TRIALS OF FAITH

If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! [1 Peter 4:14-16 (MSG)]

Meriam Ibrahim is a Sudanese Christian woman who has been in the news recently. Earlier in the year, this mother of two received a sentence of 100 lashes to be followed by death because she married a Christian man in 2011 and converted to Christianity. She could have avoided the death sentence by renouncing Christ, but she wouldn’t. As she languished in jail, her second child was born. Amid massive international outcry, a Sudanese court finally acquitted her and she was recently released from prison. When she and her family tried to exit the country, however, they were detained, supposedly because of forged travel documents. They are now at the US Embassy where diplomats are trying to arrange for their departure.

Why is a nation so afraid of this one woman, her two small children, and her husband, a man who is confined to a wheelchair because of muscular dystrophy? They’re not terrorists; they’re simply Christians who bring a message of hope, love and salvation. It’s difficult to understand how this message can be so threatening to people.

I can’t help but wonder what I would do in Meriam’s place. Would I renounce my faith to save my life? Living in the safety of the US, I doubt I will ever have to make that choice. Unfortunately, as evidenced in the news, there are still Christians today who do have to make choices like that.

Lord, we remember those who suffer even today for their belief in Christ. Give them courage and strength. Please strengthen and refine our faith as well.

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. [1 Peter 4:12-13 (MSG)]

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April 27, 2014

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Church & Worship, Sharing Our Faith

PUT OUT THE WELCOME MAT

When we arrived, the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem welcomed us warmly. [Acts 21:17 (NLT)]

While walking yesterday morning, I noticed a decal on my neighbor’s car window. It said, “Welcome to Florida – Now Go Home!” Below this sentiment was a skull and crossed rifles! Being a “snowbird” here in Naples, I can understand the locals’ annoyance during “high season” when the population swells, traffic stalls, restaurants overflow, and parking is near impossible. “But, come on,” I thought, “Even on a bad day, this place is paradise compared to most other places. You’re blessed to be here; share it.”

I then realized we sometimes have the same attitude when it comes to our churches. I imagine most of us had to leave for church at least thirty minutes earlier Easter Sunday just to hope for a seat in the back rows. Maybe we even got stuck on the folding chairs in the narthex or, worse yet, were left without a seat. Even though extra services and chairs are added on Christmas and Easter, there never seems to be enough room for everyone. Those of us who attend church regularly tend to get a bit annoyed at these “Birth and Resurrectionists.” Don’t worry; they won’t be at church today. Unfortunately, there will be plenty of room at every service this morning.

Some of the people my neighbor would like to send back up north are the very ones who regularly volunteer at the hospitals, homeless shelters, nature preserves and resale shops. They are the people whose money helps build the hospitals, theaters, schools, Habitat homes and museums of Naples. Could some of the people we resented at church last week be the very ones we need in our church family to help spread God’s word and do God’s work?

We need to find a way to make our church population swell every week, not just twice a year. It’s not only the official greeters who should offer a welcome; we should, too. Do we need to make more effort to reach out? That’s not just the job of the Evangelism Committee! Is there someone we should invite to join us at worship? Let’s remember that church is God’s house, not ours. Everyone is welcome: all shapes and sizes, races and nationalities, saints and sinners alike. Church visitors aren’t strangers; they’re the guests of God! Let’s welcome everyone to God’s house! The welcome mat is out!

TRIALS OF FAITH

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. [1 Peter 4:12-13 (MSG)]

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN – ASCENSION DAY 2014

PUT OUT THE WELCOME MAT

When we arrived, the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem welcomed us warmly. [Acts 21:17 (NLT)]

Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. [Philippians 2:29 (NLT)]

There Are Still Many Martyrs Today

All those who stand before others and say they believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they belong to me. But all who stand before others and say they do not believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they do not belong to me. [Matthew 10:32-33 (NCV)]

Why Take the Trip?

Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.” [John 14:6 (GW)]

Faith Can’t Be Silent

So then, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can people call on him if they have not believed in him? How can they believe in him if they have not heard his message? How can they hear if no one tells the Good News? [Romans 10:13-14 (GW)]