Ukraine Credibility Crisis

Ukraine Credibility Crisis

The unimaginable horrors and unspeakable atrocities recently perpetrated upon the Ukrainian people by Putin’s forces, defy not only the imagination,but the ability to even begin to comprehend. Stories coming out of Ukraine regarding the brutal abuse, gang rape, and even murder of hundreds of innocent civilians – many of them found bound, gagged, and with bullet holes in their heads, still lying in the streets where they fell,or found buried in mass graves nearby – have garnered the strongest forms of condemnation from even the most patient and non-confrontational Americans. All the while, while the man behind it, lies to himself, lies to his leaders, lies to his nation, and lies to anyone else who will listen, in an all-out attempt to deny the truth despite the proof, and thus continue to try to justify His own bloody actions.

However, just as difficult to understand as the terrible, brutal, savage, and bloodthirsty butchery of innocents currently going on in Ukraine, is how so many Americans who so strongly – and rightfully so – condemn such atrocities on foreign soil, seem to have no problem with, but even militantly support, the same type of unthinkably terrible, brutal, savage, and bloodthirsty butchery of innocents that continues to take place on American soil to this day, just as it has–legally,and with the full blessing of many in our own government – since 1973.

How is that even possible? While I certainly by no means mean to play down or minimize one iota of the death, horror, devastation and destruction that is being perpetrated on innocent civilians in Ukraine on a daily basis, the fact of the matter is, that the war on innocent, pre-born people in our own country over the past 50 years has been far more devastating, even if in terms of just sheer casualty numbers alone! The number of confirmed civilian casualties in Ukraine, as reported by the Statista Research Department as of Apr 29, 2022, stood at 2,899. But even if, as anticipated, the actual number of those casualties is several times higher than that, it still stands in stark contrast to, and as only the slightest fraction of, the estimated 63,459,781 innocent pre-born people who have been brutally murdered in their mother’s wombs right here on American soil since 1973(https://www.foxnews.com/politics/abortions-since-roe-v-wade). And should one take but a few moments to explore the different methods by which such innocent pre-born people have been, and continue to be murdered, they will find them to be no more human, humane, or merciful, than the methods used to kill innocent victims in Ukraine.

Also in like manner: just as Vladimir Putin continues to outlandishly lie to himself and everyone else in the world in an effort to try to justify his systematic and genocidal slaughter of innocent people in the cities of Ukraine, why is that any different than those people who seek to justify their ongoing support for the genocidal slaughter of innocent people inside the wombs of their mothers right here in America, with phrases like “abortion rights?” Can we be totally honest with ourselves for a moment? It really doesn’t matter what your religion, my religion, or anyone else’s religion – or even a blatant and ignorant lack thereof – says; the only thing that matters is what the eternal word of the one true God of heaven says (Psa. 119:89; Jn. 17:17); the word of the one true and living God of heaven by which we shall all be judged (Jn. 12:48-50) – whether we like it or not, accept it or not, or believe it or not. And that word clearly and unequivocally tells us,that life begins at conception (Psa. 139:13-16). End of discussion.

But that’s not really anything new or unknown,even to those who support and seek to defend such murderous in-womb atrocities. In fact, every time one utters the word “abortion,” they confirm this very thing – whether they like it or not, accept it or not, or admit it or not. The word “abortion,” itself, means: to stop, or to end, that which has already begun, or started. Hence, one can only be said to abort a mission or a missile launch, once it has already begun, or started. To stop it before it begins would be to cancel, prevent, or postpone it –not to abort it.

Hence, whenever anyone, no matter who they are,uses the word “abortion,” they are admitting by default that what they are talking about is the definite, deliberate, and deadly stopping of a process– a life in this case – that has already begun. So; whenever one Putinesquely seeks to use such phrases as “abortion rights” in order to lie about, seek to justify, and/or deceive both themselves and the world around them as to what they are actually talking about, what they are really saying is, that they support one person’s right, to terminate, or end, the God-given and already begun life of another. (Even Putin’s “special military operation” phraseology bears more resemblance to the truth of what he’s doing in Ukraine, than what abortion supporters’ usage of the phrase “abortion rights” is intended to imply by them, when it comes to the murderous genocide they’re supporting and defending inside the wombs of pregnant mothers.)

But thank God we finally have some people in positions of power that matter in this country, who are actually willing to stand up, fight for, and righteously legislate against the ongoing slaughter and atrocities being perpetrated daily on innocent pre-born people right here in our own country. They need our love, support, and prayers, as they press firmly onward to rescue and deliver these innocent and otherwise defenseless babies. But they are not the only ones. We also need to pray fervently for those who “know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34) when it comes to the senseless slaughter of the innocent pre-born people which they have so ardently and militantly supported, defended, and helped to perpetrate over the past nearly 50 years.

In conclusion, and as we move forward, the bottom line though, is simply this: If you are someone, who is somehow okay, with the brutal, senseless, and ongoing slaughter of the innocent and defenseless– as well as the insidious lies told to try to somehow justify such -then please do not seek to insult everyone’s intelligence by condemning what Putin is doing in Ukraine. If, however, on the other hand, you find the brutal, senseless, and ongoing slaughter of the innocent and defenseless– as well as the insidious lies told to try to somehow justify such -to be so abhorrent as to cause your heart, soul, and mind to recoil in horror, then you cannot for one second,honestly be supportive of anyone espousing or defending the murder of innocents behind phraseology such as so-called “abortion,” or “reproductive” “rights.” One of the worst things a person can possibly do, for both their own personal reputation as well as others’ sakes, is to stand up and condemn the ongoing slaughter of thousands of innocent civilians in Ukraine on the one hand, while at the same time, continuing to militantly support the ongoing slaughter of millions of innocent pre-born people right here in America on the other. For to do so, is not only the absolute epitome of hypocrisy, but also to lose any and all personal credibility.

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Inspired Words Choice

Inspired Words Choice

When the Bible speaks of inspiration it includes both testaments—both are inspired. It includes all sixty-six books of the Bible. It includes every chapter, every verse, every sentence, every phrase and every word. It all is inspired for all the scripture is inspired—God breathed (2 Tim. 3:16-17). One should never read the Bible without realizing how inspiration reaches to the choice of every word.

Another way of emphasizing this truth is to look at the order in which the words of the Bible express heavenly truth. When we fail to do this and get those matters discussed in the wrong order, we create problems in our lives. Look at the following examples of the order in which God places His eternal truth.

When Luke described the life of Jesus, he wrote it down in a particular word order. Luke said, “Jesus began both to do and to teach” (Acts 1:1). He first did it! What a contrast this was with the leaders of that day. They knew the will of God, and they were so strict when they taught it. Jesus never condemned them for this action. What was their problem in trying to make converts to Judaism? “Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say and do not do” (Matt. 23:3).

Another place where the order in which items are placed is found in a verse familiar to so many. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Christianity is a taught religion and that is why the previous verse said that the gospel was to be preached to every creature under heaven. First there must be teaching, then believing, then baptism. A failure to understand this has brought about the sprinkling of millions of infants and by that action making them part of “Christianity.” The order is wrong. Those infants were not making a commitment to Jesus—they did not even know it happened.

A third illustration, and one that Christians today must remember, is found in the words of Peter on Pentecost. “Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for them remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Both repentance and baptism are for the remission of sins. However, we seek to get others to be immersed without first teaching them that immersion without repentance cannot save them. Over the years young women have said to their future mates, “I will not marry you until you are baptized.” The change those mates should first make is to repent, to change their lives!

As you read His word, read it slowly enough to see the order in which God has placed His truths. There are great treasures awaiting those who do this.

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Paul’s Uplifted Eyes

Paul’s Uplifted Eyes

This is the third, and final, article dealing with uplifted eyes. The apostles had “eye-dropsy” and could not see the souls of the Samaritans. Even after they saw their souls, it was years before they could see the souls of the Gentiles. Ananias could not see Paul’s soul and feared going to him. We must never become like them. Write Jesus’ words on your soul just like He was talking to you: “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). In this article, we turn our attention to see Paul’s uplifted eyes.

There are many illustrations of Paul seeing the lost around him and how he approached them to lead them to Jesus. Keep in mind that Jesus, in dealing with the lost, brought individuals to God, but only one step at a time. This is also what Paul did, and we would be wise to have this kind of wisdom as we teach others.

Consider Paul and the teaching he did in Athens. Shortly after he arrived in this Greek city, “His spirit was provoked within him when he saw the city was given over to idols” (Acts 17:16). As he looked at the fields, he saw people who were religiously lost and needed the gospel.  This caused him to enter the synagogue of the Jews and every day he was also in the marketplace to teach the lost. He saw white fields.

Look at the wisdom he then used when given an opportunity to speak at Mars Hill. He understood where they were and began to bring them one step closer to God. He could have mocked their worship of gods made of stone, but He did not. Luke records his words: “As I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship I found an altar with this inscription: To the Unknown God.” He even quoted from one of their Greek poets whose words so fittingly described the true God (Acts 17:28). This opened the first door to tell them of the coming judgment by the One God raised from the dead.

He later went to Corinth to establish the church. How did he find the lost? He found his first converts in Aquila and Priscilla at his workplace. He did not just see tentmakers. He saw souls. He later went to the house of a man whose house was beside the synagogue and somehow this led to the conversion of the leader of that religious body. He saw souls.

Was he always successful in baptizing others? Of course not, but he kept seeing souls. Let me appeal to everyone reading these words. There is a spreading infestation of “eye dropsy” in congregations in our land. Write the words of Jesus on your heart, mediate on them. “Lift up your eyes unto the fields.” When others fail to do this, do not be like them. God help each of us to treat our “eye infection.”

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mothers are like blooming flowers, pretty when they show
loving hands upon their children guiding them to grow.

Mothers are like starry nighttime, twinkling ‘cross the sea
gracious acts of kindness shining bright forall to see.happy flowers

Mothers are like blowing zephyrs, tickling at your nose
whispers true of good behavior, moral equipoise.

Mothers are like raging billows, wondrous to behold
Always moving purposely, so do as you are told!

Mothers are like tiny kittens, snuggling sweetly soft
With the smallest bundles new and wriggling, giggling oft.

Mothers are like holy temples, solemn, pure, serene
Worshipping their one Creator, steady as a beam.

Mothers are like many things that never could be named.
That’s why God created them with everlasting fame.

 

 

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Godly Wives and Mothers

Godly Wives and Mothers

Godly wives and mothers. There is nothing else on earth quite like them, or anything else on earth that quite compares to them. This,as seen in their constant, continual, and consummate Christ-like love, and the totally selfless and sacrificial lives they live. This is not just something they simply do, but is something they truly are.mothers day

As such, according to God, they are totally priceless (Prov. 31:10); infinitely trustworthy (vs. 11); and ultimately,one of the greatest and most beneficial blessings known to man (vs. 12). She is a willing and tireless worker whose only concern is for those whom she loves; for those who are less fortunate; and for the respect and reputation of her household (vss. 13-24). Her godly strength, honor, wisdom, and kindness are unsurpassed, unsuppressed, and therefore help to provide a bright and glorious future for both her and her family as well (vss. 25-26). She is always watching, always working, and therefore always worthy of the praise and adoration of her children, as well as that of her infinitely blessed and privileged husband (vss. 27-29). Indeed, as Proverbs 31 concludes: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates” (vss. 30-31).

To all of the mature godly women among us today – wives, mothers, and grandmothersof all generations and designations – we want you to know that you are:truly a blessing beyond words; an inspiration beyond imagination; and a gift from God to each and every one of us blessed enough to know and love you. Thank you for letting us see Jesus in you – and not just today, but each and every day you live. May God continue to bless you all, as you continue to so selflessly serve, show us, and shine forth the light of Him, whom you so much love and seek to emulate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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