The trucking industry has an interesting illustration of the sealing of the Spirit. For certain types of loads, when a truck is fully loaded and ready for its run, a plastic seal is put around the lock on the door. This seal cannot be broken before the truck reaches its destination without the penalty of … Continue reading “HOLY SPIRIT, SEALING OF”
HOLY SPIRIT, MINISTRY OF
On a particularly rough airplane flight, a lady became very airsick. Her shoulders drooped, and her head slumped forward—she was totally wiped out. The stewardess came by to help her. “Come, come now,” she said, “buck up and get control of yourself. Sit up and take courage.” She put her arm under the lady’s arm … Continue reading “HOLY SPIRIT, MINISTRY OF”
HOLY SPIRIT, FILLING OF
What God chooses, He cleanses. What God cleanses, He molds. What God molds, He fills. What God fills, He uses. J. S. Baxter662 A. J. Gordon, one of the founders of Gordon Conwell Divinity School, told of being out walking and looking across a field at a house. There beside the house was what looked … Continue reading “HOLY SPIRIT, FILLING OF”
HOLIDAYS
During the holiday season, people become greatly concerned about what they are going to eat. Of course, there is nothing wrong with eating such favorite traditional foods as special cakes, cookies, meats, and so forth. But for some of us there is a tendency to let it get out of hand—and into the stomach! Perhaps … Continue reading “HOLIDAYS”
HELL, REALITY OF
Walter Hooper, who was C. S. Lewis’s personal secretary, laughed when he read the following grave inscription: Here lies an atheist, All dressed up with no place to go. Lewis, however, did not completely share in his laughter. He responded soberly, “I’m sure he wishes now that were true.” Hell is a sobering reality for … Continue reading “HELL, REALITY OF”
GUILT, UNIVERSAL
“It is indeed amazing that in as fundamentally an irreligious culture as ours, the sense of guilt should be so widespread and deep-rooted as it is.” (Erich Fromm, The Sane Society, [New York: Fawcett, 1977], p. 181).629
GREAT COMMISSION
When Jesus ascended to heaven after his mission on earth, the angels asked him: “Did you accomplish your task?” “Yes, all is finished,” the Lord replied. “We have a second question,” said the angels. “Has the whole world heard of you?” “No,” said Jesus. The angels next asked, “Then what is your plan?” Jesus said, … Continue reading “GREAT COMMISSION”
GRACE VS. JUSTICE AND MERCY
Grace is getting what we do not deserve. Justice is getting what we do deserve. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.614
GRACE, FALSE
An elderly woman was standing in the checkout line ready to pay for her merchandise: a quart of milk and a loaf of bread. She opened her purse. No money was there; neither was her checkbook. As she was about to ask the clerk to put her things back, suddenly a gentle voice said, “It … Continue reading “GRACE, FALSE”
GRACE, EXAMPLE OF
An old Indian, after living many years in sin, was led to Christ by a missionary. Friends asked him to explain the change in his life. Reaching down, he picked up a little worm and placed it on a pile of leaves. Then, touching a match to the leaves, he watched them smolder and burst … Continue reading “GRACE, EXAMPLE OF”