Simple Gifts (Part 2)
Few can “make the world go away” by retreating to the lake or other vacation destination. But you can find the ordering, simplifying presence of God for each hectic day. The moments you spend alone with God in prayer at the first of the day are doubtless your most productive. Then and there He sets the pace for a day of fruitful living. The pressures don’t relent. But neither does His continuing presence.
The great Apostle Paul appealed to the Corinthians in these words … “I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”
All of us hunger for peace, simplicity and joy that only Christ can give. There is no stress that God cannot relieve. Why not give Him a chance in your life and experiment with His promises?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Simple Gifts (Part 1)
Do you remember this stanza from the classic Shaker song, Simple Gifts? The haunting melody and evocative words remind us that busyness and stress are not supposed to be our daily experience.
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
Simplicity! Oh, what a wonderful word! I hope the following will aid us somewhat in our desire to be free from life’s undue pressures and complications! My thanks to two of my pastor friends for helping me put it together!
A Louisville policeman was late for work one day and was told to write out his excuse, which had better be a good one. His report read: “Due to strenuous exertion of psychophysical facilities, I experienced no revivification from my comatose condition by external stimuli.” When asked if heaven’s name that meant, he replied, “My alarm clock didn’t wake me!”
Simplifying always helps.
For instance, my hat is off to the Wall Street Journal for this assistance. What’s the difference between a “million” and a “billion”? Will, if you spent $1,000 a day it would take you two years and nine months to spend one million. But at $1,000 per day, 2,739 years to exhaust one billion.
Life itself needs simplifying.
Do you remember this stanza from the classic Shaker song, Simple Gifts? The haunting melody and evocative words remind us that busyness and stress are not supposed to be our daily experience.
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'Tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
Simplicity! Oh, what a wonderful word! I hope the following will aid us somewhat in our desire to be free from life’s undue pressures and complications! My thanks to two of my pastor friends for helping me put it together!
A Louisville policeman was late for work one day and was told to write out his excuse, which had better be a good one. His report read: “Due to strenuous exertion of psychophysical facilities, I experienced no revivification from my comatose condition by external stimuli.” When asked if heaven’s name that meant, he replied, “My alarm clock didn’t wake me!”
Simplifying always helps.
For instance, my hat is off to the Wall Street Journal for this assistance. What’s the difference between a “million” and a “billion”? Will, if you spent $1,000 a day it would take you two years and nine months to spend one million. But at $1,000 per day, 2,739 years to exhaust one billion.
Life itself needs simplifying.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Escort
The following story was passed along to me recently. The respect it shows toward our troops is deeply moving. It is important to remember and honor those who have died for our country. Their sacrifice gives us the freedom we enjoy to live the American dream … to build a new order for the ages. We must make this vision of our Founding Fathers our own!
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who’s been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
“No, sir,” he responded.
“
Heading out,” I asked?
“No, sir. I’m escorting a soldier home.”
“Going to pick him up?”
“No, sir. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I’m taking him home to his family.”
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn’t know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier’s family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, “Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.”
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.”
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud and grateful to be an American.
When I read the above story tears come to my eyes. Even after conducting many military funerals as an Air Force chaplain I am not ashamed to confess my tears for their service … especially for those who have died in action. We owe them a great deal … not just for what they have done … but also the debt to live more deeply for the cause for which they died!
So here is another personal and public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do … so we can live the way we do. It will be my privilege to salute them in person this Memorial Day, May 28th, when I am the keynote speaker at the Fayetteville National Cemetery memorial ceremony. The program begins at 10 A.M. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery flag pole area, 700 Government Avenue. Everyone is invited to attend.
The following story was passed along to me recently. The respect it shows toward our troops is deeply moving. It is important to remember and honor those who have died for our country. Their sacrifice gives us the freedom we enjoy to live the American dream … to build a new order for the ages. We must make this vision of our Founding Fathers our own!
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who’s been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
“No, sir,” he responded.
“
Heading out,” I asked?
“No, sir. I’m escorting a soldier home.”
“Going to pick him up?”
“No, sir. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I’m taking him home to his family.”
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn’t know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier’s family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, “Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.”
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.”
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud and grateful to be an American.
When I read the above story tears come to my eyes. Even after conducting many military funerals as an Air Force chaplain I am not ashamed to confess my tears for their service … especially for those who have died in action. We owe them a great deal … not just for what they have done … but also the debt to live more deeply for the cause for which they died!
So here is another personal and public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do … so we can live the way we do. It will be my privilege to salute them in person this Memorial Day, May 28th, when I am the keynote speaker at the Fayetteville National Cemetery memorial ceremony. The program begins at 10 A.M. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery flag pole area, 700 Government Avenue. Everyone is invited to attend.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
In Memory: The USS New York
“Never Forget” is the motto one of the U.S. Navy’s newest vessels, the USS New York. The ship, built in New Orleans, is one of three to honor those who died in the September 11 terrorist attack. The other two are the “…USS Arlington — named after the section of the Pentagon that was also hit by an airliner on September 11 — and USS Somerset, in memory of United Flight 93, which crashed in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, on the same day as passengers struggled with al-Qaeda hijackers.” (Times Online, May 22, 2006)
Due to be commissioned this year (2007), the USS New York is an amphibious transport ship designed to land combat-ready Marines on any coastline with or without a port. These ships can also deliver relief aid, as her sister ship, the USS Boxer, did in the wake of hurricane Katrina.
The USS New York is already a monument to two disasters. First, her bow section was cast from scrap steel from the World Trade Center. The casting of the bow section from this scrap metal was an emotional moment for the foundry workers. Navy Captain Kevin Wensing recalls the pour thus, “… those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence. It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.” Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, recalled that the “hair on my neck stood up” when he first touched the steel. He said, “It has a big meaning to it for all of us. They knocked us down. They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.” The USS New York is a new weapon in the war against terror, one well fitted for her mission.
Second, the half-completed New York came through hurricane Katrina in tact. While the city around her came apart the ship faced the elements and stood firm. The crews who worked on her came back and took up the task of her completion as soon as possible. The workmen treat the ship with reverence, making a point to touch the bow when passing. This is in response to the meaning of the metal in her construction but in a wider sense, the respect shown the USS New York is a symbol of the hope, courage, determination and spirit of the American people – to build a warship from the ruins of a great defeat or to rebuild a ravaged city.
Americans have excelled at turning defeat into victory, of recovering from disaster and of starting over … again and again and again! This quality is one of the great secrets to our nation’s greatness. If there is anything totally admirable in the patriotic spirit of our country it is this “never give up … we can make it better” attitude. The USS New York is tangible proof that, as Mr. Chevers said, “They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.”
This is exactly the foundational faith of our Biblical vision of Jesus Christ. No matter what happens … even death … we can say with our resurrected Leader … “I will rise again!”
Check out the following websites for more on the USS New York: Snopes.Com, Times Online news story, Navy website.
“Never Forget” is the motto one of the U.S. Navy’s newest vessels, the USS New York. The ship, built in New Orleans, is one of three to honor those who died in the September 11 terrorist attack. The other two are the “…USS Arlington — named after the section of the Pentagon that was also hit by an airliner on September 11 — and USS Somerset, in memory of United Flight 93, which crashed in a field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, on the same day as passengers struggled with al-Qaeda hijackers.” (Times Online, May 22, 2006)
Due to be commissioned this year (2007), the USS New York is an amphibious transport ship designed to land combat-ready Marines on any coastline with or without a port. These ships can also deliver relief aid, as her sister ship, the USS Boxer, did in the wake of hurricane Katrina.
The USS New York is already a monument to two disasters. First, her bow section was cast from scrap steel from the World Trade Center. The casting of the bow section from this scrap metal was an emotional moment for the foundry workers. Navy Captain Kevin Wensing recalls the pour thus, “… those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence. It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.” Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, recalled that the “hair on my neck stood up” when he first touched the steel. He said, “It has a big meaning to it for all of us. They knocked us down. They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.” The USS New York is a new weapon in the war against terror, one well fitted for her mission.
Second, the half-completed New York came through hurricane Katrina in tact. While the city around her came apart the ship faced the elements and stood firm. The crews who worked on her came back and took up the task of her completion as soon as possible. The workmen treat the ship with reverence, making a point to touch the bow when passing. This is in response to the meaning of the metal in her construction but in a wider sense, the respect shown the USS New York is a symbol of the hope, courage, determination and spirit of the American people – to build a warship from the ruins of a great defeat or to rebuild a ravaged city.
Americans have excelled at turning defeat into victory, of recovering from disaster and of starting over … again and again and again! This quality is one of the great secrets to our nation’s greatness. If there is anything totally admirable in the patriotic spirit of our country it is this “never give up … we can make it better” attitude. The USS New York is tangible proof that, as Mr. Chevers said, “They can’t keep us down. We’re going to be back.”
This is exactly the foundational faith of our Biblical vision of Jesus Christ. No matter what happens … even death … we can say with our resurrected Leader … “I will rise again!”
Check out the following websites for more on the USS New York: Snopes.Com, Times Online news story, Navy website.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
The Bullet of Difference: Love One Another
The mature Christian realizes that every other person who is “born again” is a permanent member of God’s family. Regardless of human differences, doctrinal emphasis or mental limitations, our joyful duty is to love them as they are where they are! In fact, just like our Blessed Master has loved us!
Are we greater than Jesus (John 13:15-17)? No! Then let’s quit acting as if we are! Think of “how different” He is from us yet He loves us unconditionally! Only the Christian who is immature, arrogantly prideful or a fool can set aside the Savior’s specific request and commandment in John 15:12 … “This is My commandment, that you love one another, Just as I have love you!” That’s a heap of love!!
We must follow our Leader and Lord in becoming experts at loving imperfect people! (That includes learning to love ourselves!) It saddens me to see a Fundamentalist Christian attack another because of doctrinal imperfections. It greaves me to see the Liberal Christian mock a more ignorant yet sincere brother. It wounds me to see the Charismatic Christian pridefully belittle others because they suppose they have “experienced less!” It’s all a drama of babies pretending to be giants.
Paul said “when I became a man I put away childish things … the greatest of all is love” (I Corinthians 13:11b, 13b). Of course everyone seems to have “their idea” of how to love. Here is where we must give up our own view of love, hush our ignorant mouths and diligently follow Christ’s example in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must be students of the Scripture if we are to possess the Mind of Christ! The Lord knows who is faking it, so do others, and deep down so do we, if we are honest about truth!
The world may divide Christians by personalities, by denominations, by culture or by doctrines but it is not so with the Father! From Heaven’s point of view there are only two classes of Christians. Those who love one another and those who don’t! I pray you and I are numbered among those who know the difference.
The mature Christian realizes that every other person who is “born again” is a permanent member of God’s family. Regardless of human differences, doctrinal emphasis or mental limitations, our joyful duty is to love them as they are where they are! In fact, just like our Blessed Master has loved us!
Are we greater than Jesus (John 13:15-17)? No! Then let’s quit acting as if we are! Think of “how different” He is from us yet He loves us unconditionally! Only the Christian who is immature, arrogantly prideful or a fool can set aside the Savior’s specific request and commandment in John 15:12 … “This is My commandment, that you love one another, Just as I have love you!” That’s a heap of love!!
We must follow our Leader and Lord in becoming experts at loving imperfect people! (That includes learning to love ourselves!) It saddens me to see a Fundamentalist Christian attack another because of doctrinal imperfections. It greaves me to see the Liberal Christian mock a more ignorant yet sincere brother. It wounds me to see the Charismatic Christian pridefully belittle others because they suppose they have “experienced less!” It’s all a drama of babies pretending to be giants.
Paul said “when I became a man I put away childish things … the greatest of all is love” (I Corinthians 13:11b, 13b). Of course everyone seems to have “their idea” of how to love. Here is where we must give up our own view of love, hush our ignorant mouths and diligently follow Christ’s example in the power of the Holy Spirit. We must be students of the Scripture if we are to possess the Mind of Christ! The Lord knows who is faking it, so do others, and deep down so do we, if we are honest about truth!
The world may divide Christians by personalities, by denominations, by culture or by doctrines but it is not so with the Father! From Heaven’s point of view there are only two classes of Christians. Those who love one another and those who don’t! I pray you and I are numbered among those who know the difference.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Bullet of Difference: One Spirit
I don’t know about you, but let me tell you my most depressing experience with Christianity! It’s the way Christians are intolerant of one another! The way they allow divisions. The way they always “find something” to fight over. The way we take “cheap shots” at one another!
Don’t misunderstand me. There are some things we need to fight for. Issues where we must draw the line. Times when Christians can no longer work together because of too many “secondary differences.” God understands this and so should we. That’s why there are so many different ministries, churches and styles of Gospel presentations. As I Corinthians 12:4-6 so clearly tells us “there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit … varieties of ministries but the same Lord … varieties of effects but the same God Who works in them all!!!”
All of us, even the best of us mentally and spiritually, have huge gaps of imperfection. Our blind spots are enormous. Hence, even our differences which are many can serve the common good if we are mature about it rather than sectarian!
I don’t know about you, but let me tell you my most depressing experience with Christianity! It’s the way Christians are intolerant of one another! The way they allow divisions. The way they always “find something” to fight over. The way we take “cheap shots” at one another!
Don’t misunderstand me. There are some things we need to fight for. Issues where we must draw the line. Times when Christians can no longer work together because of too many “secondary differences.” God understands this and so should we. That’s why there are so many different ministries, churches and styles of Gospel presentations. As I Corinthians 12:4-6 so clearly tells us “there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit … varieties of ministries but the same Lord … varieties of effects but the same God Who works in them all!!!”
All of us, even the best of us mentally and spiritually, have huge gaps of imperfection. Our blind spots are enormous. Hence, even our differences which are many can serve the common good if we are mature about it rather than sectarian!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Bullet of Service: Being a Servant
A servant is one who regards others as more important than himself. He is one who actively seeks the best interests of others. A servant foregoes all personal rights, ambitions and comforts as he finds his greatest fulfillment in the lives of others.
Certainly Christ gave us the greatest example of what a servant is. The Servant of Jehovah laid down His life on the cross for you. He took upon Himself the form of a bond-servant and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. Christ regarded your life as more important than His own.
Each and every one of us needs to have our thinking rearranged concerning the true measure of greatness in a person. What is it that God would change in you to begin this new life pattern or servanthood?
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and great men exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)
A servant is one who regards others as more important than himself. He is one who actively seeks the best interests of others. A servant foregoes all personal rights, ambitions and comforts as he finds his greatest fulfillment in the lives of others.
Certainly Christ gave us the greatest example of what a servant is. The Servant of Jehovah laid down His life on the cross for you. He took upon Himself the form of a bond-servant and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. Christ regarded your life as more important than His own.
Each and every one of us needs to have our thinking rearranged concerning the true measure of greatness in a person. What is it that God would change in you to begin this new life pattern or servanthood?
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and great men exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
The Bullet of Service: As God Counts Greatness
The story is told of a small religious school that was having financial difficulties, even though their spiritual and academic standards had remained very high. One day a very wealthy businessman came on campus. He walked up to a white-haired man in overalls who was painting the walls of the administration building and asked him where he could find the president. The painter pointed to a large, two-story house at the end of the campus and said he was sure that the president could be seen there at noon.
At the designated time, the visitor knocked at the president’s door and to his amazement was admitted by the same white-haired man, though now differently attired. The painter was the president! The visitor accepted an invitation to have lunch with the painter-president, asked a number of questions about the needs of the college, and told him he would get back in touch with him.
Two days later a letter arrived at the president’s office. Enclosed was a check for $50,000 and a note that read, “I am sending this gift, not because of your personal achievements and awards, but because you are a servant.”
It is this same principle that God uses to elevate our lives and measure “greatness.” God’s basis of “greatness” is very foreign to our way of life. In the world’s system, “great” men are those who exercise authority over others. “Great” men are those who can tell others what to do. They possess power. They possess authority. They possess clout.
However, Jesus said, “it is not so among you.” In fact, God’s evaluation of greatness is the complete opposite. In the eyes of God, true greatness is not being served, but serving others. The world equates greatness with being over others. God equates greatness with being under others. In God’s kingdom, the way up is down. The way to “live it up” is to first live it down … by serving the needs of others.
The story is told of a small religious school that was having financial difficulties, even though their spiritual and academic standards had remained very high. One day a very wealthy businessman came on campus. He walked up to a white-haired man in overalls who was painting the walls of the administration building and asked him where he could find the president. The painter pointed to a large, two-story house at the end of the campus and said he was sure that the president could be seen there at noon.
At the designated time, the visitor knocked at the president’s door and to his amazement was admitted by the same white-haired man, though now differently attired. The painter was the president! The visitor accepted an invitation to have lunch with the painter-president, asked a number of questions about the needs of the college, and told him he would get back in touch with him.
Two days later a letter arrived at the president’s office. Enclosed was a check for $50,000 and a note that read, “I am sending this gift, not because of your personal achievements and awards, but because you are a servant.”
It is this same principle that God uses to elevate our lives and measure “greatness.” God’s basis of “greatness” is very foreign to our way of life. In the world’s system, “great” men are those who exercise authority over others. “Great” men are those who can tell others what to do. They possess power. They possess authority. They possess clout.
However, Jesus said, “it is not so among you.” In fact, God’s evaluation of greatness is the complete opposite. In the eyes of God, true greatness is not being served, but serving others. The world equates greatness with being over others. God equates greatness with being under others. In God’s kingdom, the way up is down. The way to “live it up” is to first live it down … by serving the needs of others.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
“God” and “gods”, Part 2
All of us have our idols – that on which our affections are passionately set. Most of you would be honest enough to agree with me that your idols or gods have not brought you deep and lasting satisfaction. The new car or house, the trip, the raise, marriage, even a baby, will not ultimately satisfy one’s greatest, deepest hunger.
The Scripture tells us that not “gods” but only “God” is the answer and goal of life. “The poor deluded fool feeds on ashes; he is trusting what can never give him any help at all; yet he cannot bring himself to ask, ‘Is this thing, this idol that I’m holding in my hand, a lie?’” (Isaiah 44:20).
I know many folks around town who have held a lot of idols and are still holding onto them. They keep up the activities, they’re involved in everything and anything (even religion), they keep thinking the next experience, the next possession, the next goal realized, will really give them that great “kick” of life which has so far eluded them. But it never happens!
I’m not judging anyone. Old H.D. McCarty has played the fool as much as anyone else. In fact, I still feel the pull. I do know one thing though: of all the things I’ve ever experienced or possessed, only one has really delivered what was promised and what I really desired – that one thing is my personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Religion is man’s search for “god.” Christianity is not a religion, for it is God’s quest for man! Why not take inventory? What is your “god?” Or better still, why not give yourself to “God?” It will make a fantastic difference in your life.
All of us have our idols – that on which our affections are passionately set. Most of you would be honest enough to agree with me that your idols or gods have not brought you deep and lasting satisfaction. The new car or house, the trip, the raise, marriage, even a baby, will not ultimately satisfy one’s greatest, deepest hunger.
The Scripture tells us that not “gods” but only “God” is the answer and goal of life. “The poor deluded fool feeds on ashes; he is trusting what can never give him any help at all; yet he cannot bring himself to ask, ‘Is this thing, this idol that I’m holding in my hand, a lie?’” (Isaiah 44:20).
I know many folks around town who have held a lot of idols and are still holding onto them. They keep up the activities, they’re involved in everything and anything (even religion), they keep thinking the next experience, the next possession, the next goal realized, will really give them that great “kick” of life which has so far eluded them. But it never happens!
I’m not judging anyone. Old H.D. McCarty has played the fool as much as anyone else. In fact, I still feel the pull. I do know one thing though: of all the things I’ve ever experienced or possessed, only one has really delivered what was promised and what I really desired – that one thing is my personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Religion is man’s search for “god.” Christianity is not a religion, for it is God’s quest for man! Why not take inventory? What is your “god?” Or better still, why not give yourself to “God?” It will make a fantastic difference in your life.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
“God” and “gods”, Part 1
I once heard of a sermon entitled, “The Contemporary Practice of Polytheism.” The last word in the title simply means the worship of many (poly) gods (theism). The worship of many gods is not confined to the ignorant in faraway countries. Most Americans are victims of the practice. The sermon mentioned above was preached over forty years ago, but is just as fresh and applicable today.
My dictionary defines “god” as “any person or thing exalted as the chief god, or made the object of supreme devotion. Anything that absorbs one’s attentions or aspirations.” Therefore, whatever controls you, whatever you build your life around, whatever is your ultimate concern – that is your “god.” Be it your job, money, family, business, pleasure, self or even religion, etc. There are many “gods.” The dictionary further distinguishes between “god” and “God,” the creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe. The God of the Bible claims for Himself this distinction. He states through His Old Testament prophets and in the New Testament through His Son that He is the only true God and Savior and beside Him, there is no other. (See Isaiah 43:11 and John 14:6)
That’s a pretty heavy claim and one of man’s chief quests ought to be to discover if the God of the Bible is speaking truth, is a liar or is just putting us on!
I once heard of a sermon entitled, “The Contemporary Practice of Polytheism.” The last word in the title simply means the worship of many (poly) gods (theism). The worship of many gods is not confined to the ignorant in faraway countries. Most Americans are victims of the practice. The sermon mentioned above was preached over forty years ago, but is just as fresh and applicable today.
My dictionary defines “god” as “any person or thing exalted as the chief god, or made the object of supreme devotion. Anything that absorbs one’s attentions or aspirations.” Therefore, whatever controls you, whatever you build your life around, whatever is your ultimate concern – that is your “god.” Be it your job, money, family, business, pleasure, self or even religion, etc. There are many “gods.” The dictionary further distinguishes between “god” and “God,” the creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe. The God of the Bible claims for Himself this distinction. He states through His Old Testament prophets and in the New Testament through His Son that He is the only true God and Savior and beside Him, there is no other. (See Isaiah 43:11 and John 14:6)
That’s a pretty heavy claim and one of man’s chief quests ought to be to discover if the God of the Bible is speaking truth, is a liar or is just putting us on!
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