Insights
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Billy Graham is now 92 years old with Parkinson's disease. In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte , North Carolina , invited him to a luncheon in his honour.
Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honour you.' So he agreed.
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, 'I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist, who this month has been honoured by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once travelling from Princetonon a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him.. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr.. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.' Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.''
Having said that Billy Graham continued, 'See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've become a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing. I want you to remember this:
I not only know who I am. I know where I’ve been, and more importantly, I also know where I'm going.'
Billy Graham had a hope that wasn’t a hope like you hear so much of.
I hope that it doesn’t rain on Sunday, because we are having a barbecue. I hope that I pass the exams I hope that my cakes turn out
He had a hope that is steadfast and certain. A hope that the bible speaks about that is sure and certain hope that when he leaves this life he will be with Jesus
Last month John Shergold spoke about the first teaching that we concentrate in “Celebrate Recovery”.
This dealt with denial. While we continue to accept that we don’t have a problem when we obviously do, we are living in denial, and God can’t do anything for us.
It is the first step we have to take in recovery.
The next thing that we need to accept is that we are hopeless without Jesus.
You could sum it up by saying that the non Christian has a hopeless end The Christian has an endless hope.
In “Celebrate Recovery” we need to admit that we are powerless over our compulsive behaviours and that our lives have become unmanageable..
We need to accept that we are not God; we admit we are powerless to control our tendency to do the wrong thing and our lives are unmanageable.
As soon as we take this step and admit that we are powerless, we start to change.
We need to see that our old ways of trying to control our hurts, hang ups, and habits do not work.
We need to see our own human limitations
Somebody said that success that goes to a man's head usually pays a short visit. Instead of worrying about things that we cannot possibly do, we need to focus on what God can do.
He deals with the impossible. (He makes it possible!)
When we keep doing things that we don't want to do and when we fail to do the things we've decided we need to do; we begin to see that we do not have the power to change, that we thought we had.
The apostle Paul says in Romans chapter 7 verses 15 & 18
15 “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.”
The key phrase! “How to perform what is good”
When we admit that we are powerless, we start walking in the truth –
If we admit we are powerless, we need a power greater than ourselves to restore us. That power is - Jesus Christ!
Jesus said that you shall know the truth – and the truth shall set you free
The answer to hopelessness is to place our hope in the God of hope To put our lives in the hands of the only real answer – Jesus
Billy Graham is confident in his future, because he knows who holds his future
He knows what the bible says about his past, his present and also his future
Do you believe in what the bible says? Is it real to you? What power and place does it have in your life?
How much time do you spend on Facebook?, which by the way can be very dangerous, as I know for a fact as I work in the Criminal Records Bureau
Instead of spending so much of your time on Facebook, you need to put your face in the book (the bible, the Word of God. How much of your life is guided and directed by the truths of the Bible?
Timothy 3 verse 16 says that all scripture is God breathed – it doesn’t say some scripture, or those parts of scripture that go in line with my ideas.
In the amplified bible it actually explains it a lot more
Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action)
“All” is an important adjective in this verse as this word includes the idea of oneness, a totality or the whole, thus referring to every passage of Scripture and every word in every passage. No exceptions
Divine inspiration makes the Bible uniquely the Word of God and not merely a book containing the Word of God, and as such is different from any other book sacred or secular.
Richard DeHaan writes the following devotional that humorously illustrates "divine inspiration":
The story is told about a young boy, who was planning to give his grandmother a Bible for Christmas. He wanted to write something special on the flyleaf but wasn't sure what to say. So he decided to copy what he had seen in a book his father had received from a friend. Christmas morning came and Grandmother opened her gift. She was not only pleased to receive the Bible, but she was amused by the inscription her grandson had put in it. It read:
"To Grandma, with compliments of the author."
Even though that boy was unaware of it, he had suggested a unique fact about the Bible. It came to us from its Author -- God. Knowing who wrote a book often determines whether we'll pick it up and read it.
The Bible, with its divine origin, not only ought to be read, but it demands our respect, our trust, and our obedience. It comes "with compliments of the Author." (R De Haan) T Robertson once quipped that...
The greatest proof that the Bible is inspired is that it has stood so much bad preaching.
In the writing of the Jewish historian Josephus is a statement that parallels 2Timothy 3:16:
“The Scripture of the prophets who were taught according to the inspiration of God."
Next time you read the Word, stop for a moment and contemplate that the eternal, all knowing and all loving God is speaking to your heart and mind and soul and spirit and be amazed at such mercy and grace.
It was on such a basis that Martin Luther took his historic stand. The moment of crisis came on April 18, 1521, at the Diet of Worms, when he was called on to renounce his errors. Luther replied,
"Unless I am convinced by testimonies of Scripture or by evident reason-for I believe neither the Pope nor Councils alone, since it is established that they have often erred and contradicted themselves-I am the prisoner of the Scriptures cited by me, and my conscience has been taken captive by the Word of God. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."
It amazes me, and I must admit, angers me, when I read or hear so called intelligent men & woman elevated by the world, who reject the truth of the bible, and attack it with such ferocity
The answer to why they are so ferocious is explained by something I read recently.
“Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself,
I love to sing the beautiful worship & praise songs that we have been blessed with recently. There was a time that far too many songs not only taught no doctrine, but many even taught false doctrines.
Someone said that a musician has no more right to write a lie than a preacher or teacher has to teach a lie.
D L Moody once said that
The Scriptures were not given for our information, but for our transformation.
No human writings are comparable to Scripture:
In the last days, which I believe we are living in, many will not endure sound doctrine.
2 Timothy chapter 4 verses 3 – 4
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
Does this sound familiar?
It could be the headlines in today’s papers
Some people consider the Bible to be too challenging to understand, other people consider the Bible to be irrelevant, while others view this book as a love letter from a Father to His children.
What about you?
The Devil’s strategy has never changed in the seduction of mankind – he wants to Undermine, pervert, distort, corrupt, libel or deny the scriptures. Genesis chapter 3 verse 1 1Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?"
Did God really say?
The devil even tried his attack against Jesus in the wilderness.
What was Jesus’ response? – “It is written” This should be our response. He has tried throughout church history to deviate and ultimately reject what God has said.
The message of the bible is about redemption.
Do you think that man has the answer to your problems?
Proverbs chapter 14 verse 12 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
Proverbs chapter 16 verse 25. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
Did you notice anything about these verses?
The same verse is repeated twice. Do you think The Lord is trying to tell us something?
Martin Luther said, “Christ is the Lord and King of Scripture, and as we go to the cradle only for the sake of the baby, so also we go to the Scripture for Christ.”
What are your thoughts about this truth?
God was active, and is active in the Bible. These are not simply words on a page; rather, they are the words of life. These words are useful for every aspect of life—our past, present and future.
Hebrews 4:12 says, 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
How has the Bible penetrated your life this morning? How is it living and powerful in your world today?
What area of your life is the Scripture dividing soul and spirit?
What parts of the bible do you love to read?
What parts of the bible do you ignore? Are there parts you stay away from because of fear of conviction?
Do you think to yourself that the Word of God is an outdated thing?
Do you think that we have moved on from this?
You are so wrong, and I don’t say that from my own thinking. I say that, because God’s word says it!
Isaiah 40:8 says, 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." HALLELUJAH!!
Are you weighed down this morning by the situation you are in, or because of your circumstances?
God’s truth is bigger than our situation or our circumstances.
This book is the Word of life. It holds the answers to the mystery of this life and the life hereafter. It gives the fullest picture of meaning and purpose in life. I’m sure that I have quoted this before, but I love it so I don’t apologise for quoting it again.
Words of Wisdom from a wise man
“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer, you.
It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.
Here Paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.
It is given to you in life, will be opened in the judgement, and will be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greater labour, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.
Let Psalm 119:9-16 be our prayer today.
9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You! 12 Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes! 13 With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
Every line focuses on God
“I seek YOU with my whole heart” Do not let wander from YOUR commands”
One of my favourite passages in the Word of God is on the top of your notice sheet, and is a continual source of inspiration to me no matter what I go through, and no matter how low I sometimes feel, because it IS the Word of God.
If you have asked Jesus into your heart this passage also applies to you.
If you haven’t asked Jesus into your life I urge you to make that decision this morning. Don’t put it off, Today is the day of salvation, and this passage will then also apply to you.
Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
If this morning you are still doubtful about the accuracy of God’s Word, the bible, just listen to something that was sent to me a few months ago, which I have been longing to read out.
“For all the scientists, and for all the students who have a hard time believing the truth of the bible here is something that shows God’s awesome creation, and that He’s still in control no matter what is happening in the world, or what you believe. Did you know that the space program is busy proving that what many call a “myth” in the bible is actually true? Mr Harold Hill, who is the president of the Curtis Engine Company in Baltimore, and is a consultant for the space program relates the following: “I think one of the most amazing things that God has done for us today happened recently to our astronauts and space scientists at Greenbelt, Maryland USA. They were checking out positions of the sun, moon and planets 100 years and 1000 years from now. We have to know this so we don’t send up a satellite and have it bump into something later on its orbits. We have to lay out the orbits in terms of the life of the satellite and where the planets will be so the whole thing will not bog down.” They ran the computer measurement back and forth over the centuries, and it came to a halt, and put up a red signal, which meant that something was wrong with either the information fed into it, or with the results as compared to the standards. They called in the service department to check it out. They found that the problem was that there is a day missing in space in elapsed time. They scratched their heads and tore their hair. There was no answer. Finally a Christian on the team said “You know I remember in Sunday school and the teacher was speaking about the Sun standing still.” Although they didn’t believe him they were desperate, and said, “Show us” He got a bible and turned to Joshua, where they found a pretty ridiculous statement for anybody with common sense. Here Joshua asked the Lord to make the Sun stand still.
In Joshua chapter 10 verses 12 – 14 “Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: "Sun, stand still over Gibeon; And Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon." So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the people had revenge upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel. He still fights for Israel!
The astronauts and scientists said “there is the missing day”
They re-checked the computers going back in time to when it was written and found it was close, but not close enough. The elapsed time back in Joshua’s day was 23 hours and 20 minutes .. not a whole day! There was still 40 minutes out, which is vital, because if you can’t account for 40 minutes, you will still be in trouble 1000 years from now. The 40 minutes had to be found because it can be multiplied many times over in orbits.
The Christian employee thought about this and remembered that somewhere in the bible it said that the sun went backwards.
The scientists said he was out of his mind.
The Christian employee searched his bible and read the following passage in 2 Kings chapter 20 v 9 - 11 “Then Isaiah said, "This is the sign to you from the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing which He has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees or go backward ten degrees?" And Hezekiah answered, "It is an easy thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees; no, but let the shadow go backward ten degrees." So Isaiah the prophet cried out to the Lord, and He brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down on the sundial of Ahaz.”
How many minutes is 10 degrees?
Multiply 10/360 by 1440 = 40 minutes
23 hours 20 minutes in Joshua + 40 minutes in 2Kings
= the missing day.
---------------------------------------------------------------- In closing, I will say a prayer that is used in Celebrate Recovery, which I have adapted.
Please close your eyes and ask God to speak to you as I read it, and If you have been challenged this morning and would like prayer please come to the front while we sing our closing worship song.
Dear God, your Word tells me that I cannot heal my hurts, hang-ups, and habits by just saying that they are not there. Help me! Parts of my life, or all of my life, are out of control. I now know that I cannot “fix” myself. It seems the harder that I try to do the right thing the more that I struggle. Lord, I want to step out of my denial into the truth. I acknowledge that my situation is hopeless and impossible I acknowledge that you give hope where there is no hope, and that Your Word says that nothing is impossible for You I have looked for a way out of the mess that I am in Lord You have said in Your Word that there is a way that seems right to man, but that it leads only to destruction I receive Your way, because You have said that You are the way, and because of that all other ways are not the way
In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
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