The View From Ninety-Two

This was the title of a recent Fox News article. Disturbingly this opinion comes from many that claim to be Christians ... followers of Christ. I wonder if those surveyed would say something like, "Isn't it arrogant to believe that a certain faith has the only way to eternal life?" And they're right if the statement is presumptive ... coming from someone lacking any solid knowledge of what they believe. By human standards, the Bible is accurate beyond any reputable standard used in establishing the accuracy and authenticity of literature. Archaeology has, over time, proved the Bible's accuracy. Instead of arrogance, I believe trendy, pop-culture ignorance is the problem --- coupled with man's tendency to rebel against authority.

Those who claim to be Christians are truly idiots if they hold to the lie that there are multiple paths to Heaven. How can I say that? Read this:

"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" - Galatians 2:21 (New International Version)

If we can earn our way to Heaven (all other religions, including the Catholic Church, are all about this!), then Christ died for nothing! What kind of an idiot would claim association with a God that would unnecessarily cause a sinless man to die such a terrible death? Where's the justice in that? Where's the compassion in that? What kind of Heaven would be run by such a God?

I level this criticism at "believers," not those who don't claim to believe because they don't know any better having been blinded by the god of this world (ref. 2 Corinthians 4:4).

Victorious living does not equal freedom from temptation, but rather having the knowledge and strength to choose God's ways when tempted --- it's my response that counts.  I can't control Satan, but because of Christ I can control my response.

(2 Timothy 2:4 NIV)
No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

I'm a bit mad about politics.  The 2008 Presidential race offers no real choice --- either Liberal or Liberal Lite.  Additionally, policy is being promoted (and adopted) in reaction to the great Environmentalism lie of Global Warming --- which if a differing opinion is presented tends to be greeted by the same response as being opposed to Darwinism.  So what happened to the idea of tolerance so touted by The Left?  Pop-politics!  Aaargh! It sounds so enlightened --- oh blah, blah, blah it makes me wanna barf.

[deep breath]

It's far too easy to walk by sight during circumstances that "squeeze me."

And then I'm reminded of God's ways (they are not the ways of man).  And I'm reminded that He alone is Savior (not the government).  And I'm reminded that God takes care of those who serve Him with their lives (not the economy or government welfare).  And I'm reminded that this world, by design, is perishing (not because we use oil).  And I'm reminded that I have hope beyond today and the span of my life on earth.

Thank you God for truth.  Help me rest in You today, and not in what I deem to be favorable circumstances --- pleasure does not necessarily equate to good.

(Proverbs 11:4 LB)
Your riches won't help you on Judgment Day; only righteousness counts then.

God considers money as nothing, yet I place so much value on it. It's interesting to me that the amount that I have has little to do with how much effort goes into earning that. Some people have never worked for a penny, yet have more than they could ever know what to do with it; some work like dogs and have very little --- just scraping by. Monetary value is subject to the fickleness of man and what we esteem highly in a temporary place --- Earth. Real value is subject to the unchanging nature of God and what He esteems highly in an eternally permanent place --- Heaven. It would be best for me to work for things that count eternally, and place less emphasis on "getting ahead."

The prices in this picture threaten every aspect of our financial well-being ... and I haved to admit I worry about this. Praise God! I have an opportunity to cling to him, and his promises. Get perspective, be thankful, faithful, and humble --- God has not abandon me!