"There is a line, by us unseen, that crosses ev’ry path, The hidden boundary between God’s patience and His wrath. To pass that limit is to die, to die as if by stealth; It does not quench the beaming eye, nor fade the glow of health; The conscience may be still at ease, the spirit light and gay; That which is pleasing, still may please, and care be thrust away." The late Dr. Frank Pollard recited the old hymn* in the 1997 sermon posted below as he discussed gambling with salvation. That's the thing about betting, you can win big but also lose big and sometimes there is no second chance.
Scripture: Acts 24:24
(NIV) 24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.
(KJV) And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.Hymn: Beware! O Soul, Beware!
1 There is a time—we know not when, a point—we know not where,
That marks the destiny of men to glory or despair;
There is a line, by us unseen, that crosses ev’ry path,
The hidden boundary between God’s patience and His wrath.
2 To pass that limit is to die, to die as if by stealth;
It does not quench the beaming eye, nor fade the glow of health;
The conscience may be still at ease, the spirit light and gay;
That which is pleasing, still may please, and care be thrust away.
3 But on that forehead God has set indelibly a mark,
Unseen by man, for man, as yet, is blind and in the dark;
And yet the doomed man’s path below like Eden may have bloomed,
He did not, does not, will not know nor feel that he is doomed.
4 He thinks or feels that all is well, and ev’ry fear is calmed;
He lives, he dies, he wakes in Hell, not only doomed but damned!
Oh, where is this mysterious bourn by which our path is crossed,
Beyond which God Himself hath sworn that he who goes is lost?
5 How far may we go on in sin? how long will God forbear?
Where does hope end, and where begin the confines of despair?
An answer from the skies is sent, “Ye that from God depart,
While it is called “today” repent, and harden not your heart.”
No comments:
Post a Comment