That Doesn’t Sound Right

Many times, I have been listening to someone speak and have thought to myself, “That doesn’t sound right.” Then, I will investigate and often find out that what was said was technically correct, but not practically useful. Other times, I will find out that the information was incorrectly and dishonestly compiled to support inaccurate statements. Both of these situations reveal the folly of the world’s wisdom. What the world believes is wise, is generally incorrect assumptions based upon limited and misleading information.

I Corinthians 1:18-19 says, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'” Worldly wisdom is of no use for salvation and righteousness and this so called wisdom will be destroyed. Only the wisdom and purposes of God will stand the test of time and bring us into eternity with our loving Heavenly Father.

Within Us

Have you ever watched an instructional video, attended a seminar, or read something interesting and decided that you wanted to try that? After trying it for a while, have you wished that the instructor was near you to figure out some of the details, or fill in with more instructions? God has done something even better for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. God sends His Spirit to dwell within the believer to lead and empower us to walk in the way that He desires.

In John 14:16-17 Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, who the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” God gives His Holy Spirit to those who through faith in Jesus Christ are saved by grace. The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, helps, encourages, and teaches the believer. It is no longer a matter of trying to obey laws, but rather it is a matter of knowing God and becoming more like Jesus through the power of His indwelling Spirit.

Abound in Hope

Hope is something that we rarely specifically think about, but without hope, it is difficult to endure life and impossible to enjoy life. God is the author of hope and the power to believe. With hope, God gives us peace and joy.

Paul’s prayer for the church in Rome is my prayer for you: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13, ESV)

What God Has Done

So much of the worship and teaching in the church is about what God has done for us. While that is good and true, very little is spoken or sung about who God is. Yet, eternal life is in knowing God and worship should include praises for who He is.

Let me illustrate my point. I once worked for a Christian mission organization that had daily gatherings. In one such gathering, there was a discussion about encouraging one another. Post It notes were given out so that people could write a note about the attributes that they admired about another person in the organization and them post that note in their work area. I got a note that declared their appreciation for the things that I had done. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed. It is one thing to be praised for the things that you have done, but far more encouraging to be thanked for the positive attributes that you exhibit.

Romans 1:19-20 says, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” We must offer praises and thanksgiving to God for who He is, and not just for what He does for us.

What is Known?

Our knowledge base is pretty limited, despite how educated we might be. We have learned some things by experience, but our experiences are limited by time and opportunity. We learn some things by reading and through education, but we can not read all recorded and written knowledge. Yet, there remain many truths that we would like to know.

Jeremiah 33:2-3 says, “Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it, the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” We know the things that we can see, observe, hear, read, and experience, but beyond our senses, our knowledge is very limited. God, who has formed all things, knows all things. He promises to disclose greater things to us if we will only ask Him.