Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

Dr. Benjamin Rush was a delegate to the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. He and John Adams became close friends even though they were from different states. Rush was in charge of the Continentals’ medical facilities. During the first year we amassed great losses.

Deeply discouraged, Dr. Rush returned to the Continental Congress, sat down by his friend, Adams, and asked, “John, do you think we can win this war?” Adams’ reply was remarkable. He said, “Yes, if we fear God and repent of our sins.” He put the Revolution on a spiritual level, not merely a physical one.

Our Founders believed that they were establishing a Christian nation. They believed America would be like the “city set on a hill” that would point nations to God. They dedicated themselves to spiritual principles which are found in the pages of the Bible. As a result, we did win the War and America prospered.

You and I face all kinds of battles in our lives. Can we win? Certainly – If we fear God and repent of our sins! What we are engaged in goes beyond church programming. It goes beyond physical concerns. It rests in the spiritual.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

For years I have heard and said, “It is not what you know, it is WHO you know.” That is often true in finding employment. It is true in making things happen once you are employed. A person’s influence is hude.

Having said that, let me remind us of Jesus statement in John 8:32, “You shall know the TRUTH and the truth shall make you free.” One thing that jumps out at me about this statement is not only the need for truth, but that we must KNOW it. Truth is always there, but if we are unaware of it, it does little good.

Americans are waking up to the anti-American behavior of some of our political leaders. The truth has been there, we just did not see it. Now we do. Now we are acting.

The same is true about our God. He is always here. We may be unaware, but He is here. Once we “get it,” all manner of life changes because we learn His truths and HE frees us.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Storm Chasers

The story in Matthew 8:23-27 is a prelude to the exorcism of the demoniac of the Gadarenes. Jesus has explained to the twelve that to follow this rabbi, they had to be committed to him 100%. He takes them on an offensive attack across the Sea of Galilee to a “far country” inhabited by evil.

Symbolically, as they cross the abyss of the Sea, they are assaulted by the “Prince of the Power of the Air” in the storm he sends against them. Jesus is able to instantaneously calm the sea and winds. In actuality, he simultaneously confronts and defeats Satan. He then goes ashore and cast out the legion of demons from the “demoniac.”

Life is filled with conflict. The disciples of Jesus have the “normal” conflicts and then a few more thrown in by the Enemy. He may use the storms of self-doubt or fears of inadequacy. It may be stresses at work or in the family. It may be our time constraints to get “everything” done. These “storms” come as an assault on those who have chosen to follow THE Rabbi.

There is only one place to go when those times come. It is to the one who has power over the one sending the trial. We boldly go to him and seek his aid. With his help, the storms dissipate and life grows calmer. In those times when instant calming does not occur, we have peace in the storm until the sun shines again, because we walk in the dust of THE Rabbi.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

PFC Amber Bahr is an American hero! During the shooting at Ft. Hood, Texas she managed to put a tourniquet on a wounded soldier. She then helped him and others to safety. After caring for some of the shooting victims, she discovered that she also had been shot.

Selfless spirit is one of the most commendable qualities we can see in an individual. This spirit has caused members of our military to act in heroic ways on the battlefield. The results of their actions have saved lives and brought Congressional Medals of Honor. Sometimes the heroes on the battlefield have made the ultimate sacrifice for their “battle buddies” and us.

In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” He certainly laid down his life for his friends (i.e., his disciples). He went even further, Jesus laid down his life for his enemies. This is why he could pray, “Father, forgive them” for the Jews and the Romans as he hung on the cross.

Through Jesus, God went even further than those people who were literally killing his son. Hear Paul, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Before we get too high and mighty, we need to remember that WE are as guilty of crucifying Jesus as Pilate or Caiaphas.

PFC Bahr and others display the same kind of selfless spirit as Jesus. The willingness to put oneself in danger for the sake of others is admirable. Amber showed it at a Cavalry post; Jesus at Calvary.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10.10b

To have the abundant, fulfilled life in the present, we must follow Jesus completely. This is reflected in the “Shema” of the Hebrews (Deuteronomy 6.4-9) and repeated by Jesus as “the greatest commandment” (Matthew 22.36-40). We must love God with all of our beings. Every aspect – heart, soul, mind, and body must be under His control.

Jesus’ presence was for the purpose of bringing us into complete harmony with God. He came to give abundant/eternal life. That life is with the Father now and forever. In order to help us achieve this, Jesus healed. Sometimes He healed the body (Matthew 8.1-17). Sometimes He healed the spirit (Mark 5.1-20). Sometimes He healed the soul (Luke 7.36-50). Sometimes He healed the mind (Luke 24.13-35). He came to help us make the necessary corrections to our lives that would produce the abundant life that comes from God.

Jesus did not come merely to heal the bodies of the physically infirm; to raise the dead; or just to forgive sins. He came to give fulfillment (wholeness) to the lives of people. This comes through faithful obedience to the living God (Deuteronomy 4).

To have the abundant life, we must walk with God. This requires faithful obedience. It requires effort and discipline. What do we think about? What do we do with our lives? Do these things honor God or do they diminish His influence?

Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene