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Education Ministry

Posted on April 13, 2005 ...

We are living at a very interesting time in history. Consider these recent events: Our country is engaged in a military action that is allowing democracy to be birthed in a part of the world that has never known it. Scientists have finally photographed a planet outside of our solar system. Doctors installed in the brain of a paralyzed man a computer chip that can read his thoughts. The Catholic Church is about to get a new pope after twenty-six years. Gasoline prices are at an all-time high. A report filed by thirteen hundred experts from 95 countries indicates that over half of the world’s life sustaining ecosystems are “being degraded or used unsustainably,” and could get dangerously worse over the next fifty years. Okay, so high gas prices may not be that interesting. But if they continue to rise, many aspects of our lives will change dramatically.

What am I getting at? Humanity is desperate to make sense of itself. Our planet is in trouble and we are scrambling for answers. Read the headlines, listen to the talk shows, listen to the people at the water cooler. People are concerned about what is going on in the world, and they are looking for answers from the government, the sciences, technology, religion, and even outer space. These are all exciting ventures, and they can benefit us greatly, but there is just one problem. Forgive me for sounding pessimistic, but as long as humans try to retain control, these “solutions” are not going to solve any of our world’s problems. Of course, they might bring some temporary relief, like a band aid on an open sore. But humans are notorious for removing band aids and reopening wounds. I am not suggesting we stick our heads in the sand until Jesus returns, but the worst thing we can do is try to save ourselves.

Now I will be the first to own up to a fascination with science, technology, and outer space. I understand our need for good government. And my vocation speaks of my interest in religion. But as great as all these things can be, the truth remains that we are incapable of managing life ourselves. We have tried and failed. Our only real option is to relinquish control of our lives to the One who gave life to us in the first place. This is the theme of the entire Bible and the ultimate end toward which the Bible says we are moving. Ephesians 1:10 promises a time when all things will be summed up under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:10-11 assures us that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. I submit that this is the most important lesson any of us could ever learn - Christian and non-Christian alike. We will all get there sooner or later. Why not start now? -

FYI - The new Sunday School year begins June 5. Stay tuned for details.