I know thy works, that thou hast a
name that thou livest, and art dead.
Revelation 3:1
I just returned to my cell after attending the Christmas Eve service in the prison's chapel...
name that thou livest, and art dead.
Revelation 3:1
I just returned to my cell after attending the Christmas Eve service in the prison's chapel...
This year, my chaplain is on vacation for Christmas. I thus had to conduct the event. The Lord was with me, however, and it went very well.
For approximately one hour and forty-five minutes, which was our allotted time, my congregation was able to praise the Lord. Our choir led in the music and singing. We thanked Jesus, our Savior, for His love and mercy. And several men took their turns coming forward to the altar to speak on how God watched over them throughout the year.
With our chaplain being absent, it was up to me to preach the sermon. I took my text from Revelation chapter three about the church in the ancient city of Sardis. It was not a typical Christmas message. Yet I believe it was what we needed to hear, especially me.
I spoke about the importance of "getting right" with God and seeking His forgiveness for all unconfessed sin. I talked about Jesus' message to Sardis about repentance. That we're at a crucial stage as a "body of believers' because we could either neglect the things of God and spiritually wither away, or we could take hold of all the Lord has for us, and flourish.
I told the flock that just because we're a busy church doing many "Christmas things" it doesn't mean that God is automatically pleased with us.
The church at Sardis was a busy congregation. They had a "reputation" in their community of being a lively and busy group. But as the Scripture passage from Revelation shows, Jesus saw them as being spiritually "dead." They were doing many good works, and probably with the best of intentions, but it was being done without the Holy Spirit. So, I asked the men if it’s possible that we're doing the same?
I went on to explain that there are many "works of the flesh" which appear to be spiritual. Yet God has judged such activities to be mere human endeavors done through carnal strength. That such things have no spiritual value. They will turn out to be "wood, hay, and stubble" that will be consumed at the Judgement Seat of Christ.
I also emphasized the importance of repentance. With a new year coming, it is a good time to "wipe the slate clean" with God. We should humbly confess our failings to Him, and then be ready to begin 2005 with a renewed love for Jesus and a fresh vision for our church.
Finally, I told the brothers that being a pastor is very challenging. I have to constantly examine myself to see where I am missing the mark. I admitted that I, too, fall short of God's perfect standard. That I need His mercy and grace daily.
It was a good evening. I did, however, have a very difficult day. I have the flu again, and it has hit me hard. I also had to move to another cell block shortly after breakfast. I've yet to unpack my things.
D.B.
For approximately one hour and forty-five minutes, which was our allotted time, my congregation was able to praise the Lord. Our choir led in the music and singing. We thanked Jesus, our Savior, for His love and mercy. And several men took their turns coming forward to the altar to speak on how God watched over them throughout the year.
With our chaplain being absent, it was up to me to preach the sermon. I took my text from Revelation chapter three about the church in the ancient city of Sardis. It was not a typical Christmas message. Yet I believe it was what we needed to hear, especially me.
I spoke about the importance of "getting right" with God and seeking His forgiveness for all unconfessed sin. I talked about Jesus' message to Sardis about repentance. That we're at a crucial stage as a "body of believers' because we could either neglect the things of God and spiritually wither away, or we could take hold of all the Lord has for us, and flourish.
I told the flock that just because we're a busy church doing many "Christmas things" it doesn't mean that God is automatically pleased with us.
The church at Sardis was a busy congregation. They had a "reputation" in their community of being a lively and busy group. But as the Scripture passage from Revelation shows, Jesus saw them as being spiritually "dead." They were doing many good works, and probably with the best of intentions, but it was being done without the Holy Spirit. So, I asked the men if it’s possible that we're doing the same?
I went on to explain that there are many "works of the flesh" which appear to be spiritual. Yet God has judged such activities to be mere human endeavors done through carnal strength. That such things have no spiritual value. They will turn out to be "wood, hay, and stubble" that will be consumed at the Judgement Seat of Christ.
I also emphasized the importance of repentance. With a new year coming, it is a good time to "wipe the slate clean" with God. We should humbly confess our failings to Him, and then be ready to begin 2005 with a renewed love for Jesus and a fresh vision for our church.
Finally, I told the brothers that being a pastor is very challenging. I have to constantly examine myself to see where I am missing the mark. I admitted that I, too, fall short of God's perfect standard. That I need His mercy and grace daily.
It was a good evening. I did, however, have a very difficult day. I have the flu again, and it has hit me hard. I also had to move to another cell block shortly after breakfast. I've yet to unpack my things.
D.B.
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