Wednesday, November 11, 2015
I am not one of them but many people like to slap bumper stickers on their vehicles. They can be funny or downright nasty, and some have a good message, but either way they all attract attention. I recall a certain Christian bumper sticker that apparently was very popular a few years back with this slogan: “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it.” I’m sure that the person who thought of the slogan wanted others to know that when God says something, the issue is settled. To me, however, to be more biblically correct, it should have read: “God said it and that settles it!” because the issue is settled whether we or anybody else believes it.” I remember an old preacher who used to say: “Many people don’t believe in Hell but that’s not going to bring it’s temperature down one degree.” The gist of the matter is that it is only important what God says, not what anybody else thinks. When God says it, we can bank on it.
I was thinking about this matter as I was recalling recently an ex fellow postal employee and friend. He knew me before Christ saved me, and since he noticed the obvious change in my life, he would often ask me probing questions about my faith and about the Bible. Besides my personal testimony, I would often share the simple gospel message with him. I don’t remember how long it went on, but I could never get him past the idea that having our sins forgiven and receiving the promise of eternal life, was as simple as believing in Christ. Sensing he was at salvation’s door, I would often pray that God would open his eyes. Then one day, he seemed more intent than ever to press the issue. I remember him saying that he wanted to believe but he told me frankly: “I can’t go on that just because you say so.” On that, I quickly responded: “Tommy, I didn’t say so, Christ did!” I reminded him that it was Jesus who said in John 3:16 that whosoever believed in Him would have eternal life. As soon as I said that, he replied: “Oh, now I get it.” You see, it is not what we say or think; the only thing that matters is what God says.
Even after believing and having accepted Christ as their Savior, many still struggle with their faith because they put more stock than they should on what others say or think. Even now, I venture to say that some of you are still struggling with doubt, fear, and guilt. The devil has accused you of your past sins or present weaknesses making you doubt your salvation. Perhaps you are one of those who knows God has forgiven you, yet you haven’t forgiven yourself. May I remind you that none of us was saved because of what we did; we were and are saved because of what Jesus did. We didn’t deserve salvation then; we don’t deserve it now. It is because of God’s mercy that we are His. If you trusted Christ to save you then, you need to trust that He can keep you safe now. The you can say like Paul, “I know whom I have believed , and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)
Memory verse for the week: (John 15:8 KJV) “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”
