"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
We are encouraged throughout the word of God to trust him for guidance. We are told in Proverbs 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." Notice he says all thy ways not just some of your ways. Also, if we do our part and acknowledge him, he shall direct our paths--not may direct. Assurance--by the lamp and light of his word--of guidance. With this great truth set before us, what should the course of action on our part be?
First, we should learn the word of God. Paul told Timothy "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
We are told in the Gospel of John of one who sought to learn the word of God. Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews during Christ's earthly ministry. He was acknowledged by the Lord as being a master of Israel--which spoke to the amount of education that he'd already applied himself to. Jesus, already knowing the learnedness of this ruler, didn't get into a theological discussion with him, he went straight to the starting point of all learning. John 3:3 gives us "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." So we see, to learn the word of God, we must start at the feet of Jesus--the foot of the cross.
Secondly, we need to love the word of God. The very first Psalm tells us "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." If we love something the natural course of action is to delight in it. Those who come to Christ by faith not only love him, they love and delight in his word. Peter tells us "whom having not seen ye love." When we come to the foot of the cross to learn from the Master--we love him and his word.
Lastly, once we learn and love the word of God, we need to leave it. We need to leave the word of God as our legacy.
Moses, the man of God chosen to lead the nation of Israel from bondage in Egypt, left the word of God as his legacy. Joshua, as the successor of Moses, left the legacy of God's word as well.
We need to leave a legacy of the truth of God's word as individuals and as a nation.
Individually, we are told "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4
Nationally, we need to leave the legacy of the word as the founder's left it to us. Many of our founding fathers were devoted followers of Christ. Study the lives of Washington, Adams, Franklin, and Rush. Contrary to what those who are attempting to rewrite history tell us, their legacies are replete with references to the word of God.
To have light in a very dark world, we are to realize that God's word is that light--a lamp to our feet to keep us from stumbling--a light to our path to show us the way.
Learn the word of God. By learning the scriptures we find faith and forgiveness. When we find forgiveness, we love the Christ who offers it. The natural progression of the new-found faith, forgiveness, and love is that we pass it on.
Let our legacy be that which the Lord commanded, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. That you were buried, and that God raised you from the dead the third day. Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IAEWRUh1ang
Monday, October 22, 2018
Monday, October 15, 2018
Charity
She dries the tears and wipes the scrapes
Of the ups and downs below,
Compassion close to God's above,
For all the world to know.
Her patience great, her kindness pure,
Many sufferings alone,
She does it not for wealth or fame,
She seeketh not her own.
Bears the burdens of her family
Through pain and grief she sings,
Her heart is full of gratitude
For the pleasure that it brings.
Believes and hopes, endures all things
To the end it might be shown,
Next to our Saviour Christ above
The greatest gift we've ever known.
Charity, Charity sing it's praise aloud ,
'Twil bring us through the trials of life,
Through every stormy cloud.
God says the greatest gift he gave,
Next to Jesus Christ above,
Is the gift of Charity,
Her other name is Love.
"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
Of the ups and downs below,
Compassion close to God's above,
For all the world to know.
Her patience great, her kindness pure,
Many sufferings alone,
She does it not for wealth or fame,
She seeketh not her own.
Bears the burdens of her family
Through pain and grief she sings,
Her heart is full of gratitude
For the pleasure that it brings.
Believes and hopes, endures all things
To the end it might be shown,
Next to our Saviour Christ above
The greatest gift we've ever known.
Charity, Charity sing it's praise aloud ,
'Twil bring us through the trials of life,
Through every stormy cloud.
God says the greatest gift he gave,
Next to Jesus Christ above,
Is the gift of Charity,
Her other name is Love.
"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
Monday, October 8, 2018
Blind Faith
One sat alone beside the highway begging,
His eyes were blind, the light he could not see;
He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows,
Then Jesus came and bade his darkness flee
This opening verse of a hymn by Dr. Oswald J. Smith has such a wonderful message. The passage of scripture it draws it's inspiration from is found in the Gospel of Luke.
The sun was shining bright that morning on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus and his disciples were on their way to that great city that would lend itself as the stage for the fulfillment of the prophecy he had just given them. He had just shared with them, in Luke 18:31, words of the prophets in the Old Testament concerning his ministry--words that they were witnessing unfold before their very eyes.
"For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on; And they shall scourge him, and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again. (Luke 18:32,33)KJV
After sharing this with them the scriptures go on to say that the disciples, "understood none of these things."
It was at this time, as they were approaching Jericho, that they encountered a blind man begging along the side of the highway. Although he could not see, he could tell by all the clamoring and noise of the crowd that had gathered that something was going on. He, no doubt, was able to get someone's attention that told him that Jesus was passing by. We are told that the blind man, upon hearing this cried out, " Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me." Some in the crowd, upon hearing his plea, tried to quiet him down, but the passage says he, " cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me." Upon hearing this Jesus instructed that someone should help the blind man over to him. When they had done this and the man was brought near, Jesus asked him what it was that he desired. The man answered, "Lord that I might receive my sight." And Jesus immediately said to him, "Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee."
What does this passage concerning the earthly ministry of Christ teach us? Firstly, it lends authority to the Old Testament scriptures as being the inspired word of God. Secondly, that prior to the resurrection, the disciples were not able to understand what he meant when he spoke prophetically of his mission on earth. And lastly, it gives us a picture of the spiritual condition of all of us before we come to Christ.
My friend, are you still, as the beggar along the highway was, in spiritual darkness? The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4(KJV)that,
" But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
Trust God today and experience what the blind man received. Jesus told him, "Receive thy sight; thy faith hath saved thee." We are told in the book of Ephesians that, "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Eph. 2:8)KJV
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. That you were buried, and that God raised you from the dead the third day. Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen
Let's examine the first point---It lends authority to the Old Testament scriptures as being the inspired word of God. Christ himself says here,"all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. " A study of some of the Old Testament prophecies referred to here by Jesus can be found in Psalms 8:4, 80:17, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, 32:2, Zechariah 13:7.
Many of today's modern Bible scholars, theologians, and ministers attempt to dismiss the Old Testament scriptures as out of date or irrelevant. We see, as attested to here by Jesus himself, that we can can rely on all of the word of God. Paul admonishes Timothy that, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."(2 Timothy 3:16)KJV
Secondly, we see that the twelve, at this point, did not comprehend what Jesus was foretelling of himself. Verse 34 tells us, "And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken." Although these sayings were hid from them prior to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ; they were later revealed to two disciples along the Emmaus road. We see this in Chapter 24 of Luke beginning at verse 13 through verse 24. Jesus appears to the disciples as they travel along the highway. Not recognizing him, we are told that they invite him to have dinner and the scriptures say, "And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight." Luke 24:30,31(KJV)
So we see here that, although that which was prophesied in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah was being witnessed first hand by them, the disciples did not understand his sayings. It would take a very exhaustive undertaking to explain here the mystery concerning their discernment, we get a glimpse into it in Paul's message to the Romans. Romans 11:25(KJV), tells us, "For I would not brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." God has a plan for the nation of Israel. His redemptive work at Calvary had to be completed; which it was by the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ; and made available to the Gentiles before all prophecies concerning the nation of Israel can be accomplished.
His eyes were blind, the light he could not see;
He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows,
Then Jesus came and bade his darkness flee
This opening verse of a hymn by Dr. Oswald J. Smith has such a wonderful message. The passage of scripture it draws it's inspiration from is found in the Gospel of Luke.
The sun was shining bright that morning on the road to Jerusalem. Jesus and his disciples were on their way to that great city that would lend itself as the stage for the fulfillment of the prophecy he had just given them. He had just shared with them, in Luke 18:31, words of the prophets in the Old Testament concerning his ministry--words that they were witnessing unfold before their very eyes.
"For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on; And they shall scourge him, and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again. (Luke 18:32,33)KJV
After sharing this with them the scriptures go on to say that the disciples, "understood none of these things."
It was at this time, as they were approaching Jericho, that they encountered a blind man begging along the side of the highway. Although he could not see, he could tell by all the clamoring and noise of the crowd that had gathered that something was going on. He, no doubt, was able to get someone's attention that told him that Jesus was passing by. We are told that the blind man, upon hearing this cried out, " Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me." Some in the crowd, upon hearing his plea, tried to quiet him down, but the passage says he, " cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me." Upon hearing this Jesus instructed that someone should help the blind man over to him. When they had done this and the man was brought near, Jesus asked him what it was that he desired. The man answered, "Lord that I might receive my sight." And Jesus immediately said to him, "Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee."
What does this passage concerning the earthly ministry of Christ teach us? Firstly, it lends authority to the Old Testament scriptures as being the inspired word of God. Secondly, that prior to the resurrection, the disciples were not able to understand what he meant when he spoke prophetically of his mission on earth. And lastly, it gives us a picture of the spiritual condition of all of us before we come to Christ.
My friend, are you still, as the beggar along the highway was, in spiritual darkness? The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4(KJV)that,
" But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
Trust God today and experience what the blind man received. Jesus told him, "Receive thy sight; thy faith hath saved thee." We are told in the book of Ephesians that, "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Eph. 2:8)KJV
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. That you were buried, and that God raised you from the dead the third day. Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen
Let's examine the first point---It lends authority to the Old Testament scriptures as being the inspired word of God. Christ himself says here,"all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. " A study of some of the Old Testament prophecies referred to here by Jesus can be found in Psalms 8:4, 80:17, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, 32:2, Zechariah 13:7.
Many of today's modern Bible scholars, theologians, and ministers attempt to dismiss the Old Testament scriptures as out of date or irrelevant. We see, as attested to here by Jesus himself, that we can can rely on all of the word of God. Paul admonishes Timothy that, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."(2 Timothy 3:16)KJV
Secondly, we see that the twelve, at this point, did not comprehend what Jesus was foretelling of himself. Verse 34 tells us, "And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken." Although these sayings were hid from them prior to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ; they were later revealed to two disciples along the Emmaus road. We see this in Chapter 24 of Luke beginning at verse 13 through verse 24. Jesus appears to the disciples as they travel along the highway. Not recognizing him, we are told that they invite him to have dinner and the scriptures say, "And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight." Luke 24:30,31(KJV)
So we see here that, although that which was prophesied in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah was being witnessed first hand by them, the disciples did not understand his sayings. It would take a very exhaustive undertaking to explain here the mystery concerning their discernment, we get a glimpse into it in Paul's message to the Romans. Romans 11:25(KJV), tells us, "For I would not brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." God has a plan for the nation of Israel. His redemptive work at Calvary had to be completed; which it was by the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ; and made available to the Gentiles before all prophecies concerning the nation of Israel can be accomplished.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Faith of Our Fathers
The institutes of higher education are hard at work in America today. What is their message to the young people of our nation? You will find an underlying theme throughout the sphere of campuses across the country. It has it's roots beginning to spread during the formative years of grade school and high school. Planting the seeds of doubt in the fertile minds of our youth; preparing them for the message that our colleges are poised to cultivate once they arrive. The same message they will, in turn, propagate to the rest of the world upon graduation.
They will go out into the world as doctors, lawyers, civic leaders, writers, journalists, news reporters, and congressional leaders. Their message to the world? Attempting to rewrite the history of the greatest nation Divine Providence ever blessed.
Enter Mr. Peter Manseau. No doubt a brilliant scholar. He comes to us by way of Georgetown University, a highly respected and prestigious institution in the D.C. area. His introduction in his own words from petermanseu.com;
"Winner of the National Jewish Book Award, the American Library Association's Sophie Brody Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Jewish Literature........ founding editor of KillingTheBuddha.com and coauthor with Jeff Sharlet of Killing the Buddha: A Heretic’s Bible, he received his doctorate in religion from Georgetown University, and lives with his family in Annapolis, Maryland."
His latest work is ;
"Accessible and insightful prose... A richer, more complex, and compelling viewpoint that is reminiscent of Howard Zinn's People's History of the United States... This significant and timely work is important for those who wish to understand the complete and diverse landscape of religious history in America--but even more valuable for those who don't."― Erin Entrada Kelly, Library Journal (starred review)
"What the author endeavors to do here--and does so with deep-running stories told with verve and dash--is to square that narrative with a religious syncretism that provides a more colorful, distinct, eccentric, not to mention truthful, historical record.... An eye-opener. After reading Manseau, readers will see the influences he writes about not only dot, but shape, the landscape."― Kirkus
It is interesting to note that in Mr. Aslan's praise he states,
"One Nation, Under Gods is a refreshing, compelling, and surprising reexamination of our nation's history that puts lie to the oft-quoted idea that America was founded as 'a Christian nation."
One other interesting note is that Mr. Aslan is an Iranian born American. On the Liberal left, I suppose, this makes him an authority on American Christian heritage.
Unfortunately, standing in the way of Mr. Manseau and Mr. Aslan and their quest to rewrite American history, are a few inconvenient truths.
Firstly, the statement, made by Mr. Aslan concerning America's founding as a Christian nation, is a twisting of words to fit their agenda. Secondly, the quotes of those who had a hand in the shaping of our nation, are in direct contradiction to their claims. The twisting of words occurs, when the phrase or assertion that America was founded on Christian principles is misinterpreted or misquoted. Standing in stark opposition to their attempts to subvert American culture are the quotes of the founders themselves.
George Washington stated,
"You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.
They will go out into the world as doctors, lawyers, civic leaders, writers, journalists, news reporters, and congressional leaders. Their message to the world? Attempting to rewrite the history of the greatest nation Divine Providence ever blessed.
Enter Mr. Peter Manseau. No doubt a brilliant scholar. He comes to us by way of Georgetown University, a highly respected and prestigious institution in the D.C. area. His introduction in his own words from petermanseu.com;
"Winner of the National Jewish Book Award, the American Library Association's Sophie Brody Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Jewish Literature........ founding editor of KillingTheBuddha.com and coauthor with Jeff Sharlet of Killing the Buddha: A Heretic’s Bible, he received his doctorate in religion from Georgetown University, and lives with his family in Annapolis, Maryland."
His latest work is ;
One Nation, Under Gods: A New American History
A groundbreaking new look at the story of America
"At the heart of the nation's spiritual history are audacious and often violent scenes. But the Puritans and the shining city on the hill give us just one way to understand the United States. Rather than recite American history from a Christian vantage point, Peter Manseau proves that what really happened is worth a close, fresh look.. . .One Nation, Under Gods shows how much more there is to the history we tell ourselves, right back to the country's earliest days . Dazzling in its scope and sweep, it is an American history unlike any you've read." (Amazon product description)
Some of the glowing testimonials are from many of those who could be on the who's who of the Liberal Left;
"The United States is arguably the most religiously diverse nation in the world. Peter Manseau shows how this has always been the case. One Nation, Under Gods is a refreshing, compelling, and surprising reexamination of our nation's history that puts lie to the oft-quoted idea that America was founded as 'a Christian nation.'" ―Reza Aslan, author of No god but God and Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
"What the author endeavors to do here--and does so with deep-running stories told with verve and dash--is to square that narrative with a religious syncretism that provides a more colorful, distinct, eccentric, not to mention truthful, historical record.... An eye-opener. After reading Manseau, readers will see the influences he writes about not only dot, but shape, the landscape."― Kirkus
It is interesting to note that in Mr. Aslan's praise he states,
"One Nation, Under Gods is a refreshing, compelling, and surprising reexamination of our nation's history that puts lie to the oft-quoted idea that America was founded as 'a Christian nation."
One other interesting note is that Mr. Aslan is an Iranian born American. On the Liberal left, I suppose, this makes him an authority on American Christian heritage.
Unfortunately, standing in the way of Mr. Manseau and Mr. Aslan and their quest to rewrite American history, are a few inconvenient truths.
Firstly, the statement, made by Mr. Aslan concerning America's founding as a Christian nation, is a twisting of words to fit their agenda. Secondly, the quotes of those who had a hand in the shaping of our nation, are in direct contradiction to their claims. The twisting of words occurs, when the phrase or assertion that America was founded on Christian principles is misinterpreted or misquoted. Standing in stark opposition to their attempts to subvert American culture are the quotes of the founders themselves.
George Washington stated,
"You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.
I now make it my earnest prayer that God would… most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of the mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion."
Samuel Adams
"I . . . [rely] upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins."
"The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither the righteous flee and are safe [Proverbs 18:10]. Let us secure His favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive us to a better.
Dr. Benjamin Rush
"The Gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just conduct in every situation of life. Happy are they who are enabled to obey them in all situations! . . . My only hope of salvation is in the infinite transcendent love of God manifested to the world by the death of His Son upon the Cross. Nothing but His blood will wash away my sins [Acts 22:16]. I rely exclusively upon it. Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly! [Revelation 22:20]" Rush also says,
"I do not believe that the Constitution was the offspring of inspiration, but I am as satisfied that it is as much the work of a Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament."
As Patriots and lovers of American ideals, let's endeavor to go forward with the faith of our Fathers. They no doubt followed the scriptures in Jude 1:3 that states,
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
And.....
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Do you know the Christ that some of the founding Fathers spoke of? Won't you accept him today?
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. That you were buried, and that God raised you from the dead the third day. Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen
As Patriots and lovers of American ideals, let's endeavor to go forward with the faith of our Fathers. They no doubt followed the scriptures in Jude 1:3 that states,
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
And.....
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Do you know the Christ that some of the founding Fathers spoke of? Won't you accept him today?
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. That you were buried, and that God raised you from the dead the third day. Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Where's The Toast?
"Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart;" Proverbs 3:3
A quaint, elderly couple, had just finished their Saturday evening ritual of watching the Maestro, Lawrence Welk. They chatted, as usual, about how that one hour a week managed to transport them back to a simpler time. Directly, as the conversation continued, the sweet wife said, " I sure would like some ice cream". The husband knew before it began, that the conversation would eventually lead to ice cream.
"Alright dear, give me a minute", as he adjusted his hearing aid. " Just ice cream?", he stated as he began to rise. "Yes dear, just ice cream". After the first step he heard, "Oh honey, some chocolate syrup please." "Alright, ice cream with chocolate syrup". The next couple of steps were halted with, " Oh coconut sprinkles, a little coconut on it too ". "Alright dear ", he yelled over his shoulder as he headed for the kitchen.
As she flipped through the pages of a magazine, she heard him busily about his task. After about ten minutes of beating and banging, she noticed the lights go off in the kitchen. Finally, she thought, as she watched him approach.
"Here dear", he said as he stood before her with her request. She glanced up at him with the most inquisitive look on her face you could imagine. There he stood with a plate of perfectly scrambled eggs. Puzzled and perplexed, all she could say was, "where's the toast?"
Some things in life just won't work until they are paired with the right partner. Abbott and Costello. Roy and Dale. Peanut butter and jelly. Scrambled eggs and toast.
God says here in his word something to the same effect. "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee". He didn't say let not mercy forsake thee, nor did he say let not truth forsake thee. He paired them together for a reason. We are to realize that one will not operate effectively independent of the other.
Abbott could not work without Costello. Roy was just another lonely cowboy without Dale. Peanut butter cannot shine without jelly. Scrambled eggs can't stand on their own without toast.
Thus, the Lord tells us mercy is ineffectual without truth. Truth cannot shine without mercy. Both were on display at Calvary.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. " John 14:6
God's mercy and truth. Will you accept them today.?
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. That you were buried, and that God raised you from the dead the third day. Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NG0vH4WYChQ
Some things in life just won't work until they are paired with the right partner. Abbott and Costello. Roy and Dale. Peanut butter and jelly. Scrambled eggs and toast.
God says here in his word something to the same effect. "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee". He didn't say let not mercy forsake thee, nor did he say let not truth forsake thee. He paired them together for a reason. We are to realize that one will not operate effectively independent of the other.
Abbott could not work without Costello. Roy was just another lonely cowboy without Dale. Peanut butter cannot shine without jelly. Scrambled eggs can't stand on their own without toast.
Thus, the Lord tells us mercy is ineffectual without truth. Truth cannot shine without mercy. Both were on display at Calvary.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. " John 14:6
God's mercy and truth. Will you accept them today.?
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. That you were buried, and that God raised you from the dead the third day. Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NG0vH4WYChQ
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Forks In The Road
Yogi Berra once said, " When you come to a fork in the road, take it." There is certainly humor to be had with that saying, but also quite a bit of wisdom to be gleaned as well. First, life is sort of like a road or a journey, if you will. Regardless of race, creed, nationality, or religious preference we are all on that road. Secondly, many times the journey requires directional changes from our original route. This theme is, many times, given as inspiration at commencement addresses for young men and women beginning adulthood.
Many great literary works have been based on the principles of a journey down life's road. Some wonderful examples are Homer's Odyssey and Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. A couple of other references most are familiar with are, "All roads lead to Rome", and the two ways spoken of by Christ in the Gospels.
The nation of Rome, at one point in history, was the cultural center and superpower of her day. There's a pretty good chance that when the phrase "all roads lead to Rome " was coined, that literally and physically it was true. The meaning has become generally accepted today as an idiom denoting using different methods of achieving the same results. The time frame of Rome's strong standing in the world coincided with the earthly ministry of Christ. It was at this juncture that the reference concerning two roads was made.
Matthew 7: 13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
We can draw some interesting parallels with America today and Rome of old. Gibbon gave us a fairly exhaustive description of the subsequent fall of the mighty empire that was. We can also see the sharp contrast of religion adopting the all roads lead to Rome approach, and the bible speaking of there being just two roads.
It would not take a huge stretch of the imagination to make the argument that America is on the same road to decline that the Romans found themselves on. The Supreme Court has taken God out of the schools and courts. The Democratic party has booed him out of their platform; and those in the sports arena have disgraced God by kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem. You may say, "how is kneeling during the National Anthem disgracing God"? Does the Pledge of Allegiance not say, "one Nation under God? To say nothing of the trampling under foot of the blood of every patriot that ever defended her. Gibbon didn't give the whole story of the fall of the Roman empire. It's mighty crash could be summed up in one portion of scripture.
Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.
America is at a fork in the road. We are at a fork as a nation and as a people. One example of how far we've declined as a nation is illustrated by these words of President Dwight Eisenhower's on Flag Day, June 14, 1954.
"From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty....In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource, in peace or in war. "
This proclamation by our nation's leader was in response to the words "one nation under God " being added to the Pledge of Allegiance. This was accomplished under a Joint Resolution of Congress. My, how far we've gone downhill in the Federal government. From proclaiming a dedication to the Almighty, to booing him on national tv.
How did we get off of the strait and narrow as a nation and a people? How did we manage to take the fork that leads down the broad path of destruction? Did we just haphazardly follow Yogi's advice and take the first one we came to? Were we taken down the road by our political leaders?
We are on the road to destruction today as a result of religious leaders, who proclaim that whatever methodology you decide to adopt, you will get to heaven. The ones who preach that the same mentality, that says all roads lead to Rome, can be applied to your eternal soul. They stand in stark contradiction to the words of Christ, who emphatically stated that you are either on the right road or the wrong one.
It may be too early to say whether we, as a nation, have gone too far to turn back. The great news is that there is still hope for us as individuals. 2 Peter 3:9 states,
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. "
There is one more correlation we will look at between Rome and the two ways spoken of by Christ. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, gave us scripture that has come to be known as the Romans Road. A series of verses presented, in such a way, as to give us directions for getting off of the broad way and onto the narrow. Picture yourself at a fork, one sign says Broad Street, the other says...you get the picture.
The first sign you encounter will be Romans 3:10 "There is none righteous, no, not one."
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. "
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. "
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. "
Paul is giving the account of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross for the sins of mankind. He later explains how God raised him from the dead. He then goes on to state the only way to get back on the road to life.
Romans 10:8-10 declares,
"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. "
Romans 10:13
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. "
Only in America could a famous ballplayer make a funny statement that could cause such inner reflection. You very well may be at your fork in the road today. With God's grace, may you decide to make the right turn.
John 1:12
"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:"
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. That you were buried, and that God raised you from the dead the third day. Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CxA0TFe3-Uo
Many great literary works have been based on the principles of a journey down life's road. Some wonderful examples are Homer's Odyssey and Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. A couple of other references most are familiar with are, "All roads lead to Rome", and the two ways spoken of by Christ in the Gospels.
The nation of Rome, at one point in history, was the cultural center and superpower of her day. There's a pretty good chance that when the phrase "all roads lead to Rome " was coined, that literally and physically it was true. The meaning has become generally accepted today as an idiom denoting using different methods of achieving the same results. The time frame of Rome's strong standing in the world coincided with the earthly ministry of Christ. It was at this juncture that the reference concerning two roads was made.
Matthew 7: 13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
We can draw some interesting parallels with America today and Rome of old. Gibbon gave us a fairly exhaustive description of the subsequent fall of the mighty empire that was. We can also see the sharp contrast of religion adopting the all roads lead to Rome approach, and the bible speaking of there being just two roads.
It would not take a huge stretch of the imagination to make the argument that America is on the same road to decline that the Romans found themselves on. The Supreme Court has taken God out of the schools and courts. The Democratic party has booed him out of their platform; and those in the sports arena have disgraced God by kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem. You may say, "how is kneeling during the National Anthem disgracing God"? Does the Pledge of Allegiance not say, "one Nation under God? To say nothing of the trampling under foot of the blood of every patriot that ever defended her. Gibbon didn't give the whole story of the fall of the Roman empire. It's mighty crash could be summed up in one portion of scripture.
Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.
America is at a fork in the road. We are at a fork as a nation and as a people. One example of how far we've declined as a nation is illustrated by these words of President Dwight Eisenhower's on Flag Day, June 14, 1954.
"From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty....In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource, in peace or in war. "
This proclamation by our nation's leader was in response to the words "one nation under God " being added to the Pledge of Allegiance. This was accomplished under a Joint Resolution of Congress. My, how far we've gone downhill in the Federal government. From proclaiming a dedication to the Almighty, to booing him on national tv.
How did we get off of the strait and narrow as a nation and a people? How did we manage to take the fork that leads down the broad path of destruction? Did we just haphazardly follow Yogi's advice and take the first one we came to? Were we taken down the road by our political leaders?
We are on the road to destruction today as a result of religious leaders, who proclaim that whatever methodology you decide to adopt, you will get to heaven. The ones who preach that the same mentality, that says all roads lead to Rome, can be applied to your eternal soul. They stand in stark contradiction to the words of Christ, who emphatically stated that you are either on the right road or the wrong one.
It may be too early to say whether we, as a nation, have gone too far to turn back. The great news is that there is still hope for us as individuals. 2 Peter 3:9 states,
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. "
There is one more correlation we will look at between Rome and the two ways spoken of by Christ. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, gave us scripture that has come to be known as the Romans Road. A series of verses presented, in such a way, as to give us directions for getting off of the broad way and onto the narrow. Picture yourself at a fork, one sign says Broad Street, the other says...you get the picture.
The first sign you encounter will be Romans 3:10 "There is none righteous, no, not one."
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. "
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. "
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. "
Paul is giving the account of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross for the sins of mankind. He later explains how God raised him from the dead. He then goes on to state the only way to get back on the road to life.
Romans 10:8-10 declares,
"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. "
Romans 10:13
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. "
Only in America could a famous ballplayer make a funny statement that could cause such inner reflection. You very well may be at your fork in the road today. With God's grace, may you decide to make the right turn.
John 1:12
"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:"
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins. That you were buried, and that God raised you from the dead the third day. Please forgive my sins and come into my heart and save me. Amen
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CxA0TFe3-Uo
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