Tue, 16 May 2006 Welcome to church growth, mission, and evangelism. We're glad you came back! We are starting on a new topic today, a review of some material in Billy Graham's book called Peace With God. All of humanity is seeking the answer to the confusion, the moral sickness, the spiritual emptiness that oppresses the world. All mankind is crying out for guidance, for comfort, for peace. One of the first paths we chose was labeled “political freedom�. Give everyone political freedom, and the world would become a happy place. Let us select our own government leaders and we will have the kind of government that makes life worth living. Political freedom is important, but it will not give us the kind of world we long for.
There was also education. We are the most educated people in the history of civilization, and the most confused. The most inviting path was the one called “a higher standard of living�.
We live in a country that has the greatest political freedom, the greatest and most far reaching education system, and the absolute highest standard of living in the world; and yet that empty feeling is still within us. Why does that hollow feeling still persist? Many are floundering in this time of crisis and finding that their efforts are leading them not up but only further down.
Thousands of teenagers take their own lives. Our families are riddled with all kinds of abuses and aberrations. We are a nation of empty people. We aren’t filled with the spirit that makes work a joy. We aren’t filled with the determination that makes pushing ahead a pleasure.
We have the greatest variety and number of artificial amusements of any country. People have become so empty that they can’t even entertain themselves. Boredom is a sure way to measure your inner emptiness. Why are we so empty? Our Creator made us for Himself; and we can never be happy and find completeness apart from fellowship with him.
We don’t have much time. The tools of annihilation have been placed within our reach. Our generation has accomplished what other generations have only tried to do, or dreamed of doing in their most insane moments of power and ruthlessness! We have achieved the ability to totally destroy ourselves.
With all of our progress in technology and in the management of deadly diseases, we have not solved the basic problem of the human race. We still cannot govern ourselves or live in equality and peace! We still face the same trials and temptations that were with us in the Garden of Eden.
Man is still plagued by his depraved and sinful nature that fills him with hate, envy, greed, and jealousy. The curse of sin is upon us and we are forever haunted by the fear of death. In spite of our progress, we still are unchanged.
Jesus came to give us the answers to the three enduring problems of sin, sorrow, and death. Christ is unchangeable. He stands steadfast and calm, ready to welcome all who will turn to Him and accept the blessings of safety and peace. Thanks again for joining us. Here's the plan for this week's podcast that hopefully will be published tomorrow. Just a reminder that those great folks at Libsyn are upgrading their systems this week and tomorrow's programing may be affected. Greetings Introduction Wrap up of material on evangelism New thoughts on God Some good news for the day Please take time to visit us at: www.thegreatcommissionchurch.org Send your comments to me at: bob@thegreatcommissionchurch.org Pastor Bob Emery Category: Religion -- posted at: 9:47 AM Comments[0] |
