DO YOU KNOW? Text: 1st John 2:17
The book of 1st John is addressed to those desiring a
relationship with God. Following is a synopsis of this short
book:
1st John 1:3: The theme of the book, -
"fellowship with God"
1st John 1:5-2:28 "God is light and
those who fellowship with God must walk in the light."
1st John 2:29-3:10 -God is righteous and
those who fellowship with God must walk in righteousness.
1st John 3:11- through 4; God is love
and those who walk in fellowship with God must walk in love"
1st John 5 - God is life and those who
walk in fellowship with God must possess this life.
The word used most often in 1st John
is "know". It occurs 35 times. The 2nd most often used
word is "world", appearing 23 times. The word "world" refers to the
present world system that passes away. It includes those who do not
walk in fellowship with God. He that does the will of God abides
forever.
A Christian knows there are some things that
are certain in a world of uncertainties. We do not have to subscribe to the song that
says, "The only thing for certain is that nothing is certain." Nor
do we have to agree with the old cliché that "the only things for
sure are death and taxes."
Someone said, "If the 19th century is
the age of reason, the 20th century is the age of doubt."
But we do not have to walk in doubt. We can walk in faith.
UNCERTAINTY HAS BECOME A WAY OF LIFE
Political Uncertainty
Kennedy was shot out of office; Johnson bowed
out; Nixon was driven out; Carter was turned out; George Bush (1)
was shut out and Clinton slithered out . Our papers are filled with those in political
favor falling out of favor.
International Uncertainty
For decades the world lived in the uncertainty of
the cold war. The former USSR pursued the goal of massive power.
They built the largest nuclear arsenal, the largest army and navy
and the largest defense shelter network in the world. The USA
pursued the goal of superior technology. The foundation of all
treaties was called Mutually Assured Destruction…accurately
referred to as MAD.
On September 11, 2001 the USA (and the world) was
awakened to the era of terrorism on the level of mass destruction
and death at a time and in a manner that is unsuspected.
The nuclear powers of India and Pakistan threaten
to enter into a war in which a nuclear exchange is highly probable.
Monetary
Uncertainty
We ride an economic roller coaster that climbs to
robust heights; slows and plunges to recession and then sends mixed
signals as to which way its going next. Corporations plan for growth
but keep on file a Plan B for massive layoffs. The value of the
dollar and the stability of many major banks are issues that keep
uncertainty lurking in the shadows. Those living on fixed incomes
wonder if their dollars are going to provide the purchasing power
that they need.
Energy
Uncertainties
It is probable that energy shortages are not
necessary. Yet, California, New York, and other highly populated
areas have discovered that when electricity is needed the most it
may not be there. With 70% of the world's known oil reserves under
the control of the Arab world, there is always doubt that the supply
of that oil can be counted on.
Ecological Uncertainties
Vehicle and industrial exhausts pollute our air.
Human and industrial waste pollutes our streams, lakes and
underground water. Nuclear waste poses a long time threat. We wonder
if our family or friends will become part of the thousands who come
down with cancer or other afflictions.
Educational Uncertainties
In many cities a third of the young people quit
school before they graduate. A significant number don't attend
classes. Many classrooms are so disorderly that one has to wonder
how much learning is going on. Standardized tests are more often
depressing than encouraging. The potential of violence is a constant
concern. We wonder how our young people will fare in the high
technology age.
Theological Uncertainties
With sadness we admit that in the old line
established Christian denominations there has been a departure from
the faith. Various surveys reveal that those in ministry who believe
the essential truths of Christianity are in the minority. The one
exception is the Southern Baptist Convention where those who embrace
essential Biblical truth have regained the leadership.
THERE ARE CERTAINTIES IN THIS DAY OF UNCERTAINTY
The Bible
Written over a period of 1600 years by some 40
men it never contradicts itself, but is uniform in its message. It
reveals the nature of God, the origin of creation, the condition of
man, the plan of salvation, the Savior of sinners, the way of life
and the eternal destinies of mankind.
I have studied the Bible for 52 years. I have
noted how thousands of prophecies were fulfilled without one failure
when the time of fulfillment camel. I have put its truths to the
test in my own life and I testify that this Book was inspired from a
source greater than mortal man.
For those who desire to thoroughly check out the
truthful reliability of the Bible I recommend they study "Evidence
That Demands A Verdict" and "More Evidence That Demands A Verdict"
by Joshua McDowell and published by Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc.
Salvation in Christ
Some asked Coleridge, "Can Christianity be
proved?" His answer was, "Yes, give Christ a chance." How else can
you explain the change that comes into people's lives when they meet
the living Christ?
- Fearful disciples
were changed into fearless witnesses.
- Saul of Tarsus
was changed from persecutor to preacher.
- John Newton
was changed from a slave trader to a preacher
who helped slaves of sin find liberty in Christ.
- Mel Trotter
was changed from a hopeless drunkard to Rescue
Mission builder.
THINGS I KNOW
I know I am an unworthy sinner deserving of
all the punishment a righteous God has decreed me.
I know I could never save myself by works or
goodness for there dwells no good thing in me
I know that the only way my sins could be
punished and me be spared is for a sinless Substitute to receive my
punishment for me.
I know that the only person Who can forgive
my sins and save my soul is Jesus Christ.
I know that the only way saving faith could
have been produced within my heart is through hearing the promises
of God.
I know that the only way I could become a
child of God is by being born by God's Spirit into God's family.
I know that I shall never lose my salvation
for it is not me keeping myself but God keeping me.
I know that I have eternal life within me
because I love people I could never have loved if God hadn't saved
me.
I know that the only way to have victory over
a cunning devil, an enticing world, and my sinful flesh is through
the flow of power by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
I know the Christian life is the best life
for I have tried the worldly way and the Christian way.
I know God will provide for me and protect me
in the future even as He has done from my conversion over 58 years
ago.
I know that everything with only worldly
value is going to perish in fire.
I know that whatever is done for Christ is
going to return eternal rewards.
I know the gospel is the power of God unto
salvation to everyone who believes.
I know the Great Commission that Jesus gave
the church is to take the gospel into all the world.
I know this world is headed for great
Tribulation
I know that Jesus is coming again to receive
His own unto Himself.
I know that the marriage supper of the Lamb
is going to be an indescribably joyful and happy experience.
I know that King Jesus is going to return and
reign on this earth for a thousand years and that we shall reign
with Him.
I know that the Great White Throne Judgment
will be the most terrifying experience lost humanity has ever faced.
I know the Lake of Fire will be more painful
and hopeless than a lost world ever imagined.
I know that our new bodies, the new
Jerusalem, the new Heavens and the new earth will be more glorious
than it is possible to put into human words.
When D. L. Moody was a very young man, Henry
Varley challenged him with the words, "The world has yet to see what
God can do through a man totally given up to God's will." Moody
responded from within, "By the grace of God, I'll be that man."
In a time when there were no microphones or loud
speakers, D. L. Moody saw a million souls confess Christ as Savior.
More than any other, God used him to bring healing to America
following the Civil War with his emphasis on the love of Christ.
On the tombstone of D. L. Moody in Northfield,
Massachusetts are the words, "He who does the will of God abides forever." 1st John 2:17
Copyright © 2002 Thomas E Berry
All Scripture quoted from NKJV unless otherwise noted
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