The Eyes of Your Understanding Being Enlightened; That Ye May Know What Is The Hope of His Calling, And What the Riches of the Glory of His Inheritance in the Saints - Part 1306

"And above all these things [put on] charity, which IS the bond of perfectness, and let the peace of God rule in your hearts ..." (Colossians 3:14-15)

Often, we hear believers say they struggle understanding the Bible, particularly the King James version. As a consequence, this alleged quandary has led to a proliferation of revised Bibles being published in what these authors call -- easy to understand and readable language.

So, just for this once, please allow me to highlight scripture against several award winning advertising slogans found in the world. Perhaps, together, we can see how flawed suggestions that the King James version of the Word of God is more difficult to understand than more recent publications.

1. L'Oréal convinces us by stating -- "Because I'm worth it." But doesn't the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ present the very same message, going one step further by also telling us "why" we are worth it? 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

2. Visa says, "It's everywhere you want to be." But the gospel offers each and every one of us blessed assurance (beyond a shadow of a doubt) that Jesus is everywhere we are, every moment of the day and night too, cuddling us in the palm of His hand when we trust in Him. 

For He hath said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you!" (Hebrews 13:5)

3. Club Med established the organization as "the antidote for civilization." Didn't Jesus do the same when He convinced doubting Thomas that there is only one way to heaven?

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

4. The New York Times states, "All the news that's fit to print." And yet, we question the disciple which testified and wrote of the numerous miracles, signs and wonders that Jesus did on earth, even though we know that his testimony is true.

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." (John 21:25)

5. Do you remember the slogan at Federal Express? "When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight." Well, Apostle Paul in his writing to the saints and faithful at Ephesus called the same absolutely, positively "Redeeming the time ..." (Ephesians 5:16) 

6. Most post-secondary institutions present themselves through a range of mottos including: “To Persevere and Excel” or "What starts here changes the world" or "Let knowledge grow from more to more; and so be human life enriched." In Canada, the messaging was "Learn to Earn" for a long time. Still, know that the number one, best selling book of all time is quick to tell us ...

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

7. And then there are advertisements such as this one from AT&T. "Reach out and touch someone." What does the King of kings and Lord of lords tell us? 

Jesus said, " A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35)

8. How about "Give us 20 minutes and we'll give you the world" -- courtesy of WINS Radio, New York?  

Jesus went one step further when He said, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)

9. The world states -- "If it's not an iPhone, it's not an iPhone ..." 

Jesus said that He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and He changes not. And as such, He is still inviting one and all to the most elaborate wedding feast ever. He continues to reach out to us, saying,

"Come." And let him that heareth say, "Come." And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)

But in so doing, always remember (just like the iPhone slogan) -- "Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8)

10. Oh, and is there any contest between this 1929 Guinness ad that states  "Guinness is good for you" and the "new wine" that lasts a lifetime, and beyond, into eternity? 

"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:11)

11. My personal favorite? 

"When you got it, flaunt it" courtesy of Braniff Airlines. 

I can personally attest that there is no greater calling than that of serving our Lord God and Saviour in everything we do.

"And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit -- which IS the Word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints ... that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador ..." (Ephesians 6:17-20)

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1:18)

Let those with ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.