We are reading a book called “Gospel-Powered Parenting” by William P. Farley. This one paragraph really stood out to me:

Theology is the study of God. Theological emphasis is unique to Christianity. That is because Christians don’t earn salvation. It is a gift. Rodney Stark notes that the other world religions all share one teaching in common: self-salvation. Therefore, their focus is on behavior rather than God. They study rules and regulations–how to be good, to meet God’s standard. But because Christians believe that salvation is God’s gift, which can’t be earned, they study the giver. They focus on right belief about God himself–that is, theology.

Have you ever stopped to think about why we study God, why we study theology? Christianity is unique when compared to the other religions of the world as we try to understand God and His amazing grace. While we will never fully comprehend an infinite God, our study of our creator and savior gives us greater and greater appreciation for all of his attributes, from wrath to grace. In fact, the more you understand those things about God that we don’t tend to like, i.e. wrath, the more we are grateful for his goodness and marvelous grace! In fact to really even understand and appreciate the Good News of Christ, you must first understand our sinful state and the rightful judgement we all deserve! With this framework in mind, I am forever grateful for our awesome God!

So, pick up your Bible today and read about all God says about Himself in the pages of His Word. Then thank Jesus Christ for His payment for all the sins of those who trust in Him!

Ever wonder why you go through such hard times? Read below…

Refining Silver

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the scriptures, and make them the subject of conversation. While reading the third chapter of Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse: “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” One lady’s opinion was that is was intended to convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject.

She went accordingly and without telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver, which he fully described to her. “But Sir” she said, “do you sit while the work of refining is going on?” “Oh, yes, madam,” replied the silversmith; “I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured.”

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” Christ sees it needful to put His children into a furnace; His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random; “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and said he had forgotten to mention that the only way that he knows when the process of purifying is complete when he sees his own image reflected in the silver….

–Author Unknown

Thanks to Julie Yates for forwarding this quote to us:

“You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.”

~~~ The late Dr. Adrian Rogers , 1931 to 2005 ~~~

There is no doubt that if our current president gets his Socialistic/Marxist ideas passed through that our country is in trouble. If however, we fight for freedom and liberty and stand up to the government takeover of our lives, our country can once again be a great light to the world.

Even though it is hard for us to see why, God had place Obama in as our president in this time for His purpose; I just pray we stand strong for Lord no matter what comes our way. May God bless the USA!

Especially during this time of the year, we want to remind everyone of the sacrifice Jesus made by coming to earth, becoming 100% man and remaining 100% God (that will blow your mind, heh?), living a perfect life, and dying for all the sins of all His people. We don’t deserve anything, much less someone paying the penalty for our very own sins. But God, in His great love and mercy decided to save us from our sins and as a benefit, give us eternal life with Him. What a wonderful gift! The ultimate gift.