Avalon Chronicles #52: "Two Births"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
The birth of all recorded history that is the one most important to the world is celebrated at the end of our calendar year. It is the birth of the Christ, Jesus, the Son of God, who came to earth to redeem us of our sins and to show us a way to eternal life. Christians focus at this time of year on the birth of a Child as the story is related, the Son of Mary, a virgin, and her husband Joseph.
One of Linda's and my favorite ministers is Derek Prince, who died in 2003 at age 88. His life and experiences are worth researching. We both have our own copy of his 1993 book titled The Spirit-Filled Believer's Handbook published by Creation House in Florida. Just this week I read what I might term his "Five Minute Fix." This is how he introduced to his daughter's piano teacher, ill in the hospital, in five minutes, how she could have the "Second Birth," termed "Born Again," by many. This story reflects a personal response by the woman to the essence of the gospel.
He visited the woman and inquired of her, since she was at the point of death, whether she was convicted that her sins were forgiven and was prepared to meet her Maker, God. She answered in the negative because her pastor in a well-known Protestant church in London typically preached only, "...about the Christian life and growing in grace."
In order for her to receive her own personal salvation assurance, he asked her to make her own specific personal response to the unfolding of a simple set of words.
She repeated after him these words:
"Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you died for my sins; that you were buried; that you rose again the third day.
I now repent of my sins and come to you for mercy and forgiveness.
By faith in your promise, I receive you personally as my Savior and confess You as my Lord.
Come into my heart, give me eternal life and make me a child of God. Amen."
Upon this, she proclaimed that she believed she was saved. She became healed, returned to piano teaching, told her pastor what she had experienced, and in his next sermon, "He preached that the most important thing is to know you are saved."
The attainment and experiencing of this "Second Birth,"is not complex, is easier that schooling or marriage or work or life, and just takes faith for the comprehension of its relevance and truth. It is much less painful than the first birth is for a mother and its consequences are the assurance of your soul outliving your body!
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #51: "Thanksgiving and Gratitude"
"Thanksgiving and Gratitude"
by Allen Clark www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."-----Psalm 118:24
Woke up this morning and went in to the kitchen of the home to which Linda and I had just moved this month. I told her I was thankful for two things this day. She said, "Just two?" I said, "Yes, my Lord and my Linda." A little background for you all. On August 10 this summer Linda and I had come to our new home, which then was resided in by her 52 year old son, Vincent, an only child and high school teacher. We found him deceased from a heart attack. The past few months have been busy indeed with all the estate and probate requirements and moving to his former home.
We have two recliners where we sit each morning to pray together, read our Bible, and converse. As I began my day seated two additional important elements came to mind, two "freedoms" for which I am also grateful. The faith entity under which our lay ministry operates is Combat Faith Ministry. In clearing our old storeroom I found a large poster printed years ago for my ministry presentations. It depicts the crest of my Vietnam Special Forces unit. The motto of the Green Berets is displayed on the poster, "De Oppresso Liber," translated meaning "Freedom From Oppression." When we truly believe in the Christian faith that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Lord, we comprehend that we are locked strategically and tactically (personally) in an earthly struggle between good and evil, and possess the opportunity to achieve spiritual freedom in overcoming the darkness and adversities of life. I am most thankful also for the exposure and opportunity to have learned much through my lifetime regarding spiritual warfare and how to overcome its oppressions.
On this Thanksgiving Day 2015 I reflect back on those harsh, foreboding and challenging times faced by the Pilgrims at Plymouth when they reached our shores, escaping the religious persecution of Europe. However, they gathered together and celebrated our land's first Thanksgiving. President Abraham Lincoln officially established it to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November each year. The freedoms of our land expressed in faith, government, and personal lives are unmatched ever in the annals of history.
Yesterday I walked through our nearby grocery store and again marveled at the bountiful and abundant product selections evident in all the aisles. We are indeed rich in material blessings in our land. However, this copious wealth of our land enjoyed by so many has been a product of the freedom we enjoy in this land of the free and home of the brave. Contrast what we have been blessed with in America to that in lands where there has been a lack of freedom due to other doctrines and ideologies. I am reading a book titled Putin's Oil by Marvin Sixsmith, a story about Mikhail Khodorkovsky, one of the Russian oligarchs, who came to financial prominence in the energy field after the fall of the Soviet Union. Khodorkovsky wrote later in his life about life under Communism;
"Today's young people do not remember what life was like for us in the Soviet Union before the start of Perestroika. I sometimes find it difficult to explain that rising prices for goods are not the most frightening thing in life. It is worse when you walk into a store and there is simply nothing there to buy. My first son [Pavel], who is now 18 years old and attending college, was born at that time. We had ration coupons---they were little cards ----and I had to get baby food for him with these coupons. Sometimes, the baby food wasn't delivered to the store. It was good when we had a bit stocked up at home, and it was a good thing that we lived in Moscow, where the food situation was easier. Nevertheless, every morning at 6 a.m. I had to go to the place where they were selling this baby food. And if they ran out, there was nowhere else to buy it. I don't wish any of you who have, or will have, children to go through something like this."
The contrast between our freedoms and blessings and the lack thereof in other systems is self-evident. In gratitude we must reflect this day for much to include we are not being persecuted as are many of our Christian brothers and sisters under other regimes by much more severe methods than were experienced by the Pilgrims four centuries ago. Sometimes few things change. Praise God for the freedoms and protection we enjoy in our homeland!
by Allen Clark www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."-----Psalm 118:24
Woke up this morning and went in to the kitchen of the home to which Linda and I had just moved this month. I told her I was thankful for two things this day. She said, "Just two?" I said, "Yes, my Lord and my Linda." A little background for you all. On August 10 this summer Linda and I had come to our new home, which then was resided in by her 52 year old son, Vincent, an only child and high school teacher. We found him deceased from a heart attack. The past few months have been busy indeed with all the estate and probate requirements and moving to his former home.
We have two recliners where we sit each morning to pray together, read our Bible, and converse. As I began my day seated two additional important elements came to mind, two "freedoms" for which I am also grateful. The faith entity under which our lay ministry operates is Combat Faith Ministry. In clearing our old storeroom I found a large poster printed years ago for my ministry presentations. It depicts the crest of my Vietnam Special Forces unit. The motto of the Green Berets is displayed on the poster, "De Oppresso Liber," translated meaning "Freedom From Oppression." When we truly believe in the Christian faith that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Lord, we comprehend that we are locked strategically and tactically (personally) in an earthly struggle between good and evil, and possess the opportunity to achieve spiritual freedom in overcoming the darkness and adversities of life. I am most thankful also for the exposure and opportunity to have learned much through my lifetime regarding spiritual warfare and how to overcome its oppressions.
On this Thanksgiving Day 2015 I reflect back on those harsh, foreboding and challenging times faced by the Pilgrims at Plymouth when they reached our shores, escaping the religious persecution of Europe. However, they gathered together and celebrated our land's first Thanksgiving. President Abraham Lincoln officially established it to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November each year. The freedoms of our land expressed in faith, government, and personal lives are unmatched ever in the annals of history.
Yesterday I walked through our nearby grocery store and again marveled at the bountiful and abundant product selections evident in all the aisles. We are indeed rich in material blessings in our land. However, this copious wealth of our land enjoyed by so many has been a product of the freedom we enjoy in this land of the free and home of the brave. Contrast what we have been blessed with in America to that in lands where there has been a lack of freedom due to other doctrines and ideologies. I am reading a book titled Putin's Oil by Marvin Sixsmith, a story about Mikhail Khodorkovsky, one of the Russian oligarchs, who came to financial prominence in the energy field after the fall of the Soviet Union. Khodorkovsky wrote later in his life about life under Communism;
"Today's young people do not remember what life was like for us in the Soviet Union before the start of Perestroika. I sometimes find it difficult to explain that rising prices for goods are not the most frightening thing in life. It is worse when you walk into a store and there is simply nothing there to buy. My first son [Pavel], who is now 18 years old and attending college, was born at that time. We had ration coupons---they were little cards ----and I had to get baby food for him with these coupons. Sometimes, the baby food wasn't delivered to the store. It was good when we had a bit stocked up at home, and it was a good thing that we lived in Moscow, where the food situation was easier. Nevertheless, every morning at 6 a.m. I had to go to the place where they were selling this baby food. And if they ran out, there was nowhere else to buy it. I don't wish any of you who have, or will have, children to go through something like this."
The contrast between our freedoms and blessings and the lack thereof in other systems is self-evident. In gratitude we must reflect this day for much to include we are not being persecuted as are many of our Christian brothers and sisters under other regimes by much more severe methods than were experienced by the Pilgrims four centuries ago. Sometimes few things change. Praise God for the freedoms and protection we enjoy in our homeland!
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #50: "How Long Will America Last?"
"How Long Will America Last?"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
SOURCE: Noah Webster's First Edition (1828) of an American Dictionary of the English Language.
Republished in facsimile edition by Foundation for American Christian Education
www.face.net.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty" II Corinthians 3:17
"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Psalms 11:3
In 1976, America's Bicentennial Year, Dallas' Rabbi Levi Olan said, "Jul 4th is a celebration of freedom rooted in a religious sense of thanksgiving to God."
(Preface) The Seed of the Giant Sequoia
"Sequoia gigantes, or Big Tree, grows only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California at elevations varying from 5,000 to 8,500 feet above sea level. Individuals of this species are the largest living things on the face of the globe....
The Sequoia gigantes seems to go on living indefinitely and may stand as long as one hundred generations....
The age of living sequoias is difficult to determine but the actual ring count of cut trees has indicated that many are from 3,000 to 4,000 years old. Some of these trees in California were already majestic giants when the star of Bethlehem rose in the heavens. Here they remained while the Chain of Christianity moved westward with 'signs following'-the liberty of the individual, and of nations. Just yesterday in a sequoia's life, came the flowering of these Bethlehem principles in government-'We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness-That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men..."
Will our government last anywhere near as long as these sequoias?
I have a copy of this dictionary right beside my reading chair and frequently refer to it. It is an extraordinary work by a Founding Father of our United States of America as much as those we typically identify as such. It quotes definitions from great works of literature as well as from the Holy Bible. Current day Webster's dictionaries known to us all cannot compare to the depth, lustre, vision, and inspiration of our language that comprised the original 1828 version.
"Noah Webster spent a lifetime endeavoring to liberate America from European ties of 'folly, corruption, and tyranny.' He sought to build an educational system in the school, the church and the home embodying 'a love of virtue, patriotism, and religion.' In the Preface to his History of the United States he wrote: 'Republican government loses half its value, where the moral and social duties are imperfectly understood, or imperfectly practiced. To exterminate our popular vices is a work of far more importance to the character and happiness of our citizens than any other improvements in our system of education.'" (page 10).
Independence Day Collect Book of Common Prayer
"Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of our country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
SOURCE: Noah Webster's First Edition (1828) of an American Dictionary of the English Language.
Republished in facsimile edition by Foundation for American Christian Education
www.face.net.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty" II Corinthians 3:17
"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Psalms 11:3
In 1976, America's Bicentennial Year, Dallas' Rabbi Levi Olan said, "Jul 4th is a celebration of freedom rooted in a religious sense of thanksgiving to God."
(Preface) The Seed of the Giant Sequoia
"Sequoia gigantes, or Big Tree, grows only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California at elevations varying from 5,000 to 8,500 feet above sea level. Individuals of this species are the largest living things on the face of the globe....
The Sequoia gigantes seems to go on living indefinitely and may stand as long as one hundred generations....
The age of living sequoias is difficult to determine but the actual ring count of cut trees has indicated that many are from 3,000 to 4,000 years old. Some of these trees in California were already majestic giants when the star of Bethlehem rose in the heavens. Here they remained while the Chain of Christianity moved westward with 'signs following'-the liberty of the individual, and of nations. Just yesterday in a sequoia's life, came the flowering of these Bethlehem principles in government-'We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness-That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men..."
Will our government last anywhere near as long as these sequoias?
I have a copy of this dictionary right beside my reading chair and frequently refer to it. It is an extraordinary work by a Founding Father of our United States of America as much as those we typically identify as such. It quotes definitions from great works of literature as well as from the Holy Bible. Current day Webster's dictionaries known to us all cannot compare to the depth, lustre, vision, and inspiration of our language that comprised the original 1828 version.
"Noah Webster spent a lifetime endeavoring to liberate America from European ties of 'folly, corruption, and tyranny.' He sought to build an educational system in the school, the church and the home embodying 'a love of virtue, patriotism, and religion.' In the Preface to his History of the United States he wrote: 'Republican government loses half its value, where the moral and social duties are imperfectly understood, or imperfectly practiced. To exterminate our popular vices is a work of far more importance to the character and happiness of our citizens than any other improvements in our system of education.'" (page 10).
Independence Day Collect Book of Common Prayer
"Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of our country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen"
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #49: "Levels of Spiritual Maturity"
Avalon Chronicles #49: "Levels of Spiritual Maturity"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
As I have reflected on my own levels of spiritual maturation, I have compared it to the secular levels of education in civilian and military career progressions.
In the military my original course as an officer was my basic combat engineer course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Enlisted military undergo their respective basic training courses. In all our lives we begin and complete kindergarten through elementary and junior high school. Many of you will recall something or other written years ago about "All you ever need to know you learn in kindergarten." I recall it was put things up, close cabinets, etc. etc. In the spiritual world these beginnings of our education relate to the beginning stages and steps of our faith walk, our building blocks, and that relates to my immediately prior blog, "Jesus as Savior."
In the military our next level is Officer Career Course (which I never even began due to my early career derailment because of Vietnam War wounds). For our Army people in the enlisted ranks it is Advanced Individual Training. It is high school for all of us. One of my next messages will relate our maturation and advancement on the birthday of the Christian faith (Pentecost) when we grasp the significance of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, bequeathed to us by Jesus when He ascended to be with His Father, our Father in Heaven.
Our next level relates to our further maturation and path of faith, perhaps college, and in the military our advanced specialty courses for all. My own level of faith development became my understanding of the power of prayer when I joined a couples Bible study almost four decades ago. It was when the Word of God became implanted in me that I began quantum leaps in my faith. It will be my plan to discuss the power of prayer and God's Word in future messages.
Once we accept Jesus as our Savior, recognize the importance and power of the Holy Spirit within us, and begin to appropriate the incredible dimension and power of prayer, it is time really to begin to live as Jesus taught us in the New Testament. The scriptures tell us in I Corinthians 13:11 (KJV) "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." This is when it is time to begin to really grow in our faith.
In the Army our next level of education is the Command&General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. This is where officers begin to broaden their overall understanding of strategy for their careers. Perhaps in the civilian world it may be likened to advanced education after an undergraduate degree. This spiritual level of our maturation is when we apply practically to ourselves and our relationships to family, work, others, and the world what Jesus and original authors of our Christian Bible wrote. Powerful indeed are these teachings to which most of us give much too little attention. If we did, our lives would be much smoother. When I worked at a Veterans medical center, I would go to the cafeteria and sit with random veterans for conversation. One day I met a Korean War veteran, who returned after the war to his old neighborhood and church. He said he worshiped every Sunday at that church and because he did that, his week always went better.
The military education system at its highest levels is encompassed in the "War Colleges." In civilian life perhaps it is reflected in the doctoral programs. Many decades ago I became aware of spiritual warfare and it will be my plan to relate in future messages what I have learned in the arenas of tactical (personal) and strategic (rest of world) warfare in the spirit realm, that one in which the eternal struggle since the Fall occurs between our God and the antagonist Lucifer, who commands his own army of demonic spirits to work us over.
Obviously I have related about the higher levels of secular education and advancement with degrees, but be reminded that some of the strongest examples of Christians are those of limited advanced educations who have schooled themselves spiritually to an astounding degree. Never would I presume to attempt to impart any high and mighty expressions of doctrinal or theological truths. As for me I am just a simple layman who is attempting to impart to others through my chronicles my path of spiritual growth over several decades, a "working faith."
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
As I have reflected on my own levels of spiritual maturation, I have compared it to the secular levels of education in civilian and military career progressions.
In the military my original course as an officer was my basic combat engineer course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Enlisted military undergo their respective basic training courses. In all our lives we begin and complete kindergarten through elementary and junior high school. Many of you will recall something or other written years ago about "All you ever need to know you learn in kindergarten." I recall it was put things up, close cabinets, etc. etc. In the spiritual world these beginnings of our education relate to the beginning stages and steps of our faith walk, our building blocks, and that relates to my immediately prior blog, "Jesus as Savior."
In the military our next level is Officer Career Course (which I never even began due to my early career derailment because of Vietnam War wounds). For our Army people in the enlisted ranks it is Advanced Individual Training. It is high school for all of us. One of my next messages will relate our maturation and advancement on the birthday of the Christian faith (Pentecost) when we grasp the significance of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, bequeathed to us by Jesus when He ascended to be with His Father, our Father in Heaven.
Our next level relates to our further maturation and path of faith, perhaps college, and in the military our advanced specialty courses for all. My own level of faith development became my understanding of the power of prayer when I joined a couples Bible study almost four decades ago. It was when the Word of God became implanted in me that I began quantum leaps in my faith. It will be my plan to discuss the power of prayer and God's Word in future messages.
Once we accept Jesus as our Savior, recognize the importance and power of the Holy Spirit within us, and begin to appropriate the incredible dimension and power of prayer, it is time really to begin to live as Jesus taught us in the New Testament. The scriptures tell us in I Corinthians 13:11 (KJV) "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." This is when it is time to begin to really grow in our faith.
In the Army our next level of education is the Command&General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. This is where officers begin to broaden their overall understanding of strategy for their careers. Perhaps in the civilian world it may be likened to advanced education after an undergraduate degree. This spiritual level of our maturation is when we apply practically to ourselves and our relationships to family, work, others, and the world what Jesus and original authors of our Christian Bible wrote. Powerful indeed are these teachings to which most of us give much too little attention. If we did, our lives would be much smoother. When I worked at a Veterans medical center, I would go to the cafeteria and sit with random veterans for conversation. One day I met a Korean War veteran, who returned after the war to his old neighborhood and church. He said he worshiped every Sunday at that church and because he did that, his week always went better.
The military education system at its highest levels is encompassed in the "War Colleges." In civilian life perhaps it is reflected in the doctoral programs. Many decades ago I became aware of spiritual warfare and it will be my plan to relate in future messages what I have learned in the arenas of tactical (personal) and strategic (rest of world) warfare in the spirit realm, that one in which the eternal struggle since the Fall occurs between our God and the antagonist Lucifer, who commands his own army of demonic spirits to work us over.
Obviously I have related about the higher levels of secular education and advancement with degrees, but be reminded that some of the strongest examples of Christians are those of limited advanced educations who have schooled themselves spiritually to an astounding degree. Never would I presume to attempt to impart any high and mighty expressions of doctrinal or theological truths. As for me I am just a simple layman who is attempting to impart to others through my chronicles my path of spiritual growth over several decades, a "working faith."
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #48: "Jesus as Savior"
Avalon Chronicles #48: "Jesus as Savior"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
King James Version Life Application Study Bible by Tyndale House 1988, 1989
This is the most important Avalon Chronicle I have written or will ever write. Several years ago a friend of my father, who died in 1984, took me to the east Fort Worth neighborhood where my father had lived. He told me he was at the service when my father went down the aisle to commit his life to Christ. I have read recountings of the exact day or circumstances when others accepted Jesus as personal Savior. For me it was not at any specific time that I can recall, however I have known Jesus as Savior and Lord for a very long time.
In our lives we spend an inordinate amount of time and energy "preparing" for some event or accomplishment for ourselves; exams, applications for college, interviews for jobs, advancement in careers, and, yes, especially for us guys, finding and courting the girl of our dreams for marriage.
However to my ceaseless, but understandable, amazement, I am not aware of many who demonstrably prepare themselves for the "afterlife," eternity, with very much aforethought or dedication.
Of all our preparations and achievements in life, ensuring we have eternal life and that we endure past the grave, is the most profound, compelling, rewarding, and yet simplest endeavor we can undertake. We may know Jesus as a child, through historical references, answered prayers, and in our soul (head knowledge, feelings, and supposed choice), but to truly "know" Him beyond outward manifestations and outward trappings such as church attendance, prayers when we need things, and "reading" our Bibles, requires something distinct and specific.
1. The Word in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." This is a definite and prevalent condition for us all!
2. We can wipe clean the slate of our past sins. In I John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Recollection and addressing of sins will typically require a process of some quiet time on one's own in privacy to perform a personal audit. The time to accomplish an audit is variable depending on where one is or has been . Confess all sins of thought, word, and deed, known and unknown. God's forgiveness is real and lasting and may be accepted unconditionally.
3. The Word says most simply and succintly in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The footnote states, "The entire Gospel comes to a focus in this verse....God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life he bought for us." Jesus was crucified horribly on a cross to save us all.
4. We are children in an earthly family and most of us appreciate that family and are loyal to it. Should we not be more diligent and loyal to become a member of a yet higher family, that of the family of God? In John 1:12 it is written, "But as many as received him, to them he gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." I have derived a special power and membership by the decision to accept Jesus as personal Savior. It is a power as a minimum to help me each day to get through all the challenges and stumbling blocks in my path.
5. HERE IT IS! CONFESS YOUR FAITH!
I do not know what my father said at the altar, but I know I have followed and spoken this written in Romans 10:9, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
It is the easiest decision to make, easier than college preps, job interviews, and popping the question for marriage.The plan is outlined in the five steps above.
If not you, who? If not now, when?
THE CHOICE IS YOURS. TIME IS SHORT!
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
King James Version Life Application Study Bible by Tyndale House 1988, 1989
This is the most important Avalon Chronicle I have written or will ever write. Several years ago a friend of my father, who died in 1984, took me to the east Fort Worth neighborhood where my father had lived. He told me he was at the service when my father went down the aisle to commit his life to Christ. I have read recountings of the exact day or circumstances when others accepted Jesus as personal Savior. For me it was not at any specific time that I can recall, however I have known Jesus as Savior and Lord for a very long time.
In our lives we spend an inordinate amount of time and energy "preparing" for some event or accomplishment for ourselves; exams, applications for college, interviews for jobs, advancement in careers, and, yes, especially for us guys, finding and courting the girl of our dreams for marriage.
However to my ceaseless, but understandable, amazement, I am not aware of many who demonstrably prepare themselves for the "afterlife," eternity, with very much aforethought or dedication.
Of all our preparations and achievements in life, ensuring we have eternal life and that we endure past the grave, is the most profound, compelling, rewarding, and yet simplest endeavor we can undertake. We may know Jesus as a child, through historical references, answered prayers, and in our soul (head knowledge, feelings, and supposed choice), but to truly "know" Him beyond outward manifestations and outward trappings such as church attendance, prayers when we need things, and "reading" our Bibles, requires something distinct and specific.
1. The Word in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." This is a definite and prevalent condition for us all!
2. We can wipe clean the slate of our past sins. In I John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Recollection and addressing of sins will typically require a process of some quiet time on one's own in privacy to perform a personal audit. The time to accomplish an audit is variable depending on where one is or has been . Confess all sins of thought, word, and deed, known and unknown. God's forgiveness is real and lasting and may be accepted unconditionally.
3. The Word says most simply and succintly in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The footnote states, "The entire Gospel comes to a focus in this verse....God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life he bought for us." Jesus was crucified horribly on a cross to save us all.
4. We are children in an earthly family and most of us appreciate that family and are loyal to it. Should we not be more diligent and loyal to become a member of a yet higher family, that of the family of God? In John 1:12 it is written, "But as many as received him, to them he gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." I have derived a special power and membership by the decision to accept Jesus as personal Savior. It is a power as a minimum to help me each day to get through all the challenges and stumbling blocks in my path.
5. HERE IT IS! CONFESS YOUR FAITH!
I do not know what my father said at the altar, but I know I have followed and spoken this written in Romans 10:9, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
It is the easiest decision to make, easier than college preps, job interviews, and popping the question for marriage.The plan is outlined in the five steps above.
If not you, who? If not now, when?
THE CHOICE IS YOURS. TIME IS SHORT!
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #47: "Jesus in One's Soul"
Avalon Chronicles #47: "Jesus in One's Soul"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Over the recent past years I have been privileged to be a guest speaker at Warrior Transition Battalions on military bases and at gatherings of deployed Navy reservists who have returned home from the combat areas. The chaplains and organizers have always been ill at ease for me to mention anything specific about my Christian faith. I began an approach wherein I would tell them, if they desired healing, appropriate the tenets and teachings of their own faith. However, I told them what worked for my own healing from my war traumas was my Christian faith. Well have I been aware that without describing my faith in Jesus, my presentations are without true meaning because all I have accomplished is to relate a story of resiliency. However, I have also been privileged with many personal opportunities to visit one on one with combat veterans with whom I have had no issue in expressing my personal faith story of belief in Jesus the Christ as my Savior and Lord.
The loss of my two legs below the knees on June 17, 1967 from a mortar shell landing inches away at Dak To Special Forces camp in Vietnam turned my world upside down and was life-changing to say the least. Our three worlds are body, soul, and spirit. Our soul is divided further in mind, emotions, and will. Thoughts enter our minds, cause emotions, and what follows are choices of actions with consequences, good or bad. As I have counselled my veterans I have become aware that their issues of Post Traumatic Stress are actually a compounding of their lives before, during, and after our combat where the real issue for that segment of our lives is combat operating stress.
Many of our combatants return home and never truly heal ever, not with the medications, alcohol, psychologists, psychiatrists, exercise, all different approaches offered, even church attendance all by itself. As a child I had the childhood faith in Jesus related in a previous message, learned of the historical Jesus in my teen years, experienced answers to some of my prayers, and believed in Jesus in my "head knowledge" as my Savior because I grasped the Crucifixion and Resurrection Upon my return from Vietnam I was prescribed the typical therapy for returning vets, psychiatry and medication, which I underwent for six years. In a church service in the mid-70s, I was introduced to a new level of "soulful knowledge" of Jesus. That is, that Jesus is truly a part of the Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God needed to give us humans a real and specific example of how to live our lives. God also needed to set up a means by which the power of Satan, established in the Garden of Eden with man's original sin, could be broken. My understanding moved up emotionally and spiritually to "Lordship" level, a quantum jump. I had always believed that I had "accepted" Jesus as personal Savior, but candidly it was very superficial and not totally grasped as to the significance of this decision for Christ as it is termed.
I began to attend a couple's Bible Study, read my Bible more diligently, and began to get a handle on what truly believing in Jesus meant. I ask many vets where they are going when they die. Many say "I guess Heaven." I ask why and they say, "Because I have tried to be a good person." The essence of our faith is belief in Jesus, not good works and behavior, and belief in an eternal life upon death as God's gift. From those early days to now I know the essence of the value of having Jesus in our soul has many earthly benefits. Appropriation of the benefits of His passion, death, and resurrection are immeasurable. Thousands of books have been written on the Christian experience (to where it has almost become a "cottage" industry for some authors), but where I am is really very simple and relates to the healing and maturing to address our lives before, from, and after combat and life itself for non-combatants. When we truly accept Jesus (and my next blog will describe the personal way we "accept Jesus as Savior"), we learn some very basic techniques that I expound upon. As foundations we must confess with true repentance and sorrow for all our sins of thought, word, and deed, known and unknown, forgive all others who have wronged or hurt us, to include ourselves for our "stupids," and give up harbored bitterness and anger held throughout our lives. By these means we lay the groundwork in our lives to obtain healing of our hurts, disappointments, and bad choices. We recognize we need something only faith in Jesus can bring about to help us achieve true satisfaction and joy in a very troubled world.
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Over the recent past years I have been privileged to be a guest speaker at Warrior Transition Battalions on military bases and at gatherings of deployed Navy reservists who have returned home from the combat areas. The chaplains and organizers have always been ill at ease for me to mention anything specific about my Christian faith. I began an approach wherein I would tell them, if they desired healing, appropriate the tenets and teachings of their own faith. However, I told them what worked for my own healing from my war traumas was my Christian faith. Well have I been aware that without describing my faith in Jesus, my presentations are without true meaning because all I have accomplished is to relate a story of resiliency. However, I have also been privileged with many personal opportunities to visit one on one with combat veterans with whom I have had no issue in expressing my personal faith story of belief in Jesus the Christ as my Savior and Lord.
The loss of my two legs below the knees on June 17, 1967 from a mortar shell landing inches away at Dak To Special Forces camp in Vietnam turned my world upside down and was life-changing to say the least. Our three worlds are body, soul, and spirit. Our soul is divided further in mind, emotions, and will. Thoughts enter our minds, cause emotions, and what follows are choices of actions with consequences, good or bad. As I have counselled my veterans I have become aware that their issues of Post Traumatic Stress are actually a compounding of their lives before, during, and after our combat where the real issue for that segment of our lives is combat operating stress.
Many of our combatants return home and never truly heal ever, not with the medications, alcohol, psychologists, psychiatrists, exercise, all different approaches offered, even church attendance all by itself. As a child I had the childhood faith in Jesus related in a previous message, learned of the historical Jesus in my teen years, experienced answers to some of my prayers, and believed in Jesus in my "head knowledge" as my Savior because I grasped the Crucifixion and Resurrection Upon my return from Vietnam I was prescribed the typical therapy for returning vets, psychiatry and medication, which I underwent for six years. In a church service in the mid-70s, I was introduced to a new level of "soulful knowledge" of Jesus. That is, that Jesus is truly a part of the Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God needed to give us humans a real and specific example of how to live our lives. God also needed to set up a means by which the power of Satan, established in the Garden of Eden with man's original sin, could be broken. My understanding moved up emotionally and spiritually to "Lordship" level, a quantum jump. I had always believed that I had "accepted" Jesus as personal Savior, but candidly it was very superficial and not totally grasped as to the significance of this decision for Christ as it is termed.
I began to attend a couple's Bible Study, read my Bible more diligently, and began to get a handle on what truly believing in Jesus meant. I ask many vets where they are going when they die. Many say "I guess Heaven." I ask why and they say, "Because I have tried to be a good person." The essence of our faith is belief in Jesus, not good works and behavior, and belief in an eternal life upon death as God's gift. From those early days to now I know the essence of the value of having Jesus in our soul has many earthly benefits. Appropriation of the benefits of His passion, death, and resurrection are immeasurable. Thousands of books have been written on the Christian experience (to where it has almost become a "cottage" industry for some authors), but where I am is really very simple and relates to the healing and maturing to address our lives before, from, and after combat and life itself for non-combatants. When we truly accept Jesus (and my next blog will describe the personal way we "accept Jesus as Savior"), we learn some very basic techniques that I expound upon. As foundations we must confess with true repentance and sorrow for all our sins of thought, word, and deed, known and unknown, forgive all others who have wronged or hurt us, to include ourselves for our "stupids," and give up harbored bitterness and anger held throughout our lives. By these means we lay the groundwork in our lives to obtain healing of our hurts, disappointments, and bad choices. We recognize we need something only faith in Jesus can bring about to help us achieve true satisfaction and joy in a very troubled world.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #46: "Experiencing Jesus Through Answered Prayer"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
When one is attuned to a sincere and abiding faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, whom we all can call upon in times of trouble or need, there is an incredible experience that is possible. It can only be described as supernatural. I have "experienced" Jesus' power most personally in an untold number of circumstances in my life. Many decades ago I became a dedicated and sincere proponent of calling out to God through Jesus in prayer. Be aware of a caveat that we cannot expect God to answer prayers like a great big water spigot being turned on at our beck and call. There are certain spiritual prerequisites that must be fulfilled by us to have God to answer at the other end of the line when we make our call. Below I will reflect on three instances in my life when I had needs, business, personal, and relational and I prayed to God in the Name of Jesus. I experienced amazing answers to my prayers!
The first example was in the mid-1980s when I was a co-founder of a real estate company investing in apartment homes in San Antonio. Our pre-purchase roof inspections were faulty and after closing, we discovered massive leaks, the repairs of which would have consumed a major portion of our financial reserves. I prayed for relief from God, but had no idea how that prayer would be answered., but that it was! Within days a freak wind and rainstorm swept over our apartments and literally caved in and severely damaged our roofs to the extent that insurance claims for new roofs were justified. How do I know that this was a true "experience" of Jesus and not just a coincidence? An adjacent apartment complex was untouched as was a public school across the street!
From 1989-1993 it was my privilege to serve our veterans as a political appointee in the administration of President George H.W. Bush in Washington, D.C.. Both my daughters moved from Texas to attend college and we lived together in a large single family home. My then spouse Jackie chose not to accompany me to the east coast. My daughters and I had some great times together. Lacrosse has always been a favorite sport of mine and one Saturday I wanted Christi to go with me to a game and afterwards attend the post-game social activities. Very reluctantly she accompanied me, but by half-time was bored and wanted to return home. She was driving me in her jeep. We left quietly with very negative attitudes toward each other. We started home with no conversation whatsoever. After a few minutes, I prayed silently, "In the Name of Jesus, let us be reconciled by the time we are home, with no ill feelings between us." Jesus answers simple prayers also! Within a few more minutes, still in silence between us, Christi said, "You are praying, aren't you?" She knew me well. The bad feelings were over and amidst good humor and revived positive attitudes, conversation began again.
At this time of our lives Jackie unfortunately was proceeding to pursue a divorce from me. The pain facing me was obviously significant, but one major thorn was in my side, an issue that deeply grieved me. One weekend in Virginia I had participated in a Bible study at a private home. When it concluded, the pastor and I found ourselves the last ones there. We sat down and he inquired if I had any major issues about which we could address through agreement prayer. I told him how saddened I was that Jackie had never forgiven me for volunteering for Vietnam service without discussing it with her twenty five or so years previously. I was resigning my commission and knew that I could never look myself in the mirror in future years if I avoided Vietnam War duty and was not brave enough to bring it up before I submitted a request for service in the war. Big mistake! The pastor and I prayed a prayer related to Matthew 9:38 regarding the sending of laborers of the harvest: "Pray ye, therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into the harvest." Obviously, this was meant for people to go forth and tell others about the redemption and salvation available when one "accepts" Jesus as Savior. (My next message will address this). We appropriated the scripture so that a person, radio or television program., sermon, or passage of scripture would be used to convey an important message of conviction affecting someone's free will, thoughts, and choices. We prayed in agreement that something she would hear, read, or view would convince her finally to forgive me for that life-changing decsion made so very long ago, whose consequences had robbed us both of so much of our carefree youthful years when I became severely wounded.
Of course the prayer worked, although originally it was not prayed without my misgiving and lack of faith. Two weeks later and several months before the divorce was final, Jackie called me from Texas to North Carolina where I was employed. She said that the night before she had been watching evangelist Marilyn Hickey on a television show and heard in the broadcast about how many times (possibly as many as eighteen) the Bible indicates about forgiveness that she would not be forgiven, if she did not forgive all others. She had called to tell me that she finally was ready to forgive me about my decision to volunteer for Vietnam without telling her! What a relief and closure that was after so many years of sadness.
Indeed I have "experienced" Jesus!
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
When one is attuned to a sincere and abiding faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, whom we all can call upon in times of trouble or need, there is an incredible experience that is possible. It can only be described as supernatural. I have "experienced" Jesus' power most personally in an untold number of circumstances in my life. Many decades ago I became a dedicated and sincere proponent of calling out to God through Jesus in prayer. Be aware of a caveat that we cannot expect God to answer prayers like a great big water spigot being turned on at our beck and call. There are certain spiritual prerequisites that must be fulfilled by us to have God to answer at the other end of the line when we make our call. Below I will reflect on three instances in my life when I had needs, business, personal, and relational and I prayed to God in the Name of Jesus. I experienced amazing answers to my prayers!
The first example was in the mid-1980s when I was a co-founder of a real estate company investing in apartment homes in San Antonio. Our pre-purchase roof inspections were faulty and after closing, we discovered massive leaks, the repairs of which would have consumed a major portion of our financial reserves. I prayed for relief from God, but had no idea how that prayer would be answered., but that it was! Within days a freak wind and rainstorm swept over our apartments and literally caved in and severely damaged our roofs to the extent that insurance claims for new roofs were justified. How do I know that this was a true "experience" of Jesus and not just a coincidence? An adjacent apartment complex was untouched as was a public school across the street!
From 1989-1993 it was my privilege to serve our veterans as a political appointee in the administration of President George H.W. Bush in Washington, D.C.. Both my daughters moved from Texas to attend college and we lived together in a large single family home. My then spouse Jackie chose not to accompany me to the east coast. My daughters and I had some great times together. Lacrosse has always been a favorite sport of mine and one Saturday I wanted Christi to go with me to a game and afterwards attend the post-game social activities. Very reluctantly she accompanied me, but by half-time was bored and wanted to return home. She was driving me in her jeep. We left quietly with very negative attitudes toward each other. We started home with no conversation whatsoever. After a few minutes, I prayed silently, "In the Name of Jesus, let us be reconciled by the time we are home, with no ill feelings between us." Jesus answers simple prayers also! Within a few more minutes, still in silence between us, Christi said, "You are praying, aren't you?" She knew me well. The bad feelings were over and amidst good humor and revived positive attitudes, conversation began again.
At this time of our lives Jackie unfortunately was proceeding to pursue a divorce from me. The pain facing me was obviously significant, but one major thorn was in my side, an issue that deeply grieved me. One weekend in Virginia I had participated in a Bible study at a private home. When it concluded, the pastor and I found ourselves the last ones there. We sat down and he inquired if I had any major issues about which we could address through agreement prayer. I told him how saddened I was that Jackie had never forgiven me for volunteering for Vietnam service without discussing it with her twenty five or so years previously. I was resigning my commission and knew that I could never look myself in the mirror in future years if I avoided Vietnam War duty and was not brave enough to bring it up before I submitted a request for service in the war. Big mistake! The pastor and I prayed a prayer related to Matthew 9:38 regarding the sending of laborers of the harvest: "Pray ye, therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into the harvest." Obviously, this was meant for people to go forth and tell others about the redemption and salvation available when one "accepts" Jesus as Savior. (My next message will address this). We appropriated the scripture so that a person, radio or television program., sermon, or passage of scripture would be used to convey an important message of conviction affecting someone's free will, thoughts, and choices. We prayed in agreement that something she would hear, read, or view would convince her finally to forgive me for that life-changing decsion made so very long ago, whose consequences had robbed us both of so much of our carefree youthful years when I became severely wounded.
Of course the prayer worked, although originally it was not prayed without my misgiving and lack of faith. Two weeks later and several months before the divorce was final, Jackie called me from Texas to North Carolina where I was employed. She said that the night before she had been watching evangelist Marilyn Hickey on a television show and heard in the broadcast about how many times (possibly as many as eighteen) the Bible indicates about forgiveness that she would not be forgiven, if she did not forgive all others. She had called to tell me that she finally was ready to forgive me about my decision to volunteer for Vietnam without telling her! What a relief and closure that was after so many years of sadness.
Indeed I have "experienced" Jesus!
Friday, March 27, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #45: "Knowing Jesus"
Avalon Chronicles #45: "Knowing Jesus"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
It is written in I Corinthians 13:11(KJV), "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." One childish thing I did not put away was a song I learned in Sunday School (second grade Sendai, Japan, Army of Occupation military base), "Jesus loves me-this I know, for the Bible tells me so; little ones to him belong-they are weak, but he is strong." Just a few years ago I learned the connection of this song to West Point, my alma mater. It was published in 1860 and written by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827-1915). She lived on Constitution Island across the Hudson River from West Point. I saw her gravesite several years ago in the West Point cemetery.
Even though I sang this song as a child, as an adult I have strived to really know Jesus, to put away childish notions and become strong as Jesus has inspired me to be. It has been a daily struggle with all the earthly distractions. His words I have always heard and another recollection from those early Sunday School lessons relates to the parable about the house that fell after being built on sand rather than a rock foundation.
The basics of building a house was obvious, but the broader sense about one's entire life being built on a firm foundation was tougher to apply practically on a daily basis.
We know Jesus several ways; childishly, historically, experientially, and, most importantly, soulfully. Historically, the case for Jesus, the Christ, is expressed in ancient times in several references. An unauthenticated description of Jesus, was in, "...an apocryphal letter ascribed to Publius Lentulus, a friend of (Pontius) Pilate, written to the Roman Senate." (quoted in Halley's Bible Handbook, 67th printing 1989, Zondervan, pg. 532.) The first line is the essence of the letter, "In this time appeared a man endowed with great power." Harry Halley continues, "Whatever his personal appearance, there must have been something about his countenance and bearing that was Majestic, Commanding, Divine." Indeed, He had "great power," into which we may tap and appropriate if we build our lives on His foundation, and cease playing games like building with breakable and weak materials. Historically, as an ardent student of American history, I "knew" Patrick Henry, George Washington, Robert E. Lee, General Douglas MacArthur, and President Dwight Eisenhower, but it was more challenging to "know" my Savior and Lord, Jesus.
In Antiquities of the Jews the eminent Jewish historian Josephus wrote, "Now there was about this time, Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, ---a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day." (pg 379).
And what about these prophecies? Again the historical record for those of us who know that He was much more than just a "good man" or a "prophet" himself, concludes that multitudes of prophecies were fulfilled by Him. There were ONE HUNDRED (100) Messianic prophecies made about Jesus in the Old Testament before He was born, lived, performed His earthly ministry, and died as related in the New Testament and they were ALL fulfilled just as made, some written as early as 1200 years before Jesus' birth. (Rose Publishing, Inc. 2002 brochure.)
English Anglican Archbishop Ussher related in the Annals of the World (mid 1660s) writings of Tertullian and Eusebius, "Tiberius was informed from Palestine, by Pilate, about the matters involving Christ. Tiberius proposed to the Senate that Christ should be considered one of the gods. The Senate opposed this, but Tiberius did not change his mind and threatened that, 'It would be dangerous for any to accuse a Christian.'"
If I were an attorney making a case before a jury, I have to admit the evidence above should convince that jury, that there was an historical Jesus. If He was endowed with great power, if He was wise, if He was a doer of great works, and if those, to whom He appeared three days after His death and Resurrection, knew all these things about Him, then I will be stronger and will be strengthened, because, as He was to them, He became to me!
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
It is written in I Corinthians 13:11(KJV), "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." One childish thing I did not put away was a song I learned in Sunday School (second grade Sendai, Japan, Army of Occupation military base), "Jesus loves me-this I know, for the Bible tells me so; little ones to him belong-they are weak, but he is strong." Just a few years ago I learned the connection of this song to West Point, my alma mater. It was published in 1860 and written by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827-1915). She lived on Constitution Island across the Hudson River from West Point. I saw her gravesite several years ago in the West Point cemetery.
Even though I sang this song as a child, as an adult I have strived to really know Jesus, to put away childish notions and become strong as Jesus has inspired me to be. It has been a daily struggle with all the earthly distractions. His words I have always heard and another recollection from those early Sunday School lessons relates to the parable about the house that fell after being built on sand rather than a rock foundation.
The basics of building a house was obvious, but the broader sense about one's entire life being built on a firm foundation was tougher to apply practically on a daily basis.
We know Jesus several ways; childishly, historically, experientially, and, most importantly, soulfully. Historically, the case for Jesus, the Christ, is expressed in ancient times in several references. An unauthenticated description of Jesus, was in, "...an apocryphal letter ascribed to Publius Lentulus, a friend of (Pontius) Pilate, written to the Roman Senate." (quoted in Halley's Bible Handbook, 67th printing 1989, Zondervan, pg. 532.) The first line is the essence of the letter, "In this time appeared a man endowed with great power." Harry Halley continues, "Whatever his personal appearance, there must have been something about his countenance and bearing that was Majestic, Commanding, Divine." Indeed, He had "great power," into which we may tap and appropriate if we build our lives on His foundation, and cease playing games like building with breakable and weak materials. Historically, as an ardent student of American history, I "knew" Patrick Henry, George Washington, Robert E. Lee, General Douglas MacArthur, and President Dwight Eisenhower, but it was more challenging to "know" my Savior and Lord, Jesus.
In Antiquities of the Jews the eminent Jewish historian Josephus wrote, "Now there was about this time, Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, ---a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day." (pg 379).
And what about these prophecies? Again the historical record for those of us who know that He was much more than just a "good man" or a "prophet" himself, concludes that multitudes of prophecies were fulfilled by Him. There were ONE HUNDRED (100) Messianic prophecies made about Jesus in the Old Testament before He was born, lived, performed His earthly ministry, and died as related in the New Testament and they were ALL fulfilled just as made, some written as early as 1200 years before Jesus' birth. (Rose Publishing, Inc. 2002 brochure.)
English Anglican Archbishop Ussher related in the Annals of the World (mid 1660s) writings of Tertullian and Eusebius, "Tiberius was informed from Palestine, by Pilate, about the matters involving Christ. Tiberius proposed to the Senate that Christ should be considered one of the gods. The Senate opposed this, but Tiberius did not change his mind and threatened that, 'It would be dangerous for any to accuse a Christian.'"
If I were an attorney making a case before a jury, I have to admit the evidence above should convince that jury, that there was an historical Jesus. If He was endowed with great power, if He was wise, if He was a doer of great works, and if those, to whom He appeared three days after His death and Resurrection, knew all these things about Him, then I will be stronger and will be strengthened, because, as He was to them, He became to me!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #44: "Still Jesus"
Avalon Chroonicles #44: "Still Jesus"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
My daughter Christi called me after church this past Sunday to relate a short conversation she had had with my three year old grandson, Beau, who had just left his Sunday School class. My daughter asked him what they discussed in his class and he answered simply, "Still Jesus." I have thought about that simple answer and Linda and I discussed it. It has much more consequence and meaning than originally occured to me.
The Sunday School lessons centered repeatedly around Jesus are the essence of all we need to know for a satisfying and meaningful spiritual life. Having our children in Sunday School classes early where the focus is Jesus is the absolute best preparation for the rest of our life. I recall the poster I saw one time, "All You Ever Need to Know You Learn in Kindergarten." I saw this on the wall of a Sunday School class at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, Tx., but many will recall it. Simple things to do such as putting things up, closing doors that you open and on and on and on for every day life. The Navy Admiral who is now the head of the University of Texas system gave a speech and said the first thing one should do is to wake up and make one's bed, because that gets you off on the first accomplishment for your day.
I remember many years ago watching the movie "MacArthur" starring Gregory Peck. It was 1943 and a scene on the ship in the Pacific where President Franklin Roosevelt and General Douglas MacArthur, my childhood hero, were meeting, made an indelible impression on me. As I recall the detail, General MacArthur had been in the Philippines for eight years and during that time had not returned to the United States. President Roosevelt said to MacArthur, "You ought to return, things are changing." General MacArthur said, "The things I believe in never change."
When one focuses on Jesus, the Son of God, who came to earth as a real person, although divine assuredly, everything one needs to know is embodied in Him, who died on a cross, so we could have eternal life when we believe on Him. There are certain prerequisites for that meaningful life to be satisfied, but they can be learned when Jesus remains the focal point for our life as we grow and mature and take our place in our world.
My prayer is that my dear grandson Beau, and his seven year old sister, Brooke, who came home last summer after a day at Vacation Bible School, having accepted Jesus as Savior, (as told to Christi by her teacher) will always focus on keeping the main thing, the main thing, "Still and always, Jesus." I pray that they will always keep Jesus close to their hearts.
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
My daughter Christi called me after church this past Sunday to relate a short conversation she had had with my three year old grandson, Beau, who had just left his Sunday School class. My daughter asked him what they discussed in his class and he answered simply, "Still Jesus." I have thought about that simple answer and Linda and I discussed it. It has much more consequence and meaning than originally occured to me.
The Sunday School lessons centered repeatedly around Jesus are the essence of all we need to know for a satisfying and meaningful spiritual life. Having our children in Sunday School classes early where the focus is Jesus is the absolute best preparation for the rest of our life. I recall the poster I saw one time, "All You Ever Need to Know You Learn in Kindergarten." I saw this on the wall of a Sunday School class at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, Tx., but many will recall it. Simple things to do such as putting things up, closing doors that you open and on and on and on for every day life. The Navy Admiral who is now the head of the University of Texas system gave a speech and said the first thing one should do is to wake up and make one's bed, because that gets you off on the first accomplishment for your day.
I remember many years ago watching the movie "MacArthur" starring Gregory Peck. It was 1943 and a scene on the ship in the Pacific where President Franklin Roosevelt and General Douglas MacArthur, my childhood hero, were meeting, made an indelible impression on me. As I recall the detail, General MacArthur had been in the Philippines for eight years and during that time had not returned to the United States. President Roosevelt said to MacArthur, "You ought to return, things are changing." General MacArthur said, "The things I believe in never change."
When one focuses on Jesus, the Son of God, who came to earth as a real person, although divine assuredly, everything one needs to know is embodied in Him, who died on a cross, so we could have eternal life when we believe on Him. There are certain prerequisites for that meaningful life to be satisfied, but they can be learned when Jesus remains the focal point for our life as we grow and mature and take our place in our world.
My prayer is that my dear grandson Beau, and his seven year old sister, Brooke, who came home last summer after a day at Vacation Bible School, having accepted Jesus as Savior, (as told to Christi by her teacher) will always focus on keeping the main thing, the main thing, "Still and always, Jesus." I pray that they will always keep Jesus close to their hearts.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #43: "Love Story"
Avalon Chronicles #43: "Love Story"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
In 1970 I was graduating SMU in Dallas with an MBA in finance. I was struggling mightily with healing and recovery from the trauma of the combat operating stressors (later termed Post Traumatic Stress) of my wounds in Vietnam three years earlier when my legs were amputated below the knee. Our nation was still mired in the quicksand of our war in Southeast Asia.
It is extremely interesting, even amidst times in our history, when a certain very limited part of our population is off doing the bidding of the captains and the kings in faraway battlefields, how life continues on unchanged on the homefront, never touching most anyone unless, as it was in Vietnam, they view the body bags on the evening news. In 1970 a many times-recalled by me movie premiered. It was "Love Story," starring Ryan O'Neal as Oliver, a wealthy Harvard student, and Ali McGraw as Jennifer, a working class Radcliffe student. One third of my Phillips Exeter Academy prep school class attended Harvard so it has always held a certain degree of fascination for me especially at that time in 2003 when I sat in Harvard Yard upon the graduation of my daughter Elizabeth from the Harvard Business school with her own MBA.
One line in the movie is all the script I recall, "Love means never having to say you are sorry," spoken by Jennifer to Oliver, apologizing for his anger, and again by Oliver to his father, who expressed his sorrow when Jennifer died. For some odd and unfathomable reason that line has remained in my memory and been recalled time and time again through the past four plus decades later. In the world of supposed civility and assumption of repentance, reflecting being sorry and regretful to mend broken personal fences is not utilized nearly enough as it should be to extend our humility and true emotional state of regret.
However, I have always recalled it in its applicability in the spiritual realm. If we truly are a person who believes in a Supreme Being, our Lord God, and desire to follow Him in accordance with I John 3:22 (KJV), "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight," then we are constantly needful of saying, "I am sorry." We are all constantly in disobedience of God because we do not follow this scripture. If we love God, we strive to obey and please Him, and when we do not, and come to Him in confession to right ourselves, we are continually in a state of saying, "I am sorry." Obviously, in both a worldly and spitritual sense, if we truly love someone or something and especially our God, then we must be constantly cognizant of not doing those things that require having to say, "I am sorry," Ponder that. Love others, ourselves, and God in such a magnificent and lofty manner that we need never have to say, "I am sorry."
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
In 1970 I was graduating SMU in Dallas with an MBA in finance. I was struggling mightily with healing and recovery from the trauma of the combat operating stressors (later termed Post Traumatic Stress) of my wounds in Vietnam three years earlier when my legs were amputated below the knee. Our nation was still mired in the quicksand of our war in Southeast Asia.
It is extremely interesting, even amidst times in our history, when a certain very limited part of our population is off doing the bidding of the captains and the kings in faraway battlefields, how life continues on unchanged on the homefront, never touching most anyone unless, as it was in Vietnam, they view the body bags on the evening news. In 1970 a many times-recalled by me movie premiered. It was "Love Story," starring Ryan O'Neal as Oliver, a wealthy Harvard student, and Ali McGraw as Jennifer, a working class Radcliffe student. One third of my Phillips Exeter Academy prep school class attended Harvard so it has always held a certain degree of fascination for me especially at that time in 2003 when I sat in Harvard Yard upon the graduation of my daughter Elizabeth from the Harvard Business school with her own MBA.
One line in the movie is all the script I recall, "Love means never having to say you are sorry," spoken by Jennifer to Oliver, apologizing for his anger, and again by Oliver to his father, who expressed his sorrow when Jennifer died. For some odd and unfathomable reason that line has remained in my memory and been recalled time and time again through the past four plus decades later. In the world of supposed civility and assumption of repentance, reflecting being sorry and regretful to mend broken personal fences is not utilized nearly enough as it should be to extend our humility and true emotional state of regret.
However, I have always recalled it in its applicability in the spiritual realm. If we truly are a person who believes in a Supreme Being, our Lord God, and desire to follow Him in accordance with I John 3:22 (KJV), "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight," then we are constantly needful of saying, "I am sorry." We are all constantly in disobedience of God because we do not follow this scripture. If we love God, we strive to obey and please Him, and when we do not, and come to Him in confession to right ourselves, we are continually in a state of saying, "I am sorry." Obviously, in both a worldly and spitritual sense, if we truly love someone or something and especially our God, then we must be constantly cognizant of not doing those things that require having to say, "I am sorry," Ponder that. Love others, ourselves, and God in such a magnificent and lofty manner that we need never have to say, "I am sorry."
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Avalon Chronicles #42: "The Gathering Storm"
Avalon Chronicles #42: "The Gathering Storm"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
On January 17, 2015 at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas prolific author Joel Rosenberg spoke on the topic of "The Gathering Storm." His points were compelling enough for me to relate them to my Avalon Chronicles friends. As best as I am able, I will relate his major subject matters. My own comments will be underlined in parentheses.
He read from Ezekiel 33: 1-9 regarding the "Watchman on the Wall". In ancient times alerts of danger were sounded by the watchmen on the walls of the cities. (The prophet Ezekiel was taken captive to Babylon in 597 BC, eleven years before the final fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 BC. He was a preacher for twenty two years to the Jews in exile in Babylon). He preached about God's judgment if the Jews did not repent and obey God. Joel Rosenberg is a modern day "Watchman on the Wall" and he urges each of us to become one also.
Rosenberg addressed three major arenas of modern day life. The first relates to the manner in which America has been traveling in sinfulness and lack of attention to God's laws. He is convinced America is due for God's judgement. (God's hand of protection has been over our land, but political decisions and deliberate willfulness in sins of the flesh are not pleasing to God). Joel believes that we will face corporate judgment just as did Israel. (The book of Revelation prophesies the seven churches/periods of the Church Age since Christ. The seventh and last one is the Church of Laodecia, typically denoted as having begun in 1900 AD. Laodicea is defined as 'lukewarm," indifferent and apathetic without passion to the teachings and proper living of our Christian faith. Sound familiar?). Joel spoke in strong terms about the genocide in our own land, exceeding geometrically that of the Holocaust, of the fifty seven million babies aborted since the Roe v Wade case. He spoke of our past Great Awakenings and asked our prayers for a new Great Awakening and that America needs another Josiah. (Josiah was the king of Judah from 641-609 BC and was credited with recognizing the consequences of not following God's laws. He led Israel back to obedience to God's covenant and judgment was delayed). I believe one of the most important points Joel made strikes at the heart of Christianity. Jesus died on the cross for the redemption of our sins, a gift of which, if we do not accept from Him, we will pay for on our own for our sins.
Joel's second major point related to support of Israel. He spoke of blessings to those who support Israel and curses to those who do not. (This issue today is very topical as to the political efforts in different quarters to support Israel or to condemn her. Anti-semitism is on the rise. In France many Jews are departing France especially after the recent attacks in Paris).
The third point he raised was to discuss the genocide in the Middle East perpetrated by ISIS and other Islamist terrorists.He implored the Chrisian community to reach out in support of those threatened. He said we must be awakened and not neglect to understand radical Islam. He believes we are asleep at the wheel in not recognizing this threat. (Personally I believe many in our media, the educational sectors, and the government are not just ignorant of the threat, but have become willful appeasers and perhaps even traitorous in denial of the dangers).
(The bottom line is this. Perhaps God is using the Islamic radicals to be part of the judgment on our land just as He used the Babylonians to punish ancient Israel? Babylon is not awfully far from the current day area of operations of ISIS!).
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
On January 17, 2015 at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas prolific author Joel Rosenberg spoke on the topic of "The Gathering Storm." His points were compelling enough for me to relate them to my Avalon Chronicles friends. As best as I am able, I will relate his major subject matters. My own comments will be underlined in parentheses.
He read from Ezekiel 33: 1-9 regarding the "Watchman on the Wall". In ancient times alerts of danger were sounded by the watchmen on the walls of the cities. (The prophet Ezekiel was taken captive to Babylon in 597 BC, eleven years before the final fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586 BC. He was a preacher for twenty two years to the Jews in exile in Babylon). He preached about God's judgment if the Jews did not repent and obey God. Joel Rosenberg is a modern day "Watchman on the Wall" and he urges each of us to become one also.
Rosenberg addressed three major arenas of modern day life. The first relates to the manner in which America has been traveling in sinfulness and lack of attention to God's laws. He is convinced America is due for God's judgement. (God's hand of protection has been over our land, but political decisions and deliberate willfulness in sins of the flesh are not pleasing to God). Joel believes that we will face corporate judgment just as did Israel. (The book of Revelation prophesies the seven churches/periods of the Church Age since Christ. The seventh and last one is the Church of Laodecia, typically denoted as having begun in 1900 AD. Laodicea is defined as 'lukewarm," indifferent and apathetic without passion to the teachings and proper living of our Christian faith. Sound familiar?). Joel spoke in strong terms about the genocide in our own land, exceeding geometrically that of the Holocaust, of the fifty seven million babies aborted since the Roe v Wade case. He spoke of our past Great Awakenings and asked our prayers for a new Great Awakening and that America needs another Josiah. (Josiah was the king of Judah from 641-609 BC and was credited with recognizing the consequences of not following God's laws. He led Israel back to obedience to God's covenant and judgment was delayed). I believe one of the most important points Joel made strikes at the heart of Christianity. Jesus died on the cross for the redemption of our sins, a gift of which, if we do not accept from Him, we will pay for on our own for our sins.
Joel's second major point related to support of Israel. He spoke of blessings to those who support Israel and curses to those who do not. (This issue today is very topical as to the political efforts in different quarters to support Israel or to condemn her. Anti-semitism is on the rise. In France many Jews are departing France especially after the recent attacks in Paris).
The third point he raised was to discuss the genocide in the Middle East perpetrated by ISIS and other Islamist terrorists.He implored the Chrisian community to reach out in support of those threatened. He said we must be awakened and not neglect to understand radical Islam. He believes we are asleep at the wheel in not recognizing this threat. (Personally I believe many in our media, the educational sectors, and the government are not just ignorant of the threat, but have become willful appeasers and perhaps even traitorous in denial of the dangers).
(The bottom line is this. Perhaps God is using the Islamic radicals to be part of the judgment on our land just as He used the Babylonians to punish ancient Israel? Babylon is not awfully far from the current day area of operations of ISIS!).
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