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God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)

Seven Important Facts concerning the Virgin Birth of Jesus: 1. The virgin birth was not a demonstrable event. I.e., it was not the sort of miracle that was subject to empirical investigation and proof (as were, for example, the resurrection and the healing of Acts 3-4). We either believe the virgin birth or not based upon our belief in the reality of the supernatural and the integrity of Scripture. 2. The virgin birth was not the beginning of the Son of God. The Son of God was eternally pre-existent (cf. John 1:1; 8:58). The virgin birth is only the beginning of the God-man, Jesus. 3. The virgin birth does not entail a reduction or denial of the deity of Christ. There was not in the virgin birth a transformation of deity into humanity, as if to suggest that the second person of the Trinity has been transmuted into a man. God the Son did not cease to be God when he became a man. 4. The virgin birth does not entail a reduction or denial of the humanity of Christ. There are three ways of coming into being: born of man and woman (us), born of man but not woman (Eve), and born of neither man nor woman (Adam). All admit that we, as well as Adam and Eve, are all human. So why not then a fourth way of coming into being: born of woman but not man (Jesus). The New Testament provides overwhelming evidence both for the reality of the virgin birth and the full humanity of Jesus. 5. The virgin birth does not require us to believe in the immaculate conception of Mary (as proclaimed by Pope Pius IX on Dec. 8, 1854). The doctrine of the “immaculate conception” is the idea that Mary herself was conceived without sin. The RCC also teaches that “in consequence of a Special Privilege of Grace from God, Mary was free from every personal sin during her whole life” (Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, p. 203). But there is not one word in the New Testament that remotely suggests Mary was conceived in a way different from any other human being. Furthermore, Mary herself confessed she was a sinner in need of a savior (Luke 1:47). 6. The virgin birth does not require us to believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary (as proclaimed by the Council of Trent in 1545-63). a. See Matthew 1:25. b. See Luke 2:7 where Jesus is described as her “first-born” son. If she had remained a virgin, would not Luke have described Jesus as her “only” son? c. Jesus’ half-brothers and half-sisters are mentioned in the New Testament (Mk. 3:31-35; 6:3; Lk. 8:19-21; Jn. 2:12; 7:1-5, 10; Ac. 1:14; 1 Cor. 9:5; Gal. 1:19). These were not, as the RCC claims, his cousins. Even if Mary did not have other children, this does not prove she remained a virgin all her life. d. This doctrine would also require us to believe in the perpetual virginity of Joseph! e. This idea is based on an ascetic, un-biblical view of sex, according to which sexual relations are defiling or demeaning. 7. The virgin birth does not elevate Mary to a place of worship and veneration. Note these unbiblical declarations of the RCC: “As no man goes to the father but by the son, so no one goes to Christ except through his mother” (Pope Leo XIII, 1953). “It is the will of God that we should have nothing which is not passed through the hands of Mary” (Pope Pius XII, 1953).
Sam Storms

Gossip is our dark moral fervor eagerly seeking gratification. Gossip makes us feel important and needed as we declare our judgments. It makes us feel included to know the inside scoop. It makes us feel powerful to cut someone else down to size, especially someone we are jealous of. It makes us feel righteous, even responsible, to pronounce someone else guilty. Gossip can feel good in multiple ways. But it is of the flesh, not of the Spirit.
Ray Ortlund

    • White Chocolate Mint Truffles

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    CATEGORY CUISINE TAG YIELD
    Dairy Candies 45 Servings

    INGREDIENTS

    1/2 lb White chocolate; cut into small pieces
    1/2 c Packed, fresh mint leaves (green or white)
    1/4 c Heavy cream
    2 tb Creme de menthe
    6 tb Unsalted butter; cut into small pieces

    INSTRUCTIONS

    To make the truffles: Melt the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl set over
gently simmering water. When chocolate is almost melted, turn off the heat
and let stand until completely melted, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, steep mint leaves in cream and creme de
menthe until liquid is very flavorful (amount of time depends upon the
strength of the mint leaves). Then bring just to a simmer, strain, pressing
down on the mint leaves to give as much flavor as possible, and whisk into
the melted chocolate. Place the pieces of butter around the warm mixture
and let the butter melt. When melted, stir to mix well. Pour mixture into a
shallow pan, giving you a 1-inch-thick layer of chocolate. Cool completely
and then refrigerate or freeze until very firm.
To form the truffles: Have a small bowl of very hot water ready and replace
the water as it cools down. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Remove
truffle base from the refrigerator or freezer. Before scooping out a ball
of chocolate, dip the melon baller into the hot water, shaking to remove
any excess water. Scoop out a truffle, tapping the melon baller on a firm
surface to release the truffle. Quickly roll between the palms of your
hands and place on the prepared baking tray. You will have to wash your
hands in cold water often to prevent the chocolate from sticking to your
hands. Repeat this procedure until all the balls have been scooped and
rolled. If the truffle base begins to soften too much, refrigerate or
freeze until firm and then continue to scoop out the truffles. Refrigerate
or freeze until needed. Makes 45 to 50 small truffles.
from "Spago Desserts" by Mary Bergin and Judy Gethers
reprinted in The Times-Picayune, December 22, 1994
Posted to MC-Recipe Digest V1 #170
Date: Sat, 27 Jul 1996 15:29:53 +0000
From: Linda Place <placel@worldnet.att.net>

    A Message from our Provider:

    “We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country. #C.S. Lewis”

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