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                           Sallman  Head of Christ 

Even though Jesus was God’s Son,
    he learned obedience from the things he suffered.
In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest,   
    he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
                  Hebrews 5:8-9 NLT

Christ is perfectly sinless—unstained among human beings.
     He felt the full spectrum of temptation, yet never once gave in to evil.
     Pilate could not find a flaw in him—no honest person ever has.
     He is the Gracious Redeemer and the Sweetest Friend.

Christ is powerfully sovereign—uncontestable by earth’s rulers.
     He alone has the authority to order our unquestioning obedience.
     He alone deserves our undivided allegiance.
     He is the Gentle Ruler and the Strongest Force.


Christ is permanently stable—unchanging in life’s twists and turns.
     He will never let you down—He is your Solid Rock in trouble’s quicksand.
     He will never lead you astray—He is your Compass in the world’s confusion.
     Abraham’s Provider is your Confidence for tomorrow.
     Moses’ Banner is your Victory over spiritual enemies.
     Jacob’s Dream is your Vision of a bright future.
     Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors is your Greatest Blessing.
     Isaiah’s Commander is the Hand on your shoulder.
     Daniel’s Decisiveness is your Noblest Purpose.
     Job’s Optimism is your Ultimate Hope.
     David’s Joy is your Morning Song.
     Paul’s Hallelujah is your Secret of perseverance.
     Peter’s Faith is your Motivation to make a conscious effort.
     John’s Revelation is your Bright Morning Star.
     He is the Great Reality and the Surest Foundation.

 © By Pastor Johnny R. Almond               

Day 355, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

by Neil Cox, 07/2023

In the letter to the Colossians, Paul specially mandates that they exchange letters with the Laodiceans.  Where is that letter to the Laodiceans?

The letter to Philemon & friends is often retold as the story of a fugitive slave, now needing the forgiveness of his master.  But is that what scripture actually says?

In the attached paper, I will make 3 key assertions and back them up with compelling evidence:

• The epistle we know as 'Philemon' is in fact the Letter to the Laodiceans mentioned in Colossians 4.
  
• There is no credible evidence supporting the meme that Onesimus was a thief or runaway slave.  More likely, just the opposite. 
  
• Paul's message to Philemon & friends is not at all about 'forgiveness'. Absent our biases, we realize Paul's twin letters to Colossae and Laodicea teach us much about biblical justice. 

I know these points run contrary to the standard commentaries -- typically written from a majority viewpoint.  But what happens if we take a fresh look at the scriptural evidence, holding it to the level of evidence we would apply in any courtroom.  Will those old memes stand up under scrutiny?  You decide.  Read on...  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11J9Kx3Z7t9qOZFjeI7KuFy-wwU2ilrZI/view?usp=sharing

     When you hear about wars and rumors of wars, be not alarmed; for it must be so, but the end is not yet. For nation shall revolt against nation . . .

                                                                                         Mark 13:7-8a MLB

     Sadly, the world seems to thrive on war. Estimates for the total number of people killed in wars throughout all of human history range from 150 million to 1 billion. One war leads to another, then another. Retaliation kills and destroys, but does nothing to stop the deadly vicious cycle of greed and hatred. Combat’s bloody holocaust goes on and on, generation after generation, disturbing the peace of the world.

     The pages of history are stained by the blood of millions slaughtered by killing machines, and civilians caught in the crossfire. Beautiful landscapes have been spoiled by rampaging armies trying to annihilate each other. Rolling hills and grassy slopes of Civil War battlefield sites today look nothing like they did when they were pockmarked by exploding artillery shells and covered in thousands of mangled bodies. World War I and World War II battles are romanticized in movies, but there was nothing pretty about any of them. Martin Luther said “cannons and fire-arms are cruel and damnable machines; I believe them to have been the direct suggestion of the Devil. If Adam had seen in a vision the horrible instruments his children were to invent, he would have died of grief.” I wonder what Luther would say today about cruise missiles and nuclear weapons of mass destruction?

      Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “There never was a good war or a bad peace.” Diplomacy only temporarily halts fighting. Sanctions do little to halt combat. Pacifism rarely softens militant hearts. Israel’s David’s Sling and Iron Dome stopped most of Iran’s drones and missiles. But what will happen next—a wider war in the Middle East, American involvement, World War III, Armageddon?   

     Will the next war be “the war to end all wars”? We’ve heard that before, so have reason to be skeptical. It looks like it will take the Lord of Hosts, the Captain of Heaven’s Armies, to finally put an end to the insane cycle of war. “He shall arbitrate between nations and decide disputes for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war anymore.”  (Isaiah 2:4 MLB). God speed the day!

By Pastor Johnny R. Almond

JohnnyRAlmond.JA@gmail.com 

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From twelve until three o’clock darkness settled over the whole country; and at three o’clock Jesus cried with a great voice,

“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

Mark 15:33-34 MLB

      When Jesus was crucified, a midnight shroud of darkness hung around the shuddering shoulders of the world.  Jesus felt He was in a God-forsaken place. The word “eclipse” is from the Greek ekleipsis, meaning to forsake or abandon.

     Seeing darkness in Egypt, historian Diogenes said, “One of two things is happening. Either the world is coming to an end, or God himself is dying.” Obviously, the world didn’t end, though some today see an eclipse as a sign of end times, based on Matthew 24:29-30 (“After the tribulation the sun will be darkened. Then will the sign of the Son of Man be shown in the sky. They will see the Son of Man coming on clouds of heaven with great power and glory.”)

     In the darkness obscuring that cross, the Son of God was dying for the sins of the world. “Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut his glories in when Christ, the mighty Maker, died for man, the creature’s, sin.” (Isaac Watts)

     Those who trust and follow the Savior “show others the goodness of God, who called us out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)  Jesus Christ is the Light of the world—our hope in the shadowlands of a despairing world, our confidence in the chaos of a disturbing world, our joy in the sadness of a dying world.  

     The Creator of the sun, the moon and hundreds of billions of galaxies whispered the universe into being. The Redeemer forgives everyone who accepts His grace. The Spirit within our hearts befriends us through all our years. One day we’ll live in a city where there is “no night—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them.” (Revelation 22:5 NLT) Until we see his face, may we never allow anything to eclipse our humble gratitude for His eternal love.

© 2024 By Pastor Johnny R. Almond                   

In these final days, God has spoken to us through his Son.
Through the Son he made the universe and everything in it.
The Son reflects God’s glory; everything about him represents God exactly.                             
                                   Hebrews 1:2-3a NLT

Christ is Heaven’s Vicar—God’s One and Only Son, totally like the Father.
     No one else exactly reflects God’s kind nature and His holy purpose.
     Worshiping him with all our heart is the recipe for effervescent joy.
     He is the Way, Truth, and Life—the Sculptor of the universe.

Christ is Heaven’s Vitality—God’s Resurrection, triumphing over death.
     No one else can create life from nothing.
     Marveling at his awesome creativity is the secret of appreciating beauty.
     He is the Good Shepherd—the Sustainer of all creation.

Christ is Heaven’s Virtue—God’s Goodness, guiding us mercifully in the maze.
     No one else can be our Center of Gravity when everything falls apart.
     Depending on him when perplexities crowd our heart is the recipe for calm.
     He is the Lamb of God—the Savior of sinners.

Christ is Heaven’s Vindication—God’s pardon, dismissing hell’s case against us.   
     No one else can forgive transgressions and make our soul white as snow.
     Trusting his love when guilt burdens is the only way we can learn to sing.     
     He is the King of kings—the Sovereign of eternity.

Christ is Heaven’s Victory—God’s authority, presiding over the final judgment.
     No one else is worthy of reigning over every nation and every heart.
     Submitting to his plan is the road to discovering a purposeful life.
     He is the Light of the world—the Star of bright morning.

Christ is Heaven’s Vision—God’s promise, painting a bright future for believers.
     No one else can solve the world’s intractable problems.
     Hoping in the Prince of Peace is the ultimate antidote to despair.
     He is the Alpha and Omega—the Song in the night.

Christ is Heaven’s Vocabulary—God’s Holy Alphabet, all He has to say to earth.
     No one else perfectly understands the heart of God.
     Paying careful attention to his voice is the path to timeless, infinite wisdom.
     He is the Word of grace and truth—the Spokesperson for God.

© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond                   

Day 354, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Book available on www.Amazon.com

Romans 12:2 Inspires the 4 Rs

Re-imagine

Rebrand

Relearn

Reteach

Phil Miglioratti curates The Re-imagine Network

Lead Pastor, Jeff Jones, of Chase Oaks Church in Plano Texas is working on Rebranding Christianity.

https://www.chaseoaks.org/articles/a-conversation-about-rebranding-christianity

The Israel Bible Center states, “The Bible does not need to be rewritten, but it needs to be reread."  This may not be enough.  Perhaps the Bible needs to be relearned… and retaught. (See John 12:47)

Phil,

Thanks for sending me this quote from the Israel Bible Center.

"The Bible does not need to be rewritten, but it needs to be reread."

My re-imagination sees this differently.

The Bible does not need to be rewritten, but it needs to be relearned… and taught better.

A rondolet on the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ by His Passion and Resurrection
(Mark 1:24 and Luke 4:34; John 1:29 and 36;Revelation)
by Salvatore Anthony Luiso

The Lamb has won!
To Christ belongs the victory!
The Lamb has won!
The Holy One of God! The Son!
All glorious in purity,
Triumphant by humility:
The Lamb has won!

Any reimaginer worth being the salt of the earth will spend an hour and 15 minutes here ignoring and skippig any ads:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPcmEo6hXxI

                                   By Pastor Johnny R. Almond

     Frederick Buechner writes this about Palm Sunday: “Despair and hope travel the road to Jerusalem together, as they travel every road we take—despair at what in our madness we are bringing down on our own heads, and hope in him who travels the road with us and for us, who is the only one of us all who is not mad.”

     Journeying through life, we have mixed emotions—angst thinking about current events of war, starvation, international unrest, and political chaos; optimism meditating on the promise of a new Jerusalem, a new earth without sickness, pain, death or sin.  

     Konrad Adenauer, German chancellor, told Billy Graham, “If Jesus Christ is not alive, then I see no hope for this world.”  Imagining what it would be like were there no resurrection, Paul wrote “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching amounts to nothing and your faith is futile, you are still in your sins, and those who have died with faith in Christ have perished.” (1 Corinthians 15:14-18 MLB)  It’s like saying, “Suppose the sun did not rise tomorrow,         then what? There would be only darkness and confusion and despair. But the sun has come up, and we walk in the light without fear.”

      Jesus travels the road of life with us. He made a promise to remember—      “I am with you all the days until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). And God is for us, so even death cannot separate us from his love (Romans 8:31, 38). 

     Years ago, someone gave me a piece of newspaper with these anonymous words: “Refuse to be discouraged by the many signs that planet earth is the insane asylum of the solar system.” Sometimes I wonder.

     C.S. Lewis wrote of the trilemma—Jesus is either a lunatic, liar, or Lord. Considering Jesus’ teachings, life and love, we call him Lord.  Reflecting on the condition of our world and our own heart, one question remains to be answered—Is Jesus Christ “the only one of us all who is not mad”?   

     Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote about people who have many material things, but “care nothing about how long they have been given to live because they can no longer think up ways to spend their hours.” Believing a paradise without sadness or sighs will materialize is not a mark of insanity, but a sign of implicit trust in God (Isaiah 26:3). Hope triumphs over despair, bringing perfect peace to one whose mind is stayed on God, whatever happens in this crazy world.  

Onesimus is no longer just a slave; he is a beloved brother, especially to me.
Now he will mean much more to you, both as slave and brother in the Lord.
                                       Philemon 1:16 NLT

Christ represents you before God—interceding for potential slaves to sin.
     Your Savior’s prayers on your behalf prove His unconditional love.
     Your Defense Counsel argues your case before My throne.
     Celebrate acquittal, rest assured of His love, be confident of His help.
     The accuser points out failures—the Advocate pardons and protects.
     The care of the Lord is your reason for hope.
     You are forgiven.

Christ reconciles you to God—bridging the gap between us caused by sin.
     The price of salvation joins our hearts—mercy unites you with your Creator.
     The Sinless Lamb took all your trespasses on His shoulders.
     In exchange, He gave you the love of His heart—that is unfair, but grace.
     You were a runaway prodigal, but you came home—now there is peace.
     The celebration of the Lord is your song of joy.
     We are friends.

Christ redeemed you from slavery to sin—paying a debt you could not pay.
     The path to serenity is open—He unshackles you from awful addiction.
     Make sin a lifestyle and you will self-destruct—follow Me and you will soar.
     Peace of mind is not found at the Devil’s carnival—only in My company.
     Stay near My heart and I will teach you heaven’s freestyle jig of joy.
     The cost of liberation has been paid at Skull Hill.
     You are free.

Christ reinforces you to serve God—strengthening you to do My will.
     The privilege of slavery to Me is a little-known secret—the key to joy.
     To be My servant gives you a noble purpose and a promise beyond time.
     When I make a difference in you, you can make a difference in your world.
     Make Me your Master and you will never suffer bondage to the evil one.
     The chains of love never chafe.
     You are focused.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                      

Day 353, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Book available at www.Amazon.com 

Verse of the Day: Genesis 21:33

 And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.

• The everlasting covenants and promises are conditional (i.e., Jeremiah 7
• Salvation is absolutely free in the finished work of Jesus Christ, but it requires repentance and faith.
• Jesus calls His new relationship with believers "a new covenant" ( Matt. 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. 11:25).
• It is both a legal pronouncement (forensic) and a call to Christlikeness ( Matt. 5:48; Rom. 8:29-30; 2 Cor. 3:18;….
• Believers are not saved by their performance, but unto obedience (Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Cor. 3:5-6)
• Godly living becomes the evidence of salvation, not the means of salvation (i.e., James and 1 John).
• However, eternal life has observable characteristics!

No one created God. He always existed and always will continue to exist.

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https://www.clsoionline.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3599217737033099

https://www.givesendgo.com/yourgenerositychangeslives

Dear friends 

During the month of March we are praying for the Sphere of Government and the Military 

Click here below to see the prayer strategy for this month. 

https://prayerstrategy.org/government-and-the-military-in-2024/

 Lilian Schmid

Bjorn and Lilian Schmid

Prayer Strategists and Coordinators

Prayer Strategy Spheres of Influence

www.prayerstrategy.org

info@prayerstrategy.org

Verse of the Day: James 1:13

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

• God is not the source of evil (Eccl. 15:11, 15, 20).
• God has no connection or experience with evil.

God does not tempt so as to destroy, but He does test so as to strengthen

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https://www.clsoionline.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3599217737033099

https://www.givesendgo.com/yourgenerositychangeslives

Verse of the Day: John 1 4:23

Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word ; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him."

• The disciples' love for Jesus will be seen in their love for one another (John 14:15,21).

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https://www.clsoionline.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3599217737033099

https://www.givesendgo.com/yourgenerositychangeslives

Verse of the Day:  1 Samuel 15:29

And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.

# The attributes as descriptions of God (1 Chr. 29:11.)

1. will not lie
2. will not change His mind (clarified as not like a human)

Repentance can affect God's will. If not, what is the purpose of intercessory prayer?

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https://www.clsoionline.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3599217737033099

https://www.givesendgo.com/yourgenerositychangeslives

Verse of the Day:  1 John 1:9

 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

• Believers continue to agree with God that they have violated His holiness (Rom. 3:23).
• Jesus' death is the means of forgiveness, but sinful mankind must respond and continue to respond in faith to be saved (John 1:12; 3:16).
• God takes our sins seriously, yet He has provided the means for our forgiveness in the substitutionary death of Christ (Rom. 3:21-31).
• Believers who continue to commit acts of sin need restoration of fellowship.

Our God is a faithful God. Whatever He speaks in His Word is true. Whatever  He promises, will come to pass. He will keep all His covenants

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https://www.clsoionline.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3599217737033099

https://www.givesendgo.com/yourgenerositychangeslives

https://youtu.be/f25GoxwbCvU

https://web.facebook.com/groups/3599217737033099/permalink/3616974188590787/