February 10, 2019

February 10, 2019

Judy Hollaway

November 5

Running with Jesus

Acts 17:18  "Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics  And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection."

     Welcome back and let's investigate these Stoics. Stoicism has a reputation for being a cold, heartless, indifferent philosophy. The entire point of stoicism is to accept the world as it is and act accordingly. For the believer, that isn't a bad way to see the world if we add just a bit: the love of God for us and the value He gave to each person. In Christ's, it is logical to love.

     They are thinkers and not Bible believers. They use logic, physics, and ethics. They live in a neutral state above joy and peace, living indifferently showing little or no emotions. They think what will be, will be and man can't control or change anything. They do not acknowledge God exist. They are Universalist and think we are part of the world. They placed thinking above feeling and tried to live in harmony with nature and reason. Opposite the Epicureans they suppressed their desire for pleasure and were much disciplined people.  

      I read four articles and I am still trying to figure this group out! It would take a lot more faith to believe this man thought up stuff and yet they had schools teaching these thoughts and theories.  Man living in a tranquil state and at one with the universe. No God! These teachings are sounding familiar, a man who uses reasoning to live by! No eternal purposes. Man is born, lives and dies. No thoughts to eternity and life after death and no resurrection life. Because Paul taught salvation and resurrection life, they called Paul a babbler! "Let's hear what this babbler has to say!" The world thinks we are babblers today too!

      Well you can think all day and miss out on the greatest event of life and that is God and man communicating, the joy of having a relationship with our Lord and Savior. This gives us meaning and purpose and eternal life! And one day we will enjoy our resurrection life! Can I get that amen this morning from our Jesus runners? I am so glad we can know God and know where we will live eternally! No reasoning to it just reading and trusting the Word! Jesus saves!

Jesus, thank You for saving our souls and giving us eyes to see truth and wisdom. We pray for those whom the god of this world has blinded their eyes lest they believe the gospel of Christ. Help us live as that city on the hill today so others can see truth. Please open doors for the gospel to be preached in our schools. 

Paul shares the gospel with the religious, tomorrow.