Holy Communion (Eucharist) for All Christians in 2017 #2017CommUnion

Hello, 2015 --

I trust all goes well for you in 2015.

I 'believe' I am still having problems with this Blog.  Folks cannot seem to respond.  Maybe that is because they are not 'registered' here in some form or fashion or perhaps the service is deficient.  I will continue to monitor.  I may change blog services.  Stay tuned.

For many years I have been troubled that all Christians cannot necessarily take communion at any Christian church.  For example, non-Catholics may not commune in Catholic churches and Catholics are advised not to take communion in Protestant churches.  I still need to research the Eastern Orthodox church, but I suspect 'universal' Communion for all Christians in that church is also problematic.

All baptized and believing Christians ought to take the Eucharist in any Christian church.  At least, that is my belief.  I realize that are many hurdles to this, as Catholics believe the bread and wine actually turn into Jesus's flesh and blood during Communion and Protestants, generally, see these 'elements' more symbolically.  In any case, any believing Christian believes Christ is LORD, died for our sins, is risen (resurrected), promises everlasting life, and will return to judge the living and the dead.

So, I am trying to mount a campaign, #2017CommUnion on Twitter, for all Christians to come together for communion by - or in -- 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.  I am suggesting -- and praying -- that we are can bury the hatchet after a half-millennium.

If you feel the same way, please Tweet the Pope (@Pontifex) and anyone and everyone else whom you feel should be engaged.  Perhaps we can change the world, for the better, and in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

"Your Jesus GPS" now available in Paperback. Good Christmas Present?

"Your Jesus GPS" is now available in paperback.  Could this be a good Christmas present for you or someone else?  ;-)   Get it at https://www.createspace.com/5109653

If you prefer the e-book version, you may get it from https://t.co/S6i7BbkehJ/s/YI-1 or  http://t.co/zGGS4qUlnd/s/HppI

Life Keeps Going On

Well, my friends, it's been a while since I have posted to this blog. Have you missed me?  I missed you.

Nothing new to report --  except life has been happening, and the need for Jesus in it.  It is so easy for me, and I believe others, to fall into the drab humdrum of life and feel lost and empty.  These are not pleasant feelings.  Yet, Jesus offers enduring joy.  We have to latch on to Him.  We have to be part of Him.  We have to be infused with The Holy Spirit to achieve that sort of sense of purpose and hard-wired, meaningful joy.

My only advice is to read and pray, and pray and read for such peace, understanding, and connection with Jesus.  After all, in John 10:10 He said: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (ESV).

The "thief" we know is Satan.  That's the source of our feeling of hopelessness and meaninglessness.  Yet, Jesus proclaims that He is here to provide life - abundant life.  Don't give up.  Don't give in.  Turn first, and always to Jesus, and learn about His glory, and grace, and power.

Trouble Posting Here?

A friend trying to respond to my "Jesus Judge or Not Judge" said he can't post a comment.

I'll try to find out what's up.  Meanwhile, here's what he had to say.

This doesn't answer all questions, but I think the verses mentioned here emphasize Jesus' role as savior in his first coming, but emphasize his role as judge when he comes a second time to "judge the living and the dead.”

When is Jesus Judge and When is He Not?

Christians believe Jesus will be the Ultimate Judge.  In the Nicene Creed, we proclaim that He "will come to judge the living and the dead."

Yet, some Bible verses raise interesting questions, as sometimes Jesus says He's not to judge.  What's this all about?

There are several verses where Jesus - Himself -- talks about His power and authority to judge - or not.  [Verses used are from the New International Version (NIV) of The Holy Bible.]

'Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son" (Jn 5:22); "And he [The Father] has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man" (Jn 5:27).

Yet, later in John, Jesus says:  "As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him.  For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it." (Jn 12:47)

So, is He here to judge or not?

There are other verses where Jesus says He is judge or He is not judge, but let's deal just with these for now.

Killing Jesus - No, Kimmunicating Jesus

OK, I'm cravenly playing on Bill O'Reilly's bestseller. A thing I can do to build hits. ;-)

Seriously, my new book "Your Jesus GPS" has been published as an e-book. I look forward to using this blog to hear from all of you.

You may check out my book at https://t.co/S6i7BbkehJ/s/YI-1 and http://t.co/zGGS4qUlnd/s/HppI . 

I hope you'll read & review it.  

Thx!

You Learn Something New Everyday -- If You're Not Careful

This e-book publishing experience is quite enlightening.

Any slug, such as myself, can publish through the marvel of modern-day e-publishing.  But I was amazed to learn how developed and mature this industry has become.

Many folks know that e-book sales have spiked in the past 10 years and show no signs of letting up. So, I suppose that it why this publishing vehicle has such complexity built-in behind its apparent simplicity.

What am I talking about?

I recently published this book at SmashWords but only yesterday learned that real humans "vet" theses works to ensure that they meet all formatting requirements before shipping it to Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and another dozen outlets.

The book is available at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/465776 and http://www.amazon.com/Your-Jesus-GPS-Direction-Personal-ebook/dp/B00MJDCYS2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407776112&sr=1-1&keywords=your+jesus+gps
 Once my book passes this human vetting phase, there will be many more places to purchase it.

Have a great day.