CHANGING THE FARCE TO A FORCE

Friday, December 17, 2010

Too many today feel that the story of the Saviour's birth, peace on earth, good will to men is nothing but a farce. But Christians see it not as a farce but as a force.

Donald Barnhouse was being interviewed on television about an article he had written about putting Christ back into Christmas. The program hostess said to him, "Of course we all want Jesus! Everyone wants Him as an example." Dr. Barnhouse replied, "That is exactly what many people do not want. If they really did they would listen to Him. They would learn that first they need not Jesus the example, but Jesus the Saviour, for in the sight of Almighty God all men are lost." After waiting a minute to let that sink in, he continued: "Let us suppose that a plane is flying to a base in Antarctica, and that suddenly it splashes into those frigid waters. Three men are thrown into the sea, and the plane sinks at once. Nobody is near the spot, and New Zealand is 1000 miles away. One of the men can swim for ten minutes; the second, for two hours; the third is the world's champion long-distance swimmer. Suppose that this third man swims up alongside the ten-minute swimmer, and says: 'Take me as your example.' What nonsense! Those drowning men do not need an example; they all need a rescuer. The only difference between them is that one man will drown in ten minutes, another in two hours, and the champion a few hours later."

"Oh, men do not merely need an example. They need One to save them! This is the true message of Christmas, for this is what Jesus Christ came to do."

(These thought are from a sermon by Donald Barnhouse, God's Peace on Earth: A Farce or a Force)

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this Clif. I wish you and Charlotte and your family a very Merry Christmas.

Renee said...

What a wonderful example. Wishing you a blessed Christmas!

Joan Hall said...

A great analoy, Clif. Wishing you and Charlotte a Merry Christmas.

MTJ said...

Wow Clif!

"...men do not merely need an example. They need One to save them!" -- I have never heard Christ and salvation described that way. Thank you for sharing this message of hope.

Blessings and peace.

MTJ

Charlotte/For Such A Time As This said...

I like that sermon, so true!

I also had to laugh at your previous post because I just finished posting about a Christmas letter on my blog. Erma Bombeck has a unique sense of humor:)

Loren said...

Clif,

this is excellent analogy. It amazes me how some describe Christ. An example. A man who walked the earth. One who performed miracles.

He was all of this and most importantly our Savior. May we all cling to HIM ....Christ. My redeemer. My rescuer

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Wow...love that..not a farce but a force. My dgt's school play the other night was all about snow days not the reason for the season. Makes me sad that they're not allowed to focus on Him...

Anonymous said...

I just saw on the morning news that a Seattle Atheist group put up a tree outside the state capitol. The ornaments are photographs of famous atheists.
There is a also a big sign that
puts down Christmas and who it represents. I know, I know, we have the freedom of speech- but this is very sad. Let's all pray for the unbelievers this week. Let's shine bright for Jesus!!!!

Karen said...

Amen, Clif! I needed much more than an example. I needed a Savior! Merry Christmas, dear friend.

Donnie said...

That was a very good example of what we need to avoid. Thank you for sharing it. Have a blessed Christmas.

Kaye Swain - SandwichINK for the Sandwich Generation said...

What a wonderful analogy to help explain our need for a Savior. Goes well with the sermon we heard at church today. Advent blessings to y'all! :)

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Amen to that! Great post, brother Cliff! Thank you for sharing and I'm glad I know Him not only as my Saviour but my Friend as well.

Christmas blessings,
Sandi