In the writings of Paul we find ‘press on toward the mark of the high calling.’ Is that the calling only of Christianity or can we say there is more?We automatically relate that charge Paul gave in most cases to a life of Christianity. In Christianity, there is a genealogy (i.e. a blood line of relatives) that can be found in the scriptures all the way from the beginning of time to the birth of Christ. Christ Jesus told some who were challenging him at one point, ‘If you do not recognize me, you have not known my father.’ The father of Christ is God. The genealogy is a trace of humanity. So we do go a little more into the distance here.
What does that have to do with being “born again”? Isn’t “born again” a religious term used in Christianity to label those who say they are going to heaven? Well, there’s more…
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“Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgement. Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him ruler over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow. He pursued them and passed safely; even by the way that he had not gone with his feet.
Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he.
The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came. They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother be of good courage. So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, it is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails that it should not be moved.
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of righteousness.” Isaiah 41 v1-10 AKJV
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Trust God, love to live right, even as we may fail on the short-term, Because his love for you is greater than anything, and he is everything from the beginning to the end.
Lord, this day is yours, I thank you. Amen
June 30
Threecrosses 