Called to Be Witnesses

Never let the desire to influence be replaced with the need to control. – Anon

The Sanhedrin Council was the 'religious' right of the time, but Jesus was the 'go to' guy and ANSWERman. HMMM!

The Great Commission was a command given to one and all believers and followers of Christ. We are called to tell the “good news.” But oftentimes the message of grace and love is missed because the messenger has overwhelmed the receiver or overshadowed the message. We must be careful in our zealousness to never try to be the central point (it’s not about us) or “commanding” in our sharing. We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” – I Peter 3:15

Our Move

The Golden Rule is of no use to any of us unless we realize it is our move. – F. Crane

Of the Great Commission passage, it is said the most powerful word therein is not teach, disciple, or even baptize; but GO! For without “going” there would be none of the other things. Wow!

To a man, each of us would more than likely admit we’re glad someone shared ‘the faith’ with us. Even if we grew up in the family and learned it that way, we’re glad our parents took us to ‘church.’ The life we now have we could never imagine without God, and the promise of heaven too – WOW. It’s enough to make us want to shout, almost. But it should make us willing to share, seek out others to tell. And though those we encounter in our daily lives may make it tough and questionable for us to do so, we are still compelled and constrained by love for Christ to “prefer” them. Love is an action word and is known much more for doing than saying. I pray we may have a winning strategy today.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be that same as that of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:3-5

Accounting for the Idle Silence

As we must account for every ‘idle word’, so must we account for every ‘idle silence.’ – Benjamin Franklin

On the day of ‘reckoning’ the bible says we will have to give an account to God. Every second, minute and hour. Hmm!

The Great Commission commands us to go into the world and spread the good news. And with the technological advances we’ve made, instant communication seems to be of paramount importance. And we’re saying a lot. But with God the issue is not so much what we say with our words, but moreso what we say with our actions and the heart behind them. In a world that needs more love, more compassion, more goodness – will we be faithful to supply it no matter the person or cost to us,  or will we sit idly by and watch despair grow. True enough, there will often be nothing tangible in it for us, but as we wonder ‘what would Jesus do,’ the simple answer is whatever it takes to bring God glory. If we’re to ‘love our neighbor as ourself,’ we cannot sit idly by and allow them to suffer without offering whatever means of support we can. God still loves the world which is why He’s sending forth you and me today.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” – James 4:17