In the year of our Lord 2011, if you look around at the events of the world you might be inclined to believe we are entering into the rapture. Now, for those that do not believe that comment may seem silly but to those that have read God's word it has merit.
Throughout the world there is universal unrest, religious wars, nature as we have never seen her before, and our own government has slowly but surely turned from being Representatives to being Rulers. With the advent of a world based economy businesses no longer have a vested interest in community. They are only concerned in the "bottom line" regardless of the cost and with little regard to human suffering. Our Religious leaders preach how theirs is the only "true" way, when in reality the only true way is in the hearts of mankind. War in the name of religion, hate in the name of religion, all of these actions have become way too common place, and are indeed an abomination to the Lord.
Throughout the history of mankind, the common person has chosen to believe while the leaders have attempted to manipulate. And this action is not exclusive to one religion or sect, it is almost universal. Now, some would say it is basic human nature while others would say it's the work of Satan, but in reality aren't they one in the same? Today the catch phrases most associated with religions are extremists, radicals, or something similar in nature, and while at first glance you think of Islam, if you take an honest look you will admit those terms can be associated with every organized religion. We have all seen the "preachers" that espouse hate at funerals, on religious holidays, and in the mass media. Just as we have seen Rabbi's and Imam do the exact same thing. In then end, it's not often we associate the words peace or love anymore is it?
So, as you are reading this you are thinking; what is his point? Is this an Easter message or an indictment on organized religion? Well, the simple answer is it is both, yet it is neither.
What this is about is that as Christians, which should never be confused with Roman Catholics or Protestants for they are organizations with specific agendas, we realize that regardless of how chaotic the state of the world around us appears, the Lord Jesus Christ gave his life so that we are safe. With all of the fire and brimstone, doom and gloom, and guilt evangelized by organized religions, those that truly believe understand in our hearts that God is a loving God, he is a forgiving God, and while we should all strive to live a better life he does not expect perfection from us. See, we don't need to be perfect because God loved us so that he gave his son Jesus Christ, to die on the cross, to cleanse us of our sins.
This allows us to make mistakes, this allows us to break a commandment, this allows us to make poor choices, as long as in our hearts we keep the Lord. Believers know that being a Christian is about ones action, not one's words. We understand that we are entitled to opinions but in the end only one has the power to judge or criticize, and he gave his life so that we may be free.
I am a sinner and I know that you are too, therefore who am I to sit in judgement of how you live your life? Yet there are those that do, and they call themselves Christians, or Jews, or Muslims, or Hindu's, and regardless of what names they adorn themselves with, true believers know the only one that has the power to judge is the Almighty.
And that is the reason we give thanks today. That is the reason that families will gather in groups both small and large, with festive clothes, chocolate bunny rabbits, and delicious dinners, to acknowledge the fact that we are free to make mistakes. Now some would say we commercialize our religious holidays because they are meaningless, whereas I choose to think we do it to make believing more comfortable, more personal. Because despite of all of the tangible things we have at Easter, at some point everyone will say a prayer, either aloud or to themselves, thanking the Lord Jesus for his sacrifice.
You see, the point is our beliefs are about people, ourselves, what we carry in our hearts, and how we chose to share them. I believe that while the world around us is a mess, it is not beyond redemption or repair. I know this because can I walk without fear of failure, I can walk without fear of dying, for the Lord Jesus Christ gave his life so that you and I are insured peace ever after. So, may your hearts be filled with peace and love on this and every other day, and Happy Easter to you all, my friends.
Throughout the world there is universal unrest, religious wars, nature as we have never seen her before, and our own government has slowly but surely turned from being Representatives to being Rulers. With the advent of a world based economy businesses no longer have a vested interest in community. They are only concerned in the "bottom line" regardless of the cost and with little regard to human suffering. Our Religious leaders preach how theirs is the only "true" way, when in reality the only true way is in the hearts of mankind. War in the name of religion, hate in the name of religion, all of these actions have become way too common place, and are indeed an abomination to the Lord.
Throughout the history of mankind, the common person has chosen to believe while the leaders have attempted to manipulate. And this action is not exclusive to one religion or sect, it is almost universal. Now, some would say it is basic human nature while others would say it's the work of Satan, but in reality aren't they one in the same? Today the catch phrases most associated with religions are extremists, radicals, or something similar in nature, and while at first glance you think of Islam, if you take an honest look you will admit those terms can be associated with every organized religion. We have all seen the "preachers" that espouse hate at funerals, on religious holidays, and in the mass media. Just as we have seen Rabbi's and Imam do the exact same thing. In then end, it's not often we associate the words peace or love anymore is it?
So, as you are reading this you are thinking; what is his point? Is this an Easter message or an indictment on organized religion? Well, the simple answer is it is both, yet it is neither.
What this is about is that as Christians, which should never be confused with Roman Catholics or Protestants for they are organizations with specific agendas, we realize that regardless of how chaotic the state of the world around us appears, the Lord Jesus Christ gave his life so that we are safe. With all of the fire and brimstone, doom and gloom, and guilt evangelized by organized religions, those that truly believe understand in our hearts that God is a loving God, he is a forgiving God, and while we should all strive to live a better life he does not expect perfection from us. See, we don't need to be perfect because God loved us so that he gave his son Jesus Christ, to die on the cross, to cleanse us of our sins.
This allows us to make mistakes, this allows us to break a commandment, this allows us to make poor choices, as long as in our hearts we keep the Lord. Believers know that being a Christian is about ones action, not one's words. We understand that we are entitled to opinions but in the end only one has the power to judge or criticize, and he gave his life so that we may be free.
I am a sinner and I know that you are too, therefore who am I to sit in judgement of how you live your life? Yet there are those that do, and they call themselves Christians, or Jews, or Muslims, or Hindu's, and regardless of what names they adorn themselves with, true believers know the only one that has the power to judge is the Almighty.
And that is the reason we give thanks today. That is the reason that families will gather in groups both small and large, with festive clothes, chocolate bunny rabbits, and delicious dinners, to acknowledge the fact that we are free to make mistakes. Now some would say we commercialize our religious holidays because they are meaningless, whereas I choose to think we do it to make believing more comfortable, more personal. Because despite of all of the tangible things we have at Easter, at some point everyone will say a prayer, either aloud or to themselves, thanking the Lord Jesus for his sacrifice.
Hello My Friend, Happy Easter, Peace and Love to you too. xoxoxo Rhonda
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