Word of the Day: Works

Action or something created by an action; for example, a road might be constructed by the department of works.

In Christian terms, often means a deed or act of charity as in Ephesians 2:8 & 9 which states we are saved by the grace of God, not by our works.

Some Christian denominations make performing works, such as helping someone in need a condition of salvation, rather than something you do because you are already saved. 

Other denominations claim anything we do, even making a choice, is a work. However, scripture clearly states we must repent (turn away from sin) to be saved (Luke 13:5).

Word of the Day: Grace

Sometimes used in place of blessing; as in "saying grace" before a meal, giving thanks for the food God has provided.

Dictionaries define grace as "courteous goodwill". Biblically, grace is extended by God. Because his son, Jesus, paid the penalty for our sins (by dying on the cross), God forgives us for our sins. Our salvation is a gift from God:

Ephesians 2:8; 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"

Word of the Day: Washed in the Blood

A Christian expression related to being saved. Jesus shed his blood, dying on the cross to serve as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of mankind. 

Some Christians express this act of sacrifice by Jesus as having their sins washed away by his blood--they are washed in the blood of Christ.

Word of the Day: Atonement

To make amends for a wrongdoing, specifically to God.

Before Jesus, the Jewish people would seek to atone for their sins. This was done by making an offering to God or a sacrifice.

In Christian terms, Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice to atone for mankind's sins. 

The VA Won't Save You, but Jesus Will

As a veteran, one thing we can count on in life is for the Department of Veteran Affairs to fail us. A quick Google search will pull up multiple stories of our brothers- or sisters-in-arms dying in waiting rooms, waiting for the VA to help them. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/healthcare/secret-va-wait-list-reveals-40-vets-died-while-awaiting-treatment.

In March 1865, President Abraham Lincoln established a national soldiers and sailors asylum to take care of the United States' veterans. The VA proudly talks about this on their official history page. The mission of the VA is to "provide health, education, disability, funerary, and financial benefits earned by Veterans..." Sadly, the VA, made up of imperfect people, frequently fails in this mission. 

Veterans are used to broken promises. Many of us were promised this or that by our recruiters, only to discover that the recruiter didn't have the authority to make those promises, or that they were just plain wrong. Promises of support for active duty members and veterans by politicians are far too frequent to list. In short, the USA, and nations around the world, regularly fail their veterans.

There is one person who will never fail my fellow veterans: Jesus Christ.

The only begotten son of God was sent to Earth with a mission--save that which was lost (mankind--See Matthew 18:11). He lived a sinless life, but submitted to torture and execution to pay the penalty for all the sins of mankind--even sins that hadn't been committed yet. His Father, God, watched all this happen, and allowed it to happen. He then resurrected his son (Romans 6:4) -- just as Jesus has promised we will be resurrected after a physical death if we trust in him. 

We can trust in Jesus because he fulfilled prophecies that were written 700 years before he was born. Hundreds witnessed him, resurrected, after his death on the cross. His followers faced persecution and execution simply for sharing their eyewitness testimony about Jesus. Everything he said he would do, he did. Everything he promises to do when he returns, he will. 

If you haven't considered serving Jesus Christ, think about it now. There's no ASVAB test. No physical to take at MEPS. No Holy drill sergeant is going to try to shape you into something they deem worthy. All you need to do is believe that Jesus was the Son of God, who died on the cross to pay for the penalty for your sins, and then was resurrected three days later by his Father. If you accept Jesus as your one true leader, and try to turn away from sin and a sinful life, God will grant you eternal life, with his son as your perfect leader for all eternity.

Word of the Day: Prayer

A statement, request, or praise directed toward God. The act of praying is an offer of thanks, request for assistance, or exclamation of praise.

To pray, Christians often bow their heads, clasp their hands together, or close their eyes. Prayers can be made while sitting, kneeling, or standing

Jesus directed in Matthew 6 that prayers be directed to the Father and even gave an example of how to pray--including a direction that prayers should not be empty recitations of memorized verse. This example Jesus gave is referred to as "The Lord's Prayer" and is memorized and recited by many modern Christians.

Prayer before a meal is a common practice, thanking God for the food about to be consumed, and is known as "Saying Grace" or saying the "Blessing".

Word of the Day: Denomination

A group of Christians that share a particular belief, or beliefs, different from other Christians, such as Catholics, Lutherans, or Baptists. For example, Baptists believe baptism requires full immersion in water, whereas Catholics believe pouring water over the head is sufficient.

Most Christian denominations share belief that Jesus is the son of God, who died to pay the penalty for mankind's sins, and was resurrected three days later.

Some Christians consider themselves "non-denominational" and do not believe in separating from other Christians with different interpretations of what scripture means.