Next Sunday is Christmas!

I really do have a Christmas post in mind, but there are a couple of problems right now with previous posts. Enjoy your Christmas and I'll work on those!

(Days later:)  

Well - that took a lot longer than I thought. I'm updating the two blogs that scrambled my blog's layout. I had given away my "HMTL For Dummies" last year when we did a bit of remodeling after burst pipes in the garage. Amazing that remodeling means moving so much of our Stuff around.

I've written about our Stuff a couple of times (or more) previously. Just click here to read about it, or continue and get through this short post.

It is a short one - there's just one Bible reference, and hopefully we all will open a new year knowing that we do have "overs" because continues to forgive us as we learn more, apply ourselves better, and seek Him:

My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. (Lamentations 3:20-26 KJV)

Praise God! His faithfulness is great, as is His mercies, and it really is good that we are able to hope and wait - though His salvation did eventually come:

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:9-10 KJV)

Sunday, December 25, 2022, celebrates that gift of life. Enjoy your blessings.

Obedience

 

What is the meaning of obedience to a Christian?

"What does OBEDIENCE mean? In simple terms it means hearing the word of God and acting on it. It implies aligning our will to God's will; doing what God has asked us to do. It is when we completely surrender to His authority and base our decisions and our actions on His Word

That paragraph comes from the Lingadzi CCAP website, a Bible Centred Congregation, and the definition of both the dictionary and the Lingadzi congregation matches how I look at obedience - specifically Christian obedience.

Our obedience is based on our faith, and our faith is explained in a couple of verses:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26 KJV)

So often non-Christians think of all the Jewish rules, beginning with the Ten Commandments given at Mt. Sinai and continuing into our age when Rabbi's determine which material is correct for false teeth or that elevators cannot be used on the Sabbath because it causes a spark.

For Christians, this has been fulfilled, to the point that Jesus defined two commandments on which to base our lives:

Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:35-40 KJV)

Jesus spoke of other laws, and I've mentioned a good many in other blogs, but today I want to stick with obedience and faith. You'll learn much about them, but God's laws are meaningul and are not onerous, though somewhat limiting. They range from not killing to staying married, and bring great peace and comfort. Micah describes this very well:

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? (Micah 6:8 KJV)

It is easy to see ourselves walking humbly with a deity who simply wants our love and to be merciful to others - until we met that person. The one who not only doesn't believe in God, but laughs and mocks at our desire to do so. Sorry, we are supposed to love them, too, and pray they will come to understand. Sometimes it gets to the point that we pray clearly that God send someone else to deal with that person, but often our prayer list still contains that name and knowledge this may be difficult, but obedience tells us the job is ours.

The Bible lays out what we are supposed to do, and what we are specifically told not to do. Most of both are easily understoon to be against the two (love God, love people) written above. 

I've been seriously remiss in this area - sharing God's word with others through this blog on the internet. Oh, there have been struggles with daily living, health problems, holidays, visits - and one huge issue where a fellow Christian was spiritually hurt. The answer was to pay close attention, love them, and pray. That will help with my own obedience, and sustain my faith. 

How is your obedience toward what God has set out for you to do? How's your prayer time? How's your faith? Mine? Growing. It's a blessed walk with my God. 

Restored Joy

That is one of my favorite verses. I know, I say that often. Out of so many, it really is in the top third. It was written by David, King of Israel. it happened within a year after his meeting Bathsheba, the married woman David took from her husband, Uriah. Go ahead and look up the story in 2 Samuel 11 and 12. Anyone wishing to defend their own adultry should read the result of David's.

Psalm 51 is his confession, his pain, his hope for the future. It is labeled: 'To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba." In the first fourteen verses of 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronts David with an analogy of David's sin and the depth of the sin angers David. Nathan states the guilty party:

And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. (2 Samuel 12:7a KJV)

Nathan continues, listing what God has done for David throughout his life. David acknowledges:

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. (2 Samuel 12:13 KJV)

Although the "why" isn't in Psalm 51, his prayer acknowledges the sin:

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. (Psalms 51:1-4 KJV)

Only God had laws given through Moses that made powerful men guilty of taking what they want from others. When men forget God, they have always done what is written twice in the book of Judges:

In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:6 KJV)

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25 KJV)

David had seen what powerful rulers did with women. He was in a powerful position. He ignored God's law, and took what he wanted - then attempted to cover up his sinfulness. That's what sin is - ignoring God and His laws meant to protect all men.

David wanted God's forgiveness:

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. (Psalms 51:7-9 KJV)

This is the desire of any sinner when becoming aware we've fallen short of being what God had in mind. When we realize there is a huge separation between mankind as a whole, we as individuals, and God. Only God can span that separation with what David describes in verse 12:

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. (Psalms 51:10-13 KJV)

Let me assure you, when we realize the joy of our salvation, we do want to share that knowledge with others, and sinners will be converted unto Him. We do desire strongly to praise Him:

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. (Psalms 51:14-19 KJV)

See those bolded parts? God does not require sacrifices.  David knew this, yet made such sacrifices. Eventually, God did what Abraham explained to Isaac:

And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. (Genesis 22:8 KJV)

Somehow I've come to believe that Abraham did not say these words as a prophecy, but only as a trusting man that God would provide what was needed, which He did as Jesus, Christ. Because He did, we can understand David's joy in God's salvation, and his guilt in feeling castaway. God forgives and restores our joy.

We will have to live with the consequences of the sinfulness. David and his family certainly did. Easiest way to avoiod such consequences is to become familiar with God, His laws, and His salvation. All are part of Jesus' doctrine (see - I can carry a subject for more than a couple of days!) 

 

Doctrine and Context

Swedish Smörgåsbord (Commons)

I am an aged woman, thus I've compared how some approach theology as a "smorgasbord"- which literally means a table full lof open sandwiches.  However, in today's society, "salad bar" is used much the same way, but "pot luck" fits just as well. What ever choosing what you like out of the Bible can be a dangerous thing, a concept recognized by others:

“The theology of most Americans is less like choosing from a salad bar and more like going into someone else's kitchen blindfolded and dumping random ‘ingredients’ into a bowl.” — @WardrobeDoor (if you are on Twitter that link is to his page)

I met Aaron Earls (Mr @WardrobeDoor) at the foot of an article "Consistent Inconsistency" and thought it added quite a bit to yesterday's post here about knowing doctrine and its source.

I'd like to introduce you to someone who knows the scriptures very well and were able to quote them as needed:

for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Matthew 4:6b (KJV)

Recognize the individual? How about this earlier scripture:

and he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Genesis 3:1b (KJV)

Now do you recognize the speaker? He's introduced in the first book of the Bible, mentioned several times by many writers inbetween, and confirmed as one and the same as the dragon in the last book:

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, (Revelation 20:2 KJV)

Most of the temptations thrown our way are similar to his reply to Eve:

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (Genesis 3:4 KJV)

He might as well be saying:

God didn't mean what He said. God really does love you and wants you to be happy, to have everything your heart desires. Why, doesn't His word even tell you:

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalms 37:4 KJV)

All you need is to be delighted and you will receive all your desires!

May I suggest that God does mean what He says?

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. (Isaiah 40:8 KJV)

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. (Psalms 33:11 KJV)

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

Perhaps I like these because they are succinct and full of meaning. There are many other verses that speak to this same subject - God is the I AM. The tempter, seducer, liar, the maker of mirror images that look good but lead to death, is the opposite. He is the created, not the creator. He is the usuper, not the ruler. He is the failure, God remains on His throne.

Scripture is used here because I believe it. I believe it because it has worked in my life and I've seen it wwork in others. Part of why it works is we placed faith in biblical foundations, God's promises - which usually have an "if/then" in them, so if I do my part, God responds with His promised result. There are plenty of examples in the Bible, and in the world we live in, where the "if" part was not done. The results were just as inevitable. 

All this does have to do with doctrine. We don't get to pick and choose between verses or promises. The verses have context and their words are powerful when used in context. The plan laid out is a path. It's a map that when followed leads to a defined, specific destination. Taking a different path, you get a different destination.

Does your doctrine include:

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:5-6 KJV)

If not, why not?

Your Doctrine's Source?

 

Photo from Timeless Books from Wikipedia Commons, Edited

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29 KJV)

How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matthew 16:11-12 KJV)

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine. (Matthew 22:29-33 KJV)

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (Romans 6:17 KJV)

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. (Romans 6:17 KJV)

I could quote many more verses from the New Testament. That's where God inspired men to write down the doctrines we should be following. There are 44 verses with the word "doctrine" in the New Testament. It is used in the four Gospels, letters from Paul to churches, from John:

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (1 John 1:1-4 KJV)

And John , twice in addition to this one, in Revelation:

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Revelation 2:14 KJV)

Jesus shared His doctrine - His "belief or set of beliefs held and taught," today we say "by a Church, political party, or other group." The New Testament was written by Apostles inspired to share what they heard as Jesus shared His doctrine. To be His followers, to be called Christian, we need to know Jesus' doctrine as it was told by those who knew Him.

It is my firm belief that not one iota is to be changed from the doctrine Jesus taught when He was with His disciples. Over the next few weeks, take time to read of what Jesus taught in the four gospels. How does that compare with churches today. Where are the differences, and why? When did differences appear, and why?

Do you accept Jesus' doctrine as He taught?

God's Timing Usually Isn't Ours

Joseph Interpreting the Dreams in Prison

 

I doubt this artist got it right. Joseph, the baker, nor the butler would be dressed in medieval clothing. What they did wear would be sparse, perhaps raggedy, and most likely filthy. Unless Egyptian prisons were much better than current ones.

We know how Joseph ended up in prison - sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused of attacking his boss' wife. A foreigner imprisoned with no one to speak for him. Chances of release were so slim as to be uncountable. Joseph could not know that his story would be included by the Psalmist:

He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. (Psalms 105:17-19 KJV)

No doubt there would have been fetters for the prisoners. Maybe there were only the three prisoners together at that level of offense, with Joseph serving the newcomers: 

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. (Genesis 40:1-4 KJV)

At least we know they slept, and they both dreamed - dreams they felt important, but bothered them. Joseph heard the butler's dream, told him what would happen, then asked:

But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. (Genesis 40:14-15 KJV)

The baker did not fare as well. Three days after Joseph's interpretation of their dreams, it was Pharaoh's birthday. As the dreams foretold, the butler returned to Pharaoh's presence in service, and the baker was killed. The butler forgot:

Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. (Genesis 40:23 KJV)

Not one bit of this story was a surprise to God. His plan included Joseph being in Egypt during the drought and famine, that's a given. God had the power to place Joseph in Pharaoh's household in any number of ways. God could have released him from the pit in Dothan, from the Pharaoh's prison - just as God released Peter in Acts 12, or Paul and Silas in Acts 15 - but He didn't.

We really do not need an explanation, though many have said was Joseph went through was necessary for him to be the man capable of standing in for Pharaoh. That explanation isn't necessary, because the timing was in God's hands. 

Just as God knows what is coming, in His own time:

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, (1 Peter 1:18-20 KJV)

We are confined by time. God is not. We cannot grasp what exists without time, but God is capable of showing to a man who does not even have the words to adequately describe what he sees:

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:1-3 KJV)

Yes, the Bible does say the time is at hand for Revelation. Some will point to that last verse as a reason not to believe the Bible because it's been two thousand years and in so many ways, mankind holds the same values as when John wrote those words - war, rumors of war, poverty, drought, floods. What has changed?

It's all in the timing, God's timing. We need reminding through the biblical stories of people's lives that God does not think or act as we do:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV)

Eventually the butler remembered Joseph - and the rest of that story is for another time.When God puts the thought in my mind, as He put the dream in Pharaoh's, and the butler remembered:

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: . . .  And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.  (Genesis 41:9, 12 KJV)

God's timing is always best for us. 

(Please take time with the quoted scriptures to read them in context. Did I misquote, omit? Did you receive a different message? I'd love to hear back.)

"My Dad Will Be King"

 

Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom

"George understands he will one day be king and as a little boy sparred with friends at school, outdoing his peers with the killer line: 'My dad will be king so you better watch out'," wrote royal author Katie Nicholl. According to a report, '...while Prince George was playing and rough-housing with fellow students on a playground when he warned one student 'My dad will be king so you better watch out'". Seems several accounts agree upon the speaker, and the wording - Prince George is aware that at some time in the future, his father will be king of the United Kingdom. Whether he realizes or not that he, himself, will one day rule a nation is another story down the line.

The Bible tells us that a descendant of King David will eventually be King. From David's death until John the Baptist preached:

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2 KJV)

. . . Jews were looking for that king. Jesus began preaching that same message as John was imprisoned:

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17 KJV)

. . . continuing as he moved about the country:

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23 KJV)

I could continue for over 150 verses in the New Testament that mention the Kingdom of God, which also includes mentioned by a thief on a cross, with a plain response:

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.  (Luke 23:42-43 KJV)

Jesus gave example after example of what God's kingdom was like throughout the Gospels. He even had to explain how to get there to a Rabbi, a Pharisee named Nicodemus:

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5 KJV)

Forty days following His resurrection, He spoke to His disciples:

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (Acts 1:3 KJV)

. . . but they still did not understand any more than many people today, still looking for an earthly kingdom run by men:

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. (Acts 1:6-7 KJV)

That's our sibling, our Brother, the child of our Father, with whom He is one - as He explained when He was asked to speak plainly:

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. (John 10:24-30 KJV)

. . . who also inspired Paul:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:14-17 KJV)

Christians are waiting only for the remainder of prophecy to be fulfilled. With one accord, we are not worried about the future - our Father is the King.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke 1:30-33 KJV)

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15 KJV)

Spend time with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in every book of the Bible:

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16 KJV)

Author's Note: If you are like me, you still have the "Hallelujah Chorus" in your mind:

King of kings (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

And Lord of lords (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

King of kings (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

And Lord of lords (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

King of kings (Forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

And Lord of lords (King of kings and Lord of lords)

And He shall reign

And He shall reign

And He shall reign forever and ever

King of kings (Forever and ever)

And He shall reign (Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)

And He shall reign forever and ever

King of kings! and Lord of lords!

King of kings! and Lord of lords!

And He shall reign forever and ever

Forever and ever

Forever and ever

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Bible Reading Statistics

 Lifeway Research: Americans Are Fond of the Bible, Don’t Actually Read It

Google's Blogger provides me with statistics on who stops by. It doesn't tell me whether or not they read this page, and few make comments. Those who post awesomely unbelievable financial opportunities are immediately deleted, so we won't be able to compare them to possible readership.

As you can see from the results of a Lifeway survey published back in 2017, only 20% of those responding had completed reading the Bible. Less than the total number who have read none or only a few sentences - and apparently those few sentences may not have been from a Bible, but were quoted elsewhere. Yet, Lifeway wrote:

Almost nine out of 10 households (87 percent) own a Bible, according to the American Bible Society, and the average household has three.

We have a lot more than average:  my grandmother's, both my parents', my aunt's, mine, my husband's, a four-version for studies, my Greek inter-linear translation, and a couple that were gifts, mostly New Testaments. But I fall into the "All of it more than once" category.

So, why do I want people to read a book that was begun thousands of years ago, written by a wide variety of people, widely varying with time and culture, yet tells us a continous story of a deity interested in the world He created? Because that story has a beginning and ending timeline, and an impact on our daily lives.

I desire that readers would go further than a single verse. While I do love:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

I do not want readers to miss:

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18 KJV)

While I firmly believe:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

It takes a Bible to share where that necessary faith is to be placed, and why works do not save but are an intregal result of faith - not a prerequisite. There is a progress made. While salvation is "easy," understanding why it is so and what the results will be takes time and a path that is followed. Jesus described it:

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)

Note that "strait" does not equal "straight." It is also not predictable. While the way does lead to eternal life, there may be what appear as roadblocks, sharp turns, even detours, but staying on that way is well worth the time to learn about the whys and wherefores.

Matthew chapters five through seven are awesome in the explanation of what is expected of a follower of Jesus Christ. Nope, not one of us is perfect - we do miss the mark  along the way. That's why we aren't your true examples. We musts be measured against what Jesus taught, and we may be questioned as to where we don't meet standards. However, don't judge us by men's standards - Jesus has some already set. Matthew 7 opens with:

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matthew 7:1-2 KJV)

The measure we use should be the measure used on us. If I make a judgement call about another person's actions by rebuking them, I should do it biblically. Do you know where to find that criteria? It's not confined to a single verse, nor a small area of verses. Jesus gave God's answer to a lawyer's question:

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:36-40 KJV)

Whenever we fail to be Christian in our daily lives, the reasoon will be a failure to have done one of these two commandments. You wouldn't know that without reading your Bible. I purpose to increase my Bible reading - will you?

Let's Talk Politics

No graphics this time - it would be distracting to show political crowds, banners, flags, voting - even from different countries. The focus will be on what Jesus said about governments and how to treat them.  Here are all the verses from the four gospels regarding governments, good, bad, or indifferent:

They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (Matthew 22:21 KJV)

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (Mark 12:17 KJV)

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. (Luke 20:25 KJV)

Did you expect more? Jesus came to change the lives of people - not of nations, tribes, races, or any other designation. Yes, He spoke to crowds - of people, individuals. His messages were to offer changes to their lives that brought attention to God and His abilities. The one mentioned most:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18 KJV)

He was speaking as a Jew to a religiously trained Jew, but no words designated them as being separate from the "whosoever" of the world God loves. The word translated "whosoever" in this verse is Strong's: 

G3956

πᾶς (pas) Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever. (Total KJV occurrences: 1238)

Sounds very inclusive to me. Yet, to a Jew then, and in many ways now, the world was divided into Jews and Gentiles. Everyone not a Jew was a Gentile - but God made it clear throughout the Bible that while the Jews were a special people to show Him to others, Gentiles could be His, too.  In God's eyes there was, and is, no difference - all were "whosoever."

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35 KJV)

There is no mention of directing religious views, requiring force, invoking change, feeling hatred, or instructions to disregard to any specific country - especially during a time when Jews (along with many defeated neighbors) were mistreated under Rome's military rule. In fact, Jesus apostle wrote:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV)

We are to pray for our leaders, for all that are in authority. There is no doubt this meant the Roman emperor who sent troops to neighboring lands were to be included in prayer. Christians would have been praying for Nero as he blamed them for problems Rome encountered, even as he sent them to death.

Remember - the only rulers in Peter's time came on behalf of Rome. Even the Jewish leaders depended on Romans to hold their power. Does that change what Peter wrote:

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV)

Paul also admonished Christians to respect authority:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (Romans 13:1-2 KJV)

The Pulpit Commentary for these verses begins:

From admonitions to keep peace, if possible, with all men, whether or not within the Christian circle, and to act honourably and benevolently towards all, the apostle now passes to the duty of Christians towards the civil government and the laws of the country in which they lived.

What can we do, then, when we see corruption in leadership, unlawful activity, or disregard for human lives? Once again the Bible provides instruction:

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:6 KJV)

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 4:15 KJV)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

(1 Peter 3:15 KJV)

When you have a truth, you need to tell it to others, but speak it with love. Especially when it appears they do not know truth. Best to be certain your heart is in the right place, too. As a Christian, your truth may be seen as an outright lie by others. Know why you need to speak out, and look for the glorification of God in your speaking.

Even when an action might be taken, see what can be done with words. David did so with Saul, sparing him while explaining. Saul's death by David's hands was not part of God's solution:

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. (1 Samuel 24:9-11 KJV)

Sometimes, as David, we must accept what is, knowing that what was, is, and will be is in God's hands and His timing. Then, we still have instructions, including the opening verses of this blog and:

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:44-45 KJV)

The ability to disagree strongly is evident among Christians, even with a common goal. It does us all well not to separate in vitriolic anger, but to continue doing our jobs well within God's will:

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. (Acts 15:39-40 KJV)

These scriptures are applicable in every facet of our lives. Please take time to read them in context - and feel free to comment. 

Another Look at Armor

 Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Let's take another look at what is called the "whole armor of God" as written by Paul to the Ephesians:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Here Paul gives us the reason we need defensive armor - and it is not one single individual we call Satan, but it is a list of those who are actively working to prove God is incapable of delivering on His promises made to this world. There are many listed here, some we can see working in this world and some that are unseen, spiritual. Some we see them working, others we can only see their results as they work within people. What we are to do with our defensive armor is to withstand evil, to remain stedfast with our Lord.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, 

To stand stedfastly against the wiles of Satan, we need to know the truth. To search out any lies and discard them. For me, the first comparison for truth is the Bible. That is an important word and has a deepth of meaning. KJV uses "truth" shows 237 times, in 224 verses. One of my favorites is Jesus' answer to Pilate in John 18:37 and Pilate's discard in verse 38. Also, Paul's description of those who turn God's truth into lies, Romans 1.25. Need help with truth? Read John 16:13. Therefore, wrap your body with truth.

and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

The Bible tells us in Isaiah 41:26 and again in Romans 3:10 that not  one of us is truly righteous in God's eyes. We have sinned. There is no doubt that every single individual has some sin in our loves. You know yours - and probably others know yours, too. So - how do we become righteous? I like the explanation in Romans 4:3-5. The breastplate that protects our heart, our vital organs, is faith in God, who will acceept us as righteous (morally right or justifiable; virtuous.)

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

There are verses in the Old and New Testament that speak of beautiful feet - Isaiah 52:7 and it's quote in Romans 10:15. The gospels speak of feet often, especially sending His disciples in Luke 9:1-10 and  Mark 6:7-13, and sending the 70, two by two in Luke 10:1-24. Every one of these verses speak of people going out specifically to share God's gospel with others. Missionaries. Shod feet is very appropriate!

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, 

I'm putting these two items together. They are both protective, and the second does not work without the first. A basic truth is laid out in John 3:16-18. Salvation requires belief in God and Jesus as His son. Without that belief, there is no salvation. Paul says the same in Ephesians 2:8. 

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

That's our only weapon - and it's only words, selected for use through God's inspiration. Every scripture reference/link that got you this far is one I've read, marked, and studied. It was through God's word I discovered I could be righteous through belief in Him and His son, Jesus. I was told this by a large number of people who spoke God's gospel. I do believe they not only have beautiful feet, but beautiful souls.

Because they shared the gospel with me, I discovered what faith could do, and accepted the salvation God offered. Then, lived as many humans have done since Creation - with sin. I've made mistakes along the way and learned how to accept God's forgiveness. That is done through prayer. Paul knew prayer is powerful and included a prayer request - for believers, and for himself.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:10-19 KJV)

Pray with me for all saints, those who have followed directions, sought, and found God. Pray, too, for those who still do what Paul was sent to do - share God's good news of the Christ's salvation for all who believe. Share the faith.

Ninety-Nine Per Cent

 

I ran across this last July. I didn't save the internet address, so good luck finding the page again, but did make a copy of this portion of my screen shot. I found it fascinating how much of the globe would be able to see the sun at a given moment in time. Then, I thought of a scripture:

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7 KJV)

I understand that as spirits, everyone in Heaven and in Hell will be able to view the action taking place, but not realizing the vastness of the Pacific over the Atlantic ocean, I did not realize until this graphic just how much of the world's population have a view of the sun at the same time. Australia and the Pacific Islands, would be in the dark of night. Still, I believe they will see what God provides.

This verse says it will be a time of wailing - I think because everyone has an inkling that the world will end some day. Science says it will most likely when the Sun expands and takes in the closest planets, for nothing can survive the death throes of a star.

And, we've been told for centuries that nothing lasts forever. The Bible tells us in Psalms 90:9 that we spend our days "as a tale that is told." I'm not discounting the science that says millions of years, but I won't be around to see that. And I don't expect the earth as we know it to remain the same, either. Based on previous scientific studies, earth should experience extinction level events on an irregular basis.

Christians are taught in the Bible that one of those will occur prior to Christ's return. He spoke of it following these verses:

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (Luke 21:5-6 KJV)

The remainder of the chapter describes what some of the signs will be, and the subject is also addressed in Matthew 24, but we are assured that:

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36 KJV)

However - there will be signs, laid out both in Luke 21 and Matthew 24. More specifics are given by Paul to Timothy:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV)

Now that seems to be headlines of our times, doesn't it? Paul was specific in his second letter to Christians in Thessalonica:

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV)

Let's discuss churches for a moment, for that is what "a falling away" means - people leaving churches. How about "Generation Z and the Future of Faith in America"?

Without robust religious experiences to draw on, Americans feel less connected to the traditions and beliefs of their parents’ faith.

There is little evidence to suggest that Americans who have disaffiliated will ever return. First, the age at which Americans choose to give up their families’ religion—most well before they turn 18—suggests that they have not established a deeply rooted commitment to a set of religious beliefs and practices. Disaffiliated Americans express significant skepticism about the societal benefits of religion, even more than those who have never identified with a religious tradition. They also strongly disagree with the majority of religious Americans, who believe in the importance of raising children in a religious faith. Moreover, having children does not appear to affect religious involvement. Unaffiliated parents are not any more likely to be religiously active than those without children, and most are unconvinced that religion serves as an important source of moral instruction.

Or other articles: "Poll: U.S. church membership falls below 50% for the first time", "U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time," or worldwide, University of Michigan's Center for Political Studies' "Religion’s Sudden Decline, Revisited," where we find:

But since 2007, things have changed with surprising speed. From about 2007 to 2019, the overwhelming majority of the countries we studied—43 out of 49—became less religious. The decline in belief was not confined to high-income countries and appeared across most of the world. Growing numbers of people no longer find religion a necessary source of support and meaning in their lives. Even the United States—long cited as proof that an economically advanced society can be strongly religious—has now joined other wealthy countries in moving away from religion. (Inglehart, “Giving up on God,” pages 110-111).

The most dramatic shift away from religion has taken place among the American public. From 1981 to 2007, the United States ranked as one of the world’s more religious countries, with religiosity levels changing very little. Since then, the United States has shown the largest move away from religion of any country for which we have data.”(Inglehart, “Giving up on God,” page 112)

Does that concern you? If so - why? If not - the same question: Why?

It Is Well, and I Am, Too

 

Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, 
Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? 
And she answered, It is well. 
(2 Kings 4:26 KJV)

Well, it is not as well as I hoped with the photo - it is a t-shirt I bought a couple of years ago. The phrase has a great deal of meaning for me. I've written before about Horatio Spafford and how/why he wrote the song of the same title. In fact, you'll fine somewhere between half to a full dozen of mentions over the years I've written this blog.

Earlier this week, while shopping for groceries, a lady took a few moments to get my attention, then told me how she loved the sentence, and the song. She knew some about Spafford and his family, but did not know about the American Colony in Jerusalem, so I was ablel to share a bit more of his story.

I was speaking to a woman who through our discussion confirmed she was one of my sisters through Jesus Christ. We were brought together with no planning on our part, but thoroughly enjoyed a few moments speaking of how our Lord works through so many lives, across so many years, with words that resonate through millenia. "It is well," translated in the King James Bible, from the mouth of a Shunammite woman who was granted a miracle, and still prayed for another one. You can read of her in 2 Kings' fourth chapter.

Thousands of year later, two aged women spoke her words, too. It is well, in our lives and in our souls no matter how much of a turmoil resides in our world. God has provided for us, as promised:

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

We spoke of how God's word provides comfort in difficult times, as promised:

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV)

We shared how people spoke of God's love, sharing His love and desire for mankind:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

And that it is by His mercy we are His through that belief:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

We are not God's slaves, we are His children, joint heirs with Christ:

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:15-16 KJV)

The two of us may not meet again. We don't live in the same county, we just happen to shop in one store, meeting for a few short moments. However, we also shared the joy that we will meet again and have eternity to chat with people who brought God's word to us - think how many that would be, including a Shunnamite woman and a man of God who responded to her prayers. 

May God respond to yours as you seek to know more about Him.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6 KJV)

From 2009

I stumbled across this old blog from 2009 - it didn't have a graphic so I did a screen shot of this 7/23/2022 @ 11:16 am strictly because of the first verse below and the current heat wave - where we are sitting under 89. Since the biblical message never changes, it is a small reminder that if we do certain things, God gives His response:

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; (2 Chronicles 7:13 KJV) 

 He can, you know, and has done so. Examples abound where God says “If” and explains the “Then”. The next verse in Chronicles, is a favorite and comes with a tremendous promise: 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV) 

Such is the gospel message: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; (Ephesians 1:7-8 KJV) 

 This is what Christ sent His followers to do: 

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. (Luke 9:2, 6 KJV) 

If the message is received, then …? If it is not? 

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. (Luke 9:4-5 KJV) 

Again, when He sent the seventy, the instructions were similar: 

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. (Luke 10:6, 10-11 KJV) 

If, however, His message is rejected, then shall come a terrible result: 

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. (Luke 10:12 KJV)

I'll add one more, almost everyone knows this anyway, but it's always a good reminder:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18 KJV)

An awesome promise. Paul wrote what I think about this gift:

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV)

May God be with you as you read His word.

Forgiveness

 

“It’s a strange word, forgiveness,” he said. “I never really understood it until I studied Greek at the seminary. The Greek word in the Bible—aphiemi—means ‘to set free.’ When I heard that, I suddenly grasped what it was all about: forgiving is about freedom. It’s not just about pardoning the wrongdoer—it’s about releasing yourself from the power of what they did to you. Forgiving someone sets you free.”

That's a quote from "A Feather on the Water" by Lindsay Jayne Ashford. I finished the book this week, but this isn't a review of the book.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34 KJV)

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36 KJV)

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (Luke 11:4 KJV)

How do you forgive Dachau? Belsen Bergen? Ravensbrook? 

After we moved to Oklahoma in 1951, I ran across a black and white, glossy paper book, about 5"x7" that was nothing but photographs from concentration camps. The photo that first comes to mind is taken from a wall of an unnamed concentration camp overlooking a wide open flagstone area that women and children are running across. They were all running toward another building, all unclothed, women trying to cover themselves with their hands. 

They thought tthey were running toward showers. That was the reason given them to make them take off their clothes, but it was a lie. Every woman, every child, in that photograph taken by a German guard, would die in a room filled with zyklon B, the gas used at Dachau.

How does an individual forgive such atrocities? Corrie ten Boom told us in her book "The Hiding Place," and she showed us when she met a guard from Belsen Bergen. We forgive as we are forgiven. That frees us in such a way that we can actually pray for the soul of the person who did such terrible wrongs that are laid out in God's word, our Bible, and told to us by God's Word, His Son.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2 KJV)

Strong's G863 is ἀφίημι which is used 147 times in 133 verses in the New Testament (KJV) but not always as "forgive":

ἀφίημι aphíēmi, af-ee'-ay-mee; from G575 and ἵημι híēmi (to send; an intensive form of εἶμι eîmi, to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow):—cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.

When we forgive, we must send the hatred and fear away, forsake it, lay it aside, leave it alone, yield it up - mustn't we? Or we carry it with us. Absolutely appropriate actions when we forgive.

Isn't that what God gives us when we ask for His forgiveness? He accepts us as His children, joint heirs with His son:

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:15-16 KJV)

That is true, even if we find being His child causes differences at the least, suffering at the most:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17 KJV)

Never forget these verses were written by a former Pharisee, a Jew who believed his God, but neglected Him until he was searched out and questioned. The answer to that question changed Saul into Paul - how much can it change each one of us when we answer it:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (Acts 9:4 KJV)

Again, from "A Feather on the Water":

“You would forgive them?” 

"I would.” 

"How? Why?” 

“Because if I didn’t, I would be the worst kind of hypocrite. I believe in a God who, twice a day, washes all the sands on all the shores of all the world. He makes every mark disappear—from the gaping hole dug by a spade to the footprints left by a gull.”

Religious? Or Faith In Christ?

I read a recent Fox News article regarding statements made by Chris Pratt and I, too, do not think I am a “religious” person. The article states: "Over the years, the actor has faced criticism for being associated with religion." It is a pattern of attack when non-believers have doctrinal issues with religious organizations. In this instances, Pratt is accused of associating with a church questioning the LGBT+ basic beliefs. By such an association, he faces cancel-culture - which can kill careers.

There are people who use “religious” as a description when they really are describing a person of faith, not a person who is virtue signaling. 

When a person of faith relies on scripture, some use the “Bible thumper” pejorative to deny the value of scripture. There are church leaders who deny the importance of scripture even to the point of replacing it with current social value. 

What I am is a person of faith. I have faith in a number of things. Some apply to earthly things - such as my husband. I had faith in him when we married and promised each other to be faithful until death does us part. Now, sixty-one years later, I have the knowledge my faith was not misplaced. There is a story about our meeting, for another blog.

That is only one instance that affirms that faith is what operates within a person who is a follower of Jesus, Christ, Son of God, Savior, and multiple other factual titles.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

Now there's the description of Christians - a follower of Christ, as defined in:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26 KJV)

Jesus taught his disciples, the disciples taught others, and the process has continued for over two thousand years. Along the way there were arguments. At this point, I think the majority of denominations still believe belief in Jesus remains a necessity:

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:30-31 KJV)

May I remind you again - don't stop at reading these singular verses I post. Ephesians 2:8 should definitely be read in context. The verse following explains why virtue signaling isn't a part of salvation at all. Oh, there needs to be works (again - read this in context):

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:17 KJV)

If you have a digital Bible, search with the two word "faith" and "work" with "search for all the words" selected.  With e-Sword you will find 15 specific verses, all in the New Testament. Disciples James and John wrote about it, along with Apostle Paul. I find Paul's verse here to explain a good deal why he changed from following Jewish Law as opposed to believing Christ in faith:

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; (Romans 9:32 KJV)

All of this says the focus should be on Christ, even when we are accused of being against what is socially and even legally acceptable today. There are boundaries within love. Here are two examples I use often:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV)

Now take a look at 1 Corinthians 13 - the chapter defining what love is, and isn't. Start this time with:

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (1 Corinthians 13:6 KJV)

Just as doctors are promising to "do no harm," love cannot support iniquity, Greek ἀδικία defined by Strong's as: 

(legal) injustice (properly the quality, by implication the act); moral wrongfulness (of character, life or act): - iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.

It does not stop with legal injustice, though removing injustice is a human necessity to protect other humans. It includes moral wrongfulness as well as a person's character. Often we speak of getting to the heart of a matter, for thousands of years actually, since David made a specific request of God when he recognized his sinfulness:

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:9-10 KJV)

That's what the Bible offers. God remains the same - even today. Please do not cancel Him by ignoring Him and His word. Follow some good advice that takes a good dose of faith:

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6 KJV)