The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format For Home Worship
I remember when I was the volunteer Chairman of the Board for the Niles MI Pregnancy Care Center. The one counselor was detained for a few minutes. In walks a young pregnant soon to be mother. We engaged in conversation. This girl was in turmoil thinking of securing an abortion. She wanted a quick fix to her “predicament.” When she referred to her pregnancy she talked about “the” “fetus” inside her. It was obvious she was brainwashed by the pro-death [so-called, “pro-choice”] culture.
When I asked the simple question: “Have you considered adoption?” Her quick reply was: “Oh no! I could never give 'my' 'baby' up!” What a transformation for this young would be mother! That [“the”] “fetus,” instantly became (to this pregnant woman] a [“my”] “baby.”
Hence, the intellectually immoral bankruptcy of the pro-death [“pro-choice”] position and crowd! When faced with life for her child this would be mother who was considering the opposite, all of a sudden and schizophrenically did an about face. She would be selfish enough to kill her baby rather than experience someone else having her child. In her clouded mixed up mind, the baby wasn’t her responsibility – while it lived within her. But if her child were to reach the light of day and be given to someone else, this child, was worthy of death. I call this type of pro-death [pro-choice] mentality, “Demonic.” And, I am reminded of the Scripture:
“But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” [Proverbs 8:36]
The Culture of Death has always existed:
Note: Definitions of “Culture:”
“The application of labor or other means to improve good qualities in, or growth; as the culture of the mind; the culture of virtue” [Webster]:
"Culture is the way of life of a people, or nation" [Consevapedia.com]:
“Culture Wars:” "Conflicts over moral or religious values and have been part of European and American history for over a thousand years" [Conservapedia.com]
The culture of death has existed since sin entered the world [Genesis 3 ; Romans 5:12] By its very [intrinsic nature] the culture of death chooses death over life. It chooses to rid the earth of innocence. [Acts 3:14-15] It chooses to ignore the Creator and worship the creation. [Romans 1:18-32] That which is contrary to a Holy Creator God and His Commandments and perfection belong to the culture of death.
Death was never meant to be part of life:
The Scriptures explain the transition from perfection to imperfection; from holiness to ungodliness; from a rightful place and position before Holy God to an inferior contaminated position before His holy presence and Divine expectations. [Genesis 3 ; Romans 5:10-24]
The Culture of Death’s temporary triumph:
No greater example can be given for the Culture of Death’s triumph than what it did to Jesus Christ. Shortly the Christian world will be celebrating Good Friday. It was on that day 2 millennia ago that the sinless person of the Lord Christ was crucified. To most of the people at the site of this common Roman punishment, Christ’s crucifixion was just another common ultimate and just penalty carried out against the worst of criminals. However, it was Creator God's plan and manner to provide a remedy for human sin in the sacrifice of Christ who was [is] the spotless "Lamb of God." [John 1:29]
The Culture of Death was defeated at the Roman Cross:
Christ was not, and is not a god, who is the figment of a person’s imagination or liking. Christ was a genuine flesh and blood person whose birth upon the human scene was prophesied hundreds of years before His birth. His whole life was prophesied in the Holy Scriptures. [Isaiah 53] His holy life was a special life, of teaching, suffering, death and resurrection from the dead. [1 Corinthians 15] It was a life, whose purpose was to break the Culture of Death forever, and to make it possible for sinners to be forgiven of their sins and to be granted a right standing before a holy and just God, who must punish sin to its fullest.
Friend, if you can’t comprehend what I’ve been saying, I can somewhat, understand your quandary. You, of your own, cannot make yourself a believer in these priceless spiritual truths. [1 Corinthians 2:14] Human reason or effort will not bring you and your sins to an end of yourself. Your human faculties do not have the power or strength to make you a believer in Jesus Christ and all that He has to offer you. Your own struggle cannot save you from God’s just wrath and punishment upon your human soul. Unless the grace and mercy of the Triune God attends your being, [Ephesians 2] you will be separated from Him now and in the forever future. [Luke 16:19-31]
Then, what is your hope? What is your lot? What is your future? That hope, lot, and future can only be found in the Lord Christ, who gave his perfect life up in sacrifice for you and all your sins. As you read and hear about this Christ, by God’s grace, your heart will be moved to believe and accept that Divine sacrifice on your behalf. [John 1:12-13 ; 3 :14-21] Don’t wait for another day when you feel it is convenient to seek after true wisdom. [Proverbs 1 ; Proverbs 8 ; Colossians 2:3] Rather seek the Lord where He may be found. [Isaiah 55] May you become a member of the culture of life and not remain with the culture of death.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
Old Testament:
Proverbs 1 ; Proverbs 8 -- Then read: Colossians 2:3 ; 1 Corinthians 1:24 ; 1 Corinthians 1:30
New Testament:
Acts 8:26-40 -- The account of the Ethiopian Eunuch coming into the Christian Faith
John 15 -- Christ's disciples, abiding in Him, will not be affected by the Culture of Death
See also: The Wisdom of God -- personified in Jesus Christ (3/8/09)
___________________________
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? _________________________
Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
_________________________________
Complete Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
_________________________________
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan
I remember when I was the volunteer Chairman of the Board for the Niles MI Pregnancy Care Center. The one counselor was detained for a few minutes. In walks a young pregnant soon to be mother. We engaged in conversation. This girl was in turmoil thinking of securing an abortion. She wanted a quick fix to her “predicament.” When she referred to her pregnancy she talked about “the” “fetus” inside her. It was obvious she was brainwashed by the pro-death [so-called, “pro-choice”] culture.
When I asked the simple question: “Have you considered adoption?” Her quick reply was: “Oh no! I could never give 'my' 'baby' up!” What a transformation for this young would be mother! That [“the”] “fetus,” instantly became (to this pregnant woman] a [“my”] “baby.”
Hence, the intellectually immoral bankruptcy of the pro-death [“pro-choice”] position and crowd! When faced with life for her child this would be mother who was considering the opposite, all of a sudden and schizophrenically did an about face. She would be selfish enough to kill her baby rather than experience someone else having her child. In her clouded mixed up mind, the baby wasn’t her responsibility – while it lived within her. But if her child were to reach the light of day and be given to someone else, this child, was worthy of death. I call this type of pro-death [pro-choice] mentality, “Demonic.” And, I am reminded of the Scripture:
“But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” [Proverbs 8:36]
The Culture of Death has always existed:
Note: Definitions of “Culture:”
“The application of labor or other means to improve good qualities in, or growth; as the culture of the mind; the culture of virtue” [Webster]:
"Culture is the way of life of a people, or nation" [Consevapedia.com]:
“Culture Wars:” "Conflicts over moral or religious values and have been part of European and American history for over a thousand years" [Conservapedia.com]
The culture of death has existed since sin entered the world [Genesis 3 ; Romans 5:12] By its very [intrinsic nature] the culture of death chooses death over life. It chooses to rid the earth of innocence. [Acts 3:14-15] It chooses to ignore the Creator and worship the creation. [Romans 1:18-32] That which is contrary to a Holy Creator God and His Commandments and perfection belong to the culture of death.
Death was never meant to be part of life:
The Scriptures explain the transition from perfection to imperfection; from holiness to ungodliness; from a rightful place and position before Holy God to an inferior contaminated position before His holy presence and Divine expectations. [Genesis 3 ; Romans 5:10-24]
The Culture of Death’s temporary triumph:
No greater example can be given for the Culture of Death’s triumph than what it did to Jesus Christ. Shortly the Christian world will be celebrating Good Friday. It was on that day 2 millennia ago that the sinless person of the Lord Christ was crucified. To most of the people at the site of this common Roman punishment, Christ’s crucifixion was just another common ultimate and just penalty carried out against the worst of criminals. However, it was Creator God's plan and manner to provide a remedy for human sin in the sacrifice of Christ who was [is] the spotless "Lamb of God." [John 1:29]
The Culture of Death was defeated at the Roman Cross:
Christ was not, and is not a god, who is the figment of a person’s imagination or liking. Christ was a genuine flesh and blood person whose birth upon the human scene was prophesied hundreds of years before His birth. His whole life was prophesied in the Holy Scriptures. [Isaiah 53] His holy life was a special life, of teaching, suffering, death and resurrection from the dead. [1 Corinthians 15] It was a life, whose purpose was to break the Culture of Death forever, and to make it possible for sinners to be forgiven of their sins and to be granted a right standing before a holy and just God, who must punish sin to its fullest.
Friend, if you can’t comprehend what I’ve been saying, I can somewhat, understand your quandary. You, of your own, cannot make yourself a believer in these priceless spiritual truths. [1 Corinthians 2:14] Human reason or effort will not bring you and your sins to an end of yourself. Your human faculties do not have the power or strength to make you a believer in Jesus Christ and all that He has to offer you. Your own struggle cannot save you from God’s just wrath and punishment upon your human soul. Unless the grace and mercy of the Triune God attends your being, [Ephesians 2] you will be separated from Him now and in the forever future. [Luke 16:19-31]
Then, what is your hope? What is your lot? What is your future? That hope, lot, and future can only be found in the Lord Christ, who gave his perfect life up in sacrifice for you and all your sins. As you read and hear about this Christ, by God’s grace, your heart will be moved to believe and accept that Divine sacrifice on your behalf. [John 1:12-13 ; 3 :14-21] Don’t wait for another day when you feel it is convenient to seek after true wisdom. [Proverbs 1 ; Proverbs 8 ; Colossians 2:3] Rather seek the Lord where He may be found. [Isaiah 55] May you become a member of the culture of life and not remain with the culture of death.
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
Old Testament:
Proverbs 1 ; Proverbs 8 -- Then read: Colossians 2:3 ; 1 Corinthians 1:24 ; 1 Corinthians 1:30
New Testament:
Acts 8:26-40 -- The account of the Ethiopian Eunuch coming into the Christian Faith
John 15 -- Christ's disciples, abiding in Him, will not be affected by the Culture of Death
See also: The Wisdom of God -- personified in Jesus Christ (3/8/09)
___________________________
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? _________________________
Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
_________________________________
Complete Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
_________________________________
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan
