First we will start with a selection from the word of God.
Please pay extra special attention to verses 13, 15, and 16.
Psalm 139 ( Amplified Bible )
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1. O LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.
2. You know my downsitting and my uprising; You understand my thought afar off.(A)
3. You sift and search out my path and my lying down, and You are acquainted with all my ways.
4. For there is not a word in my tongue [still unuttered], but, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.(B)
5. You have beset me and shut me in--behind and before, and You have laid Your hand upon me.
6. Your [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high above me, I cannot reach it.
7. Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?
8. If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), behold, You are there.(C)
9. If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10. Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
11. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me and the night shall be [the only] light about me,
12. Even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.(D)
13. For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb.
14. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.
15. My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery].
16. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.
17. How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!(E)
18. If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awoke, [could I count to the end] I would still be with You.
What is David saying in this Psalm? He's confessing to his Heavenly Father that God saw him while he was being formed in his mother's womb. Not only did God see David, but personally knit ( made ) him as if the Heavenly Father was working on a piece of embroidery.
Anyone into handcrafts like knitting, crocheting or embroidery know that you must pay close attention to what you are doing because you can mess up and drop stitches. Then you have to go back, unravel and redo what you have done. But God, when He created man, he carefully puts man together. He already knows what the child ( or children - if twins, etc ) will look like, He just in time has to put them together.
There is also something that God adds to man that He doesn't add to anything else He has created. An ETERNAL SPIRIT! This spirit is meant to live eternally. Either in the presence of God or with Satan, depending on the decision the person makes before he dies.
Animals DO NOT have an eternal spirit. They are just flesh and soul. When they die, they will return to the dust of the Earth. Yes, no matter how much you love Fluffy and Snowball, or Tigger or Handsome, your canine, feline, equine, etc friend will not go to heaven. . . . . .
Instead of going into a long diatribe, I would like to ask one question:
In light of Psalm 139 and the information it revealed, why is it that man fights like hell to keep a mere dog or cat alive, yet snuff out a Human babies life like they are merely blowing out a candle?
I'm not saying we should not care for animals. In Genesis, God placed Adam in charge of The Garden and to care for all of the animals. In fact, as God brought each creature to Adam, he named them! So, we ARE responsible to care for animals. In fact, there is a verse in the Talmud which I paraphrase ( because I don't remember it that well. . . ): "Upon rising in the morning first feed your animals because they are domesticated and depend on you for their care."
But, to kill a Human baby which has an eternal spirit is a SIN! Why? Murder is sin! Plus, the poor little one(s) NEVER have a chance to live out their potential on Earth. Only God knows, we could have killed off the next Einstein! The next inventor of a cure for cancer! The next President! All because a baby may be way too much responsibility.
Well, one should have considered THAT before engaging in "adult activities". Just because one is able to engage in aforementioned does not mean one is capable of handling the responsibilities that come with it. Just because you gotta a itch, don't mean you gotta scratch. Especially if it means a kids life. THINK!
Just In Case - The Door Is Still Open!
John 3:16 ( Amplified Bible )
16. For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Question of Homosexuality
And Divorce . . . . . . . .
This will without a doubt be one of my "shortest" blogs. I'm not going to say much. Like Apostle Paul would pray: " That I will decrease while Christ will increase.".
Matthew 19 (Amplified Bible)
1. NOW WHEN Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the part of Judea that is beyond the Jordan;
2. And great throngs accompanied Him, and He cured them there.
3. And Pharisees came to Him and put Him to the test by asking, Is it lawful and right to dismiss and repudiate and divorce one's wife for any and [a]every cause?
4. He replied, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female,
5. And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?(A)
6. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate).
7. They said to Him, Why then did Moses command [us] to give a certificate of divorce and thus to dismiss and repudiate a wife?(B)
8. He said to them, Because of the hardness (stubbornness and perversity) of your hearts Moses permitted you to dismiss and repudiate and divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been [b]so [ordained].
9. I say to you: whoever dismisses (repudiates, divorces) his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery, [c]and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
10. The disciples said to Him, If the case of a man with his wife is like this, it is neither profitable nor advisable to marry.
11. But He said to them, Not all men can accept this saying, but it is for those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given.
12. For there are eunuchs who have been born incapable of marriage; and there are eunuchs who have been made so by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves incapable of marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him who is able to accept this accept it.
After reading this I'm going to give you a little pop quiz. It's open book so you don't have to fumble for answers. Remember, the answers are coming straight from Jesus' mouth!
1. If God made Adam and Eve, where does Adam and Steve or Eve and Amanda come in?
2. If God intentionally made man and woman to become joined inseparably, how can two men or two women"become one"?
And Divorce
3. Therefore that God has joined together ( finish the sentence ).
Test over. . . . . . .
What were your answers?
As always God has prepared a way out. No matter who or what you are, you can come without hesitation because of His Son's sacrifice on the cross. You need only to believe. . . . . . . .
John 3:16 (Amplified Bible)
16. For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
This will without a doubt be one of my "shortest" blogs. I'm not going to say much. Like Apostle Paul would pray: " That I will decrease while Christ will increase.".
Matthew 19 (Amplified Bible)
1. NOW WHEN Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the part of Judea that is beyond the Jordan;
2. And great throngs accompanied Him, and He cured them there.
3. And Pharisees came to Him and put Him to the test by asking, Is it lawful and right to dismiss and repudiate and divorce one's wife for any and [a]every cause?
4. He replied, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female,
5. And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?(A)
6. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate).
7. They said to Him, Why then did Moses command [us] to give a certificate of divorce and thus to dismiss and repudiate a wife?(B)
8. He said to them, Because of the hardness (stubbornness and perversity) of your hearts Moses permitted you to dismiss and repudiate and divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been [b]so [ordained].
9. I say to you: whoever dismisses (repudiates, divorces) his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery, [c]and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
10. The disciples said to Him, If the case of a man with his wife is like this, it is neither profitable nor advisable to marry.
11. But He said to them, Not all men can accept this saying, but it is for those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given.
12. For there are eunuchs who have been born incapable of marriage; and there are eunuchs who have been made so by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves incapable of marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him who is able to accept this accept it.
After reading this I'm going to give you a little pop quiz. It's open book so you don't have to fumble for answers. Remember, the answers are coming straight from Jesus' mouth!
1. If God made Adam and Eve, where does Adam and Steve or Eve and Amanda come in?
2. If God intentionally made man and woman to become joined inseparably, how can two men or two women"become one"?
And Divorce
3. Therefore that God has joined together ( finish the sentence ).
Test over. . . . . . .
What were your answers?
As always God has prepared a way out. No matter who or what you are, you can come without hesitation because of His Son's sacrifice on the cross. You need only to believe. . . . . . . .
John 3:16 (Amplified Bible)
16. For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
God LOVES You! Yes YOU!
John 3:16 (New International Version, ©2010)
16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Why did God say this? Because ALL men are sinners! Every single one of us! Whether we are nice, kind, charitable, altruistic, etc, we are ALL sinners! Why? Sin came into the world through one act. Adam in Genesis ate from the Tree of Knowledge Good and Evil.
Genesis 3 ( New International Version @2010 )
THE FALL
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman.
5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
9 But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”
10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
16 To the woman he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”
17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’
“Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat food from it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return.”
20 Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.
21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side[e] of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
In Genesis, God had given both Adam and Eve orders NOT to eat from the tree that was in the center of the Garden of Eden ( which was the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil ). Eve wandered away from her covering ( her husband Adam ) and was beguiled into eating by the "smooth talking serpent" ( who was none other than Satan ). But Adam, willingly chose to eat. He knew perfectly well that he was disobeying God, but he loved his wife so dearly that he choose to eat in order not to be left out and separated from her.
God warned: "In the day that you eat, you shall surely die." God was not only talking about physical death, but spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God. Ever since that day, man had been dying because of Adam and Eve's disobedience. And from that moment on, Adam and Eve were separated from God.
Previously God would come down in the Garden, walk and talk with them, now that their physical eyes were opened and their physical ( fleshly ) nakedness was revealed, they both hid from God. The Bible says "They sewed together fig leaves." to cover themselves. Contrary to popular belief, they didn't just sew on patches in certain spots, they wrapped themselves from head to toe with fauna! Why? Because the shakana glory of God had been removed. They were now fully aware of their sinfulness and nakedness.
God's questions to Adam were: "Where art thou?" and "Who told you that you were naked?" Why did God ask these questions? Adam and Eve used eagerly meet God every day in the cool of the evening. They had no sin nature, were not self aware or self conscious so they had no problem seeing and meeting God. Now, they were hiding. Something was definitely wrong. Adam and Eve were not supposed to even know they were naked. The shakana glory of God covered them and hid their nakedness. Obviously someone else had crept in ( Satan ) and told them that they were naked. As soon as Eve pointed out who told her ( Satan ) God issued curses.
1. Upon Satan: That the serpent ( and every one from there on ) would crawl on it's belly in the dust.
2. That Adam ( and every man from there on ) shall work by the sweat of his brow. Heavy labor.
3. That Eve would crave her husbands affections and have pain in childbirth.
Ooooooh! So that's where all of the problems started, you say as you scratch your head. Yep! It is. But the most important problem was the fact that man no longer had an open relationship with God! Why? Because his flesh ( human nature ) now stood in the way, and will continue to stand in the way unless man WILLINGLY allows Christ to come in.
That means EVERY SINGLE MAN AND WOMAN must personally make that decision! When the Gospel of Christ is presented to you, you have a choice to make. You can either say "Yes, I want to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior!" or you can say "No, I don't want to be bothered." or "Some other time.". Either way God will not force or make you decide. God wants man to WILLINGLY choose Him. So, friend. the ball is in your court.
16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Why did God say this? Because ALL men are sinners! Every single one of us! Whether we are nice, kind, charitable, altruistic, etc, we are ALL sinners! Why? Sin came into the world through one act. Adam in Genesis ate from the Tree of Knowledge Good and Evil.
Genesis 3 ( New International Version @2010 )
THE FALL
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman.
5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
9 But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”
10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,
“Cursed are you above all livestock
and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
16 To the woman he said,
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
with painful labor you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you.”
17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’
“Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat food from it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return.”
20 Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.
21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side[e] of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
In Genesis, God had given both Adam and Eve orders NOT to eat from the tree that was in the center of the Garden of Eden ( which was the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil ). Eve wandered away from her covering ( her husband Adam ) and was beguiled into eating by the "smooth talking serpent" ( who was none other than Satan ). But Adam, willingly chose to eat. He knew perfectly well that he was disobeying God, but he loved his wife so dearly that he choose to eat in order not to be left out and separated from her.
God warned: "In the day that you eat, you shall surely die." God was not only talking about physical death, but spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God. Ever since that day, man had been dying because of Adam and Eve's disobedience. And from that moment on, Adam and Eve were separated from God.
Previously God would come down in the Garden, walk and talk with them, now that their physical eyes were opened and their physical ( fleshly ) nakedness was revealed, they both hid from God. The Bible says "They sewed together fig leaves." to cover themselves. Contrary to popular belief, they didn't just sew on patches in certain spots, they wrapped themselves from head to toe with fauna! Why? Because the shakana glory of God had been removed. They were now fully aware of their sinfulness and nakedness.
God's questions to Adam were: "Where art thou?" and "Who told you that you were naked?" Why did God ask these questions? Adam and Eve used eagerly meet God every day in the cool of the evening. They had no sin nature, were not self aware or self conscious so they had no problem seeing and meeting God. Now, they were hiding. Something was definitely wrong. Adam and Eve were not supposed to even know they were naked. The shakana glory of God covered them and hid their nakedness. Obviously someone else had crept in ( Satan ) and told them that they were naked. As soon as Eve pointed out who told her ( Satan ) God issued curses.
1. Upon Satan: That the serpent ( and every one from there on ) would crawl on it's belly in the dust.
2. That Adam ( and every man from there on ) shall work by the sweat of his brow. Heavy labor.
3. That Eve would crave her husbands affections and have pain in childbirth.
Ooooooh! So that's where all of the problems started, you say as you scratch your head. Yep! It is. But the most important problem was the fact that man no longer had an open relationship with God! Why? Because his flesh ( human nature ) now stood in the way, and will continue to stand in the way unless man WILLINGLY allows Christ to come in.
That means EVERY SINGLE MAN AND WOMAN must personally make that decision! When the Gospel of Christ is presented to you, you have a choice to make. You can either say "Yes, I want to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior!" or you can say "No, I don't want to be bothered." or "Some other time.". Either way God will not force or make you decide. God wants man to WILLINGLY choose Him. So, friend. the ball is in your court.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Storm Is Coming!
Just like the title of this blog, I can tell the storm is coming. The words come from while Jesus was in the Temple and debating the Scribes and Sadducees. They ( like they always did ) demanded a sign and Jesus told them that they ( the wicked generation ) knew how to tell the weather and used the oft quoted scripture "Red Sky At Dawn, storm today".
But the Scribes and Sadducees who were the supposed experts in the Scriptures, did not recognize the fact that The Messiah was sitting right in front of them!
I don't know about you, but I, as a believer can plainly see the sky is red! That means the storm is on the horizon and coming! On a practical level it's going to hit hard!
1 People my age ( Baby Boomers ) 50 and over are being laid off with no chance of ever finding a job in their former field again. It is difficult for them to get work because no one wants to hire an older and more experienced worker. Why? Because they could demand more because they are overqualified. Also, it costs more to insure them. It is highly unlikely these highly skilled and older people would ever find work again.
2. The increasing problem of Social Security. Ever since President Johnson signed a bill to open the Trust Fund:
In early 1968 President Lyndon Johnson made a change in the budget presentation by including Social Security and all other trust funds in a"unified budget." This is likewise sometimes described by saying that Social Security was placed "on-budget."
Sadly, this gave the okay for Social Security to be plundered and cleaned ou!. Often by the very people we elected and entrusted to protect it. So much so that there is NO MONEY IN THE SO-CALLED SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND! Millions of people like me who spent YEARS putting paying into it will not get one thin dime. Not a happy tune to retire to, to say the least.
3. PENSIONS: Those of us who are state and city municipality employees have likewise been paying into a pension plan. Many of us were lured in by the fact that even though our pay grade would be lower than private concern, we at least had benefits. Medical, dental, eyeglasses and a nice fat pension ( and medical coverage ) that would be waiting for us when we retire.
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! Due to the dire straights of many states and cities ( bankrupt or near bankrupt ), mayors and governors are seriously considering taking pensions away from city workers. Who will be hit hardest? The ones who are already drawing pensions and the ones who are about to retire in a few years.
Sad, after all of these years of putting money into the pension system, they are thinking of taking it all back because they need the money to balance the budget of what ever town, city or state and even the federal government.
Time to panic? NO! TIME TO PRAY AND TRUST GOD! Why? Because Jesus warned us these things would come! He described them as "the beginning of sorrows". and that "these things must come" and I'm adding "as a prerequisite to His return".
Jesus also warned that things would get so bad that mans heart would "fail within him.". But, we are not like that, because we have a hope that "He will never leave nor forsake us.or leave us alone." Amazing when the rubber hits the road, everyone runs but Jesus! Thank You Sweet Lord!
The word of God also says: "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging fro bread." Meaning He will provide. Stay in active contact with your Heavenly Father and He will direct your paths and take care of you.
Blessed Be
P.S. If you don't know Christ as your Savior, True Grit is not going to get you through this! You need Jesus!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. So, what are you waiting for? There is still room for you!
But the Scribes and Sadducees who were the supposed experts in the Scriptures, did not recognize the fact that The Messiah was sitting right in front of them!
I don't know about you, but I, as a believer can plainly see the sky is red! That means the storm is on the horizon and coming! On a practical level it's going to hit hard!
1 People my age ( Baby Boomers ) 50 and over are being laid off with no chance of ever finding a job in their former field again. It is difficult for them to get work because no one wants to hire an older and more experienced worker. Why? Because they could demand more because they are overqualified. Also, it costs more to insure them. It is highly unlikely these highly skilled and older people would ever find work again.
2. The increasing problem of Social Security. Ever since President Johnson signed a bill to open the Trust Fund:
In early 1968 President Lyndon Johnson made a change in the budget presentation by including Social Security and all other trust funds in a"unified budget." This is likewise sometimes described by saying that Social Security was placed "on-budget."
Sadly, this gave the okay for Social Security to be plundered and cleaned ou!. Often by the very people we elected and entrusted to protect it. So much so that there is NO MONEY IN THE SO-CALLED SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND! Millions of people like me who spent YEARS putting paying into it will not get one thin dime. Not a happy tune to retire to, to say the least.
3. PENSIONS: Those of us who are state and city municipality employees have likewise been paying into a pension plan. Many of us were lured in by the fact that even though our pay grade would be lower than private concern, we at least had benefits. Medical, dental, eyeglasses and a nice fat pension ( and medical coverage ) that would be waiting for us when we retire.
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! Due to the dire straights of many states and cities ( bankrupt or near bankrupt ), mayors and governors are seriously considering taking pensions away from city workers. Who will be hit hardest? The ones who are already drawing pensions and the ones who are about to retire in a few years.
Sad, after all of these years of putting money into the pension system, they are thinking of taking it all back because they need the money to balance the budget of what ever town, city or state and even the federal government.
Time to panic? NO! TIME TO PRAY AND TRUST GOD! Why? Because Jesus warned us these things would come! He described them as "the beginning of sorrows". and that "these things must come" and I'm adding "as a prerequisite to His return".
Jesus also warned that things would get so bad that mans heart would "fail within him.". But, we are not like that, because we have a hope that "He will never leave nor forsake us.or leave us alone." Amazing when the rubber hits the road, everyone runs but Jesus! Thank You Sweet Lord!
The word of God also says: "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging fro bread." Meaning He will provide. Stay in active contact with your Heavenly Father and He will direct your paths and take care of you.
Blessed Be
P.S. If you don't know Christ as your Savior, True Grit is not going to get you through this! You need Jesus!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. So, what are you waiting for? There is still room for you!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Soon Come!
The words "Soon Come" are a West Indian slang term for "I'm on my way!". Usually said when the person(s) are late. This may also mean they might not get there at all. Woe unto those who are waiting. . . . . . . . . .
"Soon Come" also applies to Jesus Christ's return. How? There are people who have heard that Christ is soon to return and there are all kinds of weird reactions. In the bible Paul had to chastise one of the churches in Asia. Apparently when believers heard about Christ's return, they quit their jobs and did the equivalent of getting out their lawn chairs, and sitting out on their front lawn with a frosty glass of lemonade, to wait!
Just where in the bible does it say to sit on your tuffet and wait for Christ's return? In MY bible ( as well as YOURS ), it says to: "Be watchful and be occupied. . . . . . ." That means to be about The Lord's business! Tell people about the fact that Jesus Christ died for them, that they might be saved! The harvest is white but the workers are few! Get on out there!
Then there are "some" believers who are oh so caught up in the world and the world system to recognize the signs of Christ's coming. They don't attend church, fellowship etc. despite what the word of God admonishes them to do when it says: " Forsake not to assemble yourselves as you see the wicked day approacheth, like some have done. . . . . ."
Why? Because even Satan knows that Jesus Christ is soon to return, which means the death of him and his kingdom forever. So, he's on a "HARASSMENT" champagne to "wear out" the saints of God! The only way we bear up under this pressure is to have our spirits constantly fed the word of God, being built up by fellow believers, discussing the things of God and being occupied with the Kingdom!
If believers don't do that, I'm mighty afraid that many will be like the Ten Foolish Virgins who had no oil in their lamps. So, they were ill-prepared when The King returned. . . . . . . .
Matthew 25:1-12 ( King James Version )
Mat 25:1 ¶ Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish.
Mat 25:3 They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Now, on the other hand there are those who don't know Christ and poo-poo the whole idea of His return. Of course they do because they don't even know Him. And the bible says: "The things of God are foolishness to them . . . ." Meaning unbelievers. You could talk until you are blue in the face, but they WILL NOT understand until they receive Christ as their Saviour.
One of the commonly made statements is: "Jesus Christ has been coming back ever since my grand mother's been alive, how come He's not here now?" The answer: "Maybe Jesus waiting for you!"
In Exodus when the Israelites left Eygpt and crossed the dessert, God sent a pillar of fire to warm them at night and a cloud to cover them from the dessert heat during the day. That cloud would not move any faster than the oldest man or woman or the youngest child could walk. This was a type of how God slows His walk in order that the believer can keep pace with Him. God also WAITS FOR THE UNBELIEVER(S) TO COME TO HIM! Why? Because The Most High is not willing that any should perish! That's why He's taking so long to come!
Not saying that Christ is not to come. All of the prophecies in the bible have been fulfilled, so now believers who recognize the signs have a quickening inside letting them know "Soon Come". And not soon come because I'm going to be late. But, soon come, when you LEAST expect it.
Friend, if you are reading this and don't know Jesus Christ as your Savior, you have an opportunity right now to pray this simple prayer:
Lord, I know that I am a sinner, but you said in your word that if I accept your Son, Jesus Christ as my Savior He will come in and live in me, and my sins will be forgiven. Yes I accept you Jesus as my Savior. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.
"Soon Come" also applies to Jesus Christ's return. How? There are people who have heard that Christ is soon to return and there are all kinds of weird reactions. In the bible Paul had to chastise one of the churches in Asia. Apparently when believers heard about Christ's return, they quit their jobs and did the equivalent of getting out their lawn chairs, and sitting out on their front lawn with a frosty glass of lemonade, to wait!
Just where in the bible does it say to sit on your tuffet and wait for Christ's return? In MY bible ( as well as YOURS ), it says to: "Be watchful and be occupied. . . . . . ." That means to be about The Lord's business! Tell people about the fact that Jesus Christ died for them, that they might be saved! The harvest is white but the workers are few! Get on out there!
Then there are "some" believers who are oh so caught up in the world and the world system to recognize the signs of Christ's coming. They don't attend church, fellowship etc. despite what the word of God admonishes them to do when it says: " Forsake not to assemble yourselves as you see the wicked day approacheth, like some have done. . . . . ."
Why? Because even Satan knows that Jesus Christ is soon to return, which means the death of him and his kingdom forever. So, he's on a "HARASSMENT" champagne to "wear out" the saints of God! The only way we bear up under this pressure is to have our spirits constantly fed the word of God, being built up by fellow believers, discussing the things of God and being occupied with the Kingdom!
If believers don't do that, I'm mighty afraid that many will be like the Ten Foolish Virgins who had no oil in their lamps. So, they were ill-prepared when The King returned. . . . . . . .
Matthew 25:1-12 ( King James Version )
Mat 25:1 ¶ Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish.
Mat 25:3 They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Now, on the other hand there are those who don't know Christ and poo-poo the whole idea of His return. Of course they do because they don't even know Him. And the bible says: "The things of God are foolishness to them . . . ." Meaning unbelievers. You could talk until you are blue in the face, but they WILL NOT understand until they receive Christ as their Saviour.
One of the commonly made statements is: "Jesus Christ has been coming back ever since my grand mother's been alive, how come He's not here now?" The answer: "Maybe Jesus waiting for you!"
In Exodus when the Israelites left Eygpt and crossed the dessert, God sent a pillar of fire to warm them at night and a cloud to cover them from the dessert heat during the day. That cloud would not move any faster than the oldest man or woman or the youngest child could walk. This was a type of how God slows His walk in order that the believer can keep pace with Him. God also WAITS FOR THE UNBELIEVER(S) TO COME TO HIM! Why? Because The Most High is not willing that any should perish! That's why He's taking so long to come!
Not saying that Christ is not to come. All of the prophecies in the bible have been fulfilled, so now believers who recognize the signs have a quickening inside letting them know "Soon Come". And not soon come because I'm going to be late. But, soon come, when you LEAST expect it.
Friend, if you are reading this and don't know Jesus Christ as your Savior, you have an opportunity right now to pray this simple prayer:
Lord, I know that I am a sinner, but you said in your word that if I accept your Son, Jesus Christ as my Savior He will come in and live in me, and my sins will be forgiven. Yes I accept you Jesus as my Savior. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Don't Be Fooled!
It has come to my attention since last year that there is a growing unrest in the Christian community. Why? Because for some reason some of my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, have gotten the idea that Jesus is set to return on May 21, 2011! I was even more upset to find out that a well-known *Christian radio host* has been expounding on the same thing!
This particular Christian radio station in New York City is my favorite because they regularly read from the Scriptures and play ( what is known to folks my age as ) those "old fashioned hymns". But since this particular person has taken over and started teaching this FALSE AND ERRONEOUS DOCTRINE, I've stopped listening to the station.
I thank God this person has been blessed with the resources in order to place sattilites into space, in order to beam the Gospel into far-flung countries. Fulfilling the Great Commission so that many have the opportunity come to Christ. But, this doctrine of Christ returning on a specific date is DEAD WRONG and I will NOT listen to it!
Why? because the bible clearly says:
Mathew 23:3-42 ( King James Version )
Mat 24:3 ¶ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8 All these [are] the beginning of sorrows.
Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mat 24:15 ¶ When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Mat 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Mat 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
at 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
Mat 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, [he is] in the secret chambers; believe [it] not.
Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
Mat 24:29 ¶ Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mat 24:32 ¶ Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh:
Mat 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors.
Mat 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Mat 24:36 ¶ But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Mat 24:41 Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Mat 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
What did Jesus Himself say? Take heed that no one fools you, because many will come in MY ( Jesus') name ( Mat 24:4-5 )! The day and hour of His return is known only by His Father ( Mat 24:36 )!. Therefore since we don't know, we should remain watchful because He can return ANY DAY OR ANY HOUR ( Mat 24:42 )!
Most of all we as believers should not be fooled ( Math 24:24)! Jesus Christ specifically warned that even the elect will be fooled, but you don't have to be one of them!
The bible also says in Deut 18:22 ( Kings James Version )
Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
You see back in those days ( Old Testament ) the Israelites "stoned" people for doing this! These days God uses other ways to smite ( strike down ) people who scatter his flock and hurt His lambs. Our responsibility to NOT BE DISTRACTED BY ERRONEOUS DOCTRINES AND TO KEEP OUR EYES FIRMLY FIXED UPON THE PRIZE!
Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He would not have any of us be ignorant. I pray that He has used this humble blog entry, as one of His instruments to instruct, warn and encourage His people.
Let it be so ( AMEN ).
This particular Christian radio station in New York City is my favorite because they regularly read from the Scriptures and play ( what is known to folks my age as ) those "old fashioned hymns". But since this particular person has taken over and started teaching this FALSE AND ERRONEOUS DOCTRINE, I've stopped listening to the station.
I thank God this person has been blessed with the resources in order to place sattilites into space, in order to beam the Gospel into far-flung countries. Fulfilling the Great Commission so that many have the opportunity come to Christ. But, this doctrine of Christ returning on a specific date is DEAD WRONG and I will NOT listen to it!
Why? because the bible clearly says:
Mathew 23:3-42 ( King James Version )
Mat 24:3 ¶ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8 All these [are] the beginning of sorrows.
Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Mat 24:15 ¶ When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Mat 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Mat 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
at 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.
Mat 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, [he is] in the secret chambers; believe [it] not.
Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
Mat 24:29 ¶ Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mat 24:32 ¶ Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh:
Mat 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors.
Mat 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Mat 24:36 ¶ But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mat 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Mat 24:41 Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Mat 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
What did Jesus Himself say? Take heed that no one fools you, because many will come in MY ( Jesus') name ( Mat 24:4-5 )! The day and hour of His return is known only by His Father ( Mat 24:36 )!. Therefore since we don't know, we should remain watchful because He can return ANY DAY OR ANY HOUR ( Mat 24:42 )!
Most of all we as believers should not be fooled ( Math 24:24)! Jesus Christ specifically warned that even the elect will be fooled, but you don't have to be one of them!
The bible also says in Deut 18:22 ( Kings James Version )
Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
You see back in those days ( Old Testament ) the Israelites "stoned" people for doing this! These days God uses other ways to smite ( strike down ) people who scatter his flock and hurt His lambs. Our responsibility to NOT BE DISTRACTED BY ERRONEOUS DOCTRINES AND TO KEEP OUR EYES FIRMLY FIXED UPON THE PRIZE!
Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He would not have any of us be ignorant. I pray that He has used this humble blog entry, as one of His instruments to instruct, warn and encourage His people.
Let it be so ( AMEN ).
Sunday, January 9, 2011
HYMN: I Need Thee Every Hour
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.
Refrain
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
Refrain
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.
Refrain
Friday, January 7, 2011
U.S. Constitution & U.S. Bill Of Rights
I just thought you'd like to read this for yourself, just in case you didn't hear it read yesterday ( 01/06/2011 ) on the House Floor. . . . . . . . .
THE CONSTITUTION FOR THE UNITED STATES
Here is the complete text of the U.S. Constitution. The original spelling and capitalization have been retained.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Article I
Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Section 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.
When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
Section 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.
Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.
No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of Honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
Section 4. The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
Section 5. Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.
Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.
Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.
Section 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time: and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.
Section 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.
Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.
Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.
Section 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
Section 9. The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear or pay Duties in another.
No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
Section 10. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.
No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
Article II
Section 1. The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:
Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.
The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President.
The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.
No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.
In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.
The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Section 2. The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.
Section 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.
Section 4. The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
Article III
Section 1. The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.
Section 2. The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State;--between Citizens of different States;--between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.
In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.
Section 3. Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.
Article IV
Section 1. Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records, and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.
Section 2. The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.
No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.
Section 3. New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.
The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.
Section 4. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.
Article V
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.
Article VI
All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.
This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwith-standing.
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
Article VII
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.
Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth
In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,
George Washington--President and deputy from Virginia
New Hampshire: John Langdon, Nicholas Gilman
Massachusetts: Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King
Connecticut: William Samuel Johnson, Roger Sherman
New York: Alexander Hamilton
New Jersey: William Livingston, David Brearly, William Paterson, Jonathan Dayton
Pennsylvania: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas FitzSimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson, Gouverneur Morris
Delaware: George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom
Maryland: James McHenry, Daniel of Saint Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll
Virginia: John Blair, James Madison, Jr.
North Carolina: William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Williamson
South Carolina: John Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler
Georgia: William Few, Abraham Baldwin
Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, September 19, 1787
THE BILL OF RIGHTS
The First 10 Amendments to the
Constitution as Ratified by the States
December 15, 1791
Preamble
Congress OF THE United States
begun and held at the City of New York, on Wednesday
the Fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.
THE Conventions of a number of the States having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution
RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.:
ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
30 Pieces Of Silver
Judas Iscariot who was he?
According to the BibleGateway.com's Topical Index:
Judas Iscariot: Betrayed Jesus, his master and teacher. He was the one who handed Jesus over to the high priests, although Jesus is quick to point out that they could have taken him whenever they wanted to. For his betrayal, Judas Iscariot was given 30 pieces of silver, which he later tried to give back before killing himself.
Here was his problem:
Judas was one of "The Twelve" disciples. This meant that he ate, drank, slept, and walked with Jesus. He was a witness as Jesus performed all of his miracles, feeding, healing and teaching the people. He was present when Jesus debated the chief priests and scribes. He was on the inside of Jesus Christ's "immediate circle", saw the would be Savior with his own eyes! Yet, he did not believe. Judas used his personal sovereignty, and decided to override the overwhelming evidence, and make the decision to betray Jesus.
How did he betray Jesus? He went to the chief priests and made a deal with them. They had already decided that Jesus was a rabble rouser and wanted to get rid of Him. Why? Because He was taking away all of their followers! Awwwww! Poor things! So, here came Judas:
Mark 14:10-11 ( New International Version @2010 )
10. Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.
11. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
The Chief Priests promised Judas 30 pieces of Silver for Jesus and Judas came up with a plan to point Jesus out to the Temple Guard by betraying him with a kiss. These days that's called the "Kiss of Betrayal" or the "Judas Kiss", or the "Kiss of Death". Whatever it's named, it's not a good thing. . . . .
Mark 14: 43-48 ( New International Version @2010 )
43. Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”
45. Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.
46. The men seized Jesus and arrested him.
47. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
48. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?
49. Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
50. Then everyone deserted him and fled.
It's amazing to know that God ALLOWED this to happen! He ALLOWED Judas to become one of the Twelve, even though he would eventually betray Jesus. He ALLOWED Judas to live with Jesus for the last three years of his life. He ALLOWED Judas to go to the Chief and Scribes and make a deal to turn over Jesus to them. He ALLOWED Judas to sit across Jesus during the Last Supper and ask "Lord, is it I?" He even ALLOWED Jesus to tell Judas to "Do what you must do and do it quickly.", and Judas ran to get the Temple Guard.
Every single step, God allowed! Why? To fulfill the scriptures! The human race is was in the balance between heaven and hell. Jesus Christ's sole purpose on the Earth was to die as a propitiation ( substitute ) for man's sin. Last, but in no way least. Jesus KNEW Judas was a snake in the grass and going to betray him, yet He LOVED Judas! Right up to that "last look" He gave Judas in the Judgment Hall! Wow!
After these events Judas went back to the Chief Priests and tried to return the money. However, it was against their law to take "Blood Money". So Judas threw it to the temple floor and immediately went out, and NOT repented, but HUNG HIMSELF!
Yes, believe it or not, if Judas wanted to repent of the sins he had committed ( including turning Jesus Christ over to the Chief Priests to be tortured and crucified ), he COULD HAVE AND WOULD HAVE BEEN CLEANSED AND COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SAVIOR! Because Judas did not, and killed himself, the consequences of physical death are IRREVERSIBLE! Now, he will have to stand before God and give an account to God as to why not make a decision for Christ. After all, the Gospel was CLEARLY presented to him by living with the Savior for three years! What excuse can he give?
I ask you the same question! What is your 30 pieces of silver? What is keeping you back from accepting Christ as your Savior? Whatever it is under the sun, it will not satisfy, it will not last, you cannot take it with you to the grave, and it cannot wash and save you from sin.
Judas no doubt thought he had hit the jackpot when he got his 30 pieces of silver. But he realized soon after his action, that it wasn't worth it. Jesus Christ came that man would be released from the bondage of sin and given another chance at life. A new life in Christ! Nothing else on this Earth can do that. Jesus Christ's death on the cross sealed the deal, so that the ONLY way to God is through Him. Nothing else!
But, God is so merciful that He placed NO RESTRICTIONS on who comes to Christ!
John 3:16 ( King James Version )
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
That word WHOSOEVER means no restrictions! No matter what race, sexual status, religion, financial status, rich, poor, elite, common, beggar, thief, etc. As I may have mentioned before, though they were tremendously hated, Hitler, Stalin, Duvali, Pol Pot, etc could have come. And if they could have come, that means yes, you too, can come!
There is room at the cross for more.
According to the BibleGateway.com's Topical Index:
Judas Iscariot: Betrayed Jesus, his master and teacher. He was the one who handed Jesus over to the high priests, although Jesus is quick to point out that they could have taken him whenever they wanted to. For his betrayal, Judas Iscariot was given 30 pieces of silver, which he later tried to give back before killing himself.
Here was his problem:
Judas was one of "The Twelve" disciples. This meant that he ate, drank, slept, and walked with Jesus. He was a witness as Jesus performed all of his miracles, feeding, healing and teaching the people. He was present when Jesus debated the chief priests and scribes. He was on the inside of Jesus Christ's "immediate circle", saw the would be Savior with his own eyes! Yet, he did not believe. Judas used his personal sovereignty, and decided to override the overwhelming evidence, and make the decision to betray Jesus.
How did he betray Jesus? He went to the chief priests and made a deal with them. They had already decided that Jesus was a rabble rouser and wanted to get rid of Him. Why? Because He was taking away all of their followers! Awwwww! Poor things! So, here came Judas:
Mark 14:10-11 ( New International Version @2010 )
10. Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.
11. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
The Chief Priests promised Judas 30 pieces of Silver for Jesus and Judas came up with a plan to point Jesus out to the Temple Guard by betraying him with a kiss. These days that's called the "Kiss of Betrayal" or the "Judas Kiss", or the "Kiss of Death". Whatever it's named, it's not a good thing. . . . .
Mark 14: 43-48 ( New International Version @2010 )
43. Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.
44. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.”
45. Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.
46. The men seized Jesus and arrested him.
47. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
48. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?
49. Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
50. Then everyone deserted him and fled.
It's amazing to know that God ALLOWED this to happen! He ALLOWED Judas to become one of the Twelve, even though he would eventually betray Jesus. He ALLOWED Judas to live with Jesus for the last three years of his life. He ALLOWED Judas to go to the Chief and Scribes and make a deal to turn over Jesus to them. He ALLOWED Judas to sit across Jesus during the Last Supper and ask "Lord, is it I?" He even ALLOWED Jesus to tell Judas to "Do what you must do and do it quickly.", and Judas ran to get the Temple Guard.
Every single step, God allowed! Why? To fulfill the scriptures! The human race is was in the balance between heaven and hell. Jesus Christ's sole purpose on the Earth was to die as a propitiation ( substitute ) for man's sin. Last, but in no way least. Jesus KNEW Judas was a snake in the grass and going to betray him, yet He LOVED Judas! Right up to that "last look" He gave Judas in the Judgment Hall! Wow!
After these events Judas went back to the Chief Priests and tried to return the money. However, it was against their law to take "Blood Money". So Judas threw it to the temple floor and immediately went out, and NOT repented, but HUNG HIMSELF!
Yes, believe it or not, if Judas wanted to repent of the sins he had committed ( including turning Jesus Christ over to the Chief Priests to be tortured and crucified ), he COULD HAVE AND WOULD HAVE BEEN CLEANSED AND COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SAVIOR! Because Judas did not, and killed himself, the consequences of physical death are IRREVERSIBLE! Now, he will have to stand before God and give an account to God as to why not make a decision for Christ. After all, the Gospel was CLEARLY presented to him by living with the Savior for three years! What excuse can he give?
I ask you the same question! What is your 30 pieces of silver? What is keeping you back from accepting Christ as your Savior? Whatever it is under the sun, it will not satisfy, it will not last, you cannot take it with you to the grave, and it cannot wash and save you from sin.
Judas no doubt thought he had hit the jackpot when he got his 30 pieces of silver. But he realized soon after his action, that it wasn't worth it. Jesus Christ came that man would be released from the bondage of sin and given another chance at life. A new life in Christ! Nothing else on this Earth can do that. Jesus Christ's death on the cross sealed the deal, so that the ONLY way to God is through Him. Nothing else!
But, God is so merciful that He placed NO RESTRICTIONS on who comes to Christ!
John 3:16 ( King James Version )
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
That word WHOSOEVER means no restrictions! No matter what race, sexual status, religion, financial status, rich, poor, elite, common, beggar, thief, etc. As I may have mentioned before, though they were tremendously hated, Hitler, Stalin, Duvali, Pol Pot, etc could have come. And if they could have come, that means yes, you too, can come!
There is room at the cross for more.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Rotting From The Inside Out
WARNING! Strong opinions will be expressed! If you are easily offended please do not read this, then complain. It is all said in love, but you were warned. . . .
America is rotting from the inside out! Why? Because She no longer recognizes God! The same way the Ancient Israelites asked Samuel for a King, we as a nation did the same. Only we each declared ourselves as kings over our own lives and disavowed the need for the very God who made us.
How did we do that? We systematically removed God from various important aspects of our lives, and caused a deadly domino affect.
When I was coming up in the early 60's, I remember we had prayer in school, they showed Christian films about Jesus' birth and resurrection. This left a very strong impression on my young heart, but more on that later . . . . .
Here is the short version of the decision to take "religion out of school".:
The U. S. Supreme Court issued two bans. One in 1962 and the second in 1963. Both bans were the result of lawsuits against the teaching of religion and religious practices in public schools. Basically stating that organized prayer in schools was a violation of the separation of church and state. It was decided that publicly funded schools were an extension of the state, and that organized prayer or bible readings were a form of proselytizing. The bans not only banned mandatory prayer in schools but also banned the daily reading of bible passages.
The lawsuits were supported by several organizations but the most outspoken supporter for banning prayer in schools came from Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the founder of American Atheists, Inc.
It was all started with a twenty-two word prayer:.
“Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country.”
It's hard to imagine how a prayer such as this, started such a heated controversy and sparked such an action. I do know that, ever since this action was taken, the quality of our public schools have been drastically reduced. It's to the point now that the majority ( perhaps all ) of public schools have turned into zoos.
Public schools are riddled with drugs, violence, gangs, crime, and sex. In New York City, some schools ( in certain areas ) are so bad there are police officers stationed in them, and they have metal detectors.
The teachers can't teach because the students are out of control. Others can't teach because they fear for their own safety and lives. And sadly, some teachers even prey upon the very students they are entrusted to teach. In all of this, precious, young and impressionable children can't and don't learn. Is it any wonder parents are either homeschooling or sending their children to private or charter schools.
We have taken God out of the workplace. As Christians we are told we "cannot preach", pass out tracts, or share the gospel in the workplace. Christmas or Easter decorations which depict Jesus Christ, The Cross, The Manger Scene, cannot be displayed. If it is you are approached and told to remove it by a superior. In one instance a dear friend of mine was told to remove her bible from the top of her desk by her boss. Why? Because it was "offensive". The mere sight of a bible, offensive? Yes, the word of God, and the very sight of symbols which depict Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is offensive and intimidating to unbelievers. Thus the only way to make it stop was to ban it. Out of sight, out of mind!
But, what have we gotten in it's place? Corrupt workplaces where everything under the sun goes on and no one can stop it. Corruption, work place violence, crime, drugs, drinking, sex, etc. As a believer in Christ we must be strengthened moment by moment, and remain girded, or we too would be sucked in, and lose our testimony.
We have taken God our of our government and as a result we have crooked and corrupt people in the Oval Office, ruling according to how they feel Utopia should be, at the expense of others. We have crooked Senators, Congressman ( and women ), Assemblymen ( and women ), Mayors, Legislators, Judges, etc, who fail to recognize there is a God, and rely on His wisdom in order to steer the helm of this great country. No wonder we are in such a mess!
We have removed God from our home, as a result families are aimless. The man no longer knows his responsibility as a man is to be a "Builder of Homes", the wife no longer knows that she is supposed to be his "Helpmeet" and "Responder". The children never learn the basic tenant of childhood:
Exodus 20:12 (King James Version) 12. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
There is no cohesion in the home, and the home becomes little more than a barn that a cow returns to every night. As a result, the children are set adrift with no core values. Is it any wonder they drift into gangs, drugs, violence, sex, and die at an early age. . . . . . ..
Instead of parents raising their children, they want the government do it. Free school breakfast programs, free school lunch programs, and something new about to be initiated, free school DINNER programs. Head start, day care, pre-kindergarden, afterschool programs. Free health care, free collage tuition, etc.
Parents go through their ups and downs with divorce, bad relationships, drugs, alcohol, sickness, domestic violence, etc. The police and, social workers and the, courts become the family negotiators and arbitrators instead The Most High and Holy God!
So guess what? The family has become so dysfunctional that the government has come into the home to tell parents how to raise their children! How? By telling parents that they feed their children too much junk food ( McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, etc ), they are feeding their children too much salt, that they are giving their children too much sugar, that the children are obese and the kids are not exercising enough, etc.
Hey! What about this radical idea? Raise and feed your own kids! Then the government won't be up in your bee's wax ( business )! Even the government knows, if you have enough unstable and dysfunctional homes, society itself will start to crumble into anarchy!
God NEVER meant for the government to come into your/our home(s) and telling you/us how to raise you/our kids! In God's eyes, those children are HIS and He has lent them to you/us FOR A SEASON! That means He wants them back, and you/we are merely a STEWARD ( temporary caretaker ) of them, until such time The Master of The House returns.
Please read this:
Mathew 25 14-29 ( King James Version )
14. For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25. And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27. Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
You have been ( or are ) entrusted, and it is your duty as a Christian to raise your children in the "nurture and admonition of The Lord." Why? Because, God never intended for children to come into the world to die and then go to Hell! Just like Ancient Israel, God wants us to be a nation of people who praise Him In EVERYTHING we do!
Unfortunately, sinful man has told God that he doesn't want Him, anywhere. So, God stepped back and allowed these things to happen in our society in order for us to see what the world is like without Him. This is only a little taste of it, friends. Hell is the total absence of God, but, this certainly seems like it's hell right now.
God is giving us a clear example, so we can see with our own eyes that when God is removed from ANY aspect of life, it WILL deteriorate! It literally rots from the inside out. Why? Because there is no "substance" inside to prevent it from rotting. The only substance is God, The Word of God, and The Holy Spirit. Only these will keep our society from falling like a house of cards.
Come back to God America! Come back to God!
2 Chronicles 7:14 (King James Version)
14. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
And just in case:
John 3:16-18 ( King James Version )
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Yes, there is room at the cross for YOU. . . . . . .
NOTE: The word talent does not only apply to money. It applies to whatever God has blessed you with. And since you have been bought with the price of Jesus' precious blood, you are not your own anymore, so EVERYTHING you own belongs to God for His use and purposes.
America is rotting from the inside out! Why? Because She no longer recognizes God! The same way the Ancient Israelites asked Samuel for a King, we as a nation did the same. Only we each declared ourselves as kings over our own lives and disavowed the need for the very God who made us.
How did we do that? We systematically removed God from various important aspects of our lives, and caused a deadly domino affect.
When I was coming up in the early 60's, I remember we had prayer in school, they showed Christian films about Jesus' birth and resurrection. This left a very strong impression on my young heart, but more on that later . . . . .
Here is the short version of the decision to take "religion out of school".:
The U. S. Supreme Court issued two bans. One in 1962 and the second in 1963. Both bans were the result of lawsuits against the teaching of religion and religious practices in public schools. Basically stating that organized prayer in schools was a violation of the separation of church and state. It was decided that publicly funded schools were an extension of the state, and that organized prayer or bible readings were a form of proselytizing. The bans not only banned mandatory prayer in schools but also banned the daily reading of bible passages.
The lawsuits were supported by several organizations but the most outspoken supporter for banning prayer in schools came from Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the founder of American Atheists, Inc.
It was all started with a twenty-two word prayer:.
“Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country.”
It's hard to imagine how a prayer such as this, started such a heated controversy and sparked such an action. I do know that, ever since this action was taken, the quality of our public schools have been drastically reduced. It's to the point now that the majority ( perhaps all ) of public schools have turned into zoos.
Public schools are riddled with drugs, violence, gangs, crime, and sex. In New York City, some schools ( in certain areas ) are so bad there are police officers stationed in them, and they have metal detectors.
The teachers can't teach because the students are out of control. Others can't teach because they fear for their own safety and lives. And sadly, some teachers even prey upon the very students they are entrusted to teach. In all of this, precious, young and impressionable children can't and don't learn. Is it any wonder parents are either homeschooling or sending their children to private or charter schools.
We have taken God out of the workplace. As Christians we are told we "cannot preach", pass out tracts, or share the gospel in the workplace. Christmas or Easter decorations which depict Jesus Christ, The Cross, The Manger Scene, cannot be displayed. If it is you are approached and told to remove it by a superior. In one instance a dear friend of mine was told to remove her bible from the top of her desk by her boss. Why? Because it was "offensive". The mere sight of a bible, offensive? Yes, the word of God, and the very sight of symbols which depict Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is offensive and intimidating to unbelievers. Thus the only way to make it stop was to ban it. Out of sight, out of mind!
But, what have we gotten in it's place? Corrupt workplaces where everything under the sun goes on and no one can stop it. Corruption, work place violence, crime, drugs, drinking, sex, etc. As a believer in Christ we must be strengthened moment by moment, and remain girded, or we too would be sucked in, and lose our testimony.
We have taken God our of our government and as a result we have crooked and corrupt people in the Oval Office, ruling according to how they feel Utopia should be, at the expense of others. We have crooked Senators, Congressman ( and women ), Assemblymen ( and women ), Mayors, Legislators, Judges, etc, who fail to recognize there is a God, and rely on His wisdom in order to steer the helm of this great country. No wonder we are in such a mess!
We have removed God from our home, as a result families are aimless. The man no longer knows his responsibility as a man is to be a "Builder of Homes", the wife no longer knows that she is supposed to be his "Helpmeet" and "Responder". The children never learn the basic tenant of childhood:
Exodus 20:12 (King James Version) 12. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
There is no cohesion in the home, and the home becomes little more than a barn that a cow returns to every night. As a result, the children are set adrift with no core values. Is it any wonder they drift into gangs, drugs, violence, sex, and die at an early age. . . . . . ..
Instead of parents raising their children, they want the government do it. Free school breakfast programs, free school lunch programs, and something new about to be initiated, free school DINNER programs. Head start, day care, pre-kindergarden, afterschool programs. Free health care, free collage tuition, etc.
Parents go through their ups and downs with divorce, bad relationships, drugs, alcohol, sickness, domestic violence, etc. The police and, social workers and the, courts become the family negotiators and arbitrators instead The Most High and Holy God!
So guess what? The family has become so dysfunctional that the government has come into the home to tell parents how to raise their children! How? By telling parents that they feed their children too much junk food ( McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, etc ), they are feeding their children too much salt, that they are giving their children too much sugar, that the children are obese and the kids are not exercising enough, etc.
Hey! What about this radical idea? Raise and feed your own kids! Then the government won't be up in your bee's wax ( business )! Even the government knows, if you have enough unstable and dysfunctional homes, society itself will start to crumble into anarchy!
God NEVER meant for the government to come into your/our home(s) and telling you/us how to raise you/our kids! In God's eyes, those children are HIS and He has lent them to you/us FOR A SEASON! That means He wants them back, and you/we are merely a STEWARD ( temporary caretaker ) of them, until such time The Master of The House returns.
Please read this:
Mathew 25 14-29 ( King James Version )
14. For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25. And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27. Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
You have been ( or are ) entrusted, and it is your duty as a Christian to raise your children in the "nurture and admonition of The Lord." Why? Because, God never intended for children to come into the world to die and then go to Hell! Just like Ancient Israel, God wants us to be a nation of people who praise Him In EVERYTHING we do!
Unfortunately, sinful man has told God that he doesn't want Him, anywhere. So, God stepped back and allowed these things to happen in our society in order for us to see what the world is like without Him. This is only a little taste of it, friends. Hell is the total absence of God, but, this certainly seems like it's hell right now.
God is giving us a clear example, so we can see with our own eyes that when God is removed from ANY aspect of life, it WILL deteriorate! It literally rots from the inside out. Why? Because there is no "substance" inside to prevent it from rotting. The only substance is God, The Word of God, and The Holy Spirit. Only these will keep our society from falling like a house of cards.
Come back to God America! Come back to God!
2 Chronicles 7:14 (King James Version)
14. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
And just in case:
John 3:16-18 ( King James Version )
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Yes, there is room at the cross for YOU. . . . . . .
NOTE: The word talent does not only apply to money. It applies to whatever God has blessed you with. And since you have been bought with the price of Jesus' precious blood, you are not your own anymore, so EVERYTHING you own belongs to God for His use and purposes.
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