April 8, 2022 - Good morning! It’s Friday, April 8.
On April 8, 1966, Time Magazine published an issue that rocked the world. For the first time since Time began in 1923, there was no picture on the cover, just three words in red ink on a black background. The words were, “Is God dead?”
The issue immediately became controversial. The writers and the editor received death threats. And thousands of pastors referred to it in their next sermon. The cover, and the question, did exactly what Time intended it to do - besides selling a record number of copies. It got people talking and thinking about what they really believed.
In 1966, 97% of Americans said they believed in God. When pollsters asked that same question in 2018, only 63% of us said that we did - a remarkable change in just 50 years. So, if one in three Americans today doesn’t believe, does that call into question God’s very existence? I believe, rather, that it speaks more about relationship. If I live my life as if there is no God, then for me, for all intents and purposes, He is dead.
But, if I feel the way that songwriters Bill and Gloria Gaither did, when they wrote their classic Easter song - then God is still very much alive.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
My life is worth the living just because He lives!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
