Last Weeks News – “…whereas I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25) This is the story of the blind man from birth that Jesus healed. Remember? He was hauled in front of the Pharisees and questioned. This is an example of physical blindness. In the previous verse the Pharisees told this man to give God the praise because the man who healed him was a sinner. This is definitely news. It seems that the Pharisees had a blindness of their own.
These were men of the law; well-educated and devout, especially equipped to administer justice and truth. Paul could have been one of these men. In fact, he was also the son of a Pharisee (Acts 23:6). Paul is physically blinded for a time. And then he sees again. But this time, it is not just ordinary sight but the sight of one who undergoes spiritual transformation.
In Romans 7 Paul speaks at length about the law. Then he moves beyond that law into human nature. In verse 21 he says that even when man does good or desires to do good that evil is also present. Even the best of men, on their own, are hypocrites. In verse 23 he speaks of those who believe and try to follow the law but can’t because of their inability to control sin. The old story of Eve and the apple comes to mind. It looks good and tastes good—surely it can’t be bad to have just a little sample. And so it is with sin.
There is one law which delivers man from the bondage of sin. It is the law of the Spirit mentioned in Romans 8:2. Believers who have yielded to the Spirit are freed from the law of sin and death. Verses 3 and 4 complete the story.
Copies of the sermon are always available and we would love to send you a CD of it. They are free. Call (4l7)543-6219 to get a copy. Have a God-blessed, God-inspired, and God-filled week.
This Weeks News – Danny Pearl, a journalist, was captured and ultimately murdered. It was a senseless act. Men have died at the hands of other men down through the centuries. Many deaths have occurred as the result of being captured. The thought of being taken prisoner, marched off to a strange place, and being threatened on a daily basis is hard to fathom. Just the terror of not knowing what was going to happen next is enough to make the bravest soldier swear allegiance to his captor.
Where does strength come from? What can make a captive stare his adversary in the eye and say, “I’m not going to do it.” There is an example in Daniel which points toward a source of strength. It’s in chapter 3 when King Nebuchadnezzar decrees that all people are to worship a gold image he made. Three young Jews said, “It’s not happening.” Now, that’s strength!
The king was furious and had them thrown into a white-hot furnace. When he looked to see if they had become cinders, he was surprised to see a fourth person and the four were walking in the fire conversing. It’s no wonder the king called them out. Here’s the good part. The fourth person didn’t come out. Why is that? It’s like the preacher said this morning: he’s still in the fire and will be there for those who call on him. Believers are not alone in the fires of life. God stands with those who stand with him.
A little added detail: in chapter 4:28-36 Nebuchadnezzar brags about all he had done to make Babylon great. A voice came from heaven and told him otherwise. This voice also said that he was going to be mad as a hatter. For a time he was, until he lifted his eyes to heaven. Just then, his sanity was restored and he praised the Most High from that time forward.
Copies of the sermon are always available and we would love to send you a CD of it. They are free. Call (4l7)543-6219 to get a copy. Have a God-blessed, God-inspired, and God-filled week.
