It was the day after Christmas and three years ago today. It stunned the entire world while many were lazily recuperating from the holiday just hours earlier. And it was the deadliest disaster of the modern age. When the monster waves from the devastating Indonesian tsunami subsided, the death toll world-wide would reach a sobering 230,000, with even higher numbers being likely.
Today, foreign governments are still helping Indonesia rebuild. They are also providing high-tech communications equipment and installing a series of strategically placed buoys that would give Indonesia’s coastal communities some warning of an approaching tsunami.
The great disaster of 2004 took the world by surprise. But the timing of the event, being the day after Christmas, underscores what the holiday it so closely followed is really about. The coming of the Christ is ultimately about His death and resurrection. Had he only come to be born as He was, we would be left with merely a touching miracle about God becoming human flesh. We would have the Creator God wrapped in human flesh, but be left without a “Savior”. What would be the point?
Christ’s amazing entry was only half of the story. The rest of the story is revealed in Romans 5:8-9. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” And the utter importance of this other half of the account is later substantiated in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!”
Only the saving power of Christ can properly ready an individual through faith to enter eternity. And that fateful day after Christmas 2004 still serves as a chilling reminder of the reality of Proverbs 27:1, “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.”
God has more than adequately warned of the need to be ready now to face him. And whether death comes slowly and peacefully or suddenly and unexpectedly, the words of Hebrews 2:3, despite their setting in a slightly different context, are just one of God’s many early warnings. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation.”
Another pointed caution for those living today is voiced in Mattew 24:37-39. "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood , they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be."
Christmas, as the hymn writer put it, is about “Joy To The Word”. And Christ Himself said of joy through the writer John in 15:11, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Christmas is also, as Christ put it in John 14:27, about peace. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
True peace with God and supernatural joy come only through the One who dissected time, then died in it for us, that we might someday live beyond it eternally with Him.
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
It’s in the Cards
The many Christmas cards sent by President and Mrs. George W. Bush have been warmly received by thousands of recipients, but the cynics, critics and unbelievers had their usual critical field day again this year. The most ill-reasoned response came from Barbara Walters speaking on The View. Walters said this year’s card was the most religious White House Christmas card in her memory.
The Huffington Post from December 13 said the card included "explicit religious references beyond just a Bible verse." Then, reading potent religious messages into a general greeting, The Huffington Post called it a "super-Christian" card and declared, "But whereas in previous years the President and the First Lady opted for messages of happiness, goodwill, and peace, this year featured the following closer: May the joy of all creation fill your heart this blessed season 2007."
What does the card actually say?
The back of the card describes the cover’s painting of the East colonnade and acknowledges of the artist, David Drummond and offers a brief explanation of the garden depicted in the painting. The back also reads, "Paid for by the Republican National Committee," so our taxes haven’t paid for it.
The inside inscriptions really gets to the sensitive secular people. Under the gold Presidential Seal is this verse:
You alone are the LORD.
You made the heavens, even the highest heavens,
and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them.
You give life to everything
and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Nehemiah 9:6 (NIV)
A personal wish follows in larger letters:
May the joy of all creation
fill your heart this blessed season.
2007
Under that are the signatures of George and Laura Bush.
What is the criticism all about? First, a verse in George Bush’s card is nothing new, so why make a fuss this year? I checked the previous seven White House Christmas cards, and they all contain Bible verses from the Old Testament. Second, it reveals the abysmal ignorance of Christian truth. Third, it’s a subtle slam at political figures expressing any kind of public religious sentiment.
The spiritual friction, though reflecting no illegality, may actually be subtle displeasure with solid Bible doctrine. Perhaps the secular critics are uneasy about the President expressing the truth about God and, by extension, Jesus. "LORD" in capital letters means "Jehovah" or "the self existent one." Any believing Jew would subscribe to that. How can that be criticized as being Christian? This LORD is said to have made the heavens and the earth. Is there a problem with that?
The verse says that the LORD gave life to everything. Could it be that offends atheists and others who embrace evolution or those who believe that presidents and first ladies shouldn’t express their personal belief in a Creator of all things?
The Bible opens, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). God created man in His image (Gen. 1:27). Further, the LORD (meaning Jehovah as it is in Neh. 9:6) is identified as the newborn Christmas king. When John said, "Prepare ye the way of the LORD" (Matt. 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4), he was quoting from Isaiah 40:3 and identifying Jesus as Jehovah.
Or is it a nagging irritation by the secular critics that the greeting is an expression of the President’s personal religious beliefs? Wishing someone the joy of all creation could be saying in effect, "God bless you," which is evidently some Christian overreach according to Barbara Walters. Job 38:7 says, "…the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy," and the President believes that.
Most Americans would be happy to receive a Christmas card picturing the White House and mailed from Crawford, Texas. But the super-sensitive see sinister religious offense in all this.
It appears there is a growing secular irritation across America. There are fewer manger scenes on lawns—much less on public property—and there is strife over even saying "Merry Christmas" in a business establishment. Barbara Walters’ agitation is in keeping with attempts to exclude the Person and meaning of the holiday (a word that really means "holy day"), which even the atheists enjoy as a work break.
For the record, here are the verses from the President George W. Bush’s previous White House Christmas cards: 2000 – Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV), 2001 – Psalm 27:8, 13 (RSV), 2002 – Psalm 100:5 (KJV), 2003 – Job 10:12 (NASB), 2004 – Psalm 95:2 (NIV), 2005 – Psalm 28:7 (RSV), 2006 – Psalm 119:108 (KJV)
We compliment the President for eight years of Biblical greetings in the White House Christmas cards. There really is no problem. Maybe the people who do see a problem are the problem.
David Virkler
The Huffington Post from December 13 said the card included "explicit religious references beyond just a Bible verse." Then, reading potent religious messages into a general greeting, The Huffington Post called it a "super-Christian" card and declared, "But whereas in previous years the President and the First Lady opted for messages of happiness, goodwill, and peace, this year featured the following closer: May the joy of all creation fill your heart this blessed season 2007."
What does the card actually say?
The back of the card describes the cover’s painting of the East colonnade and acknowledges of the artist, David Drummond and offers a brief explanation of the garden depicted in the painting. The back also reads, "Paid for by the Republican National Committee," so our taxes haven’t paid for it.
The inside inscriptions really gets to the sensitive secular people. Under the gold Presidential Seal is this verse:
You alone are the LORD.
You made the heavens, even the highest heavens,
and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it,
the seas and all that is in them.
You give life to everything
and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Nehemiah 9:6 (NIV)
A personal wish follows in larger letters:
May the joy of all creation
fill your heart this blessed season.
2007
Under that are the signatures of George and Laura Bush.
What is the criticism all about? First, a verse in George Bush’s card is nothing new, so why make a fuss this year? I checked the previous seven White House Christmas cards, and they all contain Bible verses from the Old Testament. Second, it reveals the abysmal ignorance of Christian truth. Third, it’s a subtle slam at political figures expressing any kind of public religious sentiment.
The spiritual friction, though reflecting no illegality, may actually be subtle displeasure with solid Bible doctrine. Perhaps the secular critics are uneasy about the President expressing the truth about God and, by extension, Jesus. "LORD" in capital letters means "Jehovah" or "the self existent one." Any believing Jew would subscribe to that. How can that be criticized as being Christian? This LORD is said to have made the heavens and the earth. Is there a problem with that?
The verse says that the LORD gave life to everything. Could it be that offends atheists and others who embrace evolution or those who believe that presidents and first ladies shouldn’t express their personal belief in a Creator of all things?
The Bible opens, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). God created man in His image (Gen. 1:27). Further, the LORD (meaning Jehovah as it is in Neh. 9:6) is identified as the newborn Christmas king. When John said, "Prepare ye the way of the LORD" (Matt. 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4), he was quoting from Isaiah 40:3 and identifying Jesus as Jehovah.
Or is it a nagging irritation by the secular critics that the greeting is an expression of the President’s personal religious beliefs? Wishing someone the joy of all creation could be saying in effect, "God bless you," which is evidently some Christian overreach according to Barbara Walters. Job 38:7 says, "…the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy," and the President believes that.
Most Americans would be happy to receive a Christmas card picturing the White House and mailed from Crawford, Texas. But the super-sensitive see sinister religious offense in all this.
It appears there is a growing secular irritation across America. There are fewer manger scenes on lawns—much less on public property—and there is strife over even saying "Merry Christmas" in a business establishment. Barbara Walters’ agitation is in keeping with attempts to exclude the Person and meaning of the holiday (a word that really means "holy day"), which even the atheists enjoy as a work break.
For the record, here are the verses from the President George W. Bush’s previous White House Christmas cards: 2000 – Jeremiah 29:13 (KJV), 2001 – Psalm 27:8, 13 (RSV), 2002 – Psalm 100:5 (KJV), 2003 – Job 10:12 (NASB), 2004 – Psalm 95:2 (NIV), 2005 – Psalm 28:7 (RSV), 2006 – Psalm 119:108 (KJV)
We compliment the President for eight years of Biblical greetings in the White House Christmas cards. There really is no problem. Maybe the people who do see a problem are the problem.
David Virkler
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Magna Carta Copy Sells for $21.3 Million
It is 710 years old, only a copy of the original, and the former property of the Ross Perot Foundation. And this week it sold at Sotheby's auction for $21.3 million. It is one of the most famous and meaningful documents ever penned. It is the Magna Carta.
Wikipedia describes the Magna Carta as follows: "An English charter originally issued in 1215. Magna Carta was the most significant early influence on the extensive historical process that led to the rule of constitutional law today. Magna Carta influenced the development of the common law and many constitutional documents, such as the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, and is considered one of the most important legal documents in the history of democracy.”
Interestingly, the preamble begins with the words "Know that before God". That is then immediately followed by the first of 63 articles which starts out saying, “First, that we have granted to God”.
In the Declaration of Independence, America's forefathers fully recognized the supremacy of God over nations and the affairs of men. They began their great document, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights."
Certain historical documents 'seem' at times nearly supernatural when considering their amazing wisdom and impact. But absolute perfection in print is reserved for the revelation of God. The evidence is described in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". The word inspiration carries the meaning of "God-breathed".
Then Hebrew 4:12 reveals the unique ability and absolute power of God's Word. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Freedom's great writings have allowed those who have been blessed to live under them to experience, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But the primary and ultimate value of living in freedom is the ability to worship in freedom and the freedom to openly share one’s faith. And those who experience such liberty should be careful to remain deeply thankful for a lifestyle envied by much of the world.
Living ”the American Dream” through a carefully crafted democracy “of the people and for the people” is a good thing, but it is not the only thing or best thing. Even possesing all the the so-called "good life" has to offer pales dramatically in comparison when stacked against the abundant and eternal life Christ himself offered in John 8:36.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36
Bill Breckenridge
Wikipedia describes the Magna Carta as follows: "An English charter originally issued in 1215. Magna Carta was the most significant early influence on the extensive historical process that led to the rule of constitutional law today. Magna Carta influenced the development of the common law and many constitutional documents, such as the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, and is considered one of the most important legal documents in the history of democracy.”
Interestingly, the preamble begins with the words "Know that before God". That is then immediately followed by the first of 63 articles which starts out saying, “First, that we have granted to God”.
In the Declaration of Independence, America's forefathers fully recognized the supremacy of God over nations and the affairs of men. They began their great document, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights."
Certain historical documents 'seem' at times nearly supernatural when considering their amazing wisdom and impact. But absolute perfection in print is reserved for the revelation of God. The evidence is described in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". The word inspiration carries the meaning of "God-breathed".
Then Hebrew 4:12 reveals the unique ability and absolute power of God's Word. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Freedom's great writings have allowed those who have been blessed to live under them to experience, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” But the primary and ultimate value of living in freedom is the ability to worship in freedom and the freedom to openly share one’s faith. And those who experience such liberty should be careful to remain deeply thankful for a lifestyle envied by much of the world.
Living ”the American Dream” through a carefully crafted democracy “of the people and for the people” is a good thing, but it is not the only thing or best thing. Even possesing all the the so-called "good life" has to offer pales dramatically in comparison when stacked against the abundant and eternal life Christ himself offered in John 8:36.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36
Bill Breckenridge
The 'Other’ Star Wars
Can one galaxy declare war on another? Well, not exactly like the scenes from the Star Wars movies. But there is today a real life battle “in a galaxy far, far away.”
“What we've identified is an act of violence by a black hole, with an unfortunate nearby galaxy in the line of fire," said Dan Evans, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge.
He further commented, “Any planets orbiting the stars of the smaller galaxy would be dramatically affected, and any life forms would likely die as the jet's radiation transformed the planets' atmosphere.” Astronomers have called the activity “an act of galactic violence” the likes of which they have never before seen.
Science has allowed man to see far into the creation and discover not only what is there, but often what is occurring there. Their findings typically include the destruction or death of some heavenly body. And while this is interesting, it should serve as no real surprise to any student of the Scriptures.
In his great doctrinal masterpiece to the church at Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8 about sin’s dire consequences on a once flawless universe. Beginning in verse 19 he states, “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”
When mankind fell into sin, he dragged the entire creation down with him - even “until now”.And while both man and his environment were cursed by that fateful decision in the Garden of Eden, that will be ultimately reversed at some future time. Man’s redemption begins when he accepts Christ and is reclaimed and re-made according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Although forgiven and indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit, man’s total and final perfection will someday come when Christ comes for His church. This will usher in the end of a ‘groaning’ physical creation, thus completing God’s miraculous rescue of the world of men and the world of worlds!
In Romans 8 Paul later describes this highly anticipated union in theological terms in verses 23-24. “Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”
The practical outcome of God’s spiritual adoption of His people is found back in the same chapter starting with verse 14. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, '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 joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
For the moment the battles of the creation rage on. But for the Christian, while the battles remain intense, the war has been won with the victory coming by way of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary’s cross. With the coming of the King of Kings will also come the end of all pain and sorrow. That glorious time will bring relief for embattled galaxies “far, far away,” and lasting peace and joy for every redeemed resident of planet Earth.
Bill Breckenridge
“What we've identified is an act of violence by a black hole, with an unfortunate nearby galaxy in the line of fire," said Dan Evans, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge.
He further commented, “Any planets orbiting the stars of the smaller galaxy would be dramatically affected, and any life forms would likely die as the jet's radiation transformed the planets' atmosphere.” Astronomers have called the activity “an act of galactic violence” the likes of which they have never before seen.
Science has allowed man to see far into the creation and discover not only what is there, but often what is occurring there. Their findings typically include the destruction or death of some heavenly body. And while this is interesting, it should serve as no real surprise to any student of the Scriptures.
In his great doctrinal masterpiece to the church at Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8 about sin’s dire consequences on a once flawless universe. Beginning in verse 19 he states, “For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”
When mankind fell into sin, he dragged the entire creation down with him - even “until now”.And while both man and his environment were cursed by that fateful decision in the Garden of Eden, that will be ultimately reversed at some future time. Man’s redemption begins when he accepts Christ and is reclaimed and re-made according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Although forgiven and indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit, man’s total and final perfection will someday come when Christ comes for His church. This will usher in the end of a ‘groaning’ physical creation, thus completing God’s miraculous rescue of the world of men and the world of worlds!
In Romans 8 Paul later describes this highly anticipated union in theological terms in verses 23-24. “Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”
The practical outcome of God’s spiritual adoption of His people is found back in the same chapter starting with verse 14. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, '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 joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
For the moment the battles of the creation rage on. But for the Christian, while the battles remain intense, the war has been won with the victory coming by way of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary’s cross. With the coming of the King of Kings will also come the end of all pain and sorrow. That glorious time will bring relief for embattled galaxies “far, far away,” and lasting peace and joy for every redeemed resident of planet Earth.
Bill Breckenridge
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
‘Invasion of The E-mail Snatchers’
Until the computer age, it was an inexpensive, ready-to-serve, canned meat which was often the target of jokes even while at times keeping poorer families from entering the poor house. If you are over 50 years of age, you may have guessed right. It is SPAM, the much maligned substance that can actually be quite tasty if prepared correctly, or if one has a serious head cold.
But more recently, the term ‘spam’ has been hijacked and finds its most familiar context in cyberspace. This time, unlike with the edible kind, the internet version has few if any adoring fans. Even though the 2004 US CAN-SPAM Act tried to limit the tidal wave of junk e-mail on the internet, the flood of unwanted messages is as bad, or worse, than ever.
According to the California-based Barracuda Networks Inc., junk messaging made up 70% of all email in 2004. But shockingly, since the passage of the Spam Act, it jumped to a staggering 95 percent in 2007. The findings were based on a study using a billion e-mail messages received daily by its approximately 50,000 customers worldwide. This largely unwanted cyber-invasion has meant that anyone hoping to avoid the constant online intrusion must install defensive software to negate the annoying and sometime harmful electronic pests.
E-mail, whether good or bad, is but one of the many competing voices screaming at people through a sophisticated culture. But the computer is just one avenue for sellers to push their wares to gain the attention and bend the opinions of many disgusted and overwhelmed consumers.
For Christians, this entire issue can serve as a vivid reminder about not getting side tracked by the onslaught of competing and meaningless messages coming from a mostly godless world. It has become increasingly easy for the priorities of the faith to be lost in the midst of so many persistent voices, all vying for our limited time, attention and resources. . And part of successful hearing and obeying is to first sift through and prioritize what is good and important versus what is not.
The Old Testament warns repeatedly about the blessings of accurately hearing, and then obeying, the voice of the Lord. The consequences of failure to do the same are also clearly stated.
The New Testament also conveys the crucial nature of open ears when dealing with spiritual matters. In his last book, the writer John says in Rev 3:20-21: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." The promise is clear and sure. But the ears must be unclogged to respond correctly to God’s merciful offer.
In a modern stressful world, filled with clamoring and confusing voices, the believer’s spiritual heath can be greatly impacted by his or her ability to filter out all the constant godless and meaningless ‘spam’. And that best begins by taking to heart the brief words of God spoken through the lips of the Psalmist in 46:10, "Be still , and know that I am God."
Bill Breckenridge
But more recently, the term ‘spam’ has been hijacked and finds its most familiar context in cyberspace. This time, unlike with the edible kind, the internet version has few if any adoring fans. Even though the 2004 US CAN-SPAM Act tried to limit the tidal wave of junk e-mail on the internet, the flood of unwanted messages is as bad, or worse, than ever.
According to the California-based Barracuda Networks Inc., junk messaging made up 70% of all email in 2004. But shockingly, since the passage of the Spam Act, it jumped to a staggering 95 percent in 2007. The findings were based on a study using a billion e-mail messages received daily by its approximately 50,000 customers worldwide. This largely unwanted cyber-invasion has meant that anyone hoping to avoid the constant online intrusion must install defensive software to negate the annoying and sometime harmful electronic pests.
E-mail, whether good or bad, is but one of the many competing voices screaming at people through a sophisticated culture. But the computer is just one avenue for sellers to push their wares to gain the attention and bend the opinions of many disgusted and overwhelmed consumers.
For Christians, this entire issue can serve as a vivid reminder about not getting side tracked by the onslaught of competing and meaningless messages coming from a mostly godless world. It has become increasingly easy for the priorities of the faith to be lost in the midst of so many persistent voices, all vying for our limited time, attention and resources. . And part of successful hearing and obeying is to first sift through and prioritize what is good and important versus what is not.
The Old Testament warns repeatedly about the blessings of accurately hearing, and then obeying, the voice of the Lord. The consequences of failure to do the same are also clearly stated.
The New Testament also conveys the crucial nature of open ears when dealing with spiritual matters. In his last book, the writer John says in Rev 3:20-21: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." The promise is clear and sure. But the ears must be unclogged to respond correctly to God’s merciful offer.
In a modern stressful world, filled with clamoring and confusing voices, the believer’s spiritual heath can be greatly impacted by his or her ability to filter out all the constant godless and meaningless ‘spam’. And that best begins by taking to heart the brief words of God spoken through the lips of the Psalmist in 46:10, "Be still , and know that I am God."
Bill Breckenridge
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