Category: history

We all know George Washington was one of our founding fathers and the first president of the United States. Even before I moved to Georgia, I knew that James Oglethorpe was one of the instigators of an idea to create a colony giving debtors and other ‘unfortunates’ of England a chance to start afresh in the ‘new world.’ I guess I had lived in Atlanta eight or ten years before I learned my county was named after Button Gwinnett, one of three Georgians to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Only last week did I learn of his unfortunate death. Within one year of signing the declaration, another Georgian named Lachlan McIntosh called Gwinnett “a scoundrel and lying rascal.” If Button had simply recited the “Sticks and Stones” verse and ignored the insult he might have lived a lot longer. Instead, he challenged McIntosh to a duel which resulted in a terrible wound. He died three days later.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples made with hands… From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (Acts 17:24-26)

This goes for George Washington, Button Gwinnett, and me and you. When I get a little sad at the realization I probably won’t make it into any History books, I remember there are quite a few people in our country who know nothing at all about Button Gwinnett and even more on this planet who have never even heard of George Washington. Truly, the only Person that needs to be known by every individual on earth is the One who saves our souls.

I’m not positive but there may be one place I have visited that had never heard the name of Jesus. My son, Taylor, and I were with a missionary in a remote village in Benin, West Africa. I couldn’t understand the language, but it seemed a real possibility that the Good News was being proclaimed there for the very first time. There are places on this earth today where Jesus is totally unknown and a few bold believers are praying “Here I am, send me” to fulfill the will of the Father that all men find him. The next verse from the Acts passage above says: “God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”

The disciple’s place in history is to point to the One everything revolves around – the King, the great High Priest, the Savior of mankind, Jesus Christ. There needs be no goal of “making a name for myself” when Jesus is the One who deserves to be famous. Most of the people we meet have heard of Jesus but may not realize the urgent need to know him. A missionary friend in Sweden recently shared in an e-mail that only 1% of the population of Sweden regularly attends church. In a survey done among the Swedish youth, 99% said they would consider going to church if they thought there would be some relevance to their lives. The missionary’s next sentence was: “Come Lord!”

Jesus came and lived and taught who God really is… “but his own did not receive him.” Today his ambassadors are not only given the task of proclaiming the Name through whom all can be saved, but we are charged to live in such a way as to demonstrate relevance. Does my faith make a difference in the time and place where I live? Only if I adopt the attitude of John the Baptist as Jesus came on the scene: “He must become greater; I must become less.” As we give up ‘self’, Jesus shines all the brighter. “Come Lord!”

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Interviewer: Hello, John. We know you are part of the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on from Heaven. Is there anything you would like to say to Christians today?

John: You are wise to listen to the teachings of the apostles today. I was just a fisherman, you know, when Jesus called me. I did not have wealth or a privileged education, but when Jesus said, ‘Come, follow me,’ I could not resist. Like you, I was a sinner, but Jesus changed me. I had a reputation that earned the nickname, ‘son of thunder,’ but I became known as the ‘the apostle of love.’

Jesus is the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, the Vine, the Gate, the Good Shepherd, and the best Friend a person can have. You are a branch that must remain in the Vine. You are a sheep that must listen to the Shepherd’s voice. There are many voices in the world that are not of Christ… do not heed them. “My sheep listen to my voice,” Jesus taught. Are you listening? He says, “Abide in me and I will abide in you.” Are you abiding in him? Are you living for the One who laid down his life for you?

I walked with him and knew him on earth, but you can know him by the Holy Spirit who was sent after Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father. He instructed us, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Holy Spirit is your Counselor and Guide. He will point you to Jesus and remind you of the things Jesus taught. He will give you power to be a witness in your generation. The Holy Spirit will also put a yearning in your heart to see your Savior. You know that when he appears you will be like him, for you shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope purifies himself, just as he is pure. I now see him face to face, but on earth I constantly longed to see Jesus. You might say, ‘That was because you walked with him for three years and he called you a dear friend.’ But he calls all who love and follow him dear friends. You know you are in the last hour so be sure to walk in fellowship with your Master. Walk in the light as he is in the light and the blood of Jesus purifies you from all sin.

Some have said my first letter is a little confusing, but if you ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, he will give you insight. God wants his children to have confidence that they have eternal life through the Son. But God also wants all men to look honestly at themselves and live in truth. If a person claims to have to have fellowship with him yet walks in the darkness, he lies and does not live by the truth. Those that claim to live in him must walk as Jesus did. If a person says, ‘I know him,’ yet does not do what he commands, he is a liar and the truth is not in him. This may sound blunt and harsh, but God wants each person to deal with truth. You know Jesus’ greatest command is to love one another. If a person says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

I could say so much more, but I’ll close with a warning and a praise. The warning: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. The praise: How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are! Hallelujah!

Interviewer: Hello, Paul. We know you are part of the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on from Heaven. Do you have anything you would want to share with Christians today?

Paul: The letters I wrote to encourage and instruct believers were also meant for you. You have read them, haven’t you?

Interviewer: Yes… well, what do you think was your most important writing?

Paul: My letter to the Romans reveals the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Just like you, I was saved by grace, not by any works of my own. Jesus accomplished everything and when we receive him by faith, we receive his righteousness… a gift we do not deserve. I was the chief of sinners… religious and zealous, yet lost… until Jesus rescued me. Once we experience such mercy, what can we do but humbly follow our Master? He gives us life and peace through the Holy Spirit so we can love and serve our fellow man.

Interviewer: What warnings would you give today?

Paul: You’ll find many warnings in my writings, but I’ll remind you of two. The first is explained in my letter to the Galations as I fiercely declared there is only one true gospel. Many false gospels sprang up in my days on earth and there are no less in yours. You must recognize the true from the false and daily choose to live in truth. Some wonder what I meant when I said, ‘It is for freedom that Christ set you free.’ God wants you to experience true freedom in the Son, a freedom that leads to this testimony: ‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.’ Beware of any philosophy that does not teach you to live by faith in the Son of God.

My second warning should remind you of some of our Master’s parables. Understand the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because your salvation is nearer now than when you first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Interviewer: Is there prayer in Heaven? Are you praying for us?

Paul: Of course there is prayer in Heaven! Jesus intercedes for you! If you could hear him you would know how much he cares for you. I pray for my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel. I pray that they may be saved. I also pray for you. I keep asking our glorious Father to give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for all who believe. I pray that out of these glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Interviewer: Hello, Peter. We know you are a part of the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on from Heaven. If you could speak to Christians in our land today, what might you say?

Peter: I guess I wrote most of what I would say in a couple of letters while I was still on the earth, but I would be happy to remind you of a few things. First, you know my life story; I was a sinner with many weaknesses. You’re no different… as the sons of Adam, we’re all in the same boat. I was one of those guys who liked to jump out of the boat 🙂 . But if I’m tempted to boast about walking on water, I instantly remember how quickly I sunk. Pride and unbelief… I was guilty. Instead of standing for Jesus in his darkest hour, I ran away and denied him three times. What a coward! So the first thing I would say to you is this: don’t think too highly of yourself. Put all your hope in Jesus and cast your cares on him. If he had not pulled me out of the water, I would have drowned. If he had not prayed for me, I would have lost all faith. If he had not restored me after the resurrection, I would have been forever guilt-ridden. “What a Friend we have in Jesus…” Do you sing that song? It is true! He intercedes for you today! I hear him! You’ve got to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus… or you’ll sink… just like I did.

When Jesus said we would be better off after he left we all thought, “Yeah, right.” We could not understand such a statement… until Pentecost. Without the Holy Spirit’s work, my life on earth would have been fruitless. You must receive the Holy Spirit and walk in the Spirit to live as the Father desires. Evaluate yourself; are you living in Christ? Are you adding to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love? If you can’t see these qualities increasing in your life, something is wrong. Don’t be afraid to admit the truth and go straight to Jesus. Camp out with him and receive his forgiveness and instruction. He wants you to be full of the love of the Father so you can show the world grace and truth.

You realize the end of all things is near, don’t you? Are you living in reverent fear? You must be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. In your land the enemy roams about as a roaring lion and he is devouring people in subtle ways. He tempts believers to be comfortable in a wealthy society that is drowning in selfishness and godlessness. Remember, you are a stranger in the world; you’ve got to live with God’s Kingdom in mind. Live a holy life and be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you about the hope you have. You possess true life… so love people deeply and use your gifts to serve others. Be compassionate and humble, not selfish and proud. You are called to inherit a blessing and I have received a taste. What can I say? There are not sufficient words to describe what God has in store for his children. Do not be deceived by the evil one… resist him. Study the Scripture… read the writings of the prophets and the writings of the apostles and listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd. Your life should be all about following him. If he led me home, he can lead anyone 🙂 .

Regarding suffering – don’t be afraid to embrace it. God has amazing ways of molding us through fire. He is changing us to look more and more like his Son. You should see me now! But even while on earth, God gave me grace to change and I received the privilege to suffer for his Name. I experienced his power in weakness and I came to see that nothing is impossible for him. When the angel freed me from jail I thought I was dreaming! But you know I was not freed every time. Even in death, I knew God was with me. “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter…” I was honored to walk in Jesus’ steps. I want you to receive a rich welcome into the Kingdom of our Lord. Listen carefully to these closing words and find out what they mean: His divine power has given you everything you need for life and godliness through your knowledge of him who called you by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given you his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Shalom.

Jonathan Aitken was a Member of Parliament in England for twenty-three years before pleading guilty to a perjury charge that led to an eighteen month sentence. In prison, this well known author and politician became a Christian. It is not surprising that he was befriended by an American who also became a Christian in the midst of legal woes. With an office right next to Richard Nixon’s, Charles Colson found himself scrambling with other members of the President’s staff to protect himself from the Watergate investigation. But his encounter with Jesus Christ brought the special counsel to the President some difficult decisions. In May of 1974, against the advice of his lawyers, Colson pled guilty of attempting to do damage to a political foe. By throwing himself totally on the mercy of the court, some began to wonder if “conversion rumors” of Nixon’s famous “hatchet-man” might be true. Newspaper columnists were of different opinions. One wrote, “I cannot accept the sudden coming to Christ of Charles Colson. If he isn’t embarrassed by this sudden excess of piety, then surely the Lord must be,” while another wrote, “If Mr. Colson can repent his sins, there just has to be hope for everybody.”

Judge Gerhard Gesell did not show much mercy as he fined Colson $5000 and sentenced him to one to three years in prison. The test of time has removed all doubt of the validity of Colson’s conversion. For over thirty years he has been an ambassador for God’s truth. As the leader of Prison Fellowship, Colson has helped countless prisoners learn of God’s mercy. Encouraged by his friend, Jonathan Aitken also now serves as a director of Prison Fellowship International.

Aitken has recently written a book entitled, “JOHN NEWTON – From Disgrace To Amazing Grace.” Like Charles Colson, John Newton reversed a life of opposing God to become a clear spokesman of the Good News to all who would listen. Newton constantly proclaimed that if he could repent and be saved there was hope for anyone. Though learning of God from his mom at a young age, John Newton traveled a path of rebellion that included the horrible life of a slave trader. But God rescued this sinner and we have all sung the hymn that tells his story. These are the original words:

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound) that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.

John Newton’s best friend at the time he wrote ‘Amazing Grace’ was one of the greatest English poets of the eighteenth century. A descendent of the seventeenth century poet, John Donne, William Cowper was a Christian who struggled with torturous bouts of depression. He and Newton lived within walking distance of each other in the small town of Olney where John Newton was pastor of a church. These friends encouraged one another in faith and in writing. OLNEY HYMNS was published in 1779 and contains 281 works of Newton and 67 works of Cowper. Some believe Cowper would never have survived the mental torments he battled had it not been for his good friend who would sometimes spend sleepless nights serving his brother in Christ. Just as Chuck Colson had no idea how God would use him to bless the Body of Christ as he sat in an Alabama prison, I doubt John Newton or William Cowper realized how their words would encourage the Body of Christ for centuries. Just before entering one of his darkest struggles, Cowper penned these words of insightful truth:

God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines, of never-failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs, and works his sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter, and He will make it plain.

Thank God for good friends. Be a good friend. Rejoice that Jesus calls us friends!

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:13-15