Three Final Miracles 

23. Another Awe. The emotion of wonder and exhilaration. Awe makes one happier, healthier, more socially connected. Awe is a crucial facet of human life: flowers, stars, loved ones, the universe. 

24. Earth fine-tuned for life. Formed with nitrogen and phosphorus on the crust to support life. The earth's core is a magnetic field to protect it from harmful solar particles and cosmic radiation. Water is necessary for chemical processes...the "Goldilocks zone" vs. the sun, a star's habitable zone...neither too hot or too cold. 

25. Photosynth thesis turns light into energy, constantly at work as green plants transform light energy into chemical energy, producing carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and a hydrogen source.  

Got that? 

Thanks to Epoch Times and Walker Larson, freelance journalist, who collected the "miracles" we shared. He is a former teacher at a private academy. His quote: 

"I am a writer dedicated to pursuing the good, the true and the beautiful in a spirit of wonder and faith." 

     

Miracles, part 3 

16. Brains. Better than technology. The 86 billion neurons in the brain process more information in 30 seconds than the Hubble Space Telescope processes in 30 years. Our brain can store 200 exabytes of information. 

17. Your DNA stretches for galaxies, and to the end, 10 billion miles. Quote by Bill Bryson: "There is enough of you to leave the solar system. You are in the most literal sense, cosmic (distinct from earth.)" 

18. Music heals. Music activates the brain, releases endorphins, alleviates pain, and can restore access to lost memories. It can restore strength and health to an elderly person. Music engages multiple regions of the brain, including memory, emotion and movement. 

19. Good relationships, health and happiness. The biggest prediction of a happy, healthy life is quality of relationships...not fame or fortune. Longer life expectancy may also result.

20. Our hearts can synchronize. Two lovers see eye to eye. Heart rates synchronize. Seeing the picture of a loved one can reduce physical pain. 

21. NDE - near death experience. This occurs in 15% of people in intensive care. Common sense perception happens apart from the physical body, passing through a tunnel, a mystical light, review of past life, meeting deceased loved ones. Some people cannot possibly know about events unless separated from the physical body. 

22. Awe. It can transform one's life. People may experience awe two or three times a week. Extraordinary in the ordinary. Generosity to a homeless person. The scent of a flower. Watching tree leaves play. Hearing a song that takes one back to a first love. 

We said 3 blogs. We need a 4th.

Back on Saturday

25 Miracles, Part 2 

9. Light makes flowers bloom. Temperature and light activate a hormone - florigen - produced in leaves. 

10. Octopuses have no bones, three different hearts, blue blood and mini brains.   

11. Trees outnumber stars, all to purify our air. 

12. Oldest restaurant: Sobrino de Botín in Madrid, Spain. An oven fire has been burning for 300 years. Okay, not a miracle. 

13. Underdogs can win. In the 1694 Battle of Hadow, 400 Polish soldiers used fortifications to defeat 40,000 Ottomans. (The Ottoman dynasty was centered in today's Turkey, if we remember right.)

14. Babies grow billions of times - from conception to birth. Multiplying cells align themselves to form heart, brain, eyes, kidneys, hands, feet, etc. A baby survives in amniotic fluid for 9 months. Immediately after birth there is breath, and oxygen through the lungs. It's an impossibly complex process. Babies are born with 300 bones, many of them being cartilage to help babies pass through the birth canal. Eventually, they fuse into 206 bones. 

15. Organization of the human body. It takes up to 9,000 atoms in their proper place for the baby's body to form. Adoms are the basic building block of all matter.  

More miracles tomorrow.

Twenty-Five Everyday 'Miracles' 

1. Hummingbirds flap their wings 50 times/second. Their heart beats 20 times/second. They weigh same as a penny. They can fly forward, backward and upside down. They migrate up to 500 miles without stopping. 

2. Dying stars can be reborn. Fusion reactions. 

This list in Epoch Times includes scientific discoveries.

3. Music of the spheres. Resonances and radio waves travel through space. Inaudible, so don't waste your time. 

4. Earth's heartbeat. Electreomagnetic resonances generated by lightning in earth's cavity. 

5. The moon isn't gray. It has more colors than we can perceive. A photo on the back side was taken during the recent space mission. Okay. Not a miracle. 

6. Earths 23.5-degree tilt. Sunlight causes the seasons. It hits some parts of the globe more directly than others.  

7. Jelly fish injured or starving revert to earlier stage of life.

8. Trees can talk. They exchange information and nutrients. Underground latticed fungi. Some trees can use the network to send warnings, and transfer nutrients to other trees before they die.

Better miracles coming

Over Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we will have 25 everyday miracles (article in Epoch Times). Divine origin?  

What About Prayer?

     Pastor Jim Cymbala in Brooklyn, New York, says, Faith is the opposite of worry. Worry is the opposite of faith. The only cure is to bring everything to God in prayer.  

     A city that needs prayer these days is Brooklyn. We all do.

     Jerry Pierce of Decision magazine asked Cymbala, "What are some necessary conditions in Scripture for effective, powerful prayer?"

     He answered, "First, you or the people you're asking to pray are born again. Do they show vital signs that they're new creations? Second, you can't have sin in your life. Third, we need the Holy Spirit. Paul said in Romans 8, "We don't know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit helps us."

     Pierce: "If you had just one sermon to preach on prayer, what would be your main message?" Cymbala: "That God is faithful and fulfills His promise. God answers prayer. You don't see it...and might not feel it. There's a plague in our country worse than COVID. And that's worry." 

     "In Philippians 4:6, Paul wrote: 'Do not be anxious about anything.  But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'" 

     "The joy of the Lord is our strength, but we have to walk by faith. You can't walk by faith when you're worrying. We are all guilty of worry. It's not looked at as a sin." 

     "If our enemy can get Christians worrying, he can get them into carnality (indulgence) and unbelief really quick. The only cure is to gather together and pray. God said, My house should be called a house of prayer.

Are We Honest, Truthful and Virtuous? 

     Yesterday when we wrote this headline, little did we know we would post the same question today. Believers in God - like most of our founders - are supposed to serve Him first of all. Then we may have time and interest, concern and ability to serve our government - local or national.

     Or at least, vote honestly. It's not easy, so we normally vote by the party. Although there are many independents these days. Voting began with certain men, then all men of age, then women and ... what's up with Pennsylvania? Our home state has 100,000 non-citizens on state voter rolls!!!  

     States are independent - the Federal Government cannot by law require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote. Whoa! Pennsylvania allows thousands of non-U.S. citizens to vote through a 'motor-voter' system. Qualifications? No matter. 

     Judicial Watch has successfully sued nearly two dozen states, forcing them to take steps to remove ineligible names (including non-citizens) from their rolls. Result: nearly 7 million ineligible voter names are off the rolls. 

     States include Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, North Carolina, Colorado, Ohio, and cities New York and Washington, DC. There are 17 million non-citizens to go. Then will we be honest, truthful and virtuous? Voting is just one activity. 

We may follow up tomorrow. 

        Jimmy

The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful and virtuous. 

     We stole this line from Epoch Times. Do you think the USA is secure, with our powerful military? Not all of us pass the test. By far.

     We love providing readers with endless truth from the Bible. By the way, Mrs. Donut and I didn't attend church today. Or last Sunday. 

     Now, about channels. Not the English Channel, or the TV channel. Or simply the canal. 

Channels only, blessed Master

But with all Thy wondrous power

Flowing through us. Thou can use us

Every day and every hour.

     Mary Maxwell wrote this hymn with a channel in mind. The channel is us. She said, "We are conduits for the living water of Christ. The Spirit flows within us and through us to others." 

     An article says, "We don't create goodness. We merely receive it and channel it forward. What kind of signal do others get from us? Is it clear, or is it static interference?"      

     We can't ask Mary. She lived from 1837 to 1915. 

     Correction: Mrs. Donut and I have missed three straight Sunday services. One of us has shingles, so we must not mingle. Our neighbor friends don't come by our channel. And no one invites us to follow the channel into their house.  

     When at home on Sunday, we watch Pastor Jeffress on TV in Dallas, then on radio, the late Pastor Wiersbe and Pastor Miller, both at Moody Church in Chicago.    

        Jimmy 

First of All, What? 

     As we noted yesterday, America - founded mostly by men who desired freedom of religion, and other freedoms - is 23 days to our July 4th "birthday." We will be 250 years old. 

     We also wrote of the divide - the war - our founders like Benjamin Franklin hoped would never happen. People who don't believe in God are working, plotting and planning to take control...as happened in China.

     So, what do Christians and Jews in America do?   

     Pastor Jim Cymbala, in New York City where a Muslim mayor reigns, says Faith is the opposite of worry. Worry is the opposite of faith The only cure is to bring everything to God in prayer. 

     He quotes Timothy: First of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority. In Acts, Jerusalem where the Lord birthed the church, believers were devoting themselves to prayer...and other acts. 

     Cymbala notes, When Peter got imprisoned, they prayed him out. Paul continually asked the churches to Pray for me that I may speak boldly. Cymbala adds, "God has chosen sovereignly that through the conduit of prayer - asking in childlike faith - He answers. The disciples never said to the Lord, "Teach us to preach." They asked, "Lord, teach us to pray."

We'll see what tomorrow brings.

       Jimmy

 What's Your Worldview?

     We still have lots to share from our book, Creation and Evolution 101. But today we fly right to the last chapter where the authors present two views of our world and our lives. 

     One. God created everything and the Bible is well written, with history recorded by 40 authors over hundreds of years. No theories.

     Two. There is no God, and everything from earth to outer space just happened. Everyone can decide how they want to live, and when they die, that's it. No truth necessary. 

     The Bible covers the good and not so good about God's chosen people, and others. It tells the miracle story of Jesus' birth, the disgusting crucifixion (to pay our debts), and his glorious resurrection. But the Bible isn't just history. It foretells what's to come, the last chapter best of all. 

     Christianity as it is known, had ups and downs over the centuries. Humans, you know. Advances in science in the 20th century have helped Christian and non-Christian scientists understand much. 

     Boom! Some scientists don't accept the new truth, and rather than just disagree, they make war against Jews and Christians, fabricating and well, raising hell. Along with them are American politicians striving to thrive at the expense of everyone else. Their lies are well known: What they accuse of others, they themselves are doing. Clever. 

     Their heroes are Darwin, Marx, Neitzsche and Freud. Communism best describes their goals.

           Jimmy 

     

 Friday: Darwinists and Marxists war on America. 

 Scientific Stagnation

     We know. Many of you readers aren't into science. Me too. But what does or doesn't happen among scientists can mean something for any of us, over time. 

     At his Imprimis talk, Jay B. (last name still too difficult) said "for every dollar we spend on science, we get far less scientific advancement than we did over the past 50 years. We need to keep funding and make that research more effective. Younger scientists are the most likely to have new ideas. They triumph only because their opponents eventually die." 

     "We will have potential to solve type 1 diabetes, reduce the mortality rate from breast cancer, and prevent heart disease. Scientists who review applications now will be empowered to approve projects on the bleeding edge of science."

Funding Concentration 

     "About one third of all NIH grant money goes to about 20 institutions. We have to empower young and innovative scientists wherever they are. Scientists who receive grants need to have access to labs with expensive equipment. Our solution is severe the link in the HIH grants between the direct money for research and the indirect money for facilities." 

     "We can solve the nation's health problems...with science that is replicable at the bleeding edge and supports scientists with new and promising ideas wherever they are."

We have a nephew, a scientist in New York State.

Maybe our blog would benefit him. 😉

A Scientific Revolution 

     Yours truly is one of 7,500,000. What? Scientists? I can't even spell science without my computer reminding me. Sometimes it even guesses what word I will use before I type it. I can spell Jay, the director of National Institutes of Health. What I can't spell or even pronounce is his 12-letter last name. 

     Along with 7 million, 500 thousand others, I read "Imprimis," a publication of Hillsdale College. In a speech Jay D. addressed the issue of scientists with the power to say what is true or false in science. "If you, me or any of our friends and relatives have a serious health issue, we would appreciate the best treatment science can offer."

     Jay D. delivered his speech in three parts: The Replication Crisis, Scientific Stagnation, and Funding Concentration. If you don't think we need better healthcare, the U.S. life expectancy is slightly above age 78. In Sweden, it is 86. Yes, there are issues other than healthcare. 

Replication. "Scientists publish studies and we take them for granted. Other scientists don't come up with the same results. Most ideas do not work or are not true. This is normal. Peer reviewers do not double check the data. The only way to check one another is replication. If I (Jay D.) propose a theory, other scientists should be able to replicate those experiments." 

     If yours truly is still with it tomorrow (I am well above U.S. life expectancy) we will continue with "scientific stagnation" and "funding concentration." If not, Imprimis will have 7,499,000 readers. 

           Jimmy    

      

     

 Five Essential Beliefs 

     One more blog thanks to the authors of Creation & Evolution 101. They believed there are essential things about God and the world we must agree on...if we are to call ourselves "believers" in the God of the Bible. 

1. God created the universe and everything in it, including human beings, whom He created in his image (Genesis 1-2.) 

2. Sin and death (consequence of sin) infected the entire human race when we disobeyed God and turned to our own ways, thereby separating us from God (Genesis 3; Isaiah 53:6, Romans 5:12). 

3. God's eternal plan is to save us from the consequences of sin and to bring us back into relationship with Him through his only Son, Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man. The only way to God is through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 14:6; Romans 3:21-24; 1 Corinthians 15:3). 

4. The Bible is the completely true and completely trustworthy word of God, inspired by God and useful to teach us everything we need to know about Him and how we should live (1 Timothy 3:16). That does not mean we know everything about God and his ways.

5. Jesus is at the right hand of God preparing a place for us in heaven. At some future time known only by God, Jesus Christ will return to earth to gather all who believe in him, both the dead and the living, to join him in heaven. Jesus will defeat all the enemies of God, and God will judge all who rejected his plan to save humankind (John 14:1-4; Thessalonians 4:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:20-24; Revelation 20:11-15).  

NOTE: We thought the authors omitted some essential beliefs, especially in Revelation. But after reading all the scriptures (above), we think they have it right. I'm going to type each one for myself and you may consider the same. 

The Universe Points to God  

Who   The two men who wrote Creation & Evolution 101 share David's Psalm 104. "In 35 verses David used the names God, Lord and Spirit 14 times. The personal pronouns You and Your are used 48 times. The who of creation is the most important issue. No question, God - speaking through Moses - and he wants us to know that God is responsible for the universe, our world and our lives." See the first five verses of Ps. 104. 

How   "The Bible is not a scientific book, written in scientific terms. Nothing in the text of Genesis 1 and 2, written in the B.C. 1400s, contradicts the latest (as of 2001) scientific discoveries. The universe points to God. He created it - out of nothing. 'What we now see did not come from anything that can be seen' - Hebrews 11:3. All God had to do is say the word." 

When   "In Hebrews, the original language of Genesis (which means beginning), is indefinite. A Hebrew language expert says, 'Beginning refers to an indefinite period of time. We can't say for certain when God created the world of how long it took. This period could have spanned as much as several billion years, or much less. As for the word day in Genesis 1 & 2, the original Hebrew is even less definite. It can refer to three different periods of time." 

     So, our authors say, "We know the who, and we know the how. We don't know the when."  

Tomorrow: Five essential beliefs

The Real Issue 

     It's not the age of the universe or the length of creation days. The real issue is God. Either He created the heavens and the earth or He didn't.

Mrs. Donut in Pittsburgh was overseeing 50 Christians who volunteered to befriend children whose families were not so caring. Two other people each oversaw 50 volunteers. And there were those who oversaw the overseers. One of them had been the backup quarterback for Navy. Who could beat out Roger Staubach? Well, this backup and a friend later wrote Creation & Evolution 101 in 2001. Views will quote them this week beginning today. Everyone needs to know what they knew. Beginning with:

     "God is real because He made the world." - Romans 1:20.

     "God is real because He made you in his image." - Genesis 1:26-27 

     "God has given you a real life and real hope because He made you into a new person through Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

     "There's nothing wrong with doubt, as long as you are truthfully seeking God for who He is, not for who you want him to be. You're never going to figure out God completely, which is part of the joy and excitement of the Christian life." - James 1:5. 

     "God breathed - inspired - into 40 different human authors to write down His message. - 2 Timothy 3:16. He got what He wanted. There are three creation accounts: Genesis 1 and 2, and Psalm 104, told by King David."

Tomorrow: Who, How and When

 The Abyss

     Part 3. If there is a hell, John the disciple would know. In John chapter 19, Jesus, dying on the cross, said to his mother who was there with John, Dear woman, here is your son. And to John he said, Here is your mother. Imagine the moment! 

     Decades later, Jesus appeared to (old) John. See Revelation chapter 1 for his incredible appearance. Then turn to Revelation 20-22 to see how our world ends...and a new world begins. 

     The abyss would be, in our dictionary, "an unfathomably deep place, a seemingly bottomless chasm, a deep fissure in the earth." It's for humans, "the second death," and the forever prison for Satan and the other fallen angels.   

     Rev. 20. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. Anyone whose name is not found written in the book of life...was thrown into the lake of fire. Hell!  

     Rev. 21 lists some of the sins that will send people into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The last sin listed is "all liars," again in chapter 22.  

     Rev. 22, Jesus says, Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and go through the gates into the city. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone adds anything to them (or takes away), God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 

Okay, my respected readers. If you want a summary of the Bible, read the first three chapters in the Old Testament and the last three chapters in the New Testament. Pick a gospel and read again the crucifixion of Jesus (the penalty He suffered for you and me). John saw the crucifixion on Friday, the risen Christ on Sunday...and Christ again in A.D. 90 or later. John obviously was led by the Lord, as were other authors of Scripture, writing long after the events.                                                                                                                   Truth wins! 

He Who Had Most to Say 

     Mark, a citizen of Jerusalem, associated with Paul, Peter and others, wrote: If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. - Chapter 9.

     Mark added: It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And, It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. 

     This wasn't Mark's words. He quotes the Son of God himself, Jesus.  

     Luke, also quoting Jesus, was a Gentile convert, the only non-Jewish author of two Bible books. Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. - Luke 12:5. As for the "rich man," In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. - Luke 16:23. 

     Matthew, a tax collector who became a disciple, quotes Jesus seven times about hell. Matthew 5:22, 29, 30, 10:28, 18:9, 23:15, 33.

     Anyone who says "you fool" will be in danger of the fire of hell. Wow! 

     And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

     Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

     Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel overland and sea to win a single convert, and...you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. 

     You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?     >  Two other verses are similar to Mark's.

     What about John? Didn't this disciple chosen to outlive all others have anything to say about hell? See you tomorrow. 

   ~ ~ ~ 

 "Just for the Hell of It" 

     As would say some guys in my school. Well, not in school. Walking home from school, this future blogger learned words Mom never taught me. So, is there really a hell? Most people might say "no." Otherwise, their lives would be different. American pastors seldom mention hell these days. Let's ask someone who certainly believed there is a hellish place of no return.

     The disciple Peter. He may have written the world's longest sentence (I counted 150+ words). Here is the key, in 2 Peter 2:4: For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment...the Lord knows how...to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment while continuing their punishment. 

     Well, Peter is one man, about 30 years after Jesus arose. Okay. Would you believe James, who wrote this 15 or so years after his half-brother Jesus returned to heaven: The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell. James addressed this message to the 12 Jewish tribes, and he became leader of the Jerusalem church. In A.D. 62 he was martyred Jerusalem.

     Still not convinced there is a hell? When disciples and other leaders began to realize Jesus wasn't returning as soon as they expected, they began to write letters that became "books" of the New Testament. My understanding is the Holy Spirit took over. Those authors couldn't remember word for word all that Jesus and others said decades earlier. The Spirit also worked with Old Testament prophets. How else would Moses know how the earth was formed?

     If you need ultimate proof there is a hell, check out the ultimate voice, tomorrow on Views. 

 ~ ~ ~

God's Faithfulness and Character 

     One more time. "Replacement theology claims that God has revoked His promises to Israel. Twenty centuries ago, Paul addressed this directly: 'The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable,' - Romans 11:29. God's promises to Israel remain intact. They are not canceled or transferred." 

     "If God could revoke His promises to Israel, what confidence could believers have in promises to them through Christ? 'It is impossible for God to lie,' - Hebrews 6:18. 

     "When the church forgets Israel, arrogance often follows and it breeds antisemitism, again on the rise, by denying Israel's place in God's plan. Antisemitism is an affront to God's heart. His love for Israel has never expired and Genesis 12:3 still stands: 'I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.' Antisemites hate what God loves."

     "If God were to break His covenant with Israel, how could we trust Him to keep His promises to us? Remember God's Word. Remember His promises. Remember whom He loves."

     "To our Jewish friends," Hawkins says, "while some voices within Christianity have forgotten, a vast majority have not. We stand with you. As Ruth once declared, so do we: Your people shall be my people, and your God my God' - Ruth 1:16." 

Tomorrow: Is there hell or not?

 

Israel Didn't Forget Israel  

   O.S. Hawkins  Part 2

     "For nearly 2,000 years of exile, scattered among often-hostile nations, the Jewish people remembered. Each Passover they retold the story of redemption. Even today, the mezuzah on doorposts of Jewish homes serves as a reminder of God's promise. History has shown tragic consequences when the Church forgets God's purposes and promises for Israel." 

     "Some claim God has rejected the Jewish because they rejected Jesus as Messiah. Yet scripture affirms the opposite. God promised Abraham an everlasting possession," (Genesis 17:8). And when Abraham entered the land...'all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever,' - Genesis 13:15.  

     "Later, God said to Jacob, 'I...will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession,' Genesis 48:4. See Ezekiel 37:25. God's covenant promises were not based on Israel's obedience but on God's faithfulness. In Romans 11, Paul dismantles the idea that Israel has been rejected. He asks, 'Has God rejected His people?' And his answer, 'By no means! God has not rejected his people whom He foreknew - Romans 11:1-2.    

     Howkins wrote, "In a culture where opinion often outweighs conviction, scripture remains clear. Replacement theology collapses under the weight of God's Word." 

     There must have been some "replacement" claims in the first century after Jesus rose from the grave and later rose to heaven. In Romans 11, Paul the Jew that Jesus (from above) led to the truth, wrote, 'Israel is the cultivated tree; Gentile believers are wild branches grafted in. Do not be arrogant toward the branches. It is not you who support the root, but the root supports you, - Romans 11:18." 

     "The branch does not replace the tree. The Church shares in Israel's spiritual blessings. It draws life from that root, not the other way around."

Conclusion tomorrow

The Church Forgetting Israel?

     President Trump did what other presidents declined to do: He moved the U.S. Embassy into historic Jerusalem. Question: Are some thinkers thinking Christianity has replaced Judaism? The issue is enormous, and people had better get it right.  

     "The vast majority of evangelical Christians remain steadfast supporters of the state of Israel. But a small but growing number have 'theological amnesia.'" O.S. Hawkins, chancellor, former pastor and author of 50 books, says, "This forgetfulness is alarming when antisemitism is rising worldwide at levels not seen since the Holocaust." 

     Stay with us. Hawkins will give us the truth from scripture.

     "Replacement theology: that God has rejected the Jewish people because of unbelief in Yeshua as Messiah. And that God revoked his covenant promises. Scripture reveals God's everlasting promises to His chosen people, Israel." Did God go back on his promises? 

     "The theology concludes that Israel has no future role in God's purposes, and that the Jewish state holds no greater Biblical significance than any other nation." That, for unbelievers in general, leads to antisemitism...and hatred...and murder by Hamas. People across the world call on Palestinians and whoever to destroy Israel. Why so?

     "In the Torah, God calls His covenant people to remember what He has done for them. When Joshua led Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, they erected memorial stones so future generations would remember that 'all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty.'" - Joshua 4:24.

  Tuesday: 2,000 years of exile

      

Cubans Find Biblical View 

     Evangelical churches promote human life, providing hope and support to pregnant women, even as Cuba's quality of life deteriorates. Their pro-life movement began in 2016. One woman, for example, had only a cup of coffee for breakfast, and smoked a cigar at lunch time to battle hunger pangs.

     For years, women had blinders about shedding of innocent blood. A team could not afford a building for pregnancy care, but they could make house calls. One congregation rallied around new mothers, and child dedications started becoming common place. Cuba's leaders wanted more babies due to the negative population growth...not because what God may want.

     There is a pro-life movement across the nation. Churches have real conviction rather than fleeting emotional responses. Even unregistered churches are joining the movement. One woman gave up her steady $20 per month income to lead a pregnancy counseling team. 

     The challenges of living in Cuba are mounting. There is a shortage of food, supplies, medicines, electricity etc. Hurricane Melissa left families homeless. Without Venezuelan oil, gas to power garbage trucks trash has piled u. Breadlines extend for blocks. Shopkeepers only accept dollars, keeping the average Cuban from buying food. The communist regime exports all beef as a cash crop.

      A volunteer says, "If God created a baby, He will provide for it." Churches are growing. Our government puts the number of Protestants at about 55,000, or 5 percent of Cuba's population. Schools have more children. A volunteer said, "Glory to God. This is the work that the Lord is doing in this place." 

     And we'll see what President Trump has in mind, and what the charge against Raul Castro might lead to. A good life for all these babies, we hope.  

              Jimmy  

Why Charge Raul Castro?

     Picking up where we left off, in 1996 an organization called "Brothers to the Rescue" was searching for Cuban refugees who needed rescue at sea. Three Americans and one Cuban American in two Cessnas were doing something extra. From international airspace they released fliers with anti-government messages, somehow destined to come ashore at Havanna. 

     They may not have known about Cuban intelligence in Miami and Tampa, and among some members of our Congress. Raul Castro was informed, sent two fighter jets to down the Americans, and so he is accused of murder. Who started the process? Donald Trump, in 2016. 

     Raul, 94, is no longer president but still involved. A number of people at the head of government are named Castro or are Castro women who married others. The Cuban people suffer. Yet, many Americans think communism is the way to go.  

     Six decades of communism has taken its toll, leaving many Cubans impoverished and angry. In 2022 and 2023, Cuba lost 18 percent of its population...to Venezuela, Russia, (communist) China, Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. Some, like doctors, volunteered for programs and never returned. Cuba closed its borders for two years. 

     About 15 years ago, we and a few others transferred from our church in Wesley Chapel Florida to a dying church on the county lines of Hernando and Pasco counties. Years later, Wesley Chapel sent us a Cuban immigrant, who knew some English, and his wife, to be our new pastor. In Cuba he had to borrow clothes to attend church. Now, he pastors two English and two Spanish services every Sunday.

Sunday: more Cuban life 

Life in Cuba...More Babies Live 

     In 1963 I was in the Army at Ft. Lee, VA as one of seven guys with journalism or business degrees, working for a "school" for those who provide the Army with everything from uniforms to weapons. 

     One morning I woke up to learn a number of guys in our barracks were gone. There might be war with the Soviet Union which was placing artillery in Cuba. President Kennedy had decisions to make. Americans everywhere were nervous, including a lady at my church back home. 

     I had leave to visit home. I asked if I should stay at Ft. Lee, and he said I was not included in this. So, I drove home, wondering if a Russian missile might find me along the way. On Sunday at church, a woman scowled, "What are you doing here?" 

     That's my Cuba story. Fidel Castro and brother Raul turned communist while in jail reading Karl Marks. They were friendly with Russia, China and North Korea. Iran would join the team. The Castros were freed in 1956 and three years later, with 160 men for starters, overthrew dictator Batista and executed dozens of his officers. 

     This week, the U.S. charged Raul Castro, now 94, with killing four people in 1996. Stay with us. We'll get to the babies later.

          Jimmy    

     

Death Through Adam

Life Through Christ

     "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin...for before the law was given, sin was in the world. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a commandment, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. - Romans 5:12-14. 

     "The gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin. The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 

     "For if the trespass of one man, death reigned, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through one man, Jesus Christ. - 5:16-17 

>    "The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - 5:20-21 

Friday, we go to Cuba

 Showing God's Love 

     From YouVersion:

     In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus shared God's greatest commandment - to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. 

Note: Our heart, soul and mind, and emotions, are what lasts forever. 

     Then He says something equally important - You shall love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:39. 

     Jesus calls us to love others as ourselves, because doing so is how we show we love Him. YouVersion provides three ways to love people:  

* Ask a friend how you can pray for them.

* Encourage someone by sharing a Bible verse and what it meant for you.

* Pray about loving others. 

~ ~ ~

     We have not yet learned that a man is more powerful 

     on his knees than behind the most powerful guns. 

     We have not learned that a nation is more powerful

     when it unites in earnest prayer to God than

     when its resources are channeled into weapons. 

                                the late Billy Graham 

 Midterms

     "The problem for the president is the Republican and independent voters who supported him in 2024, but are not his natural constituency. Polling suggests most of them are happy with his foreign policy, but unhappy with his economic policies. From tariffs to running roughshod over allies, these voters prefer him to the alternative, but they may not show up in the midterms." 

Erick Ericlson

     "They want some accountability for the president, even if it means 
Democrats take control in Congress. That is the historic nature of midterm elections. Trump remains a transcendent politician, but the rules of politics still apply. Midterms tend to benefit the party out of power. The party out of power is more motivated to vote and the president's voters who are not actually his strongest supporters tend to stay home."

"If you're somewhere right now in a world

where you don't think you're loved,

you need to know Jesus loves you."

Billy Graham

Things That Matter 

     Do we organize our life by distractions, or purpose? 

     Do our activities leave us exhausted, not fulfilled? 

     Does our success and happiness crowd out contributions? 

Hmmm. I'm not scoring high.

     Does our attention skip meaningful work?

     Are daily habits aligned with deeply held values?

     Do we focus on meaningful service to others? 

Well, once in a while. 

     This is from Joshua Becker, 51, a former pastor and now state senator. He is also an author, speaker and philanthropist. What else does he ask?

     Do we make room for what deserves lasting attention? 

     Do we ever rethink success itself?

     Does meaningful life depend less on what we accumulate than on what we choose to prioritize? 

              Jimmy

Continuation of Saturday's list concerning salvation

Four additional ways, if...

...we are conscious of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. "This is how we know that he (Jesus) lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. - 1 John 3:24 

...we strive to follow Jesus' example and live as he lived. "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." - 1 John 2:6. 

...we believe, accept, and remain in the "Word of life." i.e. the living Christ (1 John 1:1, and in the original message of Christ and the NT apostles. 

...we have an earnest longing and an unbending hope for Christ's return to receive us to himself. "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be, has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." - 1 John 3:2-3; John 14:1-3. 

 

 Assurance of Salvation

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. - 1 John 5:13

We have assurance of eternal life if... 

...we believe in the name of the Son of God. There is no eternal life without an earnest faith in Jesus Christ that confesses him as God's Son, sent to be our Lord and Savior.

...we are honoring Christ as Lord of our lives and are sincerely trying to obey his commands. The man who does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. - 1 John 2:3-5 

...we love the Father and the Son rather than the world, and if we overcome the influence of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. - 1 John 2:15-16

...we habitually and persistently practice righteousness rather than sin. He who does what is sinful is of the devil. - 1 John 3:7-10 

...we love our brothers and sisters (in the Lord). This is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence. - 1 John 3:19-20.  

Four more ways, tomorrow. 

 Assurance of Salvation

     How we avoid hell is a topic Jesus referred to numerous times. Everyone should know there is a horrible eternity for minds, hearts/souls and emotions - whatever survives death of the body. Jesus spoke of "fear of the Lord." He made heaven and earth, and that includes hell. 

     In recent times preachers have focused on salvation, without addressing the alternative. It's in the Bible we claim to trust - in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Tomorrow and into Sunday we will list nine ways to be sure of eternal life, thanks to John. 

     John was one of Jesus' 12 disciples. While dying on the cross, Jesus gave John responsibility to care for his (virgin) mother. John ministered as well as other disciples, but he used letters in old age, 60 or more years after Jesus returned to heaven. 

    John wrote one of the four Gospels (good news). Read the awesome first 18 verses of chapter 1. He also wrote 1 John, emphasizing truth and righteousness, and repudiating errors by false teachers. 2 John's theme is walking in truth. And 3 John emphasizes acting faithfully.

     John also wrote Revelation. It begins with John's encounter with Jesus the king of kings (not the human), prophecy, letters, visions, truth, faith, and more. And the last three chapters: the thousand years, the new heaven and earth, and Satan's doom. 

     Tomorrow, we go to 1 John for nine ways to know that we are in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Our Views had over a thousand readers (a record) yesterday when the word "hell" was in our title. Friday, we will respond to this, and on the weekend, we will provide nine ways to assure salvation, directly from our Bible. 

Justified by Faith 

     We follow up on yesterday's faith of Abraham (Genesis chapter 22), who became "father of us all." There were no laws to obey. 

     Centuries later, the "Son of God" was born, grew up without sin in an unimportant town, began his teaching and healing, and finally gave his life in the most painful way. Religious rulers knew he miraculously healed people, but when Jesus declined to evict Roman soldiers and restore the nation (like David might?) they begged Pilate the governor to crucify him. Before he died, Jesus forgave them. 

     This occurred by divine providence. Jesus paid the price all humans in all history deserve, and when he returned to life, he instructed his disciples and appeared to others over 40 days. They saw him return to heaven. He sent the Holy Spirit to earth, and the "good news" has been spreading over the world ever since. 

     Jesus spoke from above to an intelligent Jewish leader named Saul, also called Paul, who was persecuting Christians. Paul became a believer and revised his thinking. Among his many letters, four written while he was in prisons, Paul addressed Christians in Rome in A.D. 57. 

     "Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring - not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all." - Romans 4:16 

     "The words 'it was credited to him' were not for him alone, but also... for us who believe in him (God) who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." - Romans 4:23-25  

How We Avoid Hell 

     In the first book, Genesis, we find the answer in chapter 15-v. 6. Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. 

     Is it that simple? When God promised Abram and his wife a child, and they both were beyond child-bearing years, Abram still believed God. Is that all? 

     Believe (Hebrew 'aman') means to persevere in trust and belief with obedient faithfulness. Abram trusted God. He was in a right relationship with God and his will. He received God as his shield and reward. So, no, belief isn't a one-time statement that carries us through to salvation. 

     In Genesis 22 Abraham's faith was tested when God told him to take his son Isaac to a mountain and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. When this father had raised his knife, an angel intervened, saying, "Now I know that you fear God..." Now, God knew that Abraham was a God-fearing man whose chief concern was to do God's will.   

     Abraham had many offspring, and today he is considered the "father of all who believe." - New Testament, Romans 4:11. 

     Has yours truly been tested? Yes, but I didn't have to threaten my kids to prove my faithfulness. Have you been tested? We recommend you read all of Genesis chapter 22.

           Jimmy

 Prayer to Celebrate July 4th 

     Most of us, we hope, know our 250th-year celebration is drawing near. Our president has called on Americans to pray for us to "rededicate ourselves to one nation under God." 

     Yesterday our blog on birds noted that 91 million Americans are bird watchers. If only 91 million of us prayed daily for "one nation under God" to forgive us and to give us favor and understanding. 

     Pastor Robert Jeffress said, "There is no more important service for Christians to provide for our country and its leaders than consistent, fervent prayers on their behalf."  

     The U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development asked, "What if one million people prayed for our country every week until July 4th? What if each believer got together with 10 people - friends, family, colleagues, work associates - 10 people each week to pray for our country and fellow citizens?" 

     This, the Lord has already called us to do. "Scripture directs us to pray for 'all who are in high positions' because this 'is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.'" - (1 Timothy 2:2-4) 

     Rep. Andy Harris, Maryland, said: "When our nation feels divided, when political violence and fear threaten to harden our hearts, prayer is exactly what we need. We can draft laws and cast votes, but only God can change hearts." 

                Jimmy

 

Flocks Attract Younger Flocks   

     My boyhood home was on a street well named Shady Avenue. There were large maple trees on both sides of the street. Two trees shaded our front yard...perfect limbs and branches for huge flocks of starlings. Spring or fall, I don't recall, but annually they flew down for a rest. 

     Their rest was a test. You see, bird "bathrooms" were the shady trees. Much of their mess fell on our shady properties. Dad took a board and banged it on the cement railing. Better yet, our neighbor two doors up used his gun. One bang, and off they flew. 

     My uncle Bill might not have approved. He was the first head of Everglades National Park, following the war. We drove from Pennsylvania to Florida when I was 10 to visit them and another uncle and aunt. Before Bill passed away, he claimed to have seen and identified 500 birds all over the country. 

     Today, Bill would be happy to know more Americans, and younger ones, have taken up bird watching. They see a world around them that they never really observed. Bird watching helps one appreciate nature, and it becomes a hobby. Upwards fly the birds, and upwards is the number of American birders, 91 million, and the average age, 49, down from 53 in 2011. 

     Yours truly isn't one of them, but we salute people who can leave the television for a while and do something else. 

           Jimmy 

Jesus said:

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Matthew 7:1-2

Why do you call me good? Jesus answered. No one is good - except God alone. You know the commandments: Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother. 

"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. One thing you lack, he said. Go sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then, come, follow me. - Mark 10:18-21 

Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all - he is the greatest. - Luke 9:48 

Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.    - John 5:22-23   

U.S. Postal Service - Bankrupt?

     When this kid was very young, our mailbox was on our front porch. The mailman came off the sidewalk to deliver and to pick up any outgoing mail. A high school friend, Chuck, after the Army, became a mailman, his (Pennsylvania) walk sometimes freezing, snowy or rainy.  

     As for me, on our school's lunch hour I had a job bicycling mail from a factory to and from the post office. There were two other stops on my route. There is no part-time work for teenagers today. That factory and others no longer exist. Like so many northern businesses. 

     Today we seldom send mail, and most mail we receive is from organizations or politicians asking for money. With email, cellphones and such, the United States Postal Service is down from a high of 213 billion pieces annually to 109 billion...about half.  

     Last year the Service lost $9 billion, and it could go bankrupt in 2027. So said postmaster general David Steiner. 

     USPS has been funded by stamp sales and package fees, but two decades have passed without a profit. Steiner wants Congress to authorize borrowing more money so USPS can operate like an independent business. Really? USPS legally must deliver to all U.S. addresses. More than 70 percent of its routes are unprofitable.   

     USPS has a partnership with Amazon, more than 6% of its annual income. Any volunteer mail carriers out there?

            Jimmy 

Try Worshiping in China 

     Last October, governing authorities arrested and imprisoned 18 Christians. They are still held on charges of anti-government online activities. The daughter of a pastor arrested, now in the U.S., said "They didn't want to join government sanctioned churches, which would infringe on their ability to worship God wholeheartedly. This is just one example of a new wave of persecution." 

     "In 2018 the government made it impossible to rent out any other space, so the church started meeting online and offline, and it holds services through online media. The Chinese government claims this is illegal. But their sermons are still on YouTube, and people are meeting. It's not political, just the gospel," she says to WORLD magazine. 

     "Today, there are no direct family communications with any of the 18 detained. They are not allowed to meet the prisoners. They're not allowed phone calls or even letters. Lawyers who once provided information are having their licenses revoked." 

     "The Chinese government controls with Communist Party songs and core socialist values. They fear anything they can't control. Free Christians also provide services to the poor and vulnerable, as they do in other countries. But the government thinks it is the only party that can help people, so people rely only on the Communist Party." 

     But Christianity is growing in China. The daughter (above) believes persecution often makes the faith grow faster and firmer. She says "We know that God is faithful and is using this for good. When another pastor asked my father, 'How would you feel if they were coming for you?' My dad just said, 'Hallelujah, the gospel will spread even further.'" 

     She asks that we pray for those in prison, and their families. 

     I don't need to comment.   Jimmy  

Jews and Gentiles

Setting the Record Straight  

     Friends, from time to time this month we'll include a few verses from the informative book of Romans. After 25 years of spreading the gospel, Paul (a Christian Jew) planned to follow his letter to Rome. He wanted to correct rumors and attitudes about Jews and Gentiles, both ways.  

(Neither had plentiful Bibles until recent times. Today, American Christians and Jews in Israel have joined hands to help people in need. But Satan and other demons are at war with both. Easily fooled Americans chant the end of Israel. Every author in the New Testament was Jewish, except Luke, who wrote "Luke" and "Acts." Now, back to Paul:

     Romans chapter 2: "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism."  

     Romans 3. "Let God be true, and every man a liar. What shall we conclude then? We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written, 'There is no one righteous, not even one' (Paul includes himself). Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in his (God's) sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."

     "But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known. This righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are (can be) justified freely by his grace. God presented (Jesus) as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in his blood. He did this...because He left the sins committed beforehand unpunished ... he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time."

     "Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes...since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that faith. We (Jews) uphold the law." 

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Trump vs. Western...Allies? 

     President Trump wrote that "NATO wasn't there when we needed them." NATO has its opinion of the U.S. that may explain why the North Atlantic Treaty Organization isn't involved in our war with Iran. 

     Most of those countries needed the U.S. during World War II, and in following years when the Soviet Union was gobbling up territory. Iran isn't NATO's friend, but Iran is not a threat to them either. 

source: WORLD magazine

     A poll revealed mistrust between Washington and European allies before the war on Iran. Some respondents even said the U.S. is more of a threat to Europe than China, Iran or North Korea. (Those three probably aren't threats to Europe. But, America?) Well, Hitler and Stalin are gone, and Europeans are thinking for themselves.  

     Russia? Europeans have real issues, a costly influx of immigrants from Ukraine, spats with eastern neighbors and concerns for security. What if Russia defeats Ukraine and turns its eyes on Europe? "You'll have to learn how to fight for yourself; the U.S.A. won't be there to help you anymore," Trump wrote in late March. 

     Trump's rift with Europe has led to speculation that the U.S. might withdraw from NATO. Such a decision would require congressional approval.  

            Jimmy

Which List Is Ours? 

     Jewish leader Saul was a fierce opponent of those newcomers who called themselves Christians. Jesus, then in heaven, spoked to Saul while he was headed to Damascus...to arrest more Christians. He gave him the name Paul, who wrote many letters we now call books, in the Bible. Obviously, Paul was highly intelligent, among other attributes. 

     Paul's notable letter to the Romans, where some Christians were living, includes words describing Christianity, and twice as many describing the world...all in chapter 1.   

        Our Faith                                           Our World 

        Son of God                            foolish hearts   wrath   wickedness

        gospel    grace                                godless    lies   futility 

        faith    love                                 foolish     images   desire   

        peace    prayer                            impurity       created things    

        spiritual gifts   mercy                   shameful lust    indecent acts

        encouragement                             perversion   depraved minds

        wisdom   power of God                         greed      envy 

        salvation for Jew and Gentile          murder     strife     deceit    

        righteousness   divine nature           malice   gossip    slander 

                                                           insolent   arrogant   boastful

                                                             disobedient     senseless  

                                                                faithless    heartless  

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