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Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE GREATEST DISCOVERY

THE GREATEST DISCOVERY*

Throughout history there have been many discoveries made in all fields relating to humanity. But of all the numerous findings, what might be considered to be the greatest of them all? It is interesting to examine what one scientist said about this very thing a number of years ago.

Dr. James Simpson (1811-1870) has been recognized as being the person responsible for discovering the anesthetic properties of chloroform, laying the foundation for the practice of gynaecology, and predicting the discovery of the X-ray. He was also for a time president of the Royal Society and Royal Physician to the Queen.

Although a scientist, he had an ongoing faith and believed that there was no incompatibility between religion and science. He is quoted as saying:

Christianity works because it is supremely true 

and therefore supremely livable.

He also apparently said that none of his scientific achievements were his greatest discovery.

It was to know that I am a sinner 

and that I could be saved by the grace of God. 

A man has missed the whole meaning of life 

if he has not entered into an active, living relationship with God through Christ.

and

There is apparently no discovery of science that compares with that of finding Jesus Christ and making Him both Lord and Saviour. And this evidently applies not only to science but to every aspect of life. The Bible puts it this way:

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 

and all these things shall be added to you. 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow… 

(Matthew 6:33-34)

Seek the greatest discovery first and it may amaze you what else might follow.

Just something to think about.

* Adapted from The Evidence Bible p.g., 1546 

 

Blake Storey March 22, 2026

Click here for the video:

https://youtu.be/i-VS0o2LBqc?si=BMBKh5IZf0WZK9n6

Dr. Barclays Bible Study - The Gospel of Mark Part 35

https://youtu.be/uPDZJiqzs4g 

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - RESTORATION

RESTORATION

When one watches the news or documentaries on world events, it’s not hard to see the devastation and destruction caused by both natural disasters and human activity. From floods and windstorms to invasions and war, the results are such that only years of repair and restoration will undo the damage caused by such episodes. Yet after each calamity, mankind starts the process of restoring things “back to normal” just so that, in many cases, the problems that caused the destruction in the first place can just recur again. 

This is the reality in many of our lives as we often have to make changes to rebuild what we have lost or destroyed; only to see that after the changes are made, the same destructive problems tend to reappear. And this often happens regardless of whether we change jobs, or change our vehicles, our houses, or even our spouse. The same end result is often the case.

Such was the problem with the woman that Jesus met at the well. She had apparently changed husbands a number of times without any real change in her situation.

for you have had five husbands, 

and the one whom you now have is not your husband… 

(John 4:18)

She evidently changed her spouse but apparently not what she put into the marriage. Or to use the well analogy, she kept changing the bucket but not the water that was put into it. That is why Jesus said to her:

…Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 

but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst… 

(John 4:13,14)

It’s evident that there is little use in making restoration unless there are also changes made in the situation that caused the problem in the first place. And this is probably why the Bible talks not only about salvation and sanctification but also about restoring the lives we live here on earth. 

The theme of restoration extends throughout the entire Bible. Some examples are:

And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends… 

(Job 42:10)

So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten… 

(Joel 2:25)

He restores my soul… 

(Psalm 23:3)

I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel… 

(Amos 9:14 ESV)

…if my people, who are called by my name 

will humble themselves and pray and seek my face 

and turn from their wicked ways, 

I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 

(2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT)

And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age… 

(Ruth 4:15)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, 

he is a new creation [restored]… 

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

The whole idea is that putting the same lifestyle into a new vessel - job, house, spouse, whatever - does not really work. It is the changing of the lifestyle [the water] that makes the difference. Be sure to drink from the water that makes you never thirst again.

Just something to think about.

Pastor Matthew Trott March 15, 2026

 

Pastor Matthew Trott March 15, 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQk1zcOT-Pw

 

Dr. Barclays Bible Study - The Gospel of Mark Part 34