It is the uniqueness of the God who became man in the person of Jesus Christ that sets Christianity apart from any and all other religions. The next largest of the world's religious groups - Islam, or the religion of Muslims - recognizes a supreme being as Allah, but Allah never became man. The third largest - Hinduism - has no single God but recognizes several gods, none of which ever be- came man. In this respect alone, Christianity is unique among other religions in the person of Jesus Christ.
Other religions of the world had founders or principal leaders, and those individuals have well known burial places and tombs which followers can visit to worship and revere the memory of that founder or leader. Only Christianity has a founder who has no burial place or tomb where His body rests, because Christianity is the only religion whose founder - Jesus Christ - arose from the dead, walked again amongst His followers, and ascended from this earth to heaven. In that respect, also, Christianity is unique among other religions in the person of Jesus Christ.
Ref: "A Handbook of Applied Christianity" by Gerald F. Beaven ('T & H' reader), Page 1.
Please note: If you see a UNC student or a liberal reading 'Thought & Humor', please explain to them which is thought & which is humor. They always get it backwards.......
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A real man's guide to household tools: You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use Duct Tape.
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When I was growing up in Argentina, God's commandments--especially the Ten Commandments--were taught in such a legalistic way that I avoided any serious study of them until after I had finished my graduate level biblical studies in the United States. I discovered then how little has ever been written about them.
Our sinful nature causes us to corrupt that which is beautiful. We turn God's moral law, which the apostle Paul called "holy, righteous and good" (Romans 7:12), into oppressive legalism. Perhaps that's why we frown at the mere mention of the Ten Commandments.
"They remind me of my grandmother, who had a fit if I ever wanted to play outside on Sundays," some will admit.
"Thinking of the commandments reminds me of my father, who refused to read the Sunday newspaper."
The words of God should not elicit such reactions. Let's return to God's moral law and shake off the chains of sincere but sinful human beings who have twisted the beauty of God's commandments.
When the Lord gave Israel the Ten Commandments, He said, "Listen, O Israel! I brought you out of bondage, not to create another bondage for you, but to liberate you. And if you remain within the boundaries I am about to give you, then you will be free. You'll have plenty of room to maneuver. So enjoy all that I have given you."
God's statement includes a warning: "As long as you stay within the fence, you will be free, but once you try to stretch the boundaries or jump over the fence, you will be in bondage once again."
I am convinced this is the way God intends us to view His commandments. The apostle John reminds us, "His commands are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3). They are life!
Now obviously we are not to try to live up to the Ten Commandments for our salvation. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23) in need of a Savior, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8). Both the Bible and experience teach us we couldn't keep the Ten Commandments perfectly even if we tried (Romans 7:1-8:4).
The purpose of God's commandments is not to provide salvation but to lay a foundation for us--a foundation on which to build a life of love and obedience as God's servants.
Spend some time meditating on God's commandments. Start with the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. As you study and pray, answer these questions. First, what does each commandment reveal about the character of God? Second, what does each commandment liberate me from? Third, how does each commandment protect me? Finally, if love is the fulfillment of the law (Galatians 5:14), then what does each of the commandments reveal about love?
I believe once you answer these four questions, you will never look at God's commandments with a negative attitude again. As you look at them with a new perspective, I think you will uncover at least four principles that will enhance your understanding of our infinitely wise and loving heavenly Father. (Luis Palau)