“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
This morning I listened to a classic sermon from the late Paris Reidhead, “Not to be Wasted.” In it, he takes this most famous verse and focuses on the second part, “should not perish.”
We often think of eternal punishment (or hell) when we think of what Jesus Christ saved us from. However, Paris expounds on a more full explanation. He’s not only saved us from eternal separation from God, but a meaningless or wasted life this side of eternity.
I needed to hear it. I woke up actually thinking about the message, which I first listened to probably 15yrs ago on a cassette tape (remember those?!). I was reminded again of my first calling to know and be found in Jesus Christ. To get away with Him daily, to be filled continually and embrace all that He has supplied through the Son. It’s not all about our actions, or our words, but who we are. Only Jesus Himself can help us change, and that’s His plan for all of us.
If you are discouraged or your heart is wrestling with purpose, take 45 minutes and let this message encourage you. Paris is my all time favorite speaker. As a former missionary with SIM (Sudan Interior Mission), teacher, writer and businessman, I love his style, his passion and humility. If you like it, check out his other message “Ten Shekels and a Shirt,” I think it’s more relevant now than it was 50yrs ago.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/playpopup.asp?SID=7130774425 (This message is from 1960’s).