THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
Hmmm...wonder why we don't hear these things in church?
1. Hey! It's my turn to sit in the front pew.
2. I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon went 25 minutes over time.
3. Personally I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.
4. I've decided to give our church the $500 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.
5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.
6. Forget the denominational minimum salary, let's pay our pastor so he can live like we do.
7. I love it when we sing hymns I've never heard before!
8. Since we're all here, let's start the service early.
9. Pastor, we'd like to send you to this Bible seminar in the Bahamas.
10. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment like our annual stewardship campaign!
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________SCRIPTURE____________________________________________________________________
Matt 5:13-16
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
KJV
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_______THOUGHT______________________________________________________________________
Jesus compares Christians to two different things, both adding meaning and clarity to WHO we are.
SALT. Salt was considered a preservative. If salt lost its ability to preserve, then it was useless and should just be thrown away. Christian, you are a preservative in this world. If it weren't for you, people would commit worse acts more often than they do. Your influence upon the world is necessary to restrain evil. If God weren't restraining evil by His Holy Spirit (2Thessalonians 2:7), this world would be in awful shape. But God ALSO wants Christians to be interactive with this world and help preserve those things that are good.
Now, here's what I hear Jesus saying: "If you are not exercising your influence, you are UNnecessary, and God will allow you to be run over ("trodden under foot")! WOW! That puts a whole new perspective upon remaining active in ministry for our Lord!
LIGHT. Christian, not only do you restrain evil, but you illuminate character and integrity. You should be as a "candle" on a lampstand, and shine the truths of God publicly. Pierce the darkness of evil by being who God called you to be. When people see you living for Christ, they will recognize the truth of salvation. They will SEE that a person can truly be "born again." And they will "glorify your Father" because of the mercy and grace they see applied to you.
Here's what I hear Jesus saying: "You are the light of character and integrity to this world. Do not hide your light, let it shine!"
Lord, help me to glorify You today. Help me to be a preservative of those things that are good and right. And help me to pierce the darkness of evil by exemplifying good character and integrity.
Love ya,
Bruce