WELCOME...COME ON IN!
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7 ESV)
My very close friend and brother is pastor of a church alive with Evangelism and outreach. He and I are both men who minister in the Spirit and respond accordingly to the very moves of God. We're both authors and family men with young children, with a heart for the lost and hurting.
Just this past weekend, he left our conference after lunch to fulfill his church duties and immediately ran into a situation. A very nice homeless couple showed up at his church in need of just everything. They were a beautiful clean-cut African-American couple with nowhere to go, after moving into town to be close to family. Their move from another state did not work out as planned and they were suddenly homeless!
After speaking to the man, it was discovered, not only did he have a very accomplished past career but his technical education in information technology should lead him to a good life down the road.
After some communication between pastor and I and another friend in our network, we were able to land this couple in a safe home. They were supplied with both groceries and hygiene products. This is not the first time, something like this has happened in a church or with loving Christians. We were exhorted in the Bible in today's verse above (Romans 15:7) and more specifically in Hebrews 13:2 to entertain strangers....because who knows, one day, we may even be blessings an angel sent to test us!
By the way, the guy in this homeless couple, was confirmed as part of the staff of the Dallas Cowboys and appeared in several episodes of Chuck Norris' Walker, Texas Ranger! So an angel was not ministered to, but a cowboy was!
This is Romans 15:7 in action! If we call ourselves by His Name - CHRIST(ians), we had better act it. The couple, now warm and secure until circumstances improve, was in church this morning. They are now more open to a man preaching the Love of Christ who has demonstrated it.
What we have also demonstrated here is true love.
What we have to get away from is preaching down to people who need a hand up.
What is more than evident, for such a time as this is people do not care how much we know, until they know how much we care.
Jesus has the final word on this issue...as He always does, in order for us to close the loop on this short message!!! He said in John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
2 comments:
Awesome, Bernie! Bless you!
And you as well, dear sister Lynn!!Remain Blessed, Thou Woman of God!
always
Bubba B
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