“Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon. Without science and learning, He shed more light on things human and divine than all the philosophers and scholars combined. Without the eloquence of schools, He spoke words of life such as were never spoken before nor since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet. Without writing a single line, He has set more pens in motion and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussion, works of art, learned volumes, and sweet songs of praise than the whole army of great people of ancient and modern time. Born in a manger, crucified as a malefactor, He controls the destinies of the civilized world and rules a spiritual empire that encircles the globe.”
-Historian Philip Schaff, as quote in How You Can Help Fulfill the Great Commission by Bill Bright.
Wow, convicting: ”Most of us use, “I’m waiting for God to reveal His calling on my life” as a means of avoiding action. Did you hear God calling you to sit in front of the television yesterday? Or to go on your last vacation? Or exercise this morning? Probably not, but you still did it. The point isn’t that vacations or exercise are wrong, but that we are quick to rationalize our entertainment and priorities yet are slow to commit to serving God.” -From Francis Chan, pg 169, Crazy Love.
“Several studies by higher education research institutes (including The Barna Group and UCLA) have come to the conclusion that a lot of students are searching to find something bigger than themselves to believe in and college is becoming to perfect place to find that.”
May I suggest taking this and reading it out loud. Maybe try this everyday this coming week. I believe that it will lead you to worship. I found it to be so.
A Meditation on the Creator God: (ESV study Bible chain reference.)
Genesis 1:1
The Creation of the World
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Job 38:4-7
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Psalm 33:6
6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
Psalm 136:5
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Isaiah 42:5
5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
Isaiah 45:18
18 For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it empty, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the Lord, and there is no other.
John 1:1-3
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and cthe Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Acts 14:15
15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
Acts 17:24
24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,
Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Hebrews 1:10
10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands;
Hebrews 11:3
3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Revelation 4:11
11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
“Congressman Forbes asks the questions “Did America ever consider itself a Judeo-Christian nation?” and “If America was once a Judeo-Christian nation, when did it cease to be?” on the floor of the US House.”
