Short Statements: Great Truths Ecclesiastes 5:2 I. Introduction. A. Truth is often expressed in a few words. B. Men sometimes become "wordy" in order to try to justify a teaching or position. 1. Noted--of late--many of those who believe they have discovered new truth write volumes to explain position. 2. The gospel is a simple message--with simple commands-- that all may understand. C. Solomon advised: Ecclesiastes 5:2. 1.Recount gospel preacher in debate who read Acts 2:38. 2. Several years ago, George DeHoff, after a group of brethren published a lengthy treatise on some matter, signed it the "standing committee." Brother Dehoff wrote a note that said it all: "Gentlemen, be seated." D. Great truths are expressed in short, direct statements. 1. Yet--volumes have been written about such statements. 2. Simple, straight-forward statements can, and do, inspire people. 3. Short statements can have great meaning. II. Body. How profound--- A. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth": Genesis 1:1. 1. Ten words open the revelation from God and explain the origin of the universe. 2. Think of the import: beginning--nothing existed before-- except divinity. 3. God created--not evolvement from unknown forces. 4. The universe in which we now live was spoken into existence. 5. How many volumes have been written by man on the origin of our world. B. "Where art thou?" Genesis 3:9. 1. In three words, Adam and Eve will be confronted with their transgressions. 2. Can one imagine being confronted by Jehovah in this manner? 3. Adam tried to use "words" to explain his hiding from God. 4. The man blamed the woman; the woman blamed the serpent.(And "blaming" continues today.) 5. God had the last word. C. "Judge not that ye be not judged": Matthew 7:1. 1. Men tend to be harsh toward other men. a. Even those who talk about others judging often become the strictest judges. b. The attitude of condemnation can be found in too many instances. 2. Jesus taught we are to examine ourselves before censoring others. 3. The standard: John 7:24. 4. It is easy to be harsh toward those we do not like while excusing our close friends. 5. Jesus is teaching us to avoid hypocrisy. D. "He went away sorrowful": Matthew 19:22. 1. The cares and pleasures of this life have a great influence on humans. 2. This young man had great wealth: it meant more to him than serving Christ. 3. The man was a good moral person: Matthew 19:16-20. 4. What he lacked was the spirit of sacrifice that Jesus demanded. E. "Follow me": Matthew 9:9. 1. Matthew is the opposite of the young man(above). 2. This tax collector arose and followed the Lord all of his life. 3. He desired to walk with the Master, learn from the Lord, and accept him as his savior. 4. Without excuses, without hesitations, without regrets-- Matthew was a disciple of Christ at that moment. F. "Jesus wept": John 11:35. 1. The Lord possessed deep convictions, concern, and sympathy. 2. He had the feelings of a human as he heard of Lazarus' death. 3. The Jews reaction: John 11:36. 4. Even Martha did not comprehend what was happening. 5. In three words, "Lazarus, come forth"--his friend received life. G. "Crucify him": Mark 15:13. 1. The anger of the Jewish leaders breaks forth in these two words. 2. Jesus had only taught the truth and benefited mankind. 3. Even Pilate pleaded his case: the reply of the Jews, "Crucify him"(Mark 15:14). 4. Without the moral character to stop the crime, Pilate consented to their cry. H. "I thirst": John 19:28. 1. As he hung on the cross, he suffered as any man. 2. They gave him "vinegar" to quench the thirst and in three words he brought his life to an end: "It is finished!" 3. His death occurred because man could not save himself. 4. Jesus did not stay dead--He arose to be every person's savior. I. "Honor thy father and mother": Ephesians 6:2. 1. This short admonition is needed in every age. 2. Our society badly needs this principle. 3. It must be taught and practiced if we are to survive. 4. Our hope for the future lies in the attitude of children towards parents. 5. This honor must be instilled by God-fearing, truth-loving, righteous-practicing parents. III. Conclusion. A. One does not need to be a walking dictionary and thesaurus to learn or speak the truth. B. Note this simple question: Acts 16:30.-jy