Suicide is not painless

A CURE to suicide? FINALLY!

2011-01-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, there is a cure to suicide and depression. This is no joke, and this is not a promise that is empty. You can trust that there IS a cure to suicide and depression, but it is not easy to come by.

The cure is up to you. How bad do you want it?

They say anything worth having in life is worth struggling for. This, I found out to be true, but you don't have to struggle alone.

What do you have to loose by helping yourself to a CURE to suicide, that would enable you to live the life YOU'VE wanted? What if you could live the life by your choice, and finally shed the voice of suicide and depression, would you take the offer?

FRIEND, I'M OFFERING!

See the reason why I haven't written on this site for a long while is because I've been investing my time and efforts into trying to find the answers to your questions about suicide in a way that makes sense!

I've devoted three years to study and research into what makes suicide so powerful and why it is gripping you in such a way that causes you to doubt your worthiness because...

YOU MATTER!!!!!!!!!! I can't stress this enough. God loves you, and friend, I'd like to present to you the opportunity of a lifetime that WILL change your life.

I'd like you to scoot over to this introductory offer, and see for yourself that I am not full of bullshit.
(Did I say that outloud?)

You don't have to believe me, but do you know that you have it within you RIGHT NOW to grab hold of your healthy living lifestyle?

Do you know that you, who believes in God already, have the hope within you to make the change to be the change?

Do you know that everything good that is credited to you is yours for the taking because God is THAT good?

But friend, you are never alone, if you choose to enlist my help, you will recieve it for a lifetime!

Please, allow me to help you? I know we can do this together if we try, are you willing? I am...

You have nothing to loose and everything to gain when you choose to live in freedom in a way that allows you to be the person you want to be.

I know you can do this! I believe you can do this...

Your trying will not be in vain this time...

(this is a link) Let's talk

The Deception of Suicide:

2009-10-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Deception of Suicide

Email me at srnityblu@yahoo.com

• For every person suicide directly effects, up to 100 persons or more are affected.
• As of 2007, more than an estimated 5000 people a year die due to suicide. It is also estimated that 50,000 people a year have at least attempted.
• For every suicide that has a follow through, 8-10 people kept their lives at a price. Most become permanently debilitated in some way such as brain damage, paralysis not to mention excrutiating physical pain.( As well as the mental torment suicide bombards the person with)
• Everyone has the right to die, and to choose when and how, but it is legally, morally and ethically wrong for someone who is contemplating suicide to ask for assistance.
• The motivating factors to suicide is a deep and complexed issue and some factors are linked to depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and even some types of medication have adverse effects.
• Dealing with life’s challenges can be overwhelming and finding and discovering coping skills and goal setting can be very beneficial to the healing process.
• Everyone deals with life issues differently, and everyone has the right to be believed and heard and no one is beyond help.
• Talking is often theraputic and if one cannot find a person of trust, writing feelings on paper helps to release internalized emotions.

The subject of suicide is a very controversial issue and we are still no closer to the reasons behind suicide than when it first became an issue. All through out history, people have tried to discover the allowances of suicide within the bible, and it is only through perceptions and opinions that society has discovered an inkling as to why this occurrs because the actual term is not used within scripture.

Biblical accounts of suicide are detailed and give the reasons behind such an act which are similar to the suicides that take place today.
The commonality between all suicides is a loss of hope.

It is this loss of hope that breeds negative feelings and when the individual begins to empower these emotions, it is these negative feelings that begin to take root deep within the human heart. This in turn alters the human heart and causes it to rule over the spirit and allows it to become broken.

The heart contains deceptive ways and can easily steer even the most faithful away. Suicide has made its way into the hearts of both believers and non-believers alike, and wreaks havoc in the lives of those who are effected.

The statistics are alarming and yet statistics are not a way to eradicate this tragedy all together. It is an essential tool to bring attention to this dibilitating tragedy, but even doctors are constantly on the scramble of trying to come up with sure fire methods to help deal with the thoughts of suicide, and as effective as thier coping methods once were, it seems like it is now an up hill battle.

The methods once used are now like placing a band aid on a broken arm, and we are at this dibilitating tragedy's mercy. No one can keep up and it seems that no one can cope.
The truth of the matter is, suicide will never become treatable or even eradicated if we continue to neglect our first love.

Every forty seconds someone dies at their own hand and every moment this statistic is worsening. The enemy has decided to cull God's creation and has figured out away to leave his hands unbloodied. This sickening diablolic plan cannot continue but sadly the voice of reasoning cannot be heard.

Society's lies have all but tried to beat down our doors with rights and attitudes and tried to call the Christian lifestyle defunct because it is believed to have little substance in a place where people demand all sorts of freedoms. With these newly discovered freedoms comes a responsibility that most often people are not prepared for. And because of the responsiblity that has been arbitrarily placed on ourselves, we in turn have forgotten our place as God's creation.

People want to go it their own way, and through the anxieties of this world, such as depression, and suicide, we have been shown a worsening and depening trend. Our way does not work, nor will it ever!

Turning back to the Cross of Jesus Christ is the only way to appease the wounds so deeply implanted within the heart. It is the only way to help cure the broken down spirit of its internal suffering. When the focus is placed back onto the cross, there is no need to seek acceptance in one's own ego, or that of the world.

Remembering that the world and its deceptions is the enemy's playground, reminds us of the source of all conflict. This reminds the dear believer that the only place of true healing and comfort comes from Jesus and the cross and His grace He freely gave.

The world is focused on works, and does not accept the love of the Father, but Jesus loved us because our God in Heaven loved us first! This is where true acceptance lays and this strips the enemy of all power over our minds, hearts and our spirit.

Suicide is not something out of our own making. It is a deliberate deception to call us away from God and away from our salvation. The common thinking among suicidal people is that God has turned his back on the individual and they are not worthy of part of what this life has to offer. Scripture states that not one of us are worthy. No one, Not one. We all fall short of the glory of God, and that is why it is important to SHIFT our focus back on Christ because in Christ alone God's work is made complete! The deceptions of the enemy are strong, and although regaining focus back onto the Cross takes great strength and work the healing won't come over night, but the process to healing will.

Suicide is not a concept or creation of God and the very act alone causes a shift off of God that is placed onto self. The act of suicide is a deliberate contrast to God's word and what He intended for every believer. It does not glorify Christ and in fact devoids the Cross and it's meaning and POWER altogether.

God ultimately has the final say, and the final say against Satan and his lies was completed as FINISHED works of Christ. Our lives were never intended to become martyrs and because suicide is not of God, the martyrdom offered has no effect. It is contradictory in action and cannot be honored by the Cross. Death by suicide only causes the "blind to lead the blind" as it holds no good will, and does not bring about peace. It causes those who are left behind to blindly follow the whims of suicide.

Jesus always brings peace to the believer, and was always calling His disciples to " Take great courage". In doing this, and focusing our eyes and attentions on Jesus and Him crucified, suicide has no fury, it is weakend and dismantled and ultimately destroyed. Suicide is the voice of the enemy that the Cross silenced.

Suicide and the bible: A believer's freedom: Part four

2009-10-21T21:51:00.000-07:00

This truly explains the relationship between husband and wife is not just purely “Physical” it is called “knowing” because a woman knows her husband like Christ knows his church, and the church knows Christ.

Most women can say they know their husbands and it is more than just anticipating their thought or every move. I myself finish my husband’s sentences, and have shocked him to actually say what he was thinking before he even spoke!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV.

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV

The above scripture speaks towards Jesus knowing us on a very intimate level, he knows our thoughts, our intents, and as a bride of Christ, believers become more ‘suited’ to him by yielding and submitting to His ways.

“And if anyone does not have the spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But as Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, you your spirit is alive because of righteousness.” Romans 8:9-10 NIV

When by nature we become suited to him as a marriage partner, we in fact have His soul, we become like Him because it is his character that completes us and makes us new. (Character comes from nephesh- according to Hebrew understanding)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2Cor5:17) NIV

Currently believers are living in only part of the promises given, we will not receive the other portions until Jesus returns.

“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humility so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death,” Hebrews 2: 14 NIV

What awesome wonder! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

Life (nephesh) is in the blood and if we believe in Jesus Christ, we have ever lasting life which speaks that in our future glory we will be like Him! Jesus sits at the right hand of God and is both body and spirit- a mystery to some, but we are shown that his body was not done away after his resurrection, he came back and revealed himself to his disciples and asked them to touch him to prove that he was not a ghost. He was and is still FLESH AND BLOOD in Heaven and yet with all the qualities of the Deity of God. Of course we will not be God, and never should we expect to be, absolutely not! But we will be changed like Him- without spot or blemish.

"Handle Me and see, for a spirit [ghost] does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." Luke 24:39 NIV
“In a flash in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumped will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’” 1 Corinthians 15:52-54

Some things remain a mystery, but in this commentary, some mysteries have been revealed. If anything, this hopefully has built a deeper strength of faith so that you can stand the trials yet to come. This is our hope. Jesus Christ and every sin was destroyed on the Cross. Even though we do still see the effects of sin today, through Christ sin is not meant to affect us any longer! Hang on to the hope that IS JESUS!

Again, there are many scriptures that can be mentioned and in study should not be overlooked. I encourage you to make your own study, pray and let the Holy Spirit guide you into the truth.

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
“The spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” John 6:63 NIV

To view the original commentary please go to the following link:
http://www.a-voice.org/main/voice082.htm

Further study on NEPHESH See the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephesh

Suicide and the bible: A believer's freedom: Part three

2009-10-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

“For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” John 6:55-58 NIV

The light bulb just went on for me… the desert wanderers did not believe and literally died. They died physically and spiritually for their unbelief. They were not satisfied with manna, and were given quail because of their grumbling and unbelief. They gave into their hunger and ate and scripture says that while the meat was still between their teeth, the Lord’s anger burned against the people. They were struck down with plagues and died. See Numbers chapter 11.

Manna typified Christ and Christ refers to it for a reason. To allow sin to separate us from God is to condemn ourselves to death! The only way is through Jesus truthfully- even if it is Jesus through other means, He himself says it is “another Jesus.”

There is a mystery to life- and many people have asked what the meaning of life really is all about. Believers have the answers to the mystery but as Paul suggests that it is a mystery that only comes from God and can only be for believers. Anyone else will not understand it, nor accept it.

“ …of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 NIV

“For this reason a man will leave his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery- but I am talking about Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:32 NIV

This seems to be no mystery here- but there is a mystery and it deals with Nephesh. How can two become one flesh? Going back up towards the beginning of the commentary, we know that blood is a carrier for disease, and we know that scientifically speaking disease can be carried from body to body via the blood by means of sexual intercourse.

When two become one flesh, concerning the marriage bed, the man’s seed is deposited to the woman. In his “seed” contains blood plasma, and therefore he gives some of his nephesh to her.

The more a couple becomes one, the more they share their souls with one another. (There is more to this story and the woman is not left out as she does pass her nephesh to him under one importance circumstance, but for this commentary, I’ll leave it with this understanding.)

There is a ‘one-way’ reaction between the interaction where the man’s essence goes to the woman. His nephesh is deposited into her and it remains this way because Adam was created first and Eve was created from him as a suitable helper.
See Genesis chapter 2: 20-25 NIV

Women are to submit to their husbands, but in the same manner, men are to respect and treat their wives in a loving manner- as Christ loves. The passages in scripture of submission are never in a subordinate role, but it is the order of things, and in order, there is perfect unity.

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” Colossians 3:18-19 NIV

“The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” 1 Corinthians 11:3 NIV

“Wives submit to our husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish but holy and blameless, in the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church, for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave…” Ephesians 5:22-31 NIV

A wife comes under the submission of a man, just like the church comes under submission of Christ. How we can submit under the authority of Christ? By growing in spiritual maturity to become “suited to Him”.

“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 1: 22-23 NIV

“For he chose us IN HIM before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. in love he predestined us to be adopted as HIS sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will- to the praise of his glorious grace which he has freely given us in the ONE HE LOVES. IN HIM we have redemption through HIS BLOOD, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace… And he made known to us the MYSTERY of his will according to his good pleasure which he purposed in CHIRST…” Ephesians 1:4-9 NIV (capitals added)

So we are shown that we are not to be striving for better in the form of what we want or desire. Our desires should line up with God’s desires because we are striving to be united in faith and knowledge with the Son of God and become “mature attainting to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 NIV

Suicide and the bible: A believer's freedom: part two

2009-10-21T21:22:00.001-07:00

So now, we have a bit of understanding that there is a supernatural occurrence in the blood. Blood is our life, without our blood that is NEPHESH; we would just be an inert mass.

The blood cannot exist without all of its qualities and some of these qualities cannot be seen with the human eye. We can only view some of the important qualities of blood through microscopic means. However, the most important quality of blood is not seen, but through faith we know it is there- because it is given to us by God Himself.

“This is the one who came by water and blood- Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.” 1 John 5:6-8 NIV

“ … Unless he is born of water and the spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to spirit.” John 3:5-6 NIV

This speaks about natural birth and of a spiritual birth that can be brought about by God and him alone (Genesis 2:7) and this does not speak about water baptism.

In natural childbirth, there is water that surrounds the baby, and during labor, the water flows out of the body by way of the birthing canal, the baby is born sometime later.

The birthing process was the same for Jesus, however he had no earthly father- His blood ( Nephesh) came from some other means and differs in characteristics than our own Nephesh (Given by God) because his actually is the deity- God. Adam was created in God’s own image- while we think “image” to be physicality, it cannot because again, God is spirit. We were created in His own likeness and that likeness is our blood- Nephesh.

Given this understanding, we can now know that Jesus Is God! He is Lord of all, we knew that already, but His blood confirms it!

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own, Rather it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me what I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me…”
John 14:10-11 NIV

Wow, what a powerful message! This concept is very new to me, and I am understanding it even deeper as I research and write out this commentary! I pray that you are coming to a deeper meaning of Jesus as well!

“I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 NIV

Hanging on the cross waiting for the prolonged torment to end, Jesus hung on the cross bearing the sin of the world as an open declaration for God’s love. When God turned his back on his own son, Jesus could feel it deep within in him.

Some people on their death bed, know when they are dying. I have had experience of it, when I gave birth to my fourth child. It is something that you know and can feel. It's deep with in you and you some how feel yourself succumbing to the grip of death. Through force or acceptance.

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 NIV

This is a pivotal point to understanding that Jesus did not die by any other means than through separation. Sin separates man from God, and Jesus stood in as our replacement, which we all know, but at the time of God’s separation from His Son, the blood or Nephesh began to separate –into blood and water. The deity of God and humanity were no longer united and were literally separated by sin! Jesus was speared in his side, and the evidence of that separation spewed onto the ground as foretold; blood and water.

Science has revealed that when a body is dead, the blood separates into blood and water.

Jesus did not give up his life, if he did, he would have been dead. For “the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23 NIV

Instead Jesus did something for us more remarkable than we can imagine, he gave us LIFE!
When we think of the cross, we think of death, but in actuality what Jesus did was for us, the opposite. His death gave us life!

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 NIV

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, for we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way count your selves dead do sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:8-11 NIV

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood” 1 Corinthians 11:25 NIV

“Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom” Matthew 26:27-29 NIV ( See Fruit of the Spirit study also)

“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood; you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up in the last day.” John 6:53-54 NIV

We can never be just a little bit into Christ. With God, it is all or nothing and without Him exclusively we have no life! (His nephesh)

“I am the bread of life. Your fore fathers ate the manna in the desert yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:48-51 NIV

Suicide and the bible: A believer's freedom:part one

2009-10-21T21:14:00.001-07:00

The blood of life

“The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 NIV

“But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting.” Genesis 9:4 NIV

The Lord created us as both physical and spiritual. While the physical is quite obvious, we know we are spiritual because the breath of life that came from God has to be spiritual – an unseen force because God is spiritual.

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 NIV

This commentary is to help elucidate God’s mystery to the importance of blood that science itself has yet to discover. I stumbled on this information quite by accident, but I do believe it was at the leading of the Holy Spirit because once a believer understands the importance of blood; faith is strengthened to a higher degree!

“Any Israelite or any alien living among them who eats any blood-I will set my face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from his people. For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” Leviticus 17:10-11 NIV

What made this rule so important? We know that the sacrifices were also a type- representing Christ and the cross- the realization of the “Life is in the blood” is very important at understanding Jesus on a deeper level. Please keep this in mind- it all goes back to Jesus.

I want to mention this commentary was not born out of my own thought, as I had read this the other day on the internet, but I have rewritten the concept or idea if you will, and added my own thoughts and deeper concepts, to help make this better understood. So let’s continue…

Science has revealed a great deal about blood and what it can do, in fact at the time of writing this commentary, I am home schooling my daughter on the circulatory system. Blood is quite fascinating, and yet, we do not know all there is to know about this life giving force that is completely circulated through out our bodies at a rate of about one to three minutes!

The heart pumps 100,000 times a day!

The properties of blood are astounding! It is made up of plasma- that is an amber colored liquid, which is more than 90% water! (Keep this in mind when we go into detail about Jesus death!) Plasma also contains protein that helps the blood to clot, hormones, nutrients, enzymes, antibodies as well as the body’s waste products.

The blood is also a way for disease and bacteria to harm and kill the body. As much as science has taught us, there is no way to understand blood and its life giving properties on a spiritual level.

The brain cannot live without oxygen and in fact, no part of our body can. Blood carries oxygen to the body- all of it. The brain just happens to be the “computer” of our bodies, and so when there is a lack of oxygen, while other body parts suffer, the brain suffers the most and shuts down. However, a person can be revived after a time of ‘death’ when the supply of oxygen is cut off to the brain, when the body is drained of what is called the “elixir of life” or blood, it is dead, and no amount of reviving will help.

The methods of suicide come to mind at this point, and why some people choose shedding blood over other methods, to me it speaks of Satan making sure that the person cannot be revived after his mental assault. I have to say this is tragic, to say the least.

Our bibles cannot define to us the perfect meaning of certain words or contexts and to figure out the LIFE that is in the blood we have to turn to Hebrew understanding.

HEBREW DEFINITION OF BLOOD/ SOUL

Hebrew word nephesh (נפש), which literally means the "complete life of a being" though it is usually used in the sense of "living being" (breathing creature).

Genesis 2:7
• The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being [nephesh]. NIV
• And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul [nephesh].[6] KJV
Nephesh recipe:
1. Take one physical body
2. Insert the breath of life into the body
3. Results: A living, breathing, nephesh

Death of nephesh
• By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.[51]
• When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.[52]
• And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit [breath] returns to God who gave it.[53]

Death of a nephesh is the reverse of the creation of a nephesh.
1. Start with a living physical being (nephesh).
2. Remove the breath of life.
3. Result: The dead physical body turns to dust.
A nephesh is a living physical body with the breath of life. A dead physical body without breath is not nephesh. Nephesh is no more. The breath of life returns to God who gave it

Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephesh

I would like to encourage you to further read the in depth study of NEPHESH at the link provided above.

Does the Hebrew definition give us a proper understanding? I think so. Let’s continue.

“The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood (NEPHESH) cries out to me from the ground. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood (NEPHESH) from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” Genesis 4:10-12 NIV

“O earth, do not cover my blood (NEPHESH); may my cry never be laid to rest!”
Job 16:18 NIV

* Bible commentary for Job states, “Job felt that his blood, like Abel’s was innocent and would therefore cry out from the ground AFTER his death.”

“The groans of the dying rise from the city, and the souls (NEPHESH) of the wounded cry out for help.” Job 24:12 NIV

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls (NEPHESH) of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, sovereign Lord, Holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood!” Revelation 6:9-10 NIV

Scripture directs us away from the physical properties of the blood that science has discovered down to a microscopic level. But in actuality they cannot go any further because both scientists and technology lack spiritual eyesight.

Continued ... see a believer's freedom part two

Suicide and the Bible: A believer's lifestyle

2009-10-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

(continued from spiritual fruit defined)

The goodness that comes out of our hearts is the fruit of the spirit and one characteristic of God’s love is that it covers all wrongs. It literally has a healing quality that when applied to one’s life, as matters of the heart are concerned, conflicts can be dealt with, handled, and defeated. Scripture tells us in both Testaments that we are to circumcise our hearts. This is setting aside, laying down the deceitful nature and characteristics, and allowing the fruit of God’s spirit, His love to enter in so that we may be more Christ like and walk in His ways. This…, has beneficial qualities to our lives personally, as it actually heals the wounds that the sinful nature has created.
(Excerpt from “A Whiter Shade of Love” author- Shannon Gilmour)

Scripture proves that there is a cure to suicide, but it is not easy to come by. The sinful nature and spiritual nature are in conflict with each other and I am convinced that the sinful nature is always dominant as it actually can sap the life from the spirit causing a withdrawal from Christ and the Cross altogether.

“The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:8 NIV

The heart and tongue are the tools used by the sinful nature to deceive believers who are trying to walk in the spirit. It these very places that believers are admonished in scripture to have dominion over such as in the way of circumcising the heart and taming the tongue. If these body parts are given over to the sinful nature, the entire body suffers as well as the spirit.

“What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean’” Mark 7:20-23 NIV

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6 NIV

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the spirit, and the sprit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:16-18 NIV

One way to resist the sinful nature is by listening to the word of God, and to be not so readily to speak out against it, or against teaching from sound teachers, slow to become angered or embittered by any conflict that arises from hearing and learning of the word.

When one disciplines oneself towards following after God and his nature, one discovers conflict with the world- albeit on a different capacity, but when Christ is the center and focal point, there is always a way out of the conflict and one much better than what the sinful nature could ever provide! It is a responsible, proactive response instead of a reactive one.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:19-22 NIV

So far scripture has proven that the deceptions of suicide are not created from our God in heaven. Suicide is contrary to God's character and the act of love freely given on the cross. Suicide is arbitrary, destructive and demeaning in every sort of way. I would like to encourage you that there is further study within the pages of your bible.

Again, I would like to reassure you that the thoughts of suicide, depression and all the other mental and physical strife and illness WILL pass in time. These things do take time to work out and we are called to work out our own salvation, this no one can do for us. You have to be willing to work towards your own healing daily, and a healing will come! How does one do that? These messages have shown that scripture and Jesus Christ is all you need!

God's promises are for you, and they are yes and amen!

But what about medicine and therapy? That will be disgussed in more commenaries to come.

Concordance study: Sin, fruit, spirit, heart, tongue, love, forgiveness, patience, peace.
For further study, read: The New Testament.

“Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5: 3-5 NIV

Suicide and the bible: Spiritual Fruit Defnined

2009-10-19T00:36:00.000-07:00

“This is my command: LOVE each other.” John 15:17 NIV (capitals added)

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, which he lay down his life for his friends.” You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business.” John 15:10-15 NIV

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6 NIV

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV

To understand the fruit of the spirit, we must first understand love- God’s love, not our definition of it. Let me allow scripture to explain.

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete …” 1 John 4:6 NIV

How do we know God is love? His word defines love for us, and this proves that love is spiritual (spiritual fruit) because God is Spirit as well. Love is God’s spiritual character.
If we are to become apart of Christ, then we must take on this character as well, and it comes only with dedication and discipline.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1John 4:18 NIV

Looking into the pages of God’s word, we can find what not only is defined by God’s character but who He is. Most of us know that the actions of Jesus came from a place of loving kindness. But the realm in which He worked was Love. Repeatedly Jesus stated that He did not do anything on His own accord, it was done at the will of our Father and our Father who art in Heaven is love. Everything He does is from a place of love because He is the very definition! When we apply the definition to who God is, and what He has shown us in His character we can know that love has come full circle. It has changed not, it is reliable, and it is something that we can embody as believers today.
(Taken from “A whiter shade of love” Author Shannon Gilmour)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Spiritual fruit has a purpose, it forces our sin nature into dormancy and produces in us a godly character that reflects Jesus. This does not mean that we are to be like God in anyway, or infact are some sort of godly "enlightened" being, it simply means that bearing fruit is the evidence of our sanctification that brings us up to our title as heirs to God's kingdom.

( To continue with this study, please see A BELIEVER's LIFESTYLE)

Suicide and the Bible: Who are we? prt two

2009-10-19T00:25:00.000-07:00

SPIRIT NATURE: AKA Spirit man

Along with a sinful nature, we are also spirit in nature. We are created in God’s image, and God is spirit. It is His spirit he breathed in Adam to give him life, and we too, have this same spirit.

“The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 NIV

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 NIV

Scripture concludes that when the sinful nature is allowed to continue, it remains dominant in a believer’s life, the spirit nature is then recessive and in fact complies with the will of sin. The way to conquer the sinful nature is what scripture calls dying to self.

This does NOT mean self-dying, rather self-denying, or to further illustrate the concept we are to do away with dependence on self. The only way that one can literally die to self is through water baptism and through Jesus and the Cross.

“And He said, Verily I say unto you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:2-4 NIV

The above passage speaks toward our conversion by water baptism allowing us to be born-again, and becoming like a child who is totally, and utterly- completely dependant on its parents, the same is required of believers, to become dependent exclusively unto Jesus Christ and the cross. Failure to comply causes unbelief and allows one to remain in constant bondage and struggle.

The things that we think are good for us, are in fact enticements, and are ways of this world; they cause us to forsake our first love when in truth we need to forsake our old ways allowing the sin nature to become dormant.

This is easier said than done! I have to admit, the ways of the world, are very alluring and most of us want to be apart of it in some way or another. It is a seemingly impossible task to lay ourselves down and place our faith in Jesus and the cross, but it is something we must do and it is the only way to win the battle against sin, there is no other way.

“Because this nation has violated the covenant that I laid down for their forefathers and has not listened to me, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. I will use them to test Israel and se whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their forefathers did.” Judges 2:21-22

Although this is Old Testament teaching, the example speaks truth to this very day. If we place our faith in Jesus, God will enable us to live in victory from sin, but if we do not do so and allow our faith to be led elsewhere, even in partiality God will allow sin to come into our lives and use it as a test, or obstacle to see how faithful we really are. It is never meant to harm us, but it is allowed so that we can see the error of our ways and turn back all our attention and faith back onto Him!

Most often times God gets the blame for things going wrong in our lives and many will place judgment on God in prayer, “Why have you done this to me! I have not done anything to deserve this! I haven’t done anything wrong!” when in fact it is not he that is imperfect, it is we, who are in every sort of way. Unless we shift our faith onto Jesus, there will be no way to lay down the sinful nature, which breeds sinful desires within us.

Believers have to be brought to the place of complete dependence on Christ for everything because this allows the sinful nature within us to become dormant, and that is the only way we can achieve victory.

“I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing” John 15:3-5 NIV

This above scripture speaks about how believers are like the branches and Jesus is the vine, the life-giving source that enables fruit to grow from the branches. The branches have to be completely and totally dependant on the vine in order to bear fruit. If the vine is corrupt, the branches are corrupt, but we have an incorruptible vine, so the fault lies within the branches, trying to take nutrients from somewhere else, by some other means, some branches even sap the energy from other branches but in the end, all that is corrupt has to be cut off.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit” John 15:1-2 NIV

Sometimes when we begin to bear fruit, it is purged, just like a gardener tending to the little bit of developing fruit and clips it off to allow the bigger fruit a better chance to develop, but as God is our gardener, He clips off all fruit in order to strengthen the branch. This process is absolutely difficult to bear. However, endure we must.

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.” Hebrews 12:7 NIV

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on however it PRODUCES a HARVEST of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12:11 NIV (Capitalizations added)

“after you have suffered a little while, he will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 NIV

The fruit that believers bear most often is grown with self in mind and this may have an outward appearance of glorious ripening, but on the inside, the nutritional value it bears is everything from the natural, or sinful- selfish gains. It is through judgment that purging takes place and we should always be thankful that the branch is not tossed into the fire along with the fruit!

Sometimes the discipline is so great and some if not most Christians cannot withstand the strength and duration of the suffering, they give into the desires of their “fleshly man” and in doing so turn away from the cross- (hopefully not for long) but sometimes for good. This action is what cuts one off from the redeeming quality of Jesus Christ altogether!

“If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned.” John 15:6 NIV

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:7-8 NIV

The above scripture is INTEGRAL to one’s belief- and the way one prays. The order of what Jesus says is ever most important. Jesus says that IF we ask in His name AFTER we have undergone purging and testing and have come to a complete dependence on Him it is THEN we will receive what we ask for- NEVER before! This is why so many prayers are answered in emptiness! And this is why some people enter into their prayers with doubt and subtle unreliance on God!

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 15:16 NIV

what exactly is this fruit?

LOVE

( Please see SPIRITUAL FRUIT DEFINED to continue with this study.)

Suicide and the Bible: Who are we? prt one

2009-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Knowing who and what we are in Christ are integral parts of remaining steadfast in the reassurance and promises that the Cross of Christ freely gives every believer.

SIN NATURE: AKA fleshly man

We are born into sin. As hard as that is to believe, the proof exists for when we are young and infantile, we all have to be taught how to behave and tell the truth, etc. This shows us that sin is who we are. Sin has been passed down to each person because of the fall of Adam. Had they not sinned themselves, we would not have taken on such corruption. Moreover, it is this sin nature within that causes God’s creation to be separate from him.

Sin dominates any unbeliever, and sadly, most believers. Many have been falsely led into believing that if they claim victory they can win the battle of dominion of sin over their lives. Such is not the case; this is the reason why so many have stated in their conflicted minds of suicide, depression, lack of self-esteem etc, they often say “God has turned his back on me.” “I tried God, it doesn’t work, and he doesn’t love me.” The list of excuses is quite long, and we have all been there, tried, and failed because there is no way at defeating sin and its destructive ways other than through Jesus.

Sin destroys a person, and it can be defined many ways. One can say, “I’m struggling with suicide, not sin!” However, the fact of the matter is, it is the same. There is no difference.

If we break it down suicide is a negative, its effects literally lead to death, but that is not just what makes it sinful, the very nature of suicide is negative. It debilitates the person with negative thoughts of themselves, and others around them.

“The wages of sin is death” Romans 7:24 NIV

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry (there are many forms) and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions, and envy; drunkenness (and we know that alcohol is a depressant linked to suicide), orgies, and the like. I warn you… those that live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 NIV (Parenthesis added)

Some may further argue that they are suicidal because of what others think of them, or have done to them. I will argue back that Jesus himself was beaten to a bloody pulp, spat on, punched and verbally ridiculed and demeaned, and yet he chose to bear it in silence.

Suicide is sin in many forms, even though it may not be apparent, it is a means for revenge. It openly speaks of the torment of the person, and while they may have been unable to fight back in the form of standing up to bullies, co-workers, friends and family, suicide recognizes the defeat to sin we all have when we are not focusing on the cross and forms its own method of retribution.

“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:” It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:19-20

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. “ Romans 12:21

The only way that suicide, depression and everything else that is defined as sin, can be dealt with is through the Cross of Christ. There is no other means! And again, I do not mean the cross itself, I mean the act of what Jesus did on the cross. He shed his blood to atone for all our sins!

“and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22 NIV

"But this man after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Hebrews10:12

It is absolutely impossible for a believer to overcome suicide or any other form of sin for that matter, without faith being fully and completely in Christ and the cross.

Without the power and workings of the Holy Spirit, no one can ever live for God. While a believer is saved while struggling with suicide, as discussed before, one can stifle the Holy Spirit and this is what sin sets out to do! This is the reason why most believers live their lives in constant struggle, failure, and defeat! Our very nature of sin does not have to have dominance over us if we focus our faith exclusively on the cross!

For a further study on the nature of sin, please refer to ROMANS chapter 6.

Suicide and the Bible: Justification and Sanctification

2009-10-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

JUSTIFICATION - It's definition is simple, but to those that believe it is often confused by works. Many think that they will attain salvation by doing good or being equally as good. The reality of it is again the scripture " No one is worthy, not one." Romans 3:10 NIV

Once a person confesses with their mouth what they genuinely sincerely feel in their hearts- That Jesus is their Lord and savior, it is through this faith that justification becomes immediate.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is a gift from God-not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8 NIV

To be Justified by God means to be rendered or declared innocent. It is a decision, and judgment by him exclusively.

Justification is given not based on the character of a person, but on the character of Jeus Christ. Jesus was born of man, and did so to satisfy the Law of God in order that man would be restored to him.

SANCTIFICATION- in simple terms means to be set apart. In the case of Christianity, to be set apart unto the Lord. In this process of sanctification, it in example is a way a believer lives for God.

"What shall we say,then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?We were therfore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raise from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 2:1-4 NIV

"God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to bejust and the one who justified those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:25-26 NIV

Justification and sanctification go hand in hand because once we believe we become justified and then immediately are called into living a new life. Sadly many Christians still try to get by on their confession of their belief in Jesus Christ alone, and have nothing else to fall back on in real times of great struggle and heartache. This causes the ever present suicidal tendencies to be subdued with medication and quick fixes and buring the problem all together which is always sin.

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." Romans 6:2 NIV

I understand and quite painfully, that all though this seems very simple in terms, putting this thought and belief into action is a whole 'nother matter altogether. In fact, the act of sanctification is at times what may seem unbearable -some may endure their desert experience, undergo refining, falter through hardships and persecution-These all call us to stand in our faith, and it is our faith which is strengthened that sets us apart and draws us ever closer to our title as heirs to the throne or sons and daughters of God!

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jeus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know the suffering produces perseverance, persevearnce, character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us. " Romans 5:1-5 NIV

We have a freedom in Christ that sets us free. It allows us to be free from sin of all forms, but sadly those who still struggle with the ways of this world do not understand that sanctification calls us to come out of this world, for we may live in it, we are to take no part of it- through it's fantastic rituals and festivals- (holidays- Christmas,mardi gras, day of the dead, halloween, yes even Easter) even befriending those who deny Christ through action as well as confession, these things are what keep us with one foot pointed towards Christ and the other along with both eyes focused on the world.

Jesus tells us a house divided cannot stand and that is so very true. If it it wasn't, you would not be reading these messages and seeking out solice from the pain and torment that afflicts one struggling with suicide, or anyone struggling with sin for that matter.

"You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision ( living by the Mosaic Law) has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:4-5 NIV

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you." Galatians 5:7-8 NIV

One cannot live a successful life away from suicide away from Christ. Without Him, we have no victory and are slaves to this world and to Satan himself. Our lives will be like we have been handed over to him, and I am sure in times of suicide it must feel that way, but such is not the case. It is a powerful lie, but God has not given up on you and these are promises that any one can lean on in times of great sorrow and distress.

"Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 NIV

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12 NIV

"...God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, STAND FIRM and hold to the teachings we passed on to you." 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 NIV

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to recieve salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV

" For I am convinced that neither life...neither height nore depth,nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38 NIV

Further reading: Romans, Galations, Hebrews

Suicide and the bible: The Cross: Part Two

2009-10-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

The cross in a believer's life is detrimental to the foundation it rests upon, but it is, was and forever will be the means that God used to reconcile the world to Him, it was never intended to be anything but.

Many have been told to leave their troubles at the foot of the cross and through misunderstandings try very diligently to do so. Again, I can say I am guilty.

I took my place in prayer and envisioned the cross-empty- as Jesus is no longer there, and placed my burdens at the base of it and when my prayer was over, I envisioned myself walking away empty handed... How many of us do this, and some go further to envision Jesus still at the cross and lay their burdens at His feet!

This reminds me of a grave-site visit. One approaches the headstone of their loved one to place some remnant of themselves behind as if to say "I was here." thinking that this may appease the one in the ground. Sometimes one may engage in a one-sided conversation oblivious to the understanding that their loved one isn't there. At least not in spirit.

Jesus is no where near the cross. He isn't lingering and if one approaches their prayers in this way guaranteed there is a reason why God is not answering- He's not there!

Jesus Christ is alive and is in heaven sitting at the right hand of God. He is not at the cross, and he does not return to it pick up our woes. He can't!

The cross if the finished works of Christ. There is nothing more that can be done. It is our teachers who try to simplify God's word without explaining in explicit detail of their intended meaning that causes us to slip ever so gently further and further from God's truth.

The Cross is empty!

Everything was made complete at his death and ressurection. And when we speak of the cross we are speaking of what Jesus Christ did there. It is the act that Jesus did on the cross that speak volumes to a believer and never should we place our faith in anything other than this. And Jesus should never be seperated from the cross in the sense that He could not have died in any other way. The cross was the perfect chosen means.

"By calling this covenant "new" he has made the first one obsolete, and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear." Hebrews 8:13 NIV

The cross was a tool for persecution and it was the only way that God could have Jesus become the perfect sacrifice to have the final say against sin and victory over it all together.

"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14 NIV

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Colossians 2:15 NIV

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfector of our fatih, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right had of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 NIV

The blood shed of Christ was a replacement of the sacrifice and bloodshed of the animals as needed to fufill the old law. This law was under a curse, and that curse was sin. Sin is what seperates man from God. Always.

"Unlike the other high preists, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the son, who has been made perfect forever."
Hebrews 7:27-28 NIV

The cross of Christ causes offence, because some Christians say(and rightly so) "Jesus died for me." This is a statement of truth, but many neglect to find out why, and exactly what the cross means and this is where we can easily fail in our faith. It becomes a stumbling block because of our ineptitudes.

Suicide prevents one from focusing and believing in the cross and decieves the believer into thinking that the promise is futile because the belief that "Jesus died for me" no longer works!

Suicide is banking on a believer not knowing and the depths of despair convince one to believe a falsehood that the cross is not as effective today as it was originally. That is because the cross and its teaching has been watered down and cannot stand up against the veracity of God's word!

The word of God has changed not, and Jesus is the same as he was yesterday, today and forever more! The cross eventhough it stands empty, it has not and never will loose its power.

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will peirce your own soul too." Luke 2:34-35

When she heard Jesus cry out in fear and rejection, " Father , why have you forsaken me?" Mary knew with certainty that God had mmentarily turned His back on His own son. Everythign she was told up until now was hard for her. She knew that this was the will of God, and that Jesus wasn't her own, but the instince was so very strong and deeply rooted in her. She loved Jesus just as her other children. He came from her womb, and she was careful of what she ate and did for nine months as He grew inside her. She sang songs to Him, she rubbed her belly and soothed Him to sleep and rocked herself knowing that it would bring comfort inside her. A mother's bond to their child is strong, and hers was no different.

"It is finished" He met her gae and something unspoken exhchanged between them. The rushing flow of the river of love swept between them. She looked deeper into His eyes, and she could see and pinpoint the area of His heart that held love, peace and forgiveness for everyone who had done this to Him. It took her back a moment. She stepped back a moment, and when she regained her footing to look back up at him, He was gone.

His head hung down and a soldier walked by and peirced His side. As he did so, Mary came up to stop him, but someone held her back. The tears streamed her face as she mourned her great loss, the world's great loss.

( Condensed taken from Persistent Grace pages 6-7)

Suicide and the Bible: The Cross: Part One

2009-10-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

The air was thick with the smells of death. Every time the salty air would lap the seeping blood from the freshly made wounds, a twinge of pain would come over Him. Just when the pain would simmer to a slow sting, the whip came agains. The echo of the whip as it slapped the raw skin permeated the crowd as some cried out in terror, while the majority cried out in blood lust. The Roman guards trained for this, and Satan fed their hatred, and not knowing why, they gave into those quickening desires. Using all the strength they had to force the whip harder as it churned the dust in the air and landed with a whap! The crowd feel momentarily silent as they awaited the wail of the tortured.

Jesus' body writhed in excruciating pain as He felt the numbing tendrils of the leather whip and the metal tearing open His back. Sweating blood the night before in shear dread could never have prepared Him for this moment. He could sense evil that day and what kept Him going was the will of the Father. This had to be completed in order to see Satan's defeat. There was no other way.

All of heaven witnessed the cruelty and teh humiliation of its ruler and as God the Father watched on, Jesus called out in forgiveness. Out of pure and total love Jesus pleaded for his tortureres that God would show them mercy. As the Roman soldiers pounded the metal stakes into His hands, as the pain surged like lighting up His arms, pain was pounded into His feet. His whole body rested on teh narrow splintered wood and as they hastily and haphazardly hoisted the cross up to proper position, the shifting body weight would have caused more excruciating pain.

With outstretched arms, Jesus hung on the tree for all to see. Blood-crusted wounds tightened on His skin and as He tried to speak, His tongue stuck to the roof of His mouth and it was difficult forming the words with parched lips and a wollen face. His head was fuzzy as physical shock began to set in but He hung on, trying not to give into death too early.

(Condensed- Taken from the book Persistent Grace chapter 2 Grace in the form of the cross pgs 15-16 copyright shannon Gilmour 2009)

The above illustration is to show the reality of the cross and it is not intended for a believer to dwell on its horrific nature to the point of excess.

The cross is a believer's means for salvation. It was the act from a just God that called us into reconciliation because of the ever presence of sin that constantly separates us from Him. It is through the act performed on the cross that reconciles us to God, not the cross itself.

Crucifixion was an act of capital punishment in Roman times. It was meant to be slow, unsightly and cause the criminal considerable- unbearable pain while undergoing public humiliation. It was thought of as a useful method to set an example for the rest of the citizens to deter them from a life of crime.

It is documented that an entire wooden cross would have weighed over 300 lbs, and most likely Jesus would have been forced to carry just the cross beam upon his heavily flagellated shoulders, as did other criminals intended for certain types of cruxifixion. This still would have been considerable weight for one to carry as it would have weighed around 75 lbs and given the pain and shock Jesus was fighting off, He carried quite a considerable lode.

"A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the forced him to carry the cross. " Mark 15:21

"As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross." Matthew 27:32

"As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus." Luke 23:26

Artistic renditions have led the believer astray into believing that in all Jesus' strength and capacity of fighting off shock, and having his body open gruesome sores, that He carried a cross that weighed considerably more than what He did! Although this is possible, and can be done but under such highly stressful circumstances, one can assume that the best likely scenerio is that Simon helped Jesus in carrying the heavy cross bar. Each men Taking an end, and Jesus being first, He took the brunt of the lode! There was a reason why the Roman guards did not allow them to walk side by side, and Jesus perhaps eludes to it in the following scriptural passage.

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you res. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humbel in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 13:28-30

When to oxen wear a yoke, the weight is evenly distributed. When two are walking front to back, one is always the leader, the other the follower and the one in front usually is the one who pulls, while the one behind has to either catch up or pace the steps so that the animal is not pushing the other forward. The results are a jerking stop and start motion. ( Yes, like the time you helped move some furniture for your friend...That's the same concept)

In short, the weight is not distributed evenly. It is only slightly distributed.

The Roman guards were not compassionate in their punnishment by any means, and the positioning of both Jesus and Simon was only to ease the burden abit perhaps in order to help get everyone to the site quicker and not to help Jesus in any way. (Roman guards had to stay with the criminal until death and it is for this reason sometimes the legs of the victims were broken to hasten death.)

Jesus knew that the make shift yoke(Comparable to the world's yoke,) was only temporary relief, and very minimal at best. If anything , carrying the cross (beam) in this fashion did not change things much and for this reason, Jesus' yoke, (the true yoke) can be trusted because of His demontration of the cross to its entirety.

Suicide and the Bible: The Holy Spirit

2009-10-04T21:21:00.001-07:00

" But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes he will guide you into all thruth." John 16:13

The garden of Gethsemane cast its darkened shadows upon the ground. The air was soft and silent causing its own shadows of the things yet to come.

Jesus took dreaded steps towards his followers and instructed them to pray. The time had come and he left the company of man to turn to his Father in fear and supplication. Scripture mentions that he must have been so grievous to the point of sweating his own blood.

Upon his return back to the group, Jesus found them asleep.

He was only gone for an hour.

The disciples had nothing to talk about, nothing pressing on their hearts that they had to remain awake for.

Was their inability to see the distress of their Lord as they walked up to the garden mere oversight or neglect? The hand picked men found it quite easy and comfortable to allow the breezes of the night lull them into a comfortable slumber.

Jesus abruptly woke them, tapping on the underside of sandals and shuffling his body about to wake each and every group member. One was even found silently resting underneath an olive tree.

"Simon, are you asleep?" His voice expressed his distain. "Could you not keep watch for ONE hour?" His finger pointed infront of Simon looking at him squarely in the eye. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." Everyone looked upon Jesus with groggy eyes, uneffected by his discourse. " The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." The men stood up but remained shortsighted as they neglected to see Jesus standing about in blood stained clothing.

Mark14:37-38 NIV

This scene holds many significances but the one that openly speaks out is how short of the glory of God the disciples, and we really are!

Jesus left the dicsiples on their own is a forshadowing of his departure from the world. During this hour we are shown how little they truly understood, how unwilling or unable they really were at following Jesus' direction.

Jesus turned around on his heel and left the disciples once more. When he left them they were quiet, but awake. When he returned again, they were asleep. The third and final time Jesus came back he awoke the ignorant and irreverent individuals. "Are you STILL sleeping and resting?" He asked as he looked on at them in wide eyed elevation.

His time had come and there was no more opportunity for him to explain or teach. Now they would know what it would be like to be defenseless, without Him, and they would have to fall back on their knowlege of what they had heard, witnessed and believed. The time in the garden was to show them how easy it was to give into human temptations. "Enough! The hour has come. Look the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Mark 14:41-42 NIV

Three times the apostles are caught off guard and resting. Three times Jesus had to warn them but without asking questions as to what he meant, they didn't even blindly follow. The apostles gave into their body's need for sleep, and out of boredom or stagnancy, they became weak and succumbed to the deepening call of their human desires.

This illustration clearly shows, that no matter how many times one is brought back to a place of repentance, by focusing ones eyes on Christ- without help directly from him, there is absolutely no hope a believer can stay on course, and obey even the simplest of guidelines. To stay awake( Keep eyes focused), to keep watch( Watch out for temptations) and pray! (Supplication to God for His help)

Jesus' absence in the garden was to show the apostles that even though he was gone for three hours(representation of three days)he would return as he did when he kept waking the apostles up! But they missed that lesson altogether. They did not get to excersise their faith without having Jesus near, and they never experienced what it was like to be alone, watching and praying, staying alert while they awaited their master's return. These men missed the mark altogether. And this shows us how we still are not worthy even after all our knowledge and faith! We will forever always need help! Their slumber was another type of forshadowing showing us how sin seperates us from God, and the only one that can repair that seperation is the grace of Jesus Christ!

When Jesus was handed over, Peter grabbed the guard's sword, and cut off his( the guard's) ear. Had the apostles been standing by watching and praying while Jesus prayed on his own, they would have been prepared for the moment at hand and would not have resorted to such a inherent-physical (sinful in nature)response.

"The spirit is willing but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41 NIV

No one, not one is able to follow Jesus' teachings because of this inherent sinful nature. God's word directs believers into instruction and many times we fall into temptation and choose rest (or other distractions)over discipline. Many believe that the instruction and teaching is too hard to follow, and quite honestly it is- when one chooses to go it alone.

Jesus told his disciples that he would be back, but before that could happen, they had to be left on their own for a short time- could this be a time of testing of faith? Perhaps, but regardless the apostles were not abandoned! And neither are we- you!

Was Jesus trying to warn them through action before He was to go before the cross? I truly think so, and because of their example we are shown that we are NEVER left alone to our own devices IF we choose Jesus Christ as the focal point in our faith!

"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."
John 16:16 NIV

"Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Recieve the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22 NIV

"But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all the things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 26 NIV

God's grace continues today and for every believer who looks upon the Cross of Christ with faith!
We are given the same comforter that was given to the disciples at penticost and we recieve Him the minute we confess with our mouths in faith that Jesus Christ is Lord!

"If you love me and obey what I command. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth." John 14:16-17 NIV

Suicide makes a very succesful attempt to isolate and seperate. Isolate an individual from their rightful inheritance, and seperate them from all aspects that would bring them back to their rightful place including ignoring and pushing down or blocking the workings of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is also called our restrainer. He helps us and teaches us right from wrong and guides us away from destructive behavior (including self -destructive) When a believer turns away from all sight of God, the Holy Spirit cannot follow if one is willing to listen to the teachings of the world and its ways because God will never go against someone's free will.

While in the garden waiting, the disciples chose to fall asleep. Jesus never forced his instruction on them with anger or fear by drastic concequence. His grace was served to them three times, and would have been more, had there been time to linger. The Holy Spirit acts the same, patiently waiting until we come to the understanding, willingness and acceptance of taking our place in God's kingdom. Never is one forced, coherced, demeaned or schemed into doing the will of God. To do so is against his very nature.

Suicide will convince the believer that God's patience is infact ignorance which causes the inner workings of the Holy Spirit to become stiffled, only weakening what little resolve remains.

"... God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV

There is so much more to say about the Holy Spirit, and all this can be found in God's word. He is a friend, a teacher, a councilor and a person in the God head we call the trinity. He is spirit that resides within us. He dwells as deep as the depths of our marrow. He is the giver of life as we know that he was present and responsible for the act of ressurecting Jesus. He never acts on his own accord but always does the will of the Father and is responsible for giving believers their spiritual giftings.

Having this living person in spirit reside within a believer ever more speaks out against the validity of suicide in thought or in deed. To do so would put out the spirit's fire and put an end to the Holy Spirit's work God has entrusted him to do.

"Do not put out the spirit's fire, do not treat prophecies with contmept." 1 Thessalonians 5:21

The Holy Spirit is a witness to Jesus' work on the Cross and a witness to our living God, denying the Holy Spirit the right you gave him when you became a believer denies you of your rightful place in God's family. He loves you just as the Father loves you. He comes to you not with judgement but with grace that Jesus freely gave.

"But you will recieve power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;" Acts 1:8 NIV

"But when he, the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you wat is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." John 16:13-15 NIV

More references on the Holy Spirit:

Genesis 1:1-2
Genesis 1:26-27
Isaiah 40:31

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Samuel 23:1-13

Joel 2:28-32

Matthew 28:18-20

Mark 1:8

Luke 1:26-38
Luke 3:16
Luke 3:22
Luke 24:49

John 2-2:7
John 3:8
John 3:6-8
John 4:23-24
John 14:15-31
John 14:17
John 16:5-16

Acts 1:4-111
Acts 1:8
Acts 1:81
Acts 1:1-91
Acts 2:1-12

Acts 2:1-41
Acts 15:1-31

Romans 8:2
Romans 8:9

Galatians 5:16-26

Corinthians 3:16
Corinthians 4:18
Corinthians 12:1-11

Ephesians 1:11-14
Ephesians 3:14-19
Ephesians 4:11-16
Ephesians 5:15-21

Peter 1:3-9

Suicide and the Bible: Jesus Christ: part one

2009-10-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

There are many deep spiritual aspects to suicide, but the one common denominator among believers and non, is that there is a lack of hope.

This commentary is to help restore that hope, for believer’s it can come by none other than Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

There is a calling on every Christian to return to our first love and with suicide the shame, and self-loathing is contrary to this understanding and therefore is not of God. It was never His intention that suicide be even a thought or consideration in a believer’s life.

Although one can justify many valid reasons for suicide in their minds, it cannot stand against the workings of Christ and the Cross. The bloodshed on the cross acts as a witness to the testimony of God’s love, suicide only has death as a witness and is a testimony towards Satan’s hate that he has against the Cross and Jesus Christ Himself.

Many will still argue that suicide is a right through extenuating circumstances, but in actuality, every single believer who dies at their own hand, through the urging of Satan, condemns Christ to the Cross continuously. There is no martyrdom in suicide. There is no salvation, no peace, and certainly no justice, only destruction.

The enemy tempts every believer with their right to defy God and His law,(freedom of choice) which comes by the Cross. He tries diligently to make the Cross-a stumbling block so most will never see how easy it really is to be walking in God’s ways and how comfortable living in a believer’s freedom really is!

Jesus was sent by God to be born of flesh and lived under what is called the Mosaic Law.
(The Law handed down to Israel through Moses from God)

He never failed in at fulfilling the law ( As he was tempted, but was without sin) everyone who trusts the Lord Jesus who was the perfect substitute receives acceptance that is an adoption of all the blessings or benefits that Jesus purchased for us, which happened only by means of the Cross.

One of the most important of such benefits is what is known as redemption. Redemption, Deliverance from sin and evil- comes when we look upon Jesus Christ with faith and belief in the act that he did on the cross for our benefit. God who once looked upon us as law breakers, such as in the way of the Mosaic Law, we who have received adoption by this way of redemption, are now law abiding citizens in the kingdom and family of God!

Many people have said “I am not worthy” and while that is true, while we were once sinners, and although we still are, we are considered worthy, adopted as heirs to the throne of God.

“There is no one righteous, not even one;” Romans 3:10

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Romans 3:22-24 NIV

This is where believers can take heart! Suicide is contrary to this teaching as with any negative emotion -as it causes one to look away from the Cross-and away from what a believer is automatically entitled to through faith!

This teaching, although the foundation of our faith, is not made complete the moment we begin to believe. Many of us slide by in life resting on the foundation of what we were taught- neglecting, and some of us not even knowing, that we are not allowed to get by on the laurels of such foundational teaching. We are called to put our faith into action and delve deeper into the meaning of the cross, which enables us to have a relationship with the very God who sent Jesus Christ on our behalf!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the spirit.” Romans 8:1-4 NIV

The wrath of God was satisfied through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through the cross, sin was atoned for and Satan was defeated. However, through the thoughts and actions of suicide, Satan preys on one’s weakness and ignorance of not standing firm in their faith in the act of Jesus Christ because He knows what little one knows.

While John 3:16 is the foundation stone to every believer’s faith, there is still much to be learned about Jesus Christ and the very act that makes us free. It is the only way to beat Satan’s destructive ways such as suicide or depression, and that is to become equipped and well armed with the knowledge that God entrusted us to live by through His Holy word.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

Suicide and the bible: Jesus Christ: Part two

2009-10-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:17-18 NIV

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

The above passage speaks towards Jesus' character and when we begin to step out in our faith towards Christ Jesus, we begin to have a relationship with him and this is where the deepening begins.

Jesus' words mention all, not one, and not one select kind of person. Romans 3:22 makes mention that there is no difference. Where believers are concerned in God’s eyes, He loves us all equally and that is proven through one man and one cross.

The Yoke is used as an illustration because when two oxen are yoked together, they must be evenly yoked in stature, strength and brute force. They work together in unison and take on the load equally. There is one exception however, one always takes the first step and this causes the one to carry the load ever so slightly a bit heavier than the other, it isn’t that its will is stronger, or that it is more headstrong, it follows according to what its master dictates. The character of the two oxen is similar and this enables them to work together according to their master’s will.

The Lord’s yoke is somewhat the same, in the fact that when we understand His character we know that He is humble and kind and will never go against the Father’s direction. He does not work on His own accord and deals with us with patience and understanding, taking the burden of our yoke as well as his. When we use this analogy with eyes remained focused on the Cross- we come to know and trust that our faith is becoming strengthened through a relationship with Him. (This speaks about times of trial and testing, heartache and pain- all burdens can be given unto Him)

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and loose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 NIV

“But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 NIV

Jesus Christ is our hope.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19 NIV

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

If suicide was an allowable offence or act, Jesus Christ Himself would never have entered the world as He did, and never would have allowed Himself to be persecuted as He did!

Scripture states that if Jesus had to die for just one person (Let's give that person a name, YOU) He still would have endured all the torment because saving you from sin IS WORTH EVERYTHING TO HIM! ( EVERYTHING BEING HIS VERY LIFE!)

What a wonderful friend we have in Jesus! We are allowed to call Him friend, although there are many many passages in scripture that we can continue this commentary on, there are other aspects to our faith that need mentioning.

This however is a good start to work off of and I encourage you to lean on these scriptures to help renew, restore your faith and help solidify who you rightfully are and can claim to be!

We all have to work out our own salvation and with that said, I encourage you to read the Holy Scriptures to discover even more truths and revelations about Jesus Christ.

Suicide does not own you, you were bought with a price and it is freely given. You have been called and set apart for a purpose and let these words from God's word settle upon your heart and study them, meditate on them, commit them to memory and draw upon them when you feel the thoughts of suicide try to take away your rightful place at God's side.

You are loved, and cherished and I encourage you if you want to talk further, or need someone to talk with please email me or find someone who is a person of faith in Jesus Christ at your local church, a friend, or family member.

FURTHER READING AND STUDY ON JESUS:

The New Testament

Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts

Romans- God's wrath, God's righteous judgement,God's faithfulness, no one righteous, righteousness through faith, Justified by faith,peace and joy, life through Christ, Alive in Christ, struggling with sin,Life through the Spirit, Future Glory, ingrafted branches,love,weak and the strong

1Corinthians- Christ the wisdom and power of God, Apostles of Christ,The believer's freedom,the Lord's supper, The resurrection of Christ, The resurection Body, the collection of God's people.

2 Corinthians- The God of all comfort,Forgiveness of the sinner, the Glory of the new covenant, The ministry of Reconciliation

Galatians- Faith, law and the promise, Sons of God,Freedom in Christ, life by the Spirit, New creation

Ephesians- Blessings in Christ, Made alive in Christ, One in Christ,Unity in the body of Christ, Children of light, Armor of God

Phillippians - Christ's Humility

Colossians- The supremacy of Christ,freedom...through life with Christ

1 Thessalonians-The coming of the Lord

2 Thessalonians- Stand firm

Hebrews- Jesus made like His brothers, Jesus greater than Moses, Jesus the Great high priest, The certainty of God's promise, Jesus like Melchizedek,The high priest...covenant, The blood of Christ,Christ's sacrafice, By faith, God disciplines his sons

1Peter- Praise to God for a living Hope,Be Holy,The living Stone,Living for God,suffering2 Peter- The day of the Lord

1 John-walking in the light, Children of God, God's love, Faith in the Son of God

"My command is this: Love eachother as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (Refers to Jesus Himself- as these are His words) You are my friends if you do what I comand. I no longer call you servants because a swervant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

John 15:12-15 NIV

Suicide and the bible

2009-09-30T22:46:00.000-07:00

Many people have asked the long debated question,

is suicide biblical?

The truth? Yes. Meaning that it is in the bible, but suicide that is mentioned in God's living word isn't so easily discerned for those who do not follow, and even still, a challenge for those who do.

Suicide can be debated, and has been infact, found to be morally and ethically wrong. While others still try to probe the bible trying to find truth and validity to such claims and come up empty handed, stating that it is a matter of personal choice and standards.

While on some level that may be true, such as according to a non believer's stand point, believer's can take heart that the bible is quite clear on the matter. And if one is willing to go digging and delve deeper into God's word, they will find answers that are conclusive but are beyond the scope of just skimming the pages for the mere mention of the word.

Simply put, by biblical standards suicide is wrong and holds no controversy both morally and ethically, but the proof that is needed to put this subject to the test (and at rest) isn't easily answered because

Christianity itself is often misunderstood.

So very often we hear of scripture being taken out of context and perhaps used for one's own gain, whatever the reason, sometimes teachings that we once knew are not the way that things are.

I read on line a debate about suicide and the pastor in his answer included Samson as a person who also took his own life in the bible. He went on in his explaination to excuse what he considers Samson's attempt at suicide. While I do not want to debate Samson at this time, it should be mentioned that Samson was the only one out of the individual suicides who called upon the Lord's name and asked for help in defeating the enemy. Looking at scripture in its rightful context, and knowing who the enemy was who captured Samson, his death is all the more likely that it was not in vain. Samson was a prisoner of war. His death was inevitable. The Philistines were a horrible group who thrived on the thrill of torture and slaughter- this is the reason Saul fell on his own sword. The philistines had a reputation and being captured was a fate worse than death. Samson's hair was cut and his eyes gouged out and he was sent to work as a slave. He endured the hardships in pain, blind and at the mercy of his enemy, reminded every day the strength and power from God he once had. He was reminded how weak he was without Him. But rather than give into self-pity and over wrought with grief, Samson siezed an opportunity to allow God to have the final say, and allow his body be used as a way to act out God's just punishment.

His death was not a suicide in the sense that we know suicide to be today. He did not want to die, but knew he was going to die as he could no longer literally see to find escape out of the situation, nor did he have strength. He asked the Lord to restore to him his strength once more so that he could smite God's enemy in a final defining blow. Knowing his surroundings by only touch, Samson could figure only one way out of this and he knew it would cause his death, and if he died, he knew it would be at the will of God as it was a concequence to samson's deliberate rebellion against God. Samson's death was most definitely not a death that was meant to be in a way that ended his suffering by giving into his dispair. In this reasoning, I do conclude that Samson can be excluded as any example of suicide in the bible. But this goes to show how many will try to excuse the act of suicide, and romantisize it in order to make extenuating circumstances valid towards the reasonings for it.

Taking scenerios from the bible and taking them out of context and trying to make them fit into our lifestyles instead of making our lifestyles conform to sound biblical teaching is one way that we, believer's confuse or cause misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Again, I'm guitly for it, and as I will say ( and most likely repeat) that we are to work out our own salvation. Anything that we hear, learn or are taught has to be backed up with God's word, and should be tested to see if it does so.

Ultimately God has the final say and one simply cannot know if one is saved after one dies from suicide, and that is the ultimate question. Just as hearts were judged on the day of Calvary, God has the right to judge each heart to see if they are sincere or not. It is ultimately God's choice to have "mercy on whom he will have mercy" but suicide regardless, is something that should not be an excuse to escape life's tragedies and hardships. There are requirements set out for every single believer including one who is struggling with suicide, no one gets a free pass to over look the lessons and understandings given to us through God's word.

The bible is clear on the reality of death, sin and not following the direction of the teachings of Jesus Christ. ( And isn't this what suicide is contrary to- Jesus?)

This is where I would like us to begin so that your faith may be restored to you and abundantly so that you will no longer be overcome with the dibilitating effects of suicide. God's word can be used as a tool against the effects of suicide, and actually defeat it if rightly divided and used correctly.

There is a cure against suicide, all it takes is a little bit of hope restored.

Things you should know: Medicinal side effects

2009-08-24T00:33:00.000-07:00

Seeking out medical attention is often a last resort for the person struggling with suicide. It is important that when doing so, one informs themselves as much as they can about the side effects of any medicines prescribed to them.

Medicines should be used with caution. It is important to enter into any doctor appointment with knowledge to make an informed decision about how to aid in your health and see to it that your needs are being met properly.

It is always assumed that the doctor knows best, but the truth of the matter is, they don't always know and they can't know if one doesn't speak up and out towards one's own healing. Taking responsibility plays a key role and one of the ways to find success in combating suicide is knowing what questions to ask.

Here is a list of medications that are usually prescribed for suicide/depression along with their adverse effects.

* This in not intended to disuade anyone from taking medicines that could prove to be beneficial. This is provided as a guideline to help one be aware of changes that can hinder one's healing. If symptoms appear, or persist after a period of time, the doctor should be consulted.

Tricyclic antidepressants: An antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and thus making more of those substances available to act on receptors in the brain.

Generic Name /Trade Name:

Amitriptyline ------Elavil
Amoxepine ------Asendin
Clomipramine ------Anafranil
Desipramine ------Norpramin
Dioxepin ------Sinequan
Imipramine -----Tofranil
Maprotiline ------Ludiomil
Nortripyline ------Aventyl
Trimipramine ------Surmontil

More about Tricyclic's:
http://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/Depression/dep_antidepressants-tricyclic.htm

*Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI's)

Fluexetine --------Prozac

Fluvoxamine -----Luvox
Paroxetine --------Paxil
Sertraline ---------Zoloft
Vanlafaxine -------Effexor
Nefazodene --------Serzone

More about SSRI's:
http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/antidepressants/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris/menu-id-68/

*Brand name: ZOLOFT *

Zoloft effects chemicals in the brain that become imbalanced and can cause many syptoms including obsessive-compulsive symptoms- which it is sometimes used to treat.

Studies strongly support that this drug potentially increases suicidal tendencies in children and adults when prescribed to treat depression.

An FDA facts sheet should be issued to all patients who have been prescribed this drug.

Side effects:

Suicidal thoughts/attempts
mania/hypomania
panic attacks/severe restlessness
agitation/hostility/irritability
impulsive behaviour

IMPORTANT NOTE: This drug has been reported to have painful withdrawl symptoms which include:

Jolting "zaps"
Dizziness
motor instability
extreme nausea
high fever
abdominal discomfort
flu like symptoms
anxiety
aggression
insomnia
nightmares
aggression
tremors
siezures
confusion

*This medication should not be taken during pregnancy. Birth defects and serious side effects have occured.

For more information please see the following link:

http://injury-law.freeadvice.com/drug-toxic_chemicals/zoloft-side-effects.htm

Strict rules for taking Zoloft: http://www.drugs.com/zoloft.html

*Brand name: Prozac *

Side effects:

nausea
digestive problems
fatique
sexual side effects/loss of libido
mania
insomnia

Withdrawl symptoms include headaches

*Brand name: Oxycotin*

Side effects:

Constipation
dizzyness
drowsiness
sleeplessness
nausea
weakness
headache

Highly addictive For further reading on side effects:

http://www.oxycodone-addiction.com/oxycodonesideeffects.html

FURTHER READING ON MEDICATION ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDES:

http://www.naturalnews.com/024289_drugs_medication_suicide.html

ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND SIDE EFFECTS:

http://depression.about.com/cs/sertraline/l/blsidefxsertral.htm

www.depression-guide.com/tricyclic-antidepressant.htm

http://qanda.encyclopedia.com/.../some-possible-side-effects-antidepressants-122784.html

http://web4health.info/gr/bipolar-depr-med-tcas-side.htm

* If you decide that medication use is right for you, please inform a loved one, and provide them with a list of side effects so that they can be watchful of any changes in your emotional and mental health.

If you are able, have someone keep your medicines in a safe place, and perhaps take them with a witness, this is for your safety especially if you have attempted suicide before.

Is Suicide Painless?

2009-08-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

The above question may seem to have an obvious answer, but in all reality, and honesty, contrary to what one may want to believe, suicide is definietly not painless.

It perhaps is one of the most painful things one may have to endure in their lifetime. From its inception to final breath, there is nothing dignified, comforting, peaceful or serene about suicide for the individual or those who are left behind to endure the aftermath.

Those who are contemplating suicide, or who are knee deep in the very act itself, will understand that there is suffering and excruciating pain that can be likened to the most inhumane of poisonings and tortures. It is not something that is looked forward to, and most would tell you that they wish they could have stopped before they started. The physical pain is more unforgiving than any emotional tear upon the human heart.

The ones left behind have not just mere struggles, but a life time of unyielding patterns of guilt, fear, doubt, anger, torment and anxiety that seem to worm their way into the physical body that not only tears, but penetrates deep within that asks the question if they should be better off suiciding as well.

Anyone that tells you that the suicide ended peacefully is only stating the obvious; peace is achieved at death, not before.

Overdose is often a mislabeled term in the case of suicide. By definition it simply means to take an excess amout of drugs without intention. Poisoning however, is the intent to take drugs, poison in excess or any dose that is lethal for the sole purpose of killing.

Ask any doctor about ingesting poison and they will be the first to tell you that it is excruciatingly painful and does harm to most vital organs. And where death is the only and final outcome, it is never painless, one dies a slow, horrible, undignified death.

ABOUT THIS SITE:

2009-08-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

"Suicide is Painless" are words that I will never accept, nor grow to like. I prefer to hear the theme song to M*A*S*H without the lyrics, and if at all possible, forgo the entry music altogether.

Watching this tv show with my cousin, Kevin is one of the last memories I have of him, and what makes it all the more defining, is the way he happily sung the lyrics as if they were stuck in his head in replay.

I do not remember much of the day except that upon learning of his death, the song immediately came to mind, as his suicide did not come long after. At the tender age of 13, with niavity wrapped around my waist as a belt, I searched for something or someone to blame.

For me, at that age, I hardly knew what suicide was, and hearing the lyrics to this song convinced me that perhaps it had convinced him, or at least made a better argument for death than life had tried so hard to prove against it.

It has been over 20 years and still this song effects me. I have not boycotted the show, as I can honestly say I am a fan. I will give credit where credit is due, but couldn't they have chosen a different song?

I get it. I do. The song is fitting to the tragedy this show represents, and it is ironic for me on so many levels. The medical team of the 4077th were doctors and every day people with every day problems, who saw tragedy in thier "lives" and yet found the strength to continue to help and find hope and life in tragedy and war around them. They provided care and attention to those in physical and mental pain, and yet the theme song could not provide that for my cousin... or did it? It's a question I no longer can dwell on.

I have dedicated the better portion of my life now to suicide outreach. It is because of that song that caused me to search out the meaning of the words. I suppose it means different things to different people, but somewhere it provided comfort if only to some.

To my cousin Kevin, this site is dedicated to help give back his voice and the many voices that suicide has claimed and continues to claim.

Suicide is not painless, and although it takes on many changes... one cannot take or leave it ( if one pleases). One is either -or ;not in between. The decision to live is possibly more difficult than the one made to suicide.

Suicide isolates and seperates, and in this world, that is not considered living. It is easy to be alone, but it is harder to be lonely among a body of one's peers. It is easy to be driven into seclusion, but it is a most difficult challenge to find solitude in a dance hall and be at peace when the world wants to go to war. For some the battle hits home, and instead of hanging out in the back yard... the war knocks at your door step... this site is for you.