tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57936933900235743572024-03-05T03:04:56.916-07:00Five Pint LutheranAt one time "Five Point Calvinist" was a label worn by me with much happiness. I no longer agree with that summary of the Christian Faith. A friend said I am now a "Five Pint Lutheran." I will agree with that! Thanks to Jennifer B for my new header!David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-61980329284089127502016-05-22T09:17:00.000-07:002016-05-22T09:18:25.422-07:00A Cure For You Which Saves Your Eternal Life!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The other day a fellow chatter on Facebook objected strongly about my having a Crucifix on my profile picture on Facebook. He cited the second command from God:</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Exodus 20:4-6 ESV)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This certainly is a clear warning regarding any type of representation of God and his work being made by man. Continuing in the command we see that it is the bowing down and worshiping this image, statue, picture or other item which is prohibited. Not the display or possession of such an article.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here we see Our Lord making use of an article to save the life of his wayward Israel:</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”</span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Numbers 21:8 ESV)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is Our Lord directing the man through which he gave his commandments to erect a pole with the representation of a serpent on it. This was to counteract the venomous bite of the serpents. Obviously from this instance and all the instructions regarding the Temple furnishings Our Lord has no problems with having an image concerning his work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Compare this to the Lamb of God on the cross who located himself there to cure the bite of a different serpent. It is indeed comparing the lesser to the greater. The serpent was to save temporal life. The creature used by our Adversary to rob us of eternal life. Which is loathsome to look at by many people. Whom we willingly believed rather than Our Lord. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "bitstream charter" , "times" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Compare this serpent with the Lamb who saves our eternal life. He never has anything but the best intentions for us. He is still cast aside as a loathsome person for he dared to forgive miserable sinners. Quite a shot to the head of pride. But oh what wondrous love is this?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What has all this to do with a crucifix:</span><br />
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<section id="modal-container"><section class="reveal-modal right" id="copy-modal"><section class="contain"><section class="reveal-modal-content"><pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></pre>
<section id="modal-container"><section class="reveal-modal right" id="copy-modal"><section class="contain"><section class="reveal-modal-content"><pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,
so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever</i></b></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>believes in him may have eternal life.
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(John 3:14-15 ESV)</b>
Jesus does the unthinkable. He compares himself to the
serpent who deceived us which ended our eternal </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">life with Our Lord. He became the most vilest of </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">sinner by bearing the sin of the whole world on </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">himself.</span></pre>
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</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have come to really appreciate </span><span style="font-size: large;">crucifixes as a </span></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">reminder of my sin and guilt. The </span><span style="font-size: large;">love and care </span></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our Lord has for me to have my sin pinned to </span></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the cross with himself for me. Yet they still make</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">me cringe as I am certain they will make many </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">believers cringe. Please do not hate the crucifix.</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It represents what Our Loving Creator did for all </span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of us to save our </span><span style="font-size: large;">eternal life. The crucifix is </span></span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">not about you. It is about Jesus for you.</span></span></pre>
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Trust this good news and live in its peace.</span></pre>
<pre class="copy-modal-passage-content"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Amen †</span></pre>
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David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-13976070177373773872016-01-07T14:25:00.001-07:002016-01-07T14:25:42.388-07:00Burdens removed from you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I heard a minister once describe being unable to release the guilt from previous and confessed sin as unbelief and one is still carrying the guilt for them like a burden. The above quote from Augustus Toplady, although sounding very pious, hints at doing just that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is not at all the Christian message.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</b></span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">(1 John 1:9 ESV)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The passage written by John is the Christian message. Away with the notion that one is more holy by mulling over past sins. They are holy only because of the innocent sufferings and death of Our Lord Jesus. Faith in him is what justifies us before our Holy Father in Heaven. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today we are still justified sinners. Today we will face temptations and falling short. One gets all wrapped up on last year's sins care is not taken for today. Are the sins too great for Our Crucified Lord to cover? If they are, and we must bear them, we have no hope for today.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; font-size: large;"><i>"My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; font-size: large;"><i>My sin, not in part but the whole, </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; font-size: large;"><i>is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; font-size: large;"><i>praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!"*</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You are Baptized into Christ. You are redeemed and forgiven!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen. †</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc;"><span style="font-size: large;">*It Is Well With My Soul</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Horatio G. Spafford, 1873</span></span><br />
<br />David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-22551409480490780242015-09-21T15:27:00.000-07:002015-09-21T15:27:31.843-07:00Bodied and Blooded Together.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffffde;">One bread, one body,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffffde;">one Lord of all,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffffde;">one cup of blessing which we bless.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffffde;">And we, though many,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffffde;">throughout the earth,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffffde;">we are one body in this one Lord.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ffffde;">-John Michael Talbot</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The song lyrics posted really hit home during Distribution of the Eucharist. It is another amazing benefit of the gift we have in the Supper of Our Lord. It is based upon the following passage:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(1 Corinthians 10:14-17 ESV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is fantastic! When receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord we not only have an intimate connection with him but also with those joining us. This also unifies us with other Christians around the world. And in a Real sense due to the Real Presence of Christ we have union with those who have gone before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a wonderful chorus to sing prior to the Supper:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let the vineyards be fruitful Lord</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And fill to the brim our cup of blessing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Gather the harvest from the seeds that were sown</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That we maybe filled with the Bread of Life</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Gather the hopes and dreams of all</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Unite them with the prayers we offer</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Grace our table with your Presence</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And give us a foretaste of the feast to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This declares the Supper is indeed the work of Our Lord for us. Rather than having it as our obedience, which would accomplish nothing, it is his firm and tangible gift to us. It is his victory on the cross that makes this gift so powerful. It is the Resurrected and Ascended Jesus we are receiving. This is a joyous feast. Not a funeral meal at which to be sad. Rather have tears of joy than of sadness. Your sins are forgiven!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trust this good news, his promise, and live in peace and certainty. †</span><br />
<br />David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-72194653879146658132015-09-06T07:07:00.002-07:002015-09-06T07:09:13.536-07:00The Gift of The True and Living God's Image. For You.<span style="font-size: large;">When speaking with some of my brothers and sisters in Christ the subject of Crucifixes, pictures of Jesus, a dove representing the Holy Spirit, etc. presents itself. This is even said to those of us who believe Christ's Real Presence in the Supper of his Body and Blood. This statement in the Decalogue springs to mind:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2o2cJdq-StaJO8__SmT4UPVq7NHbppYqmLeVBS5QTqzPhNrAfBPMgCFHaKCByohgwaxE84wy93Fil6IxiqVHxQixjxisibx9QrUwNQJOccfOb0ftvclnFHxVMTzel-po74Cdd6qkYPpS/s1600/ten_commandments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2o2cJdq-StaJO8__SmT4UPVq7NHbppYqmLeVBS5QTqzPhNrAfBPMgCFHaKCByohgwaxE84wy93Fil6IxiqVHxQixjxisibx9QrUwNQJOccfOb0ftvclnFHxVMTzel-po74Cdd6qkYPpS/s320/ten_commandments.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Exodus 20:4-6 ESV)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What happens here happens in many cases when it comes to Scripture. People will stop at the first part of it then formulate the idea from it. But that is not the entire story is it. One should always read at least the rest of the statement before reaching a conclusion. It is referring to the worship of an image rather then forbidden all art and such in congregation houses and homes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>“You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth. And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you. There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Exodus 25:17-22 ESV)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the design of the furnishing to be included in the Temple the above item was to be included. Very intricate in detail. And he promised to locate himself there to speak with those serving him in the Temple. If Our Lord prohibited any images or artwork in worship places he would never have included this in the Temple.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Even more important in Holy Communion Jesus has promised his Presence in the bread and wine. So the charge of idolatry is wrong in this belief as well. Of the bread he said "this is my Body. Of the cup he said "this is my Blood of the new covenant. Firm statements that are to be believed not just shunted aside because we cannot comprehend them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So how are we to understand this command about images if not the total prohibition? It is to have God describe himself to us. Rather than forever mulling over who God is and how he goes on being God he describes himself in all the detail we can ever hope to fathom. We would imagine a Holy God as One who would look upon a sinner as disgusting and would destroy him. If we were God we would take care of that sinner in short order. And of course God must be like we are. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rather than that horrible image he loves the sinner, had himself pinned to a Cross bearing the sinner's sin and Resurrected for the sinner thereby Justifying him. In a word he has balanced the books for us. And this is done for each and every sinner that has been on earth, Every sinner on the earth today. And every sinner who will ever be on earth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How are we to comprehend such a God as this? We will never comprehend him. Rather trust in his work. And live in the peace it gives. †</span>David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-43192762971969358962015-08-11T09:16:00.000-07:002015-08-11T09:17:27.450-07:00The Gift of God Himself to Us.<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How quickly we will find ourselves fearing, loving and trusting in an idol. No. Not necessarily a false deity but something with which we concern ourselves to supply our needs. This we have found to be true the times we were forced out of the work force due to economic conditions and health challenges. This still occurs as we face uncertain future as far as health as well as finances are concerned. This is all quite repulsive when we consider all those things in which we are trusting are gifts from Our Heavenly Father.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And do to this we have this gift from Our Heavenly Father:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You shall have no other gods before me."</span></i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Exodus 20:2-3 ESV)</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This was originally given to Our Lord's people after he brought them out of bondage to once again love, serve and worship him. During their captivity exposure to false deities in all forms from the Nile river to insects were their experience. Our Lord wanted them to be reminded that he is the True and Living Creator of all things and he wanted them to not be enslaved to the false ones who could not help them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One is embraced by the thought: "What has this to do with me? I live in my choice of house, I work a job that I chose. I even got my own retirement savings account for when I am too old to work. By living in the United States I have the ability to also choose my leaders. I am not in slavery to any false god."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Those are indeed good things. They can make life comfortable and give us freedom to serve our neighbors which a slave would never posses. However, we never want to sacrifice the good and wonderful gift Our Lord gives us by giving himself to us. The false idols we create are in constant need of our sacrifices to them. Our True and Living Lord sacrificed himself for us to reconcile us to himself the God and Father of all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In Holy Baptism he places his name on us and by being a Baptized child of God we can have certainty.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In Confession and Holy Absolution he once again confirms to us his forgiveness of all our sin in spite of who we are, what we have done or left undone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In Holy Communion, by his institution and promise, he unites himself to us by feeding us his True and Living Body and Blood.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Through his Sacrifice we are set free from our idols and have Our Creator as his gift to us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen. †</span>David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-68908240300243417522015-07-17T16:04:00.000-07:002015-07-18T08:20:37.352-07:00God's Own Child I Gladly Say It.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;">"In the name of the Father </span><span style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;">the </span><span style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;">† Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span style="white-space: pre;">Very little gives me as much profound joy as to hear this statement at the start of a worship service. Also it is a privilege to invoke the name of God before and after prayer and Scripture reading. During times of testing, sadness and when the adversary bothers it is a very useful tool. What </span></span><span style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;">makes this such a wonderful practice? Paul</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;">points this out here:</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.</i></b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Romans 8:15-17 ESV)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In Baptism God placed his name on us. Just as adopting parents</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">give a family name to there adopted child. We are truly children</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of the Most High. The Creator of all things seen and unseen. Jesus</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">is our brother and we join him as being heirs. What a wonderful</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">position to consider when facing trials and troubles that everyone</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">faces in this life. We need not fear what will happen to us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Death, you cannot end my gladness:<br />I am baptized into Christ!<br />When I die, I leave all sadness<br />To inherit paradise!<br />Though I lie in dust and ashes<br />Faith's assurance brightly flashes:<br />Baptism has the strength divine<br />To make life immortal mine. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a quote from the hymn titled "God's Own Child I Gladly Say It." This is sung many times in worship when a Baptism takes place. All the promises belong to the person(s) being Baptized. And they belong to us who were Baptized many years previously. It is the gift which keeps on giving.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How is it that water can do such power things? It is due to it not being mere water. Nor is it being the location of the water. It is not the faith of the minister who is applying the water and invoking the name of God. It is water connected with the institution and promise of Our Lord Jesus:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rather than thinking you are being punished when you are facing the most difficult situations such as loss of friends, family, employment, health, etc. Having been Baptized into Christ you have full certainty that he has you in his Crucified and Resurrected arms to carry you through these times. He understands your suffering like no one else is able to understand. And he is there at the end of life to welcome you into his eternal home. He has got you! "In the name of the Father, the † Son and the Holy Spirit." Amen.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-17800289403756660232015-07-17T08:17:00.000-07:002015-07-17T08:20:40.435-07:00That Sinner Over There.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i> “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’</i></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Luke 18:10-13 ESV)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"God hates the sin but loves the sinner."</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The above statement is constantly contradicted by some Believers in Jesus. Although it is treated as a cliche' and to excuse sinners of guilt one must be careful in contradicting it. It is a common misconception that a Believer in Jesus has somehow became a better person than his or her unbelieving neighbor. How does one explain easily besetting sin if this is the case.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is a return to the Roman Catholic Doctrine of Infused Grace. </span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Moved by grace, man turns toward God and away from sin, thus accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high. "Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man.*</i></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This teaching understands Grace as a spiritual steroid which will enlighten the mind and strengthen the will to do good and avoid evil. This is treating the Christian life as if the Reformation never happened. One can almost come away with the idea that one needs Jesus less and less as time goes on.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grace in its proper understanding is the attitude God has where he is willing, and through the Sacrifice of Jesus, look upon a sinner as his holy child and co heir with Jesus. As a loving child of Our Heavenly Father we certainly will seek to battle sin in our lives and seek to please him. However, we will fail miserably because we are not any better than the run of the mill unbeliever who is trying to live life as a good citizen, spouse, parent, etc.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Infused Grace is not Good News. The previous mentioned idea that over time one does not need Jesus as much as time goes on may lead to impenitence and ultimate casting aside of the faith. Also it may lead one living in doubt to the place where one may also fall into impenitence and reject the faith.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rather than to fall victim to this fiction we must boldly confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. The good news is that Our Father is overjoyed at forgiving us our sin and cleansing us from all unrighteousness for the sake of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus. Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen. †</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>*Council of Trent (1547): DS 1528.</b></span><br />
<br />David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-77594754291428387612015-06-16T15:25:00.001-07:002015-06-16T15:25:34.954-07:00Thy Kingdom Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”</span></i></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Mark 4:30-32 ESV)</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The massive tree pictured above the passage of Scripture is a mustard tree. I always wondered about this comparing the Kingdom to a mustard tree. Being from Michigan the only mustard anything I ever seen in a plant is a scrawny, ugly little plant invading our garden. I was sure Our Lord did not mean this little plant familiar to me as the best allegory for the Kingdom of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In his Small Catechism Martin Luther speaks of the second petition in the prayer Jesus taught us:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div align="left">
<strong><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Second Petition.</span></i></strong></div>
<div align="left">
<strong><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></strong></div>
<div align="left">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Thy kingdom come.</span></i></div>
<div align="left">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">What does this mean?--Answer.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The kingdom of God comes indeed without our prayer, of itself; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">How is this done?--Answer.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="lordsprayer.2" style="background-color: beige; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif, helvetica, arial;"></a><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead a godly life here in time and yonder in eternity.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the close context we see Jesus speaking of a sower going into a field to cast seed. Who is this sower? One initial thing to look for when examining a parable is to determine where the Holy Spirit has located himself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Mark 4:14-20 ESV)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;">We see that the Spirit of Our Lord spreads the seed of the word. He does this through the means of those men he has called to the public ministry. It is necessary that each believer in Christ attend to the means God uses to give unto us his grace and the forgiveness of sins. To remember the promises of the forgiveness of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit Our Lord gave us in Baptism. To hear the message of repentance and the forgiveness of sin in the name of Jesus. To receive his Body and Blood in the Supper of Our Lord for the forgiveness of sin, life and Salvation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Also every believer has the privilege of participating in the spread of the Gospel. Those of us who have children can share the joy of reaching them with this Good News. We can speak with family members, co workers and neighbors as Our Lord gives us opportunity. It is incredible what can happen when we prayerfully make ourselves available for this purpose.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the name of Jesus. Amen. †</span>David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-23868734524365084812014-12-20T08:46:00.002-07:002014-12-20T08:46:30.294-07:00Pierced Feet For You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1xZmJnfCv4GqPsl5pCATyqEO3RD4tpZcVKDrg0huV21SrM1AQtUftvfcCpFPBv5Dh6_t7qss1dYoqXdyDNxkCg9hYHbCIzeiluXmz2TCCiBw9P2max621DVtvsqhGAIIQKD_5_40KtFx/s1600/file_passionmovie_feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1xZmJnfCv4GqPsl5pCATyqEO3RD4tpZcVKDrg0huV21SrM1AQtUftvfcCpFPBv5Dh6_t7qss1dYoqXdyDNxkCg9hYHbCIzeiluXmz2TCCiBw9P2max621DVtvsqhGAIIQKD_5_40KtFx/s1600/file_passionmovie_feet.jpg" height="400" width="277" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The other day a brother in Christ on Facebook posted a link to a sermon on Nahum. The preacher, Steve Brown stated this prophecy is almost totally ignored in the preaching we hear in our time. This is tragic. It is chuck full of wonderful good news of peace!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>who brings good news,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>who publishes peace!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep your feasts, O Judah;</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fulfill your vows,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>for never again shall the worthless pass through you;</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he is utterly cut off.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Nahum 1:15 ESV)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This comes at the end of the first chapter. Prior to this we read some of the most terrifying of preaching. This was directed at Nineveh, the city who repented, later turned once again into Our Lord's enemy. And it is to us who are fickle. One is tempted during tough times to turn against Our Father thinking we have to help ourselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We see today that our Adversary still has people who will attack Christ's faithful. When we can we should try to resist it by electing those who believe in religious liberty. However, if it comes down to that being taken away from us Our Lord is still active in cutting off the worthless.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, the good news is also for those in this city who had not turned against Our Lord and those who repent at this warning. We need not fear when Christ's halting the evil ones in their tracks. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>Depart from me, all you workers of evil,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The LORD has heard my plea;</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the LORD accepts my prayer.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Psalm 6:8-10 ESV)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And here we see Jesus. His feet were pierced on Mount Calvary. This publishes peace to those who turn from evil self security and trust in him. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Turn to Jesus. Trust his good news of peace and live in its peace. Amen. †</span>David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-16921905339385349282014-10-14T11:40:00.001-07:002014-10-16T09:44:19.713-07:00The Books are More Than Balanced For You!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOdDU7YQUWzIw2H-Kmqri0-WPIa2fXJeT_rmeGsIKeIy0YKzksYiNR6RFiDGLjb-b2D6w1dNJlGIHOKQz-tWJI4iS6CmCCNwWjO4ZFNFLmXu98ApUn1wWu1jcYC3DWZgz72WQ9WrvSPns/s1600/balancing-checkbook-graphic-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOdDU7YQUWzIw2H-Kmqri0-WPIa2fXJeT_rmeGsIKeIy0YKzksYiNR6RFiDGLjb-b2D6w1dNJlGIHOKQz-tWJI4iS6CmCCNwWjO4ZFNFLmXu98ApUn1wWu1jcYC3DWZgz72WQ9WrvSPns/s1600/balancing-checkbook-graphic-1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Before the advent of checkbook balancing software and websites provided by banks I used to dedicate one Saturday afternoon to reconciling my checkbook. This was the practice of lining up what I said we had in the account and what the bank said we had in the account. This was a frustrating and painful, head and neck ache pain from bending over the figures, experience that I joyfully no longer have endure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have an account with God. This account is always in deficit if we were to look at his requirements for our life and our fulfilling them. We are so far overdrawn we have no way to balance or reconcile the books. So what is to be done?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.</i></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(2 Corinthians 5:19 ESV)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our Lord and Savior Jesus came and more than reconciled the books for our past and present sin. The books are reconciled for any and all future sins of which we will commit. This is for each and every person who has lived, is living now and will ever live. That is what the phrase "not counting their sins against them" means. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How did Christ accomplish this? Out of his deep and abiding love for his created humans Our Father sent Our Lord Jesus to share in our human nature. In obedience to his Father he fulfilled the law for us in order to reconcile us to God as far as the law's requirements. Then to pay for our guilt for past, present and future trespasses bore all our sin to the cross, suffered and died to set us free from the guilt. We are now justified by trusting in the innocent sufferings and death of Our Lord apart from our efforts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Many object to this and say it will encourage people to sin. In the first place people are sinners and need no encouragement to sin. In the second place if someone is kind to you in spite of your poor treatment of them will you repay this with a desire to keep being nasty to him? Of course not! Out of love and thanksgiving we desire to act like Jesus acted toward his neighbor and his Father in Heaven. Not to repay him rather out of a grateful heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We will blow it and always fall short. But that matters not. For as a kind father, even though he is a sinner, will love and forgive his son or daughter how much more will a Gracious, Sovereign and Loving Heavenly Father love and forgive us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is fantastic! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen†</span>David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-9777591983222219402014-08-06T10:47:00.001-07:002014-08-06T10:48:39.636-07:00A Proper Defense For You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnKepV5mFusNMQlls7I50HWfHmh5VmgGPmNtB3ag8WCmqgJQuWv2gvxLs1Vxgh94BrRRL37Bicw22yXVxaXTcutAHAzMdYXlBYLR3QxJaex_wtdnKdUqKMP0Rj-fcmup28IKereE8YT8s/s1600/20492577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnKepV5mFusNMQlls7I50HWfHmh5VmgGPmNtB3ag8WCmqgJQuWv2gvxLs1Vxgh94BrRRL37Bicw22yXVxaXTcutAHAzMdYXlBYLR3QxJaex_wtdnKdUqKMP0Rj-fcmup28IKereE8YT8s/s1600/20492577.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have not been called to be an Apologist. It is almost certain you are not one either. In the United States, presently, we are not hauled before the authorities to present a defense of our faith. Nor should we assume that every unbeliever out there are seeking to destroy or discredit us as depicted in the above representation of Paul before King Agrippa. Over the past 30 years or so Apologetic efforts has gained more and more popularity in some circles as the primary evangelism. Certain Bible teachers are gifted with this even in our relatively persecution free country. Certainly we have a place for this type of proclamation but should never replace the simple proclamation given the Church from Our Lord.<br />
<br />
St Peter shows in what instances this should be used;<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.<br />
(1 Peter 3:13-16 ESV)<br />
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We see that it is when we are under attack and persecution and asked upon what we place our faith. It is a misuse to think one has to give complicated reasoning to an unbeliever when the simple and clear message of Christ is what is needed. Repentance and the forgiveness of sin is what Jesus taught was to be proclaimed throughout the world.<br />
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In contrast here is what Christ has told the Apostles those in public ministry and laypersons when they have opportunity is to be proclaimed:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
(Luke 24:45-47 ESV)<br />
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Notice how simple is what saves us. A child can understand it. Most of the time we do not have to start people at square one and give them an extended discourse about the Christian faith. Prior to having the gift of faith, given by the Holy Spirit, he or she will never get it right. We are justified by faith not our perfect understanding of doctrine. Later on comes the teaching.<br />
<br />
When you are privileged to speak with a person who is terrified of his or her standing with God we do not have to defend our faith rather proclaim it. The troubled heart does not need the law for it is doing its job already. Tell them to turn from faith in their own efforts to defeat sin and trust in Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Praying always for God to grant them, and us, with this repentance and faith in Christ.<br />
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Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen. †<br />
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<br />David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-61371883550298237672014-06-24T10:18:00.000-07:002014-06-24T10:18:41.267-07:00The Promises of Baptism For You! Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgEA6Cg5WZQ2kWG6oKWdkqgb6kVap-m8il24e0S82phT8rXpCGtkfIxIVuPBC_F3ojqfOCF3MTh5h2gfmcnb71aL1niBuWVGEtGsxpFJcdIe7dlQppqNF0QWiFzK4BceRpf_lWUDsQ2KW/s1600/Baptism+Trinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgEA6Cg5WZQ2kWG6oKWdkqgb6kVap-m8il24e0S82phT8rXpCGtkfIxIVuPBC_F3ojqfOCF3MTh5h2gfmcnb71aL1niBuWVGEtGsxpFJcdIe7dlQppqNF0QWiFzK4BceRpf_lWUDsQ2KW/s1600/Baptism+Trinity.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As time goes on and the end of life approaches many troubling things may happen. One of these things is the possibility of becoming so feeble minded that I forget Christ. Through accident, stroke or dementia it may be that I will not recall him someday. What then is my hope should this occur?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?</i></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Romans 6:3 ESV)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>
This is one of the most strong and precious promises Our Lord, through the Apostle Paul, gives us. In Baptism I have already died to sin and are no longer under condemnation for it. Through this gracious gift Our Father has placed his name upon me and all his Baptized children.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is certainty beyond compare. Rather than false security when a person recalls that through Baptism they are received into the family of Christ it is a strong testimony of firm trust in the promises of Christ. Jesus has linked his death to us in Baptism. We can therefore walk in newness of life forsaking our selfish ways by drowning our inner brat, recalling this strong Sacramental work of Christ for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If accident, old age or illness robs a person of his or her recollection of this promise Our Lord certainly does not. He has taken our salvation so seriously he bore our sin to the cross thereby removing condemnation from us. We can hardly expect he would withdraw from us when we are feeble and weak and can not remember him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen. †</span>David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-12143363731300360362014-06-19T10:35:00.002-07:002014-06-19T10:35:36.035-07:00The Promises in Baptism For You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEareaVQFqNPgNuCK36F0WbZLuWEqRhhuOed49lqE0j020LfNcgGFbJxpcTUhJ6H-1Hd5ycaSowMvHKaGbl4U3V7Oa-UwUUiDTEQSorLKE_2JMMt-SnGwXpgacQy9_A4nYVP9dTvKWjDY1/s1600/Watbap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEareaVQFqNPgNuCK36F0WbZLuWEqRhhuOed49lqE0j020LfNcgGFbJxpcTUhJ6H-1Hd5ycaSowMvHKaGbl4U3V7Oa-UwUUiDTEQSorLKE_2JMMt-SnGwXpgacQy9_A4nYVP9dTvKWjDY1/s1600/Watbap.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I awoke from a very interesting dream this morning. Not a bad dream at all. Rather it was regarding the generations that will come after me. It has been a long practice of mine, dating back to High School, to pray for my children, grandchildren etc. This was started by my Christian grandparents explaining to me they prayed for me, my siblings and cousins long before we were born.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">No why on earth would one do that?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”</i></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Acts 2:38-39 ESV)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;">One sees in this section that Baptism is not all about the person Baptized. The strong and precious promises of Our Lord is contained therein. This is glorious for the responsibility for the salvation of us, our spouse, children, grandchildren, etc. belongs to Our Lord. This is good news because we are unable to save them. Who else has this ability? Us? Surely not.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Some will object to this due to the fact that some of their children may reject the Gospel. My answer to this is we do not doubt a promise from God due to the unbelief of others. How is it that we will see a child forsake the church and wander off will never be granted true repentance and the forgiveness of sin in the name of Jesus? Certainly we train our children in the faith in order to keep this from happening but sometimes our hearts will break along with our child's break with the church.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As demonstrated by the innocent sufferings and death of Our Lord on the cross we know he takes the salvation of the sinner quite seriously. It is of great difficulty for a person, upon whom Our Lord has placed his name, to apostatize eternally. It has happened recorded in the letters of the Apostles but it is of heroic effort to accomplish this leaving.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rather than spend hours and days examining others and whether we can see if they are in Christ we cling to the promises we have in Jesus and live in the peace they give us. Amen. †</span>David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-51330394354291734122014-06-15T10:53:00.001-07:002014-06-15T10:53:37.674-07:00God's Love Shown For You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ51V7TCPViwYSuh9J2Yc4lFnnHxlhNDELhtaZ0R_2P2nfCdwvJagix1vfJJQvs5OIEt9ujZiV9s_-j9OBEeBSQljh3lJO507L7rJG470jaOiZQrQzeRZP44hPXNtK6XTx9Me-A2tzpv1/s1600/crucifixion-of-jesus-christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ51V7TCPViwYSuh9J2Yc4lFnnHxlhNDELhtaZ0R_2P2nfCdwvJagix1vfJJQvs5OIEt9ujZiV9s_-j9OBEeBSQljh3lJO507L7rJG470jaOiZQrQzeRZP44hPXNtK6XTx9Me-A2tzpv1/s1600/crucifixion-of-jesus-christ.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"What did Jesus do this for?" I have had this question asked of me many times. Depending upon whom a person asks one will get varied answers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From the Calvinist's leaning person one may hear Jesus did it solely for the Glory of God. While certainly God was glorified in the Crucifixion of Jesus, as spoken in Jesus' prayer recorded in <b>John 17</b>, Our Lord is far from being stingy in what he does. We see in his life he was constantly about his neighbor.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">From a person of a Methodist background one may hear it is to make salvation possible. That we must respond to this gracious invitation before it is ours. While we do receive this gift of eternal life through faith this faith is not of our doing. It is not something we work up in ourselves. Rather it is a gift of God and not of any decision or desire on our part. <b>Ephesians 2:8-10</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From a person of Roman Catholic training one may hear that he died to get us a jump start toward salvation. That we must complete this salvation through our efforts at works of charity. While works of charity, love, are definitely necessary in the life of a believer they do not add anything to our salvation. Rather they are done as obedient children for a Loving Heavenly Father. <b>Ephesians 2:10</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What does Our Lord say, through St. Paul, was the reason for his Crucifixion?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(Romans 5:6-8 ESV)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>what wondrous love is this, O my soul!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let us trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen †</span><br />
<br />David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-80355621933866963472014-05-06T10:42:00.000-07:002014-05-06T10:42:50.735-07:00A Proper and Honorable Life With Good Deeds For You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is commendable and expected that one be passionate about one's belief. This is especially true when resisting evil doers in government, business, health care etc. However, we have a kind of passion which is not righteous at all. Peter speaks of this passion:<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.</i></b><br />
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<b>(1 Peter 2:11-12 ESV)</b><br />
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These sinful passions of the flesh seek only to ridicule in an unkind manner those who are promoting wrongdoing in order to do something right. This takes the form of gleefully promoting political cartoon and other forms of speech which only destroys the person at whom it is directed. Nothing good can come of these expressions, The only thing they do is cause those who are backing the persons at whom they are directed to dig in the heels and not listen to reason. This is what those held captive to the flesh will do anyway to get his or her point across.<br />
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For a believer in Jesus to engage in these activities commits violence against our souls. Both those who are making these things and promoting them and those who see them knowing it is a fellow believer doing it.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>“I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.</i></b><br />
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<b>(Acts 26:2-3 ESV)</b><br />
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Here we see the grand example of St Paul before sinful and unbelieving King Agrippa. He is not railing against him. Rather he defends himself in an honorable fashion giving him the respect due his vocation as king. Later on when Festus accuses Paul of being out of his mind Paul calls him excellent Festus.<br />
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If we were honest with ourselves we must admit we have found perverse joy seeing a political cartoon, listening to a talking head's sarcastic personal attacks and have used this destructive speaking ourselves. This is breaking God's command to honor father and mother referring to those Our Lord has called into office. This fleshly response deserves God's temporal and eternal punishment.<br />
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But we have good news. Christ came and perfectly obeyed the commandments perfectly and his holiness is given to us as a gift. For the sake of the innocent suffering and death of Our Lord we have this trespass removed from us. Jesus' resurrection is also for our justification.<br />
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Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen. †David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-66330929010600564992014-05-03T11:17:00.001-07:002014-05-03T11:17:50.796-07:00A Free Life For You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The life of a Christian is the most free of any other person. Luther wrote :<br />
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A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none.<br />
A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all*<br />
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Our Lord delivers us from bondage to sin as it enslaves others around us. Thus we are free from being slaves. Yet Our Lord sees fit to place sinful men in leadership positions over us. This is one of the many quandaries in which the Christian finds in life.<br />
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St Peter wrote the following;<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.</i></b><br />
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<b>(1 Peter 2:13-17 ESV)</b><br />
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In this we see great freedom but it is also a great challenge. When Our Lord puts into office those who only seek to do good by doing evil it is hard to remain respectful of this leader while beholding his or her wicked deeds. Peter understood this. Our Lord foretold of how he was to die which was similar to how Our Lord died.<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”</i></b><br />
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<b>(John 21:17-19 ESV)</b><br />
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After this prophecy by Jesus Peter still had the faith to write such a thing to those who would be persecuted by the same emperor's subjects. Yet we are the most free. How is this to be understood? Unlike our neighbor who does not believe in Jesus he has enslaved himself to thinking this life is all he has. We who believe in Christ are not under that horrible thought.<br />
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We know that Our Lord has purchased us for himself and is our True and Holy Emperor. We also know that the wicked leaders we have are subject to him and will either be granted repentance and forgiveness or face the Righteous Judge in condemnation. With this knowledge we can actually pray in honest concern for our leader's salvation rather than to cruelly speak of this leader which so many in the world do. It is tempting to join in but it is not pleasing to Our Father in heaven and we must always seek his pleasure.<br />
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If we are honest with ourselves we must admit we fail miserably with this directive. But we have good news. Christ came to live in perfect obedience to the law and has fulfilled it and it is ended because we are justified by faith due to his death and resurrection.<br />
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Let us trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen. †<br />
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*THE FREEDOM OF A CHRISTIAN<br />
1520 by Martin Luther written to Pope Leo X<br />
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David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-57334372158628034942014-05-01T08:21:00.001-07:002014-05-01T08:21:46.981-07:00Strange Scripture For You!<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #5c1101; white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf?</i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">(1 Corinthians 15:29 ESV)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is one of the verses in scripture which boggle the mind. In the early church they really believed what the Apostles taught about Baptism being a means of the Spirit unto salvation. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tradition has it that a family which converted to Christianity would have a dead person who did not convert Baptized so he or she could be saved. This is conjecture so we do not have any evidence that this was the case.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now that we have the completed canon of scripture what do we do with this verse?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">First we look at the close context and see St Paul is proclaiming how Christ has all power over all things. He is referring to a practice not advocating Baptizing one's deceased loved ones. It is interesting that he only reports this but does not condemn it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is spoken by a man who is being persecuted to those who face persecution. When things go this way it is difficult to understand how Christ is therefore victorious. The resurrection is our comfort during times of persecution and also times of illness while shuffling towards our last breath. What wonderful peace this truth gives!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We also see that in the further context:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><i>For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.</i></b></div>
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<b>(Romans 3:28 ESV)</b></div>
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We would see that it is Baptism connected with faith which receives the justification. This is not saying that we need wait until a child is old enough to confess Christ. But a person knowing and trusting in the promises contained in Baptism that it saves through the resurrection of Christ has a firm certainty of salvation.</div>
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After considering the close and further context it still seems a strange and mysterious verse. It is said that Martin Luther referred to the medieval custom of removal of your hat out of respect for the verse being the word of God. We do not have to totally come to understand strange scriptures forever twisting, conjecturing and troubling ourselves and others with it.</div>
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Scripture is true. Have some trouble with a passage? Remove your hat, keep reading and live in the peace scripture offers.</div>
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In the name of Jesus. Amen. †</div>
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David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-91634936665100134092014-04-01T10:46:00.002-07:002014-04-01T10:46:37.374-07:00Sweet Words For You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sadly many believers in Jesus discount how the law of Our Lord can aid them in day to day activities in their lives. We certainly are not under the crushing curse of the law where either you obey it perfectly or you will die. This is indeed good news for those in Christ. But it is still something that is sweet to those who seek to please Our Father in heaven.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Oh how I love your law!</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is my meditation all the day.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>for it is ever with me.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have more understanding than all my teachers,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>for your testimonies are my meditation.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I understand more than the aged,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>for I keep your precepts.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I hold back my feet from every evil way,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>in order to keep your word.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I do not turn aside from your rules,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>for you have taught me.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How sweet are your words to my taste,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>sweeter than honey to my mouth!</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Through your precepts I get understanding;</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>therefore I hate every false way.</span></i></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Psalm 119:97-104 ESV)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This became even more apparent when I was taking a class in ethics. It is amazing the miserable hand wringing one needs to go through using the ethics of our philosophers. It is lamentable as well when looking at these decisions that need be made is how one can justify almost any vile behavior under certain circumstances. We see this played out in our society by both Governments and Corporations. The men and women making these decisions are doing the ethical thing in his or her own mind using these standards.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now consider, for example, the commandment to honor our father and mother. This works for a peaceful family life when children will seek to do what father and mother require. This can also be taken into the work place when one is out of the parent's home. Obeying the rules regarding times to be ready to work and not taking extra breaks, staying too long during breaks etc. will result in good reviews and possible merit increase. When driving honoring speed limits and stop signs or signals will eliminate one getting a traffic citation which will contain a fine and increased insurance rates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, the law always accuses. When one is honest with oneself he or she will admit they have not perfectly honored those who are placed in leadership. But we have good news! For the sake of the innocent suffering and death of Our Lord and Savior Jesus we are not held accountable for missing the mark. Our Father does not grade on a curve so we are constantly in need of this forgiveness. Thanks be to God for this gift of the forgiveness of sin. In addition he was resurrected for our Justification.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And our God keeps on giving. Due to the perfect life of Our Lord and Savior Jesus we have been giving perfect obedience to the law as a gift. We are therefore, by faith, looked upon by our heavenly Father as his dear and perfect children. May the name of Jesus evermore be praised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen . †</span><br />
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David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-76215151769808581802014-02-03T07:39:00.002-07:002014-02-04T10:55:49.520-07:00Gift of Perfect Love For You!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Through various means one can hear of the horrendous persecution of our brother and sisters in Jesus Christ. In response a Christian will become horrified about this situation. This is not merely an emotional reaction but it is true Godly affection. We will through this love seek ways to help our suffering brothers and sisters.<br />
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How is it that one can have so much concern for those whom one has never met?<br />
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<b><i>The fruit of the Spirit is love........</i></b><br />
<b>Galatians 5:22</b><br />
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This genuine concern is not self generated. Nor is it a learned behavior, The natural man does not love as God loves. One of the best statements comparing and contrasting our love from that which God possesses is found in the Heidelberg Disputation of 1518 written by Martin Luther.</div>
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<i>The love of God does not find but creates that which is pleasing to it. The love of man comes into being by finding what is pleasing to it</i>.</div>
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The strangers mentioned above are not doing anything which pleases us so that we will love this person. However, God's regenerating power places within our hearts this sacrificial compassion so that we will sense the suffering of our brothers and sisters and seek out ways to help.</div>
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Our love will never be perfect on our own steam. Due to the perfect life of Jesus his righteousness is placed on us Our Father sees us as his holy children in his dear Son. Our response, although incomplete and partly done in self interest. of helping our suffering fellow Christian is faith in action which will match up our lives with our confession. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i><b>But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.</b></i></div>
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<b>(1 John 3:17-18 ESV)</b></div>
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Jesus also bore our failure to love God with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves. We justly deserve God's present and eternal punishment for this failure to be as he is. This sin of imperfect love is not laid to our account. We need not use our brothers or sisters as means by which we can complete our salvation. This is the glorious done deal of the Gospel.<br />
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Let us trust in this Good News and live in its peace. Amen. †</div>
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<br />David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-46170187478631570022014-01-31T07:38:00.001-07:002014-02-14T07:20:31.243-07:00Gift Of Perfect Faith For You!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.<br />
(Mark 6:5 ESV)<br />
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This is a the conundrum which faces a Bible believer. How can a Sovereign God be thwarted in his attempts at doing his mighty work. He did law hands on some sick people and healed them. So what was his mighty work that he was unable to do? Have people believe in him.<br />
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Some will maintain that these people were not elect or re probate is the cause. In other words the Holy Spirit was not interested so did not do the entire Holy Spirit job. This cannot be true for later people from his hometown did come to faith.<br />
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The only will we have under our own steam is to choose death. It never can be because of God not wanting someone. Scripture clearly teaches he desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4.<br />
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Fruit of the Spirit is .........Faith. Galatians 5:22<br />
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Our gracious Lord, the Holy Spirit, is the one to give this perfect faith to trust in Christ. Our inner brat rails against it so through hearing the word preached, reading it daily and prayer we slay that brat and be able to wage this battle.<br />
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This is not faith to necessarily have things go better for us. It is faith which secures and preserves us in truth, life and salvation.<br />
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In the name of Jesus. Amen. †<br />
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<br />David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-82190976527956568442013-12-13T04:54:00.001-07:002013-12-13T04:55:27.361-07:00An Incarnated Jesus For You!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
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<em><strong>And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.</strong></em><strong>(John 1:14 ESV)</strong></div>
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This time of year a drama unfolds before our eyes. And it has to do with the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus. This has made some people rejoice, some are not at all impressed by it and others think it was a bad idea and seek to not let children and others have this. remembrance.</div>
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The first group out of the abundance of sheer joy cannot get enough of the festivities. Going from house to house feasting with friends. Singing carols in hospitals and nursing facilities. Having decorations in homes and wanting them in other public places.</div>
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The second group will rant and rave against these activities. They see Advent worship services and the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord that many churches do as an affront to the law of God. Jesus is not amused with Christians who seek to celebrate his birth. But of course Jesus is not only amused but he is downright proud of those who become miserable souls who throw wet blankets at others for doing what they do not allow. Comments about how we should only remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus not his Nativity. Well if not for this incarnating we scarcely could have the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is all part of God reconciling himself with sinners.</div>
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And then we have our atheists and agnostics. They are so set against Our Lord that any reference to how this time of year is special in the hearts of others just drives them to distraction. These people will take up collections and weary out our government officials and courts seeking to ban all this. Not only prohibiting Nativity scenes but trees, lights, music and even the colors of red and green. Our Lord said this offences would happen and proves his being who he said he is. No one else's birth is so controversial. It is interesting to note the second group almost seek to join with this group in banishing these festivities. </div>
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<em><strong>Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.</strong></em><br />
<strong>(John 15:20-21 ESV)</strong></div>
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May you have a joyful season. Even if you do not want one.</div>
David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-53042406298902475432013-08-07T03:45:00.002-07:002013-12-08T03:13:44.973-07:00Surprise! Certain Forgiveness of Sin For You!<h1 class="entry-title" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: none; color: #333333; font-family: Vollkorn, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 3.6rem; line-height: 1.1em; margin: 0.25em 0px 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“These invitations are <i>universal;</i> Christ addresses them to sinners, as such, and every man, as he believes God to be true, is bound to treat them as God’s words to him personally and to accept the universal assurance which accompanies them, that all who come to Christ will be received. Again, these invitations are <i>real;</i> Christ genuinely offers Himself to all who hear the gospel, and is in truth a perfect Saviour to all who trust Him.”*</strong></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Amen Brother Packer. Yes the Gospel is to be proclaimed as universal. He even uses the word universal! The problem happens where the excited believer attends Bible study then is directed to subject this scripture to his logic to understand all is not really all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is subjecting scripture to logic necessary? God the Father knows who is going to be in Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;"> Christ knows his believers and calls them by name. The Holy Spirit enlightens us and gives us the gift of faith in order that we may trust him. Given all that, why confuse the believer with chatty logic in order to answer questions not answered in scripture. It is good to remember we are adopted children of Our Heavenly Father.</span></div>
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I have raised 4 children and there were many why questions which remained unanswered questions. Not out of mean disposition but rather not letting them be burdened unnecessarily with adult reasoning. I am sure I cannot remember some of my reasoning beyond it seemed best for them.</div>
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Now, to contrast my actions as a father of young children to an Infinite, Sovereign and Incomprehensible Father. Would he be any less inclined not to answer all our questions to our full satisfaction? Does this desire for every question to have an answer that makes sense warrant the never ending examining and reasoning of how scripture agrees with us? Or can we suspend that and throw caution to the wind by telling people that in the name of Jesus, and for the sake of his cross and resurrection, their sins are forgiven?</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.</strong></em></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(Luke 24:46-47 ESV)</strong></div>
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Trust this good news and live in the peace it gives. Amen †</div>
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* From : Introductory Essay of Death of Death by John Owen by J.I. Packer</div>
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David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-52439042379671426462013-07-25T03:48:00.001-07:002013-07-25T04:19:06.735-07:00An Adopting Father For You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">I have good news for you!</span><br />
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<b><i>I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.</i></b><br />
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<b>(Galatians 4:1-7 ESV)</b><br />
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Our Holy Creator graciously desires to be the adopted Father to all sinners. In this day of the Christian Church fighting within itself this message is set aside. How tragic to hide this wonderful Gospel behind all the bickering. That is how sinners go about life.<br />
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This is why Jesus took upon himself our sins and hatred for one another and destroyed its power on the cross. Then he rose again to gain our justification.<br />
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Trust this good news and live in the peace it gives. Amen. †David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-72147511238317089332013-06-03T13:24:00.001-07:002013-06-04T04:55:16.261-07:00Your Triune God’s Steadfast Love For You!<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<b style="line-height: inherit;">Roger Murtaugh</b>: God hates me. That’s what it is.</div>
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<b style="line-height: inherit;">Martin Riggs</b>: Hate Him back; it works for me.</div>
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The quoted discussion above is from the movie Lethal Weapon. That discussion demonstrates a natural, finite and fallen human reaction to things gone bad. This shows plainly the profound fear and antipathy we have toward our Lord. The better things go the more proof we have that God loves us. If things turn bad on us such as health, wealth, etc. this proves that God hates us.</div>
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<b style="line-height: inherit;"><i style="line-height: inherit;">There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us.</i> (1 John 4:18-19 ESV)</b></div>
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In the first verse we see John is not talking about finite human love. The love of a human is imperfect at best. Man or woman will love only if there is something in it for them. For example, the person is physically attractive and is helpful in emotional well-being. This love can dissipate over time due to the aging process or getting to know the person and finding unattractive attributes. So the search may resume for that which is attractive. Therefore, of man’s love the following can be said:</div>
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<i style="line-height: inherit;">The love of man comes into being through that which is pleasing to it.*</i></div>
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God’s love, on the other hand, is not self seeking. Our Lord is a giving Lord. Nothing we have is of ourselves but rather a gift from our loving Lord. No one is owed even being created so it is not based on works or even agreeing with him. If that were the case no one would come to know Jesus and that he died for their sins and resurrected for their justification. Of God’s love it can be said:</div>
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<i style="line-height: inherit;">The love of God does not find, but creates, that which is pleasing to it.*</i></div>
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Only after one realizes that God’s love is for him or her, this searching out of his attributes will change drastically. The suffering experienced in life will have us running to our Father for help in the times of need; scripture also becomes a wonderful nourishment rather than an accusing finger; and the Cross of Jesus is on our minds and in our hearts from the first of the day, through the day and when we go to sleep.</div>
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Trust this good news and live in its peace. Amen. †</div>
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* The Heidelberg Disputation of Martin Luther May 1518</div>
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David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5793693390023574357.post-49610582300689992372013-05-30T11:23:00.001-07:002013-05-30T11:23:51.348-07:00Foolishness and Weakness For You! Part 2<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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“Baptism is a work we do to obey Christ.”</div>
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Baptism is a rite which places you as a member of a congregation.</div>
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These are common statements one will hear from many Christians from traditions who doubt the full teaching of baptism. It does seem foolish that God would use a weak thing like a splash of water to do much of anything. To maintain that position I had to deal with several passages of scripture that state otherwise.</div>
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he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.</div>
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(Titus 3:5-7 ESV)</div>
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One of the first misconceptions about baptism is whose work is it? If it were merely the work of man than indeed it would have little or no change in a person’s life. The first phrase indicates to us the following activity saves us by Our Lord’s promise. This promise is carried out by the use of a person to apply water and invoke the name of God.</div>
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It is then that we realize this is not a work done by us in righteousness but it is God pouring out of the Holy Spirit. This is understood because Jesus said to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And just as the words spoken by him created all that we see and do not see we can trust this promise as well.</div>
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This gift justifies us by his grace and we receive this justification through faith. This is the way we receive the gift of the forgiveness of sin by the Gospel being preached into our ears. It is another means that the Spirit uses to deliver the fruit of the cross to us.</div>
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Trust this wonderful promise of the good news delivered and live in its peace Amen †</div>
David Cochranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08632064391675580145noreply@blogger.com2