Here's some very well spoken words for the season we're in, I thought.

"Why I Am Not a Socialist", by David Kjos, (thirstytheologian.com)

"This is not a treatise on the practical failure of socialism. I will not be telling you why socialism doesn’t work and capitalism does. If you’re looking for a lesson in economics, read Adam Smith[1], Milton Friedman[2], or Thomas Sowell[3]. This is an explanation of why — all pragmatic considerations and emotional motivations aside — socialism is wrong, and should be rejected by all Christians as an inherently sinful system.[4]

Before I begin, let me assure you that I am not cold and uncaring of the needs of others. I think it would be great if everyone had plenty to eat, nice clothes, and a solid roof over their heads. I would be happy to see everyone receive a good education and quality medical care. I would like to see everyone have everything they need in abundance. I would like to do what I can to make that a reality. Wouldn’t you? I hope you would. On the other hand, I know that all people should not have what they need. Scripture tells us that those who will not work should not eat.[5] The logical end of that, of course, is that those who are unwilling to earn a living should be allowed to starve. This, by the way, was not the word of the mythical harsh God of the Old Testament. This was the command of the Apostles to the New Testament Church. I am also not among the wealthy targets of the “tax the rich” mentality. This is not a crusade to protect my wealth from the IRS.

Socialism is often presented as the Christian response to poverty. Jesus cared for the poor, and so should we. The early church shared all things in common, didn't they? Therefore, it is right that the entire nation share all things in common with everyone. Governments ought to redistribute the wealth of the fortunate, privileged classes with the less fortunate and underprivileged[6]. There are a few problems with this thinking, however, one of which is the fundamental reason why I believe socialism is antithetical to Christianity. That problem is simply that governments do not produce and possess wealth to distribute. They must take it from those who produce it.

Now I’m going to get straight to the point. This will be short and seem very simplistic, but that’s only because it really is this simple. First, let me illustrate the difference between Christian giving and socialist “giving”.

Suppose I find someone in need and discern that their need is legitimate and they truly cannot meet it through normal means (something a government can never do). I dig into my resources and give what I can. Maybe that isn’t enough, so I alert others to the need and some of them are able to help, as well. The need is met and we give glory to God.

Or, I see people in need and think, “someone should help them.” I see that there are people who have more than they need, so I go about robbing them and distributing their money as I see fit.

You see, it’s one thing to give of your own resources and to exhort others to do the same. That is Christian charity. It’s something else entirely to give from someone else’s resources. We call that theft. We call it theft no matter how good the motivation behind it is. And when it’s done by force, we call it robbery. That’s what socialist governments do.

“Hold on, there,” you might say, “ours is a democratically elected government. They represent the will of the people, so it isn’t stealing.” Well, yes, it is. Just because the majority agrees that Joe Rich and John Middleclass should be robbed to keep Susie Singlemom in groceries — and let’s be honest, to keep Bubba Trailerpark in beer and cigarettes — doesn’t make it less than robbery. The majority does not have the right to democratically oppress the minority.[7]

It doesn’t matter how good your intentions are or how many people agree with you. It doesn’t matter how much good is actually done. The end does not justify the means. When you reach into your neighbor’s pocket to fund your good deeds, you are a thief. If you see a need that ought to be filled, go to it. Put your money where your mouth is. Just don’t put my money where your mouth is. I have my own conscience to deal with, and you are not it.

Now, I just know there is someone reading this and nodding, “You tell ’em, man!” Thanks for your support. But now is the time to look into your own heart and ask if you’re really practicing Christian charity. How many Susie Singlemoms[8] do you know who are living on public assistance because their churches — and you — have more exciting ways to spend the money God has trusted to you? That new car or plasma screen[9] — did you neglect one of “the least of these”[10] within your sphere of influence to acquire it? Are you decrying the increasing socialism in America (or where ever you may be) while living like a socialist by passively letting government do your job? You also need to put your money where your mouth is.

It has been said that we ought to vote and govern as cold, hard capitalists, because that ensures the greatest prosperity for the greatest number of people, but live as socialists, sharing our wealth with the needy. I agree with the first part of that statement, but the second part misunderstands what socialism is. Socialism is not giving what is mine. Socialism is taking what is yours and giving it away, and that is stealing, no matter how you try to justify it. We ought to live as Christians, following Christ’s example as we steward the resources God has entrusted to us. That is what the Bible teaches." -David Kjos (thirstytheologian.com)

"We love the Lord the most, when we love the "least of these".

"And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to Me." Matt. 25:40

When one is a genuine Christian, that is born again and has the Holy Spirit abiding within him, he will help others. And there are multitudes of ways of helping others, especially those who are the least. By least I think our Lord states it fair enough: Those who are poor, in prison, and sick.
And the genuine Christian helps others for the glory of Christ, and for the praise of His grace and mercy, which is the Gospel of Christ.

There are two groups of people, I believe, where the true Christian stands between.

First group: Jesus says there will be those in the last Day who come to Him and say, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? and in Your name have cast out devils? and in Your name done many wonderful works?" And the Lord Jesus will say, "I never knew you: depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness".

So the first group are those who call themselves Christians, "and with their lips do honour" the Lord, "but have removed their heart far from" the Lord.

The second group are those who do good things, like feeding the poor, healing the sick, helping others in many ways, and show kindness for people, and yet live ungodly lives at the same time. They may not even acknowledge the Lord at all, or they may simply lump Christianity in with all the other false religions: Mormonism, Buddism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism (without Christ), etc.

Paul says, " .. though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, ... and have not love, it profits me nothing". (1 Cor. 13:3)
And this love is not just any love, it's a love that is fruit from God's Spirit alone.

Paul also says, "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints;
... For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who ia an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." (Ephesians 5:2-6)

So, the true Christian will love Christ, and love others, especially the least of others, and will surely sin, but when he sins he will hate it, and fight against it, and repent, and have faith in Christ for His forgiveness. He shall not be someone who practices sin, but he will practice living a godly life, as he trusts in His Lord for strength to do so. (1 John 3:6-7)

Also, the authentic Christian will have a heart after God; a heart that loves Christ. His religious duties for his Lord, and all he does in his life, will not simply be a show; a put-on, but will be real; from a heart that is Christ honoring, and a mind that is Christ-focused.
The Lord sees our hearts, and knows us better than we know ourselves. So be sure that you are indeed on the strait and narrow, and you can be assured that Christ our Lord will keep you on the strait and narrow, for He is faithful.

For there are many on the broad way, whether they be those who try and live a good life and live in sin, and who think sin is fine and Christ is fine, but so is Buddha and all the other religions as well; or those in the Church who try to be good, and be about all their religious ways, and yet it's all for nought, for it's an outward show, and the heart is callous still.

Finally, I feel I need to say, salvation is of Christ alone. He comes to seek, and to save, His lost ones.
He is the Good Shepherd, and He seeks out all His lost sheep, and none shall perish, for He laid down His life for each and every sheep.
And these same sheep shall have fruit in their lives for the Shepherd; the fruit of loving their Shepherd through loving other lost sheep into the fold, and caring for these same sheep, who are the "least of these".

All glory to His Cross, and to Him. Galatians 6:14

Giants 17 Patriots 14, Best Super Bowl Yet.

I really enjoyed watching this football game. Actually I hate all the hype, and all the emphasis on anything but football. But when you strip away all the phoniness, and block out all the sensationalism, and are able to focus on the game, then it can be quite enjoyable for me. Football has always been my favotite sport, to play, and to watch. And this one was one of the best. I loved watching this young quarterback, Eli Manning, come from behind and beat the 18-0 powerhouse Patriots.

Also it's nice to get together with family and friends and have a pleasant time of fellowship. So even in the midst of all the hype there's a blessing to be had. The Lord is so very gracious to us.

"But He Was Pierced for our Transgressions, .."

"This is your comfort: that you cannot die. How can you perish if Jesus was put into your place? If your debt was paid of old by Christ, can it ever be demanded of you again? Once paid, it is fully discharged; the receipt we have gladly accepted; and now we can cry with the Apostle, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God who justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Rom. 8:33-34). See here the mainstay of every believer's confidence. He knows that Christ died for him because he has put his trust in this blessed mediation. If Jesus died for me, then I cannot be condemned for the sins that He expiated. God cannot punish twice for the one offense. He cannot demand two payments for one debt." -CH Spurgeon

What a filthy sinner I am. Even now, though I'm alive unto the things of God, and have His Spirit, I am a wretch. And yet these transgressions I commit are already paid for by the pierced hands, feet, forehead, and side of my Lord and Savior. And because of such a Savior, I hate my sin that much more.
I am forgiven, and that brings great comfort, and with the comfort great conviction, which leads the heart to repentance. How I hate living in this world at times, and yet life is precious, because Jesus Christ died for me.
All glory, thanks and praise to Him, forever and ever. Amen.