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Recently, I started a screenwriting and movie-making group here in Las Vegas. Our objective was to begin at, well, the beginning of the process and work all the way through to an edited movie. Sounds easy? Yes! Is it really? Not at all.

The one thing I ran into at the very beginning was the problem of demonstrating the development of an idea into something that could be used as screenplay material. The big question is, “what’s the difference between regular material and screenplay material?” The only answer I could come up with was, “a beginning, a middle, and an end.” They looked at me like I was kidding, but actually, I’m not.

Put simply, a screenplay is a dramatic story told with visuals and dialogue. The screenplay describes the actions, the environment, the dialogue, and the situations that move the story forward. Screenplays have a formula and a format that has been in place for many decades. Yet, the beginning screenwriter sometimes misses this point. I ran into one fellow some months ago who was writing a screenplay that was “325 pages” long! After further discussion, he began to realize that, instead of writing a screenplay, he had a novel with a story that meandered without end.

You can use any old idea for your story, but have a point. Don’t just write for the sake of writing as the story will meander around into a traffic jam. If you have an idea, define a theme or objective for the story. What’s the point? What is the main character’s purpose in “life”?

Life? A character’s life? Indeed, the character does have a life in the world you create, but a screenplay is not “real life”. It’s a metaphor of real life presented in such a way as to represent a particular theme. To write about a real life situation, you have to dissect the situation and find the underlying theme. Then, using that theme as a guideline, you must reassemble the original idea to best represent the theme. Indeed, some aspects of the true-story might be fictionalized to drive the story toward the point.

For example, my wife is working on a screenplay about medical debauchery in Nevada. After a few passes, she began to realize that the story roamed around in circles because of the many facets of the topic. After much coaching, she began to realize that she had to define one particular point and aim the story at it. As a side-effect, the physical issues of the story would be the driving force that leads the plot around to reach “the point”.

After writing and reading screenplays over the years, I’ve given some pointers to folks that usually help them redefine and direct their stories to a solid point. One of the main problems, which I reiterate here, is that you have to “define a point”. For example, we might come up with an idea that has a bunch of “cool” actions and situations. We then try to write a story to include these ideas because we want them to be in the story. But, this approach will usually fail because — what is the point? Define a point, a theme, an objective that encompasses the feeling and direction of these “cool” actions and situations and aim your story in that direction.

To help to resolve the “meandering” problem and the evolution of the story toward the point, create a story where your main character is just this faceless being that quickly and easily achieves his goal. No dialogue. No rhyme or reason. They just reach their goal without effort or conflict. This is boring, but it creates a basis for the story.

Once you’re satisfied with this straight-line story, add a specific characteristic that makes this goal have meaning to the main character. This would also mean that you would have to modify the environment and characteristics of your main character such that, to him, this goal means something. Now, with a call to action, he chases his goal with fervor!

Now, add in an obstacle that keeps him from achieving this goal. This would mean that somewhere in the main character’s history, this obstacle came into being, but is now an obvious problem in his goal achievement. It could be a character flaw, a villain, or any issue that blocks the main character from his goal. How does he overcome this obstacle? Again, a character modification and backstory is required to show his ability to overcome this obstacle as well as some level of action to do so.

Once the core story is solid and directed, you add a conflict, a twist, and a resolution, one step at a time, until you begin to see your character and story evolve. With a story in hand, you can now add your dialogue to assist in the forward movement of the story, but only as needed. With this approach, you can slowly build your story while keeping your “point” in mind and following the formula for a solid screenplay.

It is essential that you keep an eye on the theme and objective of the story and that you work in that direction, otherwise your story will wander aimlessly. Keep it tight, start late, leave early, and follow the three-act formula. In the end, your screenplay will have the solid story and professional appeal that producers are looking for in creating today’s interesting, original movies! — About the Author —

Edward B. Toupin is an author, publisher, life-strategy coach, counselor, Reiki Master, technical writer, and PhD Candidate living in Las Vegas, NV. Among other things, he authors books, articles, and screenplays on topics ranging from career success through life organization and fulfillment. Check out some of his recent print and electronic books as well as his articles covering various life-changing topics!

About the Author

For more information, and to find out about his upcoming title on book publishing, e-mail Edward at etoupin@toupin.com or visit his site at http://www.toupin.com!

Copyright (c) 2004 Edward B. Toupin

A press release is a great way to get free publicity for your site. In order to obtain editorial coverage for your business you must find a particular idea that is unique to your business and it should be newsworthy..
A press release is a document (usually between 500 to 1,000 words) about your company designed to make a newsworthy announcement to the media. A press release is a key tool for public relations professionals.
This type of document has a highly defined style and format, and in a nut shell answers the basic questions of those who might be interested in the particular subject- who, what, where, when, and why.
Using traditional PR efforts to reach both online and other media outlets in order to obtain free editorial coverage is a powerful way to reach potential customers. Press releases can be distributed to the media (such as newspapers, magazines, radio news outlets, television news outlets, and online publications) via U.S. Mail, fax or e-mail. Once you have a press release announcing your business (or some other news worthy event relating to your business), your goal is to get it in the hands of the editors. To help you compile your own customized media list, consider visiting the Web sites sponsored by Editor & Publisher (http://www.medianinfo.com), Media Online Yellow Pages (www.webcom.com), or the National Press Club (npc.press.org).
Broadcast Interview Source (www.yearbooknews.com,) publishes a variety of phone numbers, addresses, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of writers, reporters, producers, editors, and radio elevision hosts. The Gebbie Press’s All In One Directory (www.gebbieinc.com) lists contacts of 23,000 people from TV and radio stations, newspapers, African American and Hispanic Media, news syndicates, networks, and AP/UPI bureaus. Other media directories published by: Bacon’s Media Directories (www.baconsinfo.com)
Burelle’s Media Directories (www.burrelles.com).
In an article by John Hewitt (www.azstarnet.com) , before sending out any press release make sure you:
1.Know who to send it to, not just where. Find out who the editor or reporter is for the section you want your release to appear in.
2. Only send the release to one person per news outlet. Any problems that develop from duplicate coverage and effort will be blamed on you.
3.Don’t just send press releases- call the editor or writer directly. If you want your release covered, call the person before sending the release, and a couple of days later to make sure they received it. Just don’t become a pest.
4.Know your deadlines. Magazines, even weekly ones, are often planned months in advance. Seasonal events, such as Christmas and Easter, are a great example of this For calendar items, know the news outlet’s deadline for the section.
5. Keep it short and informative. Reporters and editors are notoriously busy. Most press releases should be kept to one page. Two is acceptable. If they want more information, they’ll ask.
6.Write in a news style. That means putting the prime information (who, where, what and when) into the lead (first paragraph). It also means keeping the sales pitch subtle. No exclamation points!!! Many papers will directly reprint a press release, as long as it is written in a professional news style. Use short words and sentences. Make sure what you’re saying is very clear.
7.Always include, at the top corner of every page, a two- or three-word description of the story, the name and phone number of key contact people (no more than two), the page number ( if there us more than one page) and the release date (usually “For Immediate Release”; otherwise ” Please hold until xx/xx/xx”).
8.End a press release with ### typed across the center margin a couple lines below the end of your text. If a release is continued on another page, type- “-more-” at the bottom of the page in the center.
9.Use standard 8 ” x 11″ paper typed on one side only. Never break a paragraph across two pages. Leave plenty of margins for editors to write notes-an inch and a half all around should be fine.
10.Bright Idea; Whenever you distribute a press release, also post the release somewhere on your Web site, under the heading “Corporate Information,” “Company Background,” or “Press Releases.”

About the Author

Jean Melconian is the owner of WebTrans International, Inc., International trade resources and logistics are available at: http://www.webcargo.net.

“Copywriting Businesses – How Can I Get Started?”

Do you have the training and skills needed for copywriting?

Are you looking for a way to get your foot in the door?

Will you have what it takes to succeed with your copywriting businesses?

For many, these three questions drive them day in and day out to become the person that people demand time with. Still for others, the business aspects of copywriting have just been easy to get. Others still have no idea even how to start effective copywriting businesses. Where are you?

First of all, as with any type of business, you need to have the training and knowledge needed. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can just wing it. This is not a high school term paper that needs proofed or a college essay you write the day before it’s due. Copywriting is a business, where people stand to make money from the words you place on the pages, on the ads you help develop, on the e-books you write. Having an effective knowledge basis is crucial to success.

From this point, it is a matter of establishing yourself. You will need to get your foot in the door somehow. It could be as simple as calling friends that you know have websites, browsing websites that offer opportunities, or even placing ads throughout the web showcasing your talents. All it takes is one person to get you moving in the right direction. But, when you do get your first client, whether you are freelancing or not, you will need to make it count. Give them the best you can, ask them for a reference or to pass your name along.

You can also avoid the freelance world and find a copy writing company to work for. These companies can be found throughout the internet and often are large enough to hire on many people who can show that they are worth it.

No matter how you plan to work with copywriting businesses, you can be sure that if your work is of value, you will find a position, freelance or not, waiting for you. Website owners, advertisers, and other people are always looking for a new, fresh face with fresh ideas and an open mind to work with.

About the Author

Visit FreelanceWritingResource.com for more Articles, Resources, News and Views about Freelance Writing Jobs. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links are included intact.

“Tight lines” is a good luck wish among fishermen. When you’ve hooked a fish, your line tightens up.

I was musing on this expression as my husband critiqued my lousy casting skills on our latest fishing expedition. Anthony’s as accurate a caster as they come. He can pinpoint a particular far-away reed and cast an inch in front of it.

We were going for bass, and he explained that bass like to hide out on the perimeters of a lake, under rocks and in between plants. Problem is, I can’t pinpoint anything. I aim my pole right and the line somehow flies left. I aim fifty feet away and it somehow shoots straight up in the air and plunks down five feet in front of the boat.

Fishing is part plain luck, but there’s a lot of strategizing to it, too. You have to pick the right spot, the right time of day, the right bait, the right rig, the right technique. You could just toss a worm out and hope something hits, but your odds are a lot better if you make the effort to put a tasty-looking treat right in front of the fish’s mouth.

Kind of like querying.

Oh, you knew there was a writing reference in here somewhere!

As I aimlessly hurled my plastic worm into the middle of the lake, I got more and more frustrated watching Anthony pull in fish. Smug show-off! But really, he was doing a much better job of appealing to his target than I was.

When you have a great idea, write a query, and toss it out to every editor you can think of, you’re the Jenna fisherwoman. You figure that if you just toss that line out there enough, some smart editor is going to come snatch it up. And sometimes you’ll get lucky, but more often, you’ll come up empty. What you really want is to be the Anthony fisherman.

So let’s go over those editor-luring techniques.

The Right Spot:

This is the most important part of the equation. You have to know where your idea will fit. Don’t assume that just because your topic is about weddings, it’ll be right for every wedding magazine. Pick a magazine genre and get to know it well. Read at least five or six wedding magazines, cover to cover, and jot down the names of the sections and columns. How long are the articles in each section? What is the tone? Is the magazine targeting brides on a budget or no-expense-is-too-silly ones? Which topics seem to come up in every issue? Know exactly where your article would fit within the magazine and be prepared to tell the editor.

The Right Time:

Magazines have long lead times (the time between an article’s acceptance and the time when it’s published), sometimes a year or more, but typically more like four to six months. Your great Christmas pitch is not going to get accepted in October. Think ahead and pitch ahead. Want to pitch an article about picking a flattering swimsuit or how to choose a summer camp? Do it in the early winter or you might as well wait until the following year.

The Right Bait:

This is your query itself, and it has to be irresistible. A small weed stuck to your lure will tip off the bass that it’s fake. Every sentence of your query has to reek of professionalism. Mimic the tone of the article in your query. The first paragraph of the query should read like the first paragraph of your proposed article. Include samples of your research and names of those you plan to interview. Throw in a juicy quotation from one of them if possible.

The Right Rig:

These are your clips. If your query doesn’t work, the clips probably won’t even be read. But if your query is good, your clips can make or break the deal. Don’t blow it by including samples from your blog, Epinions, WriteforCash, your high school newspaper, or an e-zine that runs anything people send in. This will automatically tell the editor that you have no professional experience. Even if that’s the case, you don’t want to flaunt it. Build up those clips any way you can, preferably in print (community newspapers, regional magazines, and trade magazines are less competitive than national consumer magazines, and all respectable places to earn clips).

Understand that if you’ve never proven yourself in a particular area of writing (health writing, let’s say), you probably won’t get a plum feature assignment that requires heavy research. Either write the article on spec to show you can handle it, or start by pitching shorter, front-of-the-book items to prove your chops.

The Right Technique:

Some editors prefer longer queries, some prefer shorter. Some accept reprints, some don’t. Some are okay with simultaneous submissions, multiple submissions, e-mail queries, and informal letters of introduction – some aren’t. You’ll learn some of these things in the writers’ guidelines that you find on a magazine’s website or in the Writer’s Market or the American Directory of Writer’s Guidelines. Others, you can find out by networking with writers on message boards like http://absolutewrite.com/forums/ and www.mediabistro.com/bbs, or joining groups like www.freelancesuccess.com and www.asja.org. And some you’ll learn along the way through trial and error. There is no one-size-fits-all technique that’ll work for all editors. About all they seem to agree on is that they hate it when their names are misspelled!

My biggest mistake as a beginning freelancer was the same as my biggest fishing trouble: I didn’t target well. I’d come up with an idea and send it to every editor I could find in the Writer’s Market who sounded remotely appropriate for my topic, whether I’d read the magazines or not.

Now I know that it’s a sign of respect for my profession and my industry if I take the time to study the detailed guidelines editors provide every month: their magazines. Before I can figure out how to bait my hook, I first need to find out what the fish are biting. And if I’m feeling strapped for cash, I don’t even need to buy copies – I can head to the library and spend my afternoon reading and taking notes there.

Part of the thrill of fishing is that you don’t catch a fish every time you throw your line out. It wouldn’t feel like an accomplishment if you did. Sometimes, you can do everything right – the perfect cast, the perfect spot – and not even feel a nibble. When this happens with a query, there may be something going on behind the scenes you don’t know about: Maybe they’ve recently assigned an article on your topic, or the section is about to be redesigned, or the editor’s budget for freelancers just got slashed.

What matters is that you get that line back in the water fast, and target your next mark just as carefully. Soon, you’ll reel in assignments with ease.

Tight lines, writers!

About the author:

Jenna Glatzer is the editor of http://www.absolutewrite.com(pick up a FREE list of agents looking for new writers!) and the author of 14 books, including MAKE A REAL LIVING AS A FREELANCE WRITER, which comes with a FREE Editors’ Cheat Sheet. She’s also Celine Dion’s authorized biographer. Visit Jenna at http://www.jennaglatzer.com

It’s time to write your next ad or brochure. Maybe some web content. You’ve done all your research, and you’re staring at a blank computer screen. You want to look good in print. You want to put your “best foot forward.” And, of course, you want to make a barrel full of money.

Well, you’re going to have to pick one, because you can’t do all three.

Not, that is, if “looking good in print” means sounding like an educated professional. Or using perfect grammar. Because unless all of your prospects are English teachers, they’re going to respond better to more natural writing – writing that reads like people actually speak.

Real people don’t speak like “professionals” write. (Neither, for that matter, do most professionals.) Real people use sentence fragments. They start sentences with “and”, “or” and “but.”

Every now and then they kind of trail off like…

One thing real people do not do is use big, fancy words when shorter ones will do. And neither should you.

Real people do not say things like, “I am committed to finding the lowest cost alternative.” Why, then, would you want to be “focused on providing” it?

Copywriting that uses stuffy, complex language just doesn’t sell. You know what I mean: The verbose, impersonal, corporate-speak that sounds more like a mission statement (which nobody cares about) than a personal communication. The kind that strokes the CEO’s ego when it should be stroking the prospect’s.

With that in mind, here are some tips to help bring your writing back “down to earth”:

1.Picture your prospect. Get a mental picture of the one typical person you’re writing to. If you have to, get a real picture from a magazine or even your family album and tape it to your computer screen as you write. Then write like you’re talking to that one individual.
2.Read your copy out loud. If you stumble over anything, so will your reader. Rewrite until your words flow smoothly and sound natural.
3.Read your copy to someone else. Preferably a group of people. If, when you are finished, they tell you what a great job you’ve done, you have failed. You’ve succeeded when they ask you how to get what you’re writing about.

Never be afraid to be personal in your ads, web pages, sales letters – any time you are communicating with a prospect. Make it sound like you are actually speaking to them.

If you still want to “look professional”, use the money you make and go buy some nice business clothes!

About the Author

Lisa Packer, author of “How To Dramatically Increase Your Business… Without A Blockbuster Budget” is an independant copywriter and marketing consultant. For more helpful articles like this one, visit www.dramatic-copy.com.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3. knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Have you ever really stopped and considered that God’s Word is telling us to count it all joy when we are in a test? We have been told to count it all joy, or we would most likely certainly not count it all joy would we? Many or most Christians would not. There is a reason we should be so joyful in extreme circumstances. When our faith is tried, patience is perfected. James explains this in vs. 4. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

W.E. Vines says perfect signifies “having reached its end” (telos), “finished, complete, perfect.” Also referring to the complete revelation of God’s will and ways, whether in the completed Scriptures or in the hereafter); Jas. 1:4 (of the work of patience)

This is the same word used in 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

So who would like to be perfected? James is telling us right here how we become that way.

Basically, we have to grow up in the things of God. In order to do this we have to be tested. If you are not tested you will never develop patience, and if you never develop patience you will never be lacking nothing. I know that is a mouthful, but that is the short and long of it. If you want to grow up in the things of God you have to go through some tests. This is the way we are perfected. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, but that faith has to be used or it is of no use to anybody, not to you, not to your family, not to your brothers and sister in Christ, and not to God. Know this, without faith it is impossible to please Him.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Patience is another way of saying endurance, meaning the ability to stand and keep on standing when all are falling around you.

Without this kind of patience we will not continue to stand in faith, and if that happens we will definitely be found wanting. That is a very serious thing to consider, especially in these times.

That is not what God wants for His children. He wants us to be perfect and entire or complete, lacking nothing or He would not be telling us these things. That is what we should want as well. However getting there is not always fun. We need patience to get there, and getting there should be of primary focus in our lives. Our patience should be developed so that our faith will not fail in the day of adversity.

The Apostle Peter said this…

1 Peter 1:5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7. that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8. whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9. receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Peter said our faith is much more precious than gold that perishes. Think about why the Word is calling your faith precious. It is precious for a reason, and he says here that though it is tested by fire, that it may be found to praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. That is something precious to God. He went to tremendous lengths to get us redeemed. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for our redemption, there could be no greater price paid than was paid by Jesus. However having said that, it will do us no good if we won’t receive it and take advantage of the exceeding great and precious promises that God has given to us through Christ. That’s why our faith is so important. God wants us to receive these promises and the only way you can do that is through faith.

This is the way God operates; we may not like it but that is the way it is, so we better start to deal with this as adults. He is no respecter of persons. We all at times go through periods of testing whether we want to or not. It is the only way to be found perfect in Him. Some people think the Christian life is a cop out or some kind of a crutch. They can call it what they want but it takes true determination and a level of endurance to walk this kind of walk. I want to say that the rewards are great. Don’t get discouraged in a test but be joyful through every bit of it. Peter said a similar thing, he said to greatly rejoice.

I think of David, he was a man after God’s own heart. He messed up many times yet he stood up like a man admitted his mistakes and glorified God through it all. This truly pleases the heart of the Father.

David said in Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You notice that he didn’t say that he was walking in the valley of death, but in the valley of the shadow of death. Circumstances around us can be terrible, it may seem like the walls are caving in on top of us, but just say like David this is just the shadow of death its not taking me down. God is there with me. His Word declares that He will never leave us or forsake us. Glory to His name. Start rejoicing in these times of testing as Peter says.
Think about what an awesome God we serve, and get your mind off of the negative circumstances. Dwelling on the circumstances is not going to help you anyway, it will
only build up your confidence in destruction.

David knew that regardless of the circumstances that life dealt him, God would be with him continually comforting him and in the end seeing him through to the finish. At the end of the psalm he said…

Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

What confidence and joyful expectation he had in God.

James goes on to say more about this process and why it is necessary for us to have it.

James 1:5. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8. he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

We must be patient in the process and not faint. James tells us that we can ask for wisdom and God will give us wisdom liberally and without reproach. Simply meaning, He is not going to chide us and belittle us for not having the answers. He already knows when we don’t have the answer, however we are being told to ask for wisdom and understanding and to receive it by faith. Aren’t you glad God doesn’t just leave us hanging, but will give us the wisdom to stand in unwavering faith and walk directly through the valley of the shadow of death. I am!!! Glory to His name. He has never let me down, and He never will.

We have to get to the place where we start to understand that God has called us to be mature, seasoned, and strong children capable of going the distance. Yet in order to get to be that way we have to learn to trust in Him in the midst of the circumstances. It makes it a lot easier to know that this is for our good, and in knowing you will come through victorious with faith that has been refined like gold.

The purpose of a test is to see what you know, and to give you the confidence to stand strong and endure. We will never gain confidence if we don’t stand will we, and we won’t stand if we have no patience, and we won’t have patience if we never are given the opportunity to put our faith to the test. This is just the way it works.

There are no short cuts in growing up. We all have to go through these things, as
God is not a respecter of anyone’s person. He doesn’t play favorites. He promotes those who have gone the distance and were able to stand glorifying Him through it all. So let patience have her perfect work in you so that you may have your faith fulfilled. Don’t loose heart in the trial but know that God is faithful to see you through. He most certainly will!
Just be joyful in the refining process knowing that the rewards are great.

Glory to God. Amen.

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Do you want to be a joint heir with Christ?
If so, I urge you to earnestly pray the following prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Your word says, “…and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” (Jn.6:37),

So I know You won’t cast me out, but You take me in, And I thank you for it. You said in your Word, “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Ro. 10:13).

I am calling on Your name, So I know You have saved me now, You also said, “…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.” (Ro.10:9,10).

I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe He was raised from the dead for my justification. And I confess Him now as my Lord, Because Your Word says, “… with the heart one believes to righteousness…” and I do believe with my heart, I have now become the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:21),

And I am saved! Thank You, Lord!
I can now truthfully say, I see myself as a born again child of God!

Glory to God!!!! Amen.

I was raised Catholic and was born again at the age of 17. I received God’s call into ministry at the age of 19 and began to prepare for ministry. I graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in 1979. The Lord has called me to teach. My desire is to help others come to a deeper understanding of the truth and I have started a web site for this purpose called The Olive Branch; Please visit us for more free studies and resources to help you on your journey.

Mark Baker
http://www.olivebranchministries.us

Biblical Scholars and those who have memorized the entire Quran often are extremely devout to their own belief systems and thus it is rather hard to compare the two, using such one-sided opinions. However our Think Tank has enlisted an atheist who out of his own curiosity and personal studies has come to know all about many different religions.

His objective opinion was a breath of fresh air even if neither a Christian, Jew or a Muslim would be happy to hear of his critique of each and all of these various religions. He stated that;

“The Qura’n on the other hand is presented as immutable. Further, it must be read in its original Arabic dialect, which is virtually unknown today. Never mind that less that 1% of modern practicing Muslims can even understand modern Arabic.”

In hearing of this another think tank member was blown away and stated: “Now that is a scary thought, which makes it very easy for the masses to be mislead by ill intended radical Clerics. Big problems. And I guess converting the text into cartoons so everyone can understand it is completely out of the question?”

Next the gentleman stated that; “The Bible, and therefore the Torah, presents many beautiful and useful tales along the lines of Greek and Roman mythology.”

Hearing of this another think tank member of non-religious origin stated; “Indeed and this is why I am a fan of After School Specials on TV for kids, shows like the Brady Bunch, which have situation comedy which entertain and give good lessons. I am okay with this, but also Religious Works of Literature should come clean as to their reality.”

The gentleman went on with his critique of religion first the Quran and how people could not read it and then how the Bible was basically a story book and then he stated; “It [Islam] claims that Allah is the same god as worshipped by Christians and Jews, yet the god is derived from al-ilah, a generic name for the ubiquitous moon god generally worshipped by the ancient Arabs. Thus the crescent symbol for Islam.”

Totally taken aback and flabbergasted another think tanker said; “Wow that is interesting, as I had not heard of this, although such things seem to be quite common in various religious texts of many various religions around the world; where did you come across this particular line of thought? It is rather interesting in itself.”

Have you heard of such things? What do you think of all these hocus poke-us religions? Are you a follower of one of these religions? Are you a detractor of all religions? Have you considered these things in your study of World Religions? Consider all this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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As nature unfolds, every civilization demands its own savior. This is based on the simple theory – Need is the mother of discovery. Every land has seen a transgressor, and a savior. Rise of nations with a savior, and subsequent fall after the savior is not a new phenomenon to mother earth.

The decline is followed by an excuse, which the society deems to remember, celebrate and observe as a special day. The marked day is now a vital event to the culture, civilization, nation and religion. The ab initio traces of man till date have recorded numerous such vital days. Vox populi has many self-carved reasons for a savior day, but the true purpose of observing a savior day is to remind the mass to follow the path, and develop those heroic characteristics to become another savior/ rescuer.

The time of presence, location and activities of all saviors might differ somewhat, but the basic principle was one – ‘Dignity to Mankind by implementing the Laws of Almighty’. Unfortunately, the present pattern of remembrance and observance is limited to being happy or sad, by eating or fasting, by distributing consumables or durables etc. The present state of things is no longer contributing to dignity of mankind.

Along with the remembrance of ‘Past Savior days’, followers of different faiths are keenly expecting their future savior – the one who will come. The arrival of the future savior will also be a savior day. But, does this savior day aims for respect to mankind? Let us analyse:

-The Hindus are excepting a Kalanki Autaar who is coming to secure ascendancy of the Vedic Dharam over all other faiths.

-The Buddhists are waiting for Mahatma Buddha’s Matiyaa Autaar who is coming to institute Buddhism as the preponderant faith over all the other persuasions.

-The Jainis are expecting the last Mahaweer to come through whom Jainis will rule the world as the only creed. -The Majoos (fire-worshippers) are awaiting a Mateera to come who will destroy all others, save traianism as the only predominant religion.

-The Jews are waiting for the advent of a final Israeli prophet who will see to it that Judaism is, and the Children of Israel are, supreme over all the other nations and religions of the world.

-The Christians are keenly expecting the coming of Jesus Christ who will proclaim Christianity as the sole religion all over the world.

-A few Muslims are also waiting for Imam Mahdi to ascend and destroy all ill-practices, and Islam will be the only mobs’ guiding source.

Every follower is waiting for the arrival of his savior, who is supposed to promulgate his religion and followers over others as supreme. The followers are keenly waiting for this future honor ceremony. But how sad will be these future savior days, which are aimed only for self-honor, and disregard the development of whole mankind. How thoughtless, covetous and selfish are these future savior days?

The need of the hour is to return to the fundamentals of truth, and then pave a way for a bright future for all human beings. It is possible only by renewing our outlook, perception and vision. The fundamental truth is that no one is a born-savior, neither they are appointed. They are humans with brilliant strength i.e. willpower and inspiration irrespective of caste, creed and color. And what is the source of their brilliant strength and courage? Divine Revelation (which human mind is incapable to possess, but able to process) that is now embodied in the form of a Divine Book. The Divine Laws invites mankind with pure state-of-mind to implement the Laws for the development and betterment of humans.

Then what are we waiting for? IF NOT ME, WHO THEN? IF NOT NOW, WHEN THEN?

The quest for development of respect for all humans is only possible in a society where EVERYONE IS A SAVIOR, AND EVERYDAY IS A SAVIOR DAY.

The writer respects all faiths and beliefs. No attempt is made to disrespect any faith or belief. This effort is made to convey his personal views and opinions, and hopes the readers find it lively. Divine Revelation, Divine Laws and the Divine Book are not opined in detail as they were not in the scope of the essay.

MAJID SALEEM SIDDIQI University Student Lucknow, India majidsaleem85@hotmail.com

The Right of Passage. by Rev. AnthonySmith

Isaiah64:6-64:6
In this world today there are many rights of passage from boyhood to manhood, different cultures and different ways. Many are extremely dangerous. For one reason or another these rights of passage became into being and very popular. Most of them come about because of cults and witchcraft. Many of these rights end up with the death of the participant, many with the foreknowledge of the parents.


The right of Passage that I want to speak of today is Sainthood. I have no intention of putting anyone down for their belief’s but to enlighten all in the word of God. For it doesn’t matter what you believe, what matters is what the Word of God says. Did you ever wonder what or whom a Saint is? The dictionary says a saint is; “A person officially recognized, especially by canonization,[To declare (a deceased person){ The Apostle Paul wasn't talking to dead people when He called them Saints, was He?} to be a saint and entitled to be fully honored as such.

To include in the biblical canon. To include in a literary canon.
To approve as being within canon law.
To treat as sacred; glorify{ The Bible says to Glorify God, not man}.], as being entitled to public veneration and capable of inter-ceding for people on earth. An extremely virtuous person.” As I looked at this definition, I thought, “If this is a saint then were all in trouble.” Do I really need to be, canonized, officially recognized, an intercessor for people or an extremely virtuous person to be a saint ? And believe it or not I found the answer was NO. I found that anyone can be and are Saints of God. Weather man, recognizes, qualifies, justifies, or puts a good housekeeping seal of approval on it.


I know your going to ask,”Who then is a Saint?” The answer, Everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, thats who. Lets look at “A person officially recognized ” Officially recognized by who? Man? And if so, where did this authority come from, man or God? If from God then where in scripture is it found? Then if its from man, do they over-step their authority that only comes from God? An intercessor for people? 1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;. Is there another intercessor or mediator, between God and Man except Jesus? If so, again where is His authorization, where does it come from? So what is the right of passage for a Saint? “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Lets read a little.


Saints, saints, saints There are 95 verses in Scripture that declair, who is a Saint by the Standards of God and not man. Mat 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,Where these people canonized? No, recognised ? Yes by God. Acts 9:13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: What about these people? Canonized? No. Recognized ? Yes by God. Act 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. Or these? Canonized? No. Recognized ? Yes by God. And what about an extremely virtuous person?, The Apostle Paul never once said, that He was, nor anyone else in Scripture ever call Paul “an extremely virtuous person”


1Ti 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Acts 26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. I thought “an extremely virtuous person” had to be a righteous person? So what does God have to say about our righteousness? Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
So then we ask ourselves, Do we worship or pray to Saints? No. The Bible is very, very clear on this matter. Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Rev 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Col 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. I know that there are some who will say,” We are just honoring them.” Thats OK. but who do we honor according to scripture? In the New Testament the word Honor is mentioned 50 times.1 Peter 2:17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 2Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Rom 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.


1Co 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. Romans 2:10 But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: So what am I actually saying about Saints and men who worship them and pray to them and hold them higher than others? Saints are called, predestinated, Justified and glorified-only by God.

Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. We are all Saints whom believe in the name of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We need no other justification than our Faith in Him. It doesn’t need to be written down in mans books, that will perish away at the end of all things but we are written down in a Book that will never perish and never fade away. The Lambs Book of Life.


So what is our right of Passage from sinner to saint? John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. ars

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries A.R.Smith Sermons International
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