Last week I was in Southport each day running a Street Meeting. The aim of the week's events was to bring to the folks in the main shopping area the message of the Bible, give the opportunity to listen, to ask questions, disagree etc.
Most of us will have a view about what we think of 'street preachers'. The reaction you get from people as they pass by is so varied. One lady clapped when I finished speaking (that doesn't happen often), some people start off annoyed by your presence but end up agreeing that the message of the Bible should be brought to people's attention - it's up to them to decide what they want to do with it. Some curse, swear and generally abuse. How do you react when you hear a street preacher? Do you feel they are forcing you to listen, do you find the message offensive or is it just annoying that these folk feel that they have to preach what they believe at you!
I am convinced that people need to hear that they have broken God's law, that they are in danger of eternal punishment and that God has provided salvation through the death of His Son, Jesus. What do you think?
When you read this please e-mail at stephen.baker1@virgin.net and tell me. I would love to hear.
Stephen
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Happiness or Joy
When I was young I heard a man explaining the difference between happiness and joy; not that I was aware that there was a difference. Happiness he said was a response to the good 'happenings' in your life whereas joy was a deeper thing that did not depend on your circumstances being good.
What about you? Is it only when the 'happenings' in your life are good that you are happy or do you have joy no matter the circumstances. Now do not get me wrong we are not saying that we should be on a high all the time, or running about constantly laughing but I have met folks who had an inner peace, a contentment, a joy even when times were tough. The Bible says 'godliness with contentment is great gain'(1 Timothy 6.6).
There is an old prophet in the Bible (Habbakuk) and as he faced the downfall and distress of his people (Israel) he said these words 'athough the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; and the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD is my strength'. What a viewpoint! Everything goes bust, your world falls apart - yet you have something that outlasts it all - salvation. Have you got it? The word of God says you can - 'through faith in Christ Jesus'.
What about you? Is it only when the 'happenings' in your life are good that you are happy or do you have joy no matter the circumstances. Now do not get me wrong we are not saying that we should be on a high all the time, or running about constantly laughing but I have met folks who had an inner peace, a contentment, a joy even when times were tough. The Bible says 'godliness with contentment is great gain'(1 Timothy 6.6).
There is an old prophet in the Bible (Habbakuk) and as he faced the downfall and distress of his people (Israel) he said these words 'athough the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; and the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD is my strength'. What a viewpoint! Everything goes bust, your world falls apart - yet you have something that outlasts it all - salvation. Have you got it? The word of God says you can - 'through faith in Christ Jesus'.
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