Marching Forth!

I have been reading through The Sword and the Trowel , a compliation of articles edited by C.H. Spurgeon.  I came across a stirring story written of a common man who refused to pay homage before passing idols.  He was willing to pay with his life for his principles.  The article was titled "Simon the Pedlar" and begins as follows: "About the year 1553, at Bergen op Zoom, in Brabant, there was a pedlar named Simon, standing in the market selling his wares.  The priests with their idol passing by, the said Simon dared not show the counterfeit god any divine honour; but following the testimony of God in the holy Scripture, he worshiped the Lord his God only, and him alone served.  he was therefore seized by the advocates of the Romish Antichrist, and examined as to his faith.  This he boldly confessed.  He rejected infant baptism as a mere human invention, with all the commandments of men, holding fast the testimony of the word of God; he was therefo...

"Birds of a feather flock together," the cliche goes, and this saying has a ring of truth to it.  The birds in the trees, people with common interests, and even users of social media support this sentiment.  People using social media typically "follow" people they know, respect, or admire.  If someone begins to share or post views with which others do not agree or strongly oppose, they can "unfollow" or even "unfriend" that person.  Social media provides the illusion of friendship, and it is frankly difficult ground to navigate.  It can consume time with meaningless activity, yet when used properly can be a beneficial tool.  It can be an addictive obsession or a voyeurs delight, but also a means to connect lives of loved ones.  Knowing why we do something is often more insightful than what or how we do it. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am aware my beliefs, lifestyle, and stance on issues are contrary to the majority.  Should my "likes...

" Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him ." Proverbs 27:22   When I heard shocking and sad news from Israel recently, this verse came to mind.  It was reported that during a Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem a man armed with a knife stabbed several participants.  What made the news more terrible was this same man had been convicted of doing the exact same thing over a decade ago when he stabbed three people during a Gay Pride event.  The man had paid the price the law demanded with 10 years imprisonment, yet all that time in prison was incapable of transforming his heart.  This is an extreme case to be sure, but it affirms the Word of God:  the severest punishments are incapable of separating a fool from his folly.  That is something only God can do.  Imprison a coward who stabbed unarmed people in the back for 30 years if you like, but it won't change his heart. ...

Imagine thinking Jesus was with you and being mistaken!  To say it would be disconcerting would be an understatement.  This is exactly what happened to Joseph and Mary after celebrating the Passover with Jesus in Jerusalem.  Luke 2:43-44 says, " When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances ."  Joseph and His mother journeyed for an entire day, supposing Jesus was with them, but the distance between them grew with every step they took. We understand how people can be physically separated from others, but we must consider the reality that even those who believe in Jesus can also be separated from Him.  Thousands in Israel did not know Jesus, and they did not miss Him.  Even his parents did not miss Him for a day.  Is this not a s...