Still Awaiting our Newest

I know you probably have a lot going on today, but we ask that you continue to pray for our daughter, Jill, and the baby that there be no complications.  The baby is still "on the way," and we'll let you know when she "arrives."  To the faithful, we say a hearty, THANKS!

Woody, Sarah, Jill, Scott, Sophia, Ruby

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"

Hebrews 12:2

"Excercise the Mind" Today

"Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider ('exercise the mind' concerning) the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house."  (Hebrews 3:1, 2)

 

The NLT says, "And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are bound for heaven, think about this Jesus whom we declare to be God's Messenger and High Priest."

 

In chapter one we read that, "This Jesus,'" has a, "more excellent name than they," that, "This Jesus," is He Who, "laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.  Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed.  But you are the same, and Your years will not fail."  Let there be no doubt about the very clear, non "seeker friendly," politically incorrect Biblical commands concerning, "This Jesus," His Kingdom, the rule of His Words, our absolutely surrender to such, and no patience or respect for any other "lord," or the blasphemous speaking of "the world's great religions," and no doubt about any political philosophy, or opinions which deny, "This Jesus."  There is only One, "Apostle and High Priest of our profession," and only, "one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." 

 

"And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are bound for heaven, 'exercise the mind' about------------------- this Jesus." 

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I embrace anew today, "This Jesus," as my only truth and comfort.  Amen.

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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"Jesus...Like Us, His Brothers and Sisters"

"Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest....Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted."  (Hebrew 2:17, 18--NLT) 

 

Throughout history, many in leadership positions in Christianity have not exemplified our text.  They haven't seen themselves, "made like His brothers and sisters."  Rather, they see themselves as somehow "apart," a species to be unquestioned and obeyed.  Catholicism, for example, for centuries did not allow the Bible to be translated into the language of "the common people" because common folk were unable or unfit to comprehend the, "Words of God."  The leadership of the church burned John Huss at the stake and later exhumed Wycliffe's bones and burned them because they saw themselves, "like us, His brothers and sisters."

 

One of the greatest "occupational hazards" in churches is the "distance" between pastoral leadership, staff, and the other members.  It may not be intended, but it is nonetheless there.  Many churches provide programs as though the membership has nothing else to do in life but keep those programs rolling.  The purpose of fivefold personages is, "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up...." (NIV).  Most churches prepare the saints for just more work in the church.

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ did not prepared His disciples to be "apostles," but rather servants-- "Yet I am among you as the One who serves."  They were not to be exalted leaders to dominate others, to be as suns around which lesser planets orbit.  Neither did He teach them to expect to have the best rooms and accommodations at conferences, some sort of "breed apart."  Jesus trained men as servants.  Paul said of himself, "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ."  You and I are no more, no less.  

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, may I always be a servant/helper.  Amen.

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News, Commentary @:   www.apf327.blogspot.com

   

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

"The Blessed Hope"--- Comfort of "Special People"

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us (among many other things) that...we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ...."  (Titus 2)

 

The news today is full of the Challenger disaster.  The news every day is full of something which reminds us of the absolute frailty of human existence.  I used to tell our children to never let their last words to someone be unkind words.  I remember my Dad told me of an incident when he was a young pastor.  A newly married couple had a fight just before the man left for work.  The wife's last words to him were, "I hope I never see you again."  She didn't.  He was killed in an head-on accident.  She never regained her sanity. 

 

Every quarter I come to today's text I read it with the freshness of the first time's reading.  It is one in a long list of Bible passages which affirms the Theology of the "Second Coming," referred to here as, "the blessed hope...."  As I stood at the grave of our oldest son, it was only Our Father, in His indwelling presence in Jesus Christ by the hallowed presence of His Blessed Majesty, the Holy Spirit, Who sustained me, and sustains me to this very moment------- "Blessed Hope"!! 

 

Every day is an expecting day for the Follower of Jesus Christ, one who accepts the Bible as, "the words of God," a day, "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."  Today I greatly encourage you as one of the, "Special People," keep, "looking for the...glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ," while you continue to in your zealousness, "for good works."  Courage, weary pilgrim, the Day is fast approaching.

 

Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray that you sustain all today who have lost loved ones.  Thank You so much for Your moment by moment sustenance.  Amen.

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* Will be sending updated news later today at:  www.apf327.blogspot.com

  

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2