How to Become a Christian!

The most critical decision a person will ever make in his or her lifetime is the place and prominence that Jesus Christ will have in one’s everyday life with all its challenges and responsibilities! Will He be one Who is personal Savior and Lord as well as a faithful Friend always present on a 24/7 basis? OR is He one Who has been rejected and the choice has been to concentrate on self and the desperate pursuit of money, this world’s material goods, and pursuit of worldly pleasures with the deadly belief that if one just gets enough of these things one will be incredibly happy and satisfied! And there are those who become aware of the fact that there is a need to get right with God but choose to put that critical decision on the back burner until some “convenient” time in the future. See how one man ended up with all his wealth which he had zealously pursued in Luke 12:16-21.

God never speaks in terms of a convenient time but always in the present – the here and right now! NOTE > For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. [2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV].

The beginning point in becoming a Christian is honestly facing the truth that we have been born into this world with three strikes already against us because of inherited sin. We are sinners who have sinned against God and against our fellow humans. This tragic way of life begins as soon as we are born, expecting everyone to dance to the tune we play on our fiddle as we journey each day in the search for more money, material goods, and a plethora of pleasures. We may even attend and join a church while doing all this and earn the reputation of being an outstanding citizen in the community!

But God has each of us as being labeled a sinner, condemned, and deserving of spending eternity in a Devil’s Hell! Here are some statements from God’s Word that plainly reveal our lost condition > The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. [Jeremiah 17:9,10 KJV]. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. [Psalm 14:2,3 KJV]. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God … [Romans 3:23 KJV].

However, God took the initiative to do something about the destructive problem of sin that had infected the entire human race. Here is how the Bible tells it> And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [John 3:14-18 KJV]. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. [1 John 4:10 KJV]. The word, propitiation, literally means satisfaction – that is, when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He made it possible for us to be completely forgiven of our sins and God will never hold them against us ever again! God no longer condemns us but accepts us as though we had never sinned against Him. In this matter God has the ability to forget the offense of sins permanently > I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. [Isaiah 43:25 KJV]. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. [Jeremiah 31:34 KJV].

There is something each of us must do if we are going to become a Christian. Jesus said it these words > I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. [Luke 13:3 KJV]. His message always called for people to repent > And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. [Mark 1:12-15 KJV].

Repentance involves three areas in our experience in becoming a Christian:

1. Intellectual – that is, we become mentally aware of the reality of sin, that it is offensive in God’s sight, and we are guilty of committing the same repeatedly.

2. Emotional – that is, we become deeply bothered and troubled about our sin and become very guilty in our conscience! This the Holy Spirit working and speaking to us. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would come and convict the world of sin. Note what all Jesus revealed about the Holy Spirit in John 14, 15, and 16.

3. Volitional – that is, a clear and deliberate decision to renounce and abandon all known sin presently existing in our lives. We completely forsake it and want nothing more to do with anything we know that offends God!

The result? A miracle of transformation as our lives have been turned around 180 degrees and we begin walking in fellowship with our Lord rather than ignoring Him and concentrating on our self-centered way of life against Him. The apostle Paul described this miracle by saying, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” [2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV].

My friend, if you are reading this and you have never thought about how it is between you and God nor thought about asking Jesus to come into your life as Savior and Lord, I appeal to you to make that decision today. Tell God you are sorry for your sins, ask His forgiveness, and invite Jesus to come into your life as Savior and Lord. If you would like to have some literature to help in getting established in your faith, email me at cdharriger@hotmail.com and provide your full name and mailing address.

For those who have received Jesus as Savior and Lord never forget that God does not whisk us off to Heaven the moment we repent and believe, but allows us us remain in this world for one main purpose and that is to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and to lead others to believe in Him. Therefore it is necessary that we become familiar in explaining to another person what becoming a Christian is all about!

God’s best to you always as Jesus tarries in His coming to this very needy world.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn 'til setting sun
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care
Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

From the song of faith, When the Roll Is Called up Yonder

Some Very Distinct Differences Between Islam and Christianity!

"This just in: Appeasement doesn't work -- deadly Muslim riots continue despite Obama's ad denouncing Muhammad video" --- one of numerous internet headlines and links related to Muslim rioting in different nations

A video was produced which greatly offended Muslims and so rioting has taken place in many locations around the world as a result. This is not the first time riots and violence has erupted when certain acts interpreted as "offensive" to those who believe and practice the teachings of the Quran (Koran). In some nations one has to be extremely careful in how you speak concerning Islam, the Quran, and of course, the prophet Muhammad.

Just recently an American ambassador and some staff members were killed in Libya as a result of violence spawned by Muslims.

Have you noticed how different Christianity is in response to insults made regarding the faith, the Bible, or those that demean the Person of Jesus Christ Himself?

How many riots have been initiated by Christians? How many buildings have been burned? How many people have been injured? Worse yet, how many people have been killed because someone published a film or video that demeans the Christian faith and those who seek to practice that faith?

Over the years books have been written and films out of Hollywood itself that are in direct contradiction to the Bible teaching concerning the Christian faith. In 1987 an “artist” sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, Andres Serrano, took a crucifix and submerged it in a glass of his own urine. The piece, titled "Piss Christ," was a winner of the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art's Awards! If Christians would have reacted to that as do Muslims in a similar situation related to their Islamic faith, rioting would have broken out, fires set, human lives injured and lost, and likely a high price set on the head of the man responsible. In spite of such an "insult" along with many others over the years, no rioting with extensive destruction of property nor injury or death to persons has resulted!

This is not to claim a perfect track record over time for Christianity. There were those moments in history when individuals claiming to be "Christian" did some very horrible things in the name of Christianity. Jesus indicated we would know the true from the false by the kind of fruit which has resulted in the actions done -- "By their fruits you shall know them.", said Jesus. A Christian who has been truly born again (as stressed by Jesus in Gospel of John 3) will not engage in willful violence that will destroy property, inflict bodily injury, or kill people.

Another interesting wrinkle in this is the fact that in a number of Muslim dominated countries Christians are not permitted to discuss their faith with Muslims and for a Muslim to become a Christian can result in death! To Muslims true to their faith, a Christian is considered an infidel. If infidels do not accept Islam as the faith and become committed to actively practicing that faith, under certain conditions the infidel is to be put to death.

But in the United States Muslims are free to express their faith, talk publicly about it, speak of it to their neighbors and no Christians will start rioting because of that. Christians are free to express disagreement which some of us have chosen to do. But we will stress that it is not a matter of personal opinion on our part, but rather we simply refer to the statements of Jesus Christ Himself and the claims which He made as being exclusively the way of salvation, forgiveness, and hope. Perhaps the biggest difference between Christianity and Islam is in the fact that in the Christian faith God became human in the Person of Jesus Christ and atoned for the sins of the entire human race, including Muslims, by virtue of His death on the cross. Allah did nothing that even remotely resembles such an act!

Christians, who are committed and true to their faith, envision a time in the future when Jesus Christ will have returned to this world which He originally created a long, long time ago. He will take full control of it with His angels and His saints. Finally after millenia of time the world will be in a state of total peace. One of many transforming transitions to take place will be the dismantlement and recycling of the implements of war out of which will be forged implements for peaceful and productive purposes that will enhance life in this new world!

Read the brief summary of this just below which makes absolutely no allowance for any other religion outside of Christianity. Conclusion: Christianity and Islam are totally incompatible in their purest expressions!

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" --- Revelation 11:15

Hypocrisy of the First Magnitude in Afghanistan!

A man Afghan officials say is a member of the Taliban shot dead a woman accused of adultery in front of a crowd near Kabul, a video obtained by Reuters showed, a sign that the austere Islamist group dictates law even near the Afghan capital.In the three-minute video, a turban-clad man approaches a woman kneeling in the dirt and shoots her five times at close range with an automatic rifle, to cheers of jubilation from the 150 or so men watching in a village in Parwan province."Allah warns us not to get close to adultery because it's the wrong way," another man says as the shooter gets closer to the woman. "It is the order of Allah that she be executed"...... --- Just one of a number of "news"  releases reporting the "execution" of a married woman accused of adultery.

The married woman allegedly committed adultery, found guilty and then was sentenced to be executed in an area north of Afghanistan's capital city. One of numerous reports claimed that she was involved with two Taliban commanders.

So in order to be "faithful" to Muslim standards on such an issue as this, it was determined that this unfaithful wife should be executed publicly. Presumably the message would be, "See what happens when you commit adultery!" The graphic lesson to all females is explicitly clear -- now to the men, that's a kitty of another color!

This execution would be a bit different -- no wall before which the guilty party would stand with a blindfold over the eyes. The woman was kneeling on the ground with her back toward her husband who was just a few yards away. He was given an AK-47 rifle and promptly fired three shots into her back (according to one report) -- then for good measure he fired more rounds into her body (another report said there were bullet holes in her head and in her torso). The assembly of men, estimated to be about 150, present erupted in loud cheers as this drama unfolded!

Correct me if I"m wrong, but doesn't the act of adultery involve a man and a woman -- and at least one of the persons involved in such an escapade is married to another person, other than the one with whom he/she is being intimate? Where then was the man, or in this particular case, the two Taliban commanders who were involved with another man's wife?

And why were these adulterers not on the receiving end of the projectiles that came gushing forth from the barrel of that AK-47 fired by a husband who was teaching his wife a permanent lesson that it is a naughty no-no to engage in sexual intimacy with men other than her husband?

Jesus in the 1st Century was confronted by a group of very indignant individuals who claimed they had caught a woman in the very act of adultery. They indicated that according to the law of Moses the woman should be stoned to death. But they wanted to know what He had to say about the issue. For a moment He did not reply but wrote something in the sand. Finally He spoke: "Whoever is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone."

Oooops! No one counted on this and suddenly very disturbing thoughts began to hammer them where it really hurts -- right in the heart of the conscience! One by one they made a hasty exit. Could this exodus have resembled a bunch of serpents slithering away looking for some hole into which they might crawl?

Jesus then had some parting words for the woman -- "Where are your accusers?" She replied there was no one left to accuse her. He replied, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more!" Obviously the woman was of a repentant spirit and was granted mercy and forgiveness on the condition that she not continue in her former lifestyle! (For details of this incident, see John 8 in the New Testament).

I have often wondered, as have many others -- just what was it that Jesus wrote in the sand that day a long, long time ago? Could it have been something like this: "Where is the man? He is an adulterer too, you know!"

As the old saying goes: "It takes two to tango!"

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. --- 1 John 1:7-9

God Is Commanding, But Who Is Listening?

"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. --- Acts 17:30, 31

God did a mighty work 236 years ago when He blessed and provided for a small number of people who desired to be a free republic. These people broke free from the British crown and became known as the United States of America.

As decades of time passed the population expanded, territories to the west in the direction of the Pacific Ocean were occupied, new states were added to the original thirteen, and the future was extremely bright.

From time to time conflicts erupted with one of the most critical being the Civil War involving great loss of human lives, massive casualties, and widespread property destruction. But God was merciful and a union emerged stronger than ever before as national healing and reconciliation took place over time.

Yet there were more conflicts to take place in the decades ahead. In the midst of these God granted an abundance of grace and mercy and our republic gained victory over the enemy until politicians chose to compromise and abandon the demand of unconditional surrender on the part of the enemy. WW II was the last conflict in which the enemy had to submit to the terms of unconditional surrender. Korea was an entirely different "ball game" with a "negotiated" settlement taking place and it has been downhill ever since. Any time you have a politician meddling in affairs, it is not going to produce a good result!

As the 1950's drew to a close, the moral and spiritual climate of the United States began to dramatically change as well. The 1960's saw insane court decisions handed down such as evicting God from the public school sytems and then the approval of the mutilation and murders of unborn children in the womb in 1973. No one who has a bit of a sense of right and wrong can truthfully say that our republic is morally and spiritually stronger now than it has ever been in the past.

Now that we are more than a decade into the 21st Century we have continued on our toboggin slide toward sure and certain disaster for a number of reasons:

1. The bloody trail that our republic has left behind is the result of the destruction of millions of unborn children. This practice is identified in the Bible as the atrocious act of "shedding innocent blood!"

2. Sexual immorality of every conceivable kind which is gaining more and more acceptance so that the national motto in regard to human sexuality could well be: "Sex is fun with anyone (or a number of persons at the same time) anywhere and at any time on a 24/7 basis!" With the help of the entertainment industry and high profile celebrities our young folk are leaning this practice while in the early years of their lives.

3. The teaching of our young that our roots are traced back to very low forms of life and that over millions of years we have evolved to what we are today with the end not yet taking place as we move onward and upward to perfection. As noted earlier, due to an insane decision of the first magnitude, God is not permitted on public school property and therefore it is unlawful to teach our young the truth that all things existing, including human life, have their origin with God Who is our Creator! At the higher level in colleges, universities, and graduate schools the deadly and hopeless doctrine of evolution is a brainwashing process that has devastating results in the lives of victims who accept it without question.

4. The profaning of the day of worship which originally was set aside to provide citizens of the republic with the opportunity to worship the God Who raised this republic up so that it became the most powerful and prosperous nation in the history of the world! Not only was it to be a special time for the recognition and worship of God, but also a day of rest for the citizens so that they might become refreshed and then prepared for week of work that would begin on Monday. But the day is now primarily a day of business, pleasure, entertainment in many forms, and intentional placing of God in a cell with high tech security devices so that He does not in any way interfere with our "fun and games!"

5. A church that has become increasingly corrupted because of the infiltration of "wolves in sheep's clothing" who refuse to accept God's special revelation in the form of the holy Scriptures as the absolute authority on all matters that have to do with our faith, our relationship to God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the responsibilites we have to be fully obedient to Him on a day by day basis. The heart of denial is found in the rejection of Jesus as to His real identity (God revealed in human form), His miracles which He performed, His atoning death on the cross for the sins of the entire human race, His literal resurrection from the dead 3 days after the crucifixion, and His promised return to this sin saturated world at some time in the future to take full control and rule as King of kings and Lord of lords!

In the midst of all this chaos God has been calling for repentance -- no exceptions! To repent is to be brutally honest with ourselves, to admit we are guilty, and to turn from our sins, asking God for mercy and forgiveness. This has to be done on a personal level and also collectively (family, community, church, nation and its leaders).

But there is a major problem -- God has issued the command to repent but He is being ignored by the vast majority. So what does this mean? It means simply that we are perilessly close to experiencing judgment. God employs calamities (chastising actions) for a time in an effort to make a nation aware of its need to turn to Him. The classic example of this is His dealings with the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Neither heeded His appeals issued through His prophets and consequently were totally destroyed at the hands of heathen peoples. Yes, God at times does use a heathen people to bring judgment on those who claim to be God's people - e.g. "one nation under God!"

How is your hearing these days?

And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day; to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You. O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You." --- Daniel 9:4-9

Memories of Mom

"It doesn't matter whether my name is on the membership roll of the church -- the important thing is that my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life!" --- Substance of Helen (Sedgwick) Harriger's response to her pastor who had told her he could not find her name on the membership roll of the church she had been attending and in which she had become actively involved.

If I detailed all the memories of my mother, it would take a long time and the content would make for a rather large book. So I shall try to keep it sweet, short and simple. Oh, by the way, the picture above is my mother holding me late in the summer of 1933 -- a few moons ago!

My earliest memory goes back to times before I went to school. My mother always had my well being at heart without fail. This involved not just my physical health but also my spiritual well being.

Mom had become a Christian at a very early age in her life and expressed her faith in Jesus Christ in a variety of ways. In her church she was a Sunday School teacher, involved in the ladies missionary group, and taught in annual Bible schools.

She made clear the difference between right and wrong to my sister (born about 6 years after me) and me when it came to our conduct. I remember distinctly one time she had me on her knee and we looked out the window at the neighbor just across the road working a field with his horses. The neighbor was a very profane man and could be heard cursing his horses or whatever -- he constantly was telling God to damn something or someone! Mom pointed out that we had to respect God and never to use His Name in a bad way such as the neighbor had been doing.

She was a disciplinarian -- a paddling was given out for certain offenses on my part and one time it was so serious that she turned me over her knee and used a scrub brush for emphasis -- I did not feel like sitting down for a while! The way things are now days the A.C.L.U. (Anti Christian Lovers of Ungodliness) would have encouraged me to sue my mother in court for child abuse!

Mom did a lot of reading and study and had a teacher's certificate qualifying her to teach in the public schools of our area. She did some substitute teaching occasionally. But her first love was to be a home maker for my dad, my sister and me.

She was an excellent cook and loved working in her kitchen. Her homemade bread along with her homemade butter earned her a noteworthy reputation in our community. But she also was first class when it came to the sweet stuff such as chocolate cake, cinnamon rolls, lemon sponge pie, etc. More than once I downed nearly a quart of our golden Guernsey milk with pieces of warm chocolate cake just out of the oven!

My mother was also a writer of letters (something I guess I inherited from her) and during WW II wrote to quite a number of military persons from our area on a regular basis. One of my dad's cousins was wounded in Sicily twice and one letter she wrote to him was done on shelf paper about 5 feet long or so and she wrote on both sides of it. He had a picture taken with the letter draped around his neck and hanging down over his chest. When I entered the military myself she was always faithful in writing letters to me and a few months later to Jean and me after our marriage and our move to North Carolina when I was stationed at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station.

In addition to her work in the home she did a lot outside. She had a fair sized garden each year, gathered the eggs from our chicken coop, and helped my dad milk the cows twice a day. Sometimes she engaged in an activity that I did not want to watch. Once in a while she would take a rooster or maybe a hen, tie its legs together, hang it on the clothes line, and then cut off its head with a butcher knife! Her roast chicken was impossible to beat -- it was a bit unpleasant at a certain point in reaching that desired goal!

Mom was always one to give encouragement and support throughout the family. She was the oldest of the six children born to Edward and Estella (Robb) Sedgwick. Her brothers and sisters thought very highly of her and often visited her when they could.

She was very excited the day I revealed to her that God had called me into the ministry. She and my dad made special arrangements to come visit us when we were in Kentucky serving a small church while in seminary. And they were able to come to my graduation from Asbury Seminary. After we returned to Pennsylvania they would visit our church services from time to time.

Perhaps her greatest contribution in life was her discipline of prayer. I do not believe I would be where I am today or would have been involved in God's work as I have been over many years had it not been for a praying mother (and a praying father too).

She came down with cancer and fought a good fight but the disease got the best of her in January of 1979. I remember in the hospital room in Franklin PA when the doctor told us she was gone, the first thought to come into my mind was this: "Not one cancer cell can touch her now -- she is in the presence of her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!" She did win the ultimate victory and to that, every obedient Christian can say, "Amen and Amen!"

Because of what Jesus did for us all on Calvary's cross, I have the assurance of seeing my mother again along with a host of other loved ones and friends -- a reunion that will never break up and located in the perfect trouble-free environment -- some of us refer to this blessed place as Heaven!

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. --- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-19

A Package of Benefits That Can't Be Beat!

The question is not so much what wages am I going to receive but what are the benefits while employed and after retirement? --- This is often what goes through a potential employee's mind when the possibility of being hired takes place.

A primary concern when it comes to employment is what benefits are offered by the employer. Labor unions are notorious when it comes to demands on this issue. For the "fruits" of such demands do a search sometime on the term, "Ruins of Detroit," and see a graphic illustration of what the auto workers' union has accomplished by way of devastation and excessive demands in contracts!

No matter how great the benefits appear to be in an employment situation, they cannot begin to compare to a benefits package of a very different kind that has been in existence for a very long time!

In secular employment the benefits include such items as a generous health care plan, vacation time, sick days available, insurance, and a retirement plan that in some cases will enable the employee to collect almost as much as he/she did before retirement took place. Again, check out what auto worker union members are getting in their retirement by way of income and benefits! And not only these but members of other unions in a number of cases have done quite well also. Federal workers do rather well when it comes to "benefits" not just in active employment but the retirement circumstances could even make a king envious!

Alas, I have digressed a bit, but only to stress that large numbers of people have been deceived into thinking that if they have a generous benefit package in employment and an even better one after they retire, then they are really on "easy street" and living in a "heaven on earth!"

But let's look at the Heavenly Benefits package that God offers to all people -- it is there, but critical decisions have to be made for it to become a reality in the experience of each human being.

1. Freedom From Condemnation: God took on human form, made a personal visit to the planet He created a long, long time ago, and ultimately bore the punishment upon Himself for the sins of each one of us human beings! Consequently Jesus, by His sacrificial death, made possible total forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation to God. Romans 5 stresses having peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Life Forever: Longevity in this life is what many persons desire -- rare is the person who wants to die "young" and usually when that is the case, it is because of a combination of problems and issues that an individual is unable to resolve. Those hefty "benefit" packages mentioned earlier cause most recipients to harbor a desire to live a long time so those benefits can be fully enjoyed. But life in this world is limited to a few decades at most and then comes the end. But by God's mercy it is possible to experience the assurance of life unending in another realm. The most well known verse in the Bible (John 3:16) specifically mentions the possibility of coming into possession of "everlasting life" through God's Son, Jesus Christ!

3. A Perfect Environment: Our human minds with severe limitations cannot begin to comprehend what Heaven is like. Jesus said He would prepare a place for His people (John 14) and a few details are made known. There is no death, no pain, no sorrow of any kind in that place. Here on earth the landscape is cluttered with drug stores, doctors' offices, dentists' offices, hospitals, and funeral homes -- every one of these has a negative picture attached to it -- some kind of affliction, pain, grief etc. In addition, there are the constant eruptions of conflicts and violence which result in loss of human life on a daily basis. Grief and pain are multiplied further by such activity. But imagine a place where every negative kind of human experience is entirely eliminated -- a place where perfect peace and love are the standards by which all human existence is experienced! The closing chapters of the book of The Revelation provide a description of that perfect environment in which God's people will exist forever.

Do you see that there is absolutely no comparison between the best of "benefit" packages offered to employees by companies and businesses in this world and that which God provides for His people through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ?

One would think that the vast majority of people would scramble and do what has to be done to insure that they had in their possession the "Heavenly Benefits Package" so that when their time comes to pass from time into eternity they not only know their destiny but precisely what their everlasting benefits are.

But no -- due to confusion and so much preoccupation with the earth-bound and time-bound benefits of their earthly existence the majority has neglected to check into what is involved in the "Heavenly Benefits Package!"

It is simple really -- first, one has to face the reality of being a sinner and countless times has sinned against God and one's fellow human beings! Second, one has to confess to God that he/she is guilty as charged and seek mercy and forgiveness -- a tough thing to do because of the vanity of human pride that can get in the way. Third, recognize that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for one's sins, give thanks for this, and receive Him into one's life as Savior and Lord in an act of faith. And fourth, express a commitment to seek His will and be obedient to Him each day as long as one lives in this present world.

Finally, it is good to give thanks that God has put together a package of "benefits" that makes the best of corportate packages look like putrid garbage in a paper bag by way of comparison!

He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. --- 1 John 5:10-13

Not at Conception, 24 Weeks, or at Birth, BUT from Eternity!

Debate on when a human is actually considered to be human rages on endlessly with each person who addresses the issue considering his/her word to be the "authority" as to the time we do "become" human.

Recently I got into an intense discussion with an individual over the issue of abortion. This person adamantly claimed that the child in the stages of formation in his/her mother's womb is not to be regarded as human until 24 weeks into the pregnancy. According to this person it is at that time that development has reached the point where pain can be experienced, etc. It appears that somewhere in the distant past scientific research has vainly attempted to arbitrarily set the time at 24 weeks as to when one graduates from being a simple mass of tissue and blood to that of becoming a full blown human being!

Others insist that one becomes human at the moment conception takes place with the uniting of a sperm and an egg cell which originate with a human male and a human female. Then there are those who radically insist that one is not human until birth has taken place and the new born individual is able to survive outside the womb through the process of breathing, eating, and drinking.

In order to avoid disturbing thoughts about the human aspect being applied to the unborn, abortion devotees employ the term "fetus." You know, this is so impersonal when making reference to that growing mass of blood and tissue inside the female! Instead of a living human being in the stages of formation, we are merely dealing with a thing, which can be treated as casually and indifferently as one would treat the contents of a garbage can!

The real issue in this, however, is how Almighty God views the unborn child. No question on this -- we each have a personal ID that spans the limitations of time and earth into the countless eons of eternity! Consider statements from God's special revelation to the members of the human race:

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:4, 5).

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You. (Psalm 139:14-18).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6).

The above is more than enough to reveal a very clear picture as to God's view of humans and when they are considered to be human.

First, notice that God claims to be involved in the formation of each human -- "I formed you..." does not leave anything to the imagination -- the only exception are those who stumble in their blindness and refuse to acknowledge the reality of God's involvement when it comes to persons such as we.

Second, notice that our identity exists prior to conception in the womb. God knows us before this all takes place and further He has a plan for our lives -- "the days fashioned for me." But the plan was in place before the days came to pass!

Third, this marvelous plan is centered in God's own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ -- "..He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.." The plan and purpose God has for each human life existed prior to the creation of this mighty universe and the earth which is a minute particle of that universe! Since Jesus sacrificed His life on behalf of every human being, that means God has something special for each human being by way of purpose.

Since we are not fashioned to be robots, God has given us the power to choose how it will be with us in this world as we move steadily toward eternity and giving an account to Him when life has ended for us on this earth. We can choose to respond to His gift of eternal life given through His Son, or reject it -- which is the choice of the vast majority living in this world at the present time.

A lot of horrible things take place in this world on a 24/7 basis. But at the top of the list of horrible things taking place what can match the intentional mutilation and murder of an unborn child? It ultimately comes down to direct destruction and the nullifying of God's plan for that child in the stages of formation in its mother's womb!

A wise and thinking person would quickly conclude that when you interfere with what God wants to do by way of a deliberate plan -- that is, you demolish that plan, then you are in more trouble than the human mind is capable of comprehending! But in today's world -- wise and thinking people we have too few and foolish unthinking people we have flooding the earth.

A final "confession" on my part -- I get to wondering about this issue in a republic that claims all persons should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our "trail of blood" has become a river from nearly 59 million victims (as of 12-01-27). I wonder if God is going to have those unrepentant persons, who were in one way or another involved in this "holocaust," see their victims in eternity in that paradise into which all those victims have entered -- and that while the persons responsible for the deaths of the unborn exist in indescribable torment -- Luke 16 in the New Testament would suggest such a possibility! Anyway, just wondering.

At this stage in time there is no real regret concerning this abomination expressed throughout the nation on the part of elected officials, beginning with the president. Not a few church leaders are rather silent too when it comes to facing the reality of the United States' version of "holocaust!" None of us will want to be within the borders of this republic when God chooses to make His response to this, the greatest of tragedies to take place in our nation's history!

"The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it." --- Jeremiah 18:7-10

Jesus Is More Than Just Another Slice of Pizza in the Box!

"There are many paths to the top of the mountain!" and "There are many ships that cross the ocean!" are ancient oft quoted statements that claim all religions are equal and no one superior to any other.

I and my family enjoy eating pizza. We have done our share in helping pizza establishments in our area stay in business over time. We have patronized different pizza outlets within a radius of about 10 miles. The common pizza we usually get is one with pepperoni. Once in a while Jean and I will take advantage of Pizza Hut's buffet where you can get a wide variety of stuff for one price and really pig out by choice!

Enough of our personal experiences with pizza and on to the subject at hand. Never has there been a time in which there has been more intense insistence that all religions are legitimate in the claims which each makes in addressing the issues of human life, responsibility, morality, death, and destiny.

It is as if one said that Jesus is just another slice of pizza in the box. I have noticed that when we get pizza in a box that there are some minor differences -- some pieces are a little larger than others and some may have more pepperoni on than others. So you can choose a bigger or smaller piece and if you are really into pepperoni, you pick the piece that has more on it than others.

There are those, including persons within the ranks of professing Christianity, who say that it is up to you to decide the "religion" with which you want to identify -- one is as good as another. And that, of course, includes Christianity. Just pick and choose and should you become dissatisfied, just come back to the religion box and choose another one!

There are still a few of us around who are quite radical on this issue. We maintain that true Christianity is distinctly separate from and far superior to all other religious expressions found in today's world. Another way of saying it is that only Christianity is the true faith and all the others, whether the devotees number but a few dozen or into the millions, are totally false!

The determining factor making the difference is none other than Jesus Christ Himself! While His uniqueness is mentioned repeatedly throughout the New Testament Scriptures, it is in the Gospel of John that His absolute claims concerning Himself are made known and the fact that either He is genuine or if not, then He qualifies as a first class candidate for admission to the nearest institution for those who are mentally deranged!

All the claims He made are very well summed up in two: first, the claim that He is the way, the truth and the life and that no one can come to the Father except through Him and second, the claim that He is the resurrection and the life and those who believe in Him will not die but will live. Critics will jump on that by saying that even Christians die, so Jesus is wrong. The fact is that Christians do not die -- it is a simple experience of moving out of their earthly bodies (described elsewhere in Scripture as a tent) and going into the presence of God. In some cases God has permitted some Christians to tarry a bit at that moment when they are leaving and speak some words of what they see -- past departed loved ones, angels, and even the Lord Jesus Himself! Those two claims of Jesus can be read at John 14 and John 11. But as you go through the Gospel of John, note every statement of Jesus which is preceded with the words, "I am...."

Christianity in its purest expression is uncompromising in stating that Jesus is God revealed in human form Who demonstrated the perfect life lived on earth. But the most significant act in His visit to the planet which He created a long time ago is seen in His sacrificial death on a Roman cross. His death was on behalf of every human born into this world as He paid the penalty for every sin committed by every human being (yes, even for those who follow the many false religions of this world) and made possible total forgiveness and acceptance in the presence of a holy God!

Three days after the crucifixion Jesus was resurrected from the dead and appeared to many people over a 40 day period. Some of His followers saw Him ascend back to Heaven and heard angels declare that this same Jesus Who had been taken from them would return in like manner at some point in the future. We are now a little over 2,000 years closer to His return than when that statement was first made!

No other religion outside of Christianity has anything that even begins to remotely resemble what the Christian faith is all about and the One in Whom it is centered -- a Savior Who paid the price of the sins of the entire human race through the sacrifice of Himself willingly ("No man takes my life from me -- I lay it down and I take it up again!" - also found in Gospel of John) and His subsequent victory in resurrection from the dead!

Becoming a Christian is, however, a conditional experience. We are called to repent of our sins -- that is, to abandon our sinful ways, and to receive Jesus into our lives by invitation with the intent that we seek to be obedient to Him for the rest of our lives here on earth. This results in being "born again" as mentioned in John 3 of the Gospel. It is a new and transformed life that results. One has moved from concentrating on self and the "What I want" way of life to what is it that Jesus wants of me -- how might I please Him each day that I live?

Again, no other religion in the world has anything that begins to compare to this -- it is only experienced in Jesus Christ and nowhere else!

One can be choosy when it comes to the pizza in the box -- you can pick a big slice, or a smaller slice -- one with lots of pepperoni or one with not so much, or even choose to remove all the pepperoni as certain members in our family choose to do. But when it comes to the religion issue -- be sure to choose the one that is centered in Jesus Christ and be assured of a place in His Kingdom forever -- choosing any other is a sure guarantee of ending up in a Devil's Hell! And that is not an opinion on my part, but what Jesus Himself said about the destiny of those who reject Him! Yes, Jesus is more than just another slice of pizza in the box -- He is Savior, Lord, and our soon returning King!

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." --- Jesus speaking in Matthew 7:21-27

When Cross and Crescent Meet???

"....let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." --- Apostle Peter speaking in Acts 4:10-12

"When Cross and Crescent Meet" is the title of a recent article in The Interpreter, a United Methodist Church publication. The cover featured a photo of a group of Muslim women having prayers at Heartsong United Methodist Church in Cordova TN. Imposed on the photo was the title of the article which details how United Methodists and Muslims in some areas have been getting together.

The central issue is whether a United Methodist Church is to permit any kind of activity whatsoever to take place within its walls, or is there a line to be drawn and a "No!" to be addressed to certain individuals or groups wanting to use the premises?

We pretty well know what the response would be if a group wanted to use the church for a beer party or someone wanted to turn the church into a brothel for an evening with some prostitutes on site doing business! Then again, with changing standards the past few years and the unthinkable now being acceptable, who knows what might happen further down the road?

The United Methodist Church Book of Discipline does contain information as to how a United Methodist Church is to be used. The basic standard is that no individual or group which advocates doctrines and teachings that conflict with the doctrines of the Christian faith should be permitted to use the premises of a local United Methodist Church.

The trust clause of each UMC underscores the fact that the property is to be used in such a manner as to honor God through His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord. This is basic in our faith. Those who practice a lifestyle and adopt doctrines contrary to the mission and purpose of The United Methodist Church forfeit the right to make use of UMC property.

The picture of Muslim women having a prayer time in a United Methodist Church is in violation of stated use and purpose of a United Methodist Church. It is highly doubtful that they are praying to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob through the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is God revealed in human form!

This is not to say that they are not welcome to attend a United Methodist Church worship service or other functions taking place within the church. The view must always be that these are people for whom Jesus Christ died on a cross to make forgiveness of sin possible. The motive must be to reach out in love to these folk in the name of our Lord Jesus but at same time not to convey the idea that their "religion" is as valid as Christianity. It definitely is not.

However, there are those who take the position that other religious expressions in the world are legitimate when it comes to addressing the issues of life, its purpose, and its eternal destiny. So, in that view, bring in whoever has some kind of deity or combination of deities (Hindu) and let them worship the same in a United Methodist Church, in spite of violating the standards for proper use of United Methodist Church property!

Christianity is a very radical faith when honestly viewed in light of Jesus' statements about Who He is and why He came into the world. The Gospel of John lists a number of His statements that begin with "I am..." In examining these claims one is forced to admit that Jesus allows for no other person or deity to do for us humans what He does. It is quite well summed up in His statement in John 14:6 -- "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Not even Allah is given consideration here.

But equally radical is Jesus' statement about honoring God. Think a bit upon this one: "For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (John 5:22-24).

Only God is to be honored -- but when you honor Jesus, you are honoring God. On the other hand, if Jesus is merely a human being and nothing more, then to worship and honor Him is a vain and deadly act in which to engage.

All who claim to be Christian in faith also have to settle the issue of Jesus' parting commandment to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Those who respond are to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That commandment has not been rescinded. That means that all citizens in this world are to be confronted with the call to repent of sin and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives. There are Muslims who have become Christian in faith, though in many instances at a very high price. Likewise it is so with other religious expressions. I have a pastor friend in India who was a Hindu before becoming a Christian. In his congregation are persons who formerly were Hindus and Muslims, but are now dedicated Christians.

Muslims acknowledge the fact that historically, Jesus did really exist. They regard Him as a prophet but that is it. In fact He does not rank as high as Mohammed in their list of prominent persons in the world of Islam.

What to expect in the future? There are and will be the efforts to sit down to the table and "dialog" about religious issues. Again, the assumption will be that all participants have a legitimate claim to addressing the issues of life, its purpose and its eternal destiny.

So that leaves one who professes to be Christian in faith with a very critical question -- are these who are traveling the road of "dialog" right, or is Jesus Christ correct when He claims to be the exclusive way of salvation and hope -- absolutely the one and only, thus shutting out Allah, Vishnu, Shiva, and all other deities in whatever form they exist?

The Crescent must bow down before the Cross -- that is, if there is to be any hope for time and eternity! And why is this? Consider seriously and honestly the following statement and then do the same with Jesus' parting commandment when He left the surface of this planet 2,000 years ago........

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. --- Philippians 2:9-11

Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. --- Matthew 28:18-20

Shaking Things Up a Bit!

"Earthquake Rattles Parts of Eastern US -- The magnitude 5.9 quake was centered some 90 miles from the nation's capital. Parts of the Pentagon, White House & Capitol were among the areas evacuated." --- Headline as it appeared on MSN.com during the afternoon of August 23, 2011

I got home from a doctor's appointment about 3:30 PM. Jean said the weirdest thing had happened around 2 PM -- for a little bit the house "quivered" as she described it in her words. But while at the doctor's office I noticed nothing as I was going through some testing of my eyes.

The news began to flow about the quake being centered in VA and as the headline mentioned, Washington DC is about 90 miles north of the center. But other places located some distance away also felt the quake's activity.

Cable news channels will be saturated about this recent happening and may even crowd out for a time at least what is happening in Libya as the rebels take over Tripoli, Gadafi's "stronghold."

Again, a most appropriate question can be asked -- God has been speaking in a wide variety of ways, but is anyone really listening? More importantly, to what extent is real honest soul-searching taking place and thoughts such as "We need to repent of our wickedness and seek God through His Son, Jesus Christ!"

Jesus, the foremost Authority on human behavior and how to properly relate to God in a positive manner, gave a detailed body of information as to how things would go in the latter times of human history as we see it being presently played out.

Our nation and the entire world are in for a shocking and dramatic change at some point in the future. Before that happens, it will seem that the entire world is in a state of convulsions on a repeat basis. The very structure of the earth will come under great pressure and strain. When the pressure is relieved at certain places, earthquakes will be the result. They may be rather large in magnitude or barely noticable.

Jesus mentioned earthquakes as being one of the indicators that His personal return to this world is drawing near. As He stated it, the earthquakes will be in many different places. This allows for such happenings to take place beyond the traditional "ring of fire" where earthquakes are more common. The "ring of fire" takes in the western coastal areas of South and North America, extending up toward Alaska and then curving down along the eastern coastal areas of the Asian continent into the southern Pacific area. In fact, there is an allowance for an earthquake to take place in areas that have not recorded one in recent memory!

Are you ready for more shake-ups in the days ahead? Perhaps one way of looking at this is to remember that God is just warming up -- we haven't seen anything yet!

When was the last time you had a good talk with God about things over which you are deeply concerned, including what the future holds?

And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." --- Matthew 24:4-8

Does An Old Man of 78 Years Have Any Real Future?

Clayton D. Harriger was born on August 5, 1933 to Russell & Helen (Sedgwick) Harriger at a farm house in Monroe Township in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

I just recently celebrated my 78th birthday. Since I am on Facebook, my birth date was common knowledge among the many friends I have through this social network. I received a large number of greetings from not only friends and relatives here in the United States, but from many who live in nations outside the U. S. as well. For all these well wishes extended to me I am extremely grateful. I regret that I was not able to respond personally to each one of those greetings. So at this time I am stating my heart felt gratitude for all who took time to post some words and wishing me a happy birthday.

It was a good day and a relaxing one. There was no party and that was quite OK. I am at the age now where parties do not have the meaning they used to have in my very young years. I remember especially one my mother arranged for me when I was about 8 or 9 years of age. It was a surpise and quite a few friends came with gifts which were exciting to open. That special day was indelibly stamped into my memory.

But now, on to the question asked at the beginning - does an old man of 78 years have any real future? I have witnessed drastic changes in the nation and the world during the seven decades plus that I have lived. Science has developed many advances in many fields which have enhanced our living conditions. Going to the dentist, for instance, isn't quite the agony it used to be. At that young age to which I referred a moment ago, going to the dentist meant you would not receive novocaine for drilling out and filling a cavity. The drill was a slow speed piece of equipment which I referred to as the "grinder!" The pain could be sheer torture and added to that was the stink when the smoke began to roll as the dentist just kept on drilling and drilling -- no spray of water applied either during the process!

Anyway, developments and inventions of a wide variety have helped to make life a better quality experience over time.

But on the other hand the standards of morality, ethics, and spirituality have horribly deteriorated over time as well. Scandals among high profile persons in our culture are becoming quite common place. The two primary driving forces in our culture, state and church, are weighed in the balances and found greatly wanting -- to quote a situation from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible!

Elected officials in the U. S. government have hatched a "health care plan" which eventually will result in old people being hung out to dry -- one theme in all this is referred to as "cost effectiveness" -- that is, will it be good to treat a person for health needs because it will result in that person living longer and making a further contribution for the improvement of society, or will it be a wasted expenditure because the person in question will not be living very much longer anyway due to age!

There is a cold and calloused attitude developing which essentially says that old people are like parasites in our culture -- they are a drain on finances and take up space, while making absolutely no contribution for the enhancement of society -- they are like a ball & chain and hindering the progress and prosperity of our nation! So it really is best to see them make their exit from this earthly existence as soon as possible!

I am one of those "candidates" that eventually may be "hung out and left to dry" (insert word "die" if you wish). It is amazing how the spirit of Nazi Germany is creeping into our nation and influencing viewpoints and attitudes. Greatest proof is in the bloody trail created by destroying over 53 million unborn children since January 1973 by sanction of the Judicial, Executive, and Legislative branches of the federal government!

Do I have any real future? You thought I would never get to that, didn't you? I answer with an enthusiastic "Yes!" However, my future and high expectations do not rest upon what is going on in Washington DC or in the capitol of the state in which I live, Harrisburg PA. The shenanigans going on in such places as those offer no hope whatsoever, The Bible informs us clearly as to how the manipulative antics of humans in the times preceding the judgment of God will proceed.

My hope rests upon the Person and promises of Jesus Christ, the living Son of God. I was and am not worthy of such love and mercy as He has shown to me. I was not yet born when the apostle Paul said that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- and then he added, "... of whom I am chief!" I would have to say to Paul, "Get behind me and be second in line -- I'll take the place of being the 'chief' of sinners!"

Jesus died an agonizing, tortuous death on the cross -- in so doing, He paid the penalty leveled against me for every sin of which I have been guilty in my entire lifetime. And he did the same for you, dear reader. I repented of my sins, asked His forgiveness, and received Him as Savior and Lord into my life many years ago. My life has been far from perfect since that miraculous moment many years ago -- but where I have failed, He has been gracious to forgive and restore me to fellowship with Him on a daily basis!

My hope is not only centered in Him as Savior and Lord, but also in the prospect of His personal return to this chaotic planet to take control of human affairs. What a day that will be. I got so excited one time about this that I wrote a blog piece discussing the wonderful fact that a great day is coming -- all government officials will be out of a job, including those in the U.S. -- if it is still around at that time! Jesus Christ will be in total charge as He establishes His Kingdom over the whole world.

One of many promises concerning this future event upon which I stand is found in Revelation 11:15 which explicitly declares: "Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'"

Yes, it is an ever present reality that an old man can have a rock solid hope for the future as he views the shifting sands of the nations and present governments of this world -- a hope that extends beyond the very limited things of time into eternity itself where the perfect trouble-free environment exists as established by One Who holds the title, "King of kings and Lord of lords!"

But until that hope of which I speak becomes a reality in this world, I shall continue to fulfill the calling God gave me to preach and teach His holy Word, bearing witness in whatever way possible that Jesus is "..the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but through Him." (John 14:6).

Where is your hope centered today?

By You I have been upheld from my birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb. My praise shall be continually of You. I have become as a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. For my enemies speak against me; and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together, saying, "God has forsaken him; pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him." O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! Let them be confounded and consumed who are adversaries of my life; let them be covered with reproach and dishonor who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only. O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth. --- Psalm 71:6-20

Did Jesus Really Mean ALL When He Said "All?"

"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake." --- Jesus speaking in Matthew 24:9

My daily devotional time involves the reading of the Scriptures and prayer. The Scripture readings take me through the Bible in a year's time -- the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice plus additional readings in the prophets as well as elsewhere. The prayer time involves praise and thanksgiving as based on Psalm 103. There is a time of confession, personal petition, and intercession.

One part of intercession involves prayer for those who are in governing authority and church leadership authority. But more important than that is prayer on behalf of brothers and sisters whose faith is centered in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Unknown to me but certainly known to God are those fellow believers who are suffering bitter and violent persecution for their faith in some countries in this world. There are families who grieve this day because some member or members of a family have been put to death for no other reason than the fact that they were followers of Jesus Christ and faithful ambassadors for Him (2 Cor 5). The Voice of the Martyrs is an excellent source of information on how Christians are treated in some parts of this troubled world. Our prayer list at our church in Gipsy includes a reference to praying for those fellow believers who are suffering violent persecution.

There are some countries that have built a "reputation" for being very hostile toward Christianity and those who are Christian in faith and commitment. China, North Korea, and many Muslim controlled countries are examples. Try building a church that preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ and do evangelism in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or Iran and see how far you get!

This should not really be surprising in light of statements made by Jesus. He explicitly revealed that His followers would undergo persecution. Since He became the target of resistance and open hostility it stands to reason that those who follow HIm will experience similar treatment at times. He confirmed this by stating,

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." --- John 15:18, 19

The Greek word in the original text (miseo) as translated "hate" (John 15:18, 19) means to detest, especially to persecute. Followers of Jesus Christ are "light" and "salt" in this present world (Matthew 5:13-16) The world (great mass of unbelievers) does not want to be exposed to the glaring light of truth nor does it want to be resisted (salty Christians) in its acceptance and practice of evil in its many forms. The reaction will always be hostility, if not violent persecution.

So, when Jesus said hatred toward His followers would involve ALL nations (Matthew 24:9) did He really mean all? The Greek word for "all" in that reference is pas and has the following meaning -- "all, any, every, the whole."

Now comes the interesting part -- how about the United States? Could it be the exception? If so, then that makes Jesus out to be a liar. There are a few of us who not only acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord, but as perfect God revealed in human form on the planet which He created. As such, He only speaks truth on any and every occasion.

There has been a growing hostility against Christianity even in "the land of the free and the home of the brave" in recent decades particularly. The fierce debate continues over the Supreme Court decision that banned the reading of Scriptures and the practice of prayer in public classrooms. There are professing Christians who support the decision and state that it is a good thing. Was it really? Is the country in a more superior spiritual, moral and ethical condition now as a result of that decision than it was at the time the decision was handed down? Honesty would dictate that the answer is a definite "No!" and the Supreme Court decision was nothing less than a slap in the face of Almighty God Himself!

Other court decisions have demonstrated an explicit hostility toward Christianity with perhaps the most infamous one being the decision in 1973 stating that it is a constitutional "right" for a female to destroy her unborn child by an intentional choice! One critical thing to remember -- of the over 52 million victims of the United States' "holocaust," there would have been those who would have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but due to being mutilated and murdered before birth, they never had that opportunity. Hostility against potential Christians in its most horrendous form, is it not?

We can expect increased "warfare" being waged against Christians in the United States as time moves on. That is, the target will be those who still believe that the inspired record known as the Bible is totally true and to be practiced in every day living. There is a problem, however, and that is those persons who claim to be Christian but who have compromised on issues of morality and ethics and do not accept the Bible as the final authority on matters of faith and practice -- to these, the Bible is but a fallible book merely produced by some human beings! And you, the individual, become the final judge as to what you want to accept or reject. Above all else, be sure to do everything you can to silence those fanatics who insist that the Bible is God's inspired Word and Jesus Christ is the exclusive way of forgiveness, salvation and hope for time and eternity!

"Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! for indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets." --- Jesus speaking in Luke 6:22, 23

May 21, 2011 - Another Same Old, Same Old Day in This Chaotic World!

Harold Camping was able to convince quite a number of people that 11-05-21 was THE DAY Jesus Christ was coming back and judgment was going to take place. --- a myriad of media sources reported on this, especially during the week preceding the "predicted" event!

It is 2:50 PM EDST on May 21, 2011 in Belsano PA USA as this is being written. It appears that Harold C. and his friends are not exactly on target concerning the return of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to this troubled world. As many pointed out along the way on this unfolding drama, Jesus explicitly said that no one among the human family knows the day nor the hour that He will return to the world which He created a long, long time ago. That moment is known only by God the Father Who knows the end from the beginning. Harold, of course, had an "explanation" as to how he was able to side step this statement by Jesus.

There are at least three primary tragedies in this whole episode:

First, the waste of a huge amount of money spent on the "campaign" is likely unfathomable. Billboards, for instance, were put up all over the place at a cost of more than a tad above $1.98! It is simply impossible to calculate the total amount spent in one way or another in getting the "message" out all over the world that 11-05-21 was indeed THE DAY! Most would probably agree that this gigantic sum could have been spent in a much better way such as helping the poor and needy. It is an example that compares to how our federal government handles money -- just pour it down a rat hole!

Second, the focus on a specific date set for the return of the Son of God diverted attention away from a Christian's primary responsibility. That responsibility is to be involved in every way possible in implementing the parting command of Jesus to go into all the world and share the Gospel with all people in all nations. By implication (and on basis of Jesus' personal claims and demands upon all humans) we are also declaring that all religious expressions apart from Christianity are false and that only Christianity is the true faith -- it is exclusively the only way to know forgiveness and peace with God! This is not personal opinion nor is it vain speculation -- it is solid fact as based on the claims Jesus made regarding Himself and the four demands He set forth which every person must meet if that person is going to know God and be a citizen of His eternal Kingdom.

Third, the subject of Jesus' return to this world is real. But now, after the May 21, 2011 fiasco, references to prophetic Scriptures and the attempt to preach and/or teach on the subject will likely be met with more ridicule and skepticism than ever. God has revealed quite a bit about what to expect in times preceding the return of Jesus to earth. The one thing God has not given us is a specific calendar date and hour on that date when human history as it is now being played out will come to an earth-shaking conclusion.

What to do? Seek direction from the Holy Spirit as to your involvement in carrying out Jesus' command (see His statements in Matthew 28) and live each day in expectation that He may return before the sun sets. When you lay your head upon the pillow at night remember that Jesus could return before the sun rises the next morning! The key is to live in a state of readiness at all times.

"Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." --- Matthew 24:42-51

Science Is Still "god" in the Minds of Some Persons!

O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. --- Jeremiah 10:23

The debate has at times been fierce and the battle has never seen an "armistice" take place in modern times. It has been the clash between what some may refer to as the irrestible force and the immovable object! Those in the field of science and those in the realm of religion seem to be very often on opposite sides of the fence when it comes to God and His relationship to a mighty universe which has boundaries we have not yet approached in all our probing and viewing.

Recently British physicist, Stephen Hawking, made some statements that are bound to cause an uproar from certain quarters, particularly those who profess to be Christian in their faith. He was interviewed by The Guardian newspaper and referred to the notion of Heaven as being a "fairy story." Hawking said, "I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven of afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people who are afraid of the dark."

He advocates that science can explain the universe's origin without the involvement or existence of God being necessary! Why is it when I hear statements such as that coming from someone who is dismissing God as casually as I throw some unwanted item into the garbage can that the game, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, comes to mind -- you know, a bunch of kids with blindfolds on stumble about trying to find the correct part of the donkey's anatomy so they can attach the tail?

Hawking has no authority on which to base such statements except his own personal speculation. All of us humans have a tendency to do that due to having been born with a fallen nature that is inclined at the very beginning to concentrate on the self -- or to put it another way, we are born with an imaginary fiddle in our hands, and when we play it, everyone else in the world is expected to dance to our tune. And if there is a God out there somewhere, then He had better learn to dance to that tune as well!

Hawking's approach is nothing new -- in fact it's been around ever since the disaster that took place in the Garden of Eden a long, long time ago and involved two people known as Adam and Eve. Ever since their fall and banishment from the Garden, all born humans want to set themselves up as an "authority" on anything and everything, including whether there is God or not existing.

God, of course, has clearly revealed Himself to the human race in three major ways. First, through His creation in which the seriously thinking person by observing the creation comes to a sensible conclusion -- there has to be a Supreme All Powerful Being of some kind behind all this.

Second, God took a long period of time to have information recorded and preserved to further enlighten the members of the human race as to His identity, His character, His actions and the conditions by which the human race can become acquainted with Him. About 1,500 years was the amount of time and the use of at least 40 persons or more in bringing about an inspired record commonly now referred to as the Bible. There are a few of us who agree that this record is the final authority on all matters having to do with faith and the practice of that faith in human life and experience.

Third, God chose to become human and reveal Himself in a body of flesh and blood to the human race. The primary purpose for this action was that He would take upon Himself all the sins of the entire human race and provide atonement for all human sin through His sacrificial death on the cross. Through Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection from the dead, total forgiveness is now offered to each human being. The condition is to be honest, admit one's transgressions and repent of those, seek mercy and forgiveness and be restored to fellowship with God our Creator.

But for Hawking and countless others such as he, there is no need for God. Some in this crowd consider any religion as merely a "crutch" to lean on through life because one is not strong enough to go it alone!

Now back to a statement made by Hawking about Heaven -- he dismisses it as something similar to a "fairy tale." Now here's that fork in the road again -- Hawking says there is no Heaven, but Jesus Christ, God in human form, says there is and that He is preparing a place for those who have chosen to follow Him as Savior and Lord. Whom will you believe? I admit that I am not personally acquainted with Stephen Hawking but I am personally acquainted with Jesus Christ. In fact I've known Him now for nearly 54 years! No hesitation whatsoever -- I choose to believe Jesus and look forward to being a citizen in His eternal Kingdom forever!

This, of course, is a faith issue. God Himself has revealed that there has to be a measure of faith at work in relating to Him. But He has also revealed that each person is given a measure of faith - note Romans 12:3. However, it is also obvious by wrong choices made that faith can be quenched just as easily as one can put out a burning match by throwing a gallon of water on it!

For any that may be struggling a bit over this issue, further encouragement is given at How to Become a Christian. It is God's desire that all come to repent, receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and live day by day with the blessed assurance of having everlasting life and a place in Heaven after life is concluded on this earth.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was translated so that he did not see death, "and was not found because God had translated him"; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. --- Hebrews 11:1-6