To say that the office and job of the President of the United States is a complex one would be a massive understatement. Not only does he oversee the most formidable military on earth, but he sets the agenda for the most powerful and influential nation on the planet as well. But sometimes the job requires other seeming lesser things – like comforting just a small percentage of the nation’s citizens who have experienced some sudden tragedy or deep form of heartache.
That was President Barak Obama’s task this week as he tried to offer words of comfort and hope to the devastated families of those brutally murdered at Fort Hood. His was not any enviable position to be in. But his is the position that demands it.
Bill Clinton helped rebuild his troubled presidency with the way he reacted to the vicious Oklahoma City bombings. Then, too, George W. Bush governed throughout some of the worst events ever in American history. There was 9/11, the worst terrorist attack ever on the nation’s soil. That was soon followed by Hurricane Katrina, the most traumatic and crippling natural disaster to ever hit the U.S. mainland. Along with these there came a series of smaller but still difficult events like the space shuttle explosion, a terrible shooting rampage at Virginia Tech, a tornado that wiped out a Kansas town, a bridge collapse in Minnesota, Midwestern flooding and the catastrophic California wildfires.
When horrific events like these hit, it is the responsibility of Commander-in-Chief to be the chief comforter to the individual citizens he leads. Again, it is a difficult requirement but a worthy and sacred role. It is also true that the popularity of a President, and even his platform, can be altered depending on how key events are handled in public.
The God of the Bible is well aware of the grief and frustration that is the eventual part of every life. The ability of the Creator to relate to those He created is mentioned in Hebrews 4:15. The writer records there, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” The Bible stresses forcefully that Jesus was 100% man while, at the same time, being 100% God. (Philippians 5:2-8) This miraculous and mysterious union enables Him to know how we feel when we face what we face. And while Christ’s human side can fully relate to our trials and needs, as fully God, He is able help man rightly respond and overcome them.
During His great prayer in John 14, Jesus was preparing His followers for His death and soon departure. He informed them that His leaving would not leave them some terrible void or sense of loss. Rather the Lord gave them a glimpse of the One who would take His earthly place on a full-time basis. It would be none other than His equal but in the form of the indwelling Holy Spirit. This part of the triune Godhead would not, in any way, be an inferior substitute to Christ’s physical presence. Instead, He would make available to all believers certain supernatural gifts and abilities.
One of the most critical of those assets is named in verses 16-18. John records Jesus’ words as follows. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
He later re-emphasizes the reason for, and benefits of, His leaving. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7) The Spirit would no longer come and go for specific and limited ministry tasks as was the case in Old Testament times. (Psalm 51:11) But He would now empower and dwell permanently in the hearts and lives of every true follower of Christ. Jesus was simply trying to convey the superior value of this new spiritual relationship.
Pain and suffering have always been part of the human condition. The reasons should be obvious. First, man lives in a sinful and broken world. Then secondly, man has been made in the image of God! (Genesis 1:26-27) This amazing blend allows him to share certain of God’s attributes - the ability to love and sense grief and loss being a prime example. Emotional and relational suffering is a natural part of being human. But dealing with it, with any lasting degree of success, requires something unnatural – better yet, something supernatural. It requires the ongoing presence of perfect Comforter. It requires the helping and healing power of the Holy Spirit. And that requires an intimate knowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and also as Lord.
The words of the President to hurting families at Fort Hood were perhaps helpful – for that moment. But the words of Jesus to His family members allows for something outsiders can only dream of, and long for, when times of crisis arise.
“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.” (John 14:27)
America’s “Comforter-in-Chief” may offer fine words of peace, But they cannot ever replace or equal the ministry of “Chief of all Comfort”.
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Berlin Wall Anniversary
It has been 20 full years since one of history's most symbolic moments captured the gaze of the entire globe. It is a story of heartache, struggle, death and finally victory!
On November 9, 1989 one of the all-time great examples of tyranny began to crumble - literally.
It was the Berlin Wall. The structure had separated more than just scores of German families and the country’s most notable city. It separated the opposing principles of freedom and bondage and simple good versus evil. It was a line that had divided, in many ways, the civilized world for 28 long and painful years. The 96 mile long span was also the site of the 136 deaths of those who thought it important enough to risk their lives rather than live in bondage.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Sunday that "the ideals that drove Berliners to tear down that wall are no less relevant today." And Lutheran Bishop Wolfgang Huber told the congregation at the Gethsemane Church, "We remember the tears of joy, the faces of delight, the liberation."
His words rang true, but only those who personally experience a Berlin Wall, or something like it, can truly relate to its devastating and lingering effects. All others must try to imagine what that specific form of suffering might be like.
The existence and tearing down of the Berlin Wall carries a deeply significant spiritual illustration. There is a wall that separates God from all men. It begins at birth. It affects all the same. But it does not come through the typical treachery of some earthly entity. Scripture teaches that man is born in sin, separated from God, and without hope in the world (Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:11-13). Even so, the Apostle Paul makes it abundantly clear that these effects of this grim reality are reversible when man’s faith is linked with God’s grace. He condenses the matter down to just a few powerful and profound words in Ephesians 2:8-9. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
A few verses later Paul reveals some of the spiritual mechanics of how God accomplished this miraculous and eternal task. He uses language similar to that often used of Berlin’s wicked wall. Ephesians 2:14-17 reads, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.”
Scripture is clear that man is born into sin, separated from God, and without hope in the world (Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:11-13) Fortunately it is equally clear that sin’s dreadful effects need not reign supreme since there is a way to flatten this most destructive of all walls. Romans 5:8 provides the foundational reason for God’s tearing down of the relational wall between Himself and those He made. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It was that unique love that caused Christ to fully smash through the wall of sin that divided all humanity from Himself. The route of escape has been fully cleared. That is all about God’s grace. But each and everyone must chose to walk it to arrive at the place of spiritual freedom. That is all about man’s personal faith.
It seems highly symbolic that Bishop Wolfgang Huber addressed his congregation from a church called Gethsemane – the name of the place where Christ prayed just before becoming the divine target for the sins of man. No doubt many in Huber’s flock recalled the building and tearing down of Berlin’s wall of woe. Some there maybe lived behind it until escaping its destructive grasp. With that said, those and likely many others still live today behind a self –imposed ‘spiritual’ iron curtain. Perhaps they recall well that moment of great national freedom. Some will remember vividly gaining their own physical release, but unaware that they remain captives from birth in another realm on this great anniversary.
Some will be forced to live in physical bondage for part or all of their earthly lives. That is just a tragic part of life in a fallen world. Then there are those who are blessed enough to never experience that brand of suffering. But both share equally in something far more serious and infinitely deadly.
All who will ever draw a single breath are born spiritually captive and in desperate need of escape. They face together a serious universal flaw but have access to the solitary universal cure. That exclusive repair is quite simple in its requirement (2 Corinthians 11:3) but beyond stunning in its impact. (Colossians 1:13) It requires only a sincere act of faith in response to God’s sacrificial act of grace. And when that great wall of separation is broken down by God’s greater act of grace, then will the great words in the Bible writer become the equally great testimony of the Bible reader!
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Bill Breckenridge
On November 9, 1989 one of the all-time great examples of tyranny began to crumble - literally.
It was the Berlin Wall. The structure had separated more than just scores of German families and the country’s most notable city. It separated the opposing principles of freedom and bondage and simple good versus evil. It was a line that had divided, in many ways, the civilized world for 28 long and painful years. The 96 mile long span was also the site of the 136 deaths of those who thought it important enough to risk their lives rather than live in bondage.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Sunday that "the ideals that drove Berliners to tear down that wall are no less relevant today." And Lutheran Bishop Wolfgang Huber told the congregation at the Gethsemane Church, "We remember the tears of joy, the faces of delight, the liberation."
His words rang true, but only those who personally experience a Berlin Wall, or something like it, can truly relate to its devastating and lingering effects. All others must try to imagine what that specific form of suffering might be like.
The existence and tearing down of the Berlin Wall carries a deeply significant spiritual illustration. There is a wall that separates God from all men. It begins at birth. It affects all the same. But it does not come through the typical treachery of some earthly entity. Scripture teaches that man is born in sin, separated from God, and without hope in the world (Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:11-13). Even so, the Apostle Paul makes it abundantly clear that these effects of this grim reality are reversible when man’s faith is linked with God’s grace. He condenses the matter down to just a few powerful and profound words in Ephesians 2:8-9. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
A few verses later Paul reveals some of the spiritual mechanics of how God accomplished this miraculous and eternal task. He uses language similar to that often used of Berlin’s wicked wall. Ephesians 2:14-17 reads, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.”
Scripture is clear that man is born into sin, separated from God, and without hope in the world (Psalm 51:5, Ephesians 2:11-13) Fortunately it is equally clear that sin’s dreadful effects need not reign supreme since there is a way to flatten this most destructive of all walls. Romans 5:8 provides the foundational reason for God’s tearing down of the relational wall between Himself and those He made. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It was that unique love that caused Christ to fully smash through the wall of sin that divided all humanity from Himself. The route of escape has been fully cleared. That is all about God’s grace. But each and everyone must chose to walk it to arrive at the place of spiritual freedom. That is all about man’s personal faith.
It seems highly symbolic that Bishop Wolfgang Huber addressed his congregation from a church called Gethsemane – the name of the place where Christ prayed just before becoming the divine target for the sins of man. No doubt many in Huber’s flock recalled the building and tearing down of Berlin’s wall of woe. Some there maybe lived behind it until escaping its destructive grasp. With that said, those and likely many others still live today behind a self –imposed ‘spiritual’ iron curtain. Perhaps they recall well that moment of great national freedom. Some will remember vividly gaining their own physical release, but unaware that they remain captives from birth in another realm on this great anniversary.
Some will be forced to live in physical bondage for part or all of their earthly lives. That is just a tragic part of life in a fallen world. Then there are those who are blessed enough to never experience that brand of suffering. But both share equally in something far more serious and infinitely deadly.
All who will ever draw a single breath are born spiritually captive and in desperate need of escape. They face together a serious universal flaw but have access to the solitary universal cure. That exclusive repair is quite simple in its requirement (2 Corinthians 11:3) but beyond stunning in its impact. (Colossians 1:13) It requires only a sincere act of faith in response to God’s sacrificial act of grace. And when that great wall of separation is broken down by God’s greater act of grace, then will the great words in the Bible writer become the equally great testimony of the Bible reader!
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Political Redemption?
Social conservatives in my home state of New Jersey are especially pleased with the outcome of the governor’s race. Republican Chris Christie, announced pro-lifer and supporter of conventional marriage, beat liberal Democrat Jon Corzine. Christie has a normal family—that is, a wife and kids—while Corzine is divorced. Christie’s election may give him the opportunity to nominate four New Jersey State Supreme Court justices. His belief in traditional marriage would hopefully mean that these nominations would dampen the chances of activist legislation from the bench. Christie is also tough on crime having formerly served as a U.S. Attorney for the State of New Jersey who tried 100 criminal cases successfully without a single reversal.
There is indeed, political redemption in New Jersey, and, if here, perhaps it can happen in any state. That a state previously so left-leaning as to sweep Obama into the White House with a stunning plurality only a year ago could upend Corzine, who is pro-choice and would sign a same-sex marriage bill, is a comfort in politically left-moving times. And in Virginia, which went Democrat in the 2008 presidential election for the first time in decades, Republican candidate Bob McDonnell, a social and religious conservative, also trounced his opponent in the governor’s race.
Perhaps a significant block of New Jersey voters has commendable second thoughts about government spending excesses that will potentially bankrupt generations to come. Perhaps a good number are reconsidering the faulty wisdom of government funding of abortions in an unwieldy health care bill. Perhaps a majority is enraged over government corruption, immoral legislation, sleazy politics in general and negative campaigning specifically. Hopefully, rampant property taxation, wild deficits and liberal nonsense are being seen as the moral insanity they really are.
More importantly, I hope all this reflects a healthy return to biblical morality—a mirror of Heaven’s principles for conventional marriage, healthy families and fiscal responsibility. The campaigns of winners and losers alike were financed by currency bearing the inscription "In God We Trust," and our national Pledge of Allegiance contains the phrase "one nation under God."
The timeless warning still stands in Psalm 9:17. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." To those yearning for spiritual stability, the wonderful alternative still stands in Psalm 144:15b: "…Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!"
Dave Virkler
There is indeed, political redemption in New Jersey, and, if here, perhaps it can happen in any state. That a state previously so left-leaning as to sweep Obama into the White House with a stunning plurality only a year ago could upend Corzine, who is pro-choice and would sign a same-sex marriage bill, is a comfort in politically left-moving times. And in Virginia, which went Democrat in the 2008 presidential election for the first time in decades, Republican candidate Bob McDonnell, a social and religious conservative, also trounced his opponent in the governor’s race.
Perhaps a significant block of New Jersey voters has commendable second thoughts about government spending excesses that will potentially bankrupt generations to come. Perhaps a good number are reconsidering the faulty wisdom of government funding of abortions in an unwieldy health care bill. Perhaps a majority is enraged over government corruption, immoral legislation, sleazy politics in general and negative campaigning specifically. Hopefully, rampant property taxation, wild deficits and liberal nonsense are being seen as the moral insanity they really are.
More importantly, I hope all this reflects a healthy return to biblical morality—a mirror of Heaven’s principles for conventional marriage, healthy families and fiscal responsibility. The campaigns of winners and losers alike were financed by currency bearing the inscription "In God We Trust," and our national Pledge of Allegiance contains the phrase "one nation under God."
The timeless warning still stands in Psalm 9:17. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." To those yearning for spiritual stability, the wonderful alternative still stands in Psalm 144:15b: "…Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!"
Dave Virkler
GOP Offers 'Condensed' Health Bill
The battle has raged on for months but seems like it has been going on for years. And in some ways it has. It is the highly controversial and comprehensive revision of the health care system in America. The fight has been vicious because the outcome promises to be so very vital.
Obviously, even the very best system of care can be approved upon. But many oppose this major program that is a major part of the President’s campaign promise of 'Change you can believe in'. They believe that the new plan will corrupt the world’s best overall health care. Further, they cite that it will place massive financial demands on an already fragile economy while reducing personal freedoms.
Part of the debate has been over the mountain of paperwork that makes up the Democratic plan. The legislation consists of approximately 2,000 pages of heavy legislative language. That alone leaves many skeptical, or seriously scared, since few can read it all and most could not understand it even if they could.
In reaction, the GOP has released a much more compact version that pares the opposition’s guidelines to ‘only’ some 230 pages – an approximate 90% reduction. The Republican plan focuses more on incentives, medical savings accounts, lessening jury and malpractice awards, and other similar things that tend to run insurance premiums through the roof. The plan differs, too, in that it would not require all employers to offer insurance and make all persons and families to buy some sort of protection even if it be against their will. And unlike the Democrat’s bill, the Republican plan would also stop funding on most forms of abortion.
Once again American’s citizens have been plunged into a massive cloud of bureaucratic confusion perpetrated by those who are elected serve them. They are being asked to accept a life-altering law that even those with legal backgrounds admit not having fully read or adequately grasped. And the people are being asked to trust the government to control the most personal and crucial aspect of their daily lives even while that same entity is near legendaryfor its absurd levels of inefficiency and endless red tape.
In short, the U.S. government has grown too big, too powerful, too aggressive, and too complicated to effectively satisfy and serve those it was designed to protect. Foe instance, just take a peek at the current IRS code. Bottom Line: Citizens are being forced to sort out, and side with those who claim to be most truthful, caring, and competent - a Herculean task to say the least!
On this hot topic, one prominent leader has taken a different tact. He contends that the so-called ‘health care crisis’ is more a ‘health crisis'. It does seem to make perfect sense that a serious decline in health care costs would results if the American people ate better, slet more, exercised some, and resisted physically negative and morally detrimental types of behavior. An improvement in the nation’s physical and moral behavior may just be the single best, and cheapest, way to improve overall health standards and also stabilize current health care costs. Sadly, that solution is viewed as too simplistic and seems just too logical for most bureaucrats to grasp. Besides, most politicians are too scared for their jobs to ever point fingers at the voters who elected them – even if those things be true and right.
As confusing and overwhelming as the current health care legislation is, thankfully the one thing of infinitely greater value that has been made crystal clear. Religious systems over the centuries, even some under the banner of Christianity, have made salvation and the forgiveness of sin far more complicated than the actual requirement of the Creator God.
In 2 Corinthians 11:2-4 the Apostle Paul made reference to allowing man’s conditions for redemption to alter or exceed those of God’s. In verse 3 he wrote, “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” Salvation is amazing and miraculous. But has been also made quite simple.
Ironically, the ultimate example of this very truth was seen at Christ’s crucifixion. One of the thieves being executed at His side recognized the Savior’s deity and ability. At one point he uttered these word in the midst of his great agony, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." (Luke 23:42) The Lord’s simple response to this sincere request is seen in the very next verse. “And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." A wicked and guilty man’s external redemption could not have come more simply or dramatically. And the same blessed method still holds true some 21 centuries later!
The details and facts of the current health care maze has exceeded the average man’s grasp. Even those in the ‘know’ really don’t 'know' what the extent or the ultimate impact on the nation will be. But God’s spiritual health care plan is, and has always been, both clear and comprehensive. The premium was paid in full on the cross at a price far beyond what money can ever buy. (1 Peter 1:18, Isaiah 55:1)
God’s forgiveness policy is available, free of charge, to any and all who choose to accept it in simple saving faith. There must be only a full understanding and a serious and correct answer to the question asked 2,000 years ago by a desperate man in a dingy prison cell. His plea from the heart was this. "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:29) The immediate answer was every bit as short and profound. “So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31)
When this powerful response becomes one's personal reality it will always bring the greatest possible 'Change you can believe in'. That divive alteration is spelled out in 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.”
How do we know that change is really true and lasting? First, because it happened to me. Then too, scores of others, who have believed in the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ, have likewise experienced the supernatual results and eternal promises of His great salvation plan.
Bill Breckenridge
Obviously, even the very best system of care can be approved upon. But many oppose this major program that is a major part of the President’s campaign promise of 'Change you can believe in'. They believe that the new plan will corrupt the world’s best overall health care. Further, they cite that it will place massive financial demands on an already fragile economy while reducing personal freedoms.
Part of the debate has been over the mountain of paperwork that makes up the Democratic plan. The legislation consists of approximately 2,000 pages of heavy legislative language. That alone leaves many skeptical, or seriously scared, since few can read it all and most could not understand it even if they could.
In reaction, the GOP has released a much more compact version that pares the opposition’s guidelines to ‘only’ some 230 pages – an approximate 90% reduction. The Republican plan focuses more on incentives, medical savings accounts, lessening jury and malpractice awards, and other similar things that tend to run insurance premiums through the roof. The plan differs, too, in that it would not require all employers to offer insurance and make all persons and families to buy some sort of protection even if it be against their will. And unlike the Democrat’s bill, the Republican plan would also stop funding on most forms of abortion.
Once again American’s citizens have been plunged into a massive cloud of bureaucratic confusion perpetrated by those who are elected serve them. They are being asked to accept a life-altering law that even those with legal backgrounds admit not having fully read or adequately grasped. And the people are being asked to trust the government to control the most personal and crucial aspect of their daily lives even while that same entity is near legendaryfor its absurd levels of inefficiency and endless red tape.
In short, the U.S. government has grown too big, too powerful, too aggressive, and too complicated to effectively satisfy and serve those it was designed to protect. Foe instance, just take a peek at the current IRS code. Bottom Line: Citizens are being forced to sort out, and side with those who claim to be most truthful, caring, and competent - a Herculean task to say the least!
On this hot topic, one prominent leader has taken a different tact. He contends that the so-called ‘health care crisis’ is more a ‘health crisis'. It does seem to make perfect sense that a serious decline in health care costs would results if the American people ate better, slet more, exercised some, and resisted physically negative and morally detrimental types of behavior. An improvement in the nation’s physical and moral behavior may just be the single best, and cheapest, way to improve overall health standards and also stabilize current health care costs. Sadly, that solution is viewed as too simplistic and seems just too logical for most bureaucrats to grasp. Besides, most politicians are too scared for their jobs to ever point fingers at the voters who elected them – even if those things be true and right.
As confusing and overwhelming as the current health care legislation is, thankfully the one thing of infinitely greater value that has been made crystal clear. Religious systems over the centuries, even some under the banner of Christianity, have made salvation and the forgiveness of sin far more complicated than the actual requirement of the Creator God.
In 2 Corinthians 11:2-4 the Apostle Paul made reference to allowing man’s conditions for redemption to alter or exceed those of God’s. In verse 3 he wrote, “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” Salvation is amazing and miraculous. But has been also made quite simple.
Ironically, the ultimate example of this very truth was seen at Christ’s crucifixion. One of the thieves being executed at His side recognized the Savior’s deity and ability. At one point he uttered these word in the midst of his great agony, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." (Luke 23:42) The Lord’s simple response to this sincere request is seen in the very next verse. “And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." A wicked and guilty man’s external redemption could not have come more simply or dramatically. And the same blessed method still holds true some 21 centuries later!
The details and facts of the current health care maze has exceeded the average man’s grasp. Even those in the ‘know’ really don’t 'know' what the extent or the ultimate impact on the nation will be. But God’s spiritual health care plan is, and has always been, both clear and comprehensive. The premium was paid in full on the cross at a price far beyond what money can ever buy. (1 Peter 1:18, Isaiah 55:1)
God’s forgiveness policy is available, free of charge, to any and all who choose to accept it in simple saving faith. There must be only a full understanding and a serious and correct answer to the question asked 2,000 years ago by a desperate man in a dingy prison cell. His plea from the heart was this. "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:29) The immediate answer was every bit as short and profound. “So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31)
When this powerful response becomes one's personal reality it will always bring the greatest possible 'Change you can believe in'. That divive alteration is spelled out in 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.”
How do we know that change is really true and lasting? First, because it happened to me. Then too, scores of others, who have believed in the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ, have likewise experienced the supernatual results and eternal promises of His great salvation plan.
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, November 2, 2009
New Promises For Windows 7
The long awaited Windows 7 has arrived. And for scores of PC users it promises to be their computing salvation.
Microsoft, who is the author of the operating system that fuels the mass majority of the world’s personal computers. is hoping to erase the painful memories of their previous Operating System that was called Vista. The much-hated software became notorious for being slow, oversensitive to assumed security threats, and incompatible with scores of hard and software that many users needed to accomplish their everyday tasks. But Bill Gates' company promises that Windows 7 will fix all of that and eliminate the negative issues from virtually all previous versions.
Mac, who is Windows main competitor and known for a much more stable OS, has been airing clever ads in reaction to the Version 7. In one convincing TV commercial, two men are speaking on the subject. One represents Windows and the other the Mac. When the Mac man asks why Windows 7 is a worthy purchase, Mr. Windows begins a series of reasons, all coming with older and older changes in his clothing style. Each wardrobe switch goes back to the time period of the previous Windows OS. For example, he states that Windows 7 is worthy because it fixes all the issues of the previous version - Windows XP. The next change shows an even older clothing and hair style, only this time he states that buying XP was good back then because it fixed all the issues of the previous OS – Windows 2000. This backwards progression, using the same promise of better things to come, continues all the way back to Microsoft’s earliest operating systems.
The Mac ad is simple and quite effective. It suggests that Windows has been making huge promises of correcting their previous operating systems since day one. If so, why would the new Windows 7 be any better? The ad does have an element of truth. It is clever and convincing since Mac has suffered far less ‘issues’ over the years than their arch rival.
The public will soon have yet another opportunity to use their purchasing powers based on each company’s current promises and performance records. Neither is flawless, but perhaps one is better when the two are honestly evaluated side by side. But in the end, all that is at stake is a small expenditure of cash and perhaps some computing frustration and productivity.
And while computing is used in nearly all areas of modern life, it is far from the most important thing in all of life. The Bible speaks on the only subject that will matter after the last operating system is devised and the power cord is yanked on the last computer. The issue then will not be about what was the better way to get to heaven – but what was the only way?
The writer of the book of Hebrews reveals the superior nature of the ministry of Jesus Christ. In the eighth chapter he pens, “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:6)
Then in the following chapter, the author reveals the additional promise and eternal life in Christ. “And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
That unique role as the ultimate Mediator is further defined in 1 Timothy. In chapter two the Apostle Paul describes how the better ministry of Christ is, in fact, the only valid way whereby man can be redeemed from the plague and penalty of sin. Verse 5 begins, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
Windows 7 may just keep some of the promises it boasts of. If so, that is good news to its users. But best news is, and will always be, the “Good News” of salvation in Jesus Christ. His is a promise to save fully and finally as Hebrews 7:25 confirms.
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
Bill Breckenridge
Microsoft, who is the author of the operating system that fuels the mass majority of the world’s personal computers. is hoping to erase the painful memories of their previous Operating System that was called Vista. The much-hated software became notorious for being slow, oversensitive to assumed security threats, and incompatible with scores of hard and software that many users needed to accomplish their everyday tasks. But Bill Gates' company promises that Windows 7 will fix all of that and eliminate the negative issues from virtually all previous versions.
Mac, who is Windows main competitor and known for a much more stable OS, has been airing clever ads in reaction to the Version 7. In one convincing TV commercial, two men are speaking on the subject. One represents Windows and the other the Mac. When the Mac man asks why Windows 7 is a worthy purchase, Mr. Windows begins a series of reasons, all coming with older and older changes in his clothing style. Each wardrobe switch goes back to the time period of the previous Windows OS. For example, he states that Windows 7 is worthy because it fixes all the issues of the previous version - Windows XP. The next change shows an even older clothing and hair style, only this time he states that buying XP was good back then because it fixed all the issues of the previous OS – Windows 2000. This backwards progression, using the same promise of better things to come, continues all the way back to Microsoft’s earliest operating systems.
The Mac ad is simple and quite effective. It suggests that Windows has been making huge promises of correcting their previous operating systems since day one. If so, why would the new Windows 7 be any better? The ad does have an element of truth. It is clever and convincing since Mac has suffered far less ‘issues’ over the years than their arch rival.
The public will soon have yet another opportunity to use their purchasing powers based on each company’s current promises and performance records. Neither is flawless, but perhaps one is better when the two are honestly evaluated side by side. But in the end, all that is at stake is a small expenditure of cash and perhaps some computing frustration and productivity.
And while computing is used in nearly all areas of modern life, it is far from the most important thing in all of life. The Bible speaks on the only subject that will matter after the last operating system is devised and the power cord is yanked on the last computer. The issue then will not be about what was the better way to get to heaven – but what was the only way?
The writer of the book of Hebrews reveals the superior nature of the ministry of Jesus Christ. In the eighth chapter he pens, “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:6)
Then in the following chapter, the author reveals the additional promise and eternal life in Christ. “And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
That unique role as the ultimate Mediator is further defined in 1 Timothy. In chapter two the Apostle Paul describes how the better ministry of Christ is, in fact, the only valid way whereby man can be redeemed from the plague and penalty of sin. Verse 5 begins, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
Windows 7 may just keep some of the promises it boasts of. If so, that is good news to its users. But best news is, and will always be, the “Good News” of salvation in Jesus Christ. His is a promise to save fully and finally as Hebrews 7:25 confirms.
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
Bill Breckenridge
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