Big Universe

Voyager 1

Voyager 1

NASA launched Voyager 1 more than 35 years ago. The spacecraft is now 11.5 billion miles from earth and is approaching the edge of our solar system. Traveling at 38,000 mph, Voyager is about to become the first manmade object to leave the solar system.

It is mind-boggling to think about the size of the universe. And since the universe is so huge, how big is the God who created it? This is a question that has inspired much thought and meditation.

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him…?”—Psalm 8:4-5.

If you think about God today, make sure you think big!

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Show of Respect

communion

Jackie Ray Cooper was buried this past Tuesday. Mr. Cooper had been County Judge-Executive of Lewis County (KY) for 16 years. The funeral procession drove by the courthouse on the way to the cemetery. It was heart-warming to see many of the courthouse personnel lining the sidewalk as we drove by—a sincere show of respect to one who had served well.

When we take our place in line for communion on Sunday, we are showing our respect to a Savior who served us well when he went to the cross to die in order to pay for our sins. Let us continue to honor our crucified and risen Lord.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”—Hebrews 12:2.

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Jesus on Homosexuality

Many people wrongly believe that Jesus never spoke against homosexual behavior, and therefore there is nothing wrong with “gay marriage”. Even some Christians have been duped into believing this lie from hell. Let’s dispel this dangerous falsehood.

First, speaking positively, Jesus proclaims the institution of marriage to be a union between a man and a woman. He says, “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one.” (Mark 10:6-8). By reaffirming God’s original definition of marriage as a union of a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24), Jesus spoke plainly about the issue of marriage.

Second, speaking negatively, Jesus clearly and consistently forbids all sexual immorality (Matthew 5:27-30, John 8:11, Revelation 22:15). People in the first century understood that homosexual activity was included among the prohibited sexual behaviors. His original listeners would scoff at the notion that Jesus was silent on the issue of homosexuality.

Third, Jesus chose Paul the apostle to be his spokesperson to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). Part of the message that Jesus sent through Paul is that homosexuals who do not repent of their sins have no part in his kingdom (Romans 1:18-32 & 1 Corinthians 6:9-20).

Finally, since Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:1-5, 14), the black print in the Bible—including the prohibitions against homosexuality–are just as much his words as the red print.

So, don’t believe the lie that Jesus opted out of this discussion, or that he would condone homosexual activity today. Jesus clearly and consistently spoke against such behavior, and his followers will do the same.

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Precious Little Lives

Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) leaping out of water, New Zealand

Three teenagers in Western Kentucky have been charged by police in the killing of two kittens. The teens were arrested last week after one of them posted photos on Twitter. It is amazing that anyone would admit to such cruel behavior, much less boast about it.

The public is understandably outraged.

The teens were all charged with second degree animal cruelty.

If these teens had been responsible for the death of a human baby in the womb, there would have been no charges.

That’s outrageous.

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No Re-Entry

Locked out

Locked out

Many fans of the Miami Heat left before Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals was over, because their team was behind late in the game. Some even gave interviews outside, voicing their disappointment that the season was over.

Some of them, however, got word that the Heat had tied the game and forced an overtime period with the San Antonio Spurs. They desperately tried to get back into the arena, but were denied access because of a strict no re-entry policy. These disappointed fans missed one of the greatest comebacks in NBA playoff history.

This reminds us of a story Jesus tells about some young ladies who wanted to attend a wedding banquet. Unfortunately, they found themselves on the wrong side of a locked door when the celebration took place (Matthew 25:1-13).

There will come a time when it is too late to accept Jesus as your Savior. The time to accept him is now!

Which side of the door are you on right now?

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Giving Up Too Soon

fans leaving early

fans leaving early

Many Miami Heat fans gave up on their team when they were trailing by a few points late in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals. Some of the spectators started streaming out of the building before the game was over. They figured that their team could not come back; that they had lost the game and the NBA championship.

They thought wrong! The Heat tied the game and won in overtime. Those who left the arena early missed one of the greatest comebacks in NBA playoff history. Only the fans who stayed to the very end were able to fully experience the joy that came with the victory.

The Bible continually tells us to remain faithful to the very end. There are no rewards promised to those who give up on God.

It’s not like our victory is in doubt. We know that God’s side will win in the end. So don’t give up! Stay in the arena! Then you can celebrate with all of those who remain faithful to Jesus.

“…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”—Revelation 2:10.

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Good Example

Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade, star basketball player for the Miami Heat, sometimes argues with referees and makes gestures that show his frustration about having a call go against him. However, he has tried not to complain so much this season. He realized the need for a change when he saw one of his sons complaining to a referee during a youth league game. Wade says that he hates to see his son talking back to the ref, but he looks in the mirror and says to himself, “Well, how can you tell him not to do something when you’re doing it?” He knows that he is a role model, and he is trying to do a better job.

Not many people will follow the advice, “Do as I say, not as I do.” They see through the hypocrisy, and they know that our actions speak louder than our words.

Those who follow Jesus must take seriously the responsibility of being role models for young people and others who look to us for guidance and inspiration.

And, of course, we must continually look to Jesus as our role model.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”—1 Corinthians 11:1.

By the way, if D Wade really wants to be a good role model, he should get rid of the Capri pants.

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Rescued

bear

A young bear in central Pennsylvania got his head stuck in a plastic jar while looking for food. People who observed the bear say that he had the jar on his head for at least 11 days. The frightened animal fell into a swimming pool at least twice as he eluded those who attempted to rescue him.

Finally, several people were able to get a rope on the bear and yank the jar off of his head. It appears that the bear will be fine now, but as one rescuer said, “He’d have died in a couple more days.”

This is how it is when we find ourselves trapped in sin. Following our basic human instincts gets us into trouble. Weakened and unable to free ourselves, we begin to die spiritually. We need Jesus to set us free.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”—Acts 4:12.

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Victory Assured

Charlie Coles

Charlie Coles

Former Miami University (Ohio) basketball coach Charlie Coles died June 7, 2013. Coles was known as a great competitor who had a history of heart problems. He suffered a heart attack during a game in the 1998 Mid-American Conference Tournament. Doctors at the hospital inserted a tube in his throat to help with his breathing. The coach indicated that he wanted to communicate something. He was given a piece of paper on which he wrote—“Who won?”

We Christians don’t have to be concerned about who will win in the end. The outcome is not in doubt.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 15:57.

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Greatest Superhero

man-of-steel-theme

The latest Superman movie, Man of Steel, opened last Friday. Superman is one of the most beloved of all American heroes. This iconic character came from far away to live among his adopted people. He stood for truth and justice. He fought against evil. He used his superhuman power to save a lot of people.

Hmmmm. Superman sounds a lot like Jesus.

Except Jesus is real.

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”—Philippians 2:8.

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