Homepage Message: September 2008
Decision 2008
For all too long now we have been bombarded with political rhetoric, the undue use of exaggeration. It seems to get worse as the election draws closer. Political rhetoric is a tool politicians use to convince U.S. citizens their views are the only correct ones, their promises will not go unfulfilled, their policies and programs are the best and, if elected to office, America will return to its golden years, where every citizen can achieve the American dream, live in safety, fill their SUV with cheap gas and be free to do anything they set their minds to. Believe that and you can sell ice in the Antarctic. Political rhetoric is just that—exaggeration in order to win support and win the election.
What if all the pastors across America practiced religious rhetoric on Sunday mornings? What if our sermons were filled with exaggerations about God and the Bible? What if the Bible was written as rhetorical speech? Would you believe it, and if so how much? How would you sort out truth from exaggeration? Why would you even bother?
The Bible is very clear it does not contain exaggerations unless clearly noted to convey truth and not deception. Various forms of speech such as hyperbole are intended to exaggerate so as to catch the reader’s attention to grasp truth.
God’s word is said to come from God himself who cannot lie or deceive. His word is trustworthy and reliable for all time and eternity.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” —II Timothy 3:16-17
“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” —II Peter 1:20-21
When you and I read the Bible we can have confidence it is true and God is not trying to trick us into following Him and being part of his support system. His very nature is enough to warrant our allegiance and devotion.
God is love and justice by nature. We see this in the life of Jesus Christ. Who wouldn’t want to follow someone who loves you unconditionally and is always just and never unfair? Why not follow someone who promises to forgive, and he does, and allows you to spend eternity in heaven?
I am so glad to have a ruler on the throne who is King over all kings and President over all presidents. He has everything under his sovereign control and is bringing our world to its ultimate conclusion—an extreme makeover.
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” —II Peter 3:10
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.” —Revelation 21:1
The ultimate question is: will you spend eternity with Jesus Christ in heaven and ultimately on a new earth and heaven? Answering this question correctly is eternally more important and urgent than who wins an election. This election is important but where you spend eternity is far more consequential.
Discover this month the power of Jesus’ love and forgiveness.