Back to the Basics (How Firm is Your Foundation?)
Stand firm in the face of challenges by getting Back to the Basics! Here’s a few to chew on.
by Wade Wacker, Reasons for Hope
Lord, we ask that you be with the people suffering as a result of the events in Boston, MA and West, TX. Please comfort them and give them strength. Please keep them by your side. We ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
The events of this past week have been a harsh reminder of the times we live in. The pain and suffering is at times unbearable to watch. Our hearts truly aches for the people personally impacted by these events. As we turn on the TV, read the Internet, or listen to the news, everyone is searching for answers to why and how these things can happen. Expert after expert explains their theory of why it happened, who did it, what are the consequences and where do we go from here. They blame God, religion, politics, and society among others. BUT, the reality is we have the answer right there before us in the Book of Life.
The answer is not complex; it does not have to be interpreted in Greek or Hebrew, the KJV, NKJV, NIV or any other translation. The answer is in the beginning of the Book, in fact, the 3rd chapter of 1189 chapters in the Bible.
Genesis 1 tells us God created perfection and was pleased with everything he made. Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Then man messed it up; the answer to why comes in Genesis 3.
Both Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sin entered the world along with other consequences:
Genesis 3:17-19 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:
17 “Cursed is the ground for your sake;
In toil you shall eat of it
All the days of your life.
18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
And you shall eat the herb of the field.
19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Till you return to the ground,
For out of it you were taken;
For dust you are,
And to dust you shall return.”
Sin is the root of the problem that brings about events like those of this past week. Sin separated us from God and from all that He wanted for us.
Fortunately, God is just and we are given a choice of how to get re-connected to Him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The Bible tells us that one day there will be a world without sin, where every tear will be wiped away,
Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
And one day disease and illness will be no more:
2nd Corinthians 3-17-18 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
BUT there is only one way. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Even after a week like this there is hope. Hope in our God Who offers salvation to all who will trust in Christ.
In Conclusion:
You hear many coaches at times explain they need to get “Back to the Basics” when their team is struggling or not playing well. Going back to the core fundamentals often will get the team grounded and back to a place they can reset their thoughts, emotions and skills. That’s true for Christians also.
In response to this week’s events, I implore our team (Christians) to get back to the basics of Christianity. Set aside differences and get back to the core belief of Christianity — Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Keep your eyes on Him, even in the darkest of times, and you will see His light.
by Wade Wacker, Reasons for Hope
Lord, we ask that you be with the people suffering as a result of the events in Boston, MA and West, TX. Please comfort them and give them strength. Please keep them by your side. We ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
The events of this past week have been a harsh reminder of the times we live in. The pain and suffering is at times unbearable to watch. Our hearts truly aches for the people personally impacted by these events. As we turn on the TV, read the Internet, or listen to the news, everyone is searching for answers to why and how these things can happen. Expert after expert explains their theory of why it happened, who did it, what are the consequences and where do we go from here. They blame God, religion, politics, and society among others. BUT, the reality is we have the answer right there before us in the Book of Life.
The answer is not complex; it does not have to be interpreted in Greek or Hebrew, the KJV, NKJV, NIV or any other translation. The answer is in the beginning of the Book, in fact, the 3rd chapter of 1189 chapters in the Bible.
Genesis 1 tells us God created perfection and was pleased with everything he made. Genesis 1:31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Then man messed it up; the answer to why comes in Genesis 3.
Both Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sin entered the world along with other consequences:
Genesis 3:17-19 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:
17 “Cursed is the ground for your sake;
In toil you shall eat of it
All the days of your life.
18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
And you shall eat the herb of the field.
19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Till you return to the ground,
For out of it you were taken;
For dust you are,
And to dust you shall return.”
Sin is the root of the problem that brings about events like those of this past week. Sin separated us from God and from all that He wanted for us.
Fortunately, God is just and we are given a choice of how to get re-connected to Him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The Bible tells us that one day there will be a world without sin, where every tear will be wiped away,
Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
And one day disease and illness will be no more:
2nd Corinthians 3-17-18 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
BUT there is only one way. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Even after a week like this there is hope. Hope in our God Who offers salvation to all who will trust in Christ.
In Conclusion:
You hear many coaches at times explain they need to get “Back to the Basics” when their team is struggling or not playing well. Going back to the core fundamentals often will get the team grounded and back to a place they can reset their thoughts, emotions and skills. That’s true for Christians also.
In response to this week’s events, I implore our team (Christians) to get back to the basics of Christianity. Set aside differences and get back to the core belief of Christianity — Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Keep your eyes on Him, even in the darkest of times, and you will see His light.
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