Saturday, April 13, 2024

April 13th - Why I play golf

"Men build their temple walls to shut God in, and build their iron creeds to shut Him out." Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)

"So settled is the supposition that creed is the basis of fellowship that no one seems to think it necessary to consult the Scriptures on the subject. Doctrine is not the basis of fellowship; there is a divine unity which we should preserve, and the best way to break this unity is to try to make it." A.E. Knoch (1874-1965)

The truth in the above quotes is why I play golf. I can fellowship with others regardless of the religious creeds which locks God inside a church. After an enjoyable round of golf with other members of the human race, I can go back home and examine the Scripture for myself - and post my thoughts without caring whether anyone reads them or needs them!

Here is what I find over and over in reading the Bible. There will be a divine unity of humanity as a result of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, the Son of God.

"Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to walk worthily of the calling to which you were called, with all humility and gentleness; with patience bearing with one another in love; being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called into one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ." (Ephesians 4:1-7)

There will be no eternal torment in hell and eternal separation from God for anyone. All will eventually be saved, justified, reconciled and glorified by the grace of God through the finished work of Christ Jesus. Here is the Scripture that says so, directly from the apostle Paul - it is the gospel of our salvation!

"God commends His love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His son.” (Romans 5:10)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“For even as in Adam ALL are dying, thus also, in Christ shall ALL be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself not counting their sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)

“And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile ALL unto Himself.”
(Colossians 1:20)

“God our Savior…will have ALL humanity to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4)

"...there is one God, and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who have Himself as a ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:5-6)

“Trust in the living God, who is the Savior of ALL humanity.” (1 Tim. 4:10)

Therefore...

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)


December 22nd - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

“He’s making a list and checking it twice, he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice...you better watch out, you better not cry, you better ...