Pastor Quinn • October 31, 2021
Cling to the Only Word that Saves
For many problems there are multiple solutions. If your car is breaking down you can repair it or get a new one. If you have high-blood pressure, it might be treated with medication or with diet or a combination of the two. But when it comes to the "problem" that our life on earth will end, either at death or on Judgement Day, there is only one solution. Only the Word of God can connect you to Christ and make you ready for the next phase of the God-lived life. That is why since the beginning of time, Christians have been willing to take brave stands for the sake of God's Word. May we do that same today. A God-lived life is a life that clings to God's Word and boldly proclaims it as the only hope of salvation.
When we use God's name flippantly...when we take God's reputation lightly...when we are apathetic about his Word...when we have little interest in the spiritual rest he offers...we demolish the Commandments. That hurts us way more than it hurts God. Disobedience of the Commandments are attempted acts of spiritual suicide. If we continue in this rebellion, we are guaranteeing that hell is our eternal home. So, this week, we ask the Spirit to give us the ability to sincerely pray, "Lord, have mercy, for demonstrating irreverence for your name and despising your Sabbath rest."
I recognize my inability to defend myself against spiritual enemies. The world is against me, but I look for ways to imitate it. I try to master my own sinful flesh, but I recognize desires in myself that war against my soul. And when it comes to the devil, I fall into temptation again and again. My impending death proves that I have sinned. I realize that what I really need is a champion. God the Father realized it too. He sent his Son to be my Savior. Through the obedience of the Son of God, I have victory over my enemies.
I recognize my deep spiritual thirst. I long for a good relationship with God and for everlasting life. I am tempted to satisfy that deep thirst with worldly things, a strategy doomed to failure. I realize that my thirst is satisfied only by the one who said, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” Jesus meets my greatest need.
