Ever wonder how our body stays neatly contained within the confines of our cells and organs? Well, you can thank Laminins for that little piece of biological magic!
Laminins are large molecular weight glycoproteins constituted by the assembly of three disulfide-linked polypeptides, the α, β and γ chains. The human genome encodes 11 genetically distinct laminin chains. Structurally, laminin chains differ by the number, size and organization of a few constitutive domains, endowing the various members of the laminin family with common and unique important functions. In particular, laminins are indispensable building blocks for cellular networks physically bridging the intracellular and extracellular compartments and relaying signals critical for cellular behavior, and for extracellular polymers determining the architecture and the physiology of basement membranes.
Basement membranes are specialized extracellular matrices holding cells and tissues together, a property largely due to their content in laminins.
In short, laminims are what scientists refer to as "adhesion" molecules. They are the molecular glue which hold our very beings together.
Molecular biologists call laminin “the glue of the body,” because without it, our bodies would fall apart. With that said, note the specific appearance of this critical molecule.
Some have suggested that it is no coincidence that laminin molecules arrange themselves into the shape of a cross.
The truth is, without Jesus and what he did for us on the cross, our whole lives would fall apart. Colossians 1:17 says that Jesus “is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
"For in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28, NIV).
Jesus is the one who holds all things together!
Youth Pastor, Chet Skatington, had this to say about the monumental Solar Eclipse of 4/8/24:
We're entering a season of total solar eclipse — a time when the moon gets in the way of the sun and blocks its warm, healing rays from hitting the Earth. During this short celestial event, we will get a small taste of what life would be like if the Sun didn't exist.
It would be dark. Just like Findlay Ohio during the moment of eclipse totality.
He continues:
But have you ever thought about what life would be like if the SON didn't exist?
I daresay it would be even darker.
We may not see the Sun being blocked by the moon very often, but how many times do we allow sin to block the healing warmth of the SON from our hearts?
He concluded:
... [F]or many of us, our hearts have been living under a total eclipse for far too long. A spiritual total eclipse. Of the heart. Too often, we allow sins like lust, drugs, or skipping out on our [bible studies/fellowship times] to block the influence of the Son of God. That's wrong, fam.
During this year's eclipse, let us reflect on the things in our lives that are blocking out the Son. Let us remove those sins that so easily beset us and allow his warmth to shine on our hearts once again. ...
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:15, ESV).
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5, ESV).
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).
"Coronation fever is beginning to die down here in London. I must admit, it was quite a spectacular event. So much history. So much tradition. So much pomp. The world was drawn into this ceremony that placed a crown on the head of King Charles III. But as I watched, I couldn’t help but think of the future ..."
[Amir Tsarfati is an Israeli public figure, author, Bible teacher, and Middle East news correspondent/commentator. He is known for his Bible prophecy teachings, his insight into world events, and his fiction and non-fiction books. He is founder and president of Behold Israel.]
"A day is soon coming when there will be another coronation. When the crown is placed on the King’s head, it will not just be the symbol of His authority over one nation. Instead, this person will be crowned as King of all kings. Think of the pageantry of Charles’s coronation. Now picture in your mind what we will see as we watch our King, Jesus, take His rightful seat on His throne in Jerusalem! I can barely imagine it. And I know that whatever I see in my mind will pale against the actual event. What a day that will be!" - Amir Tsarfati
"For, At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords" (1 Timothy 6:15, NLT).
"But of the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom'" (1 Timothy 1:8, ESV).