A Cloud of Witnesses for Freedom and Truth

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As Memorial Day approaches, remember all the men and women of the armed forces in years gone by, especially those who gave their lives in service to their country. Remember also those who currently serve and defend our freedoms.

Memories in the Cloud

We talk about “the cloud” all the time. Everything is “in the cloud.” The cloud holds all kinds of data — pictures of family and friends, music, videos, documents, etc. But there’s another kind of cloud that stores vital information also. And the “images” in that cloud are people who have departed this earth, yet they live on in our memories, and their “documents” are prevailing words of truth.

Hall of Faith Testimonies

Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith.” It tells of 17 faithful Old Testament saints by name and several more by their acts of faith. All of them lived knowing, loving, and trusting God. They were people of great faith, and God strengthened them and used them to accomplish His good purposes. That which God worked in their hearts was demonstrated in their words and works. And in Hebrews chapter 12, they are referred to as a “great cloud of witnesses” because their lives have continued to be a testimony, throughout the ages, of the blessings of abiding faith and the mercy and grace of God.

A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Why does God call them a “great cloud of witnesses?” I suggest that it should bring to mind another “cloud”— the cloud that led the Israelites in the desert by day.

In that cloud was the power of God miraculously manifested in the sight of all the people. In that cloud was the provision of God’s presence and direction as He led His people through the wilderness. And in that cloud was the providence of God in preparing His people and moving them forward according to His purpose and plan.

The faithful “cloud of witnesses” is a spiritual cloud that can also lead and strengthen us in our journey. Remember, ponder, and treasure their words and works, and be encouraged by their steadfast examples of faith. From “the cloud” (Heaven), they testify about God’s love, grace, mercy, and goodness and tell of His provision for His children in all generations.

Consider the following words of wisdom from a Cloud of Witnesses of more recent times. They remind us of the great testimony of Jesus that God has given in the words of the Holy Bible.

Excerpt from Got Questions? We have Reasons for Hope— Reasons Book 3

A Cloud of Witnesses — Pastors and Church Leaders

The Holy Scriptures are our letters from home. — Saint Augustine.

The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible. — Dwight L. Moody

The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation. — Dwight L. Moody

A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. — Charles H. Spurgeon

I study my Bible like I gather apples. I search the Bible as a whole like shaking the whole tree. Then I shake every limb – study book after book. Then I shake every branch, giving attention to the chapters. And then I shake every twig, or a careful study of the paragraphs and sentences and words and their meanings. — Martin Luther

The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian. — A. W. Tozer

Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness. — Helen Keller

All miseries and evils that men suffer from—vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery and war—proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible. — Noah Webster

A Cloud of Witnesses — Presidents

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. — Theodore Roosevelt

Take all that you can of this book upon reason, and the balance on faith, and you will live and die a happier man. — Abraham Lincoln [Response when a skeptic expressed surprise seeing Lincoln reading a Bible]

As Commander-in-Chief I take pleasure in commending the reading of the Bible to all who serve in the armed forces of the United States. Throughout the centuries men of many faiths and diverse origins have found in the Sacred Book words of wisdom, counsel and inspiration. It is a fountain of strength and now, as always, an aid in attaining the highest aspirations of the human soul. — Franklin D. Roosevelt, January 25, 1941 [Letter from the White House to the Armed Forces on the first page of my father’s military-issued New Testament and Psalms pocket Bible.]

Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face. — Ronald Reagan

Word of God Speak

In addition to the voice of the “cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us, the Word of God itself speaks to us. The Bible equips, encourages, and empowers us to live faithfully and to boldly testify of our great God.

John 1:1, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Psalm 119:81, 114 I hope in thy word.

*** Remember…

to thank God for the brave men and women who fight our country’s battles, especially those who have given their lives for our freeedom.

*** And Always Remember…

to thank and praise the One who fought the greatest battle ever. He fought the battle we could not fight. And He won the victory we could not win. Jesus gave His life so we can live, and He conquered death and defeated Satan. And because of His great sacrifice, we can live in ultimate freedom.

Be bold and tell of His love and saving grace. Help build His kingdom today. Seize every opportunity to witness for Jesus. For one day, you will go to be with Him and become a member of the Great Cloud of Witnesses.

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If you missed the story of biblical faith displayed in WWII, read it now. It’s the historical account of a nation that knew the Bible and used three little words from the book of Daniel to keep war-torn England from being crushed in spirit and defeated in battle. READ HERE!

Memorial Day, Patriotic Articles & Videos, 4th of July

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The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2023

There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith. Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory. Their words equip and encourage us even to this day. Take a few minutes to hear...