One Year Closer

What a nasty year 2020 was for most of us. Unless you're rich and powerful, this year has been filled with anxiety and anger. We've had everything from COVID-19 to a fractious American election. So what's so good about the new year?

As the title of this post says, we're one year closer. And which great event are we closer to? We read this promise given to Christ's disciples in Acts 1:10 and 11 (Bible in Basic English). "And while they were looking up to heaven with great attention, two men came to them, in white clothing, And said, 'O men of Galilee, why are you looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come again, in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'"

Ever since then, Christians have expected Christ to return soon. As we read in 1 Peter 4:7 (BBE), "But the end of all things is near: so be serious in your behaviour and keep on the watch with prayer;"

Likewise, Paul expected Jesus to return any day. Philippians 4:5 (BBE) says, "Let your gentle behaviour be clear to all men. The Lord is near."

Some false teachers worried certain Christians, saying that Christ had come secretly for his people. But Paul set the record straight in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (BBE). "Now as to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and our meeting with him, it is our desire, my brothers, That you may not be moved in mind or troubled by a spirit, or by a word, or by a letter as from us, with the suggestion that the day of the Lord is even now come; Give no belief to false words: because there will first be a falling away from the faith, and the revelation of the man of sin, the son of destruction, Who puts himself against all authority, lifting himself up over all which is named God or is given worship; so that he takes his seat in the Temple of God, putting himself forward as God".

John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, recorded this saying from our Lord's lips. Revelation 22:7 (BBE) says, "See, I come quickly. A blessing on him who keeps the words of this book of the prophet."

Two-thousand years have passed without Christ coming in glory with the saints. Even so, we're one year closer. And as a Chinese proverb says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Let's keep putting one foot in front of the other until that awesome day arrives.

If Christ delays his return by Saturday, I hope to post about this hand-me-down world we live on

The Nature of Our Nature

In this season when everybody is showing outward goodwill to others, we humans are still evil within. Most folks don't want to believe that but it's true. Here's why it is.

According to the Bible, nobody is righteous without God giving it to them. Romans 3:9-11 (Bible in Basic English) says of wicked people, "What then? are we worse off than they? In no way: because we have before made it clear that Jews as well as Greeks are all under the power of sin; As it is said in the holy Writings, 'There is not one who does righteousness; Not one who has the knowledge of what is right, not one who is a searcher after God;'"

The only way a person can become righteous is to surrender to Christ's rulership. As Romans 5:19 (BBE) points out, "Because, as numbers of men became sinners through the wrongdoing of one man, even so will great numbers get righteousness through the keeping of the word of God by one man."

We also see that the righteous are protected by God from everlasting destruction. As 1 Peter 3:12 (BBE) rightly states, "For the eyes of the Lord are on the upright, and his ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Now some will ask, "what about Old Testament saints? How did they become righteous without Christ?" They gained it by lovingly obeying the Lord. Genesis 7:1 (BBE) tells us, "And the Lord said to Noah, 'Take all your family and go into the ark, for you only in this generation have I seen to be upright.'"

We also read all through the Bible that it's trust in God which saved the saints of old. They all sought after the Lord. As Hebrews 11:6 (BBE) explains, "And without faith it is not possible to be well-pleasing to him, for it is necessary for anyone who comes to God to have the belief that God is, and that he is a rewarder of all those who make a serious search for him."

Just as those faithful saints looked forward to the Messiah, we look back and know we're forgiven. Let's always ponder this great gift we've received.

In the event that Christ doesn't return for us by Thursday, I hope to post about how we're one year closer to Christ's glorious return.

Saturday Song: The Vogues, "Five O'clock World"

I know that we all look forward to the end of a workday. Even when we actually enjoy what we do, it still feels good to return home. Like that group The Vogues sang in "Five O'clock World," no one owns a piece of our time. 

Listen to the song here:

I, and most other Christians, look forward to the ultimate quitting time. Why so? We read the answer in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 17 (Bible in Basic English). "Because the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a word of authority, with the voice of the chief angel, with the sound of a horn: and the dead in Christ will come to life first; Then we who are still living will be taken up together with them into the clouds to see the Lord in the air: and so will we be for ever with the Lord."

Though God cursed the ground for Adam's sake, work is still good and honourable. Ecclesiastes 2:24 (BBE) reminds us that, "There is nothing better for a man than taking meat and drink, and having delight in his work. This again I saw was from the hand of God."

The Lord also instituted the Sabbath for our benefit as well as a reminder of his care for us. Though we now worship on the first day of the week to honour Christ's resurrection, we still need one day out of seven to recharge our emotional batteries.

Peter also declared to the people of Jerusalem this final day of rest in Acts 3:19-21 (BBE). "So then, let your hearts be changed and be turned to God, so that your sins may be completely taken away, and times of blessing may come from the Lord; And that he may send the Christ who was marked out for you from the first, even Jesus: Who is to be kept in heaven till the time when all things are put right, of which God has given word by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been from the earliest times."

What a joyful day that will be for us who love Christ. As the angel told John in Revelation 19:9 (BBE), "And he said to me, 'Put in the book, Happy are the guests at the bride-feast of the Lamb.' And he said to me, 'These are the true words of God.'"

I also feel confident that all of us who adore the Lord and his Christ echo the words of John in Revelation 22:20 (BBE). "He who gives witness to these things says, 'Truly, I come quickly.' Even so come, Lord Jesus."

In the event that day doesn't happen by Monday, I plan on posting about the nature of our nature.

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Familiarity not only breeds contempt but apathy. Every Christmas Eve, churches put on a pageant of some sort and tell the story of the Lord's birth. The problem is that people are too familiar with it.

For instance, why wasn't Christ born to a royal family instead of a carpenter and a young woman of no apparent noble birth? Jesus himself said in Matthew 5:3 (Bible in Basic English), "Happy are the poor in spirit: for the kingdom of heaven is theirs."

God loves humble people. As King David sang in 2 Samuel 22:27 (BBE), "He who is holy will see that you are holy; but to the man whose way is not straight you will be a hard judge."

Human nature makes us wonder why shepherds, not religious leaders, were the first to know about Christ's birth. King Solomon certainly knew why folks, like the proud Pharisees, wouldn't accept the news. Proverbs 18:12 (BBE) reads, "Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit."

And though Israel was God's covenant people, believing gentiles throughout history also humbled themselves before the Lord. Matthew 2:1 and 2 (BBE) tells us, "Now when the birth of Jesus took place in Beth-lehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the king, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, 'Where is the King of the Jews whose birth has now taken place? We have seen his star in the east and have come to give him worship.'"

It's no wonder Christ wept over Jerusalem thirty years or so later. He prophesied in Luke 19:42-45 (BBE), "Saying, 'If you, even you, had knowledge today, of the things which give peace! but you are not able to see them. For the time will come when your attackers will put a wall round you, and come all round you and keep you in on every side, And will make you level with the earth, and your children with you; and there will not be one stone resting on another in you, because you did not see that it was your day of mercy.'" That came to pass in A.D. 70.

May all of you keep these things in mind at tonight's service.

If Christ hasn't come back by Saturday, I hope to post about the blessing of a well-earned rest.

What's Wrong With Lordship Salvation?

The way some preachers think, Lordship salvation is some sort of doctrinal aberration. For some reason, some folks assume a person is saved first and later on they make Christ their Lord. What these Christians fail to understand is that Christ is always our Lord and Master.

Jesus himself said it was right for his disciples to be under his rule. John 13:12 and 13 (Bible in Basic English)clearly states, "Then, after washing their feet and putting on his robe again, he took his seat and said to them, 'Do you see what I have done to you? You give me the name of Master and Lord: and you are right; that is what I am'".

The Apostle Paul also said plainly that Christ needs to be worshipped as Lord at the point of salvation. Romans 10:9 and 10 (BBE) reads, "Because, if you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and have faith in your heart that God has made him come back from the dead, you will have salvation: For with the heart man has faith to get righteousness, and with the mouth he says that Jesus is Lord to get salvation."

Likewise Philippians 2:9-11 (BBE)doesn't obscure Christ's Lordship. "For this reason God has put him in the highest place and has given to him the name which is greater than every name; So that at the name of Jesus every knee may be bent, of those in heaven and those on earth and those in the underworld, And that every tongue may give witness that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

These people who claim that new believers don't have to acknowledge Christ as Lord are like those to whom Jesus put this question. Luke 6:46 (BBE) says, "Why do you say to me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not the things which I say?"

These are they who might find themselves in the predicament of the folks in Matthew 7:22 and 23 (BBE), "A great number will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, were we not prophets in your name, and did we not by your name send out evil spirits, and by your name do works of power?' And then will I say to them, 'I never had knowledge of you: go from me, you workers of evil.'"

The Bible is clear that Jesus is Lord and must therefore be obeyed. He's not merely a grief counseller or life coach but King of Kings and Lord of Lords. How sad that so many hopeful individuals will be turned away from heaven on Judgement Day.

If our Lord and Master hasn't returned by Thursday, I hope to post about why the poor in spirit are blessed.

 Saturday Song: Carly Simon, "Anticipation"

What do you anticipate? For me, there are plenty of things I hope for. The chief event on my bucket list is Christ's glorious return.

Carly Simon sang about the anticipation of being with her lover. Check the song out here:

This season celebrates the arrival of the Messiah. For millennia, the descendents of Israel yearned for the saviour. This video, From the Beginning to Christ, shows how it was always God's intent to save fallen humanity. Once people realize this fact, the Bible makes so much more sense.

Luke's gospel shows just how poignant the anticipation was in first-century Israel. Shepherds were the first to find out about Christ's birth. The Bible in Basic English renders Luke 2:15-17 this way. "And when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the keepers of the sheep said to one another, "Let us go now to Beth-lehem, and see this thing which has come about, which the Lord has made clear to us.' And they came quickly, and saw Mary and Joseph, and the child in the place where the cattle had their food. And when they saw it, they gave them an account of the things which had been said to them about the child."

One man whom the Holy Spirit informed knew that he wouldn't die until the Messiah came. Luke 2:27-32 (BBE) tells of Simon's encounter with the Christ child. "And full of the Spirit he came into the Temple; and when the father and mother came in with the child Jesus, to do with him what was ordered by the law, Then he took him in his arms and gave praise to God and said,' 'Now you are letting your servant go in peace, O Lord, as you have said; For my eyes have seen your salvation, Which you have made ready before the face of all nations; A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.'"

And showing God's awesome grace, some gentiles also received knowledge of Christ's birth. Matthew 2:1 and 2 (BBE) recalls, "Now when the birth of Jesus took place in Beth-lehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the king, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, 'Where is the King of the Jews whose birth has now taken place? We have seen his star in the east and have come to give him worship.'"

Through these verses alone, we can tell that our Father is gracious. The lowly shepherds, faithful Jews, and gentile seekers all were informed of this anticipated fulfilment of that ancient promise.

And if the promise of Christ's second coming hasn't happened by Monday, I hope to post about Lordship Salvation and what it means.

Sanctification Explained

What exactly is sanctification? Most people have heard the word but know next to nothing about it. But once you've studied the scriptures, it's not a mystery anymore.

Sanctification means to be set apart for God. Psalms 4:3 (King James Version) says, "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him."

Likewise, we read of an example in Acts 13:1 and 2 (Bible in Basic English). "Now there were at Antioch, in the church there, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon who was named Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, a relation of Herod the king, and Saul. And while they were doing the Lord's work, and going without food, the Holy Spirit said, 'Let Barnabas and Saul be given to me for the special work for which they have been marked out by me.'"

Being clean ceremonially was also important to our Lord. Leviticus 22:1-3 (BBE) recalls, "And the Lord said to Moses,' Give orders to Aaron and to his sons to keep themselves separate from the holy things of the children of Israel which they give to me, and not to make my holy name common: I am the Lord,' Say to them, 'If any man of all your seed through all your generations, being unclean, comes near the holy things which the children of Israel make holy to the Lord, he will be cut off from before me: I am the Lord.'"

The descendents of Israel were also sanctified from the rest of the world's peoples. When dedicating the temple, Solomon prayed in 1 Kings 22:53 (BBE), "For you made them separate from all the peoples of the earth, to be your heritage, as you said by Moses your servant, when you took our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord God."

Sanctification is Christ's way of preparing us for heaven. From taking on our sin when we became his adopted children to the day when he presents us to the Father, we've been sanctified by his work and power. Colossians 1:21 and 22 (BBE) reads, "And you, who in the past were cut off and at war with God in your minds through evil works, he has now made one, In the body of his flesh through death, so that you might be holy and without sin and free from all evil before him:"

It's Christ who sanctifies us and not our own works. Let's accept his magnanimous gift without thinking we have to earn it.

In the event that Christ doesn't return for us by Saturday, I hope to post about that blessed event and a great Carly Simon song.

The Gospel Explained

I think it's a shame that many Christians can't properly explain what the gospel really means. Some think it's making Christ a sort of life coach and buddy. Others think it means turning over a new leaf and trying to be good.

The Gospel Project has some excellent presentations of God's salvation plan. With animations and a well-thought- out script, their videos show that the Gospel is no recent addition but the basis for humanity's reclamation.

Right from the start, the Lord had a plan in mind to save humanity from the curse brought on us by Adam's sin. Genesis 4:3 and 4 (Bible in Basic English) demonstrates how God appointed animals as the substitutes for us to satisfy his justice. "And after a time, Cain gave to the Lord an offering of the fruits of the earth. And Abel gave an offering of the young lambs of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord was pleased with Abel's offering;"

Passover also showed, in graphic form, how a lamb was selected to atone for sins. Exodus 12:5 and 6 (BBE) tells us, "Let your lamb be without a mark, a male in its first year: you may take it from among the sheep or the goats: Keep it till the fourteenth day of the same month, when everyone who is of the children of Israel is to put it to death between sundown and dark."

An even more graphic portrayal of God's substitutional atonement is shown in Genesis 22:12 and 13 (BBE) when Abraham was told to sacrifice his only son. "And he said, 'Let not your hand be stretched out against the boy to do anything to him; for now I am certain that the fear of God is in your heart, because you have not kept back your son, your only son, from me.' And lifting up his eyes, Abraham saw a sheep fixed by its horns in the brushwood: and Abraham took the sheep and made a burned offering of it in place of his son."

We read in the New Testament how Jesus had a hard time getting the fact of his accomplished atonement through to the disciples. Two of them felt downcast as they walked away from Jerusalem, believing Christ was gone for good. After chiding them for their lack of understanding, he asked in Luke 24:26 and 27 (BBE), "'Was it not necessary for the Christ to go through these things, and to come into his glory?' And he made clear to them all the things in the Writings, from Moses and from all the prophets, which had to do with himself."

What an astonishing privilege it is that God, through Christ, gave us who surrender to him total forgiveness. Therefore, Christianity is no mere religion as some suppose.

And if our Lord hasn't returned by Thursday, I hope to post about what Sanctification means.

Saturday Song: The Clique, "Superman"

I've found plenty of good records at second hand shops. One person's junk truly is another's treasure. This is one of those songs I discovered when I went used record shopping.

The Clique had a hit in 1969 called "Sugar on Sunday." On the B side was this song called "Superman." Check it out here.

In a way, Christ and Superman have similarities. Both were extraterrestrials. Clark Kent was a foundling baby from the planet Krypton and raised by humans.

Christ was born of Mary but he was no mere human. Jesus himself said this when the Pharisees questioned his authority in John 8:22 and 23 (Bible in Basic English). "So the Jews said, 'Will he take his life? Is that why he says, "Where I go it is not possible for you to come?"' And he said to them, 'You are of the earth; I am from heaven: you are of this world; I am not of this world.'"

Superman had X-ray vision and incredible physical strength. He used both to fight crime and help the helpless against tyrants.

Jesus did many mighty miracles, yet the Pharisees hated him. John 10:30-33 (BBE) shows how Christ's sonship with the Father sounded outrageous to the temple rulers. He said, "'I and my Father are one.' Then the Jews took up stones again to send at him. Jesus said to them in answer, 'I have let you see a number of good works from the Father; for which of those works are you stoning me?' This was their answer: 'We are not stoning you for a good work but for evil words; because being a man you make yourself God.'"

On the other hand, Superman is only a made-up character but Christ is real. Ample evidence proves how he died and was resurrected. I could also mention how up to five-hundred witnesses saw him alive again and that many of those folks were still alive a few decades after that awesome event. Any doubter could ask them personally about what they saw. A faked resurrection could be easily debunked but those witnesses all saw Christ alive.

If our Master hasn't returned by Monday, I hope to post about the gospel and why it's good news.

Sin Costs

As I read my way through the book of Leviticus, I realize that every sin requires a payment for that particular penalty. And long before Moses brought down the Ten Commandments from the mountain, and broke all of them at once, there was a cost for disobedience.

But thanks to his mercy, God helps us with that cost. In the beginning, he could have killed Adam and Eve for their huge mistake. Instead, an animal's life was taken. Genesis 3:21 (Bible in Basic English) records, "And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins for their clothing."

This substitution foretold Christ's atoning death on the cross. As we read in Exodus 12:5-7 (BBE), an unblemished lam was kept in the house until Passover. "Let your lamb be without a mark, a male in its first year: you may take it from among the sheep or the goats: Keep it till the fourteenth day of the same month, when everyone who is of the children of Israel is to put it to death between sundown and dark. Then take some of the blood and put it on the two sides of the door and over the door of the house where the meal is to be taken."

One thing I noticed about those verses is the three places where blood was placed. It forms the same positions of Christ's hands and head when he was crucified.

Additionally, Exodus 29:33 (BBE) points out that only sanctified priests could eat of the offerings to God. "All those things which were used as offerings to take away sin, and to make them holy to be priests, they may have for food: but no one who is not a priest may have them, for they are holy food."

But because Christ has made the ultimate atonement through his death on the cross, we are privileged partakers of his holiness. Romans 5:10 (BBE) explains, "For if, when we were haters of God, the death of his Son made us at peace with him, much more, now that we are his friends, will we have salvation through his life; And not only so, but we have joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we are now at peace with God."

And if Christ doesn't come by Saturday, I hope to post about a super hero and our own way of becoming super beings.

Be Ever Ready

Who remembers those Eveready cells and batteries which the union Carbide company sold? They had a cartoon cat jumping through the hole in the number nine printed on every one of their products. The implication of that was that the cells and batteries had nine lives and would always be ready for use.

We too are called to be ready for Christ's service. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:2 (Bible in Basic English), "Be preaching the word at all times, in every place; make protests, say sharp words, give comfort, with long waiting and teaching;"

Likewise Isaiah 50:4 (BBE) says, "The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are experienced, so that I may be able to give the word a special sense for the feeble: every morning my ear is open to his teaching, like those who are experienced:

As Christians, we want to do the works of God. What is that work? Jesus told fickle followers in John 6:28 and 29 (BBE) how to do that. "Then they said to him, 'How may we do the works of God?' Jesus, answering, said to them, 'This is to do the work of God: to have faith in him whom God has sent.'"

Since we have our trust in Christ, we are confident of his gospel. We don't have the power to speak in each language of those who hear us but we do have the command to share the gospel to all. Acts 2:7-11 (BBE) shows how God wanted all people to hear the good news. "And they were full of wonder and said, 'Are not all these men Galilaeans? And how is it that every one of us is hearing their words in the language which was ours from our birth? Men of Parthia, Media, and Elam, and those living in Mesopotamia, in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, In Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and those who have come from Rome, Jews by birth and others who have become Jews, Men of Crete and Arabia, to all of us they are talking in our different languages, of the great works of God.'"

Furthermore, we show our belief in Christ through our obedience to his will. As 1 Peter 3:15 and 16 (BBE) says, "But give honour to Christ in your hearts as your Lord; and be ready at any time when you are questioned about the hope which is in you, to give an answer in the fear of the Lord and without pride; Being conscious that you have done no wrong; so that those who say evil things about your good way of life as Christians may be put to shame."

If Christ hasn't returned by Thursday, I hope to post about the fact that sin always has a cost.

Saturday Song: Five Man Electrical Band, Hello Melinda,Goodbye"

This is the debut song by Canadian rockers, The Five Man Electrical Band. It broke big across the land in December of 1970, proving that Canadian bands knew how to rock.

Hear this great song here:

Like the woman in the song, Israel kept "running around" after false gods. Through many prophets, the Lord called his people back to himself. 

Jeremiah 3:1 (Bible in Basic English) says, "They say, 'If a man puts away his wife and she goes from him and becomes another man's, will he go back to her again? will not that land have been made unclean?' but though you have been acting like a loose woman with a number of lovers, will you now come back to me? says the Lord."

After all God did for Israel, the people kept turning away from him. Ezekiel 16:22 (BBE) tells how forgetful they were of his grace. "And in all your disgusting and false behaviour you had no memory of your early days, when you were uncovered and without clothing, stretched out in your blood." By the way, this is an allusion to how helpless as a newborn Abraham's descendents were at first.

Likewise Hosea 2:5 (BBE) shows how that nation kept looking to other countries for sustenance. "For their mother has been untrue; she who gave them birth has done things of shame, for she said, 'I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my wine.'"

The Israelites were barely out of Egypt when their first trials of faith sent them into a panic. We see how it happened in Exodus 32:1 (BBE). "And when the people saw that Moses was a long time coming down from the mountain, they all came to Aaron and said to him, ''Come, make us a god to go before us: as for this Moses, who took us up out of the land of Egypt, we have no idea what has become of him.'"

God is patient but he sets a limit on it. We must always strive never to provoke him by leaning on other people or things for help.

Provided Christ doesn't return by Monday, I hope to post about how we must be like a certain brand of power cell.

From the Beginning to Christ

 After I left that errant house church, I had to relearn pretty much everything I knew about God and the Bible. One of those concepts which amazed me was that the Bible is one long story of redemption. 

This video from The Gospel Project demonstrates this well.

We realize, once the blinders are taken off our spiritual eyes, that Scripture is all about God's awesome plan of salvation. Paul made that clear in 1 Corinthians 15:45 (Bible in Basic English). "And so it is said, 'The first man Adam was a living soul. The last Adam is a life-giving spirit.'"

Reading through Genesis, we see how humanity through Adam fell. God established that the seed of the woman, meaning one of Eve's descendants, would have victory over Satan. This promise was passed down, generation to generation, giving to the children of Abraham hope whenever a boy child was born. As a consequence, we have genealogies in the Bible.

In the Old Testament, Christ was referred to in prophecy as The Branch. One of those prophesies is Jeremiah 33:14 and 15 (BBE). "'See, the days are coming,' says the Lord, 'when I will give effect to the good word which I have said about the people of Israel and the people of Judah. In those days and at that time, I will let a Branch of righteousness come up for David; and he will be a judge in righteousness in the land.'"

Zechariah 3:8 (BBE) also mentions Christ as coming like a servant. "Give ear now, O Joshua, the high priest, you and your friends who are seated before you; for these are men who are a sign: for see, I will let my servant the Branch be seen."

Jesus was the ultimate servant, obeying the Father to the end. Philippians 2:5-8 (BBE) explains, "Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, To whom, though himself in the form of God, it did not seem that to take for oneself was to be like God; But he made himself as nothing, taking the form of a servant, being made like men; And being seen in form as a man, he took the lowest place, and let himself be put to death, even the death of the cross."

We who trust in Christ know how the story ends. When everything is given over to our Master, he'll give himself to the Father that all will be in all. We'll have the rest of eternity to enjoy everything that the Father has for us.

If our Lord doesn't return by Saturday, I plan on posting about Israel and a man whose lover runs around with other men.

Spiritual Disinfectant

Most folks know that sunlight is a good disinfectant because the ultraviolet rays kill bacteria and viruses. A hospital in New Zealand found this out during the Spanish flu of 1918. The nurses put some patients outside to enjoy fresh air and sunlight. Those who were placed outside recovered faster and fewer died.

Truth is a spiritual disinfectant. As Christ told Nicodemus in John 3:19 (Bible in Basic English). "And this is the test by which men are judged: the light has come into the world and men have more love for the dark than for the light, because their acts are evil."

The Bible equates righteousness with light, as we read in Psalms 37:5 and 6 (BBE). "Put your life in the hands of the Lord; have faith in him and he will do it. And he will make your righteousness be seen like the light, and your cause like the shining of the sun."

And as light exposes the scene, so God's scrutiny illuminates all our secret sins. Psalms 90:8 (BBE) reminds us, "You have put our evil doings before you, our secret sins in the light of your face."

Likewise Psalms 139:12 (BBE) affirms, "Even the dark is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day: for dark and light are the same to you."

And as God is light, so is Christ. Isaiah 9:2 (BBE) heralded the coming of the Messiah. "The people who went in the dark have seen a great light, and for those who were living in the land of the deepest night, the light is shining."

And as we belong to our Lord, we must be his illuminators in this darkened world. Matthew 5:14 and 15 (BBE) says, "You are the light of the world. A town put on a hill may be seen by all. And a burning light is not put under a vessel, but on its table; so that its rays may be shining on all who are in the house."

A day will come when we'll be physically like our Lord as well. Matthew 17:1 and 2 (BBE) tells of how he revealed his glory to three of his disciples. "And after six days Jesus takes with him Peter, and James, and John, his brother, and makes them go up with him into a high mountain by themselves. And he was changed in form before them; and his face was shining like the sun, and his clothing became white as light."

What a wonderful day that will be when we are given new bodies fit for heaven's kingdom. No more will we feel the nagging pull of sin. That alone makes Christ's coming worth waiting for.

If that doesn't happen by Thursday, I hope to post about how the Bible is one long story.

Saturday Song: Frank Mills, "Love Me Love Me Love"

What a story this song tells. A heart-broken man took to the streets to sing about his lost love. It's one of a handful of songs, that I know of, which deals with the subject of street people. Listen to it here.

Emotional trauma is nothing new. Imagine how Adam and Eve felt when they were driven out of Eden and couldn't return. Imagine how Moses felt during his forty years in the desert. Job, Elijah, and others also had their times of deep depression and loss.

This is why many people who hear the gospel are attracted to Christ. We read of one outcast woman's reaction to meeting the Messiah in John 4:28 and 29 (Bible in Basic English). "Then the woman put down her water-pot and went into the town, and said to the people, 'Come and see a man who has been talking to me of everything I ever did! Is it possible that this is the Christ?'" The whole Samaritan village believed when she led them back to where Jesus was.

Christ also gave this marvelous invitation to weary souls in Matthew 11:28 (BBE). "Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest."

But proud people, like the Pharisees, feel they need no help. Jesus told a parable about two sons. One said he'd work in the field but didn't. The other refused at first but felt guilty and went into the field to work. Then Christ asked in Matthew 21:31 (BBE), "'Which of the two did his father's pleasure?' They say, 'The first.' Jesus said to them, 'Truly I say to you, that tax-farmers and loose women are going into the kingdom of God before you.'"

This is why rescue missions are so successful. Like Christ said in Matthew 18:4 (BBE), "Whoever, then, will make himself as low as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

If Christ hasn't returned by Monday, I hope to publish about a type of disinfectant you can't find in stores.

How Hatred is Murder

From my conversations with Christians, it seems as if people don't understand how hatred of an enemy is equal to murder. After all, it's just occurring in the mind. Nobody actually is killed, right?

Jesus had a thing or three to say about mentally murdering some one in Matthew 5:21 and 22 (Bible in Basic English). "You have knowledge that it was said in old times, 'You may not put to death;' and, 'Whoever puts to death will be in danger of being judged:' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be in danger of being judged; and he who says to his brother, 'Raca,' will be in danger from the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, 'You foolish one,' will be in danger of the hell of fire."

John states this truth bluntly in 1 John 3:15 (BBE). "Anyone who has hate for his brother is a taker of life, and you may be certain that no taker of life has eternal life in him."

Some folks might think that this is taking things to extremes. People who annoy us or even do us physical or emotional harm earn our hatred, right? Not according to James 4:1 and 2 (BBE). "What is the cause of wars and fighting among you? is it not in your desires which are at war in your bodies? You are burning with desire, and have not your desire, so you put men to death; you are full of envy, and you are not able to get your desire, so you are fighting and making war; you have not your desire, because you do not make request for it."

And lest some one think this is just a New Testament commandment, check out Exodus 23:4 and 5 (BBE). "If you come across the ox or the ass of one who is no friend to you wandering from its way, you are to take it back to him. If you see the ass of one who has no love for you bent down to the earth under the weight which is put on it, you are to come to its help, even against your desire."

We also learn from Scripture that it's God who will repay the wickedness done to us. Deuteronomy 7:9 and 10 (BBE) states it plainly. "Be certain, then, that the Lord your God is God; whose faith and mercy are unchanging, who keeps his word through a thousand generations to those who have love for him and keep his laws; Rewarding his haters to their face with destruction; he will have no mercy on his hater, but will give him open punishment."

What a relief it is that God takes note of those who cause us grief and harm. We take these matters to him in prayer and he dispenses punishment in the way he knows best to our enemies. And showing love to these miserable people demonstrates our forbearance in avenging our wounded pride.

On Saturday, if Christ hasn't returned, I hope to publish about a broken-hearted man and his song about the one he loved. I love the story in this song.

The Original Instigator

From the beginning, Satan has instigated rebellion against God. He was the one who led a third of the angels to defect as well.  If we could trace every evil act back to its originator, the proverbial buck would stop with the Devil.

Christ himself gave the evidence of Satan's endless malice when he confronted the Pharisees for their incomprehension and unbelief. John 8:43-45 (Bible in Basic English) says, "Why are my words not clear to you? It is because your ears are shut to my teaching. You are the children of your father the Evil One and it is your pleasure to do his desires. From the first he was a taker of life; and he did not go in the true way because there is no true thing in him. When he says what is false, it is natural to him, for he is false and the father of what is false."

aiah 14:12 and 13 (BBE) describes the fall of Lucifer. "How great is your fall from heaven, O shining one, son of the morning! How are you cut down to the earth, low among the dead bodies! For you said in your heart, 'I will go up to heaven, I will make my seat higher than the stars of God; I will take my place on the mountain of the meeting-place of the gods, in the inmost parts of the north. I will go higher than the clouds; I will be like the Most High.'"

Our ultimate enemy also delights in destroying people, as we note in Job 2:3-6 (BBE). "And the Lord said to the Satan, 'Have you taken note of my servant Job, for there is no one like him on the earth, a man without sin and upright, fearing God and keeping himself far from evil? and he still keeps his righteousness, though you have been moving me to send destruction on him without cause.' And the Satan said in answer to the Lord, 'Skin for skin, all a man has he will give for his life. But now, if you only put your hand on his bone and his flesh, he will certainly be cursing you to your face.' And the Lord said to the Satan, 'See, he is in your hands, only do not take his life.'"

The Devil also falsely accuses us Christians. Revelation 12:10 (King James Version) tells us, "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, 'Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.'"

I could go on about how Satan loves pitting people against each other like the organizer of a cock fight. I could list the horrific deception of unsaved people too. I'll save those topics for another post. Bear in mind that as everything good comes from God, everything repulsive and destructive comes from the Devil.

If our Master hasn't returned by Thursday, I hope to post about how hatred is actually mental murder.

Saturday Song: The Human League, "Seconds"

The music scene of the early eighties was dominated by groups using synthesizers. This was especially so in the United Kingdom. 

One of those groups popular back then was The Human League. They had a hit with their song "Seconds" in November of 1982. Listen to it here.

History has a way of changing without much notice. The song reminds me of Duke Franz Ferdenand being assassinated in August 1914, triggering World War I. Nobody, at least that I know of, anticipated the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 either. Many other historical events likewise happened without warning.

Even so, there were many events prophesied in the Bible long before they happened. One of many catastrophes was the obliteration of Jerusalem in A. D. 70. Christ prophesied in Luke 19:43 and 44 (Bible in Basic English), "For the time will come when your attackers will put a wall round you, and come all round you and keep you in on every side, And will make you level with the earth, and your children with you; and there will not be one stone resting on another in you, because you did not see that it was your day of mercy."

We also read in the Old Testament of prophecies which came true and in a timely manner too. We read where Belshazzar's kingdom was judged and taken from him after the fingers of a hand wrote on the wall of his throne room. Daniel 5:26-28 (BBE) records the interpretation of those words. "This is the sense of the words: Mene; your kingdom has been numbered by God and ended. Tekel; you have been put in the scales and seen to be under weight. Peres; your kingdom has been cut up and given to the Medes and Persians."

That happened the very night the prophetic warning was given.

We also read of long-range prophecies which couldn't have been faked. Jeremiah 31:15 (BBE) reads, "So has the Lord said: In Ramah there is a sound of crying, weeping and bitter sorrow; Rachel weeping for her children; she will not be comforted for their loss."

After Christ was born, King Ha rod had all the children under two years old killed in Bethlehem in the hope that he would execute his supposed rival.

There are many other places in Scripture where God warned humanity, often long before the events were to take place. Most of the time, few folks listened.

If the prophecy of Christ's return isn't fulfilled by Monday, I hope to publish about the original instigator of all our sorrows.

The Best Sort of Peace

I'm sure that only a tiny minority of people oppose peace between nations and ethnic groups. When world leaders broker peace deals between bitter enemies, almost everybody cheers.

We Christians are in the peace-making business too. We never receive any prizes or global recognition but we do help to bring rebels to our Lord. 

Romans 5:1 and 2 (Bible in Basic English) shows the good result of evangelism. "For which reason, because we have righteousness through faith, let us be at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; Through whom, in the same way, we have been able by faith to come to this grace in which we now are; and let us have joy in hope of the glory of God."

When people surrender their wills to Christ, they experience what Philippians 4:6 and 7 (BBE) promises. "Have no cares; but in everything with prayer and praise put your requests before God. And the peace of God, which is deeper than all knowledge, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

We should be the most confident people on the planet. After all the hundreds of verses which reassure us of our lord's love and protection, nobody should still be doubtful. Let's remember the words of Jesus in Luke 12:29 and 30 (BBE). "And do not give overmuch thought to your food and drink, and let not your mind be full of doubts. For the nations of the world go in search of all these things: but your Father has knowledge that you have need of them."

Now I recognize that some people suffer chemical imbalances which cause depression. But most of us merely experience the blues on occasions. That's why Psalms 42:5 (BBE) reminds us,  "Why are you crushed down, O my soul? and why are you troubled in me? put your hope in God; for I will again give him praise who is my help and my God."

This is why we, whom Christ has rescued, must remember to whom we belong and what he promised us.

And if the promise of Christ's return isn't fulfilled by Saturday, I hope to post about the fragility of life and a great song by The Human League.

What Is Our Common Salvation?

In the house church I once attended, the lay minister claimed that Jude 1:3 referred to everybody becoming saved. This Universalist idea is wrong and many scriptures refute the belief that nobody is sent to hell forever.

So what did Jude mean about our common salvation? It's open to every person who surrenders control of their lives to Christ. Peter proclaimed in Acts 2:39 (Bible in Basic English) that, "For the word of God is for you and for your children and for all those who are far off, even all those who may be marked out by the Lord our God."

In one of Christ's parables, he described the end of the age as the end of a day when a farmer hired day labourers to reap his field. We see in Matthew 20:16 (King James Version) that not everybody will be chosen to follow him. "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."

Those Universalists should also read Matthew 8:29 (BBE). Even the demons knew better than to think hell didn't last forever. "And they gave a loud cry, saying, 'What have we to do with you, you Son of God? Have you come here to give us punishment before the time?'"

I've written before about Luke Chapter sixteen and how the rich man had a great gulf fixed between him and heaven so nobody could cross it. This one verse alone shows that going to hell is a one way trip.

But for us who are marked out for salvation, we won't ever depart out of Christ's glorious kingdom. As Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 17 (BBE), "Because the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a word of authority, with the voice of the chief angel, with the sound of a horn: and the dead in Christ will come to life first; Then we who are still living will be taken up together with them into the clouds to see the Lord in the air: and so will we be for ever with the Lord."

If that doesn't happen by Thursday, I plan on posting about the best sort of peace.