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| Volume 22 Number 10 October 2020 | Page 5 |
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| Volume 22 Number 10 October 2020 | Page 5 |
Justin Gonzales
People are in fear of COVID-19. You can’t see COVID-19 unless you have experience with a microscope and a lot of studying in the field of biology. Though you can’t see it, people still fear it. Everyone is waiting for a vaccine for something they can’t see. Likewise, you can’t see sin, and yet, people aren’t running afraid of it. They actually run to it. The people who can see sin are the ones who have spent their time in the specialized field of Bible study and are able to see it through the microscope of God’s lens. God gave a vaccine for sin in the person of Jesus Christ and His blood. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Much like other vaccines, sometimes it doesn’t work because of user error, such as getting the vaccine and then getting into direct contact with people who have the flu. Everybody who gets a flu vaccine is not going to be immune to the flu. Some actually get the flu after the vaccine. The shingles vaccine is the same way. It works for some but not for others. The same can be said for the pneumonia vaccine and a host of other vaccines that we put into ourselves yearly.
Without the vaccine that is the blood of Jesus, you stand no chance to make it to eternal rest. However, even those who have accepted the blood of Christ and have obeyed the Gospel can fall away, thus rendering the vaccine useless for the individual.
Carefully note the following verses of Scripture. “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Peter 2:21). “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left” (Hebrews 10:26). “For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica — Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia” (2 Timothy 4:10).
It’s important to understand that faithful Christians have the vaccine which counts and is working to cure the sin problem. It is only available optically through the lens of God’s Word. John 8:32 tells us, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Once you know about the danger of sin through the truth, you will act accordingly much like those with the knowledge of COVID-19. Revelation 2:10 advises us, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Stay faithful brethren. You have the vaccine that works — the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
Ralph Clevinger
When I say the name “Peter,” what comes to your mind? The apostle Peter’s character shines abundantly in the Gospel records. I believe this to be true because Peter was not afraid to speak his mind. There are times when he got it right (“You are the Christ, the son of the living God,” Matthew 16:16), and there were times when he got it wrong (“Far be it from you, Lord; this shall not happen to you!” Matthew 16:22). Regardless, he forcibly gave his input.
One day, Jesus sent the apostles across the Sea of Galilee by boat (Matthew 14:22-33). He stayed to send away the multitudes and to pray on the mountain. The hour got late. Jesus began to walk across the water to meet the apostles on the other side of the sea. He would have passed them, but they cried out in fear. They believed Jesus to be a ghost. Jesus called to them, trying to comfort them by revealing His identity. Peter set out a challenge, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus replied, “Come.” Peter left the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. After some time, Peter noticed the storm that surrounded him. Peter began to sink into the water. Jesus reached down to grab his hand. Jesus responded, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus and Peter entered the boat. The other apostles worshipped Jesus.
What can we learn? (1) Peter was the only person willing to leave the boat. Why did the others not leave the boat? Maybe they were afraid. It could be they wanted to see what would happen to Peter. Whatever the case, Peter was the only one of the apostles to walk on the water. We can accomplish great things when we are willing to trust God and get out of the boat. (2) Jesus was in the same storm as the apostles. On this occasion, He was not in the same boat; nevertheless, Jesus was still near them. He called out to them to calm their fear. Peter turned his attention to Jesus and away from the storm. His focus allowed him to walk on water. We feel like God does not care about our troubles, but He watches over us. (3) Peter weathered the storm until he took his eyes off Jesus and placed them on the storm. Difficulties in life seem monstrous. They may even bring individuals to the brink of despair. These difficult situations obscure our focus on Jesus. However, God is not swayed by the presence of difficulties. When God is the focal point of our lives, obstacles become manageable.
The storms of life cause us much difficulty. Doubt, fear and disbelief strive to overwhelm us. We can weather the storm by focusing on Jesus. May our prayer be, “Lord, help us to not lose sight of You!”