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Jan 2, 2004 Jesus told Nicodemus, a Pharisee: “Ye must be born again. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John Ch.3) In the first chapter of John Gospel, John testifies that Jesus was the “Word became flesh” to dwell among men, and that this “Word was God” himself. Logic dictates that if God himself says a man must be “born again”, then we should believe that. Jesus, God the Son, also once declared: “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh to the Father but by me.” This is a plain statement of fact that should not be ignored. All through the writings of the Apostles we see the message of faith. When we read through the Book of Acts we see the methodology and the results upon those exhibiting faith. Throughout the entire period covered by the unfulfilled Law of Moses, men not only had to exhibit faith, but also had to act in accordance with the 613 tenants of the Law. When Jesus fulfilled the Law in its entirety, men were left with only one requirement; faith in Christ. Many of the branches of Christianity have lost sight of this. They have returned to mild and major forms of law keeping and good works to maintain their standing with God. Teachers and Preachers, all well meaning souls, have added requirements to Christianity unnecessary and oppositional. In some cases the regulations of men have usurped the requirements of faith thereby developing what might be considered a false gospel. “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead raise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.’ (1 Cor.15:12-17) Christians make mistakes. Some Christians go to extremes to exhibit faith and dedication to God. Much of that is unnecessary. A steady and solid preaching of the resurrection is the necessary ingredient for the salvation of any soul who believes there is eternal life. God does not allow breath to a person who will not live forever. It is the life lived that will determine the quality of the individual’s eternal life. There is a rule of God that tells the Christian that it is appointed to man to die one time. After that death will come a judgment. I do not wish to have my faith declared a “vain” thing. Paul’s writings explain to Christians that all men are born sinners in need of salvation. Salvation consists of faith in Christ alone, without the deeds of a law already fulfilled by Jesus. He reminds the Christian that there is “no condemnation” to anyone who has named Jesus his or her Lord. Modern Christianity is failing in her message to the sinful world. The scriptures consist of the 66 records of the Hebrew/Christian canon. These 66 records are a sequenced record of Jesus, God the Son, Savior of the faithful. The Hebrew/Christian scriptures declare the Christian a “watchman” and a “witness”. The watchman warns the sinner of his pending death should he remain faithless in sin. The witness explains to the sinner his hope of escape into life everlasting with his Lord through faith in the resurrection. I am both. I am a watchman and a witness. Perhaps I am not the best of either. I do like to think I try my best. God will judge this poor effort and I will accept his judgment as the most just possible. The Hebrew/Christian scriptures declare that only a fool says in his heart that God does not exist. I don’t believe myself a fool. But Paul once wrote: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 Cor.3:18-19) and “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ. (1 Cor.4:10) This is where I want to be. I want to be a fool for a God who is true. So much of my independence in thought, politics and religion stem from a desire to remain faithful to the intent of God’s rules for life. I spent many years studying only the Bible. I am deliberate in my attempts to avoid media and extra-personal influences to what I personally believe. Oh, I’ve read many commentaries and personal studies. I won’t go into every nuance of my personal beliefs in specific doctrines. I did need to give you this part of my personal witness however. You see? I am a watchman and a witness. God revealed to me in his word that that is the most important duty I have as a Christian. I thank useless-Knowledge for this forum for thought and expression and I thank you readers for your support and patience. God Bless. ------------ About the Author: Independent, Conservative, Christian. Married 29 years with 5 children raised and one grandson being raised. 30 year Army Veteran and published poet with www.poetry.com since Y2K. Email Michael John McCrae: michael.mccrae@us.army.mil Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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