by Todd Temple
Many around the world are crying out right now against injustice, poverty, and prejudice. As God's children we are called to carry each anothers' burdens (Galatians 6:2). Jesus himself told us that when we care for “the least of these,” we do it for him (Matthew 25:31-46).
Scripture clearly teaches us that the wages of sin is death. Yet too many times, we think we can keep sin in our lives and not suffer the consequences. Eventually it will take a bite out of us.
The writer of Hebrews warned that we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. If we don’t, it will handicap us and do damage to the cause of Christ.
What are the alligators living in your pond?
Balloonists are at the mercy of the wind and can go only in the direction that the wind is blowing. Likewise, some people think they are at the mercy of circumstances. “Stuff happens,” they say, “and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
But there is something you can do.
Just as balloonists can change their altitude, so you can change your attitude. And when you change your attitude, you change your direction. You’re no longer at the mercy of circumstances.
Remember what Paul wrote when he was in prison: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4.) Paul wasn’t a prisoner to his circumstances. In his heart, he was free. By changing his attitude, he was able to change the world.
You may not think your witness for Christ does any good, but it does. Obviously your ultimate hope is that your friends will come to know the Lord; however, that’s not the only result that can come from being a witness. You never know how God will use what you do for him. Even when you can’t see the results of your obedience, you can trust that God will take what you do and use it to bear fruit.
As Hemingway tells the story, the next day at noon, in front of the newspaper office, there were 800 Pacos, all seeking forgiveness from their fathers.
Are you like one of those Pacos? Carrying around a load of guilt, wanting forgiveness, but not knowing where to find it? Your Father in heaven, who loves you very much, has made the first move. Just as Paco’s father ran an ad in the paper, so God sent his son to die on a Roman cross.
“If I am lifted up,” Jesus said, talking about the cross, “I will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). And along with all those Pacos who showed up at the newspaper office, you’re invited to come as well.
In the same way, our Heavenly Father pursues us—not because he wants to punish us but because he wants to save us. You may be running away from God because—like the car thief—you are a sinner. You have broken God’s law. But what you may not realize is that God is trying to rescue you, not condemn you. The penalty for your sin has been paid by Jesus Christ on the cross, and God wants to give you your freedom. So stop running and turn yourself in. Your life is at stake!
The issue of Sabbath worship has become so controversial now than ever before with many skeptics still keeping Sunday as a ‘memorial of the resurrection of Christ’, something that is neither found in the bible nor commanded of men.
Dated Feb 24, 2015 this article has been written.
In 12th century torture became an integral part of all capital legal proceedings. Also, it was often practiced by the inquisition in most European countries in cases of heresy, blasphemy, adultery and many other similar ‘crimes against God’. Beside common means of torture like beating, suffocating and burning Roman-Catholic Church used others, more depraved ways of extracting confessions and execution of its victims.
With a world-famous celebrity, in an enviable vacation destination, or before a sumptuous slice of delicacy – it seems understandable, and even necessary, to capture rate moments of privilege, pleasure, and beauty with a selfie. We wouldn’t think twice about taking a self- portrait and sharing it with friends during special days.
Taking pictures or ourselves of ourselves, however, has evolved into a totally different animal unleashed by the power of ubiquitous social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.
