“ Don't Make Things Up ” Should these two verses still be enforced in our society? Any exceptions? " 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering." 1 Corinthians 11: 14-15/
“ Profound and Challenging! ” Wonderful expression linking Christ, recovery from our abysmal apostasies rampant in culture and church, OT experience of the Jewish people, and the importance of providing more historical context for the living. He also alludes to the corporatist a-historical mentality that has grown so much since the 1950's -- where, instead of people having roots, we increasingly define ourselves within the context of consumerism (e.g., by the things we buy and have) rather than by the struggles and beliefs of our ancestors as they struggled to live and to be with God and man.
“ Great Sermon! ” We are to be faithful followers of Christ, and that means being obedient. We are not to "water down" the Word of God and the teachings of Jesus, but to live them out to their fullest come what may.
“ We Must Be Men and Woman Who Are Faithful!! ” Yes, we must first and foremost be seen as faithful, and not be "nice" just to get what we want from others. It is an unequivocal call for obedience, but it is not a legalistic message.
“ It's Never Too Late..... ” I was greatly encouraged listening to this sermon. Peter changed from sleeping to a man of power and faith. He matured. Ptr. Rubino brings this out powerfully towards the end of the sermon. He rails against "soft Christians." The church today is full of soft Christians and pastors who lack knowledge of the Word as well as knowledge of history. He mentions the human sacrifices of Marcus Aurelius. Just his mention of Marcus Aurelius encourages me since I am a philosophy professor, and never hear Aurelius' name mentioned in any church in 32 years. But I did not know that he was involved in any human sacrifices. This helps reveal the deep moral significance of our Christian faith and the Word of God. The sermon brings moral issues alive. I wrote a letter to my daughter and her boyfriend which letter has been put off for too long. I need to move out of the baby Christian frame of mind which I have been in even though I convinced myself that while teaching in public high school for 21 years that I was a "bold witness." It was only bold by comparison with the lackadaisical effeminate witness with which I had been acquainted. I need to embrace Christ even more deeply. After listening to this sermon I feel it is possible even though I am of an advanced age.
“ Great Sermon! ” Ptr. Rubino reminds us not to make up sins, especially sins about wealth or poverty or about depression. We can overcome depression or fear through Christ, but in themselves fear and depression are not sins. We might be afraid for example when we see the outpouring of hate as we stand for Christ. But we then overcome that fear through the power of the Holy Ghost. He is constant in His love, and is there to renew us. Just today I heard on my car radio that New York is not going to treat prostitution as a crime. I fully intend to write letters to the editor of the local papers and to the mayor. This is an evil rule. Making money by selling one's body is clearly a sin. I feel a sense of fear writing to Mayor DiBlasio's office, but I am overcoming that fear. Bless you Ptr. Rubino.
“ A Profound and Deeply Moving Sermon ” I first began reading the Bible seriously in 1971, and at that time was studying Jeremiah. Fifty years have passed, and the Lord allowed me to hear this sermon about Jeremiah. All the years in church (I'm a Jewish born again believer for 32 years), I have never heard one sermon on Jeremiah although he has always been my favorite prophet.This sermon has so much truth, so much love, and so much sensitivity that it is impossible for me to detail all its merits in this short space. But listening I see that I'm just beginning to understand the challenge of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the born again believer. I have meditated long and hard on the meaning of "Take up your Cross daily, deny yourself, and follow me," and have to the best of my ability in prayer and faith to follow Him. But this sermon is calling me, I believe, to a new level, a new depth, a new inspiration. I have sent the link out to others, and I listed some of the super-charged realities dealt with in the sermon on a sheet of paper on my desk.
“ Important Insights About Fatherhood ” Ptr. Rubino helped me see the verses about Caleb and his daughter more clearly than before. I did not see the significance or implications of these verses for understanding father/daughter relations more deeply and thus more Biblically. He focuses on what we can learn about fathers and daughters. Fathers should dearly love their daughters and continue to stand against their daughters being treated as used cars to be "test driven" in a series of promiscuous pre-marital "events." Of course, even women will see this "test driving" as part of their sexual liberation from male domination -- control by fathers and husbands who actually might value purity. Rubino does not use the words, I have just used, but his meaning along these lines really comes across. And the meaning is not only his meaning, but the Lord's meaning. Caleb wants his daughter to marry a brave man, a leader. Rubino uses the word "integrity." Fathers should want their daughters to marry men of integrity. Although Rubino does note define integrity, I think he would agree with me that a man of integrity says what he means, and means what he says. Additionally, and more importantly, his unyielding integrity is built upon the rock of Jesus Christ.Without this sermon I would not have properly understood these verses.
“ Restoration of the Church Militant Begins Here!! ” Pastor Rubino keeps pounding home a challenge to all of us to stand for Biblical truth. Even many Christians who go to church every week don't know that there is such a thing as Biblical Truth! He says repeatedly that we must follow the Full Gospel or the Fully Orbed Gospel. The connection between the ideas or principles of the Bible with real life as it is lived must be re-awakened. Re-awakening however does not mean revival. No, judgment is upon us. But we have to get through it as believers by faith, and then begin to rebuild. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Thank you pastor.
“ A Call To Backbone For the Church ” Ptr. Rubino makes a strong case for staying strong--the faith and fortitude that comes from rock solid commitment and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "To as many as received Him, He gave the power to become children of God and to believe in His name." (John 1:11). Are we friends of God? Or are we fair weather friends living in the twilight zone of feel-goodism within our church families? We must firm. Persecutions will come. Can we take the heat? Even we attempt to evade persecution by caving we will still be persecuted. That's an irony that Ptr. Rubino points out that the fearful ones fail to understand. God bless you Ptr. Rubino. May the Lord give me the grace to stand firm in my witness!!
3/6/2022 6:30 PM
