffered much for their faith (Hebrews 11:45).That is precisely because faith and action go hand in hand. James rightly reminds and warns
