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Thursday, January 7, 2010

Bill Maher, professional comedian, said in effect: "Christians only care about saving themselves." Of course comedians use irreverence, mockery, coarse language, and anything else to shock and amuse their audiences. In this case, however, Mr. Maher was being interviewed and not on stage.
It makes one wonder about the Christians he has come in contact with. Or has he formed this opinion based on hearsay and without any investigation? I would like very much to have a private conversation with him; to let him know there are Christians who deeply and earnestly desire for him to know the salvation, peace and joy that Christ offers him.
There are Christians in show business. Please pray with me right now that one of them will be led by God's Spirit to reveal the Truth to Mr. Maher.
A grain of truth abides in Mr. Maher's statement. Once they are saved, some Christians feel no obligation to spread the Good News to others. Not even to their children. Or their friends. "Don't discuss religion or politics" is the mantra. Too personal. Let the professionals take care of it; the minister, priest, youth worker, etc. That's their job. Actually, it's the job (privilege) of everyone who professes to follow Christ.
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8. NKJV
These words of Jesus may be received by us thusly:
Jerusalem: Where we live; our family
Judea: People we are in contact with, neighbors, fellow workers, classmates. etc.
Samaria: People we are not comfortable with
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I received a call yesterday from an architect that used to work in our office about 30 years ago. He was an only child; willful, talented but difficult to work with. Nevertheless, with the Holy Spirit's guidance and power I was able to lead him to Christ. His call was to tell me that he had retired from the practice of architecture and would soon be ordained a minister and already had a small church. He said, "I just wanted you to know what you started long ago." I told him that it was not my doing but that credit should go to the Holy Spirit. I was merely His instrument.
Praise God.
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Headline in the sports section of our local paper:

"NFL ASKS PLAYERS TO DONATE THEIR BRAINS"

Hmm. If players comply would this make any difference in the way they perform? Would this affect their off-field behavior? It would certainly solve the problem of players ' concussions. Provided that players become willing donors, are there people lined up for brain transplants from NFL players? Some candidates may be those fans, warmed with alcoholic anti-freeze, who in 20 degree weather are in the stands with out any clothing on their upper bodies and/or have painted themselves all over with team colors.
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We were gifted with a colorful calendar from our local favorite Chinese restaurant. In delightful Chinese English, "Prospects for the Year" are provided for each month. (I don't subscribe to fortune-telling, zodiac signs, etc. but include this for the amusement of English majors, etc.)
For January:
"Be vigorous to take intiative and always well prepared to face your works and problems. Leave adequate leeway to people; never procrastinate things that need to be done. Learn who is faithful and who is mendacious; who is your friend and who is your enemy. With tiger's sapience, success is not that intractable."

Certainly the Chinese interpreter's English is vastly better than my Chinese.

2 comments:

  1. I have to agree! An important point that you make is that you have to have faith in God...not in your faith, not in the church, etc. Amen!

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  2. The above comment should be for the blog on January 28th!

    ReplyDelete