Dear Fellow Children of God,
When I was pastor in Florida, one of our faithful members
made a comment in Bible Class one day.
There had been some trouble in the community and many were
concerned. This man worked for the Air
National Guard and one of his fellow workers commented, “Why do you seem to
have peace when everyone else is worried?”
This man explained that he trusted that God takes care of His
children. God would see him through the
current trials. This member and friend
was not pushy about his faith or about God’s love in Jesus. But, his life spoke loudly and gave him an
opportunity to witness when asked.
Recently a number of St. John people have told to me that
they have been asked about life issues as these issues relate to their faith. I’ve heard of people being asked for advice
on marriage issues, because their marriage seems to be healthy. Others have been asked about parenting issues. One person was sought out in times of illness
because of their loving nature.
In each of these cases the person was approached by another
rather than pushing their faith. In each
situation the St. John member’s life was the attraction. It is not that those being asked had no
troubles of their own, or even had all the answers. However, their peace and hope in facing
life’s challenges spoke louder than words.
Many times the most effective work of God’s church is
done outside the walls of the church building.
God’s people share Jesus’ love when that sure love of God causes them to
live in peace, or to live with joy, or to be patient and kind with others.
However, in each of these situations where people shared
with me the opportunities they have had to share God’s love, these people are
also regular in worship and in Bible study.
The sharing may have been done at work, or with friends. But, each of these folks was having their
faith in God fed in worship and Christian fellowship.
In The
Sermon on the Mount Jesus told his disciples, 14 "You are the light of the
world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew
5:14-16)
None of us is perfect.
We have often failed our Lord and hurt others. Our own lives are not always lights. One of the best witnesses a Christian can
make is the honesty of our own struggles.
When God’s people live in His love, that love shines through our
lives. When God’s people let God’s love and
forgiveness show in their peace, or in their joy, or in their compassion, then
others may ask where we find our help and strength.
My friend in Florida was regular in worship, but the
living of his faith did not stop inside the church walls. He was fed in worship and Bible class so
God’s love could shine through him wherever he went. When He lived in God’s love others were
touched and helped.
A
Child of God, Thankful That God Works outside the walls of the Church,
Pastor
Jonathan
P.S. Here are
pictures from a fishing trip with my grandson, Henry, last Monday. I am thankful I am now allowed by my doctor to
use the ice auger. https://plus.google.com/photos/114993745799525883148/albums/6111503615114970369?banner=pwa
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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’
- I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St.
John members and friends whose e-mails I have. (I am always adding new
names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for
the first time.) However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail,
please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this
message. . .
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