Arrogance? Part 2

Arrogance? Part 2

This is part 2 of a three-part devotion. If you haven’t done so already, please read ‘Arrogance? Part 1’ posted on April 15, 2018 before proceeding.

Chris

‘Hi Taylor.’

Taylor

‘Hello. Sorry we couldn’t get together last week. But I am glad we have a chance to continue our conversation today.’

Chris

‘It is good to see you. But honestly, I am kind of dreading this conversation. I’m not really in the mood for more Jesus propaganda.’

Taylor

‘Believe it or not, I completely understand. I have been where you are. And even though I know that on my own I am not equipped to address the points you brought up at the end of our previous discussion, because I trust in the goodness of God, His desire for you to know Him, the leading of His Holy Spirit, and the truth and power of His Word, I am confident that we can avoid any propaganda and have a meaningful conversation. So, if you are willing, I would like to dive in and see how things go. Would that be alright?’

Chris

‘I guess so. But only because you are a good friend, and this seems important to you.’

Taylor

‘Thanks. This is important to me, because you are important to me. Also, I always appreciate you being honest with me.’

Chris

‘Without honesty, what’s the point?’

Taylor

‘I don’t think there is one. Speaking of points, if I remember correctly, when we ended our discussion two weeks ago, you said there were three things that needed to be addressed before going any further. I believe your points were:

• There are a lot of intolerant Christians that not only condemn people, but they also want to force their standards and beliefs on everyone else.
• The Christian church has hurt a lot of people with their hate, persecutions, and in the past, forcing people to convert to their religion.
• You don’t believe in absolute truth.’

Chris

‘That’s a good summary of what I said. But before you start addressing those points, I want to say something. When we were talking week before last, you said that a Christian not sharing their faith is like a person running out of a building that is on fire without telling anyone else. Although I don’t know much about what you believe, you also talked about someone who hasn’t surrendered their life to Christ spending eternity in torment in a place called hell. I have heard this, but really don’t understand it.

You are passionate and dedicated to your faith in Christ, and I appreciate your devotion to it. I want you to know that I really appreciate you sharing your faith with me. Although I don’t believe what you believe, I know you do. And if you didn’t share your faith, not only would that call into question your sincerity, but it would also indicate that you could care less about the eternal destination of my soul. Which leads to a question, why don’t all Christians share their faith with other people?’

Taylor

‘You are welcome Chris. I know I have brought up my faith a few times in the past, but I should have trusted that you would engage in a respectful discussion with me if I shared more openly. And actually, the reason I decided to make that statement about Christian evangelism being a declaration that other gods and beliefs are wrong is that I wanted to engage in a real conversation with you about this. I needed to face my fear of you rejecting a deep conversation about Christ with me. As friends, this is the most important thing we could talk about. I’m sorry for not trusting more in our friendship.

As far as why all Christians don’t share their faith with others, as I just confessed one reason is fear. Fear holds back a lot of us – fear of rejection, fear of persecution, fear of not knowing the answer to a question, fear of not remembering what verses in the Bible address certain issues, and so on. But actually, I think I can include this question about Christians not sharing their faith as part of my response to the first two issues you said I needed to address before proceeding further.’

Chris

‘Okay. Go ahead and dive in.’

Taylor

‘To talk about intolerant Christians, inappropriate Christian behavior, and Christian introverts, I would like to start with talking about how Jesus treated people. In dealing with most people, Jesus demonstrated kindness, patience, love and compassion. After all, Jesus came to be the once for all sacrifice for the sins of the world. He tirelessly spent His time speaking the truth in love, healing the sick, delivering those possessed by demons and much more to show His love and demonstrate His deity.

• John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
• Matthew 12:13-15 Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. 14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. 15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. 

However, Jesus consistently rebuked the hardhearted, hypocritical and haughty Jewish religious leaders. These leaders should have recognized Jesus for who He was, God. They should have been sharing God’s love and truth with everyone. But they were more interested in power and position. They valued rules over relationships. They focused on laws and commandment rather than love and compassion. Jesus condemned them for how they lived and how they led. 

• Matthew 23:14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
• Matthew 23:27-28 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.’ 

Chris

‘From what I have heard and seen, many Christians today act more like the religious leaders of Jesus’ time rather than acting like Him.’

Taylor

‘I hear what you are saying. But, how much trouble have you personally had with a Christian trying to force you to do something?’

Chris

‘Plenty. Just turn on the news. Seems like there is always some loud-mouth Christian putting people down and trying to pass laws that force others to live by their standards.’

Taylor

‘Chris. Really? You and I both know how things get blown out of proportion in the news. Besides, how often have you seen other people being just as loud, and probably more intolerant, advocating for what they want society to look like?

In the sense that Christians want the society they live in to represent their beliefs and values, they are like everyone else. Christian’s values and beliefs are found in the Bible. Easy or not, convenient or not, we believe what the Bible says about what is true, just and honorable. Christians should advocate, vote, exert influence, etc. to get like-mined people elected to office and proposing and/or supporting laws they agree with. That is the socially responsible and God-honoring thing to do.

Christians must remember, morality can’t be legislated or forced. Exercising their freedoms to vote, demonstrate, give speeches, write letters, author books, broadcast on radio and TV, advocate for or against laws, etc. are all important and legitimate. But for Christians, evangelism should be the priority. The truth about Christ leads to changed hearts and minds. Jesus was clear, His followers are to do all things in love. Not according to societies definition of love, but love according to the Biblical definition we discussed two weeks ago. Jesus said:

• Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,’ 

Chris

‘You keep talking about what the Bible teaches. What about how Christians live?’

Taylor

‘Fair question. But let’s start with how all people live. Consider the following verses:

• Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
• Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 

And also, as I mentioned last time we talked, the Bible teaches that every person falls short of God’s standards, restrictions and requirements, which is called sinning.

• Romans 2:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
• 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

The Bible teaches that all people have a depraved nature. Most people don’t want to agree with this teaching. They say that people are basically good. But that just doesn’t match what we see in human behavior: lying, stealing, intimidation/bullying, disrespect, cheating, hate, drugs/addictions, abuse, slavery, murder, pride, envy, jealousy, love of money, prejudice, infidelity, and on and on and on. The human race just can’t seem to face the truth about themselves.

And the fact of the matter is, Christians are no better than anyone else. Christians sin! However, a Christian’s sins have been forgiven. And when a person surrenders in faith to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they are viewed by God as righteous and they are indwelled with God’s Holy Spirit. That is how and why they will spend eternity in Heaven with God.

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
• Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. 

The bottom line of this point is that when you are dealing with Christians, you are dealing with people. And all people are flawed. However, there is no excuse for a Christian to not treat others the way Jesus did – with love, patience, kindness and respect. Christians are called to very high standards of conduct.

• Ephesians 4:1-3 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
• Colossians 3:8-10 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 

Actually, Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus. They are to live like Him.

• 1 Peter 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
• 1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 

But God doesn’t just call His children to live Godly lives, He empowers them to do so by sending His Holy Spirit to live in them.

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
• Ephesians 5:8-10 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
• Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 

Am I making any sense at all?’

Chris 

‘Actually, yes. You are saying that everyone sins, but a Christian’s sins are forgiven because they have surrendered their lives to Christ – that is why they go to heaven instead of hell. And, although they do still sin, Christians have been called and empowered to live Godly lives. Christians are supposed to live like Christ lived!’

Taylor

‘YES!’

Chris

‘I understand what you are saying. And in theory, some of it makes sense. But I am still stuck on why Christians act like they are better than everyone else. I need to think more about all this.’

Taylor

‘Sure. We have talked about a lot of stuff. I need some time to think and pray about it all myself. Also, I brought you a Bible. Would you mind if I write down the verses I referenced today and last time we talked? That way you can look them up, read them for yourself.’

Chris

‘Okay. I will definitely think about all this. I will consider looking up some of the verses - thanks very much for the gift.’

Taylor

‘Why don’t we get together again next week and talk some more? In the meantime, if you are really interested in knowing the truth about God, why don’t you talk to Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you? If you open your heart, and truly seek Him in humility, He will make Himself known to you – just maybe not in the ways you expect or in the timing you want. I will be praying for you.’

Chris

‘Thanks, I guess. We can get together next week to continue this discussion. We will see how it goes after I have digested what has already been said. But I think I would like to try to wrap this up after that.’

Taylor

‘I understand. See you then.’

Prayer

Father God, there are so many topics, questions, viewpoints, opinions, issues, etc. that can distract us from getting to the heart of the good news message about Jesus. Please help Your children navigate these conversations with love and patience. But also, give us the wisdom to guide these conversations back to Your truth – that Jesus, God the Son, is the only way to the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with You. Our hope and eternal life depend on the resurrection of Jesus. As always, I pray for Your truth to touch lives and change hearts. Please do what only You can do – save the lost. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Arrogance? Part 1

Arrogance? Part 1

Taylor 

'When followers of Jesus share their faith, in essence, they are declaring that what Christians believe about Jehovah God, morality and eternity is right. The clear implication is that, in their minds, all other teachings or beliefs that don’t agree with Christian beliefs about God, other gods, and how to live, are wrong.'

Chris

'That is a detestable display of arrogance.'

Taylor

'Why do you say that?'

Chris

'Because, no matter how sincere a Christian is about their beliefs, there is no proof that their ‘truth’ is the only truth, or that what they believe is even correct. If Christians are doing what you say, that is the very definition of arrogance!'

Taylor

'Hmmm. How would you define arrogance?'

Chris

'An arrogant person thinks and acts like they are better than other people, not based on facts, but because of unsubstantiated or incorrect presumptions and perceptions. Arrogance is demonstrated by an intolerant attitude that desires to convert, control or condemn those with opposing views.'

Taylor

'Wow, I like that definition. But actually, your definition describes the exact opposite of Christ’s teachings about love, righteousness, truth, how His followers should live, and how they are to share the good news message about reconciliation with Father God.'

Chris

'Why do you say that?'

Taylor

'I am glad you asked! If you don’t mind, why don’t we take your definition of arrogance, break it down into smaller pieces, and compare those pieces, and your overall statement about arrogance, to what the Bible and life teach about what Christians believe, how they are supposed to live, and why they are to share the good news about Jesus with others?'

Chris

'I guess that would be alright?'

Taylor

'Great! Let’s split your definition of arrogance into four distinct parts:

• An arrogant person thinks and acts like they are better than other people, …
• … not based on facts, but because of unsubstantiated or incorrect presumptions and perceptions.
• Arrogance is demonstrated by an intolerant attitude…
• …that desires to convert, control or condemn those with opposing views.”

Are you okay with how I split up your definition?'

Chris

'Yea, that seems fine.'

Taylor

'Okay then, let’s dig in. 

• An arrogant person thinks and acts like they are better than other people…
• Humility is a fundamental teaching of the Christian faith.
• Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
• Our greatest example of humility is Jesus Christ Himself.
• Philippians 2:7-8 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
• Throughout the Bible, God warns His people about pride and exalts humility.
• Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
• …not based on facts, but because of unsubstantiated or incorrect presumptions and perceptions.
• Let’s examine the facts that substantiate what Christians believe and declare.
• Historical accuracy of the Bible – archaeology continues to confirm more and more of the historical information presented and preserved in the Bible.
• Biblical prophecy fulfilled – the rise and fall of kings and nations, the seventy-year captivity of Israel in Babylon, the coming of Messiah, the regathering of the Jewish people as a nation in the promised land, and much more. What’s next? The return of Jesus Christ. This will initiate the fulfillment of the end times prophesies found in the Old and New Testaments.
• The resurrection of Jesus Christ – without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the entire Christian faith crumbles. Jesus rose from the dead to show that He is God and that everything He said is true. His life, death, and resurrection are clearly documented historical facts (from Biblical and nonbiblical texts).
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.
• 1 Corinthians 15:14-15 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise.
• Arrogance is demonstrated by an intolerant attitude…
• The greatest commandment from Christ to Christians is love.
• Mark 12:28-31 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
• Godly love is clearly defined in the Bible – the Biblical expectation for all relationships a Christian has with Father God, the church, and other people (including their enemies) is clear. Intolerance is incompatible with the Word of God.
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.
• …that desires to convert, control or condemn those with opposing views.
• Even though it is correct to say that the purpose of Christian evangelism is to see people converted to the Christian faith, the goal is not to control or condemn anyone. Christians believe that every person sins (falls short of God’s standards and requirements). They also believe that God’s wrath will be poured out on everyone who has not had every single one of their sins forgiven. A person who dies without being reconciled to God will experience God’s wrath by being separated from Him and experiencing eternal torment in a real place called hell.
• Christian’s believe that Jesus Christ is the human incarnation of God (Jesus was fully man and fully God). Jesus came and lived a perfect life so that He could voluntarily offer Himself as a once for all sacrifice to pay the sin debt of the world. However, for this payment to be credited to a person’s account, they must believe on Jesus Christ as Savior and surrender their entire lives to Him as Lord. Christians believe Jesus is the only way to have your sin debt paid and spend eternity in Heaven with God.
• John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Honestly, a Christian not sharing their faith is like a person running out of a building that has caught on fire without telling the other people in the building. Christian evangelism is based on obedience to Jesus (He commanded His followers to tell the world the truth about Him) and love for those who don’t know Jesus as Savior and Lord (our love for those who don’t know Christ compels us to use any forthcoming, nonconfrontational, and God-honoring means by which we can make a connection and share the truth).

• Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
• 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Sorry, I know that was a lot at one time – but what do you think?'

Chris

'Well, you made some interesting points I would like to discuss further, but first we need to address the following:

• You can’t deny that there are many Christians who act arrogant or judgmental. They do condemn people. They are very intolerant. They try to force their views and beliefs on all society.
• Also, much of the history of the Christian church doesn’t seem to match up with what you are saying. There has been a great deal of hate, persecution, forced conversions since the time of Jesus.
• You keep talking about truth. But I don’t believe there is just one absolute truth. You can have your truth, I can have mine. Just don’t try to force your truth on me.

Honestly, it will be hard for me to consider most of what you said until we discuss these issues further.'

Taylor

'Fair enough. But I think we should stop here for now and get back together next week to continue this discussion. Does that work for you?'

Chris

'Sure. Seen you then.'

Prayer

Father, may the truth of Your Word and the presence and power of Your Spirit bring us to the truth about Jesus. Please open hearts and minds to Your love. I pray this in Christ’s name. Amen.

The Here and Now

The Here and Now

Sometimes we get stuck in the past. You know, boasting about triumphs or complaining about trials. We should not be puffed up or defeated by the events of the past. However, we don’t want to forget what we have learned – history can be a great teacher. But, if you are preoccupied with the past, it can be very difficult to see where you are going. Jesus made clear that it is important to focus on what we are doing and where we are going.

• Luke 9:62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” 

Other times we get captivated by the future. We can spend a great deal of time and energy planning for this or worrying about that. We shouldn’t be obsessed with, or stressed by, what may (or may not) happen in the future. However, we never want to ignore what’s ahead – being prepared is responsible and reasonable. But, if you are too focused on the future, you may miss out on what is happening today. Jesus made clear that we shouldn’t be overly concerned with the future as there are plenty of things that require our attention today.

• Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

So how do we find the proper balance of learning from the past, planning for the future, and living in the present? 

As with all things, we turn to the Bible. The Word of God makes clear that God has made plans. And as the sovereign creator and ruler of the universe, infinite and eternal, all-powerful and all-knowing, His plans will come to pass. We see from scripture that He has made plans that are both macro (universal) and micro (personal) in nature, scope and detail.

Macro

• Psalm 33:10-11 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. 11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations.
• Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’
• Acts 15:18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works.

Micro

• Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
• Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
• Acts 17:26-27 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;

And although we don’t know every detail of His plans, Father God has not left us in the dark. He has shown us His way and the way.

God Reveals His Plans

• Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
• Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.
• John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
• John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Knowing He has good and perfect plans, we are empowered by the past, encouraged by the future, and engaged in the here and now. We look to His Word for instructions and guidance about how to live in a way that brings glory to Him and effectively shares His truth with others.

The following is just a minute sample of the truth and wisdom contained in the Holy Bible on living in the here and now.

• Mark 12:29-31 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
• To love God, and to love others as He has loved us.

• Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
• To do what is right and kind, and to be truly humble.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
• To trust in Him in all things, and to follow His directions.

• Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
• To reject our selfish desires, and to follow Jesus.

• Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
• To think about things that honor God, and to learn from others.

• Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• To be content in all circumstances, and to depend on Christ’s strength (not our own).

• Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
• To take His Word to the world, and to teach His truth to those willing to learn.

• John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
• To be obedient to Jesus.

None of us have it all figured out or are doing in all right. But we leave our failures from the past and our fears about the future at the foot of the cross where Jesus Christ died to reconcile us to Father God, we move on, trusting in His plans and promises.

• Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

With experience and wisdom from the past,

with excitement and assurance about the future,

in each moment, we both strive and surrender,

to be and become all that He has planned for us!

Prayer

Holy Father, help Your children to live in the here and now by accepting and believing the things that we can’t fully understand; the truth of Your Word, the love You have for all people, and the perfect plans You have made. Empower us to humbly and lovingly share these truths with those who have rejected or have not yet heard. I ask these things in the name above every other name, Jesus Christ. Amen.