Two Minutes With The Bible ~ Liberty -- How Precious!

Liberty -- How Precious!

by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

Berean Bible Society
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We were interested to read, recently, about the man in California who ran short of grazing land for his herd of 13 buffalo. To solve this problem he put them on a barge and took them over to a large island in Lake Berryessa where there was lots of pasture. But what did the buffalo do? They jumped back into the lake, swam to shore and began charging fishermen and chasing automobiles — so enraged were they at being imprisoned on an island!
After all, neither man nor beast enjoys bondage, though many of us are in fact enslaved.

Our Lord said in John 8:32: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” To this the religious leaders replied: “We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, Ye shall be made free?” But our Lord answered: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (Ver. 34). St. Paul says the same thing in Rom. 6:16:

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

Sad to say, many sincere religious people think that they can free themselves from sin by putting themselves in bondage to the Law, the Ten Commandments. This never works, for the Law can only condemn the sinner. Rom. 3:19,20 declares that the Law was given “that every mouth may be stopped and that all the world may be brought in guilty before God… for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Again we have to turn to Christ for salvation and true liberty. He “died for our sins” (I Cor. 15:3) and has “redeemed us from the curse of the law” (Gal. 3:13).

Having believed this and trusted Christ as Savior, true Christians serve the Lord, not from fear, or to gain favor, but out of sheer love and gratitude. This is true liberty and this service is the only kind that God desires from us. Probably no man ever served the Lord more sincerely or tirelessly than the Apostle Paul. In II Cor. 5:14 he gives us the secret: “The love of Christ constraineth us…”

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To the Reader:
Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:

"It should be borne in mind that the newspaper column, Two Minutes With the Bible, has now been published for many years, so that local, national and international events are discussed as if they occurred only recently. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles."

We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless.

Funny Friday ~ The Affordable Boat Act

This is an excellent comparison of the "Healthcare" power grab debacle hoisted on US by the current communist wanna be regime.

The U.S. Government has just passed a new law called: "The Affordable Boat Act" declaring that every citizen MUST purchase a new boat, by April 2014. These "affordable" boats will cost an average of $54,000 - $155,000 each. This does not include taxes, trailers, towing fees, licensing and registration fees, fuel, docking and storage fees, maintenance or repair costs.

This law has been passed, because until now, typically only wealthy and financially responsible people have been able to purchase boats. This new law ensures that every American can now have a "affordable" boat of their own, because everyone is "entitled" to a new boat. If you purchase your boat before the end of the year, you will receive 4 "free" life jackets; not including monthly usage fees.

In order to make sure everyone purchases an affordable boat, the costs of owning a boat will increase on average of 250-400% per year. This way, wealthy people will pay more for something that other people don't want or can't afford to maintain. But to be fair, people who can't afford to maintain their boat will be regularly fined and children (under the age of 26) can use their parents boats to party on until they turn 27; then they must purchase their own boat.

If you already have a boat, you can keep yours. Period. (Just kidding. No you can't). If you don't want or don't need a boat, you are required to buy one anyhow. If you refuse to buy one or can't afford one, you will be regularly fined $800 until you purchase one or face imprisonment.

Failure to use the boat will also result in fines. People living in the desert; ghettos; inner cities or areas with no access to lakes are not exempt. Age, motion sickness, experience, knowledge nor lack of desire are not acceptable excuses for not buying your boat.

A government review board (that doesn't know the difference between the port, starboard or stern of a boat) will decide everything, including; when, where, how often and for what purposes you can use your boat along with how many people can ride in your boat and determine if one is too old or healthy enough to be able to use their boat. They will also decide if your boat has out lived its usefulness or if you must purchase specific accessories, (like a $500 compass) or a newer and more expensive boat.

Those that can afford yachts will be required to do so it’s only fair. The government will also decide the name for each boat. Failure to comply with these rules will result in fines and possible imprisonment.

Government officials are exempt from this new law. If they want a boat, they and their families can obtain boats free, at the expense of tax payers. Unions, bankers and mega companies with large political affiliations (read: kickbacks, bribes) are also exempt.

If the government can force you to buy health care, they can force you to buy a boat ... or ANYTHING else.

This whole thing makes ya kinda SEA SICK, huh? 


~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Two Minutes With The Bible ~ A Faithful Saying

A Faithful Saying

by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

Berean Bible Society
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“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (I Tim. 1:15).

Of all Paul’s “faithful sayings,” this is perhaps the most wonderful, and the one through which most people have found the joy of sins forgiven.

The subject is that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Why else would Christ have had to leave His glory in heaven if it were not, as the Bible says, to come to earth in human form to represent us in the payment for sin? And, thank God, He paid the full price for the sins of all men, for it was not a mere man who died on Calvary’s cross. So complete was His payment that Paul could exclaim: “He came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” Paul, himself, though once Christ’s chief enemy on earth, had now been saved by Him and, had come to know the joy of sins forgiven.

The great tragedy is that so many people do not feel their condition to be hopeless apart from Christ. They have not yet seen how far they come short of the glory and holiness of God. They know they are sinners, but they do not yet feel that their condition is so hopeless that they need a Savior. Thus they keep trying, trying, trying — and failing, failing, failing!

How much wiser we are to confess our sins before God — to take the place of sinners, so that He can save us. This is the first step to heaven. When we have done this we are in a position to accept God’s offer of full pardon and justification through Christ, who died to pay the penalty for our sins.

Since none are perfect and all have sinned, “this is,” indeed, “a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Why not believe God’s Word, accept Christ as your Savior and be saved today?

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To the Reader:
Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:

"It should be borne in mind that the newspaper column, Two Minutes With the Bible, has now been published for many years, so that local, national and international events are discussed as if they occurred only recently. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles."

We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless.

 

 

Chocolate Was Created For Days Like This

I hate this time change. It has got me all messed up. I feel perpetually tired.

This morning I learned the disappointing news that my dear sister-in-law and her family who live almost 8 hours away can not make the trip up for Thanksgiving. Ok, that one made me teary eyed. *sigh* We hardly ever get to visit with one another, it seems. Doggone it I was really looking forward to having them all here. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times because it’s so family oriented, without the gifts or cards or other trappings of other holidays. It's just everyone getting together and sharing memories.

Then, the ’roaring lion looking for someone to devour’ (you know who I’m talking about) must have had me in his sights after that news for he sent one of my old time trolls to leave snarky, sophomoric comments on my Sunday post. Every time said troll opens her mouth, she shows her butt. “Really, woman, since we obviously don’t like each other, stop following me!“ Gosh. I don’t go to her blog and leave snarky remarks. I don’t even “follow” her once I figured out that her personality was to be bossy, rude, domineering and arrogant.  You’d think the bossy broad would get the hint. I really think some women are mentally ill and in need of serious therapy. They’re such Drama Queens. Take hormones or Prozac or get another hobby or something for goodness sake. Just so long as you go away so I don‘t have to start nuking any further comments!

Now I find out that one of our new little puppies (this is so gross and I apologize for the following) is eating his and his brothers ‘poo’. OH SUPER YUCK!!! Well, they go to the Vet tomorrow for more follow-up shots and a check-up. I’ll ask him about something that can stop this habit. Please tell me this is temporary and that it won't cost me an arm and a leg. We've had such an expensive past few weeks.

We live way out in the country, so, keeping the right amount of groceries on hand is really essential, especially on Sunday. Except for a convenience store, the remaining local stores are closed on Sunday. I didn't realize that our wares are getting low. Thinking we’ll have salad for supper, Hubby went into the kitchen to begin preparations. Almost all the food he wanted to make was rotten. Now how did that happen?! Oh well. There’s always the Upside Down Supper of toast, eggs and bacon but now we’re almost out of eggs for tomorrow’s breakfast. God is good. I have a full belly and I am thankful for that.

I thought, well, after all, all that's happened recently is not so bad. Nobody we love is sick or dieing or in pain or serious financial distress. I do have a lot to be thankful for. I’ll handle it all. I always do. But what a day.

I'm sure this is why God made dark chocolate for day’s like this. Right?! And tomorrow will be better.


~ Ride Safe ~
Sparky

Two Minutes With The Bible ~ Paul, The Pattern

Paul, The Pattern

by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

Berean Bible Society
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Many religious people take the Lord Jesus Christ as their pattern in life. They call Him “The Great Example”. When problems arise, they ask themselves: “What would Jesus do?” They seek salvation by “walking in His steps”.

While our Lord’s moral and spiritual virtues are indeed worthy of emulation, there were many details in His conduct which we should not imitate. For example, none of us would be in a position to pronounce upon the religious hypocrites of our day the bitter woes which our Lord pronounced upon the Pharisees of His day — simply because we all have so much of the Pharisee in us.

Certainly we cannot be saved by “following Christ,” or striving to live as He did. His perfect holiness would only emphasize our unrighteousness and condemn us. He came to save us, not by His life, but by His death. “CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS” (I Cor. 15:3), and sinners are “reconciled to God by the deathof His Son” (Rom. 5:10).

But God has given us a pattern for salvation. It is none other than the Apostle Paul, the chief of sinners saved by grace. Hear what he says by divine inspiration:

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS, of whom I am chief” (I Tim. 1:15).

Paul, as Saul of Tarsus, remember, had led his nation and the world in rebellion against God and His Christ. He was “exceedingly mad” against the disciples of Christ and “breathed threatening and slaughter” against them. Why then, did God save him? He goes on to tell us in the next verse:

“Howbeit [but] for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, FOR A PATTERN to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting” (Ver. 16).

The moral: Take your stand with Paul. Admit you are a sinner and his Saviour will save you too.

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To the Reader:
Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:

"It should be borne in mind that the newspaper column, Two Minutes With the Bible, has now been published for many years, so that local, national and international events are discussed as if they occurred only recently. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles."

We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless.

A List Of Who Has The Best Donation To Help Ratio For Charitable Organizations

I found this list on-line and thought that since it "Tis the season" for contributions that this might help others make intellegent decisions before opening pocket books and hearts. It sure opened my eyes about the money flow of contributions.

The American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha J. Evans' salary for the year was $651,957 plus expenses

MARCH OF DIMES It is called the March of Dimes because only a dime for every 1 dollar is given to the needy.

The United Way President Brian Gallagher receives a $375,000 base salary along with numerous expense benefits.

UNICEF CEO Caryl M. Stern receives $1,200,000 per year (100k per month) plus all expenses including a ROLLS ROYCE. Less than 5 cents of your donated dollar goes to the cause.

GOODWILL  CEO and owner Mark Curran profits $2.3 million a year. Goodwill is a very catchy name for his business. You donate to his business and then he sells the items for PROFIT. He pays nothing for his products and pays his workers minimum wage! Nice Guy. $0.00 goes to help anyone!

Instead, please consider donating to any of the list below where all the donations will be put to good works.

 

The Salvation Army Commissioner, Todd Bassett receives a small salary of only $13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization. 96 percent of donated dollars go to the cause.	The American Legion National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!	The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!	The Disabled American Veterans National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!	The Military Order of Purple Hearts National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!
The Vietnam Veterans Association National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!	Make a Wish For children's last wishes. 100% goes to funding trips or special wishes for a dying child.	St. Jude Research Hospital 100% goes towards funding and helping Children with Cancer who have no insurance and cannot afford to pay.	Ronald McDonald Houses All monies go to running the houses for parents who have critical Children in the hospital. 100% goes to housing, and feeding the families.	Lions Club International 100% of donations go to help the blind, buy hearing aides, support medical missions around the world.   Their latest undertaking is measles vaccinations at only $1. 00 per shot.

Random Thoughts And Doings

I have been so busy working outside this week. It's a little too warm for October, well, now November, but it's still nice enough to be in the yard. The pine trees are shedding Big Time. Their spent leaves are so pretty around plants. City people have to pay for this, we get it for free. 



With all this lovely free pine straw I added copious amounts to my "Tranquility Base". One of my favorite things when the weather permits is sitting on the swing, reading an Agatha Christie and listening to the windchimes. It helps take the sting out of daily life. ~smile~

 

Now that The Boys are old enough they've started wandering farther from the house. They've figured out they can slip through the field fence ~little boogers~ that encompasses our 6+ acres, so, Sweetie is installing chicken wire to keep them in. $$cha-ching$$ Maybe now we can go for a motorcycle ride and not have to worry about their whereabouts or lock them up in their portable kennel.

Jack (left), Sam (right) laying on Lucy's legs

Good thing they're worth it. All together now ... awwwww. ~lol~
 

Now they have this new thing of sleeping in their toy basket. My step-mom, Myra, wove the basket as a gift to me over 30 years ago. I'm sure she would approve of it's use since she enjoyed dogs too.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky