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| Pastor's Devotionals |
We live in a time that is becoming more spiritual but less Biblical; more inclusive of different
religions and philosophical systems but less tolerant of Christianity. While it’s tempting to
blame various groups for this increasingly rapid departure from America’s spiritual heritage,
the simple fact of the matter is that Christians are responsible for this decline. As Howard
Hendricks has noted, "In the midst of a generation screaming for answers, Christians are
stuttering." We either do not know what to say or lack the faith and courage to say it.
We do this while literally holding in our hands the Word of Life, the Bible. We stumble for
answers while forgetting what God has said to us. No wonder our culture is declining
spiritually. Christians are stuttering when we could and should be proclaiming the Good
News of Jesus Christ clearly, boldly and compassionately.
Yet we cannot share what we don’t have. We cannot proclaim what we haven’t learned.
When cults knock on our door, we don’t know what to say. When a friend or relative seeks a
word from God in the midst of a difficult time or tragedy, we don’t know where to turn. There’
s really no excuse for this. There’s no reason for it except indifference due to spiritual apathy
or misplaced priorities.
We spend hours each week watching television. We read novels, magazines and newspapers
from cover to cover. Yet we never or barely open the Word of Life, the Bible. We depend on
the “experts” in times of crisis, overlooking the fact that ignorance of God’s Word creates
many of the crises in our lives.
Notice what God’s Word declares about itself: “Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm
in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89); “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path”
(Psalm 119:105); “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word” (Psalm
119:114); “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it
penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and
attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
As Jesus prayed to his heavenly Father just before his crucifixion, he prayed this for all who
would follow him: “Sanctify them [i.e., set them apart for holy living] by the truth; your word
is truth” (John 17:17).
Commit yourself to learning and living by the book – God’s book – the Bible. Stop stuttering
about God’s Word and experience its joy and power! You’ll be so glad you did!
© 2006 David C. Noble
| Screaming for Answers Dr. David C. Noble, Pastor First Baptist Church, Harrisonville, Missouri |
First Baptist Church, Harrisonville, Missouri
| First Baptist Church 504 W. Wall Harrisonville MO 64701 (816) 380-3733 hvlfbcsec@hotmail.com |
| Pastor's Devotionals |
