VT in Reverse

Instruments of God’s Love

This past week we were shocked at the pure evil manifest on the campus of Virginia Tech. The combination of the raw depravity of man linked with demonic powers erupted in the death of so many college students. Since the shootings, the campus was stunned with grief and deep questions. Isn’t it interesting that when a young man is alone, isolated and disconnected from healthy relationships he becomes a vessel of evil? Isn’t that a compelling reason to become Christ’s vessel of love and compassion for those around us, especially those least likable? Isn’t that what making “Real Relationships” is all about?

We can pray for those who are grieving this horrific tragedy. Many of us have experienced the pain of grief and have asked the question, “Why, Lord’? R.C. Sproul’s monthly publication last month was on the topic of “grief”. In his article he mentions that he had experienced the deep soul pain of grief with his father died and when a close friend passed away. He then writes:

“Beyond those personal losses, the loss of friends, the loss of comrades, always bring to me a certain measure of grief. In my own heart, however, I know that nothing grieves me more than to see the Gospel compromised in the church. It’s not the wickedness of the pagan that breaks my heart. It’s the compromise of the Christian that grieves my soul.” http://www.ligonier.org/docs/Apr_TT_Sproul.pdf

In times like this the church, (ie. you and me), have an opportunity to share God’s remedy for hopeless grief. By reaching out to those around us with the love of Jesus we may become God’s instrument to thwart a future Virginia Tech incident.

In His Grace,

Greg

A Sign From God

Doesn't the sign look great? Although we know that all good things come from God, we should also give honor where honor is due. Kudos to all who were a part of the effort to build this capstone in our Renewing God's House campaign. This includes the Sign Team and especially Bill Heimer for his design and construction work. We still have to install the flood lighting and landscaping, but we can already begin to enjoy. Now let's pray that many eyes will see the sign and make the turn.

Have a wonderful week!

SIGNing off.

Greg

Good Friday

Isacc Watts wrote these words to the the hymn "At the Cross". Powerful words to remember on Good Friday.

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?
[originally, For such a worm as I?]

Refrain

At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do.

Real Relationships

Today I preached from Luke 5 on the story of the Paralytic. He did not have much going for him but he did have friends willing to carry him and break through the roof, lower him in front of Jesus to see Christ forgive and heal him. The Paralytic was willing to make himself vulnerable to his friends to help with his need.

The Promise Keeper movement called this relational network "accountability groups". Regardless of the name, a willingness to share with and pray for one another is a part of building real Christian community. There are certain personal issues that I cannot and should not share in a sermon but that can and should be shared with close, trusted friends.

The Love of Money and the Tomb of Jesus

A few weeks ago the Discovery Channel broadcast the "special" regarding an alleged family tomb of Jesus. No doubt this story would not have been broadcast if there were no commercial value to the sensational and spurious piece. For an expos on the topic, here is a link you might enjoy.

http://www.probe.org/commentaries/tales-from-the-crypt-do-we-have-the-bones-of-jesus.html