Tag Archives: Church Bulletin

On Habits

Church Bulletin, Daily living,

Everyone has habits. Most habits are good but some are destructive. There are also habits that are very good and should be developed in all people. In any case, habits are a part of our lives and should be used to our greatest advantage.

On Bad Habits

All of us have some bad habits. I know in my case I struggle with what I eat, when I eat and how often I eat. I’m sure not alone but having the company of other overweight, diabetic folks sitting around me in the doctor’s office is not too comforting. I know how much I like fast food and how I crave a regular Mt. Dew drink on a regular basis. Those are bad habits that need fixing.

Other bad habits might include foul language, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and even illicit drug abuse. Many suffer from addictions ranging from alcohol to sex. There are plenty to choose from. Perhaps the greatest spiritual bad habit is apathy. Apathy is a disinterest or lack of concern about a topic. A person might not be interested in worship; they are apathetic. Of course, it is possible to fake an interest in spiritual things to keep someone else happy and to keep them from nagging. Even so, apathy still reigns.

Spiritual bad habits are especially dangerous. While any habit could become spiritual, some things are so dangerous as to send one rapid away from Christ and into the waiting arms of Satan. Bad habits must be broken.

On Good Habits

It sure seems that bad habits are easier to form than good ones! Good spiritual habits do not come naturally and must be developed. Drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise and eating healthy foods are examples of good habits. But like their bad counterparts, there are some good spiritual habits that should be developed.

Jesus was a man of good habits. In Matthew 4, as Jesus began his public ministry, the Bible says he went to the Synagogue on the Sabbath day, “as was his custom” (Matthew 4:16). Paul was a man of habit also. In Acts 17:2 he is found in the Synagogue reasoning from the Scriptures, “as was his custom.”

Like both Jesus and Paul, we should form customs. Begin now to improve your life through good spiritual habits that pay great dividends now and tomorrow. There are three basic customs that every Christian should develop. Once in place, these customs provide a foundation for additional good habits.

Christians should develop the habits of prayer, Bible reading and worship. Prayer petitions God, reading listens to God and worship honors God. Build these three into every day of your life. For the next 30 days, pray deeply every day, read the Bible every day and worship every day. Make sure to include corporate or group worship with the church upon every Lord’s day and also during the week when possible. 30 days makes a difference. Try it! Involve others in your challenge too. Blessings are certain.

Growing

Bible General, Church Bulletin, Evangelism,

Adding souls to the body of Christ is vital. It is not an option and it cannot be ignored. Every Christian has a responsibility to teach others the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-19) is clear:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We find people, making them followers of Jesus, baptize them and then continue to teach them. By doing these things, the kingdom grows. The original Christians of the 1st century did precisely that. In Acts 8:4, persecuted Christians fled Jerusalem and “went about preaching the word.” Their efforts led to the  outbreak of the Gospel in Samaria. Wouldn’t it be great if we could see an outbreak of the Gospel in our time? It is possible and there are some signs that the world is ready for the truth.

Bible Based Preaching Is Returning

For years, some preachers sounded more like Dr. Phil or Oprah than the Scriptures. Their sermons came from the self help genre and sought to meet so-called felt needs. These needs focused on immediate concerns and often ignored the profound need of man to return to his Creator. Today, the Bible is returning as the centerpiece of preaching. The expository sermon which firmly anchors itself in a single passage and expounds upon the message of that single Bible passage is growing in popularity.

Denominational authors are calling for deeper Bible knowledge and asking their readers to study the Word for themselves. Such a return to serious Bible study can only help prepare people for the reception of the pure truth of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:21). As honest men and women hear the pure truth, they will reject the teachings of men which have polluted hearts so long (Matthew 15:9).

Evil is Obvious

The true nature of Satan is being revealed daily (2 Corinthians 2:11) and people are frightened. Violence seems more common, the world is more willing to attack people of faith, government is publically less righteous and the whole world seems spinning out of control. The world lies in Satan’s hands (Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 5:19) People are scared.

No man can face the evil onslaught alone. He knows trouble and sees it destroying people. He needs the pure Gospel message from God. Shallow preaching no longer helps and is viewed as a waste of time. Mankind needs help and can find it only in the truth of the Gospel. Men’s hearts are ready to receive truth.

Technology is Shrinking the World and Saving Time

Facebook and Twitter have changed the world in many ways. Now, instantly, Godly messages can be exchanged and small snippets of truth taught. A man can ask questions and investigate the local church anonymously. Technology is making the Great Commission easier and less expensive. Unfortunately, most people use these great devices to post trivial comments, like “I just burned the beans…”

We can initiate serious discussions through social media; we can move those discussions to personal Bible studies.  If you have a Twitter account, can you post something positive in 140 characters? I’m sure you can.

The world is ready. The technology is in place. The only thing missing is you. Who do you know that needs the truth today?

History Making

Church Bulletin, Family Issues,

On this day in 1947, long before many of us were born, an event occurred which changed the world and which directly impacts everyone of us today.  65 years ago, researchers in Maryland brought ENIAC to life. ENIAC was the first general purpose digital computer ever created. The house-sized machine was able to be re-programmed to solve a wide range of computing problems. Today, such computing power is available in devices the size of a wrist watch and even smaller. But that event, over a half century ago, gave us the basis for all of the desktops, laptops, tablets and smart phones that are ubiquitous today. The past profoundly affects the future.

Spiritually, the events surrounding the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord must stand as the greatest historical marker of all history. God, in the  persona of Jesus Christ, gave his own life for the lives of his creatures.

But each of us has personal events which change our own future and the future of generations to come. For example, there was the day my grandfather came home and told my grandmother than he had found what they were looking for, a faith not cluttered by the doctrines and opinions of men. They soon became members of the churches of Christ, their four sons, including my father, became members and later I too was added to the body of Christ. Today my three sons are all members of the church too. That day, decades ago, is a great historical day for my family.

What is in the past is, well, in the past. We cannot change or alter those events. But we can shape the future by our decisions today.

Isaac, son of Abraham and ancestor of Jesus, lived in such a way that his children, Jacob and Esau would be blessed. The writer of Hebrews says, “…by faith, Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau”  (Hebrews 11:20). Isaac’s faith in God, no doubt given and strengthened by Abraham, had an impact on his children.

In the Pentateuch, God repeatedly warned that children would suffer from the wrong decisions made by the fathers. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:5-6, see also Exodus 34:7, Numbers 14:18, Deuteronomy 5:9). It is not that the children would inherit the penalty for their fathers sin (Ezekiel 18:20), but rather the children would suffer from errant teaching and godless examples. The children would be led in the paths of idolatry which was a horrid thing to the Lord God.

Every person reading these thoughts is, right now, impacting their own future but also the future of others. We choose today to craft a future that is Godly and blessed, on godless and cursed. While a prophet could foretell the future sometimes, we can change the future.

Consider these words from Hebrews 11:4 concerning the faith of Abel. It is said of him that “though he died, he still speaks.” That is true of us all. What great moment of history are you creating today? What honor will your children speak of when they remember you?

When the Well Runs Dry

Church Bulletin,

water bucketPeople were once dependent upon their water wells. These deep shafts produced some of the finest, coldest water around. Today people pay good money for a bottle was water drawn from deep below the earth’s surface. But despite the pristine, refreshing water that came from a well it was not always dependable. An extended drought might cause the well to run dry. When that happened, there was little choice but to dig a little deeper in the well.

Bible study is a little like going to the well. We can drink deeply and often of our Bible learning but sometimes we have to dig a little deeper. Digging a well is no easy task but it is essential. Likewise, study is exhausting. Solomon said, “of the making of books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). But if we do not dig we shan’t drink either.

Sometimes we are afraid to enter a Bible discussion because we fear our knowledge is incomplete. We are afraid that we might be asked a question for which we have no answer. Our dilemma has a rather simple answer. We need to dig more. We need more time in the word of God so that we can give questioners sound Bible answers (1 Peter 3:15).

Jesus described his teaching as life giving water. (John 4:10-15). It was the kind of water that was fulfilling and fully satisfying. I shall never forget the first well water I drank. One of my aunts had family living far out in the country. An old well stood maybe 20 feet from the kitchen door. A large pan was carried to the well and filled with water which was then left on the counter with a ladle for all to drink. Today I remember how cool it was. As I chased chickens around the yard I would stop and drink more water. Spiritually, you may recall the marvelous filling of your first encounter with Jesus. Do you remember the joy of hearing the old, old story for the first time? Such is the nature of the water Jesus provides.

But over time our toil in this world causes us to thirst for more. We are challenged by those we love and those with whom we work. We know there are answers but we also know that we might have to dig for those answers. It’s time to go to the well and maybe even to dig again.

The Bible is not a particularly large book. But its truths are deep. It can be studied but often we need to return for a refreshing. When Paul told Timothy to study (2 Timothy 2:15) he expected him to do so often, thus enriching his own life and preparing him for the task of teaching others. Jesus had previously commanded his people to teach others (Matthew 18:18-20). We cannot teach what we do not know.

So how is your well? Is it deep and full or does it need some work. Is your well able to feed the thirst of all who come? Is it even deep enough for you and your family? A shovel, a pickaxe and a strong back were the tools of a well digger. The Bible student needs his tools too. At a minimum a Bible with a pen and paper are all  that are needed to begin your study. Low cost computer programs are always useful and empower your work even more.

Failing to study God’s word is like a man with a dry well. He has access to a large drilling platform but will not use it to find water. We need the water of life, so get to digging!

 

Memorial Day

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Eastern Shore church of Christ, , ,

This weekend Americans celebrate a special national holiday, Memorial Day. Although the name has changed from the original Decoration Day, Memorial Day celebrates and remembers all the servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the many wars our country has fought. Monday will see a variety of ceremonies marking the day. Flags will fly at half-staff until noon to honor the fallen. We owe a great debt to our military people who have fought across the globe to secure our freedom and our way of life

Christians celebrate Memorial Day weekly, although not for the same reason. We call it the Lord’s Supper or Communion (1 Corinthians 11:20; 1 Corinthians 10:16) and in it we remember a greater sacrifice made for all men everywhere.

This ancient feast finds its origin in the Jewish Passover meal first eaten just prior to the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:1 ff). On that night, the deliverer passed over the obedient homes of the Hebrews  and did not bring judgment upon them. All other homes faced the death of the first born as a judgment from God. The Hebrews commemorated that feast annually until the first century. Today, some Jews continue to celebrate the Passover.

Just before his crucifixion, Jesus gave us the Lord’s Supper. Using the elements of the Passover meal, Jesus crafted a new meal which we celebrate today. Its purpose was to cause his followers to remember and memorialize his death. Two items present on the Passover table were used as a sort of object lesson to aid our memories. Unleavened bread was used by Jesus to remind us of his body which was so horrible beaten. The cup, filled with the fruit of the vine or grape juice, symbolized his blood which was shed for many ( Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-34).

When the synoptic writers recorded the event they offered little explanation except to say that the emblems of bread and the cup represented the body and blood of Jesus. But the inspired apostle, born out of season, Paul, expands our understanding of the purpose of the Lord’s Supper. He reminds us that we take Communion “in remembrance of “ Jesus and thereby “proclaim” his death (1 Corinthians 11:25).

Herein is the great memorial: A remembrance of Jesus and his death! Communion is the great Memorial Day. Jesus, who left heaven, lived among men, was mocked, mistreated, tortured and killed for people who had rebelled against him, paid the real ultimate sacrifice.

Paul warns that the solemn nature of the Lord’s Supper can be destroyed by hearts that are not in tune with the intent and purpose of the Lord’s Supper.

 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

We also know that this memorial feast was not an annual, semi-annual or quarterly event. In Acts 20:7 Paul mentions the assembly on the first day of the week. He notes that their meeting on the first day was “to break bread,” a term used to describe the Lord’s Supper. That the Christians met every first day is clear from Paul’s statements about contributions into the church treasury. He instructed that such collections be made upon “the first day of every week” (1 Corinthians 16:2 NASB). If  the church assembled for the purpose of eating the memorial meal and if that meeting was on every first day of the week, we see both a command and an example of every week Lord’s Supper participation.

Our service people deserve our thanks and our heartfelt appreciation, especially those who died in service to our country. But Jesus deserves it even more. Today, as we gather around the Lord’s table, let us remember his sacrifice so that we might live.


Bad Things Happen to Good People

Apologetics, Church Bulletin, Daily living, Genesis, ,

Bad things happen to good people. The faithful suffer illness and death. The righteous are persecuted by the unrighteous. The devout face ruin and destruction. Such trials have happened since the days of the first couple and they continue even now. People much wiser than I have tried to explain this phenomenon in volumes of writings. How can it be that the God of the Bible can allow such suffering? We cannot argue that suffering is not real or that it is some imagination of an active mind. Good people really do suffer.

But it may help to examine one righteous struggler and see what lessons we can learn. Joseph, son of Jacob is a perfect example.

Joseph’s story is found in Genesis chapters 37 through 50. He was born into a family of 12 boys and one girl. Only one brother was younger. Joseph is born to Rachel, the favored wife of Jacob. He the favored child (Genesis 37:3) and serves his father well although even his mother and father become troubled because of dreams that Joseph has which cast them as subservient to him (Genesis 37:9-11).

The resulting jealousy of his brothers causes Joseph to be kidnapped and sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37:12 ff). He rises to prominence and responsibility in the house of Potiphar, a military commander of Egyptian King Pharaoh (Genesis 39:2-6). An encounter with Potiphar’s wife forces Joseph to choose between good and evil. He chooses good and is falsely accused of attempted rape. He is cast into an Egyptian prison. But even in prison God brings him success and causes him to find favor in the jailer’s eyes (Genesis 39:21-23). Joseph precisely interprets dreams of two fellow inmates but even when one returns to his position of honor at the Pharaoh’s side, Joseph is forgotten and languishes for two years in the prison (Genesis 40:1).

Finally, a troubling dream causes Joseph to be brought before Pharaoh himself. The king is so impressed with Joseph that he not only takes him from prison but elevates him to a position second only to the Pharaoh himself (Genesis 41:40-45). For 13 years (c.f. Genesis 37:2; Genesis 41:46) Joseph had ridden roller coaster. At just the moment life began to look better, everything crashed. But through it all Joseph was faithful. Not one word is written that even hints at Joseph losing faith in Jehovah.

It is true that bad things really do happen to good people. But it is also true that even in the darkest hour, God stays with the faithful and brings them through to better days.

It is also true that God’s will is always done even when we suffer.  Although Joseph is not a direct ancestor of Jesus, his life and struggles were required for the coming of our Lord. Pharaoh’s dreams were a divine warning of a coming famine. Joseph, having interpreted the dream, was put in charge of preparations. Joseph was so successful that his estranged family, living in another country, came to Egypt to buy food so that they could survive the foot shortages. Without Joseph’s work, they likely would have succumbed to hunger and disease thus eliminating the line of Jesus.

Because Joseph was so beloved by Pharaoh and the people, an invitation was extended to his family to come and live in Goshen, a province of Egypt. It was there they grew into a mighty people.

Our lives seem to mirror Joseph’s sometimes. One day things are great and the next we can barely hold our heads up. The lesson from Joseph is one of endurance and faithfulness. God can and will do great things with us when we place all of our faith and trust in him. We see the result of Joseph’s life but he could not. Like us, he could only see the walls of a pit and the walls of a prison. But he trusted that God would bring him to a better place, and he did. Does this encourage you? It should. Trust God!

Are You Looking in the Right Mirror?

Church Bulletin, Daily living, ,

Most take a quick look at themselves before leaving home each morning. A quick check confirms that hair is properly styled, that clothes are neatly fitted and that no evidence of breakfast remains on the teeth. Throughout the day we often sneak another peak just to make sure nothing has changed. We want to look our best.

But what we see and what others see may be different especially when we think of the intangible qualities; those internal characteristics that make us unique. What do people see when they look your way? Better, what do you want those people to see?

For some the external image is important. For others emphasis is placed on the intangible qualities. For the Christian, neither is correct. The Christian should reflect the qualities of God, not of himself.

For example, consider David. For all of his thoughts he was still understood to be a man after God’s own heart. His accomplishments as a King notwithstanding, he is best known as one who sought the things of God.

The apostle John, first introduced as one of the “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17) came to be known to us as the apostle of love.  John’s writings reflect the love that best describes our Father in heaven (1 John 3:10 ff).

Paul describes the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-26. Those qualities are  the qualities of the Spirit which you and I ought emulate.

Jesus said,  “You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). The perfection comes from God’s forgiveness, not from any moral perfection we discover.  When we submit to God in simple faith and obedience he does not charge our sins against us. Consider Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:19: “…God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses to them…”

Aren’t there some people that you think of as especially godly? They are not perfect but they are wearing the Spirit’s fruit in their lives. This is the kind of reputation we should strive for.

In the bliss of Eden, man stood before God having been created in his own image (Genesis 1:27). That beauty was destroyed when sin entered but it is not lost forever. We can again attain unto the perfection that is in Christ alone.

So the next time you head out the door, check your appearance in the bathroom mirror but also check your spiritual appearance. What are you reflecting to the world? A hurried mom too busy to think about anything but the next school event? A harried salesman trying to grab the next contract or sale? Let the glory of God be reflected every moment. You are a Christian. Look  the part!


It’s Not Working

Church, Church Bulletin, Evangelism,

Churches try all sorts of ways to attract people to their services. Some focus heavily on music and large scale productions while others have turned to large youth oriented carnivals and rallies. Still others spend large amounts on advertising and market research. Of course many still rely on the ICP’s (incredibly corny phrases) posted on the sign out front. But when  the music stops and the carnivals close, have any been brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus?

Only God knows the precise number of those who are saved and those who are lost. But it sure seems that we are not gaining any ground. In 2004, the Barna group reported that 34% of American adults are unchurched, that is, they have not attended a religious service, except for a holiday or special event like a wedding or funeral, in at least 6 months. That was a 92% increase from 1991. In 2010 some researchers estimate the ranks of the unchurched were growing by 1 million every year.

Clearly, something is not working.

As we explore this question of why we are losing more and more souls, we can identify some Biblical landmarks to help us gain some understanding and possible right the ship before it sinks completely.

  •  Some will be lost. Indeed, most adults will choose lives of rebellion (Matthew 7:13-14).
  •  Salvation is in Jesus only. (John 14:6).
  •  The Bible, only, points us to that salvation and is true (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16).
  •  The message of salvation is entrusted to men (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 5:18).
  •  We are to preach all of God’s word (Acts 20:27; Acts 8:4; 2 Timothy 4:2).
  •  That word is powerful (Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:11).

Based upon the forgoing 6 points, am I wrong to conclude that we are not preaching the word in its totality and in its power?

There seems to be a gross imbalance in preaching today. In an effort to attract and not to discourage, we preachers, me included, like to preach feel good sermons. We want people to leave the services feeling good so that they will come back next week for another shot of encouragement.

There’s a problem with that.

I have never in my life gone to the doctor for encouragement. I go when something is wrong and I need to be fixed. Sometimes his words are encouraging. Sometimes they are strong, harsh and even painful. I still return, and maybe even more so, when his words are tough.

Preachers must talk about sin.

Preachers must talk about repentance or change.

Preachers must talk about hell and consequences.

If we do not then we do not preach the “whole counsel” of God. If we do not, we show our lack of faith in the power of the word to change men and save souls. If we do not, we suggest that only part of the Scriptures are powerful. We cheat our hearers and give them false hope so we can build our attendance numbers. That’s eternally wrong. We can do better.

Bryant Evans

Blurry Vision

Church Bulletin, Daily living, Matthew, ,

Many years ago a former boss was traveling to a football game in Mobile, Alabama. A decorated World War II veteran he  suffered serious vision troubles because of his time in a prisoner of war camp. He was driving and chatting with a notable football coach who rode along with him.

Suddenly, and without slowing the car: “Hey, that traffic light…is it red or green?”

“What?”  the coach asked.

“The light. Is it red or green, I can’t tell.”

“Stop! “ He shrieked. “It’s red!”

As he retold this story to me many years later he chuckled. “Coach made me pull over right then. He never let me drive again.”

Impaired vision is serious. It’s serious when driving but also very serious when navigating through life. Jesus warned that we need to have clear vision so we can help others who sometimes stumble.

Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to see the beam of wood in your own? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ while there is a beam in your own?  You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.  (Matthew 7:3-5; The NET translation)

 

Sometimes we are blinded by our own clouded view.  We see problems in the lives of others but are blinded to our own shortcomings. Jesus teaches us to first check our own vision and make it clear. Only then will we find ourselves in a position to help others.

Jesus does not teach us, however, that we are to be paralyzed. He does not teach us to do nothing until we are perfect for  that would mean that no one could teach, encourage or even rebuke. None are perfect, all are sinful (Romans 3:23). After all, the apostle did teach that we are to “…reprove, rebuke and exhort…” (2 Timothy 4:2).

In the context of Matthew 7, Jesus teaches us to use righteous judgment and to understand that the kind of judgment we apply to others will also be applied to us. “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).

Think of it as a kind of Golden Rule of judging. Judge others the way you would have them judge you.

Knowing that we will be judged, how would you want to be judged? Righteously. Truthfully. Accurately. With love. With compassion. These are the qualities of true Godly judgment. But they are powerfully difficult to attain.

Nevertheless, let us strive to clear our own field of vision so we can apply these qualities to our daily interactions with others.


No Man Is An Island

Church Bulletin, Daily living,

John Donne, English poet, wrote that “No man is an island entire of itself.” The point being that we all are a part of one another and our actions impact others. How true! The things I do affects others today and well into the future. I am not isolated. I am not alone.

What likely seemed an isolated decision by Eve to take of the forbidden fruit was not isolated at all. Her single action, in a moment of time, had horrid consequences for all humanity. Every person born and all who will be born, are directly impacted by her sin. Her choice unleashed the influence of sin into the world such that Paul could declare that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). Indeed, no man is an island.

In the Old Testament, Achan thought he could secretly take the spoil of Israel’s defeated enemy. Surely no one would know, he reasoned. No one did know except God. Soon afterwards the Israelite army assaulted the small city of Ai. Israel was beaten back ad lost about 36 warriors. Why? Because of Achan’s supposedly secret sin (Joshua 7:1-26). No man is an island.

Today, someone will be found guilty of a crime and sentenced to jail. They lose their job and suddenly  their family, including children, are without support. The children are without guilt but still suffer the consequences of the adult’s action. No man is an island.

This lesson ought be driven home to every parent. Our conduct today will impact our children and grandchildren for generations to come. Children watch their parents. They learn to become adults by modeling our behaviors.

This principle can work to our benefit too. Good conduct and a godly life will also impact those around us. That seems to be the root of Jesus’ admonition to be “the salt of the earth” and to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-15). We do not live in seclusion. Our lives, when lived by God’s direction, benefits others.

Abraham was an aged, nomadic man. Yet his faith remains legendary and gave rise to an entire race of people through whom the Redeemer came. His life and faith influences people even today. No man is an island!

The best example is Jesus Christ. His short life and brief three year public ministry would suggest that he would have little impact upon the world stage. Such a suggestion would be a mistake. No one has ever had the influence upon the world of Jesus the Son of God. No man is an island.

View yourself as person of influence. See your own life as a ministry. Someone, years from now will be impacted by your life today. Will it be for good or ill? That decision is in your hands..