"....that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead....Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, 'Paul, you are deside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!'" (Acts 26:23, 24)
Wrong, Festus. It was not, "great learning," which brought Paul the encounter with Jesus. Neither was it, "great learning," which brought him to belief that Jesus would, "rise from the dead." This is acceptance of the Word of God, in our case, the written Word, and in Paul's, the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus.
Too many who think they live by faith are really living by reason. This is why, as the hymn writer says, "doubts arise and fears assail." It can not be overstated: Doubts, fears, unbelief come because people try to reason God, reason His Word, reason the Blessed Trinity, yes, reason life. It will never work. So many "Christians" are frustrated, continue to argue and attempt to reason people into accepting Jesus Christ and entering the Kingdom. Everyone needs some sort of Damascus Road encounter. Maybe it is not a voice or a blinding light, but it is nonetheless revelation, "Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven."
If you and I are going to overcome in these days, we will do so only by, "....My Father Who is in Heaven." When we live in this "mode," we too will be called, "mad," but what blessed "madness."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that You have called me to a life, "but My Father Who is in Heaven." Amen.
Wrong, Festus. It was not, "great learning," which brought Paul the encounter with Jesus. Neither was it, "great learning," which brought him to belief that Jesus would, "rise from the dead." This is acceptance of the Word of God, in our case, the written Word, and in Paul's, the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses of the Resurrection of Jesus.
Too many who think they live by faith are really living by reason. This is why, as the hymn writer says, "doubts arise and fears assail." It can not be overstated: Doubts, fears, unbelief come because people try to reason God, reason His Word, reason the Blessed Trinity, yes, reason life. It will never work. So many "Christians" are frustrated, continue to argue and attempt to reason people into accepting Jesus Christ and entering the Kingdom. Everyone needs some sort of Damascus Road encounter. Maybe it is not a voice or a blinding light, but it is nonetheless revelation, "Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in Heaven."
If you and I are going to overcome in these days, we will do so only by, "....My Father Who is in Heaven." When we live in this "mode," we too will be called, "mad," but what blessed "madness."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You that You have called me to a life, "but My Father Who is in Heaven." Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
