Cornerstone

Rom 6:11-14 (11)

Joseph M. Stowell relates,” Some time ago, I was chatting with a man who consults with some of the largest U.S. companies about their quality control. Because ministry is a form of human quality control, I thought I’d ask him for some insights.

“He said, “In quality control, we are not concerned about the product.” I was surprised.

“But then he went on to say, “We are concerned about the process. If the process is right, the product is guaranteed.”

“How relevant to our Christianity.

“We tend to be more oriented to the “product” of our faith than the process.

“As American Christians, we tend to desire and demand products of righteousness, but give little attention to the process.” (Bible Illustrator)

The conversion from death (a sinful life) to life (a life committed to following Jesus Christ) is dramatic. This process is at times called “growth in grace” or “sanctification” (not to be confused with entire sanctification). From the time we are saved by the grace of God initial holiness is begun. We turn our backs on sin and begin to do our best to live a life that is always pleasing to God. To do this we follow the instructions of God’s Word carefully and endeavor to become more sensitive to the guiding voice of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Rev 2:1-7

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (KJV)

Members of the Methodist Church in Wilsall, Montana, say they got quite a shock when they opened an old coffin found in a shed behind the church building. Inside, they found a skeleton that the county coroner determined was a realistic, wired together copy of the real thing. The skeleton, it seems, belongs to the local Odd Fellows chapter. The Odd Fellows use skeleton models in their initiation ceremonies.

There would be a lot more surprises in our churches if all the hidden skeletons of past moral failure came to light! But for those who confess and forsake their sins there is pardon, full and free. No one needs to be haunted by the memory of past sins after claiming by faith God’s forgiveness through the Blood of Christ.

If all the sleeping folk will wake up,

If all the lukewarm folk will fire up,

If all the dishonest folk will confess up,

If all the disgruntled folk will cheer up,

If all the depressed folk will cheer up,

If all the estranged folk will make up,

If all the gossipers will shut up,

If all true soldiers will stand up,

If all the dry bones will shake up,

If all the church members will pray up…

Then we can have a revival!

R.G. Lee (Bible Illustrator)

Dr. Gayle Woods