Some would argue that the global unrest that has been churned up by unprecedented events in these last few months is the result of political or philosophical differences.  Others seem to enjoy placing the blame on racial tensions, bigotry or bipolar cultural ideals.  There are armies of organized  rabble rousers among us that would take up arms over sexual or racial inequity, diverse social standing or financial instability among those who refuse to work.  If you are looking for a cause to live or die for, you won’t have to look far to find a plethora of self-absorbed, divisive movements whose hope is to effect global change and make every human being a cookie cutter socialist, communist, atheist, agnostic, anarchist or something unfathomably worse.

  …OR, as God puts it, there is a battle that rages in both the spiritual and physical realms in which good and evil, light and darkness, God and the devil, are pitted against each other, and at stake—the souls of men.  But there is “good news!”  Jesus came to earth “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18)”

  It is a fact!—the outcome of the battle is already determined!  Because of Jesus, “the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough way shall be made smooth. (Luke 3:5)”  In the end, God and good will destroy evil, and those who belong to Him will enter into a land beyond time, to fulfill the purpose for which they were created—to glorify God in His presence, …forever.

    It is tempting to look into the terrestrial realm for answers to the problems that plague our nation, but I would remind you that you cannot govern the godless.  Our only hope is to turn to God, and trust in Jesus, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)”

In Acts 3, the apostles Peter and John were going into the temple at Jerusalem to pray when they were noticed by a lame man (over 40 years old) that sat at the gate asking for alms.  When he made his plea for their token of mercy, Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6).”  Miraculously, the man stood up immediately and leaped for joy.  When he proceeded into the temple with the apostles, the people marveled and gathered around to hear his story.  Peter, who had acted so cowardly during the trial and execution of his Lord, now boldly announced that this miracle had been performed by the power of God in honor of His Son, Jesus, whom they had crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead.

  When the religious leaders got wind of what was happening, they drew Peter and John aside and threatened them for teaching in the name of Jesus.  Once again, Peter withstood them with sharp words; “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:19-20).”  It is truly amazing how the Holy Spirit can make a man, lame from birth, to stand up and walk, and turn a cowardly man into a bold testimony for the cause of Christ.  What’s the secret?  In a word, FAITH.

  Peter told the crowd that day, “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (Acts 3:16).”  This story is all about faith.  Everything that God wants to do for His people here on earth requires faith.  “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6).”  You too can know the power of God on your life and have a personal relationship with the God of all power.  But I fear that time is running out—Won’t you believe?

  There is an old adage, “America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”  Politicians of all stripes have used these words in support of their platforms, offering their own political ideologies as worthy specimens of what constitutes “good.”  Interestingly enough what one politician calls “good” is labeled “evil” by the next.  It seems that our leaders, their constituents and hordes of followers cannot agree on even the most basic of all truths.  I for one believe that we were better off when the basic standard for right and wrong was not up for debate.  The unprecedented perversions of proud generations of men and women who believe themselves to be fate’s appointment to the world’s successive leadership posts, have and will continue to lead us into perilous times.

  Thankfully, right is not right because of how we think or feel, and wrong is not wrong because it doesn’t suit our fancy.  There is a standard produced outside of the human race, intended by our Creator God to be the spiritual, moral, political and civil absolutes by which His creatures are governed.  He created mankind with cognitive powers and volition (a free will) so that he might choose for himself the path that leads to life and light around His throne, or death and darkness that ends in the solitary torment of a world without God.

  Obviously, there are those who think they can have the best of both worlds.  They promote a lifestyle of self gratification with an occasional honorable mention of the Divine.  But the Almighty says, “Be sure, your sins will find you out. (Numbers 32:23).”

  Interested in knowing the truth?  How about knowing the God of truth?  The only thing that stands between you and a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father is your sin.  But there is good news!  “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)”

  One of the many metaphors of the Bible pertaining to the Church, and specifically the pastor of the church, is that of the Shepherd.  The Greek word for Shepherd, poimen, is used several times in reference to Christ (i.e. Hebrews 13:20; 1Peter 2:25) but in Ephesians 4:11 the word obviously refers to the pastors of churches.  “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors (shepherds) and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11).”

  The job of the shepherd of sheep, is to protect his flock, guide them to green pasture, feed them and provide life giving water, to love them and be willing to sacrifice life and limb for their well being.  When it comes to the other side of the analogy, the shepherding of men, we have to look no further than Christ for the perfect example.  He was the “Good Shepherd,” who literally gave Himself for His sheep.

    Would to God that the burden of protecting, feeding, watering, nurturing and loving were taken more seriously by every God appointed shepherd (pastor) of our day. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28).”   “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1Peter 5:2).” 

  It is a sobering fact that God holds us who are called Pastor accountable for the quality care and guidance that we provide for HIS sheep.  “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17).”

  Lord, help me to be this kind of pastor!  Lord, bless my sheep!

  The Bible says that you are more than another animal, you have an eternal spirit that will live forever somewhere.  God forbid, but if you were killed in an accident today, where would you spend eternity?

  Some continually dismiss the thought, thinking that they will get around to it later, but no one is guaranteed a tomorrow; people die unexpectedly every day.  God says, “Ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:14).”

  So, where will you spend eternity?  God says there are only two options: heaven or hell.  To say, “I plan to spend eternity in heaven,”  begs the question, How do you propose to get there?  Every possible answer falls into one of two categories: either you plan to go to heaven because of what you have done (i.e. baptism, church attendance, good deeds, etc.), or you plan to go to heaven because of what has been done for you.  All religions promote a “you can do it” philosophy.  They believe that heaven is reserved for those who do, or don’t do, certain things.  Their hope is that in the day of judgment, their good will outweigh their bad.  They will be disappointed.

  Only biblical Christianity teaches that salvation is “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us… (Titus 3:5a).” “Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:9).” Salvation is a relationship with God, to those who choose to accept it as a gift from God; but like any gift, if you try to earn it, it ceases to be a gift. 

  Jesus, the Son of God, left heaven to die on a cross and pay the penalty for your sins.  He was buried, but rose again on the third day, and is alive to offer you His blood bought forgiveness as a gift from God.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).”  Salvation is received by placing your dependence upon what Christ has done for you!