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."
I recently self published my first book, and I posted this to FreeRepublic out of respect for
the many FReepers who have been part of my growth, which has led to my ability to write.
I've been a Freeper for 25 years come February 20, 2023, and I must admit my knowledge and understanding of things has been immensely effected by the many great minds who are part of that great forum. Whether it's about politics, science, history, or religion, FreeRepublic has been to me, what many Colleges used to be. I have witnessed many a great mind debate other great minds, and I have also witnessed my share of knock down, drag out, leave no prisoner, fights between Freepers who would die on their cross of beliefs. Probably the biggest was the battle of the long-knives. This is not an insult, but rather a compliment to the way that forum has truly effected me, and many like me, in our understanding of the world throughout the last 25 years.
Sadly, this phrase has been woven into the very fabric of our society today. When a man has no fear of GOD, he is prepared for any crime. Total depravity is not too strong a term to describe such human wickedness. Evil people who have no fear of GOD, in reality have no affection for others, all they care about is their own satisfaction.
As I prepare my next outline for the students in the Bangladesh Ministry I support, a few thoughts came to me I would like to share. Just so you understand where I am coming from, I'm concluding my study on the seven parables of Matthew chapter thirteen. Specifically the final three parables which culminate with two examples of those willing to give up everything , and a final sobering point about the day of reckoning when mere pretenders will be separated out from the true believers and cast into hell.
Like the the theological giants who came before us, we too look at the teachings of Jesus in order to better understand HIS wisdom. Yet after 2000 years of scrutiny by uncountable theologians, I still find a rich storehouse of treasures awaiting those who are patient seekers. Throughout his Gospel, Matthew unearths some of these nuggets of treasure for some to see while seemingly concealing others for those who have trained their minds to hear the scriptures in light of the reality of the kingdom of heaven. Throughout his Gospel, Matthew is trying to train us how to properly read Scripture in the light of how Jesus taught and shared wisdom. He does this in order too give us a treasure map, if you will, of how to locate the storehouse of treasures that include the pearls of exceeding value.
The post at the end of this commentary has been making its round on Facebook. It is about Steve Jobs thoughts on life as he is ready to die. He tells us that he finally learned what life was all about. Well, I offer it, with this truth.
Not one time did Job mention anything about GOD, Christ, his salvation or anything of an after life. While he claims he learned something about wealth, and what life is truly about, he truly did not learn what the meaning of life is. That's because when it comes down to it, life is not about this world, and as Jesus said when his family came to take him away,
""""Who is My mother, or My brothers? Here are My mother and My brothers. Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's. If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. """" Paraphrased from accounts in Matthew, Mark & Luke
Ruth 1:6-22
Two Widows Journey to Bethlehem
Ruth is a poignant story of faithless disobedience, that leads to death, sorrow, bitterness, and then loyalty and finally redemption. It's my prayer that you will realize that if an inconspicuous Moabite peasant woman could achieve royalty for her descendants in Israel, then anyone can gain Salvation. The story of Ruth contains secrets to the Kingdom of Heaven that point directly to the work our Savior, Jesus Christ, would one day accomplish for us all on Calvary. Ultimately God will reward Ruth's faith and obedience by making her the great grandmother of King David and a place in the genealogy of Jesus that Matthew records in his Gospel.
The word love is used to mean many different things. We say we "love" this house house we just bought, or that we "love" a particular vacation spot, or that "we" love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We also "love" a certain television program, and we "love" our husband or wife. Hopefully we don't love our spouse the same way we love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
The greatest love of all, however, is GOD's love for us. A love that showed itself in action. A friend once observed, "Love talked about is easily ignored, but love demonstrated is irresistible." The Bible says, "GOD demonstrates HIS own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8) Now, that is real love! How will you respond to HIS love today?
“Leaving God's Blessing's Behind”
An Introduction Outline For Ruth
Ruth 1:1-5
The book of Ruth is a beautiful love story of a woman who left home and country to follow a woman she loved dearly. Ruth was a widow, who loved her mother-in-law so much she told her,
“Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.
Ruth 1:16
It is only one of two books named after a woman, and the only one named after a Gentile. A Gentile who would become a Hebrew, and be placed in the genealogy of her greatest descendent, Jesus Christ. Ruth is true story that gives us a powerful lesson in redemption. A lesson that points to the love of GOD for HIS creation. A love so powerful that HE would give HIS only begotten SON so that we may all have everlasting life.
by Chuick Ness
Many Christians today are unwilling to face persecution for the truth. They want a simple easy life with no confrontations, and thus no condemnation. This is why so many Christians avoid situations that could cause strife. Well, we can be thankful that Jesus never avoided confrontations. In fact he took the problem of sin straight to the cross. It's easy to ignore confrontation by not doing what we are called to do. Paul spent the last 20 years of his life confronting the problem of sin in the World by sharing how Christ died for our sins. In the end, he lost his head because he refused to back down.
Consider the many Israelites captured by the enemy who never returned home, but instead reached their captors with the truth of the true God. We have all had our moments of fear that we may be persecuted. However, it is a weakness to worry about troubles that could forever disrupt our lives. I see many Christians worry and complain about the persecution we see going on around us in these trying times we live in. Yet how often have you truly considered the blessings God dispersed to us through our tragedies?
As a gift of his love for his eight-year old son, a father gives him a baseball and a bat. The father tells the boy to be carefull as to not break any windows, nor harm anyone with the toys.
So the boy takes his gift and goes outside to play with the new toy. He grabs the bat with his hand, rests it upon his shoulder and tosses the ball into the air with his other hand. As the ball descends he swings the bat at the ball. To his complete enjoyment, the boy hits the ball squarely and it goes sailing into the air. As the baseball flies across the yard, it enters the neighbors yard and smashes into their living room window.
That's when the neighbor comes outside to confront the boy about his window. The neighbor realizes that an eight-year old boy cannot fix, nor pay for the broken window. Yet he demands justice. So he confronts the boys father, who gave him the destructive instruments that shattered his living room window.
by Chuck Ness
An ominous feeling came over me while I was in my morning quiet time of reading the Scriptures. I pray it’s just a feeling of human despair, but it seems so much more. What has happened around the World in the last few Months is similar to what was happening around the World in the mid 1930's. OH how I feel the Lord has truly turned away from us.
It is without a doubt there are many Christians in America who are not ready for the next chapter of the end. Like in the days after King Josiah of Judah died, so too are the days for America today. While not all the people were evil then, it's a fact that the vast majority did not follow God. So too are the people of America today. The vast majority of Americans do not follow Christ. Even most who call Him Lord do not follow His ways, they are more carnal than spiritual. God wants us 24/7, not just on Sunday morning for a few hours.
by Adam Lustig
For as long as I can remember, after becoming a Christian, the question often arises "will my pet be in heaven with me?
It's a good question for those of us that are pet lovers, because of our attachment to our pets. I also am a pet lover who has lost two dogs and am now the owner of a terrier/dachshund mix named molly who loves our family to death.
To bring some clarity to this question, of our pets being in heaven with us, I have gleaned some thoughts from Jack Wellman, a Christian author, and pastor of Evangelical Free Church in Udall, KS. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read what pastor Wellman has written on this subject if this is a question you are struggling with. And as always, in advance, Thanks for Listening.
DO OUR PETS GO TO HEAVEN?
Almost everyone has lost a beloved pet. They become part of the family and many couples who are childless consider their pets as their own children. So what happens to pets after they die? Do they go to heaven? Will we ever see our dearly departed pets again? What is their fate? What does the Bible say about animals after they die? These precious loved animals including dogs, cats, horses, and even a few unorthodox pets that families have grown to love and grieve after they are gone. Let's see what the Word of God says about whether or not animals or pets go to heaven?
by Chuck Ness
"Ask! What shall I give you?" 1 Kings 3:5Solomon could have asked for anything his heart desired; wealth, women, slaves, victory in battle over all of God's enemies, or even a very long healthy life. Yet, he asked for none of those things. Instead, Solomon humbled himself and said to the LORD;
".....give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" 1 Kings 3:9
Ever been sitting in the house, and out of the corner of your eye, you spot something moving along the floor next to the wall? Or maybe you’re lying in bed and you hear some scraping, scratching, and the pitter patter of tiny feet in the attic? When you have a mouse on the loose around the house, then you need to set a trap or two.
Everyone has their idea of what the perfect food is to trap a mouse. Cheese, peanut butter, or maybe a piece of sweet chocolate The idea is to use something that will attract the mouse over. Then when the mouse takes the bate, it meets it's maker. Well humans are no different, and neither is Satan. The only difference is the bate. If you take the bate that Satan sets out for you it could cost you your very soul.
Every choice we make in our life can be seen by the Lord. Even if we just make that choice in our heart by desiring it to happen. We are told by Christ that we are just as guilty as if we did the action. Matthew 5:28. The point being, the LORD knows everything. So keep in mind that every step you take can be a step into a trap that could lead you to spiritual destruction.
So Judge yourself in everything you do, and in every step you take. Consider the destination that will be your future, because if you don't judge yourself, then be prepared to face God on judgement day. We learn from Psalms 1:5-6 that the ungodly shall stand in the judgment, while those who choose wisely will live to stand in the congregation of righteous and gain eternal life. Matthew Henry wrote on this verse in Proverb 5 in his commentary.
The Peril of Adultery
Matthew Henry on Proverb 5:21
See the eye of God is always upon thee and let his fear rule in thy heart, Pro_5:21. Those that live in this sin promise themselves secresy (the eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, Job_24:15); but to what purpose, when it cannot be hidden from God? For, He sees it.
The ways of man, all his motions, all his actions, are before the eyes of the Lord. All the workings of the heart and all the outgoings of life, that which is done ever so secretly and disguised ever so artfully. God sees it in a true light, and knows it with all its causes, circumstances, and consequences.
He does not cast an eye upon men's ways now and then, but they are always actually in his view and under his inspection; and darest thou sin against God in his sight, and do that wickedness under his eye which thou durst not do in the presence of a man like thyself?
He will call the sinner to an account for it; for he not only sees, but ponders all his goings, judges concerning them, as one that will shortly judge the sinner for them. Every action is weighed, and shall be brought into judgment (Ecc_12:14), which is a good reason why we should ponder the path of our feet (Pro_4:26), and so judge ourselves that we may not be judged.
Warning Against Immorality
01 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
00 Lend your ear to my understanding,
02 That you may preserve discretion,
00 And your lips may keep knowledge.
03 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey,
00 And her mouth is smoother than oil;
04 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
00 Sharp as a two-edged sword.
05 Her feet go down to death,
00 Her steps lay hold of hell.
06 Lest you ponder her path of life--
00 Her ways are unstable;
00 You do not know them.
07 Therefore hear me now, my children,
00 And do not depart from the words of my mouth.
08 Remove your way far from her,
00 And do not go near the door of her house,
09 Lest you give your honor to others,
00 And your years to the cruel one;
10 Lest aliens be filled with your wealth,
00 And your labors go to the house of a foreigner;
11 And you mourn at last,
00 When your flesh and your body are consumed,
12 And say:
00 "How I have hated instruction,
00 And my heart despised correction!
13 I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers,
00 Nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me!
14 I was on the verge of total ruin,
00 In the midst of the assembly and congregation."
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
00 And running water from your own well.
16 Should your fountains be dispersed abroad,
00 Streams of water in the streets?
17 Let them be only your own,
00 And not for strangers with you.
18 Let your fountain be blessed,
00 And rejoice with the wife of your youth.
19 As a loving deer and a graceful doe,
00 Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
00 And always be enraptured with her love.
20 For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman,
00 And be embraced in the arms of a seductress?
21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,
00 And He ponders all his paths.
22 His own iniquities entrap the wicked man,
00 And he is caught in the cords of his sin.
23 He shall die for lack of instruction,
00 And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
by Jose Barajas
We all gathered as a family the day we celebrated the life of our father with friends and people who had known my dad. That day was beautiful as the sun shone and I had spent the morning crying and admittedly even had a few shots with my brother in law. I was chosen to be one who would speak to the crowd that gathered and really didn’t know what I was going to say.
I remember talking about each of my siblings and making people laugh because that’s what my dad would have wanted but I know I was in a daze! When we took his body to the spot where it would lay, all of my family stood there, and God only knows what they were thinking. However, because of what Jesus did on the cross, I know in my heart that I will see my dad again.
by Adam Lustig
From the day Mary Magdalene met Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus arose from the dead to her pounding on the door of the upper room, where Jesus’s disciples were hiding from the Jewish leaders and Roman authorities, these three words, “He is Risen”, have been the heartbeat of every Christian.
Jesus’s promise of His resurrection to His followers while He was alive came crashing down when he died on the cross.
For 3 1/2 years of Jesus’s ministry, He engrained into His disciples “destroy this temple,” speaking of himself, “and in 3 days I will raise it up” the religious leaders of Israel did not understand Him even Jesus’s inner circle Peter, James, and John were doubtful.
by Adam Lustig
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30 NKJV For as long as I can remember, things have been written to malign the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and especially during this time of the year. There have been books written and comments like the following:
..Jesus did not really die on the cross.
..He (Jesus) was only in a swoon sleep when He was taken down from the cross.
..Someone else that looked like Jesus died on the cross.
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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