Cornerstone

Some of the excitement about the Second Appearing of our Lord is troubling. It is not the second appearing of the Lord that is troubling but rather the blatant commercialization of this truth by some Christians. To see respected Christian leaders using this truth for their own advantage is sickening. Movies and book series whether fiction or non-fiction used to frighten believers (most non-believers have no interest in this material) in the guise of teaching a scriptural truth are tainted with the appearance of covert manipulation. What is the motivation if it is not to get on the bandwagon of the Christian fear-fad which is a proven method for selling mediocre books and movies? I am troubled as well by the lack of a scripturally focused message in these materials. The emphasis should be not on whether we go up in the rapture or are left behind to suffer the horrors of the Tribulation. That fear comes out of the lazy American’s desire for ease, comfort and luxury. The emphasis should not be on what the sequence of events will be in the last days. That is a perfectionist’s craving to be right about everything in doctrine as well as Bible trivia. The emphasis should not be on the meaning of “generation”, the use of modern technology, or the definition of 666. The emphasis should be on living a holy life right now. Peter said it this way: Since we know that God is going to bring a terrible judgment on this world someday shouldn’t we be doing all that we can right now to live lives that are pleasing to Him and are an appealing witness to those who do not know Jesus as their Lord?

By Dr. Gayle Woods

Col 3:3-11 (10)

The men in the Woods family laugh and bear it. There is no reason to deny the fact that if you have seen one of the Woods family you have seen them all. We could have a random changing of noses and no one would notice that anything had changed in our appearance. We bear a resemblance that is unmistakable.

My first grandson, Joshua Gayle Woods, was born December 24, 2001. The discussion among the ladies followed the well worn path of former discussions. AI think that he has Becky’s nose and ears.” AI think he has Jonathan’s eyes.” Feeling a little mischievous I picked up Joshua and held his face next to mine and said, “Can’t you see the resemblance?”

In like manner, there must be a resemblance that is clear when people look at our character, our priorities, our ethics and our purpose for living. When they look at us they must see a resemblance of Jesus. When we are “born from above” we are made in the likeness of our Lord. When we become a “living sacrifice” we are conformed to His image. Our lives are to be a mirrored image of the One we serve. He alone must be seen when people look at us. This only becomes possible in the serious pursuit of holiness.

Dr. Gayle Woods