I am no longer shocked by the depth of the depravity of man. All I have to do (and should do daily) is see that same depravity in my own heart as proof. Preach the Gospel to yourself daily and live according to His Word. He truly has overcome the world so that we can feel free to go out in it and proclaim the truth without fear.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are under. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. “ 2 Cor 4:16-18 ESV
Thinking they were stranded, I was praying for them up until we got the news that they had perished, that if they hadn't received the gift of salvation, they would do so before it was too late. I hoped that the Holy Spirit would bring to mind memories of what they may have heard and previously dismissed about the gospel of salvation. Now it appears there was no opportunity for that. We must be sure that we are ready to enter eternity at any time.
There just aren't words for the vile, hate-filled comments about this tragedy. I keep reminding myself that Scripture tells us that the evil in men's hearts will grow in the last days, but what we are seeing is just more than I could ever imagine. May those of us who claim the name of Christ be more committed to prayer and to sharing the Gospel with this lost world.
I am no longer shocked by the depth of the depravity of man. All I have to do (and should do daily) is see that same depravity in my own heart as proof. Preach the Gospel to yourself daily and live according to His Word. He truly has overcome the world so that we can feel free to go out in it and proclaim the truth without fear.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are under. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. “ 2 Cor 4:16-18 ESV
Thinking they were stranded, I was praying for them up until we got the news that they had perished, that if they hadn't received the gift of salvation, they would do so before it was too late. I hoped that the Holy Spirit would bring to mind memories of what they may have heard and previously dismissed about the gospel of salvation. Now it appears there was no opportunity for that. We must be sure that we are ready to enter eternity at any time.
"There was no opportunity. . ."
You're right. What a solemn thought that is, and ought to be.
It's why the Book of Common Prayer says ". . .from sudden death, good Lord, deliver us".
There just aren't words for the vile, hate-filled comments about this tragedy. I keep reminding myself that Scripture tells us that the evil in men's hearts will grow in the last days, but what we are seeing is just more than I could ever imagine. May those of us who claim the name of Christ be more committed to prayer and to sharing the Gospel with this lost world.
Always appreciate your thoughtfulness Peter, helps keep me on track with my thoughts and prayers.