"Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Romans 17: 17)
Our action flows from what we believe. Our belief comes from preaching and teaching the word of Christ.
"And by Your Word You will light every step. You are ever faithful Jesus. You are ever faithful.
You will not be shaken, God of our salvation. You are the Rock we stand on." (CCLI Song)
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
What are the signs of these times?
"In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." (Luke 21: 31 - 33)
Jesus implies that the signs of the times can be observed with certainty. We can interpret the signs in nature. How can we not interpret the signs concerning our destiny. The implication here too is that the spiritual signs or the signs concerning our destiny can be interpreted with certainty.
We can observe the chain of secondary causes in action. For example:
Martin needs financial assistance. Why does Martin need financial assistance?
Martin lost his job. Why did Martin lose his job?
There was exodus of customers from his company. Why?
A more cost-effective technology replaced the services the Martin's provided. Why?
Because of recent escalation in investment in technology.
We see how the chain of secondary causes can continue ad infinitum until they stop at the Primary Cause, God.
In religion, secondary causes also terminate with the Primary Cause, God. This is what is called Providence.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Divine Providence thus: "Divine providence consists of the dispositions by which God guides all his creatures with wisdom and love to their ultimate end." (CCC 321)
There could be either accident or providence. According to the above quoted Catechism, there are no accidents. Everything is providence.
"We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)
Jesus implies that the signs of the times can be observed with certainty. We can interpret the signs in nature. How can we not interpret the signs concerning our destiny. The implication here too is that the spiritual signs or the signs concerning our destiny can be interpreted with certainty.
We can observe the chain of secondary causes in action. For example:
Martin needs financial assistance. Why does Martin need financial assistance?
Martin lost his job. Why did Martin lose his job?
There was exodus of customers from his company. Why?
A more cost-effective technology replaced the services the Martin's provided. Why?
Because of recent escalation in investment in technology.
We see how the chain of secondary causes can continue ad infinitum until they stop at the Primary Cause, God.
In religion, secondary causes also terminate with the Primary Cause, God. This is what is called Providence.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Divine Providence thus: "Divine providence consists of the dispositions by which God guides all his creatures with wisdom and love to their ultimate end." (CCC 321)
There could be either accident or providence. According to the above quoted Catechism, there are no accidents. Everything is providence.
"We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8: 28)
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Thanksgiving 2013
Revelation 19:9
"And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
"God our Father, from your hand we have received generous gifts so that we might learn to share our blessings in gratitude. Draw us closer to all our brothers and sisters in the family of man."
Seekfirst.blogspot.com
Monday, November 25, 2013
Trust in Jesus with all your heart
"He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." (Luke 21: 3 - 4)
As you trust Jesus, your generosity to Him grows. You cannot undo Jesus in generosity. He is King of kings, the Alpha and Omega. All the gold, all the silver belong to Him. All the central banks,all the commercial banks belong to Him. He is free to give whatever He likes to anybody. But to His beloved, He gives the very best. He gives the Holy Spirit. He who has the Holy Spirit has everything.
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." (Luke 21: 3 - 4)
As you trust Jesus, your generosity to Him grows. You cannot undo Jesus in generosity. He is King of kings, the Alpha and Omega. All the gold, all the silver belong to Him. All the central banks,all the commercial banks belong to Him. He is free to give whatever He likes to anybody. But to His beloved, He gives the very best. He gives the Holy Spirit. He who has the Holy Spirit has everything.