Elliott's Muses

Today is Oct. 31st and therefore in the U.S. it's Halloween.  The word Halloween is derived from the words "all hallows' eve" - which for centuries was a prelude to Nov. 1st and the celebration of "All Saints Day". For centuries the church celebrated Nov. 1 as a day to honor the historical "saints" of the church.  Now, as a Christian, we're all "Saints".  Scripture says so: Romans 1:7  To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.   1 Corinthians 1:2  To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:  Ephesians 1:1   Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Look at Paul's greetings in most of his lette...

A recent auction, coupled with a book, and a lesson from Church History is how I'm prompted to right about what it means to live on purpose. First let me start with a bit of nostalgia. I grew up with Borden's Milk delivered to our house.  As a kid we looked for the milk man's stop.  I don't remember how long home deliveries took place, but I've visited England several times and the tradition is still alive and well there. When the deliveries stopped we bought our Borden's milk at the local grocery store. A nostalgic memory that was revived at a recent auction where old bottles were up for sale. Recently a young friend sent me a book and a story that caught my attention was about William Borden. The Borden family began their milk business in the latter part of the 19th century.  William Borden was the son of William Borden, the founder of Borden Milk.  The elder William married Mary Whiting and William Jr. was born Nov. 1, 1882 (so happy 131st birt...

Acts 4:5-13 5  On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6  with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7  And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9  if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10  let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11  This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by ...

Hebrews 11:8  By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.  Hebrews 11:13-16 13  These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14  For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15  If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16  But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. People do interesting, and sometimes (to others) strange things by faith.  Abraham left his family and home to journey to a new land God had promised him as an inheritance.  To us in the 21st century it doesn'...

I mentioned in a previous post the story of the 33 Chilean Miners who were rescued three years ago this week.  They had buried 2300 feet under the surface and after two months of drilling a rescue hole, a 13 foot capsule, 19 inches around, was lowered to the trapped miners.  One by one, they got in until they all were saved. I used that story yesterday in teaching on Romans 4.  I'm teaching the book of Romans in our church fellowship and this story illustrates so well the point of what it means to be saved by Grace Alone, Through Faith alone. Grace is the vehicle lowered from above...the work is all done on top and the trapped miners could do nothing to help themselves out. Grace brings us the ability to be rescued...faith is "getting in" the capsule.  Choosing to say "yes, Lord" to Jesus Christ's offer to save us.  All were saved because by faith they "got in".  So also, any of us who say yes to Christ Jesus have received that grace to faith. ...