Blindness (Physical & Spiritual)

Physical blindness (the inability to see the material world) has several origins: disease, injury, malformity, age, etc. Spiritual blindness (the inability to understand spiritual truth) has only one cause: Satan, “the god of this world” who “has blinded the minds of the unbelieving. (2 Corinthians 4:3).

     Although the devil is involved in accusing and harassing followers of Christ; don’t forget he also is intensely active in obscuring the truth of salvation.

     Those who have received Christ have triumphed over the devil through the blood of Christ. But those who continue to be deceived through his lies are victims of his cruel and deadly tyranny. Satan’s objective is to bring along with him as many people as possible in his rebellion against God. Just look at the entirety of the world situation around us (i.e. riots in the streets, conflicts, and confusion in the minds of young and old people alike regarding their purpose and responsibilities in life thinking someone else is responsible for their well being – Don’t forget Satan is a liar and the truth is not in him).

     How does Satan blind? Primarily by undermining the inerrancy and integrity of the whole of Scripture. In this way he removes the convicting tool of the Holy Spirit for repentance and faith.

     He also blinds by exalting self and diminishing the effect of sin. “I’m not lost. Sure, I’m not perfect, but who is?” Satan blinds the minds of the unbelieving by making “the word of the cross…foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

     Just as there is only one cause for spiritual blindness, so there is only one cure. Paul prescribes it in his letter to the Corinthians: “But whenever a man turns to the Lord the veil (of unbelief) is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16).

     Only a personal encounter with the risen Christ can bring life and light. The Apostle John proclaimed that Christ is “…the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man” (John 1:9)

     Unbelievers abide in the dominion of darkness and Satan. It is God the Father Who “delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13).

     As the Gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ) is preached, the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of men to guide them into the truth that sets them free. We understand our alienation from God is the result of our sins. We realize our inability to win His favor. We also clearly see that we can be forgiven and reconciled to God the Father only through Christ’s sin bearing work at Calvary.

     We call on Jesus’ name, asking Him to save us from our sins, placing our faith in Him alone – and in that moment our blindness is lifted and we can see the kingdom of God. Thus, the love of God is triumphant.

Ride Out Your Storm

     Sometime in the past a dream was related to me who involved people and boats. As I thought about a boat, it came to me that one of the standard pieces of equipment found on a boat, large or small, is an ANCHOR. Its purpose is to hold the vessel fast and to secure it to one spot, keeping it from drifting while not under power.

     In life we often encounter what could be referred to as storms. My wife (Peggy) sings a song “Hold onto Jesus and ride out your storm.” How well do you ride out your storm? Do you just survive – blown around by every contrary wind and wave? Or do you cast your anchor – and does it hold you fast?

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In what have you placed your hope as your anchor?

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     Like the song if you are depending on anyone other than Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock, you will surely loose anchor and know disappointment.

Opinion Page - Line in the Sand

     Regarding the so-called Occupy Wall Street movement all over the nation, I would remind the crowd that it is easy to not do anything and sit in parks for several weeks holding signs, to be part of the fun employed. It’s much easier to expect free stuff and to have no intention of getting a job, than it is to become a viable part of society and be fruitful.

     As Americans, it is time to reclaim our history, reclaim our intuition, strive for what is great rather than what is easy, and to restore ourselves first to the rightful place as a powerful son or daughter of the all-powerful living God. It’s time to draw a line in the sand, and do the small and simple things of accepting the responsibilities that will make each of us and America great again.  We must also understand that there is no such thing as collective salvation, it is only individual salvation.

     Listen my friends, there is a storm coming of biblical proportions, This Wall Street movement, flash mobs and those who call for the redistribution of wealth. They all want to take. They all want revenge. That’s not who we are.