What Happens Today

Words that Cut In his play, The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare pens, “If you prick us, do we not bleed?” These words scripted for Shylock, a Jew, were spoken by him to bring a point. We all suffer when inflicted by pain. None of us are immune; all of us suffer in like manner. And nothing can cause more pain than words. Words spoken carelessly. Words spoken in anger. Words spoken in fear, in revenge. Words form a weapon each of us carry. They can build up, they can tear down. They can start wars and they can start love. No license is required to carry this weapon, yet it can be one of the most deadly in the human arsenal. Their effect can be lifelong and devastating. Words can cut deep. All of us are made in the image of God. We are not God, we are not perfect. But we’ve all been created after His image. When God condemns murder, the shedding of blood (even before the ten commandments), the reason He gives is that the victim has been created in His image. All

Tipping the Scales How much good must a man do to tip the scales in his favor? Is heaven a reward for those who labor or for those who believe? Maybe it’s a combination of both? Believe a little, do some good, and you’re in. Or is it automatic? Is admission to heaven unqualified? Or maybe it’s based on what you don’t do. Don’t murder, don’t swear, and you’re there. One thing I can assure you of, Scripture doesn’t want us doubting as to where we are going to spend forever. God has made it purposefully clear in the bible; if we’ll take the time to look. There is a story of a young man, a rich ruler, who came to Jesus asking the very question that I’m asking here, what shall I do to get into heaven? This young man already had a pretty solid idea (at least in his opinion) of how he would achieve eternal life. Jesus’ interaction with this young man shows us what will not get us past the so called pearly gates. Stature and deeds will never be enough. Are you saying I’m not g