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Servanthood or Status Quo?
by Troop Hays An important concept Jesus emphasized . . .
when dealing with His disciples was servanthood. He reminded them that he came to serve and not to be served. For example, the disciples found it difficult to accept His washing of their feet, as told in chapter 13 of Johns Gospel. This act of Jesus was truly the ultimate example of humility - a slaves duty in that day - for the disciples to follow. Jesus provided two important meanings in the washing of the disciples feet: It was, 1)an example of servanthood, and, 2)for believers to be reminded to be partially washed; i.e., to be restored to fellowship when they have sinned and lost fellowship with God. This is revealed in his encounter with Peter. A complete rewashing is not necessary for a saved person. Margie getting her
degree at LU in
1996 from Dr. Falwell
My wife and I . . .
got into a discussion of this not too long ago. We were in a serene setting where we observed the beauty and wonders of Gods creation. Our conversation led to servanthood and how this has to be the modus operandi for the followers of Jesus. We concluded that this has to be one of the most difficult attitudes to achieve. Non-believers heavily influence believers. Jesus example is the antithesis of the overbearing secular worldview. I keep suggesting . . .
to my misguided fellow Baptists who seem bent on destroying harmony and goodwill among God's people that their approach will not work. It behooves us to look at the example that Jesus gave us. When we go out into this world and do something for the less fortunate, the lonely, the shut-in, the sick, the hungry, or the impoverished, something special happens. We find Jesus there. He is serving right by our side. What a comforting experience!
The Columbia Tragedy
by Johnny Ainsworth
Johnny Ainsworth sent this profound message by e-mail to his mother just moments after the Columbia tragedy on February 1. Johnny lives near DFW airport. He is a committed Christian; a volunteer in his church for youth, men's ministry and outreach.
About 50 minutes before you called . . .
this morning, I had gone out to get the paper. Since we live beside DFW airport, it is normal to see planes and jet streams high over head. I remember looking up into the sky because it was such a perfect morning, and seeing, what I thought at the time, two or more large jet streams from a "plane" over head very high in the sky. I didn't realize this was the Columbia, already in breakup until I saw it on the TV after you called. It is really a tragedy.
You know, . . .
when you see something that mankind has built, like the WTC Twin Towers, the space shuttles and the like destroyed, it leaves you feeling a little helpless.
Man has dreamed up, . . .
designed, engineered, developed, tested, and built very elaborate and intricate things, but they are inanimate and fragile. Man looks at these accomplishments and is proud. Later, only to be dismayed when they have failed, because they are not perfect, nor are they capable of overcoming the forces of the universe in which they exist. You can only be . . .
in awe of God and His plan, knowing that He had to "subject creation to futility" in order to provide a path of reconciliation of His most beloved creation, man. Consider a Being that is perfect, knowing all, and all powerful to allow His created perfection to be subject to corruption, just so that we would have free will. Free will to reject Him, or free will to return to Him through His provision, to love and glorify Him for eternity. God, Himself, had to atone . . .
for the penalty of corruption to provide that requirement that He, Himself ordained as a part of His own perfect Nature. When Jesus Christ died for our sins and corruption, His resurrection re-ordered creation. Unlike what man builds and blows up, God is in complete control and will one day create a new world completely incorruptible and will bring us to live with Him forever. That is His promise to us and in Him I will put my trust.PRAISE GOD! Love, Johnny
