Not Ashamed of Christ

In my studies I am sometimes reminded that there are people who have paid a serious price for their commitment to Christ.

When this reminder comes my way it is not unusual for me to recall that there have been times in my life when I was reluctant or even embarrassed to stand up for Christ because I did not want to be thought of as one of those “religious fanatics” who is a little too far out there with this Jesus-stuff.

Believe me, I am not proud of this. It is an embarrassing admission of weakness. You see, I did not want to risk being teased or mocked. I did not want to be thought of as un-cool [which is ironic because I’ve never really been cool in the first place, but I didn’t realize it].

This is not very good, huh? People have been willing to stand up to torture and execution—they’ve literally been killed—for the cause of Christ and I’ve been unwilling to face a little bit of teasing.

Please understand I’m not trying to force my beliefs on others. I realize it is not possible for me to make people embrace something they do not want to believe. And I realize a number of people who read this do not see things the way I do. But I post a good bit about my faith in Christ because of the extraordinary influence He has had on my life and the lives of many others whom I know and love. Also, because I have come to a place in my life in which I feel no shame regarding the truth of Jesus and who He is and what He has done. I am not embarrassed by Him, I am proud and honored to know Him.

Oh, and there is this factor, too: I have a greater understanding of the inevitability of truth.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…”  Romans 1:16 [NLT]

Opposition To Faith In Christ

Sometimes we Christians act shocked and defeated when we face opposition to our faith in Christ.  Opposition should not surprise us.  We’ve known for a long time that “the message of the cross is foolishness” to those who do not walk with Christ. (1Cor. 1:18).  We know that Jesus faced opposition and He still faces opposition.  Opposition is not a strange new development.  Nevertheless, we need to stand firm with Paul (who faced a bit of opposition) and say, “For I AM NOT ASHAMED of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…”  (Rom. 1:16).

E-Flash From Dan, November 15, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

There’s been a lot of action around the church last night and today because the women are getting prepared for their retreat.  It begins this evening.  It seems like every year I forget how much effort they put into this event and then I’m impressed all over again by the dedication, servanthood and sheer energy of those who provide leadership and help to make sure the retreat is edifying, encouraging and uplifting to those who come.  Those who will be participating this year will be blessed!

(Occasionally, if I time things just right, they take pity on me and I can get in on a little bit of the food.  This has only come with a great deal of practice.)

That’s happening on Friday night and Saturday.  On Sunday I will be talking about being unashamed of Jesus and the gospel message. 

You might be thinking, “What could anyone possibly say about that subject?”

I’m glad you asked.  You won’t want to miss this Sunday to find out the answer to that question.  But just for a little sneak peek, the Apostle Paul contributed to the subject in this way, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…”  Romans 1:16

I hope you can make it.  It will be worth it!

We are also having our Chili Cook-Off immediately following the 11 o’clock service.  This is a youth fundraiser.  Come and taste a whole bunch of great chili prepared by a number of folks from the congregation and then vote for the best tasting chili. 

This is a big deal!  The winner of the Chili Cook-Off gets incredible awards and prizes (…okay, fairly nice awards and prizes) but more importantly, the winner gets the prestige of being the 2013 Chili Cook-Off Winner.  (Man, does that ever look impressive on a resume!)

It’s happening this Sunday, November 17^th.

I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, click on the link below to read the Pastor’s Report from the 2013 Annual Business meeting.

Link…    http://danmarler.blogspot.com/2013/11/pastors-report-2013.html

Thoughts About The Billy Graham Special

I watched a Billy Graham special last night.  It was well done but, essentially, it featured a 95 year old man giving a basic presentation of the Christian gospel.

As the show unfolded I prayed that somehow this simple—not very flashy—program would be empowered by the Holy Spirit and that many people who were watching would be moved.  I prayed that eyes would be opened to the truth of Jesus and that hearts would turn toward Him.

Could that happen?  Could lots of people actually come to Christ from something this simple?

Yes.  There is surprising power in the truth of the message of Jesus, and who He is, and what He has done.  There were people watching that program last night who were ready.  They were hungry to hear that message.  And, once again, God used his long-time faithful servant.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…”  Romans 1:16