The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not column tells of a woman in England who received a heart transplant in June of 2007. She decided to go and visit her old heart when it was placed on display in London. David asked God to create in him a clean heart in the spiritual sense. That is what happens to those who become Christians. Once we get that new heart, it doesn’t make sense to try to hold on to the old one.
According to USA Today, a 56-year-old man in
Paraguay wants to adopt 1,000 poor foreign children. The man is a
German citizen, which would enable the children to benefit from
German social services. The politics and ethics of that can be
debated, but we have an even greater offer: we have a Father in
heaven who wants a big family, and the benefits are awesome.
_______________
J. Michael Shannon is professor of preaching at Cincinnati Bible College in Cincinnati, OH.
For
the last 15 years a white haired businessman has been using the name “Jesus
Christ.” He has a passport, driver’s license and social security card with
Jesus’ name on it. According to the Associated Press, he is having trouble
in West Virginia as he prepares for a move there. They won’t give him a driver’s
license in the name of “Jesus Christ.” Authorities there point out that he
has a Florida birth certificate in his real name and that his original name
has never been legally changed. A lawyer for the man says he uses the name
as an expression of faith. Putting this gentleman’s problems aside, all of
us in a sense bear the name of Jesus Christ. When we became his follower we
were called “Christian.”
_______________
J.
Michael Shannon is professor of preaching at Cincinnati Bible College in Cincinnati,
OH.
According
to a fairly reliable anecdote, W. C. Fields, who had been a life-long agnostic
was still concerned as his health deteriorated and death approached. He was
concerned about not making it into heaven, if indeed there was one. Thomas
Mitchell, a fellow actor discovered Fields reading a Bible on his death bed.
Mitchell asked, “What are you doing?” Fields responded quickly, “I’m looking
for a loophole.” There are no loopholes, but there is a way.
_______________
J.
Michael Shannon is professor of preaching at Cincinnati Bible College in Cincinnati,
OH.
God gradually reveals
His truth, like a flower unfolding. It is not like the night-blooming cereus
that opens only in the darkness and is seen by few. It is not like the century
plant that opens so rarely and is seen so seldom. It is not like the morning
glory that opens at dawn and is shut by noonday. God’s revelation gradually
unfolded; but it is now open for all to see. You may read the Bible night or
day. At any time, in any place, you may look upon the beauty of God’s opening
of His heart to man.
_________________________
Michael Shannon,
Preaching September/October 2003