Shadows Have Uses and Limits

"Well-meaning intellectual movements, from communism to post-structuralism, have a poor history of absorbing inconvenient fact or challenges to fundamental precepts. We should not ignore or suppress good indicators on the environment, though they have become extremely rare now. It is tempting to the layman to embrace with enthusiasm the latest bleak scenario because it fits the darkness of our soul, the prevailing cultural pessimism. The imagination, as Wallace Stevens once said, is always at the end of an era. But we should be asking, or expecting others to ask, for the provenance of the data, the assumptions fed into the computer model, the response of the peer review community, and so on. Pessimism is intellectually delicious, even thrilling, but the matter before us is too serious for mere self-pleasuring. It would be self-defeating if the environmental movement degenerated into a religion of gloomy faith." [from Christopher Pierson in The Australian]

I. God Directs All Things

A. History unfolds in a pattern featuring the Redeemer. "Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written," (Acts 15:14-15)

B. What does not promote the gospel message is nothing but dark background. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." (Isaiah 8:20)

C. Reality starts and stops with Christ. "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Revelation 21:6-8)

D. There are no missing propositions in God’s logic. "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." (Acts 15:18)

II. Nothing Escapes Providence

A. Nothing can be outside Providence. "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" (Isaiah 46:9-10)

B. God reliably spoke in the past of things which subsequently came to pass and He uses that argument to remind believers that He habitually speaks with certainty of the future before it occurs. "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." (Isaiah 42:9)

C. Psalm 78 explores all redemptive history from the perspective of Providence. "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:" (Psalm 78:2-7)

III. The Background Sharpens the Picture

A. Even the dark shadows of life serve the bright purposes of Grace; the murder of Jesus became the ultimate instrument of Grace. "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done." (Acts 4:27-28)

B. The story of Joseph is the perfect illustration of Providence. "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." (Genesis 50:20)

C. God’s purpose is the one which matters. "Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 45:5-8)

D. The story is readable because the letters and the paper contrast with each other. "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things." (Isaiah 45:7)

Starting Over Is Possible

Genesis 3:1-24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 / Psalm 23:1-6

Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphal gladness:
God hath brought His people forth into joy from sadness.
Now rejoice, Jerusalem, and with true affection
Welcome in unwearied strains Jesus’ resurrection.

I. Celebrate

A. God has brought His people from sadness to joy. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

B. Welcome the Resurrection. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)

C. Because Christ rose from the dead, Christians expect to live again after death. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:11)

D. Christians expect to start over both spiritually and physically. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3)

E. The Resurrection is the fundamental message of the Christians; personality does not end at the grave. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:28-29)

II. Christ Has Set the Prisoners Free

A. The human condition has been difficult from the beginning. “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Genesis 3:19)

B. Even birth itself is a painful experience. “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” (Genesis 3:16)

C. God comes to the aid of the oppressed. “For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.” (Psalm 69:33) “To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” (Isaiah 42:7)

D. The risen Lord summons to Himself all those who are weary with the world. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

III. God Makes the World Fresh

A. God restores what sin and the world tarnish. “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:5)

B. Heaven’s record of fulfilled prophecy is impressive; what could be more impressive than the Resurrection of Jesus? “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (Isaiah 42:9)

C. Believers are new people; old failures need not control people. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

D. People who listen to Jesus see new possibilities everywhere. “And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:3-11)

'Tis the spring of souls today: Christ hath burst His prison,
And from three days’ sleep in death As a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins, Long and dark, is flying
From His light, to whom we give Laud and praise undying.

[John of Damascus]

God at My Back

Psalm 27

Dr. Edwin P. Elliott

I. God Takes Care of His People

A. Believers have no basis for being afraid; God looks after them. “A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

B. Enemies of Christians eventually fail. “When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.” (Psalm 27:2)

C. Assaults invigorate believers. “Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” (Psalm 27:3)

D. The unhappy world makes the house of God all that much more attractive. “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

E. God shelters His own children. “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:5)

F. The certainty of God’s benevolent Providence is so great that believers can start praising Him for their deliverance as soon as they learn they face problems. “And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” (Psalm 27:6)

II. Give God Life’s Burdens

A. Call out to God in times of trouble; suffering in silence is bad theology. “Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.” (Psalm 27:7)

B. God started it; He told you to turn to Him. “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” (Psalm 27:8)

C. Remind God of the good things He has done to help in the past; the process simultaneously refreshes a believer. “Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.” (Psalm 27:9)

D. Every other source of solace and support may fail, but God will not. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” (Psalm 27:10)

E. Always remember that problems are educational; the problem is the opportunity. “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” (Psalm 27:11)

F. Instead of dwelling on problems, just remind God that troubles hurt. “Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.” (Psalm 27:12)

III. Leave the Worry with God

A. Expectation of a good outcome is the only way through some problems. “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13) Review 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

B. Believers know that as they did not save themselves, it is also not up to them to preserve themselves; the God of grace is the God of glory. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)

C. God uses the believer’s confidence in Providence to increase confidence in Him. “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)

D. Paul summarized the doctrine of confidence in God. “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:5-8 )

Complete in Christ

Psalm 26

I. Believers Examine Themselves

A. David was interested in God’s evaluation and confidently sought to live as God required. “A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.” (Psalm 26:1)

B. Believers open themselves to God rather than relying on their own understanding and self-examination. “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” (Psalm 26:2) [reins hylk kilyah emotions] [heart bl labe inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding]

C. People lie to themselves—even believers; self-examination is a poor substitute for heavenly-examination. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

D. Only Christ ever met God’s standard; believers must seek that level of obedience even when they fail to reach it. “For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” (Psalm 26:3) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

II. Believers Separate from Sin

A. Believers separate themselves from bad influences. “I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.” (Psalm 26:4)

B. People who are happy in Jesus refuse to make common cause with wickedness. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Psalm 1:1)

C. A middle way is impossible. “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverb 13:20) “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

D. Avoid sin in the Biblical way. “I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.” (Psalm 26:5) “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11)

E. Remember the pattern Jesus set. “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?” (Mark 2:15-16)

III. Holiness Must Be Active

A. The believer seeks holiness through conversion—living in the gospel. “I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:” (Psalm 26:6) [compass bbo saw-bab turn around, change, transform]

B. Getting right with God leads to making a testimony for Him. “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 26:7)

C. The gospel cannot be silenced. “And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40)

D. Believers love to be with God and His people. “LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.” (Psalm 26:8) “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.” (Psalm 27:4-6)

E. Believers do not want to be in the wrong place when the end arrives. “Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.” (Psalm 26:9-10)

F. The faithful are always seeking more grace. “But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” (Psalm 26:11)

G. Christ came that new life might be possible. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14)

H. The safe and stable place to live is at Jesus’ side. “My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.” (Psalm 26:12) “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

The Great Conversation

"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Dr. Edwin P. Elliott

I. God Converses with People

A. People who come to God believe the effort is possible and valuable. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

B. Conversation with God leads to understanding and in turn that becomes eternal life. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)

C. Conversation is natural when dealing with Someone Who describes Himself as the Word. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:1-3)

D. Understanding of reality begins in conversational encounter with God. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)

II. God Speaks in Scripture

A. God communicates hope through Scripture and reveals Himself in the process; Scripture is different from all other literature or information. "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:31)

B. The first generation after the resurrection, the missionaries who had known Jesus described themselves as Bible-believers. "But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:" (Acts 24:14)

C. God keeps some things to Himself, but what He discusses with His people is theirs to know, understand, and obey. "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 29:29)

III. Life Worth Living Emerges through Scripture

A. Knowledge of God generates changed lives. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:26) "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

B. God speaks His mind so that people can live lives of meaning; believers who know Scripture do not have the terrible search for meaning which characterizes so much of life for nonbelievers. "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)

C. The conversation is so perfectly designed by God that it inevitably displays what is in a person’s best interest. "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:7)

D. The entire pattern of church life and Christian institutional and cultural development flows from the heavenly conversation. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)

E. Jesus promised an interpreter to continue the conversation. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:21)

F. People may write many things about God but until they speak the language He speaks and begin to hear what He is saying, everything in the Bible is in an unknown language. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)

The Heavens Opened and the Spirit Spoke

Isaiah 42:1-9; Mark 1:9-13 / Psalm 2:1-12
Dr. Edwin Elliott

I. Jesus Began His Ministry Humbly

A. Jesus avoided pomp and circumstance when He began; the story opens with lowliness and humility. "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan." (Mark 1:9)

B. Jesus shared the difficult existence of sinful people, submitting to all the complications of life. "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." (John 17:19)

C. The ministry opened with Jesus’ public testimony that He had come to substitute for sinners, receive what sinners deserve, and in exchange give sinners grace and fellowship with God; eventually Jesus would experience the baptism of blood on the cross. "But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" (Luke 12:50)

II. God Confirmed Jesus’ Ministry

A. Through a visual presentation and a verbal declaration, God introduced the Savior and His work. "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:" (Mark 1:10)

B. The Father acknowledged Jesus. "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:27)

C. The descending dove draws the mind’s eye to Noah’s dove at the start of the post-flood world; Jesus is the One through Whom God begins again. "But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;" (Genesis 8:9-10)

D. God announced the things Jesus came to do. "And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11)

1. God was offering His only Son as a substitute as He had provided a substitute when Abraham faced the sacrifice of his only son; the message is substitutionary atonement. "And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." (Genesis 22:2) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

2. Jesus is not only God’s Son, but He is God’s Only-Begotten Son. "I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee." (Psalm 2:7)

3. The Savior will be the Spirit-filled Suffering Servant promised through Isaiah. "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles." (Isaiah 42:1)

4. God was confirming that Jesus would be the promised Redeemer. "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)

III. From the Start Jesus Undid the Sin of Adam

A. Adam failed and sin entered the world; Jesus resisted all the temptations to use sinful methods for taking charge of life. "And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him." (Mark 1:13)

B. Paul explained the connection between Jesus and Adam. "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." (1 Corinthians 15:45-47)

C. The gospel story must follow the pattern of the Fall to undo the Fall and make a way for people to return to the tree of life in the Garden of God; 19 times the New Testament says something must take place to fulfill Scripture. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come." (Romans 5:12-14)

D. In Jesus God reverses the Fall and takes people into a marvelous future. "For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)" (Romans 5:17) "That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:21)

E. The story introduced at the Jordan will lead to the New Heaven and the New Earth. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:1-4)

How Shall They Hear?

Romans 10:11-15
Dr. Edwin Elliott

I. God Explains Evangelism

A. God saves people who are moved to call on Him. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

B. God explains the problem; people must be told the gospel; Christianity does not practice magic missions. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14)

C. Personal evangelism and international missions point to sending people to tell the gospel message. "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15)

D. As people hear God, they change and begin to trust Him. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

II. Churches Must Send Missionaries

A. Jesus gave the order; the Great Commission is a mission statement and action plan for Christians. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Matthew 28:19)

B. Genuine missions are focused on Scripture-its obligations and its opportunities. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20)

III. Today Is the Time To Send

A. The church in Cameroon needs help doing its work; the mission has sent for more missionaries. "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them." (Acts 16:9-10)

B. Opportunities appear for people who are busy about the Lord’s business. "Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him." (Acts 8:29-31)

C. The problems the missionary will encounter are also the problems of the believers sending the missionary; "Whatever it may require" is a basic mission motto. "Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me." (Galatians 4:13-15)

D. Missions belong to God and serve at His pleasure; God is under no obligation to build His church according to human plans. "And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." (Acts 19:10)

E. The mission plan always depends on God. "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." (James 4:13-15)

F. God never fails. "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:6-11)