The Parchment 2-December-2001: God's Plan for Safe Sex

On May 1, 2003, President Bush addressed the crew of the Abraham Lincoln who were returning home from a 10 month tour in the U.S. Navy. In his remarks, President Bush told the American servicemen that their generation had risen to the greatest calling of our time.

As Americans we appreciate the words that he spoke and the commitment of the U.S. armed forces in the war against terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMD’s). They have contributed to peace in this world. We salute these brave men and women, and we appreciate their sacrifice.

There is however, a calling of our time that is even greater. As Paul wrote the church at Corinth he addressed them as "those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling" (I Cor. 1:2). To those in Rome he wrote, "to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints" (Romans 1:7).

The church, is the "called out" body of Christians who have answered the greatest calling of our time. We are called to be children of God (I Jn. 3:1). To the Colossians Paul wrote, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful" (Col. 3:15).

Susan and I are thankful. For on the same day (May 1, 2003) another answered this greatest calling of our time. Our daughter Christine responded to the gospel of Christ and was baptized into Christ for the remission of her sins (Acts 2:38, Gal. 3:26-27), and on May 9, our son Kevin also responded to the to the call of Christ. Reflecting on Tuesday's lesson describing the crucifixion of Christ, Kevin told me Thursday night that he felt like brother Bowman was talking right to him. This was simply the natural result of the seed falling on the good ground (Luke 8:15).

Christine and Kevin have answered the greatest calling one can ever answer in their lifetime.

The struggle is not with Saddam, or some terrorist, but "against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12).

The greatest calling requires bravery and total service to Christ, and offers the greatest blessings and peace of all (Phil. 4:7). We are proud of Christine and Kevin, and we love them deeply for who they are, and for their desire to serve God faithfully the rest of their lives. This calling is sure, holy, and a heavenly one (Hebrews 3:1, II Tim. 1:9-10).

Jesus said, "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). We rejoice with them!