The Great Mediator

                                         THE DISPUTE
Jesus mediator Question: "What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator?" Answer: A mediator is one who mediates, who acts as an intermediary or go-between, to work with opposing sides in order to bring about a settlement. A mediator attempts to influence a disagreement between two parties with the goal of resolving a dispute. There is only one Mediator between mankind and God and that is Jesus Christ. We’ll see below why God has a dispute with us, why Jesus is our mediator, and why we are doomed if we try to “go it alone.” God has a dispute with us because of sin. Sin is described in the Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). God hates sin, and sin stands between all of us and Him. “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). All human beings are sinners by virtue of sin we have inherited from Adam, as well as the sin we commit on a daily basis. The only just penalty for this sin is death (Romans 6:23), not just physical death but eternal death (Revelation 20:11–15). The rightful punishment for sin is an eternity in hell. Nothing we could do on our own would be sufficient to mediate between ourselves and God.
                                     
                                          THE SOLUTION                                   
No amount of good works or law-keeping makes us righteous enough to stand before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16). Without a mediator, we are destined to spend eternity in hell, for by ourselves salvation from our sin is impossible. But there is hope! “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus represents those who have placed their trust in Him before God’s throne of grace. He mediates for us, much as a defense attorney mediates for his client, telling the judge, “Your honor, my client is innocent of all charges against him.” That is true for us also, as some day we will face God, but as totally forgiven sinners because of Jesus’ death on our behalf. The “Defense Attorney” took the penalty for us! We see more comforting proof of this truth in Hebrews 9:15: “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” It is because of the great Mediator that we are able to stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Christ Himself because on the cross He exchanged our sin for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). His mediation is the only means of salvation.

Deshaun Watson (Quote)

"People have their own decisions, we're all grown men and once the ball is ready to be kicked, we're ready to play." 
(Deshaun Watson)

Deshaun Watson is a rookie Quarterback for the Houston Texans of the NFL.  In the first 6 games of his professional career, he passed for 1597 yards and 18 touchdowns.  This is phenomenal.  Several days ago, he injured his knee in practice.  He is out for the season. This, of course, is sad.  But it happens in football.  It is a rough game.  Especially with the pros.  (RD)

Hello, November

Hello, November.  Your first day of this year should end in about five minutes.  I look forward to this month.  You are one of my favorites.  Good times.  Good friends.  Good celebrations. And yes, good football! Welcome to my life.  You are special.  You are November!

Jews: The First To Receive Moral Parameters

I have been to Israel.  I love that country.  "Unto them were committed the oracles of God."  (Rom. 3:2)  I am persuaded that Israel has a great responsibility to the world.  Yes, they are God's people.  However, supporting same-sex marriage is an abomination to the Almighty God.  Any Jew or non-Jew who knows the Word of God is aware of this.  Let us be clear: God has parameters.  In fact, He created them.  He created holy matrimony.  I repeat: matrimony is holy.  It is between a man and a woman.  That is just the way it is.  The matter is settled.  If there is an argument against God's plan, it is based on disobedience.  If you do not like His ways, talk to HIM about them.  He is willing to listen.  He is also willing to speak, and He does.

"Afraid Of Words And Thoughts" (A Churchill Quote)

I could not pass this one up.  RD

"You see these dictators on their pedestals, surrounded by the bayonets of their soldiers and the truncheons of their police.  Yet in their hearts there is unspoken, unspeakable, fear! They are afraid of words and thoughts!  Words spoken abroad, thoughts stirring at home, all the more powerful because they are forbidden. These  terrify them.  A little mouse, a little tiny mouse of thought  appears in the room!   And even the mightiest potentates are thrown into panic."          
Sir Winston Churchill

Religion Was Not Enough For Paddock

They tell me Stephen Paddock (of Las Vegas fame) had religion. Well.......religion is not enough. Knowledge of, belief in, love for, and adherence to the Word of God would not have made Paddock perfect. However, I am persuaded that the aforementioned would have prevented this atrocity. Religion is not enough. One must have the Word of God AND be guided by the principles thereof. Again........religion is not enough!

Eventually, Power produces Tyranny

"Experience hath shewn,that even under the best forms [of government] those entrusted with power have, in time,and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny."   Thomas Jefferson


Yes the possibility is there.  However, I must admit that I do not fully agree with Jefferson on this. And I consider Thomas Jefferson to be the greatest political mind of all time.   RD