John Donne wrote, "Each man's death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee." We are affected my other men's misery. But we also should not be surprised at the ambulance siren, for it shall sound, and one day it might well sound for us.
What we find in our text immediately follows that "mountaintop" experience called the Transfiguration. I want to draw your attention to a very important figure but one who remains in the shadows and is usually overlooked. Is there not a father found here?
Forty years ago Kumiko Toma was killed in a car wreck. When I was told of her passing the first thing that came to my mind was Psalm 116:15. For this reason I have chosen to expound this text in memory of Kumiko.
There are multitudes of stimuli which bombard us every day. Each, of which, has an impact upon us. Much has little impact, but many things impress us strongly. Who we are, is what we are, in our heart. Therefore, we need to guard our heart and the influence upon it.
Sometimes the word sacrifice is misused. The term carries a more significant meaning than what many people place upon it. This Memorial Day we honor those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. I would remind you of another Who sacrificed His life for us.
Every day of our lives we are faced with decisions. Nearly every choice before us has something to with following God or not following God. How shall we choose? Our example is Eli; he made some decisions of which he shall reap.
I would like for us to take a look into the life of one of the mothers found in Scripture. I would like to point out her good qualities. I submit that she might be an example to all of us. I think of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
It is my objective to challenge you to be open to God's leadership in your life. Would you be willing to make yourself available to God? I find my example in Isaiah.
Sons manifest their fathers. Our passage tells us of One Who is a son. Yes, we believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I would like to think about this Son today.
Have you ever wondered what it is that makes Baptists different than the average Christian denomination? What is the Baptist distinctive which identifies us? I submit unto you that it is the doctrine of baptism. It is fair to ask, "Why do we baptize?"