Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
On Sunday Oct. 31, I will portray Martin Luther on the 493rd anniversary of his nailing the 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany which ultimately resulted in the Protestant reformation. “Martin” will share a brief synopsis of his life and speak about the five fundamental principles of the reformation: Sola scriptura, Sola fide, Sola gracia, Solus Christus and Soli Deo Gloria and his commitment to follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
(Side Note: Those who read this, would you wear your Sunday best this Sunday – whatever that is for you; a suit and tie or your clean jeans. It will help create the atmosphere of 16th century worship.)
Who is an example to you (living or dead) who shows what it means to live a life committed to Christ and his church?
Perhaps I will wear a tunic (or as the youth call it, a man dress), just for the fun of it. What I REALLY want though is one of those sweet hats that ML is wearing.
ReplyDeleteAnd if I can find it, I will be wearing one of those "sweet" hats (well, Martin L. will be wearing it).
ReplyDeleteLesson for the day concerning said hat:
Berretta 16th
The square cap worn by clerics of the Roman Catholic Church; that of priests being black, of bishops purple, of cardinals red. Related to Beret, Beretta, Barret, etc.
'Originally a head dress, difficult to distinguish from the aumusse (late 13th, early 14th centuries). In the 16th centuries, the name was transferred to round caps, which became square on top once a hatter had the idea of fitting them on a rigid frame, giving the shape still worn by the clergy today.'
Man or woman's headdress; rounded or semi-circular cap fitting closely to the edges; clerical wear by the 16th century.
Ok, well I suppose I will give a serious answer to the question. The first thing that pops into my mind when I think of someone who lives a life fully committed to Christ is - missionaries. One missionary in particular sticks out just because his story is so well known and powerful, Jim Elliot. Not only was he obedient to God's call on his life, he was obedient (Phil. 2 reference) "even unto death." Sure, he didn't know that his work would cost him his life, but his famous quote tells me that had he been faced with the knowledge that he would indeed lose his life, he still would have stayed committed to the work he was doing. To me, that's a person who was truly committed to Christ and furthering His cause.
ReplyDelete"He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot
Pastors in general have to be committed to leading others, but one pastor I had growing up was Vernon Kendall. He was the model of a man committed to Christ. He was always available and always smiling. Kay
ReplyDeleteI think that the people who have motivated me in my walk with Christ have been my parents who blessed all of us with a Christian upbringing, and Gil Myers, Ken Gould and Jeff Cooper who have committed their lives to sharing their wisdom, knowledge and love of our Lord. They are ministers who have greatly impacted my desire to become a Christian that Jesus would call a friend. Thanks so much
ReplyDeleteAnd we have a church that has committed itself to proclaming Jesus Christ for the past 105 years and will until the day of Christ's return. We should all have the commitment to God's Word, Jesus and his church that Martin Luther showed 500 years ago. The results may not be as well known to the world but they will be every bit as important to the people whose lives they impact.
ReplyDelete