Isaiah 55:6-13 God does not sit back in heaven, being amused at our limited efforts to understand the infinite. All other religions seem to be this way. But not Christianity. God has taken the initiative to become one of us. And God has left clues everywhere.
The other issue addressed this morning is the accusation that you cannot take the Bible literally. Some of the most respected scientists in the world are committed Christians who trust in the accuracy of the Bible. How can two brilliant persons see the same evidence and come to opposite conclusions? Come and see.
The other issue addressed this morning is how can a loving God send people to hell? In the next 365 days (one year) 2.4 million Americans will die, and most of them will go into eternity without Jesus Christ. The loving thing to do is to tell them the truth. But there is a way to do this that builds bridges instead of walls.
This question along with the accusation that Christianity is a “straitjacket” will be addressed this morning. Often when faced with a “life decision” that requires a level of commitment never faced before, such issues surface. And often the question raised is not so much to get an answer as it is to avoid facing making such a difficult decision. Clear thinking brings freedom.
Romans 8:31-39 Ever since childhood I’ve sung the rousing chorus “We Are More Than Conquerors.” I liked singing it because it was a church song with a lively beat. But it seemed like more of a pipe dream at the time. The Joy of Discipleship, of scoring runs at home plate for God’s Kingdom, of truly becoming more than a conqueror, cannot be expressed in words. “To Feel God’s Pleasure” is beyond imagination.
Acts 10:24-48 Our Mission (“To Make Disciples…”) drives everything. But even the best intentions can melt away into routine. One way to keep on task and experience fresh everyday is to keep the idea of 3 stories in our pocket.