Jump Start # 593

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

This week we have focused upon the compliments of Jesus. Specifically, we have looked at the things that impressed Jesus. This reveals to us what is important to God.

There are many things that can impress us. I watched a show this week called “Million dollar rooms.” A guy had spent a million dollars on his garage. It had Italian marble, beautiful paintings and served as a ballroom when the cars were moved out. It was impressive. Seeing someone hit a golf ball 300 yards is impressive. In my book, seeing someone go out of their way and help someone else is impressive.

Our passage today reminds us that faith is one of the things that pleases God. We’ve seen that this week in the gospels. Jesus marveled at the faith of some. Other times, Jesus was amazed that the disciples did not have faith when they should have.

Here is a short list of spiritual things that are impressive.

1. It is impressive to see on a rainy Wednesday evening, aged saints gathering at the church building to study the Bible. Some come with walkers, some with canes. They walk slowly and are a bit frail. Once inside, their faces warm up with smiles and kind words. They love God, God’s people and reflecting upon God’s word. They are impressive.

2. It is impressive to see one of the shepherd’s of the congregation, listening earnestly to one of the younger members. He’s in some crisis and the kind and experienced leader patiently listens, advises and helps the younger Christian. That’s impressive.

3. It’s impressive to see so many members of the congregation at the funeral home. One of the members had a family member that passed away. The love, hugs, and concern for one of their own is impressive.

4. It’s impressive to  see a Christian in his 20’s teaching a Bible class. He’s nervous but prepared. He’s given a lot of thought into what he is teaching. This is the start of a long journey of teaching. Many people will be helped through his effort. That’s amazing.

5. It is impressive to see Christians overseas teaching and preaching. Often the journeys are long and the work is hard. The churches are small and scattered. There are language barriers and cultural barriers but that doesn’t seem to stop them. They are doing good. It’s amazing.

6. It’s impressive to learn that a Christian helped a young couple who were struggling financially. A check was given to them. They were astonished at the amount. Hugs and tears follow. The Christian who helped just smiled. He was glad to do that. Amazing.

7. It’s impressive to stand behind a pulpit with a Bible in your hand and a sermon in your heart, ready to preach God’s word. The audience is eager. They have their Bibles, pens and notebooks ready to learn and grow. What an honor it is to preach. Amazing.

8. It’s impressive to see men be willing to serve as deacons or elders in God’s church. Their names are put forth and the congregation believes in them and are eager to have them serve in this way. Their example and dedication to the kingdom is awesome. Amazing.

9. It’s impressive to see a person understand the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross. They get the message. They love the Lord. They desire to be baptized as the Bible teaches. Tears of happiness flow from all who witness this. Amazing.

10. It’s impressive to see members taking cd’s of sermons. They have already heard the sermon, but there is someone else in their life that they want to share it with. They are thinking of others. They are doing what they can to spread the gospel. That’s amazing.

11. It’s impressive to get a phone call from one of the members. He is going to be traveling. He wants to find a congregation while on the road. His love for the Lord leads him to want to worship God. That’s amazing.

12. It’s impressive to meet someone and they bring up a sermon that was preached more than twenty years ago. They have never forgotten it and it changed their life. The preacher barely remembers the sermon himself. That’s amazing.

It’s impressive that God wants us to spend not a few minutes, not a day, but forever with Him in His house—Heaven. It’s impressive that God is even interested in us. It’s impressive that He hears us. It’s impressive that He forgives us. It is impressive that He became like us. It is impressive that He went through all that He did just to save us. Amazing.

The purpose of my list of impressive things was not to draw attention to ourselves but to remind us that there are many great things happening all over the world by God’s people. Some of us are struggling. Some are worshipping in small places. Often all we hear about is bad news. Another member quit. Another couple divorced. Another preacher messed up. Satan loves for us to dwell upon the gloom and doom. The dark cloud of problems can be almost too much. God’s sunshine is so different. There are many, many impressive things going on, all over the place.

Opportunities are abounding in most congregations and often there are things going on that most don’t know about. We don’t toot our own horn—that’s not proper nor right. We just do what we can do. It is impressive. It is awesome. Great things are being done. People are being taught. Comfort is being shown. Churches are growing. More are stepping up to serve, teach and help. There are tons of incredible preachers out there who are pouring their hearts and lives into the King’s service. We are not part of something small—we are part of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Sure the world’s a mess. Sure society has it’s mind in the gutter. Sure things stink in many sectors. Don’t dwell upon those things. Lift up your eyes, borrowing a line for the Lord, and see all the good that is being done. Brethren are engaged and busy and connecting.

These things are impressive. It’s impressive that God includes us in His work. It’s impressive to see God working through us. Doors are opening. Great things are happening. The kingdom is growing, and you are a part of that. You are a key element to sharing, teaching, connecting. God needs you to do what you can.

So, roll up your sleeves. Turn the TV off. Get busy doing what you are so good at. You make a difference. That’s impressive and amazing!

Roger