One and Done?

 

“Extinction” is the word used to express a growing number of peoples’ belief of what happens in death. We are all familiar with the term “extinction” when it is used in regard to certain species of animals. It means there are no more of those particular creatures. But what about a human being – what does it mean that an individual becomes extinct? In short, the person no longer exists. There is nothing, neither good nor bad. It’s all over. Nothing to look forward to, nothing to look back on. No consciousness, no peace…no anything. One life and once the last breath is taken, you are done! 

Most people for most of history have rejected the above theory. Different peoples have had different beliefs about what happens and why after death. But they vigorously believed that human life has a bigger purpose than to simply pass on strong genes and that this purpose is revealed in the accountability of each individual for the way they live their life. 

It seems that the biggest objection to the “life after death” and “God” hypotheses is that God has refused to give an exclusive interview to Stephen Colbert or Jimmy Fallon. In their view, if God doesn’t have the guts to go on air for each person to see for themself, then he just isn’t worth considering. 

There are, of course, many negative aspects of the “one and done” view. One person put it well when he said that anyone would go insane attending a funeral if he really believed he/she was going to die. The idea of a forever of nothingness, when considered sober, is not a pleasant thought. 

Unfortunately, the mention of life after death is often met by a chorus of “that is just brainwashed religious fanaticism.” Jesus Christ, however, did not flinch from talking about life after death with frequency. He talked about it with urgency and in detail. He very much separated life after death from religion and inextricably linked it to a person – himself. 

If you have some doubts about the “one and done” view of human life, join us for one of our weekend services. Even if you think it is just a remote possibility that there is life after physical death, you owe it to yourself to find out what Jesus Christ said on the subject. 

Weekend worship service times: Saturday: 6:00 pm – Sunday: 10:00 am 

Words

 

It is amazing how powerful words can be. Only a short phrase can bring someone to tears or spasms of laughter. Words are subtle. A person can say something which seems totally acceptable to all the people in the room except for one individual. To that person, those same words are a stinging criticism. Words well-spoken can change peoples’ lives for the better. Words poorly chosen can ruin relationships permanently. Words have meaning. Meaning which powerfully influences human life. 

Can you imagine life without words? How would we express our deepest emotions of happiness, gratitude, love, contentment, uncertainty, insecurity, despair? While it is good to be alone with our thoughts for a time, we all need someone to whom we can express ourselves. Words – they are one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity. 

God is the God of words. And the most spectacular of all words we have are those spoken to us by God. The Bible is often called “God’s Word” because in it he has spoken to his creatures in a way that is intelligible and understandable. In the Bible we learn the most profound truths of who God is, who we are, the purpose of our lives, and most significantly, what happens after we die. 

2700 years ago, a group of Jewish men wrote under God’s inspiration. These men were called prophets, people who spoke on behalf of God. They left 17 books which are in the Old Testament. What they wrote is sometimes hard to understand, on other occasions hard to swallow. But always, their words are relevant and instructive to this very day.  

Christians often concentrate their reading of God’s Word to the New Testament, and there are some good reasons for that. But it can happen that our lack of reading the Old Testament prophets is due mostly to the uncomfortable challenges they present. And that is not wise. If you are up to a stiff, but healthy spiritual workout, join us for one of our weekend worship services. Sometimes what we don’t want to hear is exactly what does us best.

 

So the story goes, in the time of the majestic wooden sailing ships a fierce storm came upon a passenger vessel. All the travelers were quickly taken beneath the deck. As the hours crawled by with no weakening of the storm, many became worried the ship would make it through. Finally, one man declared, “I’m going above to see what is going on!” 

Cautiously the man slowly made his way to the deck, clinging tightly to everything that seemed secure. Poking his head through an opening he saw the old captain strapped to the helm. Rain dripping from his gray beard, veins bulging as he gripped the wheel, face intensely looking into the horizon. 

Suddenly the captain realized he was being watched. Turning to the frightened passenger, his face instantly changed. The tension gave way to a broad smile. The nod of the captain’s head and a mischievous wink were all the terrified man needed. He returned to his fellow passengers and confidently announced, “I have seen the captain, and all is well!” 

It seems there are times in life when we’re in the hold of a boat being mercilessly thrown here and there. Things don’t make sense. Our efforts seem to make no difference. We lose our confidence that there really is much value or meaning to our lives. 

The book of Daniel is our “meet the captain” experience. Through a series of dramatic events, we are assured our God is on the watch and all is well. We may continue to go through tumultuous times, but smoother sailing is ahead. 

If you are stressed out by what is happening in your life, by what could happen or might happen, join us for one of our weekend worship services. “All is well!” The One who made you and everything and everyone, is at the wheel of your life. Let him keep that wheel. That’s the way he made you to be. 

Weekend worship service times: Saturday: 6:00 pm – Sunday: 10:00 am 

Success!?!?!

 

Not too hard to determine from the photo above who is successful. Isn’t celebrating a touchdown in front of 100,000 adoring fans the epitome of success? Absolutely – from a human point of view. Which leads to the question, “Is there any other point of view when it comes to success?” Actually, there is. Reading through the Bible we find that the way success is defined in the lives of believers is completely different. Apparently, God is not all that concerned with status, finances, or talent. Instead, we see a much different standard for success, one which involves trust, obedience, and faithfulness. That kind of definition for success certainly opens up the possibility for accomplishment to a far greater number of people. 

An inspiring example of God success is found in two books of the Bible people rarely read – Ezra and Nehemiah. These two men were key leaders in the return of the Jewish people to their homeland after 70 years of political exile in Babylon. The story isn’t particularly exciting. Both books are filled with a number of dry facts which most readers are tempted to overlook. There are no epic battles or emotional speeches. Really, it’s the story of a rag tag group of people who don’t have much going for them except an unshakeable belief that it was God’s will for them to rebuild their Temple and nation. What is inspiring is that their story can be our story. 

Each one of us struggles in some area of our lives. We work so hard to do what we believe is God’s will but see little progress. Our seeming lack of visible success leads to discouragement, even depression. The account of the Israelites’ return to rebuild their annihilated country with unimpressive results, encourages us today that success for those who serve God happens everyday in events which are small and great, and every type of event in between. Success is in his hands, he only looks to his followers to faithfully do the tasks he gives to us. 

Looking at success from God’s perspective, you might well be far more successful than you ever imagined. 

Weekend worship service times: Saturday: 6:00 pm – Sunday: 10:00 am