Savior of All

Posted on July 17, 2015 by jesustrek

King of KingsCecil B. De Mille’s picture, The King of Kings, filmed during the silent movie era, was seen by countless millions of people. De Mille was once asked why he did not reproduce the movie with sound and color. He replied, “I will never be able to do it, because if I gave Jesus a southern accent, the northerners would not think of him as their Christ. If I gave him a foreign accent, the Americans and the British would not think of him as their Christ. As it is, people of all nations, from every race, creed, clan can accept him as their Christ.”

Jesus truly wants to be everyone’s Savior!

“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”—1 John 2:2.

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Clean Clothes

Posted on July 16, 2015 by jesustrek

washing machineI once knew a man who did not wash his clothes very often. His mother told me that he thought that the process of washing was hard on the clothing and that it caused them to wear out more quickly. She had tried to tell him that the ground in dirt was much more damaging to the material than the washings, but she could not convince him to change his mind.

The Bible says that when we become Christians we clothe ourselves with Christ. That is, we avoid sinful behaviors and pursue wholesome living. Some think that living for Jesus wears a person down; that it would be much easier to go on living a sinful lifestyle. That’s just not true! It is sin that wears us down and holy living that refreshes us. Clean, holy living—that’s the lifestyle to choose!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”—Colossians 3:12.

 

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Keeping Fit

Posted on July 13, 2015 by jesustrek

fitness trackerMany Americans are purchasing fitness trackers to help them stay in shape. These small devices, many designed to be worn like a bracelet or wristwatch, help the user keep track of how much exercise they are getting.

The demand for fitness trackers remains strong, even though many owners are no longer using theirs. One man gave his device to his father-in-law. A mother gave hers to her children. Another lady took hers off several months ago to recharge the battery, and she hasn’t picked it up since.

One company estimates that only half of the nearly 20 million people who had bought their product were still actively using it as of the first quarter of 2015.

Yet the sale of fitness trackers remains strong, even as many people neglect to actually use them.

It’s sort of like the Bible, right? The Bible continues to be a best-seller worldwide, even as fewer people read it and put its words into action.

If we want to be spiritually fit, we had better get moving! We had better read the Word and live out its truth!

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”—James 1:22.

 

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He Died

Posted on July 10, 2015 by jesustrek

Cross-FSWhen Douglas Legler passed away at the age of 85, the obituary that appeared in the newspaper was quite brief. It simply read: “Doug died”. The North Dakota prankster evidently wanted to give his friends one last laugh, so he penned the two-word notice himself. Apparently, he thought it would suffice.

Two words is not nearly enough to convey the message of the death of Jesus. Much Scripture is devoted to his atoning sacrifice. Many books and songs have been written about the significance of Jesus’ death and the importance of his subsequent resurrection. People will continue to speak of the gospel message—that salvation is available through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.’ ”—Revelation 5:9-10.

 

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Need Those Parts!

Posted on July 9, 2015 by jesustrek
Jason Pierre-Paul

Jason Pierre-Paul

This past July 4 was a costly holiday for a couple of NFL players.

New York Giants defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul had to have his right index finger amputated as a result of a fireworks accident. Tampa Bay cornerback C.J. Wilson lost two fingers in a Fourth of July fireworks mishap.

Hopefully, these two players can recover from their injuries and resume their lucrative careers playing professional football. However, their effectiveness will be in question after losing precious parts of their body. News of these accidents should encourage other players to take more precautions in their off-field activities.

Likewise, we church members should do our best to take care of each other. The Bible describes the church as the body of Christ, and we Christians are members of that body. We can only function to our fullest capacity if all of our body parts are working properly. Therefore, we have to take care of each other.

“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.”—1 Corinthians 12:21-22.

 

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Which J.C. Is Right?

Posted on July 9, 2015 by jesustrek
Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter

I just read that former president Jimmy Carter said that he thinks that Jesus would be okay with “gay marriage”. This is the same Jimmy Carter who has for years defended abortion rights. So, if you’re keeping score on the moral issues, it’s God–2, Jimmy Carter—0.

The sad thing is that Mr. Carter has taught Sunday School in a Baptist church for many years. He should know better. I wonder how the leaders of the church must feel about this newest revelation about their star teacher. They seem to have chosen the fame of having Carter teach over the correctness of proper biblical doctrine.

The Bible clearly and consistently teaches that all human life—including life in the womb—is valuable and must be protected. Scripture also teaches quite plainly that marriage is between a man and a woman, and that homosexual behavior is not accepted by God.

By the way, Jesus is God, in case you lost sight of that fact. And here is what Jesus says–“Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”—Revelation 22:15.

So, which J.C. are you going to believe?

 

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Uprooted

Posted on July 8, 2015 by jesustrek

tree in sidewalkI just pulled a tree out of the ground with my bare hands. Actually, I just used my thumb and forefinger, since the tree was only a couple of inches tall and maybe two weeks old. It was growing in the sidewalk behind my house. While it wasn’t causing me any immediate problem, I certainly didn’t want it to grow to be full-sized. So I uprooted it.

This is how we must deal with the sin in our lives. As soon as we notice that lust, greed, dishonesty, or any other sin, has tried to put down roots in our souls, we must get rid of it immediately. Don’t put it off! Sin can quickly grow to do untold damage in your life and in the lives of those around you. Be ruthless in your efforts to eradicate sin from your life.

“If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away…”—Matthew 18:8.

 

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What, Me Worry?

Posted on July 7, 2015 by jesustrek
Rick Majerus

Rick Majerus

The late Rick Majerus was perhaps best known for being the men’s basketball coach at the University of Utah. Majerus was also known for his witty comments. He once had this to say about people’s concerns about the economy: “Everyone’s worried about the economy this year. Hey, my hairline is in recession, my waistline is in inflation, and altogether, I’m in depression.”

Jesus says that we shouldn’t waste time worrying about economic matters. Instead, we should trust in our heavenly Father to provide for us.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”—Matthew 6:25,33-34.

 

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Let Freedom Ring

Posted on July 3, 2015 by jesustrek

cross-american-flag“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”—2 Corinthians 3:17.

One of the most festive holidays in the United States is Independence Day, when we commemorate the birth of our nation. With cookouts, fireworks and patriotic music, many Americans will celebrate the freedom we have in this great nation.

Among those freedoms that we cherish is the freedom of religion. This is one particular freedom that is under attack, and the situation promises to get worse before it gets better. Many people of faith are being bullied into acting against their most firmly-held beliefs. If you doubt this, just put yourself in the place of some Christian caterers, florists, photographers and county clerks.

Beware church! The time is coming when more and more individuals and congregations will be forced to either bow to Caesar or remain faithful to the Lord. Indeed, we live in trying times.

So, as you celebrate what remaining religious freedoms we have, say a prayer for our country and its leaders. Say a prayer for those undergoing religious persecution. And say a prayer for the church, that she will boldly and proudly proclaim the freedom we have in Jesus Christ—freedom to renounce evil and promote that which is good!

 

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