If you took a poll of people and I pass every day on the street, many would say that the main reason they aren't attracted to the Christian faith- is the Christians they know . Some repel them by their self-righteousness; other show no love or compassion; still others show little concern for the world and its problems. Most of all, they'll point out, Christians can't seem to get along with each other. Why should we believe in Christ(they say) when He doesn't seem to make any difference in the lives of His followers?
Do others see Jesus in you? " Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble..., because to this you were called ."1 Peter 3:8-9
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Does God honestly care about what is going on in our lives? When hard times hit or illness strikes, does He really care?
The answer is "Yes- a thousand times yes!" When the apostle Paul wrote these words he had just endured one of the hardest times in his life:"we were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life"(2 Corinthians 1:8). But in the midst of it God assured him of His compassion and presence, and in time God brought Paul through the trials he was experiencing and opened the door to new opportunities. " praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble." 2 Corinthians 1;3-4. Can you blame Abraham and Sarah for doubting God's promise that within a year she would bear a son? Sarah had been childless all her married life, and now she was approaching the age of ninety. But the impossible happened: Isaac was born.
Remember Abraham and Sarah the next time you encounter what seems to be an insurmountable problem Nothing was too hard for God then- and nothing is too hard for Him today. If it were, why would we pray? But God is still sovereign over His creation, and He is still at work. That doesn't mean He always answers the way we wish He would- but never doubt His power, and never doubt His love. " Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son."- Genesis 18:14 Christmas is such a busy time, and our spending can easily get out of control. Instead of a season of peace and goodwill, it becomes a season of exhaustion and resentment. Of course Christmas shouldn't be this way- nor does it need to be.
There is a deeper solution to having a good Christmas- and it is to rediscover its true meaning. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who came down from Heaven to save us from our sins. May you see His glory this Christmas season. " When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped." Matthew 2:10-11 Jesus said that noting-absolutely nothing -must stand in the way of being His disciple. Many people are willing to have Jesus as part of their lives- as long as it doesn't cost them anything. They may even profess faith in Jesus and join a church. But Jesus to them is almost like an insurance policy- something they obtain and then forget about until they die. But Jesus calls us to follow Him every day. What keeps you from being His disciple?
" Another disciple said to him," Lord, first let me go and bury my father." But Jesus told him," Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead."- Matthew 8:21-22 |
What we Learned on Sunday? Insights, ideas and InspirationWritten by Pastor Chris Hudson Archives
May 2024
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