Sometimes the truth hurts....it just hurts!

Welcome to Wednesday’s sermonette report from the front lines in this version of the view from the pew on this January 20, 2010. Last Sunday evening one of our deacons brought forth our Bible study lesson. This wonderful Christian brother is originally from Nigeria and has many a harrowing story of how he came, with his family, to the United States. His testimony is one that 100% gives glory to God for His intervention and working on behalf of this family. On Sunday evening the subject he chose to share dealt with understanding exactly what it means to be a part of God’s Kingdom, living under Kingdom authority, and our calling to fulfill the Kingdom’s business as directed by our King. ("Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew Chapter 4 was the primary text.)

Having lived in extreme conditions in Africa, as a believer in Christ, this gentleman can relate to comparing what the Gospel meant to him there versus what it has meant living as a naturalized citizen here for many years now. He talked about how that after becoming a believer in the circumstances he found himself in, he had no other choice but the take The Scriptures literally. They lived by faith because faith was all they had. Having observed and having lived the American approach where we have so many conveniences and enjoy such a high standard of living, he has noticed how that we more or less adapt our way of life to what The Scriptures reveal to us. Being a part of God’s Kingdom should mean that we live first and foremost according to Kingdom rules and that we evaluate and pursue our day-by-day living based on Kingdom principles.

He shared a story about a poor African, who, as a new believer, had been introduced for the first time to Bible teachings on tithing. This man was greatly convicted by what he had heard. The following Sunday he was up way before dawn and down at the river fishing. He was in a hurry because he needed to get to the Church meeting at 10 a.m. After several hours he finally caught one large fish. He didn’t have time to go home and change so he went straight to the place of worship carrying the fish and himself along with the all the fishy smells. Once there, the missionary pastor asked what he meant by bringing that fish to Church, to which he replied, “This is the Lord’s fish and I am bringing it as my tithe, I will return later and get the remaining nine for myself and my family.” Wow! What a testimony about giving to God first! Are we a spoiled people? I would have to say, yes. Do we find ourselves living by the world’s rules instead of Kingdom ordinances? I confess that way too often I find myself doing exactly that. The lesson was convicting but encouraging since we all knew we had heard from God. There was much more but I wanted to share at least a little about what I had heard and felt. That's right, I am still experiencing growing pains at my age. Tough my friend, tough! May God add His blessings as we all seek to put Him first in all things! Amen. …..More later.