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Christianity is not a theory of speculation, but a life; not a philosophy of life, but a living presence.Samuel T. Coleridge (18th-19th century English poet)
It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father
(Jesus' words in John 15:10-12)
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All our diligent efforts at getting the core truths of Christianity right fizzle badly when there is inadequate movement from faith to practice, from belief to action. What's quite revealing in both Coleridge's words and Jesus' words is the indication that we cannot grow in our actual living of the Christlike life without a relationship with the person of Christ. We too often forget that we walk this Christian journey in spiritual connection with Jesus himself. This happens as we immerse ourselves in the Biblical expressions of Jesus' life and teachings. It happens as we spend time in prayer asking for Christ's spirit to connect with our own. It happens as we commit ourselves to listening to that inner voice which calls us to a higher standard. It happens as we intently spend time in prayerful reflection on the question, What would Jesus do? What better time than the early stages of a new year to renew our desire to know Jesus more fully and connect to him more faithfully. Perhaps the song from Godspell, which I've mentioned before, says it well for what needs to happen with each of this ensuing year! Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day!
______________________________________________________________________________ As we prepare our hearts and minds for worship this Sunday. . . Sunday, January 22, 2012 "It's Easier Than You Think" Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8-9 Rev. Richard Smith This Sunday is Evangelism Sunday; that Sunday on which we remind ourselves of Christ's call for us to share the good news of the Christian faith with others. Many Methodists in particular find "evangelism" a scary word. I want us to consider Christ's call to us and how we can be faithful to it in a world so greatly needing him and his message.
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