STAY WELL & SPARKLE – Renew or Perish

Renew FISHI am definitely not the same person I was seven years ago. Neither are you. Really! Oh, I’m not talking about your personality, how you have matured and grown in wisdom. I mean you yourself, your body – it is being completely replaced; physically. And somewhere in that process of regeneration lies the secret to the fountain of youth. Medically speaking, we completely renew our blood supply every 4 months, colon cells lasts only 4 days!…skin, 3 weeks – tattoos and various conditions notwithstanding. When it comes to our hearts and minds, how often should we renew them? Easter is such a time to reflect on such a question.

Did I hear an objection! Yes, there are those who argue that the very notion of Easter is heresy. They contend it is nothing more than a pagan holiday adopted from the Romans. Some obsess about which day exactly that tomb became empty? Others claim Christ was just a highly advanced guru and only his spirit actually resurrected. Such folks choose to believe in a vague genie-like, local god who dwells exclusively within us. If, therefore, through meditation we get in touch with our god-consciousness, we too shall rise again.

Bwavo coco!

I have a much simpler outlook. What fascinates me is the deeper meaning manifested in changing traditions of the community. In the old days, barring Christmas, Easter was THE time for new outfits – especially dresses and hats. The entertainment scene went into suspended animation after the wantonness of Carnival, only to explode again on Easter Monday. Fresh fish was the preferred protein source. Next in line came related processed products such as lamowi (codfish) hawasore (smoked herring) and sardines. Tasty recipes abound, such as accra marinade popular with our compatriots in Guada. People avoided opening cans of milk in Holy Week. It could turn to blood. As the big day approached, meat consumption was even more taboo. Legend had it that it would turn to worms.

Intriguing indeed is the recipe for making a ti-bolom: Take an egg laid on Good Friday. If you manage to incubate it in your left armpit, lo and behold it hatches into a two-and-a-half foot man. This ti-bolom will ruthlessly do your bidding, mainly destruction of enemies. What could be the down side? Having to satisfy him large quantities of raw meat – otherwise he seeks something else from woman of the house. Failing that, the flesh of his maker becomes his protein source. If things seem to be getting out of hand, the say the only option is to hire fishermen to drown him out in the ocean depths. But according to folklore, that is easier said than done. Some say that accounts for the increasing number of fishermen who are never seen again.

I shudder to think where we would be if we could not renew and refresh what we hold to be true or dear to our hearts. I remember the austere and sombre prevailing mood at Stations of the Cross. Sermons dramatize the gruesomeness of the crucifixion as in The Passion of the Christ (click here for the full movie). Even when I was old enough to decline, I still went along on pilgrimages with my dear mother. Ma’ would wake me up at 3 in the morning. As I’d dragged myself out of bed, I would ask the mirror, “Tell me again why I’m doing this?” We would freshen up and blow on hot tea to sip down just enough to block a hole in the stomach.

Before long, a single horn would signal the truck’s arrival. It was already half-filled with devout passengers reciting prayers and responses. The hymns were wailing and plaintive. From place to place, new pilgrims crawled over scrunched knees to take their seats. In their wake they left whiffs of Bay Rum, Limacol, Johnson Baby Powder and the occasional roll-on. Back then, potholes on winding mountain roads bounced us up and down on the hard, wooden benches. The driver and I were often the only males in the truck. As a ‘meg’ teenager, I became keenly aware that those with more generously-cushioned bottoms seemed to fare better on these tortuous trips.

The holiday in larger western countries has devolved in a commercial celebration with chocolates for loved ones and egg hunts featuring the Easter Bunny.  Not so with American Missionary Mike who is planting a church in La Plaine. He knows how to grab people’s attention by introducing himself as ‘the guy who’s been born twice and will never die.’ He saw me pause to ponder what that meant. Then he pounced with the story of Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night.

Just about all body tissue renews itself. Except, well, brain cells; they are programed to last a lifetime. Knock off a bunch of them with each devilish drug or drink and they are gone forever. Anyway, while the Ten Commandments major on what we should not do, renewal emphasizes the things that we should do. When Pope Francis washed the feet of prisoners, he proclaimed the message that at whatever cost, we ought to serve the less fortunate, the addicts, the oppressed, the poor and the needy. Furthermore, renewal strengthens our resolve to elevate our vision of the even more fabulous place Dominica can be to live and to visit. Despite our differences, renewal energizes us to work proactively and in concert with one another to further the common good.

Half of all sickness seems to be related with blockages: in coronary vessels resulting in heart attacks, in carotid (neck) vessels resulting in strokes, in the urinary and gallbladder passages resulting in kidney and gallstones. We can unclog passages by continuing year-round with a more vegetable-based nutritional discipline such as Meatless Mondays .Likewise, discord blocks the fellowship of the faithful. Even as the apostles squabbled for seats of honour, so too nit-picking doctrinal differences have wrought havoc long before you and I came on the scene. Most of these will persist in some way, shape or form, well after we are gone.

Transcend and focus, therefore, on the main event. Despite ever-changing traditions, Easter, like the body itself, eternally reminds us that either we renew or perish. Jump high, jump low, one day we gotta go. All that matters is that we have been practicing the prescribed periodic cleansing of our life passages from the sins that so easily beset us.  In so doing, when that time comes, we shall be able to boldly say, “O grave where is thy victory? O death where is thy sting?”

Click here to listen to the Sparkle’s Easter message.

Dr. Sam Christian runs the Urgent Care on 137 Bath Road. It provides prompt medical treatment, surgery and acupuncture. He is Medical Adviser to the Dominica Cancer Society, radio host of the Medical Minute, and author of the faith and fitness nutrition book, ‘Mannafast Miracle.’ Dr. Christian can be reached anytime at 440-9133, 615-8345 or by writing to [email protected].

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22 Comments

  1. Francisco Telemaque
    April 22, 2014

    “St. Paul said, “There is one baptism.” God will never rescind as a baby. Some people do underestimate God. Do they think God is foolish and made a mistake to approve and accept baptism of babies?”(Simple the Truth).

    (Sprinkling of water on a child’s head is not baptism, there is no place in the Bible where God instructs the sprinkle of water on a child, baby, and said he will accept it as baptism; that is your belief as thought by the Roman Catholic Church. That is the teaching of man, and not of God.)

    You know everything can make good reading, however, when we are talking about God, we had better be accurate, because God said in his words in 1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” When we are talking about God, and go as fare as tagging scriptures we need to state exactly is said in the scriptures we quote. I notice you quoted 1 Timothy 6:3, however you have not said anything about what is written in the scripture; instead you out on a tangent, as I found in the quote above, such rhetoric produces nothing more than confusion.

    While the word saint is mentioned note: the Roman Catholic declare dead people as saints, but what we read 1 Corinthians 14:33 confirms that saints are member alive and well worshiping God in a Church, yet you pray to dead people the Rome and some so called pope declares a saint!

    For it is written in 1 Timothy 6:3 “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness:” You quoted 1 Timothy 6:3, and went one your own thoughts which has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with the word of God; you reference other scriptures, however, I must ask in reference to what?

    Nothing!

    Now this thing about baby and Baptism, be informed the sprinkling of water on a child’s head is not; and I reiterate is not baptism according to the Bible. Baptism, is something people volunteer to undertake when they have accepted Jesus, and to be baptized in water, someone must immersed the person being baptized in and under the water, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Sprit.

    Any other for me of baptism is irrelevant. When John the Baptist went about the business of God, baptizing people even in the wilderness, I ask you to give an account where you read in the Bible where he baptized a single young child or a baby.

    Now my final question to you is this; how old was Jesus Christ when he went to John his cousin to be Baptized? I mean religious loyalty such as you have for the Roman Catholic false doctrines is one thing, but the absolutely reality is the word of God. As far as I am concern you are into your own teachings, that to me is dangerous, you suggest in an opinion I am doomed because I spoke the truth, and said there is no such thing as holy week, that is not found in the word of God, and here again you are into you own words, which has nothing to do with the words of God.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • April 23, 2014

      Nice speaking here! Really and truly!

      And Jesus was not baptized before He was 30 years old. His ministry went into operation after His 40 days and 40 nights of fasting in the Wilderness. He continue in His ministry for 31/2 years–before His crucifixion.

      The Great Commission of Jesus Christ to His disciples as He was ascending into Heaven was: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28: 19-20

      Baptism–by emersion–means that one has died with Jesus and to be raised with Him, to live a “new Life”, doing the things of Love. A baby has no awareness of his or her existence on earth–how can the Catholic Church tell people that are have Life in Jesus Christ through what they call “baptism” as a baby?

  2. Simply the Truth
    April 21, 2014

    Beware of false prophets and those who misinterpret Holy Scripture to suit their mentality. This is too prevalent in these times of increasing different churches.

    Our Lord said to Nicodemus – John 3:5:8 – Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit.” Do not be amazed that I told you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
    Read the above and the rest of this passage. Many have misinterpreted this passage to the extent which caused some Catholics who did not cultivate their faith, were not knowledgeable in it and did not live it to renounce their Catholic faith. They were weak in faith and were cradle Catholics. Therefore they were easily aggressively enticed to renounce their faith/church. They took a short-cut which Our Lord warned about.
    Our Lord did not state that people must leave the church they worship in which was established by him over 2,000 years ago to join other churches and to be born again. It is ridiculous for anyone to as much as think of that. What is so different about the other churches? Is it only to read and hear Holy Scriptures preached thunderously? I could elaborate on this.
    Our Lord spoke of water and spirit. This is being baptized in the Name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
    Now, please take note of this everyone:

    Nicodemus was a Jew. He was not yet a follower of Jesus Christ; had not yet accepted him and obviously not yet baptized in the Name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This is what Our Lord meant, “Nicodemus as a Jew (and others) must accept him and be baptized for him to be born from above and with water and spirit. Intelligent as Nicodemus was, he did not comprehend what Our Lord told him as He further stated to Nicodemus in this passage.
    I have noted how many have misinterpreted this passage to mean that people must be born again (of water and spirit) and misled their followers, some of whom are baptized Catholics.
    Catholics were born again when they were baptized. They made First Holy Communion and were Confirmed. The next step was to cultivate their faith and to live the faith. This is being born again. For God’s sake, not to be told that they have to renounce their Catholic faith to join another church to be born again. This is utter foolishness. I get the feeling how disappointed and angry God is with those who aggressively indoctrinated those Catholics and who continue to do so. Some of those leaders were once Catholics.
    The late U.S. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen said, “Anyone who formed their church ten years after Our Lord resurrected, too late, no power, no strength.” This means, the Catholic Church was established since then and when Our Lord said: “Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build My Church…”

  3. Simply the Truth
    April 21, 2014

    To accept Our Lord is to be baptized, worship him, to pray to him and to do one’s utmost as sinful people to obey God’s Ten Commandments and ‘the religious teaching’ of the Church, the latter (1 Timothy 6:3). It is in the Bible! Those who worship him believe in him and of course accepted him. They do not need any fanfare and to renounce their church to be baptized again. This is false teaching.
    St. Paul said, “There is one baptism.” God will never rescind that baptism even as a baby. Some people do underestimate God. Do they think God is foolish and made a mistake to approve and accept baptism of babies?
    Our Lord said: “Let the little children come to Me and do not prevent them…” Those false prophets will pay for it. Those who have predeceased us have already paid for their false teachings and amassing wealth from those whom they enticed to join their churches and renounce their Catholic faith.
    I reiterate they do not have to leave their church to accept Our Lord and join another church to pay them tithes of a certain amount otherwise they cannot be members of that church. So many have been deceived.
    How that hurts the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ to see how gullible some people are and made themselves vulnerable to false teachings which Our Lord is fully aware of.
    God is with them. They are no closer to God in another church than they were in their former church that they were baptized in, in the Name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
    For those who think they know better: 2 Peter 1 – Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation, for no prophecy ever came through human will; but rather human beings moved by the holy Spirit spoke under the influence of God.

    How many people were granted this as they profess to have received it? God knows better. On that day, they will find out.
    Therefore, Dr. Christian, you are an intelligent person, if you gave up your Catholic faith and joined another church, as I suspect, even the intelligent could be gullible, vulnerable and deceived in matters of faith. Think of the above and the following. God did not establish thousands of different churches. He established One Church over 2,000 years ago which will last until the end of time.
    Dr. Christian, do your research about all of them and how so many of them are on this earth. Our Lord said: “Many will come in My Name.” What division, disunity, lack of love and peace they have caused. This is how I view those churches, those who belong to them especially those of only a few years. I have every right to make this statement for I have experienced it from many and sadly so right on this Website. If the good Lord wills, when I visit D/ca I will bring you some Catholic information which you have never seen. You will be received to read them. A dear D/can friend who has now departed and who I had sent relevant matters, once informed me that we do not get such information here. I got them in Canada and I send/mail and distribute to others as I could.

  4. Simply the Truth
    April 21, 2014

    Dr. Christian, your article tells it all pertaining to the Catholic Christian practice and devotion when you were a child. Many of us got up early in the morning to attend those prayer gatherings and pilgrimages. I enjoyed them all. I will agree as a youth, it was difficult to get up early morning. I would go with my mother and also to church early mornings during the week. On Sundays there was a children’s Mass which was a little later.
    If there was one place my mother would not object to was when I said to her, “Mom, I am going to church.” She loved to hear those words about going to church. :lol: I never asked her if I could go to church as I would ask her if I could go out to meet my friends who did not reside nearby. The latter, she would either say yes or no. :) Thus my love for the Catholic Church as a member and my love of going to church to this day.
    As with everything, there are superstitions that we should not do this and that especially on Good Friday. You will recall that meat was not eaten on Fridays during Lent. It could also be on Wednesdays during Lent. Generally, recalling those days of the year, I seldom ate meat on Wednesdays and Fridays during the year. I prefer eating fish.
    I am still very much a practicing Catholic Christian, thanks be to God. I do not joke or laugh at those customs. They are only good as conversational pieces as we reflect on customs of those days to today.
    Good Friday is a traditional day of fasting. Actually we are supposed to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays if we can, if we are not sick and not aged and weak. God knows what we can do, are capable of doing or not. God does not expect the impossible from us. In those evenings,, we could have a good meal without overeating.
    On Good Friday we abstain from meat as a form of a small sacrifice. It is a 2000 year practice, remembering that Our Lord died on that day and what He did for us.
    I do not eat eggs as also meat on Fridays in Lent. I do not break an egg on that day. In those days I have heard stories about eggs and what could be seen if they are broken. As there is no smoke without fire, those stories may be true.
    However, egg originates from the chicken and we do not eat meat on Friday in Lent and Good Friday. Therefore, we should not eat eggs on those days.
    Times have changed. Some people do not observe those religious practices as they did in those days. The same, they do not have respect for the religion and practice of certain others. Some have no regard for God whatsoever. God has not changed. The devotional practice of His Church has not changed. If some refuse to regard them, have no respect for them and disobey them, as God looks down and takes note (I love to state) what they sow they shall surely reap in time.
    I visualize how some will be extremely surprised and disappointed when they as much as close their eyes for the last time. Everyone will then know how well they served God or not with his God-given allotted time and what we did with it in words and deeds.

  5. Francisco Telemaque
    April 21, 2014

    Doc; while it is true that some cells reproduce, or shall we say rejuvenate; there are exceptions to the rule. The Liver as a matter of fact, and the brain cells does not rejuvenate. I will not go into the theory, nor the science regarding the Brain, and the Liver.

    However, I will tell you brain cells die by the millions per day especially in people who consumes alcohol; each time one takes a single drink of alcohol, in any amount, millions of brain cells die each time, the only reason most alcoholics are able to function, and not exists as a total vegetable, is because of the trillions of brain cells one posses which can last a complete lifetime plus! The Liver is a little different, however, it does not rejuvenate.

    Here is a brief regarding the Liver: The large, dark-red gland located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, just beneath the diaphragm. Its manifold functions include storage, and filtration of blood; secretion of bile; conversion of sugars into glycogen; the synthesis, and breakdown of fats and the temporary storage of fatty acids; and the synthesis of serum, proteins such as certain of the alpha and beta globulins, albumin, which helps regulate blood volume, and fibrinogen, and prothrombin, which are essential clotting factors.

    Storage Functions: The liver can store up to 20% of its weight in glycogen, and up to 40% of its weight in fats. The basic fuel of the body is a simple form of sugar called glucose; this comes to the liver as one of the products of digestion, and is converted into glycogen for storage. It is reconverted to glucose, when necessary, to keep up a steady level of sugar in the blood. This is normally a slow, continuous process, however, in emergencies the liver, responding to epinephrine in the blood, releases large quantities of this fuel into the blood for use by the muscles.

    As the chief supplier of glucose in the body, the liver is sometimes called on to convert other substances into sugar. The liver cells can make glucose out of protein, and fat. This may also work in reverse; the liver cells can convert excess sugar into fat and send it for storage to other parts of the body. In addition to these functions, the liver builds many essential proteins, and stores up certain necessary vitamins until they are needed by other organs in the body.

    Protective Functions: The liver disposes of worn-out blood cells by breaking them down into their different elements, storing some, and sending others to the kidneys for disposal in our urine; it also filters, and destroys bacteria. One of the most important functions of the liver is the detoxification of drugs, alcohol, and environmental poisons; the liver is also an organ which helps to maintain the balance of sex hormones in our body. A certain amount of female hormone is normally produced in males, and male hormone in female. When the level of this opposite sex hormone rises above a certain point, the liver takes up the excess, and disposed of it.

    It is essential to not that while the live does not rejuvenate, it is most likely the first body organ to shut down in terminally ill cancer patent, when that one goes the others follow.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  6. Creswell Lawrence
    April 21, 2014

    Interesting mix of concepts in your Easter message Dr. Sam, and on the whole I agree with the message of renewal, and the call to elevate vision etc. I would only add two comments:-

    1. There is only one way to successfully cleanse our life passages of the sin that so easily beset us, and that’s by understanding Who Jesus is and what He did for all of us on the cross, then accepting Him as Saviour. We then demonstrate this by baptism and by living as He has asked us to for the rest of our lives (mistakes and falls notwithstanding because He is able to keep us)

    2. The Ten Commandments, as much of the Old Testament, is merely the New Testament concealed so rather than being a list of what not to do, it is actually a reflection of God’s character, the same that He wants us to allow Him to develop in us. Essentially they are in two parts, love for God (covered by the 1st to 4th Commandments) and love for our fellowman (covered by the 6th to 10th). In fact, Jesus Himself makes this point when asked a question by a lawyer:-

    “Mat 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
    Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
    Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
    Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
    Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. ”

    So as we surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, in EVERY ASPECT of our lives, He makes the gradual incremental changes that allow us to elevate that vision of who we are, how we live with our neighbours on a day to day basis, how we raise our children, and how we honour God in everything we do, and say, and think – every day. A lifestyle change.

    God sustain you and bless you.

    • Simply the Truth
      April 21, 2014

      The be all and end all of it all is which also entails, respect for the religious beliefs and devotional practice of others. This has been lacking by some on this Website. As I have read, it is not something I will ever forget. It projected lack of love for others which is a violation of God’s Commands, the First and Second Commandment which Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us, Love for God and for one another. Both are alike which some appear to have forgotten or ignore . He also told us, “So by their fruits you will know them. “It also means, in other words, mind one’s business and see about their souls.
      Therefore, it is obey God at all costs or die, perish eternally. Earth is a preparation for eternity. We choose the path. What we project is quite evident to others, more so to God Himself. Jesus never forgets.

  7. Anonymous
    April 20, 2014

    What the explitive explitive wrong with liz Xavier nah? Why cant she get her own page or article? DNO this is disgusting, disruptive and disturbing man, stupesssssssss!

    • April 22, 2014

      @Anonymous April 20, 2014 “What the explitive explitive wrong with liz Xavier nah? Why cant she get her own page or article? DNO this is disgusting, disruptive and disturbing man, stupesssssssss”

      First of all I challenge you to write your full name above that statement of yours above. You even know my name and I have nothing to hide.–but do you?

      My full name is Elizabeth Lina Xavier. I have been living in Toronto Canada for the last 40 years, since April 1974. But I am from Dominica of the beautiful village and beautiful people in Giraudel.

      Now tell me and the audience of DNO, something like that about yourself; otherwise you are am “expletive” coward–which is worthless in your existence of this world–and that goes for if you were even of my own relative..

      Now pertaining to your derogatory question about me, the apostle Paul explains that, but he starts with you yourself: And so Paul says about you: “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned”.

      That above is who you are: A natural with a carnal condition of the mind–everything about you are lost from a God of Life in Love–that is what you should be concerned about–you or anyone else on DNO cannot judge me

      But he who is Spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. That is who I am: A woman of the Spirit. By the power of Holy Spirit I have the authority to judge you–and so, in the name of Jesus Christ I command you and Satan in you “to get behind my back”.

  8. Anonymous
    April 20, 2014

    Is that Samuel Christian that used to teach at Wesley High School? Wonderful words

  9. Baygas
    April 20, 2014

    Medical facts aside, dieting can be relative and subject to one’s metabolism…one day somethings are not good for you, the next day we are told there is value in their intake…facts simply change along the way. Moderation is simply the key in all we do. For example, when I was growing up we were told that the production of the hatched Good Friday egg was a mouss….A ti-bolom was a little boy. According to the axiom, “the more things change the more they remain the same.” Happy Easter all..

  10. April 19, 2014

    Doctor Christian, you sound like a devoted Christian, and I don’t care what is the name of your Church denomination–you are telling me/us that you understand what Life in Love is all about–that is the important thing.

    I love the Title of your message, which says: “Renew or Perish” and I am glad that you also know the message of Jesus at John 3–pertaining to the “new birth” which He spoke to Nicodemus.

    Obviously, Nicodemus did not understand a thing which Jesus spoke to him; we are the same in today’s generation, we do not understand because we cannot apply faith–the Spiritual force, by which we deal with God and He with us.

    I like the part where Jesus said to Nicodemus at John 3: 6-7
    “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again”.

    That is what that “American Missionary Mike” in Laplaine means when he says : “I am the guy who’s been “born twice” and will never die” Mike is saying that he has the birth through his human parents and that of our God of Love by his faith and the power of Holy Spirit–I am a woman with that same privilege of Life, and so, I know fully what Mike is talking about–that it is the Truth.

    Further down in John’s Gospel, at chapter 6: 63: Jesus tells us again, through His disciples, “It is the Spirit who gives Life, the flesh profits nothing! The words which I speak to you are Spirit and they are Life”

    The apostle James tells us that the body (flesh and bones) without the Spirit is dead–dead meaning that our inner person better known as “self or soul” is sleeping dead within us, without the “Light” of Jesus Christ, which is the Life of Love in Him. Let us read entry # 2 below

    • April 19, 2014

      The counseling of Jesus to Nicodemus is the idea of the “new birth” –being born again of the Spirit Love, which is of God Almighty.

      Unfortunately, the majority of human beings do not understand the concept of the new birth, it is almost impossible to speak to a person, who will tell me that they are a born again person, because they really do not know, unless faith has revealed it to them—but faith is the problem in people—especially those who are conformed to the rules and laws of religion. Jesus tells us that “we cannot have two masters for we will love one and hate the other” But that is what claiming God and holding on to religion means.

      We claim Life in the physical body, but the Word of God tells us that this physical body of ours is mortal—this means dead. If we have accepted the Life of our Christ Jesus—our walk should demonstrate that “Truth” as we walk in the “Light” which of Love in Spirit and in Truth.

      Therefore, unless we are in the Life of Love before we pass away in the body or before the return of Jesus Christ–we are heading to eternal perish, which means “dust you are and to dust you shall return”. For “self”, which is our soul has gone to the grave in its state of lost through the control of a carnal condition of the mind—this mind is an enemy of God Almighty, Eternal Spirit of Love, Truth, and Righteousness. This means we are left in complete separation from the God of Love, the Life in Spirit and Truth, at our place in Eternity. That would be our choice because we have the gift of “free will” from God—He gave us that gift for His glory, because does not force His Love on us.

      Fortunately for us, who have accepted the “Blood of Jesus Christ”—not the denomination of our Church—our birth in Love guarantees that, even if we might go to our grave to become “the dust” of our physical creation, we go to our grave with the “Living Hope”—the assurance that we will be raised with a “glorious body” –Jesus having called us to Life with Him in Paradise, where “we will live like angels”–as He Himself said has said it at Matthew 22: 30 “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven”.

      One thing we know about Jesus, pertaining to His entry into the world and looking like a Man was so that His Body would represent the Passover Lamb—the Blood that save mankind from Eternal Perish—once and for all!

      When the prophet Isaiah said about Jesus: Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows. Yet we esteemed Him stricken! Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53: 4-5

      This healing of Jesus Christ is for both our Spiritual and physical body—for by faith in our God of Life, through the Son, Jesus Christ Spirit, Mind, and Body are meant to remain in harmony as “self” remains with “Joy” and “Peace” which are the spiritual energy of Life and our days of existence in this world.

      Hence the apostle Paul cautions us: “Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the “renewing” of your mind; that you may know what is the good and acceptable and perfect Will of God. Romans 12: 2

  11. Anonymous
    April 19, 2014

    Blessed Easter Dr Sam.

  12. by the school
    April 19, 2014

    Refreshing!

  13. New to the island
    April 19, 2014

    I am one who believes that god dwells within me neither vague nor genie like, he or she dwells in all people and things. When I am in a place of highest joy, you know, we smile for no reason, feel warm and fuzzy inside, see the good and know that everything is equal and equally valid, this is god in me. Always there or here! Meatless Monday, excellent idea especially after a binge on pizza, KFC, Mac D on Friday, BBQ on Saturday and the large Sunday meat dinner.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      April 20, 2014

      “I am one who believes that god dwells within me neither vague nor genie like, he or she dwells in all people and things.”

      When I read comments such as that above, I am reminded that the Bible teaches “Faith comes by hearing, and by hearing the word of God!”

      The Bible which is the true written word of God also warns that we must be careful with what we hear, it also taught us that we should not be unequally yoked. We also know that he made us us aware that there are vain Babbling’s too.

      Everything in the above is total nonsense, there is nothing said there which has anything to do with God: there is something else, God does not dwell in all people, and all things; if he dwell in thinks that would mean he dwells in animals, and even a cup which is a thing. To that conclusion would mean that God lives in wicked people, so that means when a potential murderer decides to go out and kill, wether in anger, or premeditated, that means the god you are referring to goes along with the murderer, and assists in the commission of a crime of murder.

      Wen one becomes a Christian, by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, according to the Bible becomes the temple of God, he never said he dwells in trees, animals, utensils ect. which are things.

      I note that you continuously write god in lower case letters; however, I must let you know if you have seen “god” written in lower case letters, in the Bible, you will discover is referring to a lessor god, and not the Almighty Supreme, infinite God Jehovah!

      ” he or she dwells in all people:” That quote tells me you do not even know what you are talking about because God is a Sprit, and since we read terms such as “him” when we study the Bible I feel safe to assure you that God is masculine, is not a woman, for the Bible told Christians he is our Father, I have not known any woman to be a father of any child or children. Do not take my word for it, I suggest you get a Bible and study it for yourself, and educate your mind to the word of God before you get involve into talking nonsense!

      I know you will not appreciate my comments, but I believe if you know the truth according to thus said the Lord you will be set free from the lack of the knowledge of God, and his Son Jesus Christ!

      Knowledge is power; the wisdom from God is strength!

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • Simply the Truth
        April 21, 2014

        It takes spiritual enlightenment coupled with God’s blessing and graces to comprehend this. If people are baptized, in the Name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, God is within them. The Holy Spirit indwells in them.
        God gave everyone a free will. As it is stated, He will not touch that free will. He will not force us to love him. What occurs when people sin and some more so than others, as God knows too well, they suppress the Holy Spirit who cannot work within them.
        God did not leave them and disown them. They left him. He, obviously will not (cannot) bless and grace them due to their lifestyle. His eyes are very much on them as a good and loving Father just as they are on those who do their utmost to live a godly life. He loves us all whether he is rejected or not.
        If they reject God, He will turn his back on them but this does not mean He does not love them for He is God. He cannot hate; He cannot hate those He created.
        I am not referring to an animal, a plate, fork, knife and spoon. These are things without souls which human beings made. It is foolish to think that God created them and love them. He gave men the intelligence to make them for our use just as computers, etc.
        God is patiently waiting for them to turn to him, ask his forgiveness with a humble and contrite heart and make reparation to appease him in order to be forgiven. This is the only way God will forgive them, not by merely saying, God forgive me. There is a condition for forgiveness. This goes for each and everyone whatever their sin.
        God is a God of many chances. No one on this earth is in a position to judge anyone and to condemn them. As Holy Scripture tells us, “All have fallen short of God’s glory.” If anyone says he is not a sinner, he is a liar and makes Our Lord Jesus Christ out to be a liar.”
        While life lasts, as many times as they fall, it is as many times they can pick themselves up for they have recourse to God and to ask his forgiveness.
        It is also said, “The Holy Spirit will convict us.” You know, that guilty conscience, when people have done wrong. He does that to make us turn around, try again to do better and cease from wrongdoing. Nevertheless, we must not take God for granted and be presumptuous.
        If they continue to reject God, to live an ungodly lifestyle, refuse to turn to him and worship him, woe to them. In the end they will condemn themselves. God is the judge of all.

    • Simply the Truth
      April 21, 2014

      It is a sin to overeat. It is also called overindulgence. It is the sin of gluttony.
      Without faith and practice of same, it is difficult to please God. In other words, you cannot please him. You are obligated to give him due glory, honor and praise – worship by attending at especially Sunday worship in church.
      Holy Scripture: “We must not stay away from our assembly especially as we see the day (the end) approaching.”
      Some make the mistake stating, “I can read my bible and pray at home. Big mistake. Our Lord left us a Church for a purpose that we gather together in worship and prayer.

  14. Trudy
    April 19, 2014

    Dr. Christian, you had me in stitches with your description of the ‘ti bolom’ and the ‘church events’ with your mum – recording social history, eh?. It is good to know that our bodies rejuvenate so often. This way of perceiving our body is more empowering than most people think ….

    • April 21, 2014

      Except that according to Dr. Sam’s Title “Renew or Perish”, just like Jesus often did, Dr. Sam used physical things to speak “Spiritual Truth’s–otherwise that message would have nothing to do with Jesus, the things which has to do with Life in the Spirit.

      Also Dr. Sam knows that no matter how long we do the things that will motivate physical energy–in whatever form–the body will one give up and will be forced to depart from it.

      The question is: What happens to “self” what the body has given up on us? That is where the concept of “renew or perish” comes in. For it is “self” or soul which needs to come alive and to remain so in the body–but through the control of a mind in its renewal condition and by the faith of the Spirit–otherwise self and the body will perish together.

      Unfortunately “self”-better known as soul will continue to exist in Eternity with that same state of perish and with knowledge of it–that is what hell means.

      Imagine that you are in a place, but is completely lost, not able to find your way to reality or where you want to be–the will be the situation of “self” if you continue to exist under the sole control of your human senses, which feeds to the mind in its carnal condition–the futile seeds of the flesh?

      And so, Jesus has warned us: “That which is born of flesh is flesh and that which is born of Spirit is spirit”.

      “The flesh profits nothing” means that “Life is in the Spirit”–not in flesh and bones; hence the dead soul of man must become “revived” by his faith; to know the Life of the Spirit and to experience Spiritual growth–as Life is renewed on a frequent basis.

      This renewal happens by the gradual entry of Love in all its perfection, as man believe, receive, and conceive all that is about God, for God is Love, in Spirit, Truth, and Righteousness.

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