ACH Study Groups
Ben & Fran Gilmore – Cofounders
7659 Gingerblossom Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-2501 histbuff@garlic.com
www.ACHStudyGroups.com
November 17, 2017
This is a letter to our friends –
Housekeeping and Principles
Housekeeping first –
This column (Ben’s Blog) has been produced several times monthly for several decades. Friends have added friends to the growing mailing list. Over the years that list has become significant.
In order to avoid trouble with spam filters, the list has been broken into smaller “chunks”. Over the summer we had computer problems (plus the problems generated by my shaky hands). That resulted in the loss of several “chunks”. If you enjoy these posts and go for over a month without receiving one, we would appreciate your letting us know about it. With a DB of 10K contacts, rebuilding a lost chunk is a daunting task.
Principles next –
“Meaning of law.—Law, in its most general and comprehensive sense, signifies a rule of action; and is applied indiscriminately to all kinds of action, whether animate or inanimate, rational or irrational. Thus we say, the laws of motion, of gravitation, of optics, or mechanics, as well as the laws of nature and of nations. And it is that rule of action, which is prescribed by some superior, and which the inferior is bound to obey.”
So wrote Sir William Blackstone, “Father of the legal profession.” When American students first read this they chafe a bit at “superior” and “inferior”. Think about it – “If you live in our house, you obey our house rules!” “If you ride in our carpool you don’t smoke.”
You can live or smoke where ever you like – but – If you depend on us, you are obliged to obey our rules. Obligation is measured by the degree of dependence. Since we depend upon God for everything, even our next breath(!), we are obliged to obey His rules of action.
Rebelling is like leaving the seat up, or sneaking a smoke in the car. Rebelling against God’s rules is like thumbing your nose at the Creator of the universe! The difference between “law” and “advice” – Law comes with a consequence. You get kicked out of the house or carpool.
Fortunately, you don’t get kicked out of the universe – – yet! You do however, break the heart of the One who loves you most. He made the rules for your wellbeing. There are consequences.
Is it hard to live by God’s rules? Think about it. Is it hard to love the One who loves you? Is it hard to want the best for your neighbor? Which of the ten commandments Moses presented is hard to obey? On the other hand – When you choose to disobey consider the roadblocks you have to climb over, the “STOP” signs you ignore, the conscience you have to overcome! You have a virtual obstacle course to run in order to break the rules!
The truth is – We sin because we want to! The choice is ours as are the consequences.
The good news is that there is forgiveness waiting for us – if – we will turn around and repent. Without repentance forgiveness would be foolish. Forgiveness is possible because Jesus Christ paid the consequence in our behalf. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
These columns are archived since 12/10/09
See www.ACHStudyGroups.com
“Ben’s Blog”
