Being a Christian - 2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3:12-13 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 

            I can’t honestly read Paul’s second letter to Timothy without reflecting on how his words are relevant for today. The great apostle was forewarning his protégé that things would get a lot worse before they became better. He was telling Timothy that trying to live a godly life as a Christian would make him a target for harassment, criticism, and persecution. In fact, within a couple of years of writing this letter, Christians across the Roman Empire would be hunted down and killed for their faith in Jesus. Paul’s epistle, then, was a serious word of caution, informing Timothy to be prepared for the troubled times ahead.

            Being a Christian has never been easy, especially when believers speak out against injustice, violence, and wickedness. They are criticized for being political instead of spiritual or castigated as being subversive and disloyal. Their voices of dissent are demeaned or silenced, especially in nations where powerful regimes suppress civil rights and limit personal liberty. When Christian leaders lend their support to social justice movements they are pilloried for their passion and sometimes convicted for their beliefs. The words from Paul, which were written more than 1900 years ago, are highly relevant in our world today, especially when people are blinded by their own prejudices and paralyzed by their own inadequacies or fears.

            So, how do we know when to stand up and speak out against injustice or oppression? I think Paul gives us the answer to this question in his final words from this third chapter:

3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

            In other words, we need to honestly ask ourselves if our beliefs are scripturally based or just our individual notions that we’ve personally attached to our faith for our own convenience. Scripture is a great litmus test of whether or not we are being indifferent, insensitive, or prejudiced. Believe me, I need this godly check of my own ideas on a regular basis, too.

Point to ponder

Think about some current news or controversial event. Ask yourself, “What is God needing me to see and understand here?”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your ministry was radical and Your mission created a lot of turbulence because You were honest, faithful, and fearless. Help us to see the world through Your eyes, granting us the courage to face our fears and overcome our prejudices. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You’ll enjoy the experience and be made very welcome.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called “Promised One.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Promised.

Time Machine - Luke 19:47-48

Luke 19:47-48  Every day Jesus was teaching at the Temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it because all the people hung on his words. (NIV)

            Sometimes I wish that I had a time machine and could go back to the days when Jesus was teaching in the Jerusalem Temple. His lessons and stories must have been captivating. His understanding of the mysteries of God and what life is all about must have been profound. I know that the Gospels contain lots of what He preached and taught, but I get the feeling that we only have the tip of the iceberg of His ministry. There must have been other parables and perspectives that were never written down. Perhaps, then, when we all get to be with Him in Heaven, Jesus will tell and teach us things that we have never known.

            For me, the purpose of Church is to keep repeating the lessons and stories of the Bible, as well as those of Christ’s ministry, to every generation that comes along. Even though the scriptures are thousands of years old, they still contain relevant truths, wisdom, and guidance that we all need for our everyday lives. We all go through good times and bad moments; we all can feel lonely and powerless in different situations. Christ’s stories and His teachings can penetrate the pain we feel, recognize the uncertainties we experience, and augment the hopes we harbor in our hearts. If we make the time to hear and re-hear, or read and re-read those lessons and parables from Jesus, we will build up a spiritual storehouse of godly guidance and divine wisdom which we can readily use no matter what we face or are confronted with.

            So, today, take the time to read and ponder a Gospel passage and this weekend set aside enough time to worship God at a church in order to glorify Jesus and receive an effective blessing from His Word.

Point to ponder

What are my favorite stories of Jesus? How have they helped me in my daily life?

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, we often thank You for being our Savior, but we are also grateful that You are our Teacher and Guide. Allow us to seek Your presence this day and to look to Your words to help us on our way. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org. You can also email John at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s ‘Doctor Who’ drawings called “Doctor Window.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Window.

On Their Way - 3 John 1:6

3 John 1:6        They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. (NIV)

            I’ve been at Erin Church for more than 21 years and during that time, I’ve watched young children grow up to become wonderful adults. I’m often amazed at how far away most of them now live in the United States, but through email and Facebook, I get to see what they’re doing and accomplishing in their lives.

            As I see their successes, I remember the times they spent in Sunday School, music programs, Vacation Bible school, youth groups and conferences, as well as many of the ministries and missions that our church has supported. I hope and pray that the memories of those events, times, and days will draw them closer to God as they journey through life. Whenever we get to see them back at Erin, we are always delighted to greet them and catch up with their accomplishments.

            I guess what we try to do at Erin with our young people is the Apostle John described so long ago in today’s highlighted verse: we do our utmost to send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It’s a wonderful privilege and a precious gift from God to have young people in any church. I am truly thankful for those who journey through our doors and go out into the world to make their own mark. As always, our hopes and prayers are with them, for we are proud of who they are and love what they become.

Questions for personal reflection

Who are the young people in my life that are still precious to me? What can I pray for them?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the young people in our lives whose energy and enthusiasm, ambitions and goals are still being accomplished. Thank You for the many times that we have faithfully supported and encouraged them. Bless all of their hopes and dreams for the future. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about this message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Communion drawings called “Chalice.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Chalice.

Church devotion: Three Important Things - Matthew 4:23

Matthew 4:23           Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

            Teaching, preaching, and healing – those were the three main strands of Christ’s ministry among His people. He taught them the Word of God in new and authoritative ways. He preached the Word of God by challenging their ideas and confronting their sins. And He practiced the Word of God by healing the people of their illnesses, anxieties, and distresses.

            Teaching, preaching, and healing – these should be the three major strands of Christ’s Church throughout the world. People still need to be taught the Word of God, otherwise they make up their own set of beliefs to suit themselves. Folks need to be preached to, and at, in order to shake up their choices and life styles. And people still need to be healed because there is brokenness, suffering, and despair all over this planet.

            If we are truly taught the Word of God, we can become Christ’s followers. If we are fully receptive to the preaching of God’s Word, we will make good and honest choices. And if we allow ourselves to be healed of the past, as well as cured of our present woes and anxieties, we will discover a newer, brighter, and more blessed future with Jesus.

            Teaching, preaching, and healing – the continuous and effective ministries of Christ which we can still experience today, in any part of this planet, in any place where the Spirit of the Lord can be personally known – which is everywhere and by everyone.

Questions for personal reflection

What part of Christ’s teaching means the most to me? How has preaching increased my faith as a Christian? When and where has Jesus healed me?

Prayer:          Lord Jesus, thank You for being the True Teacher, Preacher, and Healer of the world. Help us to rely upon Your words and ways each day. Grant us the grace to receive, retain, and apply God’s Word through Your teaching, preaching, and healing in our lives. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Lectionary art images. It’s based on a verse from Psalm 67. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Psalm 67.