Recently the first instalment of the AGO series through LIFE featured the “Con of Man” by Chris Brady.
Chris has an incredible way of utilizing the Scripture to explain the ‘3C’s of Heaven and Hell’. I would highly recommend you request to borrow or purchase this audio. Whether you are one who considers yourself on a strong foundation or one confused on what is meant by a ‘foundation’, I believe this talk will enrich your life. From the “foolishness of preaching’ wisdom is found. Now I may lose my large following of readers at this point(likely it is now 1 – my wife, Mary) secondary to the thought of “here we go again. Another person who is going to preach to me”. Just hold on. Maybe even hold on tight. I will at least give you something to comment on.
A couple of days ago, a friend of my father’s called me to tell me a story of his father. I will do my best to retell the story.
Several years ago, Fred’s father was approached by an oil drilling company in regards to drilling on their property. The father was told that their was a large deposit of petroleum and that they would receive revenue checks for many years with the drilling. The prospect came true and several checks began to flow in(no pun intended). During this same time, Fred’s father was going through some strife with the grandmother. To make the story short, the father ended up in a shouting match and cursed the existence of the oil well. Fred happened to be there on this day, and thought in his heart when the great blessing of the revenue checks would literally dry up. Sure enough, 6 weeks later, two representatives of the oil company knocked on the father’s house to tell him they were going to stop the pumping because the well was found unprofitable. The pump was pulled. The well was capped, and the land returned to a corn field. [now hold on… You may be one of those people, like I once was. “These two events are related? For real? Let’s get down to earth here!” Just hold on and read on]
20 years go by… Fred is now helping his father with some tree trimming. Conversation breaks out with the father stating that another oil company came by a couple of days earlier to ask to drill on the former site again. Apparently, the deposit is still there. The father told the company with some excitement to begin drilling! Fred hears this story and is amazed. He asks his father to sit down and tells him the story(unknown to the dad) of being in the house the day of the argument and then the ensuing termination of the pumping well. Fred expresses to his father about the need to follow God’s law and God’s rich grace and mercy to us. His blessings to us without the deserving and His rich forgiveness through His Son. “God so loved the world…” John 3:16. He stated to his father that God was giving the well back as a great gesture of mercy. He stressed to his dad to watch his thoughts and words and know that this is God’s work. Fred’s father dismissed the conversation as nothing of importance and within 2 hours, the father was back to his old ways of cursing and blaspheme. Fred had remembered a story in the Old Testament very similiar where a captain mocked God and was killed within sight of a reward. Fred’s dad observed the rich blessing of the oil well but died 22 days before the revenue checks returned again to his house.
Fred told me that he remembered 2 Kings 6:24-7-20; known as the siege of Samaria. I encourage each and everyone to read this story. The impact of the King, the Captain, and Elisha are far-reaching and impactful. Whether you treat the Bible as a book of fables or as the Word of God, you know that the something can be gained from truth. As I read through this passage, one comes to an understanding that there are powers at work that work for the good of His people and the glory of God. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” Romans 1:20. The King finds the truth in asking of God for help. Elisha, a man of great wisdom, is there to expound on the Truth seeing what others don’t believe. While the Captain, sees the blessings of God, but never gets to experience the blessings secondary to his mockery of God. Now I am not one of the “Health and Wealth gospel” thinking. This states that good comes to those that are good and bad to those whom are bad. So if you are only getting bad right now, you need to change something to experience God’s blessings. Read the story of Job and your thoughts will stray away from this. But, I do believe God does want to bless His people and there is a lot of people out their that mock this Truth. He asks for full submission in the Holy Spirit and faith in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the Cross.
As Fred told me this story and encouraged me to read this passage from the Old Testament, I felt the deep concern God has for His children. I have a deep interest in my children and only want what is needed for their well-being. God reflects this and is concerned about you. Look to Him in prayer and seek out someone in your path to help you with God’s great message of good news. My prayer is for all you to have a personal relationship with your Savior. As leaders, we need a rock to be our foundation. Many are counting on us. Look to the Truth. And may I suggest looking into the AGO series from LIFE at www.the-life-business.com.
God bless, Aron
Steel the mind and Tender the heart.
Great post – love the story!
Thanks Aron,
-Dan
Great Post. B.O.B. Lead the Way.
Boldy retold, Aron – nicely done
Awesome!!!!
That was awesome Aron, something to think about….
thanks Aron for your leadership and amazing walk with the Lord….
Aron,
Love your blog,
BBNQ
Thanks, Aron, I’m glad you like that sermon! To God be the glory!
Sincerely,
Chris Brady