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Again, the glory of one attribute is more seen in one work than in another: in some things there is more of His goodness, in other things more of His wisdom is seen, and in others more of His power. But in the work of redemption all His perfections and excellencies shine forth in their greatest glory.
Thomas Boston

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

    • Hot Sweet-And Sour Bacon Dressing

    Posted on
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    CATEGORY CUISINE TAG YIELD
    Swiss Salads, Appetizers 1 Cups

    INGREDIENTS

    2 sl Bacon, diced
    1 tb All-purpose flour
    3/4 c Boiling water
    2 tb Cider vinegar
    1 tb Brown sugar
    1/2 ts Salt
    1/2 ts Paprika
    1/4 ts Dry mustard
    Freshly ground black pepper

    INSTRUCTIONS

    In medium skillet, fry bacon until crisp and golden brown.  With slotted
spoon transfer to paper towel and reserve.
Whisk flour into bacon drippings and cook flour over medium heat for 1 or 2
minutes.  Remove from heat and slowly whisk in boiling water, vinegar,
sugar, salt, paprika, mustard, and pepper to taste.  Return to medium heat
and, stirring constantly, cook for 2 minutes, until sauce is smooth and
thick.  Taste and adjust seasoning.  Add bacon to sauce and heat through.
Use immediately.  Makes 3/4 - 1 cup.  *Great served over Swiss chard,
spinach, turnip tops, beet tops or lettuce. Typed in MMFormat by
chartlin@hotmail.com  Source: Canadian Living Magazine
Posted to MM-Recipes Digest V4 #10 by chartlin@hotmail.com on Mar 21, 1999

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