12/30/12 JESUS, THE MESSIAH?

12/30/12 JESUS, THE MESSIAH?

I pointed out to a Jewish friend last week that it is not unreasonable or anti-Semitic for me to believe that Jesus is the Prophesied One of the Old Testament, the Promised Messiah. After all, Jesus was a Jew (tribe of Judah) and of the royal line (house of David). All this was verifiable by the existing Jewish and Roman records, and unrefuted by Jewish leaders of His day. Also, almost all of the first Christians were Jews. In fact, very few Gentiles became Christians initially because they thought it was a Jewish cult or subgroup. Within a few short years, tens of thousands of Jews believed that Jesus was the Messiah, including rabbis and doctors of Jewish law. Everything about Him supported and nothing refuted the claim. As time passed, the Jews rejected Jesus. Today, Gentiles by the millions reject Jesus. Acceptance of Christ is a matter of faith, whether Jew or Gentile, and rejection of Christ is a matter of blindness, whether Jew or Gentile.

Various Responses...
There are various ways to respond to the idea that Yeshua (Jesus) is God's promised Savior, Deliverer, Messiah, Anointed One.

1- Reject the whole idea as fantasy or religious symbolism.

2- Receive, readily and mindlessly, any candidate who comes along.

3- Resist any and all candidates, deferring to a later time.

4- Refuse Biblical and historical evidence in favor of cultural or religious pressures.

5- Research and Recognize that the Biblical and historical evidence supports the claim that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah.

12/27/12 Light Pollution and Dark Pollution

12/27/12 Light Pollution and Dark Pollution

Light Pollution.
Those of us who enjoy star gazing have to contend with "light pollution." Light pollution is the presence of light that interferes with a dark sky and thus diminishes the visibility of stars, planets and other night sky objects. Light pollution can come from city lights, street lights, car lights, flashlights or even moonlight. Our eyes adjust to the brighter light, and make it difficult (if not impossible) to see the more distant, lesser lights. The lesser lights might actually be greater lights, but they are obscured by the light pollution of the lesser, but more immediate lights.

This is true spiritually as well. Most people are so fixed on, or are open to the lesser lights of this world and the present age that they are blind to the eternal and glorious light of Christ. This is why we need "eyes that see." 

What about Dark Pollution. The dark thoughts, realities, experiences, knowledge we have often obscure our view of the light. This is one reason we should guard our minds and hearts, restrict ourselves to that which is good, block the dark invaders of our minds. They will rob us of that which is holy and demean that which is sacred. We are surrounded by darkness, but we do not have to open our hearts and minds to it.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
(3) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(4) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
(5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Philippians 4:8-9
(8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
(9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Psalms 19:14
(14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

12/26/12 NOT EVERYONE SEES IT RIGHT AWAY

12/26/12 NOT EVERYONE SEES IT RIGHT AWAY

Do you see the supposed "image of Christ" in this picture?



NOT EVERYONE SEES IT RIGHT AWAY.

This picture started circulating in the 1950's. I first saw it in the 1960's. I won't tell the story behind the picture, but the image of Jesus can be perceived in the shadowy image.

Obviously it is just a perceived image of Christ, at least as He is usually depicted in Christian art. Don't worry about the accuracy. That is not the point of this post.

I have asked individuals and groups if they could see the image. Some people see it immediately, while some see it eventually, and some never see it. I use this as an object lesson. Even though the same information is made available to a group of people, different people respond to the picture in various ways, just as different people respond to the true revelation of the true Christ.

I have posted it on a chalk board at the front of the sanctuary, then asked if anyone could see the image. Since some folks do not see the image immediately, I proceed to bring a gospel message and point out that some people take more time to come to spiritual insight, just as it takes more time for some people to come to visual comprehension of this picture. I tell the people in the congregation to raise their hands or speak out when they finally see the image, even if I am preaching.

As I have preached, people throughout the congregation begin to see the image and they excitedly respond, some to the point of jumping up and shouting it out. Those who do not see it become frustrated and some even deny that there is an image to be seen. They accuse those who claim to see it, of pranking them. Some people actually become agitated.

This is just a picture, which I use as a tool. Obviously spiritual understanding is not attained or obtained in the same way as "seeing" this picture. But people respond to the idea of faith in a similar way. If they cannot see it, they deny it, for themselves and everyone else.

Once I saw the image, I could always see the image from that point on. There are several good lessons in this presentation.

12/26/12 BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

12/26/12 BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Birth Announcements concerning Christ, before and after His birth.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT, LEADING TO AND FOLLOWING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

The Biblical account of the birth of Christ actually covers at least a two year period. God used various people and angels to announce the coming of His Son and give prophetic information concerning nature and ministry of His Son. This included several angels at various times throughout the two years, Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth, Mary (and Joseph), the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, the starry heavens, the Magi, and the priests in Jerusalem.

ANGEL TO ZACHARIAS
Luke 1:13-17
(13) But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
(14) And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
(15) For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
(16) And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
(DLG note... Christ is called Lord God by the angel.)

(17) And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
(DLG note... Christ is again referred to as Lord.)

GABRIEL TO MARY
Luke 1:26-35
(26) And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
(27) To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
(28) And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
(29) And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
(30) And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
(31) And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
(32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
(33) And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
(DLG note... Gabriel instructed Mary to give her baby a prophetic, Messianic name. Gabriel referred to Jesus as the Son of the Highest, and heir to the throne of his father David).

(34) Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
(DLG note... Mary declared her virginity, thus substantiating the O.T. prophecy that God would give a sign, sending His Son through a virgin.)

(35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
(DLG note... Gabriel stated that Mary would conceive a Son by the Holy Spirit and He would be called the Son of God.)

ANGEL TO JOSEPH
Matthew 1:18-25
(18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
(DLG note... Angel confirmed virgin conception by the Holy Spirit.)

(19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
(20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, *Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
(DLG note... Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, was of the Davidic line, giving Jesus legal claim to the throne of David. Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit).

(21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
(22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
(23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
(DLG note... Jesus would be given prophetic name; Jesus would do the work of Messiah, by saving His people from their sins; the virgin conceiving by the Holy Spirit was fulfillment of O.T. prophecy; Jesus was referred to as "God with us.")

(24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
(25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

ELIZABETH TO MARY
Luke 1:39-45
(39) And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
(40) And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
(41) And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
(42) And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
(43) And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
(DLG note... Elizabeth prophetically declared the deity of the pre-born Christ.)

(44) For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
(45) And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

MARY'S SONG
Luke 1:46-55
(46) And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
(47) And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
(DLG note... Mary declared that God is her Savior).

(48) For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
(49) For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
(50) And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
(51) He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
(52) He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
(53) He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
(54) He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
(55) As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
(DLG note... Mary spoke of the future accomplishments of her Son, Jesus, as if they had already taken place.

ZACHARIAS TO THE PEOPLE
Luke 1:59-79
(59) And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
(60) And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
(61) And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
(62) And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
(63) And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
(64) And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
(65) And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
(66) And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
(67) And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
(68) Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
(69) And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
(70) As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
(71) That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
(72) To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
(73) The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
(74) That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
(75) In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
(DLG note... Zacharias prophesied the significance of the birth of Christ.)

(76) And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
(77) To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
(78) Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
(79) To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
(DLG note... Zacahrias referred to Jesus by Divine titles, "the Highest," and "the Lord," and "the dayspring." Zacharias acknowledged Christ's salvific power to forgive sins; give light to those in darkness and guide us into peace.)

ANGEL TO SHEPHERDS
Luke 2:8-14
(8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
(9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.*
(DLG note... Angel referred to Jesus, with Divine titles, "Savior," and "Christ," which is the Greek equivalent of Anointed or Messiah. Christ's arrival in a lowly manger indicated Divine condescension to men of low estate.)

(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

SIMEON
Luke 2:25-35
(25) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
(26) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.*
(DLG note... Simeon would not die until he had seen the promised Prophet, promised Priest, promised Prince, the Anointed One.)

(27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
(28) Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
(29) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
(30) For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
(31) Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
(32) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
(DLG note... Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah of Israel and the hope of the Gentiles).

(33) And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
(34) And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(35) (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
(DLG note... Simeon prophesied Israel's rejection of Messiah).

ANNA
Luke 2:36-38
(36) And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
(37) And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
(38) And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
(DLG note... Anna, the prophetess, announced the arrival of Israel's Redeemer).

MAGI TO HEROD
Matthew 2:1-2
(1) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
(2) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
(DLG note... The Magi sought the King of the Jews).

PRIESTS TO HEROD
Matthew 2:4-6
(4) And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
(5) And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
(6) And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
(DLG note... The priests recognized that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and would rule Israel).

MATTHEW CONCERNING THE SLAUGHTER
Matthew 2:12-23
(12) And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
(13) And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
(14) When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
(15) And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
(DLG note... The angel announced that Jesus was the promised Son of God).

(16) Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
(17) Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
(18) In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
(DLG note... Jesus was the target of Herod's prophesied, "slaughter of the innocence).

(19) But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
(20) Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
(21) And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
(22) But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
(23) And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
(DLG note... Jesus move to Nazareth was fulfillment of prophecy and proof of His Messiah-ship).

12/25/12 NO EXTRA BOOKS

12/25/12 NO EXTRA BOOKS

Pssst. Contrary to the "H2" channel there are no Gospels of Thomas, Peter, Mary, or others, aside from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. C'mon man, at least be academic.

12/25/12 THE GIVER, THE GIFT, THE RECIPIENT

12/25/12 THE GIVER, THE GIFT, THE RECIPIENT

There is disappointment when we find out that a gift we gave was unappreciated. Some gifts are actually thoughtless or inappropriate, but sometimes the recipient is callous toward the giver. Our gifts are often temporal and imperfect. But sometimes our gifts are an extension of ourselves or have cost us a great deal of time, effort, sacrifice and love. Imagine the heartbreak of parents that give their best to their child, year after year, only to be despised and scorned or forgotten or abandoned when the child is an adult.

How much more tragic when someone treats the Gift of God with contempt or carelessness? We have life, we have good life, we have eternal life because God gave us His Son. Receive His Gift with due respect. Let your life be a constant, "Thank you Lord." Wear His Gift, employ His Gift, depend on His Gift, enjoy His Gift. His Gift never wears out, is never outdated, never inadequate. His Gift gives more, the more we use it. His Gift is without price, but those who reject or neglect His Gift become impoverished and sickly and lonely.

The Father is pleased, the Son is glorified and we are enriched when we gladly receive His Gift with thanksgiving and treasure it throughout our lives.

Merry Christmas.

12/22/12 GOD'S GIFT TO US

12/22/12 GOD'S GIFT TO US

Jesus did not come to save us from all law.

In fact, He came to save us from our lawlessness and establish His law in our hearts and lives.

He came to save us from the curse of the broken moral law, which He satisfied, and from the tyranny of the Mosaic law, which He fulfilled.

He also came to instill and enact the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, which sets us free from the law of sin and death (the carnal mind) and enables us to fulfill the Royal Law, the Law of Love, the Perfect Law of Liberty.

He not only forgives us,

He rescues us from the power of darkness and

carries us into Christ's righteous rule of light and love.

This is what makes Christmas truly wonderful. Merry Christmas.

12/22/12 A SAD, DESTRUCTIVE LOVE AFFAIR

12/22/12 A SAD, DESTRUCTIVE LOVE AFFAIR

It would seem that nothing would be more heart wrenching or torturous than having to see one's own child suffer or die.

However, the attachment and affection that people have for their own sinful nature (old man, carnal mind, evil heart of unbelief, root of bitterness, double mindedness) is greater than any other love, including their love for God or family.

It is not until a person is willing to accept the crucifixion of his "old man" that he is able to love God with His whole heart, mind, soul and strength and to love his neighbor as himself. Death to the "old man", not control, not suppression, not coexistence, is essential to fulfilling the Royal Law, the Law of Love, the Perfect Law of Liberty, the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.

Still, people cling to the self life, though it will lead their children away from God and eternal life. How sad that these people live a lifetime under the Law of Sin and Death, though Christ has provided full deliverance.

12/21/12 A DIFFERENCE

12/21/12 A DIFFERENCE

There is a difference.

Scenario 1

There are some small children who seem to think that the universe exists for their own joy and satisfaction, as if life is a personal amusement park. I mean this in a good way. Life to them is one joyful experience after another. They are easy to please and they find excitement in little things. They are loving, and appreciative for everything that is done for them. These children are a joy to be around. Grace brings this attitude into the older believer.

Scenario 2

BUT, then there are young people and adults who think that the universe exists for their own selfish and narrow desires. They are insensitive to other people and they are mostly satisfied when they are the receiver, rather than the giver. Their joys are short lived and usually self oriented. If someone is not stroking their personal feelings, they easily run roughshod over those people, whether family or friend. They are negative, critical and conceited. While they make life a strain for those who do not pamper them, they just move on, looking for others they can impress.

Remember, the innocence of simplicity and humility are worthy traits for all of us and are obtainable by grace. It is better to bring the light of God's grace and Christ's likeness to other people than to entertain them with our own artificial light.

Two negative and sadder results of the second scenario is 

Sometimes the positive little people in the first scenario are the targets of the toxic and venomous people of the second scenario, and

Sometimes those precious, positive, children become the victims of the selfish negativity and are drawn into the wake of  people of anger, hatred, jealousy, pride.

Growth in GRACE and knowledge are essential to spiritual development.

12/20/12 THE MAGI FOLLOWED THE LIGHT

12/20/12 THE MAGI FOLLOWED THE LIGHT

The "Magi" came from the east (possibly Persia, present day Iran) to Jerusalem (well over 700 miles), following "The Star," which was God's sign in the heavens announcing the arrival of His Son, the King of the Jews.

The Magi were familiar with the Prophecies of the Old Testament and were trained in Astronomy (scientific study of heavenly objects) and in the Traditions associated with the Divine Signs in the heavens, not to be confused with Astrology (belief and study in supposed occultic powers of heavenly objects).

They "followed" the star because God's word and God's signs indicated the Messiah's coming. Interestingly, King Herod and others around Jerusalem were in the dark concerning the arrival of the Sun of Righteousness.

Some things never change. This Christmas, don't miss the message of God's Gift of Love.

12/19/12 YOU HELP WRITE THE ENDING

12/19/12 YOU HELP WRITE THE ENDING

If you don't like emotion, and/or you don't like to see an old man cry, don't read my comment below.

I Hope this Helps...

I usually watch the news while eating my breakfast, but this morning I tuned into a rerun of Boy Meets World; the one where Corey is losing his closest friends for the summer and his older brother (Eric) is going to travel across country before going to college.

The problem, Eric has always been too cool and too removed from Corey (three years Eric's junior) to actually be close to him, to be his friend, or to simply get to know him. This really bothered me. I have seen this happen in real life, and responded with shocked incredulity as God's plan for closest friends (siblings) deteriorated because one of them (regardless of their position in the sibling order) either ignored or verbally abused his/her siblings. A self centered person can run roughshod over other people, robbing them of something beautiful, then walk away, callously blaming the offended one for being too sensitive. I have watched as the offended family members reached out to the offender, only to be ignored or rebuffed, again and again.

I was raised as an only child. I cannot tell you how many times I would have loved to have had a brother. I would watch with admiration as some of my friends enjoyed their closeness with siblings and then wonder with amazement when I saw others treat their siblings with disdain or simply ignore them.

I have seen children raised in loving Christian households become enemies, and conversely, I have seen the children of non believers, alcoholics, abusers, who grew into loving, considerate, sensitive adults.

The episode ended with Corey and Eric finally connecting and starting a meaningful relationship. Sometimes Hollywood gets it right while the real world misses it completely.

And yes, I did sit and cry as I watched the sadness of broken relationships, and

I cried again as I watched Hollywood's version of reconciliation.

I cry because there is so much brokenness and

I cry because so many people choose not to take self denying steps to reconcile with those they have offended.

I cry because God's will is thwarted by pride.

I cry because entire lifetimes and endless generations are broken and un-restored.

I cry because time runs out, leaving a trail of unresolved conflicts.

Yes, there is still hope for messed up relationships, but the longer it takes to restore those relationships, the more pain and loss there will be, and the harder it will be to reconcile.

Christ suffered humiliation and loss in order to reconcile us to God, and He was not guilty of anything.

Too bad that those who have hurt other people and have broken their relationship with others will not humble themselves and take the hard steps of reconciliation.

(please think on these things)

Psalms 133:1
(1) ...Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

John 13:34-35
(34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
(35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 17:20-22
(20) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
(21) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
(22) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

1 Corinthians 1:10
(10) Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Ephesians 4:1-3
(1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
(2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
(3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Philippians 2:2-8
(2) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
(3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
(4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
(5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
(6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
(7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
(8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

1 Peter 3:8-11
(8) Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
(9) Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
(10) For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
(11) Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12/17/12 A QUICK OBSERVATION

12/17/12 A QUICK OBSERVATION

 Three reasons for horrific actions.

I- So-called, mental Illness. Actually it is Mental Disturbance due to physical problems stemming from (for instance) chemical imbalance (drug induced or natural) or an impaired nervous system (traumatic or congenital).

II- Man's Sinful Nature and Sinful Behavior.

III- Demonic Influence (possession and oppression).

Modern society has made "mental illness" (actual and invented) either the only or the major cause. Sometimes the "drug induced" is not only legal, it is prescribed and imposed (as with very active and self willed children). This is where points I and III intersect. Remember, demonic activity is often intertwined with drugs.

This is why a Biblical and Christian approach to violence is essential. The answer must be based on absolute truth and absent of secular interpretation. Misdiagnosis and response aggravates the problem, rather than eliminates the problem. Christ must be the answer, regardless of the cause.

12/16/12 GOVERNMENTAL DOUBLE SPEAK

12/16/12 GOVERNMENTAL DOUBLE SPEAK

If I cry over the slaughter of the innocent in Newtown, Connecticut, can I order the slaughter of the unborn and then force those who believe in Right to Life to pay for it?

Can I support the burning, chopping, beheading and ripping apart of the unborn, in the name of Right to Choose?

Just something to think about as the news shows Hussein crying and speaking "words of comfort and concern." Maybe I should have titled this, "Don't Believe Everything You See On The News."

The Newtown event is tragic. But don't forget, there are 160 times that many children slaughtered legally EVERYDAY in the US. This figure does not diminish the horror of Newtown, but it does reveal Hussein's hypocrisy.

I am listening to President Obama speaking to a National audience right now on this tragic event. He says that even if we can do one thing to stop one more innocent child from being needlessly murdered we should do it. Even one is too many, I agree with him.

What a hypocrite he and the liberals are. They weep for 20 innocent children who were needlessly killed in an act of violence. But say nothing about the estimated 50,000,000 that has been murdered legally since Roe vs. Wade was passed in the highest court in our country (of man). Tat was the day that murder of the most innocent amongst us was made a legal right for women based on inconvenience.

He even opened his speech quoting scripture, this coming from a man that voted publically as a senator for both partial birth abortion and post birth abortion in the case that a botched abortion should result in an unwanted child being born.

It is crazy that there has been thousands of children born who survived botched abortions and as adults when asked if they regretted being born all of them said no that they thank God for that miracle of being given life even when they parents tried to murder them in the womb.

We want to talk about a woman's right to choose, great but maybe the ones that we should be asking of their opinion are the millions of babies each year whom are being murdered in the womb. Who is crying over their right to live???

12/15/12 TIME TO STEP UP

12/15/12 TIME TO STEP UP

I was asked recently what I mean when I say that basic, Biblical Christianity is RADICAL.

(This is not related to a popular book of the same name by D. Platt).

Here is one of the elements of RADICAL CHRISTIANITY.

No child, in a free society, should ever be denied a Christian education based on finances. It is past time when churches should provide either a Christian School, as a ministry (NOT AS AN INDUSTRY), or provide needy parents (single or otherwise) with a support system, so that they can Home School or Christian School their children.

Churches are not serious about reaching, converting, training, empowering the youth of its parishioners as long as they don't provide their children with a way of escape from the secular, humanistic change agents in the Public School system. Lazy, selfish, vision-less churches are throwing the children to the lions. There may be exceptions, but mostly there are excuses.

12/15/12 YES, YOU CAN

12/15/12 YES, YOU CAN

If, by the grace of God, we can resist any temptation, then we can resist all temptation, by the grace of God.

Avail yourself today of His grace and then reflect on how much better it is to live by faith than to accept and excuse sinning religion.

For those who are use to sinning everyday, or every hour, or every minute, discover what it is like to live, walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

For those who are accustomed to yielding yourself as a servant to disobedience, discover what it is to yield, not to Satan, but to yield yourself to God, as instruments of righteousness.

Romans 6:6-23
(6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
(7) For he that is dead is freed from sin.
(8) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
(9) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
(10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
(11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
(13) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
(14) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
(15) What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
(16) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
(17) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
(18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
(19) I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
(20) For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
(21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
(22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
(23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12/13/12 SALVATION IS A MIRACLE

12/13/12 SALVATION IS A MIRACLE

A great thought for today (any day, everyday)...

God does not ask, require, assign us to be or do anything that is impossible, because with God's calling comes God's enabling.

Failure to be and do that which is pleasing in God's sight is to distrust Him and willfully disobey Him.

Until such behavior is abandoned, and until a person is delivered from such behavior, there is no forgiveness, there is no salvation.

Where there is no newness of life, there is no eternal life.

12/13/12 NOT NEW, STILL TRUE

12/13/12 NOT NEW, STILL TRUE

Here is the challenge for today... Treat other people the way you would want to be treated by them. Okay, it is not original, but for some folks it is new, or at least it is fresh. Speak to your spouse or child or parent or friend, or stranger or enemy, the way you would want them to speak to you. Don't ridicule, demean, antagonize or ignore other people. AND LISTEN, don't just, "don't do bad stuff to them," but, "DO good things to them, for them, with them" in the same way you want others to do to you, do for you, do with you. In fact, OUTDO the other person in being kind. ANYWAY, you get the idea. NOW, don't just leave this on the screen, take it with you. Ask God and He will make this your experience today. Then give God the glory.

(Friend), here is the good news for today. God can cleanse us from ALL SIN, so that we are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit.

I am not pushing a doctrine, I am pointing to salvation from all sin. All of us have had the struggle with the "flesh," but God has provided deliverance from the tyranny of the Old Man.

Remember,

If we are told to love, as He loved, WE CAN;

If we are told to be perfect in love, even as the Father is perfect in love, WE CAN;

If we are told to forgive, even as He has forgiven us, WE CAN;

If we are told to be pure, even as He is pure, WE CAN;

If we are told to do unto others, as we would have others do unto us, WE CAN.

It is not a matter of me doing better or trying harder, it is a matter of me surrendering fully and believing Him to do what He promised to do.

If folks would believe God's word, rather than the human, fleshly, demonic reasons against God's word, believers would...

Enjoy the fullness of the Spirit and

Experience walking in the light, even as He is in the light, and

Would not be slaves to the flesh, the world or the devil.

Jesus saves completely, from all sin in this present evil world. At least that is what the Bible says. I love you friend, and I believe you want to please God in all things. I just happen to be one of the very few who will tell you that you can.

And I only know it to be true because I heard it from Jesus, Paul, Peter, John, Matthew, Luke and James, among others.

12/12/12 THE TALE OF TWO VEILS

12/12/12 THE TALE OF TWO VEILS

Here is an honest, sincere question for non Christian, committed Jews: What is there in the New Testament, the official record of the life, ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ, that keeps you from believing that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament? What is there in Christ that contradicts the Promised One?

I have been wondering about this.

At the time of Jesus death, God tore the Temple Veil from top to bottom, giving Divine access to all. However, when people, including Jews, refuse to accept the message of Messiah, there is a veil over their understanding. God has removed the veil of separation, but the veil of doubt keeps people out. 

THE VEIL (vail... archaic) of SEPARATION in the TEMPLE
Exodus 26:31-33
(31) And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:
(32) And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.
(33) And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.

Hebrews 9:3-8
(3) And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
(4) Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
(5) And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
(6) Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
(7) But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
(8) The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

Matthew 27:50-51
(50) Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
(51) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Hebrews 10:14-25
(14) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
(15) Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
(16) This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
(17) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
(18) Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
(19) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
(20) By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
(21) And having an high priest over the house of God;
(22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
(23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
(24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
(25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

THE VEIL OF DOUBT IN THE UNBELIEVING MIND
2 Corinthians 3:11-18
(11) For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
(12) Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
(13) And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
(14) But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
(15) But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
(16) Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
(17) Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
(18) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

GOD UNVEILED and TRUTH AVAILED
1 Corinthians 2:9-16
(9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
(10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
(11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
(12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
(13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
(14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
(15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
(16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

12/11/12 THE ULTIMATE BUMMER, DOOOODE

12/11/12 THE ULTIMATE BUMMER, DOOOODE

Doooode, what a bummer to go to sleep, thinking that sleep will save you from all your pain, confusion and suffering, thinking that eternal sleep is the final escape, and then find out that your abbreviated visit to this world was just a trial run, was only the approach to your final destination, was the foyer to your eternal judgment, and now you will spend eternity separated from all that is good, and punished for all that was bad during your earthly sojourn.

Accept Christ.

He gives life, abundant life, meaningful life, eternal life, now and forever.

12/10/12 UPSIDE DOWN, INSIDE OUT, BACKWARD FACING NATION

12/10/12 UPSIDE DOWN, INSIDE OUT, BACKWARD FACING NATION

So, let me see if I understand this.

If a person makes a film in USA, which reflects badly on Islam (whether or not it is accurate), he becomes the target of legal attacks from the American government and the film is blamed for Islamic terrorism.

BUT, if a person makes videos, peppered with profanity and vulgarity and sexually suggestive images, referring to women as sex crazed dogs on the street or whores, and videos promoting the killing of policemen or videos calling for the killing of US military men and their families, then President Hussein invites them to perform for the White House?

12/07/12 IF ONLY...

12/07/12 IF ONLY...

1- When children are small, they sometimes choose to do things that will have negative results. Sometimes parents can intervene, sometimes the circumstances are not controllable by human effort, sometimes the child will not listen and learn: If only they would trust and obey parental counsel, they could avoid so much heartache and suffering.

2- When children become adults, they sometimes choose to do things that will have negative results. Sometimes the spiritually mature can intervene, sometimes the circumstances are not controllable by human effort, sometimes the wayward adult will not listen and learn: If only they would seek God, accept godly counsel, trust God, turn from the error of their way. But sadly, too many adults are self willed and reject spiritual intervention.

EXHORTATION...

Do not harden your heart when someone offers you truth, do not reject the life line, as the currents of sin pull you away from the ark of safety.

12/05/12 GOD'S PLAN FOR MARRIAGE

12/05/12 GOD'S PLAN FOR MARRIAGE

Think about how wonderful God intended marriage to be. He created Adam and Eve to be mates, husband and wife, for as long as they both should live.

And, remember, God designed man (human kind) to live forever. In other words, had there been no sin, Adam and Eve would have been married for a life time, which could have been without end, or at least until the end of the human probationary period.

God intends for husbands and wives to be best friends, co laborers in His work, one flesh. The closer a husband and wife come to one another and the more they become one flesh, the more pleasing they are to God and the more fulfilled they are personally.

12/05/12 FUNDAMENTAL IS RADICAL

12/05/12 FUNDAMENTAL IS RADICAL

Isn't it interesting; when Muslims kill people in the west, it is called, Radical Islam, but when they kill people in Muslim countries, it is called, rightly so, Islamic Rule.

But cheer up, if we keep ignoring the basic nature of Islam we will all come to understand that FUNDAMENTAL Islam is RADICAL.

12/03/12 ADDRESSING A DIFFICULT REALITY

12/03/12 ADDRESSING A DIFFICULT REALITY

Three Aspects of One Sided Love and a word of Exhortation.

THREE ASPECTS...

1- As a parent, as a grandparent, I have loved my children and grandchildren to such an extent that it has actually hurt. When that love is returned it is ecstasy. When the beloved small child becomes distant, regardless of the reason, it is like losing part of one's self, for the loving adult.

2- Likewise, when an adult child distances or removes himself/herself from an unconditional and unselfish pa...rent/grandparent relationship, it is like a dagger to the heart.

3- Ultimately, it is impossible, in the best of circumstances, for humans to comprehend the sense of loss God has when the object of His holy affection allows anything to separate between them.

EXHORTATION...

1- We humans need to remove anything that comes between us and God. He loved us so much He gave His Only Begotten Son. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

2- Correct the things that have distanced you from your loving parents/grandparents. They loved you when you were totally unlovable, they accept you when so-called friends abandon you, they are the only people who will ever fill their unique position in your life.

3- We as adults must sometimes endure relational and emotional losses, but we should never allow them to harden us. CONCLUSION... We should respond to others, as our loving Creator/Father has responded His wayward children, with love that covers a multitude of sins.

12/03/12 ONLY THE "ONLY" WILL BE RAPTURE READY

12/03/12 ONLY THE "ONLY" WILL BE RAPTURE READY

AGAIN, concerning those who will be LEFT BEHIND.

Actually, there will be many who are left behind because they never prepared to go in the Rapture. Some people think that faith without works will save them. If our faith does not work, it will not save us from sin in this present evil world or from God's wrath in the world to come. In fact, if they do not EXPERIENCE the purifying grace of God in this world, they will never spend eternity with God. Consider the verses in my comment box below. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.

Rapture Ready...

Only those who are spiritually pure will be Rapture Ready.
2 Corinthians 11:2
(2) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Only those who are sanctified, cleansed, spotless, holy and without wrinkle or blemish will be Rapture Ready.
Ephesians 5:25-27
(25) ... Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
(26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
(27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Only those who are holy, unblameable and unreproveable in His sight will be Rapture Ready. (Remember, God sees us as we are.)
Colossians 1:21-23
(21) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
(22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
(23) If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Only those who are sanctified entirely and those whose spirit and soul and body is preserved blameless unto His coming will be Rapture Ready.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Only those who are following holiness will be Rapture Ready.
Hebrews 12:14
(14) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Only those who are without spot and blemeless will be Rapture Ready.
2 Peter 3:13-14
(13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
(14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Only those who are pure, even as He is pure will be Rapture Ready.
1 John 3:2-3
(2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
(3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Only those who are unblemished (faultless) will be Rapture Ready.
Jude 1:24
(24) Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Only those who are living in a present state of grace by active faith as children of God will be Rapture Ready.

If your salvation is not experiential, your salvation is not actual.

Faith that does not conform you to the image of Jesus in this present world is not saving faith, it is presumption.