SCRIPTURE
Romans 15:1-6 (NRSV)
Living in harmony
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
DEVOTION
I love today’s scripture reading because it is a reminder to be patient with the people that we call “baby Christians” in my tradition.
It is a sad fact that many denominations act like the only way to become a Christian is to be born in the church. Whilst many of us were blessed to be born and baptized in the church, there are many, many more people who were not afforded that luxury.
For reasons that we may—or may not know—they did not get to go to Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, confirmation classes and the like. They did not grow up sitting through children’s sermons, being altar boys/girls, or attending youth conventions.
I believe that this is why Jesus gave us the Great Commission which exhorts us to go into the entire world, teaching people what Jesus taught us, and baptizing them as well!
If we wait to enlarge our churches only through the births of babies, many of our congregations will simply die!
We must take up a “go ye therefore” mentality! We must decide to go to the highways and byways and invite people to come to the banquet feast. We must determine to leave the four walls of the church--made of word and stone--and enter into the world bringing the love of God which has been revealed in Christ Jesus!
Let’s face it. There are many adults—and children—who need to know that God loves us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life. There are many men, women, boy and girls, of every ethnicity and culture who need to know that Jesus saves and He saves to the utmost!
Every day I pray that God will give me a heart for all of God’s children, make me a trustworthy ambassador of the GOOD NEWS message, and keep me faithful as I represent Jesus to everyone with whom I have the privilege to meet!
As we bring the GOOD NEWS to people in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, or work places, let us be patient with our new friends as they learn how to be like Jesus!
“Baby Christians” may not know when to stand up or sit down in church. They may not always sing, clap, or dance like “good church folks.” They may forget to mind their manners, watch their speech, or treat everybody with love. When this happens we must not chastise them so harshly that they leave the church and never return!
Instead, Paul instructed the Christians in the church at Rome to, “live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
My mama said the same thing in a different way. She said, “Yolanda, you do not beat people to the cross; you love them there!”
Oh hallelujah! Let us remember to keep first things first! When introducing people to Jesus, we must remember to love them above all else! 1 Corinthians 13 says, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love never fails!”
My friends, let us love our non-Christian friends to the cross of Jesus. As they learn to put all of their hope in Jesus, let us believe—by faith—that God will successfully transform them from the inside out!
Now, ain’ta that GOOD NEWS?!
Will you take the time to introduce a new friend to Jesus? If so, please pray with me:
Gracious God, thank you for loving me so much! I am amazed that You gave Jesus to die on the cross and rise again on the third day for me! Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit, so that I can faithfully lead my friends to Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
All Are Welcome - Marty Haugen
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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PUT ALL OF YOUR HOPE IN JESUS--If you have additional questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus"
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
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Thanks for reading and please come again. Pastor Yolanda extends a very special welcome to all of our friends reading outside of the United States of America! We are honored that you are sharing with us today.
From Pastor Yolanda's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com
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