The Resurrection of Christ.

https://anchor.fm/exalting-equipping-and-engaging-today/episodes/He-is-Risen-e1avc0/a-a32bbd



The five E's of Evidence;

1. The Execution
2. The Empty tomb
3. The Eye witnesses
4. The Early records
5. The Emergence of the Church.

A Beautiful Morning

 "Thank You, Lord," overflows from my heart and mind.  I can hear the familiar singing before the Sun rises as birds are just arriving or waking up.

It is awesome to consider that God took care of them, provided their inborn GPS as to travel to warmer climates (if there were any this year).  We of course saw other birds sitting outside in five degree temperatures, perched above a foot of snow. They looked as if they were chilling in a coffee shop, sharing stories and the seeds we had left for them. I suppose this morning, it was a "Thank you Lord," overflowing from their heart and mind as well.

Jesus said:  "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns: yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?"

"...Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning."  Psalm 30:5

"...Yes, I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning...." Psalm 59:16

Tired and "Board of Censorship?"

  I'm growing bored with the frequent "Red Carpet" shows and the fashion gurus(?) that critique the clothes of the stars. The big screen humans that now, thanks to the camera, have been given the status of "Voice from the gods", experts on everything, depending on the subject matter of their last movie.  The entertainment of today including the Oscars presentations won't be as classy as the previous era's.   

The classic shows from the beginning days of television are still being enjoyed today.  Family comedies, adventure, drama and slapstick.  Happily married couples sleeping like brothers and sisters in twin beds sharing a bedroom, yet  Little Ricky, Ritchie, etc become part of the act. 

Classic movies would  have you sitting on the edge of your seat. There were hours spent laughing or we cried out and out, boo hoo tears. The actors from both entertainment venues were great actors/actresses,  that could portray characters you loved or hated and you loved them for it. Beautiful stories brought to life by these great role models... Weren't they?

                                                            CENSORSHIP BOARDS

We then discovered there were censorship boards keeping everyone accountable.  It appears to be a good idea that they were.

Members of the entertainment industry complained about censorship and made those doing the censoring out to be bitter, archaic people, out of touch with  the reality of modern times.   The 1970's brought the freedom of "true expression" to those with the goal of reflecting the global community.

                                                  "WE HAVE RIGHTS"!!--Adam and Eve.

                                                             
                                                        "And the Loser is..."


What do we look like without restraints?  The painting of Dorian Gray is coming out of the closet, and do we like what we see?  Actors and actresses are elated and proud of this liberty to be "real".  What are these scripts and so called beautiful roles?

Violence, Demon possession, Vampires, Stupid parents, stupid authority figures.sexual references on steroids,  anti family roles. Man is that all of it?  Did I say demon...yes that's on the list. If you don't agree with that review, stop at the movie kiosk and take a look.  Alright then, that's what we have become without the bondage of standards.  I personally hope that's not mirroring the community at large.

No Thanks!  I'll just get out a good book.  Have you read some these books?  they..........

HE WHO LAUGHS LAST....

True Biblical Christianity, makes no one behave perfectly!  It is an incorrect starting point for "nonreligious" persons to think that if say; Billy Graham committed some small, medium, or large sin, that it would negate God and the rest of truth.
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There are those who laugh (media/news or entertainment, etc.) when a well known or any Christian experiences a fall in poor judgement even out and out sin. Pointing fingers bending over with laughter saying ; "See there is nothing to this, religion doesn't work!"

Our disliked, unbelieved, Bible, is jam packed with it's characters being sinful and doubting.  I suppose an individual would have to study the Books and commentaries, to see it.  It is also laughable that some religion professor at the University doesn't get it, while using the flaws of man to deny scripture. Read the letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul wrote not only the good news of faith in Jesus Christ, but a good portion of it trying to get Christians to act right. He did so out of love.

It is obvious to Christians that Christianity has been lived as a religion and ceremonially by millions of the unknowing or hypocrites and even phony baloney "preachers"! So, if someone entered a hospital and pretended to be a doctor and patients were to die, it would not prove the true practice of medicine incorrect.
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If Tim Tebow (during his fifteen minutes of fame), Billy Graham, and uh.. Rick Warren, or the skinny/fat pastor down the street left with all the money, it isn't favorable to be sure, but has nothing to do with the legitimacy of true Christianity.  PLUS (Though Christians are to live by Biblical doctrines), if a great number of relationships and Christian marriages end in divorce it has nothing to do with the truth of peace with God through faith in Christ. There's a lot more to this stuff.  They say it's so shallow even a child can get it and so deep that many "doctrines" will never be agreed on.
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"God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet still sinners Christ died for us"-The Bible.  "You can't tell me what the Bible says , I don't believe it"!.  That is a problem.  Because it is not  based on me or you. If I, me myself doesn't believe it, it is still true.  The purpose here at this writing is not to defend but declare it. The rest is up to you.
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Christianity is a relationship. It is not a religion.  "Being justified (Court of law word), we have peace with God through faith in Christ"-The Bible.

  I hope we're cool.  Drive safe!

T'was The Night After Christmas

The kids slept after Christmas all at Grandmas house,
not a creature was stirring not even a keyboard mouse.
Grandmas ugly Christmas sweater put away with a tear.
She won the contest with Grandma got ran over by a reindeer
Down thru the hallway there arose such a clatter.
Grandpa had knocked down a picture, Christmas cookies had made him fatter.
"Why is the Christmas tree smashed in that box?"
"Where are the Christmas decorations and socks?"
They hugged in terror when GiGi picked up the robot St. Nick
 placed him in the plastic tub & locked the lid; click,click, click.
dash away, dash away, dash away all!
The gift pile next year... will be very small.

                                                         Ho! Ho! Ho!

T'was The Night Before Christmas.....

  The great memories I often mention, are still alive, some in black and white, some color.  The Christmas recollections are as if they happened yesterday.  The sounds and colors, church, people, school, home, Christmas T.V. shows and  popular music of the day

Christmas Eve included a family get together and  food.  Usually we could open a gift before we left for the party.  Usually I would be hoping for a toy!  Usually it was the shirt my mother bought and wanted me to wear to the Christmas celebration.

Before going to bed and trying to sleep, the night would be topped off with Andy Williams special and late night: "The Christmas Carol" followed by, "It's a Wonderful Life"  movies on television.  Preceded by a month of Christmas sermons, plays at church. I went to sleep with the proper perspective about Christmas (later in life, at least).

My poor parents would have to stay up or awaken early to put together bikes or just sit out a microscope set or a doll for my sister as well as all the wrapped gifts under the tree.  "Mom! Dad!  You should see what Santa brought!" I remember them one time, looking at each other and now realize it was the look of; "mission accomplished, we made "Christmas" real again."  My night before Christmas was spent dreaming about reindeer on the roof.  For my parents it was some unselfish speed and effort in order that someone else could enjoy the season and create a special event for the family.

 I remember knowing that Christmas was all about the birth of Jesus, (I still do) that He came to live a Holy life and even die a sacrificial death. It wasn't as a martyr, but as a savior to pay for sins, in order that believers would be reconciled to God. A gift from God in that He "so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son that whoever Believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life!"   Merry Christmas!

"And to all a good night!"

Christmas 24/7

It is sad, there are only a few weeks out of the year that we all treat others with kindness and compassion. There is that "Spirit" during the Christmas Holiday that enters the minds and hearts of children and adult alike.

Never forget the story about Christmas in "no mans land" in World War one even in Part two where enemies stopped shooting at one another and joined together in "Silent Night."  This season can bring the worse out of people (can you say Tickle me Elmo doll).  It is famous for softening the heart and and the transformation of Scrooges everywhere.

The birthday of Jesus actually shows us that this spirit and attitude could/should carry through, all year long. God gave us a gift .."For God so loved the world that He gave..."  This Christ child in the manger came to live and die for the sins of the world.  "God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us." For the believer and follower of Jesus Christ, every day is Easter and Christmas 24/7!!

We've heard of Christmas in July.  Don't let the light the season brings, flicker out. let's celebrate it all year long.  Maybe a church group, even an office at work can wrap and give someone gifts throughout the year. (E mail me in August and wish me a Merry Christmas). Most of all, we can share the good news of Jesus being born to die sacrificially for our sins and that those who believe will not perish but have everlasting life!  Love God. Love Others.

"Come let us adore Him"

 GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND PEACE ON EARTH !