THE FIRING OF FAITH: HEALING THE NOBLEMAN’S SON
#803 THE FIRING OF FAITH
HEALING THE NOBLEMAN’S SON
Scripture John 4:46-54, NIV Orig. 10/3/1983
Rewr. 1/21/1990
Passage: 46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. 48 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” 49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” 53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.
54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.
Purpose: Continuing a series from the Gospel, here showing Jesus’s concern for more than a father’s seriously ill son.
Keywords: Bible Study Faith Christ as Teacher
Series, John Series, New Testament Characters
Introduction
It has been a number of weeks since we discussed the Cana miracle where Jesus turned water into wine. It was pointed out then that John records seven miraculous signs manifested by Jesus. This is the second. He will heal a lame man in the next chapter, feed the 5,000 and walk on water in the one following, restore sight to a man born blind in Chapter 9, and raise Lazarus from the dead in Chapter 11.
These cannot be random events. John surely had a connected purpose. Of the dozens (35-40), five of these seven are recorded nowhere else. Where the other gospel writers refer to the miracles of Jesus, John refers to “signs.” (Greek sémeion.) It’s the same word, by the way, that John uses in Revelation 1:1 where he presents the book, its purpose, and the link with Jesus.
John chose the seven with great care. (1) Cana: to reveal the expulsion of the old order, and the infusion of the new. (2) In Jesus’ absence as John writes these pages, the second acknowledges the power of Jesus still available to them though His presence is not. (3) The healing on the sabbath 5:1-9 attests to the unique sonship of Jesus. (4) Feeding of the 5,000 declares the spiritual nourishment that rests in Him. (5) Walking on the water (6:16-21) is told by both Matthew and Mark. Both emphasize the stilling of the water. John does not. His purpose is to show Jesus’ viability in the stress times of life. (6) He chooses in the sixth sign to depict Jesus restoring powers of sight, physical and spiritual. (7) Finally, this sign (11:1-44) reveals the redemptive purpose of Christ, as in death, also in life.
Notes from an earlier sermon—John 4:46-54, Matthew 13:52
1. Where—Cana of Galilee, Luke 4:28
Samaritan—John 4:1-42
2. Who—Nobleman of Capernaum (20 miles)
Healing of Centurion’s son Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:10
3. Question of order
John 4:54 Second miracle after coming from Judaea to Galilee
John 5:1 After this Jesus went to Jerusalem
John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee
John 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee for He would not walk in Jewry because the Jews sought to kill Him (see John 5:18)
Feasts: Passover, John 6:4; Feasts of Tabernacles, John 7:2; “another” Jewish festival, John 5:1
4. What happens
1) A man willing to humble himself (John 4:46-47)—a petty king, court official, his son was dying. Herod Antipas.
2) A man who suffers testing (John 4:48)—addressed the man and the crowd; the man had to go back to the court
3) A man with faith (John 4:50)
4) A man with enlarged faith (John 4:53)
CLOUDS WITHOUT WATER
#746.1 CLOUDS WITHOUT WATER
Scripture Jude 11-16, NIV Orig. 7/25/1979
Rewr. 9/20/1988
Passage: 5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord[a] at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”[b] 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.
11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. 12 These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead.
Purpose: Continuing a series from Jude, here encouraging my people to be honest with themselves as to where they are in faith, and to work at a stronger commitment to Christ.
Keywords: Bible Study New Testament Characters, Jude Commitment Faith Revival
Timeline/Series: Jude
Introduction
The last couple of Mission Allocation meetings the same concern has been voiced. Some of our state mission work is suffering because of governmental regulation. These churches/missions are having to spend money they do not have in providing services for the handicapped, although they do not anticipate any such participation. The services need to be provided, even if it does work a hardship.
By the same token, it early was noted that such service would be offered without question by commercial ventures. As more and more states moved into the gambling business, they determined to provide such services. New Jersey started the pattern by providing machines that were in braille for the blind, and others that were nearer the floor for those who were in wheelchairs.
In fact, Jesus reminded us that this is the way it would be in a world where money takes precedence over everything else.
Luke 16:8, “. . .the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”
But that wisdom was a worldly, secular wisdom that served only a temporal purpose. The so-called “children of light” to whom Jude has written, are to open their eyes and their hearts, to the need to recognize what is not in their best interest, or the gospel’s, and to live accordingly.
I. First, We Need to Consider Jude’s Three-Fold Description of the Unprincipled Church Member. V11, “They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.”
The first problem is that they are without faith. Remembering who Cain was. Hebrews 11:4 tells us that “By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice” than he. Two people performing the same deeds, giving the same offering, studying the same lesson, yet one is accepted, the other- - - - Whether of Cain and Abel, Of Jude’s fellowship of concern, Of any 20th Century church.
We need to keep going back to Hebrews 11. A later verse will also be found. V6, “But without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Thank God for what the verse does not say, as much as what it says. Not “effectively serve Him”; But “earnestly seek Him.” Christians are not always required to do the right thing, but we are expected to have a Christ-honoring attitude. So, remember, faith does not result from righteousness, it issues in righteousness.
The second problem is a materialist mindset. Any time Balaam is discussed then spiritual blindness is at the key. An angel of death barred his way. He could not see past his material success. The jack-ass kept him from danger. Jeremiah 8:7, “Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtledove and the crane, and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the Lord.”
Brethren, we must not ever become dependent upon those who are spiritually blind. We need to resort to God’s leadership. We need men and women who move to His beat.
Thirdly, there was misplaced ambition. It wasn’t just the equality issue. How many men and women have risen above their roots, and have concluded that their achievement merits more?
II. We Must Also Heed a Prophet’s Warning about Instability. V12f, “These men are blemishes , . . . clouds without rain, . . . trees without fruit, . . . waves of the sea, foaming their shame; . . . stars, for whom the blackest darkness has been reserved forever.”
They are unstable in doctrine. Reference is to the Lord’s Supper. Partaking of the supper without the slightest regard for its deepest meaning. It ought to be the most regularly attended, most touched with prayer and commitment, of any gathering. Like it because it’s brief. Find it mindlessly boring. See yourself in hell apart from the substitutionary work of Jesus.
They are unstable in their direction. Jude refers to “clouds” that offer no relief to parched earth. We all know there are different clouds. Many are worried about changing weather conditions. Are we moving to an era of drought? Even so, are we living in a time when people dry up in spirit? I heard recently that three to four million acres have burned. The National Forest fire was said to continue to burn until snow. What a terrible thing it would be if people were looking for hope but knew no one who could share.
Recall the words of Amos 8:11, “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.”
They are unstable in their devotion. It is an interesting corollary of the fruitless tree. The Bible speaks of “fruit” of repentance. John [the Baptist] (Matthew 3:8) announced Jesus with that call to repentance, “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” What is the source of true religion? Benign religious activity. Borrowing faith from parents. Bootlegging on our culture. Repentance is the only safe source of such activity.
Sholem Asch, in his piece called The Apostle, tells of one Simon, the preacher, preaching John’s “fruits meet for repentance.” In the call to decision, a wealthy man brings his riches. Simon sends him away. A strong, poor man brings his strength. Again Simon disallows. A third comes bringing only his sin. He hears Simon say, “You have given more than the others for you have given what is yours to give.”1
But we are told also of the fruits of righteousness. Philippians 1:11, “Filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” We involve ourselves in many good social activities. But the things done in the name of Jesus are the things that impact our culture.
There is also the “fruit” of reconciliation. John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.” Jude calls this “fruitless” tree twice dead. Bearing no fruit, it is uprooted.
Time doesn’t permit attention to “wild waves.” Beach litter, erosion. Matthew 16:18, “Upon this rock I will build.” Or, “wandering stars.” Shooting stars may draw attention. But they quickly pass from consideration. The stars of worth, are the ones in their places to guide ships as the track the trackless ocean.
Conclusion
Filed with this sermon:
“Reputation, it is said, is about who you are when people are watching; character is about who you are when you are alone in the room.
“There is a similar duality in modern faith, a tension between faith externalized for public consumption and that which wrestles despair in the midnight hour.
“Each has its place. But only one will see you through till the morning comes.”2
*** The remainder of this sermon has been lost.***
1Asch, S. (1943). The Apostle. G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
2Pitts, Jr., L. (2012, February 9). Public faith versus private faith stirs debate. The Times, p7a. https://www.shreveporttimes.com
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/628995.The_Apostle
BUILDING UP YOUR FAITH
#746.2 BUILDING UP YOUR FAITH
Scripture Jude 20-25, NIV Orig. 8/8/1979
Rewr. 9/30/1988
Passage: 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.[a]
Doxology
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Purpose: Completing a series from Jude, here sharing with my people the author’s positive charge to them to live their faith.
Keywords: Book Study New Testament Characters, Jude Faith Grace
Timeline/Series: Jude
Introduction
Jude has spent the first three-fourths of this brief epistle admonishing his readers about what is happening in their fellowship. There are dangers about, and they must see to them.
The remaining few verses are to help them to call to mind, “remember” (v17), a few very important things.
Not only are they to remember, they are to recall that their remembrance is more than just words. These are priorities that have come to them by way of the apostles, from Jesus, Himself. More, they form a message from our Lord about critical times that have come. And how they live in those times is of extreme importance.
Jesus reminds us that such times are on the horizon:
Matthew 24:9, “You will be hated by all nations because of me.”
John 15:18, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
Peter, in his second epistle, raises almost the same point. He even mentions “recalling the words spoken . . . by the holy prophets.” And in the 11th verse of the concluding chapter (2 Peter 3:11) he asks, “since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought [we] to be?”
Peter and Jude both address their readers in the very same way, agapetos, “beloved.” They all share a common heritage in Jesus, and that bond is stronger than anything else in their lives.
If we are to be the “beloved” children of God, then we must deal with the things that separate us. Social values, political issues, variances about the meaning of scripture, but especially in our day-by-day relationships.
I. He First Establishes the Dominion of Devotion. Jude 20f “. . . build yourselves up in your . . . faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourself in God’s love.”
No doubt about it, what we do devotionally is of great consequence. Our SBC records are replete with proof of reaching people for Christ who are involved in Bible study. How many encampment surveys have established God’s call to special service through Missions/Church Training, BYPU/BTU?
There is serious need in our lives to feed ourselves with spiritual nutrition. I went to St. Francis for Clergy Health Screening. The nutritionist pointed out some problem areas. If it were that easy, I have a nutritionist in my family. But my problem is, I like hotdogs.
Jude then instructs them with three criteria. First, they were to build themselves up in their faith. No doubt, a heavy responsibility rests upon those whom God calls. We are to be part of the cure, not part of the problem. Ezekiel 33:5f, “If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet . . . I . . . hold the watchman.” But they were responsible themselves. The word is “edification.” Acts 9:31, “churches had rest . . . and were edified.” It is a slow, deliberate process. I Corinthians 3:10f, “According . . . to the grace given me as a wise masterbuilder I laid the foundation.” Ephesians 2:20, “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, . . . Christ Himself the chief cornerstone.” And note it is “most holy faith.” There is no other its equal. We are wrong to placate a nothing/everything believing world. Someone has a sermon on this, “Sentinels in the Night.” How appropriate. Remembering the slow, deliberate, care given to this building, we must build on the right foundation. In New Orleans I watched as construction men added 5 floors to Ochsner Hospital while the hospital was in daily use.
[Second,] to sustain that building process, prayer was essential. As cement, mortar, bolts, nails, prayer is what keeps things in focus. But it is not just any old kind of prayer, but Holy Spirit prayer. Of the heart first, then lips. In certification of God’s will. It is opening our innermost being to God’s searchlight. It is faith evidenced. It speaks more to our yearnings than of special words. It is prayer that doesn’t quit. It has more to do with spiritual position than bodily posture. Romans 8:26f “We know not what we should pray for . . . but the Spirit . . . maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
The third of these criteria is not additional, but confirming. “Keep yourself in God’s love.” They are the agapetos. They are in God’s agape. Are we?
II. Out of This Dominion of Devotion Grows an Extension of Evangelism. We’ve already seen (Acts 9:31) “a church edified, is a church multiplied.” It is not just for ourselves that we are “edified.” It is to the end that our lives may touch other lives, creatively. The implication cannot be overlooked that there is a link between clean lives and faithful witnesses. It is another of the Christian graces that we are to grow in. We gain proficiency by our practice. We touch lives at the level of their own needs. If you remember Psalm of Confession (Psalm 51), David builds toward what he sees as a certain responsibility. “I will teach sinners your ways. They will be converted. Psalm 51:13, he calls for God to “have mercy . . . cleanse . . . purge me . . . create in me a clean heart.”
The essential ingredient of need seems to be compassion. “As you wait for mercy, . . . be merciful.” KJ uses the word “compassion,” which means to “suffer with.” Matthew 14:14, “Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed the sick.” Romans 9:1f, “I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish myself accursed from Christ for my brethren.”
That compassion is able to recognize differences in people, and the vagaries of their needs. I Corinthians 9:22, “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak.” We are to befriend. We must hold the line on spiritual values. We are not to lose sight of hell as the final abode of unbelief. The Holy Spirit must reap the harvest, but He does so from seed planted in our faithfulness.
III. He Concludes at the Last with the Foundation of Faith. Jude 24, “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”
Here is the climax of the message. Someone calls it “Jude’s Doxology.” We can lift people no higher than we sense that we have been lifted. How strongly secure in our faith? How apparent is our joy?
We must not overlook the potential to “stumble.” There is one thing it may be, and one it may not be. Christians do stumble in daily life and in testimony. If we could, we would stumble in our hold on the Christian life.
FOUR INDISPENSABLE THINGS
#753 FOUR INDISPENSABLE THINGS
Scripture Hebrews 13:1-22, NIV Orig. 8/26/1979
Rewr. 5/24/1989
Passage: 1Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”[a]
6 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?”[b]
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. 18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
Benediction and Final Greetings
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.
Purpose: To share with my people the call of the gospel for believers to know and live by the indispensable mandates of God’s message.
Keywords: Blood of Christ Christ as Saviour Faith Forgiveness Sin Works Revival
Timeline/Series: None
Introduction
It never has been easy to convince others, or ourselves, to get involved. There are times when, after it is all over, we hear someone of lesser heart say, “Well, it is your own fault for getting involved.” I wonder how many people have said as much about the family fishing at the D’Arbonne spillway last week (5/20). Going to the assistance of two stranded fishermen, all three drowned. Too many come away from such as this even more firmly resolved to mind their own business.
When we enter the electrified air of the New Testament, however, we stumble over a totally different concept. The chronological accounting of Jesus’ ministry began when He became “involved” at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. He went from there to Jerusalem for Passover. In the temple, He found money-changers polluting not only the temple, but the spiritual tone of the people as well. He drove these men away with a scourge. He made enemies that day who would dog His trail until they saw Him die on a cross.
There is no greater sign of His involvement than that cross. He came not only to touch the world, but to involve Himself in your life and mine. Had He chosen not to do so, things would be considerable different for all of us today.
Getting involved means taking a chance. There is the possibility of being misunderstood, of getting hurt, even of losing one’s life. We are told quite candidly “the disciple is not above his master” (Matthew 10:24). For Jesus, involvement was costly. What does your involvement cost you?
I. Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness. Hebrews 13:12f, “Wherefore, Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him . . . .”
It was not God’s view of man that had to be changed. He had no interest in divesting Himself of His holiness. He had no intention of compromising His position relative to man’s sin.
The attitude that must be changed is that of man, himself. You see, the cross was not to the point of changing God’s mind about us. Rather, it was to the point of changing man’s view of himself before God. Man, with his potential to reason, would her be motivated spiritually.
News articles told of the need of true spiritual experience: Eddie Tuinman abandoned at rest stop on I-84 near Boise, Idaho (1989/1-11); Pennsylvania teenager who starved to death—Father had $3,700 in tithe money; Steven Stayner—stolen at seven.
Old Testament law confirms sin’s hold on man, and the issue of blood forgiveness. Leviticus 16:27, “And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place . . . carry forth without the camp; and . . . burn.”
The New Testament removes bulls and goats and substitutes the blood of Jesus. God accomplishes man’s pardoning. The agent of pardoning is Himself man. When such a price as this has been paid, who would dare to voice reservations? Sanctification, then, is not an attainment, it is the state into which God calls us in grace through the blood.
The place where Jesus suffered was outside prescribed religious ritual. We still do not find Him by human directive. It is the blood drawing us outside the camo drawing us to Himself alone.
II. Without Faith it is Impossible to Please God. Hebrews 13:15. “By him (Jesus) therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
It is more directly said earlier, Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he rewards those who seek him.” “Diligently” (KJV), “earnestly” (NIV) is not found. Verb is present participle teaching repeated action, “those who keep on seeking.”
We are taught that there are two parts to this act of faith. To believe that God is: childhood teaching, reading, fear/uncertainty, little more than mental combustion. Agnostic concludes that there may be a God; atheist will sometimes doubt [his] doubt. I can count the atheists on one hand. To believe that He is rewarder of those who seek Him: First, He communicates His presence; He is able to bless in personal encounter.
There is a necessary result of such faith. Offering the sacrifice of praise. Nothing changes disorder to order like praise. Nothing answers enigmas like praise; see Psalm 73 for answers: V17 “Until I went into the sanctuary of God.” Nothing adds vitality to life like praise. Understand that such praise is not a passive thing: Hebrews 13:15, “the fruit of our lips giving praise”; Hebrews 1:16, “doing good for others”; Hebrews 13:22, “suffer the word of exhortation.”
III. Without Works Faith Is Dead, (James 2:17). Hebrews 13:20f, “. . . The God . . . that brought Jesus from the dead . . . through the blood of the . . . covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will.”
Faith is born in the heart of the believer at the initiation of God. It is not accomplished apart from will. But the initiation is God. The mark of such faith is confirmed through one’s labors. It attests to sufficiency of faith; it affirms the satisfaction of faith. Matthew 7:16, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying, . . . these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God, might be careful to maintain good works.”
IV. Without Jesus We Can Do Nothing. Hebrews 13:20f “Now the God of peace . . . working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever.”
I call you to the One who died outside. Outside the camp of Israel. Outside understood religious systems. Separated from human compromise.
He is not hiding, but we are too reluctant to seek Him where He is known to be. The Old Testament goat (scapegoat) was turned loose to be stilled by the hand of Providence. So the God-anointed substitute in the wilderness away from Jerusalem. Raised to life again, he transports the believer from sin-death to spirit-life. Jesus Himself attests to this sufficiency. John 15:5, “Without me ye can do nothing.” If nothing significant happens without Him, every sufficient thing happens in Him. John Newton, the great song writer (Amazing Grace, etc.) late in life memory almost gone, “Two things I remember: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour.”
Conclusion
Charles Dickens began A Tale of Two Cities1: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything behind us, we had nothing before us, we were all going straight to heaven, we were all going direct the other way.”
Dickens lived long before the oldest of us. The time he described was long before his own time. But how well it describes this late 20th Century. The one way out of the inharmonious times that he described, then and now, is Jesus.
He who calls us to Himself, calls us to commitment. He reminds us that it is to “total” and not “token” commitment.
1 Dickens, C. (2013). A Tale of Two Cities. (Reprint). Collins Classics.