On October 31st we as a youth group headed up to Cleveland for Acquire the Fire. There were many issues discussed and the weekend speakers gave you a number of challenges. One of these challenges was to put your faith in Christ into action. Matthew 25:40 states, "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’ (NIV).
We are called by God to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give a drink to the thirsty, and visit the sick and imprisoned. I was excited to see you all decide to sponsor a child from Thailand who is in need. “Man Thong” will now be able to survive in his poverty stricken country because of your help. Feel good about yourselves, but DO NOT stop there. Daily provide a helping hand for those in need, but do it in the name of Jesus Christ. Let his love for you be the driving force behind why you do good for others. This Advent and Christmas season you have a number of opportunities to serve those in need, which in turn is actually serving Jesus Christ; as scripture says (Matthew 25:31-46).
We have Operation Christmas Child coming up this week (November 23rd). We will be feeding the poor people of Ashland on November 30th at First UMC. We will be Christmas caroling to our church family’s shut-ins on December 21st. These are wonderful ways to serve Christ through helping others. I am proud of you all and the sacrifice you made financially in supporting “Man Thong.” Keep it up! Let’s continue to grow together in the faith and make this holiday season the best one yet.
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14-17 NIV).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment