The Bible Message In 217 Words
God said, “I created everything from nothing, order from disorder, life from lifelessness.” His children said, “No, the universe created itself and life came about by random chance.” God said, “I made mankind to be male and female.” His children said, “No, we’ll decide how many genders there are and which one we want to be.” God said, “I knew you in the womb, you have been fearfully and wonderfully made.” His children said, “No, the unborn are just fetal tissue with no right to live until WE grant it.” God said, “the marriage bond is to be between a man and a woman.” His children said, “No, we will have sexual relations whenever and with whomever we please.” God said, “Despite your rebellion, I love you with an everlasting love, so I sent my only Son to die for the sins of the whole world. Whoever believes in Him will gain eternal life!” His children said, “No, we reject the bigotry of such a narrow point of view.” God said, “One day I will return to redeem my Creation from corruption.” His children said, “No, we will save the planet ourselves.” And while God patiently waited for mankind to come to their senses and repent, His children mockingly asked, “Where is the promise of His coming?”
"Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this "coming" he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation' ... The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:3-4, 9, NIV).
Where Have All The Bibles Gone?
Fox News reports:
According to a new study by hospitality analytics group STR, the percentage of hotels that offer religious materials in rooms has dropped by almost half in the last decade-- from 95 percent in 2006 to just 48 percent this year.
... “The decline of religious materials in hotels, as cited in the survey, is reflective of increasing secularism and independence in the world,” said Jeff Pack, the Director of Communications for Gideon International, the nonprofit group that distributes Bibles in hotels across the country to the Time.
... Travelodge hotels in Britain removed Bibles from their rooms in 2014 “in order not to discriminate against any religion,” the company said. And Wyndham Hotel Group, Travelodge’s parent group, said that there’s no requirement to stock Bibles in any of its 15 global hotel brands.
Jesus once asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"(Luke 18:8). If what’s happening in the hotel nightstands the world over is any indication, it’s doubtful.
CHARLIE HEBDO Says Don't Pray for Paris
In the aftermath of the 11/13/15 terror attacks in Paris, which left at least 129 dead and hundreds more injured, social media was set afire with the hashtag #PrayForParis. While some find the sentiment edifying, comforting, and even uniting, not everyone appreciates the gesture.
Take for example the response of Joann Sfar, a cartoonist for CHARLIE HEBDO, the French publication which was itself the victim of a radical Islamic terror attack back in January 2015 in retaliation for its satirical cartoon depiction of the prophet Mohammed.
Friends from the whole world, thank you for #PrayForParis, but we don’t need more religion! Our faith goes to music! Kisses! Life! Champagne and joy! #ParisIsAboutLife.
In this post-Modern, post-Christian era, even our offers of prayer are rebuffed as unhelpful and unwelcome. Rather than seeking peace through prayer, Sfar believes that religion itself is the cause of conflict and strife—that if only we could free the world of religion, we would at last find peace (not to mention Kisses! Life! Champagne and joy!).
The maleficent agenda of these hateful power mongers who seek world domination in the name of religion have succeeded in re-labeling and redefine faith itself as the enemy.
In the face of such bold-faced rebuff, we will pray for you all the more, CHARLIE HEBDO!
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).