Come And See

Week of September 9, 2022

“Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).” (John 1:38–39, NKJV)

There should come a time for each of us when merely talking about the Christian pilgrimage is not sufficient. We must take the action of setting out on the journey with Christ. For many generations the coming of the Messiah had been predicted by the prophets of Israel and had been expected by the Jewish people. The disciple Andrew had listened to John the Baptist and had also heard of the coming Messiah. Little did he know that he would come face to face with the one he had yearned to see! Andrew’s mind was filled with questions that he longed to ask the Messiah but the approach that Jesus took was not through theological dialogue alone. Instead Jesus invited him to enter into a lifelong walk. Andrew learned that his questions would not be answered by discussion alone but by walking with Him every day.

Christianity is not a set of teachings to just understand, it is a person that you follow daily. Moments will come when you will stand at the crossroads with your Lord and you will have questions. You will find that your questions are answered as you walk with Him on a  day-to-day basis. As you walk with him you will discover far more then you ever knew to ask!

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Pursuing Those Things That Benefit

Week of September 2, 2022

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19, NKJV)

One of the marks of spiritual maturity is a willingness to strengthen other believers.  Paul, in the scripture text, urges Christians to pursue activities that make for peace and edifies others. 

Pursue means focusing our efforts toward our goal.  This will involve using all the resources God has given us to ensure peace in the life of other Christians.  To the Colossians church, Paul said, “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end, I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” (Colossians 1:28-29).

In order for Paul to promote peace and build up others, he had to refrain from activities that would cause others to stumble.  He put aside his own comforts and his own personal freedom for the greater good to lead others into Christian maturity.

As Christians, we need to be devoted to strengthening one another’s faith, which may demand some sacrifices on our part.  This is what Paul and the early church was about and it should be what we are about.

As God reveals to you what those around you need in order to grow in their faith, be prepared to make the necessary sacrifice for a fellow Christian.

God Bless, Pastor Rick

Disciple

Week of August 26, 2022

“24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NKJV)

The extent of our commitment to Jesus Christ determines the quality of our spiritual life.  When we see this clearly it will help us to be more determined to live as God expects.  A true commitment to Jesus Christ requires a willingness to become disciplined in our walk with Him.  Without discipline faith cannot grow.

It is easy to declare that we love God when the music is stirring our emotions.  However, to love in an unsympathetic environment around ungodly people and still be an example of your love for God requires discipline that goes beyond emotion.  Discipline means we pray when we don’t feel like praying, we read the Bible when we don’t feel like it, and we say no to things that will break our walk with The Master.  It is through discipline alone that we become a worthy disciple of Jesus Christ.