by DCarter | Sep 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
Many of us have walked in an unfamiliar place and stumbled over an obstacle, or we have walked in a dark room and ran into unseen objects. Jesus said “He that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” John 12:35. It is a sad fact that the majority of the world fits this description. Thick darkness now covers the earth, so much so, that even those who profess to be wise are found to be lacking the wisdom of God. Political leaders, governors, lawyers, and many other wise men of earth are still groping in the dark. Their spiritual eyes have not yet been opened. Yet, we often hope that their decisions would bring about a better condition for our world. But the Bible says, “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” 1 Corinthians 1:27. Friends, it will not be by the worldly wise that great changes will happen. Rather, it will be by that which the wise calls foolish. The wisdom of God as revealed in the gospel is considered to be foolish by the world. But it is this very wisdom that will keep us from stumbling in darkness. Jesus said “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12. Today, friends, this invitation is for you. Walk in the light of truth, and you will know where you’re going.
by DCarter | Sep 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
A belief or sentiment that is shared by the majority of people is called public or popular opinion. It is something that the human race has experienced since the beginning of time. For example, in Noah’s day the popular opinion was that, since it had never before rained, it was highly unlikely that a flood was coming. In Moses’ day the popular belief was that the gods of Egypt were the most powerful gods and therefore invincible. In Jesus’ day, it was a popular belief that the Messiah would appear to set up a temporal, earthly kingdom and deliver Israel from the Roman yoke. Often times, as it was in the case of these examples, when the popular belief is proved to be untrue, the masses either blindly go on in their unbelief or relinquish their belief with disappointment. This is what the disciples of Jesus had to go through. They were greatly disappointed when Jesus died. They thought He was going to reign as king. They had believed this popular opinion from their childhood, yet that opinion only left then saddened. How is it with you friend? Are you caught in the web of a popular belief which is contrary to the truth? The Bible says, “… all the world wondered after the beast.” –Rev. 13:3. Brethren, today there are many beliefs and sentiments that are shared by the majority of people, but just because the majority believes it does not make it true. How do you know if what you believe is true or a matter of opinion? Well the Bible says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” -2 Tim. 2:15
by DCarter | Sep 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
Have you ever wondered how that which is darkness is, to others, light and how that which is evil is, to others, good? The Bible presents this fact in many ways. Through the prophet Isaiah, God said “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” –Is. 5:20. Sounds like confusion right? Yet many of us today are doing the same thing. Movies that heaven looks down upon and condemn, well we say they are harmless. Music which promotes corruption, we sing as if there are no blemishes in them. Even crimes that are hideous and offensive in the sight of God are looked upon with indifference and even favor by man. How is it with your eyes friend? Do you have a clear perspective so as to call black black and white white? Jesus said, “If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” –Matthew 6:23. If the light which you profess to see with is distorted by your love of the world, then that which you think to be wise may actually be foolish; that which you think is good is likely evil. What then must you do? Well as Jesus said, “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.” –Luke 11:35.
by DCarter | Sep 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
In this world men, women, and children experience sorrow, grief, and pain. This is especially true in the case of someone’s loved one passing away. It is never a pleasant time when that inevitable separation takes place. Tears mark the cheeks of those left behind, while grief etches its scars upon the broken heart. But brethren, the Bible presents an antidote for death. 1 Corinthians 15:26 says, “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” Wonderful promise is this! The time will come, and it is not far away, when death itself will die. When Jesus returns, His faithful followers of all time will be clothed with immortal life, and when the final judgment is executed a thousand years later, death will be finished. The Bible says “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Rev. 21:4. This, my friend, is a wonderful view of the end. This world as we know it will pass away. Eternal joy and beauty will take its place. Are you looking forward to that day? Well, let our cry be “come Lord Jesus”
by DCarter | Sep 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths of the Bible is that of Jesus’ second coming. It has been said that in the New Testament, it is mentioned at least once in every twenty five verses. It is the central theme of the Bible. All of God’s children, being pilgrims on this earth, have longed for the time at which a great family reunion will occur. The patriarch Job said, “For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth … in my flesh shall I see God. Job 19:25, 26. Today, many are busy with the affairs of this life. As it was in the days of Noah, so it is in our time. In Noah’s time, men were so engrossed in their daily activities all to the neglect of preparing for the flood. Today, commerce abounds! Business transactions absorb the energy, and only a few are preparing meet the King of kings. Friends are you so occupied with everyday living that you are neglecting your salvation? I appeal to you not to put off your preparation. As the saying goes: “He who fails to prepare, prepares to fail.”
