By Pastor Bob Lawrenz
On earth lately, we have had our daily headlines filled with information about the current virus pandemic. I personally think it’s sad that the media hypes our situation, and reports on things that cause us to fear, without also providing a balance of hope for the future. Science and medical experts are determined to resolve this pandemic without God’s help!
Did Jesus not warn us sufficiently? “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33. As we read this verse, Jesus gives us this warning and a hope: overcoming the world, and by way of extension, all of the world’s woes! And, it’s not the Great Tribulation He is speaking of, it’s just life in general.
Shortly after the Flood of Noah, God recognized that mankind would always rebel against His authority. Genesis 9:1 begins with instructions for Noah and his descendants, in much the same way God gave counsel to Adam and Eve. “Be fruitful and multiply; the animals on the Earth, and the food that Noah’s family should eat. And then God went an extra step: Knowing man’s rebellious heart, God established human government in Genesis 9:5 - 6. With all that His creation provides for man on the Earth, order would have to be kept to produce civility between humans. Rejecting God’s authority, God establishes human government to make men accountable to each other.
A serious issue, for sure, for without order in an ever-growing population, chaos would take over, and as we have witnessed throughout history, everyone likes to rule over as many others as they can. But is mankind’s plight futile? No, it definitely is not. “For with God, all things are possible.”
Believers around the world have accepted the Authority of God over His Creation, and we look to the teachings of God’s Word to guide us through to His expected end for us.
“For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” - Jeremiah 29:11
Today's Audio Message: "The Ascension Promise"
The story of Jesus’ Ascension is told in Luke 24:49, Mark 16:19 and Acts 1:3, 9. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared several times to His disciples and others for forty days. During this time, He spoke to them further about the kingdom of God, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, for whom they were to wait (Acts 1:2-9). After 40 days, He was taken up to heaven for the last time (Acts 1:9-11).
We are looking at the final days of Jesus ministry, walking alive on the earth in physical form before He ascends into Heaven. Though He is with us always, His physical presence on earth comes to an end. We then are His witnesses, and we become His physical presence thereafter.
"But ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (vs.8)
This prophecy continues today, He wants His Word out there to reach every heart and every ear that is willing to hear. You don't have to be a Bible Scholar to share what Jesus has done for you. A witness is called to give testimony about the things that he/she saw and experienced personally.
What has Jesus done for you? Be a witness and testify of the One who loves you with an everlasting love. Who loved you first before you loved Him.
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