The Message of Easter is
"COME SEE, GO and TELL!"
"Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you."
by Chuck Ness
Almost 2000 years ago, there were eleven men who had abandoned their leader in his time of need. Twelve men, if you count the one who betrayed him with a kiss for 30 pieces of silver. The rest scattered as HE was arrested, scourged and then lifted like a snake in the desert. For three years these men clung to their leader, absorbing HIS every Word as HE traveled around teaching and performing miracles. They watched as HE healed paraplegics, cured those with leprosy, gave sight to the blind, and untied the tongues of the mute. They even witnessed HIM bringing back to life a friend who's body was so dead it smelled of rotting flesh.
It must be stated that the followers would have known about the three times in Israel's past when a Prophet raised someone who was dead back to life. Yet in all of three cases the time of death was within a 24 hour period. The first time was when the prophet Elijah brought a widow's son back to life. (1 Kings 16:17-24). The second time was when his disciple, Elisha, raised the Shunammite woman's son from the dead. (2 Kings 4:18-37). The last time was the day a dead man's body was tossed into Elijah's tomb. The very moment the man's body touched Elisha's bones he came back to life. (2 kings 13:20-21)
by Chuck Ness
An acquaintance whom I worked with on a few jobs around the valley died from COVID complications this past week. He had respiratory problems already, and he was in his late 60s. My heart is broken, because I was a bad watchman. He knew I am a Christian, but I never pushed the issue of his faith to know where he was.
True, only God knows our hearts, and until we get to heaven none of us truly know where another persons heart is. Yet, I never heard him speak of Jesus, and he never joined in a conversation whenever I would bring up my faith or beliefs.
On his fb page he has never mentioned the name of a Jesus, nor even eluded to his faith in any way. I do know he spent much free time fishing and traveling places to fish, and he enjoyed drinking socially but was not one to over indulge.
by Chuck Ness
Today Americans have stopped acting in terms of their own moral, ethical religious beliefs and principles. They stopped acting on what they know was right, and the "me attitude" has become the measure of everything. However, moral societies are the only ones that work. Now that America has ceased to be one, I'm hard pressed to find any country in the World that is.
If anyone thinks there is not a direct relationship between personal integrity and a society's prosperity, that person has simply not studied history. Societies that are built upon faith in God, honor, and the respect of law. blossom like a flower in the sun.
by Chuck Ness
Up until the 19th century, cities often stationed watchmen on high walls or in watchtowers to keep guard. Their job was to keep an eye out for the enemy, by watching out over the horizon from their vantage point. They were the ones who warned the people of any apparent dangers. If they saw any sign of an attack, they would alert the people with a trumpet blast, or ringing a bell. However, if they failed to properly warn the people, by falling asleep or just being unaware, then the city could be attacked without the citizens being prepared to defend themselves. If they were ever caught sleeping on the job, their punishment was death.
You're probably wondering why this matters to Christians. Well, there is an Old Testament warning from God to Ezekiel that should also be taken as a warning to us Christians. (Ezekiel 33:1-20) A warning that we must heed, in order that we can truly understand the importance of being Christ's messenger in the World. I posted the Scripture at the end of the commentary.
Whenever I grab a book to read and sit on the couch, I can always count on my dog to come over and jump up and settle next to me. Just about the time I kick back to relax she lays her head on my lap and gives me that look. Oh how good she is at letting me know what she wants. It is something that will inevitably lull her into a calm relaxed state of mind until I think she has fallen asleep, that is, until I stop pampering her and pick my book to start reading. That’s when she pushes her head towards me as she attempts to take my mind off my reading again. Oh, I’ll usually indulge her for a bit longer, but if I really want to read my book, I just have to ignore her until she gets bored. Eventually she gets the message and gets down off the couch to go find someone else to scratch those itchy ears.
Now this article is not really about dogs, and it is not about the dermatological problems with their ears. What it is about, is the way humans, like dogs, are always looking for someone to satisfy their needs.
I created a new chart that lists 23 women from the Scriptures. There are more than 23 women I could cover, but I took the 23 I felt were more recognizable to most Christians. Now, we all know who these women are, and their stories. From Eve to Mary, these women have had as great an impact on mankind as the men. Three, or maybe 4, are not known for their love of the One true GOD, while the others are remembered for their strength and courage in the face of adversity.
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