She Survived

This past Sunday morning, I presented a sermon on what happens when a woman exercises her so-called "right to choose" (a.k.a. abortion, a.k.a. infanticide). I have already received quite a number of requests for a copy of that sermon on DVD -- evidence that people care about this issue (as they should).

As a follow-up to that study, I wanted to make you aware of a certain woman's story by providing a link to a video of her recent appearance on a television program.

The biological mother of Gianna Jessen (seen at right) decided to have a saline abortion procedure performed seven and one-half months into her pregnancy...thus exercising her "right." For 18 hours, little Gianna was literally burned with this poison INTENTIONALLY, until her mother ACCIDENTALLY went into labor, delivering a two-pound LIVING baby girl. Now obviously, this story has a happy ending since you can see her photo at 31 years of age; but multiplied millions of unborn boys and girls are not so fortunate.

Fortunately for little two-pound Gianna, the doctor who had performed this despicable act was not present when she was born. The nurse on duty called an ambulance and had little Gianna rushed to the hospital. Gianna obviously survived and is doing well, but she was stricken with cerebral palsy. By the way, if you've never seen a photo of the outcome of a saline abortion, I would encourage you do do an internet search. You will never feel the same about this horrible, disgusting act of murder again -- even if you already are opposed to it. I will warn you, though, it is extremely disturbing.

I have posted the video of Gianna on Hannity & Colmes below. The video obviously has some political discussion, and as I said Sunday, some of that is unavoidable when we're talking about this issue. I make no apologies for including this video. If you are perceptive enough to surmise who I may cast my vote for this November, so be it; but I will not tell you for whom you should vote. I am not a political commentator, and will therefore stay out of politics as much as is possible (at least in a religiously oriented forum such as this).

I am, however, passionate about speaking for the 40-million plus boys and girls who have no voice due to the fact that they have already been murdered. They were murdered by mothers who have simply been lied to and convinced this is a normal medical procedure they have every right to undergo. I simply cannot be silent on this matter, and I personally cannot in, good conscience, lend any support of ANY kind to someone who is responsible for perpetuating this atrocity. But that's just me....and you are welcome to take that for what it may be worth.

God will avenge the blood of the innocent, and they don't get more innocent than little baby boys and girls. What are we going to do about this? What are YOU going to do about this? Do you support "a woman's right to choose," or a baby's right to live?? That is the only question that really matters here.

Jenna's personal website can be found at BornAliveTruth.com

Here, now, is the video...

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Are You A "Hypermiler"?

A what?

A hypermiler.

Yeah, just as I suspected...the spell checking mechanism on my web browser doesn't like that word. That's because the term "hypermiler" is relatively new to the English language. I suppose it's slang at this point, but with gas prices soaring over $4 per gallon and inching ever closer to the $5 mark, it's a term that is working it's way into the vocabulary of an increasingly large number of people.

So what is hypermiling? According to an August 2006 story in the Washington Post, it is a method of increasing your car's gas mileage by making skillful changes in the way you drive, allowing you to save gas and thereby have an easier time withstanding the rising oil and gas prices.

It involves techniques such as slowly accelerating from stops, coasting to red lights and stop signs by shifting into neutral well ahead of time, and actually going under the speed limit from time to time.

When I first heard of this concept, I laughed and jeered like a typical "too cool for school" person. When I looked at our budget and realized Kelly and I are consuming $400+ per month in gasoline, I took another look. So, beginning yesterday, I started hypermiling! So far (according to my on-board computer), I'm saving about three to four miles per gallon thanks to my new driving style. When this is computed using the current $4 per gallon, I am saving between eight and nine dollars per tank of gas. Not bad at all.

Believe me...these hypermiling techniques are difficult for me to adopt. I'm not a speeder, but I do like to get up to speed quickly. Not any more. Shifting into neutral a quarter mile away from a traffic light goes against my instincts, but now I find myself making a bit of a game out of how far I can coast. And going under the speed limit? Well, I try not to do this when someone is behind me on a one lane road...that's just inconsiderate since everyone is not a hypermiler. But if I'm on a multi-lane road or nobody is behind me, I may find myself putting along at 35 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone! Add to all this the fact that I'm going to try and ride my motorcycle more (once these 100+ degree days leave), and I figure to be saving significant amounts of cash!

What this all comes down to is a change of habits. If it is different results we desire, it is different actions we must take. Albert Einstein once said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

The same holds true with any other area of life. Are your habits in keeping with God's word? Do your daily actions take you one step closer to heaven, or hell? Both destinations are very real places that will exist forever. You and I are inching ever closer to eternity with every passing day. In the example of hypermiling, it is causing me to go against what I've always done behind the wheel of a car....and it's very challenging at times. But I know this...if I keep on doing what I've always done, I can expect similar results!

If your style of living is taking you down the broad way that leads to destruction, the only way to veer off that deadly course is to change your way of life!

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14, ESV

Why are there so few that enter the gate that leads to life? Jesus said it is due to the fact that it is "hard." Heaven's road requires giving up some things we may not want to give up. It demands full allegiance and submission to Christ as King. Grace that leads to salvation is given to all (Titus 2:11), but only a few accept it.

If you are on the path that leads to destruction even now, will you make a u-turn by repenting and obeying the will of the Father? If you are living outside of Christ, and if you continue to live outside of Christ, you can expect to be in a similar situation in eternity -- that is, separated from him in outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:27-28).

It is my earnest hope that you will submit to the Lord today -- for yesterday has been lost, and tomorrow may never be.

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A Book Of Unique Ability

Jesus said...

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32, ESV

While praying to the Father, Jesus declared God's word to be truth (John 17:17) -- that is, the objective and absolute standard of life and Godliness. His statement above from the eighth chapter of John's gospel account makes the point that any man or woman who abides in his word will know "the truth." In so stating, Christ makes a powerful and unmistakable claim of deity.

Yes, the word of God the Father and God the Son are one and the same. The word of the Father that sanctifies the soul (John 17:17) is the same word of the Son that sets a soul free from the bondage and condemnation of sin (John 8:31-32).

There exists no other single volume nor collection of volumes that can truthfully make the same assertion. Great literary masterpieces and best sellers have prompted men and women the world over to change their world views and ways of living. Yet, every letter of every word on every page of every copy of every other book ever sold in the history of the world is utterly powerless to set free a soul condemned by sin to die.

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12, ESV

If you don't have a Bible, GET ONE.
If you've got a Bible, READ IT.
If you read the Bible, BELIEVE IT.
If you believe the Bible, LIVE IT.

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In The Out & Out The In

Upon one of my recent trips to the local Target here in the bustling metropolis that is Mechanicsville, I observed a most curious sight. As I walked toward the front of the store from the parking lot, I noticed two families. One was entering the store, and the other was exiting store at precisely the same time. What's so unusual about that? Nothing at all...except for this: The family entering the store was walking through the doors clearly labeled "EXIT," and the family leaving the store was walking through the doors clearly labeled "ENTER."

I had to chuckle at this sight. Maybe it's just the mind of a preacher, but the statement made by the Lord to his people in the book of Isaiah immediately came to mind:

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 5:20, ESV

Now, please do not misunderstand my point here. I am not suggesting these families have subjected themselves to the wrath of God for entering and exiting through the proper doors (though they may have to answer to Target's red-clad security team). My point here is that this scene was a visual representation of what God describes here in the message of the prophet Isaiah.

When the murder of precious unborn boys and girls is lauded as "freedom" or as "a woman's right to choose," that is the very essence of calling evil good.

When teenagers are given contraceptives by their schools (or even their parents, for that matter), this is the epitome of putting darkness for light.

When judges who were appointed to uphold laws and morality deem marriage between persons of the same sex to be wholesome and legal, this is very much a case of putting bitter for sweet.

Do yourself a favor and read through the rest of the fifth chapter of Isaiah and notice how the Lord regards such blatant disregard for His law. It's rather obvious at this point that the laws of this once great nation are being chiseled away little by little by our lawmakers and judges. God's laws, however, have been "firmly fixed in the heavens" (Psalm 119:89). What God has ordained as law will always remain law.

May we never be guilty of calling "evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"

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Steak Knife Salvation

In a city synonymous with great steaks, one man is grateful for the steak knife that helped spare his life. Steve Wilder, of Omaha, Nebraska, used a steak knife to perform an at-home tracheotomy. He took this drastic measure because he thought he was going to die one night last week after awakening and being unable to breathe.

Wilder said he didn't call 911 because he didn't think help would arrive in time. So, the 55-year-old says, he got a steak knife from the kitchen and made a small hole in his throat, allowing air to gush in.

As someone who is about as squeamish as any human being can be, this story churns my stomach. I cannot imagine performing my own tracheotomy! However, in addition to being completely "grossed out," it also helps me to reflect on the value of life.

What some people have done in an effort to spare their own lives is astounding. The stories you have, no doubt, heard of men amputating trapped limbs with small, dull utility knives should further serve to illustrate just how far human beings will go to preserve life.

Mr. Wilder was saved from death by his own courage and determination to live. How far will you go to be saved from "the second death" (Revelation 2:11), that is, eternal condemnation and separation from God? The wonderful news is that God's grace has provided the sacrifice we needed, but could not ourselves supply (Titus 2:11) in Christ. God requires only our faith (Hebrews 11:6), loving obedience (John 14:15; Hebrews 5:9), and a humble attitude of self-sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).

How important is your own life? God has instilled within man an innate desire to live -- both physically and spiritually. When a man loses his desire to live (physically), this indicates a problem...perhaps mental illness. And when a man does not possess a desire to save his own soul, this too indicates a problem...a spirit that needs to be awakened and revived!

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16, ESV

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The New Slavery?

This morning's edition of NBC's Today show featured an interview with V. Gene Robinson, the bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (better known as simply the "Episcopal Church"). You may remember the copious amounts of air time his story received back in 2003 when he was elected to this position. The controversy surrounded his open admissions of homosexual behavior.

In the years that followed these events, numerous congregations within the Episcopal denomination have broken their ties with the governing body and have since aligned themselves with other groups. The reason for Mr. Robinson's appearance on the Today show was the release of his new book, In The Eye Of The Storm: Swept To The Center By God. Robinson also appeared in the film, For The Bible Tells Me So, a documentary promoted at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival (scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the video box to see the trailer for this film).

While listening to the interview this morning, I took a pen and a sheet of paper and jotted down a few of the more notable statements made by Mr. Robinson. Here are just a few:

• Robinson compared himself to the prophets of the Bible, citing the persecution he feels.
• He likened the "discrimination" against gays to the subjugation of women and slavery.
• Mr. Robinson said he knows many people who are "unashamedly gay and unashamedly Christian."
• He said there is a need to "re-interpret the Scriptures."
• Robinson claims that God has called him into the lifestyle of homosexuality so that he can fulfill the role he is now playing.

Where does one begin in answering these statements? Let's briefly take them one by one, shall we?

• The prophets of the Bible were persecuted for their unwavering support and defense of God's word; Mr. Robinson is being criticized for his blatant disregard for that same word.

• The opposition Mr. Robinson receives from Bible believers is not to be compared with social disasters like slavery and racism. Individuals who supported slavery in the past, and individuals who harbor racist attitudes today violate the word of God in so doing. Those who lovingly teach the truth about the sin of homosexuality as it is revealed in Scripture are following in the footsteps of the Lord. Does anyone else find Mr. Robinson's comparison to slavery offensive?

• There is no such thing as a homosexual Christian. The two terms contradict one another. A Christian is one who follows the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. If there are "gay Christians," as Mr. Robinson claims, there must also be adulterous Christians, fornicator Christians, thief Christians, and the like. The truth of the matter is that no man or woman who continues in a lifestyle of sin and rebellion to God's word will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

• The need is not in "re-interpreting the Scriptures." The need is for more people to show genuine love for Christ by humbly obeying Him (John 14:15).

• God does not call men to a lifestyle of sin. He does not compel anyone to practice that which will leave their soul in peril. On the contrary, the Lord calls men out of darkness and into the light of truth by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

It should be noted that we should never support any effort that would attack another human being, be it by words or physical violence. Anyone who spews venomous, hateful words in the direction of another also violates the law of God.

This being said, it is truly unfortunate that the propaganda machine used by many so-called "gay rights" groups paints with such a broad brush. Those of us who defend the truth and purity if the Bible and its teachings on homosexuality are often lumped in with the screaming, red-faced radicals hurling profanity-laced insults. Truly unfortunate.

It can only be hoped that those who have honest and sincere hearts can step back from the useless political debates to see the difference between those who hate homosexuals and those who love them enough to tell the truth. Gene Robinson would have you believe a loving attitude and teaching the sinfulness of homosexuality are mutually exclusive. That's a claim that will sell books...maybe even get him on a bestseller's list or two. But it is a claim that cannot be backed up by the word of God.

Let's speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

r2

Watch That Temper!

When King Ahasuerus promoted Haman the Agagite to a position above all the other officials in the Persian kingdom (Esther 3:1), it was decreed that all the king's servants would bow down and pay homage to this new "head honcho" (3:2). When Mordecai refused to do so, Haman was "filled with fury" (3:5). Mordecai's refusal to worship this man proved to be the catalyst for Haman's plot to eradicate the Jewish minority from the Persian empire (3:6).

In the end, the very gallows that Haman prepared for the hanging of Mordecai were used against the man himself (7:9-10). The fury and lack of self-control Haman displayed drove him to his own downfall.

Uncontrolled anger is:

1. Evidence of fleshly desires (Galatians 5:19-20).
2. A characteristic of fools (Proverbs 12:16).
3. Forbidden by God (Matthew 5:22; Romans 12:19).

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down upon your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27, ESV

My friend, anger will arise from within every man from time to time. It is a lack of self-control in dealing with that anger which will inevitably lead to one's downfall. The 50-cubit-high gallows of Haman stood as a testament to that truth!

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Job's Answer To The "Pro-Choice" Folks

For 35 years, masses of men and women have sought to appease their consciences with faulty conjecture, namely that an unborn child does not constitute human life. One need look no further than their flaccid attempts at re-defining terms. The unborn boy or girl has become "pregnancy tissue."

Some say the child is not "human" until the second trimester of a mother's pregnancy; others insist this change takes place some time in the third trimester. Still others are adamant in their belief that a child is not fully human until it has been delivered and taken his or her first breath.

But why stop there? Some "ethicists" have been known to say killing a living, breathing infant outside the mother's womb is not immoral or unethical. Peter Singer, the well-known professor of bioethics at Princeton University made a sickening statement in a 1999 lecture. The following is an excerpt from Paul Zielbauer's article that appeared in the October 13, 1999 edition of The New York Times:


''I do not think it is always wrong to kill an innocent human being,'' Professor Singer told the rapt audience in Harold Helm Auditorium. ''Simply killing an infant is never equivalent to killing a person.''


A statement like this may surprise you...but it shouldn't. Mt. Singer's extreme views on this issue are merely the logical end to that which many of our neighbors, friends, and family have been convinced -- namely that it is the mark of compassion to support "a woman's right to choose."

Now that we have heard from Peter Singer, perhaps we should allow the Lord our God (the Creator and Judge of all mankind) to have a word:

Did not he [God] who made me in the womb make him [servant]? And did not one [God] fashion us in the womb?
Job 31:15, ESV

God uses the pen of Job to assure us that he [God] makes us in his own image by placing a living spirit within us as he shapes us in our mothers' wombs!

Friend, it's past time to let the politicians and judges who are leading our morally decaying nation into the abyss that we will no longer stand by and watch millions of innocent infant boys and girls be legally butchered (literally)! When we stand in judgment before the same God who hates the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17), how will we rationalize casting our votes for men and women we knew would perpetuate this brutal and heartless sin?

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Hot-Tempered Woman Burned Up Over Heat

A Michigan couple made headlines this week after having a disagreement about the temperature of their home.

When Joseph Grucz asked his wife, Cheryl, to turn up the heat, she grabbed the couple's gun and fired one round. The bullet missed Joseph, but instead struck and destroyed the couple's flat-screen television (which is just simply a tragedy in its own right, in my book).

While speaking with the police dispatch operator as he hid his head under a pillow, Joseph claimed Cheryl was, "all excited about it because she's so cheap."

Well, let's look on the bright side here: Mrs. Grucz's frugality is certainly commendable, as is her determination to conserve energy and be "green." Okay, we're probably stretching a bit there, but you get the idea.

Despite her best efforts to be fiscally and environmentally conscious, one would hope Mrs. Grucz will be able to manage her temper more effectively in the future.

No doubt, each of us can recall a time or two (or seventy) where we let our own tempers get the best of us. Remember, anger is a natural human emotion. The difference is made in how our actions are affected by that anger:

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27, ESV

So lest we ruin a perfectly good flat-screen television (or worse), let us always remember to take a moment to collect ourselves when the blood begins to "boil."

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Freshly Brewed Coffee, And Philosophy While You Wait

While waiting on a cup of coffee in downtown Birmingham two months ago, I picked up a half-page flier printed on glossy card stock. It was an advertisement for I'll Make You Love Me, a monologue show written by J'Mel Davidson and directed by Doug O'Neil. By the way, I have no clue who these folks are....just reading what it says on the flier.

The photo (inset at right) shows a parent and an infant child in silhouette with the following statement superimposed: "Love means never having to be accountable for your actions."

When I picked the card up out of sheer curiosity, I turned it over and discovered that the show was being presented by The Feminist Dedutante Guild. I must confess, I have no clue what constitutes a "Feminist Dedutante."

So, what about that statement: "Love means never having to be accountable for your actions." Is there any validity to that? I submit we should consult the very source, the very personification (so to speak) of love -- Almighty God. What does God's word say about love and its relationship to our actions and accountability therefor?

Does God love us even when our actions do not align with his will? "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, ESV). So, the answer is yes...God loves us even when we stand in rebellion to him. However, that does not mean he loves -- or even approves of -- our actions. Will we be accountable for our unrighteous actions even though God clearly declares his love for us in the midst thereof? Consider the following:

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak."
Matthew 12:36, ESV

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Romans 14:12, ESV

The time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."
1 Peter 4:3-5, ESV

Some of us have become so accustomed to justice bending to the will of the accused that we actually believe the Judge of all mankind will follow suit. Let me assure you, dear reader friend, that God will execute perfect justice. His love and mercy will reign on that day for those covered in the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb. For those who have left this realm unprepared and unredeemed, though he love them, they will be held accountable for their unholy actions.

Notwithstanding the Birmingham Feminist Dedutante Guild's propaganda, love means the opportunity to serve a God who is willing to forgive upon our repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God's love does not somehow cancel the righteous and just facets of his nature which demand holiness (1 Peter 1:16).

Interesting what you can learn while waiting on a cup of coffee, isn't it?

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Polly Want A Wake-Up Call?

Parrots can be a noisy nuisance sometimes, but there is at least one Muncie, Indiana family that may never complain about that noise again.

Shannon Conwell and his nine-year-old son awoke about 3 a.m. last Friday to find their home on fire after hearing their Amazon parrot, Peanut, imitating a fire alarm. The smoke alarm was functioning properly and had activated, but it was the bird's matching call that awoke Conwell. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, Conwell grabbed his son and the bird on his way out of the house.

Paul's God-breathed words to the church in first century Corinth were as follows:

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you then, be imitators of me.
1 Corinthians 4:15-16, ESV

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1, ESV

When you follow the example of a true-hearted Christian, you are following Paul. When you follow the Godly example of a Christian who is following the lead of Paul, you are following Christ. Your words stake claim to being in the light of Christ. When people imitate your faith and manner of life, are they (by connection) following Christ?

The Conwells of Muncie, Indiana learned how crucial an effective imitation can be. Men and women outside the body of Christ need an accurate imitation of Christ -- sounding the warning cry, and leading others to safety.

When people imitate your faith and manner of life (and they will), will they be led toward or away from safety?

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Remember Lot's Wife

In Luke 17:32, Jesus made this very simple statement: "Remember Lot's wife."

When we go back and look at the example of Lot's wife in the divine record (Genesis 19:1-26), here is what Jesus is telling us to remember:

Remember Her Privileges

• She was faithfully instructed
• She was a relative to one of God's chosen -- Abraham
• She was warned of danger

Remember Her Fate

• It was merited
• It was sudden
• It was final

Practical Reflections

• Beware of earthly entanglements
• Beware of questioning God's commands
• Beware of disobedience

May our memory of this woman's fate, recorded for time immemorial, be an admonition to trust and obey the word of our God.

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Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out

Here's an interesting story out of South Charleston, West Virginia:

A man who thought he was asking a friend about a drug deal instead sent a text message to the state police and was arrested, authorities said.

Joshua Wayne Cadle, 19, allegedly sent the message this past Wednesday to a phone number that used to belong to an unidentified friend. The number is now held by the State Police.

"He text messaged that and asked his friend if he wanted to buy some reefer," Moore said.

Another trooper who received the message responded and set up a meeting. Moore arrested Cadle on Wednesday night in the parking lot of a shopping center in South Charleston.

Cadle was charged with delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver.

Not all sin involves that which is illegal. One can gossip, lie, harbor hate, be negligent in serving God, and the like without fear of prosecution. Some sins, however, are also against the laws of civil government. The story above is a classic example of a man's sin costing him freedom both spiritually and physically.

The Bible says:

But if you will not do so [obey], behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.
Numbers 23:32, ESV

You may go through life and never break a single law, and therefore, never have the fear of losing your freedom. Then again, men have led lives of crime without ever being detected. They were so adept at "getting away with it" that they went to their graves innocent in the eyes of the law. But not in the eyes of the all powerful God who sees and knows all -- even that which nobody else does.

Whether or not our sin "finds us out" in this life, there will be no way to cover it up as we stand before the Judge of all creation.

Friend, deal wisely with your sin now, for you can do nothing about it then!

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The Flock Of One

An objective study of the Bible leads one to understand the deadly nature of sin. Transgression of God's law is that which drives the proverbial wedge between a man and his Creator. There is no doubt that God gives ample space in the Scriptures to warning mankind of sin's devastating consequences.

If the people of God have any interest whatsoever in faithfully proclaiming the good news of salvation contained in the gospel, they will not water down the truth about sin and its eternal penalty. Those who preach the increasingly popular "Social Gospel" stay away from addressing anything that might be construed as even hinting at an allusion to something that might resemble the most vague reference to the concept of sin. For in doing so, they know the thousands who have "itching ears" will continue to pour into converted basketball arenas and gleefully place their offerings in the coffers.

That being said, if we are not on our guard, we can easily fall into the extreme at the other end of the spectrum. What if -- in our zealousness to convince the world of the poisonous effects of sin -- we treat sinners as the Pharisees and scribes did in the time of Jesus' earthly life? In Luke 15:1-7, we see representatives from both of these groups grumbling about the fact that Jesus was eating with sinners. Jesus taught them a parable about a single lost sheep. In hearing these words, they (Pharisees and scribes) and we ought to learn some important points:

1. God is concerned about the lost, and seeks them.
2. The Lord loves us individually.
3. People wander away from God through neglect.
4. The lost sheep may have known it was lost, but did not know its way home.
5. The path back to God is traveled through repentance.
6. Self-righteousness will deaden our concern for the lost.

Being a disciple of Jesus means having the same care and concern for a lost soul as Jesus, our Savior. Are you not glad He so regarded you?

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Unfeigned Faith

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that is in thee also.
2 Timothy 1:5, KJV

Most English-speaking Americans do not utilize the term "unfeigned" on a regular basis. We might be more inclined to say, "sincere," as the English Standard Version so translates. Obviously, this sincere faith is a very commendable attribute; it is something to be desired by the people of God today. Here is just a handful of items entailed in this idea of sincere faith:

1. A firm stand for righteousness (Ephesians 6:13-18)
2. A life that triumphs over sin (1 John 5:4)
3. A heart indwelled by Christ (Ephesians 3:17)
4. A life growing in spiritual attainments (2 Peter 3:18)
5. A consistent walk of good report (Hebrews 11:1-2)
6. A life lived to please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1)

I am thankful for you who live "sincere faith."

R2

Now THAT Is What I Call A Will To Live!

It was September 1914, and three of the Royal Navy's armored cruisers -- the HMS Cressy, Aboukir, and Hogue (pictured at right) -- were on patrol off the Dutch coast.

None of these three British behemoths were zig-zagging (as sound naval practice dictates), and their water-tight doors all hung open. They were oblivious to the danger that was lurking nearby.

The crew of German submarine crew U-9 could not believe their luck. In less than an hour, the German "U-boat" had torpedoed all three ships, sinking them one after one. This event marked what most consider to be one of the worst naval defeats (or greatest naval victories, depending which side you were on) of all time.

The most amazing part of this story, however, are the experiences of 15-year-old Kit Wykeham Musgrave. He went overboard when the Aboukir was going down as a result of the first torpedo. He swam like mad to escape the immensely powerful suction as the ship sank into the deep. Just as he was getting onboard the Hogue, she was torpedoed. After abandoning that ship, he swam to the Cressy which, a short time later, was also torpedoed. All

The list of men who can lay claim to being blown off three ships in the same day while living to tell about it is rather short -- comprised of just his name, as best we can tell! Kit Wykeham Musgrave was a young man of only 15 years who had an intense desire to live. His is a wonderful story of perseverance.

Have you ever felt like Satan's "darts" are more like heat-seeking missiles -- almost following you wherever you go? Listen to the words the Lord relayed to some Christians in the first century:

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 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.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58, ESV

How strong is your desire to live in eternity?

R2

Passing The Buck

A sad story involving the loss of a human life has become even more sad. Josh Hancock, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, was killed late last month when his vehicle crashed into a tow truck on the side of an interstate in the early morning hours. The first news reports indicated neither drugs nor alcohol played a role. However, when more details were made available, it was learned that Hancock had made not one, but a series of fatal decisions that led to his death.

Not only was Hancock’s blood-alcohol level approximately twice the legal limit, he was also speeding at the time of the impact. Furthermore, he was using his cell phone, was not restrained by a seat belt, and marijuana was found inside the vehicle. By my count, that is four illegal activities (alcohol, speeding, seat belt, and drugs). Clearly, this is a tragedy; but a tragedy that was quite evidently brought about by Hancock’s own foolish decisions.

Late last week, Hancock’s father, Dean Hancock, filed suit against multiple parties who were in some way involved with the death of his son. Those being sued by Dean Hancock include:

1. The restaurant that served his son alcohol that night
2. The restaurant’s manager
3. The tow truck company
4. The driver of the tow truck
5. The driver of the car who required assistance of that tow truck

This is one of those stories that might make you scratch the hair right off your head as you try to figure it out. Although this case is certainly extreme, this has sadly become all too normal in contemporary times. One has to wonder where the sense of personal responsibility has gone in our modern way of thinking. We sympathize with Dean Hancock’s loss, but we cannot condone his selfish attitude in blaming others for what was so obviously an outcome affected solely by his son.

Consider this timely counsel from the word of God…

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.”

Proverbs 9:10-12, ESV

When my words or deeds are indicative of a scoffing attitude, I have a responsibility to take responsibility. "Passing the buck" merely adds to the folly.

R2