April Ramblings

For those who know Jesus Christ personally, Easter is a very special time in which we celebrate His life, death, burial and resurrection. And granted, this should not be just a one day remembrance, as our Redeemer should be celebrated in our hearts throughout the days of the year. Through Him we live and have everlasting life as oppose to eternal destruction. He is the Way, Truth, and the Life. Jesus gave His life for us, so that we may live and not perish:

John 3:16-17
16) 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.
17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

When I was growing up, on Good Friday, public schools were closed in America. Prime time television on the three major networks would present programming about Jesus Christ unabashedly. Many businesses would be closed then, as well as on Easter Sunday. Stores would reflect what Easter was about, but along with selling candy and baskets. Nevertheless, the message of the cross remained in the public eye. It was not just about Peter cottontail, eggs, and other commercial items then.

Where is your God, America? (Yes, I realize He is omnipresent). Every year, we as a nation reject Him more and more. We don’t want Him in our schools. We want to redefine holidays which were intended to celebrate Him, by minimizing the message of the Cross. We don’t want Him on our money. We don’t want Him in our court houses and government buildings as in the past. We don’t want Him in our homes, in our lives, telling us what to do, or what to believe.

Many are comfortable with their contempt—even proud of it, and at ease in the darkness that surrounds them.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

I don’t write this to galvanize political action, although that’s fine with me. We are told to shut up when proclaiming the Gospel, but as Paul mentioned in Corinthians, the preaching of the cross was foolishness then… and it is now. In many accounts presented in the Old Testament, Israel repeatedly rejected God and returned to God. Serving other gods and returning to God. Judgment would fall upon them, and the children of Israel would cry out. And God in His mercy would hear them.

Our nation has many voices advocating rebellion against the One True God, and new age beliefs abound. Even in our churches. Too many come up with their own version of a god, generally one which does not recognize sin, or the need of a Savior. Why is it so many think judgment cannot fall on this nation? Or any other nation for that matter? Ironically, some of the same preaching God no longer judges, will proclaim judgment will fall upon those not yielding to their authority. But that's a post for another time.

1 Corinthians 1:17 -21
17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19) For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20) Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.