Pastor’s Desk May 13th

Scripture Passage: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”  I John 3:16
 
Dear Friends,
 
I have purposefully used a passage of Scripture today to catch your attention.  Did you notice that this is John 3:16?  I John 3:16 that is.  Do you see the parallel?  God loved us so much that He gave his Son to die for us that we might have eternal life.  Because God loves us, we ought to love one another.  Because Jesus laid down His life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  Do you think this is a coincidence?  I think not.  Let us go a little further.
 
What does John 3:17 say?  “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”  Now look at I John 3:17.  “But whoever has the world’s good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?  God had the ability to provide salvation for the condemned world by having compassion and offering “Heaven’s Best.”  We have the ability to help the oppressed poor by having compassion and using the gifts God has blessed us with.  We are called upon to make a difference.
 
Have you ever wondered why God has blessed you the way He has?  It is not so you can be fat and fluffy.  Paul says we work with our hands so that we may give to him that needs.  (Ephesians 4:28)  He also admonishes us as we have the opportunity to do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.  (Galatians 6:18)  If God’s love for us is exemplified by His willingness to give up everything to save us, should it not stand to reason that we should be willing to sacrifice to help save/deliver those who are in need?  This is what Paul meant when he said to put on the Lord Jesus Christ.  (Romans 13:14)  When the world sees us they need to see an example of the Jesus we serve.
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Johnny

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