Journalism Matters   

A Biblical calling

     Once a journalist myself, I want to share part of an article by Les Sillars, a journalism teacher, now executive editor of WORLD magazine. 

     "For the USA to survive, journalists must be truthful. The journalist's task is to see the world clearly, and help other people see it clearly too. 

     "The Bible is the only authoritative source of key truths about God, humanity and reality. We need it to see the world clearly. A reporter can tell the whole truth about this world as Scripture shapes his or her reporting. 

     "Journalism is a noble and deeply Biblical calling. To do it faithfully requires the gifts of the storyteller, historian, philosopher, theologian, and even scientist or economist. We must understand the times, the culture that shapes us, and the people God calls us to serve and love - our neighbors. 

     "Like Israelites in Babylon, Christians are called to seek the good of the city to which we've been exiled. We have a life beyond this one. We're citizens of heaven first, but we've been called in many different ways to serve our neighbors now. We know that the political realm is often very important, but it's not ultimate. 

     "Christians are supposed to be salt and light. We want to preserve and defend the best parts of our culture. But we never paper over its weaknesses and failures. We must tell the truth."

Three blogs next week: the second most important man in history!

 

A Day is Coming  

     "Galileo, bored during a service in the cathedral, noticed the swinging of a lamp suspended from the ceiling. Using his own pulse to time the movements, he concluded that a pendulum could measure time and he went on to make scientific breakthroughs." 

     If only he had a cellphone to prevent boredom. 

Article by Andree Peterson

     "God said to Daniel that 'the last days...many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.' But what quality knowledge?" 

     Peterson noticed a long line of people in the subway, each person in his or her own space, head bowed, staring at their cell phones. I've seen that same unsociable thing, and so have you. 

     "Who benefits from our infatuation with the screen?" Peterson asks. She answers herself: "labs, app companies, social media titans" and such. 

     She offers "the first battle against any bondage is to admit the problem. AA's first step. The next step, be aware that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." 

     "A day is coming when no one will be able to buy or sell" without the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:17).  

    '

Marriage: Yes or No 

     One of the goals of Marxist Democrats is to end the institution of marriage in America. Of all their weapons - disguised under pretend devotion to our constitution - marriage doesn't get much press. 

     At one time, 81 percent of Americans ages 23-38 were married. The number dropped to 53 percent for Generation X, and in 2020 the rate was 44 percent.  Brad Wilcox wrote a book, Get Married, Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization.

     Wilcox sees a "decline in well-being for adults, children and society itself." 

     He shows that "married folks are happier, less lonely, and wealthier than the unmarried. Children from intact families have fewer problems in school, are less likely to be abused, or go to prison as adults. The happiest Americans are those married with children." 

     "Asians from India set a good example for others of us." 

     Surprisingly, Wilcox didn't get much pushback. There may be more recognition that something is wrong with family tradition. There are problems: "The young American dating culture...a lack of maturity among young men...and a radically progressive view of marriage among young women." 

     The Left he says has "encouraged women not to marry. And now their message is for men. In a weakened culture, it will be difficult to convince young Americans that the responsibilities of marriage and family leads to more happiness for most." 

       Jimmy 

Worked for me, on the second try

PS. America will be great again when families are great again

     

Is God Good?

     "There is scriptural evidence that God created animals to amuse himself," writes Lynn Vincent in WORLD magazine. "All the creatures show us his delight, his imagination, his limitlessness." 

     "He is the master engineer, the One who made the octopus which can disguise itself, deep-sea creatures that make their own light, and the caterpillar that reorganizes itself as a butterfly." 

     For his invisible attributes, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived - Romans 1:20. 

     God first revealed himself to us with the sevenfold, And God saw that it was good. God made children for his glory (Isaiah 43:7) and the heavens declare his glory (Psalm 19:1). 

     Lynn is ''thrilled'' to think God is so overflowing with goodness that He chose to create the planet. That He is so full of love, joy, compassion, grace, creativity and beauty that He had to share it. 

     She writes, "We know His grand plan will end in ultimate good, even if He allows savagery, betrayal, disease and death because of our corruption. The road to glory is paved with the blood of the Savior who reconciles us." 

    For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth...as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies - Romans 8:22-23.

Revelation 19 reveals God's anger with those who refuse to trust and obey: With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 

            Jimmy

     

Joy to the World 

     Every Christmas, growing up, we sang this hymn. Decades later I learned this hymn is all about Christ's return to earth - not His birthday - to rule a thousand years. Believers then in heaven will come with Him. 

     No more sins and sorrows...nor thorns...He comes to make His blessings flow...far as the curse is found... 

     In a bookstore, looking for a book they didn't have, I settled for Dr. David Jeremiah's latest book, The Coming Golden Age. How fortunate I was. Thirty-one short chapters, hundreds of Bible verses.

     Scattered over the Bible, God promises blessings. In the wonderful 8th chapter of Romans, verse 19, Paul wrote: For the creation waits in eager expectation... 

     The coming tribulation will be followed by Jesus' return to Jerusalem for a thousand years...the "golden age"...sandwiched between history and eternity (Revelation 21 and 22. 

      It will be the most blessed time since Eden, which was a glorious beginning erased by our sins, starting with Adam. Meanwhile, the Son of God came to earth, born to a virgin. Beyond his teachings and miracles his primary purpose was to take upon himself the penalty for our sins. Itself a curse to reverse the age-old curse on mankind. 

     When this good news reaches the ends of the earth, He will return to Jerusalem and the Millenium will begin. A golden age the world over. 

     Believe in Him, trust and obey Him, and sing, Joy to the World. We joyfully recommend Dr. Jeremiah's book.

         Jimmy    

Who Is Our Savior? 

     Donald Trump? He's off to a great start in restoring limited, common-sense government, with safety, peace and opportunity for all who want safety, peace and opportunity.

     Then there is Lara Trump, who told a rally that her father-in-law "is the one who will save, not just our country, but will save the entire world!" 

     What a relief. The president is working seven days a week to right the wrongs and end all wars. We didn't know Iran, Russia and China were going to lay down their arms and copy our constitution. 

     And we didn't know that our president will send Satan and friends to the "fiery lake of burning sulfur" - Revelation 19:20. 

     Okay...common sense and pragmatism...we'll take it. As for same-sex marriage and late-term abortions...we'll suffer it. America's history of Biblical standards...might not be revived. 

     "Many Christians," says Janie Cheaney in WORLD magazine, "see the Trump administration as a reprieve in a long-term slide." A pastor wrote: "Trump...will give the church four years to prepare for a secular and hostile world." 

     Cheaney adds, "We Americans don't know what real pessimism is. We haven't been ground down by centuries of poverty, oppression and godlessness. Secularism may spread and hostility may grow against the church - or maybe the Lord will send revival, and many will turn from their worthless idols." 

     "A true Golden Age is waiting. Donald Trump won't save the world. But we know Who will."

            Jimmy

Wednesday: Golden Age?

Light 

     Following our blog on salt, we turn on the light. 

     Jesus, who said Israelites are the salt of the earth, added: You are the light of the world - Matthew 5:14. 

     Centuries after creation the Israelites were going to the promised land. Moses wrote, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord. He didn't mean fire to light their way. Rather, This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for generations - Exodus 27:21. 

     Much later, in Isaiah 60:1,3, Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn. (still in the future)

     In verse 19, ...the sun will no more be your light by day nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again and your moon will wane no more. 

     Isaiah wrote of the new heaven and new earth when God and the Lamb will be the everlasting light of his people - Revelation 21 and 22.

     Years after Jesus' resurrection, the disciple John wrote: In him was light and that light was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world - chapter 1:4, 5, 9. 

COMMENTARY: The light of Christ shines in an evil world controlled by Satan. Christ illumines all who hear his gospel by imparting a measure of grace and understanding. There is no other light by which we may see the truth and be saved. 

     Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. - John 8:12. 

     If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free - John 8:31

Salt and Light...trust and obey