9/13/16

Shining through by Gary Rose

The United States of America: A nation founded by religious men. History declares it, even though some have tried to rewrite reality through lies and political correctness. And this nation will be great again, not through power, war or wealth, but rather through the strength of its people- Christian people.

There is an undeniable greatness of the teaching of Jesus Christ and the lives of his followers. Christians stand out from a world dedicated to sin and the glorification of self!! 

I was this flag this morning and realized how great an effect those who live for Christ can have. And then I though of Matthew 5:14 and three translations that emphasize the truth of the original language by translating the commonly used "hill" for "mount"or "mountain". Accordingly, I have underlined them below...

Matthew, Chapter 5 (Young's Literal Translation)
 14 `Ye are the light of the world, a city set upon a mount is not able to be hid;  15 nor do they light a lamp, and put it under the measure, but on the lamp-stand, and it shineth to all those in the house;  16 so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father who is in the heavens.

Matthew, Chapter 5 (Emphasized Bible)
14 Ye, are the light of the world: it is impossible for a city to be hid, on the top of a mountain, lying.  15 Neither light they a lamp, and place it under the measure; but upon the lampstand, and it giveth light to all that are in the house.  16 In like manner, let your light shine before men,—that they may see your good works,—and glorify your Father who is in the heavens. 

Matthew, Chapter 5 (Darby's Translation)
14 *Ye* are the light of the world: a city situated on the top of a mountain cannot be hid.  15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the bushel, but upon the lamp-stand, and it shines for all who are in the house.  16 Let your light thus shine before men, so that they may see your upright works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens. 

To some, this may sound like a small thing; but to me it magnifies and illuminates the magnificence of the teaching of Jesus. It also places a challenge before us- We are on display for all the world to see- Shining though, as it were!!!

If Christians will really heed the words of Jesus, this nation will in fact be great again- from the inside out!!! I wonder; is anyone really, really listening????