O'Reilly's "Writings" Are More Likely to be Grieving the Holy Spirit of God!

The moment that I first heard that Fox News analyst Bill O'Reilly was writing a book that he decided to entitle,  "Killing Jesus," I KNEW that what he would write would likely go against practically all that is sacred to born-again, Bible believing Christians.

O'Reilly claims to be Catholic, but his stances on many issues go against either the Catholic faith or Christian truth.  For example.  He blindly claims that homosexuality isn't such a big deal; yet, he has seen the huge amount of damage that was done in the Catholic church priest pederasty scandal.

I was waiting for the first review and/or commentary about the book to come out.  Today, I noticed a post over at Now The End Begins: Bill O’Reilly Wants To Destroy Your Faith In Jesus And The Bible. Just based on what is shared there, I would have to agree with the writer at that blog.

Excerpt:

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time…” Jude 1

 

Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly does not believe that the bible is true or trustworthy, and in his new book “Killing Jesus”, he explains why. O’Reilly also says that, after casting doubt on the entire New Testament and mocking the words of Jesus, that the “Holy Spirit inspired him to write it”.

Imagine that.


Though he used the New Testament’s four Gospels as source material, he left out parts he doesn’t believe happened as written. For instance, Jesus didn’t say, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” from the cross, the Catholic O’Reilly maintains. It wouldn’t have been physically possible, he said.

“You die on a cross from being suffocated,” he said. “You can hardly breathe. We believe Jesus said that, but we don’t believe he said it on the cross because nobody could have heard it.”

People have a right to take the Bible literally, he said, but in the case of “Killing Jesus,” he was trying to be historically accurate. He never says in the book that Jesus was the Son of God because his book is not intended to be religious.

“So is this the Gospel according to Bill?” asked “60 Minutes” correspondent Norah O’Donnell.
“This is best available evidence according to Bill,” O’Reilly responded.
 
The most important thing he learned while writing the book was that Jesus of Nazareth became the most famous human being who ever lived, yet he had no infrastructure. He had no government, no public relations expert, no money and no structure, O’Reilly said.

“It’s never been done.”

[...]

While the book isn’t religious, O’Reilly is. He says he was inspired to write “Killing Jesus” by the Holy Spirit. He says he just woke up in the middle of the night and thought, “Killing Jesus.” 

Asked by O’Donnell why the Holy Spirit would mark him as “the chosen one,” O’Reilly denied any such title. Instead, he said, he is “just one of many who have been given the gift. I can write and I can bloviate on TV.”

The Holy Spirit of God does NOT tell people things that are in direct or even indirect conflict with what is written in God's Word!  I don't know just whom or what was "inspiring" O'Reilly to write such a book; but from what he has said in the interview and through the posting at the blog link, it appears to me that O'Reilly's "writings" are more likely to be grieving the Holy Spirit of God!

The father of lies whom Jesus warned us about is wreaking more and more havoc in this chaotic world; as well as confusion and disorder within the souls of men for the distinct purpose of ruining them. 

Jhn 8:44

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Satan particularly likes to use influential men [like O'Reilly] who are powerful, visible, and wealthy in order to make others succumb to his goal to do evil and destroy men's souls.

Jesus told us:

Mat 16:26

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

O'Reilly has proven himself to be an arrogant fool.  Why?  Because he has shown to believe the lies from the father of lies and then creates a book in order to make money off of the lies.  Such a thing is truly disgusting, belligerent, and disgracefully heretical.    But like any other false teacher, his deeds will be exposed.   The true believers who know Jesus Christ, follow His Word through Bible reading and study will not be fooled or silent.   We just have more work to do in order help those who are caught up in the confusion.

For the record, here is what Bible-believing Christians profess.  How do I know this?  Because of the truth provided in the Scriptures listed under each section of commentary.

What We Believe...

*  About God:

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three persons:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
 

 

*About Humankind:

We are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character.  We are the supreme object of God's creation.  Although humankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God, called "sin."  This attitude separates us from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2
 

 

*About Eternity:

We all were created to exist forever.  We will either exist eternally in union with God through forgiveness and salvation or separated from God by sin.  Heaven is the place of eternal union and eternal life with God.  The eternal separation from God is called Hell.

John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; (Hell)

Matthew 25:41; Revelation 21:27 (Heaven)
 

 

* About Jesus Christ:

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heavens glory and will return again, to earth, to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
 

 

*About Salvation:

Salvation is a gift from God to mankind.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin's penalty.  Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
 

 

*About The Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ.  He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual gifts, and guidance in doing what is right.  The Christian's responsibility is to seek and to live under His will daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1
 

 

*About Spiritual Gifts:

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to each believer in Jesus Christ, allowing for greater intimacy with God and power for accomplishing His work in our world today.  We believe that God, the giver of gifts, gives severally as he wills, and with emphasis on growing maturity in Jesus Christ.  These gifts are revealed and then can be used for His purposes and powerfully influence and affect our world for Christ.

1Corinthians 12:4-7, 11, 17, 29, 30
 

 

*About The Bible:

The Bible is God's Word to all mankind.  It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalms 12:6; 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5

 

Hat tip: Now The End Begins

Holy Thursday: Remember Christ's Sacrifice

Today is Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday. It is the day where Christians commemorate the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified.

What Does "Maundy" Mean?
Derived from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "commandment," Maundy refers to the commands Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper: to love with humility by serving one another and to remember his sacrifice. [Quote from About.com:  Christianity.]

Tomorrow is Good Friday, which is the day we remember and commemorate when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross to save mankind from their sins. Upon confession and repentance of sin and belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives because of what he did for us on the cross of Calvary, we can be united to our Savior and ask for the Holy Spirit of God to indwell our hearts. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth, helping us to read and study the Bible, do good works because we love God, and have the desire to please and serve him. The Holy Spirit helps us to discern good vs. evil.

I am currently reading a newly published book called The LORD is My Shepherd, Resting in the Peace and Power of Psalm 23, written by Robert J. Morgan. 

Chapter 7 is entitled, "His Presence in Life's Valleys."  The author examines the following portion of Psalm 23:

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The author discusses the times that he has stood on railroad platforms.  He mentioned being on such a platform as a train came by at the speed of ten or fifteen miles an hour.  The shadow which overcame him didn't hurt him.  One time, when an express train shadow roared by at one hundred miles per hour, the shadow of the train and air rushed by him like a windstorm.  Admittedly, the platform tremble and the roar was unnerving, yet he didn't suffer any injuries.  While traveling in Japan, he experienced the shadow of a bullet train, traveling at the high speed of three hundred miles per hour.   The author stated that it felt like "an intense five-second horizontal thunder and lightening storm that left him trembling a bit afterwards, but he didn't suffer any cuts, bruises or broken bones.

The author writes:

That's remarkable to think about.  A human being--even a child--can be hit head-on by a shadow going hundreds of miles an hour without suffering the slightest bruise.

Of course, it's another thing to be hit by the actual train.

Here's the point of the word shadow in Psalm 23:4.  The locomotive force of the wrath of a holy God hit Jesus Christ as He hung on Calvary's cross on Good Friday.  He collided with our sins.  The guilt of the ages bore down upon Him.  The sky turned dark; the earth quaked; the angels recoiled in horror.  The Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep and bore our death full force.

As a result, we're hit only by the shadow of death.  There is no such thing as real death for the Christian.  God's children never travel through Death Valley.  Jesus took that route in our place.  For us, there is only the valley of the shadow of death.  And since Jesus rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion, He's an excellent tour guide (or shepherd) for us when we're in any kind of valley throughout or at the end of our earthly lives.

Jesus said, "Because I live, you will live also"  (John 14:19).  He said, "I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though He may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die" (John 11:25-26).

This wonderful truth turns our perspective upside down.  It makes all the difference.

Hat tips:

About.com: Christianity
David Jeremiah.org

Quote Reference:

The LORD is My Shepherd; Resting in the Peace and Power of Psalm 23 by Robert J. Morgan, 2013,  Howard Books, A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.  New York, NY 10020  pp. 118-119.


Previous posts:

Talk Wisdom: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Talk Wisdom: Good Friday posts

What Do You See?

We always know that the attacks against Jesus Christ and Christian faith will surface the closer we get to Christmas or Easter. Note the latest attempt of a group who call themselves "American Atheists."

Isn't it funny how they NEVER DARE to place a photo of Islam's Mohammad in their ads of ridicule?

 I wonder why?

 Oh yeah...that's right...they would probably be tracked down and get their heads cut off. Well...maybe not. The Islamists usually only target Christian believers for such bloody, evil, disgusting, dirty, and horrendous deeds. 

However, there must be another reason why atheists do not target Islam.  Perhaps it has something to do with their untruthful agreement on just who Jesus Christ really is?  But that's a subject for another post.

Back to the myths poster.

Doesn't it make you wonder why an image of Christ, a cross, a nativity scene, or any other Christian symbol infuriates atheists and makes them either lash out or mock the Savior of the world? 


The book of Jude tells us about the mockers:

Jud 1:17   But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Jud 1:18   How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Jud 1:19   These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Why the need to target Jesus Christ?

In the words of Jesus, the Bible informs us through Scripture:

Jhn 15:18   "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before [it hated] you.


Jhn 15:24   "If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father.


Jhn 15:25   "But [this happened] that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.'

Psalm 69:4  Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head, many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me.

It is by no accident that Psalm 69 is one of the most quoted in the New Testament, and it is often applied to the ministry and suffering of Jesus.  Verse 4, like John 15:25, speaks of Jesus' many enemies.  The experience of being scorned by his brothers (69:8) is expressed in John 7:5.  Verse 9 portrays David's zeal for God; Christ showed great zeal when he threw the money changers out of the temple (John 2:14-17).  There is much more.  See Matthew Henry's commentary.

The theme of Psalm 69 shares David's cry of distress in a sea of trouble. We may have to suffer severely for our devotion to God, but that should cause us to look forward with joy to the day when evil and injustice will be gone forever.


Tts 3:10   Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,

Tts 3:11   knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Those who reject salvation through Christ's cross are self-condemned because they have rejected the only way to be saved from their sins and reunited with Holy and Righteous God. It is no wonder, then that we read in the book of Revelation:

Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

Rev 6:11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both [the number of] their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they [were], was completed.

Rev 6:12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, [fn] there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon [fn] became like blood.

Rev 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.

Rev 6:14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.

Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, [fn] the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,

Rev 6:16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!

Rev 6:17 "For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

You see, the haters of Christ refuse to repent - even to the bitter end - and would rather have the mountains and rocks fall on them to hide them from the face of Him (God the Father) who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb (Jesus).

When Jesus began his 3 year ministry he first called for repentance of sin.

Mat 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Repentance is not popular in today's world. It is the age of everyone "doing as they see fit;" and ignoring the admonitions of God's Word. However, some can be saved "out of the fire." It is for these that we continue to preach the Gospel of repentance.

Jude 1:22  And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Jude 1:23  And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Luk 17:3

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Acts 26 informs us that there will be those who may be "almost convinced" (as in the case of King Agrippa in Paul's day), but will refuse the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul shared his experience (from persecution of Christians to an apostle of Christ) on the Road to Damascus with King Agrippa:


Act 26:11 "And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted [them] even to foreign cities.

Act 26:12 "While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

Act 26:13 "at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me.

Act 26:14 "And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? [It is] hard for you to kick against the goads.'

Act 26:15 "So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

Act 26:16 'But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.

Act 26:17 'I will deliver you from the [Jewish] people, as well as [from] the Gentiles, to whom I now [fn] send you,

Act 26:18 'to open their eyes, [in order] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'

And what was the first thing Paul needed to share:  REPENTANCE!

Act 26:19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

Act 26:20 "but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

King Agrippa's sad choice:

Act 26:27 "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe."

Act 26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."

The question, dear reader, is... what do you see?


Hat tip: Blue Letter Bible

Life That Never Ends

All the craziness, chaos, lies, sin, evil, and death in this fallen world can affect us negatively.  This can cause health problems, depression, anxiety, fear and despair in our lives.  However, the following devotional tells us the reasons why faith in Jesus Christ can sustain us through it all.  If Christ be for us, who could possibly be against us?  That question tells us of the eternal message of the cross - how believing in Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sin - can be applied to us right now and save us from all that this fallen world would attempt to do against us!

The following message from Dr. David Jeremiah of Turning Point ministries informs us of when eternity enters our hearts, minds, and souls.  It happens at the moment of conversion to belief in Jesus Christ!

God bless you this day!  No matter what happens...even death...NO ONE can separate you (me, us) from the saving grace of Jesus Christ which leads to eternal life and forever relationship with the one true God!

~  Christine

*******

Life that Never Ends
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
John 17:3

Recommended Reading Ecclesiastes 3:11

"Eternity" is or has been the name of (at least) three different movies, two different television series, eight different music albums, eight different songs, a perfume, a mobile phone, a puzzle game, a superhero (Kid Eternity), a Christian magazine, a newspaper, a science fiction magazine... and more. It is ironic that a word that means "forever" is applied to short-lived products.


Fortunately, when the Bible uses the word "eternity" or "eternal" it means forever! In fact, for those who know God through faith in Jesus Christ, eternity has already begun. The clearest definition of eternal life is found in Jesus' prayer to the Father: eternal life is knowing "the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom [God has] sent" (John 17:3). Eternal life is not the same as heaven. Heaven is a place, while eternal life is entering into a personal relationship with God through Christ. That life begins when we meet Christ and never ends -- not even when we die (John 11:25-26).

Eternal life is a never-ending expression of God’s love -- the love that promises we will "not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Eternal life does not begin with death: it begins with faith.
Samuel Shoemaker

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Acts 2:1-4:22

When Someone We Love Passes On*

When someone we love passes on, we grieve because we miss them.  Their absence from this earth places a huge hole in our hearts. However, as Christian believers we don't grieve as those who have no hope.  God's promises comfort us - even when we are devastated.

 Jesus came to fulfill what couldn't be done by anyone else. Because of his sacrificial death on the cross for our sins, we have a bridge from sinful man back to Holy God.

Physical death isn't the end.  It is the beginning of a new kind of life in eternity.

Jesus told us in God's Word, the Bible:

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

He also told us:

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we can have the assurance of eternal life through God's provision of mercy and grace via the cross at Calvary. Christ's resurrection to life proves that He is who He said he is, the Son of God, Lord and Savior of mankind.

~ Christine

*******

The Mansion of Heaven

This world, however beautiful,

was never meant to be

The place that we would call our home

for all eternity.

And though we would not choose to leave,

a loving God knows best,

And in His time,

He lifts us to a place of peace and rest.

For He has built a mansion

where His children will abide,

Free from pain and sorrow,

forever at His side.

He said He'd never leave us

to face our trials alone,

And though sometimes we fail Him,

He never fails His own.

And even when our choices

are less than He would ask,

He knows when human courage

is unequal to the task.

We cannot judge what happens,

though tears and questions start--

We only see what's visible--

God sees into the heart...

And though there may be many things

that we cannot explain,

We can be sure it breaks His heart

to see His children's pain.

In loving arms,

He bears us to a quiet place apart

Were He mends the wounded spirit

and heals the broken heart.

And though these ones we love so much

And passed into a better world

of majesty and light,

Someday we'll be together

in our Father's home above,

Where we'll thank Him for His mercy

and praise Him for His love.

- http://www.hallmark.com/

* For Veronica

What Could Be Better Than This?

Tonight I am studying an awesome portion of Scripture. It is 1 Peter 1:1-16. The gospel of Jesus Christ is revealed through these verses and reiterates why our Lord Jesus Christ faced the horrible death on the cross for the joy that was to come after His subsequent resurrection from the dead.

Why?

For our sakes!

  These verses help us, as Christians, to endure the trials and tribulations that we face in this world; for they are temporary and this world is finite. The joy of the Lord that we will share in as we praise Him in heaven will be ours for all eternity! What could be better than that?

~ Christine

1Pe 1:1   Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,


1Pe 1:2   who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.


1Pe 1:3   Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,


1Pe 1:4   and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you,


1Pe 1:5   who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.


1Pe 1:6  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.


1Pe 1:7   These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.


1Pe 1:8   Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,


1Pe 1:9   for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.


1Pe 1:10   Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,


1Pe 1:11   trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.


1Pe 1:12   It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.


1Pe 1:13   Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.


1Pe 1:14   As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.


1Pe 1:15   But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;


1Pe 1:16   for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." [fn]

  Footnote: (1:16) Lev. 11:44,45; 19:2; 20:7

  The holiness of God is claimed throughout Scripture. We are admonished to be holy because He (God) is holy. That is certainly a tall order! We can't even dream of being as holy as God! But we can strive for it each and every day of our lives. We will never "arrive" at the kind of holiness that God requires, so that is why Jesus Christ came to the earth to suffer and die for our sins on the cross at Calvary. It is because of His mercy, grace, forgiveness and love that we are cleansed of our sins and re-united with God.

The sanctification process never ends this side of heaven. However, we can see by the definition of "holy" what we are to strive for through obedience to God's written Word, the Bible, God's Living Word, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives!

Definition: ho·ly    [hoh-lee] Show IPA adjective, ho·li·er, ho·li·est, noun, plural ho·lies. adjective


1. specially recognized as or declared sacred by religious use or authority; consecrated: holy ground

2. dedicated or devoted to the service of God, the church, or religion: a holy man.

3. saintly; godly; pious; devout: a holy life.

4. having a spiritually pure quality: a holy love.
. entitled to worship or veneration as or as if sacred: a holy relic.

6. religious: holy rites.

World English Dictionary holy (ˈhəʊlɪ) — adj , holier , holiest

1. of, relating to, or associated with God or a deity; sacred
 
2. endowed or invested with extreme purity or sublimity

3. devout, godly, or virtuous


Word Origin & History holy O.E. halig "holy," from P.Gmc.

 *khailagas (cf. O.N. heilagr, Ger. heilig, Goth. hailags "holy"), adopted at conversion for L. sanctus. Primary (pre-Christian) meaning is not impossible to determine, but it was probably "that must be preserved whole or intact, that cannot be transgressed or violated,"

Hat tip: Blue Letter Bible

By His Stripes We Are Healed

Last Sunday was Palm Sunday. Later that day, I was discussing with a Christian friend (who had invited me back to Bible Study Fellowship) the fact that the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament contains many prophecies about Jesus Christ, the Messiah, which were all  fulfilled when Christ died on the cross for our sins.

Tomorrow is Good Friday.  It is the day that we solemnly bring back to mind Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on the cross to save mankind from their sins.

Isaiah 53:4-12 (NKJV)

Isa 53:1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

Isa 53:2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, [There is] no beauty that we should desire Him.

Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, [our] faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Isa 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.

Isa 53:5 But He [was] wounded for our transgressions, [He was] bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace [was] upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Isa 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

Isa 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.

Isa 53:9 And they [fn] made His grave with the wicked--But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor [was any] deceit in His mouth.

Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put [Him] to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see [His] seed, He shall prolong [His] days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

Isa 53:11 He shall see the labor of His soul, [fn] [and] be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.

Isa 53:12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

There are literally weeks worth of Bible study contained in Chapter 53 of the book of Isaiah. The words are highly descriptive of the suffering that the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world endured for our sakes on that cross at Calvary. Sometimes a song, with just the right lyrics, can remind us of the victory of Jesus Christ that was achieved through the greatest act in the history of mankind!   There is no greater love!   Ultimately, without our Savior and Lord, we could not be forgiven for our sins and reconciled back unto Holy God.

Jesus bore the sins of all of mankind in his body. This sinless God-man was the only one worthy enough to pay the price of death for sin; saving us from the eternal death that we all deserved. Christ's sacrificial death on the cross enables those who confess and repent of their sin and subsequently ask Christ into their hearts to reign as Lord and Savior over their lives; the ability to live eternally with God forever in the Kingdom of Heaven.

If Christ had not gone through with his mission on earth over 2,000 years ago, He would have entered back into heaven alone.

I think that Chris Tomlin's song, "I Will Rise" tells us the message of the gospel in a way that hits right at the heart of the matter. The pain and suffering of physically dying on this earth will be met with the joy of the resurrection to life when Christ returns for his own. Listen carefully to the lyrics of Tomlin's song and be blessed!


 

Chris Tomlin:  "I Will Rise" lyrics:

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[x2]

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

Religion Makes You Blind - Jesus Makes You See [Update]

“Because if grace is water, then the church should be an ocean
It’s not a museum for good people, it’s a hospital for the broken
Which means I don’t have to hide my failure, I don’t have to hide my sin
Because it doesn’t depend on me, it depends on Him.”

Awesome....simply AWESOME! God bless this young man! God is rising up young men and women like him to speak the truth in today's culture of sin, evil, and death. Individuals like Jefferson Bethke and Tim Tebow, who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives, have taken  their commitment even further than most. They put their deep faith out on the world stage for all to see and are not afraid to proclaim THE TRUTH to an oftentimes skeptical world! These young men are involved in sharing the gospel in such a way that it will reach their peers in a deeply and heartfelt way! Acknowledgement of biblical born-again Christians shows the truth being shared is genuine Christianity. At the same time, the perceived disapproval of liberal "Christians," and/or those of different religions who purposely or ignorantly dismiss God's Word, will most likely object to what the young man is saying. Those who reject the Bible, for whatever reason, might see what such true warriors for Christ are doing as "dangerous" to their fraudulent "religion." There is no doubt that such individuals (look at all the hoopla and anger spewed against Tim Tebow, for example) drive the media of mass deception absolutely crazy! But the good news is that these young saved Christians are reaching the LOST! Those who are lost but GENUINELY SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH may have previously been searching for God in all the wrong places. Whatever they had been doing (or are still doing)in regards to the their individual search for the one true God of the universe - DIDN'T WORK! But the Bible tells us that when we truly search for God - we will find Him! And the Bible tells us that we find Him through His Son, Jesus!

For more about this young man named Jefferson Bethke, and the great discussion that this video has generated, also see:

Glenn Beck.com: Jesus > Religion

Hat Tips to all links.

*******

The controversy goes on regarding this video. Take a look at this pastor's critique:

The Gospel Coalition: Does Jesus Hate Religion? Kinda, Sorta - Not Really.

Hundreds of comments there! Here's mine:

I'm a bit surprised at this criticism, Pastor DeYoung. After all, the young man is not a pastor and I think that his video is more of a testimony than a sermon for all to follow.

Jesus DID criticize the Pharisees who appeared to be "religious" on the outside, but they were in actuality, more like white-washed tombs. This is the type of religion that Mr. Bethke seemed to be referring to - at least that is how I see it when I view the video.

Mat 23:27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead [men's] bones and all uncleanness

.

Pastor, you wrote:

"I think the line about “religion says do, Jesus says done” can be misleading. Too many people hear that as “relationship not rules” when we’ve already seen that Jesus wants us to do everything he has commanded (Matt. 28:20). But if “do” means “do this to earn my favor” then the contrast is very appropriate."

I think that you overlooked the point that Mr. Bethke made about being involved in religion - going to church, and then looking at pornography - as evidence that relationship with Christ transformed him - not the rules of the church.

Of course, I'm just another person with an opinion here and you plus many others may disagree with me. It's just that I feel like you have acted like a teacher who corrected a love letter from one of the faithful in Jesus Christ.

Atheists Sue To Prevent WTC Memorial Cross Display

This morning, I read a post over at The Blaze: Atheists Sue to Stop Display of Cross at World Trade Center Memorial.

Excerpt:

A group of atheists is up in arms over the display of a cross at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The World Trade Center memorial, which is intended to serve as a reminder of the tragic terror attack that occurred nearly 10 years ago, is scheduled to open on the event’s 10th anniversary.

(Read what Meredith Jessup has to say about this legal challenge over on the blog.)

When the Twin Towers collapsed on September 11, 2001, two beams perfectly formed the cross, which many view as both symbolic and iconic. It is this object — a steel cross — that is perfect fodder for atheists and non-believers who do not wish to see any religious items included in the memorial.

Continue reading here.




It is interesting to read the various comments over there. Please view the video (at The Blaze link above) of the blessing of the cross, then you will understand my comment better.

Christinewjc
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 10:38am
I would expect Mayor Bloombutt to sign the complaint, but Gov. Chris Christie? What a huge disappointment! Christie has lost my respect. During the video, the brother read a letter where someone claims that “we all worship the same God,” and that includes Muslims. Well sorry – but that statement is incorrect. Of course, the writer has the right to say and believe what he/she wants. But it doesn’t make it true. Read my essay about this at Talk Wisdom:   Why Muslims Don’t Worship the Same God as Christians.

How ironic it is to realize that Bloomberg approves of the 9/11 mosque being built, but objects to the display of this cross at the memorial! Unequivocal bias anyone?? Muslims and atheists probably have more in common because both obviously worship a different kind of god – a humanistic one.

Hat Tip: The Blaze

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In other news - The Blaze: McCain References TEA Party Hobbits on Senate Floor

I saw the RINO progressive try to distance himself from his own remarks on Hannity last night. Fat chance! Hannity wasn't fooled and neither are GENUINE CONSERVATIVES! I heard that Sharron Angle stated that McCain just "through her and his former running mate, Sarah Palin under the bus."

The thing that this debt crisis debate is bringing out for all to see is just who in the Republican party are genuine Conservatives that support the principles and values of what the TEA Party Patriots are trying to do to correct the corruption and stop the out-of-control spending in Washington D.C. Was McCain blind to the results of the 2010 mid-term election? Ah! It grieves me to see him do this.

But one comment over at The Blaze jumped out at me. It actually makes McCain look quite foolish on this issue:

dr_funk
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 8:47pm
He obviously hasn’t read the Tolkien series, because if he had, he would know that the Hobbits were the only ones with any courage, and that they persevered in the face of all sorts of evils, betrayers, and nay-sayers, and eventually brought down the most powerful evil empire in existence that, if they had not destroyed it, would have conquered the whole of middle earth.

Obviously, McCain has no concept of “courage” or “principle”.

It's All For Him

Today is Good Friday. In previous years, I have written posts that have discussed
 What Was So Good About It?,
 Utter Darkness (or so they thought),
 Calvary,
 Good Friday and

 The Power of Christs' Cross.


Once again, I have found an intriguing devotional in the December-January-February 2003-04 "Our Daily Bread" booklet that gives us a glimpse of God's own interpretation of history. 

I love this phrase, "Jesus is the final and complete explanation of everything."

When we study the Bible and think about that phrase, we come to realize that "It's All For Him."

 I would like to share it with readers today.

~Christine

*******

It's All For Him

Read: Colossians 1:13-20

All things were created through Him and for Him. - Colossians 1:16

It's a little phrase of just two words at the end of Colossians 1:16 - "for Him." Yet that little phrase gives God's own interpretation of history. In those two words He affirms that Jesus is the final and complete explanation of everything.

All that has happened and ever will happen is moving through time toward that climactic hour when every tongue will confess the lordship of Jesus Christ. Every knee, whether in grateful adoration or under compulsion, will then bow to Him (Philippians 2:10-11).

British historian H.A.L. Fisher apparently did not share that view. He sadly confessed, "Men wiser and more learned than I have discovered in history a plot, a rhythm, a predetermined pattern. These harmonies are concealed from me. I can see only one emergency following upon another as wave follows upon wave...nothing but the play of the contingent and the unforeseeable." [Note from Christine: Isn't that an utterly sad way to think and live??]

What about you? Are you overwhelmed by what seems to be the aimless sequence of events? If so, look once more at Jesus--His life, death, resurrection, and promised return. Your troubled heart will be filled with hope and confidence as you realize that there's meaning and purpose for everything in the world--when you live "for Him." - Vernon Grounds

One life to live for Christ my Lord,
One life to do my part,'One life in which to give my all
With fervency of heart. - Brandt

Christ showed His love by dying for us; we show our love by living for Him.

Hat tip:

December-January-February 2003-04 "Our Daily Bread" booklet; Thursday, Dec. 6, 2003.

*******
As we fast, pray, and attend our Good Friday services around the nation remember this awesome portion of Scripture:

Jhn 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

*******
More Good Friday blog posts:

Thinking Christian: Death Defeated

*******

Sharing The Bread Of Life

I just began reading Max Lucado's latest book, "Outlive Your Life - You Were Made to Make a Difference." It was one of the gifts that my son bought me for Christmas. Since I had two other books to read before getting to this one, it has taken me two months to start Lucado's book.

I really enjoy Lucado's writing style. He always places some humorous anecdotes in his books while revealing profound truth about living the Christian life that Jesus would have us live. Even though I am only on page 40, the book has already had a great impact on my life.

After reading several pages of Lucado's book, I decided to go online and read what has been published on some of my favorite blogs. However, I got that usual annoying message that my borrowed laptop was "in need of repair." I wanted to skip over that, so I clicked on the choice "start windows manually." Well, after looking at a blank dark screen (except for the tiny "Microsoft" trademark message at the bottom of the page) for fifteen minutes, I decided it might be a good idea to listen to the recommendation to start up using the repair mode. So, I shut the computer off, restarted it, and this time I clicked on the "start up repair (recommended)" icon.

After watching the repair message at work for what seemed like 15 more minutes, I clicked on the choice to "cancel repair." Well...I must have waited too long because the message I got said something like this:

"The current repair session cannot be cancelled."

Lucky for me, it only took about five more minutes for the repair to be completed. I still had a bit of trouble. My computer was supposed to restart on it's own, but nothing was happening so I shut it off myself and then restarted it.

I thought about the statement, "the current repair session cannot be cancelled" and thought of God's mercy and grace through the cross of Christ. It must have been because I was reading Max Lucado's book that I drew a parallel between the computer message and God's message to mankind.

I have often stated here at this blog that Mercy is God withholding what we do deserve, and Grace is God giving us what we don't deserve. The gospel of salvation through the cross of Christ is the world's "current repair session that cannot be cancelled."

In chapter four, Lucado shares a humorous story about going on an errand, at the request of his wife, to buy bread at the grocery store. When he gets there, he collects his favorite cereal, milk, Oreo cookies, barbecue chips (does this guy love junk food or what??) and some ice cream. He checked out and went home. His wife looks at the purchases and then asked, "where's the bread?"

Max had forgotten the big item.

"The one thing I went to get. The one essential product. I forgot the bread."

Lucado goes on to write:

Might we make the same mistake in a more critical arena? In an effort to do good, we can get distracted. We feed people. We encourage, heal, help, and serve. We address racial issues and poverty. Yet there is one duty we must fulfill. We can't forget the bread.

Peter didn't.

Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you now this. God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross. But God set him free from death and raised him to life. Death could not hold him in its power. (Acts 2:22-24 CEV).

[Peter] would eventually speak about poverty. The church would soon address the issues of widows, disease, and bigotry. But not yet. The first order of the church's first sermon was this: pardon for all our sins. Peter delivered the bread.

[Would] you consider the offer of Jesus? "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again" (John 6:35 NLT).

Max Lucado gives us some insight into what it takes to make bread.

The grain-to-bread process is a demanding one. The seed must be planted before it can grow. When the grain is ripe, it must be cut down and ground into flour. Before it can become bread, it must pass through the oven. Bread is the end result of planting, harvesting, and heating.

Jesus endured an identical process. He was born into this world. He was cut down, bruised, and beaten on the threshing floor of Calvary. He passed through the fire of God's wrath, for our sake. He "suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all--was put to death and then made alive--to bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18 MSG).

Bread of Life? Jesus lived up to the title. But an unopened loaf does a person no good. Have you received the bread? Have you received God's forgiveness?

What an awesome and powerful analogy!

Our God is a God of second chances! If we will simply believe that Jesus is who He said He is - the Son of God, Savior and Lord, and we confess our sins at the foot of the cross of Calvary and accept him as Lord and Savior of our lives, we will be forgiven and saved. People, make sure that you receive the Bread of Life of Christ Jesus. The ONLY Bread of Life that really matters now and will ultimately matter in eternity.

Someone very dear to me and my family passed away in January. I can't know for sure if this family member was saved, but I tried my best to witness to her over the course of 15 or more years.

I usually do not share detailed personal information at this blog, but I will state that in the eulogy that I wrote for the funeral, I was led to share the gospel of Christ for the sake of the people attending. I do not know if what I said encouraged anyone there who is not yet saved to receive the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior. Perhaps a seed or two were planted. However, when someone dies we realize just how brief this life on earth truly is. The Bible tells us that "it is but a vapor" compared to eternity.

Once a Christian receives the Bread of Life, it is our duty to pass it on. Max Lucado writes:

After all, if we don't, who will? Governments don't feed the soul. The secular relief house can give a bed, a meal, and valuable counsel. But we can give much more. Not just help for this life but hope for the next.

[So] along with cups of water, plates of food, and vials of medicine, let there be the message of sins forgiven and death defeated.

Remember the bread.

The secular world climate these days reveals an open hostility towards Christianity in general, and Jesus Christ in particular. Despite the fact that believers are often ridiculed and hatred is constantly being hurled at us, we must turn our distress, sadness, and fears into boldness so that we continue to be faithful ambassadors for Christ.

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" For God made Christ, who never sinned to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:19-21 NLT).

Hat Tip:

Max Lucado: Out Live Your Life

Why Humankind Needs the Savior

Way back in May of 2005, I created a post over at my Talk Wisdom Forum entitled, De-homosexualization of the Catholic Church. Ever since, GMpilot has been obsessed with the subject matter. Read through the thread and you will know what I mean.

The thread began with the following observation (plus a copy of an essay at WorldNetDaily - go to link above to read WND essay):

I have to admit that prior to reading this article, I did not know the genuine reason why Pope John Paul II was not more condemning of the homosexual pedophile priests and the Cardinals who shuffled them around to other churches where such priests, unfortunately, were enabled to molest more and more young boys. This scandal absolutely sickened most of the public and the suffering of the victims was just horrendous!

I just couldn't understand, for the life of me, why Pope John II acted indifferent towards the scandal. I wasn't aware of the genuine reason he refused to believe that it was actually going on. The following certainly explains a lot and helped clear up the mystery:


Quote:

"Whenever Vatican investigators brought the results of their vetting process regarding an individual's candidacy for bishop, cardinal or other office, and they revealed he was a homosexual, John Paul II would refuse to believe it," he writes.


"He did so because accusing someone of homosexuality was a standard practice of the Communist government in his native Poland regarding anyone it regarded as an enemy of the state. From his ordination as a Catholic priest in 1946 to elevation to Archbishop of Krakow in 1963 and Cardinal in 1967, the then Karol Wojtyla witnessed this personal destruction repeatedly. So traumatized, he summarily dismissed such accusations as pope, and would approve the elevation of anyone so accused."

Christine

*******

Since GM was continually talking to himself within the thread, five years and six pages later, I posted the following:

Satan's grip on souls through sexual perversion



Sexual sin/perversion is one of the most difficult sins to overcome. No doubt about it.
__________________
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong to those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

Then, GMpilot had this to say in reply:

So who needs Satan?

Quote:
admin: Sexual sin/perversion is one of the most difficult sins to overcome. No doubt about it.

But it's all part of The Plan™, isn't it?

God will make it all turn out in the end, won't he?

All that social turmoil, all those disgraced clergymen, all those shattered lives...God will use it all for good, yeah? Isn't that what you always say?

Yet after five years and fifty posts where I point out how widely and deeply and how many decades this has been going on, all you can say is how difficult sexual sin is to overcome? (I wasn't aware that any sin was easy to overcome!)
Your original posts were so full of fire and vinegar, and now they've dwindled to two little sentences that say nothing. Both the Catholic God and yours make it clear, and you've repeated it on this site often enough; they should die. After all, civil laws were broken, too.

When sex is not permitted to express itself in its proper way, it will always eventually express itself in an improper way. The more it's suppressed, the nastier it blooms. No Satan necessary.

I must admit, "So, who needs Satan?" is an interesting question. In reality, an entire book could be written in reply to such a question. Readers, feel free to share your thoughts about that.

Rather than addressing that particular question [mostly because Satan is, unfortunately, often used as an excuse by those who repeatedly choose to sin. You know - the ole' "the devil made me do it" syndrome], I chose to reply utilizing the Gospel message:

GM,

If the priests were after normal sexual relations, they wouldn't be performing homosexual acts with male children or young teenage and pre-teen boys. Why weren't they going after the beautiful women - who were of the age of consent - from the pews of the churches? Answer: because they were in homosexual/pederasty/pedophile lust for teens and boys.

Those priests who went after pre-pubescent girls were also pedophiles.

But all of this is pointless to discuss with you. You seem to think that because there are priests who are fakes - all must be fakes as well. During my childhood, I learned about a pedophile priest in our church. I only knew that he went after pre-pubescent girls, but perhaps he attacked some boys too. It was all hushed up and they named a street after him in town after he had died.

I also knew of a wonderful priest who kept his celibate vows and was wonderful (in an appropriate manner and way) to all parishioners - especially the children. He died 10 years ago and had a monument placed in a small existing park that was later named after him. There were benches there that were donated by members of the church. He was deeply loved.

There are people who try to live good lives, and there are people who don't. We all fall short of the glory of God. Recall the "good" test I told you to take? No one passes that test. If anyone ever claims that they did pass it - then you know that they lied.

This is why humankind needs the Savior. Jesus Christ was the only sinless God-Man who died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins of all who repent of their sins and believe in him.

Jesus Christ is the living example of mercy and grace through God.

Mercy is God withholding what you (we all) deserve.

Grace is God giving you (all) what you (we all) don't deserve.

There is evidence of grace being bestowed upon unbelievers and even the wicked in this temporal world. Some repent and turn to Christ, others don't. However, the choice to reject Christ (and his mercy and grace) prior to dying negates the chance for salvation after death.

Despite the fact that some who don't believe in Christ seem to have success in this life, it is an entirely different story [according to the Bible] when such individuals die without Christ. Why? Because they have chosen to reject God's mercy and grace for salvation. Therefore, they choose to leave this world to live in eternity separated from God forever.

God has done all that is necessary for salvation. Our job here on this earth is to either accept or reject His provision.
__________________
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong to those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

A Moment of Silence

When remembering all of those who lost their lives due to the radical Islamic terrorist attack on that tragic day of 9/11/01, the best words shared are those spoken in prayer; especially for the loved ones who still grieve for them nine years later.

To the astonishment of recovery workers at Ground Zero, the Cross appeared miraculously from the wreckage on the site of the former World Trade Center.




Flanked by construction and recovery workers, police Chaplain Fr. Brian Jordan blesses the Cross.

*******

Please view the powerpoint video at Atlas Shrugs. It was created in February, 2002. We MUST NOT FORGET! WE WILL NOT FORGET!

Quote from President George W. Bush: "Freedom will be defended."

Mercy and Grace

Mercy is God withholding what you deserve.

Grace is God giving you what you don't deserve.

- Dr. David Jeremiah
Turning Point Ministries