The difference is "WHY"!!!

There are all kinds of people in the world; some you grow to just love and some just being around becomes very difficult to endure.  One of my pat sayings is " you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him eat pizza".  Which is my way of saying that everyone is different and sometimes no matter what you say or do, those around you have the choice to be influenced or not.  Those who refer to themselves as Christians are not all Christians.  Sad, but true!!!  This picture illustrates that fact.  It appears a certainty that at least SOME of the people at VICTORY Family Worship Center (wherever that is) just don't get it.  I like to think that perhaps this is perhaps just a poorly chosen title for a sermon and it ends there.  Lets hope so!!!  This picture probably is about anti-Christian propaganda and if so, is unfair to all the true followers of Jesus.  However, this sort of thing has been going on since the beginning of Christianity and we just have to deal with it and move on.  Feel alone in this?  Don't; Paul did too...

WEB: Philippians Chapter 1

[12] Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News; [13] so that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ; [14] and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. [15] Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will. [16] The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains; [17] but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.

[18] What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. [19] For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [20] according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. [21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose. [23] But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. [24] Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. [25] Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.

Why do people do the things they do?  The answer is just like the subject... humanity.  Just as every human is different, so are the motives for their actions.  And when you think you really know someone... well, then you are set up for an eye opener.  I know, people have surprised me all my life.  So, whatever the motives, if someone is trying to proclaim Christ, try to give them the benefit of doubt until they have proven beyond all reason they are wrong.  After all, its up to us to have Paul's attitude to live for Christ and the share the Gospel.  Motives are really only known to the individual and to Almighty God.

people of the way by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/ac9_2.htm

from the book of Acts... Gary

When a baseball is not a baseball

I have never heard of anyone referring to this as a baseball ball.  In a way, I suppose it is; but it is really necessary to be this wordy?  Its a baseball; so why add the other word?  I guess its someones idea of being cute or perhaps trying to be clever.  But, what about that certain someone for whom every word counts and everything that they say has a purpose.  I have known a FEW people like this and one I have read about comes to mind.  Here are a few of his statements...

WEB: John Chapter 4
[25] The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah comes,” (he who is called Christ). “When he has come, he will declare to us all things.”
[26] Jesus said to her, "“I am he, the one who speaks to you.”"

WEB: John 6:35. Jesus said to them, "“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

 WEB: John 8:12. Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "“I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”"

WEB: John Chapter 8
[23] He said to them, "“You are from beneath. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world. [24] I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”"
WEB: John 8:58. Jesus said to them, "“Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.”"

WEB: John 9:5. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”"

WEB: John Chapter 10
[7] Jesus therefore said to them again, "“Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. [8] All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. [9] I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. [10] The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

WEB: John 11:25. Jesus said to her, "“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.

I would like to be able to say I complete comprehend everything that Jesus has said; I can not do that.  But, in these verses the words he uses to refer to himself as "I am" mean I myself am in Greek.  He is pointing directly to himself (and only to himself) to show his uniqueness.  Its not philosophy Jesus is into, its his identity. He is not mincing words, he is just trying to teach.  Sometimes directness is the best way to do things.  So, I guess whoever made the picture at the top is really correct after all, but I somehow I just don't get it.  Jesus is a different matter!!!

What hinders me from being baptized by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/ac8_36.htm

Interesting question... Gary

What it means to preach Jesus by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/ac8_35.htm

The encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch...... Gary

To eat or not to eat, that is the question!!!

To eat or not to eat, that is the question.  Is it nobler to refrain from excess or to indulge to your heart's content?  Can excess at times be good for you?  Who determines this and what does it mean?  How do I know if I have begun 2012 on a positive or negative attitude?  Good questions all; only your conscience can answer them.  2011 was a year of transition for both myself and my Linda, as we went from jobs to retirement.  Honestly, we have had much better years, but there was very much that was good about last year.  Read the following passage from Colossians and then ask yourself about the previous year and the one we just started...

WEB: Colossians Chapter 3

[1] If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. [3] For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. [5] Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; [6] for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. [7] You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; [8] but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. [9] Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, [10] and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, [11] where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

[12] Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.

[14] Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

[17] Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

If I were to base my analysis of last year solely on worldly standards; well, it stank.  However, I am please to say that spiritually things were much better for both my wife and myself.  Its nice to be able to say that in 2011 both of us drew closer to God.  I hope this trend continues in 2012 and that this is true for all who read these words.  May your every spiritual wish come true and may you sense the presence of God continually.  Could I have the hamlette in the picture?  For soothe, as long as I remember verse seventeen from Colossians.

God's second law of pardon by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/ac8_22.htm

From the book of Acts... Gary