Socialism and Christianity

Is socialism right? Is communism right? What about socialism and the Bible? Check out https://godsway.abiblecommentary.com/index.html for answers to these questions.

Hardship and Prayer: what should we pray for when calamity strikes?

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. James 4:1-3

Are we praying for the wrong thing? DON’T PRAY FOR RAIN; PRAY FOR REVIVAL!! National revival. Pray for a much more righteous nation. Proverbs 14:33-35. We’ve had it too good for too long, and have been living in a fool’s paradise.

In Revelation God used economic hardship in an attempt to bring Rome to repentance. Revelation 6:5-6; 9:3-6,18-21.

                       God used Daniel to bring Babylon to its knees (its king even munching on the grass like the animals), then restored when Nebuchadnezzar recognized that it is God who rules the nations. Humbling and humiliation led to Nebuchadnezzar seeing the light. Then God restored him.

At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, 32 and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” 33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws.

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honoured him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven  and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendour returned to me. My counsellors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:29-37

IS GOD BRINGING AUSTRALIA TO ITS KNEES, WHILE CHRISTIANS are to ENDURE FOR they know the HIGHER, ETERNAL values? See Psalm 34:17-19; Matthew 11:28; Romans 8:18,28,35-39; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 12:9-10; Philippians 4:11-13; James 1:2-4; 5:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:3; Hebrews 12:7; 1 Peter 5:7; Revelation 3:10

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

God’s plan with hardships:

•    They turn us toward God.

•    They make us love one another more and thus become more like God.

•    There’s too much love of pleasure. Too much materialism. Too much selfishness.

•    Evangelistic: we Christians can talk with the world about why it’s happening.

Our devastating fires should remind us of the serious reality of God's ultimate, fiery judgment, the brevity of life, and the folly of trusting in the things of the world. Turning to Christ and trusting in the Lord is the best preparation anyone can make for the many calamities that can bring an end to our earthly possessions and cut short our lives. Matthew 4:4; 6:19-34; Luke 12:15; John 6:27; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 4:13-16; 2 Peter 3:1-12.

David Carr

Minnesota runner with 'Jesus Saves'

Jesus Saves

Tyler Moon, a 25-year-old runner in Minnesota, found a unique way to share his faith. When he
entered a 10-mile race earlier this month, his own name was originally on the bib that he was to
wear in the race for identification. In order to honor Christ and share the Good News, he changed
the wording on his bib to "Jesus Saves." He says he "changed it to 'Jesus Saves,' so that another
runner or someone in the audience would see it ... that Jesus saves us for eternity."

Little did Tyler know just how true that message would be for him.

On October 6, Tyler began the 10-mile race wearing an orange Wheaties t-shirt with his bib pinned to
his shorts. Suddenly, in the eighth mile, he collapsed due to cardiac arrest.

Running behind Tyler in the race was a registered nurse anesthetist who quickly responded to Tyler's
needs. Alongside another colleague and other medical professionals, the nurse anesthetist performed
chest compressions and assisted with his breathing until an ambulance arrived. The actions saved
Tyler's life.

The name of the nurse anesthetist was Jesus "Jesse" Bueno.

For Tyler, "Jesus Saves" is true in more ways than one. He says his bib had a message that became
"very fitting" after the events of that race day. "When I originally put 'Jesus Saves,' I was
hoping that it would help people at the race and in Minneapolis," he said. "I had no idea how far it
would go and how it would impact the world."

"Jesus Saves." It's true! Jesus "Jesse" Bueno helped save Tyler's life in a time of crisis. Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, can save ALL of our lives for an eternity.

"The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a). That's bad news for each of us because "all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). But the Good News (the Gospel) is that "the gift
of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23b). Jesus Christ, the sinless Son
of God, died on the cross for our sins so that we might have forgiveness and receive the gift of
eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).

Jesus Saves those who place their faith and trust in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in
repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed)
into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse from sin those who
continue to walk (or "run," Hebrews 12:1-3) in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

Here's another application from Tyler's experiences: God uses human messengers to share the Good
News that Jesus Saves. (Tyler has a unique perspective on that truth, thanks to Jesus "Jesse"
Bueno!) The Scriptures reveal that God has chosen to proclaim His Gospel that Jesus Christ saves
for eternity through human messengers (see Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 1:16). See Acts 8:26-40 for an
example.

Won't YOU embrace the Good News that Jesus Saves through your trusting obedience? Then, won't YOU
share the Good News with others?

-- David A. Sargent

* Information gleaned from "Minnesota runner with 'Jesus Saves' bib saved by nurse named Jesus after
collapsing during race" by Caleb Parke of Fox News, www.foxnews.com.

David A. Sargent, Minister

What does "Believe in Jesus and be saved" really mean?

 

1.    Believe what Jesus claimed about Himself?

2.    Believe His miracles and signs.

3.    Believe what He promised?

4.    Believe what He commanded?

5.    Obey what He commanded?

6.    Be committed to following Him, to the end, in whatever ways He directs us through His word.

7.    All of the above, and more?

Study the following Scripture, and then answer the questions that follow:

So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”

39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

48 The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honour my Father, and you dishonour me. 50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:28-59

1.    What does verse 30 say about certain people?

2.    In verses 31 and 32, what does Jesus say to those same people?

3.    From what follows in the discussion in John 8, how do they react when Jesus says His truth will set them free?

4.    Did they really believe in Jesus?

5.    What didn’t they believe?

6.    As they continue, is there anything else that shows they didn’t really believe in Jesus at all?

7.    How does the meeting conclude?

 

The next time someone tells you they believe in Jesus, ask a few questions to see what they really believe!

When you next baptize someone, make sure the person believes the essentials connected with salvation!

There are plenty of people who say they believe in Jesus, but who actually deny he is God. Will they be saved?

You and I will know quite a few who claim to believe in Jesus, but who would never set foot in a church building to worship, and never mention Jesus to others. Will their faith save them?

What is the implication of the following Scriptures:

Matthew 6:24-34

Matthew 10:32-33

Luke 13:1-9

John 8:24

John 15:14

Luke 9:22-26

Galatians 2:20

James 2

1 Peter 2:1-17

1 Peter 3:15-22

Believe in Jesus and you believe who Jesus claimed He was, what He promised, what He commanded,  how He lived.

If you’re a believer, we’re thrilled, and we would encourage you to live up to your belief. It’s a high calling!

David Hunter