TexasBred
Well-known member
This is what we Catholics refer to as "Works". Nothing more than living the faith you proclaim with your mouth.
This week in Christian History
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This is what we Catholics refer to as "Works". Nothing more than living the faith you proclaim with your mouth.
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
Of kings and queens, monks and missionaries, intercession and intrigue, ministers and musicians, Confessions and crusades . . .
"March 28, 1937: Billy Graham gets his first opportunity to preach when his teacher John Minder unexpectedly assigns him the Easter evening sermon. Graham tried to get out of it, saying he was unprepared, but Minder persisted. Desperately nervous, Graham raced through four memorized sermons, originally 45 minutes each, in eight minutes (see issue 65: The Ten Most Influential Christians of the Twentieth Century)."
Wow, Billy Graham always did know how to cut to the chase! He is an example of a preacher who could present the Gospel message in clear, simple and compelling language - as it should be! What is more simple than the words of Jesus in John 3:16 -
"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life." (MSG)
Through all the meanderings and machinations of broken humanity, the Living Word proceeds and maintains a witness to our Almighty God.
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among vs (& we beheld his glory, the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father) full of grace and trueth." John 1:14 (1611 King James Bible)
King James' original 1611 translation makes for some rather stiff reading! To read John 3 in the 1611 King James Bible, here is a link -
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1611-Bible/book.php?book=John&chapter=3&verse=16
Of kings and queens, monks and missionaries, intercession and intrigue, ministers and musicians, Confessions and crusades . . .
"March 28, 1937: Billy Graham gets his first opportunity to preach when his teacher John Minder unexpectedly assigns him the Easter evening sermon. Graham tried to get out of it, saying he was unprepared, but Minder persisted. Desperately nervous, Graham raced through four memorized sermons, originally 45 minutes each, in eight minutes (see issue 65: The Ten Most Influential Christians of the Twentieth Century)."
Wow, Billy Graham always did know how to cut to the chase! He is an example of a preacher who could present the Gospel message in clear, simple and compelling language - as it should be! What is more simple than the words of Jesus in John 3:16 -
"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life." (MSG)
Through all the meanderings and machinations of broken humanity, the Living Word proceeds and maintains a witness to our Almighty God.
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among vs (& we beheld his glory, the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father) full of grace and trueth." John 1:14 (1611 King James Bible)
King James' original 1611 translation makes for some rather stiff reading! To read John 3 in the 1611 King James Bible, here is a link -
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1611-Bible/book.php?book=John&chapter=3&verse=16
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
"April 1, 1548: Parliament orders the publication of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Though Thomas Cranmer is rightly credited with the final form of the BCP, he worked with a committee of scholars..." (it was actually in 1549)
In 1533, King Henry VIII appointed Thomas Cranmer to the position of Archbishop of Canterbury in order to facilitate Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon, a favor which the Pope would not grant because of its delicate political implications. Thus, through Cranmer, Henry received his divorce and then married the next of his six wives. However, only one of them produced the son he so strongly desired, and even that son, Edward VI, died at the age of 16, leaving him no male successors. So, his daughter, Mary Tudor - oh wait - that's that's another story . . .
However questionable the nature of some of the actions he was called upon to perform, Thomas Cranmer's faith showed expression in a tremendous ability with written words preserved for our benefit (and now in many languages!). Among other writings, he was largely instrumental in writing the above mentioned Book of Common Prayer.
Many of us may not know that we have used some of Cranmer's still- familiar words during one of the most important events of our lives -
"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health till death us do part."
Rather ironic that Cranmer penned those words in view of the fact that he gained his office for the purpose of granting Henry VIII his divorce . . .
An eloquent sample from the BCP shows its relevance for today -
"We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done. And we have done those things which we ought not to have done. And there is no health in us. (General Confession)"
Are there any in history who "got it all right"? Are there any of us today who never fail at some point (or many!) in our lives?
I don't think so. What it shows is that "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." (Romans 3:23, NLT)
That irrefutable fact would condemn all of us to eternal doom if it were not for the great grace of God! There is no need for any to miss out on God's amazing grace - it's free for all who repent, confess and accept it!
Or this from Cranmer-
"Almighty and everlasting God, which hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that be penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ."
So if you like, click on the link and enjoy "Grace that is Greater Than all our Sin"!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8OPU-Beroc&list=UUvf6Fn7eTig6ME53ss6JbyA&index=7&feature=plcp
"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?"
For more on this man read here -
http://www.trinitycranford.org/?page_id=3876
"April 1, 1548: Parliament orders the publication of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Though Thomas Cranmer is rightly credited with the final form of the BCP, he worked with a committee of scholars..." (it was actually in 1549)
In 1533, King Henry VIII appointed Thomas Cranmer to the position of Archbishop of Canterbury in order to facilitate Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon, a favor which the Pope would not grant because of its delicate political implications. Thus, through Cranmer, Henry received his divorce and then married the next of his six wives. However, only one of them produced the son he so strongly desired, and even that son, Edward VI, died at the age of 16, leaving him no male successors. So, his daughter, Mary Tudor - oh wait - that's that's another story . . .
However questionable the nature of some of the actions he was called upon to perform, Thomas Cranmer's faith showed expression in a tremendous ability with written words preserved for our benefit (and now in many languages!). Among other writings, he was largely instrumental in writing the above mentioned Book of Common Prayer.
Many of us may not know that we have used some of Cranmer's still- familiar words during one of the most important events of our lives -
"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health till death us do part."
Rather ironic that Cranmer penned those words in view of the fact that he gained his office for the purpose of granting Henry VIII his divorce . . .
An eloquent sample from the BCP shows its relevance for today -
"We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done. And we have done those things which we ought not to have done. And there is no health in us. (General Confession)"
Are there any in history who "got it all right"? Are there any of us today who never fail at some point (or many!) in our lives?
I don't think so. What it shows is that "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." (Romans 3:23, NLT)
That irrefutable fact would condemn all of us to eternal doom if it were not for the great grace of God! There is no need for any to miss out on God's amazing grace - it's free for all who repent, confess and accept it!
Or this from Cranmer-
"Almighty and everlasting God, which hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that be penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ."
So if you like, click on the link and enjoy "Grace that is Greater Than all our Sin"!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8OPU-Beroc&list=UUvf6Fn7eTig6ME53ss6JbyA&index=7&feature=plcp
"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?"
For more on this man read here -
http://www.trinitycranford.org/?page_id=3876
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
The Lord is risen!
The Resurrection - Luke 24: 1- 12, NASB.
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? "He is not here, but He has risen.
Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them.
But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Rw5UYbf8c&feature=related
The Lord is risen!
The Resurrection - Luke 24: 1- 12, NASB.
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? "He is not here, but He has risen.
Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them.
But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Rw5UYbf8c&feature=related
burnt
Well-known member
Hey they took the song down from the link I had put up and I can't even remember what the song was! Can anybody remember what it was?
Oh well, here's another Resurrection song -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOyrgrpYiJU
Oh well, here's another Resurrection song -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOyrgrpYiJU
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
"April 15, 1729: Johann Bach conducts the first and only performance of St. Matthew Passion during his lifetime at a Good Friday Vespers service in Leipzig, Germany . . ."
For classical music lovers, you will find a rendition of the final Chorus of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" here -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-miQ6_FTtN0
So, you are occasionally faced with questions about your contribution to the faith, maybe thinking it really isn't that important? Look at the effect of a single Sunday School teacher -
"April 21, 1855: Edward Kimball, a Sunday school teacher in Boston, leads 18-year-old shoe salesman Dwight L. Moody to Christ at the Holton Shoe Store. Moody went on to become the most successful evangelist of his day (see issue 25: D.L. Moody)."
As the link below shows, it was because Kimball faithfully did what he was called to do that many others eventually heard the good news that the salvation of Jesus Christ is for each one of us personally. Moody -> Meyer -> Chapman -> Billy Sunday -> Billy Graham -> . . . through the faithful service of a Sunday School teacher, millions eventually came to faith in Jesus Christ!
Some others have called this effect "spiritual dominoes". We might think we don't make much difference, but then we cannot see the big picture and how the Heavenly Father uses the work we do. So just go scatter the seed!
"Listen. What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it. Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams."
"Are you listening to this? Really listening?" (Mark 4:3-9. The MSG.)
Not Bach this time but a group from So-Cal - this is SO cool! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf_5fiwu0SA
http://uponthesolidrock.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/edward-kimball-the-legacy-of-a-sunday-school-teacher/
"April 15, 1729: Johann Bach conducts the first and only performance of St. Matthew Passion during his lifetime at a Good Friday Vespers service in Leipzig, Germany . . ."
For classical music lovers, you will find a rendition of the final Chorus of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" here -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-miQ6_FTtN0
So, you are occasionally faced with questions about your contribution to the faith, maybe thinking it really isn't that important? Look at the effect of a single Sunday School teacher -
"April 21, 1855: Edward Kimball, a Sunday school teacher in Boston, leads 18-year-old shoe salesman Dwight L. Moody to Christ at the Holton Shoe Store. Moody went on to become the most successful evangelist of his day (see issue 25: D.L. Moody)."
As the link below shows, it was because Kimball faithfully did what he was called to do that many others eventually heard the good news that the salvation of Jesus Christ is for each one of us personally. Moody -> Meyer -> Chapman -> Billy Sunday -> Billy Graham -> . . . through the faithful service of a Sunday School teacher, millions eventually came to faith in Jesus Christ!
Some others have called this effect "spiritual dominoes". We might think we don't make much difference, but then we cannot see the big picture and how the Heavenly Father uses the work we do. So just go scatter the seed!
"Listen. What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it. Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams."
"Are you listening to this? Really listening?" (Mark 4:3-9. The MSG.)
Not Bach this time but a group from So-Cal - this is SO cool! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf_5fiwu0SA
http://uponthesolidrock.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/edward-kimball-the-legacy-of-a-sunday-school-teacher/
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
"April 26, 1992: Worshipers celebrate the first Russian Orthodox Easter in Moscow in 74 years."
We cannot imagine what this meant to people of faith in Russia following the collapse of the repressive Communist regime. How often do we think about the freedom we enjoy to worship as our conscience leads us? While no one can stop true worship, it is an immense privilege to be able to gather freely with other like-minded believers, from time to time, and join in corporate worship of our risen Lord and Savior.
Communism was brutally cruel toward those of the Christian faith, but failed in its attempt to stamp it out. Because the God of all Creation will not be threatened by mere humanity. He lives and reigns forever!
While there remain, and always will remain, differences of opinion on how we should properly worship God, the survival of the faith and practice of the Russian Orthodox Church stands as a symbol of the absolute invincibility of the power of the Word of God.
"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8, NASB)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of9hY6Az2jo&feature=relmfu
"April 26, 1992: Worshipers celebrate the first Russian Orthodox Easter in Moscow in 74 years."
We cannot imagine what this meant to people of faith in Russia following the collapse of the repressive Communist regime. How often do we think about the freedom we enjoy to worship as our conscience leads us? While no one can stop true worship, it is an immense privilege to be able to gather freely with other like-minded believers, from time to time, and join in corporate worship of our risen Lord and Savior.
Communism was brutally cruel toward those of the Christian faith, but failed in its attempt to stamp it out. Because the God of all Creation will not be threatened by mere humanity. He lives and reigns forever!
While there remain, and always will remain, differences of opinion on how we should properly worship God, the survival of the faith and practice of the Russian Orthodox Church stands as a symbol of the absolute invincibility of the power of the Word of God.
"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8, NASB)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of9hY6Az2jo&feature=relmfu
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
"April 29, 1607: English settlers establish the first Anglican church in the American colonies at Cape Henry, Virginia."
What kind of a "church" do you imagine when you read the above excerpt - a simple wooden-sided structure like the "Little Church in the Wildwood", or a magnificent, spire-topped cathedral such as we see today?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R3LDJc7O8Q
Well, it was nothing of the sort! The first Anglican church in the New World was nothing more than a mere wooden plank for an alter, nailed between two trees under the cover of a piece of sailcloth. From there the service was conducted, marking the meeting of believers with each other and God.
Such an occasion is reminiscent of the words of Jesus when he said to the Samaritan woman at the well - " "Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem...Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4: 21, 23, 24, NIV)
Those who want to engage in genuine worship of God will be able to do that whether they are surrounded by trees or the trappings of the greatest cathedral ever built. For it is not the building of our hands, but the bending of our hearts combined with the drawing of his Spirit that makes worship possible and meaningful!
More permanent structures followed this original meeting in the forest, but the object of their worship remains unchanged and eternal - it's all about Jesus!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeAwBmb_x28
Of course we know that such freedom of worship as we enjoy today was not always possible for Christians -
"April 30, 304: The last and most punishing anti-Christian edict during Roman Emperor Diocletian's reign is published. The ensuing carnage was so horrific that it was said even the coliseum lions got tired..."
Eventually, the Roman emperor let up on his bloody rampage against Christians, but not before thousands upon thousands of people died simply for confessing that Christ was their Lord and Savior.
They were burned as human torches, killed by gladiators, torn apart by lions and wracked on machines in the arena for the entertainment of the bloodthirsty Roman masses - enduring suffering beyond imagination - but would not deny the name of Jesus.
Because when one has met Jesus and accepted what He did on the Cross, there is no going back from it, any more than you or I could deny the existence of someone that we have personally met and visited with.
May you meet with Him where ever you are today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZkVjbt7pbI&feature=related
"April 29, 1607: English settlers establish the first Anglican church in the American colonies at Cape Henry, Virginia."
What kind of a "church" do you imagine when you read the above excerpt - a simple wooden-sided structure like the "Little Church in the Wildwood", or a magnificent, spire-topped cathedral such as we see today?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R3LDJc7O8Q
Well, it was nothing of the sort! The first Anglican church in the New World was nothing more than a mere wooden plank for an alter, nailed between two trees under the cover of a piece of sailcloth. From there the service was conducted, marking the meeting of believers with each other and God.
Such an occasion is reminiscent of the words of Jesus when he said to the Samaritan woman at the well - " "Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem...Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4: 21, 23, 24, NIV)
Those who want to engage in genuine worship of God will be able to do that whether they are surrounded by trees or the trappings of the greatest cathedral ever built. For it is not the building of our hands, but the bending of our hearts combined with the drawing of his Spirit that makes worship possible and meaningful!
More permanent structures followed this original meeting in the forest, but the object of their worship remains unchanged and eternal - it's all about Jesus!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeAwBmb_x28
Of course we know that such freedom of worship as we enjoy today was not always possible for Christians -
"April 30, 304: The last and most punishing anti-Christian edict during Roman Emperor Diocletian's reign is published. The ensuing carnage was so horrific that it was said even the coliseum lions got tired..."
Eventually, the Roman emperor let up on his bloody rampage against Christians, but not before thousands upon thousands of people died simply for confessing that Christ was their Lord and Savior.
They were burned as human torches, killed by gladiators, torn apart by lions and wracked on machines in the arena for the entertainment of the bloodthirsty Roman masses - enduring suffering beyond imagination - but would not deny the name of Jesus.
Because when one has met Jesus and accepted what He did on the Cross, there is no going back from it, any more than you or I could deny the existence of someone that we have personally met and visited with.
May you meet with Him where ever you are today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZkVjbt7pbI&feature=related
TexasBred
Well-known member
King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
burnt
Well-known member
Well now TexasBred, you point out an issue that I surely didn't intend to raise and will acknowledge as being very poorly stated. To me, the act of denying what I know of Jesus Christ, and what he did for me is unimaginable - which is not the same as saying that it cannot happen.
We do know that there were some who denied (as some may do today) the name of Jesus to preserve their own lives. Some of those later expressed deep remorse for their denial and wanted to be received back into fellowship, causing a deep dilemma for the leadership of the church.
Of course, in reflecting on what I wrote, it is inevitable that there would be disagreement from those of one persuasion. And by leaving it unchanged, it will be unacceptable to those of the other mindset.
I have zero interest in participating in any debate on the matter, since such issues are usually so polarized that there is no agreement on them!
I will simply ask if there is anything more needful than to stay in constant communion and obedience to the calling that we have received from the Lord Jesus Christ. He repeatedly instructed his disciples to "watch" for his return and "be ready".
God alone is the final, just judge before whom we will all stand.
We do know that there were some who denied (as some may do today) the name of Jesus to preserve their own lives. Some of those later expressed deep remorse for their denial and wanted to be received back into fellowship, causing a deep dilemma for the leadership of the church.
Of course, in reflecting on what I wrote, it is inevitable that there would be disagreement from those of one persuasion. And by leaving it unchanged, it will be unacceptable to those of the other mindset.
I have zero interest in participating in any debate on the matter, since such issues are usually so polarized that there is no agreement on them!
I will simply ask if there is anything more needful than to stay in constant communion and obedience to the calling that we have received from the Lord Jesus Christ. He repeatedly instructed his disciples to "watch" for his return and "be ready".
God alone is the final, just judge before whom we will all stand.
TexasBred
Well-known member
Not seeking debate Burnt. You interject your feelings into the post and I simply added another view from scripture and the scripture I posted says nothing about turning back to Christ. Only about coming to know him and then turning away.
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
"May 6, 1527: An army of barbarians who had been sent—but were no longer controlled—by Emperor Charles V sacks Rome. Many Protestants interpreted the attack as a divine rebuke, and some Catholics agreed: "We who should have been the salt of the earth decayed until we were good for nothing," wrote Cardinal Cajetan, Luther's adversary. "Everyone is convinced that all this has happened as a judgment of God on the great tyranny and disorders of the papal court."
What a nasty surprise at breakfast if we were to turn the salt shaker over our fried eggs only to discover after the first bite that it was full of white sand! We would lose no time in dumping both our breakfast plate and the salt shaker out, would we.
Yet Jesus said that when we, as his followers, lose our "saltiness", meaning our positive, preserving effect in the world, all that is left for us is to be thrown out as something worthless.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to his hearers - "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." (Matthew 5:13, NLT)
God wants his followers to present his message of grace and salvation in a clear, unadulterated voice. But when our personal interests, sin and selfishness get in the way, the value of his message is diluted and lost and we are no longer of value to him.
In light of that, how important is it to have a clear conscience and pure motives guiding us? The reward is an enriched life for us and those around us.
The alternative is not that good . . .
"Search me, oh God!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usv_knN7ESg&feature=related
"May 6, 1527: An army of barbarians who had been sent—but were no longer controlled—by Emperor Charles V sacks Rome. Many Protestants interpreted the attack as a divine rebuke, and some Catholics agreed: "We who should have been the salt of the earth decayed until we were good for nothing," wrote Cardinal Cajetan, Luther's adversary. "Everyone is convinced that all this has happened as a judgment of God on the great tyranny and disorders of the papal court."
What a nasty surprise at breakfast if we were to turn the salt shaker over our fried eggs only to discover after the first bite that it was full of white sand! We would lose no time in dumping both our breakfast plate and the salt shaker out, would we.
Yet Jesus said that when we, as his followers, lose our "saltiness", meaning our positive, preserving effect in the world, all that is left for us is to be thrown out as something worthless.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said to his hearers - "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." (Matthew 5:13, NLT)
God wants his followers to present his message of grace and salvation in a clear, unadulterated voice. But when our personal interests, sin and selfishness get in the way, the value of his message is diluted and lost and we are no longer of value to him.
In light of that, how important is it to have a clear conscience and pure motives guiding us? The reward is an enriched life for us and those around us.
The alternative is not that good . . .
"Search me, oh God!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usv_knN7ESg&feature=related
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
"May 18, 1834: Sheldon Jackson, Presbyterian missionary to the frontier West and Alaska, is born in Minaville, New York. Jackson's reputation for ministering to the spiritual, physical, and social needs of both natives and settlers earned him the nicknames "Bishop of All Beyond" and "Apostle to Alaska" (see issue 66: How the West Was Really Won)."
Another interesting figure in the development of the New World, Sheldon Jackson left a great imprint on the future of the north's indigenous people.
Although Jackson worked to preserve the culture of the native populations in the expanding American holdings, he also took the Protestant "acculturation" approach rather than the Orthodox "accommodation" initiative toward the natives.
Jackson's method, common among most European efforts, was exemplified by attempts to eliminate their traditional languages and practices, which we now know to have led to less than positive outcomes.
Yet, he saw each human as someone of value, regardless of their ethnicity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5PfoR3WNik&feature=relmfu (I really took a liking to this album!
)
http://www.alaskool.org/native_ed/articles/s_haycox/sheldon_jackson.htm
And if you enjoy reading a properly written sentence, you can thank this gentleman -
"May 19, 804: Alcuin of York, an English scholar who became an adviser to Charlemagne and the most prominent figure in the Carolingian Renaissance (the rebirth of classical learning under Charlemagne), dies. He also devised a handwriting system using both small and capital letters for easier reading."
"May 18, 1834: Sheldon Jackson, Presbyterian missionary to the frontier West and Alaska, is born in Minaville, New York. Jackson's reputation for ministering to the spiritual, physical, and social needs of both natives and settlers earned him the nicknames "Bishop of All Beyond" and "Apostle to Alaska" (see issue 66: How the West Was Really Won)."
Another interesting figure in the development of the New World, Sheldon Jackson left a great imprint on the future of the north's indigenous people.
Although Jackson worked to preserve the culture of the native populations in the expanding American holdings, he also took the Protestant "acculturation" approach rather than the Orthodox "accommodation" initiative toward the natives.
Jackson's method, common among most European efforts, was exemplified by attempts to eliminate their traditional languages and practices, which we now know to have led to less than positive outcomes.
Yet, he saw each human as someone of value, regardless of their ethnicity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5PfoR3WNik&feature=relmfu (I really took a liking to this album!
)http://www.alaskool.org/native_ed/articles/s_haycox/sheldon_jackson.htm
And if you enjoy reading a properly written sentence, you can thank this gentleman -
"May 19, 804: Alcuin of York, an English scholar who became an adviser to Charlemagne and the most prominent figure in the Carolingian Renaissance (the rebirth of classical learning under Charlemagne), dies. He also devised a handwriting system using both small and capital letters for easier reading."
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
506 years ago today a famous explorer embarks on his final journey -
"May 20, 1506: Christopher Columbus, who saw himself as a missionary, not just an explorer, dies impoverished in Spain at age 55. "I hope in our Lord that it will be the greatest honor to Christianity that, unexpectedly, has ever come about," he concluded in the log of his first voyage to the Americas..."
485 years ago tomorrow another man's life, and his wife's shortly thereafter, is taken because of their faith -
"May 21, 1527: Anabaptist minister Michael Sattler, a former Benedictine monk who left the monastery and married after reading Paul's letters, is tortured and killed in Rottenburg, Germany. His wife was drowned eight Days later..."
Sattler endured vicious torture at the hands of the authorities yet would not waver from the truth as he had learned and shared it from Scripture. Such accounts cause me to wonder how well we know the Scripture, and then to what extent we would endure unjust suffering on account of what we believe.
His dying prayer was thus recorded - "Almighty, eternal God, thou art the way and the truth; because I have not been shown to be in error, I will with thy help on this day testify to the truth and seel it with my blood. Father, I commend my spirit into thy hands."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1O7iy_yUpU
http://www.anabaptists.org/history/michael-sattler.html#mirror
Yet, as later events would show, some "radical reformers" died for unworthy causes -
"May 25, 1535: After holding Munster under siege for over a year, the army of the city's Roman Catholic bishop breaks in, capturing and killing the radical Anabaptists who had taken control...Matthys and his followers became increasingly despotic and maniacal, enjoying excesses while the people starved..."
Our lands could again benefit from such an initiative -
"May 25, 1824: The SunDay and Adult SunDay School Union in Philadelphia establishes the American SunDay School Union. It purposed to use SunDay schools as a means to instill Christian and democratic values "wherever there is a population." In 1970 it changed its name to the American Missionary Society."
But in any case, it is up to each believer to exemplify Christ in our lives each day and thus be a witness to his life in us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVQmUo3QTYI
506 years ago today a famous explorer embarks on his final journey -
"May 20, 1506: Christopher Columbus, who saw himself as a missionary, not just an explorer, dies impoverished in Spain at age 55. "I hope in our Lord that it will be the greatest honor to Christianity that, unexpectedly, has ever come about," he concluded in the log of his first voyage to the Americas..."
485 years ago tomorrow another man's life, and his wife's shortly thereafter, is taken because of their faith -
"May 21, 1527: Anabaptist minister Michael Sattler, a former Benedictine monk who left the monastery and married after reading Paul's letters, is tortured and killed in Rottenburg, Germany. His wife was drowned eight Days later..."
Sattler endured vicious torture at the hands of the authorities yet would not waver from the truth as he had learned and shared it from Scripture. Such accounts cause me to wonder how well we know the Scripture, and then to what extent we would endure unjust suffering on account of what we believe.
His dying prayer was thus recorded - "Almighty, eternal God, thou art the way and the truth; because I have not been shown to be in error, I will with thy help on this day testify to the truth and seel it with my blood. Father, I commend my spirit into thy hands."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1O7iy_yUpU
http://www.anabaptists.org/history/michael-sattler.html#mirror
Yet, as later events would show, some "radical reformers" died for unworthy causes -
"May 25, 1535: After holding Munster under siege for over a year, the army of the city's Roman Catholic bishop breaks in, capturing and killing the radical Anabaptists who had taken control...Matthys and his followers became increasingly despotic and maniacal, enjoying excesses while the people starved..."
Our lands could again benefit from such an initiative -
"May 25, 1824: The SunDay and Adult SunDay School Union in Philadelphia establishes the American SunDay School Union. It purposed to use SunDay schools as a means to instill Christian and democratic values "wherever there is a population." In 1970 it changed its name to the American Missionary Society."
But in any case, it is up to each believer to exemplify Christ in our lives each day and thus be a witness to his life in us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVQmUo3QTYI
burnt
Well-known member
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/thisweekinchristianhistory/
"May 28, 1954: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a bill adding the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance."
Is the next excerpt an example of what happens when we are not a nation "...under God.", allowing His Word to inform our lives?
"May 29, 1453: Constantinople, capital of Eastern Christianity since Constantine founded it in 324, falls to the Turks under Muhammad II, ending the Byzantine Empire. Muslims rename the city Istanbul and turn its lavish cathedral, Hagia Sophia, into a mosque (see issue 74: Christians & Muslims)."
The Byzantine Empire, which was comprised of the eastern half of the Roman Empire, stood from 1025 to 1453 - a span of over 400 years! It's capital, Constantinople, was situated as an important bridge between Western Asia Minor and Eastern Europe, resulting in immense benefit from all trade between those regions.
That trade would include the exchange of things of a material, intellectual and cultural nature, a genuine melding pot of the world's peoples.
Therefore, Constantinople was highly instrumental in the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as traders and travelers from all across Asia and Europe met within this great, wealthy city and heard the Good News.
However, with the passage of the centuries, the Nobles of the Empire became wealthy by oppression of the peasants (stealing their land and trampling their limited civil rights) and there was also an erosion of spiritual values within the Church, a combination of events that led to the decline and fall of the once-powerful Byzantine Empire.
The Muslim hordes swept in from the deserts of Arabia and overthrew the "Christianized" empire, replacing it with the false religion of Islam.
http://www.flowofhistory.com/units/birth/5/FC45
Islam, it should be noted, has its roots in the offspring of Ishmael, Abraham's "illegitimate" son who was born as a result of Abe impatiently trying to hurry along God's promise of a son. Therefore in the minds of many, Islam represents what happens when we do things, even good things, our way instead of God's way. It never brings good results.
How does a nation, or an empire, crumble? Do we wake up one day and suddenly find that everything around us has fallen apart, financially, morally, and spiritually?
Usually not. Because although a nation may appear to be a monolithic structure, we all know that it is comprised of millions of individuals whose long-term, collective actions form the whole. So when we witness the disintegration of a nation, what we are really seeing is the cumulative outcome of millions of poor choices, decisions that run contrary to the Word, the Life that we long ago received through inspiration of the Bible writers and more recently, through the Son of God.
"The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish. " (John 1:14, The MESSAGE)
In light of that understanding, how seriously should we take that Word that has been left for our instruction, guiding our actions? How well do we use the freedom that we still enjoy in our western nations? It is indisputable that if our nations (read: ALL of US, as a collective of individuals) return to being "one nation under God", we can continue to enjoy the blessing of the freedom which accompanies such living. Because God honors those who honor his name, the key being "honoring His name".
Otherwise, well, just see the history lesson for today!
"Eternal Father, you are above all. Turn our hearts back to worshiping you, and restore your glory in our lives and in our lands. Through Christ, Amen"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQceYLvCuW0&feature=relmfu
"June 1, 1843: Isabella Baumfree, having received a vision of God telling her to "travel up an' down the land showin' the people their sins an' bein' a sign unto them," leaves New York and changes her name to Sojourner Truth. She became one of the most famous abolitionists and women's rights lecturers in American history (see issue 62: Bound for Canaan)."
"June 2, 597: Augustine, missionary to England and first archbishop of Canterbury, baptizes Saxon king Ethelbert, the first Christian English king. The missionary's tomb in Canterbury bears this epitaph: "Here rests Augustine, first archbishop of Canterbury, who being sent hither by Gregory, bishop of Rome, reduced King Ethelbert and his nation from the worship of idols to the faith of Christ" (see the article on Bede in issue 72: How We Got Our History)."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_wJtQfYddc&feature=fvwrel
"May 28, 1954: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a bill adding the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance."
Is the next excerpt an example of what happens when we are not a nation "...under God.", allowing His Word to inform our lives?
"May 29, 1453: Constantinople, capital of Eastern Christianity since Constantine founded it in 324, falls to the Turks under Muhammad II, ending the Byzantine Empire. Muslims rename the city Istanbul and turn its lavish cathedral, Hagia Sophia, into a mosque (see issue 74: Christians & Muslims)."
The Byzantine Empire, which was comprised of the eastern half of the Roman Empire, stood from 1025 to 1453 - a span of over 400 years! It's capital, Constantinople, was situated as an important bridge between Western Asia Minor and Eastern Europe, resulting in immense benefit from all trade between those regions.
That trade would include the exchange of things of a material, intellectual and cultural nature, a genuine melding pot of the world's peoples.
Therefore, Constantinople was highly instrumental in the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as traders and travelers from all across Asia and Europe met within this great, wealthy city and heard the Good News.
However, with the passage of the centuries, the Nobles of the Empire became wealthy by oppression of the peasants (stealing their land and trampling their limited civil rights) and there was also an erosion of spiritual values within the Church, a combination of events that led to the decline and fall of the once-powerful Byzantine Empire.
The Muslim hordes swept in from the deserts of Arabia and overthrew the "Christianized" empire, replacing it with the false religion of Islam.
http://www.flowofhistory.com/units/birth/5/FC45
Islam, it should be noted, has its roots in the offspring of Ishmael, Abraham's "illegitimate" son who was born as a result of Abe impatiently trying to hurry along God's promise of a son. Therefore in the minds of many, Islam represents what happens when we do things, even good things, our way instead of God's way. It never brings good results.
How does a nation, or an empire, crumble? Do we wake up one day and suddenly find that everything around us has fallen apart, financially, morally, and spiritually?
Usually not. Because although a nation may appear to be a monolithic structure, we all know that it is comprised of millions of individuals whose long-term, collective actions form the whole. So when we witness the disintegration of a nation, what we are really seeing is the cumulative outcome of millions of poor choices, decisions that run contrary to the Word, the Life that we long ago received through inspiration of the Bible writers and more recently, through the Son of God.
"The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish. " (John 1:14, The MESSAGE)
In light of that understanding, how seriously should we take that Word that has been left for our instruction, guiding our actions? How well do we use the freedom that we still enjoy in our western nations? It is indisputable that if our nations (read: ALL of US, as a collective of individuals) return to being "one nation under God", we can continue to enjoy the blessing of the freedom which accompanies such living. Because God honors those who honor his name, the key being "honoring His name".
Otherwise, well, just see the history lesson for today!
"Eternal Father, you are above all. Turn our hearts back to worshiping you, and restore your glory in our lives and in our lands. Through Christ, Amen"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQceYLvCuW0&feature=relmfu
"June 1, 1843: Isabella Baumfree, having received a vision of God telling her to "travel up an' down the land showin' the people their sins an' bein' a sign unto them," leaves New York and changes her name to Sojourner Truth. She became one of the most famous abolitionists and women's rights lecturers in American history (see issue 62: Bound for Canaan)."
"June 2, 597: Augustine, missionary to England and first archbishop of Canterbury, baptizes Saxon king Ethelbert, the first Christian English king. The missionary's tomb in Canterbury bears this epitaph: "Here rests Augustine, first archbishop of Canterbury, who being sent hither by Gregory, bishop of Rome, reduced King Ethelbert and his nation from the worship of idols to the faith of Christ" (see the article on Bede in issue 72: How We Got Our History)."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_wJtQfYddc&feature=fvwrel
TexasBred
Well-known member
I thought it was Sarah who wanted Abraham to have a son by her servant Hagar. Why did God bless Ishmael??
Genesis: Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation. "
Martin Jr.
Well-known member
The Arab nations have their roots in Ishamel, Islam does not.
God made of Ishmael a great nation, but not the chosen ones. They do not have the inheritance as children of God.
Isaac was given the inheritance of the "Chosen nation", and therefore can call God "Father".
Islam religion does not allow God to be called "Father".
Mohammad (who could not read) learned from heritical Christians who did not believe that Jesus was God, and from Jews in the area, corrupting both with his own idea of who God was.
God made of Ishmael a great nation, but not the chosen ones. They do not have the inheritance as children of God.
Isaac was given the inheritance of the "Chosen nation", and therefore can call God "Father".
Islam religion does not allow God to be called "Father".
Mohammad (who could not read) learned from heritical Christians who did not believe that Jesus was God, and from Jews in the area, corrupting both with his own idea of who God was.
burnt
Well-known member
TexasBred said:
There are some pretty interesting dynamics going on there around the issue of Sarai's instruction to Abram to have a child by Hagar. And as we know, this ill-advised initiative led to further difficult situations and choices for Abram, some really nasty family dynamics.
Much of the trouble we see in the Middle East today is a result of this situation, I believe.
Why did God bless Ishmael?? That is a fascinating question to ponder. Much effort has been put into studying the implications of it.
Based on Galatians 4:21-23, Isaac represents living in grace while Ishmael represents living under the Law.
What are your thoughts on it?
Martin, if you have any more thoughts to add to give more light on the subject, I'd sure like to hear them. It's a topic that has fascinated me for many years - the spiritual implications of Isaac and Ishmael.
Martin Jr.
Well-known member
It seems to me that God dis not want to abandon Ishmael, but did not give him the same shoship as the descendants of Isaac.
I suppose the descendants of Ishmael had the option of choosing to join the Israelites. They also have that right to a greater degree given by Jesus Christ when Jesus told his disciples to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
So the descendants of Ishmael, lost tribes, etc. can become heirs of God.
I will add Galatinas 4: 21 - 31 here for reference:
You who want to be subject to the law, tell me: do you know what the law has to say? There it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave girl, and the other by his freeborn wife. The son of the slave girl had been begotten in the course of nature, but the son of the free woman was the fruit of the promise. All this is an allegory: the two women stand for two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, and brought forth children to salvery; this is Hagar. The mountain Sinai {Hagar} is in Arabia and corresponds to the Jerusalem of our time, which is likewise in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem on high is freeborn, and it is she who is our mother. That is why Scripture says: "Rejoice, you barren one who bears no children; break into song, you stranger to the pains of childbirth! For many are the children of the wife deserted; far more than of her who has a husband!"
You, my brothers, are children of the promise, as Isaac was. But just as in those days the son born in nature's course persecuted the one whose birth was in the realm of spirit, so do we find it now. What does Scripture say on the point? "Cast out slave girl and son together; for the slave girl's son shall never be an heir on equal terms with the son" of the one born free.
Therefore, my brothers, we are not children of a slave girl but of a mother who is free.
Here are some notes in the New American bible about this:
4: 1 - 7 "Paul draws on the culture of the time to indicate to the Galatians their status in the history of salvation. They have reached a point in the religious history of humanity comparable to the state of a child in a Roman family who has attained his majority. From that moment he enjoys the goods, rights and privilges of an adult. The Galatians have been freed through Christ from the tutulage of the law, which kept humanity conscious of its slavlery to sin. As a result they have experieced the power of the Holy Spirit, who has recreated them as God's sons and enabled them to live their lives acccording to the sense and spirit of this new relationship."
4: 8 -11 "Refering to the conversion of the Galatians, Paul presents argument against their adoption of practices of the law by showing that, if they were to accept Judaism as a partial principle of salvation, it would be no less futile that to return to polytheism."
Galatians chapter 6 11 - 13
Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised are making a play for human approval - with an eye to escaping persecution for the cross of Christ. The very ones who accept circumcision do not follow the law themselves. They want you to be circumcised only that they may boast about your bodily observance.
So it seems that "the Law" mentioned here is the Jewish laws of circumcision, food preparation laws, and many other laws that are not in the ten commandments, but put a safety circle around the commandments so one realizes that he is sinful and cannot venture even close to breaking the commandments.
I hope that I made some sense here in trying to get the point across.
I suppose the descendants of Ishmael had the option of choosing to join the Israelites. They also have that right to a greater degree given by Jesus Christ when Jesus told his disciples to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
So the descendants of Ishmael, lost tribes, etc. can become heirs of God.
I will add Galatinas 4: 21 - 31 here for reference:
You who want to be subject to the law, tell me: do you know what the law has to say? There it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave girl, and the other by his freeborn wife. The son of the slave girl had been begotten in the course of nature, but the son of the free woman was the fruit of the promise. All this is an allegory: the two women stand for two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, and brought forth children to salvery; this is Hagar. The mountain Sinai {Hagar} is in Arabia and corresponds to the Jerusalem of our time, which is likewise in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem on high is freeborn, and it is she who is our mother. That is why Scripture says: "Rejoice, you barren one who bears no children; break into song, you stranger to the pains of childbirth! For many are the children of the wife deserted; far more than of her who has a husband!"
You, my brothers, are children of the promise, as Isaac was. But just as in those days the son born in nature's course persecuted the one whose birth was in the realm of spirit, so do we find it now. What does Scripture say on the point? "Cast out slave girl and son together; for the slave girl's son shall never be an heir on equal terms with the son" of the one born free.
Therefore, my brothers, we are not children of a slave girl but of a mother who is free.
Here are some notes in the New American bible about this:
4: 1 - 7 "Paul draws on the culture of the time to indicate to the Galatians their status in the history of salvation. They have reached a point in the religious history of humanity comparable to the state of a child in a Roman family who has attained his majority. From that moment he enjoys the goods, rights and privilges of an adult. The Galatians have been freed through Christ from the tutulage of the law, which kept humanity conscious of its slavlery to sin. As a result they have experieced the power of the Holy Spirit, who has recreated them as God's sons and enabled them to live their lives acccording to the sense and spirit of this new relationship."
4: 8 -11 "Refering to the conversion of the Galatians, Paul presents argument against their adoption of practices of the law by showing that, if they were to accept Judaism as a partial principle of salvation, it would be no less futile that to return to polytheism."
Galatians chapter 6 11 - 13
Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised are making a play for human approval - with an eye to escaping persecution for the cross of Christ. The very ones who accept circumcision do not follow the law themselves. They want you to be circumcised only that they may boast about your bodily observance.
So it seems that "the Law" mentioned here is the Jewish laws of circumcision, food preparation laws, and many other laws that are not in the ten commandments, but put a safety circle around the commandments so one realizes that he is sinful and cannot venture even close to breaking the commandments.
I hope that I made some sense here in trying to get the point across.
katrina
Well-known member
I'm going to havta read this a couple of times.. But this is really good stuff..