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A blog of all section with no images
Do you consider yourself an obedient person? Is this even a virtue in our society anymore? Some would say, “If you’re a child sure, but I’m an adult now, that’s what being an adult is, doing what I want to do,” this is called freedom by many in America, but the Bible calls this attitude sin and declares that the wages of sin is death. This is bad news for Americans who value their freedom above all.
The Bible teaches, You shall have no other gods before Me. Yet we want to be our own gods, calling all the shots. Well how ya’ doin’ bub? Probably messed up pretty good haven’t ya?
Here’s the good news: The gift of God is eternal life. This undeserved gift offered to you even in your disobedience to God was Jesus, as a substitute for the death penalty you and I incurred from sin, so we could have eternal life. Here’s the catch, you have to surrender control, and that is where so many lose it. Turn from sin and take the gift, it’s a gift you will open the rest of your life! -John
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Magi were known to be knowledgeable men who promoted obscure and "difficult to understand" religions and were naturally drawn to the prophesies of Christ. But it was the light that led them there. King Herod was also interested in this light, it could threaten his kingdom. He too believed, but attempted to outsmart it.
When confronted with the light of God’s truth, does it threaten your kingdom, your ambition? Do you attempt to outsmart the inevitable? When Christ was born His light was rejected. They tried to kill all of the 2 year old boys, finally after 31 years, they crucified Him. But He rose again, brighter than before. The Bible says He’ll come again brighter than ever in all His glory.
You may know a lot about religion, so did the Magi and so did Herod. The question is what will you do with it? Will you try to outsmart God or like the Magi bow and worship Him? -John
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Who were these Magi? These wise men? Well according to scholars, they were most likely from Persia and their job was to gain knowledge to advise their King. Sort of like, special counsel to the President. They looked into all kinds of things to gain knowledge, including the stars and prophecy concerning the Jews. In seeking knowledge they saw something rise, a bright star, which led them to the promised Messiah.
God says “if you seek Him you will find Him.” So be wise and seek Him! When you find Him, make room for Him in your heart. If He’s willing to live in a manger, he’s willing to live in you! -John
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Since everybody beats up the church these days, I’d like to defend her. Especially to those who say, “They're a bunch of hypocrites!” Exactly! I tend to agree. Just like everyone who runs around buying Christmas presents saying, “Merry Christmas!” and have nothing to do with Christ or His Church, except on Christmas or Easter.
There’s plenty of blame to go around for all of us! Everyone is a hypocrite. Pointing out others’ flaws doesn’t take away anybody’s blame. Who’s gonna take the blame?
Christ! -who is born in a manger, and restores broken-hypocritical-blame-shifting humanity to Himself through His passion on the cross. Stop the hypocrisy! Celebrate forgiveness in your heart, in your family and in your church! These are the glad tidings of great joy my friends! -John
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Worthy Goals & Distractions |
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Was the year 2006 a successful year? What was it we were trying to accomplish? Was it a worthy goal?
For instance, spending an excessive amount of energy getting even with someone, would qualify as an unworthy goal. Why? Because hate is a huge distraction from success, just as greed, pessimism and ignorance, sideline our achievement.
So, what we would achieve far outweighs achievement alone. We must pursue worthy goals.
“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,”
(1Pet 1:8 NIV-G/K)
This is the worthy goal of all goals: the salvation of our souls. Furthermore, the Bible promises here, that this journey of faith will fill us with a bonus: indescribable joy! Salvation, Love, Peace & joy, what more do you want? Because whatever that may be, is surely a distraction!
John
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What are the facts? Is Elvis alive on the moon? Is milk good or bad for me now? Will I doom the world’s ecosystem by pulling a weed on the beach?
The facts are muddled these days. We want to believe people but we often find they either have a political or business agenda that destroys their credibility. We find the truth stretched to sell papers, pharmaceutical drugs, or to simply sell fear to gain political power.
How do we sort through the so-called facts?
There is a book unique to all other books that claims to be, factual, Words from God himself. With many inspired writers separated by thousands of years, from fisherman to theologian, this book mysteriously maintains a unified theme: the liberation of mankind. This book is responsible for thousands of archaeological finds and each discovery further validates it’s claims. Millions of humans claim it’s truth has changed them, millions have been martyred and still die in Sudan, and China for their stubborn belief in this book.
This book is of course the Bible and it claims to be the Word of God itself. Can you trust a book that wants to redeem mankind? What kind of agenda is that? ...The answer is Love. I can trust love. -John |
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