Stay Strong

The sermon for Sunday is entitled, “I’m Too Tired!”  The first sentence says, “This may not be what you’re thinking it’s gonna be.” It talks about Christians who are just extra. Should be fun…😳

Anyhow, just follow me a second. 
We were a witness to something while on vacation that though inadvertent, prompted this message.

 The church that we attended while there, holds a baptism every week. They are just set up for that. Anyway, the pastor was about to baptize a young fellow. He stopped a minute to tell the church that the fellow had flown in that morning from Atlanta to be present for the service and to be baptized. See, he had been watching this church online for a while and considering it to be his “church” so, he did whatever he could to be there.

Atlanta to Myrtle Beach. Morning of service. It touched me that this man came all that distance to come to church. Touched me because sadly, folks will barely pick themselves up long enough to drive across town. And puh-lease, don’t remind me that you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. Maybe you don’t. But I do. Besides, that don’t fly because if a person is saved, they should endeavor to be in their Father’s house every week.

And that same day, I hear that a pastor is being blasted on line for preaching the gospel. Said he was making people feel bad about themselves especially when he proposes that hell might be their fate if they aren’t repentant, if they don’t turn from their sin. 

Disagreement does not make a thing less true.

Some say truth is subjective. I guess it is. What to me is beautiful might to you be ugly. The gospel truth is absolute in that if the word says that living a life of sin will absolutely separate us from God and usher a person into an eternity in hell, it will do just that. 

And God is not at fault. Jesus even used a bit of hyperbole in Matthew 18 when he said if your hand causes you to sin, it’s better that you cut it off  and enter into life with one hand than to enter hell with two.

What’s going to church got to do with that? Keeps you steady, mindful, sober, constant. Besides, being too tired is not a good excuse for not keeping a vow. I’d bet that there are times when the pastor is tired too. But, he’s there. Doing what he was called to do. For the Lord…and, for you.

Being too tired is just an excuse for having out of whack priorities.

If you are a believer, if you are a Christian, if you are saved, please make regular visits to the house of God a priority in your life. Then, watch what God does for you. Healing, renewal, contentment, joy, peace…all…
In the name of Jesus!

Stay warm!

Pray for each other!

And while you’re at it, say one for me, doggone it!

And, go to church Sunday!😁🙌🏻

 -Pastor Butch