Seems like I’ve been hearing the phrase “We are living in uncertain times” a lot lately. Folks, ever since Adam was formed from the dust of the earth and Eve was formed from one of his ribs, people have always been living in uncertain times. The word “certain” can be defined as “free from doubt, confident, sure.” Synonyms that come to mind include “unquestionable” or “indisputable.” When, in the history of man, could a man be certain he would live a long life? At what point in the history of the world could a man be certain he would always enjoy good health? Could a man ever be certain his standard of living would always match, or surpass, his previous standard of living? Could a man ever be certain the value of his investments would always increase and be sufficient when he hoped to retire? When could we be certain our country would be safe from enemy attack?
Friends, we have always lived in uncertain times! But, before you start to wring your hands in despair, can I remind you of some things of which I am certain? First, I am certain God created me and loves me. Some would have you believe you are here as a result of the process of evolution. Such foolish nonsense! The epitome of ignorance! To borrow a phrase from the late Curtis Cates – “that’s hyper-stupid!” David wrote, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalms 139:14) My physical body stands as a witness to the creative powers of God! Because I am a product of God’s handiwork, I know He loves me and cares for me. Peter wrote, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Second, I am certain there is a Savior who loved me enough to die for me! I have sinned. There is nothing I can ever do to remove sin from my life apart from the blood of Jesus Christ! “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) Because of Christ’s sacrificial love, I am certain I can be forgiven and live this life (as uncertain as it may be) with the hope of an eternity in heaven.
Third, I am certain this world is not my home. Paul described my earthly, physical body as a tabernacle (II Corinthians 5:1-4). My physical body can be compared to a tent – temporary, a place where my spirit dwells for a short while until I am clothed with my immortal body (II Corinthians 5:2). I am merely a pilgrim on this earth (Hebrews 11:13; I Peter 2:11). One day, this sinful world in which I now live will come to an end (Hebrews 1:10-12).
Fourth, I am certain that life is good. Sure, life on this earth has it troubles. I would not be so foolish to deny that! Jesus said “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) But I am certain that life is still good! Life is good because I’m a Christian! I enjoy greater blessings than money can ever buy – I experience the joy of my salvation. I understand that the troubles of this world are temporary and pale in comparison to the glory of heaven (II Corinthians 4:16-18).
Fifth, I am certain an eternal hell awaits the unrighteous (II Thessalonians 1:8) and an eternal heaven awaits those who keep the faith – those who fight the good fight and finish their course (II Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 22:1-5).
I’m aware of how the headlines read. I know what the “talking heads” are saying on tv. But I also know I can live certain in an uncertain world!
I came across an article recently discussing bizarre ways tech billionaires are attempting to reverse the aging process and live forever. More than one company is conducting research to determine if blood transfusions from younger people can extend life. According to some experts, transfusing blood from young, healthy people – specifically those between ages 16 and 25 – into those who feel that they’re getting on in years could reverse aging.
On September 16, 2018 Buffalo Bills defensive back Vontae Davis shocked his team and sports fans when he retired during halftime of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He later issued a statement confirming his abrupt decision to retire. “This isn’t how I pictured retiring from the NFL,” the 10-year veteran said, adding that he meant no disrespect to his teammates and coaches. “I’ve endured multiple surgeries and played through many different injuries throughout my career and, over the last few weeks, this was the latest physical challenge,” he continued. “But today on the field, reality hit me fast and hard: I shouldn’t be out there anymore.”
Do you realize your friends will help determine where you spend eternity? It’s true! Your friends can help strengthen your faith! But they can also help weaken your faith! Consider these words from Proverbs 13:20 – “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (ESV). Your friends have a definite influence on your character. If you want to be wise, establish friendships with wise people. If you want to be a fool, establish friendships with foolish people.
There’s a war raging; and you and I are caught in the middle. Oh you won’t hear any gunfire. This war is absent of the sound of missiles soaring overhead. No grenades are being tossed in your direction; at least, not literally. But nonetheless, there is a war going on. And this war has more devastating effects than any physical battle could ever produce.
The doctrine of “once saved, always saved” teaches that it is not possible for a child of God to sin in such a way that he will be lost. Many people, who undoubtedly are very sincere and possess a desire to do what is right, find tremendous comfort in this doctrine. This doctrine, however, is not taught in the Bible. It is an erroneous doctrine that provides a false comfort and a deceitful feeling of security.
I took a trip recently and stayed in a motel. Overall, my room was quite nice. But there were a few things I needed to change. I had to move the bed a little further away from the wall so I could sleep without being bothered by noise from the traffic. Of course, this meant I also had to move the night stands. The comforter on the bed was heavier than what I am accustomed to, so I bought another one to replace it. When I did, I realized the new comforter clashed with the pictures on the wall, so I had to replace them as well. The television was nice, but, since it is much easier for me to watch a television with a larger screen, I called the front desk and asked that a larger one be sent up to my room. At last, everything was just like I wanted it to be! I was all ready for a comfortable stay!
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:1-2).
“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clifton Fadiman (American author, editor, radio and television personality).
The apostle Paul, because of his unwavering faith in our savior Jesus Christ, was severely persecuted by those who were so adamantly opposed to the gospel. He was beaten with rods and was stoned. He suffered shipwreck three times and was frequently imprisoned. He suffered pain, hunger and nakedness (II Corinthians 11:23-27).
Saved by the Gospel 