Wednesday, December 19, 2012

A Shocking Response

I had a rather surprising reaction on Tuesday evening. A group of us were going from house to house sharing the Gospel. It was dark but there are plenty of street lights. I was approaching a home which has a wooden door with a decorative, oval-shaped window. As I walked up the sidewalk, I noticed a woman (probably in her early 60s) seated on the opposite side of the room. She saw me at the same time, jumped out of her seat and came running to the door. The door slammed shut, though I had not even noticed it was open until that moment. As the boom of the closing door echoed, a metallic or glass object hit the floor just inside the door. I called out that she needn't be alarmed since I was just offering her a Gospel tract. She was so upset I just left the tract at the door and walked away. Meanwhile two other women inside the home began laughing uncontrollably. As I visited the next two homes, I could still hear the laughter. I can honestly say I have never provoked such a response at any other visit.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The Hope of All People

On Sunday, December 9, I preached on Luke 1:5-25. The message highlighted the various groups or individuals mentioned in the text and how the expectation of the coming Messiah impacted them. God describes Zachariah and Elizabeth as just or saved. This declaration of righteous standing before God is characteristic of all who by faith receive God's offer of salvation. The demonstration of their righteousness is their faithful observance of God's law. In other words, this is the fruit not the root of their salvation. The sincere expectation of this couple for the Messiah is overshadowed by their personal frustration in not having a child. The angel, Gabriel, informs them of God's special blessing in giving them a child. Naturally speaking there is no way this can be. Zachariah expresses his lack of faith in this promise and is rebuked by Gabriel. It seems that Gabriel cannot believe that Zachariah cannot believe this word from Jehovah God. The angels of God had lived for all eternity with the expectation of the Messiah's arrival. Knowing that John was to announce the arrival of the Messiah, the angels are eager to see God's plan unfold. Gabriel's surprise at Zachariah's doubt is indicative of his complete confidence in the message God have given him. Certainly our confidence in the Word should be equally resolute. So many of God's promises have been fulfilled, we should never doubt His ability and determination to keep His Word. The Christmas story should remind us of the Messiah's Second Coming. Included in the promises for this and subsequent events are both enjoyable and terrifying promises. Considering this, Peter asks, "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" (2 Peter 3:11). May God's promises inspire holy living in each of us and a desire to reach the lost with the Good News of Salvation.