Christ’s Example.

Read John 15:9-14.

 

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love" (v. 9).

 

     My father was a Christian example, quiet and humble.  He served four years in the US Army during World War II, without the opportunity of returning home on leave, but never complained.  In fact, he considered his military service an honor.  He confidently labored as an automobile mechanic.   He faithfully served and generously gave to his Church.

But the striking example of Christlikeness in his life was his love for my mother.  He would have been in his late teens when they met.  She had an infant son by a man who deserted her, but Father embraced that boy, adopted him, and married my mother.

Though they were often misunderstood and criticized, Dad never responded with anything but gracious love.  Oh, he could be firm for sure, and when needed, he could let you know what he considered right. Through all of his life, his love for mother was evident.  The last nine years of her life she was disabled because of a stroke, but father carefully and patiently cared for her needs.  As Christ loved the Church, father loved his family. (Clair Sams)

 

O Love divine, what hast thou done!

The immortal God hath died for me!

The Father's co-eternal Son

Bore all my sins upon the tree.

Th'immortal God for me hath died:

My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

 

Then let us sit beneath His cross,

And gladly catch the healing stream:

All things for Him account but loss,

And give up all our hearts to Him:

Of nothing think or speak beside,

My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Charles Wesley

 

Love is the full expression of a heart whose character is pure.

 

 

2020-11-18T20:46:04+00:00November 18th, 2020|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: , |0 Comments

November 22, 2020: Consideration

PRINTED TEXT: Romans 14:4 19

CENTRAL TRUTH: In all our dealings with others we should consider their welfare and benefit.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson we should be able to identify some ways to show concern and consideration for those around us.

LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Christian Differences (Romans 14:1 6)

II. Christian Relationships (Romans 14:7 16)

III. Christian Action (Romans 14:17 23)

IV. Christ's Example (Romans 15:1 7)

2020-11-18T20:38:52+00:00November 18th, 2020|Categories: Lesson Highlights, Weekly Lesson Summaries|Tags: , |0 Comments

Christian Consideration

Read Romans 14:7-15
“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (v. 10).
“We won't see John Wesley in heaven, will we?” — When asked this question by one of his followers, George Whitefield humbly replied, “Yes, you're right, we won't see him in heaven. He will be so close to the throne of God, and we will be so far away, that we won't be able to see him!” Even though John Wesley and George Whitefield had serious disagreements about Christian doctrine and practice they still greatly respected each other and refused to call the other person's salvation into question even when the opportunity presented itself. This is a wonderful example for us to follow when we might be tempted to pass judgement on someone else because we do not agree with them on a certain point! The apostle Paul reminds us in this passage that all men must stand before God and give an account of their own actions (including anger and division!). Therefore he exhorts Christians in verse 13 “that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way,” and in verse 19 to “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Jesus conveys His heart on this when He says in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” He defined “friends” in the parable of the Good Samaritan and demonstrated “greater love” when He died for His enemies on the hill of Calvary. (Kevin Askew)

Let's make sure the hill we choose to die on is not our own soap box!

This devotional is the Tuesday, February 21, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.

2017-02-24T09:00:00+00:00February 24th, 2017|Categories: Opening the Word|Tags: , , |0 Comments

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