Windows On The Soul

Researcher Merton Strommen recently surveyed several thousand Protestant youths. More than 60% agreed that " The way to be accepted by God is to try sincerely to live a good life ". 70% agreed with the statement " God is satisfied if a person lives the best life he can ". And more than half agreed that " The main emphasis of the gospel is on God's rules for right living ". One would think the apostle Paul or Martin Luther had never opened their mouths, or that Jesus had never come to die.... Shouldn't we devote equal times to explaining that rules are merely 'joints' and 'bones' to make the Body effective, NOT a ladder to God. From Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by P.Yancey & Dr.P.Brand ----xxxXxxx---- Mk.2:27 "Don't you know that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" Ac.15:9,11 "He forgave their sins because they believed ...we believe and are saved by the gracious (gift) of th...

One of my weekly chores at work, in proving our new system, is to assist the accountants in identifying and explaining any discrepancies in the weekly cash-to-sales reconciliation. Whether the discrepancy is $500 or 50c, it has to be tracked down what-ever the cost. At times it seems ludicrous to spend thousands of dollars to track down a few cents. But its a matter of integrity. Like the clock that strikes thirteen, not only is it obviously wrong, but it casts doubt on every other chime the clock has made. In man’s relationship with God, there are two extremes. Some people, full of guilt, can feel that God could not possibly forgive the horrible things they have done. But the much more common and insidious problem is when people think that they are basically good, and that they have no need for their occasional, insignificant, indiscretions (or whatever euphemism for Sin you care to use) to be forgiven ( 1 Jn.5:17 ). Both extremes are lies of the devil.  ALL h...