Eye witnesses throughout the history of man have testified and validated certain claims. Some claims seem more far fetched than do others. For instance, there have been many witnesses and testimonies regarding sightings of Big Foot. It doesn’t seem to matter how many nor who it is that bears witness, the vast majority of the population roll their eyse in disbelief.
Without doubt there have been testimonies relating to more noble subject matters, and the testimonies have held great sway whether heard in the courtroom or your living room!
Credibility is of utmost significance. Not very many Americans believed O.J. Simpson, nor did they believe former President Clinton during his impeachment hearings. Both men lacked credibility. Though every effort was set forth to communicate sincerity, the evidence was stacked against them.
Regarding our resurrected Lord, the Scriptures offer compelling witness and tesimony. Consider 1st Corinthians 15:15ff “And that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also.” Although many reject this compelling witness, yet we believe. Although many “roll their eyes” we have found peace. Blessed be His name.
The greatest victory cry in history, bar none, are the words “it is finished!” For sure, the time of “bearing our sorrow” is over, but let us also recognize that the unrelenting reign of unrighteousness in the hearts and lives of men is also over!
The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews encourages with similar strain when he proclaims “looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the hoy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
We must be sure to understand that the “joy” was not a reunion with the Father in glory; although the occasion was glorious there is a joy more man centered to be considered and appreciated. The joy is that work that broght to the relationship between God and man harmony!
Gone is the forebearing reality of the Serpents’ dominion that stole from God that which is rightly His. Gone are the shackles of shame and guilt. Ushered forth are fellowship and friendship with God.
Oh, may we adorn our God this day with praise - for He is worthy!
In the subject of math the term axiomatic signifies a universally accepted rule or principle. The term often indicates equality, i.e. Y=X.
A sermon I was listening to brought this subject to my attention. The preacher stated that our yielded, obedient life equals the sacrifice of our God in our behalf. I believe the preacher would, if he had opportunity, have added more clarification.
The moment I heard the statement an old hymn came to mind, the words of which are “The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell!” With poetic literature the song writer has communicated Biblical truth - nothing we do or say can match/equal the demonstrated love of our God!
The Scriptures are concise. Romans 12 establishes not an equation, but the reality: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” “Reasonable”, not equal.
This question was set before me this week. Woodrow Kroll posed the question in his book The Vanishing Ministry. Actually this question followed one more interesting: “What is 750,00 miles long, encircles the earth thirty times, and grows by twenty miles each day? Give up?”
The answer to the question is the line of people/souls that are eternally lost! Numbers, statistics, or word pictures can be striking, compelling, perhaps on occasion overwhelming. I must confess that the above posed question and its answer arrested the attention of my mind and heart.
As, so often as, I have trained myself to do, I began investigating the need of my heart. I realized that something was amiss regarding my initial response. The problem was what moved me to compassion and decision!
The grand realities of who my God is and His heart for the lost and His expectation for me to embrace His passion for souls should have been that which moved me. I pray that God will further fashion this great need in my heart and in yours.
I had a conversation with a man this week who jokingly said “believe nothing you hear, and only half of what you see!” When it pertains to God & His Word men need little encouragement to heed this counsel.
The celebration of Darwin & his work The Origin of Species is well underway. I have heard bold proclamations regarding the life work of Darwin & his eager predecessors. A panel of discussion was to be held yesterday - the announcer was hailing studies & “fossil finds” in the years since Darwin that fill in the gaps and thus establishing infallible documentation (if only in their minds) of the evolutionary process.
The day that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead certain Greeks had a burden to see Jesus. At the same time Pharisees were gathered wondering how to be rid of this same Jesus. The contrast between those who would see Jesus and those who would oust Him from His own creation has not changed. Regarding the things you hear of the Darwin celebration - the above counsel is appropriate - “believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see”.
An article I read this week in the Reader’s Digest gives burden for this space today. The article has to do with the Rumor Detectives. The story tells of a man & his wife researching rumors that circulate on the internet. Their goal is to establish truth. What was once a hobby for the couple has now turned into a full time and well paying job. Apparently searching for truth has its rewards!
The burden for truth is also contagious. There are approximately 6.2 million visits to their website each month.
There have been many instances when I have wondered about a biblical matter and did not puruse an answer, though I have many resources to come to solid conclusions of truth. As we give ourselves to this burden we will not necessarily enjoy financial gain, but we will know our God more intimately. An inmate in the jail this week had a longing to know where a particular passage was located in the Bible. I hope to appease his hunger. There may be many people we can serve as “Truth Seekers”, laying to rest falsehood and establishing God’s Word as man’s final authority.
I have learned that a car equipped with an alarm system will default to the safest/securest mode if the car’s system(s) close down. It is a good idea; however, the good idea has been somewhat frustrating to me in the last 24 hours.
I was thinking that it would be wonderful if we believers defaulted to the safest/securest spiritual mode when we begin to shut down. A shut down might be caused by physical pressure, depression, or spiritual attack. The truth is that we must exercise a great deal more discernment in time of trouble for we tend to be easily moved during such times.
Of course I speak in general terms - some believers have matured to that place of steadfastness and faithfulness. Such a place ought to be the desire for each of us. Although it may not be first nature to default to the secure mode, we can surely take deliberate steps that would be spiritually safe and speak of our love for God.
Spiritual weakness is not a time for setting aside prayer or committed Bible study, or good Christian fellowship. These are the things that bolster the weak believer and may well rescue him/her in time of trouble.
In the last year we have had the opportunity to support a niece in attending livestock shows. Yesterday Jessica showed several pigs here in Sylvania. When we pulled into the parking lot it looked like a pig show was underway, but when we opened the doors to get out we were convinced that a pig show was underway! The aroma may smell like money to some - it still smells like pigs to me. The nose will not lie.
This past week we have had special services with the prayerful anticipation that revival would be part. We must be careful in our conclusions. Revival ought to have the “aroma” of the Spirit of God. Revival, as we have heard in these days, is real.
It is quite possible for there to be the appearance of revival, but not the reality. I have been praying that the tide of revival that I sense is gaining strength might eventually sweep this congregation as a whole into its flames.
For now I, your pastor, will cautiously & carelessly run headlong into what I have longed for for years - into revival. I hope you are longing to follow - or even - to break the pace.
