By Gobel Brockman
Memorial Day - a day set aside to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy freedom. A lot of people on both sides of the spectrum complain about various things about America, but this country's STILL the greatest nation on the face of the earth. If you want proof, just compare the number of people trying to get OUT of America to the number trying to get IN. We're loved by others who love freedom, and despised by those who don't. But all of that aside, I love this country, and I know that we enjoy what we do because brave men & women laid down their lives for us. May their memory be honored.
Thinking about this reminds me of the Ultimate Sacrifice. Jesus left heaven, came to earth, suffered indignities and injustices like no one else, and then died like a thief - while being a perfect man. And the thing is, He didn't do it for Himself, He did it for US. And what do we get out of it? His presence in our lives, His provision for us, and, oh yeah, eternity with Him.
Jesus said that no greater love was shown than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. I'm thankful for those who laid down their lives for America. And I'm thankful that jesus laid down His life so that I could have mine - forever.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Still Here - Now What?
By Gobel Brockman
Well, another end-time prophecy has come....and gone. Problem is, we're not - we're still here. Hope that doesn't shock any of you. I must admit, I get a little impatient with people who waste time trying to 'decypher' when the Rapture's going to happen. Matthew 24:36 is pretty clear on the subject. It's simple: NO ONE KNOWS when it's coming. No one WILL know when it's coming. Jesus said the day will come 'like a thief'. A thief doesn't call you up ahead of time, ask you to leave the door unlocked, and move all your stuff beside the door for easy access. He catches you by surprise. So will the Rapture.
When I get asked about various issues concerning prophecy, I try to always make this point: Proverbs 27:1 says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." We can't get so caught up in prophecy that we forget this simple point: You could be dead before the day's over. So could I. If that happens, the timing of the Rapture is inconsequential. We're dead. Gone. Kaput. And our eternal fate is sealed. So I'm not going to tell you the end of the world is coming as much as I'm going to tell you the end of YOUR world is coming. That's what I want to be prepared for.
I close by giving you a prophecy of when the Rapture's going to take place: When God says it's time.
Well, another end-time prophecy has come....and gone. Problem is, we're not - we're still here. Hope that doesn't shock any of you. I must admit, I get a little impatient with people who waste time trying to 'decypher' when the Rapture's going to happen. Matthew 24:36 is pretty clear on the subject. It's simple: NO ONE KNOWS when it's coming. No one WILL know when it's coming. Jesus said the day will come 'like a thief'. A thief doesn't call you up ahead of time, ask you to leave the door unlocked, and move all your stuff beside the door for easy access. He catches you by surprise. So will the Rapture.
When I get asked about various issues concerning prophecy, I try to always make this point: Proverbs 27:1 says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." We can't get so caught up in prophecy that we forget this simple point: You could be dead before the day's over. So could I. If that happens, the timing of the Rapture is inconsequential. We're dead. Gone. Kaput. And our eternal fate is sealed. So I'm not going to tell you the end of the world is coming as much as I'm going to tell you the end of YOUR world is coming. That's what I want to be prepared for.
I close by giving you a prophecy of when the Rapture's going to take place: When God says it's time.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
You Can't Have It Both Ways
By Gobel Brockman
I preached my first sermon in February of 1982, and I've been involved in some form of minisrty ever since. I've pastored two churches, been an Associate Pastor, served as Chaplain at an alcohol and drug treatment center, among other things. I've seen a lot of good things happen; a lot of lives changed for the better, a lot of hope restored, and most of all, a lot of people who were lost finding life in Jesus Christ. But there's one thing I've also encountered that has always baffled me - people who want something from God with no intention of surrendering to Him. I can't tell you the number of times over the years that I've had people tell me their situation and wanting help, then start coming up with all kinds of excuses the minute I mention turning their lives to Christ. It shows me that all they're interested in is a 'quick fix'. Sorry, I'm not in the 'quick fix' business - and neither is God.
I once heard a minister who was in charge of counseling at his church say this: "When someone comes to me for counseling, the first thing I ask them is, 'Are you saved?' If they say no, I explain the gospel to them and ask, 'Are you ready to accept Christ?' If they say no, I tell them, 'I'm sorry, but at this point there's nothing I can do for you that's going to help, because you're not addressing the biggest problem you have." I think there's a lot of wisdom in that.
I guess the point I'm trying to make this week is simply this - if you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are lost. And that - without question - is the biggest problem you have. Whatever other problems you may be facing right now are temporary, because life in this world is. It's eternity that I'm concerned about more than anything.
I preached my first sermon in February of 1982, and I've been involved in some form of minisrty ever since. I've pastored two churches, been an Associate Pastor, served as Chaplain at an alcohol and drug treatment center, among other things. I've seen a lot of good things happen; a lot of lives changed for the better, a lot of hope restored, and most of all, a lot of people who were lost finding life in Jesus Christ. But there's one thing I've also encountered that has always baffled me - people who want something from God with no intention of surrendering to Him. I can't tell you the number of times over the years that I've had people tell me their situation and wanting help, then start coming up with all kinds of excuses the minute I mention turning their lives to Christ. It shows me that all they're interested in is a 'quick fix'. Sorry, I'm not in the 'quick fix' business - and neither is God.
I once heard a minister who was in charge of counseling at his church say this: "When someone comes to me for counseling, the first thing I ask them is, 'Are you saved?' If they say no, I explain the gospel to them and ask, 'Are you ready to accept Christ?' If they say no, I tell them, 'I'm sorry, but at this point there's nothing I can do for you that's going to help, because you're not addressing the biggest problem you have." I think there's a lot of wisdom in that.
I guess the point I'm trying to make this week is simply this - if you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are lost. And that - without question - is the biggest problem you have. Whatever other problems you may be facing right now are temporary, because life in this world is. It's eternity that I'm concerned about more than anything.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)