The Unfriendly(?) “Friendliest” Church

The Unfriendly(?) “Friendliest” Church

By Rick Walker

The Lord’s people have always been a loving group of people. Indeed, Jesus told His disciples, “By this all men will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another,” (John 13:35). Therefore, our love for each other is a trademark to identify disciples of Jesus. As you have heard me say on numerous occasions, “My definition for LOVE, is, ‘Doing what is in someone else’s best interest in spite of what it might cost you.’”

Clearly, it would not be loving for us to encourage someone to do anything which would violate their conscience. As God warns regarding Jewish-Christians who still kept to a kosher diet. To these He said, “He who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not of faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin,” Romans 14:23. If we encourage someone to do this, or to do anything which would violate their conscience, this action is called, “causing someone to stumble.” As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 8:13, “If food [i.e., non-kosher food] causes my [Jewish-Christian] brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble.” Paul would not want his example to cause a weaker brother to violate their conscience and sin.

It would certainly not be a loving thing to do to cause a brother/sister physical or spiritual harm. Now there are scriptural ways we can show our love to other believers. As Paul tells the Christians in Rome, “Greet one another with a holy kiss…,” (Romans 16:16). Or as he told the Galatians, “…James and Peter and John … gave to me and to Barnabas the right hand of fellowship [i.e., they shook hands with us],” (Galatians 2:9). Both of these are physical means to show our love to each other. But in this day of a deadly pandemic, these may also be a means of spreading the Corona virus.

Therefore, even though we truly are “The Friendliest Church,” it may be wise during our current circumstances to choose a different way (than shaking hands, giving each other a hug, etc.) to show our love for each other. Some examples might include, “fist or elbow bumping,” etc. These would certainly minimize the chance of spreading a viral disease. We also need to keep our hands washed and away from our faces in order to reduce our chance of either getting or causing someone else to become sick. Until this contagion is dealt with adequately, we may need to show our love to others in a way that is safer for everyone.

HOW’S YOUR FOUNDATION?

HOW’S YOUR FOUNDATION?

by Keith Bellamy

A number of years ago we had to meet with an adjuster from an insurance company concerning our claim for the hurricane damage done to our property. We later had a contractor come and examine the property to assess our damages. The foundation was seriously damaged. The back bedroom had to be replaced. The roof needed replaced, and there was so much more damage inside that we wondered if the place could be repaired. You couldn’t see the damage inside until you went inside and looked.

I mention this because sometimes as Christians we are not what we claim to be on the inside. From all outward appearances it would seem we have it all together. So, what about the inside? Have you looked inside lately? Have looked at your spiritual foundation lately?

We meet on Wednesday evenings to build each other up, and to help us press on for the rest of the week. We meet at 5 o’clock on Sunday evenings (except for the first Sunday of the month when we meet for a devotional after the monthly luncheon). Do you attend any of these assembly times? During the last year have you met with your brethren other than Sunday morning? Do you attend 10% of the time…20%...30%...or none at all? You and I need each other! You see, your foundation needs continual service, and being with the saints will help (Hebrews 10:25)!

Please notice the words of 1 Corinthians 3:11, 12. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw” (NLT).

Jesus had this to say in Matthew 7:24-27. Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash” (NLT).

What’s really important in your life? How are you doing? How’s your foundation?

Salt of the Earth

Salt of the Earth

by Keith Bellamy

Concerning His followers, Jesus said in Matthew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men." (NASB)

As I was visiting the nursing home one day I was sitting, talking to one of our members. An elderly lady came up to me and said, "You are the salt of the earth." As she said that, she handed me a little salt packet. Quite naturally I was startled by her comment. I questioned her about what she had said. She went on to tell me that she was only 92 years old and if she didn't learn something new about God every day she wasn't growing. Needless to say, I was astonished by this wisdom that I was hearing. This dear lady then said her preacher's column was called “The Salt Block.” Apparently, he had raised some cattle. Then this lady said, "You know what salt does? It makes you thirsty for the Word of God."

I have pondered on this lady's wisdom for a long time and I just had to share it with you.

I remember my great-granddaddy, curing meat with salt and hanging it up in the old smoke house so the meat would cure. I learned that salt preserves. Good salt must be used though. Bad salt is of no use to anyone.

My great-granddaddy had a powerful influence on those of us who knew him. Great-grandmother had influenced my great-granddaddy many years earlier. She influenced everyone with whom she came in contact.

It has taken me years to understand what Jesus was saying. Many years ago some very godly people were the preserving “salt” in our lives of which Jesus spoke.

I have been reading some articles my great-granddad Bellamy was writing way back in yester-year. He mentions our influence and how it has a direct bearing on others.

Jesus was talking about salt, wasn't He? What kind of “salt” are you? What kind of influence are you? Think about it!