Still anyone's race, the GOP Presidential Primaries are gearing up into a long-term slugfest -- that is, if everyone believes the media driven hype.
Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum is placing third all of a sudden, a meaningful trend that GOP voters are still shopping, when in the fact the hunting is now coming down to which constituency will move in the greatest number to cast their votes.
Religious conservatives, understandable wary of a Ron Paul Presidency, are reported to be pressuring either Michele Bachmann or Rick Santorum to step down and cast their support to the other.
Either way the evangelicals press their luck, social conservatism is not the driving force behind this election cycle. Fiscal conservatism is ruling the headlines, from multi-trillion dollar national debt to deficits that grow and grow in the face of enlarged entitlements and diminishing federal revenues.
The United States needs less government altogether, not more moral government, a cross oxymoronic contradiction, played out for eight long and deleterious years during the unrestrained reign of George W. Bush.
Newt Gingrich is sliding down, down, down, like the slimy political chameleon that he is. The Mainstream Media has fostered this incessant hype from one candidate to another for the past six months, all but decimating the legitimacy of debate and determination of qualified candidates across the board.
Sometime after the dust has settled and a Republican has taken office January 20, 2013, political journalists across the ideological spectrum will have to research the massive influence of the manic, minute by minute reporting of liberal outlets looking for any scrap of non-news to stir up strife from one front-runner to another. How has this invasive, miminalizing madness contributed to the voters' grasp of candidates and their candor on pressing issues? And do we really need six months of reporting at length on these people? The results in one week will be so divergent from the reporting that hammered the airwaves, more and more will wonder -- why bother following any trends until the last two weeks before voting?
Next time, the GOP and the Democratic parties must agree to fewer debates, more conflict, and real charge between candidates. All of this multi-layered posturing has done very little to inform prospective voters of the true merits of qualified candidates.
Friday, December 30, 2011
California Closes Redevelopment Agencies and Cuts Welfare
Has New Jersey Governor Chris Christie moved to Sacramento? Has he lost weight and hair yet still taking a machete to wasteful, bloated Big Government, now cropping and chopping away at the Progressive fringes of sclerotic liberal fantasies from San Diego to Modoc County?
Amazed as I am that Christie has not moved, I am still more stunned, and gratefully so, that the California Legislature is now starting to behave like a hefty horde of grown-ups taking on the cottage bureaucracies throughout the Golden State.
I applaud Governor Brown's tenacity to take down agencies scattered abroad and funnelling the funds where they are most needed: education.
I also appreciate the Golden state's drastic cuts in welfare of all kinds. Despite the dubious distinction of largest welfare state in the country, California leaders are plowing past the teary sob stories of down-and-out couples with young children and forcing them off the dole.
Human ingenuity knows no bounds in the face of necessity. It's time for private interests and local governments to provide effective alternatives to statewide aid. Less state revenue spent on empty programs means less intervention, less regulation, and more innovation, all advantages for a state desperate for economic recovery.
Amazed as I am that Christie has not moved, I am still more stunned, and gratefully so, that the California Legislature is now starting to behave like a hefty horde of grown-ups taking on the cottage bureaucracies throughout the Golden State.
I applaud Governor Brown's tenacity to take down agencies scattered abroad and funnelling the funds where they are most needed: education.
I also appreciate the Golden state's drastic cuts in welfare of all kinds. Despite the dubious distinction of largest welfare state in the country, California leaders are plowing past the teary sob stories of down-and-out couples with young children and forcing them off the dole.
Human ingenuity knows no bounds in the face of necessity. It's time for private interests and local governments to provide effective alternatives to statewide aid. Less state revenue spent on empty programs means less intervention, less regulation, and more innovation, all advantages for a state desperate for economic recovery.
The One Work of a Believer
I was thrilled when I first read John 6: 28-29:
"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
"Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6: 28-29)
"Believe!" I thought. "That's easy."
So, I pondered, if I just believe, then all will work out just fine.
Of course, that was not the case at all in my life shortly after reading that verse for the first time. I still made many mistakes, circumstances of a troubling nature also surprised me. Because I worried that perhaps God was not doing a very good job of watching out for me, I felt compelled to inject anxiety into my life, watch over my own shoulder so to speak so that I did not fail.
In truth, my problem was that I did not believe enough.
First, it is important clarify what or who we believe in.
Returning to John 6:29, I read:
"Believe on him whom he hath sent."
Who is He? Jesus Christ, of course.
But who is Christ to you? Who was he to me at the time?
I look back on the first time that I read John 6:29, and I pictured Jesus Christ as the guy who would make sure that everything would work out for me. However, I had to pay due diligence that I kept believing on Him. If I deviated in my belief, then I would forfeit my connection to Him.
My revelation of Jesus Christ was distorted and limited, if not outright false.
When I reread John 6:29, I looked at the description of "Him":
"whom he hath sent." Why did God the Father send His Son?
"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." (John 3: 16-17)
Condemnation is a big deal to God, enough that He did not want anyone to fall under condemnation. John the Baptist explains:
"The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3: 35-36)
Wow! Christ's death was meant for every human being to avoid the wrath of the Father on account of our sins. However, Christ's death was also for us to receive Eternal Life, which is His Son (cf John 14:6)!
So, Jesus was sent to save us from our sin and instill within us eternal life. John also mentions that "all things" were given "into his hand."
In order to make sense of these grand claims, we need to consult the epistles.
Paul writes:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1; the original text does not include 'who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit')
This phrase is emphatic and ultimate - no condemnation at all, not a smidgen, and it has nothing to do with me, and all to do with Christ.
Paul explains why in another epistle:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
We are "the righteousness of God" in Christ. What else does Paul write about our new status in Him?:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2: 4-7)
God is "rich in mercy" toward us. Not only has He brought us from death because of our sins, but has seated us with Christ!
Where is Christ seated? At the right hand of the Father:
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)
and
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1)
There Christ is now, sitting in the seat of honor next to God the Father, who loved us enough to send His Son to die for us. There Christ is, making intervention for us:
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)
In Christ, we have everlasting righteousness, no reason to fear death, or anything else (for His perfect love casts out all fear! (cf 1 John 4:17)
In Him we have all things, as the fullness of Creation lies in Christ, and thus to us accorded.
So, what do you believe? Who do you believe? Is Christ in you just a faint hope, or is He the hope of glory, an ever-expanding joyful victory that nothing can dampen or impede?
It is your "job" to believe on this powerful One!
"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
"Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6: 28-29)
"Believe!" I thought. "That's easy."
So, I pondered, if I just believe, then all will work out just fine.
Of course, that was not the case at all in my life shortly after reading that verse for the first time. I still made many mistakes, circumstances of a troubling nature also surprised me. Because I worried that perhaps God was not doing a very good job of watching out for me, I felt compelled to inject anxiety into my life, watch over my own shoulder so to speak so that I did not fail.
In truth, my problem was that I did not believe enough.
First, it is important clarify what or who we believe in.
Returning to John 6:29, I read:
"Believe on him whom he hath sent."
Who is He? Jesus Christ, of course.
But who is Christ to you? Who was he to me at the time?
I look back on the first time that I read John 6:29, and I pictured Jesus Christ as the guy who would make sure that everything would work out for me. However, I had to pay due diligence that I kept believing on Him. If I deviated in my belief, then I would forfeit my connection to Him.
My revelation of Jesus Christ was distorted and limited, if not outright false.
When I reread John 6:29, I looked at the description of "Him":
"whom he hath sent." Why did God the Father send His Son?
"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." (John 3: 16-17)
Condemnation is a big deal to God, enough that He did not want anyone to fall under condemnation. John the Baptist explains:
"The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3: 35-36)
Wow! Christ's death was meant for every human being to avoid the wrath of the Father on account of our sins. However, Christ's death was also for us to receive Eternal Life, which is His Son (cf John 14:6)!
So, Jesus was sent to save us from our sin and instill within us eternal life. John also mentions that "all things" were given "into his hand."
In order to make sense of these grand claims, we need to consult the epistles.
Paul writes:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1; the original text does not include 'who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit')
This phrase is emphatic and ultimate - no condemnation at all, not a smidgen, and it has nothing to do with me, and all to do with Christ.
Paul explains why in another epistle:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
We are "the righteousness of God" in Christ. What else does Paul write about our new status in Him?:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2: 4-7)
God is "rich in mercy" toward us. Not only has He brought us from death because of our sins, but has seated us with Christ!
Where is Christ seated? At the right hand of the Father:
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)
and
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1)
There Christ is now, sitting in the seat of honor next to God the Father, who loved us enough to send His Son to die for us. There Christ is, making intervention for us:
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)
In Christ, we have everlasting righteousness, no reason to fear death, or anything else (for His perfect love casts out all fear! (cf 1 John 4:17)
In Him we have all things, as the fullness of Creation lies in Christ, and thus to us accorded.
So, what do you believe? Who do you believe? Is Christ in you just a faint hope, or is He the hope of glory, an ever-expanding joyful victory that nothing can dampen or impede?
It is your "job" to believe on this powerful One!
Comment on Stravinsky's Sense of Forgiveness
"Sin cannot be undone, only forgiven." -- Igor Stravinsky.
Nonsense! Mr. Stravinsky should have stayed with music, no matter how anti-harmonic or dodecaphonic.
What does the Bible teach?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
No matter what bad a believer has endured or committed, God's grace can see us through hard times and make them good times.
Consider the plight of Joseph, the beloved elder son from Jacob's beloved wife Rachel, who endured taunting, betrayal, privation, and false accusation, only to rise to the second highest place of prominence in Egypt:
When he married and had children, he named them according to the promised restoration that the Lord accords to every believer:
"And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
"And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction." (Genesis 41: 51-52)
God removes from us all member of harm, hurt, misery, and even our own failed efforts! Then He blesses so fantastically, as if no time was ever lost!
The Prophet Joel foretells the same merciful generosity of the Lord:
"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
"And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed." (Joel 2: 25-26)
No matter what devastations follow us, whether circumstance or sin, God is in the business of restoring to us all that was lost, not just forgiving our sins. "And my people shall never be ashamed" testifies to one thing: God is not keeping accounts of our sins, which are undone in the restoration provision which he sends upon every believer.
And how can we leave out the example of blessed Job, who despite desperate, even laughable, chaos and privation, was doubly blessed in his latter days!
No, Mr. Stravinsky, our sins are not only forgiven, but the terror and punishment that we would suffer is also undo, all because of the Finished Work of Jesus Christ at the Cross:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
Redeemed forever from all sin, and provided for in all things -- that is the legacy for all who believer on Him!
Nonsense! Mr. Stravinsky should have stayed with music, no matter how anti-harmonic or dodecaphonic.
What does the Bible teach?
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
No matter what bad a believer has endured or committed, God's grace can see us through hard times and make them good times.
Consider the plight of Joseph, the beloved elder son from Jacob's beloved wife Rachel, who endured taunting, betrayal, privation, and false accusation, only to rise to the second highest place of prominence in Egypt:
When he married and had children, he named them according to the promised restoration that the Lord accords to every believer:
"And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
"And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction." (Genesis 41: 51-52)
God removes from us all member of harm, hurt, misery, and even our own failed efforts! Then He blesses so fantastically, as if no time was ever lost!
The Prophet Joel foretells the same merciful generosity of the Lord:
"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
"And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed." (Joel 2: 25-26)
No matter what devastations follow us, whether circumstance or sin, God is in the business of restoring to us all that was lost, not just forgiving our sins. "And my people shall never be ashamed" testifies to one thing: God is not keeping accounts of our sins, which are undone in the restoration provision which he sends upon every believer.
And how can we leave out the example of blessed Job, who despite desperate, even laughable, chaos and privation, was doubly blessed in his latter days!
No, Mr. Stravinsky, our sins are not only forgiven, but the terror and punishment that we would suffer is also undo, all because of the Finished Work of Jesus Christ at the Cross:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
Redeemed forever from all sin, and provided for in all things -- that is the legacy for all who believer on Him!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Reponse to New Jersey Star Ledger on Ron Paul
Contrary to the long-winded contentions of the Star-Ledger Editorial Board, Congressman Ron Paul is the only Presidential candidate worthy of becoming President of the United States.
The flimsy implications of lunatic racist rants from a 1996 Ron Paul newsletter are the last-gasp, grasping straw attempts of outrageous establishment types to discredit a principled statesman who has rallied against Big Government all his professional life.
Not once have his views evinced a strain of anti-Semitism or racism. His disavowal of the Americans Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would have promoted the needs of minorities, whereas government mangling to this day has impoverished the opportunity of both the able and the disabled, while bankrupting the already overburdened state for taxpayer and dependent alike. This insanity cannot continue, and Congressman Ron Paul has been the only effective and effectual candidate to demonstrate a seamless record and similar party platform to combat these problems.
The Star Ledger Editorial Board is beyond overboard in characterizing the Texas Congressman as a "bag-of-wind". The only windbag stirring up empty strife with heated rhetoric is the current Vanity-in-Chief Barack Obama, whose talk of "hope and change" has turned a struggling national debt crisis into a perfect storm of despair.
Furthermore, Congressman Paul's measured and measurable zeal for limited constitutional government resembles the policies and practices of a certain tough-talking governor who has stood up to the overblown liberal media and left-leaning programs of the welfare-warfare-windfall state. Of course, I am writing of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who despite his political endorsement of Mitt Romney, espouses leadership and values more akin to Congressman Paul.
Not surprised in the slightest, I am actually delighted to see the mainstream media sniping at the up-and-coming. It suggests that his views, his policies, and his potential are finally having their turn in the national spotlight.
The flimsy implications of lunatic racist rants from a 1996 Ron Paul newsletter are the last-gasp, grasping straw attempts of outrageous establishment types to discredit a principled statesman who has rallied against Big Government all his professional life.
Not once have his views evinced a strain of anti-Semitism or racism. His disavowal of the Americans Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would have promoted the needs of minorities, whereas government mangling to this day has impoverished the opportunity of both the able and the disabled, while bankrupting the already overburdened state for taxpayer and dependent alike. This insanity cannot continue, and Congressman Ron Paul has been the only effective and effectual candidate to demonstrate a seamless record and similar party platform to combat these problems.
The Star Ledger Editorial Board is beyond overboard in characterizing the Texas Congressman as a "bag-of-wind". The only windbag stirring up empty strife with heated rhetoric is the current Vanity-in-Chief Barack Obama, whose talk of "hope and change" has turned a struggling national debt crisis into a perfect storm of despair.
Furthermore, Congressman Paul's measured and measurable zeal for limited constitutional government resembles the policies and practices of a certain tough-talking governor who has stood up to the overblown liberal media and left-leaning programs of the welfare-warfare-windfall state. Of course, I am writing of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who despite his political endorsement of Mitt Romney, espouses leadership and values more akin to Congressman Paul.
Not surprised in the slightest, I am actually delighted to see the mainstream media sniping at the up-and-coming. It suggests that his views, his policies, and his potential are finally having their turn in the national spotlight.
Whom Have You Known from the Beginning?
What constitutes spiritual maturity?
Doing more? Not at all. Believing is the greater challenge of man, whereas obedience to the law only precipitates a fall from grace:
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
"Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
"For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." (Galatians 5: 1-6)
Notice how Paul points out that in order to live under the law, an adherent is a "debtor" to fulfill the whole canon of Mosaic law. There is no "trying", either a man succeeds to keep the law, or he fails entirely, even if he stumbles in one (cf James 2:10) Imagine trying to do anything, only to find that from the outset you are behind, already in debt!
Grace is the infinite supply (cf 2 Corinthians 9:8) which enables and emboldens the believer to obey without even trying, for "faith which worketh by love" speaks of God's love in us (cf 1 John 4:19) and the faith we live by is straight from the throne of God Himself (cf Galatians 2:20)
So, what constitutes spiritual maturity, if not doing more? What does a mature Christian believe?
John gives a clue in his first general epistle:
"I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning." (1 John 2:13)
John repeats this characterization of the fathers in the next verse.
What does it mean, then, to know "Him that is from the beginning"?
First of all, the "Him" whom John is writing of here is Jesus Christ
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
(John 1:1)
First of all, the knowledge of the Fathers in the First Epistle is in direct contrast to the "little children" whom John writes to, who "have known the Father."
Knowing the love of the Father is elemental for a Christian, which is made explicitly known to us through the death of His Son for our sins:
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)
Spiritual Fathers, beyond those who are nourished not just in the knowledge of the complete forgiveness of sins (cf 1 John 2:12) and their triumph over the wiles of the enemy through their knowledge of God's Word (cf 1 John 2: 13-14), have received a greater revelation of Jesus Christ -- they know Him who has been from the beginning.
What specifically do they know? Let's refer back to the first chapter of John's Gospel:
"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3)
Spiritually mature believers recognize by faith that Jesus is not just the Son of God who died for our sin, but that He is God, preeminent and infinitely power in his standing. Furthermore, they recognize that all things were made by Him, and that through His restored dominion in our lives, we can enjoy the same power in this world:
"Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
"And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." (1 Corinthians 3:22-23)
John later writes:
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
Followed by:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17)
Jesus is not just the propitiation for our sins, He is the uncompromising power of God, and He is made manifest in our lives!
With Jesus Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, there we are also. What grand legacy do we enjoy as believers restored in oneness with Christ?:
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." ( Colossians 2: 10-15)
From the forever cleansing of all our sins (past, present, future), we are complete in Him, the head of all creation (so, we lack not one thing! Ponder that whenever any lack faces you in your daily life). The law ("the writing of ordinances") has no more power to condemn us, as every believer is now made the righteousness of God in Christ (cf 2 Corinthians 5:21), and every spiritual enemy has been forever "spoiled", or disarmed. Now that's victory!
In the next verse of John's gospel, we gather another clue to the greater revelation that spiritual fathers have of Jesus Christ:
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men."
Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (cf John 14:6). He is everything for the believer, from the Shepherd (cf), to the Lamb of God, to the Bread of Life, to the Water of Life. He is our sustenance, He is our breath, our very heartbeat. The same Creator of all is made one with every one of us and informs, infuses, and instills power and wonder in our lives.
When a believer receives this growing revelation of the totality of Christ Jesus in our lives, he will know Him "that is from the beginning."
From the beginning to end, Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith (cf Hebrews 12:2). He brings us into new life, He leads us through this life, He provides for us throughout this life, He is our eternal life, one and inseparable, now and forever, Amen and Amen!
When you reflect on this grand wonder, beyond human calculation, you can only sense from within the grander and greatness of your status as a believer, a spiritual father in deed and truth!
Doing more? Not at all. Believing is the greater challenge of man, whereas obedience to the law only precipitates a fall from grace:
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
"Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
"For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
"For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." (Galatians 5: 1-6)
Notice how Paul points out that in order to live under the law, an adherent is a "debtor" to fulfill the whole canon of Mosaic law. There is no "trying", either a man succeeds to keep the law, or he fails entirely, even if he stumbles in one (cf James 2:10) Imagine trying to do anything, only to find that from the outset you are behind, already in debt!
Grace is the infinite supply (cf 2 Corinthians 9:8) which enables and emboldens the believer to obey without even trying, for "faith which worketh by love" speaks of God's love in us (cf 1 John 4:19) and the faith we live by is straight from the throne of God Himself (cf Galatians 2:20)
So, what constitutes spiritual maturity, if not doing more? What does a mature Christian believe?
John gives a clue in his first general epistle:
"I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning." (1 John 2:13)
John repeats this characterization of the fathers in the next verse.
What does it mean, then, to know "Him that is from the beginning"?
First of all, the "Him" whom John is writing of here is Jesus Christ
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
(John 1:1)
First of all, the knowledge of the Fathers in the First Epistle is in direct contrast to the "little children" whom John writes to, who "have known the Father."
Knowing the love of the Father is elemental for a Christian, which is made explicitly known to us through the death of His Son for our sins:
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)
Spiritual Fathers, beyond those who are nourished not just in the knowledge of the complete forgiveness of sins (cf 1 John 2:12) and their triumph over the wiles of the enemy through their knowledge of God's Word (cf 1 John 2: 13-14), have received a greater revelation of Jesus Christ -- they know Him who has been from the beginning.
What specifically do they know? Let's refer back to the first chapter of John's Gospel:
"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3)
Spiritually mature believers recognize by faith that Jesus is not just the Son of God who died for our sin, but that He is God, preeminent and infinitely power in his standing. Furthermore, they recognize that all things were made by Him, and that through His restored dominion in our lives, we can enjoy the same power in this world:
"Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
"And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." (1 Corinthians 3:22-23)
John later writes:
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
Followed by:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17)
Jesus is not just the propitiation for our sins, He is the uncompromising power of God, and He is made manifest in our lives!
With Jesus Christ seated at the right hand of the Father, there we are also. What grand legacy do we enjoy as believers restored in oneness with Christ?:
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." ( Colossians 2: 10-15)
From the forever cleansing of all our sins (past, present, future), we are complete in Him, the head of all creation (so, we lack not one thing! Ponder that whenever any lack faces you in your daily life). The law ("the writing of ordinances") has no more power to condemn us, as every believer is now made the righteousness of God in Christ (cf 2 Corinthians 5:21), and every spiritual enemy has been forever "spoiled", or disarmed. Now that's victory!
In the next verse of John's gospel, we gather another clue to the greater revelation that spiritual fathers have of Jesus Christ:
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men."
Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (cf John 14:6). He is everything for the believer, from the Shepherd (cf), to the Lamb of God, to the Bread of Life, to the Water of Life. He is our sustenance, He is our breath, our very heartbeat. The same Creator of all is made one with every one of us and informs, infuses, and instills power and wonder in our lives.
When a believer receives this growing revelation of the totality of Christ Jesus in our lives, he will know Him "that is from the beginning."
From the beginning to end, Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith (cf Hebrews 12:2). He brings us into new life, He leads us through this life, He provides for us throughout this life, He is our eternal life, one and inseparable, now and forever, Amen and Amen!
When you reflect on this grand wonder, beyond human calculation, you can only sense from within the grander and greatness of your status as a believer, a spiritual father in deed and truth!
Manhattan Beach, Smokers, and Plastic Bags
So the wealthy seaside community of Manhattan Beach has won the legal battle to ban plastic bags. They have also banned smoking along the Strand.
Regarding the California Supreme Court decision to uphold the bag ban, let us ponder the things that the city could have done with tax-payer money besides pursuing this bag ban. Improving local transit in the community comes to mind. Enacting bold innovation in the successful school district would also have been commendable. What exactly was the point of telling local merchants that they can no longer provide plastic bags to customers? While trying to save the environment, they have wasted time, energy, and political will.
I deeply regret the pain inflicted on a councilmember who lost a parent to smoking, but micromanaging the lives of consenting adults will not bring a parent back nor restore the health of one so dearly loved. Enacting or enforcing a fine for littering would have been simpler, effective, and more respectable than an outright ban. Do we really need more peace officers divert to police such individual follies?
Parochial concerns and private interests have no place informing or moving public policy. Public interests alone should dictate the role of local government, which ultimately should be as limited as possible. All of this nanny-state liberalism is a joke, whether it affects small businesses ore entire communities.
Regarding the California Supreme Court decision to uphold the bag ban, let us ponder the things that the city could have done with tax-payer money besides pursuing this bag ban. Improving local transit in the community comes to mind. Enacting bold innovation in the successful school district would also have been commendable. What exactly was the point of telling local merchants that they can no longer provide plastic bags to customers? While trying to save the environment, they have wasted time, energy, and political will.
I deeply regret the pain inflicted on a councilmember who lost a parent to smoking, but micromanaging the lives of consenting adults will not bring a parent back nor restore the health of one so dearly loved. Enacting or enforcing a fine for littering would have been simpler, effective, and more respectable than an outright ban. Do we really need more peace officers divert to police such individual follies?
Parochial concerns and private interests have no place informing or moving public policy. Public interests alone should dictate the role of local government, which ultimately should be as limited as possible. All of this nanny-state liberalism is a joke, whether it affects small businesses ore entire communities.
GOP Stance on Israel
No matter who wins the GOP nomination, the Jewish state should rest assured that an ally will be running for the White House in 2012.
Of course, I am not speaking of President Barack Obama, who has reneged on our nation's ongoing commitment to Israel, pressing talks, negotiations, and concessions in teh face of growing unrest and irascible entitlement from the Arab World.
The Palestinians want a state, yet they are not even a people. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich may have committed a political faux pas, but it was a misstep of stating the truthful obvious.
Mitt Romney, for all of his flippant flip-flopping, has been a tried and true ally of the Middle Eastern nation with the only viable democracy and respect for the rights of all.
Michele Bachmann deserves commendation for her cheer-leading for the Jewish State, as well.
However, the surface callousness of Congressman Ron Paul also deserves attention and merit. His resolute call to end all foreign subsidies actually makes sense, especially considering that the United States receives very little return on our investment to Arab countries, which squander the grants on anti-Semitic cant in the public schools and propaganda to the public.
Israel is better served by a staunch ally who will let the Jewish state take charge of its own affairs. Contrary to the alarmism of celebrated conservatives like Thomas Sowell and evangelic ministers like Pastor John Hagee, I share Paul's calm indifference to a nuclear Iran, whose warlike ambitions will be checked by a stocked and stationed Israel, whose weapons arsenal dwarfs the firepower of the rabid Muslim thug-ocracy of Ahmedinejad.
Whatever the insane populist ambitions of the crooked Islamo-fascist may be, his eschatological ambitions to wipe out Israel and usher in the Second Coming of a Muslim Messiah will never happen. The United States would better reserve its resource to protecting our borders instead of mounting an unrealistic and abstract military strategy against another Middle Eastern country.
If President Obama had only support the 2009 Iranian revolution, the political coven calculating the demise of Israel would have been removed from power by now. Similar political pressure, or massive indifference, would be just as effective, without costing an already bankrupt nation.
Of course, I am not speaking of President Barack Obama, who has reneged on our nation's ongoing commitment to Israel, pressing talks, negotiations, and concessions in teh face of growing unrest and irascible entitlement from the Arab World.
The Palestinians want a state, yet they are not even a people. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich may have committed a political faux pas, but it was a misstep of stating the truthful obvious.
Mitt Romney, for all of his flippant flip-flopping, has been a tried and true ally of the Middle Eastern nation with the only viable democracy and respect for the rights of all.
Michele Bachmann deserves commendation for her cheer-leading for the Jewish State, as well.
However, the surface callousness of Congressman Ron Paul also deserves attention and merit. His resolute call to end all foreign subsidies actually makes sense, especially considering that the United States receives very little return on our investment to Arab countries, which squander the grants on anti-Semitic cant in the public schools and propaganda to the public.
Israel is better served by a staunch ally who will let the Jewish state take charge of its own affairs. Contrary to the alarmism of celebrated conservatives like Thomas Sowell and evangelic ministers like Pastor John Hagee, I share Paul's calm indifference to a nuclear Iran, whose warlike ambitions will be checked by a stocked and stationed Israel, whose weapons arsenal dwarfs the firepower of the rabid Muslim thug-ocracy of Ahmedinejad.
Whatever the insane populist ambitions of the crooked Islamo-fascist may be, his eschatological ambitions to wipe out Israel and usher in the Second Coming of a Muslim Messiah will never happen. The United States would better reserve its resource to protecting our borders instead of mounting an unrealistic and abstract military strategy against another Middle Eastern country.
If President Obama had only support the 2009 Iranian revolution, the political coven calculating the demise of Israel would have been removed from power by now. Similar political pressure, or massive indifference, would be just as effective, without costing an already bankrupt nation.
The Nation's Largest Welfare State Makes Cuts -- and other Thoughts
California is not just the largest state in the Union because of its borders (at least for the Lower 48) and population, but specifically for the largest population of welfare recipients.
Despite the Republican-backed welfare reform package that President Bill Clinton signed in 1996, and despite the steep drop in welfare cases in the Golden State, California still had to shoulder the largest burden, in which one third of national welfare recipients live under the banner of the Brown Bear.
What is it about welfare that is so insidious, ultimately?
In a recent Associated Press report, one claimant argued that California is gutting the most effective parts of the welfare program, which had enabled many down on their luck to receive training and job placement.
The plight of one recipient underscores the real issue:
"I know that I can do it, but it's hard, and especially when you're doing it all on your own," she said. "The program you did have is getting cut now, so it's only going to be harder."
For a forlorn single mother, or a disabled veteran, or a child shuttled from one foster home after another, the despairing sentiment of facing everything alone can be very biting and grating.
For the believer, though, this sentiment is a demonic falsehood, only exacerbated by handouts that breed man-centered dependence instead of God-dependence.
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
If the Lord will never leave us nor forsake, than what are we afraid of? For many who trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, they are convinced that He will not help with all other needs.
The Bible rebukes such unbelief soundly:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
and of course:
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Yet why are so many Christians not seeing any victory over poverty and lack in their lives? Condemnation, in that they do not believe the eternal forgiveness which they have received through the blood of Christ, or unbelief in the promises which Jesus Christ has declared and fulfilled in His blood.
Regarding condemnation, it is essential for every believer to know the fullness of the riches of righteousness that they have in Christ. Paul prayed the following for the Ephesians:
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1: 17-18)
Regarding unbelief, the prayer of a desperate father teaches us what we must do in the face of unbelief:
"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9: 23-24)
This Help is still with us, in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who lives in every believer who has declared that Jesus Christ is Lord (cf 1 Corinthians 12:3):
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
"And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8: 26-27)
and
"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13: 6)
Are you worried that your unbelief is marring the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do not be dissuaded by the limitations of your flesh, but keep seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness in your life (cf Matthew 6:33):
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)
Seek what the Lord has already given you (cf Luke 12:32), walking in the calm and confident faith of what you have, and the rest shall be added unto you!
That's a lot -- nay an infinite storehouse more -- than a welfare check!
Despite the Republican-backed welfare reform package that President Bill Clinton signed in 1996, and despite the steep drop in welfare cases in the Golden State, California still had to shoulder the largest burden, in which one third of national welfare recipients live under the banner of the Brown Bear.
What is it about welfare that is so insidious, ultimately?
In a recent Associated Press report, one claimant argued that California is gutting the most effective parts of the welfare program, which had enabled many down on their luck to receive training and job placement.
The plight of one recipient underscores the real issue:
"I know that I can do it, but it's hard, and especially when you're doing it all on your own," she said. "The program you did have is getting cut now, so it's only going to be harder."
For a forlorn single mother, or a disabled veteran, or a child shuttled from one foster home after another, the despairing sentiment of facing everything alone can be very biting and grating.
For the believer, though, this sentiment is a demonic falsehood, only exacerbated by handouts that breed man-centered dependence instead of God-dependence.
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
If the Lord will never leave us nor forsake, than what are we afraid of? For many who trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, they are convinced that He will not help with all other needs.
The Bible rebukes such unbelief soundly:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
and of course:
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Yet why are so many Christians not seeing any victory over poverty and lack in their lives? Condemnation, in that they do not believe the eternal forgiveness which they have received through the blood of Christ, or unbelief in the promises which Jesus Christ has declared and fulfilled in His blood.
Regarding condemnation, it is essential for every believer to know the fullness of the riches of righteousness that they have in Christ. Paul prayed the following for the Ephesians:
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1: 17-18)
Regarding unbelief, the prayer of a desperate father teaches us what we must do in the face of unbelief:
"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9: 23-24)
This Help is still with us, in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who lives in every believer who has declared that Jesus Christ is Lord (cf 1 Corinthians 12:3):
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
"And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8: 26-27)
and
"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13: 6)
Are you worried that your unbelief is marring the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do not be dissuaded by the limitations of your flesh, but keep seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness in your life (cf Matthew 6:33):
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)
Seek what the Lord has already given you (cf Luke 12:32), walking in the calm and confident faith of what you have, and the rest shall be added unto you!
That's a lot -- nay an infinite storehouse more -- than a welfare check!
Scott Brown vs. Elizabeth Warren
He must be ahead, because everyone is after him.
Senator Brown's ascent to the People's seat -- not the Kennedy's -- was a national rebuke to the ObamaCare juggernaut running roughshod over the rights and privileges of the states and the people.
I hope that the voters of Massachusetts remember that he was elected precisely to stop ObamaCare at all costs.
The alternative, a Washington insider who proudly proclaims her ties to the discredit Occupy Movement, would entrench the statist status quo already eating away out our nation's liberties and siphoning away our children's future.
From Los Angeles to New York, Massachusetts Senator Brown's success has gotten the American People's attention. Here's to my hope that, no matter how close the election may be in 2012, Scott Brown enjoys the privilege of representing the Bay State Commonwealth for another term as United States senator.
Senator Brown's ascent to the People's seat -- not the Kennedy's -- was a national rebuke to the ObamaCare juggernaut running roughshod over the rights and privileges of the states and the people.
I hope that the voters of Massachusetts remember that he was elected precisely to stop ObamaCare at all costs.
The alternative, a Washington insider who proudly proclaims her ties to the discredit Occupy Movement, would entrench the statist status quo already eating away out our nation's liberties and siphoning away our children's future.
From Los Angeles to New York, Massachusetts Senator Brown's success has gotten the American People's attention. Here's to my hope that, no matter how close the election may be in 2012, Scott Brown enjoys the privilege of representing the Bay State Commonwealth for another term as United States senator.
Bachmann Turnover -- Drive Her Out?
It would seem that Congresswoman Michele Bachmann's own staff is taking care of business, but instead of rallying around her for the final push, Bachmann's Iowa campaign chairman Kent Sorenson has defected to the Ron Paul campaign.
This surprising development flies in the face of the early hopes that had prompted and bolstered the Tea Party Caucus chairwoman's send off. Capitalizing on her populist roots and Iowa birth, Bachmann had submitted that she was not just the most qualified GOP presidential candidate, but a cinch to win first place in the Iowa caucuses. Although she did win the top spot in the Iowa straw poll, Ron Paul came in a very close second, and now he is stealing the shoo-in state that was originally destined to fold into the hands of the Minnesota legislator.
YouTube supporters have rallied for Candidate Bachmann to resign her campaign and support Ron Paul, a Congressman with the same acidic hatred for Big Government, plus a record unmatched for cutting spending and promoting individual liberty.
This surprising development flies in the face of the early hopes that had prompted and bolstered the Tea Party Caucus chairwoman's send off. Capitalizing on her populist roots and Iowa birth, Bachmann had submitted that she was not just the most qualified GOP presidential candidate, but a cinch to win first place in the Iowa caucuses. Although she did win the top spot in the Iowa straw poll, Ron Paul came in a very close second, and now he is stealing the shoo-in state that was originally destined to fold into the hands of the Minnesota legislator.
YouTube supporters have rallied for Candidate Bachmann to resign her campaign and support Ron Paul, a Congressman with the same acidic hatred for Big Government, plus a record unmatched for cutting spending and promoting individual liberty.
On the Status of the Single Man or Woman
Some prominent pastors have professed that everyone should seek to be married.
When presented with the truth Jesus, Paul, and many of the other apostles never took vows and married, one pastor countered, "They all knew that they were going to die."
What did Jesus say about marriage, anyway? After setting the high standard which marriage deserves, despising divorce except in the case of fornication, His followers responded:
"His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
"But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
"For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." (Matthew 19: 10-12)
There are those who chose to remain unmarried for the greater glory of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Paul had this to write:
"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman." (1 Corinthians 7:1)
Now, these verses do not disparage marriage per se.
Paul continues:
"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
"Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband." (1 Corinthians 7: 2-3)
If a man or woman cannot be physically content, then marry.
Paul explains:
"For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
"I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
"But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." (1 Corinthians 7: 7-9)
Whatever a man's gift may be, to be single or to be married, the Holy Spirit will inform and supply the grace to live that life to the glory of God the Father.
Let us not give any attention to the extreme of some, which forbid marriage. Paul warned against this heresy:
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
"Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
"Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." (1 Timothy 4: 1-3)
No doctrine could be more obscene than the folly that a man or woman must avoid being betrothed. We are no longer in bondage to the law, but instilled with the Holy Spirit to maintain our right standing and gain grace and knowledge of the Lord.
Now, for those who are unsure or uncomfortable with their status, especially to those who are single, Paul also writes:
"Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife." (1 Corinthians 7: 27)
In this verse, "seek" (ζητÎω zéteó) is the same verb which Jesus uses to describe what are greatest desire must be:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
Whether you are called to be married or single, do not make marriage your highest priority. As you walk in God's righteousness, receiving his infinite storehouse of peace and joy (cf Romans 14:17), God will work within you His good pleasure (cf Philippians 2:12-13). Whether to be married or single, God will give you the grace to live the life that He wants you to have, and that more abundantly!
When presented with the truth Jesus, Paul, and many of the other apostles never took vows and married, one pastor countered, "They all knew that they were going to die."
What did Jesus say about marriage, anyway? After setting the high standard which marriage deserves, despising divorce except in the case of fornication, His followers responded:
"His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
"But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
"For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." (Matthew 19: 10-12)
There are those who chose to remain unmarried for the greater glory of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Paul had this to write:
"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman." (1 Corinthians 7:1)
Now, these verses do not disparage marriage per se.
Paul continues:
"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
"Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband." (1 Corinthians 7: 2-3)
If a man or woman cannot be physically content, then marry.
Paul explains:
"For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
"I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
"But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." (1 Corinthians 7: 7-9)
Whatever a man's gift may be, to be single or to be married, the Holy Spirit will inform and supply the grace to live that life to the glory of God the Father.
Let us not give any attention to the extreme of some, which forbid marriage. Paul warned against this heresy:
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
"Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
"Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." (1 Timothy 4: 1-3)
No doctrine could be more obscene than the folly that a man or woman must avoid being betrothed. We are no longer in bondage to the law, but instilled with the Holy Spirit to maintain our right standing and gain grace and knowledge of the Lord.
Now, for those who are unsure or uncomfortable with their status, especially to those who are single, Paul also writes:
"Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife." (1 Corinthians 7: 27)
In this verse, "seek" (ζητÎω zéteó) is the same verb which Jesus uses to describe what are greatest desire must be:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
Whether you are called to be married or single, do not make marriage your highest priority. As you walk in God's righteousness, receiving his infinite storehouse of peace and joy (cf Romans 14:17), God will work within you His good pleasure (cf Philippians 2:12-13). Whether to be married or single, God will give you the grace to live the life that He wants you to have, and that more abundantly!
Jesus Christ Alone Completes Me
When a line from a movie becomes really popular, even characters from other movies will quote it.
"You dirty rat" pops up often in mafia movies and cartoons.
"I'll have what she's having" went from "When Harry Met Sally" to television programs and commercials.
Then there's "You complete me" from the movie "Jerry Maguire". In "The Dark Knight", the Joker whined the same line at Batman.
For a lot of people, this line represents what finding the right life partner is all about. A husband or a wife will fill in all the gaps in a person's personality, will cover all the hurts and harms, will make up for whatever a partner is looking for in this life.
This idea is a complete absurdity for the believer.
Paul declares with great joy to the Colossians:
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2: 8-10)
We are complete in Christ! For the believer who trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is no lack:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32)
In Christ, we have redemption for all our sins, and we are supplied for all our needs.
If that were not enough, ponder this:
"And [God the Father] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2: 6-7)
We sit in high places, with Christ Jesus Himself! Not only are we complete in Him, we are consummate and cared for through Him in every way, protected from our sins, past, present, future; supplied with every need, beyond what we could ask or think (cf Ephesians 3:20); safeguarded above all enemies, principalities, and powers who harassed mankind until the Cross finished them of:
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2: 13-15)
No human being, no matter how amorous or caring, no matter how romantic or respectable, can compare the completeness that Jesus Christ accords to every believer!
"You dirty rat" pops up often in mafia movies and cartoons.
"I'll have what she's having" went from "When Harry Met Sally" to television programs and commercials.
Then there's "You complete me" from the movie "Jerry Maguire". In "The Dark Knight", the Joker whined the same line at Batman.
For a lot of people, this line represents what finding the right life partner is all about. A husband or a wife will fill in all the gaps in a person's personality, will cover all the hurts and harms, will make up for whatever a partner is looking for in this life.
This idea is a complete absurdity for the believer.
Paul declares with great joy to the Colossians:
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2: 8-10)
We are complete in Christ! For the believer who trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is no lack:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32)
In Christ, we have redemption for all our sins, and we are supplied for all our needs.
If that were not enough, ponder this:
"And [God the Father] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2: 6-7)
We sit in high places, with Christ Jesus Himself! Not only are we complete in Him, we are consummate and cared for through Him in every way, protected from our sins, past, present, future; supplied with every need, beyond what we could ask or think (cf Ephesians 3:20); safeguarded above all enemies, principalities, and powers who harassed mankind until the Cross finished them of:
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2: 13-15)
No human being, no matter how amorous or caring, no matter how romantic or respectable, can compare the completeness that Jesus Christ accords to every believer!
Bring Your Vote to the Bar
President Barack Obama is poison -- unfit for consumption. He never should have been brought to the bar, but people went for the kool-aid, and like the fooled faithful of Hale Bob, the adherents are heard from no more.
Mitt Romney is lukewarm whiskey -- a tolerable necessity to some, yet sickening to the stomach of most, and most likely to spewed out before being imbibed by any.
Newt Gringrich is strong gin, all right, but mixed with dirt. He packs a punch, but he has sold out on so many issues, that he leaves a bad taste in the mouths of many
Michele Bachmann is a virgin daiquiri. She is outspoken but lacks the panache to carry people away.
Jon Huntsman is water: he has some good ideas, but there is nothing special or scintillating about him to appeal to the voters.
Rick Santorum is apple juice, just right for family fare, but grown-ups
want something fortifying, not just faithful.
Rick Perry is a watered down tequila - he gave a good jolt at the first sip, but he wore off on voters really fast.
Ron Paul is hot milk -- bland on the outside, necessary to the well-being of the country, and yet unappealing to many who want something that pleases their Big Government tastes.
People of the United States of America, we need milk, we need it now!
Vote for Ron Paul for United States President, 2012.
Mitt Romney is lukewarm whiskey -- a tolerable necessity to some, yet sickening to the stomach of most, and most likely to spewed out before being imbibed by any.
Newt Gringrich is strong gin, all right, but mixed with dirt. He packs a punch, but he has sold out on so many issues, that he leaves a bad taste in the mouths of many
Michele Bachmann is a virgin daiquiri. She is outspoken but lacks the panache to carry people away.
Jon Huntsman is water: he has some good ideas, but there is nothing special or scintillating about him to appeal to the voters.
Rick Santorum is apple juice, just right for family fare, but grown-ups
want something fortifying, not just faithful.
Rick Perry is a watered down tequila - he gave a good jolt at the first sip, but he wore off on voters really fast.
Ron Paul is hot milk -- bland on the outside, necessary to the well-being of the country, and yet unappealing to many who want something that pleases their Big Government tastes.
People of the United States of America, we need milk, we need it now!
Vote for Ron Paul for United States President, 2012.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Goldberg's Findings on "The Conservative Establishment"
In "Conservative Establishment Divided Against Itself", Jonah Goldberg decries the "RINO"-plasty that has demonized credible Presidential candidates and their supportive conservative columnists.
I agree that Rockefeller Republicans (read "New England Moderates) have gone out of style in the party. However, I believe the flight of Republican "Mad Men" will be the transition needed not just to conserve the integrity of the GOP national caucus, but to enthrall independent and disaffected Democratic voters who are weary of slick politicians who promise much, deliver very little, yet manage to look good doing both.
I agree that Rockefeller Republicans (read "New England Moderates) have gone out of style in the party. However, I believe the flight of Republican "Mad Men" will be the transition needed not just to conserve the integrity of the GOP national caucus, but to enthrall independent and disaffected Democratic voters who are weary of slick politicians who promise much, deliver very little, yet manage to look good doing both.
Conservative Pundits Punting all Over Iowa
Wow!
The Iowa caucuses have cast conservative pundits into a bind of compromise and calculation.
Ann Coulter has pledged for Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as the only viable candidate who can competitively and successfully best Barack Obama. She is not hedging her bets for a stronger candidate, so focused is she on the repeal of ObamaCare and staunch opposition to illegal immigration
George Will, standard bearer for "little c" conservatism with "a capital c" seriousness, has not held back his revulsion for tepid front runner Mitt Romney, yet has espoused Utah Governor (and interminable also ran) Jon Huntsman as the most conservative candidate. In last week's episode of ABC's "This Week", he evinced once again his sorrow that his ideal candidate Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels chose to bow out rather than throw his hat in the Presidential ring.
Thomas Sowell has gone all out for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, dismissing his private perversions for his public persuasions in the House, where he engineered the GOP resurgence of 1994, followed by a welfare reform and a balanced budget. His pining plight in last week's newspapers stands in stark contrast to his damning indictment of the former Georgia Congressman's "humane" argument for a qualified amnesty toward illegal immigrants in the United States, a deal-breaker for the Tea Party core that fled in droves from the debate-flubbing "Dream Act" champion Rick Perry.
Michael Medved has misconstrued libertarian Congressman Ron Paul's foreign policy, among other views. Ron Paul has presented the most consistent and cohesive presidential program, yet even that has not prevented Jonah Goldberg from demonizing the pretending persuasion paralysis that would grip a Paul Presidency, since the Congressman up to now has not commanded a dedicated caucus of free market adherents among his colleagues in the House.
Even Jeffrey Hawkins has admitted a calculate disdain for the Texas Congressman.
Charles Krauthammer has seesawed between Mitt and Newt, acknowledging the weakness of the current field of candidates. MSNBC journalist Chris Matthews has succinctly outlined the obvious: no GOP Presidential candidate commands the respect of a decent following because each nominee lacks one ore more of the following core elements:
1. A robust foreign policy -- national conservatives
2. A consistent record on Social Issues -- social conservatives
3. A sound economic policy -- fiscal conservatives
4. Electibility
I would dispute the fourth element, only because no matter how much President Obama surges back to decent polling numbers, his awful handling of domestic, economic, and foreign policy has all but guaranteed him a one-term presidency.
So, commentators all over the conservative map have not settled in grand uniformity on one candidate. Even Glenn Beck has floated the viability of single-ditch Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, a long-shot with some rise in the current polls out of Iowa.
This race is too close to call, but one thing is for sure: with the rise of invasive Internet media and non-stop reporting, the exhaustive immediacy of reporting on up-to-date trends may have killed the efficacy of waging a national campaign while commanding the attention of an increasingly distracted electorate on pins and needles for month before any real voting takes place.
The Iowa caucuses have cast conservative pundits into a bind of compromise and calculation.
Ann Coulter has pledged for Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as the only viable candidate who can competitively and successfully best Barack Obama. She is not hedging her bets for a stronger candidate, so focused is she on the repeal of ObamaCare and staunch opposition to illegal immigration
George Will, standard bearer for "little c" conservatism with "a capital c" seriousness, has not held back his revulsion for tepid front runner Mitt Romney, yet has espoused Utah Governor (and interminable also ran) Jon Huntsman as the most conservative candidate. In last week's episode of ABC's "This Week", he evinced once again his sorrow that his ideal candidate Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels chose to bow out rather than throw his hat in the Presidential ring.
Thomas Sowell has gone all out for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, dismissing his private perversions for his public persuasions in the House, where he engineered the GOP resurgence of 1994, followed by a welfare reform and a balanced budget. His pining plight in last week's newspapers stands in stark contrast to his damning indictment of the former Georgia Congressman's "humane" argument for a qualified amnesty toward illegal immigrants in the United States, a deal-breaker for the Tea Party core that fled in droves from the debate-flubbing "Dream Act" champion Rick Perry.
Michael Medved has misconstrued libertarian Congressman Ron Paul's foreign policy, among other views. Ron Paul has presented the most consistent and cohesive presidential program, yet even that has not prevented Jonah Goldberg from demonizing the pretending persuasion paralysis that would grip a Paul Presidency, since the Congressman up to now has not commanded a dedicated caucus of free market adherents among his colleagues in the House.
Even Jeffrey Hawkins has admitted a calculate disdain for the Texas Congressman.
Charles Krauthammer has seesawed between Mitt and Newt, acknowledging the weakness of the current field of candidates. MSNBC journalist Chris Matthews has succinctly outlined the obvious: no GOP Presidential candidate commands the respect of a decent following because each nominee lacks one ore more of the following core elements:
1. A robust foreign policy -- national conservatives
2. A consistent record on Social Issues -- social conservatives
3. A sound economic policy -- fiscal conservatives
4. Electibility
I would dispute the fourth element, only because no matter how much President Obama surges back to decent polling numbers, his awful handling of domestic, economic, and foreign policy has all but guaranteed him a one-term presidency.
So, commentators all over the conservative map have not settled in grand uniformity on one candidate. Even Glenn Beck has floated the viability of single-ditch Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, a long-shot with some rise in the current polls out of Iowa.
This race is too close to call, but one thing is for sure: with the rise of invasive Internet media and non-stop reporting, the exhaustive immediacy of reporting on up-to-date trends may have killed the efficacy of waging a national campaign while commanding the attention of an increasingly distracted electorate on pins and needles for month before any real voting takes place.
The Sufficiency of God
When I first read:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:33-34)
I was ecstatic. Life would be so simple, I thought.
Jesus counsels us not to worry about the bare necessities of life, food, drink, clothing. God the Father feeds the birds of the air, clothes the lilies of the field, both of which are of little esteem compared to us! "How much more" Jesus teases us. Only those of "little faith" would still dispute the infinite goodness of God.
Yet the crush of real life always dissuaded me. I still looked down at a depleted bank account or a withdrawn balance. When resources were down, so was I. When I made a mistake or misread something, I got afraid, as if God was not watching out for me.
Of course, another question kept nagging at me: If I just occupy myself with "seeking the Kingdom of God and his righteousness", how is that that "everything else "shall be added" to me?
After learning about the importance of rightly dividing the Word of God (cf 2 Timothy 2:15), I realized that I had to pay attention to when Jesus made these bold pronouncements.
In the matter of not "taking thought" for anything, Jesus gave these commands in the Sermon on the Mount (cf Matthew 5 through 7), one of the most popular sermons recorded in the New Testament. Yet the contents of the whole sermon promote the ultimate standards of the law to their impossible height, as well as speaking to the blessings that would later be released to all believers.
For example, the promise:
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
is actually fully realized for the believer:
"For he [God the Father] hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Hungry for righteousness? No longer a need when you are THE righteousness of God in Christ!
Then there is the command:
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5: 4)
How am I supposed to "be perfect" like God Himself? That's impossible for me, or for any man. But not for God (cf Matthew 19:26), a promise which He gave to us through Hiss Son:
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)" (Romans 5:17)
Jesus presents what will me and what we must be, both of which were accomplished in us, through us, and for us through His Finished Work on the Cross.
Yet when Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, he had not been crucified and glorified yet. Part of "rightly dividing the word of God" is recognizing the demands and claims of Jesus Christ before or after His death and resurrection.
Therefore, the reader recognizes that Jesus makes these demands on his listeners before His Crucifixion, it becomes apparent to all that these demands are to show up mankind in his infinite impotence, apart from the grace of God.
What does the grace of God have to do with realizing and fulfilling the promises and commands of Jesus Christ?
The crucial element to this answer lies in the last line of Matthew 6:
"The morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:34)
Of course, I was not too comforted upon rereading this verse. "The morrow" taking care of tomorrow's needs did not some like a good bet. What could the following day provide in itself. Also, the "evil" of today sounds foreboding, and its "sufficiency" hardly mitigates the challenges which this day poses for us.
However, we must remember that these commands to us would be fulfilled for us by the Christ's work at the Cross.
Take the word "sufficient", which makes two more appearances, both in Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians:
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Here, it is "God's grace" through His Son Jesus Christ (cf Ephesians 2: 4-8) that moves and motivates us "in all things", which covers today and tomorrow.
Later in the same epistle, Paul writes:
"And he [Jesus] said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
What challenges, whatever "evil" Paul was facing, he boldly entrusted himself to the grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ.
It is the grace of God on which every believer can trust when Jesus promises:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
And seeking the Kingdom of Heaven is no longer a hurried or frustrated trek, but a gift by the same of grace of God:
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)
Regarding the present definition of the Kingdom for the believer in Christ, Paul writes to the Romans:
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)
This verse is telling for its comity with Jesus' promise of infinite supply in the Sermon on the Mount. The Kingdom of God abounds beyond our needs of "meat and drink", instilling us with righteousness, while peace and joy are evident fruits of the Spirit, which bears without our striving (cf Galatians 5: 22-23)
So, the sufficiency which Jesus' listeners were exhorted to heed in Matthew 6 was provided in infinite abundance through His grace, available to us upon His death on the Cross!
With this revelation, I understood how by my seeking God's kingdom, which is in effect within every believer (cf Luke 1:21) kindled by the indwelling Holy Spirit, that God's grace in infinite supply would carry me through today and all days to follow. There is no reason for us to fret.
Yet even if doubts still disturbed me, I merely meditated on the blessed promise of 1John 1:7:
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
The blood of Jesus assures our righteousness forever before God, cleansing even now and forever every sin that we have committed, are committing, and ever will commit! We have no need to worry about sinning. There is no reason for "taking thought" for anything. Paul explains why:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
Jesus was delivered for us, forever declaring us righteous before the Father, and with Jesus Christ "all things" are added unto us!
The sufficiency of God is assured for every believer in Christ. Therefore, the believer has no need for "taking thought" for food, drink, clothing, shelter, or any other thing. The grace of God is sufficient of this day and every day!
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:33-34)
I was ecstatic. Life would be so simple, I thought.
Jesus counsels us not to worry about the bare necessities of life, food, drink, clothing. God the Father feeds the birds of the air, clothes the lilies of the field, both of which are of little esteem compared to us! "How much more" Jesus teases us. Only those of "little faith" would still dispute the infinite goodness of God.
Yet the crush of real life always dissuaded me. I still looked down at a depleted bank account or a withdrawn balance. When resources were down, so was I. When I made a mistake or misread something, I got afraid, as if God was not watching out for me.
Of course, another question kept nagging at me: If I just occupy myself with "seeking the Kingdom of God and his righteousness", how is that that "everything else "shall be added" to me?
After learning about the importance of rightly dividing the Word of God (cf 2 Timothy 2:15), I realized that I had to pay attention to when Jesus made these bold pronouncements.
In the matter of not "taking thought" for anything, Jesus gave these commands in the Sermon on the Mount (cf Matthew 5 through 7), one of the most popular sermons recorded in the New Testament. Yet the contents of the whole sermon promote the ultimate standards of the law to their impossible height, as well as speaking to the blessings that would later be released to all believers.
For example, the promise:
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
is actually fully realized for the believer:
"For he [God the Father] hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Hungry for righteousness? No longer a need when you are THE righteousness of God in Christ!
Then there is the command:
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5: 4)
How am I supposed to "be perfect" like God Himself? That's impossible for me, or for any man. But not for God (cf Matthew 19:26), a promise which He gave to us through Hiss Son:
"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)" (Romans 5:17)
Jesus presents what will me and what we must be, both of which were accomplished in us, through us, and for us through His Finished Work on the Cross.
Yet when Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, he had not been crucified and glorified yet. Part of "rightly dividing the word of God" is recognizing the demands and claims of Jesus Christ before or after His death and resurrection.
Therefore, the reader recognizes that Jesus makes these demands on his listeners before His Crucifixion, it becomes apparent to all that these demands are to show up mankind in his infinite impotence, apart from the grace of God.
What does the grace of God have to do with realizing and fulfilling the promises and commands of Jesus Christ?
The crucial element to this answer lies in the last line of Matthew 6:
"The morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:34)
Of course, I was not too comforted upon rereading this verse. "The morrow" taking care of tomorrow's needs did not some like a good bet. What could the following day provide in itself. Also, the "evil" of today sounds foreboding, and its "sufficiency" hardly mitigates the challenges which this day poses for us.
However, we must remember that these commands to us would be fulfilled for us by the Christ's work at the Cross.
Take the word "sufficient", which makes two more appearances, both in Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians:
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Here, it is "God's grace" through His Son Jesus Christ (cf Ephesians 2: 4-8) that moves and motivates us "in all things", which covers today and tomorrow.
Later in the same epistle, Paul writes:
"And he [Jesus] said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
What challenges, whatever "evil" Paul was facing, he boldly entrusted himself to the grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ.
It is the grace of God on which every believer can trust when Jesus promises:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
And seeking the Kingdom of Heaven is no longer a hurried or frustrated trek, but a gift by the same of grace of God:
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)
Regarding the present definition of the Kingdom for the believer in Christ, Paul writes to the Romans:
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)
This verse is telling for its comity with Jesus' promise of infinite supply in the Sermon on the Mount. The Kingdom of God abounds beyond our needs of "meat and drink", instilling us with righteousness, while peace and joy are evident fruits of the Spirit, which bears without our striving (cf Galatians 5: 22-23)
So, the sufficiency which Jesus' listeners were exhorted to heed in Matthew 6 was provided in infinite abundance through His grace, available to us upon His death on the Cross!
With this revelation, I understood how by my seeking God's kingdom, which is in effect within every believer (cf Luke 1:21) kindled by the indwelling Holy Spirit, that God's grace in infinite supply would carry me through today and all days to follow. There is no reason for us to fret.
Yet even if doubts still disturbed me, I merely meditated on the blessed promise of 1John 1:7:
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
The blood of Jesus assures our righteousness forever before God, cleansing even now and forever every sin that we have committed, are committing, and ever will commit! We have no need to worry about sinning. There is no reason for "taking thought" for anything. Paul explains why:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
Jesus was delivered for us, forever declaring us righteous before the Father, and with Jesus Christ "all things" are added unto us!
The sufficiency of God is assured for every believer in Christ. Therefore, the believer has no need for "taking thought" for food, drink, clothing, shelter, or any other thing. The grace of God is sufficient of this day and every day!
Christopher Hitchens: Truth-Teller without the Truth
I am neither dismayed nor disappointed at the demise of the celebrated journalist, debater and rabid atheistic wit Christopher Hitchens.
I appreciated his neo-conservative conversion, a conviction which prompted him to support the United State's war with Islamo-Fascism. His erudition in subjects literary and political was stirring and enervating, refreshing and riveting.
I especially welcomed his biting criticism of the faux-faithful Mother Teresa, a charity charlatan whose efforts in Calcutta will forever be undermined by her dedication to poverty, not the poor; her crass pandering to dictators and media elites for quick cash donations; and her bold forays into California medical clinics while her many convents to India's down and out suffered the most despicable deprivation. His penetrating indictment of this secularized icon was effervescent and effective.
Nevertheless, to claim that this half-Jewish journalist was a "shtarker" is hollow praise at best. Hitchens' unrepentant atheism exposed the fundamental folly of this otherwise brilliant man.
Beloved King David denounces Hitchens and the world for the true wisdom which they sorely lack:
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." (Psalm 14:1)
His wise son King Solomon concurred:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)
These two eternal truths have withstood and surpassed the human wisdom of the ages. Therefore, we can only declare that Christopher Hitchens was just one more tipsh ("fool" in Yiddish) , although a very acerbic and informative one.
I appreciated his neo-conservative conversion, a conviction which prompted him to support the United State's war with Islamo-Fascism. His erudition in subjects literary and political was stirring and enervating, refreshing and riveting.
I especially welcomed his biting criticism of the faux-faithful Mother Teresa, a charity charlatan whose efforts in Calcutta will forever be undermined by her dedication to poverty, not the poor; her crass pandering to dictators and media elites for quick cash donations; and her bold forays into California medical clinics while her many convents to India's down and out suffered the most despicable deprivation. His penetrating indictment of this secularized icon was effervescent and effective.
Nevertheless, to claim that this half-Jewish journalist was a "shtarker" is hollow praise at best. Hitchens' unrepentant atheism exposed the fundamental folly of this otherwise brilliant man.
Beloved King David denounces Hitchens and the world for the true wisdom which they sorely lack:
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." (Psalm 14:1)
His wise son King Solomon concurred:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)
These two eternal truths have withstood and surpassed the human wisdom of the ages. Therefore, we can only declare that Christopher Hitchens was just one more tipsh ("fool" in Yiddish) , although a very acerbic and informative one.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Practice the Presence of God? -- He is Already Here in You!
For a long time, I had a hard time accepting the truth revealed in Hebrews:
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
Yes, I know that God is with me, that God is for me, but still I always felt that I was on my own when it came to moving and shaking things up in the world.
Yet God the Father is actively involved in our lives, and the scriptures demonstrate this time and again:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2: 12-13)
"God worketh" is present tense affirmative! God is NOW working in every believer both "to will and to do" for His good pleasure. Right away, I do not have to stress about finding out God's will for me, or even wonder if I will have the power and desire to do it!
Jesus Christ resurrected and gloried is also still working on my behalf, even now!
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)
Christ is ever making intercession for the believer, declaring his eternal righteousness before the Father!
We have another active basis for this assurance, recorded for us in the apostle John's first epistle:
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
The "if" in this verse is not subject to debate for the believer, for we are all "children of light" in God (cf 1 Thessalonians 5:5). Therefore, the blood of Jesus cleanses us NOW from all sin, every sin that you are thinking now, or may commit in the future, as well as all past sins. What a glorious promise, to know that we are forever righteous, never to be lost!
Right away, our Lord and Savior, who lives in us (cf Galatians 4:19; Colossians 1:27) is actively working in us and for us! He is more than present, He is active and accountable within us!
And He loves us! For ever promise and glorious legacy of the Son is also ours:
"God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit." (1 John 4: 12-13)
A little further down, John writes:
"God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16)
This active love is ever working in us and around us. Yet regarding our blessed standing in Christ, we find:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17)
"As He is, so are we in this world." And how "is" Christ? On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter declared where He is:
"This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." (Acts 2: 32-33)
And we are there with Him:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: " (Ephesians 2: 4-6)
Rather than maintaining for myself God's presence in my life, I affirm to myself that I am with Him through Jesus Christ, in the Beloved, sitting in the place of utmost favor at the right hand of the Father.
Practice the Presence of God? He is already there, or rather here, in you! Instead, meditate on the infinitely phenomenal truth that we are hid in Christ, never to be separated, that we could not sever ourselves from Him even if we wanted to. He is actively working in us, through us, and for us on behalf of His Father and for our eternally blessed benefit!
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
Yes, I know that God is with me, that God is for me, but still I always felt that I was on my own when it came to moving and shaking things up in the world.
Yet God the Father is actively involved in our lives, and the scriptures demonstrate this time and again:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2: 12-13)
"God worketh" is present tense affirmative! God is NOW working in every believer both "to will and to do" for His good pleasure. Right away, I do not have to stress about finding out God's will for me, or even wonder if I will have the power and desire to do it!
Jesus Christ resurrected and gloried is also still working on my behalf, even now!
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)
Christ is ever making intercession for the believer, declaring his eternal righteousness before the Father!
We have another active basis for this assurance, recorded for us in the apostle John's first epistle:
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
The "if" in this verse is not subject to debate for the believer, for we are all "children of light" in God (cf 1 Thessalonians 5:5). Therefore, the blood of Jesus cleanses us NOW from all sin, every sin that you are thinking now, or may commit in the future, as well as all past sins. What a glorious promise, to know that we are forever righteous, never to be lost!
Right away, our Lord and Savior, who lives in us (cf Galatians 4:19; Colossians 1:27) is actively working in us and for us! He is more than present, He is active and accountable within us!
And He loves us! For ever promise and glorious legacy of the Son is also ours:
"God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit." (1 John 4: 12-13)
A little further down, John writes:
"God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16)
This active love is ever working in us and around us. Yet regarding our blessed standing in Christ, we find:
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17)
"As He is, so are we in this world." And how "is" Christ? On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter declared where He is:
"This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." (Acts 2: 32-33)
And we are there with Him:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: " (Ephesians 2: 4-6)
Rather than maintaining for myself God's presence in my life, I affirm to myself that I am with Him through Jesus Christ, in the Beloved, sitting in the place of utmost favor at the right hand of the Father.
Practice the Presence of God? He is already there, or rather here, in you! Instead, meditate on the infinitely phenomenal truth that we are hid in Christ, never to be separated, that we could not sever ourselves from Him even if we wanted to. He is actively working in us, through us, and for us on behalf of His Father and for our eternally blessed benefit!
Finding the Will of God -- Not as Hard as You Think
Is the will of God that difficult to find, let alone discern?
In one sense, yes:
"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)
Do not despair, though, for the prophet Isaiah uttered this profound pronouncements before the Crucifixion.
This is the promise for believers:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 3
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
Breathtaking for its sweeping promises of redemption of supply, Christ's death on the Cross provides everything for us. God wills for us to be fully supplied, fully cared for!
Regarding the specific nature of these plans:
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
"Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3: 20-21)
No matter what we may come up with, God has prepared far greater for us. There is little value in our puzzling over what God wants to do through us.
Instead, Jesus gave the command worthy of those who want to do the works of God:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6:29)
and
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
In our walk with the Lord, it is no longer matter of getting, but accepting; not of achieving, but receiving.
And we do not need to worry about missing His signs or stepping outside of His will to begin with:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
The good works that God wants us to do are already within us! We just have to walk in them by faith (cf 2 Corinthians 5:7)
The same Holy Spirit by whom we have faith and power to do God's will also directs us:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
In Galatians, Paul provides further assurance of the Holy Spirit's power over us to keep us:
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5: 16-18)
Let the Spirit do the leading in your life, and you will find yourself doing everything that God wants you to do, but without your chronic analysis and awareness.
Of course there are some things that you will be doing all along the way:
"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication." (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
As for more positive direction, Paul provides the following:
"Rejoice evermore.
"Pray without ceasing.
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you ." (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18)
But what about today and tomorrow, what about our needs? Remember, we are talking about God the Father, who has provided us eternal redemption and righteousness through the death, resurrection, and intercession of His Son Jesus Christ, and the direction of the Holy Spirit. Trust Him to lead you, and you can never fail.
In one sense, yes:
"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)
Do not despair, though, for the prophet Isaiah uttered this profound pronouncements before the Crucifixion.
This is the promise for believers:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 3
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
Breathtaking for its sweeping promises of redemption of supply, Christ's death on the Cross provides everything for us. God wills for us to be fully supplied, fully cared for!
Regarding the specific nature of these plans:
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
"Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3: 20-21)
No matter what we may come up with, God has prepared far greater for us. There is little value in our puzzling over what God wants to do through us.
Instead, Jesus gave the command worthy of those who want to do the works of God:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6:29)
and
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
In our walk with the Lord, it is no longer matter of getting, but accepting; not of achieving, but receiving.
And we do not need to worry about missing His signs or stepping outside of His will to begin with:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
The good works that God wants us to do are already within us! We just have to walk in them by faith (cf 2 Corinthians 5:7)
The same Holy Spirit by whom we have faith and power to do God's will also directs us:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
In Galatians, Paul provides further assurance of the Holy Spirit's power over us to keep us:
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
"But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." (Galatians 5: 16-18)
Let the Spirit do the leading in your life, and you will find yourself doing everything that God wants you to do, but without your chronic analysis and awareness.
Of course there are some things that you will be doing all along the way:
"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication." (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
As for more positive direction, Paul provides the following:
"Rejoice evermore.
"Pray without ceasing.
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you ." (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18)
But what about today and tomorrow, what about our needs? Remember, we are talking about God the Father, who has provided us eternal redemption and righteousness through the death, resurrection, and intercession of His Son Jesus Christ, and the direction of the Holy Spirit. Trust Him to lead you, and you can never fail.
Rick Santorum, Traditional Values, and Bowing Out
Rick Santorum has run a simple campaign, due in part to the fact that he has attracted very little interest, aside from die-hard social conservatives looking for a dyed-in-the-wall GOP back-burner with "Leave it to Beaver" moxie.
This "aw-shucks" charm does not command any respect. He says all the right things to most voters, and he has even gained the side-tracked attention of social critic Glenn Beck, but what campaign does he have? What chances, what skills, what panache has Santorum demonstrated to an electorate looking for more than the right suit in the right fit?
Traditional values are a a core factor in commandeering a sizable chunk of the GOP voting bloc, but every candidate has demonstrated a dignified adherence to this pack of conservative constituents, even though the personal flippancies of Gingrich, the idiosyncrasies of Bachmann, and the skeptical change of heart in Romney have not sold anyone.
Yes, it would be in his best interests if he bowed out of the race if he polled in last place. In fact, it would be in the best interests of the party and the nation if he bowed out right now without endorsing anyone.
Despite the middling options before the American people, a competent Republican nominee will surface, one with the qualifying credentials to take down Obama and take this country back into freedom and prosperity, free of a meddling government gone socialist-lite.
This "aw-shucks" charm does not command any respect. He says all the right things to most voters, and he has even gained the side-tracked attention of social critic Glenn Beck, but what campaign does he have? What chances, what skills, what panache has Santorum demonstrated to an electorate looking for more than the right suit in the right fit?
Traditional values are a a core factor in commandeering a sizable chunk of the GOP voting bloc, but every candidate has demonstrated a dignified adherence to this pack of conservative constituents, even though the personal flippancies of Gingrich, the idiosyncrasies of Bachmann, and the skeptical change of heart in Romney have not sold anyone.
Yes, it would be in his best interests if he bowed out of the race if he polled in last place. In fact, it would be in the best interests of the party and the nation if he bowed out right now without endorsing anyone.
Despite the middling options before the American people, a competent Republican nominee will surface, one with the qualifying credentials to take down Obama and take this country back into freedom and prosperity, free of a meddling government gone socialist-lite.
Response to Medved on Ron Paul's Foreign Policy
Michael Medved has joined the petty pantheon of conservative pundits just as squirrely about the GOP Presidential slim pickings.
Now he is castigating Congressman Ron Paul's foreign policy platform as (*ahem*):
"isolationist, moral-relativist" and "agreeing with Barack Obama, but disagreeing with great Republicans Lincoln and Reagan."
I think the current administration's foreign policy has been far more morally relative than previous conduct in the realm of diplomacy. How many times has President Obama thrown Israel "under the bus" so to speak, pressuring more concessions out of the Jewish State while undermining Western allies and playing appeasement politics with Arab states dedicated to the eradication of Israel?
Also, the Obama Administration, like previous presidencies Republican and Democrat, have proffered twice as much foreign aid to Arab communities inimical to the best interests of the Jewish State, like the PLO and Pakistan. What kind of nonsensical foreign policy gives foreign aid to nations bent on the destruction of our one solid Middle Eastern Ally.
Congressman Ron Paul respects the rights and responsibilities of the Jewish state to manage its foreign affairs without intrusion from the United States. This position is in sound harmony with the United States Constitution, which reserves war powers to a declaration of Congress before the Commander-in-Chief can wage war throughout the world.
I also do not concur that in matters of foreign policy GOP "greats" like Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan excelled, except to the extent that they limited the United States' role in foreign affairs and demanded freedom of determination to other nations, like Lincoln's enforcement of the Monroe Doctrine against the French occupiers in Maximillian's Mexico. Let us not forget that Reagan relied more on soft power with arms pressure and social policy to bring down the Soviet Union, followed by the forced and immediate withdrawal of Marines stationed in the irrational fratricide of 1980's Lebanon.
Besides, since when and where did the United States Government get the authority to station troops in one hundred countries, the most of which have their own standing armies and do not need our presence?
Now he is castigating Congressman Ron Paul's foreign policy platform as (*ahem*):
"isolationist, moral-relativist" and "agreeing with Barack Obama, but disagreeing with great Republicans Lincoln and Reagan."
I think the current administration's foreign policy has been far more morally relative than previous conduct in the realm of diplomacy. How many times has President Obama thrown Israel "under the bus" so to speak, pressuring more concessions out of the Jewish State while undermining Western allies and playing appeasement politics with Arab states dedicated to the eradication of Israel?
Also, the Obama Administration, like previous presidencies Republican and Democrat, have proffered twice as much foreign aid to Arab communities inimical to the best interests of the Jewish State, like the PLO and Pakistan. What kind of nonsensical foreign policy gives foreign aid to nations bent on the destruction of our one solid Middle Eastern Ally.
Congressman Ron Paul respects the rights and responsibilities of the Jewish state to manage its foreign affairs without intrusion from the United States. This position is in sound harmony with the United States Constitution, which reserves war powers to a declaration of Congress before the Commander-in-Chief can wage war throughout the world.
I also do not concur that in matters of foreign policy GOP "greats" like Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan excelled, except to the extent that they limited the United States' role in foreign affairs and demanded freedom of determination to other nations, like Lincoln's enforcement of the Monroe Doctrine against the French occupiers in Maximillian's Mexico. Let us not forget that Reagan relied more on soft power with arms pressure and social policy to bring down the Soviet Union, followed by the forced and immediate withdrawal of Marines stationed in the irrational fratricide of 1980's Lebanon.
Besides, since when and where did the United States Government get the authority to station troops in one hundred countries, the most of which have their own standing armies and do not need our presence?
Jesus Christ: The Only Bailout We Really Need -- The Supply
Imagine missing out on the never-ending supply of the Father!
Who would enable such an unnecessary poverty?
Sadly, much of the "christian" charity in the world accomplishes this tragedy, teaching destitute men and women to depend on the petty kindness of strangers as opposed to the infinite grace-supply of the Father!
As if anyone of us needed more proof of the true Charity of our Father, consider these verses:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
God's favor and supply, all upon believing on Him who loved us and died for us!
And how do we know this?
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2: 20-21)
For those of us who submit that our poverty is inexplicably infinite, and can only be covered by the infinite grace of God, we receive the faith OF the Son of God, and the very life we seek to lead is led for us by the Holy Spirit living within us!
The Holy Spirit: He is a promise far greater than a handout from a passerby! THe Holy Spirit is the greatest gift, the certainty of blessing, favor, and never-ending supply from God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ:
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:13)
Jesus trumps the requests that plague mankind. Are you hungry, tired, frustrated, anger, impoverished? The promise of the Holy Spirit supplies all of these needs and more: right standing before the Father in Christ Jesus.
And Christ made no pretense about the very nature of the Holy Spirit as a gift which must be received, not achieved or earned:
"But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12: 31-32)
This promise was achieved for all mankind on the Day of Pentecost, declared to all devout passers-by practicing their religion in Jerusalem:
"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." (Acts 2:33)
Peter declared the certain and never-ending arrival of the Holy Spirit, the Gift that never stops giving! The endless supply for every need!
What handout can any person hand out that can even come close to comparing with the Holy Spirit?!
Who would enable such an unnecessary poverty?
Sadly, much of the "christian" charity in the world accomplishes this tragedy, teaching destitute men and women to depend on the petty kindness of strangers as opposed to the infinite grace-supply of the Father!
As if anyone of us needed more proof of the true Charity of our Father, consider these verses:
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)
God's favor and supply, all upon believing on Him who loved us and died for us!
And how do we know this?
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2: 20-21)
For those of us who submit that our poverty is inexplicably infinite, and can only be covered by the infinite grace of God, we receive the faith OF the Son of God, and the very life we seek to lead is led for us by the Holy Spirit living within us!
The Holy Spirit: He is a promise far greater than a handout from a passerby! THe Holy Spirit is the greatest gift, the certainty of blessing, favor, and never-ending supply from God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ:
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:13)
Jesus trumps the requests that plague mankind. Are you hungry, tired, frustrated, anger, impoverished? The promise of the Holy Spirit supplies all of these needs and more: right standing before the Father in Christ Jesus.
And Christ made no pretense about the very nature of the Holy Spirit as a gift which must be received, not achieved or earned:
"But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12: 31-32)
This promise was achieved for all mankind on the Day of Pentecost, declared to all devout passers-by practicing their religion in Jerusalem:
"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." (Acts 2:33)
Peter declared the certain and never-ending arrival of the Holy Spirit, the Gift that never stops giving! The endless supply for every need!
What handout can any person hand out that can even come close to comparing with the Holy Spirit?!
Jesus Christ: The Only Bailout We Really Need -- The Reason
Pastor Prince's analogy of human efforts and human charities to the honey and leaven which must be left out of sacrifices has been adequately demonstrated.
Now, why is it in the best interests of believers to avoid interpolating their own efforts, whether to secure God's favor or to earn God's righteousness, especially in regards to the poverty that afflicts others?
Consider the Parable of the Prodigal Son. What would have happened to this young man if some passerby had taken pity on this pitiful boy's plight? Seeing him starved to nothing, feeding loathsome pigs and unable to content himself even with the scraps fed to those terrible creatures, some human heart, stuffed up with pagan goodness, would have thrown him some money.
Then he would have missed out on the grand reception and restoration waiting for him, back in His Father's House:
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
"And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
"And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." (Luke 15: 20-24)
If we would only let every lost soul return right to the Lord, they would find the following waiting for him or her:
1. Unconditional Love: The Father rushed to his son, who was still "a great way off" God's love never stops pouring forth to all. It is a matter of the slightest movement of faith from every person to receive this love!
2. Redemption: The Father "had compassion" for his son, a chief proof that He had already forgiven his son.
3. Restoration of Right Standing (Righteousness): Under the Old Covenant, a disobedient child would have been stoned to death (cf Deuteronomy 21:18); here, the Father immediately welcomed his lost and forlorn son back into the family, providing him new apparel, representing his restored right standing in the family, along with new shoes, which only sons wear.
4. Sustenance: By preparing the fatted calf, a symbol of the sacrifice which Jesus Christ would be for all of us, the Father provided for the bodily needs of his son, far beyond what he could have ever asked or thought (cf Ephesians 3:20)
5. Joy and Peace: The Father wanted to make merry for his son, which all of heaven does for every sinner who repents!
6. Never-ending supply: When the Father put "a ring on his hand", the Father invest his son not just with renewed authority, but unlimited purchasing power, for the ring of a family served as the credit guarantee, like a credit card today.
Imagine the prodigal son missing out on this restoration and promotion if some foolish, self-presumptive passerby had doled out a hand out, which would have undermined the desperate initiative for this young man to return to his father!
Now, why is it in the best interests of believers to avoid interpolating their own efforts, whether to secure God's favor or to earn God's righteousness, especially in regards to the poverty that afflicts others?
Consider the Parable of the Prodigal Son. What would have happened to this young man if some passerby had taken pity on this pitiful boy's plight? Seeing him starved to nothing, feeding loathsome pigs and unable to content himself even with the scraps fed to those terrible creatures, some human heart, stuffed up with pagan goodness, would have thrown him some money.
Then he would have missed out on the grand reception and restoration waiting for him, back in His Father's House:
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
"And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
"But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
"And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
"For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." (Luke 15: 20-24)
If we would only let every lost soul return right to the Lord, they would find the following waiting for him or her:
1. Unconditional Love: The Father rushed to his son, who was still "a great way off" God's love never stops pouring forth to all. It is a matter of the slightest movement of faith from every person to receive this love!
2. Redemption: The Father "had compassion" for his son, a chief proof that He had already forgiven his son.
3. Restoration of Right Standing (Righteousness): Under the Old Covenant, a disobedient child would have been stoned to death (cf Deuteronomy 21:18); here, the Father immediately welcomed his lost and forlorn son back into the family, providing him new apparel, representing his restored right standing in the family, along with new shoes, which only sons wear.
4. Sustenance: By preparing the fatted calf, a symbol of the sacrifice which Jesus Christ would be for all of us, the Father provided for the bodily needs of his son, far beyond what he could have ever asked or thought (cf Ephesians 3:20)
5. Joy and Peace: The Father wanted to make merry for his son, which all of heaven does for every sinner who repents!
6. Never-ending supply: When the Father put "a ring on his hand", the Father invest his son not just with renewed authority, but unlimited purchasing power, for the ring of a family served as the credit guarantee, like a credit card today.
Imagine the prodigal son missing out on this restoration and promotion if some foolish, self-presumptive passerby had doled out a hand out, which would have undermined the desperate initiative for this young man to return to his father!
Jesus Christ: The Only Bailout We Really Need -- The Leaven
I have already pointed out that honey speaks of man's petty efforts to succor favor from the Lord.
Regarding the leaven mentioned in Leviticus 2:11, the evidence for the perverse meaning of leaven is more abundant.
From the bread which the Lord required to be unleavened during the Passover meal, to the wicked heresies of the Pharisees, the leaven speaks of man's efforts to puff up his circumstances through his own power.
Jesus blasted the leaven of the Pharisees, which He warned His disciples to avoid
"And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
"Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
"And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
"Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
"Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
"Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
"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: 5-12)
Jesus' instruction is essential on two key points regarding "the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees".
First, Jesus makes His point about the leaven of the religious authorities in contrast to His miracle of feeding five thousand with five loaves. Instead of relying on the empty teachings of men, rely on the infinite supplying power of God.
In the second place, "the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees" was a licentious teaching that taught mankind what he could do to achieve right standing through his own efforts, when even the best of us are condemned by the exacting infinite demands of the law.
Regarding the human and failing nature of the law, Jesus issued this indictment:
"For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do." (Mark 7:8)
Regarding the exacting nature of the law, and the complicity of the religious leaders in diminishing its holiness:
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20)
and
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
"Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel." (Matthew 23: 23-24)
Without controversy, "leaven" speaks of man's attempts to justify himself by his own works, all of which are doomed to fail before a righteous God:
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20)
Regarding the leaven mentioned in Leviticus 2:11, the evidence for the perverse meaning of leaven is more abundant.
From the bread which the Lord required to be unleavened during the Passover meal, to the wicked heresies of the Pharisees, the leaven speaks of man's efforts to puff up his circumstances through his own power.
Jesus blasted the leaven of the Pharisees, which He warned His disciples to avoid
"And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
"Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
"And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
"Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
"Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
"Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
"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: 5-12)
Jesus' instruction is essential on two key points regarding "the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees".
First, Jesus makes His point about the leaven of the religious authorities in contrast to His miracle of feeding five thousand with five loaves. Instead of relying on the empty teachings of men, rely on the infinite supplying power of God.
In the second place, "the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees" was a licentious teaching that taught mankind what he could do to achieve right standing through his own efforts, when even the best of us are condemned by the exacting infinite demands of the law.
Regarding the human and failing nature of the law, Jesus issued this indictment:
"For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do." (Mark 7:8)
Regarding the exacting nature of the law, and the complicity of the religious leaders in diminishing its holiness:
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20)
and
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
"Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel." (Matthew 23: 23-24)
Without controversy, "leaven" speaks of man's attempts to justify himself by his own works, all of which are doomed to fail before a righteous God:
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20)
Jesus Christ: The Only Bailout We Really Need -- The Honey
"No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the LORD made by fire." (Leviticus 2:11)
Pastor Joseph Prince has submitted a telling reading for this passage, in that the "honey and leaven" represent man's efforts and man's charity, both of which can spoil the work that Christ alone has provided for all of us.
Regarding the significance of honey, this foodstuff is first mentioned in Genesis, when Jacob's have returned from Egypt with grain. While in Egypt, Jacob's ten sons (for the patriarch refused to part with his beloved Benjamin), Simeon, the second son, was required by Joseph,
"And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
"And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight:
"Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man" (Genesis 43: 11-13)
Jacob could not believe the bounty which he had received through his sons from the yet unknown ruler in Egypt. Fearing for the life of his family, including his son Benjamin, Jacob demanded that his sons procure goods to solicit the favor of "the man", who is in fact his long lost son Joseph, the well-favored son whose betrayal at the hands of jealous brethren is working for the good of Jacob, his descendants, and ultimately the entire world.
One of the gifts that Jacob wished to offer included "a little honey". How petty are our attempts to succor favor from unknown and untoward fears! And what a contrast to the land "flowing with milk and honey" that the Lord promised to Abraham and his faithful descendants. How blessed Jacob would be to find not only that his beloved son Joseph was still alive, but that he had become second in power only to Pharaoh, and savior of the World!
Pastor Joseph Prince has submitted a telling reading for this passage, in that the "honey and leaven" represent man's efforts and man's charity, both of which can spoil the work that Christ alone has provided for all of us.
Regarding the significance of honey, this foodstuff is first mentioned in Genesis, when Jacob's have returned from Egypt with grain. While in Egypt, Jacob's ten sons (for the patriarch refused to part with his beloved Benjamin), Simeon, the second son, was required by Joseph,
"And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
"And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight:
"Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man" (Genesis 43: 11-13)
Jacob could not believe the bounty which he had received through his sons from the yet unknown ruler in Egypt. Fearing for the life of his family, including his son Benjamin, Jacob demanded that his sons procure goods to solicit the favor of "the man", who is in fact his long lost son Joseph, the well-favored son whose betrayal at the hands of jealous brethren is working for the good of Jacob, his descendants, and ultimately the entire world.
One of the gifts that Jacob wished to offer included "a little honey". How petty are our attempts to succor favor from unknown and untoward fears! And what a contrast to the land "flowing with milk and honey" that the Lord promised to Abraham and his faithful descendants. How blessed Jacob would be to find not only that his beloved son Joseph was still alive, but that he had become second in power only to Pharaoh, and savior of the World!
The Depths of God's Forgiveness Part IV
If Peter's example is not enough to demonstrate how the full knowledge of one's forever-favored and forgiven state before God can turn a blunt braggart into an assertive and graceful evangelist, consider the example of Paul:
"Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
"Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
"Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." (Philippians 3: 4-6)
He also openly acknowledged the great evil he did in persecuting Christ's church before his own conversion:
"
Yet in his ministry, Paul also had the "audacity" to declare his blameless state before assemblies which he preached to throughout his ministry:
"And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." (Acts 23: 1)
and later
"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." (Acts 24:16)
In both verse, before significant assemblies, Paul declares his cleared conscience, his right standing before all.
How else could he do this, but in that he trusted fully in the resurrection power and atonement of Christ's death on the Cross? He declares this in one of his epistles:
"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
"If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." (Philippians 3: 7-11)
He now has full confidence in the righteousness which comes by faith, Paul has now found himself "in Christ", a place of preeminent power and glory:
"And [God] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2: 6-7)
and also
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2: 10-15)
This same Jesus, glorified and forever honored at the right hand of the Father, is also the same place where each of us who believe on Him are located!
No matter what we have done, no matter how deep our sin, no matter how dirty or vile our past, we can declare boldly that we have no offense with any man, because we have been forgiven of all our sins, we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ, and we sit in glory and honor in Christ at the right hand of the Father:
"Because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17)
Christ is under no condemnation; neither are we. Christ is neither despised for past wrongdoings, and so neither are we.
And from this fullness, from this status of eternal forgiveness, we enjoy all other blessings!
"Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
"Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
"Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." (Philippians 3: 4-6)
He also openly acknowledged the great evil he did in persecuting Christ's church before his own conversion:
"
Yet in his ministry, Paul also had the "audacity" to declare his blameless state before assemblies which he preached to throughout his ministry:
"And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." (Acts 23: 1)
and later
"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." (Acts 24:16)
In both verse, before significant assemblies, Paul declares his cleared conscience, his right standing before all.
How else could he do this, but in that he trusted fully in the resurrection power and atonement of Christ's death on the Cross? He declares this in one of his epistles:
"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
"If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." (Philippians 3: 7-11)
He now has full confidence in the righteousness which comes by faith, Paul has now found himself "in Christ", a place of preeminent power and glory:
"And [God] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2: 6-7)
and also
"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
"And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2: 10-15)
This same Jesus, glorified and forever honored at the right hand of the Father, is also the same place where each of us who believe on Him are located!
No matter what we have done, no matter how deep our sin, no matter how dirty or vile our past, we can declare boldly that we have no offense with any man, because we have been forgiven of all our sins, we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ, and we sit in glory and honor in Christ at the right hand of the Father:
"Because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17)
Christ is under no condemnation; neither are we. Christ is neither despised for past wrongdoings, and so neither are we.
And from this fullness, from this status of eternal forgiveness, we enjoy all other blessings!
The Depths of God's Forgiveness Part III
How deep is this forgiveness of sins?
Let's consider the depth of release that it accorded to two red-handed rebels, men who had prided themselves on their devotion to God, only to recognize their lost state apart from the grace of God.
Peter boasted of his love for the Lord:
"Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
"Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice." (John 13: 37-38)
And Peter certainly cowered and denied His Lord (cf John 18)
Jesus did restore Peter, and the forgiveness and reconciliation that Peter received from His Lord and Savior empowered him to declare the first evangelical sermon on the day of Pentecost (cf Acts 2)
What he declared to another congregation is more striking, however:
"And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
"The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go." (Acts 3: 13-14)
Read that again. Peter had the boldness, if not the audacity, to declare the Jews listening to him that they had "delivered and denied" Jesus Christ! This uncouth fisherman, who had boasted of his love for Jesus, only to deny him three times, was now convicting others of denying Jesus Christ "the Holy One and the Just". Where else could he have drawn such confidence for himself but from the complete remission of sins which he believed and received from Jesus Christ?
Let's consider the depth of release that it accorded to two red-handed rebels, men who had prided themselves on their devotion to God, only to recognize their lost state apart from the grace of God.
Peter boasted of his love for the Lord:
"Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
"Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice." (John 13: 37-38)
And Peter certainly cowered and denied His Lord (cf John 18)
Jesus did restore Peter, and the forgiveness and reconciliation that Peter received from His Lord and Savior empowered him to declare the first evangelical sermon on the day of Pentecost (cf Acts 2)
What he declared to another congregation is more striking, however:
"And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
"The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go." (Acts 3: 13-14)
Read that again. Peter had the boldness, if not the audacity, to declare the Jews listening to him that they had "delivered and denied" Jesus Christ! This uncouth fisherman, who had boasted of his love for Jesus, only to deny him three times, was now convicting others of denying Jesus Christ "the Holy One and the Just". Where else could he have drawn such confidence for himself but from the complete remission of sins which he believed and received from Jesus Christ?
The Depths of God's Forgiveness Part II
So, from the redemption we receive from all sins through Christ's blood, this is the greatest gift accorded to mankind, a gift that never stops giving:
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
"Cleanses" is in the present tense, signifying to any who doubt that the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Christ at the Cross continuously cleanses us, forever! Whatever sins we have committed, are committing, or ever will commit, have been wiped away forever! No more record of sin!
The writer of Hebrews confirms this:
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12)
This reading is confirmed in two other passages, well-known and often quoted, yet unfortunately overlooked for the eternal power brought to us in the shed blood of Christ:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1)
That's it, it is all finally, no condemnation whatsoever for those who are in Christ Jesus. None! Staggering but true, for as each of has declared that Jesus Christ is Lord, we are one with Him in high places, forever. Paul confirms this later in the same chapter:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8: 37-39)
Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God, not even our own sin!
If that were not enough, we are not just identified with Christ, but with his perfect standing:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
You are a "servant of righteousness" (cf Romans 6: 15-18), which is better rendered "slave", not to emphasize the effort which one must exert in order to achieve righteousness, for it is a gift (cf Romans 5:17). Instead, our status or "righteous" cannot be removed, cannot be lost, cannot be revoked. In a sense, you are stuck with being righteous in Christ, once you believe, and there is nothing you can do about it. And what a glorious, eternally blessed confinement!
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
"Cleanses" is in the present tense, signifying to any who doubt that the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Christ at the Cross continuously cleanses us, forever! Whatever sins we have committed, are committing, or ever will commit, have been wiped away forever! No more record of sin!
The writer of Hebrews confirms this:
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12)
This reading is confirmed in two other passages, well-known and often quoted, yet unfortunately overlooked for the eternal power brought to us in the shed blood of Christ:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1)
That's it, it is all finally, no condemnation whatsoever for those who are in Christ Jesus. None! Staggering but true, for as each of has declared that Jesus Christ is Lord, we are one with Him in high places, forever. Paul confirms this later in the same chapter:
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8: 37-39)
Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God, not even our own sin!
If that were not enough, we are not just identified with Christ, but with his perfect standing:
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
You are a "servant of righteousness" (cf Romans 6: 15-18), which is better rendered "slave", not to emphasize the effort which one must exert in order to achieve righteousness, for it is a gift (cf Romans 5:17). Instead, our status or "righteous" cannot be removed, cannot be lost, cannot be revoked. In a sense, you are stuck with being righteous in Christ, once you believe, and there is nothing you can do about it. And what a glorious, eternally blessed confinement!
The Depths of God's Forgiveness
How deep is His Love?
People can talk about feelings, people can talk about the miracles.
But no one can overcome the joy of a man who has been forgiven all of his sins!
David wrote of this blessed state, one which he did not receive in his earthly lifetime.
"Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." (Psalm 32:2)
Which Paul quoted in his epistle to the Romans:
"Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
"Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
"Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (Romans 4: 6-8)
Jessu magnified this most glorious part of His mission, for He was born to die for us and as us, removing from us forever the stain of sin and making us one with Him in righteousness before the Father.
When His ministry took off, making great news in Capernaum, he was confronted with the great faith on one man stricken with the palsy
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
"But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
"Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?" (Mark 2: 5-7)
Granted, the skepticism of the scribes watching were unpleasantly perturbed -- who indeed can forgive sins? God can, but only through the Finished Work of the Cross! Yet until such time as He would die once and for, Jesus declared the forgiveness of sins.
"And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
"Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?" (Mark 2: 8-9)
Obviously, to Jesus Christ, the greater work, the more difficult task, would be the forgiveness of sins, as it would cost God His own Son, who would suffer every ignominy, pain, hurt, loss, sickness, and disease the afflicts humanity, from the beginning of time and for all eternity. Jesus then explained the significance of healing the man:
"But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
"I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
"And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion." (Mark 2:10-12)
Healing is a demonstration of the greater miracle at work, that this man's sins were forgiven by Jesus Christ!
Before anyone talks about healing, about prosperity, about freedom from depression or any other illness of hardship, we all need to be released from the greatest plague, the greatest scandal -- condemnation, the guilt which every human being labors under!
Jesus made plain his goal for all of us:
"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."
How did He do this, exactly? Paul spells it out at length:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"{Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
"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.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:4-10)
God the Father has redeemed us, placed us in Christ at His right hand, above all principality and power (cf Colossians 2: 10-15), and with Christ, He promises to provide us all things, freely given! (cf Romans 8: 31-32)
But the power of God's grace through His Son Jesus Christ, the remission of sins, is the highest calling, the greatest gift, the one which engenders all other blessings!
People can talk about feelings, people can talk about the miracles.
But no one can overcome the joy of a man who has been forgiven all of his sins!
David wrote of this blessed state, one which he did not receive in his earthly lifetime.
"Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile." (Psalm 32:2)
Which Paul quoted in his epistle to the Romans:
"Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
"Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
"Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." (Romans 4: 6-8)
Jessu magnified this most glorious part of His mission, for He was born to die for us and as us, removing from us forever the stain of sin and making us one with Him in righteousness before the Father.
When His ministry took off, making great news in Capernaum, he was confronted with the great faith on one man stricken with the palsy
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
"But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
"Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?" (Mark 2: 5-7)
Granted, the skepticism of the scribes watching were unpleasantly perturbed -- who indeed can forgive sins? God can, but only through the Finished Work of the Cross! Yet until such time as He would die once and for, Jesus declared the forgiveness of sins.
"And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
"Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?" (Mark 2: 8-9)
Obviously, to Jesus Christ, the greater work, the more difficult task, would be the forgiveness of sins, as it would cost God His own Son, who would suffer every ignominy, pain, hurt, loss, sickness, and disease the afflicts humanity, from the beginning of time and for all eternity. Jesus then explained the significance of healing the man:
"But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
"I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
"And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion." (Mark 2:10-12)
Healing is a demonstration of the greater miracle at work, that this man's sins were forgiven by Jesus Christ!
Before anyone talks about healing, about prosperity, about freedom from depression or any other illness of hardship, we all need to be released from the greatest plague, the greatest scandal -- condemnation, the guilt which every human being labors under!
Jesus made plain his goal for all of us:
"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."
How did He do this, exactly? Paul spells it out at length:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
"{Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
"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.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:4-10)
God the Father has redeemed us, placed us in Christ at His right hand, above all principality and power (cf Colossians 2: 10-15), and with Christ, He promises to provide us all things, freely given! (cf Romans 8: 31-32)
But the power of God's grace through His Son Jesus Christ, the remission of sins, is the highest calling, the greatest gift, the one which engenders all other blessings!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
On Gay Marriage
"Gay Marriage" is an ultimate oxymoron, and ultimately so because many individuals who engage in a homosexual lifestyle ultimately do not exchange vows.
The crusade to legalize gay marriage is one more attempt to legitimize a lifestyle which many who have participated in, but have ultimately repudiated.
The marriage ceremony and the commitment pertaining to it should no be under the domains of the state. Since the Second Reich of Otto von Bismarck in Germany, governments have insisted on instituting civil marriages, either as a means of alienating organized religion or broadening the powers of the state.
Instead of legislating to individuals the partnerships which they may enter into, we should invest our time and resources in teaching individuals that identity does not depend on sexuality or psychology.
The crisis of identity which afflicts so many youth, for example, has only been worsened by the false notion that men and women must decide or resign themselves to a set sexuality or set-in-stone sexual characteristics. Nothing could be further from the truth, or more damaging to the unstable circumstance in which many adolescents find themselves, and which many adults have also discovered for themselves.
Marriage is a divine institution can only recognize the union of one man and one woman. The notion that two men, two women, or a community of three or more can "tie the knot" is not possible, feasible, acceptable, or welcome in a society which thrives on liberty based in stability. Such religious ceremonies deserve to be recognized. The state, even with the best of intentions, has very little efficacy when it comes to bolstering and maintaining the holy sacrament of matrimony, and so should impeded or affect it as little as possible. The full implications of transforming marriage back into a private and local matter does bring up the issue of the welfare of children in the marriage. The state does have a vested interested in the youth in our society receiving the best care and rearing possible, and to turn marriage into a private matter may engender more common law marriages, shacking up situations, and would endanger the well-being of our youth. Still, the state has done a poor job in compelling morality, and the growing value of marriage as a private ceremony, honored by the state, deserves greater scrutiny.
Nevertheless, the proper course for citizens today is to discourage the false bases for identity and intimacy in our culture. However, for the state to invest itself in policing every consensual relationship only causes greater harm to those who carry themselves with integrity while burdening our overtaxed courts and criminal prosecutors.
The crusade to legalize gay marriage is one more attempt to legitimize a lifestyle which many who have participated in, but have ultimately repudiated.
The marriage ceremony and the commitment pertaining to it should no be under the domains of the state. Since the Second Reich of Otto von Bismarck in Germany, governments have insisted on instituting civil marriages, either as a means of alienating organized religion or broadening the powers of the state.
Instead of legislating to individuals the partnerships which they may enter into, we should invest our time and resources in teaching individuals that identity does not depend on sexuality or psychology.
The crisis of identity which afflicts so many youth, for example, has only been worsened by the false notion that men and women must decide or resign themselves to a set sexuality or set-in-stone sexual characteristics. Nothing could be further from the truth, or more damaging to the unstable circumstance in which many adolescents find themselves, and which many adults have also discovered for themselves.
Marriage is a divine institution can only recognize the union of one man and one woman. The notion that two men, two women, or a community of three or more can "tie the knot" is not possible, feasible, acceptable, or welcome in a society which thrives on liberty based in stability. Such religious ceremonies deserve to be recognized. The state, even with the best of intentions, has very little efficacy when it comes to bolstering and maintaining the holy sacrament of matrimony, and so should impeded or affect it as little as possible. The full implications of transforming marriage back into a private and local matter does bring up the issue of the welfare of children in the marriage. The state does have a vested interested in the youth in our society receiving the best care and rearing possible, and to turn marriage into a private matter may engender more common law marriages, shacking up situations, and would endanger the well-being of our youth. Still, the state has done a poor job in compelling morality, and the growing value of marriage as a private ceremony, honored by the state, deserves greater scrutiny.
Nevertheless, the proper course for citizens today is to discourage the false bases for identity and intimacy in our culture. However, for the state to invest itself in policing every consensual relationship only causes greater harm to those who carry themselves with integrity while burdening our overtaxed courts and criminal prosecutors.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Response to "Sowell's Despair"
I do not share the same alarmism of Thomas Sowell regarding the European future which the United States appears to be facing.
Iran is not the final threat to avoid or despair over.
Newt Gingrich is not the answer to our nation's political problems, either, a religious man whose chronic failures have evinced a capacity for opportunism, not opportunity.
Mitt Romney is not real, simple as that. Neither authentic or genuine, he has no article of charm to sway a wary electorate, which is not just demanding change, but integrity.
Ron Paul has offered the most consistent message during his thirty plus years in politics. He has stuck to his standards despite the looming dangers that are now pouncing on our economy and threaten the future of over children and their legacies.
We deserve leadership, no matter how iconoclastic the tenets of a politician's initial policies.
Iran is not the final threat to avoid or despair over.
Newt Gingrich is not the answer to our nation's political problems, either, a religious man whose chronic failures have evinced a capacity for opportunism, not opportunity.
Mitt Romney is not real, simple as that. Neither authentic or genuine, he has no article of charm to sway a wary electorate, which is not just demanding change, but integrity.
Ron Paul has offered the most consistent message during his thirty plus years in politics. He has stuck to his standards despite the looming dangers that are now pouncing on our economy and threaten the future of over children and their legacies.
We deserve leadership, no matter how iconoclastic the tenets of a politician's initial policies.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Ron Paul for President -- Some Words About Iran
I do not think that pollsters and pundits should be discouraged or disillusioned by the "isolationist" rhetoric of Congressman Ron Paul.
The libertarian candidate has promoted a diligent foreign policy that promotes our national interests. He authorized force to capture Osama bin Laden. The death of that terrorist mastermind has severely crippled Al-Qaeda operations throughout the Middle East.
Granted, Paul was more concerned about the targeted assassination of Anwar Al-Awlaki, a U.S. Citizen operating within the Yemen branch of Al-Qaeda. Still, major players in the terrorist network have been neutralized; we should not read Paul's libertarian skepticism in so strong a light, considering the dire fiscal challenges that this nation is facing.
Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney are front runners in the polls, but that does not spell out for them or for us confirmed future leaders. Only crazy pundits with nothing better to do vote in these media polls day after day, week after week.
Polls do not elect Presidents. People do.
Congressman Paul is the best candidate for voters who want less government, less regulation, less authority from Washington D.C. We do not need another president pushing a prominent foreign policy. We the People of the United States would be better served by a chief executive who will take charge of the reins of government and rein in the out of control spending that is eating away at our fortunes and future.
Congressman Ron Paul has listened to the demands of the people; he respects their concerns about the economy; he understands their interest in ending long military expeditions which fail to bolster our freedom or secure our borders.
Israel can take care of herself. She does not need the United States diplomatic corps lecturing them on which treaties to sign, which policies to pursue, which enemies to attack.
Israel has nuclear weapons. Israel has a top-notch covert operations force. Israel has dedicated military men and women who serve and stand up for their nation. The United States of America needs to spend more of its time, money, and resources caring for the needs of the American people here at home.
Congressman Ron Paul is dedicated to these propositions for the American People.
The libertarian candidate has promoted a diligent foreign policy that promotes our national interests. He authorized force to capture Osama bin Laden. The death of that terrorist mastermind has severely crippled Al-Qaeda operations throughout the Middle East.
Granted, Paul was more concerned about the targeted assassination of Anwar Al-Awlaki, a U.S. Citizen operating within the Yemen branch of Al-Qaeda. Still, major players in the terrorist network have been neutralized; we should not read Paul's libertarian skepticism in so strong a light, considering the dire fiscal challenges that this nation is facing.
Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney are front runners in the polls, but that does not spell out for them or for us confirmed future leaders. Only crazy pundits with nothing better to do vote in these media polls day after day, week after week.
Polls do not elect Presidents. People do.
Congressman Paul is the best candidate for voters who want less government, less regulation, less authority from Washington D.C. We do not need another president pushing a prominent foreign policy. We the People of the United States would be better served by a chief executive who will take charge of the reins of government and rein in the out of control spending that is eating away at our fortunes and future.
Congressman Ron Paul has listened to the demands of the people; he respects their concerns about the economy; he understands their interest in ending long military expeditions which fail to bolster our freedom or secure our borders.
Israel can take care of herself. She does not need the United States diplomatic corps lecturing them on which treaties to sign, which policies to pursue, which enemies to attack.
Israel has nuclear weapons. Israel has a top-notch covert operations force. Israel has dedicated military men and women who serve and stand up for their nation. The United States of America needs to spend more of its time, money, and resources caring for the needs of the American people here at home.
Congressman Ron Paul is dedicated to these propositions for the American People.
There is no Puppet Master, Ladies and Gentlemen!
"There is no bad guy. It's not the Koch brothers, Grover Norquist or the Maltese Falcon. There is no evil entity, snorting steam from his nose, standing in an office full of Nazi memorabilia, staring out the window with the cityscape view, laughing: "Ha! Ha! Ha! Pretty soon, all this will be mine. Mine, I say!" -- Larry Elder
No more scapegoats, no more "victicrats".
It's time that people stopped looking for empty suit, entitled "boogie man" as the source of all their problems.
Even "V for Vendetta" had the courage, albeit feigned, as he broadcasted his message to an anonymous public behind a ubiquitous mask, to blast the one who has the responsibility and response to effect change: the one looking in the mirror.
You and I are responsible for the faults and failures in our lives, to the extent that we refuse to exert, thrust, or trust power to one who can help us through all things.
We have the power to effect change in our own lives, regardless of the thoughtless thoughts and empty feelings and fear which have plagued humanity since time immemorial.
There is no puppet master. There is not ghost, no military-industrial complex to rise up against. When we rise up against our own ambition inhibitions, then we can effect real change for the better for ourselves and our country.
No more scapegoats, no more "victicrats".
It's time that people stopped looking for empty suit, entitled "boogie man" as the source of all their problems.
Even "V for Vendetta" had the courage, albeit feigned, as he broadcasted his message to an anonymous public behind a ubiquitous mask, to blast the one who has the responsibility and response to effect change: the one looking in the mirror.
You and I are responsible for the faults and failures in our lives, to the extent that we refuse to exert, thrust, or trust power to one who can help us through all things.
We have the power to effect change in our own lives, regardless of the thoughtless thoughts and empty feelings and fear which have plagued humanity since time immemorial.
There is no puppet master. There is not ghost, no military-industrial complex to rise up against. When we rise up against our own ambition inhibitions, then we can effect real change for the better for ourselves and our country.
Bob Dole Endorses Mitt Romney
Alas, another reason not to vote for the Milquetoast Northeastern wannabe Conservative.
Another Establishment Republican, more well-known for his suggestive Pepsi commercials, has endorsed another Establishment GOP flip-flopped.
Conviction is out there, yet none of the GOP candidates have managed to convict the majority of voters.
What are we waiting for? The GOP wants to stop Obama, stop ObamaCare, and all the cares that the Obama Administration has created for the American Republic.
When will we stop trying to figure out the future of this presidential race? Everyone insists on trying to read the future, on trying to predict the demise of tomorrow before yesterday has been understood and today has been withstood once and for all.
The endorsement by the Pineapple is not going to ingratiate the candidate who keeps trying to fit like a glove for every hand, which is precisely the reason why only a fluctuating minority of GOP voters are interested in the Massachusetts technocrat.
Another Establishment Republican, more well-known for his suggestive Pepsi commercials, has endorsed another Establishment GOP flip-flopped.
Conviction is out there, yet none of the GOP candidates have managed to convict the majority of voters.
What are we waiting for? The GOP wants to stop Obama, stop ObamaCare, and all the cares that the Obama Administration has created for the American Republic.
When will we stop trying to figure out the future of this presidential race? Everyone insists on trying to read the future, on trying to predict the demise of tomorrow before yesterday has been understood and today has been withstood once and for all.
The endorsement by the Pineapple is not going to ingratiate the candidate who keeps trying to fit like a glove for every hand, which is precisely the reason why only a fluctuating minority of GOP voters are interested in the Massachusetts technocrat.
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