Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Postcards (08/29/05)
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TITLE: What Became Of The Postcard God Sent To You? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
08/31/05 -
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Everyone likes to be remembered and it shows consideration for others when those who are out enjoying themselves take a few minutes to remember those at home.
The messages on most postcards are usually quite predicable as they usually speak of the activity, the weather, and the desire to see the recipients soon, and close with some expression of love. As predictable as these messages may be, they are still much appreciated by those who receive them.
With all of the modern-day means of instant communication, the use of postcards and other forms of snail mail is declining, but the need to communicate and keep in touch has not diminished.
In a sense, the Bible is much like a postcard from Heaven sent by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Bible reveals many past, present, and future events that are to take place. The Bible assures us of the safe arrival of all who have departed and of their expected return. The Bible reveals a glimpse of what our eternal environment will be like. The Bible speaks of God’s desire to have all of His children there, and as always, it is a gift and an expression of His love.
As is the case of many postcards that we have received over the years, our postcard from Heaven may be briefly displayed but eventually does little more than collect dust in the homes of many who claim to be Christians.
Some may take it out and reminisce once in while when circumstances make them aware of just how far they have wandered from the arms of the Shepherd or when they wish to have the (Phil.4: 7) peace that others seem to have found in even the worst of situations. Such emotional reactions and efforts seem to fade as soon as the crisis that manifested them is resolved, at which point the person returns to the influence and control of his fallen nature (Proverbs 26: 11).
Only the minority of Christians benefit by making the Bible a daily source of spiritual nutrition in the post-salvation spiritual life as they prepare for the inevitable battles (Eph.6: 12) that lay ahead.
A study of how what we now call The Bible came to be is a very fascinating and inspiring story in and by itself.
Unlike the relatively inexpensive postcards of earth, the Bible came to us at the risk of life and limb of many of our spiritual ancestors, many who willingly made the ultimate sacrifice (John 15: 13).
In the natural realm, the sender entrusts the preservation and delivery of the postcard to the care of the postal service. Nothing is to be erased or added to the message written on the postcard once it placed in the hands of the postal service.
Once the Bible was completed in the approx. year 96 AD, God entrusted its message to be preserved and delivered primarily by pastor-teachers and New Testament prophets in the Church Age.
No person or organization has the authority to take from or add to what was inspired by God the Holy Spirit and penned by the human authors of the Bible. The infamous track record of many of those who have claimed such power and function proves that they were not speaking for God and are responsible for some of the darkest periods in both Church and secular history.
Because of the brevity of the message on postcards, the recipients have a tendency to disregard the integrity and completeness of the message.
The abridged Gospel message encapsulated in John 3: 16 is very simple and complete as it was intended to be. It is Man, through religion that has complicated the issue of salvation with the full endorsement of Satan, the author of confusion.
One of the first things that those returning home will inquire about is the postcard that was sent while they were away. Did you receive it? Did you share it with others in your personal periphery or did you think it was intended for you alone?
If the Church was raptured (1Thess.4: 17) or God were to call you home today, would you have any qualms about being asked what became of the postcard that the Lord Jesus Christ sent to you while He was away (Matt .24: 44/Matt. 25:14)?
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