Sisters and brothers,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday, as we worshipped, we gloried in our Redeemer Jesus. Then from Mark 3, we thought about examining our motives as we follow Him. Why are we following or opposing Jesus? The crowd follows Jesus because of what they want Him to do for them. The embarrassed oppose Jesus because they know following Jesus will not always be popular as He asks us to submit to His will and not the standards of the culture around us. Some religious people oppose Jesus because the refuse to believe in Him no matter the evidence because they are entrenched in a false religion. Many of the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ time determined to oppose Jesus no matter what He did. However, some are among the committed who follow Jesus because they know in Jesus alone is forgiveness for their sins and eternal life. These have determined to follow Jesus come what man. Today, if you hear the Holy Spirit’s voice wooing you to follow Jesus, follow Him as His disciple. As the song says, “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back.”
Do you remember how difficult it was for you when you first attended a new church? It is hard to go to a place full of strangers. All of us need to make a special effort to welcome guests, let them know we are glad they joined us, and that we want to serve them. Let them know we hope to see them again.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. None of us know fully the burdens others might be carrying.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church