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"The Origins of Lent"

Christianity is making America more criminal because the Bible teaches vengeance

Daily Mail - ‎Feb 23, 2016‎
Christianity is to blame for America's high crime rates because its followers believe that the Bible gives God's 'blessing' to violence, 
a controversial new book claims.

If you click on the headline above you will see it is about a very disturbing book. It is disturbing because Christianity actually
teaches the exact very opposite, but like law suits, it looks like anyone can write a book about anything. 

Here is what God actually says:

Genesis 50:19

But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.]


Deuteronomy 32:35

‘Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their disaster is at 

hand, And their doom hurries to meet them.’


Romans 12:19

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; 

for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.


Hebrews 10:30

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the deliverance of justice rest with Me], 

I will repay [the wrongdoer].” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”


Now, IF ONLY, some Christian lawyer or legal organization would sue the author for defamation of character
on behalf of Jesus. But really, would this world give it the proper headlines? 

Minister Bob Cutting
Shouts of 'liar' are taking their toll on Ted Cruz's campaign 
 (Wall Street Journal)

While I really do not like to get into politics, I do want people to examine the Spiritual side of things. In particular when 
God shows He is alive. 
I, personally, would really like a Christian to win the presidency, but without sacrificing his example or morals. 
Our country may not be ready for that and because of it, God may not want to bless us with that happening.  God has a way of 
dealing with wayward Christians, particularly, when they make it well known that they are Christians and try to get God's people
on board or confused about that. 
Unfortunately there are currently many instances with Ted Cruz that point in that direction. But here is God at work. 
Ted started to plummet after Iowa, after it was exposed that one of his workers spread a false rumor about Ben Carson. Ted 
did little more, in the public forum, than apologize. Ben Carson, rightly stated, that "We will see what he does". He inferred 
that Ted should have taken some actions, but Ben was not going to tell him how to do it. That is a good Christian example on
Ben's part. 
Now, Ted's people were caught red handed, with promoting a lie. This did not just come up. Someone, even a group 
must have thought it could or should be done. Only after it was proven news, did Ted Cruz react. 
Is this not the way the world acts? Only when caught? 
Ted can rightly repent, but some people, may not forgive him. A sense of ought with most people knows that it is not
right for a Christian to endorse, permit or enable such things until caught. In fact, many people are very tired of politicians 
lying to them. Politician and lie should not mean the same thing. 

I can only ask that we pray for all Christians running. The devil will put them on the spot more than others. If we 
humble ourselves, and repent, people will forgive us. You cannot just repent. Humble does not seem a word that most 
politicians have on their lips as the struggle to be on top seems to favor only the ego maniacs. 

Pray that the system and our country changes this mess.    
"Where in the Bible Does It Talk About Lent?"
This was the question one person put up on a Facebook account. Well here it is. It is one of the least referred to Scriptures for
some Christians. Here is why:
1. Some do not practice or go into the history of Lent.
2. Many pastors do not want to admit the harder parts of Scripture only the easy parts.

You see here, our example, Jesus undergoes a test. IF He is our example, it can only mean that we will be tested too! Many do 
not like to admit this: 
1.The devil WILL TRY to test us at our weakness.
2. Our answer to Him should be Scripture. However that would require that we know it, wouldn't it.

So, some people to get their prayers answered. To put themselves to test, to honor Jesus, will in deed, go on fasts of sorts
during Lent. Just like the forty days that Jesus did. 

God had many instructions about fasting and how it makes our prayers more effective. Some of the worst of what the devil
could throw at people, were only resolved, not just by fasting, BUT fasting AND prayer. 

How are we doing?
Wouldn't you like more power in your prayers?
What is stopping you?

Minister Bob Cutting.

The Gospel

Luke 4:1-13

After his baptism, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where 

for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. 

The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him,

 "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'"

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I 

will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will 

worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written,

'Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.'"

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God,

 throw yourself down from here, for it is written,

'He will command his angels concerning you,
to protect you,'

and

'On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed 

from him until an opportune time.


The Gospel

Luke 4:1-13

After his baptism, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'"

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, "It is written,

'Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.'"

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,

'He will command his angels concerning you,
to protect you,'

and

'On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.