It seems to me that at some point in time most folks would recognize how sin infects, affects, and the effects of its reality. Just this morning I am hearing about the prominent Dallas couple who took their lives in a murder/suicide pact, the mother who decided to throw her two kids and herself off a bridge near Dallas, and the Governor of NY who threw away his career, destroyed his reputation, and damaged his family for a few moments of pleasure.
Most of the discussions I am hearing regarding these matters are about the vagaries of human nature. The Truth is human nature is flawed by the sin of unbelief in the grace and mercy of God. And while believers still possess that "old sin nature" they are transferred from death to life, and that life is capable of overcoming the damage of sin through a renewed mind.
It's possible that all of the folks mentioned above are believers. If so, they have missed the power of Jesus Christ to bring victory in the despair of life. Perhaps they are not believers, and that is, in part, the great failure of the Church to spread the Gospel far and wide. The point is, these are the actions and outcomes of sin. Rebellion against God always brings consequences.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
New Sins
How could I, a person who often rails against sin, not be excited these days? The Vatican has upped the ante with some new "sins." As if we didn't have enough to worry about from a sin perspective, here's more. I especially like the one about not "polluting." Does that mean we can't drive our cars anymore? Do we have to stop using plastic bags at the grocery? What? No more hair spray? And what about those plastic rings that hold the six pack of cans (Coke, of course)? How do we get rid of those things without sinning?
If one believes God experiences a laugh now and again, He must be laughing now. One thing I know for absolute sure -- if sin is involved, the blood of Jesus Christ my Savior is sufficient to cleanse and make righteous every heart. His death on Calvary solved the sin problem - pollution and all.
If one believes God experiences a laugh now and again, He must be laughing now. One thing I know for absolute sure -- if sin is involved, the blood of Jesus Christ my Savior is sufficient to cleanse and make righteous every heart. His death on Calvary solved the sin problem - pollution and all.
Monday, March 10, 2008
What's Next?
"A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans," an Associated Press investigation shows. My soul, except for maybe cutting the pharmacy bill for a few folks, I can't see much good in this sort of thing.
Aren't you glad there is a spring of living water to which you as a believer have unfettered access? And it is never contaminated with the things of this World. It is never subject to the uncleanness that is a part of so much of life.
Make sure you don't allow that spring in you to get stifled through lack of faith. Jesus said, "he that believes in me. . .out of his innermost being will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)
Aren't you glad there is a spring of living water to which you as a believer have unfettered access? And it is never contaminated with the things of this World. It is never subject to the uncleanness that is a part of so much of life.
Make sure you don't allow that spring in you to get stifled through lack of faith. Jesus said, "he that believes in me. . .out of his innermost being will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Growing Wealth
A blurb from Daily Wealth that crossed my desk this morning said, "How to collect growing paychecks month after month." That certainly sounds intriguing does it not? I'll bet my employer would be interested in keeping that information out of my hands.
What is even more exciting is that I can have monthly, weekly, or daily a growing wealth of wisdom as I continually inculcate God's Word in my mind. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived said it like this, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6).
I'm going to check on that growing paycheck thing, but reality tells me I am going to gain more by spending time in God's Word. Find a Bible Study near you and get involved!
What is even more exciting is that I can have monthly, weekly, or daily a growing wealth of wisdom as I continually inculcate God's Word in my mind. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived said it like this, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6).
I'm going to check on that growing paycheck thing, but reality tells me I am going to gain more by spending time in God's Word. Find a Bible Study near you and get involved!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Involvement
John McCain (Republican Party nominee for President of the United States) is quoted in the press with this statement, "Americans aren't interested in an election where they are just talked to and not listened to; an election that offers platitudes instead of principles and insults instead of ideas."
He's only partly right. It's the first part of his statement that is true. The reality is, "most Americans are not interested in an election." While this primary season has brought out thousands of unexpected voters, (credit the love/hate relationship folks have with the front runners in the Democratic Party) the vast majority of Americans seem to have no interest in politics, or elections, or anything else that has to do with the operation of Government.
Ditto that for the Church of Jesus Christ. Most folks say they care, but their actions belie the reality that actual involvement beyond casual conversation and sporadic attendance is limited to the few. How else does one explain that most members of most Churches cannot be found, or at least found involved in active ministry on a regular basis.
It's a shame, really. Both entities, the U.S. Government and the Church of Jesus Christ are vital to life as we know it. Either one could go away, you know?
He's only partly right. It's the first part of his statement that is true. The reality is, "most Americans are not interested in an election." While this primary season has brought out thousands of unexpected voters, (credit the love/hate relationship folks have with the front runners in the Democratic Party) the vast majority of Americans seem to have no interest in politics, or elections, or anything else that has to do with the operation of Government.
Ditto that for the Church of Jesus Christ. Most folks say they care, but their actions belie the reality that actual involvement beyond casual conversation and sporadic attendance is limited to the few. How else does one explain that most members of most Churches cannot be found, or at least found involved in active ministry on a regular basis.
It's a shame, really. Both entities, the U.S. Government and the Church of Jesus Christ are vital to life as we know it. Either one could go away, you know?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Who To Vote For
It's Primary Voting Day in Texas. I'm looking for a "new candidate."
I'm looking for one who hasn't taken money from anyone, and is therefore "tied" to no one.
I'm looking for one who holds no "religious" views, and therefore can't offend any religion.
I'm looking for one who has vast experience running a government, but has never been associated with government waste, bad laws, poor judgment, mismanagement, or mistakes.
I'm looking for someone who can make the economy work so that everyone has everything they want and need, win the war(s) and keep all the troops at home, fully supplied, well trained, and on leave, because there is no more discord around the world.
I'm looking for one who has no skeletons in the closet, never "mis-speaks, always engenders hope, and has the ability to "change the world," end poverty in third world countries, and draw all political parties together. It would be nice if he/she can fix the United Nations too.
I'm looking for someone who all World leaders look to for counsel, personally admire, and long to be like.
I'm looking for someone faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, and who has no weaknesses, like Kryptonite - or something.
Did I mention 39 cents per gallon gasoline?
I may need to wait till next year to vote ---
I'm looking for one who hasn't taken money from anyone, and is therefore "tied" to no one.
I'm looking for one who holds no "religious" views, and therefore can't offend any religion.
I'm looking for one who has vast experience running a government, but has never been associated with government waste, bad laws, poor judgment, mismanagement, or mistakes.
I'm looking for someone who can make the economy work so that everyone has everything they want and need, win the war(s) and keep all the troops at home, fully supplied, well trained, and on leave, because there is no more discord around the world.
I'm looking for one who has no skeletons in the closet, never "mis-speaks, always engenders hope, and has the ability to "change the world," end poverty in third world countries, and draw all political parties together. It would be nice if he/she can fix the United Nations too.
I'm looking for someone who all World leaders look to for counsel, personally admire, and long to be like.
I'm looking for someone faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, and who has no weaknesses, like Kryptonite - or something.
Did I mention 39 cents per gallon gasoline?
I may need to wait till next year to vote ---
Monday, March 3, 2008
Miracles
Although I commented on "A Course In Miracles" before (see my post for 12/27/07), I am again being asked about this program which I am told is being aired on XM radio's "Oprah and Friends."
Here's a quote: "A Course in Miracles is allegedly “new revelation” from “Jesus” to help humanity work through these troubled times. This “Jesus”—who bears no doctrinal resemblance to the Bible’s Jesus Christ—began delivering his channeled teachings in 1965 to a Columbia University Professor of Medical Psychology by the name of Helen Schucman."
I am convinced that people are looking for a "new revelation" because they have such a problem with the "old" revelation. Sin does that to a fellow. It makes us want the things of Earth more than the things of Heaven. If we can just get "Jesus" to lighten up, get past this insistence on holiness (which is provided by God as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ), and get on with the "pleasures of sin for a season," we would be much happier. If you're happy knowing that sin, when it comes to harvest brings death, go for it. If you're interested in finding eternal life in the presence of Jehovah God, you'd best stick with the "old" Jesus.
Here's a quote: "A Course in Miracles is allegedly “new revelation” from “Jesus” to help humanity work through these troubled times. This “Jesus”—who bears no doctrinal resemblance to the Bible’s Jesus Christ—began delivering his channeled teachings in 1965 to a Columbia University Professor of Medical Psychology by the name of Helen Schucman."
I am convinced that people are looking for a "new revelation" because they have such a problem with the "old" revelation. Sin does that to a fellow. It makes us want the things of Earth more than the things of Heaven. If we can just get "Jesus" to lighten up, get past this insistence on holiness (which is provided by God as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ), and get on with the "pleasures of sin for a season," we would be much happier. If you're happy knowing that sin, when it comes to harvest brings death, go for it. If you're interested in finding eternal life in the presence of Jehovah God, you'd best stick with the "old" Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
