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| Grace Church of the Islands Presbyterian |
T. Brannon Bowman | Savannah, Georgia
 | | WEB | 912-898-0170 | ... sermonaudio.com/brannonbowman |
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 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 16:13-17
We live in a time when doctrine, theology, dogma, and denominations are all spoken of with scorn and contempt. “Doctrine divides!” is the claim. My response? “You’re right, it does.” But, is that bad? In a very few words, Jesus and His disciples dialogue about the central questions of redemptive history. Jesus asks who others believe Him to be and (even more directly) who the disciples believe Him to be. To answer these questions is to dive headlong into doctrine. Peter testifies to his faith in the true and the living Son of God. We testify, as well, to a faith in Jesus Christ as He is offered in the Bible. Romans 10:9 tells us of the hope of the Gospel when it promises that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This confession is strongly doctrinal. Our faith is solidly built upon the foundation of the truth of the Word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword. The faith of Peter is reflected in his response. Our faith is articulated in our words and actions in response to the same questions. And, as we respond, we rightly assume our roles as theologians. In this role, we are to wield the sword of God’s Word deftly and wisely. Now, God is not glorified in those who simply revel in picking theological fights – but, He is pleased for His children to eagerly pursue a deeper and more thorough understanding of His revelation to us. Our attitude is to be one of grace and humility as we stand boldly in eternal truth.
As Christians, we do not have the option of not being theologians. The choice before us is, instead, “will we be good theologians or poor theologians?” The Bible is our textbook. Our confession and catechisms are tools to help us study this textbook. Let it be our prayer that we become better theologians – not that we might be prideful, but that we might know God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit more deeply and that we would be better equipped for His call upon our lives.
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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When Life and Beliefs Collide
By Carolyn Custis James
What do you think of when you hear the word “theology”? Do you feel intimidated, overwhelmed, or completely disinterested? Carolyn James encourages women (and men) to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His words. J. I. Packer describes this book as a “must read” for Christian women and a “you’d better read” for Christian men.
Powerful Evangelism for the Powerless
By Jack Miller
This book will restore your enthusiasm for evangelism, give you a ready defense of the Gospel, and encourage you regarding the power of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jack Miller reminds us that we are to boldly and powerfully take the Good News into all the world.
Both these books are available in our church library.
“If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, error will be; if God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendance; if the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will; if the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness, will reign without mitigation or end.” – Daniel Webster
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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The Valley of Vision
By Arthur Bennett
Puritans wrote down their prayers as a way of keeping a record of God’s dealing with the soul. Included here are prayers of Bunyan, Watts, Spurgeon, and others. Arranged by theme – from the awesomeness of God to the awfulness of sin – you’ll find promptings for your own heart’s dialogue with your heavenly Father.
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
By J. I. Packer
How do Reformed theology and the Great Commission work together? J. I. Packer draws upon God’s Word to encourage and challenge the believer in the bold proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is convincing in his argument that believers with a Reformed world-view should have the greatest confidence and motivation toward evangelism.
Both these books are available in our church library. Check them out!
“Remember that your business in reading or in conversation, especially on subjects of natural, moral, or divine science, is not merely to know the opinion of the author or speaker, for this is mere knowledge of history; but your chief business is to consider whether their opinions are right or not, and to improve your own solid knowledge on that subject by meditation on the themes of their writing or discourse. Deal freely with every author you read, and yield up your assent only to evidence and just reasoning on the subject."
Isaac Watts, The Improvement of the Mind |
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." - Acts 2:42-47
In these verses, Luke gives us a vivid description of the Christian community of the early church. Notice the elements of their life together - the teaching of the apostles, the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. The community of these devoted followers of Jesus is emphasized in many ways.
They took meals together in gladness and sincerity of heart. They continued in one mind. They shared their resources freely with one another. And, in all of this, God added to their numbers every day; that is men and women were draw to Jesus through the community of His followers. The enthusiasm and dedication of those who made up the Church demonstrated to the world around them the sincerity of their faith. Christian community was central in their daily lives and they took part with awe and gladness. In the light of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, these men, women, and children could not get enough of the apostles' teaching and the fellowship of their spiritual family. Can we look at our church and other churches today and see the same attitude? Or, do we more frequently see the blessings of the fellowship of believers as an obligation and duty? Someone may ask, "Do I have to attend Sunday school, Sunday morning worship, Sunday evening worship, prayer group, midweek Bible study, choir rehearsal, and all other events in order to be a Christian?" I believe this question is poorly worded and therefore cannot be answered well. Within the context of Acts 2 and the rest of Scripture, the question ought to be, "How can I more fully experience and enjoy the blessings of God through fellowship, worship, and prayer among His people?" In the early church and throughout history, believers have risked their very lives to gather for the grace poured out in Christian community. Let us seek to take full advantage of this blessing and "not forsake the assembling together" - not as a grudging obligation but as a good and gracious gift from our Father.
One such blessing is our Sunday school hour. As this month's newsletter highlight, we are beginning a new quarter this month. There is an excellent offering of adult and children's classes. You shouldn't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to grow in God's Word and your relationship with Him. See you Sunday! |
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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Simon Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:68-69
Recently, I had a conversation with a young man about Christianity. He listened closely to how Jesus Christ had saves us from our sin, but immediately became very defensive when it was suggested that he too had that same need for Christ as his Savior. He explained to me that because we live in a pluralistic society, all religions are equally valid roads to God. "You're just being too closed-minded," he said. "Jesus works for you, just like Buddha works for someone else. So if you want people to respect what you have to say, you need to be more tolerant of beliefs unlike your own."
If you were to look across the landscape of America, what has become the message of salvation for us as a nation? What is the virtue held above all others? What message is met with almost universal applause? Tolerance. Now this is both good and bad. Will Rogers once opined, “Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow's too lazy to form an opinion.” Is this true? Is a Christian to be tolerant or intolerant? Look at our Savior for the answer. Jesus associated with the sick, the poor, and the dejected. He shared meals with prostitutes, tax collectors, and criminals. Christ doesn't judge us by our skin color or social status, but by the condition of our hearts.
We are tolerant with regard to these secondary matters, but convicted by the eternal truth. We are intolerant with the evil lies that lead so many astray. And all the while, we speak the truth in love to those who have been lead astray. We battle the false teaching of the age while praying for the salvation of those who hold to such deception. Our souls should be troubled to know that there are those who hold beliefs and ideas that the Bible calls wicked. And we grieve that those who hold such beliefs have hell to face for eternity. We see the sincerity with which the views are so often held; but, we know that they are sincerely wrong.
The truth is this. Heaven is a free gift. It cannot be earned. We do not deserve it. It is made ours only through Jesus Christ and Him alone. This same Jesus – the one who dined with tax collectors and sinners – also calls us to the solitary path to salvation. He boldly states, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me.” |
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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Devote Yourselves to Prayer - A Look at Colossians 4:2
The hopeful young applicant for a position with a Fortune 500 corporation manages, through perseverance, to obtain a meeting with the CEO. Wide-eyed and optimistic the young man sits patiently in the plush waiting area outside the office suite. Impressive men and women rush past in suits costing more than all the clothes he has ever owned put together. His pulse races. His head spins. It won’t be long now. The stern voice of the secretary rises above the din of interoffice chatter to herald the long-awaited moment, “He’ll see you now.” Nervous knees lift the hopeful candidate from the leather chair. He strides with all the confidence he can muster to the oak door. A lifetime of potential hinges on the exchange of the next few minutes. The content is significant and the communication is crucial. And, time is of the essence — for there is a long line of applicants who have similarly labored to gain access through the oak door of power and the secretary has been instructed to interrupt when five minutes are up. Five minutes! A lifetime impacted by five minutes of words.
Imagine, if you will, a similar scenario – only without the stern guardian at the secretary’s desk, without the oak door portcullis, without the months of pleading for access, and without the five minute window of opportunity. Surely such unfettered access would seem a blessing – yet, regrettably, when it happens we take such approachability for granted.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
If for no other reason, we ought to pray out of obedience to the command of God. The Bible leaves no gray area in its instruction – “pray without ceasing,” “devote yourselves to prayer,” “when you pray…,” “this is how you should pray.” Just as communication is necessary in human relationships, so is prayer expected by our heavenly Father (Who has spoken to us) of his children. To have a relationship with God, we need to talk to him. To have a vital relationship with God, we need to have a vital prayer life.
We should be encouraged from the outset that our God is more powerful and at the same time more approachable than any CEO of any corporation. Through Christ we have the blessing of unrestricted access to His throne of grace. But, do we avail ourselves of that blessing? If so, when? Only at times of pressing anxiety or oppressive concern? In moments of terror and danger? When all other options are exhausted?
Billy Graham has charged Christians to “[a]vail yourself of the greatest privilege this side of heaven. Jesus Christ died to make this communion and communication with the Father possible.” In all things, we should with eagerness and joy enter into God’s presence with words of prayer. We sing of such an attitude:
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
And
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
But, do we live what we sing?
First, before we may experience a sweet hour of it – or carry everything to God in it – we must ask, “What is prayer?” Generally, prayer is talking to God. But, is it just any talking to God? Specifically, prayer is …
an offering up of our desires unto God,
in the name of Christ,
by the help of his Spirit;
with confession of our sins,
and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies.
Listen to this example of prayer:
"O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'
They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." Nehemiah 1:5-11
This is the prayer of Nehemiah before going before King Artaxerxes about the broken walls of Jerusalem. How did he go about praying to God? Nehemiah describes his approach in verse 4 — When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. This man of God went before the throne with endurance, frequency, expectation, and with fervor. Or, to put it in a memorable way…
Perseverance
Regularity
Anticipation
Yearning
Let’s look first at Perseverance. Can you make it more than a few minutes in prayer? Is your “sweet hour of prayer” merely a “tolerable few minutes of prayer”? Do you grow weary as prayer meetings or corporate prayers in worship last more than a 5 or 10 minutes? Do you doze in the garden when fervent labor on your knees is needed?
Consider the example of Jesus in Luke 6. Just before He selected the twelve apostles, Jesus labored in prayer. Verse 12 tells us of our Savior’s pattern for persistent prayer — ”One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” As a matter of fact, Luke 5:16 says that “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed and had to wake Peter, James, and John up three times as He prayed.
In our hurried world, a retreat to converse uninterrupted by God may seem like a luxury. But, as regular “dates” and “getaways” are necessary to keep a marriage relationship healthy, so too are such “getaways” with God. These prayerful ports must be deliberate destinations as the waves of this world seek to swamp us before reaching the harbor. That is, unless we plan them they won’t happen. Pastor John Piper notes, “Unless I’m badly mistaken, one of the main reasons so many of God’s children don’t have a significant life of prayer is not so much that we don’t want to, but that we don’t plan to. If you want to take a lengthy vacation, you don’t just get up one summer morning and say, ‘Hey, let’s go today!’ You won’t have anything ready. You won’t know where to go. Nothing has been planned. […] If you don’t plan a vacation you will probably stay home and watch TV. The natural unplanned flow of spiritual life sinks to the lowest ebb of vitality.”
And, cherish this time. Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) spoke of the passion with which he embraced these hours with the Father. “I spent most of my time in thinking of divine things, year after year; often walking alone in the woods, and solitary places, for meditation, soliloquy, and prayer, and converse with God; and it was always my manner, at such times, to sing forth my contemplations. I was almost constantly in [quick, sudden] prayer, wherever I was. Prayer seemed to be natural to me, as the breath by which the inward burnings of my heart had vent.” He treasured this time of talking with his Father.
So, what should we do? Carve time out of each day, extended time out of each week, and even a full day out of each month or quarter. Make these times inviolable appointments with God. Close your door, turn on your answering machine, turn off your cell phone, and get away to a special place—free from distractions. Plan the time and keep up with your prayer life (prayer journal). Just do it and don’t give up. Remember, a runner doesn’t complete marathons on the very first day. Pray. And pray that God will make you love to pray all the more.
Rejoice that God is no mere CEO but the all-powerful King. Be sure and thank Him that your access is by invitation, without barriers, and without time limits.
A helpful publication is How to Spend a Day in Prayer by Lorne C. Sanny. He gives a lot of helpful advice on how to enjoy extended conversations with God.
T. Brannon Bowman, April 26, 2006
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 |
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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I met Carol our freshman year in college. I was immediately smitten by this impressive young lady (she, however, took some convincing!) Imagine if we had been introduced and then spoke only a few hurried moments every now and then. Suppose we still, somehow, decided to marry and remained married for these sixteen years. However, we still only spoke occasionally and for brief, superficial moments. I would dare say that our relationship would be but a mere formality—a façade obviously existing for some reason other than our love for one another.
The facts of our history are much different. It was my deliberate endeavor to spend as much time with Carol as frequently as I could. I scheduled classes so I could walk with her. I rearranged my study time, meal time, sleep time, you name it, just to get time with her. In this way, we grew closer. In this time together, I got to know her. I came to love her more and more.
Look for a moment at the time Jesus spent with His heavenly Father:
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed - Luke 5:16
Do you see a pattern of perseverance and frequency in our Saviors prayer life? Jesus regularly drew close to God in prayer so that His body and soul might be filled from the inexhaustible resources of God. If this was the practice and even the need of Jesus, what does that say about our need?
You’ll remember from last time we examined the characteristics our prayer life should manifest. They were:
Perseverance
Regularity
Anticipation
Yearning
We looked at Perseverance. Our prayer life should be a pattern of communication which gives us joy as we bask in the presence of God. As we grow closer to God, “sweet hours of prayer” ought to become the rule rather than the exception.
The second characteristic is Frequency. Our prayer life ought not be a monthly phone call home. I remember when I was in college I frequently had to be prompted to call home—that is, except when I needed money! It should not be uncommon for us to be found in prayer on a regular basis.
James, the author of the epistle bearing his name, and the half-brother of Jesus, as he grew in leadership over the early church became known as James the Just. This spoke of his zeal and devotion to God—and particularly to his practice of frequent and extended prayer. He was also called “Old Camel Knees” because his knees had become so visibly calloused from their frequent contact with the floor in prayer. Where are your callouses?
Imagine your relationship with your spouse. Would it demonstrate a healthy or a dysfunctional relationship to only speak once a week—and then only for a few minutes—and only to communicate what you want out of the next week? No, frequent quality communication is key. So it is with our spiritual life. Talk to God. Talk daily. Talk hourly. Pray without ceasing.
So, do we just repeat the same prayer over and over each day? Perhaps. Jesus tells us of the persistent widow coming to the judge over and over and over again. He commends to us this repetition in our prayers. As you pray for the salvation of family and friends—don’t stop. Pray for your husband, your wife, your parents, your children … always.
There are also other items for regular prayer—to lift one another up, to pray for your church officers, your pastor and his family, your city, state, and country, the military, our missionaries, our church ministries, … As you write these things down, you will find that the list will grow and grow. How do you manage to pray for all these things?
Might I suggest that you establish a weekly prayer calendar? In this way you could spend significant prayer time on Wednesdays (for example) praying (among other things) for the men of our church, for the men’s study, for our fathers, … As prayer needs are added to your list, schedule them within this schedule (daily, weekly, …). In this way, you may be able to pray in depth, follow-up, and not just vainly repeat hurried words over the matter.
J. C. Ryle wrote, “All the children of God on earth are alike in this respect. From the moment there is any life and reality about their religion, they pray. Just as the first sign of life in an infant when born into the world is the act of breathing, so the first act of men and women when they are born again is praying. This is one of the common marks of all the elect of God, ‘They cry unto him day and night’ (Luke 18:1). The Holy Spirit, who makes them new creatures, works in them the feeling of adoption, and makes them cry, ‘Abba, Father’ (Rom. 8:15). The Lord Jesus, when he quickens them, gives them a voice and a tongue, and says to them, "Be dumb no more." God has no dumb children. It is as much a part of their new nature to pray, as it is of a child to cry. They see their need of mercy and grace. They feel their emptiness and weakness. They can not do otherwise than they do. They must pray. “ He later charges, “It is useless to say you have no time. There is plenty of time, if men will employ it. Time may be short, but time is always long enough for prayer. Daniel had the affairs of a kingdom on his hands, and yet he prayed three times a day. David was ruler over a mighty nation, and yet he says, ‘Evening and morning and at noon will I pray’ (Ps. 55:17). When time is really wanted, time can always be found.”
Go to that quiet place and pray. Don’t wait until you feel worthy. Don’t wait until you feel good. You will never get well by staying away.
T. Brannon Bowman, May 3, 2006
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 |
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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I Am Reminded by Kennedy Smartt
This book is an autobiographical, anecdotal history of the Presbyterian Church in America. As a founding father of the PCA, Kennedy Smartt has spent most of his life working to build a Church that refuses to compromise in its commitment to the Word of God, its passion for evangelism, and its belief in the power of intercessory prayer. This book is his compelling eyewitness account of the men and events that, in 1973, helped give birth to the PCA. Best of all, it’s the inside story as only Kennedy could tell it.
Every Thought Captive by Richard Pratt
In down-to-earth language Richard L Pratt, Jr., gives us this helpful study manual on apologetics – the task of defending the faith. Far from a theoretical exposition, this training manual teaches how to answer questions from non-believers and to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” Pratt shows us how the biblical doctrines about humanity and our relationship to our Creator determine how we should do apologetics. Within this theological framework he examines the premises, attitudes, and specific steps involved in a genuinely biblical discussion of Christianity. |
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. I Corinthians 12:12-13,27
Do you know who Frankenstein is? Well, to be accurate, Frankenstein was the doctor who stitched together body parts from corpses into the newly constituted body of the creature. The novel by Mary Shelley explores the intrusion of technology, science, and reason within the posted domain of God Himself. The doctor sought to bring about a thing of beauty – life out of death, unity out of chaos. Instead, he created a monster. The novel describes the event – “As soon as the monster comes to life, Victor is filled with intense revulsion. He explains, “the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.” The ugliness was this. That which had been created bore more resemblance to death than to life. It was more reminiscent of its past rather than its future. The creature was a walking conglomeration of dead parts, animated by some unseen means.
Paul, as he writes to the church at Corinth, he calls them to be similarly composed yet resembling something completely different. We – the church – are in many ways like Mary Shelley’s creature. Paul tells us “we are a body” – each “members of that body.” From whence did we come? The answer is kind of gruesome. We were exhumed. Raised from the dead. Paul writes in Ephesians 2 that we were dead in trespasses and sins… but God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He has loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved. And, if God has truly fashion this body – and, if this is the body of Christ and we are individually members of it – then it will not be a monster, but a beautiful creation.
Then, how is the body of Christ to operate? How are we to work together toward the glory of God? Each body part has its purpose. We all are to cooperate that the overall mission is accomplished. In this passage to the Corinthian church, Paul describes grumblings and murmurings taking place due to each member’s part. Eyes were complaining that they weren’t ears, feet that they weren’t hands. But Paul reminds us that we each have the exact gifts and talents God intended for us to have that we might serve Him well in each of our area.
We are the body of Christ. Let us be a fit body. Let us be a beautiful body – not a monster of mismatched parts but a body of Christ fearfully and wonderfully made. Let each part do its part to glorify our Lord. Let us be honest as we pray that God will “Take our Lives and Let Them Be Consecrated Lord to Thee.” |
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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It was on August 9, 1974 that a bit of aviation history was made. While flying at 39,000 feet over Kansas City, Missouri, an internationally recognized airplane underwent a radical transformation. Just moments before, President Richard M. Nixon was en route from Washington, D.C. to California aboard Air Force One. Then an event on the ground triggered the transformation in the sky. In Washington, D.C., Vice President Gerald Ford was being sworn in as the 38th President of the United States following President Nixon’s resignation. As Vice President Ford took the oath of office and became President Ford, the pilot of the aircraft radioed the control tower. The reason for the pilot’s transmission was to change the call sign of the plane. Just a moment before, it was “Air Force One.” A few seconds later, it was designated “SAM27000.” The reason behind this reassignment was the nature of the first designation. “Air Force One” is not a particular airplane but the call sign of whatever airplane is carrying the president. The occupant, not the vehicle, determines this name. Only the presence of the sitting President of the United States qualifies a plane to be called “Air Force One.” At that moment, the occupant changed from the president to the former president and the plane was no longer referred to in the same way.
The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:11,14 “but if the Spirit of Him who raise Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you… For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” We are called sons and daughters of God on the basis of Who dwells in us. In these verses, we are given the gracious assurance that eternal life is ours if the Holy Spirit is in us. God’s Word is clear that we may be confident of our eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The lasting proof of this is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are lead, comforted, encouraged, instructed, and matured through the work of the Spirit in our lives. This comforts us in times of difficulty and it gives us focus in times of joy. However, unlike Air Force One, our true designation as Christians can never be removed. Once the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, He will never leave us. Our “call sign” is permanent – it will never change once the Spirit has occupied our lives. The Holy Spirit testifies that we are eternally children of God and fellow heirs with Jesus Christ. This is the promise God makes to all those who trust in Jesus Christ. |
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T. Brannon Bowman
Brannon has been pastor at Grace Church of the Islands in Savannah, GA since January 2006. Prior to this, he served as Pastor of Monroeville Presbyterian... |
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