So we are about a month into LIFE ON MISSION at Connections Christian Church and the question basically boils down to this - does the old, old story of God's love for humanity inspire us to love others as He does? Whether you read it in the original Greek or the latest translation - the story of Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus), that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for the fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God" (Jesus as recorded in John 3: 16-21).
LIFE ON MISSION is inspired by the truth - by the old, old story of Jesus who did not come to condemn but to save people from darkness and hatred with His light and love. When anyone puts their faith in Jesus - it will be plainly seen by all that what is being done is being done by God.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Jesus as recorded in Matthew 5:14-16).
The link below reminds me of many people I know - people who are walking in the truth and touching others with the light and love of life. The greater our faith in Jesus - the brighter our light and stronger our love for others. To that end I ask you to join me in offering this continual prayer to God our Heavenly Father - "Increase our faith in your one and only Son Jesus."
https://vimeo.com/16301164
God's Peace,
Jeff
We are not called to save the world by ourselves - it is too big of a job, and we are not the right people (we are flawed). Jesus Christ is the only name under Heaven by which men can be saved.
ReplyDeleteYet we are called to be faithful to our calling to good works. We can't do it on our own.
As you say: "Lord, increase our faith".