Amen Brother

I was particularly blessed a couple of weeks ago.  My boys (age 11 and 6) were out of town visiting with the grandparents.  My oldest one called me up and we were talking and then he said he and his brother were talking about church and Jesus.  And he started to witness to his little brother.  Call me a wimp of a man...but I cried.  It was not so much that the youngest was asking questions but also that his brother cared enough to witness to him and help him on the road to salvation....darn it...I am crying now 

Sincerely
Brother Jerry

Double Amen

Amen and praise be to Jesus for all the testimonies here.

Pastor Roger thank you for mentioning Romans 1:20.  I am covering the second portion of Romans 1 this Sunday in Sunday School.  Spent the entire class last week going over the first 15 verses .  And I have a worksheet for the men to fill out to name 3 things that are invisible works of God that they may see daily.

To all who have posted I do hope that you do not mind if I use some of these testimonies this weekend.  Of course the names will be changed to protect the guilty...er innocent

It is amazing the miracles we see and experience every day.  About 4 years ago now I was a beaten down man.  Satan had pulled me far from God and with me went my family.  I was gambling hard and heavy online.  And I lost our house and our car.  I sat up one night before letting my spouse know what was going on and what was about to happen as far as the house was concerned.  I began reading James.  And I wept.  I had never been so broken in all of my life, save my salvation.  As if watching a flashback movie God revealed to me all of the times in that year in which he provided an opportunity to be saved (as in getting out of that mess, not salvation...I was already that).  Opportunities to come clean and make amends and save my house and everything else.  I feared the reaction of my wife.  We use to have some explosive arguements sometimes.  With God out of our house we lost our focus and there would be pushing and trowing of things.  Sometimes this would go on in front of our oldest one who was about 7.  He would be crying in the corner about our arguement.  I hated those arguements and the fights so I used that as an excuse to keep my secret and come up with more lies.

I nearly lost my family, I had lied and cheated in everything at that time.  The next day I took a long lunch and went down to pick up my wife where she worked and we walked over to see our pastor (she worked at day care at the church).  God was walking with us.  And before the pastor and my beloved I confessed all that I had done to them and to God.  I rededicated my life that weekend and my wife joined me.  We brought it all before the church.  I now see all that there is in life and the blessings around me.  I see the little things that God does to let us know He is there.  There are no coincidences in life.  Only the influence of our Savior.  And I thank Him each and every day. 

Again thank you all for the testimonies.  Have a blessed day (or night).  Ask me if I believe in miracles..... most definitely yes I do.

Sincerely
Brother Jerry

Ken1Burton

Let me start by saying welcome to CU Forums.  I am sure we look forward to all of your posts in the future.

But let me address your mention of Leviticus 16 and the relation to the 2 goats to that of Jesus and Barabbas.  Note back in vs 5 "And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for the burnt offering"

A couple of problems with this analogy you posit.  First the offering mentioned here are for Aaron and not the tribe of Israel.  So it is a specific action here.  Whereas the one mentioned above earlier is for the passover for all of Israel.  But lets set that aside and look at something.  You have stated that the two goats are Jesus and Barabbas.  If that were the case then Barabbas was also a sin offering for Israel and if he had gone to the cross it would not have mattered the sacrafice would have been made. 

You also stated that sin was placed upon the goat.  Which is actually incorrect.  The sacrafices that were made in OT times were not a coating of blood of the offering of the sins.  They were a symbolic act of asking for forgiveness.  Each year the Jews were to make a sacrafice for the atonement of their sins.  Atonement is the amends orreparation made for an injury or wrong.  So each year the Jews at a minimum would have to make atonement to God for the wrong they have committed the previous year.  Sometimes God would require extra sacrafices such as in the case of Aaron you are mentioning.

This changed when Jesus came. Before Christ each family would have to make atonement, but Jesus made the atonement for all people from that time on.  The final sacrafice of blood.  Romans 5:11 "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement"  Paul explains that Christ was the atonement for the sins of man. 

There is some hints of ideas in the posting that you have done.  But I would think that further study would reveal that it is not all as you have posted.  BEP (Blackeyedpeas) also brings into questions some of the direction I was wondering about as well.  Further explanation is required please

Sincerely
Brother Jerry

The short version Northstar

The sabbath was for the Jews.  It was created for them, kept by them, traditionalized by them, and a part of the covenant that God had with them.  That covenant was done away with at the time of Christ's death.  Symbolized by the tearing of the curtain in the Temple at his death. Just as the Passover was created for the Jews as a symbol of the sacrafice that is to come with Jesus.  That sacrafice is done, why should any continue to follow those precepts?

We have Easter as just a holiday.  We know that it is no holier than any other day of the week.  NOw do not get me wrong I am grateful that we have Easter and Christmas and wish that Jesus' name would show up more on those days and create more days in His honor.  But they are just days and not once in the Bible are we directed to establish a holiday celebrating His death or His resurrection.  INstead we are to celebrate His resurrection each and every day.

I believe that if you sit down in earnest prayer and start to study a Bible.  KJV or even NASB then you will begin to see the truth of the Sabbath as well as many other eye opening revelations.  It is there and it is all that we need to see the truth that Jesus has brought us.

Sincerely
Brother Jerry

You should always take a look at the verses before and after specific verses that you quote.  THey usually contain the answers that you are looking for.  We should always take things in their context.

Paul is clearly explaining that it was the law that was to guide Israel to Jesus.  God provided the law in order to pave the path to righteousness through Jesus.  In Vs 21 Paul even states that there is not a law that can give life.  "for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law."

And even in Romans  you had quoted if you read the chapter, even just the last half of the chapter you will find your answer.

Paul again lets us know the law was for Israel.  And in Vs 21 he tells us that "righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets".  The law was designed to prepare the Jews for Christ.  And even at the time of Paul after Christ's death the law is being fulfilled.  The prophecies of the law are there and have been filled and are being filled.

Even the saints of the OT were not justified by simply following the letter of the law.  And Paul mentions that here in vs 20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight" and 28 "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law"

Now take a look at Hebrews Chapter 11 and notice something down through here.  By faith Enoch, by faith Noah, by faith Abraham, by faith Moses, etc, etc.  And as you read these versus it does not say that by faith so and so followed the law.  Nay they say they did great things or were blessed.  It was not their adherence to the word of God that these people are mentioned and blessed. But it is their willingness to do God's will that gained them God's favor.  They were justified in their faith just as we are today.  Rom 3:28 "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

Noah could not have built the ark if he simply followed laws.  He had to have faith.  Moses could not have parted the Red Sea simply by following laws, he had to have faith.  The walls of Jericho would not have fallen if the people just followed laws, they had to have faith.

Faith is what makes us or breaks us.  Giving up 100% for Jesus and trusting in him completely.  If we even assume that our salvation is 10% us and 90% Jesus we have failed.  If we even think it is .0000000001% us we have failed.  All to Glory and Jesus, 100% trust and faith in Him that redeemed us, and justified us.

There is no contradiction.  Further study reveals that these verses go hand in hand, when you put them into their context.

Sincerely
Brother Jerry

Amen to all.

The Bible clearly tells us that we will not know when Jesus it to come again.  This being a key point in the entire process of the rapture and tribulation.  We will not know.  But one thing that Jesus told us to always be prepared for it.

Those that are trying so desperately to find a date for the return of Christ are seeking an excuse.  They are looking for a time so they know that 4 weeks before that time they better start straitening their life out and get going right with God again. 

Jesus does not want us to be saved but living unrighteously up until the time before he comes and then start being righteous.  He wants us to always be righteous and live according to His will.  For this is the glory of God to see it in our everyday lives and the planting of the seeds that God will nurture in others.  Not only is our spreading of the Word with our mouth and out literature part our "Commission" but to live according to who we are in Christ.

I once heard a speaker ask this and it is so true in our everyday life and what we as followers of Christ should be doing
"Are you becoming what you became?"
So true in that we who are saved have already become spiritually a saved being.  Now the question is are we acting and growing into that which Christ has made of us?

Should the Rapture matter to you?  Sure it should, just as the story of Moses should matter, or anything else in the Bible for that matter.  We are told that every word of it is for the edifying of saints, above reprooof, as well as the purpose of teaching.  So there is not a part of the Bible that "less" important than the others.  Nor is there any doctrine in the Bible that is less important than others.  We are to use it all and when you study and get to know a certain portion of the Bible (IE you have a thurough understanding of a book, story, concept, etc) then God will use you and your knowledge somehow, somewhere for His Glory and spreading His Grace.

Sincerely
Brother Jerry

Make that two.

Brother Jerry

An Image of the Lord

Exodus 12

1. And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in teh land of Egypt saying
2. This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first of the year to you.
- Remember this would be time of new beginning.  A rebirth if you will
3. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for a house.
- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the 10th day.  Also notice it says 'a' lamb.  There is to be 'a' lamb for the sacrafice.  Israel is instructed that there is to be 'a' sacrafice for the attonement of sins.
4. And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
- Now it say 'the' lamb.  That there is one sacrafice, not just 'a' lamb but 'the' lamb.  And that we are to share 'the' lamb.  A picture of the great commission.  When John the Baptist saw Jesus on two different day (John 1:29 and John 1:36 he shouted "Behold the Lamb of God!"
5. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.
- Now note "your" lamb.  this is to be a personal lamb.  Not just anybodies lamb but YOUR lamb.
6. And ye shall keep it up until the 14th day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
- Christ was cruxified on the 14th day.  Also ensured death was before the evening.  Remember they wanted to remove him from the cross before the sun set.
7. And they shall take the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, where in they shall eat.
- A picture of Calvary.  On either side of Jesus were two men (the side posts), but above them was Jesus (the upper door post).  We see an image of Calvary in the passover.
8. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened breat; and with bitter herbs they shall eat.
9. Eat not of it raw, nor soddent at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with purtenance thereof.
- Do you remember that when Christ was on the cross he stated "I am thirsty"? (John 19:28).  The lamb was not to touch water just as Jesus was given what?  Vinegar.  Bitter flavoring.


In just those few versus we see the sacrafice that is to be Christ.  Christ is 'the' lamb that God had chosen to be 'the' sacrafice.  All of the prophecies of Exodus are fulfilled.  Even at this early time God was preparing the Jews for 'the' final sacrafice, and 'the' final passover. 

Just one of many illustrations of Jesus in the Old Testament of the Jews.  And it does not take any grand "delusions" to relate the Scripture to Scripture

AMEN!

I have to honestly say that I never knew my biological father.  He was killed in a car accident while I was still in the womb.  But at an early age my mother remarried.

My story is one to show a personal choice and relationship one has with Christ.  My home was not one that went to church.  My step father drank quite regularly.  Although not often drunk he always had beer or wine in hand.  My step father to me was one that I always told myself "When you are a father do not act like him"  At the age of 10 he told me "Jerry, I hate you and I hate the way you do things" and that set my stage to counter emulate the man I knew as my father.  I am only thankful that since then I have found my Father and know that He is nothing like the man I had as a father. 

Thank you Lord for not allowing that cycle to perpetuate.  I know that you were always with me, even before I ever truly accepted you. 

No matter who you are or what you believe, Jesus is always there.  And He will forever love you and be your Father.

Sincerely
Brother Jerry

www.va.gov

Their top article is the theft of nearly 26.5 million records of veteran's.  It appears that a data analyst for the VA had taken home some records on his laptop.  Lo and behold the laptop was stolen.  This data contained names, SS#, Date of Birth type of information on many veterans as well as possibly spouses and dependents. 

Information is somewhat sketchy at the moment on exactly to what extent this information contained.  However the VA has been working with DoD and has sent out letters to people who were definitely on the list of stolen information.  So far that is just over 2 million.  I have received this letter which alarmed me and made me check it out.

The letter can be found on the VA website listed above.  If you are a veteran and have or have not received a letter it is recommended that you keep an eye on your financials.  What they do not state is that you will have to do this now and forever because if they have your SS# and such they could wait 2, 3, even 5 years or more before using it. 

This is not intended to startle or scare any vets out there.  Me being a vet I want you all to know about it and be aware of it.  And most of all pray that the data has been wiped out and is gone before anyone really realizes what they have and attempt to use the data in illegal fashions.

Sincerely
Brother Jerry

Many things to comment about and so little time...

I find it scary that Hawking's thinks he could write a book that would explain things on a children's level.  Also scary to think that there could be a book or movie that would explain things in his point of view...

I have no problem with the idea that someday we could venture out into deeper space.  In some ways I hope that Jesus will hold off his return for a few thousand more years.  I think that God created this vast universe and man was created with the curious nature.  I think we have the ability and if God is going to give us the time then we will get out in space and go deep into space. 

It is possible that we may never do it.  We may never be able to go faster than light thus limiting our exploration abilities (nearest start is still over 4 years away by way of light).  But I would hope that we could get out there.  I believe that if we get into other areas of our galaxy that we will find more footprints of God throughout.  Things that will send people like Hawking into a spin. 

I also find it funny that Hawking has no more faith in man than a Christian does   He believes that we will all destroy ourselves.  Just as we all know that the world belongs to Satan and is full of sin and we see it progressing daily.  Maybe he is a religious person in desguise

Later
Brother Jerry

AMEN to the news!!!

Adam 12 was a good show.  Along with others mentioned.

Get Smart would be one on my list.

Welcome welcome welcome to CU

Brother Jerry