God, help us.

As I sit here reflecting on this past week, I shudder. I shudder because as a Christian, I have given my life to reflect the love of Jesus. There are days when this is a huge challenge. There are other days where it is a joy. I also shudder because I fear there are some Christians who will be hostile to the very people they wish to see turn their lives over to Jesus. God's love MUST be shown.

Charleston, SC

First, how would Jesus treat Dylann Roof? He took a gun and sat in a Bible Study and then shot and killed nine people. I, just me, I think Jesus would look at Dylann and offer him forgiveness. He would allow Dylann an opportunity to ask for it and Jesus would then give it to him. What Dylann did is a sin. He killed people. For no reason other than they were the "wrong color," he killed them. Jesus would give him the opportunity to get things right. Does this mean there are no consequences to his action? Certainly not. There are ALWAYS consequences to our actions. We serve a just God, but also one who forgives.

How would Jesus treat the homosexual? He would love him. He would offer forgiveness. Why? First, because He cares about every individual. Second, because sin is sin. According to the Bible, homosexual behavior is a sin. No, I do not want to debate this issue. You will not change my mind, nor will I change yours. I did not write this to start a fire. Both Christians and non Christians must realize that we are not always going to agree on everything.

The "Supreme Court"

No, I am not one of those unfeeling, non-caring Christians who has never had a friend who is homosexual. Nor am I one who has never known or spoken with a homosexual. In fact, the ones I have known and know, know themselves better than a lot of heterosexuals. I am one who seeks to love people, follow God's word and point people to Him.

I am also not one of those who uses God's word against others. The way I see it, if the person does not adhere or care about the Word of God, they are not going to be won over by it. They need to see God's love in action. They want to see the Love we say we have shared with them. THAT is what makes a difference.

Now some would say I am "judging" people by saying this. Others would say I am a hater. Disagreement is not hate. I sometimes disagree with my wife on issues, but that does not mean I hate her. My goodness, to take disagreement and elevate it to hate is a huge leap for me, but evidently not for others. The ability to respectfully disagree with another human being, and not hate them, is what I call, "living on higher ground." God wants us living on "higher ground."

"Preacher, what about the Confederate flag?" Hmmmm. That is best saved for a post of its own. I do need to point out that getting rid of anything that reminds us of the civil war is not going to change the fact that it happened. I think it is best to have reminders of the pain lest we repeat the same mistakes later.

The big question for every Christian, and it should be asked every day, is "How do I reflect the love of Jesus today?" What we do with Jesus makes a difference in our lives, in our community and in our world. If one has truly given their lives to God, then they have said to Him, "Rule over me. Guide me." In doing this, we put ourselves in subjection to Him. THAT is where we need to live. May God help us to be who He wants us to be. May we listen to Him.

Youth Matter

I was so excited that Sunday as the youth helped us to worship the Lord. There is nothing better than having people help us to worship God. To be able to join together as a church family, and worship God, is probably one of the most exciting opportunities that we have as a Christian family. Many of the youth helped to paint the signs and have them ready for worship. They were preparing to worship. What do you do to help prepare your self to worship God on a given Sunday? When you gather to worship God there must be some forethought given to what you were going to do when you get there. You are not going to worship to be entertained, you are going to acknowledge God's presence and His power.

Many people approach worship as if it is a big show that they come and watch. Ah, but worship involves participants. And you and I are those participants. The one who is "on stage" is God. We are gathering to worship and praise God. Be thinking about what you can do to help others worship God. Be thinking before you walk through the doors into a time of worship.

Prayer matters

Prayer. Talking to God. How often do you do that? How often do you share with God your feelings? Does God hear from you on a regular basis? What kind of relationship do you have with God? Think about that. Would you like to have a closer relationship with God? If so, sign up to be a part of the prayer training event on July 28th. It will be well worth your time. John and Sue Ellen Williamson will be with us, leading us and teaching us. Come be a part. Sign up today.

Peerless

Seen on the way to Monroe.

Do you have a friend? I think this life is more enjoyable and more meaningful with a friend. It seems being alone is not always fun. When was the last time you ate in a restaurant alone? I believe no one should eat alone. I mean, unless you just have to, eating alone is well, lonely. If you don't have a friend, get one. Find someone who shares your same interests. Find someone whom you can spend time visiting and reflecting on life with. Ok, this post is a bit lame, but sometimes that happens. LOL

Habemus Papam

Pope Francis

Yes, the Catholic Church has a Pope. As I watch him, I find a man of humility, a man who wishes not to call attention to himself, but to that of the downtrodden and poor. He called the former Pope, "brother" and knelt with him on the same kneeling bench to pray. He washed the feet of prisoners instead of priests. He chose to not live in the papal apartments. Very interesting.

I do wonder what our attitude is when it comes to ourselves. Are we "all about us" or all about others? How does the love of God fit into our lives on a daily basis? How does His love flow through us and into the lives of those around us? Is it something that is natural or must we work at it? How is the message of the gospel lived out in our lives? Do we consider that at least every other day? How close is our relationship to the one who made us and loves us enough to make a way to be with Him forever?

During this Easter season, as you celebrate the fact that Jesus gave His life for us, consider how you will give your life for Him. How will you live your life in a way that will point others to Him?

May the Holy Spirit of the living Christ guide you, dwell in you and bless you today, tomorrow and forever!

–Bro. Craig

He is still here…

One of the most interesting phenomenons I've noticed is when the immediate successor of a church continues to live near or even on the grounds of the church he has previously served.

It has been shared that the Pope, when he retires from being Pope, will live in a restored convent on the grounds of the Vatican in Rome. What will that be like? Would they visit each other? Would they go "out on the town" together? Would they make appearances every now and then as a sign of good will? Will the Vatican forbid too close of a relationship? He has stated he wants a life of silence, but does that mean he won't communicate with others? Not sure. 

I would love it if I were Pope and the previous Pope lived near. I'd ring him every other day to get advice. Ah, but what if the next Pope has a "I can do this better than that guy" type of attitude? If this is true, then he won't communicate much at all with Joseph Ratzinger. I don't think there is anything regarding what type a relationship the Pope is to have with a former Pope, but I'd like to think that they'd have breakfasts on Saturday mornings. Wouldn't that be neat? I mean, why not? It is known, though not widely, that I enjoy the friendship of one of the former pastors of FBC, Winnsboro. I find it helpful to maintain a relationship with him. He has been here and knows the people better than I do. This being the case with Joseph Ratzinger, I would hope the next Pope would seek out that relationship and seek to glean wisdom from him when it comes to his papal duties.

What about you? Is there someone you can learn from in your life who has lived where you live, work where you've worked or simply has been around longer than you have? Find a mentor. Find someone who can, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, guide you in your life.

Crazy

Life has been crazy lately. We have had do many with health problems or who have lost loved ones. It's tough going. Keep praying we will all get better.

Maundy Thursday–a time of reflection.

It's here. This is the time of the year where we celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead. This past Maundy Thursday service was very moving and helped us to truly concentrate for 35 minutes of our busy lives on what Jesus did for us. There is some sort of connection with God which occurs when we spend time with Him. I guess that is no revelation, but to have it occur sure reminds us of how much we do need to spend time with Him. 

The service is available on DVD if you missed it. I would advise you to get a copy from the church office. Our lives are too full of situations and issues which pull us away from God, this service sure helped me to draw closer to Him. That is what true worship is. It's not about preferences in music or in oratorial style. It's about focusing on God and His presence. 

I hope your Easter Sunday is a great time of worship and celebration. God is great and He loves us! Amazing love!

Ecclesiastes, nothing new under the sun

Well, we finished the January Bible Study. Ecclesiastes was a great study that reminded us that without God, life is meaningless. What a study!

I've never been applauded for doing a Bible Study before. There is a first for everything. The people I pastor at FBC, Winnsboro are awesome!

On a sad note, our Uncle Willie passed away today. He had had a stroke and had pneumonia. Sad.

Had to laugh.

Too funny!