18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Dr. Jerry Vines tells of the devastating, dissipating, dominating effects of sin. He preached a sermon called “Truman Snow’s White Christmas”. It is the true story of a man named Truman Snow who had a drinking problme. Because of his drinking problem he was estranged from his family. He was in a motel instead of with his family at Christmas time. Dr. Vines was able to go to that motel and lead Truman to faith in the Lord Jesus.
When he went to witness to him that day he had a little minature Christmas tree in the motel. Under the Christmas tree was a beer bottle. Dr. Vines was able to lead him to faith in the Lord, and some days later he went back to check on Truman. The first thing he did was to look at that little Christmas tree and under that tree was a Bible.
The country group “Alabama” sings a song I”m not That Way Any More! I know that some of you think that all I listen to is classical religious music and quote hymns. I enjoy listening to all kinds of music. I realize that you don’t get your doctrine from country songs. I know that they are not some sanctified male chorus from a monastery somewhere…However, the song they sing states a certain truth…If you change the word “time” to “Christ”
We used to get crazy every Saturday night
We drive into town and get feeling right
A child of the 60s in ‘74
But I’m not that way anymore
Well I burned the tires of my Chevrolet
Trying to impress the girls that I date
And I’ve been a gambler when I couldn’t score
But I’m not that way anymore
I’m not that way anymore
Time’s closing yesterdays door
I’m just as happy as I was before
‘Cause I’m not that way anymore
American Bandstand, The Sullivan Show
I listened to the Opry on my radio
Well Dick Clark’s still looking as young as before
But I’m not that way anymore
Well I swapped my loafers for cowboy boots
And bought me some jeans, gave away all my suits
My razor is rusted my barber is bored
‘Cause I’m not that way anymore
I’m not that way anymore
Time’s closing yesterdays door
I’m just as happy as I was before
‘Cause I’m not that way anymore
I’m not that way anymore
Time’s closing yesterdays door
I’m just as happy as I was before
‘Cause I’m not that way
And you’re not that way
We’re not that way anymore
Christ changes our lifestyle. We don’t have to live the old way any more. We are free.
“…but to us who are BEING SAVED it is the power of God…” I am so glad that He is at work in my life this morning. Today affords me another chance to humbly and thankfully stand in His presence and say, “Thank You, Father!” I am reminded from time to time to remember where I could have been if I had not run head long into the POWER OF GOD to consistently change my life. I am grateful that I have that option now. I don’t have to live that way any more.
Thank you, Father!
