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| Volume 20 Number 3 March 2018 | Page 12 |
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| Volume 20 Number 3 March 2018 | Page 12 |
Russ Vickers
When we speak of wanting peace, we often feel as if there can be no peace in this old world. We think back to the time of Adam and Eve when peace on earth was a reality. However, sin took away that peace, and in its wake was conflict, sadness and death. It seems today that we have very little peace in this world—in families, communities, churches and between the nations.
In Isaiah 9:6, the Old Testament mentions the Messiah who is the “Prince of Peace.” A prince is a son of a king. Jesus was the Son of the Almighty King of all creation. He is expected to lead in government. We rejoice today because Jesus has assumed such leadership over the new spiritual kingdom, the church. Burton Coffman mentioned concerning this verse, “Jesus Christ is the only true Prince of Peace the world ever knew, and the only one that shall ever be” (Coffman, Isaiah, 97).
Jesus came to rid the world of sin and spiritual sickness. Jesus came to make peace for us with the Father. Colossians 1:20 states, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” The cross was the greatest example of self-sacrifice in history. Sin and rebellion separated man from God. To reconcile man to God, a perfectly obedient man had to be sacrificed to make possible the cancellation of the sins of all other men.
When we accept forgiveness from God, we must share that forgiveness with others. The plan of salvation is plain and easy to understand. Through it, we can have true peace in God. When we live in peace through our Savior’s blood and His Word, we are happy to make peace with others.
Peace, Perfect Peace
In this dark world of sin.
The blood of Jesus
Whispers peace within.
Donald R. Fox
The English language has many words that introduce us to a host of words with similar meanings. One such word is “bamboozled.” This word is defined in part, “to take in by elaborate methods of deceit.” Alternatively, similar words are “hoodwinked,” “beguiled,” “deluded,” “hoax,” “snooker” and “mislead.”
As I dwelled on this odd word, I must confess I have been hoodwinked and bamboozled a few times during my lifetime. Not a lot of times, but I have accepted some things that were wrong while thinking they were right. Therefore, I was misled. It is an awful feeling to be duped. It is good and right that truth will always set one free. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
As I pondered this deceitful and wrongful way of obtaining the upper hand, I know there are definitely a few things about which I cannot be fooled. I cannot be bamboozled on the spelling of English words. The spellings of words are fixed by a standard—the dictionary. Now, I am not saying I can spell all English words, no way, but nevertheless, given time, I can look up the correct spelling to include the history of such words. Further, in a dictionary, there is a list of definite “Weights and Measures.” As an example, 12 inches equal 1 foot, and that is our standard.
Further, I cannot be bamboozled on what is biblical truth and what is not God-given truth. For many years now, I have trusted in the Word of God, the Bible. Do I know everything contained in the Bible? No, I do not. However, I can always determine the truth by accepting our standard, the Bible. Do you have a sense of what is right and wrong? Biblical principles and standards have been the mark of civilized governments and their laws. Consider “The Golden Rule.” “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). This declares the world’s only true standard of conduct. We challenge the secular minded unbeliever to find a flaw in it. Pilate asked, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) The simple answer is, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).
We recognize there are mysteries and unknowns that are beyond human understanding. I would rather trust the Word of God, than the intermixed and contradictory philosophies of men. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).
We would make a mistake to seek biblical answers by way of the magnitude of religious creeds written and approved by mere men. Concerning creeds of men, Philip Schaff, in his three volumes, The Creeds of Christendom with a History and Critical Notes made this statement concerning creeds on page 4 of this work. “They keep alive sectarian strifes and antagonisms.” On a positive note Mr. Schaff continued, “…but they reveal also the underlying agreement, and foreshadow the possibility of future harmony.” I appreciate Mr. Schaff’s optimism. However, sadly, creeds will always create “sectarian strifes.”
Don’t be bamboozled by religious organizations or assortments of theological creeds and think they have the authority to legislate in matters of faith or morals. That body of laws and ethical standards was completed when the last inspired writer wrote, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:21). It is very common nowadays to hear the declaration that we are living in a new normal with its new morality. This is an enormous bamboozle. There is a drive to create a secular, non-religious society. Our society is crumbling because we have forgotten our heritage and because of the rejection of God-given standards. “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Psalms 119:104).