FOLLOWING JESUS - ONE STEP AT A TIME - UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL / This blog is meant to point us all to Jesus Christ-the One, true, and living God. "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:28) Without Him, there is no lasting source of love, joy, or purpose in life. If you do not know Him personally today, search for Him! "Seek the LORD while He may be found...while He is near."(Is 55:6) His love never ceases; His compassion never fails; Great is His faithfulness! (Lam 3:22-23)
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
As a Christian, should I vote for a Mormon?
I was recently asked by a dear friend to read an article about Romney, his involvement with the Mormon church, and some radical, unbiblical teachings of Mormonism related specifically to America.
While certainly no expert on Mormonism, I have been previously exposed to some of its bizarre and emphatically UNbiblical teaching. But this information was new to me; frankly, it was disturbing.
The bottom line is that I neither know enough to determine whether or not this article was truly presenting the official stance of the Mormon church, nor exactly how much "into" this plan Romney is ... or isn't. There are worlds of things that I simply do not know. When I find myself in that kind of position, I turn to the things I DO know - most especially the "DO know" things that seem to specifically relate to the issue at hand.
Here's what I do know - that relates to the upcoming election, and to the choice that must be made between two very different candidates:
The article stated that the Mormon church has a "plan," involving Romney, that relates to the second coming of Christ to this earth. Well, I simply don't know for a fact whether they have that plan or not. But I DO know that just because a group of people have "a plan," does not mean their plan will "pan out." Scripture plainly states that "no man knows the day nor the hour" that Christ will return to this earth. "NO man" includes the Mormon church - and any other church, for that matter. (Mk 13:32)
A couple other powerful verses read, "The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He will." (Pr 21:1) and "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD." (Pr 21:30) These hold true regardless of whether we have Romney or Obama, and - since neither candidate knows the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior, and both of them potentially present some ominous possibilities - I find those verses especially reassuring!
Regardless of what impact a Mormon president may or may not have, two things are still true about him:
1) Romney stands for life - protecting the unborn from slaughter, opposing the murdering of infants - clearly an "abomination" to the Lord - and 2) Romney stands for marriage being defined Biblically, as between a man and a woman, and against the homosexual agenda - another abomination to God.
Just as surely as Romney stands against abortion and same-sex marriage, Obama stands for them. That makes it a pretty cut & dried decision ... in spite of the Mormon church plan.
Another consideration is that Matthew 5:45 says that God "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Even a lost man, when he obeys Biblical commandments and orders his steps according to Biblical truth, will reap the blessings that come from walking in that right path. Certainly, our eternal security lies solely in the answer to the simple question, "What will you do with Jesus, the Christ?" But an individual's earthly experience can involve many temporal blessings that come as a direct result of adhering to truths from God's Word. And so it is for a nation. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Ps 33:12)
The opposite is another truth to take into account. Antonyms of "bless" are listed as "condemn, curse, damn." So ... what is a nation whose God is NOT the Lord? That's certainly a sobering thought, is it not? If our nation votes in Obama as President again - especially now that Biblical issues have come out into the spotlight; we know exactly where the man stands, and the lines are now clearly and unmistakably drawn - we would have no ground on which to stand in making the claim that our God is the Lord -- not as a nation. We would have made a clear choice for that which God says is abominable to Him. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man (or nation) sows, that shall he (they) also reap!" (Gal 6:7)
On the other hand, if the American people vote for Romney, that's a clear choice for a leader that upholds at least two key Biblical mandates. I believe it would be the choice of a nation indicating a desire to remain "one nation under God." I believe it would be a choice pleasing to the Lord, one that would honor Him, and one that would put America in a position to be blessed.
So ... the question is not really "Should a Christian vote for a Mormon?" The question is, rather, "Should a Christian vote for a man who unapologetically and vehemently stands FOR the slaughter of unborn babies and FOR same-sex marriage?" NO! A CHRISTIAN MOST ASSUREDLY SHOULD NOT!
Beyond that, I believe a Christian is under obligation to cast his vote for the man representing the greatest possibility of defeating such abominable wickedness, being made the law of our land through the winning of this presidential election. That man is Mitt Romney.
A Christian need go no further in deliberating between the options. When you take into consideration the things that are important to Jehovah God, it all becomes very clear. Very simple.
As I said to my sweet friend, "That's my two cents worth."
Blessings! And vote Romney!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
What's the BIG DEAL about ISRAEL?
The copied article below is from a 2010 blog of an Irish man. I found his view as an Irish European, looking at America, to be intriguing. Some additional comments are added below his thoughts ... because there's more. Much more...
Why does America support Israel so strongly. Why does Washington block every UN resolution aimed at Israel and why does it provide the Jewish state with countless billions in military aid every year. The anti Semites among us would have us believe that it is because the Jews control American Foreign policy. Others might argue more reasonably that the pro Israel lobby is the most powerful lobby group in DC. Some might also say that America wants the strongest nation in the region to be an American ally and that US support of Israel is based on a global military strategy. I don't buy into any of these view personally. I believe that American Exceptionalism best explains it.
American Exceptionalism.
What on earth is "American Exceptionalism?" It sounds arrogant, and I suppose it is, particularly when combined with the notion of the Jews as the chosen people but I do believe that this concept explains the unwavering support that the US has offered Israel for many decades. Proponents of American Exceptionalism believe that the USA occupies a unique role in world history. They believe that its capitalist system and its intolerance of government intervention in the economy has resulted in the largest most powerful economy the world has ever seen. This individualistic system has also led to the most powerful military in all of history. It is not just the capitalist system that is supposed to have brought America to this point. It was the first country that was created not out of ethnicity but because its constitutional republicanism meant that sovereignty belonged to the people, not to a hereditary ruling class. And the American experience of westward expansion throughout the 19th century has apparently helped create a national character which fits into this self help ethos. The result of all this is that the USA is the only nation willing and capable of confronting the threats facing the world. This was certainly true during the cold War. America was the only nation willing to do whatever it took to stop Soviet expansion. They eventually succeed in wrestling the USSR to the ground. Proponents of American Exceptionalism believe that a similar situation exists today as regards the clash that we are seeing between East and West.
Let's look at the war on terror. The dominant thinking in Europe appears to be that if our Foreign Policies are kinder to the Arab World then they will stop disliking us. Perhaps ? But the Americans don't see it that way. They have examined the nature of the threat and are not willing to hide from it. So goes the theory anyway. Just to clarify I have not quite bought into American Exceptionalism. I'm not quite sure whether America does in fact have a unique history and destiny in the world or is this just right wing America engaging in hard core nationalist rhetoric. Truthfully, I haven't quite decided yet. But the belief does exist and I do think it explains US support of Israel.
American Exceptionalism and Israel.
Believers in American Exceptionalism are of the opinion that America is in a unique position to confront International Terrorism and proponents of the Islamic way who favour expansion. They believe that political Islam is fundamentally undemocratic (a theory which I do endorse wholeheartedly) and therefor those who wish to expand it should be confronted and ultimately prevented from doing so. Just like the Cold War, America is stepping up to this task. Israel is the ultimate symbol of the clash that exists between the democratic west and the Islamic East. Others describe it as the front line in the war on terror. Many Americans believe that if Israel were to fall it would only be the beginning. Spain would be next to succumb to the green wave followed by much of Europe. Its sound crazy I know but when you read the contents of Jihadist websites such as Liam Egan's MPAC.ie you become aware that this is the objective more than you might think. This I believe is the principal reason America continues to weigh in behind Israel. It is not out of obligation, alliance or lobby. It is because America believes in Israel.
This Irishman sees things pretty well, I think! But there's more:
Without looking at what the Bible says about Israel, you can't see the entire picture. Remember? Regardless of the loudest among us, the vast majority of Americans still believe in the Bible - and in the fact that this nation was originally founded on Biblical principle. It still matters...
So... Exactly what IS the big deal about Israel? Biblically?
**We must remember that Israel, the nation, is very special to God. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 tells us: 6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
God's eternal purpose is to bless the world through Israel. He has most assuredly done so already in the sending of His Son, Jesus, the Christ. John 4:22 reads, "You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews." In spite of the fact that today Israel is a secular, unbelieving nation, the only thing we have today - that's even worth having - has come to us through the Jewish nation of Israel! We are certainly in debt to Israel on that account. But there's more to come. Isaiah 27:6 promises: "In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit."
A further reason Christians must support the nation of Israel is because of the Abrahamic Covenant. Genesis 12:2-3 , "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (also Genesis 27:29; Numbers 24:9).
Take special note of the underlined words in the above Bible quote. In part, America is what she is today - enjoys the blessings she has today - because of her consistent support for the nation of Israel! It has been said that "No nation in the history of the world has a better record of treating individual Jews with respect than does America. The same can be said for our befriending Israel as a nation. America has committed many sins for which we may well deserve judgment, but as a nation, we have been a consistent friend of the Jews and the nation of Israel, as well as a benefactor." Examples of this: 1948 - President Harry Truman helped persuade the UN to recognize Israel as a nation. Since then, the United States has contributed billions of dollars in aid to Israel.
When we see the "big picture” with a biblical worldview, it becomes clear that America's support of Israel is crucial. While we cannot support everything Israel does as a nation, we must - at the very least - assuredly, and consistently, support Israel’s right to exist.
God ALWAYS honors His Word. He ALWAYS does what He says He will do. His promises and covenants with Israel will be carried out. "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7) God's plan for Israel is still in place. It has not been revoked! Woe to the man or the nation who sets himself against that plan!
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse."
THIS is the Word of GOD.
And that, folks, settles it! As my daddy used to say, "You can take THAT to the bank! The Bible says it, and that settles it ... whether we choose to believe it or not!"
Just a pilgrim on the journey...tryin' to keep smack-dab in the middle of the road!
... praying you'll know HIS blessing on YOUR journey this day!
* gubu-world.blogspot.com/2010/06/american-exceptionalism-and-israel
** gotquestions.org
*American Exceptionalism and Israel
Why does America support Israel so strongly. Why does Washington block every UN resolution aimed at Israel and why does it provide the Jewish state with countless billions in military aid every year. The anti Semites among us would have us believe that it is because the Jews control American Foreign policy. Others might argue more reasonably that the pro Israel lobby is the most powerful lobby group in DC. Some might also say that America wants the strongest nation in the region to be an American ally and that US support of Israel is based on a global military strategy. I don't buy into any of these view personally. I believe that American Exceptionalism best explains it. American Exceptionalism.
What on earth is "American Exceptionalism?" It sounds arrogant, and I suppose it is, particularly when combined with the notion of the Jews as the chosen people but I do believe that this concept explains the unwavering support that the US has offered Israel for many decades. Proponents of American Exceptionalism believe that the USA occupies a unique role in world history. They believe that its capitalist system and its intolerance of government intervention in the economy has resulted in the largest most powerful economy the world has ever seen. This individualistic system has also led to the most powerful military in all of history. It is not just the capitalist system that is supposed to have brought America to this point. It was the first country that was created not out of ethnicity but because its constitutional republicanism meant that sovereignty belonged to the people, not to a hereditary ruling class. And the American experience of westward expansion throughout the 19th century has apparently helped create a national character which fits into this self help ethos. The result of all this is that the USA is the only nation willing and capable of confronting the threats facing the world. This was certainly true during the cold War. America was the only nation willing to do whatever it took to stop Soviet expansion. They eventually succeed in wrestling the USSR to the ground. Proponents of American Exceptionalism believe that a similar situation exists today as regards the clash that we are seeing between East and West.
Let's look at the war on terror. The dominant thinking in Europe appears to be that if our Foreign Policies are kinder to the Arab World then they will stop disliking us. Perhaps ? But the Americans don't see it that way. They have examined the nature of the threat and are not willing to hide from it. So goes the theory anyway. Just to clarify I have not quite bought into American Exceptionalism. I'm not quite sure whether America does in fact have a unique history and destiny in the world or is this just right wing America engaging in hard core nationalist rhetoric. Truthfully, I haven't quite decided yet. But the belief does exist and I do think it explains US support of Israel.
American Exceptionalism and Israel.
Believers in American Exceptionalism are of the opinion that America is in a unique position to confront International Terrorism and proponents of the Islamic way who favour expansion. They believe that political Islam is fundamentally undemocratic (a theory which I do endorse wholeheartedly) and therefor those who wish to expand it should be confronted and ultimately prevented from doing so. Just like the Cold War, America is stepping up to this task. Israel is the ultimate symbol of the clash that exists between the democratic west and the Islamic East. Others describe it as the front line in the war on terror. Many Americans believe that if Israel were to fall it would only be the beginning. Spain would be next to succumb to the green wave followed by much of Europe. Its sound crazy I know but when you read the contents of Jihadist websites such as Liam Egan's MPAC.ie you become aware that this is the objective more than you might think. This I believe is the principal reason America continues to weigh in behind Israel. It is not out of obligation, alliance or lobby. It is because America believes in Israel.
This Irishman sees things pretty well, I think! But there's more:
Without looking at what the Bible says about Israel, you can't see the entire picture. Remember? Regardless of the loudest among us, the vast majority of Americans still believe in the Bible - and in the fact that this nation was originally founded on Biblical principle. It still matters...
So... Exactly what IS the big deal about Israel? Biblically?
**We must remember that Israel, the nation, is very special to God. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 tells us: 6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, 8 but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
God's eternal purpose is to bless the world through Israel. He has most assuredly done so already in the sending of His Son, Jesus, the Christ. John 4:22 reads, "You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews." In spite of the fact that today Israel is a secular, unbelieving nation, the only thing we have today - that's even worth having - has come to us through the Jewish nation of Israel! We are certainly in debt to Israel on that account. But there's more to come. Isaiah 27:6 promises: "In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit."
A further reason Christians must support the nation of Israel is because of the Abrahamic Covenant. Genesis 12:2-3 , "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (also Genesis 27:29; Numbers 24:9).
Take special note of the underlined words in the above Bible quote. In part, America is what she is today - enjoys the blessings she has today - because of her consistent support for the nation of Israel! It has been said that "No nation in the history of the world has a better record of treating individual Jews with respect than does America. The same can be said for our befriending Israel as a nation. America has committed many sins for which we may well deserve judgment, but as a nation, we have been a consistent friend of the Jews and the nation of Israel, as well as a benefactor." Examples of this: 1948 - President Harry Truman helped persuade the UN to recognize Israel as a nation. Since then, the United States has contributed billions of dollars in aid to Israel.
When we see the "big picture” with a biblical worldview, it becomes clear that America's support of Israel is crucial. While we cannot support everything Israel does as a nation, we must - at the very least - assuredly, and consistently, support Israel’s right to exist.
God ALWAYS honors His Word. He ALWAYS does what He says He will do. His promises and covenants with Israel will be carried out. "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7) God's plan for Israel is still in place. It has not been revoked! Woe to the man or the nation who sets himself against that plan!
"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse."
THIS is the Word of GOD.
And that, folks, settles it! As my daddy used to say, "You can take THAT to the bank! The Bible says it, and that settles it ... whether we choose to believe it or not!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just a pilgrim on the journey...tryin' to keep smack-dab in the middle of the road!
... praying you'll know HIS blessing on YOUR journey this day!
* gubu-world.blogspot.com/2010/06/american-exceptionalism-and-israel
** gotquestions.org
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
MIXED marriages?
You just never know when you're going to be asked the most unexpected questions, you know? Sometimes they come right out of the blue! I was asked by someone today to explain Ezra 9:1-5.
I'm so glad I was listening and learning during our recent Bible Study on Sunday mornings! And I'm grateful to the one who asked the question today; I was blessed in being reminded of the answer!
Here's the passage:
Ezra Chapter 9:
Here's the passage:
Ezra Chapter 9:
1 After these things had been done, the officials approached me and said, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands with their abominations, from the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 2 For they have taken some of their daughters to be wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands. And in this faithlessness the hand of the officials and chief men has been foremost.” 3 As soon as I heard this, I tore my garment and my cloak and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat appalled. 4 Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles, gathered around me while I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice. 5 And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and my cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God.
(Some newer translations read "So the holy race has become polluted by these mixed marriages." NLT)
The man of God here is clearly distraught, appalled. What is it, exactly, that has brought such distress? Unlike the conclusion that many jump to after a cursory reading, the issue does not appear to be racially mixed marriages. This Scripture passage from Acts clarifies that:
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,... Acts 17:26 (KJV)And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, ... Acts 17:26 (ESV)
Here are a couple helpful Bible commentaries (from http://bible.cc/acts/17-
(Some newer translations read "So the holy race has become polluted by these mixed marriages." NLT)
The man of God here is clearly distraught, appalled. What is it, exactly, that has brought such distress? Unlike the conclusion that many jump to after a cursory reading, the issue does not appear to be racially mixed marriages. This Scripture passage from Acts clarifies that:
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,... Acts 17:26 (KJV)And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, ... Acts 17:26 (ESV)
Here are a couple helpful Bible commentaries (from http://bible.cc/acts/17-
"And hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth-Holding with the Old Testament teaching, that in the blood is the life (Ge 9:4; Le 17:11; De 12:23), the apostle sees this life stream of the whole human race to be one, flowing from one source."
"And hath made of one blood - All the families of mankind are descended from one origin or stock. However different their complexion, features, or language, yet they are derived from a common parent. The word blood is often used to denote "race, stock, kindred." This passage affirms that all the human family are descended from the same ancestor; and that, consequently, all the variety of complexion, etc., is to be traced to some other cause than that they were originally different races created."I believe there is ample Scriptural evidence that the issue here was NOT of race. So ... what IS the issue? The crux of the matter is not the color of your skin, but of spiritual kinship, spiritual oneness, sameness, commonality. Here are some applicable verses to study on marriage between Christians and non-Christians, Believers and unbelievers. This is the type "mixed-marriage" that the Word of God does not sanction.
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you." 2 Cor 6:14-17
"If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." 1 John 1:6
"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor 2:14
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9
"And hath made of one blood - All the families of mankind are descended from one origin or stock. However different their complexion, features, or language, yet they are derived from a common parent. The word blood is often used to denote "race, stock, kindred." This passage affirms that all the human family are descended from the same ancestor; and that, consequently, all the variety of complexion, etc., is to be traced to some other cause than that they were originally different races created."I believe there is ample Scriptural evidence that the issue here was NOT of race. So ... what IS the issue? The crux of the matter is not the color of your skin, but of spiritual kinship, spiritual oneness, sameness, commonality. Here are some applicable verses to study on marriage between Christians and non-Christians, Believers and unbelievers. This is the type "mixed-marriage" that the Word of God does not sanction.
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you." 2 Cor 6:14-17
"If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." 1 John 1:6
"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor 2:14
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9
(Peter is speaking here to Christian people, the Body of Christ, not to a group of people with the same color of skin!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(When a husband or wife confesses Jesus as Lord after the marriage, the Scripture plainly says to stay married; do not divorce. See such verses as 1 Cor 7:12-13 - "To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.")
Our family has used resources from Answers in Genesis for years now, in both our homeschooling and in Bible study. Here's one of their articles that we found especially helpful on this subject: http://www.answersingenesis.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(When a husband or wife confesses Jesus as Lord after the marriage, the Scripture plainly says to stay married; do not divorce. See such verses as 1 Cor 7:12-13 - "To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.")
Our family has used resources from Answers in Genesis for years now, in both our homeschooling and in Bible study. Here's one of their articles that we found especially helpful on this subject: http://www.answersingenesis.
“Once upon a time they was two girls," I say. "one girl had black skin, one girl had white."
Mae Mobley look up at me. She listening.
Mae Mobley look up at me. She listening.
"Little colored girl say to little white girl, 'How come your skin be so pale?' White girl say, 'I don't know. How come your skin be so black? What you think that mean?'
"But neither one a them little girls knew. So little white girl say, 'Well, let's see. You got hair, I got hair.'"I gives Mae Mobley a little tousle on her head.
"Little colored girl say 'I got a nose, you got a nose.'"I gives her little snout a tweak. She got to reach up and do the same to me.
"Little white girl say, 'I got toes, you got toes.' And I do the little thing with her toes, but she can't get to mine cause I got my white work shoes on.
"'So we's the same. Just a different color', say that little colored girl. The little white girl she agreed and they was friends. The End."
Baby Girl just look at me. Law, that was a sorry story if I ever heard one. Wasn't even no plot to it. But Mae Mobley, she smile and say, "Tell it again.”
Now some people would say that story came from a book/movie called The Help. But truth in that story came from a much older Source.
Fanny Crosby, blind from infancy, knew of that Source when she wrote:
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Red and yellow, black and white, we are ONE in His sight!
One blood, one race, from one man .... the race of mankind ... made in the very image of God.
And THAT is the WORD of God.
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