Worth Repeating - Why Is A Wife Blamed for Her Husband’s Unfaithfulness?

 

Here is an article I wrote at the Home Maker’s Corner ten years ago.  It is rather long, but this is a subject that is of pretty high importance as much now as it was before. This article was originally written in the wake of one of the Duggar debacles involving Josh Duggar.

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Why Is A Wife Blamed for her Husband’s Unfaithfulness?

Proverbs 20:23 Divers weights are an abomination
unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

The recent Duggar catastrophe that exposed Josh Duggar for having an Ashley Madison account and his subsequent "confession" has caused a lot of discussion. Among other things, there has been speculation about whether Anna, his wife, would feel compelled to share in the blame. This compulsion could be caused by a number of things - the teachings of Gothard on sexual sin, her own misguided conscience, her in-laws, her church fellowship, etc. 

I feel badly for Anna, but there is nothing that I personally can do for her except pray, so speculating on her state of mind and conscience is kind of pointless. However, it seems like it would be appropriate to stop and consider how we arrived at the point where women in Christendom are so often blamed either partially or mostly for their husbands' moral failures. How did this unjust balance in thinking come about? Here are some reasons that came to mind. There are probably more.

Continue Reading.

Is It Our Christian Duty to Wear A Mask?

 
This article has not been easy to write. It is one that I have been hesitating over for awhile. I have tried to be reasonably straightforward without being too harsh. Please know that I have tried to restrain my feelings quite a bit in order to hopefully make this more useful. This is a subject which I'm actually feel very deeply because it affects so many of us in ways that it ought not. I have seen few, if any, churches that take this seriously and require masks for services regardless of what the local laws say. This makes me sad because it keeps some of us from the fellowship of the believers that we otherwise might enjoy. Please prayerfully consider what I have to say.

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Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

In the book of Genesis after Cain killed his brother Abel, we read, "And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?" Genesis 4:9 In verse 10 the Lord answers him, "...What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground."

One of the outstanding and well known facets of Christianity is that we are supposed to be our brother's keeper. In addition, we are meant to do good to those who are not even of the household of faith. That was the point of the story of the Good Samaritan, wasn't it? And yet, we hear people regularly making excuse for disregarding the basic kindnesses that will help to stop the spread of a terrible sickness. Worse, there are too many who are denying the seriousness of it, mocking those who do the responsible thing, and even claiming that COVID-19 is a hoax and doesn't exist. (Some of those people are ending up in the hospital now terribly sick and confused how it could happen to them since it wasn't even "real." Yeah, true story.)

The thing that eats at me and gives me grief is how people who profess to love God and His word have strayed so far from it in the matter of basic Christian love and kindness. I know, you have your rights - maybe your "American rights" - to do what you want to do and no government can stop you. But what if Someone higher than the national or local government has spoken to this issue? Because He has, and it is dumbfounding how quickly and completely so many have turned their backs on Him and sought their own way and will (Prv. 14:12).

Continue Reading.

Benjamin Franklin (Updated article)

Careless exalting of the “founding fathers” of the United States has become a real problem among U.S. believers. In their misguided zeal to “restore America to its Christian foundation” there has been a tendency to justify the wicked and overlook serious sin in the men both past and present. I say “misguided zeal” because there is a strong tendency to imagine that we should go back to something in the past that would be better than what we have now. This is forgetting that history repeatedly shows us that nations rise and fall by a given pattern and, once past a certain point they never return to their former “glory” or power. It is also ignoring that some of these men fit altogether too well in what Romans chapter one says. Romans 1:28-32  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

Here is one example of a less-than-great “founding father.” (This article was updated this year.)

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Benjamin Franklin is an iconic figure in American history. As one of the "Founding Father" of the United States as well as the publisher of Poor Richard's Almanac and a "man of science" in the amateur sense he created a rather expansive reputation for himself. But, is he worthy to be raised as a "hero"? Even more, should he be called a "Christian" as some have boldly proclaimed in recent times? The answer to these questions is an absolute "no." In fact, it is beyond my understanding how some people can claim these things for him when history is so unavoidably clear on the subject and so readily available in this day. Even in his own day his less-than-stellar reputation was generally known. He was neither a God-honoring hero nor a Christian. 

Here's why:

Continue reading here.

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Painting By Joseph Wright, 1782.

Hard Questions - Is It Your Christian Duty to Vote?

This article was first posted in 2016. I had planned something else for today, but after revisiting this it seemed like maybe it was time to put it up again since the elections in the U.S. are fast approaching again. I edited it and made a few changes.
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Is It Your Christian Duty to Vote?

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;

and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly,

and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

This was an article that I wasn't sure I wanted to write this year (2016). There has been so much said by so many that I hesitated to add my thoughts as it seemed like there was too much already. The thing that made me reconsider is all the drama I've seen and heard about how it is supposedly the American Christians' duty before God to vote. The misuse of scripture in some instances has bothered me. Added to this is the overwhelming pressure that various Christian people and groups are putting on others to try to force them to vote for the person they deem to be "the right one." In the hopes of helping a few people get a little peace about this, I decided to venture forth into a topic that is generally odious to me. So, here we go.

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American Christians have been told for years that it is their "duty to vote." The preachers, pastors, and evangelists have stomped up and down this country in and out of election years, telling people that if they don't vote for  the "right" candidate (meaning the one of that man's choice) or for a specific issue then it will be their fault when this country goes to the devil. Prohibition was passed largely based on this type of pulpit politics, and after some years and total failure, it was repealed and, strangely enough, we are not all drunkards now. (Yeah, the nation is a mess, but you can't honestly blame all of this on alcohol.)

Continue Reading.

Temple Grandin Talking About Autism

Temple Grandin, the lady famous for being one of the first diagnosed with autism and then going on to become a well-educated, functioning, contributing person, talks here about autism and things that can be done to help children who have it. As a person who is highly artistic and also suffers from an anxiety disorder, I feel very strongly about art and hands on creative things being removed from school curriculum. I also hope this gives someone a better understanding about helping children and adults with autism and related disorders.

God allows some things for reasons that we do not understand. Through history, many of the great artists and highly skilled people in special areas such as mathematics, linguistics, music, technology, and other things have been or are somewhere on the autism spectrum. Helping children with autism find the things they are good at and helping them increase those skills is very important. For Christian parents, you may help them find that one thing or those few things that they can do that will be truly productive to God's glory and give them a sense of being useful in this life. This is important for everyone.

Also, as a side note, I agree with Ms. Grandin that it is wrong to breed animals for food or our enjoyment in such a way that they suffer or have problems. Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

I do not remember there being any profanity or using of God's name in vain in this video. If I have missed something I apologize. Please leave a comment.

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Hard Questions - Should You Obey the Government?

This sermon is by a pastor in Australia whose testimony is well known to some of my family. I found this message very encouraging and also such an urgent reminder for this time we're in now. The Lord commands us to obey the powers that be, which He has ordained (Romans 13). In this message Brother Hyland makes it clear from God's own word how much we are to be subject to the governments God has set in place and the limited parameters of when and how we can disobey. It may not be at all what you think. Have a listen.

Thoughts from the Past – But They Are so Wicked! How Can They Be Saved?

Jan. 11, 2006 [edited]
But They Are So Wicked!

Last fall I was visiting a neighbor of ours who was concerned because a relative of hers was about to die and she was not confident of his salvation. He had made a profession of salvation in his youth, but he never lived like a saved man. I mentioned the verse ...by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20 She agreed, but pointed out that the Bible also says that some will be saved yet as by fire. (1 Corinthains 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.)

I think that sometimes we are too quick to judge someone's salvation. We see some things or hear some things and we assume, "That person can't be saved."

In my evening Bible reading I recently came across this passage, which caused me to stop and think:
Psalm 78:34-39 When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God. 35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. 36 Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. 37 For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. 38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. 39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

This Psalm recounts God's dealings with Israel. First of all, we see that God did chasten them. Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. So, we know that if a professing Christian is never chastened they are not truly God's child.

But, notice that even though they returned to God for a time, Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. Also, ...their heart was not right with him...
When we see a professing Christian living like the devil or totally engrossed in the traditions of man or cares of this life, we are sometimes inclined to think, "How can they be saved?" Yet here we see under the Old Testament covenant that God chastened His children, yes, and they returned to Him; but they then proceeded to lie to Him, and their heart was not right with Him! Could this not happen under the New Testament covenant as well?

In these days of jackboot preachers, compromisers, those sunken in defeat, and other assorted doubtful characters who profess Christ, we can easily tend to question other's salvation. After all, how many have proven to be liars and flatters to God (saying they put Him first in their lives, when it's plain to see they have not). To assume that they are unsaved because they receive no more immediate punishment may not be appropriate. Asaph tells us that God was full of compassion. He forgave and destroyed not. He turned away His anger. He remembered they were but flesh (Ps. 103:13-17).

If God, in His great mercy, does not see fit to give these people the chastisement we think they deserve, that does not mean they are not saved. Yes, they will have chastening, as Hebrews tells us, but they may not get what we think "they have coming." The Lord has the right to decide to turn away His full wrath. We would all be in trouble if God stirred up all of His wrath, for none of us deserve anything good (Isa. 64:6).

Psalm 78 continues, 40 How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! 41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

Far from justifying their waywardness and lies, the Lord is provoked and grieved by them. Still, they may actually be His children. But, how sad in the final analyses - they tempted God (to show His holiness) and limited Him! By following man's traditions, by abusing the saints, by walking disorderly, by disobeying His word (and so many other things) these people limit God from what He could have done - for them, for their children, and for others. If you stop and ponder that you will be able to think of a lot of ways that works itself out.

In the end, we must let God be God. If He chooses to show compassion to sinners, who are we to question Him? And, where would we ourselves be without His mercy? While we may be forced to mark and avoid some believers according to New Testament teaching (Rom. 16:17-18, 1 Cor. 5:11-13), it still behooves us to remember Paul's comment in Galatians 2:6 ...(whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:)... In some cases we really cannot know if a person is saved till we get to heaven. Yes, there are many who are not truly saved, but after all - we look on the outward appearance, only God looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). 1 Kings 8:39 Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) [Emphasis added.]

I am reminded of a small incident from my dad's youth. He was complaining to an older brother in the Lord about some lady missionary whom he had seen really misbehaving. The man called him up short with this comment: "Just imagine what she would like if she wasn't saved!" Hm.....food for thought.

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First published here Nov. 2012.

Thoughts from the Past - What About the Rapture?

Here is an article on the rapture of the church that I posted in March 2013.

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Some time back our [former] pastor preached a message on the subject of why we believe in the rapture of the church.  In scripture it is referred to specifically as our gathering unto him (Jesus Christ).  Having run across some odd claims in that regard, I had already been thinking about writing an article on the subject.  It’s taken too long, but I hope that it will be a blessing and/or a help to someone.

Why We Believe In Our Gathering unto Christ, also Called the Rapture

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

There has been a good deal of discussion about the doctrine of the rapture of the Lord's church in recent times.  Many mockers have been encouraged by the foolish predictions of Harold Camping.  The Emergent Church movement has pushed the idea that we should not be divisive and that we should just not talk about things we don't agree on.  They imply by this that many things in scripture are really not important.  Some people have gone so far as to conclude that belief in our gathering unto Christ is heresy, even "doctrines of devils".  These last are strong accusations!

First of all, it is important to establish the fact that having a perfect understanding of end time events is nowhere said in scripture to be essential for salvation… 

Continue reading.

Meanwhile Elsewhere - Malaysia

Photo property of Rachel at The Random Writings of Rachel.

In case you hadn't noticed, there has been a rise in the United States of bad attitudes toward people of other nationalities. This is not limited to people living within this country who are viewed as "aliens" or immigrants. I have run across Americans being really rude to people who live in other countries. I could say A LOT about this subject as it is something that really puffs my tail, but I'll refrain at this time. :-)

What I thought might be interesting is to make some posts from time to time about other countries, cultures, nations, etc. Those of us who are Christians should be seeing our fellow believers in other countries (whether nationals or expats) as our fellow saints; and personally, I think it is healthy to show an interest in their culture and the things they have to deal with on a daily basis.

Strangely, it makes some professing Christians very angry when anyone says this, but: The United States of America is not God's favorite nation. Some of us are ambassadors for Christ here, and some are in other countries, but if we're saved, we're all members of the same body of Christ and this world is not our home! Praise God for that!

1 Corinthians 12:27  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Galatians 6:10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:19-20  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Revelation 5:9-10  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

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So here is a post at another blog about what it is like to live in Malaysia. I hope you take the time to read it. I found it very interesting.

What Do You Want to Know about Malaysia? by Rachel

A Better Country - A message from the past

From the archive.

Here is an article that I wrote before I got married. It was written in an election year, but at this moment it seemed appropriated to post it again. A lot of Americans seem to believe that they voted in “the right” person who will restore the U.S. and make it a better country. Many seem to think if we could just “restore it” to it’s “foundations” it would solve all our problems; if this or that could be destroyed or outlawed all would be well. There is only one “better country” and it isn’t on this earth and doesn’t come through voting, or politics at all.
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A Better Country

Hebrew 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

The Trouble with Patriotism

There are a lot of people who are very caught up in patriotism. Here in the United States it is often equated with being a "good Christian." That is to say, if you are a "good Christian" you will also be patriotic, you will also "love your country", and your allegiance will be to the "good, ol' USA". "God and country" is a common theme, though I'd say that "country and God" was a better word order judging by people's speech and actions.

This is an election year in the U.S. and emotions will be running high in many churches. Politics is a BIG subject and many pastors will be openly or covertly plugging for the candidate they want all "their members" to vote for. (Too bad more of them don't think of the people as God's heritage, as it really is, and let Him lead the people to vote or not vote as HE sees fit.  1 Peter 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. )

Another common thing we see in American churches is the "need", even urgency, to "rescue America" and "restore it to it's Christian foundation”…
Continue reading here.

Things I [Don’t] Love about Conspiracy Theories

Things I [don't] love about conspiracy theories:

When the things we can do nothing about [chemtrails, HAARP, the New World Order, etc.] are far more important than the things we can do something about – helping the suffering, witnessing to our neighbor, or conforming our lives to the image of God’s Son.

When they slam other people for not believing the word of God and then you realize they don’t believe the word of God.

When they claim that what people need instead of lies is the word of God and you notice that the Bible is only used in 1 out of 20-50 posts on their site, or very sparingly in their book or video.

When they make totally false statements to prove their point.  [“Remember NASA created the evolution LIE...” Did I miss something? I didn’t know Charles Darwin (or the ancient Greeks) worked for NASA.]

When they use idiotic word games and improbable semantics to “prove” something is evil.
[Santa ≠ Satan. Santa is not a corruption of the name Satan, it is Spanish for a female saint. However, that does bring up a rather bizarre issue.]

When their claims are so grandiose you realize that it would be physically impossible for “the plot” to be kept as such a deep, dark secret.

When you realize that if the Illuminati and Freemasonry were as terribly dangerous and powerful as they claim they are, they should have taken over the world a long time ago. [Actually, they can't do anything that God doesn't allow them to do, so maybe we should just serve the Lord and strive to do His will in our daily lives. Ya think?]

When they “expose” an “evil plot” and you realize that it is actually a natural phenomenon created by God. [Like blaming any weather phenomenon they can't immediately explain on HAARP or "chemtrails".]

When they claim that a thing must be true because in some other place they “don’t have this problem” and you know for a fact that they do. [Someone told a friend of mine that in Australia they “didn’t have as much sickness” because they don’t have HAARP. They have some nasty bugs in Australia – some coming in from Asia and other places, and also just the usual things that we get here. Plus, Australia has a significantly lower population than the U.S., so if you go by raw numbers and not per capita it will look like they have a lot less sickness.]

When they claim Facebook is Satanic – on their Facebook page.

When they make the “documentation” photos so small you can’t see what they are talking about. [As pictured at right.]

When they claim “Satanic roots” to virtually everything, and you begin to wonder if they know what those words actually mean.

When they blame a specific group for a specific “conspiracy” and you realize that it is actually contradictory to what that group believes.

When they show photos to “prove the point” and you notice what a horrible job they did of photoshopping the “evidence” into the picture or of removing a contradictory item out of the picture. [Like an Islamic “terrorist” holding a machine gun with a left hand on a his right arm. The physics of that is somewhat painful to consider.]

When they rant about the “powers that be” using fear to control the masses and then you notice that their video or book is FULL of fear inducing information and virtually no comfort or peace.

When they claim to be exposing “evil Christian teachers” who are part of “the plot against mankind” and then you find them quoting a known heretic.

When they “know” something is true because they saw it in the sky over their own house or at their own church or on their own T.V.  [Yeah. There’s many a slip between the eye and the knowledge. That’s why people used to think the earth was flat. Speaking of which…]

When their “proofs” are “facts” that are either unproveable, don’t exist, or they failed to check out thoroughly. And also, when they make claims to “prove” their point and you realize it is impossible for anyone to actually prove or disprove the claims.

When they extract bizarre and complicated “facts” from random things to “prove” their point.

When they accuse the “others” of being puppets who do the New World Order’s bidding and spread their lies, then you notice that they are propagating lies that ultimately serve the interests of the same people.

And, on the same note – when they claim the “others” are using mind control and brainwashing and then you realize they are trying to control your mind and brainwash you to get you on their own team.

When they complain about the hidden identities of the “others” and then you realize that you can’t find out who they are.

When they accuse the government, NASA, Monsanto, the New World Order, etc. of being horrible liars and then they tell lies to push their own agenda.

When they use a photograph to prove some “historical fact” and then you realize that there weren’t cameras that long ago. [Before you leave a comment complaining about this picture, please note that I am using it purely as a demonstration of this point. I intend to dissect this meme at a later date and will hopefully make a link here to clarify. Also, note that "the first biological war" was not when this alleged event occurred. Disease and other things have been used in warfare for much longer than that, so this is also an example of lying to promote their own agenda.]

When they use a photo to prove something and you discover the photo to be something else entirely. [Like the alleged “concentration camp where they are going to put Christians and the militia” that turned out to be a former POW camp from WWII that was overgrown with trees and weeds. Yeah, true story.]

Also, when you recognize a person or place in one of their “proof” photos or videos and realize it isn’t what they claim it is. [Like claiming a huge rally in Venezuela is a protest in Los Angeles. Riiiiight...]

When they claim there is an evil manifestation in a photo or video and you realize it is a lens flare.

When they make a claim based upon a “historical fact” that you positively know is not true. [Like proving King James I of England was evil because he was a Roman Catholic. Hello? The reason Queen Elizabeth I chose him to follow her was because he wasn’t Catholic!]

When they claim to believe only the King James Version of the Bible and then they quote various and sundry translations. [What exactly was it you meant by “only believe”? And if you claim the other translations are all of Satan what does that say about you when you quote them? Just askin’…]

When they deny known and provable historical and modern events in order to “prove” their point. [So you say the Holocaust was all a big lie? Explain to me how you “disappear” all the testimonials of concentration camp survivors, evidences, and known facts. Or never mind, I really don't want to hear it.]

When they claim that modern man is “too dumbed down” to recognize the truth of the conspiracies, but they forget that the Dark Ages ever existed or that Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit because a snake told them it was good for them.

When you go read the document they use to “prove” their point and you realize it doesn’t even say what they claimed it said.

When they claim Hollywood is a main outlet for the “propaganda” lies of the government, NWO, Satan, etc. and then they use a movie scene to make a meme that teaches a “Bible truth”. [Ummm…?]

When you realize that their idea of what a “true Christian” is means that there can’t possibly be more than five or six “true Christians” on planet Earth. [Yeah, them four and no more.]

When they claim that their inside knowledge is too much for you and that’s why you won’t listen to them. [Seriously, one man told my dad he was afraid to tell him all he knew about the conspiracies he was into because “every man I ever told eventually left the ministry.” I.E. Be afraid of not believing me – Be VERY AFRAID. By the way, that was an easy claim to make. Most pastors do eventually retire or die. We also saw a video of another man teaching that anyone who didn't believe "the truth" just the way he taught it would get caught in a "spiritual labyrinth" and end up committing suicide. Just in case you were tempted to call his bluff. Both true stories.]

When you get to the end of their documentary and you see they used a symbol that is obviously occult and you wonder whose side these people are actually on and if the whole conspiracy world is an invention of the fear mongers who are looking for methods of mind control. [Hmmm....]

When you finally realize that they are looking forward to the next horrible thing that happens because they actually enjoy instilling fear in others and eagerly anticipate having their horrific predictions come true.

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In conclusion, in case someone is offended that I am not on the conspiracy theory wagon, I will say that I do believe there is a conspiracy. There is one conspiracy under which all others, real or invented, fall. It has been going on since the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:1-5  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

1 Peter 5:8-9  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

A Question to Ponder: Do you recognize the power of Satan in people’s lives?

Originally posted Jan. 2012. Edited.



I was working in the kitchen a little while ago, and as I was putting something in the fridge my eye fell on the prayer card we got this week from a missionary to Mexico. There is a verse on it, or rather the first part of a verse - Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God…

I was struck by the marvelous thought of being turned from the power of Satan unto God. This is a wonderful and amazing thing, and in light of things we heard the brother say, it is happening there in Mexico.

But, as my mind meandered along this train of thought, I asked myself in a vague way why it is that American Christians don’t grasp the enormity of being turned from the power of Satan to God for the people around them in their own country and neighborhood. I hope that many see the need for this transformation from the power of Satan to God for people in foreign countries, but why not for the people next door and at the super market and the craft store and at soccer practice, etc.? The thought that came to me was that it is probably because too many of the believers in the U.S. are so immersed in the culture that they fail to see the many things that are really the power of Satan! They don’t see the need for others to be turned from those things because they themselves are following those things or enjoying them also.

Think about it –

How many Christians read books, play games or watch movies and T.V. shows that glamorize death and killing, witchcraft and other satanic things? Yes, I mean Harry Potter, Twilight and other vampire stories, Lord of the Rings, zombies, fairies, Halloween, Warcraft, Game of Thrones, Mafia based games, etc.

How many Christians are addicted to pornography? How many overlook “soft pornography” as incidental or even normal? Do you realize that what is considered “OK” today in television, advertisements, movies, etc. would have been considered pornography not that very long ago? And, in this vein, how many Christian women are addicted to romance novels, even the ones of the grubbier type? (You don’t believe that’s wrong?  I read one secular writer who classed the reaction that women get from reading those stories as a form of sexual arousal. Think carefully and prayerfully, sister. Also see for yourself how easy it is to stop reading them – or to get your friend to stop reading them. That’s a challenge. I dare you.)

How many Christians listen to music that has words, terminology, ideology, etc. that is wicked or lewd or even satanic?

How many Christians participate in events, listen to music, or read things that include defaming of the name of Jesus Christ, blasphemy of God, and ridicule of Christianity, and enjoy it?

How many Christians think that evolution is true, or at least partly true and thus that the Bible is lying in the first part of Genesis and other passages?

How many Christians are caught up in the covetousness of materialism and “the American dream”? How many of us think that if we could just get this or that we would be “happy”? How many assume that we are entitled to certain things in life such as a house, a job, a car, a spouse, kids, fashionable clothes, the newest technological gadget, etc.? You don’t think you’re entitled? Let someone tell you that you can’t have those things and see how you feel. (Ouch. Yes, that hurts because it’s such a “normal” part of American culture. But God says, Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Colossians 3:5 [Emphasis added])

I could go on, but I think I’ll stop there.

Can you see how hardened we often are to the bondage that people are in? We miss the fact that so many around us need to be turned from the power of Satan to God because we’ve allowed ourselves to accept the thinking that all these things are “normal”. We’ve allowed ourselves to believe that so many things are not “evil” because it isn't “politically correct” or “nice” to think so; or, even worse, because we enjoy them ourselves. We’ve been propagandized to think things are “OK” that really are the power of Satan in people’s lives!

What do you think? Can you see ways in which U.S. Christians (or Christians in other countries) have been affected in their thinking, making them blind to the power of Satan in the lives of people around them, and blind to how they have been influenced by it themselves?

The entire verse that I mentioned above says, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:18

What a wonderful verse! What amazing love and power! How we need to get our vision back for the needy world around us that needs to be turned unto God and light and be delivered from the power of Satan and darkness!

Thoughts from the Past: What Is Easter to them? Is It About the Resurrection or A Carnival?

I first wrote and published this in April 2011.  The thought is still pertinent today. [Edited]

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Easter and Christmas are said to be the two biggest church going events of the year. Consequently a lot of churches will put forth extra effort to get people to come to them on these “holidays”. We received an invitation to a church in our area this week in the mail. They sent out a colorful flier that looks a lot like a business advertisement but is supposed to help us “find reasons” to go to their church this next Lord’s Day. Their very “Christian” slogan is “Hop Over This Easter”. (I hope you realize I’m being a bit sarcastic there.)

Among the enticements they are offering to get the crowds in are:

Live music --- Hello? Don’t church services usually have some form of “live music”?

Coffee bar --- Hm. That’s a nice enticement. Hopefully it will keep the people awake through the following:

A “relative and inspiring message” --- Um… Yes, you read that correctly. :-) I’m not exactly sure if that “relative” was a mistake or not, but it sure gave my husband a laugh.

Easter Egg Hunt --- Of course. This ancient, non-Christian symbol is an old standby for pleasing the crowds on “Easter” day.

A space just for the kids filled with interactive games and videos --- You see where I get the carnival idea.

Family Portraits --- Really?? How thoughtful of them. Now the once and twice a year church goers can have some concrete evidence to show whoever they think they are going to impress that they were actually at church on Easter 2011. Somehow I don’t quite think those pictures are going to make it to heaven with them. They certainly would not impress God, especially considering the probable lack of reverence at this particular event! (I’m sure the idea is also to show off those lovely new clothes that are another man-made tradition and vain show of the flesh that is common for “Easter Sunday”.)

In the paragraph on the left of the card we read that people are finding reasons to go to “_________ Community Church”. The reasons given are:

Real relationships --- To whom?

Relevant teaching --- About what?

A meaningful spiritual experience --- What kind of spirituality are we talking about here?

This very personal invitation addressed “To Our Neighbor”, lacks some very important things.

There is not one reference to God anywhere on it. Not one. This is supposed to be a church, and yet nothing is mentioned about why they meet, who they worship or what kind of “spiritual experience” they are imparting to those who come.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

There is not one reference to the Bible. What foundation do they have for their church? What do they refer to for their authority in communicating a “relevant teaching”? They claim to offer us next Sunday a “relative and inspiring message”. Relative to what? Inspiring in what way? If they have no final authority or inspiration higher than themselves why should we want it?

Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Finally, there is no reference whatsoever to Jesus Christ or His resurrection. None.

Now, I realize that Easter, as many people know it, is all about bunnies, eggs, flowers, candy, etc. It is not a holy day to remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. There is good cause for that relating to the history of Easter and the date as the Catholic church chose it. (That is a topic for another time and article.) This is why my family have distinguished the first Sunday after Passover by calling it Resurrection Sunday. We feel this name clarifies whom we are honoring on that day.

This mass mailing invitation shows, I think, why this is necessary. These people, though they claim to celebrate “Easter” as a “church” in a “Christian” context, put the whole emphasis entirely upon self-fulfillment of the attendee. The Lord Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead so that He could conquer the last enemy for us eternally (1 Corinthians 15:26), is excluded, set aside, and unmentioned.

Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have no salvation.

Romans 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have no justification.

1Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ Christianity is a farce and we have no hope of the future. Without it there is no point whatsoever in having “church.” We might as well stay home and eat chocolate and play golf.

1Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. [Emphasis added.]

I’d like to ask the people seeking a “spiritual experience” in a place that does not mention God, the Bible or the Lord Jesus Christ on their invitation:

“Why seek ye the living among the dead?”

Luke 24:5

What about you this coming Resurrection Day? Is Jesus Christ the center of your thoughts and preparations?  It is something well worth considering.

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Footnote:

This post by my sister-in-law, Clara, goes very well here:
Are We Consumers or Followers?

Thoughts from the Past – More About Abilities

From Wikimedia Commons.

First published on this blog Oct. 2011.  Edited.

Nov. 30, 2006
 
More About Abilities

Earlier this month.  I made mention of some comments from a friend regarding abilities and the fact that God does not require of us what we cannot do.

Interestingly, this subject came up again recently for me in my Bible reading in the context of giving.

Ezra 2:68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place: 69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments. [Emphasis added in several places.]

Also note that they gave - they did not sell and buy bonds to build the temple.

Notice that here the men gave for the work of the Lord (building the temple in this case) according to their ability. They did not give what they did not have. In other words, there was no "faith promise" involved. They did not give more than they could, as some have done when pressured by men who like to sheer the sheep too close (offering takers). They did not piously say, "If I had a million dollars, I'd give it aaalllll to God," despite the fact that they only had $5 to give. They just gave after their ability. Not less. Not more. Not on promise. And, although this was the Old Testament era, they also did not give on command. They offered freely.

Here is a parallel thought in the New Testament:

Acts 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

So, in the context of the New Testament church where Old Testament tithing is not commanded, we see that giving is also to be according to ability and not according to people's expectations or demands - others or our own.

2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Thoughts from the Past – According To Our Abilities

This is a photo of me working on my wedding outfit in Tennessee in 2008.


First posted in Oct. 2011. Edited.
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Here is another old blog post that addresses the issue of how we are all different in our abilities before God.  This goes well with the post from last week.

Nov. 14, 2006

According To Our Abilities

My friend, Cindy, wrote to me not many weeks ago and shared this very comforting thought relating to a situation that came up for her:

"I made 3 pairs of curtains for [my husband's] dad's house in less than 24 hrs. We picked up a portable machine to sew on at Wal-Mart... Funny thing, Mary, about this is that making these was harder than any I had made before. I was very apprehensive prior to working on them. I happened to read the parable of the talents and noticed the phrase about the 2 who were given talents according to their several ability and got some insight that the Lord gives gifts as He sees fit and didn't give the workers a job they could not do. I had never thought of the parable in that way. It doesn't say inability there. This helped me and God gets the glory for my efforts which turned out fine despite my not knowing ahead of time if I'd succeed at this project."
---

Matthew 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

I also noticed this verse during our family Bible reading and remembered Cindy's letter:

1Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

This is good news. Our kind Lord will not give us a task for which we are not prepared or that we cannot accomplish with the abilities He has given us. We need not worry that He will give us something "too big" for us, but we also need not fret because we can't do this or that like someone else can.

I have personally had people tell me on more than one occasion that they wished they could play the piano. In at least some cases I know it was not possible for them to have learned that and/or it was not an ability that God had given them. According to what we read above, they can be content that their abilities are just as useful to God as anyone else's, even if they can't play the piano. And, if the Lord wants them to play the piano, He will provide the ability. I once knew a lady who started taking violin lessons at 40! :-)

These things apply to many areas of life. I suppose we can all think of some ministry or ability that we would "like" to have.  We may also feel weak in areas where we feel "too much" is required of us. We would do well to remember that God gives the abilities and the opportunities to use them. We can rest in His wisdom in this matter.

This is not to say that we should not use discernment in matters. People can and do allow themselves to be pressed into doing things they ought not to do. God will give understanding in these situations too. Remember there is a difference between what He requires of us and what man will try to require of us. We must cast ourselves upon Him for leading in this matter as well, and ask for His wisdom.

Psalm 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

Thoughts from the Past – Meant to Be Different

This post was originally published on my former blog at The Home Maker's Corner.  I first posted it here in September 2011.  I have made some edits and modifications to it at various times.
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I was pleased to find this post among my old blog entries because this subject has been a burden to me lately.  I have been hurt in my heart to see and hear how women in the Lord’s church are being pushed around by ideologies that require us to all be the same  in order to “please God” as “excellent wives.”  The unfortunates who don’t fit in the categories that have been prescribed are being stepped on and left in the dust by those who are allegedly “good, obedient Titus 2 women.”  Too many of the "spiritual" crowd cry “Grace, grace” yet there is no grace for those who don’t fit – those with few or no children, the single ladies who are out of their father’s home, the women who have to work of necessity, the women who don’t have men to stand up for them and protect them, and sometimes even the women who weren’t raised in a godly home (and are thus made to feel deficient in spite of being complete in Christ, Col. 2:10).  Think what variety and pleasure we would miss if every flower were a rose – or a skunk cabbage.  Or what if all fruit were apples, or all grass was crabgrass or pampas?  Our God loves variety, and He loves it in His children as well as His other creations!

We are meant to be different, dear sister in Christ!

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Aug. 30, 2007

Meant to Be Different

Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

It's a common problem in the Lord's church for people to be pressured to be or do everything the same. If you want to be "spiritual" or "right with God", you must do or be a certain way. The impression is given that all who "are surrendered" (not a biblical expression) will - go on visitation, teach Sunday School, street preach, participate in faith promise, "go to the altar" regularly, help with the bus ministry, ____________, ________________, _______________ (you fill in the blanks), etc.

Or how about this list of "necessities" to "please God": home school your kids, have lots of children, keep your house in perfect order, bake your own bread, wear only skirts, eat organic, etc.  This problem applies in many areas, you see!

Look at what the above verse says, though, Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us... God intends for us to have different gifts. He doesn't want us all to be the same or do the same work. And, He gives grace according to the work that He intends us to do, not for things He doesn't intend for us to do.

1Corinthians 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

God created the human body with many different functions and abilities. Each is different and special in it's own way, but it is also necessary for those parts to do the job they are created to do. Physically disabled people may train some part of the body to do some other function than normal, such as working with the feet when the hands are missing or breathing with the neck muscles when the breathing muscles are paralyzed, but we marvel at those as a phenomenon and not as "normal" in the sense of what the typical human does. They can survive that way, but we know that was not the original intent for those parts of the body.

How is it then that people in the body of Christ - as it is so correctly called - will try to force others, and themselves, to all do the same job? Why do we imagine that if we can't do what someone else does that we are somehow deficient? This is not God's plan. It is not the mind of Christ.

We are one body but we are supposed to have different gifts. God intentionally gives grace according to the work we are to do. If we try to force our way into some other work, is it so amazing that we don't accomplish the same things that someone else may in that same area? We weren't meant to do that, nor were we "graced for that work", if you will.

Let us be content with the ministries and abilities that God has given and strive to serve Him in those, regardless of what others say or imply. Let us be faithful where God has put us in the body and not feel diminished because we can't do what someone else does. God makes no mistakes. He wants us different for His glory, for His work and according to His wise and perfect plan.

2Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Thoughts On William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s works are highly esteemed in the world.  His talent is really unquestionable.  He was a great writer.  But, is it really good, wholesome entertainment, or is there a dark side to it?
Here is an article that I compiled some time ago and recently updated.

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There is some question as to who William Shakespeare really was. Some people are sure he was the actual author of the many plays and sonnets that are attributed to him. Some are just as certain that it was a ruse to hide the identity of someone else. There are probably numerous candidates for the "real William Shakespeare" though I doubt many of them know it or care about it any more.

Continue Reading.

Thoughts from the Past – Thoughts on High Priests

 

Painting by Aharon Hacohen

Here is a post from my old blog.  I’m republishing it here with very little change.

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July 17, 2006
Thoughts On High Priests

Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

First of all, notice in verse 1 that the high priests of the Old Testament were taken from among men. They were ordained for men. They were ordained in things pertaining to God.

Now we have no earthly high priests in the church age, yet there are men who exalt various positions as if it were somehow a high and holy office. Curiously, they seem to think too often that they are ordained (and that's the very word they use) to men for God. In other words, they are some kind of extra special people whom we should honor because of they supposedly speak and act on God's behalf to the rest of us peons.

But notice the next verses. A true, God-fearing, Old Testament high priest should have had compassion on the ignorant and those who had strayed because he himself had the same tendencies. He had to offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as the people's. (How rare is that attitude among some today?)

Next we see that no man takes this honor to himself. Aaron was called of God for this job. He was not the one who announced that he was "called to preach" or "priest," as the case may be. And, his ministry was for men - on their behalf - including himself. God selected Aaron for this role, and he really had little to no say in the matter. (Ex. 28:1, Num. 3:10, Num. 17)

The interesting thing is that Christ, the Son of God, did not raise Himself to the position of high priest. He was given that office by His Father. And, He was given that office to minister on our behalf. If the Lord Jesus Christ did not exalt Himself to a position of honor, ought men to do so?

And what about "the rest of us"? Should we be exalting men - or ourselves?

1Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Notice that we are also called to something. Because Christ suffered for us, we should follow His steps. We should not glorify ourselves or men. We should not put ourselves in a position that God has not given us.

1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We are called out of darkness into Christ's marvellous light. Therefore, every believer, as priests of God directly under our High Priest, should show forth His praises.

Here is are some questions we can each ask ourselves: Who does my life praise? Does it praise some man, family, college, group, church, organization, etc.?  Does it praise Jesus Christ who took upon Him the form of a servant and was made of no reputation?

Philippians 2:5-9   Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Ponderable Quotes About Living

 

Making Jam by Vladimir Makovsky

Success in life is founded upon attention to the small things rather than to the large things; to the every day things nearest to us rather than to the things that are remote and uncommon.
- Booker T. Washington

Small kindnesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practiced in our social intercourse, give a greater charm to the character than the display of great talents and accomplishments.
- Mary Ann Kelty

Rocking Baby – artist unknown to me

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.
- George Washington Carver

As the few adepts in such things well know, universal morality is to be found in little everyday penny-events just as much as in great ones.
- Georg C. Lichtenberg

There is nothing, Sir, too little for so little a creature as man. It is by studying little things that we attain the great art of having as little misery and as much happiness as possible.
- Samuel Johnson

Excerpt from painting by Carl Larrson

I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.
- Laura Ingalls Wilder

My favorite of this bunch:

If we really knew the future glory for us, it would make the best times leaveable and the worst times bearable.
- John Newton

Romans 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

The Birth of Jesus - Part 5, Luke 1:39-45

 

If you missed the first parts of this study on the birth of Jesus, you may wish to go back and start at the beginning.

In today’s study we will see that God considers babies in the womb to be live people.  We will also look at the problem of Christians isolating themselves, their families and/or church groups because of the fear of man.

Read here:  Luke 1:39-45