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God's Promises
To the Editor:
God made a promise to Abraham that the nations of the world would be blessed by his seed (Gen. 12:3; 22:18; 28:14). And God would honor this promise because of Abraham's faith and obedience to him.
Paul gives us some insight of this promise in Romans 4:13, "For the promise, that he should be heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or his seed, through law, but through righteousness of faith." Revealed here to us that the promise has nothing to do with the law, or inheriting the world or a fraction of it, and it is not through racial descent, but through faith.
Abraham understood that the blessing to the nations would be through the promised Messiah who would come through the lineage of his promised son, Isaac. He understood it was not through the flesh for many of the nations of Ishmael descent had rebelled against God. Looking at Rom. 9:8 we are told that those, "which are children of the flesh, these are not the children of God" (Heb. 11:10).
The promise also has nothing to do with modern Israel, a nation that is officially and thoroughly anti-Christ. The promise was to his seed and not seeds, which is Christ (Gal. 3:29 states, "If ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seeds, heirs according to the promise". So, then all that are in Christ are heirs to the promise of God. The church being the true Israel of God.
Jim Batt
Mexico, PA
This is Life in a Small Town
To the Editor:
In the midst of this hustle and bustle we call "life," we seldom step back to reflect on our life in a small town; until the world around us begins to interpret what that means for us.
In this town, the United States flag is proudly flown high atop buildings and the town square is adorned with flags that are meticulously placed and serve as a reminder of the countless sacrifices that have been made by others to grant us the freedoms we have today. Here, patriotic buntings, wreaths and ribbons are placed on the front doors of homes. Victory Park is a refuge to pay respect to our veterans and all who have served our country. Patriotism and loyalty to country are evident here and pride in this great country does not falter, regardless of the events occurring in the world around us. THIS IS LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN.
In this town, churches of all religious denominations anchor the corners of three blocks and the sounds of church bells ring across the town. Your place of worship, or your choice to worship at all, is a personal decision. These churches embrace all who choose to worship there and although donning your Sunday best is welcomed, it is not a requirement for attendance. These same churches consistently give back to others through clothing and food drives and monetary donations. These churches are part of our community heritage, regardless of our individual beliefs. THIS IS LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN.
In this town, the community is primarily sustained by blue collar workers who make their living in factories. Factory whistles signal the start of the workday and the punching of a time clock is an assurance of a paycheck that provides for our very simplistic needs. Regardless of our place of employment, we have all become benefactors of these factories, which are not just vital to our personal survival, but vital to our existence as a community. THIS IS LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN.
In this town, Main Street and Market Street were once aligned with thriving businesses that welcomed shoppers and a trip to town meant you wore your finest clothes. Today, there is a constant struggle to find businesses that choose to place their stake in one of the historic storefronts that align these streets. The noise of busy shoppers has been silenced, but the chimes on the clock that overlooks the town square still echo across the town at the onset of each hour; a reminder that time is to be cherished and it is the one thing we can never get back. THIS IS LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN.
In this town, volunteer firemen stand ready to respond to those in need and never fail to show up to lend assistance, regardless of the day or hour. These fire departments are primarily sustained through fundraisers and there is no compensation to those who bravely stare in the face of danger to help members of this community. Members of the police force are readily known throughout the community and are respected for their commitment to not just enforce the laws, but for their dedication and commitment to the people of this town. THIS IS LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN.
In this town we embrace our history, culture and exhibit our pride. Annual events like parades, festivals, carnivals, the 4-H fair, community days, community yard sales, bazaars, walks to benefit charities and golf tournaments are highly anticipated and widely attended. People eagerly attend local sporting events and a win for the local high school is a win for the community. Farmers markets, mostly provided by members of the local Amish Community, are prevalent in parking lots and other areas throughout the community. Pot pie and whoopie pies are still considered delicacies for the table and are made to perfection. Goose Day is a local tradition and has led to large ceramic geese being placed throughout the community year-round. Each goose is sponsored by a local organization or business and painted with a specific meaning, but collectively they are symbolic of wealth and prosperity. THIS IS LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN.
In this town, a family trip to a local ice cream shop or restaurant is still considered a treat and a reward for hard work. These same local establishments are also the first to donate to community events and activities. Friday nights are still the busiest time in area grocery stores and shoppers are often seen making their way into these stores still dressed in soiled work clothes with a grocery list in hand and limited funds in their wallets. Many family owned businesses in this town have been proudly passed from generation to generation and are supported by members of this community. They have been steadfast in their survival, despite being challenged by corporate America. THIS IS LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN.
In this town, there is familiarity with our community. That familiarity has resulted in a sense of safety and security here, whether falsely perceived or known to be true. Many people in this community still leave the doors to their homes unlocked at night and when they leave the house. There is trust in members of the community, comfort in knowing a neighbor is always watching and an unwritten understanding that personal space and property is not to be invaded or crossed. THIS IS LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN.
In this town, dreams, hope and faith are alive. Some undoubtedly dream of a different lifestyle and some dream of making it "big" one day, but most of us just dream of a comfortable life for us and our families. Our definition of "comfortable" is a personal perspective that each of us defines. We also have hope; it is hope that gives us the drive to get up and do it all again tomorrow. Hope for the future, hope for happiness and health and hope for peace. Faith sustains us here; faith in ourselves, faith in each other and faith in a greater being. This small town was built on a foundation of dreams, hope and faith... and they continue to have a place here. THIS IS LIFE IN A SMALL TOWN.
Tammy Ferguson
Lewistown