Jesus’ Birthday

Jesus’ Birthday | Ernie's Musings

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

Everyone, I assume, knows that Jesus was not born on December 25. The Bible does not give us a date. Was it Kislev 25, the first day of Chanukah? If that were the case, the date on the western calendar would fluctuate within the months of mid-November to mid-December. Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/12/25/jesus-birthday/

Extreme Measures

Extreme Measures | Ernie's Musings

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The baby in the feeding trough, surrounded by smelly farm animals and adored by a small crowd including a soft-faced young mother, strong bewildered father, common shepherds and majestic kings makes for a sweet, albeit often overlooked, tableau. If noticed at all, its significance evaporates in clouds of sentimentality. How precious!

Do you not see! The Creator of heaven and earth reduced to a helpless, needy, human infant boy. The Owner and Master of all Creation presented to the world through the birth canal of a young virgin girl. The conception itself made an object of ridicule and shame; conceived outside the “knowledge” of a poor carpenter willing to accept the ridicule of the town’s people, and adopt someone else’s child. The engineer and designer of a finely tuned universe born in a dirty cave allotted to animals rather than a fine palace suitable for the King of the Universe. Rather than a reception by kings, dignitaries, and nobles, the first to greet Him were the low-class, detestable shepherds that kept the sheep for the Temple sacrifices.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/12/11/extreme-measures/

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (7) | Ernie's Musings

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (7) | Ernie's Musings

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? (John 11:40)

Jesus “stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51) as He made a stopover in Jericho along the way. The cross loomed ominous – less than two weeks away – when He received word from Bethany, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick” (John 11:3). It was Lazarus. The content of the message did not convey the gravity of the matter. “When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (John 11:4, emphasis mine).

Read more ...https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/12/04/jesus-seven-signs-in-john-7/ 

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (6)

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (6) | Ernie's Musings

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4)

Why does God allow suffering? That question usually comes from God deniers uninterested in finding truth, but more interested in challenging the faith of those who claim to know the truth. Of course, the fundamental answer to the question fails to satisfy the skeptic, that is, that the origin of human suffering, and all other forms of evil, is due to the fall of man (Genesis 3). However, regardless of that fact, the doubter thinks, “There has to be something more to it than that!”

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/11/27/jesus-seven-signs-in-john-6/

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (5) |

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (5) | Ernie's Musings

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. (John 6:20)

It comes as no surprise that they would make Him – one that could heal diseases and produce food out of thin air – their king, but He would have no part of that. Jesus did not come to be an earthly king, at least not at this time. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). So, before they could carry out their plan, Jesus secreted Himself away into the higher elevations of the mountain.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/11/20/jesus-seven-signs-in-john-5/

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (4)

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (4) | Ernie's Musings

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. (John 6:2)

The synoptic Gospel writers also recorded this fourth miracle selected by John. So impressive was this miracle, that the others recorded a second very much like it. Just as when Jesus turned the water into wine, Jesus took something simple and multiplied it into more than enough. I am talking about the time that Jesus took five barley loaves and two small fish and turned it into enough fish and chips to feed a crowd of over 5000 – and that was just counting men.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/11/13/jesus-seven-signs-in-john-4/

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (3)

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (3) | Ernie's Musings

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? (John 5:6)

John opens this next section with the phrase “After this.” The second “sign” highlighted by John was the healing of the nobleman’s son (John 4:46-54), and “After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 5:1, emphasis mine). John does not identify the particular feast. Jesus was careful to observe all of the feast days according to the Law. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matthew 5:17). Except for His run-ins with the Pharisees over “breaking the Sabbath,” He did not fail a single commandment.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/11/06/jesus-seven-signs-in-john-3/

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (2)

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (2) | Ernie's Musings

This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.  (John 4:54)

Men often boast about their abilities, but when it comes time to show what they can do, they fall far short of even their own expectations. Jesus not only demonstrated His deity by His claims, but He performed inexplicable acts attributable only to supernatural power. In the previous post, we looked at Jesus’ first sign – that of turning simple drinking water into a highly complex solution i.e. wine.[1] The low-key act called no attention to Himself, and He accomplished it by the will of His divine mind. He simply thought it, and it was done.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/10/30/jesus-seven-signs-in-john-2/

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (1)

Jesus’ Seven Signs in John (1) | Ernie's Musings

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.  (John 2:11)

In the past few weeks, I highlighted the seven I AM statements spoken by Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of According to John.  These statements are significant because through them Jesus declared His divine nature. The reason John recorded seven (there may have been more, see John 20:30-31) was perhaps to show the completeness, or perfection of His deity. Seven is the biblical number for perfection or completeness.

Jesus not only proclaimed His deity verbally, He also demonstrated His deity by His “works.” 

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/10/23/jesus-seven-signs-in-john-1/

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (7)

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (7) | Ernie's Musings

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  (John 15:5)

A large sycamore tree grows in my front yard. Its large palmate leaves provide ample shade from the hot Texas sun, but that same Texas heat stresses the tree so that it drops many of its leaves in mid-summer, long before autumn when trees normally defoliate. It also drops limbs constantly making it a self-pruning tree that creates a lot of extra work for me. One thing I have noticed is that the leaves and branches that detach from the tree die. Even though they fall on fertile ground, they do not rejuvenate. Even if I “plant” them in the ground, feed, and water them, they will not take root. They remain dead. They only remain alive while attached to the tree.

Jesus had this image in mind in this seventh and final I AM statement recorded by John. He said, “I AM the vine.” Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/10/16/jesus-seven-i-am-statements-in-john-7/.

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (6)

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (6) | Ernie's Musings

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  (John 14:6)

Many today reject exclusivity when it comes to God and the heavenly realm. “If” God exists, and “if” heaven exists, then any “good” person, who “sincerely” believes, regardless of what they believe, should gain entrance into heaven. So, a sincere Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Tao, Jew, or Christian can go to heaven as long as they are good and sincere in their belief. The only problem with that is that everyone defines “good” differently.

The idea that everyone (except for really “bad” people) goes to heaven is known as “universalism.” This popular belief attracts many because it relieves one of any obligation, responsibility or guilt. Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/10/09/jesus-seven-i-am-statements-in-john-6/.

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (5)

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (5) | Ernie's Musings

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life… (John 11:25)

“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). Jesus knew that the culmination of His earthly mission had arrived, and He was determined to see it through to the end. His journey up to Jerusalem took Him by way of Jericho where He healed the blind man, Bartimaeus (Luke 18:35-43), and “saved” the publican (tax collector), Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10).

As He approached Bethany, Martha rushed out to meet Him. “Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (John 11:21) ...

Read more: https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/10/02/jesus-seven-i-am-statements-in-john-5/

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (4)

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (4) | Ernie's Musings

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)

In the last “I AM” statement, Jesus said He was “the door” – the only way into the sheepfold. We also learned that a porter guarded the door by physically placing himself across the entrance (John 10:3). In essence, the porter became “the door.” In the absence of a porter, the shepherd himself would perform this task making himself the door (John 10:9).

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/09/25/jesus-seven-i-am-statements-in-john-4/

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (3)

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (3) | Ernie's Musings

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9)

This third “I AM” statement directly follows Jesus’ healing of the man who was blind from birth (John 9). That event was the sixth of seven signs highlighted in John’s gospel, which I will cover later. Jesus charges the religious leaders with incurable blindness because, in their blindness, they do not recognize their own blind condition. Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/09/18/jesus-seven-i-am-statements-in-john-3/

The Garden of Eden

The Garden of Eden | Ernie's Musings

And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. (Genesis 2:8)

The location of the biblical Garden of Eden remains a mystery that intrigues many. Recently I received an email from someone who thought he had it figured out. He writes ...

Read more: https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/09/11/the-garden-of-eden/

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (2)

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (2) | Ernie's Musings

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)

This second “I AM” statement directly follows Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-12). Jesus came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:1-13), and was soon confronted the “Jews” who constantly sought to catch Him in a fault.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/09/04/jesus-seven-i-am-statements-in-john-2/

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (1)

Jesus’ Seven ‘I AM’ Statements in John (1) | Ernie's Musings

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

In the first of the “I Am” statements recorded by John, “Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35, emphasis mine). Bread is a staple food meaning that it “is eaten routinely ...

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/08/28/jesus-seven-i-am-statements-in-john-1/

If My People | Ernie's Musings

If My People | Ernie's Musings

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Fear hangs like a dark, menacing storm cloud over our nation. Insecurity saps the courage of our people to venture into the unknown. Anger and hostility ignite flames of anarchy in our streets and everyone yearns for a savior. Our nation is deeply troubled. Anyone with any sense of awareness can see it. Many feel helpless to stem the tide, while many others tenaciously cling to the hope that the downward spiral can be arrested and reversed through a spiritual awakening and revival. The latter frequently quote, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, emphasis mine).

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/08/21/if-my-people/

Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet? | Ernie's Musings

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.   (Revelation 22:12)

More than ever it seems that Christians are “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). Given all that is taking place in the all over the world today, I am not surprised when I get questions like the following:

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/08/14/are-we-there-yet/

Alpha And Omega | Ernie's Musings

Alpha And Omega | Ernie's Musings

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.  (Revelation 1:8)

These words recorded by the Apostle John, the one “whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:7, 20), introduce the One who would “reveal” the details of the final events of world history. At this time, John was an old man probably in his nineties, exiled on the island of Patmos “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9). It was Sunday, “the Lord’s Day,” and John was “in the Spirit” (Revelation 1:10).  John does not say, but I imagine that he was reading and meditating on Daniel’s prophecy and praying. John earned the nickname “Camel Knees” (so I am told) for the calluses he developed from hours on his knees in prayer. While in that posture, “a great voice, as of a trumpet” interrupted his meditation, and the resurrected Lord introduced Himself as “Alpha and Omega, the first and the last” (Revelation 1:10-11).

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/08/07/alpha-and-omega/

Time Confusion | Ernie's Musings

Time Confusion | Ernie's Musings

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. (Job 38:4)

How old is the universe, and how long ago before creation was it when the devil and his fallen angels were kicked out of heaven? I’m confused because it seems that the devil was in the Garden of Eden, so when did he arrive on earth?

To find out, read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/07/31/time-confusion/

Burden of a Prophet

Burden of a Prophet | Ernie's Musings

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5)

I am a prophet, not a “seer” or fortuneteller. As with prophets of old, I can only say what God reveals. The prophets of old heard directly from God and repeated the message, “Thus saith the Lord,” and they recorded that message in Scripture. Nothing has been, or can be, added to the written Word of God. Thus saith the Lord, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2). The New Testament repeats, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18).

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/07/24/burden-of-a-prophet/

When God Won’t Hear

When God Won’t Hear | Ernie's Musings

Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings. (Micah 3:4)

I get weary by the overwhelming onslaught of depressing news that assails me from all directions. It assaults me from the radio, TV, social media, internet, emails and even from normal conversations with friends. Let us face it, the world is a mess and nothing seems to make it better; it just seems to keep getting worse. Christians are encouraged to pray for our nation and to pray for our leaders. Albeit out of context, 2 Chronicles 7:14 frequently serves as a call for Christians pray for the nation. Like the United States of America, Israel, first the northern kingdom and then Judah, rejected God and turned to false gods.I am certain that the faithful in Israel prayed for their nation, but that was not enough to dissuade God from punishing the entire nation – including the faithful ones.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/07/17/when-god-wont-hear/ 

Justice For All

And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. (Isaiah 59:14)

The closing phrase of “The Pledge of Allegiance” asserts that this republic, “under God,” offers “liberty and justice for all.” This week, following the celebration of the 240th anniversary of the birth of our nation, that assertion proved false when FBI Director, James Comey, succinctly detailed the numerous security violations incurred by former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, when she carelessly handed classified electronic documents. The recitation of infractions enumerated by the FBI director exposed the litany of lies voiced by the Democrat Presidential Candidate.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/07/10/justice-for-all/

The Curse of Blessings

The Curse of Blessings | Ernie's Musings

According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me. (Hosea 13:6)

Hosea, whose name means “deliverer,” is an interesting character. God instructed Hosea to marry a prostitute (Hosea 1:2). He married Gomer (v. 3) who bore three children to him. Soon after that, Gomer left Hosea and returned to her whoring ways. After that God instructed Hosea to go after her and buy her back (Hosea 3:1-3).

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/06/26/the-curse-of-blessings/

Natural Selection

Natural Selection | Ernie's Musings

And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:24-25)

Natural selection is the means by which Charles Darwin proposed all life on earth sprang from a common source. From where or how that common source first appeared he did not explain nor can his modern devotees. Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/06/19/natural-selection/

All Things Work Together For Good

All Things Work Together For Good | Ernie's Musings

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Were you to ask me what my all-time favorite verse of the Bible is, without hesitation I would say Romans 8:28.  I favor many verses for various reasons, for example, Genesis 1:1 is foundational: “In the beginning God created the heaven[s] and the earth.” God as Creator settles a lot of unanswered and unanswerable questions. Along with that is John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” reveals that Jesus Christ is the Creator, who “was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). It was He who, “being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8) because, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). I take comfort from knowing that, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). He will meet my every need.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/06/12/all-things-work-together-for-good/

No Choice!

No Choice! | Ernie's Musings

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: (Daniel 2:20-21)

The Republican National Convention looms ahead within a few short weeks, and it appears that Donald Trump is the presumptive GOP candidate for President of the United States. The prospect is disheartening to many Christians including me, but unlike me, many Christians are resolved to “suck it up” and vote for Trump as the “lesser of two evils.” I don’t know about you, but I am tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. I voted for the lesser of two evils in 2008 when I voted for John McCain. I voted for the lesser of two evils when I voted for Mitt Romney in 2012. What did that get us? It got us eight years of Barrack Obama! To me, Donald Trump measures up so far below either McCain or Romney that it’s like drinking the dregs of cold, stale coffee.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/06/05/no-choice/

Memorial

Memorial | Ernie's Musings

And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. (Exodus 3:15)

In the United States, we set aside (consecrate, sanctify, make holy) Memorial Day to commemorate those who paid the ultimate price in the defense and preservation of our freedom. As is common with all “holy” days, the significance of the day wanes after one or two generations lost in habitual and meaningless traditions and mechanical ceremony. True, one will find gatherings here and there in honor of our fallen heroes, but the crowds are usually small and composed mostly of those whose loved ones are entombed beneath the sacred ground. But for the majority of Americans today, Memorial Day is just another excuse for a three-day weekend. 

Read more: https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/05/29/memorial/

No Accident

No Accident | Ernie's Musings

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)

Commuting to work on the rain-drenched LBJ Freeway in Dallas, Texas this past week, I was at once amused and terrified at the maneuvers made by some crazy drivers obviously unaware of the hazardous road conditions. It reminded me of something that my old Driver’s Ed teacher repeated often a hundred years ago, “Accidents don’t happen; they are caused.” Apparently the crazies on LBJ never took driving lessons from my old Driver’s Ed teacher. Read more ...  https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/05/22/no-accident/

Not Passed On In The Genes

Not Passed On In The Genes | Ernie's Musings

And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. (1 Kings 11:6)

I have heard the lament of many good Christian parents who did all they knew to do to “bring [their children] up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) only to have them walk away from the faith as adults. This is nothing new, and the Bible offers examples from which we can take comfort.

Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/05/15/not-passed-on-in-the-genes/

AMEN!

AMEN! | Ernie's Musings

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; (Revelation 3:14)

AMEN! It’s a common interjection often expressed to show agreement or approval and often without knowledge of what the word means. Can I get an AMEN! Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/05/08/amen/

Thees, Thous, and Wot Nots

Thees, Thous, and Wot Nots | Ernie's Musings

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? (Luke 10:26)

One of most common complaints or criticisms I hear about the King James Version of the Bible (KJV) is that Elizabethan English is just too difficult to understand. I even heard one well-known preacher declare from the pulpit that the KJV was just a “stupid translation.” That is a rather sad pronouncement coming from a supposedly well-educated cleric. I suggest that such comments demonstrate the reader’s educational privation rather than a problem with the KJV. Read more ...

https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/05/01/thees-thous-and-wot-nots/

Work | Ernie's Musings

Work | Ernie's Musings

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. (John 5:17)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the current unemployment rate as of this writing is 5.0%. ... Sources differ, but the actual unemployment rate is somewhere between 40% and 60% meaning that at least half of the country is out of work ... The scarcity of work not only serves to stagnate the economy, but it potentially promotes an increase in crime and civil unrest. Having been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), humans need to work ... it comes with being created in the image of God. Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/04/24/work/

Loving God

Loving God | Ernie's Musings

If ye love me, keep my commandments … If a man love me, he will keep my words. (John14:15, 23)

How can one love God? Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). How does one love or worship “a Spirit”? By definition, a spirit is immaterial. A spirit cannot be heard, seen, smelled, tasted, or touched. Those who choose not to believe in God use this as an excuse. Understandably, it is difficult for us material beings to relate to the Spirit of God. Read more ... https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/04/17/loving-god/

The Bible Says | Ernie's Musings

The Bible Says | Ernie's Musings

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

One does not have to cast off reason and believe the Bible simply because the Bible says so. The Bible contains more than sufficient, historical, scientific, practical, and fulfilled prophetic evidence of its accuracy to lend credence to those areas demanding “faith.” 

Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/04/03/the-bible-says/

Resurrection | Ernie's Musings

Resurrection | Ernie's Musings

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up … When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. (John 2:20, 22)

On the Lord’s Feast of Passover, Jesus, already physically drained from lack of sleep and subjected to  a sham of a trial by the Jewish religious leaders, was brutally beaten and scourged at hands of Roman  soldiers, experts at inflicting pain without killing the victim. Then in that depleted condition, He was forced to carry His own cross to the place of execution, and whether it was a fully assembled cross or just the cross beam, for a man in Jesus’ condition at that time was next to impossible – but He did it. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/03/27/resurrection/

Easter’s Wrong! | Ernie's Musings

Easter’s Wrong! | Ernie's Musings

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of  soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. (Acts 12:4)

The two highest church attendance days are Christmas and Easter. Easter probably wins the high attendance day award of the two since it always falls on a Sunday. Both holidays have pagan roots which were "Christianized" by the Roman Catholic Church. So, what's wrong with Easter? To find out, read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/03/20/easters-wrong/

Ready | Ernie's Musings

Ready | Ernie's Musings

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night … But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4)

Do you look with anticipation to the future? I do, and I am so ready for Christ to return and straighten out this mess of a world. Do you look forward to that? Let's talk about that. Read more: http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/03/13/ready/.

The Trump Sounds | Ernie's Musings

The Trump Sounds | Ernie's Musings

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  (Matthew 7:20)

Regardless of what you may think of him, Donald Trump is a phenomenon. Here is a man who has been self-serving all of his life, and now, over night, he has become the champion of conservative values. He is willing to sacrifice himself to the service and benefit of the nation. What is probably more amazing is how he has managed to convince around 40% of Republicans (I hesitate to say “conservatives”) that he alone can save the nation from its inevitable demise. More astounding is the apparent attraction Trump has fostered among evangelicals. Evangelical notables like Dallas First Baptist Church pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress, and Liberty University President, Jerry Falwell, Jr. have jumped on the Trump bandwagon in full support of the Republican candidate endorsing him as a strong Christian. Seriously? Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/02/28/the-trump-sounds/

Good For Who? | Ernie's Musings

Good For Who? | Ernie's Musings

For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  (Leviticus 11:44)

I have addressed this topic in the past perhaps because the older I get, the more I recognize my own deficiency in this area. I also see the growing invasion of “worldliness” spreading in our churches, including our more “conservative” evangelical churches. I attribute much of this to a general lack of biblical literacy, especially with regard to Old Testament teaching regarding the Mosaic Law. 

Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/02/21/good-for-who/

Says Who? | Ernie's Musings

Says Who? | Ernie's Musings

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (2 Peter 3:3)

“Scoffers,” as defined by the Apostle Peter in the context of this verse, are those who reject the  teaching of Scripture concerning the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, but more generally, scoffers  ridicule all teachings of Scripture. Scoffers become, as the Apostle Paul described, “fools” – “Professing themselves to be wise” (Romans 1:22). A “fool,” as defined by the Bible, is one who  “hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). While the world has always had a good  number of “foolish scoffers,” it seems, to me at least, that their ranks have swelled in these “last  days,” or perhaps they have just gotten more brazen. The open and unapologetic Christian will  sooner or later encounter scoffers that will mock and challenge one’s faith in the Word of God.  When that happens, Peter says, “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give  an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”  (1 Peter 3:15, emphasis mine).

Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/02/14/says-who/ 

A Willing Heart | Ernie's Musings

A Willing Heart | Ernie's Musings

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing  hearted.  (Exodus 35:21-22a)

A gift is not a gift unless it is given out of a willing heart. Read more: http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/02/07/a-willing-heart/

Picking A President | Ernie's Musings

Picking A President | Ernie's Musings

For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.  (Isaiah 9:16)

It is 2016 and once again the time has come to elect a new President of the United States  (POTUS). The Republican field of candidates includes a long list of POTUS wannabes, any one of  which would be an enormous improvement over the man currently holding the office. But rather than  discussing each candidate, I want to focus my attention on the front runners and particularly the front  runner, Donald Trump. I also want to approach this from an “evangelical” perspective. 
Read more: http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/01/31/picking-a-president/ 

Eyes That See Not | Ernie's Musings

Eyes That See Not | Ernie's Musings

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.  (Ezekiel 12:2)

In this day of technological marvels it is increasingly more difficult to believe in miracles. It seems  that every extraordinary accomplishment or phenomenon can be explained by some naturalistic  means. No wonder, then, that scoffers deny the miracles recorded in the Bible. However, this is  nothing new. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/01/24/eyes-that-see-not/

Knowing the Way | Ernie's Musings

Knowing the Way | Ernie's Musings

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Maneuvering in fast-moving rush-hour traffic can be quite tricky especially if you don't know the way. Not knowing the way can result in "incidents" that can stop your progress and impede the progress of others. Life can sometimes be compared to a busy highway during rush-hour, and decisions made without knowing the way can be tragic, even eternally fatal. Making one's way through life requires knowing the way. Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/01/17/knowing-the-way/ 

God’s Laws | Ernie's Musings

God’s Laws | Ernie's Musings

… in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. (Genesis 26:4-5)

I don’t know where we, Evangelical Christians, have gotten the idea that the Old Testament laws no longer apply. A few years ago, Dr. Charles Swindoll came out with a book entitled Grace Awakening where, I think, he attempts to assuage the guilt some Christians bear due to unnecessary legalism and encourage Christians to take joy in the freedom found through Christ. I have a great deal of respect for Dr. Swindoll. He is a far greater scholar and theologian that I can ever hope to be, but I think he unintentionally opened the door to liberalism here. 

Read more ... http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/01/10/gods-laws/ 

What Next? | Ernie's Musings

What Next? | Ernie's Musings

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isaiah 46:9-10)

There is no way to know what the future holds, so trust Him who holds the future. The Lord knows what 2016 will bring. He knows "the end from the beginning," and we can be sure that He has included us in His plans. Read more: http://erniecarrasco.com/2016/01/03/what-next/.