Something cool!

Years ago, when I first started going to church, I was part of an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church for about 5 years. They had plaques all along the walls of the sanctuary of missionaries that they supported. One of those that I gave to back then was in Papua New Guinea. I remember being fascinated because I had never heard of this little country. The missionary came to tell of the mission field and share their heart for the people and what God was up to in that country.

Earlier this year, Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has made a historic decision to amend the country’s Constitution, formally declaring its Christian identity while preserving the freedom to practice other religions. The amendment, approved by a strong majority of 80-4, will include references to Christianity in the Constitution’s Preamble. The updated wording recognizes “God, the Father; Jesus Christ, the Son; and Holy Spirit, as our Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe and the source of our powers and authorities.” Christianity will also be acknowledged in the Fifth Goal of the Preamble, with Section 1 affirming the nation’s Christian identity, and the Bible being officially recognized as a national symbol under Section 3 … With parliamentary approval now finalized, the amendment will go through the necessary legal procedures before being enacted into law. This marks a significant moment in Papua New Guinea’s history, solidifying its Christian heritage while continuing to uphold the constitutional commitment to religious freedom.

Words are interesting:

SIN – is חֶטְא (chet), which literally means “to miss” or “to miss the mark.” When we sin, we don’t live up too or get it right. Things that cause us grief and sorrow because we messed up.

TRANSGRESSION – pesha” (פֶּשַׁע). It refers to a willful act of defiance against God. This is rebellion and a casting off of divine authority. This is no longer just getting it wrong but choosing to do what you know is wrong on purpose.

INIQUITY –  עָווֹן (ʿavon). It signifies a deep moral failing or perversion, a moral distortion, crookedness in the soul. This is not just getting wrong, or choosing to do wrong, but a lifestyle and identity built around what is wrong. This is the expression of one who has become so steeped in sin that they become it.

Isaiah 53:4–6

Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Jesus took it all to the cross! From our simple screw ups to all the ways we’ve been bent and corrupted. He paid it all. THAT IS THE GOOD NEWS!!

Song for you:

A little pep talk from Mr. Rogers:

OMGOODNESS – Throw back to 3 things lol Should I do this again. #10yearsago

Thanks for listening,

Starla