Random Thoughts on the Really Good News

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge." (2 Corinthians 2:14) Thanksgiving is here again, and I was reminded of the above verse. Paul was giving thanks to God for the “fragrance of His knowledge” . A fragrance that can flow from one person to another regardless of culture or background. And I am NOT talking about Christians going to church and singing “cume by ya my Lord” . I am referring to those few in this life who actually believe that good will eventually triumph over evil, if not in this life, then in the next. That “knowledge” and faith in a future triumph manifests itself in the form of love, joy, patience, kindness, etc. and that lifestyle “diffuses” the “fragrance” of hope to all around them.  Just as there are pleasing physical fragrances that can be noticed by our physical senses, there are also pleasing spiritual fragrances. Most people attempt to put on this fragrance lik...

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16) We are told what the acceptable sacrifices are now that Jesus, our High Priest, has once and for ALL sacrificed himself for mankind. Note that these ACCEPTABLE sacrifices are NOT animal sacrifice, tithes and offerings, attendance at ritual meetings, baptisms, communion, bible study, or other things usually suggested as pleasing in a traditional worship service. Acceptable sacrifices are: PRAISE, THANKSGIVING, DOING GOOD AND SHARING….that’s it! And we are to do it "CONTINUALLY" . It is a mature lifestyle of the ideal adult, although rarely observed in the people of this present evil age. Newborn infants are all cuddly and content if feed regularly. Then comes the “Terrible Twos” parents go through with children! It is always what th...