I recently spoke with Pastor Keith Allen Manry of Akron First United Methodist Church (New York).  The congregation there recently finished a start> Becoming a Good Samaritan church campaign, and I had the great opportunity to hear about how God has been using the series at First UMC.

One example is a group of women who decided to start> by cooking a meal at Cephas House, a Buffalo area nonprofit organization “focused on meeting the inner needs of men and women in prison and on parole.”

Pastor Manry shared that many in the group were at first fearful to serve at Cephas House, but their fears were calmed as they shared the love of Christ in the form of a meal and good conversation.  In fact, they are planning to return again soon!

This story reminded me of a quote made by former professional football player Miles McPherson in the first session of the start> Becoming a Good Samaritan DVD. 

McPherson said:

“Walking into the unknown and the unfamiliar is scary, but we have to remember that Jesus is always with us and has already paved the way for us.” 

With this in mind, consider taking a few minutes and answering the following questions.

1. How does Jesus Christ convey his presence in your life?
2. How do you know that he is near?
3. How does knowing that Jesus is near affect your willingness to serve others?
4. Where is Jesus “paving the way” for you to “love your neighbor?”  

As I have mentioned in other posts, my family and I just bought a house. 

One of the best parts about our house is that we have a small half-court basketball court in our backyard.  Simply put; it’s AWESOME! 

This, coupled with the fact that the new NBA season has started, has led me to share with you about "Hoops of Hope." 

“Hoops of Hope” is the biggest basketball shoot-a-thon in the world, much like a walk-a-thon.  You can join thousands of participants and teams from around the world who shoot free throws for children in need.  Ever dollar raised goes directly to a project you select, and every free throw will help keep children from becoming orphans. 

A few weeks ago Jen and I were talking about how we could use our house for God’s glory.  We want to use this great gift in ways that will tell others about his love and mercy.  A “Hoops of Hope” event is a way we can do that!

Perhaps hosting an event is something you, your small group, your friends, or your church might be interested in as well!  

By the way...go Pistons!!!

When I think about caring for the sick, fighting global epidemics and preventing diseases, I have to admit that I am not sure where to begin.  

On October 7th Jen and I closed on a house.  After many years of renting, we are now starting to settle into a place we hope to call home for many years.  As we unload boxes and try to figure out where to put everything we own, we can't help but think about the new neighborhood we live in, and what opportunities God will have for us to like the Good Samaritan. 

As such, I can't help but think about a quote from start> participant Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle:

"The only advertisement for Christ on this earth is we Christians - the body of Christ, the church of the Lord."  

This quote is forcing me to ask myself some hard questions, and I would like to challenge you with the same questions.

What do you want your "advertisement for Christ" to communicate to the watching world?

For me the answer to this question is that I want those around me to know that Christ is the center of my life, and that I live in response to the great mercy of God.  My love for my neighbor is fueled by a love for God, and a desire to share the Good News of his Kingdom in both word and deed.

Do you suppose that there is a disparity at times between what Christians wish their "advertisements for Christ" said and what the watching world actually sees?  

Unfortunately yes.  But while it would be easy to point out the flaws of others, the reality is that I must take care to address the disparity that exists in my own life.

How would you answer these questions?

Sitting on a cardboard box, computer on a card table,

Jared

In Isaiah 1:16-17, the prophet conveyed instruction on God's behalf according to a vision he had regarding Judah and Jerusalem.  "Cease to do evil," said Isaiah, "learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause (RSV)."