This past Sunday marked the close of our recent series, "The Way of the Master." Hopefully, we all feel better equipped to share our faith to those we come across on a regular basis. We've been given the tools, God will provide the opportunities. What remains to be seen is what we will do with those.
As we go our separate ways armed with all of this new information, let's not forget the greatest weapon in our arsenal. 1 Corinthians 13 outlines it for us. Paul gives a laundry list of all of the great things we could do but sums it all up by pointing out that if it's not done in love then it's ultimately meaningless. John goes on to tell us that love for others is what identifies us as members of the family of God in 1 John. If we truly have love and compassion for others, what better way to demonstrate it than to share the good news that we have. If we're unwilling to share it, what good is our love and compassion?
I can only speak for myself, but the last few weeks at church have really driven home the idea that God is trying to push us into activity, calling us to be a people that communicate not a belief system but instead His incredible mercy and grace to a world in desperate need. We received a word from God this past Sunday. Let's take it to heart and be careful how we handle the holy things entrusted to us.
********* F.Morgan add on below this line...
A powerful reminder from John Riddle above regarding The Challenge we've all been given in recent services and classes. I am one that has been too passive in my walk with Christ. What have I done to share this incredible message with those around me? As a reminder of this challenge, take a look at this Revival Hymn that was forwarded to me some time ago. It takes about 30 minutes to fully watch but it's worth the time.
Finally, we have a very recent reminder for this same challenge mentioned above. Yesterday, a "historic" election took place in our country. How should we respond as Christians to this election? I'd like to hear from you. What do you think about the election and the future of the United States? How should this impact us as Christians in light of The Challenge we've been given? Take the time to add your comment at the bottom of this week's blog. Remember it can be anonymous.
Next Week:
Tailgate Party will be moved inside due to darkness and weather. Don't forget to wear your favorite team colors and bring the food you signed up for in class. If you want to come and didn't sign up, just bring a potluck dish and drink and join us for this group get together. If you have a FRAN that you want to invite, feel free to bring them along.
Coming Next:
A New Series is starting up on the 16th called Cultural Confusion. I promise this series was planned long before the recent election but it is perfectly timed none the less. Do you think we live in a confused culture? More importantly, is our Christian culture confused? If so, how should it be changed and what can we do about it? You won't want to miss this series as John Riddle kicks it off the week after next.
Excited about the new series, sad that we will miss the tailgate party to go to WV. I will get an in-depth update on Justin this weekend while we are there, Fred. Thanks for your prayers.
ReplyDeleteRegarding we as Christians and the recent election, I did something Monday night that was important for me. I was looking for the site Pam M mentioned where you can sign up for the prayer vigil. I found it, and with it, a chance to sign up for 77 days of prayer for the President-Elect, leading up to the inauguration. I signed up for it on Monday, purposely doing it before I knew who I would be praying for. Just search Presidential Prayer Team and you can find the site and sign up. You get an email each morning with a specific prayer in it and a verse. The Bible calls us to support our leaders and lift them up in prayer, and I am thinking that there was no caveat in there to only do this when our guy won! :)
Yes, I did the very same thing with the very same thoughts in mind. (ie:77days of prayer) We much more need to pray for Obama who is the antipathy of all that we hold dear. How amazing that he has chosen a Jewish man to be his chief of staff!!! How awesome that we know the "rest of the story", what God has planned and no man can thwart!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen John McCain conceded I felt so horribly sad and afraid for our children, all the little ones. I WANT to run to the battle and partake in the sufferings of my dear Lord. But I can't bear the thought of our children suffering...no Lord no!!!And satan whispered in my ear...now you'll see what I can do, you won't be able to do a thing to stop the pain and anguish I will bring" And I heard his diabolical laughter and my heart was breaking within me because I felt so helpless and scared. And I prayed and all I could think of was Israel oh Israel. And I went to the "Christian's United for Israel" web site and I planted a seed to smack the devil in his face!!!! I felt a lot better after that! :):) We need to bind together more now than ever. We are blessed to be living in these days, but we need revival. Freddy, I am so glad you put "The revival Hymn" link up. I have watched this over and over and it has greatly challenged me...now I'm waiting for the change!!!!! I love you guys!!!
I love the "Stuff christians like" blog. The one on pens made me laugh till I cried!!!! I have thought thoughts just like that. In my profession I have to write and write. I am always coveting pens. And I even say "Oh I loooove your pen" and secretly hope they will give it to me!!! Actually I measure their level of christian virtue on how willing they are to give me their pen. Few ,very few are willing. Do they do it freely with a flair and a smile or do they say okay okay take it or do they look at me like the crazy person I really am and walk, no run away. You can tell alot about a person's spiritual walk in how we deal with the pens in our lives. Really, you can. And alot about their sense of humor. As you can see mine is quite warped.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy day.