May 25, 2013

Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for Biblical Principles

Pray for the Warren Family

April 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Pray for the Warren Family

I know most of you heard the tragic news about the 27-year-old son of popular evangelical pastor Rick Warren.  If you have not, then you should know his son passed away at his Southern California home this past Friday evening.  Pastor Warren remarked about his son Matthew, “He had a brilliant intellect and a gift for sensing who was most in pain or most uncomfortable in a room. He’d then make a bee-line to that person to engage and encourage them.”

I share this news because my heart truly weeps for parents who lose their children.  Rick and his wife Kay are going to need our prayers long after the memorial service, so please join me in adding them to your prayer list.

http://www.rr.com/news/topic/article/rr/55255142/83722623/Church_Pastor_Rick_Warrens_son_commits_suicide

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Texas: One State Under God

April 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Texas-One State Under God

A Christian-themed specialized vehicle license plate program in Texas, which was approved in 2011, has sold hundreds of copies resulting in about $60,000 for the state’s General Revenue Fund and non-profit organizations.  The plate, which features the phrase “One State Under God,” is distributed by My Plates, a Texas-based company that was given a contract by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to create and sell specialized plates.

To compliment these state recognized plates, more and more Christians are adding their personal touch.  It’s called “plate language” and the State of Texas is capitalizing on this idea.  So don’t be surprised if you see Texas license plates framed in “One State Under God” and read:

  • GOD LVZ U
  • 4-FAITH
  • PMS24-7
  • JOHN316
  • 4-GIVEN

What would your Christian license plate say?

http://www.christianpost.com/news/one-state-under-god-license-plate-a-growing-success-in-texas-92861/

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

History Channel’s “The Bible” Sets Records

April 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

History Channel's The Bible Sets Records

History Channel’s epic mini-series “The Bible” did a commendable job of depicting the history of the Bible from beginning to end.   The viewers were able to see these unforgettable stories, shared for generations, unfold before their very eyes through live action and cutting-edge computer-generated imagery.  I believe there was value in the way the producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey offered new insight into famous scenes and iconic characters.

I have not decided if the soon to be released DVD series is worth owning, however, I would recommend renting the series which should be available April 2nd.  The most significant segments in my mind included Noah’s journey in the ark, the Exodus, the way the angels were depicted, and the life of Jesus.

I have a sign that hangs in my office that shows a baseball player attempting to steal a base.  The picture leaves you wondering if he is successful or not.  The message underneath reads, “Sometimes the greatest risk…is not to risk”.  The History Channel along with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey took a risk, they stepped out in faith, and they let God do the rest.  Excellent lesson for us all to learn.

 

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Good Friday: All Hope Is Not Lost

March 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Photo by Alberto Ramirez

Photo by Alberto Ramirez

If you noticed, I did not title today’s blog in the usual fashion.  I purposely left the word “Feel” out of the “Feel Good Friday” message.  I did this because I’m surmising on this day approximately 2,000 years ago, not many people could “feel” anything.  Systemic shock was more than likely the reaction that day, at least among those who had placed all their hope in Jesus to be the King of their nation.   Then when the Roman government put Him to death, no doubt their hopes for being led by the Savior prophesied in Genesis, Isaiah, Zechariah, and Psalms died with Him on the cross.

So if the One whom others had placed all their hope was crucified on this day, why call it “Good Friday”?  Because the story does not end there, we find out three days later this was only the beginning.  We discover over 500 eyewitnesses saw Jesus return to life after dozens had witnessed his death:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time…” (I Corinthians 15:3-7)

Curious what the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life was like on earth?  I recommend you watch the 2004 release of “The Passion of the Christ” starring Jim Caviezel.  Be forewarned, this is not a “popcorn” eating type of movie…but when you realize He endured the last 12 hours of His life because He loves you…it will explain why this day is considered to be “Good Friday”.

Happy Easter…He has risen :)

 

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

6 Trivia Questions for Easter

March 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment

6 Easter Trivia Questions

We went to the movie theater not too long ago and discovered we had arrived a little early.   To keep us entertained until the movie started, a series of trivia questions began to show up on the movie screen.  After answering a couple of the questions correctly I began to realize I certainly knew a lot of useless information, but then it got interesting.  I found myself eagerly waiting for the answers to those questions I did not know.  That’s when it hit me.  Why not have the “down time” in a movie theater ask questions that would actually enhance our knowledge?  What if they offered world history, U.S. history…wait…what about Bible knowledge.  To get us prepared for Easter this Sunday, how about I ask six questions that will test your Bible knowledge?

  • To whom did Jesus say these words, “Assuredly I say to you, one of you will betray me?”
  • Which of the twelve disciples agreed to help the plotters capture Jesus and how much was he paid?
  • What was the sign given between the betrayer and the multitude, to identify Jesus as the one that they were looking for?
  • The governor found no fault in Jesus and said, “I am innocent of this just man’s blood!”  What did he then do, to prove that he meant what he said?
  • After sentencing Jesus, He was scourged and a crown of thorns was placed on His head.  He was then spat upon and mocked.  What did they do to Him next?
  • What was the purpose for Christ’s death?

Answers:

  • The 12 disciples = Matthew 26:20-23
  • Judas Iscariot with 30 pieces of silver = Matthew 26:14-15
  • A kiss = Matthew 26:48
  • He washed his hands = Matthew 27:22-25
  • They led Him away to be crucified = Matthew 27:27-31
  • Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures = 1Corinthians 15:3

http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/religion/new_testament/matthew.html

 

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

U.S. Supreme Court Protects the Cross

March 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The U.S. Supreme Court Protects The Cross

After a holiday season where atheist organizations across the country seemed to have a run of legal victories which successfully removed Christ from Christmas, their win streak came to an end this past January.  The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a final appeal in a lawsuit challenging the use of state funds to renovate an 11-story cross atop southern Illinois’ tallest peak, ending the legal dispute spanning more than two years.

The nation’s high court declined without comment to review confessed atheist Robert Sherman’s request to hear his case. It involved a $20,000 grant given in 2008 for the 111-foot-high Bald Knob Cross of Peace near Alto Pass.  The cross was built largely thanks to local farmers’ profits from selling pigs. It has been a fixture on the 1,025-foot-high Bald Knob Mountain, looking over forests and the region’s orchards and wine country. Easter services have been held on the mountain since 1937…and it looks like this Easter they will continue with the tradition.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/01/25/supreme-court-rejects-atheist-appeal-over-11-story-illinois-cross/

 

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

U.S.A. Forced Into Action

March 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

USA Forced Into Action

In his State of the Union address last month, President Obama said the United States would “stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response to threats.”  It seems he is being true to his words.  With his visit to our allied nation of Israel next week and now North Korea’s recent rocket launch, nuke test, mobile missile and threats as well as Iran being a little over a year away from nuclear capabilities, President Obama and his staff are moving into action. 

The United States will deploy additional ground-based missile interceptors on the West Coast and in Alaska in an effort to enhance the nation’s ability to defend itself from an attack by what former President George W. Bush deemed as the “Axis of Evil”.  For those of us not in a position to determine the fate of our nation and the world, here is what the Bible says on the topic:

Fact: “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.  But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.” (Matthew 24:6-8)

Hope: “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.  This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:13-14)

http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/15/us/north-korea-missile-defense/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

President Obama Travels to Israel

March 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment

President Obama Travels to Israel

No miracles to shore-up the U.S. and Israel relationship are expected as President Obama makes his first visit to Israel next week after being in office for over four years.  The good news is when Obama steps off Air Force One on Israeli soil he’ll feel the immediate safety of landing in friendly territory.  No doubt the President will be struck by the warm hospitality in a faraway land.  Previously, four sitting U.S. Presidents (Nixon, Carter, Clinton, Bush) have been able to consider Israel their second home while visiting the hostile environment of the Middle East, whether Obama gets to that point is yet to been seen.

 Whatever differences the U.S. has with Israel about Iran’s nuclear program, both countries agree they must prevent Tehran from successfully developing nuclear technology. With the Arab Spring destabilizing Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, hopefully Obama will get a new perspective on what to do about the revolution going on in Syria. No matter how unsavory the regime in Syria, U.S. and Israeli officials know, as Russia has warned, things could get a lot worse toppling the Syria President, Bashar al-Assad.

So what’s the most we can hope for with this inaugural visit?  We are being told that Obama will assure the 63-year-old Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that the U.S. will in fact support President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush Sr., and President George W. Bush with the philosophy, “No negotiations with terrorists” regardless of the political circumstances.  Please join me in praying for our President during his visit as we are “urged” to do so in 1Timothy 2:1-4:

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

http://www.rr.com/local/topic/article/rr/4473267/82854961/Obama_resets_relations_with_Israel

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Powerful Pastor Pacifies A Prowler

March 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Powerful Pastor Pacifies A Prowler

Michael Jankowski, a 6 foot -1 inch 250 pound pastor from Long Island, New York must have decided that Matthew 5:38-42 was not applicable one Thursday morning:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”

Instead, the pastor of the nondenominational congregation must have decided the more appropriate verse (while he grabbed the jacket of the burglar breaking into his church) was to be found in the latter part of Matthew Chapter 5:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

When the pastor realized his church was about to become a burglary statistic, he first called 9-1-1, then he subdued the trespasser, prayed for him, and finished by telling him God loved him. When the Suffolk County police arrived, they arrested the 43-year-old man, who may not have been ready to repent of his sins, but I’m certain was sorry he got caught.  The invader was arraigned Friday in court.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/03/09/new-york-pastor-prays-for-intruder-while-calling-11/

 

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News, Humor Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Egypt’s Historical Repetition

March 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Historical Repetition

There is a saying, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”  Egypt may want to sit up and listen this time around.  Their biblical past is filled with losing battles against God and now it appears the current government may be moving down the same destructive path as their ancestors. 

The book of Exodus in the Bible provides the documentation of what occurred the last time Egypt took such a staunch stand against God.  Those events are now known as the “Ten Plagues of the Bible”.  Here is why I am concerned for the people of Egypt and the Christians among them:

  • A group of Christian priests from a local Coptic church in Egypt were told to convert to Islam or face death, according to an Arabic news site.
  • Extremists, a couple weekends ago, set fire to a Christian Church in the Province of Fayoum, the second such assault against the town’s Coptic population in a month. The attackers ripped down the church’s cross and hurled rocks at church members, injuring four people including the priest, according to a report by Morning Star News.
  • Two women in traditional Islamic headdress cut off the hair of two Christian women on the subway in Cairo in December, the Egypt Independent reported. It was the third such incident in two months.
  • A couple weeks back, an Egyptian court forced two Coptic Christian boys, ages 10 and 9, to face trial for “insulting the Koran,” according to reports. The boys were arrested after playing in a pile of trash, which authorities claimed included pages of the Koran.

Pray for the people of Egypt.  Pray they are willing to allow God to turn their hearts before He is forced to turn their land…again.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/02/21/islam-or-death-egypt-christians-targeted-by-new-terror-group/

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »