Many Ways
Recently it was reported that a very high-profile denominational leader stated that all religions are paths to the same God. This was said to Christians living in Singapore. It’s like different religions are simply a different language talking about the same God. Really!? Can we lump all the world’s religions into one basket and say they all lead to the God who created and redeemed us? Hardly! They all have their own god and sacred writings and none of them completely agree on everything, therefore, religious doctrine will be contradicted.
Reputation
Paul writes to the Christian church located in the heart of the pagan Roman Empire, a church he did not establish or visit prior to sending his letter.
The church Paul writes to, probably not a ‘mega,’ church had a reputation that spread far and wide. What was their reputation? First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world. Romans 1:8
Shalom
What is this peace the bible speaks of? Peace from conflict, peace of mind? Shalom is the fullness of life: prosperity, happiness, salvation, restoration, repair – the sum total of the Gospel.
Gracious to You
The Aaronic benediction continues with the words: and be gracious to you. Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
His Face Shine
We continue with Aaron’s benediction in Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his
face toward you and give you peace.” Last week we saw that the pronoun ‘you’ is singular personal referring to you as an individual and not you all. God is speaking to you by name, and mentions it six times.
Bless You
I believe most of us are familiar with the closing benediction (blessing) at the close of a worship service. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26.
Worldwide Games
Every four years the world waits with anticipation to watch the world’s best athletes compete in the Olympics. It has provided clean entertainment for all ages and a time of global unity.
Knowledge and Good Sense
As we read through the book of Proverbs, we encounter words such as knowledge and good sense. How do they differ from wisdom?
God is Involved
I realize the news media is flooding the air waves and our minds with the assassination attempt. It is a big deal and I don’t want to ignore it as though it doesn’t matter. I think it also takes time to process how close the bullet came to Donals Trump’s head and how close he came to being murdered and how that would have changed the political and cultural landscape. Turning at the last milli-second saved his life. Even Trump said; “it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.”
What is Wisdom
Continuing with the topic of wisdom as portrayed in the book of Proverbs, we need to understand that true wisdom is God’s gift to us. Wisdom resides with God and He freely shares it as we seek Him and follow Him. It does not come from man’s intellect. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:18-19a, 20b Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God… “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile. What wisdom we have comes from above.