In light of Pentecost just around the corner (Sunday) and a conversation we had in BC yesterday, here’s a fascinating little quote from a great resource that I pass on to you for the day.  Thank God Christ is risen and gives us light in these dark corners.

PS  For the Weds. Bible Class: I made up a one page sheet showing the continuity of Jesus to John to a few historic Christians entrusted with God’s Word who knew John the Apostle. You’ll get it next Weds.

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Josh McDowell, Evidence Demands a Verdict, Here’s Life Publishers, Inc. 1979, p. 11

“I have found that most people reject Christ for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Ignorance – Romans 1:18-23 (often self-imposed), Matthew 22:29

*Romans 1:18-23   18  For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22  Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23  and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—-and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

*Matthew 22:29  Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.”

2. Pride – John 5:40-44

*John 5:40-44  40  “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 41  “I do not receive honor from men. 42  “But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43  “I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44  “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?”

3. Moral problem – John 3:19,20

*John 3:19,20  19  “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20  “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”

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I. P. M.    Ignorance, Pride, Moral problem

But to know Christ in the other and true sense is to know that he died for me and transferred the load of my sin upon himself; to so know this that I realize that all my doings amount to nothing. To let go all that is mine, and value only this, that Christ is given to me as a present; his sufferings, his righteousness and all his virtues are at once mine. When I become conscious of this, I must in return love him; my affections must go out to such a being. After this I climb upon the Son higher, to the Father, and see that Christ is God, and that he placed himself in my death, in my sin, in my misery, and bestows upon me his grace. Then I know also his gracious will and the highest love of the Father, which no heart of itself can discover or experience. Thus I lay hold of God at the point where he is the tenderest, and think: Aye, that is God; that is God’s will and pleasure, that Christ did this for me. And with this experience I perceive the high, inexpressible mercy and the love in him because of which he offered his beloved child for me in ignominy, shame and death. That friendly look and lovely sight then sustain me. Thus must God become known, only in Christ. Therefore, Christ himself says to his disciples: “No one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him.” Mt 11, 27

God is not far away but has given us Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar, and absolution to bring Christ very close to us, so that we can have Him not only in our heart but also on our tongue, so that we can feel Him, grasp Him, and touch Him. God did all this for our sake. To make it possible for us to recognize Him, God presents Himself to men and women of faith who hear His voice and clearly recognize His Word together with His signs. So faith accepts these; is only concerned about the divine Word, where Christ says: “The words that I say to you I not speak on My own authority, but the Father Who dwells in Me does His works” (Jn 14:10); again: “He who hears you hear Me” (Lk 10:16); and again: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation; he who believes the Word of God and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:15-16).  So we regard these words of the Gospel as well as absolution. The we perceive God and His promises not only with our hearts of faith but also with our eyes and our hands, for He gives us tangible and visible signs of Himself that accompany His Word. At all times God has so governed His people that he could also be recognized visibly by them, so that they don’t say: “Let us go and find God, and roam the ends of the earth in search of Him.”  But no, God comes to us. And He wants to come to you, plant Himself into your hands, and say: “Just listen to Me, I forgive you all your sins, take hold of My word, give eye and ear and eat your salvation, open your mouth to this bread of life and drink this cup of your salvation, there you have the Father’s absolution from my lips through the pastor to your ears and heart, there you have the Father’s Lamb that was slain for your peace in the Sacrament of the Altar. Give me your ear and eyes and open your hand, I will press into your palm, your heart, your ear, My words of peace and love for your life and joy, let Me place My hand on your head. I give you water of life which I sprinkled and promised to make you Mine forever.”  God is not far away but has given us Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar, and absolution to bring Christ very close to us, so that we can have Him not only in our heart but also on our tongue, so that we can feel Him, grasp Him, and touch Him. God did all this for our sake. Joy!

In the Ascension sermon tonight we will hear how the ascended Lord Jesus makes these blessed realities ours through His continued work as our Prophet, Priest and King.

Increase my faith, dear Saviour, For Satan seeks by night and day To rob me of this treasure And take my hope of bliss away. But, Lord, with You beside me, I shall be undismayed; And led by Your good Spirit, I shall be unafraid. Abide with me, O Saviour, A firmer faith bestow; Then I shall bid defiance To ev’ry evil foe. 

–I Know My Faith is Founded  TLH #381:2

Bring a pie to share and eat after the service!  7:15PM 

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