Our world teeters on the brink of mass destruction.
That is an ominous statement, but who can refute it? World news is constantly filled with reports of tyrants like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, speaking words of peace while developing nuclear weapons. Rulers like this madman of Iran will very soon hold the trigger to missiles able to deliver payloads of destruction and capable of reaching Israel and ultimately the United States.
The Taliban commits acts of hatred toward people who love freedom. Osama bin Laden continues his terror campaign, releasing taped messages threatening the U.S. and Europe with acts of violence that could leave thousands dead.
Some would say madmen have always menaced our world. They would point to Hitler and his axis of evil. Research of any period in history reveals evil men who found great delight in destroying people as if they were nothing more than dead grass under their feet. But there has never before been a day when delivery systems for evil were so close to everyone in the world. One push of a button could change life dramatically.
Why would I set forth such gloom and doom? There are several reasons.
First, it reminds me that we should never allow our lives to become Earth bound. Life today moves at a fast pace. We rarely stop to contemplate the larger issues. We are caught up in the next appointment, ballgame, music lesson, choice of restaurant or television show. The fact remains that life is fragile, and a day is coming when we will leave planet Earth in the upward call. This world and all its pleasures are fleeting. Better not get too attached.
Second, this world is on a collision course with the eternal plan of Almighty God. The suffering Servant Who came to die on a cross to purchase our forgiveness will one day return as the Victor over the armies of hell. All His enemies will one day be as a footstool under His feet. The tyrants of this world who wield such power today will fall at His feet and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Third, we always live on the edge of eternity. Life is but a breath. We must never take any moment for granted. Every second of life is precious and should be lived to the glory of our God.
Fourth, we have the only good news that will never turn bad. We have the Good News of Jesus. We proclaim the only Name that offers salvation, for there is salvation in no other than Jesus.
Fifth, time is short, and we must convey the Good News to people living in this bad news world. It is easy to think “over there,” but we need to think up close. Many of us hesitate to share our faith for fear of rejection. Better to share and be rejected than to leave our family and friends to face the horror of a Christless eternity.
And there is an even better reason to share our faith. It is because we want people to know our wonderful Savior. We want them to have the same peace, love and joy that we have. Above all, we want our Lord to be glorified and worshiped by people we love.
Times are tough. Crazy people sit in high places. In the end, we win—and all who know Jesus win also. Share with someone the Good News today.
Anthony L. Jordan is executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.
Our world teeters on the brink of mass destruction.
That is an ominous statement, but who can refute it? World news is constantly filled with reports of tyrants like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, speaking words of peace while developing nuclear weapons. Rulers like this madman of Iran will very soon hold the trigger to missiles able to deliver payloads of destruction and capable of reaching Israel and ultimately the United States.
The Taliban commits acts of hatred toward people who love freedom. Osama bin Laden continues his terror campaign, releasing taped messages threatening the U.S. and Europe with acts of violence that could leave thousands dead.
Some would say madmen have always menaced our world. They would point to Hitler and his axis of evil. Research of any period in history reveals evil men who found great delight in destroying people as if they were nothing more than dead grass under their feet. But there has never before been a day when delivery systems for evil were so close to everyone in the world. One push of a button could change life dramatically.
Why would I set forth such gloom and doom? There are several reasons.
First, it reminds me that we should never allow our lives to become Earth bound. Life today moves at a fast pace. We rarely stop to contemplate the larger issues. We are caught up in the next appointment, ballgame, music lesson, choice of restaurant or television show. The fact remains that life is fragile, and a day is coming when we will leave planet Earth in the upward call. This world and all its pleasures are fleeting. Better not get too attached.
Second, this world is on a collision course with the eternal plan of Almighty God. The suffering Servant Who came to die on a cross to purchase our forgiveness will one day return as the Victor over the armies of hell. All His enemies will one day be as a footstool under His feet. The tyrants of this world who wield such power today will fall at His feet and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Third, we always live on the edge of eternity. Life is but a breath. We must never take any moment for granted. Every second of life is precious and should be lived to the glory of our God.
Fourth, we have the only good news that will never turn bad. We have the Good News of Jesus. We proclaim the only Name that offers salvation, for there is salvation in no other than Jesus.
Fifth, time is short, and we must convey the Good News to people living in this bad news world. It is easy to think “over there,” but we need to think up close. Many of us hesitate to share our faith for fear of rejection. Better to share and be rejected than to leave our family and friends to face the horror of a Christless eternity.
And there is an even better reason to share our faith. It is because we want people to know our wonderful Savior. We want them to have the same peace, love and joy that we have. Above all, we want our Lord to be glorified and worshiped by people we love.
Times are tough. Crazy people sit in high places. In the end, we win—and all who know Jesus win also. Share with someone the Good News today.
