Luther + + + +

Luther quote

“…They are saints through such a holiness as they freely receive, not through such a holiness as they themselves have gotten by their own industry, good works and merits.”

– Commentary on Galatians, p484

 

When was Christ born? In a 4-yr college education (“crammed” into 6 J) I received no proof of a December birth. In a 60 hr seminary degree (“crammed” into 3 yrs) no verification of a December birth was heard. If you wish to say He was born a different month you’ve no argument from me. What I say – say adamantly is HE WAS BORN. Personally, I wish His birth was not celebrated on 12/25. But I’m glad some people do CELEBRATE His birth albeit on a wrong date. The date of Christ being born is of little-to-no consequence; His birth, life, death/resurrection is the most important fact known to man.

– eab, 11/26/17

 

FAITH

I’ve never been to Bethlehem,

Nor walked by Galilee.

And the hills that knew my blessed Lord,

I may never live to see.

But I’ve tried to trace His footsteps,

Across the Sacred Page.

And by faith, I know He rules today,

As He has in every age.

O Faith, faith without it,

You just cannot please the Lord.

Have faith, faith to doubt it,

Brother you cannot afford.

For faith is the substance

Of things hoped for and yet not seen.

And lack of faith is why the church is so awfully lean.

– eab, Nov. 1973

 

Comfortable? We love our “comfort foods,” our comfortable chairs in our comfortable houses & say to guests “Make yourself comfortable.” Perhaps we’re seeking too much comfort here below. Luke 16 records the Lord’s account of Abraham saying to the damned rich man “…Thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things…NOW he is comforted & thou art tormented”(eab emphasis). “God, help us to have the discipline to endure here the uncomfortable, that we may join in Lazarus’ comforts above.”

– eab, 11/27/17

 

“If plain sense makes good sense, any other sense is nonsense.”

– T W Comadoll, as told by John Whiteman

 

Many people are disciplined who are not disciples of Christ. (Some of these are highly disciplined and pride themselves in their self control.) Discipline can make you happier with yourself, can bring a sense of contentment, and could (unless it becomes a stumbling block) lead to Christ. But discipline, of itself, can never save you – that takes Jesus.

– eab, 11/19/17

 

Luk 16. 10

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”

 

Have you ever “missed the boat”? Did the bus “go off & leave you”? Have you gotten to a depot too late for the train? Did you perchance miss a plane connection? You & I have a final trip coming – – – Friend, we’ll make that departure ON TIME. Every rational soul knows death is coming. And, this is one trip we will NOT miss the boat. Prepare!

– eab, 11/27/17