DATING is more fun when you KNOW What you are DOING!!

[Russell Roberts]

In the days of the Roman Empire, the birth or accession of a king was good news. A new ruler carried with him the promise of peace. So heralds would be sent to the surrounding hilltops to announce the good news. The Greek word for this announcement was 'euangellion', the word we know as 'gospel'. Odd as it may sound, the Jews were waiting for this gospel, this good news that God was returning to Zion to become the king of the whole earth. Their prophets had predicted it.

Isaiah 52:7 reads "How delightful it is to see coming over the mountains the feet of a messenger who announces peace, a messenger who brings good news (grk euangellizeminos), who announces deliverance, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Just as their prophets had predicted, God returned to Zion and was crowned as king. Because they didn't recognize him, a placard was affixed above his head that read "This is Jesus, King of the Jews." Just so all the nations would understand, the announcement was written in three different languages; Aramaic, Latin and Greek. At last, the good news for which the Jews had waited was being announced from the mountaintop! As king, Jesus would instill confidence in his followers. He would demonstrate power over the enemy that had disrupted the rule and reign of every king before him: Death. After all, his is an eternal kingdom.

We are in the early days of the kingdom. In a few months we will celebrate the beginning of the 2009th year of his reign. This all makes me wonder if members of the ACLU and every other pagan realize that when they date the top of every page, they unwittingly acknowledge the kingship of the one they vainly fight against. Paul predicted that all would acknowledge the Lordship of Christ. He didn't necessarily indicate that they would know it at the time. We must realize that God is God over evil men even if they don't recognize him. And he does have a sense of humor!

[Mike Vande]

I don't believe in dating, either.