tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2229560505271742192023-06-20T05:38:50.892-07:00Daily BreadRoger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-75274620180733434712019-09-02T13:04:00.001-07:002019-09-02T13:10:19.091-07:00Musings From My Front Porch On Labor Day<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Labor Day is a public national
holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than 80 other countries celebrate it in
May and call it by a different name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the late 19<sup>th</sup> century trade unions and labor movements proposed that
a day be set aside to celebrate labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oregon was the first state to make it an official public holiday in 1887
and by 1894 it became an official federal holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Labor Day has been called the “unofficial end
of summer” and marks the beginning of many fall activities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Without delving into the activities
or the need for labor unions, I do think it is appropriate for us to recognize
that God has always sanctioned honorable labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Prior to man’s fall in the Garden of Eden, God instructed him to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“work it and keep it”</i> (Gen. 2:15,
ESV).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God gave the 10 commandments
to Moses on Mt. Sinai, He said that the Israelites were to work six days out of
the week and rest one (Ex. 20:8-11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
so doing, He did limit the duration of physical labor, for everyone needs a
break.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There are some benefits that can be
derived from physical labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For one,
labor stimulates the mind and body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without such stimulation, the mind would become idle and the body
weakened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would provide a fertile
playground for satanic activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
familiar saying is true, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“An idle mind is
the devil’s workshop.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On at least
two occasions the apostle Paul warned of the consequences of idleness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that if a person does not provide for
his family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim.
5:8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He further said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“If anyone is not willing to work, let him
not eat”</i> (2 Thess. 3:10).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
next two verses, he spoke of those who, because of idleness, were busybodies
rather than productive workers earning their own living.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While labor stimulates the mind and
body, it also relaxes them to the point that it makes sleep sweeter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solomon said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much…”</i>
(Eccl. 5:12).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul sums it up well in two
passages:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest
work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in
need” </i>(Eph. 4:28); 2) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Therefore, my
beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain”</i> (1 Cor. 15:58).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The annual Labor Day holiday is a
time of parades, picnics, family gatherings, cookouts, relaxation, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this day we can pause and thank God for
our jobs and the ability to perform them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope you have had a great Labor Day!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-29397638147884539802019-07-25T06:26:00.000-07:002019-07-25T06:30:56.276-07:00Musings From My Front Porch About EldersWithout a doubt elders of a local congregation have a grave responsibility. God has charged them to watch over the souls of those under their oversight (Hebrews 13:17). They are to protect the church from false teachers who would lead disciples astray from the truth (Acts 20:28). They are to exercise oversight of a congregation without lording it over them, but leading by their example (1 Peter 5:1-3). To accomplish these responsibilities requires many hours spent in prayer, Bible study, contemplation and discussion among themselves about the best course to follow.<br />
<br />
One of the strongest denunciations in the Bible is that of God against those who were given the responsibility of being shepherds in Israel. Through the prophet Ezekiel He said, <i>"Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered. My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; my flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them"</i> (Ezek. 34:4-6, NASB). Just as God was not pleased with the leadership of these shepherds in Israel who failed to look after the nation, neither is He pleased with failure on the part of shepherds in the church who do not provide guidance to spiritual Israel, the church.<br />
<br />
A question often contemplated is, <i>"How much authority do elders have in exercising oversight in a local congregation?"</i> The Bible affirms that they do have authority when it urges us to obey them and submit to them (Hebrews 13:17). But, the question is, how extensive is their authority? Do they have authority to lay down the terms of salvation or how a person becomes a member of the church? Do they have authority to dictate the actions of worship in which a congregation may engage? The answer is, "No." Jesus Christ is the One who has all authority (Matthew 28:18). He alone is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22). He exercises that authority through His word, the Bible. It contains all that we need to know concerning life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). So, Jesus has all authority; that of the elders is delegated authority. Their authority ceases at the point of divine revelation. They have authority only in matters of expediency. For instance, with input from the congregation they may decide what time we meet together for worship on the first day of the week and partake of the Lord's Supper. They are not authorized by God to decide what day of the week we are to partake of this memorial. To decide whether or not we use mechanical instruments in worship is not within the realm of their authority. That has already been decided by God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).<br />
<br />
Christians should daily pray that God will bless the elders with good physical health and wisdom as they exercise their responsibilities as shepherds of God's flock. Their task is monumental, deserving of our support and prayers.Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-52627209276091040742019-06-01T06:46:00.000-07:002019-06-01T06:46:47.534-07:00Musings From My Front Porch About Justification
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
sitting on my front porch on this beautiful spring morning, I finished reading
a book written by John R. W. Stott entitled, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Cross of Christ.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
purchased the book in 1988 and had read portions of it through the years, but
had never read it in its entirety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recently, I determined to read it through and finished it today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a wonderful book that focuses on the
most tragic and, yet, the most wonderful event in all of history – the
crucifixion of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve
often wondered how holy God could justify unholy man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you have too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believed that He did and have rejoiced in
that thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In reflecting on the shortcomings
of my life with its many transgressions, I have been amazed at the promises of
God to not hold these sins against me provided I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“walk in the light”</i> (1 John 1:9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How can God be just in hating sin and, yet, justify me, the sinner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stott reminds me of Paul’s answer to that
question, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Thanks be to God for his
unspeakable gift”</i> (2 Corinthians 9:15).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s it in a nutshell!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
perfect, sinless, innocent Son of God died on the cross in my stead that I
might live for God on earth and with him throughout eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
realization encourages me and gives me a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“living
hope”</i> and I trust it will you as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are just some musings from my front porch.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-62514029999350832442019-06-01T06:42:00.003-07:002019-06-01T06:42:27.037-07:00Musings From My Front Porch About Alabama's Abortion Law
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">On May 15, 2019 Alabama’s governor, Kay Ivey, signed
a bill into law that would ban most abortions in the state. This bill seeks to
prohibit abortions at every stage of pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only exception is in the case of a “serious” risk to the woman’s
health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lawmakers rejected a proposal to
add exceptions for cases of rape or incest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My understanding is that the legislation did not immediately outlaw the
procedure and that, in fact, it is unclear whether the measure will ultimately
take effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not scheduled to take
effect until November.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whether or not it will take effect,
it seems to me that this is a step in the right direction and the lawmakers who
overwhelmingly supported the bill should be commended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In signing the bill into law, Ms. Ivey said, </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“To the bill’s many
supporters, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians’
deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred
gift from God.”</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen and hooray for Governor Ivey!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Untold millions of babies have been murdered since the
1973 Roe vs. Wade decision of the Supreme Court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayerfully, this bill will be upheld by the
courts and made into law in the state of Alabama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe other states will follow suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By inspiration of God, Solomon declared,</span>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the
bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who
makes everything”</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (Eccl. 11:5,
ESV).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are just some of my musings
about abortion as I sit on my front porch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-75700807603627333522019-05-25T05:14:00.000-07:002019-05-25T05:14:04.545-07:00Musings From My Front Porch
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I love sitting in the swing on my front porch in the
spring, especially, when the trees and flowers are budding forth in all their
beauty and splendor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The birds are
busily building their nests preparing for the new ones who will soon be added
to their family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s intriguing to
watch the daddy and momma birds hunt for food to feed their little ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chirping of birds is music to my ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And,
to feel the warmth of the sun after a cold winter is so relaxing and
refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The soft and gentle breeze
that blows across the porch and causes the chimes to sound is so peaceful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the spring of the year, don’t
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, each season has its own
uniqueness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
sitting on my porch, I’m able to observe many people drive by in their
vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are on their way to
school or jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others are out
shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I’m sure some people are
just joy riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sitting
on the porch gives me time to think and reflect on a lot of things – God, the
Bible, myself, people in general, politics and politicians, world events,
sports, entertainment, and a host of other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I might share some of these
thoughts from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t
follow a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll just write some things down as they pop into my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you enjoy these musings as much as I
enjoy sitting on my porch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-81397028215554084282017-03-26T17:23:00.000-07:002017-03-26T17:23:24.693-07:00Abortion's Impact<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Over forty-seven million babies have been aborted in
the United States since 1973 when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of abortion
in the Roe vs. Wade decision – a figure that grows at the rate of 4,000 every
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 1.6 million lives were taken
just last year – that’s 166 deaths per hour, and one baby lost every two and a
half minutes!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One third of the
generation born in the thirty-three years from 1973-2003 is missing because of
abortion. There are as many abortion deaths each year as there are deaths
caused by heart disease and cancer combined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The death toll is enormously high, yet we may recite such statistics
without actually considering just how staggering those numbers really are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Consider this: more Americans have died because of
abortion than have died in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, both World
Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the war in
Iraq combined!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More babies are killed <u>every
day</u> in America than the total number of people killed in the terrorist
attacks on September 11, 2001.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Where is the outrage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why isn’t there an enormous public outcry over such an immense loss of
life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A most perplexing aspect of this
is that so many people who support abortion oppose capital punishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can people demand that killing an
innocent unborn child is legal and out of the same mouth argue that executing
convicted murderers should be outlawed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Groups like the National Organization of Women and the ACLU support the
continued legalization of abortion on demand and oppose the death penalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They argue that since life begins at birth it
is not the taking of human life to abort an unborn child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible affirms differently in Jeremiah 1:5
and Luke 1:41.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Human life begins in the
womb and to abort a child before birth is the shedding of innocent blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is something the Lord hates (Proverbs
6:17).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Several years ago a panel of Florida judges upheld a
$108,800 fine against a man who poached 1088 turtle eggs from a state
park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The public defender argued that an
egg isn’t a turtle until it hatches; but the prosecutor affirmed that 80-90% of
marine turtle eggs are fertile, and therefore each egg must be considered a unit
of marine life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The judges agreed with
the prosecutor and fined the man $100 for each egg poached!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is legal lunacy to argue that laws
protecting unhatched marine turtles are perfectly all right, but laws
protecting the life of unborn humans are unconstitutional.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Try as one might to justify this barbaric practice, abortion
does not meet God’s approval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends,
when we can open a newspaper or turn on a television and learn of people
protesting the execution of convicted murderers and rapists while “protecting”
a woman’s “right to choose,” we have it all backwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God help us to stop calling evil good and
good evil before it is too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
prevent an unwanted pregnancy, stop engaging in immoral activity!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are other alternatives besides abortion
for those who find themselves in an unwanted pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s mercy is extended to those who may seek
his forgiveness for their lack of mercy when they aborted a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abortion is wrong, but God is merciful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-6571884284493842682017-03-09T08:48:00.001-08:002017-03-09T08:48:34.770-08:00You Are LovedA note was planted in the hollow of an old tree. The note said, "Whoever finds this, you are accepted, you are loved." At some point, someone happened to stumble across it and got that message. Just as you are - you are accepted and loved. What a difference it made in their life!<br />
That's a good story with a good point.<br />
<br />
Let me tell you another story. A message was put (not in the hollow of a tree), but on the radio. The message was, "You are accepted and loved just as you are." And someone was turning a dial as they were driving along and stumbled, by chance, over that thought. And it helped. It was a reminder of what is true and was a reinforcement of what was important to hear. And just by chance that thought hit just the right person at the right time in just the right place.<br />
<br />
There is another story with a message from God. This message was not placed in the hollow of a tree, nor was it broadcast on radio, but was demonstrated on a cross. There Jesus shed his blood. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..." (John 3:16). In that sacrificial death God was telling you that you are important; you are loved. He wants you to be in heaven with him and the redeemed of the ages.Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-19321004810131654292017-02-20T17:56:00.000-08:002017-02-20T17:56:33.604-08:00How Quickly the Gate Opens<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">An old farmer from the country went to the big city
hospital to visit a dear friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
told he would have to park in the visitor’s parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was surprised when he drove up to the
entrance that the little gate lifted immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He drove right in and parked his car in the
shade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made his visit, returned to
his car and drove to the exit, but it didn’t open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It required money to get out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paid the fare and mumbled to himself as he
drove away, “Maybe they changed my oil and rotated my tires while I was there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This example accurately illustrates sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so easy to get involved in sin and is
very difficult to get out from under a sinful lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Habits are easy to start and so difficult to
break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan has always said you can get
in now and pay later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only does he
get the original price back, but with higher interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The momentary, fleeting pleasure of sin is
all the bait the Devil needs with some people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many people sink into the quagmire of evil without realizing how deadly
Satan’s slimy pit can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It reminds me of how quickly the gate opened for
David’s sin with Bathsheba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He saw her
beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sent for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came. He committed fornication with
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he sent her home, thinking all
was well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would cost him dearly to
get out of this parking place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
found with child from that little night of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>David committed more sin to cover his tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had her husband, Uriah, killed on the
battlefield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David and Bathsheba lost
the child they conceived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also
shame and suffering that came from this sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sin is like a chameleon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That lizard-like mocker can change its colors
to meet its surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such subtlety
with regard to sin has overwhelmed many casual souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin is dangerous because the Devil is shrewd
and man is gullible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Devil causes sin to have a certain allure, but
those who nibble at the bait are never really satisfied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pleasures of sin are deceptive,
temporary, high-priced and eternally a poor bargain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only produce remorse, corruption and
heartache.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Young people, how quickly the gate opens for the
first cigarette, or that chew of tobacco, that first beer, or that first act of
sexual immorality, but it could cost an arm and a leg, or a heart and a
lung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could end up paying the
maximum cost – your life and your soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sin hides the truth and makes promises that are never kept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin is a dead-end street and a hollow, empty,
senseless shell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let us not be deceived into thinking that just
because there is no price at the entrance, there will be no price at the
exit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to pay attention to Paul’s
words to the Galatians in Galatians 6:7, “Be not deceived: God is not mocked,
for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap
corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap
eternal life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, there is a high cost
to low living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pleasures of sin are
just not worth the price that has to be paid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, the joys of Christianity are too glorious to miss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-67576048233525485432017-01-25T06:32:00.001-08:002017-01-25T06:32:57.929-08:00Two Hundred Pounds<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">A missionary family in China was
forced to leave the country sometime after the communists took over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early one morning a band of soldiers knocked
on the door and told the missionary and his family that they had two hours to
pack up before the troops would return and escort them to the train
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were informed that they
would be permitted to take with them only two hundred pounds of stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Thus began two hours of family
wrangling and bickering – what should they take?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about this vase?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a family heirloom, so we’ve got to take
the vase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, maybe so, but this
typewriter is brand new and we’re not about to leave it behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about some books?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got to take a few of them along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On and on it went, putting stuff on the
bathroom scale and taking it off until finally they had a pile of possessions
that totaled two hundred pounds on the dot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">At the appointed hour, the soldiers
returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you ready?” they
asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you weigh your stuff?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, we did.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Two hundred pounds?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, two hundred pounds on the dot.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did you weigh the kids?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Um…no.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Well, you’d better weigh the kids!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And in an instant the vase, the typewriter, and the books all became
trash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trash!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of it meant anything compared to the
surpassing value of the children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">If only it were that easy for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we had to make a physical choice,
the choice would be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s worth
more – your child or a computer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
could only take one with you, which would it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s easy; it’s a no-brainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But seldom does the choice come wrapped in
such an easy-to-open package.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Too often, it sounds more like
this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s more important – spending
time with your family or staying at work a couple of extra hours to get caught
up? Many say, “Don’t ask me to make that choice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family is important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just that I really need to get this
done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, I’m only doing it to
provide for them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, there are
times when the question just won’t go away:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which is more important?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Man has a tendency to misplace his
priorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tend to major in minors
and minor in majors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We place the
emphasis of our life on the wrong things and neglect that which is truly
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many are like Martha in the
New Testament whom Jesus said was troubled and anxious about many things, but
had neglected the most important thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our attention and interests are focused on so many things that are
really not all that important from the viewpoint of eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one occasion Jesus said to his disciples,
“For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his
soul?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or what will a man give in
exchange for his soul?” (Mt. 16:26).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Indeed, all the riches of the world do not equal the value of one soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">There are times when we are forced
to admit that we’ve been gathering hundreds of pounds of “trash” while
neglecting that which is of greatest importance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The apostle Paul once said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But what gain I had, I counted as loss for
the sake of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed I count everything
as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his
sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, in
order that I may gain Christ” </i>(Phil. 3:7-8).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">May God bless each one of us with the
wisdom to choose that which is of greatest value.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-86233682320647972002016-12-20T08:43:00.000-08:002016-12-20T08:43:04.420-08:00Our Changing Moral Climate<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you’re not alarmed by the current state of
immorality in this country, you have reason to be alarmed about your own
spiritual state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many larger cities
there is a murder almost every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
parents are using their own children to film pornography.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are couples living together and having
children without being married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What on
earth is going on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Denver-area teacher
was recently arrested for having sexual contact with a student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Fox News anchor said, “When will these
teachers ever learn their own lesson?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fact is, we’ve always had sexual sin, corruption in
government, child abuse and out-of-wedlock births.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The difference seems to be that no one is
embarrassed by it anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there no
shame?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very little, it seems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been desensitized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is much like the experience of Samson in
Judges 16:20 where the Bible says, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…but
he did not know the Lord had left him.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is sad when the Lord can no longer keep company with a person, sadder
still when we aren’t even aware that he left!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like Samson, there was a time when the United States was incredibly
strong – militarily, morally, and in most every way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire world respected our strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, however, we find that our moral fiber
has weakened significantly and the respect that other countries have of us has
deteriorated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long will it be before
our military and economic strength will likewise weaken?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be tragic to wake up one of these
days and say as did Samson, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I will go
out as before and shake myself free…” </i>only to find that we have no strength
left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You see, we have created a moral climate where
nothing is wrong any more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And anyone
who has the nerve to say that something is morally wrong is dubbed a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“bigoted, narrow-minded, red-neck,wild-eyed
Christian fundamentalist.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Call it
what you will, there is no denying that when this nation shoved God and the
Bible into the background – when we decided that everyone could do that which
is right in his own eyes – we got way more than we bargained for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lit a virtual firestorm that is now being
driven by the winds of evil across these amber waves of grain. The fire is
raging completely out of control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if
somebody, somewhere, sometime, somehow doesn’t do something to save us from
ourselves, our children and grandchildren will see this country fall completely
apart at the seams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can hear some
threads already beginning to rip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you recall the story in the first chapter of
Exodus that details the hardships of God’s people in Egypt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, the God-fearing Joseph had been so
trusted and respected that Pharaoh appointed him to the position of Prime
Minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several generations passed and
Exodus 1:6 says, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Then a new king, who
did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt…”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that point on, the people of God
suffered mercilessly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In a similar fashion, unless there is a change in
direction, future historians may likely record American history something like
this: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Then a new President, Congress,
and Supreme Court justices, who did not know God, came to power in America…”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have just now raised the first generation
of Americans who no longer hold the Bible to be God’s Sacred Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young corporate leaders, politicians,
congressmen and even some presidents thumb their nose at anyone who dares call
anything a sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These words of concern
do not come from one who is disloyal to his country, but from a patriot who
dearly loves his country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God bless
America and may America never forget God!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-22068769124166855952016-10-25T07:58:00.003-07:002016-10-25T07:58:51.926-07:00Give Thanks<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m glad we have a Thanksgiving Day in the United
States for it reminds me of the thanks I should be offering every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m persuaded that many of us take our
blessings for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been the
recipients of so many of them, for so long, that we have grown accustomed to
them, and scarcely think of the source from which we have received them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I can identify with Asaph in the Old Testament book
of Psalms who confessed to God, “When my heart was embittered, and I was pierced
within, then I was senseless and ignorant, I was like a beast before thee.”
That’s strong language, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
Asaph knew that he was like a beast, utterly irrational, behaving in a stupid,
absurd manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least he was being
honest and truthful with himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
failed to stop and think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had refused
to ponder and reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Asaph held some ideas about the godly and ungodly
life that were quite false.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first
glance it seemed that the ungodly prospered, and the godly suffered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, Asaph was given to complaining.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Perhaps if we are honest we will discover that we,
too, have walked in Asaph’s shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
tend to take all the gifts and the pleasures and the happiness and the joy
without saying much to God about it, but the moment anything goes wrong we
begin to grumble and complain and say, “Why should God do this to me, why
should this happen to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We need to pause and reflect on the truthfulness of
Solomon’s observation in Ecclesiastes 7:14: “In the day of prosperity be happy,
and in the day of adversity consider; God has made the one as well as the
other…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Inasmuch as every day has its good moments as well as
its bad, it requires a grateful heart to be able to say, “This is the day which
the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A little boy defined salt this way: “Salt is what
always spoils the potatoes when it is left out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using the same negative approach we can say,
“Gratitude is what always spoils life when it is left out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A thankful spirit enables one to praise God
even when circumstances are difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Alexander Whyte, the Scottish preacher, always began
his prayers with an expression of gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One cold, miserable day his people wondered what he would say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He prayed, “We thank Thee, O Lord, that it is
not always like this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Depending upon one’s viewpoint there is something for
which we can be grateful even in the worst of circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We might be surprised at those things we
experience in life that squelch the development of gratitude. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wealthy woman told her doctor she was
frustrated by a restless desire for more and more things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He replied, “These are the usual symptoms of
too much ease in the home and too little gratitude in the heart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The man was wise who prayed over a heavy Thanksgiving
table: “God please grant us one more blessing…a thankful heart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our prosperous land we need to heed the
words spoken to Israel when they were about to enter the land promised to them
by God, “When thou…art full…beware that thou forget not the Lord” (Deuteronomy
8:10-11).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Count your blessings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Name them one by one,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And it will surprise you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What the Lord hath done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-43309582029185457292016-08-20T12:11:00.002-07:002016-08-20T12:13:07.212-07:00What Is A "Salvation Issue"?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A “salvation issue”
is generally regarded as those matters that affect one’s eternal destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed, there are matters in which a person
may engage that would not adversely affect his eternal destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, the apostle Paul addressed the
matter of eating meats sacrificed to idols in his Corinthian correspondence (1
Cor. 8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To eat or not eat such meat is
a matter of indifference (1 Cor. 8:8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In either case, it would not affect that person’s eternal destiny. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There are numerous
things that we may do as Christians that will not affect our eternal
destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, it is a matter of
indifference whether or not we worship in a rented facility or one that is paid
for by the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that matter, we
could worship under a tree or in a straw hut so long as we worshipped God
according to his instructions (Jn. 4:24).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can sing using a songbook or a power point portrayal on a screen so
long as we teach and admonish one another and make melody in our heart (Eph.
5:19; Col. 3:16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can evangelize
through the printed page, the Internet, the mass media of radio or television
without violating any command of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
can travel to our mission points by car, boat, airplane, bicycle, donkey, or
walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes no difference so long
as we go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of these matters are
“salvation issues.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">However, there are
practices that, if observed, would condemn a person to eternal punishment
because they are a violation of God’s word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A problem arises when man decides what is or is not a matter of
indifference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, some people
view baptism as a matter of indifference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They do not consider it a “salvation issue” and, thus, do not teach its
essentiality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus did not so regard
it, for He said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk.
16:16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither did the inspired apostle
Peter regard it as unessential, for he wrote, “The like figure whereunto
baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are many passages in the New Testament that affirm baptism as an
absolute requirement for salvation in spite of the fact that many religious
people do not regard it as such.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Some do not regard
being a member of the church as a “salvation issue.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They advocate that having a “relationship
with Jesus” is the important thing and it doesn’t matter to which church a
person belongs or, for that matter, if he belongs to any church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the Bible says God added the saved to
the church (Acts 2:47).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the Bible
affirms that there is only one church (Eph. 4:4), it appears to me that it does
matter to which church one belongs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
multiplicity of churches with their various and contradictory teachings about
redemption, worship, divorce and remarriage, etc. is simply not acceptable to
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, whether or not a person is a
member of the Lord’s church is a “salvation issue.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does make a difference to which church a
person belongs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus only died for one
(Acts 20:28) and built only one (Matt. 16:18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Some even advocate
that one’s sexual preference is not a “salvation issue.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They reason that God made them with a sexual
orientation toward a member of the same sex, therefore, to practice
homosexuality will not affect their eternal destiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, God condemns such behavior in no
uncertain terms and declares that those who practice such will not inherit
eternal life (Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We are living in a
period of time when “tolerance” seems to be the operative word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, the floodgates of fellowship are
flung wide open to accept varying and conflicting views on biblical subjects in
the name of “openness” and “freedom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
do otherwise is considered by some to be unkind, judgmental, narrow-minded and
legalistic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I beg to differ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not being unkind or legalistic to teach
and practice what God has authorized in His word and encourage others to do the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, it is by God’s word
that we shall be judged (Jn. 12:48).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There is a safe and
biblical principle upon which our doctrine and practice should be founded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is that we should teach and practice only
that which is authorized in God’s word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peter declared, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God”
(1 Pet. 4:11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul told us not to go
beyond that which is written (1 Cor. 4:6). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John declared that if we go beyond that which
is taught in God’s word we do not have God (2 Jn. 9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God speaks on a matter, that settles it
whether I believe it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man does
not have the authority to put it in the category of being a matter of indifference
that he can choose to obey or not without affecting his eternal destiny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Compliance with this
principle would settle many issues that now face us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has given us everything we need to know
in order to be saved (2 Pet. 1:3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
being the case, when the Bible addresses a doctrinal or moral subject it is a
matter of salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A person cannot
view it as a matter of indifference simply because he does not want to comply
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of divine instruction and not upon the husks of human opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-36955314608032203262015-02-18T21:15:00.001-08:002015-02-18T21:15:26.386-08:00What Moms Should Teach Their Daughters to Look For In a Boy<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">This
is a follow-up to the last article in which Susan Merrill wrote about what moms
should teach their sons to look for in a girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have outlined what Ms. Merrill listed with comments of my own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for a gentleman.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Polite gestures reflect an inner dignity you will want in a
husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Impoliteness suggests a
thoughtless and inconsiderate heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">2.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look for honor.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does he treat his parents?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he does not honor them, chances are he
will not honor you as his wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul
told children to honor their parents that it may be well with them (Eph. 6:3).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for respect.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will treasure you and your body as belonging to your future husband
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A respectful man will treat “…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">older women as mothers, and younger women as
sisters, in all purity</i> (1 Tim. 5:2).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for integrity.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His morals mean something to him and he lives them out in his daily life
and not just when you are around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for responsibility.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He isn’t perfect and will make mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he does he will take responsibility for his actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">6.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">If a man does not work and provide for his family, he is
worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim. 5:8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>An indolent person makes for a sorry husband and father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">7.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">Genuine love is more than an emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an act of the will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will show love not only by his words, but
also by his actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read 1 Cor. 13:4-7
and insert his name where the word “love” is found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he possesses these traits, then it is true
love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">8.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for faith.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As mentioned in the previous article this is the most important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose a man who will lead you and your
family spiritually that you may serve God together and inherit eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-27601062367043340212015-02-18T21:06:00.000-08:002015-02-18T21:06:11.822-08:00What Moms Should Teach Their Sons to Look For In a Girl<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">I recently came across an article written by Susan Merrill
with the above thought in its title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
article contained some suggestions that I thought would be helpful to parents
and I include the suggestions below with additional comments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure there are other suggestions that you
feel would be beneficial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, I would
appreciate your sharing them with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for a lady.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She conducts herself in a very respectful
manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She dresses modestly and is kind
and considerate of <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">2.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look
for inner beauty.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She emphasizes the
development of her character and not just her outward appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>apostle
Peter wrote, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Let not your adornment be
merely external…but let it be the hidden person of the heart”</i> (1 Pet. 3:3, <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>4).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for thoughtfulness.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She remembers the small details you have
shared with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is also observant
of the needs <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and interests of
others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for respect.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she doesn’t show respect for her parents,
it is unlikely she will have respect for her husband either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Paul
said, <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Let the wife see to it that she respect her husband”</i> (Eph. 5:33).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for gentleness.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome,
but gentle toward all (1 Tim. 2:24-25).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such a <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>disposition is a
needed quality for every mother as she patiently trains the children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">6.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for selflessness.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is not focused on herself, but is
compassionate in her response to the needs of others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">7.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">Her
happiness comes from a right relationship with God and does not depend on her
circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">8.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Look for faith.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the most important of all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she genuinely loves the Lord more than
anyone or anything else, all <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>these
other traits will come naturally<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-54978055414583495592014-11-11T18:56:00.000-08:002014-11-11T18:56:06.313-08:00Consistency...Thou Art A Jewel<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
I’ve heard the above statement practically
all of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a good statement,
particularly as it relates to moral convictions and human behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We like for people to be honest and
consistent in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Inconsistency was strongly condemned by the
Lord when he chastised the Pharisees for tithing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions
of the law”</i> (Mt. 23:23).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He earlier
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to do and observe what the Pharisees told them, but not to do according to
their deeds, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“for they say things, and do
not do them”</i> (Mt. 23:2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody
respects a hypocrite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s true in
religion and society as a whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, hypocrisy abounds!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let me give you a case in point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll need to bear with me on this one and
follow me to the conclusion, but I will get to the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love animals and have been around them most
of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Virginia and I don’t have a
dog, cat, or bird in our house any longer, but it isn’t because we don’t like
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just don’t prefer to have them
in the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mission of the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is to provide
effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sponsor ads on television that pull at
the heartstrings in an effort to promote care and compassion toward innocent
animals, especially household pets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
certainly in favor of their efforts in this regard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My problem is with the inconsistency of our
society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we applaud efforts on the
part of ASPCA and other similar organizations to provide quality life to
animals, we pass laws that take away the opportunity of life for babies in the
womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I missing something here? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Millions have been aborted since the 1973 Roe
vs. Wade Supreme Court decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
rate is about 3,315 daily abortions in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where is the compassion toward unborn babies that is shown for
animals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is something inconsistent
here.<o:p></o:p></div>
Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-20154627071785362242014-10-15T20:47:00.001-07:002014-10-15T20:47:19.539-07:00Demon Possession and Man's Free Will<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
There are several instances in the New
Testament in which it speaks of people being possessed by demons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such possession was manifested in a variety
of ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An individual may become blind
(Mt. 12:22), unable to speak (Mt. 9:32), lame, mentally deficient (Mt. 17:15),
possess unusual physical strength (Mk. 5:3-4), dropsy (Lk. 14:2), or even have
epilepsy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Demons are special servants of
the devil who inflicted mental and physical anguish on men during the first
century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only did harm and never
anything good (Jn. 10:21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During his
ministry the Lord manifested his power over the demonic world by casting them
out of men (Mt. 17:18).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The demons knew
who Jesus was, the Son of God (Lk. 4:41).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They even recognized his power over them as evidenced by the fact that
some demons entreated him to cast them into a herd of swine and he granted
their request (Mt. 8:31-32).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
ultimate end of the devil and his angels is the eternal fire of hell (Mt.
25:41) and he wants to take as many as he can with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Several years ago the comedian Flip Wilson
coined a phrase that became popular, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The
devil made me do it.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anytime an
evil deed was done it was attributed to the devil’s influence as if that
absolved man of all responsibility for the wrong committed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The interesting thing is that even during the
period of time in which demons actually possessed man, you never read of their
forcing a person to violate God’s word against their will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Demon possession was always manifested in
some mental or physical malady…never in causing a person to transgress the
Lord’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But each one is tempted when he is carried
away and enticed by his <u>own</u> lust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is
accomplished, it brings forth death” </i>(Jas. 1:14-15, emphasis mine).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, if we meet the Lord on the Day of
Judgment in a lost condition, we can only blame ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t even blame the devil.<o:p></o:p></div>
Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-4026796530908349502014-08-24T21:52:00.000-07:002014-08-24T21:52:16.839-07:00"Convert or Die"<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">Polycarp
was a contemporary of the apostle John and, evidently, one of his friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Polycarp was born about 52 A.D. and was
martyred around 156 A.D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He served as an
elder in the church at Smyrna for many years and was noted for his deep
devotion and commitment to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
he was brought into the stadium where he was burned alive at the stake, efforts
were made by his executioners to get him to recant Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said to him, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Have respect to thine age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Swear by the genius of Caesar; repent and say, Away with the atheists.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With solemn countenance, Polycarp looked upon
the stadium filled with the lawless heathen and waved his hand toward them and
said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Away with the atheists.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>When pressed further to deny Christ,
Polycarp said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Fourscore and six years
have I been his servant, and he hath done me no wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How then can I blaspheme my King who saved
me?”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, threats were made to
execute Polycarp unless he denied Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He responded by saying, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You
threatenest that fire which burneth for a season and after a little while is
quenched: for thou art ignorant of the fire of the future judgment and eternal
punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after speaking these words, Polycarp
was burned alive at the stake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Apple Chancery";">Muslim
extremists today who say to people professing Christianity, “Convert to Islam
or die,” are carrying out dreadful actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People are being beheaded, crucified, or executed in some other manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many have fled Iraq to escape death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While such extreme measures are not being
used in the USA today, there is intimidation and mockery of those who are
disciples of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who oppose
Christians, the Bible, and God are becoming more open and brazen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, at some point in the future, this
may lead to violent opposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would
be wise for us to prepare ourselves for survival by spending more time in
prayer and Bible study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now is a good
time for us to ask ourselves, “Am I willing to die for Christ?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even more significantly, are you living for
him now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-66676631186365168682014-08-17T13:08:00.003-07:002014-08-17T13:08:17.540-07:00Why?<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When our
daughters were small children and we were taking a trip, they would ask the
proverbial question, “Are we there, yet?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of the time we were a long way from our destination, but they were
either inquisitive or impatient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
know which.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, we would give
them an estimated time of arrival, but, since they had no concept of time, it
didn’t mean much to them because they would ask the same question a few minutes
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When children are small I guess
it is a part of their learning process to ask questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most repeated questions asked by
children is, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Why?”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will even prolong an explanation by
repeatedly asking why to every response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes a matter can be easily explained and at other times it cannot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it is a good question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seeks for a reason or motivation behind an
action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“why”</i> occurs at least 284 times in the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some examples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why are you timid, you men of little faith”
(Mt. 8:26)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why do you call me, ‘Lord,
Lord’ and do not do what I say” (Lk. 6:46)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“And now why do you delay” (Acts 22:16)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Why do you regard your brother with contempt” (Rom. 14:10)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are just some samplings of this
important question from the Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I have a few
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“why”</i> questions of my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do people who wear the name Christian
choose not to worship God on Sunday evening or study his word on Wednesday
night?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do people ruin their lives
through needless worry when God has promised never to forsake his children
(Heb. 13:5)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do people work so hard
to get ahead materially when possessions do not really satisfy (Lk.
12:15)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do people think they’re
going to heaven even though they live ungodly lives (Rev. 21:27)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do people who know the truth not obey
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do people redeemed by Christ’s
blood choose not to serve him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do
people bring children into this world and, yet, have no intention of properly
caring for them or spending much time with them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, they farm them out to day care centers
or nannies while they continue to pursue their professional careers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do some people spend a lot of money to
sit in snow, rain, or heat to watch a ball game, but will not attend worship
services where they sit on padded pews in a weather-controlled environment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do people make plans for their
retirement, but give little or no thought to their eternal destiny?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps we need to pause and give some honest
and sincere reflection to these questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-52043380429265197002014-06-24T13:53:00.002-07:002014-06-24T13:53:50.066-07:00I'm Tired...But I'm Not Tired<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
tired of hearing the gutter language that is spoken by some who lack the
vocabulary skills to communicate sensibly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m tired of having the homosexual agenda, sometimes in subtle ways and
sometimes in ways that are not so subtle, being pushed off on society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired of immodesty being so openly and
approvingly displayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired of
hearing the conflict and wars that are constantly being fought in various parts
of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that greedy and
power-hungry people are always being disruptive and won’t allow the common
person to live in peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired of
hearing the reports of innocent people being slaughtered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired of reading about rapes, drug abuse,
child abuse, spouse abuse, and many other acts of cruelty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired of the dishonesty, shady dealings,
and duplicity that are often involved in politics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost to the point of not being able to
trust or have confidence in anyone who is a politician.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a great country, but in my opinion
we have almost reached the point where we govern by the polls rather than by
what is right or best for the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m tired of the entertainment industry spewing their ungodliness on the
movie screen for all to see, especially the impressionable minds of
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy sports as much as
anyone, but I’m tired of the fanaticism that some people have toward athletics
to the point of ridiculous behavior and blind loyalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired of false religions spreading their
deceptive messages that result in the eternal condemnation of people who think
they are faithfully serving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so
tired of these and many other things that I feel much like the apostle Paul who
said, “Come, Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 16:22).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There will be no relief from these and many other problems on this side
of eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s true because “…the
whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19, NASV).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While I’m tired of
many things, some of which I have mentioned in the preceding paragraph, there
are many things of which I am not tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After more than 50 years of preaching the gospel, I am not tired of
doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is just as invigorating as
it was when I began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never grown
tired of the gospel message or the presentation of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never grown tired of studying the
Bible with people in a private setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I enjoy listening to good, sound preaching and teaching of God’s
word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never grown tired of seeing
people change their lives from serving Satan to serving God by obeying the
gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not grown tired of seeing
people develop and mature spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have never grown tired of reading and studying the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is like a refreshing drink of water to the
soul and never becomes commonplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t know how many times I have partaken of the Lord’s Supper in the 56 years
I have been a Christian, but it has never become old to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Singing praises to God with my brethren in
the worship services stirs me to this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of the greatest people I have ever known are my brethren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may not be in the headlines or make the
evening news, but they are the salt of the earth and I enjoy being in their
company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They make me happy and
stimulate me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m never bored being
around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never grown tired of
reading and hearing about heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
gives me hope and motivates me to live for God that someday I may be in a place
where there are no wars, murders, rapes, abuse, or dishonest people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has his own timetable, but I am “…looking
for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Pet. 3:12).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-29768250681518140292014-05-30T07:47:00.000-07:002014-05-30T07:47:03.772-07:00Jesus and the Use of Miracles<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Near the end of his Gospel the apostle John said that Jesus
performed <i>“many other signs.”</i> (Jn.
20:30-31). Around forty are recorded in
the four Gospels, but how many others he performed is undetermined. The purpose of the miracles was to convince
people that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> The word <i>“miracle”</i> is
used in a variety of ways today. It is
used to refer to the birth of a child, or some remarkable event, or in
describing an answer to prayer. The
biblical use of the term <i>“miracle”</i>
does not fit this description. A miracle
is the intervention of God outside the laws of nature which he has
established. For instance, man obtains
his daily bread through planting of seed and gathering the harvest. It was a miracle when Jesus did not go
through this process, but fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fishes (Mt.
6:1-14). One may seek the safety of a
shelter during a tempestuous storm, but Jesus <i>“rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm”</i> (Mt.
8:26). A person may have an eye problem
corrected through surgery, but Jesus healed the blind (Jn. 9:1-7). Through proper diagnosis and treatment an ill
person may avoid death, but Jesus raised people from the dead (Lk. 7:11-17).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Jesus performed many different kinds of miracles. He walked on water (Mt. 14:25-26), cast out
demons (Mt. 8:16), and raised the dead (Jn. 11:39-44). He performed so many miracles that even the
world would not be able to contain the books that should be written (Jn.
21:25). They were not slight of hand
tricks or freaks of nature. They were
genuine miracles in which the laws of nature were overridden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> These miracles were performed in the synagogue (Mt. 12:9-14),
at public pools (Jn. 5:2-8), and at wedding feasts (Jn. 2:1-11). Even unbelievers were witnesses of them (Mk.
2:1-12). These miracles were performed
in the presence of those who were very much aware of the situation. His enemies could not successfully refute
their validity (Jn. 9:15-17, 24, 29-34).
With Jesus’ healings there were no preliminary investigations to weed
out hard cases. He did not try to heal
and fail at it, and then insult the intelligence of the people by suggesting
that the reason why healing did not occur was because they did not have faith. The miracles he performed did not require a
special “atmosphere.” People who were
healed did not have to get well “on the installment plan.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> The miracles of Jesus provided infallible proof of his deity
(Jn. 3:2). They produced faith in the
heart of men (Jn. 2:23). Thomas
Jefferson edited a condensed volume of the Gospels in which he eliminated all
the miracles of Jesus. All that remained
were the ethics Jesus taught. The result
was to leave Jesus merely as a wise human philosopher. The tragedy of this is that even though the
ethics of Jesus are the highest the world has ever known, yet when Jesus is
stripped of his divinity and power, his ethics are likewise stripped of all
authority and power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> The miracles of Christ occupy a most important place in the
array of proofs for the certainty of the things we believe. If they were absent from sacred history, our
loss would be irreparable. The miracles
of Jesus should not be severed from the whole complex of Christ’s life and
doctrine. Their relation is one of
mutual interdependence. The miracles
strongly attest to his compassion. They
illustrate his authority to forgive and save man from his sins. They underscore his power to give eternal
life and declare him to be the Christ, the Son of the living God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-39710091530685768412014-04-07T12:51:00.002-07:002014-04-07T12:51:09.623-07:00"The Lord Does Not See Us"<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 225pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
above statement was made by seventy men who were supposed to be spiritual
leaders in Israel. Ezekiel was a prophet
of God whose work was focused on those who had been brought to Babylon around
606 B.C. during the time of the exile.
Ezekiel was just a young man, twenty-five years old, when he was taken
to Babylon. At the age of thirty he was
commissioned by God to convey God’s message to those who were in
captivity. He had the privilege of being
a contemporary of Zephaniah, Jeremiah, and Daniel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 274.5pt 310.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It wasn’t very long after Ezekiel began his ministry that
he had a very unusual experience. In a
vision, God allowed him to see the horrible spiritual conditions that prevailed
in his hometown of Jerusalem (Ezek. 8).
What he saw was that the leaders of Israel, in their private chambers,
were worshiping creeping things, abominable beasts, and other forms of idolatry
(Ezek. 8:9-10). They even had the images
of these gods portrayed on the walls of their chambers. Their leader was Jaazaniah, the son of the
scribe who earlier read the book of the Law to Josiah when he initiated needed
reforms in Israel (2 Kgs. 22). His name
means “Yahweh hears,” but he was offering worship to gods who could not hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">These
seventy elders were not engaging in these practices publicly, but doing them in
the privacy of their chambers. Their
argument was that “The Lord does not see us” (Ezekiel 8:12). However, we learn that “…all things are naked
and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:13).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Some
engage in homosexuality, fornication, pornography, dishonesty, and a host of
other sins thinking that if done in private, or under the cover of darkness, or
at a place where one is unknown, that God does not see the sin. Like these Israelites, they are sadly
mistaken. There is a day coming when
“God shall judge the secrets of man by Jesus Christ” (Rom. 2:16). “Nothing is secret, that shall not be made
manifest” (Lk. 8:17).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-22220580236497847432014-02-26T18:42:00.001-08:002014-02-26T18:42:31.274-08:00The Love of God<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">God spared the life of Isaac when
Abraham was about to plunge the knife into his body, but did not spare the life
of His own Son when He was crucified.
Had He done so, man would be hopelessly lost for there is no other adequate
sacrifice to atone for the sins of man (Heb. 10:1-4). The death of Jesus on Calvary’s tree reveals
different dimensions of God’s love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s love is indescribable.</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> How can you
describe a Beethoven symphony to one who is deaf? How can you describe a Rembrandt portrait to
one who is blind? Even so, human
language is incapable of adequately describing the love of God. F.M. Lehman once wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Could we with ink the ocean fill, and
were the skies of parchment made; were every stalk on earth a quill, and every
man a scribe by trade; to write the love of God above would drain the ocean
dry; nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">When love flowed forth it was so deep,
so wide, so strong, that even inspiration did not compute its measure, but gave
us that great little word <b><i>“SO”</i></b> (Jn. 3:16) and left us to
attempt the measurement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s love is unquenchable.</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> You can’t run
beyond the limits of God’s love because you can’t outrun God. <i>“But
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us” </i>(Rom. 5:8). Good
people don’t go to heaven because they are good, but because God loves
them. All of us are sinners, deserving
eternal condemnation, but God sent His Son to be <i>“…the propitiation for our sins…”</i> (1 Jn. 2:2).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s love is unearned.</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Paul declared,
<i>“For by grace you have been saved through
faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of
works, that no one should boast”</i> (Eph. 2:8-9). Salvation is God’s gift to obedient man (Heb.
5:9). If salvation cost money, then some
would not be able to afford it, for they are poor. If one had to produce a certain number of
good works in order to be saved, then some would have unfair advantage over
others, for they have greater ability<i>. </i>But salvation is offered to man by God
through Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, provided man accepts and obeys the gospel
(2 Thess. 1:7-9).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s love is inexhaustible.</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> There is
enough love in the very nature of God to take care of the sins of the
world. No one is beyond the reach of
God’s love, no matter the immense depths that sin may drag him. God <i>“…desires
all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”</i> (1 Tim.
2:4).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">God’s love is inevitable.</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> His immense
love does not come from anything outside of Himself. He loves because it is His nature to do so (1
Jn. 4:8).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Because of His love salvation is offered
through Christ, provided man accepts and obeys the gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-58962415823176355732014-01-31T17:23:00.001-08:002014-01-31T17:29:42.677-08:00Being A Servant<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
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Suppose you were transposed in
time and place back to the city of Jerusalem during the first century. Suppose you were given the opportunity of
spending 30 days with the Lord. Suppose
that afterward a reporter from the Jerusalem Gazette conducted an interview
with you. Some of his questions might
be, “Where did you go? What did you
do? What did you see? What happened during those 30 days? Of all the things you have done, experienced,
or observed, what one fact or idea stands out foremost in your mind concerning
Jesus?” What would you say? Would you tell how impressed you were with
the compassion of Jesus? Would you
relate how wise Jesus was? Would you
share how that Jesus knew what to say and how to say it? Would you point out how relevant and meaningful
the teachings of Jesus were? All of
these and much more would certainly be appropriate perceptions regarding the
Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, there is a quality
that makes Jesus unique among men. <b>He was a servant!</b> Seven hundred years prior to his virgin birth
it was prophesied that Jesus would be the suffering servant (Isa. 53). He left the riches of heaven for the poverty
of earth (Phil. 2:5-7). Human wisdom
would have dictated that he be born in a major metropolis by rich and
well-educated parents, but he was born of little known parents in a stable and
laid in a feeding trough for animals.
His entire life was lived as a servant.
Near the end Jesus laid aside his garments, took a towel and washed the
feet of his disciples (Jn. 13:3-11). If
you had everything in your hands, would you take a towel and wash feet? James and John typified man when they
requested positions of prominence in Jesus’ kingdom (Mk. 10:35-37). Jesus turned the concept of greatness upside
down when he said, <i>“Whoever wishes to
become great among you, shall be your servant."</i> <i>“The
Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” </i>(Matt. 20:28). Are you a servant?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
A true servant of Jesus is not
quarrelsome (2 Tim. 2:24). He seeks to
be where Jesus would be and to do what Jesus would do (Jn. 12:26). It might necessitate a change in reading or
viewing habits. It might require a
change in language or the content of one’s conversation, but a true servant is
willing to make the changes. A genuine
servant realizes that he owns nothing in this world (1 Tim. 6:7), but is owned
by God who paid the purchase price for him (1 Cor. 6:20). A true servant does not seek a title, but an
opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
Edwin Markham tells the story
of a cobbler named Conrad. One night the
cobbler dreamed that the next day Christ would visit his shop. The next morning he decorated his shop with
green boughs so it would be an appropriate place to receive such a guest. He waited all morning and the only thing that
happened was that an old man shuffled up asking to rest. Seeing that his shoes were worn through,
Conrad put on the old man the sturdiest pair of shoes he had in the shop before
sending him on his way. He waited
through the afternoon but the only thing that happened was that an old woman
carrying a heavy load of firewood came by, weary, and out of compassion, Conrad
took her in and gave her some food he had prepared for Christ. As the shades of night began to fall, there
came a little lost child crying bitterly.
Conrad was annoyed because it was necessary to leave the shop in order
to take the child to her house across town.
When he returned he was convinced he had missed the Lord’s visit while
he was gone. Conrad cried out, “Why is
it, Lord that your feet delay? Have you
forgotten that this was the day?” Then
soft in the silence a Voice he heard: “Lift up your heart for I kept my
word. Three times I came to your
friendly door; three times my shadow was on your floor. I was the beggar with bruised feet; I was the
woman you gave to eat; I was the child on the homeless street.” I want to be a servant of the Lord; don’t
you?<o:p></o:p></div>
Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-3405602640110378632013-12-31T13:27:00.000-08:002013-12-31T13:27:39.435-08:00Finish It!The Brooklyn Bridge, which links Brooklyn to Manhattan Island, is one of the most famous bridges in the world. At the time it was first conceived in 1883, however, bridge-building experts throughout the world told the designer, a creative engineer by the name of John Roebling, that his idea wouldn't work. Roebling convinced his son Washington, who was also an engineer, that his idea had merit.<br />
<br />
The two developed the concept, resolved the problems others had forecast, and enthusiastically hired a crew to build their bridge. After only a few months of building, a tragic on-site accident took John's life and severely injured Washington, who became unable to talk or walk.<br />
<br />
Everyone thought the project would have to be abandoned, since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew the dynamics of building the bridge. Washington, however, could still think, and he had a burning desire to see the bridge finished. As he lay in his hospital bed, he had an idea. He would communicate with the engineers by using one finger to tap out in code on his wife's arm what he wanted her to tell them.<br />
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Washington tapped out his instructions for 13 years until the bridge was built! Leaders are not only self-starters, they are finishers. The apostle Paul urges us, <i>"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not"</i> (Galatians 6:9).Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222956050527174219.post-91024669664455002192013-11-21T06:31:00.001-08:002013-11-21T06:31:45.940-08:00What Is Faith?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
book of Hebrews names an element that is absolutely essential to the
development of the Christian life --- the quality of faith. Chapter 11 focuses on faith by giving a
description of it as well as supplying several demonstrations of it. The first three verses focus on the
ingredients of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.8pt 6pt 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the
conviction of things not seen. For by it
the men of old gained approval. By faith
we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is
seen was not made out of things which are visible (NASB).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1.8pt 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">From this we learn
that faith is not merely positive thinking; neither is it just a hunch that is
followed. Faith is not simply hoping for
the best; neither is it solely a feeling of optimism. Faith does not possess the quality of
believing in something in spite of the evidence. That would be superstition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1.8pt 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Faith is the
assurance of things hoped for. It is to
the Christian what the foundation is to a house. It gives confidence and assurance that will
stand and support the superstructure.
Faith is the conviction of things not seen. That which is seen is not the whole
explanation of life. There are realities
that cannot be seen, weighed, measured, analyzed, or touched; yet, they are as
real and vital as anything we can see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1.8pt 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Several examples are
given in this chapter of people who lived in the same kind of world in which we
live and were confronted with the same problems we face; yet, they mastered
their problems and overcame great obstacles through their faith. Consider some of the marks of their faith
that we need to develop in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">GENUINE FAITH ALWAYS
ACTS.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> It doesn’t sit around and do nothing. Note that Abel <b><i>offered</i></b> (vs. 4), Noah <b><i>prepared</i></b>
(vs. 7), Abraham <b><i>obeyed</i></b> (vs. 8), Sarah <b><i>conceived</i></b> (vs. 11), Isaac <b><i>blessed</i></b>
(vs. 20), Moses’ parents <b><i>hid</i></b> him for three months (vs. 23),
Moses <b><i>refused</i></b> (vs. 24), <b><i>left</i></b> Egypt (vs. 27), <b><i>kept </i></b>the
Passover (vs. 28), Israel <b><i>passed through</i></b> the Red Sea (vs. 29),
<b><i>encircled</i></b>
the city of Jericho (vs. 30), and Rahab <b><i>welcomed</i></b> the spies (vs. 31). In every case there was action on the part of
those who had faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1.8pt 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">FAITH ANTICIPATES.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Without faith, life would be a blind march
into mystery. Faith gives to life a goal
and purpose. Abraham lived as an alien
in the land God promised him for he anticipated a heavenly city (vv.
8-10). Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
anticipated by faith that which was beyond their present experience (vv.
20-22). The Christian, in like manner,
anticipates ultimate victory in Christ (Rev. 2:10) and eagerly awaits his
eternal home (John 14:1-3).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1.8pt 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">FAITH RISKS.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The person of genuine faith gladly sacrifices
any present advantage in order to gain future promises. Moses risked his material advantage in order
to gain something of great reward (vv. 24-28).
He chose the imperishable, saw the invisible, and did the “impossible.” Such is the nature of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1.8pt 6pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">These examples
challenge us “set our jaws” that we will be determined to be a people of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Roger Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284052100870252568noreply@blogger.com0