One Thing I Know
Good Wednesday to you,
Every time I read or hear about Jesus healing the man who was born blind, I am amazed by the responses of those who knew the man. One would think there would be great rejoicing, especially from his parents! If such a miracle occurred within our community, we would rejoice and give God all the glory; or would we?
If you haven't noticed, there is a "war" being waged against God, the Bible, and the nuclear family. Words are being invented and redefined right before our eyes. Often, the response of Christians is to downplay the situation. We are told that our views are private matters best left out of the "public square." I mentioned the "overreach" of PayPal on Sunday. To think that a company in the United States would assign itself to "police" its users for what they think is misinformation or hateful and assess them a fine of up to $2500 is Orwellian at best, and pure evil at its worst. I have heard that the backlash was so swift that they have backed down. While we may be tempted to breathe a sigh of relief, just know that the "ground has been softened." The next time someone tries this, there will be less shock and less pushback. Eventually, if we do not stand strong, it will come to pass.
Can we afford to be blinded by societal pressure? The answer is no. If we do or say nothing, sooner or later it will be too late. I am reminded of a saying attributed to Pastor Martin Neimoller – First They Came…
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Blindness comes with a cost. This will be the subject next Sunday, finishing up the 9th chapter of John (John 9:35-41) – looking at "Spiritual Blindness."
I hope you enjoyed the first person narrative sermon. It is an interesting way to look at and think about a text.
We are almost two thirds of the way toward our 2023 stewardship campaign. If you haven't returned your commitment yet, please return your card as soon as possible. Or, even better, you can complete this online form!
Also, if you would like to sponsor a Thanksgiving box for our junior enlisted folks, you can do so here, at a cost of $55 per box. That's an increase over last year, but, as I said on Sunday, what hasn't increased lately?
You are all a blessing and I hope to see you soon.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
