ALIVE OR HALF DEAD

 

 

 

 

 

WITNESS

 

 

4-11-13

 

 

ALIVE OR HALF DEAD

 

 

There is a famous story

Where a philosopher---

I think it was Friedrich Nietzsche

 

He is speaking to

A group of Christians

He looks out at the audience and says

“I thought a Christian

Was supposed to be radiantly alive

Most of you look ½ dead”

 

When I am out in the world

I look around

And I have to tell you

I couldn’t agree more

 

Where did our hope go

 

When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert

Jesus answered,

 

“It is written

Man does not live by bread alone

But on every word

That comes from the mouth of God”                                         Matthew 4:4

 

God’s Word is alive

It is life

Is his Word alive in you

 

The devil tempted Jesus a second time,

Jesus answered,

 

“It is also written

Do not put your God to the test”                                              Matthew 4:7

 

What is testing you

Health matters

Financial matters

Broken relationships

Addictions

All of the above

 

Life is a constant battle

Between the spirit

And the desires of the flesh

 

Jesus was tempted

Still a third time by the devil

He answered,

 

“Away from me

For it is written

Worship the Lord your God only”                                                Matthew 4:8

 

RADIANTLY ALIVE!

 

How can we stay radiantly alive

In a world full of booby traps

Seemingly set up---to take us down

 

ONLY by reading the Bible

ONLY by praying without ceasing

ONLY by staying in touch with God

ONLY by having a personal relationship

With Our Lord and SAVIOR---JESUS CHRIST

 

It is a choice

 

We know the devil

Did ultimately win a battle

Did take CHRIST down---because of a betrayal

But the devil LOST the war

Because of JESUS’ connection to his Father

 

Where are you

In your personal relationship with God

Is God’s Word alive in you

 

Are you feeling

More dead than alive

 

If so---maybe just maybe

You are looking to find life

In the things of this world

 

“The Word of God

Is living and active---SHARPER

Than any double-edged sword”                                                 Hebrews 4:12

 

“To teach you

That man does not live on bread alone

But on every word

That comes from the mouth of God”                                   Deuteronomy 8:3

 

RADIANTLY ALIVE?

 

The choice is ours

An individual choice---a personal choice

That each and every one of us has to make

 

Robert P. Wallman

7-31-11

 

 

Ps        WITNESS       4-11-13  8-30-2021