Some Things Never Change
Jack Critchfield

Nostalgia is based upon memories that bring to mind things of the past that are dear to us. We may not recall with accuracy all of the details, but we find joy in moments of yesterday that take us back to home and hearth. We might even change a few scenarios to fit our idealism and secret wishes for a better ending than the one that really transpired. However, there are some things that never change, things unchanging and unchangeable, and we need to be grateful for that. Such things include, God's gracious love; the high cost of sin; the hope of heaven; and the integrity of the Bible. These points show the balance, challenge and heart of Christianity in the battles of life as we strive to maintain purity and contentment while in a carnal world of shameful licentiousness.

The apostle Paul wrote, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men," (Titus 2:11 NKJV). Sadly, though, many fail to respond properly to such majestic mercy and infinite live. Some just will not come to the fount of blessing and redemption for cleansing and peace. Rom. 10:21, nevertheless, informs us that God still extends outstretched arms to grant shelter to those wise enough to seek His provision.
"There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where we our savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God."

Sin cannot molest and constant rest from worldly cares does await those who lean upon the everlasting arms of our Creator. We need to change our ways in order to be blessed by God who never changes. The wages of sin has never changed either. Sin and death - separation from the Lord - have always sorrowfully gone hand in hand (Rom. 6:23). Only the power of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary could triumph over Satan's hold on the human race (Mk. 3:27). What happened that day at Golgotha can never be changed. Hope for humanity echoes down through time in a message of unchanging beauty and glory. Sin is very persistent, powerful, popular, pitiful and personal. But Christ paid an enormous price to make it possible for us to persevere in righteousness. Paul expressed our gratitude best, I believe, in 2 Cor.9:15, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" Our tears of gladness for such monumental grace should flow freely as we partake of the Lord's Supper each first day of the week in memory of our Savior's death.

Scripture does not change. We shall be judged by the word of God (Jn. 12:48). The Bible cannot be broken by the changeable whims of men (Jn. 10:35). God said long ago, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Isa 55:11 NKJV). We do not need a new or updated message for modern times. The old Gospel, preached first on Pentecost in Jerusalem long ago, is to last until the end of the world (Matt. 28:20); Jude 3). We need to leave the ancient landmarks alone (Hos. 5:10). The integrity of the Bible and the hope of heaven belong together: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away … "in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel" (Matt. 24:35; Rom. 2:16 NKJV). Let us never forget that Christ is our refuge (Heb. 6:18). Therefore, let us seek to please Him in unchanging loyalty, at all times and in every way.