FROM THE PULPIT

Ancient Words: ...and Pilate asked...What is Truth?

By Scott Johnson

All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. Eccl 1.7

The Amazon River is the largest river on our globe. As this river flows and empties into the ocean, geographical reports state that, when considering the size and number of gallons of water in an Olympic size swimming pool, the Amazon deposits approximately 200 of these pools per second every day without fail. When thinking about all the rivers on earth depositing into the oceans--- their combined mass of flowing water never causes the ocean level to rise (or fall)!

This bit of truth given by Solomon goes deeper when one considers that our Creator has designed, in perfect, balance, the discharge of water into the sea and the evaporation of water from the sea.

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Mar 4:35-41 KJV-BRG

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. Mat 14:22-33 KJV-BRG

Some scientists say part of our ice cap will melt and disastrous flooding will occur causing great loss and harm. So, what is truth? Water exists in 3 forms--a liquid, a gas, a solid. If a solid is in a liquid and the solid becomes liquid, the level of the liquid remains the same. So, what is truth? Wisdom from heaven is truth, Jesus has demonstrated his absolute power and authority over the sea! Wisdom from below..... But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. Jas 3:14-16 NIV

Scott and Jane Johnson minister with East Faulkner Church of Christ and BRG Bible. Bible questions can be sent to [email protected]

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