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5 days
Zechariah prophesied 500 years prior: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey”. Matthew records the fulfillment, “They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed, cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna…
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Words are meant to minister
It is apparent that Solomon dealt with real people, but not all who should have been listening actually were. A host, both then and now, are speaking rather than hearing. They talk over the preaching, teaching, and biblical instruction. Then in time of trouble, they scramble for answers from outside sources when all along the answers were available in the natural order of the Word. Some even declare the Church incapable of answering issues, believing that spiritual counsel cannot solve the problem. In turn, we have become an over-confessional society. We take stands on the trivial. Many are entrapped by…
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The Pen is …..
Edward Bulwer-Lytton is first credited with the words, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” I suppose it’s true when it comes to laws and declarations. Yet in regards to human thought and philosophy, Paul wrote a somewhat contrasting statement: 1 Cor. 2:4 “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” Great speakers and keen insight appeal to the analytical. Intellectual stimulation, even scriptural revelations, captures the mind of men, but the “pen” – the thought; reasoning and wording is only as good as the demonstration which…
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Jesus is a Controversial Subject
Are you ready for the next phase in America? Peter and John were commanded NOT to speak in the name of Jesus or make any mention of Him. His name was an offense as was His story. That same command is back and bolder than ever. If you haven’t noticed: Jesus is Offensive. His name, unless used as a curse word, is insulting and has been said to cause emotional suffering (as stated in a workplace lawsuit). NYT Best Seller’s wrangle with the issue. While the book of Captain Sullenberger’s heroics on the Hudson, saving hundreds, captivates the country, there is no…
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His Strength
Paul was a great man of Prayer. His preaching, soul-winning, and writing is the benchmark of a million would-be apostles. His list of accomplishments were then banished by his humility to know only Jesus and Him crucified – making him qualified to say, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Paul said that he prayed three times for a “thorn” to be removed from his side and God did not grant his request. His account speaks to the great Value of Thorns. The Lord did reply to Paul however, He said, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in your…
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Realm of Decency
How far can we push the envelope before we leave the realm of decency? That question is probably long overdue. In the wake of pornographic magazine covers which line the shelves of our grocery stores; music and movies that redefine sexual relationships; and the open, acceptable affairs of the famous, it seems that our society has long since forgotten the commandments of God. The new norm, or what is culturally permissible, includes sex outside of marriage; pregnancies out of wedlock; bi and homosexual relationships; sexting; and other perverse behaviors. Anyone outside of this norm is considered passé. Pulpits no longer speak…
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Did You See That Sign?
Both Haditha and Mosul Dams are probably not well known. They may be a blurb that quickly turns to more interesting subjects. Yet these two dams have been the places most protected by U.S. airstrikes against ISIS and rogue factions in recent weeks. These waters represent two of the four rivers that flowed in the Garden of Eden: The Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. They are located in Iraq which is the fertile crescent; the cradle of civilization, and it is not by coincidence that the world is focused there. U.S. interest may be oil but, without a flowing water, oil recovery…
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Ambiguity: The Father of Doubt
Ambiguity. In a single word, and not to minimize the gravity of the matter, this generation is most characterized by ambiguity: they do not know who they are. It should be no wonder after years of teachers and public leaders whitewashing absolutes and promoting situational ethics that people live with a vague sense of their purpose. Both youth and adults are struggling to know their purpose on earth. The false idea of “being your own person” is a path of great uncertainty. That path has led to a massive moral decline. It is devoid of truth; has no footing and…