General Superintendent
Max Edwards
March 19, 2024
The fourth of seven thoughts I’d love the church to hear is this:
“Morally, ethically, and spiritually, our culture is growing darker, and for these issues, God’s WORD is the only true light.
The evidence for this premise is all around us. Now, it is true that violent crime is not a new thing in this fallen world - - indeed, we know that Cain killed his brother Abel, but there is no doubt that it is widespread and growing. Love is in short supply and wickedness abounds. A scan of recent headlines or a quick browse of the news reveals our culture’s very dark heart. The Apostle Paul wrote about the wickedness of his time, and predicted that it would become worse in future ages:
2 Timothy 3:13-15: “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
If we hope to navigate the years of our sojourning here without being swallowed up by this black hole of wickedness, we must have a light source. That is what Spirit-inspired Paul told Timothy. The flashlight of truth must not just be at our side, or in our hands - - it must be in our hearts.
Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.”
Psalm 119:11 – “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
Psalm 119:37 – “Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things and revive me in Your way.”
Psalm 119:93 – “I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.”
Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
All these realities have to do with the protection of our souls. But as we know, we are not just attempting to make it through this dark wasteland alone. We are called and commissioned to bring others along with us. If we hope to do so, we must usher them along the shadowy path, which is fraught with dangers, snares, and pitfalls.
I believe that sin will keep us separated from the WORD, but I also believe that the WORD will keep us separated from sin. Don’t walk in the dark. Allow the torch of God’s truth to light the way!