Today is NOT the end of the world!

3/28/2020

Just when we think there can be a great year ahead of us, just when all indicators seem to say, “charge! full speed ahead!” the interference from the “god of this world’—the devil, Satan, that old serpent, the Big Lie—that guy brings out another from his bag of tricks (this time it’s a virus, elusive of medicine’s grip) and uses it to grind progress to a near halt! We who know the Lord must step away for a moment and just reconsider some things which are absolutely promised to us by Him to Whom we belong. Let’s do that for a couple of paragraphs here:

Based upon the pure and simple gospel of Christ, “how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised from the dead the third day, according to the Scriptures,” —1 Cor.15:3,4, we will take our stand and be motivated according to the promises being referred to in 2Cor.7:1. These promises of God are scattered throughout the chapters preceding that verse, as well as in many other verses in the Apostle Paul’s writings; promises expressly given to us, the church, the Body of Christ.

2Cor.1:3,4—(Enough comfort for us to be comforted and which will enable us to share the comfort with others.)

2Cor.1:21,22—(It was God our father who placed us into Christ and sealed us until Himself, then gave us His master teacher, the Holy Spirit.) Think of it.

2Cor.2:14—(Triumph means victory, in this promise is a foregone conclusion that how it is supposed to come out for us, we can expect. The devil’s interference may change the appearance, but not the overall conclusion.)

2Cor.3:5—(Reminds us to look for our sufficiency as coming from God, not some government entity or manmade security.)

2Cor.4:14-18—(Living here, we might notice the affliction and be brought down. But, the “lightness” of this world’s issues are set over against the “abundant grace” and makes us notice this is not eternal, our resurrection is eternal! So, down deep inside we are renewed and strengthened as needed.)

2Cor.5:7,16—(Hey! We walk by faith! Who do you trust? No man, not even Christ after the flesh. we are His in the Spirit, not the flesh!)

2Cor.6:2—(Oh. Just in case someone of you has never placed your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, this verse reminds you that right now is the only time you have to do that: believe the gospel, trust Christ. He’ll save you now.)

2Cor.6:3, 14-18—(Verse 3 reminds us to not be offensive & verses 14-18 remind us how to not be, get away from those who would bring out the offense.)

These are just a skim off the top of all the promises of God found in these wonderful chapters of God’s word. Read all of it straight through, and remember, if you are saved, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”—2Tim.1:7. Whatever we face during this interruption, remember who we are and Whose we are.

A few decades back Skeeter Davis had a hit song, “It’s the End of the World”—“why do the birds go on singing, why does the sun start to shine” and on and on…”Don’t they know it’s the end of the world??” That was the SIMH today, but I have to tell you, no. Nothing going on today is signaling the end of the world! When I wake up in the mornings, I simply think, “thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being here again today.” I may not know how long I’m gonna last, but I know where I’m going. Therefore, I know what my primary reason is for being here: it’s about my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Not about me, or you. I love many things I do, by His grace. But, they are never paramount. Christ is paramount. Catchy song, though my mind remembering the words is odd.

Thanks for reading, the Elder