The world problem instigator demanded that Jesus should turn stones into bread and Jesus answered, “Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God,”(Mt.4: 4; Deut.8: 3; NIV). Our Lord wants us to pray daily for our bread (Mt.6: 11).

Paul argued that if our hope in Christ was only for this life; then, we are the saddest people in the world (I Cor.15: 19). We are being fooled to live as if there is no tomorrow or a hereafter (I Cor.15: 32-33). The longing for security is an endless endeavor. We are experiencing presently how fragile material security is. For Christians, Christ has bridged that uncertainly and warranted a lasting security that begins in this life and continues in the other.

The Church in Sardis made much about the name of Jesus; but did little to live by it. Most of the members were religious, in name only. They appeared being alive, when in reality, they were dead. They could fool the world, but not the Lord. Only a few souls were pleasing the Lord (Rev.3: 1-6). What was hindering these people from living up to the name of the Lord? It had much to do with Sardis itself.

We have arrived. The “Age of Babel” has returned. Remember “The Tower of Babel” where the human race tried to merge into one nation under one head with one headquarters. Fortunately, God capsized the attempt because He is for a variety and nations that can govern themselves without interference from others more powerful forces.

am indebted to our pastor on his superb sermon on: “Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not obey me,”(Lk.6: 46). The Greek has, “…and do not do what I say.” I would like to stay with what we say. Just how important is it what we say and how we say it?

Define democracy through Webster and then compare it with the political system of the U.S.A. The contrast is almost incomprehensive. Let us consider some basics.

The personal letter of Paul to Timothy, regarding women has caused more than one problem (Tim 02: 90-15). In Paul's world, women were guilty of sin and could redeem themselves by bearing children. They had to be silent, submissive and faithful servants. Above all, take note of the, “I do not permit a woman to teach and have authority over a man.” How humiliating that was for Paul or for any Jew during his time.

The word, “Beatitudes” is an abbreviation and combination of blessings and attitudes. The Hebrew “ashiri” and the Greek “makarios” depict blessedness, contentment, happiness, joy, satisfaction and whatever else that cause a good and grateful feeling in a person. These blessed attitudes result from doing what is right in the eyes of God. Psalm 01:1 and 02:12 indicate that a person is blessed when he or she avoid sinners and trust God. Listening to a wise person creates contentment (Prov.8: 34). Maintaining justice and keeping God's laws also makes a person feel satisfied (Isa.56: 1-2). Perhaps the greatest feeling of having been blessed abundantly is when one escapes persecution and death (Dan.12: 12). I can identify with Daniel. Like his people, we too were driven from our homes and nearly lost our lives.

This is the age of innovation. Everything new has to be good and superior. It reminds me of the efficiency expert. When he died and six men carried him off, he raised himself up and said, “Put wheels under this thing and lay off five.” Did not some one say,

The parable on weeds fits our nation like a glove (Mt.13:24-30). Jesus had the “Kingdom of Heaven” in mind, but the facts apply to any nation that was founded doing what is right. A farmer sowed good seed, then he made the mistake of going to sleep. While he slept, his enemy sowed weeds. When the wheat began to bud, the weeds also appeared. The servants wanted to know what had gone wrong and the farmer knew exactly who was behind the fiasco. The servants wanted to go and remove the weeds and the farmer realized instantly that it was impossible to separate the weeds from the wheat without harming the crop. Only at harvest time can the two be separated.