The last point in the Pastor's sermon today was short but relevant to the message and something that I would like to relate here. I cannot quote him verbatim for I don't take notes at church for these two reasons: First, when Christ is being proclaimed my heart is too filled to take to paper and pen. Second, I rarely take my eyes off of the one speaking for God.
We attended a church in East Liverpool, Ohio for roughly ten years until the Pastor moved to Indiana. This man was from out of the past and I had never felt such a combination of humility, astonishment and thankfulness as when he finished proclaiming Christ. I gave that pastor 100% of my attention and have not deviated from that habit since. This last point was directed to those in the pews who hesitate to come closer to Christ for fear of leaving that which the world offers for something they are not sure will satisfy. The joys of Christ are nebulous to even the most sincere inquirer but this is not the issue. The issue concerns a redeemed soul and the expected follow-up question redeemed from what.
I have mentioned before, my fascination with the concept of time. It continues, slow but certain. Anyone such as myself, approaching 60 years old, experienced much of its passage which is more valuable than imagining it. We will all stand in judgement some day. Some will receive what is deserved and some will receive mercy. There is no greater disparity of fortune than this!!! This is the answer to redeemed from what. If one realizes this, and one will if redeemed, the question of comparing what this world has to offer, to the joy incomparable of knowing what Christ has done for those who were unlovely, undeserving and rebellious, is answered.
We have to know what we were saved from! Preaching hell is passe' today and we wonder why so many commit violent crimes and then take their own lives as if to bring a complete end to their existence. Yet the lures of the world remain for they were fashioned by a master craftsman! Would we expect them to be weak? The promises to the redeemed have been fashioned by the One who the master craftsman of evil hates, with an eternal hatred, for what he rejected!
We attended a church in East Liverpool, Ohio for roughly ten years until the Pastor moved to Indiana. This man was from out of the past and I had never felt such a combination of humility, astonishment and thankfulness as when he finished proclaiming Christ. I gave that pastor 100% of my attention and have not deviated from that habit since. This last point was directed to those in the pews who hesitate to come closer to Christ for fear of leaving that which the world offers for something they are not sure will satisfy. The joys of Christ are nebulous to even the most sincere inquirer but this is not the issue. The issue concerns a redeemed soul and the expected follow-up question redeemed from what.
I have mentioned before, my fascination with the concept of time. It continues, slow but certain. Anyone such as myself, approaching 60 years old, experienced much of its passage which is more valuable than imagining it. We will all stand in judgement some day. Some will receive what is deserved and some will receive mercy. There is no greater disparity of fortune than this!!! This is the answer to redeemed from what. If one realizes this, and one will if redeemed, the question of comparing what this world has to offer, to the joy incomparable of knowing what Christ has done for those who were unlovely, undeserving and rebellious, is answered.
We have to know what we were saved from! Preaching hell is passe' today and we wonder why so many commit violent crimes and then take their own lives as if to bring a complete end to their existence. Yet the lures of the world remain for they were fashioned by a master craftsman! Would we expect them to be weak? The promises to the redeemed have been fashioned by the One who the master craftsman of evil hates, with an eternal hatred, for what he rejected!
