verse 08/17/05

[DaveHawk]

In the same way, let your light shine befor men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

[Cato]

Possibly my all time favorite Bible study was taken from a book by D Martin Lloyd Jones that was a compilation of sermons he did on the Sermon on the Mount.

If Christians were really out there as salt and light, it would change the society.

Cato

[DaveHawk]

Cato, that what we are here for. To shine in the darkness.

[CM Sackett]

Some of us... are.

And to be honest with you Cato, the difference it makes today (societely speaking) is the same difference it has made from the beginning...

* Pleasing our Father
* Infuriating the darkness
* Serving as strength and encouragement to others, who are ready to surrender.

The true sons and daughters of the Most High God are not the product of any particular religious upbringing nor are they recongnizable by any pleasant, "acceptable" demeaner. They are borne out of surrender to an amazing, rich and unfathomable, yet true offer from the Lord of all things to drop the starving, ragged filth of themselves (Isaiah 64:6) and put on the royal garments of a prince/princess of Heaven and sit at his banqueting table... for free (John 1:12, and Isaiah 55:1-2 come to mind...).

And they are recognized by their steadfast determination to also surrender to His awesome, transforming, and many times horrifying and crushing commands to follow... "in His steps" (Mt. 10:21-22; Mt. 5:11; 2Cor. 4:11; *John 15:18).

Yessir, some of us... are. And the only one who seems "happy" about it, many times, is The One was "...tempted in all manner, just as we are..." to give up, but thanks be to the Father... didn't (Isaiah 49:1-8 **especially verses 3 and 4!)

Societies do not change because of the presence of the Almighty. Individuals... do.

That's the way it was when the Son, Himself, walked amongst our forefathers. And according to His word, that's the way it shall be until He comes again.


Sackett

[Esquire]

And they are recognized by their steadfast determination to also surrender to His awesome, transforming, and many times horrifying and crushing commands to follow... "in His steps" (Mt. 10:21-22; Mt. 5:11; 2Cor. 4:11; *John 15:18).

Larry Norman has a song that starts out with these words:

There are Christians in Russia who live underground,
In China they're killed when they're found. . .
And in Cuba the Christians live up in the hills
cause it just isn't safe in the towns. . .

Those that study the lives of the Martyrs tell us that more Christians have been martyred in this century than in all previous centuries combined.

When Hugh Lattimer and Nicholas Ridley were burned at the stakefor their faith in 1555 by "Bloody" Mary, Ridley cried out in pain as the flames mounted.

Lattimer spoke above the noise of the fire and the sensation of his own agony these words:

"Be of good cheer, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out."

[DaveHawk]

This reminded me of the "traitor" who about 5 years ago said she excepted Christ as Lord and savor. You will know them by their fruits.