By Fenter Northern
SADLY, EVIL IS WITH US AND IS HERE TO STAY UNTIL THE LORD OBLITERATES IT WHEN HE RETURNS. SO HOW MUST CHRISTIANS LOOK AT THIS? NOT WITH THE FOOLISH WHO BLAME OUR GOOD GOD OF LOVE, SAYING, “IF HE IS ALL POWERFUL, WHY DOESN’T HE PUT AN END TO IT.”
By Fenter Northern
MUCH OF THIS SHATTERED, DISCONTENTED, BELLIGERENT WORLD IS ABOUT TO CELEBRATE A DAY IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST.
One may wonder, because from observation it seems still to be the other side of the birth of Jesus. If they could get on the right side of the birth of Christ it would solve all their troubles. They world is still back before Jesus birth, stumbling in the dark because they love it more than they do the real meaning of Christmas. The world loves the holiday, but not the meaning of it.
By Fenter Northern
IN MY STUDIES AND CONTEMPLATION OF HISTORY, I KNOW EVENTS SWING FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT AND BACK AGAIN IN THE SOCIETY OF MEN. I wonder today, perhaps because I am in the midst of this modern era and do not have the advantage of hindsight for our day, —I wonder if the pendulum has not swung too far—or at least farther than ever before in our society away from serous thoughts about a conscience existence after we leave this place.
By Fenter Northern
We Christians can allow ourselves to become pessimistic with all the doleful headlines and dally media behaving so irresponsibly. Partyism has relinquished all restraints and gloom and doom seem everywhere.
However, the Christian must keep in mind two facts; while we must admit disappointment is most everywhere, things are no-where near what they were before God graced history with the fact of Jesus who came when they were nailing people to the cross if they were viewed as religious or political threats. Second, for Christians, Jesus meets all the negativism around us.
By Fenter Northern
“So then, brothers, stand firm, and cling to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.” ~ 2 Thess. 2:15
The blustery winds of cultural change are blowing havoc around the world. Our nation is no exception. Sadly, the Christian religion is caught in the vortex of global humanism which always prospers most in nations experiencing a period of prosperity as our great nation has since WWII.
By Fenter Northern
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” ~ Acts 2:38
Only God could know how many times the above text has been quoted in gospel meetings as well as on other occasions in the Lord’s church. It is not heard as much anymore. Think of yourself as well as your loved ones who upon hearing that preached placed themselves under Jesus’ Lordship and trusted in the promise to receive into their hearts the Holy Spirit. This means God’s Holy Spirit took residence in the inner man, the most stupendous gift, awesome honor, and magnificent grace that could ever happen to a person.
by Fenter Northern – Northern Notes XLIX
“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods.” Daniel 3:17
Jesus did not abdicate His role as Savior and Prince of Peace to become political when He referred to Herod Antipas as a fox (Luke 13:32); neither was He being political when He referred to the Roman presence in the Temple area as the abomination of desolation. He was the Son of God. His tongue was always under perfect control in harmony with the will of God. However, the aggression of wicked politics in His day motivated Him to speak out with words of warning to the disciples. Christians are told to be prepared always to give an answer to those asking about their faith (I Pet. 3:15). In so doing Christians must be careful to have their words spoken with grace, seasoned with salt—that is, to speak the truth in gentle kindness. However, some it seems, would speak grace and omit the salt. The grace of God and the salt of His word are inseparable in preaching salvation. (Rom. 1:16).
by Fenter Northern – Northern Notes XLVIII
“Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall:” Jer. 8:12
The media have always dealt with sensationalism and sinful lifestyles. This nation was born in a crisis and has been through one after another since its founding. Good people have cried peace, peace and there is no peace. While the headlines have always been satiated with the ugliest things happening, it seems to have run amuck in this generation. There is a lust for power that has come to the forefront in national politics that is insane to have its way or destroy peace. No good thing can be acknowledged among the noblest enterprises if the sponsors of such are not in agreement with those seeking control of our nation at the cost of honor, dignity and best national interests. Sins are running rampant with little restraint which will destroy us. Murder, ungodliness in all forms, rape, unjust accusations for personal gain, theft, incest, adultery. But I need not tarry on this because all good people observe this every day, and are convinced this world is not our home, and that we are; passing through to the promised environment to come wherein dwells peace, goodness, and brotherly love. This is not just wishful thinking and happy talk but is certified by the resurrection of the son of God from the grave. The most renown atheists have mocked it but are unable to disprove it.
by Fenter Northern
There is a comforting peace that comes when one has been released from a tormenting conscience burdened by past sins. They know they have scripturally obeyed the gospel from their heart.
They have this promise of Him who raised Himself from the dead: “Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest” (Mt. 11:28-29 ERV) This rest and peace He grants in one’s heart reaches its fruition at death (Rev. 14:13).
by Fenter Northern
The Hail Mary, also commonly called the Ave Maria (Latin) or Angelic Salutation, traditionally opens with “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death.”
When the Pharisees quibbled about Jesus’ age in John 8:57, Jesus shocked them saying he was before Abraham. This makes the Hail Mary prayer impossible. Being God, Jesus did not begin his existence with a mother. She did become mother to a fleshly body which became the temple of God’s Spirit, but she was never considered the Mother of God. Of course she was highly favored but never reverenced as God’s mother.