Aches and Praise Three Hundred & Eighteen

Dear friends,  

 

Two stories that have been widely reported in the media recently are allegations of sexual harassment involving a well-known film producer and wildfires in California. While the latter have claimed the lives of more than 20 people and caused extensive destruction of property – http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/11/us/california-fires-updates/index.html – the former story has provoked great interest and reaction.
 
Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Leslie Vernick examines what the Bible says about abusive relationships in the following article on the Internet:https://un184.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/8097131/afb4d2292c5dfa38?inf_contact_key=f500bdf33f9e931091fd058eeddb62aacd5d8d4e5cd83d95636353879b605f8c. Ms. Vernick writes: “We are to be champions of the oppressed and abused. God hates the abuse of power and the sin of injustice.”
 
In an article about the film producer who is under investigation, Manohla Dargis examines attitudes in the film industry and refers to a legendary producer whose name is one of three names associated with a studio that once boasted that it had more stars than were in heaven. You can read more at: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/11/movies/harvey-weinstein-hollywood.html.The Bible reveals the truth about stars, heaven, and so much more. The apostle Paul wrote that believers “shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:15). The apostle Peter declared that he was an eyewitness of God’s majesty and that we should pay attention to God’s Word “as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). In “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” produced by Dallas Seminary, Dr. Kenneth Gangel writes: “The apostle wrote of illumination (v. 19), revelation (v. 20), and inspiration (v. 21). Old Testament prophecy is a light compared with the darkness of a squalid room. God’s prophetic Word is a Light shining in a dark place. Though the world is darkened by sin, God’s Word, pointing to the future, enlightens believers about His ways.”
 

Dr. Gangel goes on: “But the day (Christ’s return) is coming. In the daytime, lamps are no longer needed. And a lamp is nothing compared with the Morning Star (‘Light-Bringer’; used only here in the NT). Much as a lamp at night anticipates and is outshined by the bright morning star, so Old Testament prophecy looks ahead to the coming of Christ, ‘the bright Morning Star’(Revelation 22:16).”

Christ left the splendour of heaven to be born in Bethlehem. He came so that mankind could be redeemed. If you repent of your sins and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you will be born again. Praise the Lord for His wonderful love!

Scripture for the weekend: “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12 (NIV) 
 
Thought for the weekend: “Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once.”
 
 

By His grace,

 

Steve


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