April 23
William Haslam (1817-1905), an Anglo-Catholic vicar, on hearing many conversion testimonies, came under deep conviction. He felt he could no longer preach. “The thought came to me that I would go to church and read the morning prayers and after that dismiss the people…The psalms and hymns were especially applicable to my case…So I gave out my text: ‘What think ye of Christ?’ Something was telling me, ‘You are no better than the Pharisees. You do not believe that He has come to save you.’ I do not remember all I said, but a wonderful light and joy came into my soul. I was seeing what the...
Read MoreApril 22
It is natural that we should turn to the Acts of the Apostles to see how the first preachers proclaimed the gospel. We have ample evidence to go on, for no less than twenty-two sermons or speeches are recorded in that book. Of these, nine are by Peter (Acts 1:15ff; 2:14ff; 3:12ff; 4:8ff; 5:29ff; 8:20ff; 10:34ff; 11:4ff; 15:7ff). Nine are by Paul (13:16ff; 13:46ff; 14:13ff; 17:16ff; 20:17ff; 22:1ff; 24:10ff; 26:1ff; 28:25ff). Others are as follows: Stephen at his stoning (7:1ff); Philip to the eunuch (8:30ff); James at the council (15:13ff); and Ananias to Saul (22:12ff). What a wealth of...
Read MoreApril 21
Hasn’t the New Testament been changed since it has been repeatedly recopied throughout time? This is key. As F.F. Bruce explains, “The historical ‘once-for-all-ness’ of Christianity which distinguishes it from those religious and philosophical systems, which are not specially related to any particular time, makes the reliability of the writings which purport to record this revelation a question of first-rate importance” (The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? p 8). Sir Frederic Kenyon, director of the British Museum, stated: “The interval between the dates of original composition...
Read MoreApril 20
On that tragic Tuesday, April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School near Denver, CO, two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, massacred 12 students and one teacher, injuring 21 other students. One of those who died that day was Rachel Scott, age 17. Some time before, she had written: “I have no more personal friends at school. But you know what? I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus. I am not…going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything, I will.” Another believer who was gunned down, Cassie Burnall, stated: “Now I have given up on...
Read MoreApril 19
What does man find objectionable about the gospel? Everything! Think of John 3:16. “For God,” and some object to the idea that God even exists. “So loved the world,” and they object to Him loving all, even the worst. “That He gave,” and they are offended that they cannot contribute something of merit. “His only begotten Son,” and they do not like the exclusivity of the One Way. “That whosoever,” and they ask, “Do you mean mass murderers can pray and have a lifetime of sin wiped out?” “Believes on Him,” and they stumble at its simplicity. “There must be more,” they say. “Should not perish,”...
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