That the World May Know
Mart Green is the ministry investment officer of Hobby Lobby and founder of
Mardel Christian & Education, a book store and education supplier with a
Christian focus. Green is involved in a mission to help translate God's
Word into every language in the world, so that each and every person can
read the Word of God in his/her own language.
In a recent article in www.foxnews.com, Green shared an encounter with a man
that renewed his focus of trying to get the Bible into every country and
language:
I'd been supporting a painstakingly laborious Bible translation project in
Guatemala and began to question my "return on investment." It seemed to me
I'd put a considerable sum of money into a project that would benefit just a
few hundred people, or a few thousand at most.
To be honest, I was a bit cranky when I got off the uncomfortable 10-hour
bus journey to attend the ceremony marking the completion, at last, of the
translation of the Bible into the Eastern Jakaltek language - an endeavor 40
years in the making.
Then I saw Gaspar - and my life changed forever.
Gaspar, one of the local people, was sobbing with sheer joy as he took the
Bible, his own Bible in his own language, into his hands. I'd never held a
Bible like Gaspar did - as if he were grasping the most precious item in the
world.
Now, how will you hold your Bible?
The Bible is the most precious item in the world because it is God's Word.
In its pages, God reveals Himself to us. We can read and study about who
God is and know His will for us. Through the Scriptures, we learn how much
God loves us: that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for our sins so
that we can be reconciled to Him and live with Him for eternity in heaven
(John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
God has revealed in His Word that He 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). God's Word teaches that as we continue to walk in the
light of His Word that the blood of Jesus continues to cleanse us from all
sin (1 John 1:7-9).
In his research, Green learned that "more than a billion people - speaking
some 3,800 different languages - have little or no access to the Bible in a
language they can clearly understand. More than 2,000 languages don't yet
have a single verse of Scripture." So he has resolved to do something about
it, so that the world may know God and His will for our lives.
"This movement is especially significant as we remember that heaven and
earth meet at the point of God's Word," says Green. "The Word became flesh
and lived among us - Jesus, the Living Word - giving you and me the hope of
everlasting life through His resurrection, and leaving us with the great
commission to share the Gospel with every creature and make disciples of all
the nations (Matthew 28:16-20)."
Please pick up your Bible. Think of Green and Gaspar. Treasure the Word of
God. Read it and heed it. It will change your life, forever.
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "Mart Green: Mission of biblical proportions -
this is how we're taking God's Word to every corner of the world" in
www.foxnews.com, accessed April 16, 2021.
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Thursday, April 1, 2021
I Know Why You're Here
I Know Why You're Here
Kevin Blue writes about an experience that a friend experienced one summer
while he was ministering among the poor on a six-week urban project with a
religious organization in Los Angeles, California. Blue writes:
Part of his assignment was to spend time in a convalescent home in the
central part of the city... This convalescent home was smelly, understaffed
and poorly kept. Few residents had visitors. For a new guest arriving to
serve the residents, it was very awkward. Some residents were mentally ill;
some were not responsive at all. Others were even hostile. Members of
Johnny's team were struggling in the first few days with why they had been
called to serve there. "Why are we here?" "This is depressing." "We can't
do anything to help." Such remarks began to be made openly.
One day, after Johnny had been there for about a week, an elderly woman
slowly walked up to him in the hallway where he was standing. She drew
close and pointed a finger at him. "I know why you're here," she said in an
accusatory tone. She paused as my friend looked at her, wondering what this
was about. Realizing he didn't know what she meant, she went on. "I know
why you're here," she said again. "You're here because God wants us to know
he hasn't forgotten about us."
The woman turned and shuffled away. Johnny was stunned. Another team member
was so moved she nearly cried on the spot. By the end of that summer, many
of that team cried as they left the friends they had made, because in many
of those relationships they had found something of the kingdom of God. *
Imagine someone walking up to Jesus during His earthly ministry, pointing
his finger at Him and saying, "I know why You're here. You're here because
God wants us to know that He hasn't forgotten about us."
That statement is true.
Jesus came to this earth to reveal God to us (John 1:14). He came to reveal
the love God has for us (John 3:16). He came to show us that God has not
forgotten about us and that He has not abandoned us because of our sins. In
fact, Jesus came to save us from sin.
Jesus stated the reason for His coming: "For the Son of Man has come to seek
and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). In order to save us, He had
to die on the cross for our sins (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). God will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
One day, John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him. He said
(essentially) to Jesus, "I know why You're here." John said, "Behold! The
Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).
Jesus came to inform us that God has not forgotten us. He came to save us.
He came to save you.
Won't YOU accept His offer of salvation and eternal life by submitting your
life to Him?
-- David A. Sargent
* Kevin Blue, Practical Justice: Living Off-Center in a Self-Centered World,
InterVarsity Press, 2006, as quoted in www.thepastorsworkshop.com.
Kevin Blue writes about an experience that a friend experienced one summer
while he was ministering among the poor on a six-week urban project with a
religious organization in Los Angeles, California. Blue writes:
Part of his assignment was to spend time in a convalescent home in the
central part of the city... This convalescent home was smelly, understaffed
and poorly kept. Few residents had visitors. For a new guest arriving to
serve the residents, it was very awkward. Some residents were mentally ill;
some were not responsive at all. Others were even hostile. Members of
Johnny's team were struggling in the first few days with why they had been
called to serve there. "Why are we here?" "This is depressing." "We can't
do anything to help." Such remarks began to be made openly.
One day, after Johnny had been there for about a week, an elderly woman
slowly walked up to him in the hallway where he was standing. She drew
close and pointed a finger at him. "I know why you're here," she said in an
accusatory tone. She paused as my friend looked at her, wondering what this
was about. Realizing he didn't know what she meant, she went on. "I know
why you're here," she said again. "You're here because God wants us to know
he hasn't forgotten about us."
The woman turned and shuffled away. Johnny was stunned. Another team member
was so moved she nearly cried on the spot. By the end of that summer, many
of that team cried as they left the friends they had made, because in many
of those relationships they had found something of the kingdom of God. *
Imagine someone walking up to Jesus during His earthly ministry, pointing
his finger at Him and saying, "I know why You're here. You're here because
God wants us to know that He hasn't forgotten about us."
That statement is true.
Jesus came to this earth to reveal God to us (John 1:14). He came to reveal
the love God has for us (John 3:16). He came to show us that God has not
forgotten about us and that He has not abandoned us because of our sins. In
fact, Jesus came to save us from sin.
Jesus stated the reason for His coming: "For the Son of Man has come to seek
and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). In order to save us, He had
to die on the cross for our sins (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). God will
continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His
Word (1 John 1:7-9).
One day, John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him. He said
(essentially) to Jesus, "I know why You're here." John said, "Behold! The
Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).
Jesus came to inform us that God has not forgotten us. He came to save us.
He came to save you.
Won't YOU accept His offer of salvation and eternal life by submitting your
life to Him?
-- David A. Sargent
* Kevin Blue, Practical Justice: Living Off-Center in a Self-Centered World,
InterVarsity Press, 2006, as quoted in www.thepastorsworkshop.com.
Monday, March 29, 2021
"Easter Miracle Landing" of King Air by Doug White
Learn how Doug White landed a King Air plane on Easter weekend in this 15 minute video: https://bit.ly/31uDVQl
Hear Doug describe some of what he experienced here: https://bit.ly/2QOHNJV
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
challenges for substitute teachers
Not Forgotten
Substitute teachers can face many challenges. Sometimes they can be taken
advantage of or be the recipients of some student pranks. Some substitute
teachers, however, are deeply respected and make a profound and lasting
influence on the lives of their students. Jose Villaruel, affectionately
known as "Mr. V" by his students, was one of those beloved substitute
teachers in the Fontana (CA) Unified School District.
One of Mr. V's former students, Steven Nava, recently re-connected with his
former teacher. Nava has many good things to say about Villaruel. He said
Villaruel always acted like a "family figure" to his students.
"[Villarruel] was just someone that kind of wanted you to stay on and guide
you on that right path." Nava added: "Mr. V has influenced [me] . to be a
better person. He's taught me to have that drive and that 'never give up'
attitude whenever facing a struggle in my life and that's what's helped me
be the person I am now."
Those powerful lessons from his teacher were re-emphasized when Nava was
recently reunited with him in Fontana. Nava saw Villaruel rummaging in his
car, recognized him, and stopped to ask how he was doing. Mr. V, now
77-years-old, opened up to his former student about his struggles. He had
been living in his car for the past eight years trying to make ends meet.
The pandemic had made his situation worse because he had not had
opportunities to work as a substitute teacher to supplement his Social
Security income. He had been sending most of his money to help care for his
sick wife who was living in Mexico.
Nava, 21-years-old, was heartbroken to see his beloved teacher going through
such a difficult time and vowed to help. Nava created a GoFundMe account
and asked his followers on social media to help Mr. V. In just a few days,
thanks to the generosity of people throughout the world, Nava was able to
raise $27,000 for Villaruel. He presented a check for that amount to Mr. V
on his 77th birthday. With the money, Villaruel was able to pay off some
debts and prepare to return to his family in Mexico.
When we were destitute and alone due to our sins, Someone came to our
rescue. That Someone was Jesus, the Son of God. He paid our sin debt by
dying on the cross for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). He invites us into
His family in which we can be under the watchful care of the Father and
enjoy fellowship with other members of God's family, the church. When our
situation is bleak and hopeless due to our sin, Jesus offers grace and life,
eternal life.
God will save, add to His family, 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 and prepare for a heavenly home those
who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).
Alone and struggling because of sin, we have not been forgotten. God loves
us and desires to save us. And He will, if we will only submit our lives to
Him in trusting obedience.
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "California substitute teacher living in car gets
surprise $27,000 check on 77th birthday from former student" by Daniella
Genovese, www.foxnews.com.
Substitute teachers can face many challenges. Sometimes they can be taken
advantage of or be the recipients of some student pranks. Some substitute
teachers, however, are deeply respected and make a profound and lasting
influence on the lives of their students. Jose Villaruel, affectionately
known as "Mr. V" by his students, was one of those beloved substitute
teachers in the Fontana (CA) Unified School District.
One of Mr. V's former students, Steven Nava, recently re-connected with his
former teacher. Nava has many good things to say about Villaruel. He said
Villaruel always acted like a "family figure" to his students.
"[Villarruel] was just someone that kind of wanted you to stay on and guide
you on that right path." Nava added: "Mr. V has influenced [me] . to be a
better person. He's taught me to have that drive and that 'never give up'
attitude whenever facing a struggle in my life and that's what's helped me
be the person I am now."
Those powerful lessons from his teacher were re-emphasized when Nava was
recently reunited with him in Fontana. Nava saw Villaruel rummaging in his
car, recognized him, and stopped to ask how he was doing. Mr. V, now
77-years-old, opened up to his former student about his struggles. He had
been living in his car for the past eight years trying to make ends meet.
The pandemic had made his situation worse because he had not had
opportunities to work as a substitute teacher to supplement his Social
Security income. He had been sending most of his money to help care for his
sick wife who was living in Mexico.
Nava, 21-years-old, was heartbroken to see his beloved teacher going through
such a difficult time and vowed to help. Nava created a GoFundMe account
and asked his followers on social media to help Mr. V. In just a few days,
thanks to the generosity of people throughout the world, Nava was able to
raise $27,000 for Villaruel. He presented a check for that amount to Mr. V
on his 77th birthday. With the money, Villaruel was able to pay off some
debts and prepare to return to his family in Mexico.
When we were destitute and alone due to our sins, Someone came to our
rescue. That Someone was Jesus, the Son of God. He paid our sin debt by
dying on the cross for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). He invites us into
His family in which we can be under the watchful care of the Father and
enjoy fellowship with other members of God's family, the church. When our
situation is bleak and hopeless due to our sin, Jesus offers grace and life,
eternal life.
God will save, add to His family, 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 and prepare for a heavenly home those
who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).
Alone and struggling because of sin, we have not been forgotten. God loves
us and desires to save us. And He will, if we will only submit our lives to
Him in trusting obedience.
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "California substitute teacher living in car gets
surprise $27,000 check on 77th birthday from former student" by Daniella
Genovese, www.foxnews.com.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Tom Brady, Part 3" from 60 Minutes, www.cbsnews.com
The GOAT
He is called "The GOAT" of NFL quarterbacks, the "Greatest Of All Time."
Tom Brady has many stats to back up the title, including 7 Super Bowl rings.
The latest ring he earned as he led his Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in
Super Bowl LV, at the "ripe old age" (in NFL player standards) of 43.
Back in 2005 after Brady led the New England Patriots to their and his third
Super Bowl win, CBS 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft interviewed Brady.
During the interview, Kroft asked Brady to reflect on his successes: "This
whole experience -- this whole upward trajectory -- what have you learned
about yourself? What kind of an effect does it have on you?"
In his response, Brady said, "Why do I have three Super Bowl rings, and
still think there's something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot
of people would say, 'Hey man, this is what is.' I reached my goal, my
dream, my life. Me, I think: '.It's gotta be more than this. I mean this
can't be what it's all cracked up to be. I mean I've done it. I'm 27. And
what else is there for me?"
"What's the answer?" asked Kroft.
Brady responded, "I wish I knew. I wish I knew."
Now in 2021, after winning a record 7 Super Bowls, I wonder if Brady is
still asking these questions and searching for answers. I hope so.
Mr. Brady, I think there is something greater out there for you. It's not
about what you know, but WHO you know.
The "Who" that can answer these deep questions in life is Jesus Christ.
Yes, I am a preacher and I'm supposed to say that. But if I don't believe
it, I'd better not be preaching it.
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He came to this earth to
reveal God to us, and to pay the price for our sins by dying on the cross.
He did this so that we can be forgiven of our sins and live eternally with
Him in heaven.
And, Mr. Brady, I believe that He is the Answer to your questions about what
life is all about.
I believe Jesus when He said, "I have come that you may have life and have
it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Jesus is the key to the abundant life now
and eternal life to come. The abundant life now is experienced through the
spiritual blessings that Jesus gives to us when we submit our lives to Him -
blessings such as forgiveness, peace that surpasses understanding, joy that
isn't based on circumstances, a love that doesn't quit, and hope that
extends beyond this life.
Mr. Brady, I hope you are still searching and I hope that you will
investigate Jesus. Read about Jesus in the Gospel accounts. Observe His
life and teachings. If you study His life and teachings with an open heart
and mind, I believe you will reach the same conclusion that I and many
others have reached: Jesus is the Greatest Person Who has ever lived on this
earth. And although it cost His life, Jesus offers the greatest gifts to
all who will accept them on His terms: the abundant life now and eternal
life to come.
Here is how we accept His offer, according to the ones that Jesus
commissioned to share the Good News: 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). God will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue
to follow His Word (1 John 1:7-9).
Mr. Brady (and anyone else reading this article), I believe abundant life
and eternal life are found in Jesus. Please see for yourself. I believe
you'll find something greater than winning 7 Super Bowls.
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "Transcript: Tom Brady, Part 3" from 60 Minutes,
www.cbsnews.com.
He is called "The GOAT" of NFL quarterbacks, the "Greatest Of All Time."
Tom Brady has many stats to back up the title, including 7 Super Bowl rings.
The latest ring he earned as he led his Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in
Super Bowl LV, at the "ripe old age" (in NFL player standards) of 43.
Back in 2005 after Brady led the New England Patriots to their and his third
Super Bowl win, CBS 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft interviewed Brady.
During the interview, Kroft asked Brady to reflect on his successes: "This
whole experience -- this whole upward trajectory -- what have you learned
about yourself? What kind of an effect does it have on you?"
In his response, Brady said, "Why do I have three Super Bowl rings, and
still think there's something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot
of people would say, 'Hey man, this is what is.' I reached my goal, my
dream, my life. Me, I think: '.It's gotta be more than this. I mean this
can't be what it's all cracked up to be. I mean I've done it. I'm 27. And
what else is there for me?"
"What's the answer?" asked Kroft.
Brady responded, "I wish I knew. I wish I knew."
Now in 2021, after winning a record 7 Super Bowls, I wonder if Brady is
still asking these questions and searching for answers. I hope so.
Mr. Brady, I think there is something greater out there for you. It's not
about what you know, but WHO you know.
The "Who" that can answer these deep questions in life is Jesus Christ.
Yes, I am a preacher and I'm supposed to say that. But if I don't believe
it, I'd better not be preaching it.
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He came to this earth to
reveal God to us, and to pay the price for our sins by dying on the cross.
He did this so that we can be forgiven of our sins and live eternally with
Him in heaven.
And, Mr. Brady, I believe that He is the Answer to your questions about what
life is all about.
I believe Jesus when He said, "I have come that you may have life and have
it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Jesus is the key to the abundant life now
and eternal life to come. The abundant life now is experienced through the
spiritual blessings that Jesus gives to us when we submit our lives to Him -
blessings such as forgiveness, peace that surpasses understanding, joy that
isn't based on circumstances, a love that doesn't quit, and hope that
extends beyond this life.
Mr. Brady, I hope you are still searching and I hope that you will
investigate Jesus. Read about Jesus in the Gospel accounts. Observe His
life and teachings. If you study His life and teachings with an open heart
and mind, I believe you will reach the same conclusion that I and many
others have reached: Jesus is the Greatest Person Who has ever lived on this
earth. And although it cost His life, Jesus offers the greatest gifts to
all who will accept them on His terms: the abundant life now and eternal
life to come.
Here is how we accept His offer, according to the ones that Jesus
commissioned to share the Good News: 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). God will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue
to follow His Word (1 John 1:7-9).
Mr. Brady (and anyone else reading this article), I believe abundant life
and eternal life are found in Jesus. Please see for yourself. I believe
you'll find something greater than winning 7 Super Bowls.
-- David A. Sargent
* Information gleaned from "Transcript: Tom Brady, Part 3" from 60 Minutes,
www.cbsnews.com.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Dr. Richard Selzer
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.
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.
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
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