http://executableoutlines.com/text/ep1_19.htm
From the book of Ephesians... Gary
1/6/12
The Umbra that never ends!!!
When the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, we see the following on Earth. In the above picture (left to right), we see the full moon and then a darkening of the moon (penumbra) and then the golden center (umbra) and then the reverse.
Wikipedia says "The term is derived from the ancient Greek noun ἔκλειψις (ékleipsis), which means "the abandonment", "the downfall", or "the darkening of a heavenly body", which is derived from the verb ἐκλείπω (ekleípō) which means "to abandon", "to darken", or "to cease to exist,"[2] a combination of prefix ἐκ- (ek-), from preposition ἐκ (ek), "out," and of verb λείπω (leípō), "to be absent""
Okay, I know this is technical stuff, but it is important. Important because of the first meaning of the word eclipse, "The abandonment". At this point, read John chapter 1...
WEB: John Chapter 1
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made. [4] In him was life, and the life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it. [6] There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. [7] The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. [8] He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. [9] The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him. [11] He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. [12] But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: [13] who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [14] The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. [15] John testified about him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’” [16] From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. [17] For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. [18] No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.
God made the human race and we let him down. We sinned and have kept right on sinning. God could have "abandoned" us, but instead he sent Jesus to put light into our lives. We let him down, but he didn't forget us. We are NOT ABANDONED, we are loved. Jesus is the proof of this and his light will never end. So, the next time you see an eclipse (of any sort) think of what God has done and give him the glory.
What must I do to be Saved? By Mark Copeland
http://executableoutlines.com/text/ac16_30.htm
One of the most important lessons you will ever read... Gary
1/5/12
The ugly and the beautiful
Ugly, isn't it? Yet, it is beautiful at the same time! So much of life is like that, full of contradictions and irony! This picture doesn't stop there, for the sculpture is made from used tires. This makes it even more interesting because something fresh and very creative is made from material that was discarded and worth practically nothing. I wonder how God looks at those of us whose lives are corrupted by sin... are they nothing? What can be done? Consider Ezekiel chapter 18 for a few minutes and see...
WEB: Ezekiel Chapter 18
[20] The soul who sins, he shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on him. [21] But if the wicked turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. [22] None of his transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he has done he shall live. [23] Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? says the Lord Yahweh; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live? [24] But when the righteous turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? None of his righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered: in his trespass that he has trespassed, and in his sin that he has sinned, in them shall he die. [25] Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, house of Israel: Is my way not equal? Aren’t your ways unequal? [26] When the righteous man turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and dies therein; in his iniquity that he has done shall he die. [27] Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he has committed, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. [28] Because he considers, and turns away from all his transgressions that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. [29] Yet the house of Israel says, “The way of the Lord is not fair.” House of Israel, aren’t my ways fair? Aren’t your ways unfair? [30] Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, everyone according to his ways, says the Lord Yahweh. Return, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. [31] Cast away from you all your transgressions, in which you have transgressed; and make yourself a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, house of Israel? [32] For I have no pleasure in the death of him who dies, says the Lord Yahweh: therefore turn yourselves, and live.
Sin is death. Sin is a turning away from God; it is a CHOICE!!! Not a disease as modern society would tell us; not an environmental conditioning, it is a CHOICE!!! If we turn to God and CHANGE, God will forgive; but we must CHANGE!!! God will help us turn the refuse of our lives into something beautiful, just like the artist did with the old tires that make up this sculpture but WE have to change our heart and leave the rest to God. Don't waste one more minute doing things your own way; listen and change!!! Who knows what God will sculpt from your life?
Walking in the fear of the LORD by Mark Copeland
http://executableoutlines.com/text/ac9_31.htm
This is one topic that all should read... Gary
1/4/12
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
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