We have survived another year. 2012 is behind us now and I wonder whether we will always think of it as the year the world was supposed to end. Will it go down in history with that handle?
Considering all the hoopla about 2012, maybe we should look on 2013 as a gift. In fact, I really think we should consider every new day of life a gift. If you're alive, it's a gift. Nobody can give you life without God's intervention. If you almost died and were brought back to life, God had a hand in it. Your times are in His hands.
Whether we know it or not, whether we believe it or not, our lives are in God's hands. We don't know what tomorrow will bring. We don't know whether we'll be able to carry out our plans and dreams. There are lots of obstacles and possible events we haven't even imagined that may or may not hinder us from accomplishing our goals.
My prayer for the new year is that I will not go through each day merely on a physical level, focusing only on this material world. (Luke 12:15 "And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man/woman's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.") We live in a material world. But, we also simultaneously live in the spiritual world. The physical world and how we live in the physical world is a manifestation of that spiritual world.
One thing for sure is that I would never want to consider communicating with the spiritual world without my Mediator. I don't want anyone or anything influencing me that isn't of Jesus Christ.
I John 4:1-3 "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3. And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, where of ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
This year, may we all discover the true meaning of happiness. May we find happiness in each other and the wonderful creation put on this planet. All these can be enjoyed for free. May we take time to lift our noses up from the grindstone (or computer screen, as the case may be) and smell the roses of our lives. -The lives God has given to us.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Read It Yourself
There's one way to find out what the Bible says and that is to read it. By that, I mean, it's fine to read what people have to say about the Bible, but unless you read the Bible for yourself, you could be in the dangerous position of putting your faith and trust in people instead of God.
How can you know what the Bible says unless you read it?
The Bible can stand up for itself. In fact, it is a living thing! Hebrews 4:12 says "For the Word of God is quick (alive!) and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Not only is the Word everything we need: strength, food, water, bread, light, life, love, a map, protection, a weapon; it is also our GOD. (John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.")
We should read the Word. We should worship the Word. Respect the Word.
What will keep us through dark days ahead? The Word! What kept the Christians throughout history who were imprisoned, tortured, persecuted and martyred? The Word! What's the answer to every problem in our lives? THE WORD! READ IT NOW AND ENJOY!
How can you know what the Bible says unless you read it?
The Bible can stand up for itself. In fact, it is a living thing! Hebrews 4:12 says "For the Word of God is quick (alive!) and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Not only is the Word everything we need: strength, food, water, bread, light, life, love, a map, protection, a weapon; it is also our GOD. (John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.")
We should read the Word. We should worship the Word. Respect the Word.
What will keep us through dark days ahead? The Word! What kept the Christians throughout history who were imprisoned, tortured, persecuted and martyred? The Word! What's the answer to every problem in our lives? THE WORD! READ IT NOW AND ENJOY!
John 3
1. There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.
3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
If you're still trying to figure God out with your mind, it may be because you are not born again of the spirit. Jesus said, "Ye must be born again." That's an imperative directive. He doesn't often define directives explicitly, but here He is using 'must'.
8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9. Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these things be?
10. Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
You can go to church all your life and have considerable knowledge of God, but until you have a change of spirit; until you are truly "born again" and filled with the Holy Spirit, you won't be able to even understand what the Bible is really saying. You can't read and understand it in the flesh, just as you can't figure out God with your carnal mind.
11. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15. That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
17. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
18. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Just to be clear, the God that we are talking about here is Jesus Christ. That's the name that has power. Don't get your "god" mixed up. It's not Buda, or Allah or Zeus or any of the Hindu gods. You need to make sure that you talk to the right God, the Only True God. Yes, folks, there is only one true God.
Why do we pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ? There are lots of reasons, but here are a few: Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins. He is our Mediator. His purpose in coming to our planet was to help God and us understand each other better. Jesus became a man, so He could understand what it's like to be human. He is the propitiation for our sins so that God will forgive and overlook our sins for His sake...
19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
22. After these things came Jesus and His disciples into the land of Judaea; and there He tarried with them, and baptized.
23. And John also was baptizing in Aenon, near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24. For John was not yet cast into prison.
25. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
26. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, He that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou bearest witness, behold the same baptizeth, and all men come to Him.
27. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28. Ye yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him.
29. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30. He must increase, but I must decrease.
31. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32. And what He hath seen and heard, that He testifieth; and no man receiveth His testimony.
33. He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34. For He who God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him.
35. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.
36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
2. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.
3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
If you're still trying to figure God out with your mind, it may be because you are not born again of the spirit. Jesus said, "Ye must be born again." That's an imperative directive. He doesn't often define directives explicitly, but here He is using 'must'.
8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9. Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these things be?
10. Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
You can go to church all your life and have considerable knowledge of God, but until you have a change of spirit; until you are truly "born again" and filled with the Holy Spirit, you won't be able to even understand what the Bible is really saying. You can't read and understand it in the flesh, just as you can't figure out God with your carnal mind.
11. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15. That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
17. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
18. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Just to be clear, the God that we are talking about here is Jesus Christ. That's the name that has power. Don't get your "god" mixed up. It's not Buda, or Allah or Zeus or any of the Hindu gods. You need to make sure that you talk to the right God, the Only True God. Yes, folks, there is only one true God.
Why do we pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ? There are lots of reasons, but here are a few: Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins. He is our Mediator. His purpose in coming to our planet was to help God and us understand each other better. Jesus became a man, so He could understand what it's like to be human. He is the propitiation for our sins so that God will forgive and overlook our sins for His sake...
19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
22. After these things came Jesus and His disciples into the land of Judaea; and there He tarried with them, and baptized.
23. And John also was baptizing in Aenon, near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24. For John was not yet cast into prison.
25. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
26. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, He that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou bearest witness, behold the same baptizeth, and all men come to Him.
27. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28. Ye yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him.
29. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30. He must increase, but I must decrease.
31. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32. And what He hath seen and heard, that He testifieth; and no man receiveth His testimony.
33. He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34. For He who God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him.
35. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.
36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Chapter 2 of the Book of John, continued
Verse 19. Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21. But He spake of the temple of His body.
22. When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
23. Now when He was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.
24. But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men,
25. And needed not that any shojuld testify of man: for He knew what was in man.
Note: I'm posting the Book of John because, as I suggested earlier in this blog, the New Testament is the best place for a new believer to begin to read the Word of God. Of course, the Old Testament is also a great read. It tells you, from the beginning of creation, where we all came from, the history of God's people, prophecies about our Redeemer, miracles upon miracles that illustrate the power of God and the blessings of obedience, etc., etc.
20. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21. But He spake of the temple of His body.
22. When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
23. Now when He was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.
24. But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men,
25. And needed not that any shojuld testify of man: for He knew what was in man.
Note: I'm posting the Book of John because, as I suggested earlier in this blog, the New Testament is the best place for a new believer to begin to read the Word of God. Of course, the Old Testament is also a great read. It tells you, from the beginning of creation, where we all came from, the history of God's people, prophecies about our Redeemer, miracles upon miracles that illustrate the power of God and the blessings of obedience, etc., etc.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Is God Mean and Violent?
God is just. He is righteous. Therefore, it would seem that 'mean' is not an appropriate word to describe Him. He's not a bully on the playground, stealing our toys, provoking us to anger. My dictionary says that "mean" means unwilling to give or share, unkind. That's the opposite of God.
If He is anything, God is kind, sharing and giving. Yet, there are many sides to God and although He is long-suffering, there is a limit to how much He will tolerate.
We humans are always saying things like, "If there is a God, why does He allow such atrocities?" My answer to that would be, "He doesn't. We do. We allow the atrocities by not calling on God to do something." Prayer changes things. But, when God does do something, we can't question His actions and turn around and call Him "mean".
So, for my part, my opinion is that God is certainly not mean. But, is He violent?
It sure seems like it. Just sitting in my livingroom, listening to the thunder crashing all around during a storm can be pretty scary. But, to me, it's exciting. I know I'm safe. I can trust God that no harm will come to me. Maybe for some people, who don't have a relationship with Him, God can be pretty scary.
However, God is not trying to scare us into Hell. He's trying to love us into Heaven.
I John 4:8 says, "...God is love." That should mean that whatever He does, He does in love. If God sees fit to get violent (as when Jesus overthrew the money-changers' tables in the temple) it's for a good reason.
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If He is anything, God is kind, sharing and giving. Yet, there are many sides to God and although He is long-suffering, there is a limit to how much He will tolerate.
We humans are always saying things like, "If there is a God, why does He allow such atrocities?" My answer to that would be, "He doesn't. We do. We allow the atrocities by not calling on God to do something." Prayer changes things. But, when God does do something, we can't question His actions and turn around and call Him "mean".
So, for my part, my opinion is that God is certainly not mean. But, is He violent?
It sure seems like it. Just sitting in my livingroom, listening to the thunder crashing all around during a storm can be pretty scary. But, to me, it's exciting. I know I'm safe. I can trust God that no harm will come to me. Maybe for some people, who don't have a relationship with Him, God can be pretty scary.
However, God is not trying to scare us into Hell. He's trying to love us into Heaven.
I John 4:8 says, "...God is love." That should mean that whatever He does, He does in love. If God sees fit to get violent (as when Jesus overthrew the money-changers' tables in the temple) it's for a good reason.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I love the story of Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. Of course, you can't beat Dickens for a great intrigue with lots of entertaining narrative. But, Mr. Scrooge proves, above all else, that people can change. It seems that if there's hope for Scrooge, there's hope for anyone.
As Lynus said in "A Charlie Brown Christmas", "That's what Christmas is all about," Charlie Brown.
If you're a person who doesn't often listen to what others have to say; if you feel you already know everything that's worth knowing and your mind is made up, -so much so that you don't want to be confused with the facts, then you are not going to be apt to change.
Understandably, some of us feel that we are content in the knowledge of who we are, what we believe to be true and self-evident and that we know a great deal more than most people. That's the description of 'smug'.
Smugness is not always safe. It can land you in a place called Regret.
For Christmas this year, may I offer a piece of friendly advice to face the New Year with? Open up to others. Listen to what others have to say about how you affect them. You may be surprised to find out that there is actually more than one way to do things.
Take a look at Scrooge. He had to go through a rude awakening by suffering severe visitations from spirits intent on giving him a shocking reality check. It didn't come easy for him to begin to admit that maybe he was possibly wrong about a few things. In fact, he had to see himself in the future as a corpse before the fear of God was finally thrown into him. But, when he finally humbled himself, he didn't let public opinion hold him back. He threw himself into his new persona regardless of what anyone thought.
That's what I admire about Scrooge the most. He became like a little child, full of the joy of living. That's the kind of future I wish us all! Let it be fearless, full of the joy of living, full of hope and faith and full of the freedom true humility can bring!
If you're a person who doesn't often listen to what others have to say; if you feel you already know everything that's worth knowing and your mind is made up, -so much so that you don't want to be confused with the facts, then you are not going to be apt to change.
Understandably, some of us feel that we are content in the knowledge of who we are, what we believe to be true and self-evident and that we know a great deal more than most people. That's the description of 'smug'.
Smugness is not always safe. It can land you in a place called Regret.
For Christmas this year, may I offer a piece of friendly advice to face the New Year with? Open up to others. Listen to what others have to say about how you affect them. You may be surprised to find out that there is actually more than one way to do things.
Take a look at Scrooge. He had to go through a rude awakening by suffering severe visitations from spirits intent on giving him a shocking reality check. It didn't come easy for him to begin to admit that maybe he was possibly wrong about a few things. In fact, he had to see himself in the future as a corpse before the fear of God was finally thrown into him. But, when he finally humbled himself, he didn't let public opinion hold him back. He threw himself into his new persona regardless of what anyone thought.
That's what I admire about Scrooge the most. He became like a little child, full of the joy of living. That's the kind of future I wish us all! Let it be fearless, full of the joy of living, full of hope and faith and full of the freedom true humility can bring!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Christmas Carols
For a lot of us, Christmas time is a time of year when we feel an inexplicable joy. Fond memories may return to us. There is a sense of humanity that seems to pervade the atmosphere and even a sweet peace that warms the cockles of our hearts.
One Christmas, when I was a child, I sat spell-bound, listening to a little red record playing a song on a little record player in my brother's bedroom. The song was a carol called, "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear". I strained to hear the words, to try to comprehend them and wondered what "harps of gold" might look like.
Today, it amazes me that such a deeply spiritual message has endured through the centuries. It prophecies about an "Age of Gold" declared by the angels of God.
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
It came upon the midnight clear
That glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold.
Peace on the earth good will to men,
From Heaven’s all gracious King!
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing.
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.
Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world hath suffered long;
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man at war with man hears not
The love song which they bring:
Oh hush the noise, ye men of strife
And hear the angels sing.
For lo! The days are
hastening on,
By prophets bards foretold,
When, with the ever-circling years,
Shall come the Age of Gold;
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendors fling,
And all the world give back the song
Which now the angels sing
Saturday, July 28, 2012
The First Miracle
John 2
1. And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there:
2. And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine and knew not when it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10. And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
(When I picture Jesus talking to his mother, I see him looking at her incredulously, because she has the audacity to press him into service. I think they must have had a very special connection. Maybe she realized that, since he had brought some disciples with him, he had begun his ministry and here was an opportunity to do a miracle. Jesus just couldn't refuse her faith! So, even though his hour hadn't come, Mary succeeded in getting her request.
Somehow with a look in her son's eye, she knew he was going to solve the problem, so she went ahead and told the servants to follow his instructions.)
12. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
13. And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
14. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15. And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
16. And he said unto them that sold doves. Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
(What a way to start off his ministry! He very deliberately sat down to make a whip to use on the backs of the temple merchants. It seemed like he was pretty angry. So, there is such a thing as righteous anger. Imagine pouring out the money. If someone did that today, we'd think that they were insane.
From the beginning, Jesus showed everyone he was going to do things a little differently. He wasn't born in a palace, but in a stable. He was so much like one of them that his own brothers didn't believe he was the Messiah! His message was almost always directed to the lowly members of society and his disciples were mere fishermen, not leaders of the Sanhedrin.)
17. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
18. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
(Now, since John the Baptist was pretty widely spoken of and his baptisms were probably the talk of the town, everyone must have known that Jesus was the One he was preparing them for, the Messiah. Yet, the Jews immediately wanted Jesus to give them a sign of some sort, as though it wasn't enough that God had spoken, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
1. And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there:
2. And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine and knew not when it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10. And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
(When I picture Jesus talking to his mother, I see him looking at her incredulously, because she has the audacity to press him into service. I think they must have had a very special connection. Maybe she realized that, since he had brought some disciples with him, he had begun his ministry and here was an opportunity to do a miracle. Jesus just couldn't refuse her faith! So, even though his hour hadn't come, Mary succeeded in getting her request.
Somehow with a look in her son's eye, she knew he was going to solve the problem, so she went ahead and told the servants to follow his instructions.)
12. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
13. And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
14. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
15. And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
16. And he said unto them that sold doves. Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
(What a way to start off his ministry! He very deliberately sat down to make a whip to use on the backs of the temple merchants. It seemed like he was pretty angry. So, there is such a thing as righteous anger. Imagine pouring out the money. If someone did that today, we'd think that they were insane.
From the beginning, Jesus showed everyone he was going to do things a little differently. He wasn't born in a palace, but in a stable. He was so much like one of them that his own brothers didn't believe he was the Messiah! His message was almost always directed to the lowly members of society and his disciples were mere fishermen, not leaders of the Sanhedrin.)
17. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
18. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
(Now, since John the Baptist was pretty widely spoken of and his baptisms were probably the talk of the town, everyone must have known that Jesus was the One he was preparing them for, the Messiah. Yet, the Jews immediately wanted Jesus to give them a sign of some sort, as though it wasn't enough that God had spoken, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Before Abraham was, I AM
In Saint John, Chapter 1verse 30, John the Baptist says that Jesus was before him. Yet, since Jesus, John's cousin, was born after John, how is that so?
Well, if Jesus is God, it only makes sense that he was around from the beginning of the creation. In Genesis, chapter 1,verse 26, God said,
"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..." One might ask who he was talking to.
Now, this opens the great debate about the plurality of God. Yes, there is only one God. But, apparently, he comes in at least three parts: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Does that mean that the Holy Ghost is God's wife, since Jesus is his son?
Well, we were created in God's image and we were created male and female. Could it be that there is some form of spiritual intercourse? I say,
"Why not?"
It stands to reason that since human beings are social creatures and created in God's image that God would also be a social Being who enjoys the company of others. But, let's leave that for another discussion.
In John 8:57, the Jews said to Jesus, "You're not even fifty years old and you say you've seen Abraham?"
What blasphemy! How dare anyone talk about our precious father Abraham as his equal! Now, for sure they knew Jesus was an imposter. AND he was a Samaritan (insult of insults!) AND he had a devil!
So, what was Jesus' reply to all these accusations? He calmly retorted,
"Verily, verily (truly, truly) I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."
Just try, try, try to wrap your brain around that one! He is not making a grammar mistake here. Jesus is putting Abraham decidedly in the past and himself in the present, past and future with one single word, "am".
Praise God! We should get excited about that!
Did the Jews there that day rejoice? Just the opposite. The amazing power of God spoken to those without faith resulted in an explosion of hatred! They wanted to kill him, just as he had predicted. They took up stones to cast at him!
Someone said that what we don't understand, we destroy.
Please don't feel we are picking on the Jews. There are people of every nation who are prone to a lack of faith. It just so happens that at this point in history, the Jews were the bearers of the Light, strictly adhering to the laws of God, and so it was that the Messiah went first to the House of Israel to proclaim his message.
Let's carry on in John 1:
35. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36. And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
(Why is he calling Jesus a lamb? According to the law, the Jews were required to sacrifice a lamb once a year to pay for the sins of their people. That means killing the innocent lamb, shedding its blood as a payment for sin. It may not make sense, but that was the requirement.)
37. And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? (Where do you live?)
39. He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40. One of the two which heard John speak and follwed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41. He first findeth his own brother Simon and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
43. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
(Hmmm... it seems Nathanael is type-casting here. How could anything good come out of Nazareth?)
47. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48. Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou was under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Well, if Jesus is God, it only makes sense that he was around from the beginning of the creation. In Genesis, chapter 1,verse 26, God said,
"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..." One might ask who he was talking to.
Now, this opens the great debate about the plurality of God. Yes, there is only one God. But, apparently, he comes in at least three parts: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Does that mean that the Holy Ghost is God's wife, since Jesus is his son?
Well, we were created in God's image and we were created male and female. Could it be that there is some form of spiritual intercourse? I say,
"Why not?"
It stands to reason that since human beings are social creatures and created in God's image that God would also be a social Being who enjoys the company of others. But, let's leave that for another discussion.
In John 8:57, the Jews said to Jesus, "You're not even fifty years old and you say you've seen Abraham?"
What blasphemy! How dare anyone talk about our precious father Abraham as his equal! Now, for sure they knew Jesus was an imposter. AND he was a Samaritan (insult of insults!) AND he had a devil!
So, what was Jesus' reply to all these accusations? He calmly retorted,
"Verily, verily (truly, truly) I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."
Just try, try, try to wrap your brain around that one! He is not making a grammar mistake here. Jesus is putting Abraham decidedly in the past and himself in the present, past and future with one single word, "am".
Praise God! We should get excited about that!
Did the Jews there that day rejoice? Just the opposite. The amazing power of God spoken to those without faith resulted in an explosion of hatred! They wanted to kill him, just as he had predicted. They took up stones to cast at him!
Someone said that what we don't understand, we destroy.
Please don't feel we are picking on the Jews. There are people of every nation who are prone to a lack of faith. It just so happens that at this point in history, the Jews were the bearers of the Light, strictly adhering to the laws of God, and so it was that the Messiah went first to the House of Israel to proclaim his message.
Let's carry on in John 1:
35. Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36. And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
(Why is he calling Jesus a lamb? According to the law, the Jews were required to sacrifice a lamb once a year to pay for the sins of their people. That means killing the innocent lamb, shedding its blood as a payment for sin. It may not make sense, but that was the requirement.)
37. And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? (Where do you live?)
39. He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40. One of the two which heard John speak and follwed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41. He first findeth his own brother Simon and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
43. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
44. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
(Hmmm... it seems Nathanael is type-casting here. How could anything good come out of Nazareth?)
47. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48. Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou was under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Milk of the Word
For this post, I will let God's Word speak for itself. (Chapter One of John began a few posts ago.)
John 1:
19. And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? (Who are you?)
20. And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
21. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
22. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
23. He said, I am THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD, as saith the prophet Esaias.
24. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
25. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou, then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
26. John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there stands one among you, whom ye know not;
27. He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
28. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29. The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
30. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me; for he was before me.
31. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
32. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
(Note: John says that Jesus is preferred before him because he was before him. Although John was born before Jesus, he tells us that Jesus was "before" him.
In John, chapter 8, 52 through 58, the Jews said to Jesus, "Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him and if I should say I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.)
John 1:
19. And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? (Who are you?)
20. And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
21. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
22. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
23. He said, I am THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD, as saith the prophet Esaias.
24. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
25. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou, then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
26. John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there stands one among you, whom ye know not;
27. He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
28. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29. The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
30. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me; for he was before me.
31. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
32. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
(Note: John says that Jesus is preferred before him because he was before him. Although John was born before Jesus, he tells us that Jesus was "before" him.
In John, chapter 8, 52 through 58, the Jews said to Jesus, "Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him and if I should say I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.)
The Most Amazing Book
When you open the Bible and begin to read, the words jump off the page. Unlike any other book, this book can grip you with a phrase or a mere word. You may be frozen on one verse. You may find a key that you'd searched for your entire life. Here it is, hidden in plain sight, like a jewel lying on the sand. Maybe it has your name on it. It could be a truth that God put there, knowing many years ago that you would find it just today.
In this modern, technological world that is run on money, many of us spend our lives stressed about one thing or another. Sometimes we don't even know what the cause of our stress is. It could be a word, a slip of the tongue from a hasty passer-by or a glance that we interpreted as a slight. It may only be a kind of feeling that seems to hit at a certain time of day or during certain activities. Sometimes that mood will pass quickly and sometimes it may turn into a state of depression that lingers for days. A little black cloud stubbornly hanging overhead.
The pressure and stress pushing us forward continue to do so unabated for days, until we choose to step off the treadmill for a moment, take a breath and try to collect a sane thought. Even that is not easy to do. There's always that nagging feeling that something needs to be done. There's that judging voice saying,
"You are so lazy. What have you accomplished today? Time is money." ...or some such accusation. (We all have that little voice in our head that needs to be brought into submission.)
Therefore, I do realize that to open the Bible and begin to read it is no small task! You will be besieged on every side with good, logical reasons why you don't have time. Then, even as you begin to read, doubts will arise from every quarter. Millions of them. And, the cherry on top is, you will get so drowsy, you may suddenly feel a deep sleep coming on.
In fact, you may discover that it's easier to pick up any other reading material on hand than to try to read the Bible. Why do you suppose that is?
Wouldn't it make sense to say that it's probably because the Bible is a very unique book? It may also make sense to say that the enemy of your soul throws everything he has at you to prevent you from finding out the "goods" on him. He sure doesn't want you to live in victory. He certainly doesn't want you to go around proclaiming the truth to others. That's for sure!
Then again, it has been said, "You are your own worst enemy."
However, once all these obstacles have been overcome and we find ourselves enraptured in the Word of God, there is nothing better than drinking in the powerful words of spiritual life and rebirth that can be found there. Don't worry if you don't understand everything. Just enjoy it.
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby." I Peter 2:2
Earlier in this blog, I included the first 14 verses from the first chapter of John. I hope it amazed you. These words contain the very spirit and life of God and Jesus, who is God. So, let's continue with John Chapter 1:
15. John bare witness of him, and cried saying, This was he of whom I spake, he that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
God decided to show a different side of himself to us by sending Jesus who came in "grace" and "truth".
When Jesus spoke to Pilate, he said,
"Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice."
In this modern, technological world that is run on money, many of us spend our lives stressed about one thing or another. Sometimes we don't even know what the cause of our stress is. It could be a word, a slip of the tongue from a hasty passer-by or a glance that we interpreted as a slight. It may only be a kind of feeling that seems to hit at a certain time of day or during certain activities. Sometimes that mood will pass quickly and sometimes it may turn into a state of depression that lingers for days. A little black cloud stubbornly hanging overhead.
The pressure and stress pushing us forward continue to do so unabated for days, until we choose to step off the treadmill for a moment, take a breath and try to collect a sane thought. Even that is not easy to do. There's always that nagging feeling that something needs to be done. There's that judging voice saying,
"You are so lazy. What have you accomplished today? Time is money." ...or some such accusation. (We all have that little voice in our head that needs to be brought into submission.)
Therefore, I do realize that to open the Bible and begin to read it is no small task! You will be besieged on every side with good, logical reasons why you don't have time. Then, even as you begin to read, doubts will arise from every quarter. Millions of them. And, the cherry on top is, you will get so drowsy, you may suddenly feel a deep sleep coming on.
In fact, you may discover that it's easier to pick up any other reading material on hand than to try to read the Bible. Why do you suppose that is?
Wouldn't it make sense to say that it's probably because the Bible is a very unique book? It may also make sense to say that the enemy of your soul throws everything he has at you to prevent you from finding out the "goods" on him. He sure doesn't want you to live in victory. He certainly doesn't want you to go around proclaiming the truth to others. That's for sure!
Then again, it has been said, "You are your own worst enemy."
However, once all these obstacles have been overcome and we find ourselves enraptured in the Word of God, there is nothing better than drinking in the powerful words of spiritual life and rebirth that can be found there. Don't worry if you don't understand everything. Just enjoy it.
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby." I Peter 2:2
Earlier in this blog, I included the first 14 verses from the first chapter of John. I hope it amazed you. These words contain the very spirit and life of God and Jesus, who is God. So, let's continue with John Chapter 1:
15. John bare witness of him, and cried saying, This was he of whom I spake, he that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
God decided to show a different side of himself to us by sending Jesus who came in "grace" and "truth".
When Jesus spoke to Pilate, he said,
"Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice."
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Is Religion a Private Matter?
When you mention your faith in public, some people will announce that their religion is a private matter that's just between them and God. It's considered to be almost as private as talking about sex. There's even a rule in some circles that the topics to avoid are: religion, sex and politics.
Is our faith in God meant to be kept a secret?
No doubt, the devil would love to keep it secret. But, as Christians, we have a responsibility to share the Gospel. Just as scientists and doctors have a responsibility to divulge their knowledge to mankind, especially when their knowledge can divert an epidemic or warn us of a looming natural disaster, so it is our responsibility to mankind to present the knowledge of salvation.
Would you stand by and watch a toddler run out into the traffic? I hope not. As a responsible human being, it would be instinctual for most of us to intervene. That's our humanity. It's a natural reaction. Most people value life, even the lives of animals.
Isn't our spiritual life of more value than this temporal, carnal existence? Once you have found the salvation of your own soul and the joy of knowing the Lord, isn't it your responsibility to turn others off the path to destruction?
How accountable are we for the destiny of the souls of others? Matthew chapter 10 gives pretty clear instructions of our responsibility as Christians.
"As ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give."
Jesus set the example for us to follow. Not only are we bound to follow, but we are actually bound to be his own slaves. (That's a topic which needs expounding on!) At the end of his mission, he instructed us,
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Not only did Christ set the example, but he died in order to pay off the debt of our sin and then he told us he would be with us every step of the way until the end of the world as we know it. We not only have the blue print but we have the Architect to direct every move we make, if we care to ask him. The Divine Plan given us by God Himself will be successful as we follow it, but not if it's kept a secret.
"Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:15
If you are a Christian who believes that your religion should be kept private, I humbly suggest that you read the book of Acts. The power of God, in the out-pouring of the Holy Ghost, compelled the apostles to witness their faith. They proclaimed their beliefs to the peril of their lives.
"And daily in the temple and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." Acts 5:42
On the other hand, there are some things we should keep private. We are told that our giving should be in private:
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven..." Matthew 6 verse 1.
Our prayer life is supposed to be private:
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into they closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Matthew 6:5 and 6.
So, although there are some parts of our faith that are meant to be kept private, sharing the Gospel is not one of them. In fact, Jesus told us,
"What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops." Matthew 10, verse 27.
Is our faith in God meant to be kept a secret?
No doubt, the devil would love to keep it secret. But, as Christians, we have a responsibility to share the Gospel. Just as scientists and doctors have a responsibility to divulge their knowledge to mankind, especially when their knowledge can divert an epidemic or warn us of a looming natural disaster, so it is our responsibility to mankind to present the knowledge of salvation.
Would you stand by and watch a toddler run out into the traffic? I hope not. As a responsible human being, it would be instinctual for most of us to intervene. That's our humanity. It's a natural reaction. Most people value life, even the lives of animals.
Isn't our spiritual life of more value than this temporal, carnal existence? Once you have found the salvation of your own soul and the joy of knowing the Lord, isn't it your responsibility to turn others off the path to destruction?
How accountable are we for the destiny of the souls of others? Matthew chapter 10 gives pretty clear instructions of our responsibility as Christians.
"As ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give."
Jesus set the example for us to follow. Not only are we bound to follow, but we are actually bound to be his own slaves. (That's a topic which needs expounding on!) At the end of his mission, he instructed us,
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Not only did Christ set the example, but he died in order to pay off the debt of our sin and then he told us he would be with us every step of the way until the end of the world as we know it. We not only have the blue print but we have the Architect to direct every move we make, if we care to ask him. The Divine Plan given us by God Himself will be successful as we follow it, but not if it's kept a secret.
"Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:15
If you are a Christian who believes that your religion should be kept private, I humbly suggest that you read the book of Acts. The power of God, in the out-pouring of the Holy Ghost, compelled the apostles to witness their faith. They proclaimed their beliefs to the peril of their lives.
"And daily in the temple and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." Acts 5:42
On the other hand, there are some things we should keep private. We are told that our giving should be in private:
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven..." Matthew 6 verse 1.
Our prayer life is supposed to be private:
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into they closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Matthew 6:5 and 6.
So, although there are some parts of our faith that are meant to be kept private, sharing the Gospel is not one of them. In fact, Jesus told us,
"What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops." Matthew 10, verse 27.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Who Can You Trust?
These days, it's considered "politically incorrect" to share your faith. To say that Jesus Christ is the only way to God is "biased", "narrow-minded" and "bigoted". Shouldn't we be more tolerant to other faiths? Isn't there more than one way to get to heaven?
If you are a new Christian trying to share your faith, don't let these obstacles hinder or discourage you. Remember that Jesus knows his sheep and they know him and they will follow. If they are his sheep, they will hear his voice.
As for everyone else, just leave them in God's able hands. He will deal with them as he sees fit and perhaps bring them along the path to salvation at a later date (if they live long enough). You are not required to argue to convince anyone to accept the priceless gift of eternal life. If they have a zillion excuses why they don't want to believe in God or Jesus, move on to someone who has been searching for the truth.
The Bible says what it says. It's right there in black and white. If it were not for those words of truth, we could not lay claim to salvation through faith in those words. But, those words were written for our edification so that we might know the truth, even hold it in our hands. If you read it, you'll know in your heart whether it is the Truth.
In J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings", Aragorn was trying to encourage Gandalf to have faith that Frodo was getting closer to Mordor to accomplish his mission. It was a stressful time and Gandalf asked,
"Do we know that?" In answer to his wavering, Aragorn put the question to him,
"What does your heart tell you?" It didn't take Gandalf long to know his own heart. He said,
"That Frodo is alive. Yes. Yes, he's alive."
Sometimes all it takes is a moment to listen to your own heart Take time to listen. Maybe it will take you a bit longer than Gandalf to get the answer, but, if you're patient, you will get a clear answer.
I remember the first time after becoming a Christian that I heard mention of the story of Noah's ark. It made me laugh out loud! I thought it was a childish fable, made up to teach children the names of all the animals. But, my laughter was cut short by a stout look of scorn from a nearby elder brother.
"If you're going to believe in the Bible," he said, "you've got to believe it from cover to cover."
It was then that I realized I had a few preconceived ideas of my own that would have to give way to the truth. But, faith grows. It gets stronger, wider and deeper the more we swim in the refreshing water of his Word. Something you think is impossible or even ridiculous today will seem common knowledge tomorrow.
Accepting Jesus as your saviour, master, king and the Lord of your life is just the beginning. Jesus himself said in John 3, verse 3,
"Except a man(/woman) be born again, he(/she) cannot see the kingdom of God." and
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God." John 3:16 to 21 We, as Christian believers, have been given very clear and specific guidelines, put there for our safety by a loving and wise Father Who wants us to stay on the "straight and narrow path" all the way to his Kingdom. It's easy to get side-tracked. There are lots of bullies and liars out to get you when they see the light of joy on your face. There are lots of hands reaching out of the darkness to try to pull you down with them. That's why it's so important to stay in the Word and let the Word live in you.
Stay in the Light and the darkness will flee.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
The Light of the World
Saint John, Chapter 1:
1. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him and without him was not anything made that was made.
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Like light, Jesus was a mystery. He remains a mystery to us. We can believe in him by faith. Yet, the mystery continues, slowly unfolding itself to us as we walk with him.
He is the Light that gives us spiritual life. He shines in our darkness and we do not comprehend that Light.
Why does He seem to keep up guessing? Why does God seem to enjoy testing our faith? Why not just come right out and lay all His cards on the table so we can see the whole picture and the reason for everything?
I believe the answer is quite simple to our way of understanding (although there are probably multi-purposes from God's perspective, since He usually gets a lot of mileage out of everything). If we already knew all the answers, if the mystery were solved, all the reasons put into our laps, would we be so desperate and needy? Would we need to delve into scripture, search for answers, fall on our knees and compel God?
Maybe we are supposed to be content with walking in the Light, taking one step at a time. Step by step, as we follow, He shows us more and more. It's when we turn our face to the "darkness" that problems arise. Not only do we need to stay in the Light, but we need to let the Light shine through us.
Matthew 5, verse 16 tells us: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (That doesn't mean to go around proclaiming your own goodness, but to give God the glory for whatever you do that's beneficial or helpful.)
Let's continue with John, Chapter 1:
6.There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
7. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8. He was in the world and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11. He came unto his own and his own received him not.
12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Here we find the famous verse that many of us have seen on Sunday School walls or Gospel tracts, etc. It's famous for being the verse that leads sinners to salvation. The instructions are simple, just "receive" Jesus. In Greek, the word for believe is to "receive" or "drink in".
Recently I was speaking to a dedicated Muslim about salvation and she matter-of-factly told me that she hoped she would suffer for all of her sins while she was on this earth so that Allah would allow her to go to Heaven when she died. She said if there were any sins left over, she'd have to go to hell to be punished for them.
Yet, for people who cling to that idea, the idea of accepting Jesus as your Saviour is just too easy. They would rather suffer, pay the price in their flesh, have a miserable life and be "holy" while on this earth, in order to enjoy the afterlife! And still, there's no guarantee that they will go to Heaven in the end.
Thank God that Jesus paid the price for us so that we do not need to suffer for our sins! It's an impossible feat to attempt. For one thing, we don't even know what our sins are. God's perfection is so far beyond ours. Many of our attempts at righteousness turn out to be self-righteousness, which stinks!
Back to John 1:
16. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
In these 14 verses, we discover that Jesus is the Word, the Light, the Truth and God. He is God Who was made flesh. He lived among us and even His own people did not receive Him. His half-brothers didn't believe in Him!
Can you imagine if Jesus were your very own brother, living in your house and the whole time, you thought He was just a regular guy? You argued with Him! You insulted Him and mocked Him. In effect, you just treated him like a brother. Then... to find out that the whole time, he was GOD!
1. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him and without him was not anything made that was made.
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Like light, Jesus was a mystery. He remains a mystery to us. We can believe in him by faith. Yet, the mystery continues, slowly unfolding itself to us as we walk with him.
He is the Light that gives us spiritual life. He shines in our darkness and we do not comprehend that Light.
Why does He seem to keep up guessing? Why does God seem to enjoy testing our faith? Why not just come right out and lay all His cards on the table so we can see the whole picture and the reason for everything?
I believe the answer is quite simple to our way of understanding (although there are probably multi-purposes from God's perspective, since He usually gets a lot of mileage out of everything). If we already knew all the answers, if the mystery were solved, all the reasons put into our laps, would we be so desperate and needy? Would we need to delve into scripture, search for answers, fall on our knees and compel God?
Maybe we are supposed to be content with walking in the Light, taking one step at a time. Step by step, as we follow, He shows us more and more. It's when we turn our face to the "darkness" that problems arise. Not only do we need to stay in the Light, but we need to let the Light shine through us.
Matthew 5, verse 16 tells us: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (That doesn't mean to go around proclaiming your own goodness, but to give God the glory for whatever you do that's beneficial or helpful.)
Let's continue with John, Chapter 1:
6.There was a man sent from God whose name was John.
7. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8. He was in the world and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11. He came unto his own and his own received him not.
12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Here we find the famous verse that many of us have seen on Sunday School walls or Gospel tracts, etc. It's famous for being the verse that leads sinners to salvation. The instructions are simple, just "receive" Jesus. In Greek, the word for believe is to "receive" or "drink in".
Recently I was speaking to a dedicated Muslim about salvation and she matter-of-factly told me that she hoped she would suffer for all of her sins while she was on this earth so that Allah would allow her to go to Heaven when she died. She said if there were any sins left over, she'd have to go to hell to be punished for them.
Yet, for people who cling to that idea, the idea of accepting Jesus as your Saviour is just too easy. They would rather suffer, pay the price in their flesh, have a miserable life and be "holy" while on this earth, in order to enjoy the afterlife! And still, there's no guarantee that they will go to Heaven in the end.
Thank God that Jesus paid the price for us so that we do not need to suffer for our sins! It's an impossible feat to attempt. For one thing, we don't even know what our sins are. God's perfection is so far beyond ours. Many of our attempts at righteousness turn out to be self-righteousness, which stinks!
Back to John 1:
16. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
In these 14 verses, we discover that Jesus is the Word, the Light, the Truth and God. He is God Who was made flesh. He lived among us and even His own people did not receive Him. His half-brothers didn't believe in Him!
Can you imagine if Jesus were your very own brother, living in your house and the whole time, you thought He was just a regular guy? You argued with Him! You insulted Him and mocked Him. In effect, you just treated him like a brother. Then... to find out that the whole time, he was GOD!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
The Mystery of Light
Someone once said, "The more we know, the more we know we don't know."
Here's a quote from a book called, "Jesus Today" by Albert Nolan:
"Einstein discovered that light sometimes behaves like a particle and sometimes like a wave. The mechanistic scientists had already decided that light must be a wave and therefore they jumped to the conclusion that there must be some kind of substance in which light waves were moving. They called this hypothetical substance 'ether'.
"Today the scientists tell us that there is no such thing as ether and that light is neither a wave nor a particle. The truth is that our human minds are limited. We cannot understand light; we can only treat it as if it were a wave, and for other purposes as if it were a particle. In fact, it is neither; it is something beyond the human mind and imagination. For us, light is a mystery.
"Light is a form of energy and energy is of course equally mysterious--- although not nearly as mysterious as the atom. When Einstein and numerous other scientists 'opened up' the atom and analyzed its 'contents' into electrons, protons, neutrons, and numerous other 'particles' right down to infinitesimally small quarks, they soon realized that they were not in fact dealing with particles, nor waves, or any other recognizable objects. They were dealing with patterns and relationships. But how can you have patterns and relationships with nothing that is being patterned or related?
"The mystery only deepened when the great physicist Niels Bohr came across the quantum leap. Electrons, which we have to treat as particles moving around in an orbit, sometimes jump from one orbit to another without passing through the space between the two orbits. How is that possible?
"There are any number of other puzzles that defy explanation, not because we do not have enough evidence but because in the subatomic world, the empirical evidence is self-contradictory. There seems to be no logic or rationality down there. It is, to us, a very strange world.
"The latest theory, or way of describing what appears to be happening in the subatomic world, concerns the quantum vacuum. Ninety percent of any atom is empty space, a vacuum. there is nothing there, not even the hypothetical ether. But electrons and all the other 'particles' that seem to be spinning around in the atom emerge out of this nothingness and then disappear again, into it. In the words of the mathematical cosmologist, Brian Swimme, 'elementary particles crop up out of the vacuum itself--- that is the simple and awesome discovery... the base of the universe seethes with creativity.' Further on, he becomes almost mystical about it: 'I use 'all-nourishing abyss' as a way of pointing to this mystery at the base of being.'
"The universe is not what it used to be. It is not a machine. It is a mystery."
The observations quoted above helped me to get a bit better grasp on Genesis, chapter 1, verse 3:
"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."
The reason that verse has always puzzled me is because it wasn't until verse 15 that God created (what we would deem as) the 'sources' of light. How could there have been light before there was a light source? Yet, according to Genesis, light was the first thing on the earth that God created.
Well, He is God. He doesn't have to follow any rules. It seems that whenever we try to put God in a box, He just breaks out of it, ...or jumps out of it, without breaking the box.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8,9
Here's a quote from a book called, "Jesus Today" by Albert Nolan:
"Einstein discovered that light sometimes behaves like a particle and sometimes like a wave. The mechanistic scientists had already decided that light must be a wave and therefore they jumped to the conclusion that there must be some kind of substance in which light waves were moving. They called this hypothetical substance 'ether'.
"Today the scientists tell us that there is no such thing as ether and that light is neither a wave nor a particle. The truth is that our human minds are limited. We cannot understand light; we can only treat it as if it were a wave, and for other purposes as if it were a particle. In fact, it is neither; it is something beyond the human mind and imagination. For us, light is a mystery.
"Light is a form of energy and energy is of course equally mysterious--- although not nearly as mysterious as the atom. When Einstein and numerous other scientists 'opened up' the atom and analyzed its 'contents' into electrons, protons, neutrons, and numerous other 'particles' right down to infinitesimally small quarks, they soon realized that they were not in fact dealing with particles, nor waves, or any other recognizable objects. They were dealing with patterns and relationships. But how can you have patterns and relationships with nothing that is being patterned or related?
"The mystery only deepened when the great physicist Niels Bohr came across the quantum leap. Electrons, which we have to treat as particles moving around in an orbit, sometimes jump from one orbit to another without passing through the space between the two orbits. How is that possible?
"There are any number of other puzzles that defy explanation, not because we do not have enough evidence but because in the subatomic world, the empirical evidence is self-contradictory. There seems to be no logic or rationality down there. It is, to us, a very strange world.
"The latest theory, or way of describing what appears to be happening in the subatomic world, concerns the quantum vacuum. Ninety percent of any atom is empty space, a vacuum. there is nothing there, not even the hypothetical ether. But electrons and all the other 'particles' that seem to be spinning around in the atom emerge out of this nothingness and then disappear again, into it. In the words of the mathematical cosmologist, Brian Swimme, 'elementary particles crop up out of the vacuum itself--- that is the simple and awesome discovery... the base of the universe seethes with creativity.' Further on, he becomes almost mystical about it: 'I use 'all-nourishing abyss' as a way of pointing to this mystery at the base of being.'
"The universe is not what it used to be. It is not a machine. It is a mystery."
The observations quoted above helped me to get a bit better grasp on Genesis, chapter 1, verse 3:
"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."
The reason that verse has always puzzled me is because it wasn't until verse 15 that God created (what we would deem as) the 'sources' of light. How could there have been light before there was a light source? Yet, according to Genesis, light was the first thing on the earth that God created.
Well, He is God. He doesn't have to follow any rules. It seems that whenever we try to put God in a box, He just breaks out of it, ...or jumps out of it, without breaking the box.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8,9
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
A Freaky Ghost Story
The story of Jesus' torture, crucifixion and death would make a terrifying ghost story such as the ones boy scouts tell at night in a rain-soaked tent out in the woods. As the creepy rays of the flash-light flicker on the tent poles and across the canvas, a haunting whisper sends a little chill up the spines of the young campers.
"There once was a man who was arrested one night by an army of soldiers. It seemed like they were afraid of the man because they brought lots of swords and staves to take him. When the man asked them who they were looking for, they suddenly were knocked off their feet and fell over backwards! Then, one of the man's friends cut off the ear of one of the soldiers.
"Instead of defending himself or trying to escape, the man picked up the soldier's ear, put it back on the soldier's head and healed it!
"In those days, there was a terrible torture called crucifixion where the prisoner was nailed right through his hands and feet onto two beams of wood crossed together. That's what they wanted to do to him. But, the guy in charge tried to stop this from happening, so he ordered his men to beat the man with "the cat" (a cat-o-nine tails, which is nine strips of leather laced with barbs). He figured if the man got beaten with that, the people would see all the blood and let him go. But he was wrong.
"So, even though the man's body was torn apart from the beating, he had to carry his crucifixion cross all the way through town and up to a hill where the soldiers crucified him. The nails they hammered into his hands were about an inch wide and 8 inches long. There were a lot of people standing around watching and they were moaning because they knew the pain was excruciating.
"At the time of his death, the sky went totally pitch black! It was the middle of the day, but it seemed like night time. A big earthquake shook the whole city and the rocks broke up. Then hundreds of graves opened and a lot of dead people started climbing out of their coffins! They started walking around, talking to people and telling them that the guy they had killed was not guilty. They said he was the Messiah they'd been praying for!
"When they got his body down off the cross, they put it in a cave and some religious leaders had a huge rock rolled in front of it so that he couldn't get out. They even put two guards on either side of the rock just to make sure.
"Yet, three days later, the stone was rolled away and the cave was empty! The man's friends went to look for him in the cave so they could put some ointment on his body, but his body had mysteriously disappeared!
"Then, one of the ladies saw him standing right in front of her! He told her not to touch him because he was on his way to see his father, God. Then, he suddenly vanished again! She went back to tell the others about it, but nobody would believe her until, all of a sudden, the man walked right through the wall into their house! It was pretty spooky, but in a good way.
"For forty days, the man stayed around, teaching people about his father. He even cooked and ate fish and things, so I guess he had some sort of a body that could digest food.
"After forty days or so, his body started to levitate, right when he was talking to a group of people! He started floating straight up! He went so high that he disappeared inside of a cloud! Then two angels which stood by said,
"Why are you standing here gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)
"There once was a man who was arrested one night by an army of soldiers. It seemed like they were afraid of the man because they brought lots of swords and staves to take him. When the man asked them who they were looking for, they suddenly were knocked off their feet and fell over backwards! Then, one of the man's friends cut off the ear of one of the soldiers.
"Instead of defending himself or trying to escape, the man picked up the soldier's ear, put it back on the soldier's head and healed it!
"In those days, there was a terrible torture called crucifixion where the prisoner was nailed right through his hands and feet onto two beams of wood crossed together. That's what they wanted to do to him. But, the guy in charge tried to stop this from happening, so he ordered his men to beat the man with "the cat" (a cat-o-nine tails, which is nine strips of leather laced with barbs). He figured if the man got beaten with that, the people would see all the blood and let him go. But he was wrong.
"So, even though the man's body was torn apart from the beating, he had to carry his crucifixion cross all the way through town and up to a hill where the soldiers crucified him. The nails they hammered into his hands were about an inch wide and 8 inches long. There were a lot of people standing around watching and they were moaning because they knew the pain was excruciating.
"At the time of his death, the sky went totally pitch black! It was the middle of the day, but it seemed like night time. A big earthquake shook the whole city and the rocks broke up. Then hundreds of graves opened and a lot of dead people started climbing out of their coffins! They started walking around, talking to people and telling them that the guy they had killed was not guilty. They said he was the Messiah they'd been praying for!
"When they got his body down off the cross, they put it in a cave and some religious leaders had a huge rock rolled in front of it so that he couldn't get out. They even put two guards on either side of the rock just to make sure.
"Yet, three days later, the stone was rolled away and the cave was empty! The man's friends went to look for him in the cave so they could put some ointment on his body, but his body had mysteriously disappeared!
"Then, one of the ladies saw him standing right in front of her! He told her not to touch him because he was on his way to see his father, God. Then, he suddenly vanished again! She went back to tell the others about it, but nobody would believe her until, all of a sudden, the man walked right through the wall into their house! It was pretty spooky, but in a good way.
"For forty days, the man stayed around, teaching people about his father. He even cooked and ate fish and things, so I guess he had some sort of a body that could digest food.
"After forty days or so, his body started to levitate, right when he was talking to a group of people! He started floating straight up! He went so high that he disappeared inside of a cloud! Then two angels which stood by said,
"Why are you standing here gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The World's Largest Religion Today
Some people I've talked to tell me that nobody believes in Jesus anymore. There is a big lack of faith in this country (Canada) and you'll hear people say things, like,
"There's nothing after this life. You just get squashed like a bug and that's it."
Belief in God is mocked. Faith in the unseen is often considered insane.
But, while it seems that we in the Western World are losing our faith, turning to so-called "Science" and the worship of materialism, the scene is different elsewhere.
Statistics say that there are 2.1 billion Christians in the world. That makes Christianity the largest religion in the world today. Yes, folks, Christians are actually in the majority! (Now, that's not to say that all those who call themselves Christians put their faith into practice.)
The number of Christians around the world has nearly quadrupled in the last 100 years from 600 million in 1910 to 2.1 billion today.
So, how do the other religions fare? I'll lay it out for you:
"But do you really expect people to believe that a man died, was put into a tomb and then on the third day after his death, suddenly rose from the dead?"
Yes!
In the Hebrew court, the evidence of at least two witnesses was required for convicting the accused. The convicted false witness bore the same penalty that would have been inflicted upon the accused.
There are not two, but four testimonies written by four witnesses who claim to have seen and heard the amazing events that took place in Israel when Jesus began his ministry. Four different accounts tell of miracles of healing, of sight being restored to the blind, of the lame rising to walk, of the dead being raised to life, of lepers being healed of their leprosy and of water being turned to wine, among other things.
Four separate testimonies tell of the crucifixion, the piercing of Jesus' side, the darkened sky, the earthquake at the time of his death, the placing of His body inside of a tomb and the stone that was rolled in front of the door of said tomb.
But it is the testimony of what happened on the third day after Jesus Christ's death that is of paramount importance. It is this testimony on which the Christian faith hinges.
Because, if this part of the testimony is not true; if these four testimonies do not agree, "we are of all men most miserable", as Paul said in I Corinthians 15:19.
If that third day, Jesus did not rise from the dead; if Mary and Martha did not find an angel sitting in the tomb where the body of Jesus had lain; if there was no Resurrection, we are lost in the dark, doomed to suffer for our sins and plea bargain with God for a shot at Eternal Life.
If Jesus did not fulfill all of the 300 prophecies about Him, He is not the Messiah. If all four of these witnesses were lying, we are followers of a false religion. If a Roman soldier came and took the body of Jesus out of the tomb, this whole story is a cheap joke, a childish prank meant only for entertainment value and anyone would be crazy to follow such a man.
As it turns out, there were not merely four witnesses. The twelve disciples of Jesus not only witnessed His life, but were endowed by His Spirit after His death. Jesus was seen after His death and walked on the earth for 40 days! Countless witnesses saw and heard Him.
There are 2.1 billion people today who call themselves Christians. A Christian is a follower of Christ. Many of these can testify to knowing Jesus by faith. They can testify of miracles in their lives and of receiving the miraculous gift of Salvation.
Don't take our word for it. Find out yourself what is written. Find out yourself whether Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies written in the Old Testament. Read for yourself in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to see if their stories match up. Do they all agree that Jesus indeed was crucified and that He rose again on the third day after His death?
If they all tell the same story, it's a viable truth that would hold up in any court of law. Ask yourself this question,
"What reason would they have to lie?" Do you think they would risk the punishment of being crucified? That would have been their punishment if they'd been tried in a Hebrew court and any of their stories didn't match up.
Every Christian is a testimony of what Jesus did for them. We tell our children if they are in trouble and need help, "Just ask a Policeman." So, my advice to anyone who needs spiritual help is, "Just ask a Spirit-filled Christian." They should be willing and able to give you a reason for the hope that is in them.
P.S. I welcome your comments. You can email me at: brenleephillips@gmail.com
"There's nothing after this life. You just get squashed like a bug and that's it."
Belief in God is mocked. Faith in the unseen is often considered insane.
But, while it seems that we in the Western World are losing our faith, turning to so-called "Science" and the worship of materialism, the scene is different elsewhere.
Statistics say that there are 2.1 billion Christians in the world. That makes Christianity the largest religion in the world today. Yes, folks, Christians are actually in the majority! (Now, that's not to say that all those who call themselves Christians put their faith into practice.)
The number of Christians around the world has nearly quadrupled in the last 100 years from 600 million in 1910 to 2.1 billion today.
So, how do the other religions fare? I'll lay it out for you:
- Christians - 1.9 to 2.1 billion
- Muslims - 1.6 billion
- Judaism - 14.5 million
- Agnostic/Atheism - 1.1 billion (if you call that a religion)
- Hinduism - 950 million
- Chinese Traditional - 400 million
- Animists - 306 million
- African Anglicanism/disporic - 110 million
- Sikhism - 23.5 million
- Juche - 19.4 million
- Spiritism - 15.2 million
- Baha'i - 7 million
- Jainism - 4.2 million
- Shinto - 4 million
- Cao Dai - 4 million
- Zoroastrianism - 2.5 million
- Tenrikyo - 2 million
- Neo Paganism - 1.1 million
- Unitarian Universalism - 800,000
- Rastafaris - 625,00
"But do you really expect people to believe that a man died, was put into a tomb and then on the third day after his death, suddenly rose from the dead?"
Yes!
In the Hebrew court, the evidence of at least two witnesses was required for convicting the accused. The convicted false witness bore the same penalty that would have been inflicted upon the accused.
There are not two, but four testimonies written by four witnesses who claim to have seen and heard the amazing events that took place in Israel when Jesus began his ministry. Four different accounts tell of miracles of healing, of sight being restored to the blind, of the lame rising to walk, of the dead being raised to life, of lepers being healed of their leprosy and of water being turned to wine, among other things.
Four separate testimonies tell of the crucifixion, the piercing of Jesus' side, the darkened sky, the earthquake at the time of his death, the placing of His body inside of a tomb and the stone that was rolled in front of the door of said tomb.
But it is the testimony of what happened on the third day after Jesus Christ's death that is of paramount importance. It is this testimony on which the Christian faith hinges.
Because, if this part of the testimony is not true; if these four testimonies do not agree, "we are of all men most miserable", as Paul said in I Corinthians 15:19.
If that third day, Jesus did not rise from the dead; if Mary and Martha did not find an angel sitting in the tomb where the body of Jesus had lain; if there was no Resurrection, we are lost in the dark, doomed to suffer for our sins and plea bargain with God for a shot at Eternal Life.
If Jesus did not fulfill all of the 300 prophecies about Him, He is not the Messiah. If all four of these witnesses were lying, we are followers of a false religion. If a Roman soldier came and took the body of Jesus out of the tomb, this whole story is a cheap joke, a childish prank meant only for entertainment value and anyone would be crazy to follow such a man.
As it turns out, there were not merely four witnesses. The twelve disciples of Jesus not only witnessed His life, but were endowed by His Spirit after His death. Jesus was seen after His death and walked on the earth for 40 days! Countless witnesses saw and heard Him.
There are 2.1 billion people today who call themselves Christians. A Christian is a follower of Christ. Many of these can testify to knowing Jesus by faith. They can testify of miracles in their lives and of receiving the miraculous gift of Salvation.
Don't take our word for it. Find out yourself what is written. Find out yourself whether Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies written in the Old Testament. Read for yourself in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to see if their stories match up. Do they all agree that Jesus indeed was crucified and that He rose again on the third day after His death?
If they all tell the same story, it's a viable truth that would hold up in any court of law. Ask yourself this question,
"What reason would they have to lie?" Do you think they would risk the punishment of being crucified? That would have been their punishment if they'd been tried in a Hebrew court and any of their stories didn't match up.
Every Christian is a testimony of what Jesus did for them. We tell our children if they are in trouble and need help, "Just ask a Policeman." So, my advice to anyone who needs spiritual help is, "Just ask a Spirit-filled Christian." They should be willing and able to give you a reason for the hope that is in them.
P.S. I welcome your comments. You can email me at: brenleephillips@gmail.com
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The Deciding Factor
How can you tell if a person is of God or not? What is the key? What is the deciding factor?
According to the Bible, it's love.
I John chapter 4 verse1 says: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
We are not supposed to just accept everyone and believe what they are saying. That's gullibility, not faith. We are supposed to 'try the spirits' to make sure that they are of God.
I John chapter 4 goes on to say: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come and even now already is it in the world."
If a person is not of God, they won't be able to confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. In fact, from my experience, they won't even like to hear the name of Jesus Christ. That name has power in the spiritual realm that causes the little minions of the devil to want to run! I have seen His name bring about a physical reaction from unbelievers. It's like blinding them with the light, exposing their darkness and they physically back off, turn away and flea.
Furthermore, it says: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God: and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
And there you have it. God is love.
Now, what more do you need to know?
Look beyond a man's/woman's religion. Look beyond his/her monetary wealth, the colour of his/her skin, the car he/she drives. Even look beyond his/her church attendance.
If he does not or cannot love, he does not know God.
Of course, believers fall down on occasion; we make mistakes, fail others, even commit crimes. We are human. The question is, do we love? (If you're asking, "What is love?", you can read I Corinthians chapter 13 to find out exactly what Love is.)
I John 4 verse 16 says: "...God is love and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him."
Or, you could say, "God is love and he that lives in love lives in God and God in him." That to me means that if you are a believer, God's love is alive in you. And it will show!
The opposite of that? --You might say, "hate". But, really what is hate? It's fear. Fear is weakness. Love is strength.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear has torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Again, none of us is perfect. But, if we suffer from any type of fear, we should know that that is not of God. Chase away your fears with the love of God.
According to the Bible, it's love.
I John chapter 4 verse1 says: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
We are not supposed to just accept everyone and believe what they are saying. That's gullibility, not faith. We are supposed to 'try the spirits' to make sure that they are of God.
I John chapter 4 goes on to say: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come and even now already is it in the world."
If a person is not of God, they won't be able to confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. In fact, from my experience, they won't even like to hear the name of Jesus Christ. That name has power in the spiritual realm that causes the little minions of the devil to want to run! I have seen His name bring about a physical reaction from unbelievers. It's like blinding them with the light, exposing their darkness and they physically back off, turn away and flea.
Furthermore, it says: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God: and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
And there you have it. God is love.
Now, what more do you need to know?
Look beyond a man's/woman's religion. Look beyond his/her monetary wealth, the colour of his/her skin, the car he/she drives. Even look beyond his/her church attendance.
If he does not or cannot love, he does not know God.
Of course, believers fall down on occasion; we make mistakes, fail others, even commit crimes. We are human. The question is, do we love? (If you're asking, "What is love?", you can read I Corinthians chapter 13 to find out exactly what Love is.)
I John 4 verse 16 says: "...God is love and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him."
Or, you could say, "God is love and he that lives in love lives in God and God in him." That to me means that if you are a believer, God's love is alive in you. And it will show!
The opposite of that? --You might say, "hate". But, really what is hate? It's fear. Fear is weakness. Love is strength.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear has torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Again, none of us is perfect. But, if we suffer from any type of fear, we should know that that is not of God. Chase away your fears with the love of God.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Everything is a Miracle
Albert Einstein said,
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
Take, for example, the lowly bumble bee. Aerodynamically, he is not built to fly. His wings are too small to be able to support his plump body in the air. But, the bumble bee doesn't know he is defying the laws of nature. So, he flies!
A human cell has a brain, waste disposal, factories, transportation and communication. Yet, we are not able to see a cell with our earthly eyes. How could so much detail and intelligence exist in such microscopic dimensions? If one of these cells fails to do its job, the results could be fatal to the entire body.
It's a miracle that the human body can survive, considering how easily it can be destroyed. Unseen germs can bring down giant men. There's nothing "supernatural" about catching a disease.
If a person flips a light switch, it's not considered a miracle that the light goes on. Talking on a phone these days is a normal part of life. We don't stop to consider there are no wires attached nor that the person we are talking to is miles away. But, how could anyone say that's not a miracle?
No less of a miracle is my new granddaughter. She arrived in brand new condition, no assembly required. It's a mystery how her bones were formed in her mother's womb.
Likewise, spiritual birth is a miracle.
"It took a miracle to put the stars in place.
It took a miracle to hang the world in space.
But when He saved my soul
Cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and grace."
I think it was Paul McCartney who turned to his wife after she'd given birth to their first child and asked,
"How did you do that?"
To me, a miracle is something that cannot be explained to my satisfaction. That's why, to me, everything is a miracle.
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
Take, for example, the lowly bumble bee. Aerodynamically, he is not built to fly. His wings are too small to be able to support his plump body in the air. But, the bumble bee doesn't know he is defying the laws of nature. So, he flies!
A human cell has a brain, waste disposal, factories, transportation and communication. Yet, we are not able to see a cell with our earthly eyes. How could so much detail and intelligence exist in such microscopic dimensions? If one of these cells fails to do its job, the results could be fatal to the entire body.
It's a miracle that the human body can survive, considering how easily it can be destroyed. Unseen germs can bring down giant men. There's nothing "supernatural" about catching a disease.
If a person flips a light switch, it's not considered a miracle that the light goes on. Talking on a phone these days is a normal part of life. We don't stop to consider there are no wires attached nor that the person we are talking to is miles away. But, how could anyone say that's not a miracle?
No less of a miracle is my new granddaughter. She arrived in brand new condition, no assembly required. It's a mystery how her bones were formed in her mother's womb.
Likewise, spiritual birth is a miracle.
"It took a miracle to put the stars in place.
It took a miracle to hang the world in space.
But when He saved my soul
Cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and grace."
I think it was Paul McCartney who turned to his wife after she'd given birth to their first child and asked,
"How did you do that?"
To me, a miracle is something that cannot be explained to my satisfaction. That's why, to me, everything is a miracle.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Believe to See
They say "Seeing is believing." But, if you've already seen, how much faith does it take to believe it? That's not exercising faith. The word faith means you are believing something you can't see, or else why do you need faith? So, what we should say is, "Believing is seeing."
First you believe. Then, you see.
If you need to see before you believe, it means you have a lack of faith. You're not trusting that what is being told to you is the truth.
How do you feel when someone doesn't believe you? It's a nasty feeling, like your character is being called into question.
We go to work for someone, believing that they will pay us. That takes a bit of faith. Business deals are transacted in faith. You have to have a certain amount of trust in the people you do business with. Even a Police Record Check doesn't guarantee that that person is honest, does it?
One of the biggest arguments against faith in God is, "If God made us, who made God?"
This sounds like a reasonable, logical excuse to deny the existence of a Creator. Logically speaking, there could not be a Creator because He Himself would have had to have been created at some point in time. Otherwise, how did He exist in order to be able to create?
Who created God?
The answer to that question is in the Bible. Exodus chapter 3, verse 14 says:
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."
This is one of the few passages where a phrase is written in capital letters. Seems important. However, this is the sort of phrase that goes right over our heads. God's use of the present tense to describe Himself is mystifying, brain-boggling and in downright defiance of our human scientific laws.
How can anyone or anything just "be"? That is an absolute impossibility in our realm. Our finite minds cannot grasp it.
Our finite, human minds cannot grasp God. That's why the Bible says, "The carnal mind is at enmity (war) with God." If we want to know God, we have to use another conduit. Faith.
"According to your faith be it unto you."
"...All things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:23.
Where do you get faith? Little children seem to have ample supplies. But, how do adults get enough faith to believe the impossible?
We simply need to ask God for it. He has barrels of it just sitting around going to waste. Just ask.
If you ask him for a loaf of bread, He won't give you a stone and if you ask Him for faith, He'll give you abundantly more than you could imagine. It's all by faith.
And then, you'll see!
First you believe. Then, you see.
If you need to see before you believe, it means you have a lack of faith. You're not trusting that what is being told to you is the truth.
How do you feel when someone doesn't believe you? It's a nasty feeling, like your character is being called into question.
We go to work for someone, believing that they will pay us. That takes a bit of faith. Business deals are transacted in faith. You have to have a certain amount of trust in the people you do business with. Even a Police Record Check doesn't guarantee that that person is honest, does it?
One of the biggest arguments against faith in God is, "If God made us, who made God?"
This sounds like a reasonable, logical excuse to deny the existence of a Creator. Logically speaking, there could not be a Creator because He Himself would have had to have been created at some point in time. Otherwise, how did He exist in order to be able to create?
Who created God?
The answer to that question is in the Bible. Exodus chapter 3, verse 14 says:
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."
This is one of the few passages where a phrase is written in capital letters. Seems important. However, this is the sort of phrase that goes right over our heads. God's use of the present tense to describe Himself is mystifying, brain-boggling and in downright defiance of our human scientific laws.
How can anyone or anything just "be"? That is an absolute impossibility in our realm. Our finite minds cannot grasp it.
Our finite, human minds cannot grasp God. That's why the Bible says, "The carnal mind is at enmity (war) with God." If we want to know God, we have to use another conduit. Faith.
"According to your faith be it unto you."
"...All things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:23.
Where do you get faith? Little children seem to have ample supplies. But, how do adults get enough faith to believe the impossible?
We simply need to ask God for it. He has barrels of it just sitting around going to waste. Just ask.
If you ask him for a loaf of bread, He won't give you a stone and if you ask Him for faith, He'll give you abundantly more than you could imagine. It's all by faith.
And then, you'll see!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
When You Know God is Real
I have spoken to several people who said that they discovered God is real, simply by asking Him to show them. He wants to show you. He's waiting for you to open that door, to test Him for yourself. If God is real, wouldn't He be able to show you?
So, I suggest to the seeker, "You be the test-tube. You be the experiment. Put the invisible, omniscient, omnipresent Creator inside of you and see what happens!"
Put God to the test! Why not? He's more than able to answer any question you ask Him.
What's holding you back? What have you got to lose? You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
"What's in it for me?" you may ask. And the answer is:
Peace of mind, joy, freedom from the weight of guilt and sins, freedom of choice, liberty of spirit, a new life with new desires and reasons for living, the truth, love... But the best part of it all is that you no longer need to fear death. You won't die, but you will pass from death into eternal life. Jesus Christ is handing out free tickets to the Afterlife, the Kingdom of Heaven.
All you have to do is believe!
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Acts 16:31
It's that simple. It's enough to make you want to run out and buy a Bible, isn't it? If you don't already have one, you don't know what you're missing! The Bible is the most powerful book on the face of this planet. And, it's still a best-seller, in spite of all the lies and controversy against it down through the ages.
There are mysteries within its pages. There are wonders to be marveled at. Prophecies recorded in the books of Daniel and Revelation, for example, reveal the near future that awaits us.
To read the Bible with an open heart and mind is to take a spiritual journey more amazing than any magic carpet ride this world has to offer. You will feel the heart of God, weep when He weeps and laugh when He laughs. You will be swept up into an incomprehensible world of Love and filled with His omnipotent Spirit. It's all there for the taking.
Don't wait until you run out of excuses. Don't (like the alcoholic) wait until you "hit bottom" before you wake up. You already know that materialism and the pursuit of selfish pleasure don't satisfy.
Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour,Messiah, Lord, All-in-All, Prince of Peace, King of Kings and Lover of your Soul to find true happiness and peace today. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, the spirit of wisdom and you will understand how wonderful life can be!
So, I suggest to the seeker, "You be the test-tube. You be the experiment. Put the invisible, omniscient, omnipresent Creator inside of you and see what happens!"
Put God to the test! Why not? He's more than able to answer any question you ask Him.
What's holding you back? What have you got to lose? You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
"What's in it for me?" you may ask. And the answer is:
Peace of mind, joy, freedom from the weight of guilt and sins, freedom of choice, liberty of spirit, a new life with new desires and reasons for living, the truth, love... But the best part of it all is that you no longer need to fear death. You won't die, but you will pass from death into eternal life. Jesus Christ is handing out free tickets to the Afterlife, the Kingdom of Heaven.
All you have to do is believe!
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." Acts 16:31
It's that simple. It's enough to make you want to run out and buy a Bible, isn't it? If you don't already have one, you don't know what you're missing! The Bible is the most powerful book on the face of this planet. And, it's still a best-seller, in spite of all the lies and controversy against it down through the ages.
There are mysteries within its pages. There are wonders to be marveled at. Prophecies recorded in the books of Daniel and Revelation, for example, reveal the near future that awaits us.
To read the Bible with an open heart and mind is to take a spiritual journey more amazing than any magic carpet ride this world has to offer. You will feel the heart of God, weep when He weeps and laugh when He laughs. You will be swept up into an incomprehensible world of Love and filled with His omnipotent Spirit. It's all there for the taking.
Don't wait until you run out of excuses. Don't (like the alcoholic) wait until you "hit bottom" before you wake up. You already know that materialism and the pursuit of selfish pleasure don't satisfy.
Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour,Messiah, Lord, All-in-All, Prince of Peace, King of Kings and Lover of your Soul to find true happiness and peace today. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit, the spirit of wisdom and you will understand how wonderful life can be!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Religionists Crucified Jesus!
We hear over and over that religion is what is destroying the world. I have to agree with that. Religious legalism and that self-righteous attitude of, "I'm right and you're wrong." has partly had a hand in bringing about war and destruction.
If you take the love out of God's Word, you're left with the "letter of the law". Second Corinthians 3:6 warns that "the letter kills, but the spirit gives life."
In chemistry, certain chemicals can become unstable without an inhibitor. In the same way, removing Love from the Word creates a dangerous and destructive weapon. The Bible is a weapon that must be used with wisdom. (Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge with love.)
"The Word of God is quick (alive) and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword..."
It was the religious leaders of Jesus' day that killed him.
Why?
Because, Jesus came to make salvation as easy as possible. The Scribes and Pharisees had him crucified, because the religious system of the day said it couldn't be done without them, without following all of their complicated laws, traditions and religious rigmarole.
So, what exactly does it take to obtain the salvation of one's soul?
We can't earn it. We'd never be "good" enough to deserve it. We'll never by worthy. We can't work for it.
Salvation is a gift. All you can do is receive it.
Then, what?
Then, thank God for it! It has been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ.
If you're not sure whether you have received this gift from God, why not just ask Him for it? Here's an example prayer:
"Dear God, If you are real, please show me. If Jesus is your Son Who died for me, please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal salvation. Thank-You. Amen."
If you take the love out of God's Word, you're left with the "letter of the law". Second Corinthians 3:6 warns that "the letter kills, but the spirit gives life."
In chemistry, certain chemicals can become unstable without an inhibitor. In the same way, removing Love from the Word creates a dangerous and destructive weapon. The Bible is a weapon that must be used with wisdom. (Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge with love.)
"The Word of God is quick (alive) and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword..."
It was the religious leaders of Jesus' day that killed him.
Why?
Because, Jesus came to make salvation as easy as possible. The Scribes and Pharisees had him crucified, because the religious system of the day said it couldn't be done without them, without following all of their complicated laws, traditions and religious rigmarole.
So, what exactly does it take to obtain the salvation of one's soul?
We can't earn it. We'd never be "good" enough to deserve it. We'll never by worthy. We can't work for it.
Salvation is a gift. All you can do is receive it.
Then, what?
Then, thank God for it! It has been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ.
If you're not sure whether you have received this gift from God, why not just ask Him for it? Here's an example prayer:
"Dear God, If you are real, please show me. If Jesus is your Son Who died for me, please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal salvation. Thank-You. Amen."
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Is the Bible Like the Moon?
It could be that dusty, heavy, old book left behind by your dead great-grandmother, who fingered through it once a week on Sundays. Maybe you envision a thick, leather-bound version being pounded by a religious fist or carried to church under the arm of a preacher. Perhaps that book is an embarrassment, a dark secret that we don't want to talk about. You may have been convinced that it's full of fables, wives' tales and mistranslated bunkum. Besides, it's too difficult to understand and it contradicts itself.
Have you ever wondered why, of all the books in the world, the Bible has been surrounded in such forbidding threats and accusations? It's just a book, isn't it?
Every day, more than a metric ton of meteoroids hits the moon. But, the moon continues to shine on us.
Like the moon, God's Word has survived. And it shines on.
When all is said and done, each of our lives will be summed up by how we treated the Bible; whether we read it, or believed it, or obeyed it or whether we ignored it and chose to swallow the accusations against it.
No, it's not just a book. It comes in the form of a book with words in it. That's true. But, you won't find any words in any other book that hold as much power. Therein lies the very reason behind the enemy's attacks on it. The enemy of your soul wants to convince you that it's just a weak fairy tale, full of mistranslations and contradictions because he knows that if you actually read it, just one word of Truth is able to pierce through the darkness and fill you with Light.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my word and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24
God put his cookies on the lowest possible shelf for us. How could it be any easier than that? All you have to do is hear his word and believe it to pass from death to eternal life.
Jesus said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63
Get those words into you and you will be full of life and light. The darkness will flee. Try it and see.
(For those who are new to Bible-reading, I suggest you start with the book of John. Cut your teeth on that.)
Have you ever wondered why, of all the books in the world, the Bible has been surrounded in such forbidding threats and accusations? It's just a book, isn't it?
Every day, more than a metric ton of meteoroids hits the moon. But, the moon continues to shine on us.
Like the moon, God's Word has survived. And it shines on.
When all is said and done, each of our lives will be summed up by how we treated the Bible; whether we read it, or believed it, or obeyed it or whether we ignored it and chose to swallow the accusations against it.
No, it's not just a book. It comes in the form of a book with words in it. That's true. But, you won't find any words in any other book that hold as much power. Therein lies the very reason behind the enemy's attacks on it. The enemy of your soul wants to convince you that it's just a weak fairy tale, full of mistranslations and contradictions because he knows that if you actually read it, just one word of Truth is able to pierce through the darkness and fill you with Light.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my word and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24
God put his cookies on the lowest possible shelf for us. How could it be any easier than that? All you have to do is hear his word and believe it to pass from death to eternal life.
Jesus said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63
Get those words into you and you will be full of life and light. The darkness will flee. Try it and see.
(For those who are new to Bible-reading, I suggest you start with the book of John. Cut your teeth on that.)
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