Westside Church of Christ

The Bible introduces us to a God that is evident from a wondrous creation that screams of something greater than us. What we describe as nature is a remarkable testimony that there is a brilliant mind and a powerful being behind it all. We may take it for granted as we watch the trees come to life in the spring, flowers bloom offering colors that the most skilled artist could never replicate, sunrises and sunsets that dazzle the eyes; but they all provide evidence for a Creator. This book tells us about Him.

“In the beginning…” He is where it all begins. Life started with Him. He spoke a remarkable world into existence, made it functional and placed humanity in a flawless environment. Then Satan entered the picture and persuaded the lady to disobey the Creator’s command. Paradise was lost. Sin severed people from perfection, an early indication of just how damaging deceit can be. “Thy word is truth…I am the way, the truth and the life…” The word of God separates fact from fiction. It also introduces us to the solution for the death produced by sin.

Jesus is our only hope. Our society offers every possible course of action to fill the empty we sense without Him. Drugs will do it. Take this pill, snort that powder, shoot up; after it’s too late it is discovered that all they offer is addiction and further hopelessness. The sexual revolution that started in the 60’s and continues until today promised fulfillment. Rid yourself of these prudish old-fashioned morals and be free. The reality is quite different. It devastates the Lord’s basic structure for society. The Bible shines a light in the darkness. Social decay is not best. Family is.

Scripture brings to our mind a much different approach to life. In fact, without it we exist in death. Sin kills. Our hearts may continue to beat, but our souls wither. They shrivel up and hearts harden. Paul described the destruction of a culture that turns its back on the God of creation (Romans 1:18-32). It is a miserable picture, and it all begins with the way the people respond (or don’t respond) to the Lord. Ignoring Him and losing a sense gratitude open the flood gates of His wrath.

The effects run deep. The mind is among the first victims. Thinking is distorted. Actions soon follow. Even natural affections are perverted, and morality is turned upside down. Foolishness is professed to be wisdom. We are far down the road of destruction before it becomes evident. Visible issues are proof of internal problems, and God’s wrath is being lived out right before our eyes.

The Bible is the only source of the information that will lead us to the anchor for our souls that will keep us from being swept away in the tide of the evil one. Have you read it lately?

Call to Praise: Acts 6:8-15

His word on it: Acts 21:13

Sermon: “Dedicated Discipleship”