|
SubscriptionsSites I Read
|
|
|
|
| The Spirit and Power of ElijahWhen John the Baptist came preaching repentance to prepare for the kingdom of God, his message drew many people to hear, and also to repent. His ministry was foretold by the spirit of God through Isaiah, and the Holy Spirit lent power to his words so they reached the hearts of publicans and sinners of all classes. The greek word for repentance used in this passage means "changed thinking", but notice that a change of thinking will lead to a change of behavior:
3 He went throughout (the) whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 5
as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: "A
voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths. 5
Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made
low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made
smooth, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'" 7 He said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8
Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to
say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God
can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree
that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the
fire." 10 And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" 11
He said to them in reply, "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the
person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise." 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?" 13 He answered them, "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed." 14
Soldiers also asked him, "And what is it that we should do?" He told
them, "Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be
satisfied with your wages." 15 Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.(http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/luke/luke3.htm)
A message like this today might be greeted by many Christians as a works based religion. Yet look at what James says: "I will show thee my faith by my works" (James 2:17 KJV), and Jesus said that He would judge the every one according to their works (Rev 22:12 - see also the parable of the sheep and the goats which Jesus said would be divided according to their works of service to Jesus in the form of service to fellow men.)
While it is certain that works do not save us, they provide the evidence of true conversion that Jesus will be looking for. It is not enough to say you believe in Jesus. Our lives need to reflect our profession of faith.
May God bless each of us with a closer walk with Jesus, and a life that reflects what He has done for us!
| | |
| Dobson accuses ObamaDr. James Dobson, psychologist founder of Focus on The Family and vocal proponent of Christians being involved in politics and controlling the country, has accused Barrack Obama of misinterpreting the Bible.
My question is, "Who made Mr. Dobson an authority?"
Frankly, I don't agree with Dobson's political activities, and His teaching that the US should be controlled by Christians to be a Christian nation. I think this distorts not only the historical legacy of the founding fathers of our country, who remembered what happened in Europe when monarchies tried to force their subjects to follow a particular religion by torture, confiscating goods, and even death. That is why many people came to the colonies! Dobson thinks we should make our country like the persecuting political entities our founding fathers were trying to make illegal in the first ammendment.
Also, Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world." Why does Dobson think that the US Christians should try to make a Christian nation on this earth, when Jesus clearly said that the kingdom of heaven is within you. Only Jesus can be trusted to make a theocracy, and that will happen when He comes again.
| | |
| Remember when...When I was young
It was important to my mom to take my sister and I to the Memorial Day ceremonies
There was a parade, with many people all meeting at the cemetary
To hear the living heroes from mostly World War II remember the dead heroes
To tell of deads so brave, honor so great, battles won, and battles lost
To express for us all, what all we Americans knew
That our freedom wasn't free
When I was young
We saw them lay a wreath and say a prayer
We listened to the taps play, each year, for those who sleep in the grave
We heard the reports of 21 guns aimed in the air
and hoped we would never have war again,
hoped no one would need to shed tears again
because freedom isn't free
And I am older now
And I went again to see and hear
the heroes live tell of heroes gone,
this time, though, they are living heroes of Vietnam,
we heard the taps play, prayers said, and the rifle reports echo
and remembered again
that freedom isn't free
For many years
I hadn't been to a memorial day service,
but this year it seemed important still,
though the crowds are much smaller (people are too busy, I guess),
After so many years it is still hard to remember
and hard to say "my father died in Vietnam"
when I was young.
| | |
| Huh?Quick: Cochabamba is the third-largest conurbation in what country? | | |
| Snow? It snowed today! I can hardly believe it. God bless and take care. 
| | |
|
