On Christ the solid Rock I stand....

No one and I do mean no one, sojourns through this life without encountering some difficulties. Some may experience issues with their health, even when young. Some, even the wealthiest among us, may suddenly find themselves financially ruined. Some who simply seek to love and be loved are confronted with rejection again and again.

Recently the world witnessed a 9.0 earthquake, and the ensuing massive tsunami which battered the island nation of Japan. It caused thousands of deaths and inflicted massive damage. It was a catastrophic event of such enormous scale that it even induced a slight shifting of the earth’s axis. I thought of all those many precious people who suffered the dramatic effects of this disaster, some who lost everything they possessed in a relatively short period of time.

These illustrations remind us of the frailty of this life, and the tempestuous nature of this earthly realm is a constant reminder we can face hardship at any moment. Tragically, many never stop and truly examine the type of foundation upon which they are building to withstand these storms of life. As Christians, we should be encouraged that God has a purpose for us, and he has provided the foundation which will support us in the time of trouble. Jesus Himself reveals this truth in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6:48 -49:

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Difficulty will come; however, if we have prepared by building on a solid foundation, we will see a way through. That foundation is none other than Jesus Christ. The famous evangelist D.L. Moody aptly said, “Give your life to Christ; he can do more with it than you can.” Or, as the refrain of one of the most beloved hymns so succinctly puts it:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

See ya Sunday!
Pastor

The Coronation Day

In Second Timothy chapter four, the Apostle Paul is preparing for his trip to heaven. He states, “I am ready to be offered. I have fought a good fight, kept the faith and finished my course.” What a life he had led. It is said that the test of religion is not whether you can live by it, but can you die by it. The old hymn, “Old Time Religion” says, “It will do when I am dying.” The great Methodist preacher said of the Methodist people “Our people die well”. D.L. Moody said, “One day you will read that I am dead. Don’t believe it. I will be more alive than ever before.” When he came to the end of his earthly life he said, “Earth is receding, God is calling, I am going. Is this death? Why, this is not bad. This is glorious, this is my Coronation Day.”

Yesterday our family placed in the ground the earthly body of our saintly father and husband. He was one of the Godliest men I have ever met. Married for over 60 years with five children who love and serve the Lord! For over 40 years he was the Pastor of Bible Baptist Church in New Jersey. He will be missed sorely. The scores of people that showed up yesterday are a testimony to the influence of his life.

He was prepared to go! As it says in the book of Hebrews, “He being dead yet speaketh”. The influence of his words and his wonderful example will live on in our lives. I love you Dad and look forward to seeing you in the morning.

See ya Sunday!

Pastor