In The Beginning...

"

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible." Hebrews 11:3 NRSV

Science has provided us with some amazing things: vaccines for diseases that may have long ago destroyed humankind; conveniences to make our lives more pleasant (even if some of them are destructive to the earth); instant communication with people around the world; the list goes on. But, science is not all-knowing. It is ever evolving. There is always something knew to learn.

When it comes to faith, science does not have the last word. God does. He has and is the last word just as He had and was the first word.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people." John 1:1-3

May God grant us all faith to live by faith in His Word, who is Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Thess 2 - Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2 NIV
I cannot count nor ever remember how many men have been publicized as possibly being the lawless one (the anti-Christ) that was prophesied to come. Most often those who were accused of being the anti-Christ have been in positions of power in the world. They have been world political leaders.

I cannot help but wonder if this anti-Christ is actually going to be a leader in the secular world or will that personality be someone from within the visible church on earth. There are many; after all, who are teaching false doctrine and yet are quite popular personalities; leaders (not servants) in the visible church. They have been popular because they please the itching ears. They are popular because they tell people what they want to hear. They have led many astray as they have lifted themselves up in the eyes of the people they teach.

I am convinced that the most dangerous false teachings do not come from those outside the church who deny Christ. These allegations are a distraction and have kept us from looking within ourselves and acknowledging the lawlessness that abides within us. Those most dangerous lies are those lies propagated within the church that are being passed down and expanded upon to succeeding generations. It is quite possible (probable) that the man of lawlessness will be revealed to be one who spread the lies from within the visible church. The man of lawlessness may well come from within the church, itself.

Do not let anyone deceive you; not from outside the church or from within. Jesus is our only salvation. May God help us to remain faithful to His Word.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 10:1-24 Go and Tell

Luke 10:1-24 NIV
Jesus had appointed seventy-two others and sent them out two by two to go ahead of him to the various towns. The harvest, he said, was plentiful but the workers are few. (vs 1-2) Their goal, it appears, is to be gathering the people for the Kingdom.

In this country, as well as many others, the church appears to be in decline. This can be attributed to many factors, including a lack of faith. Faith will inspire us to walk miles to do what it is that we believe we are called to do. Yet, multitudes in congregations around the globe do not feel that they are called to share the Good News with anyone. It is a private matter, I hear. Are our neighbors not worth saving. How can they be saved unless they believe? How can they believe unless they hear? Who will go and tell? Who will participate in the harvesting?

Pastors sometimes become chaplains to their little flocks. They focus only on their little flock; neglecting the needs of the people who are outside the sheepfold. They neglect the telling of the story to; except to the little flock that gathers on Sunday mornings (sometimes they neglect to even tell them). Not going outside of the circle (or box) and sharing the peace, sharing the story of what God has done for us is devastating to the visible church. Without the story of Jesus' great love for all people; what is left? Not much; except for maybe a museum to the traditions of the generations that have lived here before us. Without Jesus, there is nothing.

So, let us all go and share the peace of God; share the story of His great love for us through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J