Struggling to Interest People

Bible readings for the day: Genesis 14-15

Although Abraham is basically a peace-loving, the greatness of character when he appeared 318 people mobilized his men to fight for liberating Lot, his nephew, of the enemy prisoners.

The character of Abraham who love peace (tend to always avoid arguments) visible from a few events. First, as his servants and servants of Lot fight, he decided to split from Lot to avoid problems. He also invited Lot to choose the place (13:1-12). Second, the beauty she has the potential to invite trouble, he chose to ask his wife claimed to be his brother (12:11-13). Third, when Sara was desperate to ask Abraham married Hagar in order to have a child, he went along (16:1-6), so he must have a deep sadness when he had to expel Hagar and Ishmael, Abraham's son from his marriage to Hagar (21:9-14).

Abraham's character that always avoid arguments as described above, it is surprising that Abraham dared to lead his people to fight against the king's army and Kedorlaomer allies kings (14:1-16). His affection to Lot, his nephew, made Abraham able to overcome his fears. This epic story of Abraham is a reproach to us that says to love your wife or husband or children or the poor or the church, but not willing to fight to realize that love. When the love of God is in our hearts, it's natural if we dare to take risks to fight for the people we love!

1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Hope in Recovery

Bible readings for the day: Genesis 3

Understanding that the fall of Adam and Eve into sin has made all men are born in a state of sin is something sad. Instead, our hope is that the recovery will occur later when the Lord Jesus comes back.

In common sense, we can see that all people are born with a variety of similarities with their parents, not just the physical side, but also from the character. In terms of theology, Christians believe that human beings are born in sin because of human sinfulness inherited Adam (Romans 5:12). Note that the man (Adam) was created in the image and likeness of God (1:26-27; 5:1), but Seth, the son of Adam, born, according to appearance and image of Adam (5:3). Adam was created in a state of innocence, but because Adam and Eve had fallen into sin, his descendants were born in the image of Adam and Eve had fallen into sin.

Because humans are born in a state of sin, not surprising that in this world there are many crimes. Strict law could reduce crime, but never can eliminate crime. In a country run by very strict laws were always going against the law.

Before the Lord Jesus came for the second time, crime will continue to exist in this world. Only after the Lord Jesus to come back to this world to give the new body that no longer have the inclination to sin, to punish Satan and his followers, and establish a new heaven and new earth, then we can have freedom from sin and evil.

Revelation 21:4
"And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death no more; there will be no more mourning or wailing, or sorrow, for all that time has passed.".