Tag: Christians

The Fragrance of Christ

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

The Apostle Paul shares an interesting thought in 2 Corinthians 2:15 about the fragrance of Christ. He writes, “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

Fragrance has the sense of incense or knowledge. Interestingly the Romans of Paul’s day would use incense during their victory parades through the city. As smell is a most powerful emotion. remembering smells, that of good food, or sweet perfume will continue to linger in our thoughts far longer than the smell remains in the natural.

To this end Paul was using this illustration to bring home the idea of how our life “gives off” a fragrance. Our life lived, especially the Godly, gives off sweet perfume pleasing as it rises to the Father in Heaven. It’s not so much what we do, but how we do life. Pleasing words spoken in comfort, unselfish acts or deeds that bring God’s presence to the world.

The sweet smell of a Godly life lived lingers even to those here on earth as we pass by. The spiritual smell of sweet success lingers as a testimony of the very fragrance of Jesus.

Let’s make perfume! Rh

Trump’s Abortion Pivot Sparks Outcry: ‘This Is Wrong … And We Cannot Be Silent’

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

By Suzanne Bowdey

The shock hasn’t worn off for pro-lifers, who continue to watch with dismay as Donald Trump and his Catholic running mate, Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), seem to publicly disavow years of conservative principles on the unborn. Reaction is still pouring inover the former president’s tweet that his administration would be “great” for “reproductive rights,” a euphemism for abortion that many see as a devastating surrender in itself. It would be one thing, the editors of National Review wrote, “for a Republican candidate for national office to say that a federal law against abortion is unattainable, or even undesirable,” given the current political realities. But at this point, they continue, “pro-lifers have to wonder if there’s any difference left between the parties on abortion.”

Of course, as veterans of the movement know, the warning signs loomed large well before July’s Republican National Convention, when Trump’s inside circle hinted that abortion would no longer be an issue of common concern but a political inconvenience that the former president would try to avoid at all costs. The ensuing party platform cemented those fears, shredding paragraphs of pro-life vision and values in exchange for four sentences that promised merely to “oppose Late Term Abortion” and support mothers.

Even that seems to be in doubt after Vance’s Sunday interview, in which he walked back any support for a 15-week federal threshold for abortion, which is past the point unborn babies can feel pain. Asked whether or not he would commit to not “impos[ing] a federal ban on abortion,” Vance replied, “I can absolutely commit that.” He continued, “I think it’s important to step back and say, ‘What has Donald Trump actually said on the abortion question, and how is it different from what Kamala Harris and the Democrats have said?’ Donald Trump wants to end this culture war over this particular topic.”

In what appears to be a big departure from Trump’s first term as president, Vance wouldn’t even commit to the 45th president’s former positions — which, until recently, were considered the bare minimum of bipartisan federal policy: blocking taxpayer-funded abortion at home and abroad, stopping the military’s war on the unborn, and ending the shipment of abortion pills to pro-life states.

It is terribly troubling the “new stance” of Trump on abortion. We all knew it was coming but still deeply concerned of a move away from Moral Conservative values. We always have to compromise. We are used to it, but still not happy about it. Rh

Nobodies are Somebodies in Christ

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

So, you consider yourself a nothing and a nobody? Regardless, you must not excuse yourself from the high calling of God on your life because you think you are a “nothing.” In God’s eyes, being a nothing is an improvement over “anyone [who] thinks he is something when he is nothing” (Gal. 6:3). Remember, God created the universe out of nothing.

We all have value. Find yours and make this world a better place. Who knows what could happen when we reflect the glory of God. Be salt, be light, be different than the world around you. Rh

The Bride of Christ

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

Today I would like to speak about the Bride of Christ as opposed to the Body of Christ.  I will attempt to explain my reasoning why I believe that they are two distinctly different entities of the Church.  The Body of Christ consists of all who have confessed Christ as their savior.  The Bride of Christ are the ekklesia or the sold out bond-servants of Christ.   Let me explain.

I do not believe there are different levels of Christianity.  Some worship Christ for salvation only, and still enjoy  worldly desires.  They may even be oppressed in mind or have certain desire or lust they are trying, but unfortunately not able to completely overcome.  They settle for a good Christian life, but with fleshy struggles.  Their Bible study and prayer is sporadic and their discipleship is non- existent.  The growth track they are on keeps their desire in the milk of the Word, not meat.  They have not exercised their learning beyond the simplistic doctrines of the Church.  They live in the elementary aspects of basic Christianity.  To grow in Christ, find a mentor, get into a good Bible Study, find someone you trust to be a battle buddy to share and pray with.  Most importantly read the Word!  Neglecting the Word is neglecting Jesus. (John 1:1)  Remember Jesus was not a man that became the Word, but the eternal Word who took on flesh and became a man.  (Philippians 2:5-11)  Fully God and fully man.

In Matthew 25 we have a parable of the wise and foolish virgins. The wise virgins are a type of the true Bride of Christ.  They have a full supply of oil (Holy Spirit) and are ever watching for the Messiah to come back.  May I ask, are you full of the Spirit, and longing to be filled every day? Their desire is to follow and please the Lord Jesus.  They are aware of the time we live in, meditating on Christ and praying even if it is just a few minutes several times throughout the day.  Following Paul’s admonition to pray without ceasing. The constant desire of  bond-servants of God is to be pleasing to Christ and walk in submission to the  Holy Spirit.  They aren’t perfect, but they long to be transformed into the very image of Christ, “partakers in the divine nature of God”.  (2 Peter 1:2-3),

The church is to be, sanctified, cleansed and presented to Christ without spot or blemish. (Ephesians 5:26-27)

A glorious church. 

There are two priorities of the Bride, the Word and the Spirit.  Worshiping in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:24)  Live in the Word, and walk in His Spirit!

 The Spirit and the Bride say “Come!” (Revelation 22:17)

 You were born for such a time as this.  Be strong and courageous for God chose us for this particular time.  If He chose us, He will sustain us!

Maranatha – Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.  Amen!  Rh

“I Saw You Wallowing and Said ‘Live in Your Blood’” by Ariel Schneider

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

I hope you enjoy this article, Israel is celebrating Israel’s Memorial and Remembrance Day. It is truly important to remember and look back on events that shape our thoughts and destiny. Article below. Rh

Remembrance is in the genetic code of the Jewish people. Without supervision and adherence to memory the sheep, the people of Israel, would never have survived the wolves and nations of the world. A Jewish proverb: Remembrance and commemoration determine who we are and our relationship with God. “I said to you in your blood live,” writes the prophet Ezekiel.

Without memory we would have no God, faith and everything that makes us who we are. Which is really more important, physical participation in God’s biblical legislation on Mount Sinai, or remembrance? Some of you will probably think that the opportunity to be at Mount Sinai is more important, but no, the memory is more important because it keeps the idea and the belief alive. What use is a live recording of God’s covenant on Mount Sinai if this sensation in the desert had not been reported for generations? Therefore, remembrance and commemoration play an important role in Israel’s life.

Tonight begins Memorial Day. From my point of view, there is no day more holy as we remember those who fell. Yom Hazikaron.

As a Conservative Christian I stand with Israel and the Jewish people. Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they are in the most desperate condition since the “67 war. Shalom to Jerusalem! “memory is more important because it keeps the idea and the belief alive.”

Contending for the Faith Part 1

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

Commentary writer Matthew Henry said “a traitor inside the church is worse than a thousand outside the church.” Many times those of us who strictly contend for the faith are looked upon as hard liners or too conservative, but in society today fundamental truth needs to be shouted from the rooftops. When so called Pastors deny any part of the Bible as the word of God, or try to minimize or throw away what God has said, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Shepards are called to lead and feed the flock of God. Today not so much. (Isaiah 56:10-12) Pastors need to speak out on issues from their pulpit! Don’t be a sissy. Don’t be afraid because now is the time for men of God to be leaders not follows. We should change the atmosphere wherever we go. Find a man like that to support. Brave and strong in the Lord. By the way, get involved in what is happening today politically as well. Get out of the Church and do something. Preach issues from your pulpit. Tell your parishioners God will judge your vote. Vote Biblical values!

Most of our moral issues plaguing us today stem from nonsensical interpretation of the scriptures. Pastors, of which I am one, drive me crazy with the their fear of losing members. Preach the word, be a good Bible teacher. Don’t compromise. An old Preacher told me this over 40 years ago, “Son the people who are with you can’t leave you, and the people who aren’t with you can’t stay.” What he meant was those who want the truth will be drawn to you and those who want their ears tickled will leave. Great advice for any endeavor, just be yourself and say what is right and true and be passionate.

If you have as good Pastor, encourage him constantly. He needs it. If you go to a dead and dry church, get out of it. Christian’s don’t need junk food, they need to be fed from the Word. Rh