Thought for the Month - April 2004

A voice from the dead - By Pastor Ian Wilson

The life of Diana Princess of Wales was a very turbulent and troubled one. The marriage between Diana and Prince Charles came to an end in July 1996. Then we had her tragic death in a Paris car crash in 1997. News stories about Diana have abounded. Various conspiracy theories have been suggested and it seems that ‘Diana’ is one story that simply refuses to go away.

Recently in the USA tapes of some of her conversations have been aired. The Princess speaks of Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, her struggle with bulimia, suicide attempts, and her relationships with other members of the Royal family; according to the US television network NBC.

The hour of video and about seven hours of audiotapes were the main source for Andrew Morton’s 1992 best seller, Diana: Her True Story. The audiotapes were understood to have been secretly recorded at Kensington Palace, in response to written questions submitted by Morton.

Journalists reporting on this story have said that the impact of hearing her voice as it were from the grave has been startling. No doubt it has proved annoying for Buckingham Palace and disturbing for Princes William and Harry.

In the Bible we read of two young men called Cain and Abel. I am sure most of you are aware of the story, which is found in Genesis chapter four. Both these young men wanted to please God and obviously their mum and dad Adam and Eve had taught them, that in order to please God, they must offer a blood sacrifice.

We read about Cain’s approach to God first.

Genesis 4:3 "And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord"

Then we read about Abel and how he approached God.

Genesis 4:4 "And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering"

God accepted Abel’s sacrifice, as it was a blood sacrifice. Cain’s approach to God was refused.

Genesis 4:5 "But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell"

Today we still have those who try and approach God by Cain’s way. By a man made way. [Heb. 9 v22] Still today some persist in trying to please God through their own efforts. [Jude 11]

We no longer bring animal sacrifices to approach God. [Heb 10 v 12] Christ’s death on the cross settled the matter forever and all we need to do is to trust in the finished work of Calvary.

In Hebrews 11 v 4 speaking of Abel who was murdered by Cain it says, "he being dead yet speaketh". It’s like a voice from the grave and what does the voice of Abel cry out today?

Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost"

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!