12/25/2018
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” [Sent His only begotten Son into a world of woe, gave Him His Holy Spirit, the Son being fully able to live that sinless life, the Father used the Son to be the perfect sacrifice for my sins(and yours), then raised Him from the dead to show me(and you) how He justified me(and you) who stands before Him.] So, merry Christmas? Yea, and more: Merry Eternity with the Son who loved me also, and gave himself for me(and you.)
May your day be merry and bright, but may all your days be filled with His love!
I put the above post on FB this morning, but I want to emphasize some point of it on here, too.
Many preachers who dispensationally teach the bible often are afraid to go to John 3:16 and use its truth. I understand that. Jesus and the 12 had a separate and distinct purpose of God to carry out and it doesn’t include us, directly. But, the verse, may the Lord add His blessing to our use of it, the verse is trans-dispensational. It isn’t simple the kingdom of Heaven which is included in God’s love for the world. We often forget, no doubt because the “world lieth in wickedness,” that God our Creator is also God our Savior— see Titus 2, and as the Eph.2 quote above shows, He has loved us enough to give us all mercies of His own(grace) and “blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places” in order to dwell with us eternally.
I like John 3:16 and 17. I like being reminded in the next couple of verses of why men do not like what they “see” in Jesus: “..men love darkness rather than light.” Most men do not like to be reminded of that truth, but all I did was quote it, I didn’t write it. We men should be humbled by the reminder of what we are, sinners who cannot help ourselves, yet brought to completion in the finished work of Christ, and invite with relish, being made conformable unto Him. And among many brethren who are the same.
Thanks for reading, and may the holiday be bright in your memory for years to come, the Elder
the Elder's Blog 
What I thought would help my walk in Christ ( studying) actually has caused many debates and some strife. I’m thinking of just studying and keeping it to my self. I think debating about the scriptures is not what our Lord wants. In 2019 I think I will keep to myself and just follow peace .
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I agree, Chris, I stopped bantering back and forth with arguers last Spring. It’s best to seek those willing to listen instead of making listeners out of arguers.
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