It Still Works
Dr. Richard Selzer wrote about a report that he gave after a surgery he
performed on a young lady had left a lasting blemish:
I stand by the bed where a young woman lies, her face postoperative, her
mouth twisted in palsy, clownish. A tiny twig of the facial nerve, the one
to the muscles of her mouth, has been severed. She will be thus from now
on. The surgeon had followed with religious fervor the curve of her flesh;
I promise you that. Nevertheless, to remove the tumor in her cheek, I had
to cut the little nerve. Her young husband is in the room. He stands on
the opposite side of the bed and together they seem to dwell in the evening
lamplight, isolated from me, private. Who are they, I ask myself, he and
this wry mouth I have made, who gaze at and touch each other so generously,
greedily?
The young woman speaks. "Will my mouth always be like this?" she asks.
"Yes," I say, "it will. It is because the nerve was cut."
She nods and is silent. But the young man smiles. "I like it," he says,
"It is kind of cute." All at once I know who he is. I understand and I
lower my gaze. One is not bold in an encounter with greatness. Unmindful,
he bends to kiss her crooked mouth and I am so close I can see how he twists
his own lips to accommodate to hers, to show her that their kiss still
works. *
Our sins have marred the image of our souls. We have "missed the mark" in
many ways (Romans 3:23) leaving scars that glaringly reveal our mistakes.
But when Jesus looks at us, His gaze is one of love. He loves us anyway,
scars and all. He came to us and died on the cross for our sins so that we
may be made whole in His sight (1 Peter 2:24). Despite the mistakes of our
past and our future, His grace still works. He has never stopped loving us,
and He never will.
Accept His offer of love, grace, and life. Place your faith and trust in
Him (Acts 16:30-31), turn from your sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31),
confess His sweet and glorious name (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized
(immersed) into Christ and He will cleanse your soul (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
Then continue to follow Him faithfully, and He will continue to cleanse you
from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7-9).
Marred by sin, we come face to face with Jesus. Though it cost Him His life
to pay for our sins, He looks at us with love and mercy, longing for us to
accept His offer of salvation and eternal life.
"Bring Christ your broken life, So marred by sin; He will create anew, Make
whole again.
Your empty, wasted years, He will restore, And your iniquities Remember no
more."
-- T.O. Chisholm
And when we accept His offer, we realize that we have encountered God - a
loving, gracious God.
-- David A. Sargent
* Richard Selzer, M.D., Mortal Lessons: Notes on the Art of Surgery, 1978,
pp. 45-6 as quoted in www.sermonillustrations.com.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
The historian Xenophon
Observe Him
The historian Xenophon states, that when Cyrus had taken captives including a young prince of Armenia with his young and beautiful wife, they were brought before the tribunal of Cyrus to receive their sentence. The warrior inquired of the prince what he would give to be reinstated in his kingdom. The prince replied that he valued his crown and his liberty at a very low rate, but that if the noble conqueror would restore his beloved wife to her former dignity and possessions, he would willingly pay his life for the purchase. The prisoners were dismissed, to enjoy their freedom and former honors; and each was lavish in praises of the conqueror.
“And you,” said the prince, addressing his wife, “what did you think of Cyrus?”
“I did not observe him,” she replied.
“Not observe him!” exclaimed her husband, “upon whom, then, was your attention fixed?”
“Upon that dear and generous man,” she replied, “who declared his readiness to purchase my liberty at the expense of his life.” *
May I direct your attention to the One who gave His life for you so that you can be saved from your sins and look forward to eternal life in heaven?
His name is Jesus. He is the Son of God. He is the One that died on the cross for your sins and for mine. He died for us so that we might live. He took upon Himself the punishment for our sins so that we can be saved. Peter reminded some “suffering saints” of what Christ has done for them: “He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace”
-- Helen H. Lemmel
Won’t YOU turn your eyes upon Jesus, accept His offer of salvation, and follow Him all the way to heaven?
-- David A. Sargent
* Source: Practical Bible Illustrations From Yesterday And Today, Richard A. Steele, Jr. and Evelyn Stoner as quoted in www.ministry127.com. Verified in “History of Iran: Cyropaedia of Xenophon; The Life of Cyrus the Great. Book 3, Section 1, as quoted in www.iranchamber.com.
David A. Sargent, Minister
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Shonda Lemon United States Postal Service
A Caring Carrier
Shonda Lemon has worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal
Service for eight years in the city of Chicago. While delivering mail to
individuals, she has built a relationship with many of the recipients,
especially some senior citizens who live alone. 89-year-old Helen Iwanski
is one of those senior citizens that Lemon has befriended. In the last four
years, the two have exchanged short, friendly conversations. Lemon has
tried to make it easier for Iwanski to handle her bundle of mail more easily
by wrapping a rubber band around it.
But for three days in a row last month, Iwanski had not picked up her mail.
Lemon was very concerned.
Lemon told Fox Television Stations' Stephanie Weaver that she knew Iwanski
lived alone, didn't have children, and hadn't traveled anywhere in years, so
she called the police to do a wellness check on January 14.
Police found Iwanski on the floor in her home. She had fallen and had been
lying there for several days.
When a police officer told Lemon that Iwanski had fallen but was alive, she
broke into tears. "I began to cry, because it was a rejoicing moment for
me, knowing that I had assisted her in [saving] her life," Lemon explained.
"And, ya know, it was just the pain and thought of what she may have been
going through for those three days on the floor."
Iwanski was admitted to a local hospital and is currently regaining her
strength at a rehab facility. She is incredibly thankful for her caring
mail carrier.
"My Aunt [Helen Iwanski] sends her love and appreciation to Shonda for being
there for her. She said she will be forever grateful for Shonda caring
enough to call the police," said Mary Mason, Iwanski's niece.
Each of us has "fallen" because of our sins. We are helpless and cannot
save ourselves.
But God loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to rescue us
(John 3:16). Jesus had to give His life for us to pay the price for our
redemption from sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). He "gave Himself for our sins to
rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and
Father, to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen" (Galatians 1:4-5 NIV).
Jesus cared enough to carry the burden of our sins upon Himself (1 Peter
2:24), to save us.
If we will only accept His offer of salvation, He will cleanse us from sin
and give us eternal life (Ephesians 1:7).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust
in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
You have fallen, but Somebody has noticed and Somebody cares. The God who
created you wants to save you from sin. He sent His Son to rescue you.
Won't YOU accept His offer by trusting and obeying Him today?
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "Chicago USPS mail carrier helped rescue
89-year-old woman who fell and couldn't get up" by Lucas Manfredi,
www.foxnews.com.
Shonda Lemon has worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal
Service for eight years in the city of Chicago. While delivering mail to
individuals, she has built a relationship with many of the recipients,
especially some senior citizens who live alone. 89-year-old Helen Iwanski
is one of those senior citizens that Lemon has befriended. In the last four
years, the two have exchanged short, friendly conversations. Lemon has
tried to make it easier for Iwanski to handle her bundle of mail more easily
by wrapping a rubber band around it.
But for three days in a row last month, Iwanski had not picked up her mail.
Lemon was very concerned.
Lemon told Fox Television Stations' Stephanie Weaver that she knew Iwanski
lived alone, didn't have children, and hadn't traveled anywhere in years, so
she called the police to do a wellness check on January 14.
Police found Iwanski on the floor in her home. She had fallen and had been
lying there for several days.
When a police officer told Lemon that Iwanski had fallen but was alive, she
broke into tears. "I began to cry, because it was a rejoicing moment for
me, knowing that I had assisted her in [saving] her life," Lemon explained.
"And, ya know, it was just the pain and thought of what she may have been
going through for those three days on the floor."
Iwanski was admitted to a local hospital and is currently regaining her
strength at a rehab facility. She is incredibly thankful for her caring
mail carrier.
"My Aunt [Helen Iwanski] sends her love and appreciation to Shonda for being
there for her. She said she will be forever grateful for Shonda caring
enough to call the police," said Mary Mason, Iwanski's niece.
Each of us has "fallen" because of our sins. We are helpless and cannot
save ourselves.
But God loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to rescue us
(John 3:16). Jesus had to give His life for us to pay the price for our
redemption from sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). He "gave Himself for our sins to
rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and
Father, to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen" (Galatians 1:4-5 NIV).
Jesus cared enough to carry the burden of our sins upon Himself (1 Peter
2:24), to save us.
If we will only accept His offer of salvation, He will cleanse us from sin
and give us eternal life (Ephesians 1:7).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust
in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts
17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
You have fallen, but Somebody has noticed and Somebody cares. The God who
created you wants to save you from sin. He sent His Son to rescue you.
Won't YOU accept His offer by trusting and obeying Him today?
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "Chicago USPS mail carrier helped rescue
89-year-old woman who fell and couldn't get up" by Lucas Manfredi,
www.foxnews.com.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Mark 12:37
"The Common People Heard Him Gladly"
When Jesus taught in the temple "the common people heard Him gladly" (Mark 12:37).
The gospel of Christ is God's power to save all who believe (Romans 1:16), but those most receptive to His message have always been commoners. Jesus even gave thanks to God, saying "that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes" (Matthew 11:25). Salvation is not reserved for the college educated, for captains of industry, or the crowned heads of Europe. The word of God is most appealing to those who prefer simplicity. Paul remarked, "not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
That common people could hear Him gladly indicates the Lord spoke to them in a way that was simple to comprehend. He didn't dumb it down for them, but neither did he speak over their heads. The message is meant to be understood, which is why God commanded the prophet Habakkuk to "Write the vision and make it plain" (Habakkuk 2:2). When the people of Judah returned from captivity and restored proper worship, Ezra's assistants "read distinctly from the book, in the law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading" (Nehemiah 8:8). Sound doctrine doesn't impress the audience with the preacher's eloquence (1 Cor. 2:1-5); it just communicates God's word in a straightforward fashion. When this is accomplished, common people will gladly hear it.
- by Bryan Matthew Dockens
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Dr. Anne Hampton
United Again
10 months. That's how long Dr. Anne Hampton was unable to see her father,
Chris, age 87, face-to-face. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the The
Steppes care home in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, England where Chris
resides, went on lock-down back in March, 2020. Since then, Dr. Hampton has
only been able to see her father through a window at the assisted living
facility. On January 1, 2021, however, Dr. Hampton was able to see her
father up close, even if it was through the shield of a PPE (personal
protective equipment) uniform.
Dr. Hampton jumped at the opportunity to join a medical team in
administering the Covid-19 vaccine to the residents in The Steppes care
home. "When I realized we would be vaccinating The Steppes care home, I
just thought this would be an amazing opportunity to take part in the
vaccination program - and also to be able to get to see dad in a safe way,"
Hampton said.
On January 1, Dr. Hampton, adorned in her PPE, went to The Steppes care home
to administer the vaccine to 22 patients. The first one she inoculated was
her father.
"Hello Dad, I've come to give you your vaccination today, to stop the
virus," Hampton said in a tender moment caught on camera. Hampton later
explained, "He didn't recognize me at first in all of my PPE but it's been
lovely to see him, just briefly, and start him being protected."
Hampton and all the world is hopeful that the vaccine will help defeat this
dreaded virus that has kept us separated from our loved ones. We long to
see and to be with our loved ones, face-to-face in the same room, with no
masks or barriers between us.
Separated. That word speaks to a painful reality. It is a word that
describes what our sins do to our relationship with God. Isaiah the prophet
told the people of Judah: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it
cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities
have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from
you, So that He will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2). Because of our sins, we are
separated from God and doomed.
But God loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son to die on the
cross for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Through Jesus, we can be saved
from our sins and reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust
in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31),
confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into
Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). The atoning blood that
Jesus shed in His death will not inoculate us from sin, but it will keep us
cleansed and in fellowship with God as we continue to walk in the light of
His Word (1 John 1:7-9).
What a glorious reality with eternal blessings: we don't have to be
separated from God anymore! We can enjoy relationship, fellowship, and
union with God - all because He loves us so much that He made reconciliation
possible through the gift of His Son.
Won't YOU accept His offer of reconciliation?
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "Doctor gives dad COVID-19 vaccine after 10
months apart" by Janine Puhak, www.foxnews.com.
.
10 months. That's how long Dr. Anne Hampton was unable to see her father,
Chris, age 87, face-to-face. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the The
Steppes care home in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, England where Chris
resides, went on lock-down back in March, 2020. Since then, Dr. Hampton has
only been able to see her father through a window at the assisted living
facility. On January 1, 2021, however, Dr. Hampton was able to see her
father up close, even if it was through the shield of a PPE (personal
protective equipment) uniform.
Dr. Hampton jumped at the opportunity to join a medical team in
administering the Covid-19 vaccine to the residents in The Steppes care
home. "When I realized we would be vaccinating The Steppes care home, I
just thought this would be an amazing opportunity to take part in the
vaccination program - and also to be able to get to see dad in a safe way,"
Hampton said.
On January 1, Dr. Hampton, adorned in her PPE, went to The Steppes care home
to administer the vaccine to 22 patients. The first one she inoculated was
her father.
"Hello Dad, I've come to give you your vaccination today, to stop the
virus," Hampton said in a tender moment caught on camera. Hampton later
explained, "He didn't recognize me at first in all of my PPE but it's been
lovely to see him, just briefly, and start him being protected."
Hampton and all the world is hopeful that the vaccine will help defeat this
dreaded virus that has kept us separated from our loved ones. We long to
see and to be with our loved ones, face-to-face in the same room, with no
masks or barriers between us.
Separated. That word speaks to a painful reality. It is a word that
describes what our sins do to our relationship with God. Isaiah the prophet
told the people of Judah: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it
cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities
have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from
you, So that He will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2). Because of our sins, we are
separated from God and doomed.
But God loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son to die on the
cross for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Through Jesus, we can be saved
from our sins and reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust
in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31),
confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into
Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). The atoning blood that
Jesus shed in His death will not inoculate us from sin, but it will keep us
cleansed and in fellowship with God as we continue to walk in the light of
His Word (1 John 1:7-9).
What a glorious reality with eternal blessings: we don't have to be
separated from God anymore! We can enjoy relationship, fellowship, and
union with God - all because He loves us so much that He made reconciliation
possible through the gift of His Son.
Won't YOU accept His offer of reconciliation?
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "Doctor gives dad COVID-19 vaccine after 10
months apart" by Janine Puhak, www.foxnews.com.
.
Praying for America
PRAYING FOR OUR NATION is right, taught in the Bible, and needed at the present time. Learn more about praying for America by going to https://www.facebook.com/Goshencoc on January 24th, 2021 and watching the live broadcast, or watch this video as an archived file.
Saturday, January 9, 2021
I touch the future. I teach
Teacher
Teacher. Is there a more honorable designation than that? I am sure we all
have teachers in the past (and the present) that we really appreciate for
what they have taught us, and the way they have taught us.
I remember seeing a quote about the impact that a teacher can have: "I touch
the future. I teach." - Christa McAuliffe
Jesus was often called, "Teacher" or "Rabbi." "Now behold, one came and
said to Him, 'Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have
eternal life?'" (Matthew 19:16). Jesus taught spiritual truths that brought
people to God.
The greatest teachers are those that practice what they teach. Jesus
embodied what He taught. The inspired writer Luke made reference to his
Gospel account as he opened the book of Acts: "In my former book,
Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach" (Acts 1:1
NIV). Jesus was a "doer" and a "teacher." Jesus said to His disciples,
"You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then,
your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one
another's feet" (John 13:13-14). With Jesus, it was not only "do as I say
(teach)" but also "do as I do."
Pat Smith was a serious Bible student and a Bible teacher. She taught
classes for young people for many years at Sage Avenue Church of Christ.
She taught the Ladies Class for many years for the Creekwood Church of
Christ. She also modeled what she taught, in and out of the classroom.
Listen to some of her students. "Pat was one of the most knowledgeable and
informative Bible teachers I have ever had. I have missed her wealth of
knowledge" (Freda Butts). "I have many memories of Pat but I guess the most
prevalent one is her vast knowledge of the Scriptures. She taught the
Ladies' Class for many years and I learned so much from her. Those days we
studied the Bible not books, and you could tell she put in a lot of time
studying. She was truly a role model of how a Christian should live. She
was devoted to her husband and I remember her saying they read and studied
the Bible together every day" (Barbara Howell).
If you were to ask Pat, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may
have eternal life?", here is what I believe Pat would say: "God's Word says
that it is only through Jesus that we can be saved and receive eternal life
(John 14:6; Romans 6:23). We must place our faith and trust in Him (Acts
16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus
before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the
forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). Then, as we continue to walk in the
light of His Word - and you need to study God's Word! - the blood of Jesus
continues to cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7-9)."
There is no greater teacher than one who, from the Scriptures, will point
you to God and His will. Pat Smith was one of the great ones.
There is no better response than to listen to your teacher and submit your
life to God.
Won't YOU?
-- David A. Sargent
* In loving memory of Pat Smith (April 15, 1938 - January 4, 2021), a
beloved teacher of the Scriptures. Thank you, Pat, for teaching and
modeling what the Bible says about living the Christian life. Thank you for
touching our future. Until we meet again.
Teacher. Is there a more honorable designation than that? I am sure we all
have teachers in the past (and the present) that we really appreciate for
what they have taught us, and the way they have taught us.
I remember seeing a quote about the impact that a teacher can have: "I touch
the future. I teach." - Christa McAuliffe
Jesus was often called, "Teacher" or "Rabbi." "Now behold, one came and
said to Him, 'Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have
eternal life?'" (Matthew 19:16). Jesus taught spiritual truths that brought
people to God.
The greatest teachers are those that practice what they teach. Jesus
embodied what He taught. The inspired writer Luke made reference to his
Gospel account as he opened the book of Acts: "In my former book,
Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach" (Acts 1:1
NIV). Jesus was a "doer" and a "teacher." Jesus said to His disciples,
"You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then,
your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one
another's feet" (John 13:13-14). With Jesus, it was not only "do as I say
(teach)" but also "do as I do."
Pat Smith was a serious Bible student and a Bible teacher. She taught
classes for young people for many years at Sage Avenue Church of Christ.
She taught the Ladies Class for many years for the Creekwood Church of
Christ. She also modeled what she taught, in and out of the classroom.
Listen to some of her students. "Pat was one of the most knowledgeable and
informative Bible teachers I have ever had. I have missed her wealth of
knowledge" (Freda Butts). "I have many memories of Pat but I guess the most
prevalent one is her vast knowledge of the Scriptures. She taught the
Ladies' Class for many years and I learned so much from her. Those days we
studied the Bible not books, and you could tell she put in a lot of time
studying. She was truly a role model of how a Christian should live. She
was devoted to her husband and I remember her saying they read and studied
the Bible together every day" (Barbara Howell).
If you were to ask Pat, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may
have eternal life?", here is what I believe Pat would say: "God's Word says
that it is only through Jesus that we can be saved and receive eternal life
(John 14:6; Romans 6:23). We must place our faith and trust in Him (Acts
16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus
before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the
forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). Then, as we continue to walk in the
light of His Word - and you need to study God's Word! - the blood of Jesus
continues to cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7-9)."
There is no greater teacher than one who, from the Scriptures, will point
you to God and His will. Pat Smith was one of the great ones.
There is no better response than to listen to your teacher and submit your
life to God.
Won't YOU?
-- David A. Sargent
* In loving memory of Pat Smith (April 15, 1938 - January 4, 2021), a
beloved teacher of the Scriptures. Thank you, Pat, for teaching and
modeling what the Bible says about living the Christian life. Thank you for
touching our future. Until we meet again.
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