Where’s the Line to See Jesus?


Well Christmas Day is here and the malls are all closed. Even WalMart looks like a deserted island as families gather around the Christmas tree to exchange presents and memories. Did you wonder as you wandered through the stores seeking gifts for your family friends and as you stood in the long check out lines at departments stores across the country where the line was to see Jesus?

Do you see church lots full of cars several weeks before Christmas as the parking lots of the malls and discount stores? Are the eager children who are standing in line to sit on Santa’s lap just as eager to learn about Jesus? Has good old Saint Nick replaced the Christ of Christmas? Do wise men still seek Him who was born King of the Jews?

In all our seeking are we seeking the Prince of peace? Where exactly is the line to see Jesus?

Think about it and Merry Christmas

God the Only Hope for Haiti


Although every effort is being made in America to remove any mention of Jesus or God from the country there are parts of the world that welcome the message and mission of Jesus Christ. An example can be found in the mountains of Haiti. A nation devoted to Voodoo and devastated by poverty and a January earthquake, shows sparks of hope from the ministry of William Charles founder of Mountain Top MInistries.

From one church there arose schools, a medical clinic, a clean water system, and homes for the village residents. Although the village previously had no church but 5 voodoo temples, no clean water, hardly any jobs and no hope.

Yes friends Jesus is still the answer for the world today.

Amplify’d from visiontoamerica.org

Haiti’s devastating earthquake in January has turned the world’s attention to the poverty-stricken country and its myriad of problems. But a small village up in the mountainous region of Haiti offers hope for the troubled country to experience remarkable transformation spiritually and economically.

Willem Charles, the founder and leader of Mountain Top Ministries (MTM), has dared to challenge voodoo and the status quo. In the process, he has built schools, a medical clinic, a water line system, a church, and homes for residents of Gramothe village, about an hour drive from Port-au-Prince.

Ten years ago, there was no church; only five voodoo temples. There was also no school, no clean water, barely any jobs, and no hope in the village.

Read more at visiontoamerica.org

 

Belarus Theologian Takes PCUSA to Task On Gay Issues


Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Image via Wikipedia

A hearty AMEN to Reverend Siarhei Hardum of Belarus for stating the obvious. The issue of homosexuality is clearly covered in Scriptures and there really should be no need to be debating this issue. The Christian church has long stated that Homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord. If it is an abomination to the Lord wouldn’t it stand to reason then that those who promote this type of activity are also an abomination to the Lord? But if we want to just look at this from a morality issue, any sexual immorality is condemned by the bible not condoned.

I agree with the good Reverend from Belarus when he states this is a form of paganism.

If you are involved in a homosexual lifestyle there is hope for you in Jesus Christ but you must repent of your sexual immorality in order to receive his forgiveness. Like any other sin there is forgiveness after repentance.

clipped from www.onenewsnow.com

Associated Press logo smallPCUSA Presbyterian sealMINNEAPOLIS – An Orthodox Church theologian who was invited to greet the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has criticized its approval of non-celibate homosexual clergy.

The Reverend Siarhei Hardun of Belarus said that vote and efforts to approve same-gender “marriage” looked to him like an attempt to “invent a new religion — a sort of modern paganism.”

“Christian morality is as old as Christianity itself. It doesn’t need to be invented now,” he said of attempts to create what he described as a “new morality.”

Hardun added, “When people say that they are led and guided by the Holy Spirit to do it, I wonder if it is the same Holy Spirit that inspired the Bible.”

If the Earth is Shakin’ Perhaps God is Knockin’


A View from the Nest
Random Ramblings from the Resident Raptor
Insight from the Journey across the Sky

Heb 12:26-27 (GW) When God spoke to your ancestors, his voice shook the earth. But now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the sky.” The words once more show clearly that God will change what he has made. These are the things that can be shaken. Then only the things that cannot be shaken will remain.

Volcanic eruptions such as this one can create...
Image via Wikipedia

Are natural disasters signs of the “end of the age” spoken of in Scripture, or simply just natural occurrences? Would it be proper to associate the apparent increase in seismic activity, and volcanic eruptions with an ‘angry God’ punishing the earth? Or are these just the start of more to come? Is it possible to tell the ‘signs of the end’ from day-to-day occurrences? Is there a difference?

 

In the past several years we’ve seen many significant natural disasters in many places across the globe. For thousands of years there have been earthquakes, famines, and plagues which have brought havoc to mankind.

Are the events of these past few months breaking new ground (forgive the pun) in the global shaking that has increased over the past century? Is there really more seismic activity or are we just more aware of them because of the nature of the news cycle? Could it be the 24 hour a day news programs are adding to the perception that the world is crumbling at the seams?

There have been doomsday prophets for as long as time existed. Since the first century after Christ’s crucifixion there have been those who said the world was coming to an end even before we got to the 21st century. Yet the world still remains. Does this mean Christ’s return is never going to happen? Should we simply ignore these earthquakes or is there something we can learn from all this?

As we witness the groaning of creation, are they the literal birth-pangs of the “Day of the Lord” or just a wake-up call for Christians to be ready for the coming harvest? As things grow increasingly more confused and more lives are affected by one natural disaster after another I can see a great need arising upon the Earth for something more dependable. As the very foundations are shaking beneath the feet of many, there remains a solid rock upon which we can place our hope and trust, that rock is Jesus Christ, the only sure foundation.

As fortunes fall and the earthquakes of life challenges continue with greater frequency the world is becoming ripe to solutions, something real. They have heard all the lies and have trusted in others only to see their foundations shaking and their lives crumbling. Are we ready to offer something other than ‘just words, just speeches?” Is there a place of refuge for those whose lives have been shaken? Is there a place of rest from the constant uproar of the world around us? Is there a safety net for those falling into despair and panic?

The answer to all the world’s needs is the same as it has always been. No matter how hard man tries to remove God from their lives He is still a force that needs to be reckoned with. Accounts need to be settled, debts need to be paid, a man’s choices need to be judged, evil dealt with. As our scripture reference explains, there is coming a shake-up from God, the purpose of which is to shake everything that can be shaken so that the only thing remaining is that which can not be shook. And that sure foundation is trusting in the Lord thy God.

As the great architect of all things, God is the only one capable of mapping out an exit strategy. Trust in the Lord and you will be able to withstand the shakin’ that’s goin’ on. So is it going to be the ‘Rock’ or do you prefer to roll? The choice is yours, I however say along with the Psalmist:

Psalms 62:6-8 (NKJV) He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

 

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)

Along for the journey

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March Edition of Pop Goes the Gospel Blog Carnival


'Pop Goes the Gospel'

Welcome to the March 2010 edition of Pop Goes the Gospel blog carnival. Each month we travel around the blogosphere to offer posts to encourage and challenge you as we take the Gospel into Pop Culture.

Although we only had a few submissions this month there is still plenty of food for the soul, and engaging content to peruse. Take time to read each article and be sure to comment that to let the author know you read their article here. Now on with the Carnival! Peanuts! Popcorn! Candy Apples!

Feature Article

This month we feature a brand new blog on Pop Goes the Gospel.  John a newbie to the blogosphere will attempt to relate his experiences as a father to his relationship with the Father. We welcome John and be sure to stop on over to his blog and give him a hardy welcome from all of us seasoned bloggers. It is wise to encourage each other in their walk with the Lord. There may come a time when you will need a word of encouragement so be sure to sow some seeds of encouragement so you too can reap a full harvest in due time.

John McCollam presents Fathers and Sons posted at Spirit Work. John’s first post to his brand new blog is an insightful look at fatherhood.

In Bible Study

NCSue presents What kind of “justice” is that? posted at IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. NCSue offers a great post on true justice from God‘s perspective. Justice is not retribution but restoration. Now then the next time you hear the word justice see if it meets the biblical standard for just and right.

Trent Cotton presents The Christian Sword ? The Guard posted at Christian Men-Christian Warriors. Trent is back with yet another great post this one of a series on the sword of the spirit. Trent does a great job and his site is worth the time it takes to glean some goodness from the word of God.

In Media

Jasmine Smith presents 25 Essential Android Apps for Bible Study posted at Accredited Online Bible Colleges, saying, “If you haven’t made Android your major mobile device, perhaps the following Bible study apps for may convince you to go that route.” If you are an android user then this list of aps is for you.

Bible SEO presents Christian Guitar Lessons, Chords & Tabs posted at BibleSEO Blog, saying, “Top free resources for Christian Guitarists, offering free guitar lessons, chords, tabs.” If you play guitar then spend some time strumming through this list of instructional sites for the Christian guitar player.

John Laugherton presents 25 Ways to Use the Kindle for Bible Study posted at bible college, John takes bible study to the Kindle platform with an extensive list of the benefits of using the latest technology to make your bible study byte size.

In Culture

Joe Plemon presents The Money Quiz: Do You Serve God or Money? posted at Personal Finance By The Book, saying, “Jesus said that we cannot serve two masters. This quiz will help the reader see how he is doing.”

Megan presents Inspired By Fiction: Olympics and Scripture posted at Inspired By Fiction, Megan wins the Gold for her observations of the Winter Olympics. Athletes compete for a crown that one days fades but as Christians we are seeking a crown that never fades. Well done Megan and welcome to the carnival.

In Family

Darcy Bell presents The Overwhelming Concept of “Father” posted at HE said what?, saying, “Fatherhood is a concept than all Christian men should understand, but few often do.” Darcy offers a well written post regarding the responsibilities of being a Christian husband and father. If more dads would think this critically about their responsibilities to those under their care society would be better served. Well done Darcy and thanks for sharing your posts with us. This is a must read for dads and husbands everywhere.

That concludes this edition.

Submit your blog article to the next edition of pop goes the gospel using our carnival submission form.

Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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