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Published Articles These articles were printed in the: THE RESTORATION ENCOURAGER
Jesus’ Word Reaches Across The Centuries “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, ‘See, this is new’? It has already been in ancient times before us.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, 10) At first glance this statement may seem questionable. But then I remember sitting and talking with my grandfather, who is in his ninety-fourth year. The discussion would reach across the greater part of a century and the vast changes embraced in the years of his lifetime. I realize that the words that are charged with emotion today were meaningless to him when he was my age. AIDS! Terrorists! Challenger! However, these same words have their counterparts. The names have simply changed to express similar concerns. He could have had the same discussion with his grandfather, and so on before him. I believe we would realize the truthfulness of Solomon’s observation in only a few such discussions. Yes, our world has changed. But man struggles with the same problems and sins today that have plagued men of all ages. They seem to just reach across the centuries. Fortunately, the solution to man’s problems, dreams, temptations and happiness carries the same trait. Just a casual reading of the Bible impresses us with this fact. God’s blessings also reach across the centuries. You can detect his goodness in your life without much effort. Just like the struggles of man, the blessings of god do not change. God has communicated to us His will. “God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” (Hebrews 1:1, 2) Through Jesus, God has delivered a message of hope and justice. This unchanging message is found in our New Testament. It is true that man can change it. However, at the last scene God’s Will shall be done (Isaiah 55:9-11). Because of my belief in these thoughts, my plea is simple. Reach across the centuries to Jesus. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Reach across the centuries and find salvation just as 3, 000 accepted Jesus and became part of His kingdom (Acts 2:37-47). Reach across the centuries and find God’s perfect revelation, the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therein we can walk with confidence, being able to depend completely upon God and His authority for our belief, practice and worship (1 Peter 4:11). Can you really question the fact that God loves you? I doubt it. The real issue is our love for God. This is simply answered by our trust in Him and in His word (John 14:15 and 1 John 5:2). You see, as Jesus walked the lonely path to Calvary, people were facing troubles and tragedies as real and painful as any our world can boast. And that is why that path was taken, the cross was raised, and the tomb was found empty. “He lives!” This was the message herd in the early hours of that Sunday morning centuries ago. May that message too reach across the centuries to you. David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO May 1989 God must be pleased with the restorationists, those great individuals who have gone before and wrestled with the questions of a divided religious world. Their examples have encouraged and sustained us. May we never forget the power behind those great individuals who forged the path of the restoration. This power came from God and drew them near Him. God breathed into it (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) and His Spirit moved the chosen men as a wind moves a ship (2 Pet. 1:20, 21). That divine message, the Bible, is a standard lifted long ago toward which we must be guided. Each generation must take a fresh look and seek to uncover the message and the conviction that comes from personal encounter with God's Truth. May we never settle for answers from days gone by while we hold in our hands the revelation of the Mind of God. The Bible clearly teaches us that at any given moment, our busy schedules and our plans for the future may be swept aside as we are ushered into Eternity. Then the departures of man, predicted by God (2 Tim. 4:1-4), the claims of sincerity (Mt. 7:21-23) and unity in diversity (Jn. 17:20, 21) will be laid to rest at the foot of the Throne. This fact was one foundation that prompted John to write what is the last book in the New Testament. From the small prison island of Patmos, the aged apostle yearned for his brethren across the lonely sea. As the closing words of God's communication to mankind flowed through the writer and onto the parchment, we are reminded of the heartbeat, the twinkle of an eye (1 Cor. 15:52), that separates time from eternity as John brings his first century readers, and us, into the presence of the Throne of God (Rev. 20:11). Before the great white Throne we will find ourselves in the midst of a throng (Rev. 20:12), the creatures before the Creator. The deeds of our lives will be open along with the lives of all who had lived in the passing world (Heb. 1:10-12 and 2 Pet. 3:10). As we look in awe and fear, along with the rest of God's creation, the books will be opened and we will be judged (Rev. 20:12). This judgment will be no surprise to those who have built on a firm foundation of Biblical authority in all matters of religion (Jn. 12:48). As the plan is revealed man will be judged by what has been written. God will bring about the final restoration of the pure plan He has revealed. God must appreciate the restorationist because He is Himself a Restorationist. Those who love God, His Son, His Word and His church will reap the joy of God's victory. So let us be encouraged by the restoration past and committed to a bright future. We must seek out a personal faith and practical profession in our world based solidly on the foundation of God's Word. We must continue to share with this world the love of God and the power of His truth that is intended to lead all mankind to a victory before the Throne in the final restoration (1 Tim. 2:4). David Bragg Cape Girardeau, MO June 1989 |
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