Lessons from the past

The week in Huntington, IN the community celebrates Pioneer Days. This is a throw back to the mid 19th century. There are a variety of exhibits that demonstrate what life was like back then and this is a time for the community to come together which is a good thing. On Sunday morning I have the priviledge to to speak in their community worship service. I will be sharing a message by Charles Finney "The One Thing Needful" from 1859. The thought I have for you this morning is what can we learn from this time period. I just have a few observations. First, people are not that much different today then back then. Within Finney's message he was dealings with some distractions that kept people from the message of Jesus Christ. Many of us have a view that there is so much more to do today then back then that the distractions would not have been as bad but that is not the case because it is a issue of the heart and the heart of man has not changed. Second, there was a need for revival during this time and there is a need for revival today. There is always a concern that Christian people begin to become complacent and compromise. The soul of man is in need to renew relationship with God. I am sure that others would make other observations but when I did some research on the messages of preachers of that time it is clear that with an update on illustrations and some words the messages of the mid 19th century would be relevant for today. Our toys have changed, our entertainment and sports is very different and no one would want to do without our advance technology but the heart and soul of man is still in need of having a genuine authentic relationship with our Creator. May the God of all eternity continue to draw our hearts to love God. Pastor John