I am always a bit nervous talking, or even thinking, about the great advantages that accrue to Christians.
I fear that my motivation will change for the worse. I am NOT a fan of those who make claims that, "Jesus will solve all your problem", or "Following Jesus is the way to health, wealth and general prosperity".
I think those claims forget that Jesus told us to take up our Cross, not our bank account. The listing in Hebrews, the roll-call of faith, also mentions those who were persecuted, sawn in two, etc. To be honest to Scripture, we cannot solely focus on the Blessings of Christianity, without considering the cost.
But, with that caution in mind, it strikes Brenda and I, the great advantage of being part of the Church worldwide. We meet so many fine Christians, everywhere we travel. In a few minutes we can often get hints as to the depth of commitment. But, when a person claims to belong to the Christ, and evidences that reality, we instantly know a lot about them, and have a connection as strong, or perhaps a bit stronger in some ways, than blood. We are part of the Family, not by accident of birth, but by the Will of G^d and the Blood of the cross.
And, that saves some preliminary fiddling around. At the recent retreat with a congregation we have only visited once, we felt such kinship with many of the attendees. We met teachers, doctors, plant managers, students, parents, all kinds of folks.
This kinship is a tremendous gift from G^d. Brenda and I perhaps get to see it more than others, but think about what a great blessing this is.
Thank you L^rd that you PUT us in this Body of Christ, together, united, kin, believing together, working together, and enjoying fellowship.
Thank you L^rd. Now to write G^d that thank-you note I was planning...
I fear that my motivation will change for the worse. I am NOT a fan of those who make claims that, "Jesus will solve all your problem", or "Following Jesus is the way to health, wealth and general prosperity".
I think those claims forget that Jesus told us to take up our Cross, not our bank account. The listing in Hebrews, the roll-call of faith, also mentions those who were persecuted, sawn in two, etc. To be honest to Scripture, we cannot solely focus on the Blessings of Christianity, without considering the cost.
But, with that caution in mind, it strikes Brenda and I, the great advantage of being part of the Church worldwide. We meet so many fine Christians, everywhere we travel. In a few minutes we can often get hints as to the depth of commitment. But, when a person claims to belong to the Christ, and evidences that reality, we instantly know a lot about them, and have a connection as strong, or perhaps a bit stronger in some ways, than blood. We are part of the Family, not by accident of birth, but by the Will of G^d and the Blood of the cross.
And, that saves some preliminary fiddling around. At the recent retreat with a congregation we have only visited once, we felt such kinship with many of the attendees. We met teachers, doctors, plant managers, students, parents, all kinds of folks.
This kinship is a tremendous gift from G^d. Brenda and I perhaps get to see it more than others, but think about what a great blessing this is.
Thank you L^rd that you PUT us in this Body of Christ, together, united, kin, believing together, working together, and enjoying fellowship.
Thank you L^rd. Now to write G^d that thank-you note I was planning...
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