By Pastor Stuart Weist
First Baptist Church of Preston
Many in our world today don’t believe in God because they say they cannot see him. They claim that if God would simply show himself or come down before them then they would believe. However, for those that follow Christ we already know the error in this line of thinking. Christ has come (Jn 1:14), did reveal himself as God (Jn 8:58), has died for the sins of mankind (Gal 1:4), and been raised from the dead (Act 2:32). Still, even after witnessing miracles not everyone believed and many still sought after another sign (Mt 12:38-39). The danger in thinking that seeing is believing is that what we see can be deceptive.
When I was a young man, I watched a TV special with my favorite magician David Copperfield. He promised to make the Statue of Liberty disappear. I thought it was impossible, but there in that broadcast unbroken and shot live it happened! Now of course this was a trick, and he used a rotating platform to trick the audience but still as a young man there I sat thinking that the Statue of Liberty was truly gone! Seeing in this case was not believing. But many will say that is magic and not reality – true. So, let’s take something real that we can all see around us at this very moment.
The lawns around town have been brown for months, with the lack of snow in our area it would be easy to move to town and think that everything is dead. But just this week as our most recent dusting of snow has melted into the grass, I have been noticing new life. The lawn at the church is starting to green just a bit and soon will be filled with color once again. This growth and change that happens every year in the spring should confirm in our minds that seeing is not always believing. We must have faith. Faith that the snow will end, faith that the rain will come, and faith that the warmer temps will return. If we can have faith in these things, then why not faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He is the Creator of all things (Jn 1:3), He is the source of all hope, joy, and goodness in our lives (Rom 15:13). He is our resurrected Lord. At the end of this month, we will celebrate His resurrection. A time to remember and reflect upon that new life we can have in Christ if we would only accept him as our Lord and Savior. So, as you enjoy the warmer temps, see the lawns turn green, and reflect on the new life all around you, take some time to reflect on Christ. Read His word, trust in His promises, and remember that seeing is not always believing. If you have questions about your faith, God, or salvation you are always welcome at the First Baptist Church in Preston. See you Sunday!
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