This post was originally going to be part of a Gospel tract I had been putting together but some things I have seen and heard over the last few days prompted me to write the following.
I was watching my cable provider's (Spectrum) local news channel yesterday and the newscaster said something interesting while reporting on worshippers attending Easter services. She said(paraphrased) in describing the events going on in town: "people were attending Church services today to celebrate what Christians believe is the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Call me sensitive but I found that to be an interesting way to phrase believers going to church on Easter: "what Christians believe is the resurrection of Jesus Christ." What I took away from it was, well Christians may believe in that resurrection stuff but......It's as if she had to give a little disclaimer.
Like I said, perhaps I am making a mountain out of a molehill as they say but it definitely came across as a kind of a backhanded remark. Compare that to what we have all heard in the past: "Millions of Christians around the world today are attending Easter services to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
There was no wondering what was going on if you watched television programming this past week and on Easter Day. There were lots of documentaries on the major cable networks that questioned the authenticity of the Bible, the existence of Jesus and other Biblical figures,the origin of the Bible, Jesus' "lost years",etc. Those who also scanned through the channels know what I am talking about here.
All these so-called documentaries approached Christianity with a high degree of skepticism. Allow me to editorialize for a moment but I never see shows that question whether or not Buddha existed, and I certainly never, ever see documentaries that ask pointed questions regarding Muhammad, the Qur'an, it's origin and veracity.
So why is the media doing this? Is it because the Christian faith believes the words of Jesus when He said there is only one way to eternal life and that there is a standard of conduct you have to adhere to? A standard by the way that is considered passe and downright discriminatory and hateful by the majority of people in America in 2017? If I was a betting man I would probably put my money on that belief.
There is more I plan to write on this subject because it is an absolute necessity for Believers to recognize what they are up against in this age. I don't just mean up against personally, I am referring to how this subtle, and not so subtle, condemnation of real Christianity in our culture effects your family,friends and your ability to witness to others about what Jesus is all about.
My advice--pray,study the Word daily, and whatever you do, walk the talk of your faith, be a living example of what Jesus can do with a converted, born again Believer.
Many thanks for taking the time to read my posts, if you scroll down a little you will see some brief instructions under the picture (EOD) about posts on this page and on two Blogs that I have. If you know anyone who might enjoy this page please let them know about us.
My one Blog is from about eight years ago: www.worksfromfaith.blogspot.com
This one is my Facebook page here, designed for those who don't use Facebook www.ofwhatoursaviorspoke.blogspot.com
Monday, October 15, 2018
Muscular Christianity
I have seen alot off posts from sites and pages recently that portray Christians as weak and male believers as wimps. I think the late Johnny Cash has a very good response to this.
A Prayer For the Conversion of Muslims
Did the above title cause you to pause and ask, what's this all about?
Believe it or not there was a time when most all truly Christian faiths recognized the fact that belief in Jesus and His redeeming work was the one and only way to heaven.
As we now know, much of Christianity has fallen under the "big tent", there are many ways to heaven lie.
Here is a prayer from a wonderful little prayerbook called The Scottish Book of Common Prayer. Published in 1929, it actually has prayers in it for Jews and Muslims to be converted to Jesus.
Naturally, the recent editions of this prayerbook have eliminated these prayers.
FYI--Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet but totally reject the fact that he is the Son of God. Due to this fact they are lost, and according to the Bible, are destined for hell.
May we pray for the conversion of all Muslims.
Believe it or not there was a time when most all truly Christian faiths recognized the fact that belief in Jesus and His redeeming work was the one and only way to heaven.
As we now know, much of Christianity has fallen under the "big tent", there are many ways to heaven lie.
Here is a prayer from a wonderful little prayerbook called The Scottish Book of Common Prayer. Published in 1929, it actually has prayers in it for Jews and Muslims to be converted to Jesus.
Naturally, the recent editions of this prayerbook have eliminated these prayers.
FYI--Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet but totally reject the fact that he is the Son of God. Due to this fact they are lost, and according to the Bible, are destined for hell.
May we pray for the conversion of all Muslims.
"ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who in thy goodness hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine in our land: Extend thy mercy, we beseech thee, to the nations of the world that still walk in darkness. Enlighten the Moslems with the knowledge of thy truth; and grant that the Gospel of salvation may be made known in all lands, that the heart of the peoples may be turned unto thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Who Or What Should We Really Fear?
There is understandably, for most non-believers and probably many believers too, a feeling of fear when you mention the danger of getting into an accident, being subject to a terrorist attack, becoming critically ill or losing a loved one. But these conditions and events pale in comparison to the following two quotes from Jesus:
The first one is from Matthew10:28--"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell."
The first one is from Matthew10:28--"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell."
In these latter days we have been given a view of Jesus as your benign 'love everyone' no matter what type of guy and God as a kind of stern Grandfather. What those who are Biblically ignorant forget or maybe don't even realize is that Jesus is God!
The second quote from Jesus is found in Luke 12:4 and 5--
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him."
Do you have a concern or fear for yourself or loved ones in regards to their relationship with God? If you do, then today is the day to start doing something about it.
The second quote from Jesus is found in Luke 12:4 and 5--
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him."
Do you have a concern or fear for yourself or loved ones in regards to their relationship with God? If you do, then today is the day to start doing something about it.
What You Can't Imagine
"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." 1Corinthians2:9.
Above, the Apostle Paul quotes a verse from Isaiah 64 in his Epistle to the Corinthians.
Above, the Apostle Paul quotes a verse from Isaiah 64 in his Epistle to the Corinthians.
Thought by some to refer to the beauty of Heaven and by others to be the wisdom God will reveal to believers that is not discoverable by our senses, it is a glorious promise that we must not forget.
Pray and study His Word daily!
Pray and study His Word daily!
America Is Lost
The following are some thought provoking quotes that have more substance in one or two sentences than all your talk show hosts will offer in hours of programming. After each quote I will offer a comment.
I begin by paraphrasing a quote by John F.Kennedy who said, while presiding over a dinner at the White House for 40 former Nobel Prize winners:
"this is the greatest collection of minds ever gathered in one room, except, when Thomas Jefferson dined alone at the White House."
How true.Sadly,when Thomas Jefferson's name is referenced today it's usually in the context of the fact that he was a slave owner or with the speculation of whether or not he had sex with one of his slaves.That pretty much says it all in regards to realizing what preoccupies the minds of Americans.
"He who knows nothing is nearer the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and error." Thomas Jefferson.
Too many Americans have been deluding themselves on the state of this country for too long.
"The majority of men prefer delusion to truth.It soothes.It is easy to grasp.Above all,it fits more snugly than the truth into a universe of false appearances." Friederich Nietzsche.
Just keep telling me everything's going to be okay, that way I don't have to worry,or heaven forbid,do anything about it. As they say,ignorance is bliss.
A government which "robs Peter to pay Paul," can always count on the support of Paul." George Bernard Shaw.
We saw this going on with the former administration.
Two more from quotes from George Bernard Shaw; "Liberty means responsibility,that is why most men dread it."
If we are not careful we are going to lose some of the liberties we take for granted.
Another one from Shaw;"We learn from history that we learn nothing from history."
America,it's scholars,its media and its people,choose not to pay heed to the reasons for the collapse of once great nations.
"The worst lesson that can be taught a man is to rely upon others and to whine over his sufferings.If an American is to amount to anything he must rely upon himself, and not upon his state; he must take pride in his work,instead of envying the luck of others;he must face with resolute courage,win victory if he can,and accept defeat if he must,without seeking to place on his fellow man responsibility which is not theirs." Theodore Roosevelt.
As the character of the American has changed since the time of Roosevelt,this quote has more meaning now then when it was originally written.
Wake up America!
I begin by paraphrasing a quote by John F.Kennedy who said, while presiding over a dinner at the White House for 40 former Nobel Prize winners:
"this is the greatest collection of minds ever gathered in one room, except, when Thomas Jefferson dined alone at the White House."
How true.Sadly,when Thomas Jefferson's name is referenced today it's usually in the context of the fact that he was a slave owner or with the speculation of whether or not he had sex with one of his slaves.That pretty much says it all in regards to realizing what preoccupies the minds of Americans.
"He who knows nothing is nearer the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and error." Thomas Jefferson.
Too many Americans have been deluding themselves on the state of this country for too long.
"The majority of men prefer delusion to truth.It soothes.It is easy to grasp.Above all,it fits more snugly than the truth into a universe of false appearances." Friederich Nietzsche.
Just keep telling me everything's going to be okay, that way I don't have to worry,or heaven forbid,do anything about it. As they say,ignorance is bliss.
A government which "robs Peter to pay Paul," can always count on the support of Paul." George Bernard Shaw.
We saw this going on with the former administration.
Two more from quotes from George Bernard Shaw; "Liberty means responsibility,that is why most men dread it."
If we are not careful we are going to lose some of the liberties we take for granted.
Another one from Shaw;"We learn from history that we learn nothing from history."
America,it's scholars,its media and its people,choose not to pay heed to the reasons for the collapse of once great nations.
"The worst lesson that can be taught a man is to rely upon others and to whine over his sufferings.If an American is to amount to anything he must rely upon himself, and not upon his state; he must take pride in his work,instead of envying the luck of others;he must face with resolute courage,win victory if he can,and accept defeat if he must,without seeking to place on his fellow man responsibility which is not theirs." Theodore Roosevelt.
As the character of the American has changed since the time of Roosevelt,this quote has more meaning now then when it was originally written.
Wake up America!
End of Days Recap
The following is from a website called Unsealed--It's pretty much a recap of end-time events. These are times like no other. Don't be asleep or like the frog in that slowly warming pot of water(see one of my earliest posts on this subject).
The Bible tells us many things about what will precede the return of Jesus Christ:
The Bible tells us many things about what will precede the return of Jesus Christ:
1. It will be a time when knowledge and transportation have greatly increased (Daniel 12:4)
2. Wickedness will be rampant as it was in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-38)
3. Homosexuality will be rampant (Luke 17:28-29)
4. Adultery, material greed, and the killing of innocent life will be commonplace (Revelation 17-18)
5. The Gospel will have been preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14)
6. Many false religious leaders and false prophets will have arisen (Matthew 24:23-25)
7. Earthquakes, disease, and famine would be widespread (Luke 21:11)
8. There will be many wars and rumors of war (Mark 13:7)
9. There will be a Jewish holocaust (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
10. Followed by Israel's return as a nation (Ezekiel 37:11-12)
11. Israel's pure language, Hebrew, will return to the land (Zephaniah 3:9)
12. The Ethiopian Jews will return to Israel (Zephaniah 3:10-11)
13. The Russian and European Jews will return to Israel (Jeremiah 23:7-8)
14. The Roman Empire will be revived, but will only be a confederacy (Daniel 2:40-43)
15. Many believers will fall away (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
16. And perhaps the most shocking prophecy can be found in 2 Timothy 3:1-7:
“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of god; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
These prophecies have already been fulfilled—just in this past century, in fact. Many just in the last few decades. The Bible's apocalyptic prophecies are being fulfilled right now, for the first time in history. It is actually happening. Open your eyes while there is still time
2. Wickedness will be rampant as it was in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-38)
3. Homosexuality will be rampant (Luke 17:28-29)
4. Adultery, material greed, and the killing of innocent life will be commonplace (Revelation 17-18)
5. The Gospel will have been preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14)
6. Many false religious leaders and false prophets will have arisen (Matthew 24:23-25)
7. Earthquakes, disease, and famine would be widespread (Luke 21:11)
8. There will be many wars and rumors of war (Mark 13:7)
9. There will be a Jewish holocaust (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
10. Followed by Israel's return as a nation (Ezekiel 37:11-12)
11. Israel's pure language, Hebrew, will return to the land (Zephaniah 3:9)
12. The Ethiopian Jews will return to Israel (Zephaniah 3:10-11)
13. The Russian and European Jews will return to Israel (Jeremiah 23:7-8)
14. The Roman Empire will be revived, but will only be a confederacy (Daniel 2:40-43)
15. Many believers will fall away (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
16. And perhaps the most shocking prophecy can be found in 2 Timothy 3:1-7:
“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of god; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
These prophecies have already been fulfilled—just in this past century, in fact. Many just in the last few decades. The Bible's apocalyptic prophecies are being fulfilled right now, for the first time in history. It is actually happening. Open your eyes while there is still time
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)