Matthew 22:39Mge

THE SADDEST VERSE IN THE BIBLE?

(July 16, 2024) Richard Winter challenges…

I believe we all can say that we are living in fascinating times — some may say interesting times, others deceptive times.

Recognition
The apostle Paul was concerned about times… dangerous, perilous times in the church before the return of Christ. He observed examples in his day — non-Christian characteristics — and wrote a warning to young Timothy about such.

‘There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God — having a form of godliness but denying its power’ (2Timothy 3:3-5a).

Paul saw such unChristian-like, self-seeking characteristics back then as a sign of living in the last days and advised ‘Have nothing to do with such people’ (v5b).

We may be looking at the same biblical scenario today! It appears such times and the same kind of  church people are even more obvious in our day!

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FEELING INCONVENIENCED? PERHAPS THERE’S A BIGGER PICTURE!

(November 16, 2019) Maureen McQuillan shares encouragingly…

‘Inconvenienced’… now there’s a word that even sounds like trouble! Basically it indicates problems or difficulties caused by someone or something – and often we can be left wondering ‘What’s going on here?’ Or ‘Why me?’

We Christians are certainly not immune! We have our disappointments too – but many times we need to see a bigger picture, recognise God’s ways and timings.

Let me share such an incident…

When ministering interstate one time we borrowed our host’s car and took a short Saturday afternoon break. And, after some relaxation on a local beach, we visited a nearby shopping precinct.

Car problem inconvenience
All enjoyable but on returning to the car we found it wouldn’t start! Now we had been warned that the key only turned a certain way but Robert tried every way for almost an hour.

Nothing happened – except that he got sore fingers and was almost frustrated. And the happiness of that afternoon was quickly vanishing.

Then Robert (I’ll be cheeky and add finally) got a bright idea! Phoning a local pastor he knew, he shared the problem.

‘No worries’ responded the pastor, ‘I have a helpful mechanic in our church and I’ll ask him to drop by.’ Jonny did so, very promptly, and soon had the car going. And as we stood by the vehicle, we had some precious fellowship with this new brother and encouraged one another. (more…)