This article is something that friend and brethren in the faith Jaco Van Zyl posted on his Facebook page about a month ago. I told him then that I would post a copy of it here and well now a month later, I’m finally getting around to making it happen. Plus I haven’t posted an article here on the KR blog in something like f-o-r-e-v-e-r. I guess I’ll just be the random once-in-a-while KR contributor! Hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did! It is from Andrew Perriman’s website www.postost.net (where he has link backs to earlier articles, and contextual web verses, among other things).
(Article by Denny Burk and orginally found at his blog.)
The head of Venezuela’s presidential guard was with Hugo Chávez during his final moments. His report on Chávez’s last words paints a picture of a man desperately clinging to life. According to this report, Chávez said:
I don’t want to die. Please don’t let me die.
As a rule, I’m no fan of socialist dictators—particularly those of Chávez’s ilk. But this strikes me as one of the saddest things I’ve ever read. I grieve to think about what the horror of his final moments must have been like. Death is no respecter of persons—not even of billionaire Presidents who command a cult-like following among their countrymen. Not even of you. As the old hymn has it, “Time like an ever-flowing stream bears all its sons away.” None of us will escape this great equalizer.
“And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace.” Micah 5:4
Recently, I attended my first (of a series) of classes for a Christian teen counseling certification course. As I walked into the room I was greeted by a small group of individuals who had already been attending the course, all of them ladies, & all of them just about old enough to be my Mom. Nothing wrong with moms… or my mom’s age group, I’m just trying to paint a scene for you. I’m honored that God would call me to take part in something like this with this group of people who all seem way more gifted, wise & entertaining than I am. So after we introduced ourselves we got into one of our topic videos for the night and what else would be more comfortable to discuss with these “golden girls” than… … “The Power of Sex”!
The New Testament speaks often about being on guard against false teachers and their teachings. From Jesus’ initial warning from the sermon on the mount to the closing epistles of John, it’s an important thing to be mindful of – especially as we draw closer to the end of the age.
During a recent study of 1 & 2 Peter, I noticed one key to recognizing false teachers and teaching. It may not apply to every situation, but as I thought more and more about it, it’s a good rule to assess what you’re hearing by. Within the context of denouncing false teachers, Peter writes:
John Piper has some brief but powerful words to us to consider in this world of constant stimulation and amazement at what’s “new.”
Most of these things are aimed directly at our minds and thoughts. As followers of Jesus, we must be mindful of what we are exposed to and allow into our lives.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)
One of the aspects, in understanding Jesus’ “human nature”, that is essential to our faith is Hebrews 4:15 : “…tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” It’s encouraging to me to know that my Savior was tempted as I am daily yet overcame. It’s comforting to know that I serve a King who, although he had the ability to sin just as I do, was so fixed on His God that He was able to overcome temptation, and remain sinless. What a rock solid messiah we seek to follow.
Sometimes I think about how much more effective we as Christians could be in glorifying & leading people to our great God if we were more like this article (below), and less of a show. Seems almost monthly at some point, I get this same feeling & it’s probably because of my own lack of action. Maybe it’s an area that the church can help motivate/encourage its members in, in a hands on type of way. How great would it be if the church took some random Sundays to get out and “do justice” together in the community instead of or along with the Sunday service? I don’t know the path to sparking this, but personally I need to be “doing more” than just listening and retaining in my spiritual walk. Either way, this article was both enlightening and motivating (& maybe a little convicting as well).
I am sure we could add to some of these thoughts, but I think it’s important to consider this – not for the judgment of others, but for an examination of our own life.
Personally, I know I endeavored to live for God on my own strength for some time. I believed the “right things”, knew when to say “amen” in the sermon, grew up in a Christian home, and all the rest – but I was not a new person. I was simply a better version of the old version of me. And this led to great frustration – wanting to do the right thing but not being able to and wanted to not do the wrong thing but not being able to.
The Royal Family Reunion is a weekend that you will not want to miss (August 24-26, 2012)! The event will be held at Living Hope Community Church in Latham, NY. The teachings and activities are planned so that each participant will leave with a greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please prayerfully take the time to consider your attendance. We are anticipating a wonderful time of focusing on the Scriptures and fellowshipping with one another. The cost for attendents before August 15th is $65 and $75 after the deadline, which includes six meals (lodging is on your own).
Here is a little about our theme this year:
Read the rest...(610 words, 1 image, estimated 2:26 mins reading time)
Hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did! It is from Andrew Perriman’s website www.postost.net (where he has link backs to earlier articles, and contextual web verses, among other things).
The Royal Family Reunion is a weekend that you will not want to miss (August 24-26, 2012)! The event will be held at