~ "Justified by faith..."

How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. (Rom 4:10-12)

Circumcision was an outward sign for the Jews.  It set them apart from nations who worshiped other gods.  It showed that they were God's chosen people.  The ceremony in which Jewish boys were circumcised was very important (it still is today).  God gave the blessing and the command for this ceremony to Abraham.  

Rituals did not earn any rewards for Abraham.  His blessings were bestowed long before circumcision was introduced to the Jewish people.  Abraham was blessed by God because he found favor with God.  His faith is was set him apart, not his circumcision.  Genesis tells us that he was 99 years old when this ceremony came into existence.  

Ceremonies and rituals remind us of our faith.  They do not give us any special "pass" into heaven, they do not give us any special merit before God.  They are outward signs of obedience, but they show inner belief and trust.  Just as circumcision shows faith and trust in God, baptism shows a desire for change, a desire for forgiveness of sin and a willingness to follow Jesus.  The focus of our faith should be on Christ and His saving work, not on our own actions.  Taking it one step further, you cannot buy a child's way into heaven through infant baptism.  Again, baptism does not guarantee anyone a place in the kingdom.  It is merely a ceremony and an action that commits a life to the belief in Christ.  Baptism does not wash away sins, God does through the blood of Christ.  

We are saved by faith.  Period.  It is not a mathematical equation (loving God + good works; faith + love + good works; faith + good works).  We are saved through Christ - by trusting Him to forgive our sins.  When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we give Him our sins, He forgives us and makes us right before God.  We cannot earn it, nor can we buy it (through works, ceremonies or rituals).  If people chose to continue to worship their "gods" and enjoy their sins - they will not benefit from the gift (whether they have been circumcised or baptized or anything else) - the FREE gift of God's mercy and grace...eternal life!!!

(photo by Celia Darrigo)

~ "From sea to shining sea..."

Gather together, gather together, O shameful nation, before the appointed time arrives and that day sweeps on like chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the day of the LORD’s wrath comes upon you. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger. (Zep 2:1-3)

"The prophet calls to national repentance, as the only way to prevent national ruin. A nation not desiring, that has not desires toward God, is not desirous of his favour and grace, has no mind to repent and reform." (Matthew Henry).

We are in need of national repentance! If you research and study the rise and fall of great nations, and compare them to the US right now - we are headed for a fall. It may be more serious than many imagine. Kerby Anderson sums it up very well in his piece on "The Decline of a Nation":

The first stage moves from bondage to spiritual faith. The second from spiritual faith to great courage. The third stage moves from great courage to liberty. The fourth stage moves from liberty to abundance. The fifth stage moves from abundance to selfishness. The sixth stage moves from selfishness to complacency. The seventh stage moves from complacency to apathy. The eighth stage moves from apathy to moral decay. The ninth stage moves from moral decay to dependence. And the tenth and last stage moves from dependence to bondage.

Where we are headed is almost a sure bet. We, as a nation, are preoccupied with everyone and everything outside our borders. We feed, clothe, provide expensive medical treatments and other assorted "good deed" to promote "good relations with third world countries". Yes, it is a good thing, however it is not a good thing when those needs are being ignored right here at home! If you look at the shape and condition of this nation right now, you can take any chapter from history and see what is to come. Better yet, take a chapter or two from the Bible. Two very significant occurrences come to mind. One involved a flood, the other involved a tower. Our society makes Babylon look like a kindergarten class.

I don't know the solution, I don't have the answer. I know that I can pray for God's will. I know that I can pray for our president, for congress, for both houses, for my state and of my local government. Yes, they are added to my prayer list. Their hearts need to be touched by the power of God. The enemy runs freely through the government buildings in Washington and elsewhere throughout this country. He runs freely through the streets of the big cities. He directs quite a number of the television programs and movie production companies. He has a seat on Wall Street. He is a very big commodity right now.

There is one thing I do know - that is that my God is greater than any of these leaders. My God can, if He chooses to, remove His hand and watch this nation fall. He's done it before. The slaughter of innocents is nothing new either. It dates back to the very beginning of man's walk after being cast out of the garden. It will continue until the second coming of Christ. The only hope for our nation rests on the power of prayer. Not one of us can afford at this time to withdraw from the Lord! We must be firm in our faith and diligent in our prayers. We cannot afford distractions. We are rounding the corner into yet another election. The candidates are jockeying for position. What are you doing?

(photo by Celia Darrigo)