The Bible

Title The Bible

The political convention was in chaos. Each delegation wanted something different. Some favored states rights, others wanted a stronger central government. Larger states wanted greater representation, and small states wanted an equal voice.

Debate dragged on and on. Finally the committee chairman admitted the situation was hopeless.

After weeks of fruitless effort, the oldest delegate rose. Addressing the chairman, he said

"The small progress we have made after four or five weeks is melancholy proof of the imperfections of human understanding.

I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - that God governs the affairs of men".

Citing the Bible he added, "And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?

We have been assured sir in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in political building no better than the builders of Babel.

The speaker? Benjamin Franklin.

It is ironic that Ben Franklin, who for most of his life was not considered devout, turned to the scriptures in a time of crises.

At 81 years of age, using the Bible for his examples, Benjamin Franklin brought a clear vision to the convention, that eventually brought the delegates together, and a great document was produced, the constitution of the united states of America.

I have found

That in times of crisis Gods word has been there for me faithfully holding forth hope, and encouragement.

I have found

That in times when I lacked wisdom Gods word answered my questions, and gave me direction

and

I have found

That in times when I am not sure what is right God’s word helps me discern the truth

Benjamin Franklin turned to God’s word in a time of Americas crisis, and in so doing he found help, and direction

where do you turn in time of trouble (unknown)

where do you turn for encouragement

what is your source of truth

My message today is that God has given us His word, let us turn to it to find what we need for life.

prayer

I. In times of crises God word faithfully holds forth hope, and encouragement.

John Jay was a delegate at that first continental congress. At a very young age JAY was one of the smartest and most respected lawyers in the colonies. You may have never heard of John Jay before, but in the early history of U.S. government, Jay was responsible for single handedly averting a war with England through his diplomacy.

It seemed that everything Jay touched turned to success.

Then in May 1802 after 28 years of marriage his wife Sarah became very ill.

As her condition became more serious, John and their children gathered at her bedside.

When death came

The famous and powerful father felt weak and defeated.

with his children by his side he turned to the Bible for strength. and began reading

I Corinthians 15,

which concludes with this verse.

"when the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true. "death has been swallowed up in victory, where O death is your victory? where O death is your sting?

When he closed the Bible, with tears in his eyes he spokes to his children

and assured them from God’s word, of the promised reunion they would all someday have with his Sarah

In times of crisis God’s word is the only hope that can bring true peace to our souls

God’s word has the answer if you are

Discouraged

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Worried

I Peter 5:7"cast all your cares upon him for he careth for you"

Lonely

John 14:18 "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you"

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble".

Depressed

Psalm 34:17 "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles".

Confused

I Cor. 14:33 God is not the author of confusion

Psalm 32: 8 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way thou shalt go"

A young Christian family moved into town and rented the only house that was available. The house was in a run down section of town and the closest neighbors lived in a terrible poverty stricken condition.

In an effort to love their neighbors the couple went over to their neighbors house. They were invited inside to discover that conditions were worse then they first expected. As they were leaving the home the husband noticed a dust covered Bible under a rickety table in the house.