Cornerstone

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus was always saying things that caused people to stop to ponder. For example: “The only way you can expect to get into the kingdom of God is to do so like a child.” What in the world could He mean? Since we haven’t totally understood we have hammered on the door of the kingdom trying to force our way in.

Napoleon did not follow the direction of Jesus but he seemed to understand the truth. He thought he could be great because he founded a kingdom on force. Toward the end of his life, however he said, “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone founded his empire upon love. And at this hour millions of men would die for him.”

So then, how do we enter the kingdom as a child? First we must consider the characteristics of a child. A child is dependent, weak, pliable, teachable, forgiving, loving, and humble. This does not exhaust the list but sets a workable template for those who would come to Christ. To be forgiven of your sinfulness you must come to Him in sorrow confessing the error of your ways while being willing to cast yourself totally upon His guidance for your life. Can you become childlike in order to find peace with God?

Dr. Gayle Woods

Acts 7:35-39 (36)

I was staring at my computer screen when I heard a persistent alarm bell. School had just begun a few weeks before at Kansas City College and Bible School. This was my first year to work at the school. Rising from my desk I stepped out of the door to see what was taking place. Here they came, teachers and children poured out of the classroom buildings. We were having a fire drill.

As I considered this I was struck with the efficiency of the operation. The school could be emptied in a matter of a few seconds without anybody running, pushing or getting excited. How was it done? By instruction, preparation, and example. The teachers were instructed concerning procedure. They passed this on to their students and then led them calmly and authoritatively out of the building when the alarm was sounded.

In like manner God delegates responsibilities to His people. He expects us to be leaders. We are to lead people to Him. What we know or don=t know about the Bible and Jesus Christ will have an effect on the people we speak to. Our example should always be a high priority. People watch our lives and often decide for our against Christ by what they see in us.

Dr. Gayle Woods