I have spoke of this in the past and felt compelled to address
it again. For so long we, as Christians, have rolled onto our backs to expose
our soft underbellies and society has taken the opportunity to rip the guts out
of our faith and tell us we are not allowed to speak our faith in public. Some
may think that I am going to rant about other religions but that is not the
case. Other religions can fight for their constitutional rights just as we
should be doing. Did you know that Christians have the right to be Christian
with out fear of discrimination or retribution? Did you know that Christians
have the right to peaceful gatherings?
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but
they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But
Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul
on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and
how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed
with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of
the Lord. He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried
to kill him. When the believers learned of this, they took him down to
Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. Acts 9:26-30 (NIV)
Last week this passage came up in the sermon on forgiveness
and today I opened up my devotional and the same passage was there again.
Coincidence; I think not. Saul, the great Christian persecutor, was boldly
preaching the Gospel, the Good News, the Message of Jesus Christ and he had
been doing so throughout Damascus and now he had brought the message to
Jerusalem. He debated with the Hellenistic Jews, he spoke fearlessly throughout
the city and the word went out that Saul must be silenced.
While the world seeks to find ways to kill the word of God
being spoken throughout the land, should we not be fearlessly wandering the
streets letting the world know that we will not go quietly into the night? Is
it time to declare that our faith gathering is prepared to speak out and speak
up. During times of disaster the church is welcomed and acknowledge for their
contributions but when the church wants to speak peace and love in the media,
there is no room for input. Yes, even our local paper will not support the
church unless there is something in it for them. Time was we were the go to in
the community and now we are told to mind our place.
This Sunday we will speak the truth, we will take back our
rightful place and dedicate our gathering to the betterment of our community.
Join us Sunday at 10:30 am or online at www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca
Blessings
Pastor Todd
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